I had a hard time falling asleep, probably because I went to bed early to force my body back onto a normal person's schedule. This didn't work out so well, since I ended up waking at four in the morning. After staring at the wall for ten minutes, I climbed out of bed and shuffled to the window to check which gollum had been assigned to my alley.

At first I didn't see anyone, then the silhouette of a man walked by the gate, although I didn't recognize him from behind. He walked as far as the front stoop of the neighboring brownstone before turning around and heading back the way he came. Was he pacing? With the help of a nearby streetlamp, I was able to detect blond hair and clearly defined muscles through a short-sleeved shirt. I initially thought it was Jonathan, but this guy's hair was short, so maybe he was someone from the Lassiter domus.

With my curiosity piqued, I grabbed my phone and called Colin, knowing he was likely to be awake at any hour. He answered on the first ring.

"You're keeping gollum hours. What's up, Reese?"

"Actually, I woke up a few minutes ago and decided to check the alley for suspicious characters. I found one, but I don't recognize him."

"Where is he? Can you describe him?"

"He's pacing in front of the gate next to my building. He's got blond hair, but it's not long like Jonathan's. He's wearing dark pants and a black short-sleeved shirt, although it's probably forty degrees outside, and his muscles are pretty sig. At first, I was sure he was a gollum, but now I'm wondering if he's a demon."

Colin remained silent long enough that I started to worry.

"Colin? Are you still there?"

"Yeah, I'm texting Adam. He or Emile was supposed to help out tonight."

I sighed. "That's what I figured. Every member of the New York gollum community is going to know Vincent dumped me."

"He didn't dump you."

I shrugged my shoulders, but of course Colin couldn't see it. "I don't think it's Adam or Emile. Neither of them have blond hair."

"You're right. Adam just texted back and said a Cromwell volunteered to do the job."

"Really? Which one do you think it is?"

"Well, the only male Cromwell with blond hair is Rafael. So, that's not going to go over well with Vincent."

"I'm not interested in Rafael."

"That doesn't matter. He made it clear he planned to challenge Vincent for the right to mate with you."

Ugh. Why did gollums have to use such antiquated terms? Couldn't they just say 'fuck'? "Well, I have the right to say no."

"Actually, Reese, if Vincent loses the challenge, you have to give Rafael the opportunity to prove himself a worthy mate, at the very least. That's how it's done among gollum families."

"That's so medieval."

"Yes, it is. We are bound by tradition."

"And what is the traditional challenge? I assume it takes the form of a battle."

"Of course. The first to draw blood wins. And, yes, you have the right to refuse Rafael sex. I know that's what you're thinking, but let's not worry about that until we have to. I need to decide whether or not to tell Vincent about Rafael playing bodyguard at your gate. He's strung out enough as it is. He's got everyone in the domus on task trying to figure out how to deal with this... situation."

"Is that why a Valentino isn't at my gate?"

"Yes."

I left the window and returned to sit on my bed. "Have you heard from Rizzo? Do you know when he'll be coming home?"

"He'll be discharged in the morning. Charleton and Griffin are bringing him home in the copter. He's going to spend another day or two at Mount Sinai, then he'll start rehabilitation."

"I want to see him. Will it be okay if I visit him at Mount Sinai?"

"Definitely. I'll arrange it and let you know a good time."

"You mean a time when Vincent won't be there?" My stomach plummeted whenever I thought about running into Vincent. I wanted to see him badly. Both Colin and Amelia made it sound like he was missing me, but he was doing a damn good job of keeping his distance.

"Reese, this is only temporary. Vincent has not lost interest in you. In fact, it's the opposite. I know how to read my brother, and I believe he's planning to do something unprecedented in order to secure his future with you, and that's all I'm saying on the subject. Just don't give up hope."

"Thanks, Colin. I'll keep that in mind."

