One week later~

I was sitting in bed watching re-runs of 'Friends' eating a few giant cookies Maria made. She is a god sent woman because I swear I would marry these cookies if I could. I have been kinda in a slump after the mess last week with my Father, and Nick had to go on some business trip for Roman. I didn't even get to say goodbye which sucks because now I miss the dork. I wonder what the business was? Because Roman could have sent anyone to do whatever he needed, there is no shortage of people he has working for him doing whatever he does. I asked Nick awhile ago, what he and Roman do for a living and he just said they own a lot of businesses. They are both filthy rich so I guess their businesses are paying well.

A knock at the door brought me back "Yeah come in!" Roman slowly walked in and I couldn't help but smile. This past week he has been very kind and compassionate. "Hello, Miss...I mean Kristen, how are you? You seem comfortable" he gestured to my messy clothes covered in cookie crumbs.I dusted my shirt clean and adjusted my messy bun trying to tuck a few stray curls that fell. "Oh..Um sorry I'm fine I guess... What's up?" he motioned to a chair asking if he could sit I nodded and he sat then slowly bit his bottom lip in thought. "I wanted to talk to you about your Father if that's okay?"

I didn't object so he proceeded. "I would like to know what happened between you both. You and Grace don't talk about him and I know he is a sensitive subject but I would like to help if I can" I sigh and sink into the soft cozy sheets of my bed. "Ro there isn't much to tell he is a pathetic piece of shit. Why are you asking me about him?" he leaned forward and seem to choose his words carefully. "I just want to help in some way... Please, I want to understand" I shrug "There is nothing you can do to fix what happened between him and me. He abused us. Me more so than Grace, I would never let him hit her and he took things..." I rubbed my face. "...Things I can never get back but he doesn't mean anything to me, he's just a man." he looked apologetic and sad running his hand through his thick jet black hair.

I had noticed I liked the little things he does, like when he gets unsettled he fixes his suit and when trying to explain something he tends to pace. But when he's upset it's a whole different story. He methodically cracks his knuckles, I had noticed that one when he picked me up after the breakfast with my father. He was so angry that day, muttering curse words, slamming his fist against the steering wheel. I would have been panicked to even talk to him but I was upset myself so I didn't say much.

"I got you something..." I furrowed my eyebrows "Ro you don't have to get me stuff" he got up from the chair and sat next to me in my bed. "I think you'll really like this present" he whistled and a little black and light brown husky puppy jumped into my lap. "YOU GOT ME A PUPPY!" I ruffled the dog's fur and enjoyed the soft fluffy feel of its coat. It licked my hands and jumped around happily in my lap. "Roman this is so unexpected, why a dog?" "well you have been very sad this past week and I've heard you and Nicholas talking about them. You were never able to have one and I want you to have everything you've ever desired." I was speechless so just jumped on him and gave him a tight hug. he happily hugged me back "So you like her?"

I sat back down a couldn't control my ridiculous smile,"yes I love her she's adorable, thank you so much. this is the best gift I've ever gotten and it's not even my birthday!" he stood up "well I also came to ask you something else" I stopped playing with the puppy and focus on him "yeah sure ask away" he leaned back on the dresser "so I want to ask you to... to um hang out with me tomorrow night?" I was surprised and I saw the hopefulness in his eyes. "Really? Just us?" he took a deep breath "Yes, you don't have to but I wanted to ask. I just want to spend more time with you" I ruffled the dog's fur and looked back up at Roman "Yeah sure that could be fun. I'd be happy to go."

A few hours later~

I was in the kitchen getting ice cream when I saw the clouds start to darken in the sky from the big glass window. My puppy, Mocha cried lightly at the sky. She knows the rain is coming just like I do. It was getting late so I scooped up my dog and headed upstairs. I finished my ice cream and turned the tv off and got comfortable in bed "Goodnight my little pup" she purred and got close to me.

