~Dawn of a New Era~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Novel Excerpt:

 

     Trust can simply be defined as putting your faith or belief in another, for protection or guidence. Well, what if it took seeing to believe in someone or something? Then there is no trust, no faith, no belief. Everything is based on what you see and it can even blind you from the truth. What if you had to trust in the intentions of another for your own life? Then what side would you choose? Waiting to see, or trusting to believe? What if you had to trust your heart to another person? Could you trust them? Can you even trust your own heart and believe the truth?

      

     "Regan.... Regan?.... wake up!" Regan groaned, pulling the covers over her head. "Thirty more minutes," she replied. "Nope, time to get up sleeping beauty," her father called. He started tickling her and she giggled pulling away. "Ok, ok, I'm up!" she told him. Her father laughed. "It's the comapny party is today, or did you forget?" "How could I forget," she mummbled, sarcastically. "Come on it's noon get out of bed, silly." Once Regan was sure her father was gone she pulled her covers aside, slowly opening her dark drown eyes. She yawned, strecthing her long legs, then laying in her bed for a minute. "Get up Regan!" her father called from downstairs. "I'm up!" she called back, laughing. Regan crawled out of bed then stood, walking across her room to her computer, checking her instant messages.

 

Away message from ReGaN1991: In bed... goodnight all! =]

(3 instant messages recieved from: ConnorVm)

ConnorVm: Hey dork wake up it's already 10am!

ConnorVm: WAKE UP!!! hahaha

ConnorVm:OK well i'll be around but i'm heading out later... ttus :-)

ConnorVm is away: be back in a jiffy ... in the shower

(1 instant messaged recieved from: JenHollywood19)

JenHollywood19: Hey girly! I can't wait for tonight! please try to actaully wear a designer gown this time! lol callz me laterz! :-)

 

     Regan laughed then went and changed before deciding to IM Connor back.

 

ReGaN1991: You there?

Away Message from ConnorVm: be back in a jiffy ... in the shower

ReGaN1991: lol goofball! xD

ConnorVm: Sorry i'm here that is an old away message from around 10:00 when you were sleeping :-D

ConnorVm: but look who decided to wake up! :-D

ReGaN1991: yea, yea haha

ConnorVm: lol

ReGaN1991: ok... so what's up?

ConnorVm: Not much really... I'm going to a party tonight

ReGaN1991: Really? me too but only because it's my dad's company party *rolls eyes*

ConnorVm: Oh big night, huh?

ReGaN1991: lol sort of... I hate these fancy parties...

ConnorVm: why? you're a celebrity.

ReGaN1991: EXACTLY! lol That's why I hate them. I try to stay out of the spotlight.

ConnorVm: haha good luck!

ReGaN1991: was that sacarcasim... coming from you?

ConnorVm: ha ha ha very funny :-p I can use sarcasim too ya know!?

ReGaN1991: lol

ConnorVm: yea.... so how's florida?

ReGaN1991: ummmmmm... you mean new york? :-p

ConnorVm: OH! hahaha I had forgoten completely!

ReGaN1991:lol

 

     "Regan come eat! We have to go visit the company and run a few errands before getting ready!" her father called. "Alright! I'm coming!" she called back.

 

ReGaN1991: hey i have to go :-( the father summons me! xD

ConnorVm: haha nice =P alright have fun for me :-)

ReGaN1991: haha i'll try ;-)

ConnorVm: You better :-)

ReGaN1991: ok, ok I will just for you :-D lol byes Connor :-)

ConnorVm: lol that's more I like it! xD haha bye Regan

ReGaN1991: :-p

ReGaN1991 is away: at a marvelous party! xD psht yea ok!

 

     Regan walked away from her computer and started down stairs, bringing her cell phone with her. She dialed Jennie's number. .... Hello? "Hey girl. It's Regan" Hey! ok so promise me you're gonna wear a really nice gown tonight! Remember last time? "Hey I was on the best dressed list!" she remarked. And I don't know why when you were wearing that department store gown, Jennie joked. "Yea, yea. So what's up?" I'm doing some last minute shopping  and getting the designer dress I had custom made! Anyways, I had something made for you too. "You didn't! Jennie!" Look consider it an early b-day present. "My birthday isn't for two months! and you know me, I'm too conservative to wear something all... cut low and pimped out!" Will you like chill for just one sec.! It's nice and classy and yes I do know you since we've only been friends since we were like in the 1st grade! Now come on it'll be fun...  "Ok fine. But it better be nice and thanks" No problem honey I'll get it to you when you go to the company headquarters! They both laughed, as Regan entered the kitchen. "Ok girl I'll talk to ya later then." Yes you will! haha byes! "Bye," Regan finshed and she hung up the phone.

 

     "Who was that?" her father asked, as he scrambled up some eggs. "Jennie," Regan replied. "Dad, she went and had a designer gown made for me!" "Really? About time!" "Dad!" "Well your eight-teen Regan... soon to be nine-teen. You wear those cute gowns but you're a young woman now and you should be wearing more sofisticated dresses that make you look a little older." Regan smiled. "Well Jennie took care of that for you," she said, laughing. Her father laughed. "Yes, remind me to thank her," he said, grinning.

Regan shook her head. "Oh, Lord!" "What?" Regan asked. "Will you look at the time! Hurry up and eat so we can get a move on." Regan and her father finished eating their eggs and bacon then got ready to leave.

 

     Regan walked out to her navy blue Mustang. "Why don't you ride with me?" her father asked, pointing to the limo. "Dad come on you already made me wait until I was 18 to even get my license. THen you wouldn't even let me buy a car for another six months after that. I need some freedom- and that includes letting me drive my own car." "Ok, ok. Becareful then, I'll see you at the company building." "Alright father. I have my phone if you need me." "Alright." he said and they departed from their New York home, heading into the city. Regan turned up the volume of her favorite song, rolling down her windows. It was called: Get Out Alive by Three Days Grace. She raced down the highway doing 95 in an 80 m.p.h. zone. Suddenly, red and blue lights flashed behind her. Oh great, she mumbeled to herself. She pulled over and the officer went up to window. "Do you know why I pulled you over miss?" he asked. "Yes, sir. I was speeding." "In any hurry?" "no, sir. Just going too fast." "Ok, miss. I need your license." Regan found her purse, then her wallet, pulling out her driver's license. He took it from her reading over it. "Regan Blane?!" he asked. "Yes, sir?" He stred at her. "The Regan Blane? You're father runs Blane enterprises?" "Yes, is there a problem?" she asked. "No miss.... I'm going to let you off with a warning but before I do ca I have your autograph?" "Wh- what... Why? I mean I was speeding. You can give me a ticket." "No, it's fine. Like I said just a warning." He handed her his pad and pen. "Ok," she replied. "What's your name?" He smiled. "Lucas."

 

To Lucas,

       Thanx for not giving me a speeding ticket today! haha you're my hero =]

                                                       ~Regan Blane

 

      Thank-you very much," he replied, smiling as she handed him back his pad and pen. "No, thank-you," she said. He left and she started up her car, taking off again

 

<3

 

   When she finally arrived at the corperate buliding she ran into Jennie. "Hey girl!' she said, hugging her. "Hey!" Regan replied back. "So are you excited?" Jennie asked. "Actually I'm nervous." She laughed. "Oh, cuz of the dress?" Regan nodded. "Come with me. It's gorgeous!" Jennie led her to the elevator then the tenth floor. She went up to a chair and turned it around. "Ta-Da!" Regan's mouth was gaping. There was a beautiful yellow floor-lenth dress. It had straps but the back dipped low. "Oh my gosh, Jennie! It's gorgeous! I love it!" Jennie grinned. "I knew you would." Regan hugged Jennie. "You dork!" she said, giggling. "Yea, you'll thank me later," Jennie said. "When you have all the boys chasing you." "Jennie I'm not ready to date again. Not after Trey." Jennie grinned. "You never know." They both laughed then after meeting up with their father's they left to Regan's house to get ready. "So, any boyfriends I should know about?" Jennie asked as she did Regan's hair. "No. Why do you ask?" "Because all I heard for like weeks was about this Connor kid." Regan smiled. "Yea, but I don't think it'd work between us." "Too bad he can't see you in this dress. It'd change both your minds," Jennie joked. "Well if he's on the pc I do have a webcam," Regan replied. Jennie giggled. "Ok hair is done now put on the dress while I try to get him on aim." "Jennie! I was kidding!" "Too late now!"

 

<3

 

As Connor sat at his computer messages started flashing everywhere.

 

JenHollywood19: hi?

JenHollywood19: anyone home!?

JenHollywood19: *Screams* hello!

JenHollywood19: hellooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!?????

 

"What in the world? Who is this?' he asked himself.

 

ConnorVm: yes? can I help you?

JenHollywood19: This is Regan's friend Jennie

ConnorVm: Oh yes! you're her best friend. Alright I know who you are. Is something wrong?

JenHollywood19: lol ummmmm do u have a webcam

ConnorVm: no i do not

JenHollywood19: can u recieve a webcam from someelse so u can like see me or someone else?

ConnorVm: yes. Why do you ask?

JenHollywood19: Regan is in a gorgeous dress and I keep trying to tell her how gorgeous she looks but she won't believe me if I get her on the cam can you tell her im right?

ConnorVm: ummmmmmmmm..... alright?

JenHollywood19 invites you to a video session

ConnorVm accepts: You do not have a camera

 

     Connor stared at the screen as Jennie's camera blurred then focused. Then there stood a tall young girl in a long yellow dress, her hair pulled back into a neat bun. Connor stared at her beauty, loving her eyes the most. "Wow," he said aloud to himself. He picked up his phone and dialed Regan's cell phone number. He watched as she scrambled to her desk and she picked it up. Hello, her voice came. "You look... amazing!" he told her. He saw her bite her lower lip. I don't know. I usually don't go for these dresses."Trust me... you look absolutely beautiful." He saw her bite her lip again and he chuckled. What? she asked. "Oh, nothing," he replied quickly. Suddenly he saw Jennie cross over and take the phone. Didn't I tell you? She look amazing. She was gonna wear some cute dress but it made her look like 15 so I went and had that dress made for her. Doesn't it fit amazingly? He laughed. "Yes Jennie. Props to you. She looks absolutely beautiful... you did a great job." Jennie laughed. Yes, I know. She handed Regan back her phone. I'm never going to hear the end of this, she said laughing. He laughed too. "Probably not." So what time do you leave for your party? "Not long, I'm still getting ready." Oh sorry! I didn't know Jennie would be interupting- "It's fine, it's fine. I promise you," He said. Well I have to get going. Still getting ready. "Alright. Maybe I'll cath you on the big screen at my party." She laughed. Maybe. "Alright talk to you later then." She waved in the cam. Ok byes! Then the cam turned off and she hung up.

 

<3

 

     He thought I looked beautiful! It was all Regan said on the limo ride to the company party. Her father, along with Jennie and her father rode in the limo as well. "What has you so quite tonight, Regan?" her father asked. "Oh sorry, nothing." she said, snapping back into focus. Jennie laughed. Both of their father's looked at them confused, then shrugged. The pulled up to the red carpet and a vallet opened their door. As they stepped out into the flash of cameras everyone started buzzing when they saw herstep ou tof the limo in a designer gown. She heard one reporter say, "The Blane and Wood families have just arived and all the talk is on the gorgeous dress that Regan Blane is wearing tonight." Another repoter said, "Regan Blane, who has always been the more conservative one of the family has just arived in a gorgeous yellow designer gown." Jennie leaned over and whispered. "Told ya. Everyone loves it!" Regan smiled. "I owe you one." Reporters kept calling her name but Regan didn't feel like being asked questions, pestered for answers, or put on the spot. So she only smiled and waved. After her father escorted her inside and gave his speeches along with Jennies's father the music started, and people were off dancing.

 

     Regan sat on the side, relaxing, sipping on some of the chamagne she was allowed to have. "well," Jennie started sitting next to her. "You have a secret admirer." "What?" Regan asked. "There's a really hot guy standing over at the bar. He' been staring at you like all night! He's gorgeous I mean perfect." Regan looked over her shoulder to the bar area, seeing a tall young man with dirty-blonde hair  and green eyes. As their eyes locked he pulled away. She did also, smiling to herself. "He's cute," Regan told Jennie who was grinning. "Cute!? Come on! He's gorgeous! You should go talk to him." Regan laughed. "Yea ok! What am I supposed to say? Hi, I saw you were satring at me." Jennie didn't answer then she said. "Uh... I gotta go." "Why?" Regan asked. "Because someone is coming to see you." Regan turned seeing the young man making his way over to her. She looked to Jennie, but she was walking away. "Jennie!" Regan called in a fierce whisper. Jennie laughed but didn't come to help her. The young man was suddenly next to her. She looked up into his startling green eyes. "Hello," he said. " "Hi," Regan replied nervously. "Would you- like to dance?" he asked. His voice tingled with a British accent like Connor's and Regan became suddenly curious about the young man. "Yes. That would be lovely," she replied, politely. He smiled, scooting her chair back so she could stand. He gently took her hand in his, escorting her to the dance floor. Regan noticed the black gloves he wore that matched his suit.

 

    Most of the rap songs were over and Regan was glad of that but a slow song started playing and Regan took a deep breath. The young man was a complete gentleman keeping his hands stationary at her hips while her's rested on his shoulders. "So um... What's your name," she asked. "Kevin," he replied. "I've never seen you at any of these parties before." He smiled. "No you woulsn't have. THis is the first one I've been invited to." She looked up into his startling green eyes once more. He smiled softly and she blushed turning away. "Your dress in absoluely beautiful, as are you." "Thank-you," she replied, her cheeks a vivid red. "Your suit is um... nice," she told him. "Thank-you," he said, smiling. Suddenly, a young man with red hair was standing next to her. "Trey!" she whispered to herself. Trey was her ex-bnoyfriend and he had been abusive towards her. They eneded their relationship, publicly after he beat her badly and putting her in the hospital. He stared at her, smiling. He was obviously drunk, by the stong smell of liqour on his breath. "Hey baby. Why don't you come dance with a real man?" He wrapped his arm around her waist, jerking her into his arms. "Hey! Trey, stop it!" she shouted as he started kissing down her neck and over her chest. She pulled away desperately, beating on his chest. "Stop it! Now!" she shouted. He slapped her hard and she hit the floor. Kevin rushed in protectively, pushing Trey back. Kevin eased her to her feet. "Are you alright?" he asked softly. She nodded, shakily. Trey, however, wasn't finished. "Hey you British stiff! You think you can just step in and get away with taking my girl. You're gonna get what's coming to you." "I'm waiting," Kevin replied, mockingly. Trey jumped at him, swinging his fist. Kevin grabbed it in mid-air, punching Trey in the jaw. Trey flew back, landing heavily on his side. He looked up dazed as Regan's father ran up to Kevin shouting, "What do you think you're doing? What's going on?" Kevin calmy replied," This young man just assulted your daughter." They looked to Regan who was still shaky, a red mark visible under her eye.

 

    "Regan are you okay?" her father asked, but she only looked to the ground, staring at nothing. "Regan?" Kevin called. "Huh?" she replied, looking up at him. "Are you okay?" he asked slowly. She nodded. By now the security guards had Trey. "Get him out of here!" her father ordered, angrily and Trey was lead away. Kevin's hand from her chin to below her eye. "You need to put ice on that ... it will hwlp with the swelling." She only nodded. Regan's father stepped in, hugging her close. "Are you sure you're okay Ragie?" "Yes. I'm sorry I just wanted a normal evening without all of this drama." She looked up for Kevin but he was gone. She looked around the room trying to spot him. "Kevin?" she called. "Where's he go?" "I don't know, Regan.... but you should stay away from him," her father said, calmly. "But why? I need to be thanking him, actually. If he hadn't stepped in..." she trailed off. "Still he left. It doesn't matter now though. Are you ready to go home?" "I'm ready if you are," she replied. He smiled. "yes, I am." They found Jennine and her father and they headed out of the building. As they did reporters were shouting from evey direction. "regan, what was the brwal about inside?!-" "Who's the new man?" "Regan! Is the british gentleman only a friend?" Is he the new man in your life?" "Mr. Blane are you filing charges against Trey Parker?" They climbed into the limo and Regan took a deep but shaky breath. She was silent on the ride home not answering Jennie or her father. When they dropped off Jennie she hugged her tightly and said, "I'm not letting go until you say bye." Regan laughed a little, then hugged her back. "Thanks Jennie, I mean it." "Yea, yea. Byes girly call me tomorrow." "Okay I will." After Jennie left her father sat next her in the limo. "Are you alright?" "Yea." "Are you lying to me?" he asked, grinning. "Uh-uh you wouldn't," she said, smiling."Would too!" He started tickling her hard and she laughed. She tried to manuver away but he pinned her down with one arm and kept tickling her. Tears came to her eyes. "Ok, ok you win!" she yelled. He laughed and stopped tickling her. She sat up and he wrapped an arm around her planting a little kiss on the top of her head. "I'm sorry about Trey, Regan I didn't know he was coming." She stiffened thinking back to wat he'd done to her.

 

Trey had come over to watch a movie and he had kept kissing her and kissing her. She told him to stop and he hit her. She had cried out and he grew angrier. He pinned her down, his hands gripping around her wrists and squeezing them until it hurt. She had struggled underneath him, yelling for him to stop but he wouldn't listen. He covered her mouth telling her to be quiet and she couldn't push him off. He pulled up her shirt and kissed over her chest. Then he had moved his hand kissing her hard and pinned down her wrists again. He had hit her, kissed her and done worse until she was bruised, bleeding, and closed to unconciousness. Her father had come home early from a corperate meeting and found him trying to undue her pants. Her father had Trey against a wall in a split second ready to clobber him before Mr. Wood pulled him off.

 

"Regan?" She looked up at her father. "Sorry, I was um just thinking- about that night." She shivered and he squeezed her slightly. "You'll never go through that agin. I promise," he said kissing her brow. She smiled up at him as the limo pulled into their driveway. After changing into comfortable pj's she turned on the news. The tabloids were blaming Regan for the incident at the party saying, It seems Miss. Blane's new affair with a young british gentleman triggered Trey Parker's rage and it escaladed to an all-out brawl. Trey's father doged questions and apologized over a million times for the incident. Trey said nothing as his father pushed him into their limo. "Can you believe this! First off I danced with the guy, we're not having an affair! Second, Trey was drunk and it was his fault!" "You and I, and a few others know that Regan, but the media will twist it to higher ratings. So, let em talk. You know you did nothing wrong. Besides I like that young gentleman you danced with. He seems to have his act together." Regan smiled to herself. "He was very respectful towards you and I should've thanked him for giving that dirty bastard a good puch for me!" "Dad!" "What?" he asked. "Language," she told him and he laughed. Later that night she went to her computer and instant messaged Connor.

 

ReGaN1991: hey u there?

ConnorVm: yesssssssssss lol ooooooooo I saw what happened at the party!

ReGaN1991: you did huh?

ConnorVm: yea it was all over the news. That dumb guy i want to give him a good punch!!!!! >=[

ReGaN1991: it's fine

ConnorVm: well are you alright?

ReGaN1991: mhmm

ConnorVm: you don't sond like it

ReGaN1991: lol I promise you i'm alright! :-p

ConnorVm: alright, i believe you

ReGaN1991: good

ConnorVm: :-p

ReGaN1991: lol well i'm gonna hit the hay

ConnorVm: you're gonna what?

ReGaN1991: hahahaha go to sleep silly!

ConnorVm: oh alright lol my bad... goodnight princess!!!

ReGaN1991: lol goodnight prince charming!!!

ConnorVm: :-p

ReGaN1991: lol bye connor

ConnorVm: :-) sleep tight

 

    The next week everything went smoothly. She and Jennie had gone to the movies only to have boys follow them around. Like the way a pack of wolves tracks its prey, Regan had told herself. Jennie had lately been bringing a boy around with her. His name was Edward. She had to admit he was cute with blue eyes and blonde hair. He had a slight british accent but nothing over the top or as strong as Connor's. At times she found Edawrd staring at her with a look of amusement and it bothered her but she said nothing. She talked with Connor with an increasing fasination, wondering if he really had been Kevin from the party. As weeks and soon two months went by they became better friends but Regan wondered where it was all going. She told herself that she did have a small crush on him, but they had never seen eachother or met so it felt somewhat awkward thinking of him as a secret cruch. Then the time for her father to leave for two moths came quickly. He was going to England to work on the company over there. "Because things had gotten out of control," he kept telling her. So the day came and then he left leaving her with their house to herself again. She had a few sleepovers with Jennie but she mostly kept to herself, except for talking with Connor.

 

     So why don't you just tell your father that you don't like him being gone all the time? She thought about Connor's question. "I don't know," she answered. "He's always made sure that I had everything I needed. That I grew up witht the best of things. I just feel like I would be a bother to him if I ever brought it up." But you're his daughter, I'm sure he would understand. "Maybe..." she replied trailing off. After that night of talking with Connor her father had called to check up on her and she decided to ask him. Wow, he replied. Honey I didn't know you felt that way. Why didn't you ever tell me you wanted me home more? "I don't know. I thought it'd be a bother asking you because you already have so much work to do as it is." He was silent then said. Well after this trip, if it doesn't get any longer, I will take a vacation for a few months and we'll go and travel and have all sorts of fun. "Promise?" I promise, Regan. - Oh! I have to get going sweetie, but I love you very much I will call later this week to check up on you again. "Ok dad. I love you too." Then they hung up. Two weeks later she talked with Connor again.

 

ReGaN1991: I can't believe u were right! he said he'd take more of work off!

ConnorVm: TOLD YA! haha

ReGaN1991: ok, ok u win!

ConnorVm: :-) :-p

ReGaN1991: what?

ConnorVm: nothing *grins*

ReGaN1991: yea, yea sure now tell me!

ConnorVm: oh nothing but I - um do need to talk with you about something.

ReGaN1991: uh huh -sure?

ConnorVm: lol no i'm being serious

ReGaN1991: I was only kidding goof

ConnorVm: ok but I do have to tell you someting...

ReGaN1991: ok?

ConnorVm: You have to promise you'll believe me

ReGaNf1991: ok i promise...

ConnorVm: *takes a deep breath*

ReGaN1991: lol stop ur scaring me .... u can tell me anything u know that!

ConnorVm: It's not simple... you're gonna think I'm crazy

ReGaN1991: Well i already thought that :-D haha jk

ConnorVm: lol well... u know how i told u I got into trouble alot?

