Original Publish Date: 3/2/2010

I walked slowly, steadily back towards Skylar. Seeing my mother and sisters had been a shock. It was like a movie playing over and over in my head, every detail crystal clear. I was so distracted that I almost walked past the unconscious form of my little companion. She was so small as i gazed down at her, looking nothing more than a bundle of clothes to the naked eye.

I slid down next to her slowly and took her in my arms for warmth; laying in the snow probably wasn’t the best thing for her, the last thing she needed on top of all this drama was to get sick.

I could see the hunter’s lab in the distance, bright orange and yellow flames licking along the framework, and smoke rising gracefully up to blend into the starlit night. As I stared aimlessly into the hypnotizing flames, an explosion rocked the Earth around me and pulled me right out of my daze. Where the hell was Lucian?

My mind instantly sought his, but when he was found he threw up mental blocks, forcing me (rudely) out. I frowned, but there wasn’t much I could do about it at the moment, after all he was busy. It did bring me a little peace of mind though, finding that he wasn’t dead or seriously injured, and I sighed in defeat. I would probably be sitting here for a while since I had to wait for the vampires to start heading back to the mansion.

It seemed like an eternity before Lucian’s mind slipped easily back into mine and I couldn’t help but smile as he sent loving warmth through our link. He would always be there for me, that I was sure of. I was still a little irritated with him for just shoving me out of his mind, but he had to do what he had to do right?

“Come to me my love.” Lucian’s voice floated smoothly from me as he walked towards where I was sitting. I didn’t hesitate to spring up and embrace him. “It has been far too long since I’ve held you in my arms.” I felt so safe and warm in his arms, and I knew he would never intentionally let anyone harm me. I looked up at my vampire and smiled as joy swept through me. I was finally out of that damn lab and in the arms of Lucian.

Suddenly though, the memory of my meeting with my mother and sisters flooded back into my mind and I pulled away from him, not realizing I was frowning.

“What’s wrong?” Lucian asked cautiously and I turned my emerald gaze up to him.

“Nothing, it’s just really cold and we should probably get back.” I lied. It hurt me to lie to him, but I needed time to think about it before dropping it on him. Besides, what was I supposed to say? Hey Lucian, my dead family is trying to kill you because they hate vampires and they don’t want me to be with you? Yeah. Not likely. He’d probably think I’d gone insane.

“Yes, we should get you two warmed up.” Lucian said, bringing me out of my thoughts. I saw him gaze affectionately down at Skylar and my heart practically flipped over. I didn’t know exactly what I expected to do with a kid, but the way he looked at her melted my heart. At the same time I felt bad because I just couldn’t keep Skylar myself; I wasn’t ready for the responsibility of motherhood yet, even if I desperately wanted to keep this child. I started to think about the people I was going to ask to take care of her when I looked up and saw Lucian staring at me with a funny face.

“Don’t look at me like that.” I said I shifted uncomfortably and he quirked an eyebrow at me.

“Are you sure that’s who you really want to take Skylar?” He asked me in a serious tone and I realized he had been reading my thoughts. A slight blush crept into my cheeks.

“I can’t think of anyone better. They will absolutely love her.” I said, feeling sure of myself for once in the past few days. “Let’s not concentrate on that right now though. We need to get back to the mansion.” I pulled away from Lucian and picked up Skylar, brushing excess snow away from her and tucking her close to me so she could be as warm as possible. I looked up at Lucian and he nodded, opening his arms to embrace me. As soon as he took me, he was using his vampire speed to run back towards the cars.

“I don’t think I will ever get used to that.” I told him when he let go of me in front of a nice sized SUV. He smiled and quickly opened the door, then went to get blankets out of the back while I lay Skylar across the seat. She was still out cold, but I could tell her body temperature was staying moderately normal and I sent a silent prayer of thanks to god that she was alright.

As soon as Lucian threw a couple blankets over Skylar and tucked her in, we both jumped in the car and he drove like a professional racer back to the mansion. It was silent the whole way there, and I couldn’t stop myself from checking on Skylar every couple of minutes. Had I done something to deserve all of this? Was it really because I was with a vampire? No, I told myself. Quit thinking stupid thoughts, that was the best idea.

I was out of the car before it stopped moving, and I had Skylar in my arms pretty quickly. It was tough to carry her, now that the adrenaline had worn off and waves of exhaustion were plaguing me. I hadn’t considered the thought that I actually might be tired.

Suddenly Lucian was standing right beside me and he nearly scared the crap out of me. He smirked a little, his eyes showing his concern for me, and then he took the little girl from my arms to get her help. I shouldn’t want to sleep, I should want too stay with Skylar and see if she will be ok, but it’s so hard when you haven’t had a nice slumber in so long....

