~Sang's POV~

The next morning came bright and early.

Laziness had taken over my body and I didn't want to leave the warm comfort of the bed where I was laying in but knowing that it was for the best I stretched my paws and wiggled from under the heavy arms that held me in place.

Managing to get free from the warm embrace I turned back to get one last look at him, seeing how young and vulnerable he looked when in repose, and felt my heart leapt at the sight.

Jumping out of the bed I ran out of the room before I was tempted to stay longer.

But he needed his space. I had felt it the day before, how distressed he really felt at that woman's touch and how much comfort he'd draw from me in feline form.

A comfort he wasn't ready to accept from the girl that I was.

But I didn't mind. He was my mate, as were his brothers, and I would always give them whatever they needed from me. Be whatever they needed.

Entering my own room I gathered my magic around me, feeling the air become thick and charged before the change took over and I shifted into human form.

The scent of orange blossoms, natural to my magic, filled the air and I breathed deeply.

The house was completely still so early in the morning and I took a quick bath before heading downstairs to the kitchen thinking that I could try to make them some breakfast.

Luke had showed me how the stove and other appliances worked the day before when they came back from the mall and all the other boys had been busy.

He, Gabriel and Mr. Blackbourne were the only ones who knew I could turn myself into a black cat, and I had stayed on that form for most of the time the day before since Mr. Blackbourne seemed to enjoy having the little creature on his arms.

I had to admit that I had enjoyed it as well.

His hard chest, strong arms and warmth had made me feel safe and happy, much like all of them did.

It was like they had suddenly turned into my safe heaven. One I had never had before.

Entering the kitchen I began the process of preparing the bacon, eggs and toast for breakfast, my thoughts going automatically to the immediate threat to said heaven.

Marie.

My sister was going to be a trouble, I already knew, especially if she was receiving help from the Senate.

I wondered which one I should hunt first, the old ones or the spoiled one.

My cat was fine with whatever one of them, as long as she got to tear either one apart soon.

She was still smarting at how Rocky and Jade dared to attack their home and threaten her mates.

"Princess?" Victor's voice caused me to jump, startled and burn myself on the frying pan, letting out a yelp.

I had been so distracted at my vengeful thoughts that I hadn't even realized he'd come downstairs.

"Sang!" he rushed to my side and grabbed my hurt hand, frowning down at it before raising apologetic eyes to my own. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." he said, his baritone voice full of regret, his eyes looking subdued, the fire nearly extinguished.

He turned to the sink and turned the taps until the water turned lukewarm and pulled my hand under it.

The water didn't make the pain go away completely, but it brought temporary relief.

I smiled at him but it felt strained, "I will be fine, Victor. Vampires heal a little quicker than humans. Give it a few hours and I will be good as new." I told him, trying to be reassuring.

He still looked worried and regretful thought and I didn't like it one bit. The urge to reassure him was strong and it was that which led me to stand en pointe, eyes closed, and gently kissed his cheek, my other hand holding onto his shoulder for support as I kept my lips against his skin for a few moments.

"I am fine, Victor." I told him again in a whisper against his ear.

His moss and berries scent tickled my nose and I breathed him in as I nuzzled his face and neck, feeling his warmth where we touched and sensing how still he kept himself.

Finally, I leaned back and looked up at him from under my lashes, a timid blush staining my cheeks.

He didn't look worried or regretful anymore. His eyes were back to burning, the fire in them turned into an inferno as he stood frozen like an statue, staring sightlessly to my hand which he still held on his own.

"Sang..." he murmured my name quietly before his eyes turned to me and burned me to the spot.

The intensity of his gaze seemed to warm my skin and my breath caught in my throat.

I stood close to him, my front practically plastered to his side, my heart was going crazy in my chest and when his gaze lowered to my mouth I felt sure he was about to kiss me.

Butterflies started in my belly and my mind went fuzzy as he began to lean close.

The sound of steps on the stairs brought me back from the spell he'd put me under and I took a step back, my breaths coming fast as I put some distance between us and turned back to the stove, my cheeks burning in embarrassment.

What was I doing? They hadn't accepted me yet.

I couldn't go around kissing the boys until I was sure they knew what was between us. What they meant to me already.

"Morning."

"Hey."

"Good morning."

Greetings rang through the kitchen but I ignored them all, concentrating on getting myself under control once more.

Warmth reached my back along with the sweet scent of sugar and vanilla.

A hand touched my lower back and began rubbing up and down soothingly.

"Cupcake," Luke whispered next to my ear, his voice low and comforting.

His emotions reached me, his understanding and encouragement.

Relief filled me.

He understood and was okay with it.

One down. Eight to go.

~Victor's POV~

I almost kissed her.

She was hurt because of me, trying to make me feel better and I almost molested her.

Good God, what was wrong with me lately?

Why was I so out of control with her?

I didn't react this way to other girls.

She is not like other girls. My conscience seemed to whisper to me.

Of course she wasn't. She'd more than proved it when she protected Luke and Gabe. And again, yesterday, when she'd cut the head off of that other girl without batting an eyelash.

And once more when she tried to stop me from buying whatever she needed.