ReGaN1991: yea...

ConnorVm: sometimes it wasn't because of who I was... but what I am..... and what i've done

ReGaN1991: I'm confused... but i know what ur trying to say... continue lol

ConnorVm: lol well ummmm i'm...

ConnorVm: a vampire

ConnorVm: um hello........

ConnorVm: regan?

 

 

     Regan couldn't help but laugh. Maybe Connor really was crazy. He thought he was a vampire which obviously didn't exist. She kept laughing but Connor sent a message saying he was going to call her. She raced to the phone as it rang. "Hello?" she said. You're laughing over there aren't you? Connor asked. She had always loved the way his voice tingled with a british accent. "No," she lied but he somehow knew. You can't lie to me Regan. I know what your thinking? She laughed to herself. haha yea cause your a vampire right? she said to herself. Right! he said into the phone. Regan froze. "How-" I already told you? he replied. Regan wanted to try something. Told me what? He sighed. What I was, his voice said in her mind. She dropped the phone. Regan?..... Regan! Shaking she slowly bent down and picked it up. "You are starting to scare me... I- I think I should go..." Regan trialed off. No wait!.... I'll proove it to you. "How you're all the way in New Jersey!" Do you trust me? "Uh... yea. I- I think I can." she replied. You can. I'll be at your house tomorrow night. "How all the airplanes are down from the storms and you can't drive-" Will you trust me when I say that I am what I am? As crazy as it may sound you have to believe me. I don't need to travel by plane or car or anything, ok? I can find you on my own, he said softly. "Ok," she said. Like I said, I can you without an address but you have to be waiting for me. I'll be wherever you are around one a.m. Will you wait for me? She was silent afraid to think because he could somehow read her mind. "Yea..." she finally said. Ok. I gotta go now. I'll see you tomorrow. Although he didn't ask it as a question she replied, "Yea. Goodnight Connor." Goodnight Regan.

 

<3

 

     The next night Regan snuck from her room to wait outside for Connor. She had walked back and forth for over an hour. Finally, looking up at her watch, she gave up. "It's 2:15 he's not coming," she whispered to herself. A cool wind blew through the night air and she shivered, wrapping her arms tightly around herself. "Why was I so dumb to believe him..." she trailed off and started to walk back up her driveway to her house. When she was halfway there she felt a rushing wind pass her. She braced herself against the cold wind, her hair flying around her face. Regan straitened, tucking her curls behind her ears, and turning around. "What was that?!" she asked herself aloud. "Turn around," a voice said, softly. She froze, then slowly turned around. Only an armslength away stood a young man with dirty-blonde hair and green eyes. Regan was breathing hard as he stared at her but she didn't say a word. She took a step back. "Don't be afraid. It's me... it's Connor..." He trailed off and she whispered, "How?" Didn't I tell you? he told her with his mind. She took another step back. "Please don't be afraid," he told her. "I'm not. I'm just startled," she said softly. "But-" she cut herself off taking a few steps forward. She brought her hand to his chest and pushed slightly. He laughed. "I'm real. You're not seeing things." "So-...wat now?" He shrugged. "Up to you..." When he trailed off she asked, "What do u mean?" "You know I exist... my kind exists." "You're kind? You mean there are more?" "Yes," he replied.

 

     Suddenly, Regan burst out in laughter and walked past him to her house. "This is a prank right? You got a flight somehow and now you are convincing me vampires -which don't exist- do exist just because you're here and you say so? I need proofand I mean really good proof," she said. He grabbed her wrist and she whirled around. He stare at her, looking deeply into her eyes. She tried to pull away but she couldn't. Tensing every muscle in her body she tried to break free of the invisible hold on her, but nothing. He pulled away, letting so of her wrist and she blinked hard, gasping for air, her body shaking. Her knees gave but he caught her. She held onto him. "What- what did you do to me.." He half-smiled. "You wanted proof and I can do much more than that..." "You could've warned me first." "No, because then you would have thought that you were making yourself do it because you were over-reacting or something..." he trailed off. Her vision blured and she felt light headed. It scared Regan that he had easily been able to turn her body's will into his own and if he was a vampire would he hurt her? "Are-... are you going to kill me?" "No!" he said immediately. "Well- well wat now? Why are you here?" she asked. "You should go to bed," he told her. "Wh-... why?" "You're about to pass out, Regan. You need rest." "But-... Connor, I'm sorry..." she breathed. Her legs finally gave and she blacked out.

 

<3

 

When Regan woke next, she had a pounding headache and her knees felt weak. What did connor do to me? And... how did I get to my room if I blacked out? she asked herself. She rolled over and saw a note on her pillow, next to her face.

 

Hey honey,

I had to run to a corperate meeting in New York. I won't be home until next saturday. There is money in the pantry for food and other items you may need. Be good and call me if you need anything.

                                                                                                                                  ~Dad

 

     Regan stiffled a moan then rolled out of bed. As she dressed herself she heard a tap on her window. She finished dressing, throwing on her shirt and finishing buttoning her jeans. She drew back the curtain to see Connor up on her balcony. He was in the shaded part, keeping away from the light, wearing a long coat and black sun glasses. "Are you going to let me in?" he asked. She opened the latch on the window, letting the double-doors open up. "What are you doing, I thought you'd have left last night?" she asked. "No, I didn't. I had to carry you up to your room," he said laughing. She turned her back to him going to her dresser to brush her hair, as he looked around her room studying it's contents. Connor glanced at her and saw her brushing her hair peacefully. She moved her hair aside and he saw the soft, glowing skin that flowed over her neck and shoulders. He had a strong and sudden desire to go up behind her, to kiss the soft skin of her neck and to run his hands over her shoulders. It was in his nature to lust after woman of her beauty but Connor found himself in a position where we knew he would do anything to protect her from anyone that meant her harm, even from himself. "So your family... do they care that you just up and left them?" she asked, breaking the silence. "I don't have family. I mean I have a half-brother and sister but my parents died long ago." "What happened?" she asked still brushing her hair. "They were killed a hundred years ago, by hunters of my kind. I was young then and I still am now. Apparenly to you're people I should be in a grave right now." "How old are you?" He sighed, as if he were greatly sadened. "Two-hundred and twenty years old in my world. In your's... let's just call it twenty. How old are you again?" he asked her. "Eighteen," she replied. She stood. "I um... was gonna go ride horses. Do you want to join me?" "Horses?" he asked. She smiled, nodding. "Nah I'll walk," he said. "Walk why? I- I mean- are you sure you can ride you know?" "Yes. However, I- uh- don't think the horses are very fond of me." "Well.... then I'll walk with you. I know a trail through the forest." "If you want to... I mean I'm perfrectly fine with walking if you wish to ride." "No, I can walk," she said smiling. He smiled back "Ok then." She pulled on a sweater and then her ankle high boots. She smiled. "Ready," she told him. Connor laughed. "Ok, then." They left her house and walked past the stables and strait to the woods.

 

     They walked in silence for a while. What should I say? she asked herself. "So," Connor started. She couldn't help but giggle. "What?"he asked, smiling. "I was just thinking about what to say...nothing came to mind," she replied. He laughed. "I know what you mean." She smiled. "So... I don't even know where to start-" she broke off, laughing. "Well tell me more about yourself," Connor said. "Like what?" she asked. "I don't know... Do you attend school?" "I graduated high school last year and I'm taking this year off. Then I plan on attending college next fall. And you?" He smiled. "I graduated college two-hundred years ago." "Oh," she said and she fell silent. "So your horses? Do you show them?" he asked. "No... I- I used to but I was in a riding accident and well I haven't had the courage to show again. I just ride for fun. I like it out here," she said, gesturing to the woods around them. "It's quiet and there are fallen down longs to jump over, new trails I always find. There is even a small river and waterfall with a pool at the botom. Sometimes after riding it's nice to go swiming." He smiled. "Seems fun." Regan smiled back. "It is. So why don't you like to ride yourself?" Connor took a deep breath. "About two-hundred and three years ago- at least I think that's how long it's been- anyways... I was in a riding accident and my horse drug me for over three miles. Then a young-woman happened to see me and she raced after my horse and was able to get the horses reins to pull him to a stop. I had a broken arm, and a cut forehead, notto mention I was banged up pretty bad. I was close to unconciousness as well but the young woman helped get me back to my family's estate. After that experience I never was able to get onto a horse again." "Never?" asked. "I can't. I try but I'm scared of them..." Connor trailed off laughing. "What?" she asked. "You'd never think that my weakness would be horses." Regan couldn't help but giggle.

 

     "So your parents are they still living?" Connor asked. She looked up at him, blinking. "Yes, my father is alive as you know. My mother died in a car accident when I was two years old." "Oh, I'm sorry." She half-smiled. "Don't be I never knew her- and I barely even know my father. We both live here- well usually just me. He's always away at a metting or out of the country on buisness..." she trailed off. "He's not around much then?" Connor asked. Regan shook her head. "He's here for maybe a week every other month then he's gone again." "It must be lonely in that big house by yourelf," he implied. "Well my friends come over alot and I do have a dog, but yes... it can get lonely all by myself."  "You have no callers?" he asked. She laughed. "Callers?" He smiled, saying, "I don't know what you call them now. Callers, were gentlemen who came would come to the lady's house to court her. If she accepted him they would be sort of bonded. Make since?" "You mean like a boyfriend?" she asked. "Boyfriend? No more than a boy who's a friend." She couldn't help but laugh. "What?" Connor asked. "I thought you understood... a boyfriend isn't a boy who's a friend. A girl dates him and he dates her. They're bonded because they're learning more about eachother." "So a girlfriend would be like if I were dating a young girl?" She giggled "Yes." "So do you have a-.... boyfriend." She blushed although not knowing why. "No." "Have you ever had one before?" She really wished he hadn't gotten into that subject. Sensing her tension, he said,"I'm sorry it's none of my buisness." "No. It's fine," she reassured. "Um... I had a boyfriend- well a few. The last one abused me really bad.... he put me in the hospital and I vowed never to try to date again." "That's a strong commitment coming from someone as beautiful as you." Regan blushed again. "Why?" she asked, and he smiled, looking into her eyes. "Regan, I"m sure the boys chase after you all the time." She looked away and said,"I've been hurt too many times. I'm not ready." "Of course," he said. and they made their way back in silence. "You know when you told me you were a vampire I thought you were crazy," she admitted, breaking the silence. He laughed loudly. "Yes, I thought u might." They feel silent gain. She looked up at him and suddenly he looked familiar to her. Connor turned his face meeting my eyes and she knew them instantly. As she stopped and so did he. Kevin? she said to herself "What is it?" he asked. "Were-" she broke off. "What's wrong?" "Were you at the party? My father's party a few weeks back.? I think- I danced with you."  "You did," he replied smiling and he kept walking. "So that party you had mentioned were going to was my father's party?" "Yes," he replied casually. "How did you even get in?" she questioned. "I have a friend who works for your father's company in New York. His date was sick at the last minute so he invited me." "You could've told me." "I think deep- down you knew all along who I was." She smirked. "There was a small voice telling me you and 'Kevin' were the same person."

 

  <3

 

     Connor smiled. "Your little voice was correct." "But why didn't you tell me?" "How frightened or wierd would you have felt if I just randomly showed up knowing who you are and not ever meeting before?" "I'd probably think that you were a stalker... I still sort of do," she replied, giggling. "I promise I won't hurt you but you need to be cautious." She stopped asking,"Cautious? why?" Connor turned facing her. "I can not explain at the moment but you'll learn more later." "So how can you proove to me that you are a... vampire." She still doesn't trust me, he said to himself. "You say it as if you don't believe me." "Because they don't exist." He smirked. "Have a little trust in me Regan. You'll learn more." "Just show me!" she said. He took off his gloves then turned slowly. He reached out gently taking her hand in his. His skin was ice cold and he could feel the warmth seeping from her hand and wrist, until it was numb. She stared into his eyes as he pulled his hand back, putting on his glove. "Why are you so cold? she asked, rubbing her hand trying to get the warmth back. "It's how I've always been. No sunlight and-" he broke off. "And what?" He sighed. "I have to feed on blood." She took a step back, immediately.

 

     Connor reached out taking her hands in his. "Don't be afraid. I don't feed off of human blood." "Then-then what do you feed from?" Connor thought for a momant trying to explain the concotion his father had made a few hundred years back. "It's a suplement my father created and he has had it mass produced. It contains animal blood and salt." "What else can you do?" she asked. He released her hands, becoming silent for a few moments. I can't show her if there's a possibility of her being hurt. Then he said, "Look... if I do the slightest thing wrong I can hurt you... and I don't want that to happen." He looked into her eyes, but she wasn't frightened. Her eyes, he said to himself and he suddered. "What's wrong?" she asked. "Nothing," he said, pulling away. He sighed There has to be some way I can show her. Suddenly a thought hit him. "How high an you jump?" She stared up at him and blinked. "Jump?" Connor nodded. "Not very high," she said, showing him. He smirked. "Well I can't be human if I can do this." Connor jumped strait up in the air and into a tree, thirty feet above her. She was staring strait up, eyes gaping up at him. He smiled, then jumped back down, landing with ease. She took a step back, still staring in amazement. "Ta-da!" he joked and she smiled. "Ok, I believe you now!" she said. He laughed. "I hope so." They stood there in silence for a minute. "So is it like in the the old movies and books? Like you can't go near crosses and you hate garlic and you can only be killed with like a stake or silver?" "Whoa, whoa! Slow down there trooper!" he replied laughing."Silver bullets can kill us if they hit us in the wrong spot. A stake in the heart would kill anyone, vamire or not however it doesn't have an effect on us. Our bodies can be just as fragile as your's even if we are faster and stronger. I actually like garlic and it doesn't hurt me. And crosses- he said, reaching out and taking her's in his hand, then kissing it gently. "They don't hurt us. Actually many of us are Catholic or Christian." She stared into his eyes. "Is it dangerous- I mean for me to know about you and your kind." He was hesitant about answering and he knew it'd be better for him to lie to her at the moment. "No," he replied but then added, "Well... not at the moment." "Not at the moment?" "I can't explain now." "How can I trust you if you are already keeping secrets from me?" she replied. He sighed. "You can't... but I promise you if you wait a little longer you will lear more." She stared at him and she saw the doubt in her eyes, but she nodded. "Alright," she said, softly.

 

     After they were at her house again she said," What now? I mean I can't go living normally." "No, you can't," he said. "So what now?" He was silent unsure of how to tell her he'd be sticking around more. "Look, I know alot about your past. Not your's personally but your family's history. You come from a long, ancient line of royalty and there's something in your blood that does miracles for my kind. There are... people who'd hurt you. I'm not going to let that happen. I'll be sticking around to make sure you'll be safe." "Wait who's coming after me?" He tried to calm her. "No one, no one. I'm only saying it might happen. I swore over a hundred years ago, I'd protect your family and I have failed... but I'll do anything to protect you." "Where will you stay?" she asked. "I have a hotel in town." She was silent then. "Why don't you stay here. We have plenty of rooms and my father's out of town half- the time to not even really care who's here or not." "Are you sure you want me here?" "How else can I learn to trust you?" she asked. He smiled, being silent. After a moment of thought he said, "Alright." She smiled. "Do you need to go into town to get anything. "Yes," he replied. "I'll go alone to get it and I'll be back later." "Do you need a car? - I mean so you can carry stuffback in it?" He smiled. "That would be helpful." She nodded then told him to wait as she went to her room. She brought back her keys and gave them to him. "Take my mustang... just bring it back in one piece," she joked. He laughed. "Thank-you .... I will." She smiled and he left to her apartment. She smiled and he left to his apartment. After he had all of his belongings he came back, he settled into her guest room.

 

<3

 

     After the first few weeks, Regan learned more about Conner. More about his personality, his family, and his life. They took long walks every evening since he usually slet half of the day. When they did he would explain and show her more of the powers he possesed as a vampire. As they learned more about each other their friendship and trust for one another grew as they lived in their own secret world. Soon he had been staying with her for almost two months. Her father had agreed to let him live there, since he would be staying in England for six months, as long as he behaved.

 

    So a few more weeks passed and it had been three months since Connor had moved in. Then one night she woke with a start, not knowing why. She looked up seeing Connor standing at the foot of her bed, his hands gripped around the bed railing, staring at her. She looked into his searching eyes for a long time, neither of them moving, as she breathed hard. How long has he been in here? Watching me? she asked herself, somewhat frightened. "Connor?" she called softly. He shivered, still staring at her but he didn't reply."Ar- are you okay?" she finally asked. He looked down. "Yea... I- I had a bad dream. I was... only checking on you... I'm sorry I startled you..." Then he turned and left, closing the door behind him. Regan sat there for a moment still transfixed in what had just taken place. Slowly, Regan layed back down, her racing thoughts carrying her to sleep.

 

<3

 

   Connor took a deep breath, going outside to clear his head. His dream had left him shaking. It was a vivid depiction of Regan dying in his arms. Blood streaked across her face and her body held numerous cuts and a bite mark was visible on her neck. When he had dreams like this they usually turned out to be true. No! I won't let it happen this time! he told himself. He shivered looking up into the surrounding woods. Suddenly, he saw movement, looking closer to see the passing shadow of a person. He jumped forward landing in the woods. Closing his eyes, he sniffed throught the air. Someone was deffnately there. Connor could smell the heavy scent of perfume drifting through the air. Opening his eyes he whirled around. He froze. "Angela?" he asked. The red haired, green eyed girl stepped from the shadows cast by the moon and they trees. "Hello Connor," she replied. "Is everything okay?" he asked. "I have a letter from Matty and your father. Johnathan is here, in the United States. I'm warning you cousin, just stay away from her. You can never heal if you keep losing her." She held out the letter and he took it from her. "Good-bye Connor and good luck," she said and she was off. Connor opened the envelope and read the letter, walking back to Regan's house.

 

Connor,

       This is Matty. I know why you chose to stay in the U.S. all of these years, but I'm afraid Johnathan is after the girl again. Father would not help before because he could not be invloved in protecting a human. However, we have come to realize Johnathan's sickening ways. We have wronged you. Connor, you and I both know that if the girl dies it will upset both our races. Johnathan had gone obessed- he's mad! He'll stop at nothing to get to her. Father, Victoria, and I vow to help you in anyway possible. She must be protected. Be on your guard little brother we will meet with you soon.

                                                                                                    ~ Matty

<3

 

    The next morning Connor seemed out of it. He remained silent and Regan tried making conversation with him but he replied dully and quickly ended any conversation. Sighing, she gave up going to her room. A few moments later he came in as she pulled on her riding boots. "Where are you going? he asked. "Riding," she said. "You shouldn't... it's not safe." "Why not?" He was silent. "Well if you can't tell me-" "I'm going with you,"he said, cutting her off. "But- I thought- you wouldn't ride." "I want to come," he insisted. "Oh-ok." He smiled and went and pulled on a pair of shoes. After they were ready, she lead him to the barn. "So, which horse do you want to ride?" He walked down the barn aisle, looking at th different horses. Four of the five flattened their ears at him. However, her horse, Windy, nickered at him. He smiled, patting her neck. "I think I'll ride this one. Is that alright?" "Yes, it's just-strange..." she trailed off. "Why?" he asked. She grabbed a saddle off of the rack. "The horse you chose is Windy, she's the one I always ride. Also unlike the other horses she likes you. I think She has good taste." He smiled, but said nothing. After she saddled both horses they were off. They had been riding in silence for a while when Connor asked," Where's that waterfall you had mentioned once?" "It's farther up the trail. Why?" He smirked. "Better keep up!" he shouted as he moved Windy into a gallop. She giggled, racing after him.

 

     As hard as Regan tried she couldn't keep up or see him as they raced down the winding path. Eventually she arrived at the waterfall. He had teathered Windy to a tree but he was no where to be seen. She tied her horse next to windy and went looking for him. "Connor?" she called. She walked around and finally spotted him. "There you ar-" "Shhh..." he whispered bringing his fingers to her lips. Look, he told her with his mind. He pointed and she looked to see a baby deer under the base of a tree curled up next to its mother. Regan looked up to meet Connors eyes and he smiled. She smiled back but soon pulled away, turning back to the horses. He flollowed her then went to the water. "Regan what's that!?" he asked startled. She rushed to his side. "What?" "Do you see that... in the water?" He pointed and she leaned forward. Suddenly, he cupped water in his hand, splashing her. As she jumped back startled, he laughed loudly. A grin spread across her face. "Oh yea!?" She splashed him back, then he smiled, splashing back. For all that Regan could remember this was the first time Connor had really laughed at all. They continued splashing, but then he grapped around her waist trying to pull her into the water. She laughed, grabbing around his neck, pulling him down with her. He wound up ontop of her but they only kept laughing as they lay in the water smiling at eachother. After a moment, they fell silent but Connor still smiled staring down at her. She felt her heart flutter inside her chest and she blushed forcing herself to look away. He rolled off of her, laying in the water next to her. He stared up at the sky his eyes shining. Regan smiled seeing that he was feeling happy for once in a long time. He turned metting her eyes and she smiled again. He reached forward pushing a lock of her hair away from her eyes, tucking it behind her ear. She blushed looking down. "Well," he started softly. "I don't think we can ride home all soaked to the bone. We better get out of this water so we can dry off." She nodded as he helped her onto her feet. They walked along the woods for another two hour just talking. Once they were dried they started back home.  On the way back Connor smile never faded once. she grinned reaching over and poking him. He looked ather and she said,"See you at home!' She took off into a gallop. He laughed taking off after her.

 

    Regan beat him to the barn and as they unsaddled she heard sirens. Looking to Connor confused, he offered to put the horses away. Regan ran around to the front of her house to see three police cars and Jennie's dad stepping out of a black car. She stopped for a minute trying to comprehend what was happening. Jennie's father looked up her and half smiled. She walked up to him. "What's going on?" she asked. "Regan..." He took a deep breath, collecting himself. He didn't continue. "Yes? is something wrong?" she asked. "Your father was in an accident.' "What!?" she asked, in shock. "Well what kind of accident. Is he ok?" she asked. Jenie's dad looked down at her, saddened and Regan's heart almost stopped. "Regan his plane crashed. The whole thing went up in flames." She felt dizzy. "Regan are you okay?" "Yea- um well how? Is he okay?" she asked. "Techinacal failure in the engines. We think the were tampered with." "But why would anyone- my father... is he okay?" He went pale as if he wuldn't answer the question and she saw the answer in his eyes. He straitened, then said softly, "Regan... your father is no longer wih us. He died in the crash." A cry escaped her lips, as tears were already rolling down her cheeks. Suddenl, she felt everything spin, her knees giving out and she fell back. "Regan!" Connor shouted.  He rushed forward out of no where, catching her. She blacked out, staring up into the softness of his green eyes.

