Book excerpt: FROM THE BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF THE SUPERVILLAINY SAGA Derek Hawthorne has ascended to become a member of the all-powerful Committee, which rules the world through the nebulous House. The House, officially, exists to protect humanity from the vampires, demons, and other forces of darkness that imperil humanity. Unofficially, it exists to protect its own power. When his old partner, Christopher Hang, turns up as one of the undead—Derek is nonplussed to say the least. Christopher also has a message that troubles the tiny remains of Derek's conscience: the House is running a secret project to not only control supernaturals but eliminate them. Now, Derek has to figure out if he's to side with the supernatural or humanity or neither. Oh and did we mention Dracula, pirates, and werewolves were involved too?