"Get in here you little bitch!" I roll my eyes and go into the living room where my father was spread out on the couch in his boxers watching football and drinking beer. "what do you want old man?" He growled and threw a beer at me "Sit watch the game" I sat on the couch, and he threw his arm over my shoulder "hmm you smell sweet baby girl, like cherries " I tried not show how repulsed I am by him. I smiled," well you smell like a sewer took a shit then threw up" he slapped me across the face, and I ground my teeth "why are you such a little bitch you can't even take a compliment."

"How would you like me to respond?" he turned me to face him "be my sweet baby girl that I remember" I made my voice unbearably sweet because that's what he wanted, "Thank you Daddy and I'm so sorry I called you smelly" he smiled and kissed my cheek "See was that so hard?" I didn't respond because I know I was going to say something to piss him off, so I just faked a smile. He's such a pig. "aren't you going to drink your beer?" I stared down at the icy cold beer in my hands "Um no, I'm good, I don't drink" he opened it for me "drink now. I don't want you to waste it."

"I said I don't drink!" he grabbed my face and flashed his green eyes "And I said DRINK!"

I whimpered softly and drank the beer "good now go in that kitchen and make me dinner" I got up and when I was leaving he slapped my ass and laughed, I growled and whisper, "you're a pig" he stopped his laughter and grabbed my wrist "What the hell was that!? What did you just say!?" "I SAID YOU'RE A PIG! You can't just touch me like that! You disgusting sack of SHIT! I SWEAR THOMAS-" he twisted my wrist, and I felt the bone breaking, I feel to my knees in pain. "SHUT THE HELL UP I CAN TOUCH YOU ANYWAY I GOT DAMN WANT YOU LITTLE SLUT!" he grabbed me by the throat and pinned me to the wall slowly the ground disappeared under my feet, and everything started to fade away.

I gasped and held my throat it felt like his hands were still clutching my airway. I wiped my eyes and the window cracked and bellowed with thunder and lightning. I clutched my blanket, and Mocha howled at the wind. "It's okay girl, I hate the noise too" she whimpered and cuddled closer to me. I held my blanket tighter and closed my eyes. As soon as my eyes closed, I saw my Father again and shook my head trying to get rid of it, but he just kept reappearing. I hate that Man. And I can't sleep with that thunder and lightning it's always scared me, so it's not helping. I grabbed Mocha and my robe and slipped out of my room and headed to Nick's room halfway there I remembered that he was still gone on his business trip.

Damn the time I desperately need my best friend. On my way back to my room I passed by Roman's door. It was the biggest bedroom door in this whole place, and I've still never seen the inside. Should I go in? I don't want to disturb him, but I can't get back to sleep.

I opened the door and peeked in and put Mocha on the floor and she went to the rug and got in a ball. Well, she's cute and comfortable. I whispered, "Roman... Roman" he turned and looked at me confused "Kristen?" he rolled over and sat up. "Hi Roman um I know this is weird probably but um.." he got out of bed, stretched and walked over to me. Huh, he sleeps in just boxer briefs..he looks good "Are you okay Love?" he held my chin and examined me.

"Yeah, I'm okay I just can't get to sleep. I was going to go to Nick's room but you know he's gone and everything. I don't know maybe I should just go.. I feel weird asking you this... I'm just going to go" he reached out for my shoulder "No it's okay you can ask me anything. Don't go." I sighed softly and smiled "Roman it's so stupid though it's kinda childish even. I...I just don't like the thunder, and I had this nightmare actually it was more of a memory than anything. I just can't get back to sleep." he lightly chuckled, "No it's not stupid Kris I can stay up with you if you want." I shook my head, "No I want to go to sleep it's late, I'm sorry I woke you up in the first place by the way. I was wondering if I can sleep in here if you don't mind?"

he smiled, "yeah sure I'll sleep on the couch" he started to walk to the couch but I held his hand "No don't we can sleep in the bed, we're both adults even though I feel like a kid because I need to be held to go to sleep." he nodded and smiled down at our hands.