 

<3

 

    "Get an ambulance!" Jennie's dad shouted. Connor felt for her vitality signs. She was fine, just in too much shock. Better to be safe than sorry, he told himself and he let the police call in anambulance. Although, Connor had been on his way around the house, he had heard everyhing Jennie's father had said. He was suprised that no one had seen him jump forward so fast. "Will she be okay?" Jennie's father asked. "I think she's in shock, but better to have her checked," Connor answered. He stood carrying her in his arms. "Jennie had menioned that a young man had moved in with Regan. You're Kevin right?" "Yes," Connor lied still keeping his idenity a secret as he had promised Regan. The ambulance arrived and he handed her over to the metics. As they drove her away Jennie's afther offered him a ride to the hospital. "Yes, thank-you," he replied. They rode in silence for a while before Jennie's father stuck out his hand. "My name is Robert. You can call me Rob or Mr. Wood, either one is fine." "Nice to meet you Mr. Wood," Connor replied shaking his hand. Mr. Wood sighed. "What exactly happened to Mr. Blane's plane, if you don't mind me asking?" "It's still under investiagation, but- it was deffinately tampered with." Connor asked, "So someone over in England purposely damaged the plane?" "Yes, I'm afraid so. It crashed right after take off. Oh god, poor Regan. She lost her mother as a child and now this. She's the rightful heir to the comany her father and I started. She'll have to deal with the media probing her and adding pressure and stress, and just so much more than this altogether..." he trailed off. "She's a strong woman. She'll be fine," Connor told him reasuringly. "God, I hope you're right Kevin." They arrived at the hospital and they were taken to her room by an ER attendant. "She just woke up about five minutes ago," the nurse told them. "She's a little shaky and she keeps asking for someone named Connor." "Connor?" Jennie's father asked. "Wonder who that is?" Connor just shook his head, shrugging nervously. They went into her room and she was staring down at her hands. Connor kneeled by her bedside. "Regan?" he called. He had never seen her like this before. It was as if she were shutting out everything and everyone. "Regan?" he called again, softly. She slowly looked up her eyes full of tears. "Oh God, Regan," he whispered to himself. He wrapped his arms around her and she held him close, crying. In that moment he was a afraid to ever let her go. "Con- Kevin ... I don't know what to do," she whispered. "Breathe... just breathe right now. evrything will get better. I promise." "How?" she asked. "It will reveal itself in time." he told her.

 

     She cried for another hour when the doctor came in. "You're free to go just take it easy. Would you like a wheelchair to roll you out in?" he asked. Connor looked to Regan. "Are you ready? Do you want the wheelchair?" She looked deeply into his eyes. "Please, take me home," she whispered. He half-smiled  "She won't need it sir. I'll carry her," Connor replied for her. He lifted her in his arms as she still cried with her arms around his neck. "I'm sorry Connor." "For what?" he asked softly. "That you have to carry me." He smiled, kissing her cheek. "Don't be." As they left reporters attacked from everywhere. Security came and held the group back. "Regan! How are you feeling about your father's loss!?" one yelled, sitcking his microphone in her face. "Back off!" Connor growled angrily and the man stepped aside, fearfully. Connor got her into Mr. Wood's car and he climbed in next to Connor. "Take us to the Blane's estate," he told the dirver and they car sped away from the hospital. Regan lay trembling and still in tears, as he held her. "Shhh..." he crooned to her as he stroked her hair, her cheek resting on his chest and she slowly fell asleep. They got her home and he carried her in. "I'll leave you two. I'll come back and check on her tomorrow," Mr. Wood said. Connor nodded. "Thank-you sir." He only smiled sadly. Connor carried Regan to her room and laid her in bed, tucking her in. Afterwards he sighed heavily and went to te living room turning on the news. -in this crash. It has been reported that the plane's right engine was tampered with and that was the cause of his deadly crash that took the lives of the pilot three flight attendants and Mr. Justin Blane. Back to you Rick...

 

     Connor watche as they replayed images of the crash which had been caught on camera and the aftermath. Suddenly, the images changed to when Connor had carried Regan out of the hospital. The young man specualted as Regan Blane's new man, carried her out of the Florida Regional hospital today as she lay crying in his arms. Sources say that after the news had been delivered to Regan about her father's tragic death she collapsed and was taken strait away to the hospital. Reporters everywhere tried to have her speak but it seems the young man identified as Kevin spoke for her. Connor watched as they showed footage of him yelling at a reporter. Then they wet back to the crash scene. He heard sniffling behind him and he turned seeing Regan. He turned off the tv. "Regan-" "Turn it back on," she cut in. "Regan, you don't need to see this." "I have a right to..... please Connor." He warily agreed and turned back news of her father's crash. She walked up and sat next to him.

 

<3

 

     Regan watched the footage over and over again but she couldn't cry anymore. He father's loss had hit her like a pile of bricks but as much as she felt she should be crying she couldn't shed another tear. She felt Connor's arm wrap around her and he held her close. "Who could've done this?" she whispered outloud. Connor only shook his head. He held her close as she kept watching the images replay. Then footage of him carrying her out of the hospital played. Back off! he had yelled with a spark of anger in his eyes. At that the reporter and he had backed away fearfully. "Thank-you," she whispered to him. "No problem, that guy was being an ars." She giggled a little and he smiled. "Sorry it's the first time I've ever heard you curse." They fell silent. "What will I do now? My father was all I had.... now I have no one." He sqeezed her slightly. "You have me and I will always be here for you." She rested her head on his shoulder, feelng herself drifting to sleep. She blinked hard a few times trying to keep herself awake, but it was no use. As she watched the replays of her father's crash again and again, she slowly fell into a deep sleep.

 

 

<3

 

      Regan! How are you feeling about your father's loss!? a reporter yelled, sitcking his microphone in the face of a young girl. She had deep, dark brown eyes, her hair brown with sun-made blonde streaks. Back off! Johnathan, a tall man with blonde hair and startling blue eyes, chuckled. "I found ya, Regan... both of ya," he whispered to himself, in his scottish accent. He turned his followers. "Ready the trucks." They nodded as he turned back to the tv, studying Regan's features, one last time.

 

<3

 

     Regan woke with a start, sweat pouring down her face, as she breathed hard. She was trembling. Suddenly, she broke down into tears. She had no idea as to why she was crying but some emotion gripped ahold of her and wasn't letting go. She was in her room again. Connor must have moved me, she told herself. After drying her tears she went to her bathroom grabbing a washcloth, and began cleaning her face in the sink. She flipped her hair back, looking into the mirror and jumped. In the reflection Connor stood behind her and she whirled around. He stood there staring at her, his green eyes soft. "Are you alright?" he asked. She nodded. "Yes. You startled me." "I'm sorry," he said, apologizing. "No, it- it's fine." After washing her face, she asked. "What time is it?" "Six a.m. you've been sleeping for two days." "What!?" she asked. He nodded. "Jennie's father came yesterday to check on you. He said that your father's- body has been brought to Florida and when you're ready... he wants to talk with you about arranging his funeral. Also um- Jennie came. She left you a few things. I put them on your dresser." Regan took a deep breath. "Thank-you, she replied. "You're welcome." Still shaky, she walked downstairs and poured herself a glass of water, with Connor trailing behind her. After she drank she went to the tv. Reports had flooded from everywhere about the accident and herself. They showed images of reporters knocking on her door but no one would answer. "They've been coming in flocks," Connor told her. "I finally went and closed your main gates and Jennie's dad placed security guards to watch the place." Regan only nodded.

 

     The tv showed more images of her father's crash and the aftermath. The news stations were calling her father's death: A tradgedy that has rocked the nation. "Why would anyone do this to him? He helped save lives and give hope to others. Why would anyone mess with his plane?" Connor was silent and she felt as if maybe he was protecting her from something. She turned off the tv. "Connor?" "Yes?" She collected her thoughts, before speaking. "Do you know something- I mean about this- about my father's crash?" He was silent then he went and sat next to her. "I'm not sure but I ave a theory. I believe- remmber those peope I told you about? Who may come after you?" "Yes," she replied. "I think they're behind it- but I'm not positive," he quickly added. "Why? I mean- look I need answers. You've told me only a little and now I need to know the rest." "Regan..." he trailed off. "I've been patient and I trust you with everything in me but I need to know why I'm so important to your race. What do these people want with me?" He sighed heavily. "I'm sorry I've only been trying to protect you..." he trailed off then straitened. "There's a dangerous- person if you will- he's been after your family for about two hundred years old. His name is Johnthan. He's one of my kind, who seeks to bring back our race from what it was hundreds of years ago. We've diminished slightly but we are not lost. Anywyas, he seeks to bring it back by manipulating human blood. Meaning he turns humans into vampires.... but they can not control themselves- he lethem go wild. To Johnathan they are the building blcks of a new generation. Many of the humans he tuns have died, becaue their bodies reject the process. So far, there are only a hand full who have survived but they are mocked by my kind because they are considered half-breeds. I was born like this and I had no say in the matter. Once I hit twenty years old I stayed like this. When you're a vampre your body chooses the point in which you stop growing and that is the way you stay for the res of eternity. When I had just turned twenty two hundred years ago I met a young woman. She's your eighth great grandmother. Her name was Katherine and she was as old as you are now. The story of when I was drug by my horse- the young woman was Katherine. She saved my life and afterwards she came to visit me at my parents estate. We - grew to trust eachother. Johnathan however wasn't happy and he ordered me to turn her or kill her. Well you see- I'm a prince of my race she was the princess, a duaghter to a noble and wise king. I wouldn't hurt her, she was once the love of my life. She bore a child however to the man who her father had chosen for her to marry. It was a girl. However, Johnathan grew more and more bitter. Then one night he killed her and I went mad from her loss. I brought a curse upon your family Regan. For ever since then he has hunted you're family and I have tried my best to protect them, but I have been alone. No one, not even my father would interefere until now."

 

     Regan shook her head. "I don't understand. why does- Johnathan- need me?" Connor looked to her eyes. "There's something in your family's blood... I- I can't explain it. He craves it, he needs it- he hunts it. Regan, he'll never stop! I brought this curse upon your family, but as long as there is a single breath in me I will do whatever it takes to protect you." "Well is he after me, now?" she asked. He flinched slightly. "I- I don't know?" "Truly?" she asked and he straitened. "Look, I find myself very- protective around you. I don't want to have to tell you anything unless I know it for a fact- I don't want you dwelling on something that may never happen." "But if there's a possibility, shouldn't I be ready?" He was silent. "I recieved word from my father-" "Wait, you told me he was dead," she interupted. "He's not- but he's not been in my life for over a hundred years. My family is coming to help me protect you. Johnathan has been tracked into the United States by my brother. Regan," he said taking her hands in his. "You are more important than you realize. Not just to me but my race and your's as well. Like I said Katherine was a pricess you're her eighth great-grandaughter- her heir. You're royalty and Johnathan will stop at nothing to find you. I know you have your father's funeral coming up but afterwards you to lay low about your where abouts and all." "I'll try," she told him. "And- you're a prince?" "Yes," he replied nodding. regan thought for a moment about everything going on around her. "Connor can you promise me something?" "Anything." "Promiseme I never have to loose you," she told him, looking up into his eyes. He smiled. "Regan, you'll never, ever,ever,ever have to loose me." She smiled and he released her hands.

 

    Suddenly, one of the horses squeeled. "What was that about?" she asked Connor. He only shrugged. "I'm going to go check on the horses." "You want me to go with you?" he asked. "No. I'll be fine." She slipped on a pair of shoes and waled out to the barn. The horses hadn't been fed in a while so she went ahead and gave them oats and hay. When she finished she heard a deep chuckle. She froze then whirled around. "Who's there?" "No one who would bring harm upon you. I need to speak with Connor." The voice tingled in a deeper british acent then Connor's. "Show yourself first," she ordered. A tall, muscular man with dark brown hair and brown eyes stepped from the shadows. The resemblence was obvious in his face. "You- you-re Connor's brother." He nodded. "Mat? Right?" "I prefer Matty but whatever you wish to call me is fine, princess." "Princess?" He smiled. "Don't take it in the wrong fashion I've always called you that." Connor suddenly appeared in the barn. He saw Matty and he smiled. "I wondered who you were talking with Regan." Matty smiled and the two embraced one another. "Regan I want you to meet-" "Matty, I know." she said stepping up next to Connor. Matty laughed. "Quite an assertive I'm guessing." She smiled. "I have a reason to be, don't I?" He laughed. "I guess so." "What are you here for?" Connor asked. "We heard about the accident. We're here to help protect Regan as we promised." "We?" Regan asked. "Yes, we. Mine and Connor's father and our sister." "Victoria and father are here?" Connor asked. "Yes. We're staying in town, waiting and watching patiently. This accident made national headlines. It's only a matter of time before he comes after her Connor."

 

    Suddenly, a phone in the house rang, but no one moved to get it. "Excuse me," Regan said and she left to her house. She answered the phone. "Hello?" Yes, is a Miss. Regan there? a voice asked. It tingled with a Scottish accent. "This is she. May I help you and ask who's calling?" Are ya at home alone, princess? She froze. "Excuse me?" No one answered. "Hello?" Still no one answered. The dial tone came and she knew that whoever it was had hung up. Pondering who could've possibly been the caller, she walked back out to the barn. "What is it?" Connor asked, obviously noticing her troubled face. She looked up at him and smiled. "Nothing..." she trailed off. He half-smiled then turned back to Matty. "It's a risk," he answered. "But shouldn't she be prepared- to be able to protect herself?" Matty let out a deep brath before answering as Regan stood there trying to understand what they were talking about. "I guess you're right... but you must explain that these are the secrets of our race... she can never tell anyone." "Tell anyone what?" Regan asked interupting. They both looked at her as if they had forgotten she were there in the first place. Connor sighed. "Remember when we first met and you wanted proof about who I was?" "Yes," she said. "Remember how I siezed your body?" She nodded. "You can learn to fight against it, but it will cost us secrets of our race... but- if you're protected against it then I believe it may get you out of sticky situation." "What kind of situation do you think I'll ever be in?" We don't know. That's why we're being cautious princess," Matty told her. "Why do you call me princess?" she asked. "Well first of all you're royalty. Second it is what I have always called the women in your family." She shivered thinking back to the phone call. "What's wrong?" Connor asked. "Some- someone called asking is i was at home alone. He called me princess." Matty and Connor glanced at eachother. "What did he sound like?" Connor ask. "Um- scotish I want to say. His voice wasn't too deep... Why?" "Johnathan," Matty breathed. "What!? Is- he coming after me?" Connor looked to Matty, who nodded. "I don't know. Why don't you spend the day with Matty, Regan. I'll stay here to make sure things go smoothly." She nodded. "I still have to call Jennie's dad about- the funeral. I guess I better do that.... it'll give me something to do." Regan went into the house and gathered the belongings she would need and then went to Connor. "Stay safe," she whispered.  She hesitated then stood on her tip toes, kissing his cheek. He smiled. "I'll be fine." He grabbed her arms, gently pulling her in close and kissing her brow. "If you need me just call." "Ok," she replied. Then she left with Matty in his black Lexus.

 

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     Regan had been gone for over eight hours and would be ariving shortly. Connor heard a knock at the door and answered it, expecting Regan but no one was there. He shrugged then turned and froze. Johnathan stood before him, smirking. "I see the human has made you drop your guard so easily, Connor. Did you forget that not everyone wishes to befriend you?" "Get out of this house, Johnathan," Connor said angrily. He chuckled pulling his gaze off of Connor and to a picture of Regan and her father. "He was easy," Johnathan mummbled, "But she's the prize." "Stay away from her. My father won't put up with you any longer and if you interfere you'll deal with the family- my family." Johnatahan looked up at him. "Tell me Connor, have you made her swoon over you with your charming ways... or have you given her a fair chance at knowing the real you? Does she even love you?" Connor took a step forward but stopped himself, staring with rage at Johnathan. Johnatahan chuckled putting the picture back on it's stand. "Time will tell all," he said. Suddenly, the door swung open and he saw Regan walk in with Matty. The smile across her face died when she saw Johnatahan. Matty crossed protectively in front of her. Johnathan smiled. "Hello Regan. Enjoying time with Connor and Matty here?" "What do you want?" she asked. Connor watched him carefully. "Your life."

 

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    Someone grabbed around Regan's waist pulling her back. "Connor!" she yelled. Connor and Matty whirled around and Johnatahan jumped through them before they could react. The two were knocked to their feet. She struggled, as she was drug back. Johnathan was swiftly in front of her and he grinned, picking her up over his shoulder and running, as she beat on his back with her fists, but i had no effect. He threw her into the backseat of a truck, as someone climed in on the driver's side and they took off. She desperately pulled on the handles and he chuckled. "Safety locks, only open from the outside." She beat on the windows, tying to kick through them with her feet. She sat up and rolled down the window. She got halfway through before Johnathan was in the backseat with her pulling her back in. She struggled but was held firmly to his chest her arms pinned at her sides. He whispered, "You don't wanna have to make me angry Regan. Just relax.... we'll take care of you." She shied away as his lips touched her ear, struggling again. He squeezed her to his body until she couldn't move. Regan trembled, not because she was scared but because of how quickly everything was happening. "There, there girl," he whispered. "What do you want with me?" "Your life." She struggled but he tightened his grip around her again. "Fiesty one aren't you." He laughed, hard. Growing angier she jumped forward in his arms slightly, biting his upper arm. He released her and she pulled away retreating to the opposite corner of the truck. Laughing, he grabbed around her legs, swiftly pulling her under him. He pressed his body down on her's and she tried with no sucess to push him off. "You wanna bite? ... I'll show you a bite..." he trailed off leanning down and going to her neck. He licked gently over her skin and she shuddered. He chuckled. "John he's coming," the driver said, calmly. Johnathan smiled at her. "Another time perhaps." He smiled once more climbing into the passanger seat. "Loose him," he told the driver.

 

     Regan slowly sat up, still trembling, as she curled up in the corner of the truck hugging her knees to her chest.

Johnathan looked back at her, grinning. "Don't worry... we'll take care of you." He turned back to the driver. "Where is he, Triston?" 'I don't know we lost him a while back." Suddenly, the back window was punched in and Triston hits the breaks. Regan ducked her head into her knees, shielding herself from flying glass. After a little confusion she looked up to see Connor. He offered her his hand and she took it quickly, starting to climb out. However, a grip went around her ankle and she was pulled back. She turned seeing Triston with a grip around her ankle and she kicked out hitting him in the face. He flew back and Connor pulled her out. Suddenly, they were hit from the side and they flipped over the side of the truck hitting the ground.

 

<3

 

     Connor got up , standing protectively in front of her as Johnathan stared him down. "Just move Connor... you won't win." "You're out numbered. Of course i will." As if on cue Matty, his sister Victoria, his father, Angela, and his friend Jack stepped from the shadows and onto the road. Knowing they had their eyes on Johnathan he turned helping Regan up gently. "Are you okay?" he asked. She was trembling but she nodded. Suddenly she yelped and her legs gave. He caught her. "Connor... her ankle," Jack yelled to him, still watching Johnathan. He looked down seeing it bruised and swollen. He lifted her up into his arms. Triston stepped out of the truck and froze when he saw Jack. "Hello little brother," he said calmly. Jack didn't reply. "I see the Collier's have treated you well?" "Better than you and father ever did." Johnathan laughed. "Your father was a visionary, Jack. Never let anyone tell you different-" "My father was a murderer! You and Triston are no different!" Jack interupted. After a moment of silence Connor's father walked up to Johnatahan, smiling sadly. "Is this what you've become John? So twisted with hate that you can not remember the past?" Johnathan smiled. "You forget our place in this world, old man. She-" he said pointing to Regan, "Is nothing but one of the human's who sought to destroy us." "Regan, nor her family, ever brought harm upon us. This is simply your revenge on innocent blood."Johnathan looked to Regan, licking his lips, mockingly. "And it's her blood I'll feast on." Regan shivered tucking her head into Connor's chest. He squeezed her to him slightly. "Stay away from her and my family," Connor's father warned. "Or you'll deal with all of us," Victoria put in. Triston glanced at her and their eyes held. Connor could feel the tention. Long ago Victoria had been in love with Triston but he betrayed them going with Johnatahan and he had a hand in Katherine's murder long ago. Jack had remained friends with him but he left his father and Triston and now lived with Connor and his family. Jack had remained friends with Connor and he left his father and Triston and now lived with Connor and his family. "Connor, get her home," his father told him. Connor nodded then looked down at Regan. She looked into his eyes. "Hold on," he told her softly. She hugged around his neck and he took off at a dead run.

 

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Jack watched Johnatahan closely as Connor took off at a startling speed with Regan in his arms. Triston still stared down Victoria but she refused to look away. Johnatahan looked into Mr. Collier's eyes then shook his head, smiling. "You don't know what you're getting into, old man." "I may be older but at least I know when I kicked your ars." With that Mr. Collier walked up to Triston. He looked into his eyes then Mr. Collier shook his head. "We'll come after her! You haven't gotten rid of us!" Johnathan shouted. Mr Collier then walked up to Jack he half-smiled then disappeared into the shadows. "Time to go," Matty whispered. Triston looked to Jack, staring into his eyes. Jack smirked and all of them back into the shadows except for Victoria.

 

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     As Victoria stood before Triston, he wondered why he had stayed alone, with no protection. She went up to him, slowly. "What do you want?" Triston asked her, softly. "I want to know something." "What's that?" "Two hundred years ago, before all of this... did you care about me... at all?" Triston was hesitant about answering. He had carred very much for Victoria and he still did, but he had chosen his side and there was no going back. "Well?" she asked. "Give it a rest Victoria," Johnatahn told her. She stared into Triston's eyes and he tried to find the right words to say but nothing came to mind. He sighed then shook his head and Victoria turned and took off after her family. Johnathan laughed and Triston looked up at him. "What?" he asked. Johnathan made a slight nod in the direction Victoria had left. "Go after her if that's what you want. I'm not forcing you to be here." "I chose my side long ago. It's too late..." Triston trialed off, going to the truck. Johnatahan climbed in next to him and patted his shoulder. "I'm sorry lad. If I could give her back to you I would and if I could redo this I never would've dragged you into it." Triston looked to Johnathan and he clasped arms. "We're in this till the end, together. I would've made the same choice every time you asked me." Johnatahan smiled and Triston started up the truck, Victoria and Jack on his mind once more.

