Finding a parking spot, I grabbed my bag from the back seat and started to check the couple of guns I had to make sure they were fully loaded. With a small dagger strapped to my upper thigh, this outfit didn't really leave much room for weapon storage and pulling out my purse, managed to get it close with the gun and my phone inside. Handing over the extra, I expected Drew to tuck into the back of his pants and he did without any questions.

"Can you put these anywhere?" I held up the wooden stakes and he fumbled with them briefly as they were strapped against his forearm.

"Why are we loading up to go to a gallery?"

"Because I'm not completely stupid or reckless. Going out without backup isn't the best idea, so if anyone or anything tries something, we might stand a chance in getting away." I tuck a UV torch into my cleavage and that's as good as it's going to get for me.

"Why are we even here?" Drew looks towards the stairs and a few people are already going in.

"I just have to check on someone, we won't stay long." He clearly wants to know more and I'm not in the mood to do so.

"Oh, your artist guy? Is he here?" If there is one thing I know about Drew, is he is fairly smart and quick to pick up on things. I'm actually surprised that incubus had been able to fool him so easily that day by the beach.

"Yeah, this is a huge night for him and I didn't want to miss it. He was invited by the gallery to showcase a few pieces and he has a couple going into the auction that's happening tonight too. It's a charity thing and he spent months on his submissions!" I still feel proud of Matt, he was a great friend and he deserves whatever success tonight brings him.

"You still care about him don't you?" Drew asks softly.

"He's a friend, I'd do anything for my friends - even the ones who don't actually remember me." I thought back to what Sam had said about her Logan being better as friends than lovers, and I guess that was the same as Matt and I.

"Shall we then?" In pure Drew style, he quickly got out of the car and opened my door.

"Aren't you a gentleman?" I tease, taking his arm I loop mine around his elbow.

"Only for the pretty ladies!" He flirts.

"You're quite the charmer too aren't you?"

"Well I know there's a lot more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking!" Looking up at him he pouts, and I crack up unable to hold it in, which only makes him frown. "What? I'm serious?"

I can't answer as he makes duck lips again and as we join the line to get in, I get my phone out and bring up the invitation Matt had sent me a few weeks earlier, hoping it still gives me access and we won't have sneak in the back or do something more dramatic like jump through the roof.

Luckily it doesn't come to that and we get in with ease. Taking a glass of complimentary champagne, Drew keeps the waiter close as he manages to make a decent meal out of all the canapés. Finding one of Matt's pieces, the blue swirling mass is almost hypnotizing and staring at it, Drew gives up after a few minutes. "I don't get art. Photography, yes. This, no."

"Photography is more about telling you something, this is showing you. Find your own story on the canvas. That woman over there might love this, it might speak to her soul or some bullshit, yet you only see blue circles."

"Right. Oh that guy has samosas, want some?"

"No, I'm good with the bubbles!" He darts off after the newest tray of food and I wander along the wall, looking at the other pieces. I honestly didn't get art either, but I did get the passion, concentration and dedication Matt showed whenever he was working on something.

I find the picture of his sister I first saw in Paris, the yellow, 'Not for Sale' tag instantly catching my attention. Just below it was a note from the cancer research foundation tonight was fundraising for. Again that warm feeling of pride filled me thinking of all the good Matt did for the world and not for the first time, I wanted to reach out and touch the wings on his sister's back. The way he had made them look so real was amazing. This had always been my favorite piece of his. As the old couple left my side to move onto the next picture, the familiar cologne mixed with the tang of the cleaning solution used to get the paint off his hands filled the air.

"Do you like this one?" He asked curiously, and I was scared to look at him. Keeping the fake strands of blonde hair over one side of my face I nodded.

"It's beautiful."

"I'll take that as a compliment." Daring to look up, he was looking at the picture too, "I saw you looking at this one for a while. I had to come over and say hi."

"Well, hello." I answered curtly, turning to walk away.