We laid in bed and it was awkward, to say the least, "why is this so weird Roman?" he shrugged and laughed, "Right I don't know, it does feel odd though" we were separated and not touching in the slightest. I turned over on my side and looked at him, he did the same and looked at me. "It shouldn't be this awkward we're friends right? This is supposed to be normal" he laughed and said, "yes we are but I think we are both not sure how to really be with one another" the thunder got louder and I jumped slightly and scooted closer to him. We were so close we almost shared a pillow. "May I ask you something, Kristen?" I nodded and he continued "well since I've known you. You haven't been easily scared but a little thunder and lightning frightens you?" I half smiled "I know.. I know it seems weird that at my age I'm still scared of it. I don't even know why it just freaks me out. It might be a wolf thing because everyone I've ever known hates it too" he rested a hand on my waist and I relaxed under his warm grasp. "How cute goodnight Love, don't worry I'll protect you from the scary thunder and lighting" I felt him pull me closer and I closed my eyes letting the peaceful sleep wash over me.

Next day afternoon~

I was in my bed playing with Mocha. She chased the ball when I softly tossed it on my bed. Roman got her a ton of stuff so I wouldn't have to worry about getting her anything. A knock on my door disturb our playing and she barked softly. She's so young her bark wasn't very threatening. I giggled, "Come in!" Then Nicholas flashed in and was suddenly in front of me. "Hey Kristen, did you miss me?" I wrapped arms around him and I felt him smile into my hair as he hugged me back. "Of course, I missed you, you left me for a whole week. How could you?" I teased.

He played along, "oh I am so sorry Kris you must've been just lost without me. I see you got a little mutt. I do have to say I'm surprised Roman typically doesn't like dogs" he started to pet the dog's head gently. "He doesn't? Are you sure? because he's the one that gave her to me. I'm pretty happy, and she's, not just some mutt, she's adorable" she rolled over next to me, wanting a belly rub. I saw Nick smile at us. "What dork? why you looking at me like that?" he shrugged "I just missed you, but what's been going on while I was gone. You and Roman still awkward?"

"A little but last night was a step in a better direction I guess... Well I had this nightmare about my Father and I was going to go to your room but I remembered you weren't home yet so I slept with Roman."

"A few things that sucks, I'm sorry that I wasn't here for you last night but what did you mean by slept with Roman because the past few weeks there has been ridiculous sexual tension between you two and to be honest you both desperately need it." I punched his arm and he fake pouted "you're a perv. You know that. And I mean actual sleep it was one of the best nights of sleep I've had in awhile. And sorry we're not like you and we can manage a few days without sex."

he laughed laid back on my bed "I don't see how I mean sex is a necessary evil like eating, sleeping or air you need it to stay healthy. You must masturbate A LOT Huh?" my mouth fell open I tried to look angry and not laugh at his stupidity "Get out Nick you're so annoying! I take it back I didn't miss you" I tried pushing him off my bed and he just laughed "I was joking! Can you not take a joke! I'm sorry Kristen!" I couldn't even stay fake mad at him.

I stopped pushing him and just laid on his arm "why am I friends with you?" he exhaled loudly and ruffled my hair "because I'm awesome and you know it. You just need to get laid Kris" I roll my eyes. There is no winning with him. "I'm sorry I don't think sex is really the answer I need right now"

"Hey, you want to go out tonight?" I thought about it for a minute, "Why? you know I'm not a big party person and um... I can't well not tonight at least I kinda have a date... I think. you better not freak out." he stayed staring at me wide eyed "You going on a date?... with Roman right?" I nodded and he grabbed me up in his arms "I'm so happy for you! Finally, you two going on a date!"

hours later~

I walked out of my closet in a pair of black jeans and a red flannel "Does this look okay? I've tried on like everything" Nick was laying in my bed playing with Mocha. "No, you look awful, don't wear that unless your date is on a farm." I got in bed next to him and Mocha laid between us "you could've just said no. I don't even know why I'm making a big deal out of this, it isn't even a date."

"what are you talking about? I know Roman better than anyone, this is a date. Do you want me to go see what he's wearing, it might help you decide?"

"Yes, that would be great! Oh and ask him if this is a date to him or not? I just need to be positive" he smiled and left.