 

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     Regan looked up as Connor ran. He never told me he could run like this! He shouldn't be able to go this fast! She tucked her head against his chest as he ran up her driveway and to her house. He stopped at her door, looking down at her. "Are you alright?" "Yes, but- my ankle-" she broke off shakily. Suddenly an older man was standing next to them and startled she jmped a little in his arms. His light blue eyes made him seem so old, older than he should've been, a few wrinkles ran over his forehead and under his eyes. His once brown hair was now straked with grey. He smiled but then said. "Your ankle need to be taken care of. Ready the car Jack, we're taking her to the hospital." She saw a young man with blue eyes and black hair, who had suddenly appear behind him, nod. "Wait!" she called before he took off. "Yes?" he asked. She looked to the older man. "I- um have a foot cast... if someone can reset the bone... the hospital won't be necissary." He nodded. "I was a doctor once, I can reset the bone. Connor slowly put her down on one foot and helped her into the house. soon all of Connor's family arrived and he did introductions. "Well you already know Matty or as everyone else calls him Jr.... This is My father Matthew Collier Sr., or just Mr. Collier," he said, nodding to the older man. She smiled and he did back. "Also, there's my sister Victoria... where's Victoria-" "I'm here," she said walking into the room. She had long, strait, dark brown hair and matching eyes. Her skin was fair but pale and she was fairly thin and tall. She smiled at Regan her lips a light pink. Regan smiled back and Connor lanced over to another young woman with currly stawberry blonde hair and green eyes. She was a little shorter than Victoria and about Regan's size. "This is my cousin Angela." "Nice to meet you," she replied to Connor's introduction. "You too," Regan replied. "Last but not least is Jack. He's been my best friend for... well literally forever." Jack laughed. He had black hair and blue eyes and was about the same hight and size as Connor. "Everyone whether you know her name or not this is Regan." "A fitting name," Mr. Collier said to himself but loud enough so that everyone heard. Regan wondered what he meant but she didn't stop to ask questions. Afterwards Connor helped her to a couch where her father said he'd reset the bone.

     They were alone for awhile waiting and Regan looked up at Connor who sat on the opposite couch. "Connor?" He looked up at her. "Yes?" he asked. "I'm sorry." He stared at her, searching her eyes. "For what?" "That I exposed your family, that Johnatahn is back because of me, that-" "Shh, shh, shh, slow down. It's not your fault," he said kneeling next to her. "Yes it is Connor. If I hadn't ever-" she broke off falling silent. "Had never what? Talked to me? Regan he still would've come after you." "Connor- I don't-... I don't want anything to happen to you because of me." He leaned in kissing her forehead and she closed her eyes, feeling a tear slide down her cheek. He wiped it away with his thumb. "Regan, look at me." She looked up into his green eyes. "Nothing will ever happen to me- or you- or anyone here. I promise." She hugged him close and he wrapped his arms around her. "Is she alright?" They both pulled away looking up at Mr. Collier. "Yes, I'm just still shaky," she replied. "Of course," he said. He came in front of her propped ankle, taking it gently in his hands. "This will hurt," he told her. Connor reached down taking her hand in his. "I'm here," he told her, looking into her eyes. She looked back to Mr. Collier and nodded. He turned back to her ankle and pulled apart her leg from her ankle. She bit back cries of pain, squeezing Connor's hand. He wrapped his other arm around her, holding her as Mr. Collier reset her ankle. When he had finaly reset the bone she let out a small cry and her body shuddered. Breathing hard she closed her eyes. The pain was still there but at least her ankle would heal. She hadn't known how long she'd sat ther until Connor called her name. Looking up at him she half-smiled. His eyes showed worry. "I'm fine," she reassured giving his hand a slight squeeze. He leaned in kissing her forehead. "Where's your footcast?" Mr. Collier asked. "Upstairs, in my closet." " I'll get it," Connor offered. He stood slowly then left going to her room.

 

<3

 

     Jack walked into Regan's living room after he had heard her cry out. She looked up at Connor and said, "I'm fine." Connor kissed her forehead and Jack smiled to himself. When Connor left to get her footcast he went with him. As Connor rummaged through her closet Jack looked around putting his hands into his jacket pockets. He noticed a picture on her nightstand of her and Connor in a photobooth making funny faces. He chuckled slightly, smiling. "What?" Connor asked. Jack held up the picture and Connor smiled. "Seems that you two have had fun together," he told him. Connor laughed. "We have." His smile faded. "What?" Jack asked. "Johnatahn..." he trailed off and Jack looked to the ground. "I'm sorry about Triston. I know how much pain he's caused and I should've been watching the signs from before. After Katherine was-" "Hey, it's not your fault... it's in the past. Now we have to focus on Regan. I know you can't control your brother just like I can't control you." Jack smiled. "Blood brothers?" Connor smiled. "Blood brothers." The two clasped arms and Connor left bringing Regan the footcast. Suddenly, a sharp pain exploded in his head, making his ears ring. He fell to his knees gasping for air. You disgrace me, son... your brothers are what they were born to be but you... you're nothing. Jack brought his hands to his ears. Leave me alone! Laughter echoed through his head. I may be dead, but you'll never be rid of me. Sumit yourself and embrace the true calling! Betray Connor and the Collier's! "No!" he shouted aloud and the voice stopped. He was trembling slighty, sweat beaded on his forehead. He stood and straitened then walked out into the hallway, making his way downstairs. He walked from the living room, as Mr. Collier fastened on Regan's cast, to the kitchen area. "You okay?" Matty asked. "Yea..." he trailed off. Angela walked up to him, twining her hand in his. "You look paler than normal... are you sure your okay Jack?" He smiled planting a light kiss on her lips. "I'm fine." Angela half-smiled. Connor entered the kitchen, alone. "How is she?" Matty asked. "We were close. She's still very shaky over the whole thing." "She will be for a while," Angela added.

 

<3

 

     Connor's father walked in and sighed heavily. "Regan's on the couch," he said, answering Connor's questioning look. "Will her ankle be alright?" he asked. "Yes, she was lucky he didn't break it any higher otherwise he would've shattered the bone and I wouldn't have been able to help at all." "What are we going to do about Johnathan?" Matty asked. "I don't know, Jr." His father sighed heavily. After a moment of silence, Regan limped into the kitchen. Connor went to her side, offering her a chair but she shook her head. "I'm fine." They were silent. "What now?" Jack asked. Before anyone could say anything, Regan spoke up. "Um- I'd like to say thank-you, to all of you. You saved my life and helped me. You're all welcome to stay here for as long as you like." Connor's father nodded. "Thank-you Regan but only Connor will be staying with you. You still mmust deal with your father's death and his funeral and the media already hounds you. We'll be around, watching and ready to protect you. I'm sure the girls will come visit and help you with your ankle, but it should heal strait-away." Regan nodded, "Okay, but if any of you ever need anything, you have but to ask and I will help anyway possible." Suddenly, a knock came to the front door. "I've got it," Matty said. He left to the door. A few moments laughter echoed from the door and Connor wondered who was there. Soon Matty came in with garret, Connor's cousin and Angela's twin brother, trailing behind him. "Sorry I'm late," he said. He was as Connor remembered him, a tall young man with blonde hair and blue eyes. "Regan this is Garret, my other cousin and Angela's twin brother." "Twins run in our family," Angela added. Garret didn't say anything to Regan, he didn't smile, or nod or anything. Instead he took Angela aside.

 

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 Angela looked to Matty who cast her a questioning look and shrugged, as Garret pulled her aside. "What is it?" she asked. Garret looked worn and tierd, his eyes showed doubt and worry. "Why is he still defending the human?" he said, speaking softly so the others couldn't hear. "Garret, she's vital to the survival of our race. I don't know why or how but Uncle Matthew has promised us that if she dies there will be an upset in power and our race will suffer." "Angela..." he trailed off sighing heavily. He looks so worn, she told herself. "Oh Garret.... what have you been up to?" He looked to her his eyes still worried, then he leaned in closer. "I've talked with Johnatahan- before I knew all of this..." She stared at him not understanding. He brougth his hand to his head, letting out a deep breath. "What did you do, Garret?" He looked up at her, saddened. "He found her because of me... because I didn't know there was a balanace. I didn't know if the human dies our race would plumit... because he threatened to end your life." Angela took a step back. "You betrayed us?" she asked, disbelieveingly. "Listen to me Angela, I didn't know... and Johnathan siad he'd kill you and Victoria and Jack and Matty and... everyone in our family!" "Let him try, he's not that powerful," she said, angrily. "Yes... he is." He was silent before continuing. "Angela, our race isn't what it was five-hundred years ago. After Father and Uncle Matthew made that stuff we drink, our race started to fade from what it truely was. Johnatahan never drank it he still fed off of the humans so he is stronger than all of us." "If we stick together we can beat Johnathan," she told him. "But it's only a matter of time before we become relaxed and we start to seperate and when we do, Johnathan we'll take us out one by one." He was silent before continuing again. "I betrayed the human girl to Johnatahn... I didn't know about her until now, when you just told me. I will do everything in my power to fix it but you can not tell Connor... he'll never forgive me." "He will. Just tell him what you told me." "No, Angela. You must not tell him." "Garret, you should tell him. If he finds out later because something horrible happens to Regan, he will never forgive you." "No! Not now anyways, I'll find the right time to tell him." Angela saw movement over his shoulder and looked over seeing Connor. Her heart almost stopped. Garret turned, facing him and Connor stared into his eyes angrily. "Connor-" Angela started but he cut her off. "What have you done?" he asked, calmly. "Garret sighed. "Connor, I'm sorry."

 

<3

 

     Some invisible force pushed Connor forward and he lept at Garret. He grabbed him up by the throat slamming him against a wall. "What have you done!?" Connor yelled. Garret was silent. Connor's grip tightened around his throat. "I asked you a question!" he barked. Garret replied, "I didn't even know myself... until now." They stared into eachother's eyes and for the first time in his life Garret seemed so much older than he was. Jack was at Connor's side. "Connor... let him go." Connor stared into his eyes, still over-flowing with anger. He released Garret, who stared at the ground. Connor turned and left going outside, to blow off some steam. After a while the door opened and close. He looked over his shoulder seeing Regan. He looked back down at his hands. She sat next to him. After a silence Connor couldn't stand, she asked, "Are you okay?" "Yea," he mummbled. She was silent and he wrapped his arm around her pulling her in close. "I'll never let anything happen to you," he whispered. She rested her head on his shoulder. "Nothing will ever happen. Johnatahan is gone." But he'll be back, Connor whispered to himself. Suddenly Regan's cell phone rang. She sat up, taking it out of her pocket, and answering it. "Hello?" After a momant of silence she frowned. "What!Whoa! Whoa slow down... Yes I know but calm down Jennie. You need to call 911 then your father... Do you want me to come? ... Ok, I'll be there as soon as I can." She hung up and looked up at him. Her eyes showed worry. "What is it?" he asked. "Someone broke into Jennie's appartment. She came home to find it trashed and blood was on the walls. I need to go help her." "You stay here with my family, I'll go." "No! She's my bestfriend and I need to help her." He knew by the stubborn tone in her voice there was no trying to perswade her into staying. "Alright, but Matty and Jack are coming with us." "What about Garret? He can come too." His jaw hardened. "That traitor can stay here." She looked away. "Oh- ok then." He helped her stand then once she explained the sitaution to his father and his family. They left to Jennie's with Matty and Jack.

 

<3

 

     What happened! Regan said to herself in disbelief. She walked into Jennie's appartment. Blood covered the walls, the furniture was overturned and the lights flickered on and off. "Jennie!" she called. She didn't answer. Jack and Matty searched the appartment. Suddenly, Regan heard someone groan. "Jennie!" she called. She ran to an overturned table finding her pinned underneath it. "Connor!" Regan called and he ran to her side. He ripped the table off of her and REgan took Jennie's head in her lap. "Jennie?" Regan called softly. She smiled slightly. "Regan?" "Yes hun, it's me. Who did this?" "I- I don't remember. I called you and when I hung up someone pushed me hard. My head hit the floor and I black- I blacked out." She was breathing heavily, her forehead was split open at the hair-line. "You're okay now Jennie," Regan told her, hugging her. "Did you call an ambulance, yet?" Matty asked. "No. I- I didn't get to." Regan looked down noticing a puddle of blood, wich ran like a river, from Jennie's kitchen to her feet. Connor looked at her and she watched him follow her eyes. She looked back up at him and he nodded and left, following the red river. "Who's the tall guy with the dark hair?" Jennie asked. "That's Matty, Connor's brother. Jennie laughed slightly then whispered. "He's really cute." Regan smiled. "Jennie you're gonna be alright. I promise." Jack came and kneeled next her looking at something. "What is it?" Regan asked him. "Jennie, right?" She nodded. "Tilt your neck up a little." She did and Regan saw what he was looking at. Two punture marks were in her neck. I wondered why she looked pale, Jack told her with his mind. Was it Johnatahan? I wouldn't put it past him... but no... these marks are closer together. It was my brother. Triston? she asked and he sighed. No, the other one. Regan didn't respond and Jack sighed heavily. He stood and froze looking out the window and ontop the rooftop of another apartment outside. "I'll be back," he told Matty, who nodded. He left and Matty said, "An ambulance is on the way." Jennie nodded. Connor called for Matty from the other side of the appartment. He heard them talk and then argue. Then they came out and Connor said, "Jennie, your maid is dead." Jennie look terrified. She shuddered and Regan knew she'd blacked -out again. "Jack said this was his brother," Regan told them. Matty nodded. "Jack left. He saw him across the street and he's going after him." "By himself?" Connor asked. Matty nodded. "I'm going, watch Regan and Jennie-" "No you stay... I'll help him." Matty left and Regan waited for the ambulance with Connor.

 

<3

 

     Jack ran as fast as he could trying to catch up to Edward, his btoher. Once Edward had seen him in Jennie's apartment he had taken off, now he was running hard. Edward slowed gradually and Jack caught up to him. He tackled Edward to the ground, pinning him down. Edward laughed. "Ah little brother I knew you'd catch me." JAck stayed there with Edward pinned underneath him. "Why are you here? You were in Spain the last time I checked." "Am I not free to go where I please?" "Why did you hurt the human girl!" Jack shouted. "Orders," he mummbled then he knocked Jack off of him. The two stood, staring each other down. Suddenly, Matty was next to him and Edward laughed. "Hey, Jr." he said mockingly. "Edward? What are you doing here?" He laughed. "Jeez! I fly all the way from Spain to America, and no can say they are happy to see me?" "Because no one is happy to see you here, beacuse where ever you go you leave a trial of death!" "Ah "No brother you and I- evn Matty here- knows that humans are food their death is nothing significant or worth caring for." "Theyre inncoent blood, Ed!" "No they're food," he replied. "So why Jennie!" Jack yelled. "You didn't think Triston and John were gonna let me miss out on the fun did you? I've been dating her for a month and no one even noticed." They were all silent. "How's Angie?" Eward asked, with a wicked smile. Jack looked up angrily. "Stay away from her!" he yelled, jumping forward. He tackled Edward to the ground and the two fought before Matty pulled him off. "Let me go Jr.!" he yelled but Matty held him. Suddenly, Triston was there too. He laughed at Edward and Jack. "Ed, you two fight like a bunch of girls." "Well tell that to Tinkerbelle over here. It's not my fault dad never taught him to fight." Jack stiffened. "Like dad ever cared about me- or any of you! You ditched me when I was 15 and didn't show until a hundred years later when dad and Triston were on the run and being convicted of murder!" "So you take the humans side?" Edward yelled. "I took any side but father's!" They fell silent. "Triston you know this is wrong," Jack told him. He didn't answer. They heard sirens and Jack thought of Connor. "Come on Jack. It's time to go," Matty said. They turned their backs leaving Triston and Edward staning in the flickering street light.

 

<3

 

     "Jennie hold on," Regan whispered to her. Once the ambulance arrived Connor carried her downstairs to the stretcher. He also reported to the authorities that there was a dead woman upstairs and someone had broken in. They asked him and Regan a few questions then left them follow the ambulance as Jennie was taken to the hospital. Matty and Jack met up with them there and so did Mr. Wood. He hugged Regan. "Thank God you could get to her. Is she alright?" he asked her. "I don't know?" Regan answered. "They won't let me in to see her right now." Mr. Wood sighed. "Oh, I hope she'll be okay." "She'll be fine," Connor answered. Mr. Wood shook hands with Connor. "It's nice to see you again Kevin." "Likewise, Mr. Wood," Connor replied. He made a questioning glance at Matty and Jack and Connor said, "Oh, Mr. Wood. This is my brother Matty and my friend Jack. They were visiting when Jennie called. Matty and Jack this is Mr. Wood, Jennie's father." They both shook Mr. Wood's hand and a doctor came up to them. "Mr. Wood?" Jennie's father stepped foreward. The doctor tried to keep his voice low but everyone heard. "Jennie slipped into a coma. It could last for a few minutes, days, weeks, months, maybe even a year or two. I don't know how long it will take for her to wake up, is what I'm telling you." Mr. Wood ran a hand through his hair and Regan could see the tears forming in his eyes and she could feel the sting in her own. Mr. Wood's tears fell freely down his cheek. "May I go see her? Can I see my daughter?" "Yes," he said, leading them all into Jennie's room. Her forehead had been cleaned from the blood and the gaping wound in her forehead had been stiched. Regan cried freely now. Everything is happening too quickly, she said to herself. Just over a few hours ago Johnatahan had tried to kidnap her and he even admitted he would murder her. Metting Connor's family, her ankle was reset because of the break caused by Johnathan and now this. Connor wrapped his arms around her pulling her in close. She rested her head on his chest as she cried, staring at Jennie's motionless frame. Mr. Wood had kneeled by her side and was now crying. Connor rubbed her back, trying to sush the sobs whelling up inside her. After a few hours they had to leave her and go back home, but Mr. Wood stayed, telling her he'd call her if anything changed. He also said, "Like it or not your father's funeral is in two days, like we arranged. So, get rest kiddo." She nodded and they left him, kneeling by Jennie's side. When they got back to her house there was a note adressed to Connor but he read it aloud:

 

Connor,

Send Jr. back to where we're staying he knows the way. I know you are satying with Regan but I'd like for Jack and Angela stay as well. Of course, only if Regan is confortable with them staying. We'll be watching you closely for now. Take care son and Matty will be checking up on everyone regularly.

                                                                      ~ Matthew Collier Sr. (or more importantly your father)

 

     Connor laughed at his father's signature then asked Regan if his father's idea was alright. Regan smiled, "Of course." Angela came from the living room. She smiled. "I really hope it's alright. I don't want to intrude." Regan shook her head. "Never. You all saved my life. If your father wanted to you could all stay here." Connor smiled. "Well... you better be off to bed Regan." "Can- can I talk to you first. um- privately." "We're already alone," he said, smiling. She turned and everyone was gone. She turned smiling. "I didn't even notice." He laughed. "So what is it you want to tell me?" he asked. Suddenly shy she looked up at him, staring into the green eyes she adored. She stood on her tiptoes kissing his lips softly. She pulled away before he could kiss back. He stared at her, searching her eyes. "I wanted you to-" she broke off trying to find the right words to say as he stared at her. "Good night," she whispered. She turned but suddenly his arm wrapped around her waist and he turned her into his arms, holding her close. He kissed her deeply and she felt her heart flutter. She had no time to react before he pulled away. "Good-night," he whispered back, his voice soft. She blushed then turned and went up the stairs to her room, leaving Connor in a some what dazed state in the kitchen.

 

<3

 

     Jack went into the kitchen finding Connor there, staring into nothing. "Hey... you alright?" A smile tugged at Connor's lips. "Yes," he whispered. Jack shook his head. "Mabey you should sit down. I've never seen you like this.... except for-" he broke off not daring to mention Katherine's name. Connor smiled sadly. "Don't worry about her name... it's in the past and I can't fix what happened. I'm going to focus on Regan now because-" he broke off looking into Jack's eyes. "I think I'm in love again," he finished. jack smiled. "Good.. because I think she's in love with you too. I saw the way she stares at you. Her eyes seem so intense but soft all at once... I know she loves you Connor, she's just shy about admitting it." Connor smiled but it faded slowly. He sighed and went out on the out- door balcony connected to the living room. He looked out over the pool and the estate, and into the woods. He searched the thousands of thoughts flying through the air before finding Johnatahan's. He linked their minds. I know your out there, but if you harm Regan I swear it... it'll be the death of you Johnathan, Connor said to himself. After a moment a reply came. You think it'll be so easy to protect her... but I'm everywhere. Maybe not now or maybe not this year, but when you least expect it, I'll be back and her blood and her life will be mine. Connor shivered but didn't reply, breaking off the link between their minds. Jack had heard it all and he layed a hand on his shoulder then turned around so his back rested on the concrete rail of the balcony. Connor let out a deep breath. "How's Angela?" Connor asked. "She's fine. Your father has agreed in letting us marry. I- uh- was going to tell you but- with all of this going on I thought it inapproriate to bring it up." Connor smiled and clasped his arm. "Congradulations Jack," he told him. Jack smiled. "Thanks." They sat out there talking for hours but the time seemed to pass quickly and it was dawn.

 

<3

 

     Regan yawned stretching in her bed but yelped a little as a sharp pain shot up her ankle. She hadn't slept well because of the cast and she had been worried aboout Jennie. She pulled her covers back over her and decided to sleep in. As she layed there dozing but unable to fall asleep, she thought about her father. About all the times she had been able to spend with him no matter how busy he had been. She felt as if she'd let her father down in someway but couldn't comprehend the emotion herself. A few tears slid from her eyes. She hadn't been able to see her father before his death. It had been almost 5 months since she'd last seen him and he had only gotten to talk with him a week before the accident. Remorse peirced her like a knife thrust and she cried silently to herself. After almost two hours a knock came at her door. "Regan?" It was Connor. She wiped her tears away, trying to dry her face. "Come in," she told him. As their eyes locked he immediately knew she'd been crying. He rushed to her side. "What is it? What's wrong?" "Nothing, nothing. I'm fine, really. I was only thinking about my father." He smiled sadly, then sat on the edge of her bed. She slowly sat up next to him. "Do you miss him?" Connor asked. "Yes, of course," Regan answered in a whisper. He wrapped an arm around her as the tears whelled up again. She bit them back, taking a deep breath. "I'm just- everything is happening too quickly. First, my father then-" she broke off shivering before continuing. "Then Johnatahan and now Jennie? What if she never wakes up?" "She will," Connor said softly. After a moment of silence Conor laughed softly. "What?" she asked, looking up at him. He smiled, staring foreward. "I was thinking about that kiss last night." She smiled, blushing and she looked down at her hands. "Oh really?" she asked, softly. "Yes." he answered.