"Sorry for interrupting you, I'm Matt." He extended his hand as he cut in front of me and thankful of the fringe that fell over my eyes I focused on his hand, rather than look at him.

"Elise." His firm grip was so familiar and his large, calloused hand dwarfed mine as we shook.

"Have we met before?" The question surprised me and looking up, he grew tense - his grip only tightened rather than let go. "Who are you?"

"I'm no one. Nice painting, and good luck tonight." Pulling my hand free, I went straight to Drew who was still happily eating, only now he had sushi.

"Are these kind of events always like this? Free food, booze - this is great!" He grinned.

"Yeah, pretty much." I downed my drink and as the waitress went by, grabbed another.

Glancing back, Matt was talking to someone in a suit and yet he was constantly looking in our direction. Turning away I was about to suggest it was time to go when the rather overweight old lady wearing fur coat appeared on the stairs into the function room. Dinging a tiny triangle, conversation disappeared as we all turned to look at her.

"Could you all make your way into the Park View Room. The auction will commence in ten minutes!" Dinging the triangle again, she made her way back up the stairs and into the room.

"Oh I've always wanted to go to an auction. Do we get those little paddle things? Oh maybe I can start a bidding war!" Drew asked excitedly.

"You have to register as a buyer first." I pointed to the desk and with a mischievous grin, he passed me the napkin that still had some sushi on and he headed over. Rolling my eyes I went to follow until Matt grabbed my arm.

"This sounds insane, but I think I know you!"

This was a bad idea. I shouldn't have come.

"No, you really don't." I snapped, harsher than intended.

He smiled then, looking more than pleased with himself. "Sure thing Queen B!"

"What?" Now it was my turn to sound surprised.

"Paris, I met you before!" I guess they didn't make him forget everything, but then again no one knew about our first encounter. Lowering his voice, he came closer. "Are you here as a spy?"

"Ah, yeah. So don't tell anyone!"

"This is crazy!" He ran his hands through his hair, looking around a little dazed. "I dreamed about you, recently. I always wondered what happened to you after that day, but god, first these dreams and now, here you are - looking at the same painting as you were in Paris! This has to be a sign!"

"What are you talking about?" Dreams?

"Honestly, they're kind of like nightmares, but not all of them. I probably sound like a creep, but would you want to go out sometime?" He asked hopefully.

Oh no.

"Matt, forget this ever happened okay?" I begged.

"How could I do that? Why would I do that?" Taking my free hand, his eyes were pleading with mine, "You don't understand."

"I do. Trust me I do. What ever you think, don't!" Reaching out to touch his face, the light stubble on his cheek tickled my palm, "I came to say goodbye. You're one of the most inspiring people I know, so kind and generous and I wish things could be different."

"Why can't they be?" He was clearly confused and this was probably one of the strangest things to have happened to him.

"Trust me, your life is going to be amazing with out me in it. I'm not the type of person you want around." It was then Drew came back, complete with his number fifty six paddle.

"Everything alright?" His arm went around my waist and pulled me close, looking at Matt suspiciously. The message he was sending was clear.

"Yes, fine. Nice to meet you Matt. Good luck with the auction!" Something inside felt like it was breaking all over again, and with a final smile I let Drew lead me into the auction room, but the confusion didn't leave Matt's face. It wasn't the goodbye I wanted, but it was good enough.

"What was that? You okay?" Drew asked the second we found seats in the back.

"Yeah, but this was a mistake." Fiddling with the zipper on my bag I didn't want to look for Matt or even at Drew, positive I'd probably start crying. Stupid, I'm so stupid! I was meant to see Matt, see him doing well for himself and be happy for him and go. He wasn't meant to see me, talk to me or even have any kind of memory I existed.

Luckily I was soon given a distraction and as the staff got ready to start showing the artwork for sale, the lights dimmed slightly. That wasn't the distraction. The goose bumps I suddenly broke out in, followed by that uneasy feeling of demon was. "Drew, you feel that?"