A terrible feeling of guilt came over me after I hung up, and I realized I felt guilty whenever I talked to Colin about Vincent. I knew Colin would be more than happy to take Vincent's place, but he seemed to be on board with me and his brother giving it a go. He had probably convinced himself it was for the good of the domus. I slipped back between the sheets of my bed, although I didn't know why. I wasn't tired anymore, and after an hour of tossing and turning and wishing I was tucked under Vincent's protective wing, I left my bedroom and retired to the couch to watch television. When the sun rose high enough to make it feel like morning, I got ready for my walk.

As I suited up in my sweats, my conversation with Colin resurfaced. Had it been Rafael at the gate? Did Colin end up telling Vincent about it? Was my bodyguard still out there? I chugged half a bottle of water enhanced with a slice of lemon before heading out the door. Mr. Pearlman was not an early bird, so I decided to wait until I finished my three laps before I knocked. Stepping outside, I tipped my sunglasses over my eyes and headed north when I heard someone call my name.

"Hi, Reese."

Rafael pushed off the steps of the neighboring brownstone, and I tried to act casual as I did a few warm-ups against a tree. "Hey, Rafael. What brings you to my neck of the woods?"

"I heard you were in need of protection, so I volunteered to make sure you didn't get eaten by any big bad wolves."

Clever, but definitely trying too hard. "I appreciate it."

"Where are you headed? I've been instructed to shadow you, which includes escorting you wherever you need to go."

"I'm just taking my morning walk, and I've never had problems with big bad wolves on my route, so don't knock yourself out."

"I'll walk with you, if you don't mind."

"Suit yourself." I shrugged my indifference and let him follow me. I knew Rafael had an agenda, but he maintained a polite distance during our trek around the block. He asked me questions about my upbringing and education. Nothing too personal, and when I picked up the pace for the last half of our journey, Rafael kept up easily in his tight jeans. By the time we finished three circuits, I was spent and he had barely broken a sweat. Damn fitness buffs.

"I'd love to see some of your photographs," he said, detaining me in front of my apartment building. "Do you have anything framed in your apartment?"

Nice try dude, but I'm not taking the bait. "I've got a website with my portfolio on it. You can find it under R Kentwell Photography."

He pulled his phone out and started his search. "What do you photograph? People? Landscapes?"

"A little of everything, but I make most of my money off weddings and magazine articles." I was ready to wish him a nice day when he found my site and started scrolling through the photos.

"These are nice. I like that you have gargoyles on your home page. Didn't you just find out you were one of us?"

"Yes, but I have loved gargoyles since I was a kid."

"Well, now you know why, eh?" He chuckled as he pointed to the screen. "So, is this your cell number? If I called it, would you answer?" He gazed at me with a damn nice set of hazel eyes, and I found myself struggling to come up with an appropriate answer. His phone rang in his hand and he looked down at it. "Weird timing. Excuse me a sec. I need to get this."

He hit the green icon and pressed his face to his phone. "Vincent. What can I do you for? Oh, you don't really mean that, do you?" The smile never left Rafael's face as he looked up and down the street. "I think Reese is in perfectly good hands." A dangerous shout echoed through the speaker of his phone, and Rafael held it away from his ear. "Now, that sounds like a challenge to me. Why don't you come out of hiding and say that to my face?"

Rafael smirked as he pocketed his phone. "Well, that was rude. The guy hung up on me."

A second later, my phone chimed as a text came through. "I think I know why," I said as I read the mesage from Vincent.

Reese, please go inside.

I glanced at the parked cars lining the street and finally noticed the black Flying Spur about six cars up. Vincent's close proximity had the hairs on my arms prickling. I desperately wanted to see him, but I knew he could be damned stubborn. Well, so could I, and I decided to send him a text of my own.

Why don't you say that to my face?

I felt pretty clever once I'd sent the text. Vincent didn't play fair. It was a crap move for him to kick me out of his home without an explanation. Hadn't he said I was family? A moment later, I heard a car door slam, and Vincent strode down the street toward me and Rafael, ignoring the perfectly good sidewalk and forcing cars to go around him, honking as they sped past.