Everything went black.

Everything was so dark, and my head was pounding. Those were the first two things I noticed as my eyelids lazily fluttered open. I didn’t know where the hell I was, but I remembered what had happened before I’d fallen to the gravel driveway out of exhaustion. Did that mean I was in the mansion? Surely I must be, I mean, Lucian wouldn’t have left me alone for long when he knew I was so exhausted.

I sat up cautiously, knowing from past experiences that if you weren’t careful when you sat up you could experience shooting pains. I didn’t have any injuries as far as I knew, but you can never be too sure. When I was finally sitting up in the bed, I tried to clear the small amount of dizziness I felt so that I could concentrate. Somewhere in the darkness, there was water dripping out of a faucet. What the hell?

Feeling like a horror movie victim, I slid off the bed and tried to follow the noise, but I seemed to lose it in every direction I turned. Maybe it wasn’t coming from around me, but above or below me? I pondered that thought for a moment, but decided that finding a light switch was more important than finding something that was leaking. I walked as far as I possibly could in one direction with my hands out in front of me. Eventually I found the wall of wherever it is that I was and felt my way along to the right, hoping I would come across some at least a little useful.

Suddenly my hand slid across a door frame and as soon as it registered in my head, I was frantically searching for a doorknob. “Oh thank god!” I almost screamed when I grasped the knob. I turned it so fast and so hard I was surprised it didn’t break. I pulled first, and when it didn’t open I felt like an idiot because I realized it opened the other way. I then pushed the door open and nearly jumped out of my skin in surprise at what lay beyond that door. Definitely nothing I had ever imagined it would be.

This room, happened to be my bathroom, and in a tub filled with water steaming lavender and other calming scents, was my beautiful vampire with his silver hair spilling almost poetically around him. It took me a moment to realize that the room was lit only by two small candles, hence the reason I had seen no light under the door from the bedroom.

Lucian’s head snapped up and his intent gaze pinned me with ferocity for a moment. Then he realized who it was and the gold in his eyes heated to liquid amber. “I see you have finally woken up.” His silky voice floated to me in the doorway and I had to hold back the shivers that raced through me.

“Where is Skylar?” I asked, my voice still a little hoarse from my slumber. How long had I been asleep?

“Noelle, come to me. It has been too long since I have really been with you.” His voice was a hoarse whisper, but I could detect the slight command. That bath was very tempting...

“I know Lucian, but I’m worried about Skylar. Where is she? How long have I been asleep?” I asked. I walked closer to the tub, but I was careful to stay out of reach. Knowing him he would probably drag me into the tub if he had the chance.

“She’s fine. Ariella and Hunter are watching over her as she recovers. I told them to come and get me the second she wakes up. She’s very important to you isn’t she?” He asked sincerely, adoration filling his eyes.

“Yes. I wish I could keep her as my own, but I don’t think I’m ready for that.” I admitted and looked my vampire in the eyes. He was like a greek god sitting in that tub with candlelight flickering over his features. I watched his eyes roam over my figure hungrily and it stirred something within myself. I smiled at the familiar reaction. It was good to know that I was back where I belonged. I realized that I was wearing a thin silk nightgown and I smirked mischievously at Lucian. “Nice choice of pajamas.” I said in a seductive tone and I caught the small flinch his body made in reaction.

“I thought so. Come here.” He repeated himself and crooked his finger at me. I gracefully walked over to the edge of the tub and, agonizingly slowly, shimmied out of my nightgown as his eyes watched in utter fascination. I wanted more than anything to check on Skylar myself and make sure she was ok, but if she wasn’t awake yet then what could it hurt to have a little time with my beloved? After all, I trusted these vampires with my own life, so why not Skylar’s?

“Your gown was made of silk but it still does not compare to the soft creaminess of your skin.” Lucian muttered and I shivered. I dipped one foot in the water to check the temperature, then I slowly lowered myself in to sit in his lap. He started to say something but I put a finger to his lips and grabbed a wash rag to lather him up in beautiful smelling soap. “I think I’m sure about who I want to take Skylar.” I said quietly as Lucian watched me, and a small smirk spread across his face.

“I’m sure they will take pride in that duty.” He gave me a knowing look and I couldn’t stop the wicked smile spreading across my face.

“I agree. They are good people.” I laughed. I would always feel responsible for Skylar, no matter what happened, but she needed real parents, and I wasn’t ready for that role. I knew they would want to take her, but the biggest issue I faced now was telling them. I just couldn’t wait to see the look on Seilauna and Sebastian’s faces.