"Yup. Damn it, I was really wanting to bid on something too!" He really did seem disappointed.

We didn't get a chance to move and as the last crowd of people came in to fill up the empty spaces I looked up as someone came to stand beside me and straight into the face of V. Drew glanced once before looking away, and in seconds he was looking again with a gasp.

"This seat taken?" Aaron drawled, motioning to the seat beside me.

"Not at all." I offered him a smile and inched closer to Drew as he took a seat.

"I do like that colour hair on you Miss Bunting, and that dress!" Aaron complimented, adjusting the lapel of his suit jacket before leaning in close to me. "Nice to see you're still, human."

"We're going to have a talk about that once we're done here!" I glare, only making him chuckle. I fiddle with the silver cross that hangs around my neck before subtly slipping my hand down the edge of my dress to pull out the torch.

"I look forward to it. At least this way I'll be able to get another taste of you before..."

I have the torch pressed into his neck in seconds, and flick it on. Instantly he goes to move away and ramming the point of my stiletto into his shoe, he growls in pain making the people in front of us turn around. "I'm not afraid to dust you now, even with an audience."

I turn the torch off and he instantly grabs his wound. His skin is raw and blistered with blood covering his fingers as he touches it. Opening his mouth to talk, I shake my head.

"Enjoy the auction, because piss me off one more time and this will be the last one you ever attend." This time when I smile I do so sweetly, twisting my heel before lifting my foot. This time he only hisses in pain and looking towards the exit, I will chase him if he runs. "Don't even think about it."

"What are you doing?" Drew whispers in my ear, and looking into his hand, he has a stake behind the paddle.

"Enjoy the auction Drew, I know our friend here will be!"

Sure enough the auctioneer takes his place and they start to go through all the items up for sale. A couple of Matt's reach the thousand mark, which is impressive, yet some of the other established artists are selling for much more. From where Matt is sitting in the front row, he never looks back, not until the second last piece of the night appears, covered with a sheet of red velvet and despite having V beside me, now I feel nervous.

"We have a couple of late additions, you won't find these in the inventory. The first is a new portrait from a Mr Porter, you all know him as Matt!" He introduces rather affectionately and I now know where I recognized him from. He was one of Matt's teachers.

"This is what I came to buy!" Aaron tells us smugly, sitting up a little straighter, in the hour that has gone by his neck has completely healed.

"It's a new piece, how do you know about it?" I demand.

"His protection spell, which may I add was a very nice touch, doesn't stop us from watching him!" He winks, and as the cloth is taken off my mouth drops.

"Shit, that's you!" Drew exclaims and now Matt looks back to where we are sitting.

It is definitely me and I didn't think I could ever look that beautiful, or that sad. He had said he nightmares about me and it shows in the background. The blackness is tainted with red eyes and who knows what kind of dark thoughts went into the creation of that. If you looked at it for too long, that darkness would haunt you and then there is me.

I'm angled towards the audience, yet my hair blends into the darkness, which has me looking as though the nightmares were about to swallow me whole. My jaw is set with determination, my whole stance is strong, but I'm also naked. The innocent is there, the weakness as well as the strength, but none of that matters when you see my eyes. At first look, I'm glaring, and as it gets put up on the screen behind the actual painting, I can see the pinch in the corners that gives the impression of pain. Yet my eyes are opened, with wonder - not fear, I don't look scared and then all I can see is how lost I feel inside now.

The more I look over each and every detail, the more of my story it seems to tell. Some parts even make me look happy, like the slight blush I have on my cheeks or the tiny curve of a smile on my lips and from where my hand is up, he even has something resembling Reece's tattoo.

By the time I'm over shock, Aaron surprises me all over again and clearly there has been one of Drews beloved bidding wars going on. "Thirty thousand!"

"What are you doing?" I hiss at him, as all eyes look to us.

"You should thank me, I just made sure your human will be able to break free of the struggling artist stereotype he lives his life by!" He answers smugly.