 

     Regan looked up at him and he looked down, into her eyes. She forced herself to keep looking into his eyes, instaed of turning away. Slowly, as if unsure of himself, he leaned in. He kissed her lips gently and her heart melted. She kissed back and niether of them pulled away, as he kissed her more deeply. After a few moments he slowly pulled away, breathing hard. She stared into his eyes. He smiled and she blushed but still held his gaze. He leaned in again and kissed her lovingly. She kissed back with everything she had, wanting him to know how she really felt about him. Connor gently pushed her back and he layed on his side next her, still kissing her passionately. Her heart was pounding so loudly that she was sure the whole world would heard it. His hand rested under her chin, keeping her face close to his, as her's rested on his neck gently. Connor pulled away again and he asked, "Am I going to fast, I don't want you feeling overwhelmed?" She smiled leaning up and giving him a peck on the cheek. "No you're fine." He smiled leaning into her, kissing her deeply. After a moment he asked, "What did you plan on doing today?" She smiled. "Staying home maybe ordering a pizza and a liter of soda. I figured we could all watch a movie early because my father's funeral is tomorrow." He smiled sadly again. "Well why don't I leave you to change, and then we can watch your movie and order pizza." She leaned up kissing his lips. "Ok." he smiled then left her to change out of her pj's.  She change into a pair of cut off jeans which went to above her knees and a tank-top with a sweater. She met Connor and the others downstairs. Jack was making pankakes as Angela fried some potatoes for hashbrowns. When they were finished Angea went to wash her hands and Jack went up behind her bringing his arms around her.  She watched Angela lean back and give Jack a quick kiss. Regan smiled to herself. They put food in fron of her but she insisted she wasn't hungry. "You need to eat... you haven't for a days now," Connor told her. Regan nodded reluctenly. "Alright," she said. 

 

     She ate pancakes and hash browns at the round kitchen table as Connor, Angela, and Jack sat with her. "Are any of you hungry?" she asked. "We do not eat the human food, as you do," Angela replied. "Oh, right..." she trailed off feeling dumb for asking that question. After they were finished she went and fed her horses with Connor and he fed Windy an apple. They went for a short walk because of her ankle. When they got back it was almost 70 degrees out and Regan was had a not so brilliant idea. "I'm gonna go swimming," she announced. Connor looked down at her. "You shouldn't. It's probbaly freezing cold in the water and your ankle-" "I'll be fine," she said. They got to the pool area and Connor kept trying to persuade her not to but she only smiled. She pulled off her foot cast off her ankle then her sweater. She hopped on one foot to the water and jumped in. The water was freezing cold but she wasn't about to admit it. She came back up for air and Connor stared at her. "Are you crazed?" he asked. She smiled trying not to let her bottom lip tremble. "Well aren't you coming in?" she asked. He shook his head. "No way it's too cold." She smiled, sticking out her tongue. "Suit yourself." He smiled and she truned swimming to the pool's underwater ledge but suddenly there was a splash behind her. She turned and Connor was gone. She looked around in the water but she didn't see him. "Connor?" she called, still nothing. Suddenly, he surfaced in front of her. Startled, she gasped loudly. He laughed , finding it funny. She smireked then splashed him. Connor's jaw dropped. "You didn't just splash me, did you?" She stuck her tongue out again. "Oh you're in for it." He lunged forward in the water and she let out a playfully squeal and started swiming away. It was hard with her hurt ankle, since she couldn't kick it under the water. He grabbed around her waist and twirled her around. She held onto him laughing. "Splash me will you?" he teased, while tickling her. She laughed harder and harder until tears were in his eyes. He laughed with her and she was able to pull away and she splashed him again. This time he splashed back. She dove under, swimming to the ledge again. However, he caught her around her waist again. He brought her to the ledge and they both sat there catching their breath still smiling and laughing slightly. He leaned back, closing his eyes and. She looked over at him. Regan noticed he had taken his shirt off, before diving in. It was the first time she had ever seen him shirtless. She stared at his rock hard abs, in some sort of trance but suddenly looked away and blushed. Wiggling her toes under the water, she suddenly remembered how cold it was. A shiver ran down her spine and her lips trembled.

 

<3

 

     Connor heard the chattering of teeth and opened his eyes, looking at Regan. She was shivering her arms wrapped around her. He chuckled slightly. "Told ya so," he whispered as he wrapped his arms around her. She turned into him, resting her head on his chest, still shivering. He rubbed her arms and down her back, trying to warm her again. She looked up at him and smiled. "Ok you win," she whispered. He laughed, leaning down to kiss her forehead. She gave him a peck on his cheeck and he kissed her nose. Regan giggled kissing his chin and he smiled then kissed her lips. She kissed back and his heart seemed to skip a beat. She pulled away shortly, still trembling. "Ok time to get you into warmer clothes before you catch your death in this cold water." She smiled as he helped her out. She grabbed her footcast as he grabbed his shirt, then he picked her up into his arms, suddenly. She laughed as he carried her inside and up to her bathroom. He set her down gently then got her clothes for her. She leaned up kissing his cheek. "Thank-you Connor," she told him softly. He kissed her forehead. "Your welcome angel." He saw her blush, then he left her to shower. He showered in the extra bathroom and then changed into dry clothes. 

 

     Connor went downstairs afterwards and he ran into Jack who grinned. "What?" Connor asked him. "You know..." he trailed off. Connor smiled. Connor smiled amd Jack laughed. "Yea, yea Romeo..." Jack teased. Connor laughed. "You should know," he replied, hinting about Angela. Jack smiled, nodding. "Yep," he answered with a big grin. Regan came down the stairs, her hair wet and trailing down her back... she had changed into a pair of jeans and a green turtleneck. Soon Angela cam too. "I'm gonna oreder pizza. What do you guys want?" Regan asked. He saw Jack smile. "I've actually tried every human food before except pizza and a few others. I want to try pepperoni pizza." Regan giggled. "You've never had pizza?" she asked, trying to hide her smile. Connor laughed at Jack who blushed. "Never," he answered, then he gave Connor a light punch in his shoulder. "Shut up. I lived in England not America I don't live off of it like you." Regan looked to Connor questioningly and he shrugged, then said," I like vegi pizza." They all laughed and then she ordered a large pepperoni and a large vegi pizza, as well as a liter of Dr. Pepper, from Pizza Hut. She went byt the tv trying to find a movie to watch so Connor went to help her. "I've never seen Batman," Connor admitted when she held up the movie. "What's it about?" She grinned. "You'll have to watch and see," she whispered. "Oh really?" he said smiling. She nodded and he jumped grabbing her and pinning her down. He tickled her. "Or, I can make you tell me!" He kept tickling her as she squirmed underneath his hand, laughing hard. Her face was turning red as she laughed. He pulled away letting her breathe and she sat up again. Regan was still laughing and smiling and it made Connor's heart flutter a little. He smiled softly at her. Suddenly, she lunged and tpinned him down tickling him. He didn't laugh like her becuase he wasn't ticklish. He only raised an eyeborw at her as she tried to make him laugh. Grining he flipped them over and he started tickling her again. She laughed hard trying to wiggle free. Then the doorbell rang. "Connor I-" she kept laughing as he tickled her. "Stop!.... you dork... Connor!" He laughed at her. "Dork am I?" he tickled her harder.

 

<3

 

     Jack payed for the pizza and got plates ready in the kitchen. Regan had been laughing for a while now and he wondered what was happening. He went into the living room finding Regan pinned down by Connor as he tickled her. She kept laughing and squirming underneath him. Jack crossed his arms over his chest, leaning against the doorframe. "You better give it a rest Connor before her head explodes." Regan's face was a vivid red from laughing. Connor laughed at Jack's remark. "Oh alright," Connor said, grinning and he stoped. Regan layed there trying to catch her breath, smiling. Connor leaned down giving her a light kiss on her forehead. Jack smiled at them and suddenly Angela's arms wrapped around his waist and around to his chest. He held her hands in his bringing once to his lips and kissing it gently. Do you think there is any hope for them to be together? she asked. Jack smiled staring at them, lying on the floor. Yes, Connor will take care of her, he answered. Connor helped Regan up, who had caught her breath. "I paid for the pizza, it's in the kitchen," he told them. "Oh! I'll pay you back," Regan insisted. "No it's fine," he replied. "You're sure?" she asked and he nodded.

Then they all ate pizza. When they were done Jack rubbed his stomache. "Oh goodness! That was delicious." They all laughed at him. Afterwards they all sat on the couch with Angela snuggled up next to him, his arm wrapped around her. Regan and Connor were on the opposite couch. He had his arms wrapped around her as she rested her head on his chest.

 

<3

 

     They watched Batman, "The good one with Chrisitan Bale", as Regan called it. Durring the middle of the movie Regan's phone rang. She excused herself and answered it. "Hello?" Hello, Regan? She recognized the voice and froze.Don't hang up! I need to talk to you. "I don't want to talk to you Trey," she answered. Wait please!he begged. I'm outside your house. I wanna talk to you. "You're outside my house?!" Yea, can I come in? "I have company." I don't see any cars... "I have company," she said slowly. Well come outside and talk to me. "Why should I?" Because it's about Jennie. Regan was silent for a while. "Fine, but it better be quick," she answered. She hung up and went outside. Sure enough, on her front door steps, sat Trey. He looked back at her and smiled. He got up and hugged her then kissed her lips. She pulled away. "Trey, we're not together anymore." "I know," he answered. "I've just been so worried about you." "I'm fine," she replied dully. "So what do you want Trey." "I just talked to Jennie's dad and he told me about her condition. He said you were staying alone and he wanted me to check on you." Why would he say that? He knows I'm with Connor , she asked herself. "Well are you okay?" he asked. "Yea, and I'm not alone. I have a few friends staying with me." He laughed a little. "Oh yea? Lemme guess the British stiff?" "Trey, stop." "What do you see in that guy? I mean come on. He randomly shows up and now you two are head over heels in love? I don't believe it." Connor's voice suddenly rang in her head. Regan, where are you? he asked. Trey came... she answered. We're talking. She sensed his worry. You want me to come out there? No everything is fine at the moment. Ok , he answered. "So tell me Regan why are you with him?" Trey asked. She stared strait into Trey's yes. "Because he treated me with more kindness and decencey as a friend, than you ever did in our relationship!" she replied angrily. She turned and headed back to her house. "Don't turn your back on me!" he yelled. She faced him again. "Get out of here Trey, before I call the cops!" "Why don't you just have your lover step outside?!" She turned back to her house. "Unless- you are alone," he said. She turned and saw him staring her down. "Well are you?" he asked. "No!" she answered. "Oh, you're a horrible liar, babe." Suddenly he ran up to her before she could get away. He held her around her waist as she struggled. "Trey stop!" Connor!

 

     A moment later Connor and Jack had stepped outside. They pulled Trey off and threw him foreward to the ground. Angela rushed to Regan holding her as she trembled slightly. "Oh dear you're alright. The boys will take care of this." "How many times will I kick your ars before you learn your lesson! You can't force yourself upon her!" Connor shouted angrily. Trey got up, he pulled out a gun. They all froze. "Trey put it away!" Regan called. "You know I came here to kill you Regan. If I can't have you why should anyone else." A shudder ran down Regan's spine. "Angela, take Regan inside," Jack said softly. "No! none of you move!" Trey shouted. They were all still. Trey walked up to Connor smirking. He fiered, suddenly, and Connor fell to the ground, unmoving. "Connor!" Regan shouted. She jumped foreward but Angela held her. "No Regan! Stay here he's fine," Angela whispered. Regan was crying as Trey moved to Jack. Just before Trey was about to fire his feet were cut out from underneath him. Trey fell flat on his back and Connor was standing over him. They pulled the gun away and Regan used her cell phone to call the cops. They came and aressted Trey on 4 attempts of murder. Regan was still shaking and she fell to her knees crying. Connor lifted her up and brought her to her room. "He shot you," she whispered as they both sat on her bed. "I know," he said back. "You should be dead..." she trailed off. "I know," he said. Connor pulled off his shirt that had a large blood stain. She saw his bullet wound and grimaced. "I'll be fine," he said with a painfull breath. She went next to him and pressed around the wound as he watched her. "Hold on," she told him. She went ot her dresser and grabbed a pair of tweasers. "May I?" she asked. He nodded then faced foreward and she put the tweasers in his wound and attempted to pull the bullet out. He took a deep breath. She grabbed it and slowly pulled it out. Connor had pain in his eyes, something she had never seen before, and sweat beaded on her forehaed. Once it was out, he exhaled loudly. Then she went and got an old shirt and ripped it into stripps. She bound his side as he watched her. When she was finished she looked up at him and he smiled. "Are you going to be okay?" he asked her. She nodded, still shaky. "Can't I just have one normal day?" she asked. She sighed then fell back onto her bed. He layed on his side next to her, propped up on his elbow. He traced his fingers along her chin and her cheek affectionately. He leaned in and they kissed. Regan kissed back passionately running her hands through his soft hair. His arm came around her and he held her to his chest. She kept kissing him as his hand ran down her leg his other arm still holding her to his chest. She pulled away, slowly. "Connor?" "Yes?" She searched his eyes. "Will you stay with me tonight? I'm afraid of being alone." He smiled kissing her brow. "You're never alone... I'm here." He pulled the covers over them and she rolled over onto her side. He wrapped his arm around her kissing her neck genly. Then he moved his feet between hers and rubbed them against hers, trying to get the warmth back. His arm came up and took her hand in his and he held her close. She could feel his chest on her back, the only thing between them was the fabric of her turtlneck. She slowly fell asleep with his warm body next to hers.

 

<3

 

     Connor ran down a strip of road faster and faster trying to get to Regan. Her body lay lifeless in the road. He reached her and saw her face cut with numerous gashes her side bleeding from glass. Puncture marks were in her neck. She looked up at him her eyes drraining of life. "Regan!?" he kissed her lipes softly. "Please! Stay with me! Don't go..." "Connor I- I... don't have the... strength....." her head rolled back and her body shuddered in his arms, as her last breath escaped her lips. Connor screamed, bringing her head up underneath his chin. He cried, burying his nose into her hair. He screamed again. "Regan!"...

 

<3

 

     Connor woke with a start, breathing hard. He blinked hard then opened his eyes. "Regan," he whispered to himself. She slept peacefully in his arms. He snuggled in closer to her, lying his head back down. He burried his nose into her hair, which smelled of strawberry. A few tears came to his eyes. He blinked them back. Suddenly, Regan stirred under his arms. She shifted, then whispered. "Connor?" "Yes?" he whispered back. She turned in his arms, snuggling closer, her eyes remained closed. "I love you," she whispered softly. He kissed her forehead as she slowly fell asleep again. "I love you too," he whispered back. He softly stoked her hair holding her close, her head resting under his chin. He listened to her soft breathing as he drifted to sleep with Regan still in his arms.

 

<3

 

     Mr. Wood shivered waiting to meet with his client outside the hospital. "Stupid Trey," he mummbled outloud. "You can't trust a boy to do a man's job," a voice said. He whirled around. Johnatahn stepped out of the shadows. "Your man put my daughter in a coma!" he said angrily. "She got in the way... you should tell your daughter to mind her own buisness." "You still have a job to do Johnatahn, we made a deal. Get Regan out of the picture. I want the rights to the company." Johnathan chuckled. "We have a little problem Robert. Connor, or Kevin as you call him, isn't human. He's one of my kind and his whole faamily not to mention a few others are protecting her. My men are limited." Mr. Wood cocked his head, questioningly. "Coonor? That's the name she asked for in the hospital... Connor is Kevin, huh? Hmmm this will make things difficult. What do you need?" he asked Johnathan. "More men. I few flying in to help We have six but they have more which is an advantage to them." "My men are human." Johntahan's lips curved into a smile. "We can fix that." Mr. Wood thought about it for a moment. "One condition John. Come upstairs and heal Jennie. Consider what your man did, it's fair. Also you'll be getting your payment once the job is done." Johnathan nodded. "It is fair." They shook hands and he went upstairs with Mr. Wood and he sent the nurse away, once they reached Jennie's room. Johnathan reached down placing his hand over Jennie's forehead. He closed his eyes and was silent for a long time. Suddenly, Jennie sat up with a start gasping for air as if someone had been choking it off. "You know the deal," Johnatahan said and he left. Jennie sat there staring foreward. "Jennie?" Mr. Wood called. She turned and looked at him her eyes shining vibrantly. "Oh God, you're one of them," he whispered to himself. She nodded. "I will help Johnathan and Edward with your problem father but now I will rest. " She layed back down falling into a deep sleep.

<3

 

     When Regan woke the next morning she thought maybe Connor would have left to get up but he was there, holding her close and sleeping softly. She silently and gently, snuggled in closer. After a while she heard a soft knock on the door. Trying not to wake Connor she got up and cracked the door open. Jack was standing there. "Mr. Wood called. Your father's funeral starts in five hours and he wants you there an hour early. Ok?" She nodded sleepily. "Angela and I are cooking again. So if you want you can sleep in for another hour but when I come get you, I suggest you get up and come eat." She nodded again. "Ok, thank-you Jack." He smiled softly but said nothing. She lightly closed the door then turned. As she climbed back into bed, Connor stired then slowly woke. "Who was that?" he asked, softly. "Jack. My father's funeral is in five hours and Jack said he'd get us in an hour." Connor sighed softly and she snuggled in closely. "Connor?" "Mhmm," he mumbled, obviously tierd. "What I said last night-... I meant it." He opened his eyes and smiled softly at her. "I know," he replied in a whisper. He kissed her forehead. "I love you too Regan and I'll never stop loving you." He kissed her forehead again then he trailed down to her nose, then her lips. He kissed her softly and she returned it gently. Then they snuggled closer, dozing, until Jack came for them. Connor stood then helped her onto her feet, being careful of the one still in the footcast. He still had no shirt on and he unwrapped the bandage on his side. She looked but she couldn't find the bullet wound. She gasped and he laughed. "I'm healed," he said, slapping his side. She reached out and touched where the mark had been. He smiled, moving away. 'That's the ticklish spot you couldn't find before," he said grinning. "Oh really?" she said, raising her brow. He laughed. Connor still didn't throw on a shirt as they went down for breakfast. As she ate Jack and Connor went outside to talk again.

 

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     "Are you okay?" Jack asked Connor. "Yes... she loves me." Connor looked up meeting Jack's eyes. Jack smiled. "Told you." He smiled. "She told me last night... but I've been having the dreams again. They always come true and I feel conflicted. I want to believe it won't happen... but- they're always right." Jack put his hand on Connor's bare shoulder. "I promise you with everything in me, Connor. We won't let anything happen to her." Connor smiled and they clasped arms. Connor left but Jack still stayed on the balcony. Soon Angela came out and stood next to him.

 

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     Jack took a deep breath and Angela wondered why he looked so troubled. "What is it?" she asked him. He looked down at her and then wrapped his arm around her, pulling her in close to his side. "He- Connor... he's been having the dreams. The bad ones." Angela looked down. She knew all too well of connor's sight. He had had a gift of dreaming that most vamires didn't posess. Some thought it made him stronger but to Angela it must've been a curse to live with it, always knowing when evil would happen in the world. Connor's dreams always told him who would live or die, they were always correct visions. "He'll eb fine," Jack said, when Angela didn't reply. "It must be a curse for him. Surely, having to relive his lovers deaths evertime he sleeps is worse than already having to always endure the world alone." "He's not alone," Jack said. "He has Regan and he has us. Regan .... told him she loved him lastnight. Then the dream- he's just conflicted right now. We have a long road ahead of us and we need to stay strong for him." "Jack?" "Yes," he said, looking into her eyes deeply. "I want you to know how much I love you too." He smiled, kissing her lips. She returned his kiss lovingly. He turned wrapping his arms around her pulling her in close to his chest. She wrapped her arms around him, rubbing over his shoulders and back. He nibbled her bottom lip playfully and she giggled. He smiled, kissing her deeply one more time before going back inside.