Roman P.O.V

I stood in front of my full-length mirror judging my outfit when I heard a loud obnoxious knock at the door. Why does he insist on knocking like that? "Come in Nicholas!" he burst through the door "hey there buddy, I've got some stuff to ask."

"Is it really that important? I'm trying to get ready Miss.Rose and I are going out this evening." Nicholas took it upon himself to sit in my armchair. I guess he won't be leaving anytime soon. "yeah it's about that..." he trailed off so I finally turned my attention to him. "What is it Nicholas good or bad news?" he shook his head "It is neither I guess but, Kris is just wondering what to wear. And also I have I few questions of my own"

I didn't say anything so he continued "Good no objections. Where are you taking her? and are you planning on finally banging her because as your best friend I should know, plus I feel like I should warn her as to what to expect sex would be like with a powerful vampire. Especially since you might be a bit rougher since you decide to become celibate on anything fun. What's it been like 50 years now? and the animal blood thing is so disgusting. I don't see how your dick can even work anymore it's been so long since..." I held up a hand to silence his babbling "Nicholas shut your deviant mouth I don't plan on in your own words 'banging' her, you idiotic fool. We are going to a nice restaurant and even if she and I did have sex I wouldn't tell you about it. I want to do the right thing here. She is different then all the others, she means something. Is the only thing going through that head of your sex and feeding?" he held up his hands in defense and sunk deeper into the chair "Okay okay you don't have to be so hurtful, you asshole I was just kidding. But honestly Ro you can't tell me you haven't thought about it. I mean she is an extremely kind, stubborn but beautiful creature and anyone man, vampire or otherwise would be lucky to have her." I walked over and sat in the chair across from him, "of course, anyone would be lucky to have her but no one is going to have her because she's MINE" he just gave a proud smile and got up from the chair. "Make her feel that way then. I know I joke around a lot but she's had a rough life you and I both know that so if you are going to take things slow make her feel like the queen she is the whole time."

Kristen P.O.V

After Nick told me that Ro was definitely serious about tonight I had to go shopping with Grace. We picked a few things out and I decided to go with a beautiful cream color dress. I managed to put my big curly hair in a simple ponytail with a few pieces left out for bangs.

I was ready to go a few hours later and I walked downstairs. I looked around for him and he suddenly appeared in front of me making a small gust of wind push my bangs in my face. He pulled them back and tucked them behind my ear "You look, gorgeous, Love" I smiled "Um thanks you don't look too bad yourself, handsome" I straighten his tie and started out the door.

I step out of the car and within a second Roman was next to holding out his arm for me to grab. I did and he smiled making his fangs shine in the moonlight. He doesn't usual show them in public. Should I be worried? I look up at the restaurant's name but couldn't pronounce it, Le Minuit is that french?

I stared down at the menu but I couldn't even read the language, most of it was in French. I felt Roman look at me so I glance up and sent his a more or less awkward smile but it didn't bother him and his bright smile seemed to gleam in the low-lit restaurant. I forced myself to look away and look at the menu again. Realizing that I still couldn't read it, I lowered the leather bond list and leaned forward on my hands. How should I tell him that I can't read this? Will he think I'm stupid? "So..Roman um this is a really nice restaurant" he set his menu down "yes it is, I think I might be a little bias though this restaurant is pro-vampire so I'm able to be myself more than any other place and my youngest brother owns it."

"Oh really? You don't talk much about your family. I didn't even know you had a brother." A waiter came by and didn't say anything he just kept a glued on smile and poured us each a glass of wine.

Roman drank some before he spoke,"My family is messy it's not really comfortable dinner conversation" I drank some of my wine, "well I think I'm the queen of messy families,so whatever it is I'm sure it's not that bad. I would like to know more about you. You know all my baggage, I feel like I barely know the man I've been living with for months." He sighed low and nodded "Are you sure you want to know? I don't want that to impact the rest of this evening" his hand laid on the table so I lightly held it in mine. "Yes I would love to know, please" he softly cleared his throat "well my vampire family is big... really big. Our family is the first family of vampires,I have 12 brothers and one sister then they also have their own children if you will or more so progenies then actually small children. For example, Nicholas and Jackson are my progenies. I am their maker so they are my son's I know it's kind of weird"

"No it's not weird it's cool actually and I can see that Nick respects you a lot like you're his dad."