"Final call at thirtty thousand dollars. Sold!" People clap, and I look at Drew who seems to be as perplexed as I feel.

What the hell just happened?

Looking around, movement by the exit catches my attention and four vampires come in. Aaron waves them over and I nudge Drew to get him to pay attention. They squat down below our chairs and instantly I'm turning around to watch all of them. Maybe sitting in the back row wasn't a great idea. "You know what I want done."

Aaron hands them a cheque-book and his information slip he would have got when signing up. As everything is wrapped up, two of his minion's head over to desk where other buyers are starting to line up.

"Lovely seeing you again." Aaron stands and goes to move away with the remaining duo.

"Yeah, not happening V." I instantly go after him and his two goons stop to block me. "Move."

They don't answer and the dark skinned man cracks his knuckles so I try again "Move, please?"

"Elise, there are too many people here!" Drew warns. Looking between their shoulders, Aaron is casually leaving the room and I'm not letting that happen so easily for him. Did he think because of all the humans we wouldn't start something?

"You're right." I admit and taking a step back, the duo think I'm done and turn to leave. Grabbing the smaller ones arm, I pull hard making him stumble backwards and twisting it behind his back, wait to hear a crack, which has him crying out. "We better move quickly then!"

I slam him into the wall, letting go as he crumbled to the floor and as his friend charged us, I ducked to avoid his hit. Getting my torch out, I shined it into his eyes. Leaving him screaming and on his knees beside his unconscious friend. Without thinking I run after Aaron who had stopped to watch, but is now trying to get his out as quick as possible.

"Tom, it's Me. I need you at the art gallery now!" Drew is on his phone behind me, calling his back up and thankfully the gallery is deserted as we run through since everyone hasn't left the auction room yet.

I soon lose Drew, but don't slow down and as Aaron hits the stairs that will take him to the car park outside, I pull out the gun. "Stop! I will shoot you!"

He turns, smiling as he takes a bow. "No, you won't! Chance of exposure is too high Miss Bunting. Mustn't scare the humans!"

Turning he is about start running again when I pull the trigger. Satisfied I can't help smiling as I catch the shock register on his face as I hit one of his legs. Who ever invented silencers was a genius and I send the next bullet into his arm. I carry on running down the stairs and I get to him as he falls to the ground, a few growls of agony slipping out of him. Grabbing the back of his head by his hair, I pull him around to look him in the face.

"You missed, bitch!" He then spat at me, missing my face and instantly his head was now being rammed into my knee. Letting him go he fell back to the ground, coughing as he now spat blood out of his mouth.

"I wasn't shooting to kill, idiot."

Kicking him in the ribs, he rolled onto his back as his breathing turned raspy.

"That was for kidnapping me." I growl, finding a release for my anger and the grudge I had been carrying around for him since that happened. Stomping my shoe against the wounded leg, he didn't stop his cry this time. "That was for feeding off me."

Going to punch him, his hand shot up and stopped me, so I simply stood on him again - making him let go. "That was for giving me your fucking blood."

Another couple of kicks later, I was nearly done. "That was for leaving me in a cell with Matt."

It was hard to remember him being a rather intimidating, strong vampire as he rolled around on the concrete in agony. "And this? This is because I hate you!"

He was unconscious, barely breathing, and covered in blood by the time Drew found us. Seeing Aaron in his current state had him hanging back, and as his phone rang, it took him a few rings to answer. "Yeah?"

I didn't listen, turning to look behind us as Aaron's group soon came stumbling down the stairs, all looking beyond pissed off. I took the stakes from Drew as he was distracted talking on his phone and not going to be using them. I flicked off my shoes and once they got close enough, managed to use them as a great tool for venting my left over frustrations. When there was only one left, I stopped from staking him straight away.

"Are there more of you here?" If this was a distraction while an ambush was set up, I'd like a little warning.