 

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     After eating, Regan went and did her hair then changed into a black dress and a nice open front sweater. She grabbed her black sunglasses too. She stood there staring in the mirror at herself. To Regan she looked different. Her eyes were worn and she looked like she had lost at least five pounds. She shook her head laughing at herself. Five pounds in a week? Come on a Regan! she said to herself. Still she didn't look healthy, even if it was the least of her problems. She went downstairs and found Connor sitting at the table, resting his head on his elbows, his eyes closed. He slooked up at her as she entered the room and she saw him tense as if he didn't want her to see him like that. She sat next to him. "What is it?" she asked. He smiled sadly. "Nothing, um- I don't have anything to wear to the funeral..." he trailed off. "Well you can wear one of my father's suits he has plently in his room. "You're sure?" She nodded. Her cell phone rang and the number registered as Mr. Wood. She smiled at Connor. "I'll be right back," she told him. "Okay," he answered. She answered the phone ging out and sitting on ther doorstep outide. "Hello?" Hey Regan. How're you? "Good... how's Jennie." That's why I'm calling she woke up a few hours ago and she's doing fine. Regan sighed with relief. "That's great!" Yes... it is. Also I meant to ask you about the whole Trey thing... She hesitated before answering. "He came to.... my house last night... he triend to kill my friends and I...." she trialed off. Oh God, Regan! I'm so sorry! I feel this is my fault somehow. I sent him over you see, to check on you... but- I never thought- "We're all okay and that's the importanat thing. Trey is behind bars and we have a funeral to deal with," she told him ending the Trey conversation. Yes, of course. Well... Jennie is up to it so we'll both be attending. "Are you sure? I mean- I hope she's okay. She just woke up from a coma maybe she should rest." Don't think you're getting rid of me that easily, Jennie shouted in the background, making Regan smile. "Ok Jennie you win," she replied laughing. We'll meet up with you later then Regan, her father said. "Okay, bye." They hung-up. She took a deep breath, then turned, leaving the room. Regan went and sat in the kitchen. A few moment later, Connor entered the room, wearing one of her father's suits. He looked really good. He had combed his hair back and the black suit and shoes fit him perfectly. She was still staring at him when he asked, "Well? How do I look?" She snapped out of her trance. "You look... really good. You'll have all the girls chasing after you." He smiled then sat next to her, leaning in to kiss her brow. "You're the only woman in my life. Now and forever." Regan blushed then leaned in kissing his lips. "And your the only man in my life-" She kissed him again. "Now and forever," she finished. He smiled kissing her deeply, holding her face to his by his hand at her chin. After a while they pulled away and went to find Jack and Angela

 

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     Angela smiled. "Really? I mean we didn't know your father I don't want to intrude." "Oh never," Regan replied. After some more coaxing from Regan, she and Jack agreed to attend the funeral. Connor took him to get a suit while she followed Regan to her room. "Pick a black dress," she said smiling. "I have quite a few. Which ever one you want to wear is fine." Angela smiled and thanked her, looking through the dresses. She found a few she liked then changed in Regan's bathroom, while she waited outside in her room. She changed into a black dress that came up around her chest and latched behind her neck but left part of her back bare. It went to her knees. She came out to ask Regan. "How about this one? I can pull my hair up so it doesn't look so informal." "Oh wow! It looks gorgeous on you, Angela." She giggled then said, "Thank-you." "Here I have some flats that would go with that dress." Regan rummaged through her shoes and pulled out a pair of black flats. They had a single piece of ribbon woven around the whole outside edge of the shoe meeting in the front to form a bow. "Think they'll fit?" Angela smiled. "They should," she reassured. Angela slipped them onto her feet. She pulled her hair into a bun and they did eachothers make-up. When they were done they headed downstairs. She saw Jack in a suit and she couldn't help but giggle. "Wha-" He stopped himself staring at her. "Wow Angela. You look amazing!" She laughed. "Stop Jack it's for a funeral not a party." Regan half-smiled. "It's alright." "So how do I look?" Jack asked. She giggled again. "As I recall you said you'd never wear a suit." He smiled. "Well it's for Regan and her father." Regan smiled. "Thank-you." "No problem," he answered.

 

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     An hour later they all left and Regan had their driver pick them up in a limo. Connor sat next to her, wrapping his arm around her tightly. While Jack sat with Angela on the opposite side. Suddenly Regan jumped a little in his arms. "Oh!" she exclaimed. "Jenie woke up! She's all healed except for the cut in her forehead of course. .. but she's okay." "That's good to hear," Jack and Angela both said. Connor added, "I'm so glad she's alright. I know what a good friend she has been to you. " Regan smiled and he leaned down giving her a peck on her lips. She smiled again and she looked over at Jack and Angela who both grinned. "What?" she asked but they only smiled. They arrived at the funeral and a valet got the door. She arrived an hour early to help arrange a few of the flowers and her father's casket. It was made of a deep ebony colored wood.She layed her hand on the cold smooth casket and she shivered feeling tears in her eyes. Connor put his hand on her shoulder and she turned into him, crying. His arms came around her. She remembered she still had to go through the funeral itself and dried her tears. "It's alright to cry," Connor told her softly as he stroked her hair. "Not yet-" she said as she choked back her rising emotions. "Regan!" she looked to her right to see Jennie.

 

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     Connor pulled away from Regan shocked. Jennie! She's- Regan ran to her and they hugged eachother close. Connor! Jack called. She's- not human! Connor thought hard. I know! w-what happened!? "Regan you remember my boyfriend Edward, right?" "Of course," Regan answered. Jack joined Connor as they stared him down. Edward had the biggest grin in the world on his face. Now I know why, JAck mummbled. Regan shook his hand and he leaned in planting a kiss on her knuckles before releasing her hand. "Yes, yea ok Mr. Prince charming," Jennie said. Edward and Regan laughed. Did Regan know that Edward was your brother? Connor asked Jack. No, I didn't tell her, he answered. Please don't tell her. She doen't need it on her mind right now. Jack nodded. Edward looked up at Connor, smiling once more. "Oh! This is Kevin and his friend..." she trailed off and Connor knew she was looking for a name to give him. "Jack," he finished. Edward raised an eyebrow then smiled shaking Connor's hand. Kevin huh? Nice name Connor, Edward mocked. What are you doing here? "It's a pleasure to meet you Kevin," he replied instead. "The pleasure is all mine," Connor answered. Then he shook hands with Jack. The two stared eachother down and Connor could feel the tention. Angela came to join the crowd and she gasped when she saw Jennie and Edward. Connor linked their minds. Shh! Why is she- and Ed- why is he here? she asked. That's what I intened on finding out. Jack then introduced Angela. "This is Angel. She's my girlfriend," he said. Jennie and her shook hands and Jennie seemed to stare at her with an intense fasination. Edward shook her hand and smiled with amusement. She stared back, forcing a smile. Connor felt bad for Regan in a way. She had no idea of what Jennie had become or what was taking place around her. They all stood there when suddenly Mr. Wood came up. He shook everyone's hands then hugged Regan. Then he pulled Connor aside.

 

     "How has she been? I know about the whole Trey incident last night. I'm sorry he was a bother to you Connor- Kevin- and I heard Regan took it pretty hard as well. Also what happened to her foot? I didn't notice the cast before." He tried to ignore the fact that Mr. wood had slipped but the slip lingered. How- Edward must have told him my real name. Ah! What is going on!? I'm so confused there are too many things happening at once. "Kevin?" He suddenly remembered he hadn't answered him. "Oh! Sorry I was thinnking... um- she's seems fine. I mean of course she was a little shaky last night when Trey pulled a gun on us... but she was fine this morning. She tripped down the stairs and she broke her ankle. She woulsn't go to the hospital so Jack, who has a degree in nursing reset her ankle," he lied. "We put the cast on and it's healing slowly. She's just focasing on the funeral." Mr. Wood half-smiled. "Jennie? has she been alright?" he asked changing the subject. Mr. Wood nodded. "She stirred a few times last night then woke early this morning. She was completely healed. The doctors can't explain it-" he broke off grinning then continued. "Usually when a person wakes up from something like that they aren't up and walking around. So, she's better. Plus Edward has been helping her all day. We want her to take it slow." "Right," Connor answered. People started arriving and Mr. Wood left to be with Regan.

 

<3

 

     "Yes, but would you like to say a few words for your father?" Mr. Wood asked her. She had thought that Mr. Wood would give the uligy but he was now thinking it improper since she was the daughter. She sighed. "Alright," she answered. He half-smiled then gave her a quick hug. She sat at the funeral with Jennie on her right and Connor on her left. The funeral proceeded as any funeral does and when it came for Regan to speak she nervously got up and went in front of her father's casket. She was handed a microphone and so she started. "My father... he was a good person. He cared for the people who worked for him and I know he very much cared for me. He had always taught me to not to be wateful and to care for those who may have less than you. 'People will suprise you' he said. And recently I have learned that to be very true," she said, glancing at Connor then back at the crowd. "He wasn't perfect and trust me if you knew my father you knew he was far from perfect-" A few people laughed softly at that. "He made mistakes like everyone else but he always made sure the problem was taken care of and that something was done to make the world a better place. I didn't have any fancy words written down to say... but- I know in my heart that my father was a good, man.... and-" she was tearing up choking back a few sobs before continuing. "I will miss him very much, but I know he's in heaven with my mother. They're probably having the biggest party in the world together." Everyone smiled and she forced one herself. "Thank-you," she said and she went and sat next to Connor. He wrapped his arm around her as everyone clapped loudly and gave her a standing ovation. She tucked her head into Connor's chest crying hard. "You did great," he whispered and he kissed the top of her head.

 

     The funeral proceeded and then she had to stand by her father's coffin and shake hands and hug the people who had known her father. She shook a young man's hand and she looked up into the crowd for Jennie and the others. Suddenly, piercing blue eyes met her's and her body was seized. She stood there breathing hard as she looked into the eyes of Johnatahn. Triston stood next to him, then Edward. They both had their arm crossed over their chest, watching her. I'm coming after you. Not now but soon- Then he broke away, releasing her body, and everything spun. Her knees gave and she fell forward. Everyone gasped. Someone caught her and she looked into Connor's eyes. "Regan..." Everything started to fade but she stayed awake. From what was happening and being said around her she knew Connor was carrying her to an ambulance and an oxygen mask was put over her mouth and nose. Everything came back and she saw Connor sitting next to her. "Connor..." she managed to say and he took her hand in his. "Are you alright?" She had to warn him. "I- ... I saw...Johnathan." His eyes went wide. "Is that why-" he broke off and she nodded. "He did something to me and my body collapsed." "I think it's time Matty and I taught you how to defend yourself against things like that," he said. She smiled. "I hope I didn't scare everyone, when I fainted." He half-smiled. "They are outside the ambulance still waiting to hear. "Well," she said and she pulled off the oxygen mask. "I think I'll tell them myself. I'll just tell them I was lightheaded." "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked worried. She smiled then kissed him deeply. "Yes,"s eh said, softly. He smiled then opened the ambulance and she climbed out. The few people who were left sighed with relief. Jennie rushed up to her huggin her close. "Will you stop scaring me! Jeez!" she yelled. Regan giggled. "I'm sorry. I felt rally light headed suddenly and I- just blacked out." "Well I'm glad you're alright Regan," Edward said coming up behind Jennnie. Suddenly Regan remembered that Edward had been next to Johnathan and Triston. She took a step back as he stared at her intently a grin spread across his lips. "What is it Regan?" Jennie asked. "Oh um- nothing.," she said shaking her head slightly. "You should go rest, we wouldn't want anything happening to you," Edward replied with his large grin. Connor's arms were around her suddenly. She looked up at him and saw him staring down Edward. Then he looked into her eyes. "Do you want to go home Regan?" he asked. "No. Not until they burry my father," she said and he nodded. when everyone except for Jennie her father, Edward, Jack and Angela, then Connor and herself, two people lowered him into his grave and she watched the whole time feeling numb inside but she didn't cry.

 

<3

 

     Jack watched Connor bring his arms around Regan holding her close as the casket lower. He looked to Edward to see him staring back, with a large grin. He looked back at the casket which held Regan's father. Can you stop grinning like a damn crocodile! They're burying a man, Jack told Edward. Boo-hoo. Humans come and go and now I have someone who'll be with me for the rest of my life. Jack looked over at him as he took Jennie in his arms. He looked away. You shouldn't have turned her. Her father- Her father already knows, he answered. He thought I was crazy at first. Then he was angry that I had made her one of us... but now- he knows he has no choice but to except it. Like Jennie has. Jack didn't answer. They covered Mr. Blane's casket with dirt then set the gravestone and it was sunset. After they all turned away and departed from his grave except for Regan and Connor.

 

<3

 

     "Connor?" Regan asked. "Yes," he answered. "do you think- my father suffered when he died?" He hugged her closer. "Don't think about it Regan. It will only make the heart ache worse." Her eyes teared up but she blinked them back. "I know he's in heaven resting in peace with my mother. He has to be," she whispered fiercly. "If he's anything like you... I know he's an angel in heaven." She smiled, turning in his arms and kissing him softly. He returned her kiss, bringing his hand to her neck. "It's time to go," he whispered when they pulled away and she nodded. They held hands as they walked to her lim, where she met with Jennie and everyone else. Jack and Anglea shook everyone's hands then climbed into the limo. Next was Connor, but he waited for her. She hugged everyone goodbye, even Edward but she felt her stomache turn as she did. Jennie's eyes were still watery. "Call me tomorrow, ok Regan. I wanna know that you're okay." Regan nodded, hugging her one more time.

 

     The ride home was silent and when they got hom Connor swept her up in his arms and she giggled. He carried her to her room and left her to change. She changed then went and fed the horses and she came back in and found the others had changed as well. Jack stretched and yawned. "Well we're going to bed," he said, pulling Angela into him. Regan smiled. "Alright I'll see you in the morning," she replied and she hugged them both. After they said goodnight to Connor she went to her room and he followed her. She stopped him at the door. "Where do you think you're going?" she asked with a grin. He smiled kissing her lips and she let him into her room. He kissed her again as he brought one arm around her the other reaching back and closing the door. She brought her arms around him, kissing him intensely. He moved her back then gently laid her down on her bed. Her hands rubbed over his back and she lifted up his shirt. He helped her pull it over his head and he smiled. She smiled back. "You seem too have a fond interest in getting me shirtless lately," he joked. She giggled and he kissed her lips again and she kissed back passionately. His hands ran down her sides and on the way back up he inched her shirt up. Regan let him pull it off as they kept kissing passionately.

 

<3

 

     After a while Connor whispered. "It's way past your bed time princess." He kissed down her neck and she smiled. "Are you going to have Matty over tomorrow?" she asked him suddenly. Connor thought before answering. "I think I will, so he can teach you how to block Johnathan when he tries to seize your body." Regan nodded, still rubbing her hands over his back. He kissed up by her ear then kissed her lips again and she kissed back. His hands still ran up and down her body and she arched her back so he could slide his arm underneath her. He smiled holding her body to his. They kept kissing because nither of them wanted to pull away. Connor felt her drifting to sleep as he kissed her neck. He continued hoping she would finnaly get some rest. When she had finally fallen asleep, he pulled her large quilt over them and he held her close as she fell asleep in his arms. Her bare back pressed against her chest, as he pulled her in closer. Connor closed his eyes as he fell asleep with the love of his life safe in his embrace.

 

<3

 

     Johnathan looked out the window of his truck as Triston drove them to Mr. Wood's. "I don't know if it's safe to have Jennie involved. She's still a child caompared to us," Edward called from the backseat. Jennie who was sitting next to him elbowed him in the chest, slightly. "Will you shush I can handle myself just fine, thank-you." Johnathan laughed. "There you have it Ed." "Damn! You're so sexy when you get assertive baby," Edward said grinning mischeviously. She smiled then kissed him hard on his lips. He kissed back and they were getting out of hand in the backseat. "Can you two keep your hands off eachother long enough to pay attention?!" Johnatahn yelled. Edward stopped kissing her but looked down at her grinning. "No," he said shaking his head and she smiled. They were kissing again and Edward layed her down on the back seat as they kissed rougher. "Will you two knock it off!" Johnatahn ordered. "Oh fine! Jeez, John can't I have any fun." "Not now! Save it for later," he replied, then rolled his eyes. "You know... If you want my father fine, but-" Jennie broke off. "Say it," Johnathan ordered. "Regan has been my best friend for my whole life. Better than my father. I'm suprised he cares at all for me. He's always been gone and when he came home he wouldn't stick around. Regan was always there. If you're going to kill her- which you keep saying your not- but I know you will.... I don't want a part of it." Everyone was silent. Triston sighed then said," Then don't be. You don't know how much fun you're gonna miss though." Johnathan smiled and so did Edward. He saw he look up at Ed and she grinned. "I've got all my fun right here," she sadi winking. He laughed then kissed her hard again. They started making out roughly and she climber into his lap. "Oh will you two stop!" Johnatahn yelled starting to get annoyed. "No who's no fun," Edward mummbled.

 

     He rolled his eyes as they pulled up to Mr. Wood's condo. They went to his floor and he let them in giving Jennies a quick kiss on her brow. "So Robert, where are my new recruits?" He nodded to a back room. "Do what your gonna do with them," he said and he went into his kitchen."You hungry baby?" Edward asked and Jennie nodded but she looked unsure. "Your hunger comes naturally, just go with your senses," Triston told her. They all went in and Johnatahan started everything off as an interview but the two men and a woman seemed to know their fate. Jennie and Ed since you two are so intimate you can share a human. "Get comfortable," he told the humans and they seemed to understand it was time. Two closed their eyes, bracing themself and it made him chuckle. Triston was already feeding and then he broke away pulling out a switchblade he cut into his upperarm. "You have to drink or you'll die," he told him and the young teeneage boy drank without hesitation. Johnatahn looked at him closer and saw Trey. He rolled his eyes and looked over at Edward as he rubbed Jennie's back and she fed. Edward smiled as she fed slowly. Then he joined her and the man cried out in pain. Edward had to pull Jennie away before she killed the man then Edward pulled out his switchblade and cut into her upperarm. "Drink!" he ordered and the man did. Jennie groaned as he drank her blood. Next was Johnathan's victim and she stared back with no fear in her eyes. "Are you ready he asked softly," tracing his fingers over her lips. "Yes," she whispered and Johnathan bit into her neck sucking long and hard. He pulled away gasping for air then grabbed his own switchblade and he cut into his upper arm. She didn't need to be told what to do as she started drinking his own blood. When she pulled away she turned and Johnatahn smiled to himself. "Your father picked strong candidates Jennie. All of them survived the process."

 

<3

 

     "Regan...No!.... No!...Regan!" Connor woke with a start as Regan pretended to be asleep. He had been tossing and turning with her in his arms for almost five minutes and he had woken her. His arms trembled around her slightly and she heard him take a deep breath. She pretened to stir and wake and she turned in his arms so she faced him. "Connor what's worng?" she asked softly. She saw tears in his eyes as he stared back, sweat beaded on his forehead.. "Nothing a- bad dream." "Baby, you're shaking," she told him. He squeezed her closer to him. "I'm- fine. I promise." She snuggled her head into his chest as he held her. She felt one of his tears roll down her shoulder and she hugged him close. "Connor, What's wrong? Why are you crying?" she asked, tearing up. He squeezed her slighly. "I never want to loose you," he whispered fiercely. "Connor..." she trailed off hugging him closer. Was that the dream? she asked herself. Did he dream he'd loose me? "I love you Regan Blane," he whispered. "I love you Connor Collier and I'll always be your's," she said softly. He looked down at her again and it broke her heart o see him with tears in his eyes and she teared up herself. He sighed whispering. "Oh Regan..." It was as if him seeing her cry because of him was a slap in the face. He kissed her lips gently and she kisssed him back with all of the love in her heart. He slowly pulled away then held her close with her head snuggled against his chest. Connor stroked Regan's hair and rubbed her arm softly until her eyes forced themselves shut, letting sleep come.

 

 

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     Jack heard Connor in the next room and he had even woke Angela. "Oh no, the dreams!" she whispered. He nodded but remained silent until he could no longer hear Connor crying out in his sleep. "Poor Regan," she whispered. The two snuggled closer as Jack rubbed her side. "Jack?" Angela whispered. "Yes?" he asked. "What would you do if something ever happened to me?" Her question caught him off guard. He squeezed her to him. "Nothing will even happen to you," he whispered. She shivered. "But- if something ever did... what would you do?" "Go crazy," he answered. "Oh no, Jack. Don't- promise me you'll forget me and move on," she replied. He didn't understand her suddenly. "I would never forget you even if I tried. Angela-" He turned her in his arms looking deeply into her eyes. "I would never forget you but I'm not worried nothing will ever happen to you." "Jack-" she broke off. "What's bothering you," he asked. She looked down and brought her hand to her belly before looking deeply into his eyes. "I have something to tell you... but I'm scared," she whispered. He brought his hand to her chin raising her eyes to his. "You can tell me anything, you know that." She took a deep breath, shivering as she did. "Jack... I'm preagnant." He stared at her before it sunk in "What!?" he asked. "I'm preagnant," she repeated. "I wanted to tell you earlier but with all of this going on... I- I didn't know how." "How long have you know?" he asked softly. "Two months. I'm scared because I know our kind don't give birth easily and if- if I die-" "Stop," he said. "This is an amazing gift Angela, and you shouldn't dwell on the bad. This is our moment and I've never been so happy," he said smiling. He showered kisses across her nose and lips and cheeks. She giggled. "Does anyone else know?" he asked. "Only Victoria and she swore no to tell a soul until I was ready." Jack smiled kissing her over and over and she giggled then kissed back when his lips fell across her's. "I can't believe I'm going to be a father," he whispered when they pulled away. She smiled. "You'd be happy with children?" she asked. "Yes, of course!" he said. He pulled her in close. "Stop being such a worrier. I love you and I plan on spending forever with you and our son." She laughed. "Son huh? It could be a girl," she said. "Could be either or you may have both, knowing the way twins run in your family." She giggled as they stayed up all night kissing passionately. When the sun rose she rested for a few hours and Jack left to cook breakfast.

 

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     Connor entered the kitchen seeing Jack. He was smiling and even humming. Connor smiled. "Well aren't you mister sunshine today," he joked. He turned facing Connor and embraced him closely. "Ok I give up. What's going on?" he asked laughing. "Angela... she's preagnant. I'm going to be a father!" he announced. "What!? That's amazing! How and when did this happen?" Connor asked. He grinned. "Well you want details or-" "Shut-up," Connor said laughing. He shrugged. "You asked, but to answer your question she told me last night. She's two months along." "Wow! Congradulations Jack," Connor told him and they clasped arms. "Does my father know?" Jack shook his head. "Angela said she only told Victoria and she swore not to tell." After they fell into silence Jack asked. "Where's Regan?" "Sleeping," he replied. "I-uh hear dyou last night. Are you alright." Connor shuddered then sat at the counter in the kitchen. "No... the dreams are getting worse." Connor rested his elbows on the counter and ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm so afriad of loosing her," he whispered. "Connor. Focas on the good. Where are you going right now? No where if you dwell on what may or may not come. Cherish the moments you've had with her and the moments to come. I'm begging you do not dwell on your dreams." Connor looked up at Jack knowing he was right. He smiled then said," I'm going to see Regan I'll be back." Jack nodded, giving him a half-smile. He quietly entered Regan's room and climbed back into bed with her. She had still been dozing from when she had woken earlier. She turned resting her head on his chest. adn he rubbed her back, tacing his fincer along the back of her strapless bra. She snggled closer. "It'll be a a cold day," she whispered. He smiled kissing her forehead and he snuggled in closer. "I'll keep you warm," he promised and she smiled with her eyes still closed.

