"She is definitely not a Vampire," Vincent said, leaning against the armrest of the leather couch, "But yet, there's something about her that is quite odd."

His mother nodded, "That much I can agree. When you first brought her here, her wounds were already healing by themselves. Although not as quick as we heal, it was much faster than any regular human."

"You never told me that," Vincent said, frowning, "What could she be, if she isn't a Vampire?"

Taking a sip of the blood in her glass, his mother sighed, "That I'm not sure of, yet. She is no wolf, that much I know. She doesn't reek of them."

"What are the possibilities she is a Vampire?"

"Slim, I would say. There is only one way we would be able to find out."

"And?" Vincent pressed, "That would be?"

"A Witch, of course."

Vincent released a breath, "A Witch? What would a Witch be able to tell us that we don't already know? You seem to have forgotten that the Witches want nothing to do with Vampires."

His mother smiled, grabbing the glass of blood and taking a sip. "Actually, there is a coven that owes us a favor."

An eyebrow lifted at that, "And who might that be?"

"The Rowens. I helped them out a while ago, I believe they will be able to help."

"Tonight," Vincent said, "I will tell Catherine to get ready to meet them."

"No," His mother said with a shake of her head, "Tonight, rest. Both of you and tomorrow we will go speak with them."

Vincent didn't respond and instead stood to his feet. He wasn't sure if Catherine would even agree to stay the night here and he didn't blame her. Everything was still uncharted territory for her, still so foregin that he had his doubts she would go meet the Witches. Unfortunately for him, if he wanted to know what exactly made her different from any other human he met, he would have to find a way to convince her.

***

Catherine released a long, shaky breath. She combed through her damp hair with her fingers, finally able to comprehend the events that took place. It finally registered to her that she was safe, at least she was for now.

After Parker had led her to a room that had its own bathroom, he left her to have some privacy. Once in the shower, she scrubbed her body viciously, praying her hands weren't stained from the dried blood. When she was finished, she realized with dismay that her clothes were gone. She grabbed the towel, dried off her body, and then wrapped her hair in another towel.

A robe, much like the one Julia gave her, was folded neatly on the bed for her. The fact someone entered the bedroom while she was showering made her uncomfortable, but she was also thankful they never went inside the bathroom. She didn't think her heart would be able to handle the embarrassment and sheer terror from such an event.

There was a knock on the door, startling her. Before she was able to respond, it slowly opened. Her heart skipped a beat when Vincent entered the room. Immediately she tightened the robe around her body.

"How are you feeling?" Vincent questioned, sitting on the bed.

"Much better now that I've showered," Catherine replied, mildly taken back that he seemed genuinely worried about her. When she first met him, she thought he was a ruthless human, mean to everyone. Two weeks later, he was nicer. Perhaps the only reason for that was she found out his secret.

"We would like you to stay the night here," He said, "There's some people we'd like you to meet tomorrow."

Catherine's heart galloped and she swallowed nervously, "What do you mean?"

Vincent glanced away from her, and she wondered what he was thinking.

"There's something about you that's different from other humans," He finally announced, speaking slowly. It was as if he wasn't sure if he should tell her, "A coven of Witches will help us figure out what that is... And they will also be able to help you keep safe from Vampires."

Catherine's eyebrows knit together with confusion, "Something is wrong with me?"

"No, but there are some things that are a little..." His voice trailed off as he tried to think of the proper words, "Off about you. Things that we can't explain. It could also be the reason why you've suddenly caught the attention of Vampires."

"I see," Catherine said, unsure how to respond properly. Part of her wanted to be shocked at the fact there were also Witches, but the more sensible part of her knew that if Vampires existed, there was a high chance other mythical creatures were real.

"Someone will get you in the morning," He finally said, breaking the silence, "You should get some sleep."

When he stood up, Catherine felt her anxiety spike, "Wait," She said, not thinking.

Vincent paused, his hand on the doorknob. He turned to face her, "What?"

"I-I," She stuttered, suddenly embarrassed, "I just..." She swallowed thickly, her cheeks getting warm as she blushed, "I just don't want to be alone right now. I'm still shaken up from earlier and it would make me feel better if someone was here with me."

"Okay..." He replied slowly, awkwardly. He moved to the edge of the bed and sat down once more, his eyes following her as she sat down as well.

"I, um," She licked her lips nervously, "I also need something to sleep in..."

"Oh," He said, his eyes widening slightly at the realisation she wasn't wearing anything underneath the robe. He quickly grabbed her a tshirt and a pair of baggy shorts in the dresser across from them.

"Thank you," She murmured, scampering into the bathroom to change. She released a shaky breath and leaned against the door when she was inside. What am I doing? She thought to herself, Why the hell would I ask him to stay here?

She knew the answer. It was because even though he was a monster, even though she hardly knew anything about him, she felt oddly safe in his presence. Knowing he was there was like a weight being lifted off her shoulders, in a sick, twisted way. Never before did she think she would feel comfortable staying in a house with a man she hardly knew outside of work. It wasn't smart, she knew that, but what choice did she have?

Catherine opened the door once more when she was fully clothed, biting her lower lip as she sat down. After a second, she laid down, over the blankets. Her eyes fluttered closed, the events of the day finally catching up with her. It wasn't long until she fell asleep.

***

When Catherine woke up, it was still dark outside. She rubbed her eyes and slowly sat up. Much to her surprise, Vincent was still at the edge of the bed. He was laying down, his hands placed on his chest and his eyes were closed.

He was so beautiful. He looked peaceful when he slept. She was amazed to notice that he was breathing, and she watched as his chest rose and fell. Weren't Vampires dead? Why did he breathe if he didn't need oxygen? She made a mental note to ask him later.

As if he sensed she was now awake, his eyes opened and he sat up.

Catherine glanced away quickly, not wanting him to know she had been staring at him.

"Is there something wrong?" He asked her, tiredness still thick in his voice as he spoke.

"No, I just woke up. Everything is good. I'm sorry for waking you."

When he glanced at her, this time her heart quickened for a much different reason. He was staring at her like an actual person, not a burden or an employee of his. She held his gaze, unable to look away. It felt like he was staring into her soul, and she was momentarily captivated by the intensity of his stare.

She wasn't sure who exactly moved closer first, but suddenly she felt his lips brushing against hers. Her heart leapt and started to gallop uncontrollably when they pressed harder against hers, but the contact was still gentle.

He pulled away from her for a brief moment, his gaze searching hers, before his lips crashed into hers once again.