"Ye-yes, not here though. We weren't, attacking. Tonight." He mumbled, one of his eyes disappearing as his face swelled from where I had been hitting him.

"What?"

"He wanted to scare you. Tonight. It's all a game!" Then he started to laugh.

"Guess I win then?" Staking him I stood back and all the adrenaline that had been going through my veins vanished. Drew had the brains to move Aaron and since we kept out of the galleries lights, the civilians leaving and not staying for the after party wouldn't have seen us. At least I hoped Drew had moved him and not the other way around.

Looking over myself, my body was streaked with blood, some mine, and some theirs - the ash like substance was definitely all theirs. A cut on my arm was stinging and from where I took a dangerous hit in my gut, the whole area was starting to throb with pain. The day suddenly caught up to me, and the night leaving me feeling emotionally, mentally and physically drained.

"Elise! Are you hurt?" Drew reappeared and behind him, his brother Nigel followed.

I just stood there, unable to answer.

"That was insane. You were like a machine!" Nigel sounded too excited, and looking up at him it was obvious he just saw what went on.

"Thanks for the fucking help!" I glared, wanting to leave, but I couldn't get my feet to move.

"Hey, if you looked like you needed it, I would have stepped in," he tells me.

"Come on, lets get out of here. Tom has Aaron or what ever the hell his name is in their car. We need to get him locked up before he recovers enough to wake up!" Drew takes my hand and goes to step away.

Going to walk after him, my knees feel weak and instead I stumble, falling before he can catch me. I feel dizzy, not caring as he picks me up. With Nigel's guidance, the pair run over to the cars. Tom opens the back door on Drew's car and my head rolls back as he gently lays me down. I wait for the wave of nauseous to pass, but it doesn't. I'm tired, ridiculously tired and closing my eyes, something warm and soft is put over my legs.

"I don't see any cuts or bites on her. They got a few hits in, but she dominated that fight!" Nigel mumbles from somewhere nearby.

"We need to get the vamp secured, so lets go to the warehouse and her brother can deal with her." I hear Tom order.

"I'm stopping at the hospital!" Drew argues, and I really don't want to go back there. I hate hospitals.

Groaning I manage to use the front chairs to pull myself up and I really wish Alfie was here. "I'm fine. Stop arguing!"

I don't sound fine, but it's enough for Tom to throw an, 'I told you so' at Drew.

"You look like you're about to pass out. Here." Nigel passes me a bottle of water, and I quickly gulp it down. Champagne and vodka on an empty stomach probably wasn't helping my current situation.

"Thanks."

"Any time Bunting." He offers me a smile, the paleness of his blue eyes now looking almost silver in the dim car light.

"I'd prefer Elise."

"What ever you say, Bunting!" He jokes, and despite glaring at him, I can't hold it and smile slightly.

"Jerk."

"So if you're all done, bonding, can we go now? You know, before the vamp wakes up?" Tom huffs impatiently and rolling my eyes, Drew looks at me one more time before nodding.

"Fine. Lets go." The door is shut and I stay in the backseat as Drew starts the car. The other two leave first and before he starts to drive, he isn't done yet. "Are you sure you're okay? You look a little pale?"

"I'm fine, it's the vamp dust clashing with my makeup." It's a lame attempt at a joke and pulling off the wig, I instantly feel better as the pressure on my forehead is gone. Winding down the window, I welcome the fresh air and I must fall asleep as when I wake, Drew is trying to lift me out of the car.

"Sorry, you just looked really cute asleep. I didn't want to wake you." He grins sheepishly and the cold of the night hits me as he finishes lifting me out. I put my arms around his neck and hug him, seeking the warmth his body provides before a coat is put over my shoulders from behind.

Letting Drew go, Nigel is behind me and it's his jacket I'm now climbing into. "You did good tonight, and I wish I had seen you punch Zane too!"

Tom is no-where to be seen, like Aaron and it's only our two cars outside the warehouse. A slither of light guides us to the door and as the duo usher me inside, the air is light between us. I guess my attitude isn't so bad to all Van Helsings and as Nigel closes the door, Raya pounces on me.