 

      He tightened his grip around her then whispered, "So what's on the agenda for today?" She snuggled her head into his chest. "Are you having Matty come over later?" she asked softly. "Yes but he won't come until it's darker out, later on tonight." "Well- maybe we can go riding again. The horses are gonna get fat before you know it," she told him. He chuckled softly rubbing her shoulders as he kissed her forehead. She opened her eyes and leaned up giving a quick peck on his lips. She went to lay her head back down but he brought his hand to her chin. "You're not getting away that easily," he said as he lifted her lips to his. She smiled and he kissed her deeply. She leaned up on her elbow her other hand resting on his chest as she kissed him back passionately. He rolled slightly so she was laying down and he was propped up on his elbow. He kissed her again tracing his fingers along the curves of her face then down her neck to her shoulders then down her side. Suddenly, she giggled pulling away. "I'm ticklish there," she whispered at his questioning look. He grinned. "Oh really?" He held her down as he started tickling her. "Ah! Not again!" she yelled as he tickled her. She laughed hard as he grinned crouched over her holding her down, as he tickled her. "Connor! Ah! Stop!" he laughed and he stopped as she asked him to, but he still stayed crouched over her as she lay there laughing slightly still. He stared at the soft curve of her lips and as if she had seen his need to kiss her, she sat up kissing him fiercely. Her fingers ran through his hair as his rubbed over her back. She broke away then looked down closing her eyes. "What is it?" he asked. She looked worried. "Connor what was- your dream about last night?"

 

 

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     He stared at Regan softly. She knew he didn't want to tell her, but she thought that by him telling her what was wrong, it would be the only way she could help him. "Regan..." he trailed off looking away. She brought her hand to his chin raising her eyes to his and she shifted her legs so she was kneeling on them. She kissed him softly. "Nevermind," she whispered. He suddenly jumped forward claiming her lips, kissing her with a desire that frightened but calmed her all at once. She kissed back with all the intensity she had, not knowing why tears came to her eyes. He lowered her back down then kissed across her neck and chest and then he snuggled his head on her breast and he brought his arm over her. She rested her chin on the top of his head. She closed her eyes and she let her thoughts wander as he rubbed her side. She dozed but she tried to keep herself awake. It was no use in fighting sleep. It came as she slowly fell into a dream with Connor's head still resting across her chest.

 

     Later on in the afternoon, she woke with Connor sleeping, his head rested on her chest still. She brought her hand around him running her fingers through his dirty blonde hair. She dozed and he slept for another hour before he woke. He lifted his head up and smiled at her, yawning. "Sleep well?" she asked. "Mhmm," he mummbled nodding. She giggled then he kissed her lips gently. She kissed back then he rolled over getting up. "I thought of something," he announced. "And what's that?" she asked him with a smile. "How can you ride with a broken ankle?" She had forgotten about her ankle, being worried about everything else. She shrugged and he helped her out of bed. She threw on a shirt and they went downstairs. "I'm gonna call Matty," he told her when they reached the kitchen and she nodded. Jack was sitting at the dining room table with Angela next to him, his arm wrapped around her. They had a plate of food ready for her and she smiled. "Thank-you for always getting up to cook- I mean you don't have to and I appreciate it." "No problem," they both replied. She ate and Connor walked in the room on the phone. "Yes, that's what I'm telling you. We can't wait any longer-" He stopped looking down at Regan and he smiled. She smiled back. "Ok bring Tori too. Alright- bye." He sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her. He kissed her forehead. "Matty and Tori are coming," he told Jack and Angela. They nodded, seeming to understand why. "So when do we get to order pizza again?" Jack asked and they laughed. "We can have a movie day until Matty comes," she suggested. "Sounds fun." Angela added. "We never got to finish batman and I'd like to see the whole movie," Connor said smiling. "Ok," she said. They curled up on the couch again and finally watched batman. After wards Connor was deep in thought when she looked up at him and asked him what he was thinking about. "The words he said..." he trailed off. "What words?"

 

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     It's not who I am underneath but what I do that defines me.

Connor repeated to himself. Someone rang the doorbell and Jack left to answer the door. Connor looked down at Regan who had a confused look on her face. "Oh- nothing. Don't worry about it," he reassured, putting off her question. She made a quirky smile and he raised an eyebrow, making her giggle. Suddenly he felt something tickle his side and he looked down seeing a dog and he jumped. Regan laughed. "Where did he come from?!" Connor asked. "A man brought your dog back Regan. He said he's been showing her for your family and before your father died he sent him a check and paid him. So he said he'd be on his way and he left the dog," Jack explained. "Hey Bella!" Regan called and the dog jumped on the couch and started licking Regan and wagging her tail. "Why was she being shown?" Jack asked. "I bought her as a pet but someone talked my dad into showing her for him so she's been gone for a few months. You're looking at a world best in show champion. Bella pose!" Regan told the dog. It jumped off the couch and got into a show stance. Regan giggled at the brown, black and white dog. "Aw how cute!" Angela said patting its head. "What kind of dog is she?" "An Austrailian Shepherd," Regan replied. The dog barked and started running around the house playfully. Then it jumped up next to Regan licking her again. Regan giggled almost being knocked over by the dog. Connor smiled and the dog went up to him. It sniffed then licked the palm of his hand. He laughed then reached up patting its head. The gog jumped on him licking his face. Connor giggled trying to get away from it's tongue. "Bella! Manners!" Regan called. The dog went and layed on the floor staring up at her as is she thought she were in trouble. Connor wrapped his arm around her laughing. "You've got your hands full with that one," Connor joked. Regan looked up at him with a grin. "She's not the only one I'm worried about." Jack laughed and Connor raised an eyebrow. "Is that so.?" He pinned her down. "Oh no! Don't!" she said, squirming. "Too late, you asked for it," he replied. He started tickling her hard and she laughed, squirming underneath him again. "Connor!..... ahhhh! Bella get him!" Suddenly, her dog jumped at him playfully and started licking him and climbing over him. Connor broke away laughing, trying to get the dog to stop. "Bella... sit," he ordered. The dog jumped off the couch again and it sat obediantly. "I like this dog," he said grinning. She stuck out her tongue teasingly and he kissed her lips then turned to Jack and Angela who had been watching. Suddenly, Matty and Victoria walked into the room and startled Regan jumped in his arms a little. He smiled at her and she blushed for being startled. Matty went and sat on the opposite couch facing Regan.

 

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     Matty wasted no time, asking. "What did Johnatahn do to you?" "He just looked into my eyes and it's like... my body was completely under his control. When he pulled away I felt a stab of pain and that's why I fainted." Matty nodded. "Seduction is Johnathan's specialty. He can make you do things you don't want to do." "How do I stop him?" she asked. "It's not easy," Matty told her softly. "I can still try, can't I?" Matty smiled. "Okay then." They all went outside by the pool area and Matty stood on one end and she stood on the other so the pool was in the middle. Everyone else sat in the pool-chairs outside "Okay what you need to do is focas on doing the opposite of what I'm trying to make you do. Make since?" he called. "Yea," she called back. "You'll be weak the first few times you learn to break away so take it slow. If you try to pull away quickly you will use more energy and you can hurt yourself, okay?" She nodded. "Okay ready?" She nodded and he looked into her eyes and she felt her body siezed. He made her take a step forward, then another, making her walk closer to the pool. She thought of turning and walking away but it didn't work as she got closer to the edge. She tried to pull away but nothing happened. When she got to the edge he said, "You would've just taken a swim." He made her take a step back and he pulled away. She sunk to her knees and Connor went to her side. "I'm alright," she promised. "But this will be harder than I thought." Connor only nodded helping her to her feet. "Do you wish to try again?" Matty called and she nodded.

 

     She took her position again and Matty seized her body once more. He made her take two steps forward when Regan found a weakness in the link. She focased on it and imagined taking steps back, by thinking of the cold water. Suddenly, she took a step back and she broke away but it made a stab of pain shriek down her body. She cried out slightly, falling to one knee. Connor was then next to her once more. She smiled up at him with his eyes wide. "You did it but you went to fast. Are you alright?" Her whole body throbbed painfully and she shook her head, no. "You need a break," he said and he picked her up in his arms and layed her in one of the pool chairs. Matty went up to her half- smiling. "The pain will cease in a few minutes, but I'm suprised you got in on your second try." Regan only nodded, then smiled. After a few minutes the throbbing went again. "Do you want to try again?" he asked. She nodded. "I'll need alot of practice," she added. "Ok, Connor you go on the other side this time." Connor looked to Matty and said, "No." "Why not?" "I won't hurt her," Connor said. "Connor..." Regan rested her hand on his arm. "I'll be fine." He looked down at her but didn't reply. After a moment of silence he agreed. He stood on the otherside of the pool but he didn't look comfortable. He took a deep breath then said, "Ready?" She nodded and he seized her bosy. He was harder to break away from, then Matty and when he pulled away she sank to the ground again. She felt light headed and she fell back. "Regan!" he called and soon he was bent over her. He slid his arms under her, holding her to his chest. "I'm so sorry!" he whispered. She whispered back, "Connor, I'm alright... just dizzy." "I won't do that again," he told her. "Connor you have to... I need to learn- to protect myself." "I won't hurt you," he said. "Connor, I'm fine. You didn't hurt me I just got dizzy," she promised. He helped her up and she was able to walk on her own. "Again," she told him softly. "Regan..." he trailed off. "Please," she asked. "Alright but if you get hurt I'm stopping," he said, firmly. "Okay," she said nodding. She tried two more times before she was able to break away. When she did she fell to her knee again but the pain wasn't there. She looked up at Connor across the pool and she smiled. He half-smiled back. She stood then said, "One more time?" "Again?" he called. "I'm stronger than I look, you know?" she told him. He sighed and was silent. Then he looked up nodding. "Okay, but this is the last time." She nodded in response. He siezed her body and after a minute she broke away but stayed on her feet, holding her own. She smiled and so did he. He went to her side and hugged her close. They turned seeing everyone clapping. "I think I've got it, but I'd like to try it in a few different ways and I'd like to also keep practicing," she anounced. Matty nodded. "Smart decicion and I've never seen anyone learn that fast." She smiled and they all went inside. Well Jack wanted a pizza again so they ordered three large pizzas. One pepperonii, one cheeze, and one veggi. After they ate Victoria left them. When asked why she said she needed to be somewhere. Matty stayed and they all sat on the couch in the living room watching the Goonies, which was on her list of all time favorite movies.

 

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     "What's going on Victoria?" Triston asked her. Victoria shivered in the cold night air. "Nothing they're just watching movies. You know being normal," she lied. "I'm suprised you're doing this." "Doing what?" she asked. "Betraying your family," he said softly. She turned away from him taking a deep breath. She blocked her mind so she couln't read her thoughts. She really wasn't betraying them she was trying to keep Triston and Johnathan in the dark about what Regan was really doing. He came up behind her playing with her hair. "Can you live with this, Victoria? Betraying Connor? You know Regan will die and if you're involved you're partly to blame." She pulled her hair away from his hands. "You made your choice long ago... now I'm making mine, but that doesn't make everything between us all fine and dandy, okay?" She went to walk away but he grabbed her shoulders and turned her around in his arms. "I'm asking for another chance, Tori." "How can you ask me that? You hurt me, Triston. It was a stab in the heart." He was silent looking into her eyes. "I'm sorry," he said softly. She sighed then turned but he held onto her. "Triston please..." she whispered. He still held her. Then he held her close and carressed her face with his hand as they looked deeply into one another's eyes. He leaned in slowly as he gently kissed her lips, she leaned into him, kissing pack with all of the passion and desire in her heart. His arms came around her and he pushed her back pinning her to the side of his truck. They kissed rougher as she took off his jacket and he kissed her neck. She closed her eyes as he held her to his chest, still kissing her neck. He gently placed his hands on her hips lifting her up, letting her sit on the hood, as he kissed her harder on her neck and started kissing down her chest. She ran her hands through his brown hair. "Triston?" she whispered, tracing her lips along his forehead. "Yes?" he whispered back. "We- we can't," she told him softly. He still kissed over her chest and she tried to pull away but he wouldn't release her. "Triston," she whispered, but he squeezed her tighter. "Triston, please," she said pulling away. He kept squeezing her tighter until he was starting to hurt her. "Triston!" she yelled and she hit his chest. She was starting to feel light headed in his arms suddenly, when she noticed his hand move away from behind her ear. Her vision blurred and she fell forward on the truck. Triston caught her then lifted her into the passanger seat and strapping the seat-belt tight around her. He climbed into the driver's seat and took off with her. She looked over at him, then said, "See- what happens... when I decided to let you in.... you break my heart even more..." He looked into her eyes, which held hurt. "Johnathan wants you.... I don't know why. He won't tell me. I'm following orders." "Orders? You betray me because of his orders? He's using you Triston he has no loyalty to anyone but himself, and if that's true.... then you don't love me." He staggered a little as if she'd slapped him physically, then he looked away. She tried to stay awake but she slowly drifted unconcious. The last thing she did was yell out. Triston... Johnathan... betrayed... Then she finally blacked-out.

 

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     Connor jolted to his feet along with Matty and Jack, and Angela sat up alert. Regan stared around the room not understanding. Connor looked to Matty. "You head that right?" "Yes, It was Tori." "What did she mean?" Angela asked. Connor shook his head "I don't know, something is wrong." He reached for Victoria's mind but he knew she wasn't concious. "Something must've happened to her," Jack said. "Regan, may I borrow your phone?" Matty asked. "Yes, of course," she said. He made a phone call and soon Connor's father and Garret were over at her house. "What's going on?" she asked him. "Victoria called out to us in her mind. She gave only three words. Triston, Johnathan, and betray. We're afraid for her safety." "Oh, I hope she's alright," Regan replied. "...Otherwise what could've happened?" Connor heard Matty whisper to their father. Garret shook his head. "I told you he would try and split us up and no one would listen!" he shouted. "I wonder why!" Garret snapped. Garret remained silent at the comment. "Angela why don't you take Regan upstairs," Mr. Collier said softly. Angela nodded and they went to Regan's room.

 

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     "All the guys always have to be tough," she muttered to Regan. She giggled. "Well I'm not sure if anyone has told you a shread of good news in a while but Jack and I are having a child. I'm preagnant." Regan's face lit up. "wow! Oh my goodness that's amazing. Congradulations!" she said, hugging her. Angela smiled. They were silent then Regan said, "Can I ask you something?" "Sure," Angela replied. "What- kind of dreams does Connor have? I'm worried about him. I want to help." Angela was silent before answering. "He- has visions when he sleeps, almost like dreams but these visions are what will come to pass. Few of our kind can have these visions. Even with everything that has happened in his past, I've never seen him more open and happy with anyone, like he has been with you." Regan smiled softly. "Well why- does he cry when he wakes up? Are the dreams more like nightmares?" Angela nodded. "Connor always dreams of the losses he has suffered and the ones to come." "Is that why he always says he's afraid of loosing me? Has he seen something?" Angela took a deep breath. "I can't say... not because I can't but in respect for Connor." Regan nodded her head then said, "I understand." A few moments later Jack and Connor came in. "What's going on?" she asked JAck wehn they were alone. "Tori, Triston has her and he handed her over to Johnathan." "What? Why?" "Johnathan called Connor. He wants a trade off. Tori for Regan. He was so torn that he handed Matty the phone and walked away. Johnatahan said the offer will stand for three months then he's coming after Regan either way." "That son of a-" "Angela! Language!' Mr. Collier called from the other end of the house. "What will you do Jack?" "We're going to try finding her and see what turns up."

 

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     For the next two months she stayed out of the public eye. None of Connor's family or Jack would tell Regan what bothered Connor or why everyone kept such a close watch on her. Connor helped her grow stronger by practicing daily the tactics he and Matty had taught her. Matty came occasionally and challened her and she quickly learned more of the secrets of Connor's race and how to defend herself. She never saw Victoria anymore and she hoped she would be found safe and sound. Regan's birthday was approaching rapidly and she had talked with Connor about having a birthday party. He seemed to not like the idea but after some coaxing he agreed. It was in two weeks and she took him shopping with her. They kept to private stores as they shopped in peace. She tried on a dress for the party that was red and cut low in the front, it also had straps. She pulled the curtain she had been changing behind, back and his eyes lit up with suprise. "You like it?" she asked. he only stared at her. "Connor?" He seemed to snap out of his trance and he smiled. "I love it," he told her. She bit her lower lip and twirled around. "Really? I hope it's not too much-" "No, it's perfect. You look amazing," he cut in. She smiled.

 

     When they had everything they needed they went outside to her car. Suddenly, photgraphers swarmed from everywhere closing them in. Connor held her hand pushing throught the crowd as they screamed and yelled questions from every direction. Suddenly, a camera impacted with her head and she lost Connor's hand as he was pushed forward. They flashed cameras in her face and she was hit in the head again. She crummbled to her knees as blood dripped from her cut forehead. She covered her ears and screamed Connor's name. He was bent over her suddenly and he lifted her into his arms and got her to her car as security ran out of one of the shops and pushed the crowd back.

 

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     Connor looked down at Regan seeing her head was bruised on one side and bleeding on the other. Connor ripped his shirt off holding it to her head. "Keep the pressure on it," he told her quickly and he ran to the driver's seat. He started off the car and he raced away from the crazed photagraphers. She was shaking as she held his shirt to her head. "Are you alright?" he asked. She didn't answer and he brought his hand to her chin, turning her face to the side. He moved his shirt looking at the gash. She looked up, seeming to notice that he had parked on the side of the road. Connor took the shirt and dabbed at her wound lightly, making her flinch. "Now you know why I hate the spotlight," she whispered, whith a half-smile. He smiled back the he started up the car again. They got home and Jack had been watching the news because he rushed up to them asking if she was alright. "Yea," she said. She looked into a mirror and saw the blood that stained her hair. Connor took her to the bathroom and grapped a washcloth. He cleaned the side of her face but couldn't get the blood out of her hair. "It's fine. I'll shower in a little bit and wash it out." He half- smiled. "I'm sorry Regan." "No it's fine," she told him. "I should've expected that. I just thought being here most of the time they wouldn't care about where I went, but I thought wrong."

 

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     After another two weeks the party was finally there. Guests started arriving and the party processed. Everyone wore semi-formal clothes but they all seemed to love Regan's dress. Soon, Jennie arrived with Edward in a gorgeous white dress. "Oh my gosh I love it Jennie!" she told her. They both laughed then hugged. Edward kissed her hand again when she would have only shook it. Regan smiled with a wierd gut feeling, that made her feel that he was messing with her, as he grinned back. As the evening processed everything went as normal and after everyone sang her happy birthday and ate cake, they all started leaving, even Jack and Jennie who were going to visit with Mr. Collier and Matty. When she was sure everyone had left Connor came up to her and twirled her in his arms. She giggled. "Happy nine-teenth birthday princess," he said, showering her with kisses. She smiled kissing him back. He grew quiet then looked into her eyes. "I have a suprise for you," he whispered silently, as he traced his fingers along her jaw. She smiled as he led her to her room. They sat on her bed and he turned holding out both fists. "Pick a hand," he told her. She smiled then said, "Hmmmm this is hard. Ummm- this one." She pointed to his left hand and he grinned, opening his first but she didn't see anything he leaned in and kissed her lips. "Try again," he whispered. She giggled picking his right hand. He opened it and something dangled from his hand. He held it up showing her a silver rose with a small diamond in the middle. It also had gold plated on the petals and it hung on a silver chain. "Oh Connor," she said as she stared at it. It was one of the sweetest things he had ever done. He smiled then had her turn around as he put the necklace around her neck. "You like it?" he asked, when he was done. She looked down at it. "Yes! I love it!" She leaned in and kissed him. "Now I'll always be with you," he whispered. After sitting in silence for a while he spoke. "It was a good party," he insisted. "Yea, I can't beleive how many turned out. I thought it would only be a few people." After another awkward silence Connor brought his hand to her chin. "You're so beautiful," he told her and she felt a shiver of excitement run through her as he leaned in kissing her deeply. She felt her heart melt in her chest. It had been a while since he had been so intimate with her. After a while he pushed her back gently, running his hands down her sides, while her's ran under his shirt, rubbing his back. Connor ran his shirt back up her body, going under her dress and following her curves. He slowly pulled away for a moment, tucking a loose curl behind her ear. "Are you okay?" he asked. She smiled up at him, nodding. He smiled back then leaned in kissing her again.

 

     This time he kissed a little rougher and they rocked their bodies slightly. He started kissing her neck, running his hands over her hips. Then he was slowly inching her dress up but she stopped him before he went too far. "Connor," she whispered. "Yes, baby?" She looked deeply into his sys. "I'm not ready to go that far." He smiled, kissing her lips. "Regan, I respect you for telling me how far-" He kissed her lips again. "Was far enough." She leaned up and kissed him. "Connor, I respect you for respecting me." She giggled when he tickled her lighly. It made him smile and she leaned up kissing his soft lips once more. Connor gently pushed her back again. He started nibbling and sucking along her lips and neck, making her giggle. Suddenly, there was a great laughter that echoed through-out the house. They broke off as it sent chills down her spine. "Did you hear that?" she asked Connor in a hisper. He nodded, then was still as he looked around her room. "Stay here," he told her. She nodded as he left her. After a while she heard a scream and her heart almost stopped. Jennie! she said to herself. Regan got up immediately then left the room. "Jennie?" she called as she looked through the upstairs rooms frantically. Another scream followed by the laughter of two or three men, echoed from outside to the second floor. Regan ran outside. "Jennie!?" She came upon small puddles of blood when she entered the outdoor courtyard. Jennie!... She followed the small puddles but soon she wished she hadn't as she came upon the body of her friend. Jennie had a gash in her arm with a bite mark around the wound, but the wound looked old. Like it had been done months ago, yet it still tickled out blood staining her white dress and blonde hair. She was pale. "Jennie!... Jennie wake up!" she called frantically but she only felt cold in Regan's arms. "Connor!" she screamed. She lay there crying over her friend when the laughter came again. After a moment, she slowly set Jennie down and made her way towards the laughter.