He looked delicious as usual, dressed in a gray V-neck stretched over those brawny biceps and chest of solid muscle. I bit down on my lip as he descended upon us like a tidal wave rolling into shore, and I rescinded my earlier assessment of my clever text. His eyes were the color of storm clouds, but fortunately they weren't brewing over me. He was using them to threaten Rafael.

"Keep your hands off Reese," he growled into Rafael's face as soon as he had scaled the curb. "That is not a challenge. It is a bona fide threat."

Rafael straightened his back, making an effort to reach to Vincent's height, but there was still a good three inch difference. "As far as I can tell, you have relinquished your claim on her. I shouldn't have to issue a challenge to be granted equal consideration."

Vincent's eyes narrowed, impaling Rafael like a pair of silver blades. "There has been no relinquishing. The logistics of her living arrangements are merely in transition. Your services are no longer required."

Vincent took my hand and tugged me toward my building. I was too shocked by his gesture to even check Rafael's reaction, and neither did Vincent. He was busy hauling me up the stairs with grim determination, and I fumbled for my key one-handed so I wouldn't have to let go of his hand. I didn't knock on Mr. Pearlman's door like I had planned to. Clearly, Vincent was in no mood to be distracted. In fact, I expected him to go on a rant as soon as the door closed, but he didn't. He just stood in the entry looking at me, his face flushed from his altercation with Rafael, although I wanted to believe he was flushed because of me. Wasn't he at my mercy every moment we were together?

"I owe you an apology, Reese."

Vincent's confession took me by surprise. Of course, I agreed with him. He did owe me an apology, I just hadn't expected one. I removed my sunglasses and gave him my full attention.

"I handled the situation poorly yesterday," he went on, holding me captive in his turbulent gaze. "I admit I'm used to behaving like a self-important brute, and I have not had to face many consequences for my actions, at least none that I considered significant. Not until you. I treated you with cruel insensitivity, and after we had indulged in so many intimate moments. I need you to know how much they meant to me. How much you mean to me."

I stayed rooted to the spot as I listened to his heartfelt monologue, although I wished he was holding me as he made his confession. "I just wish I knew what happened to change everything so drastically," I said. "Does it have something to do with what Charleton told you?"

"Yes, and I can't reveal any more than that, but soon. I'm working hard to get to the root of the problem without jeopardizing the members of the domus. It's already too late for me." Vincent's eyes flicked to the floor, and when he lifted them again, they were glistening like the storm clouds were threatening rain. "I need you back. I need to feel you in my arms. I am close to losing my mind."

I held out my arms, welcoming him into them. "I'm right here, Vincent, wanting so badly to be in your arms."

He shook his head. "I can't. We can't. The risk is too great."

"I thought we got over that hurdle when you and Rizzo took care of Heath."

"This hurdle is different, more permanent... if it turns out to be true." He shook his head again, only this time he looked like he was fighting the urge to divulge more. "Ever since you left I can't focus. I can barely put one foot in front of the other. I have to talk myself out of abandoning all else just to feel your skin against mine."

"Geez, Vincent. You make it sound like I have some kind of disease."

He closed his eyes, but only briefly. It took him one long stride to bridge the gap between us, and a moment later he was wrapping his arms around me. His body radiated strength and virility, but it also felt soft and vulnerable. I nuzzled my head into his chest, breathing in rhythm with the movement of his respirations and taking his scent into my sinuses. Something told me I would be missing it soon.

"Why does this feel like goodbye?" I simpered.

Vincent's breath caught and he kissed the top of my head. "It will never be goodbye. No matter the outcome of this mess. I will find a way for us to be together."

Much too quickly, he pulled away and hurried to the door like he was escaping a burning building. As he opened it, he hesitated and turned to stare at me for a long, awkward moment. It felt just like old times.

"Call me any time you want to talk," he said. "I'll do the same. My initial strategy to cut off communication with you was idiotic. Be safe, Reese."

And then he was gone.

PLAYLIST SONG: I Don't Have Anything by Vast