She was selfless. I had thought so before and I had no doubts now. She gave, and gave, and gave.

And I almost took without permission.

I cringed.

The rest of my brothers entered the kitchen, most of them looking alert already even thought it was extremely early.

North and Silas were the only ones who looked half-asleep still.

Luke and Gabe came in with their eyes filled with a weird mix of worry and amusement.

I watched quietly as Luke made a beeline for Sang and laid a comforting hand on her back, leaning in close to whisper to her.

I averted my gaze, not knowing what to think about that. He and Gabriel had been spectacularly close and protective of the beautiful girl since they met her, seeming almost to know what she was thinking or feeling.

My eyes landed on Mr. Blackbourne and I was shocked to see his eyes already locked on me, gaze intense and curious.

I gulped.

Mr. Blackbourne's face was as impassive and impossible to read as always, but I had the weird feeling that he was judging my every action, ready to dispense justice and punishment if necessary.

It was downright unnerving.

And scary.

Especially because my brothers and I were all too aware of how dangerous of a man he was when pissed.

What did I do now?

~Nate's POV~

Breakfast was a quiet affair.

We all ate together, including Sang, who remained mostly silent just watching and listening as a few of us talked about inane things.

The truth is, I think none of us how to react with her around. It was so weird because we never had a girl on the team before.

And yet there was a sense of familiarity and comfort at having her close by.

I surreptitiously glanced over at her again taking in her small but curvy form, long, blonde hair and beautiful green eyes.

She was wearing the pajamas that Gabriel had bought for her, a set of pants and T-shirt, striped in shades of white and pink, and yet she looked as stunning as the first time I had seen her.

The day before had been a shock; I still felt incredibly embarrassed at having fainted when the head of that girl went flying and landed close to our window, the dead eyes staring sightlessly at me as the body dropped to the ground like a marionette without strings.

It was scary, macabre and nothing like what we saw on television.

I knew the others had freaked out at the sight as well because Luke screamed like a girl and a few of the others turned pasty white before they quickly composed themselves.

Some looked completely still and I suspected they were in shock.

When Gabriel had started cursing at the state of her dress of all things and she'd come back inside the house all bloodied I knew I'd had it with all the craziness for the day and my vision turned fuzzy.

One moment I had been staring at Sang, the next I was seeing the ceiling of Mr. B's kitchen.

Letting out a sigh I turned my attention back to the breakfast getting cold before me.

"I think today is a good day for us to start your education." Sang suddenly said into the lull of conversation around the table.

We all turned to her, eyes focused and waiting to hear what she had planned.

The poor girl turned bright red at our attention and stuttered for a moment before she managed to gain control of herself once more.

It was almost impossible to think of this sweet, shy and beautiful girl as the powerful being who had unrepentantly killed another just yesterday.

Clearing her throat she continued "As you remember a few of you have received marks on your arms and Kota is already showing signs that he is changing..."

"Changing? Is he turning vampire like you?" Luke suddenly asked sounding far too excited while I cringed at the thought.

But Sang was already shaking her head even before he completed his phrase.

"No. He is human and he will remain being human. That will never change."

Luke pouted at that.

"But," Sang added, causing the blonde prankster to perk up sharply "being in contact with me and my magic caused some of it to be absorbed into his body. Which is why now he has some control over magic. I expect the same will happen with the rest of you while I remain around."

"Do you mean to say that it is an effect of your proximity and might go away if you aren't with us anymore?" Dr. Green asked.

Sang just nodded at him in confirmation.

"Interesting." He said.

"And is that all that happens by being around you, Miss Sorenson?" Mr. B asked, looking at Sang with a shrewd look in his eye.

She lifted an eyebrow at him and smiled slightly.

"No, Mr. Blackbourne." She admitted quietly, "My continued proximity causes a slowing in your aging, meaning that you will end up living as long as I do."

The kitchen grew quiet after that bomb was dropped.

Eternity.

That is what she'd meant then. She didn't plan to turn us into vampires like herself, but we would live forever as long as she was close by.

"So, we get a pretty girl, eternal life and superpowers. Seems like a pretty good deal to me." I said without thinking and when all eyes turned to me I felt my cheeks heating in embarrassment much like Sang's were doing as she stared at me.

Smooth, Nate. Real smooth.

I smiled at her, a self-deprecating smile which she responded with a sweet one of her own.

God, she really was beautiful when she smiled like that.

I looked around me at my brothers who all stared at her with some degree of interest and I suddenly understood two things.

One, I would have competition if I choose to make a play for her heart, and eternity with her around sounded like the sweetest form of torture without her being mine.

And two, she was lonely.

My heart ached at that realization. It wasn't just that she'd been abused and betrayed by her family, but she was forced to live a long life without anyone at her side, keeping her company through the happy and sad days.

I couldn't imagine how that felt. We had all had hard lives but we also had always had one another. We were never truly alone.

She was.

The pain that bloomed in my chest almost took my breath away and I felt the almost unstoppable urge to stand up from my chair and pull her into my arms for a hug.

I had made my decision.

No more.

She would never be alone anymore.

AN: Okay, this is it for today. More will come in the weekend and then I will resume the one update a week schedule.

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