"I nearly died when they got that vampire in here! You look like you've been through hell!" She hugs me tightly, before shoving me away frowning. Now I'm in better light, she's right. I look like I've been battling zombies or something thanks to amount of crap that covers me.

Keiran does the same thing before putting his arm over Raya's shoulders and we all head over to the main area where a few others are sitting around eating popcorn. Good to know we weren't the only ones out busting our guts tonight. As we enter, they all stop and stare before rushing over to congratulate Drew. I pull Nigel's jacket a little tighter around me as Raya takes my hand and it's clear Drew isn't used to this kind of attention as he tenses up a little.

"Great job tonight Drew! We knew you were more than just the brains of your family!" One of the woman gushes while a man shakes his hand.

"What are you all talking about? Elise did it all!" Drew gets out, and it takes them a few minutes to work out what he is saying.

"The Bunting girl?" Another guy asks in disbelief. "Tom said you caught him? You called and-"

"And Elise had already taken care of it by the time he got there. I just distracted the civilians from going near where they were and then helped them load the vampire into the back of the truck!" Drew didn't hold back, telling them all about our night and about my brave heroics in the face of danger. If I ever wanted my autobiography done, I was going to get him write it as by the end of his story, I wanted to pat myself on the back.

Raya had already sat me down and gave me some of their leftovers from dinner, so it was as I was mid bite into another spponful of noodles that the group turned on me. All previous judgments were put aside now and after my nap, food and Drew's little confidence boost, I was feeling much better and more in control.

Considering half of these Slayers were the ones who sat by the other day listening to Toms rant and everything else, all of that was forgotten now. Remembering Logan's advice on trying to be nice to people, I simply sat there, smiled and nodded, letting Drew do the talking as I kept trying to eat.

"They all believe in you now." Nigel sat down beside me, and we looked over to where Drew was still talking to everyone. The attention was off me, but they still wanted to keep going on about it.

"So? I didn't do anything to try and impress these people."

"No, but I think for most of them it's hard for them to imagine you, this young Hunter, barely out of the Academy with a smart mouth - as the same one who made herself a legend that night at the portal. Thanks to Drew's slightly over active imagination and the fact we now have V in our basement, because of you, it is easier for them to believe now they have seen."

"Should I feel honored by having won their acceptance?" Yet again I have to prove myself to strangers, and I couldn't stop the spark of rage that flared up inside.

"Perhaps. Just don't let your new found popularity go to your head kid!" He winked, getting up as Tom returned. "Enjoy this."

"What?" I asked, only growing tense as Tom charged over.

"Everyone has been notified of your whereabouts. Zane was very relieved to hear you had not run off with my brother." He greeted dryly, clearly not joining my new fan club.

"Great." I answer with the same enthusiasm.

"While I don't appreciate you dragging him into your messes, especially considering how badly tonight could have gone, I may have been quick to judge you based solely on reputation. It was wrong of me to assume certain things about you, but I do stand by what I said earlier."

It was clear that was as close to some kind of apology as I was going to get from the eldest Van Helsing and smirking I stood up, leaning over as I rested my hand on his shoulder.

"That's the problem when you assume things, you only make an ass out of you and me."

Satisfied, I waved at Drew and pointed to the door. Raya had given me a pair of her leggings and so with Nigel's jacket still secured around my body and my heels on, I was ready to go home and put on something comfy and warm and sleep. Despite feeling better, I was still drained and desperate to get into my bed.

We'd just got outside when Zane's 4WD pulled up in front of us and as Logan got out, I wasn't sure if I wanted to run or fight. Despite not seeing him all day, and night, I knew he would have to know about everything that had gone on.

"What are you doing here?" I sighed; wishing I had ran because I couldn't be bothered arguing with him now.

"What do you think?" He answered, sounding offended.