He chuckled, "But with Nicholas, it's more so a brother relationship I don't necessarily have to boss him around like I do Jackson. Also, I have the fewest amount of children out of my other siblings,they have thousands. I never found the need to make so many I know the expansion of the vampire species is important but I am happy with the two I have and our bond is closer than my other siblings to their children." I was about to speak but the waiter walked up again I'm guessing he asked what we wanted but again the French so I had no clue what to say, "um Ro I don't speak French... but I'm pretty sure escargot is snails. I don't think I want to eat snails"

He palmed his face and laughed "I'm so sorry I wasn't even thinking clearly. Waiter..." I stopped him "wait I don't want to be rude but can I take you somewhere else?" He looked excited but confused and told the waiter to leave. He bowed and quietly left the table. "I'm sorry about that I meant to tell you before that the menu was confusing me. I know you planned this lovely dinner and it was really sweet but I'm really simple, no fancy restaurants needed. I want to show you something" I stood up and he looks at me with skepticism "It won't be horrible Ro trust me" he agreed but I could tell he was uncertain. I got in the drivers seat and he sat looking nervous. "I know how to drive I promise I won't kill you, can you please relax" he relaxed into the seat and finally looked comfortable.

I grabbed us some food from my favorite dinner and I drove to my spot in the woods, it was near a creek that I used to go to a lot when I was younger to think but I know that it is incredibly beautiful at night.

we sat around a fire I made and ate our food "Hey Kris why did you leave so suddenly this morning? Did I do something wrong?" I was in the middle of taking a big bite of my burger so I quickly chewed so I could finally speak," No you didn't do anything wrong you were just sleeping so peacefully that I didn't want to wake you. I thought it would be best if I left. sorry about that." he ate some french fries "oh ok but you didn't have to leave, I was sleeping so well because you were there... This place is really breathtaking Kristen, and the food is fantastic, I don't remember the last time I had a burger. you were right simple is best." "I know this place is soothing and it's just another memory from the past. Before at the restaurant, we didn't really finish talking about your family. You talked about your vampire family but what about the one before them." he smiled outward toward the lake. "observant I see, well my real or I should say my original family was much smaller I had both my parents and a little sister. My mother was a kind timid women she was a perfect mother but thinking back on it now I realize that she didn't have much power over anything which it disappointing because at the time her cooking and cleaning was all women did. My little sister was just like my mother in a lot of ways but she also was very clumsy and a bit like Grace to be honest" we both started to laugh because Grace is extremely clumsy she trips over air all the time.

"What about your dad?" His laughter started to die down. "He was complicated he wanted me to be a man... like him, even when I was just a young boy. I was very small for a long time so that fact angered him and I wanted to prove myself all the time but more or less failed. Anyway, when I turned 21 I went off to war, we were Vikings it was our way of life, it was my final act to prove myself to my father. I was gone for 4 years then I got injured, I met my maker William. He turned me, gave me the gift to start my life over and I felt strong, mighty and being such a young vampire I wanted to finally show my father I was a powerful man so I disobeyed my maker and went back home. The decision I made cost my family their lives. I couldn't control myself. I just remember my father calling me a deserter saying, I should have died on the battlefield with my fellow warriors and called me a failure once again and then their screams echo through the house..." I don't think he realized but he started to cry I reached over and wiped his tears. "I'm sorry I made you think of this again, I'm so sorry I even brought it up. apparently, we cry when we talk about our families." he shook his head and cleaned his face of any tears left "No it's fine I haven't thought of them in so long it is almost refreshing to still remember them. I made a stupid decision that night, one that I will regret forever but it is something I should always be aware of... "

TILL NEXT TIME ~ DJKRYSTAL I'll try my best to not make you guys wait that long again. I hope you all like this chapter. VOTE AND COMMENT