In a few long strides he was in front of us. "I don't know wh-"

I never got to finish as he pulled me against him in a hug. While at first he just held me, we both took a second to relax and leaning against him I forgot about everything else. Stroking my hair, he mumbled something against the top of my head and Drew interrupted the moment by coughing awkwardly. He knew some of our past, I had told him about it during out walk around town. Just seeing him now, it became clear to me; Logan and I really weren't finished.

"Can you take me home?" I asked in a whisper and Logan nodded, not saying a word. Letting him go, I went back to Drew as Logan climbed into the car. "I'm going to grab a ride home with Loges. Thank you, for everything. Sorry for putting you in that situation tonight."

"You kidding? Those art parties are awesome, we should go to more of them!" Putting his arm over my shoulders, he led me to the passenger side and opened the door, helping me get in. "I'll see you later Bunting."

"Good night Drew." Closing the door he waved before going inside and sighing I relaxed into the leather seats. Going home suddenly seemed like a bad idea considering how I'd left and I wondered if crying could get me out of the shit I was going to be in. "How pissed off was everyone?"

"Zane was, well, Zane. CJ was fine though and Jordan? It's hard to say considering he's knocked out and will be for another four to six hours."

I only nodded, not looking forward to it at all. Logan took the long way back into the main part of town and as it hit midnight, I realized we weren't going back to my house. "Where are we going?"

"Thought you might want a break." Finding a parking space in front of the hotel, Logan got out and grabbed a bag from the backseat. "Come on."

Not one to argue, I followed and he went straight through the lobby to the elevator. Going up to the sixth floor, this wasn't the kind of place I was used to him finding. For one, it was rather new and the wallpaper was still attached to the walls. It lacked that dusty, moldy smell too and as he opened the door to our room, it was something I'd choose; not him. "Wow Loges, you feeling okay? You know this place is actually decent right?"

"Take it or leave it Bunny!" He dumped the bag on the bed and the thick, luxurious hotel sheets called to me.

"Taking it, don't worry. I'm gonna go shower, I don't suppose you have anything for me in that bag?" I asked hopefully.

"Can't say I do. Want me to call Zane and get him to bring something over?"

"I forget how funny you are," Taking off Nigel's jacket, my shoulders ache from the movement and dumping it on the dresser by the TV, my shoes join it.

"Elise, did you need to go to the hospital?" Logan's concern has me looking back over my now bruised skin. I guess they got in more hits than I realized at the time.

"No, I just need to shower. Most of the blood is vamp." Turning to go clean up, I instead walk into Logan as I didn't expect him to be so close. "Logan-"

Everything seems to stop as we just stand there against each other, and coughing to clear his throat, he puts a shirt in my hands and steps back. "Here."

He heads over to the sofa without another word, and I mumble a thanks before going into the bathroom. I feel a lot better by the time I come out and the shirt he gave me is more concealing than the dress I had worn previously. During that time Logan has taken a spare blanket out and looks set on sleeping on the sofa, even though his legs hang over the edge. Hearing me come out, he looks over and yawns. "You okay?"

"Yeah," I hesitate by the bed, before taking a few steps over to where he is. "You don't look comfortable there."

"Since I'm just your brother's friend, thought it would be more appropriate of me to take the sofa." He doesn't hide his sarcasm and the urge to slap him has me rolling my eyes. "Unless you think otherwise?"

"You know I do." I admit.

"Oh? You sounded pretty convincing before." Its late, I'm tired and I know he is only trying to stir me up.

"Because I meant it then, but, I'm sorry Logan."

"Did you just-"

"Take it or leave it." I grumble, giving in I climb into bed and I've just got my head on the pillow when he is suddenly climbing in beside me.

"Taking it. Goodnight Bunny."

The second his arm is secured around my waist, my hand links in with his and there is no way I could fight sleep now. That comfortable, safe feeling I've been missing for some time now has found me and a content sigh leaves my lips. "Goodnight Logey."