 

     Regan croseed the courtyard and turned the corner leading to the pool area. She stopped dead in her tracks seeing four men lounging around the pool area drinking her father's scoth and brandy. They had their backs turned to her as they sat making jokes with one another. Are they still here from the party? "Excuse me!," Regan called. "You are all tresspassing on private property! Leave here now, before I cann the police!" One of the men stood. "Party's over huh? I'm sorry to hear that." Regan knew that voice as the man turned and faced her. She gasped, with fear jolting through her. "Johnathan," she breathed. He chuckled. "Smart girl." He siezed her body and she desperately fought for control but she could not break away. He walked up to her, taking her limp hand in his. He bent at his waist, bowing and he kissed her hand gently. His lips were ice cold. "Again our paths cross, Regan." Johnathan grinned, straitening. Then he leane din as if he would kiss her. "Regan! Where are you!?" Connor's voice called from a distance.She was about to scream his name when he clamped her jaw shut. He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. He leaned down softly kissing her lips as she tried to turn away. "Regan!" Connor was suddenly in the archway, connecting the courtyard to the pool area. Johnatahn released her body and he held her as she almost fell to the ground. "Connor," she said, breathing heavily. Suddenly, the other men were standing to Johnatahn. She noticed Triston and edward then her eyes feel upon Trey's face and she gasped. He grinned in response. "Kill him," Johnathan ordered and she struggled. "No! Connor!" They slowly approached him and Johnatahn chuckled. "I want you to watch Regan." Suddenly, Matty and Jack appeared behind Connor. Johnatahn growled, then whistled. Three more men stepped in and Johnatahn called back Triston, Edward, Trey. Johnathan threw her into Trey's arms and he held her as she struggled. "You three kill them. Triston, let's go." Trey lifted her over his shoulder as they ran to the truck. She screamed and beat on his back, but to no avail. He threw her into the truck as Triston started it up and they sped off. She beat on the window but Trey pulled her away, holding her down firmly with his arm. "Let me go!" she screamed as she struggled. Trey laughed and then layed her down quickly on the seat. "Hey baby, suprised?" he kissed her fiercly on the lips but was suddenly pulled off of her. "She's mine boy," Johnathan growled. Trey crossed his arms over his chest angrily. 

 

     Regan huddled in the other corner with her knees to her chest, staying as far away from Trey and the others as possible. Edward suddenly switched places with Trey so Edward sat in the middle. He reached over and wrapped his arm around her and pulled her into him. "Don't touch me!" she yelled struggling. He chuckled holding her to his side. "How could you kill Jennie?" she asked looking up at him angrily. Edward grinned. "Her death was easy, but her life has just begun," he told her. Regan didn't understand him at first but then it hit her. "You turned her!" she yelled shocked. "Yes. Actually a few months ago. Way back when you rescued her from her apartment, but she's such a good little actress that you never caught on." Regan felt naseau rising from the pit of her stomache but it held off. She struggled, trying to get away from Edward but he held onto her firmly and it was no use. After a moment of silence Johnathan looked back at her and grinned. She gave him a fake smile in return and he laughed. Regan stared out the window after that not daring to look at any of the monsters around her. After a while her eyes closed themselves shut but she blinked hard knowing she needed to stay awake. Her eyelids closed again and her head bobbed. She shook it slightly trying to fight off sleep, but it slowly came and she drifted off to sleep still in Edwards arms.

 

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     As Trey threw Regan over his shoulder Connor's eyes lit up with rage. He hd three men advancing on him but Matty yelled. "Connor go after her!" They Jack tackled two of them and Matyy got the other. Connor ran as fast as his feet could carry him, but he was too late. They sped off as he watched Regan helplessly beat on the window. Suddenly, he was tackled from behind. He looked up seeing one of Johnathan's men. Connor was pinned down as the man punched him in his jaw. Connor punched the man in his side and he flipped them over. Connor punched the man in his face but he hit Connor in the face knocking him off. They stood and he tried tackling Connor again but he grabbed around his neck and broke it swiftly. The man's body went limp and he fell to the ground dead. Connor was breathing hard, his lip bloody. Jack was the first to run up and Connor stared down the road. "They have her. I couldn't- I couldn't protect her..." he trailed off. Jack's hand layed on his shoulder. "We'll get her back, Connor. I promise."

 

<3

 

     When Regan woke, she was alone in the backseat of the truck. It was parked at at a rest-stop and it was 2:00a.m. whn Regan looked at the clock. She slolwy sat up and wondered where Johnathan and the others had been. Suddenly a light flashed through her window and she saw a police officer. He knocked on the window. "Please step out of your truck miss." She did as she was told. "How old are you miss?" he asked and his voice sounded familiar. "Nineteen," she replied. He put the light down. "Alright you're okay. Minors who are sixteen and younger aren't aloowed to be transported over the border." "Border?" she asked. "Miss. you are in Georigia." 'Gorigia?" she whispered to herself. "Miss are you alright?" he asked. She looked around for Johnatahn and the others but caught no sight of them. "Officer please I need help." "What seems to be the problem-" suddenly he gasped. She looked up at him and his eyes were wide. "You're Regan Blane! Do you remember me, Lucas?" It was the officer who had saved her from getting an expensive speeding ticket. "Lucas! Please- there are men here they kisdnapped me," she told them. She looked around. "They-" she turned back but stopped herseld startled as Johnathan stood in front of her. His eyes were angry but then he smiled. "You really shouldn't have done that," he told her. She looked around for Lucas. "Where is he?" she demanded. "He's not with us anymore," Triston said coming from behind Johnathan, who laughed. She took a few steps back. "Don't do it," Johnathan whispered shaking his head. Regan didn't care. Whe whirled around, running for the truck. Suddenly, he was in front of her, his arm wrapping around her waist. "No!" she yelled struggling, beating on his arm. "You want to do thinks the hard way, fine!" Johnathan held her in the truck's backseat and Triston handed him a set of handcuffs. He handcuffed her wrists to the gripping bars above her head. She jerked on them a few times but nothing. He laughed closing her door. He then stood outside talking with Triston and she wondered where Trey and Edward were. Regan looked around the truck when suddenly her eyes fell aponthe keys. They had been left in the ignition. Johnatahn and Triston turned their backs to her in a deep discussion. Slowly, she reached forward with her foot to the lock button. It took her several tries but she finally hit it, the doors locking in response.

<3

 

     Johnathan whirled around. "Little brat," he mummbled to himself. "Unlock the door!" Triston shouted at her, from the outside, but she only figeted with her handcuffs. Johnatahn siezed her body but she slowly fought against him but with all of her strength. Stop fighting. You're mine, he told her. No! she replied and she was able to break free of his hold on her, her body shuddering. Triston looked at him in shock that Regan had been able to break free. She slipped one wrist free from the cuffe. Johnatahn went to the door, angrily. "Unlock the doors!" he shouted to her. "No!" she yelled back. She tried to pull her other wrist free but was unsucessful. She instead climbed into the drivers seat with one wrist fastened behind her. He pulled on the door and it gave slightly. She looked up at him then started up the truck. He pulled on the door hard and the lock broke. He pulled the door open but she sped off, making him jump back. He growled as she pulled onto the highway. "Grap the officer's keys, we're going for a drive."

 

<3

 

     The door shut on its own as she raced off down the lone highway, trying to put as much distance behind her self and Johnathan as possible. Suddenly police lights flashed behind her. "Oh no," she said out loud. She kept going knowing it was Johnathan. They raced for several miles when suddenly a black Lexus raced past Johnathan, pulling up next to her. The window rolled down and someone climbed out. Whoever it was turned and jumped onto the truck and she saw Connor looking at her through the window. "Open the door," he told her. "I can't," she said, glancing at her cuffed hand behind her. He looked back seeing it and he kicked in the back seat's window, climbing in. He leaned forward kissing her lips gently then worked on undoing her cuff. When he had it off he asked, "Are you okay?" "Yea I-" She looked in the rear view mirror seeing Triston. "Connor!" she yelled. He whirled around, moving away as Triston attempted to punch at the back of Connor's head. The glass to the back window shattered in every direction and Triston pulled Connor out onto the bed of the truck. The two began to fight in the bed of the truck. Triston was winning as he threw Connor around. Then he threw him out the back of the truck. "Connor!" she yelled. Triston was climbing in the back window when he slammed on the brakes, catching him unaware. However, he flew into the truck instead of over it. Regan hit the gas again and Triston grinned. He tried to hit the brake but when he couldn't he pulled the e-brake. The truck skidded and flipped onto it's side and rolled a few times. She landed heavily on her side as the truck stopped on its right side. She layed there unmoving, knowing her right arm was broken. Her forehead and sides were cut by broken glass her dress ripped in several placed and stained with blood. Someone was suddenly pulling her out of her truck, but then they dropped her onto the concrete road. She cried out from the glass in her back and she rolled over onto her stomache looking around. Where's Triston and who pulled me out. She looked up seeing Triston standing over her. She tried to crawl away but he pushed her down with his foot. "You're more trouble than you're worth," he mummbled to her. Then he reached down dragging her up by her hair, making her cry out a little. He grabbed around her waist and forced her into the back of the cop car. She kicked and struggled against him. 'This time we'll give princess the proper supervision," he said. Johnatahn grinned in the rear-view mirror, speeding off once more. She struggled as Triston pinned her down and tiw-wrapped her ankles together, firmly. He shoved her arms behind her back and she screamed in pain from her broken arm. "Her arm is out of the socket," Triston told Johnatahn, making her realize it wasn't broken. Johnathan laughed then said, "Re-set it." Regan knew it would be painful and she squirmed underneath him., trying to get away but to no avail. He took her arm and twisted it forward and she heard it pop. She shrieked in pain as tears rushed to her eyes. He held her popping her arm into her shoulder. Regan screamed again in anguish, then slowly faded from conciousness, as triston tie-wrapped her wrists behind her back.

 

 

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     Connor... Connor. Are you alright?..." Connor blinked then focased seeing Matty bent over him. "Yea, but they still have Regan," he said as Jack helped him up. "What now?" "We try to follow them," he said. Connor. He jumped looking around. Victoria?! he asked, in utter disbelief. Yes, I only have a few minutes before I'm blocked off. Follow the highway to exit 124-A. Then you'll have to find us on your own. Us? he asked. Yes. Johnathan is bringing Regan here. She sent him an image of the place and then he felt a thick wall between them. "Victoria," he whispered. "What?" Jack asked. "She was able to contact me just now. Come on, I know where we need to go." They all rushed to Matty's car and they took off after Johnathan once more.

 

<3

 

     When Regan woke her arm throbbed slowly and painfully. She opened here eys and sat up slowly, noticing her limbs weren't bound. She had been changed into a sweater and a pair of jeans that fit perfectly and it suprised her. She was in some sort of room. More like a detention cell, she told herself. There were six solid cocrete walla around her, including the floor and celing. The only opening in the room was a small vent in the celing that was about the size of her hand. She sat up on the bed and she looked around the room and noticed a tiolet, sink and mirror, and then the door. The door had a small glass rectangle in it that formed a window. The window was as long as her forearm and as wide as her hand. There was also a small slide in the door for handing items through it. Where in the world am I? she asked herself. She stood, cradling her sore arm, to her chest as she went to the window. She looked through it seeing two men on the otherside sitting at a table. They were playing cards as they smoked on cigaretts and sipped on beer. One had hazel eyes, and brown hair while the other had blue eyes and a shaved head. "Hey!" she yelled, pounding on the door. They both looked at her and the one with hazel eyes got up, looking annoyed. He took out his cigarette and pressed a button on the outside. "What?" he asked. she looked next to the door noticing a speaker box. She pressed the button. "Where am I?" she asked."Don't worry about it princess. Just be a good girl and you won't get hurt." His voice sounded like Johnathan's with a scottish accent. He stared at her intently through the glass, as he smoked, and she stared back. She pressed the button. "Let me out," she said calmly. He laughed. "Not happening princess." She kicked the door. "Now!" she yelled but he only stared at her.

 

     Suddenly, he whirled around as a door opened behind him. She saw Johnathan and she shuddered. He talked with the man outside then looked up at her throught the glass. She took a step back as the door unlocked and he entered with the young man behind him. He smiled at her. "I trust you slept well?" she asked, mockingly. Regan was tierd of being pushed around. "No. Thanks to you, I didn't" He chuckled at her response. "someome is feeling fiesty," he said, smiling. "You should've ssen her a few minutes ago, brother. She' very demanding," the young man said. Johnathan smiled. "She has spirit alright, but that's something we'll break out of her." "Brother?" she asked, confused. "Ah yes. Regan, meet Justin my little brother. Justin, regan Blane." Justin grinned, bowing at his waist mockingly. Johnathan came up to her and she tried to pull away but his arm came around her, holding her to his chest. "See, little brother. Did I not tell you she was beautiful and ripe for the kill?" he said. "There have been many wild flowers in her family, but I don't believe any have been as beautiful as Regan, here." She tried to pull away but he held her. Justin laughed, standing next to him. He grabbed her chin, forcing it from side to side. "She doesn't look plae enough," he finally said, grinning. She forced her jaw away from his hand. Johnathan smiled in response, saying, "She will once we make her one of us." She snapped her head up, looking into his eyes and he laughed. She struggled pulling away from him. "I'll never be a monster like you!" she yelled. That's what he's planning! she told herself. But he wanted me dead! Why would he want to turn me now? She struggled again hitting his chest a few times, but that only made it worse. "Oooo... fiesty still, are we?" Johnathan said, laughing. He held her tight then brought his lips to her ear. "I love it when you squirm," he whispered, his hot breath against her ear. Then he pushed her to the floor, laughing as she pushed her self back up and stood. "I'll be back for you later princess. In the meantime be a good girl for Justin and Bruce." She felt anger rising in her and she spat at his feet. Johnathan flinched. Then Justin glared at her and smacked her hard across her jaw. She flew to the ground and Justin said, "You better learn some respect, princess." Johnathan grinned as she turned looking back up at then but she stood again. "If you think I'm going to just let you walk all over me you're wrong. You're in for a rough time," she said. They both smirked and Justin looked back at Johnathan. "No," he said to him but she didn't know what they were talking about. Justin turned, still smiling at her. "Perhaps another time," he said to her and he turned and left. Next was Johnathan, who left after winking at her. When the door shut and locked she walked to the bed and layed back, thinking of a way to escape.

 

     She stared at the wall curling up on the bed. Her room was cold and the bed had no covers. She huddled in one corner putting the pillow over her barefeet so they would stay warm. She thought of different ways to escape but none of them would be worth trying because she wouldn't be able to get away. She curled into a ball and closed her eyes, as she shivered, the cold keeping her awake. She was sure she would freeze to death in there when suddenly the door was open and two blankets were laid over her. She looked up seeing Garret and she only looked at him with pitty knowing he had betrayed his family. Their eyes held and his showed sorrow. She pulled away, shaking her head and he left. She pulled the blankets in close, still laying there. After a few days of lying there Bruce came in and he brought her to Johnathan. "Someone is here to see you, love." Mr. Wood walked into the room and she gasped. "They got you too?!" He laughed. "Oh dear, of course not. I am free to come and go as I please seeing as I'm friends with Johnathan here." The two smiled at eachother. "I- I don't understand," she said confused. "ag Rega, and everyone believes you to be the smart one in your family. I ordered the hit on your father and now I'm taking care of you," he said, smiling menacingly. She stared at him shocked. "You had my father killed?!" she asked disbelievingly. "Well Reagn it's like this, I wanted the comapny and his will stated it to be your's if he were to pass on. I had him killed and then once you're dead the right to the comany is mine." "You idioty!" she screamed. He stared at her confused. "When my father died I signed everything over to you. The only reason you haven't recieved notice is because it wouldn't be final until after my nineteenth birthday. The company is your's!You betrayed me for nothing!" she screamed in rage, struggling against Bruce. He stared at her disbelievingly and Johnathan laughed. "Now who's the stupid one!" she yelled still struggling. "Son of a bitch," Mr. Wood whispered to himself anf then he turned and left, in a somewhat dazed state. Johnathan kept laughing and then once he had calmed himself down he ordered Regan to be tied up to a long metal pipe in the room. She forced onto her knees then her wrists were tied to the pipe above her head. Johnathan walkd up to her and smirked nudging her feet so she forced herself to look up at him. He stared back amusingly with his blue eyes. Edward walked in from another room, to behind Johnathan, crossing his arms over his chest. "Report," Johnathan ordered. edward stared into Regan's eyes. "Nothing. No sight of him or his little friends." Johnathan smiled. "Good.Now you get Triston it's your time but don't kill the girl." Regan sucked in her breath as Edward smirked. Johnathan turned and left the room when Triston came, leving her alone with the two brothers. Edward took off his white jacket, laying it off to the side. He crouched in front of her but she looked away. He grabbed her chin forcing her to look into his eyes as he tried to pull away. edward suddenly leaned in, forcing a kiss upon her lips. She turned away and he chuckled softly, running the backs of his fingers across her cheek. Edward stood and Triston came up to her. His hands came up to her wrists and he ran his hands down her arms, over her shoulders and down her sides. Then he held her to his body as he stared kissing her neck and over her ear. She struggled then was able to get her legs between them and she kicked him back. He grinned, slapping her. Her face whirled to the side as tears rushed to her eyes as pain stung at her cheek. He stood crossing his arms over his chest then looked over at Edward who was standing next to him. "I don't know if she's the loving type, brother." Edwrad laughed. "Oh she is, just not for us." He leaned down by her ear then whispered. "She saves it all for Connor." Triston laughed. "I don't think Connor has ever touched her in the way I intended to, but she's so delicate and I don't think she's ever experienced real pain before." Edward grinned. "Then let's introduce her to it." Regan felt tears roll down her cheeks as she closed her eyes waiting for what was next. "Tighten the ropes," Triston ordred and Edward pulled on her bingings tight. The rope was cutting off the blood flow so that her hands went numb. It was also so tight she felt the rope cut into her skin as blood rolled down her hands. Edward leaned down licking it off and she shivered. Suddenly, pain erupted in her side and she bit back a cry of pain, whimpering. "I'm going to enjoy this," Edward whispered in her ear. He yanked at her hair, pulling her head back. He slapped her cheek again forcing her face away from him. Pain erupted into her other side as Triston kicked her. Triston then grabbed her arm. "I bet it's still sore from when I put it back into place isn't it?" He pulled on it a little and she cried out. "Ah there's our scream edwrad. He pulled on it more then released her as she sunk to the floor, the only thing holding her up was the rope binding her wrists to the pipe. Triston kicked her side again as Edward kneeled in front of her. He grabbed her chin again, forcing her to look into his eyes. He grinned as she stared back with no fear. Anger rose in her and she spat in his face. He back handed her as he stood with an angry expression across his face. His elbow came down across her back and she creamed in pain. They kept kicking and hitting her. Edward pulled the ropes tighter and the ropes mauled into her wrists causing her to cry out. Then someone was untieing her and she looked up at Triston. She fell to the floor when the ropes were off. "Get up!" he ordered but she layed there, not even bothering to attempt getting up. Edward dragged her up by her hair. "He said stand!" he shouted. Regan's legs were to weak and she collapsed to her hands and knees when Edward released her. "Edward kicked her in her side then Triston pushed her down, his foot on her back. She heard the door open and Triston's foot moved off of her back as someone stomped in. Someone helped her sit up and she looked up at Garret, her head resting on his shoulder. "You two went too far." "Ah Garret, it's fun. You should try it sometime." Garret looked disgusted and he picked her up carrying her back to her cell. He clened her cuts and doctored her brusies the best he could and then left her.

 

     A few days later, Regan's wounds were healing and she only had a few bruises but her strength had returned slightly. Then she heard a woman and men shouting and her door opened then Victoria was shoved into her room and she flew to the floor. "Little bitch!" Regan looked up seeing Bruce and Justin, who had a bloody lip. He kicked her once in her side then left her. Regan went to her side and helped her up. "Victoria! Are you alright?" She nodded and smiled then hugged Regan. "It's so nice to see a familiar face," she whispered, trembling. Victoria was bruised and beaten. Her clothes were torn in several places and her breathing sounded off. "Here you're fine," she said, helping her to the bed. She layed Victoria down then covered her with the blankets, not caring if she were cold herself. "What happened to you?" Regan asked, delicately. Victoria took a few deep breaths and winced every time. "They- well Triston-... a long time ago we were in love but he- went with John.... I met with him because he promised me- he'd changed and he was different... he lied and- kidnapped me. They've been... beating me for three months... trying to get information about my family and you. - but i wouldn't talk.... Garret!- Ah- the bastard-... Connor won't forgive him this time and neither will I... he betrayed you and me Regan... don't trust- him." Regan nodded. "I'm sorry," Regan also said. "Why?" she asked. "They- hurt you because of me." She shook her head. "They hurt me becasue I'm a Collier, sweetie. Don't go blaming yourself." Regan smiled.

 

<3

 

     Johnathan smiled. "Well now that she's all comfortable I believe it's time to give her the proper welcom, Justin. What do you think Garret?" He watched the blonde haired boy nod. "Aw, what's the matter Garret? Are you going soft on me?" He looked up and their eyes held. "I don't think it's right, but I'm here aren't I? So just be done with her." Johnathan laughed. "Oh I will be, after tomorrow. Justin go fetch her please." His brother nodded then left going to get Regan.

 

<3

 

     Justin smirked then nodded and went to Regan's holding room. When he saw her she was sitting on the edge of the bed talking with Victria. "Bruce?" he called. "Yes?" his friend called back. "Come help me get this girl. Victoria may challenge me and I don't have the time to deal with her." Bruse walked up to the door and opened it. He quickly strolled up to Regan before she had completely turned around and he grabbed her by her upper arm. He jerked her back throwing her into his arms. He caught her as she almost hit the floor, holding onto him. When she looked up into his eyes, they went angry and she pulled away from him. He laughed, pulling her to her feet. She struggled and he threw her over his shoulder. Bruce was watching Victoria who was painfully trying to stand. Bruce smirked and kicked her over. She fell hard and Bruce held her down with his foot. "No, Victoria!" Regan yelled, beating on his back. Justin smirked at Victoria and then they left her. He brought her to Johnathan and let her go, as she fell to her feet then her legs buckled and she fell to the floor. She tried to stand but was too weak. "Excellent," Johnatahn said, satisfied at the work Triston and Edward had done. He circled around her as she tried crawling to the nearest door.

 

     Johnathan reached down pulling her up by her hair. She cried out, grabbing at his hand. He got her to her knees then said, "Brother have a small taste." Justin laughed then leaned down bringing his lips to her neck. He kissed her several times and fear tingled down her spine. He slowly bit down and she reached over him beating his back but that only made things worse. Johnathan released her as Justin layed her on the floor, sucking softly. She still beat on his back but it did nothing, as he held her tight to him, her back pressed against the ground. She screamed but it seemed to make him suck harder and soon he began to sear her veins. She beat on his back until she didn't have the strength. Jennie suddenly walked into the room with Edaward and her eyes went wide. She jumped in and pulled Justin back. "Regan! Regan, are you alright!" Justin rounded on her angrily pinning her to a wall. "No!" Edward shouted. "Edward you know the rules!" Johnathan shouted. "This is wrong! You're all crazy!" Jennie shouted. Edward smirked. "All of us?" "Yes! Especially you! I can't believe I ever put up with you!" Edward walked up to her. "That's a shame, Jennie." Justin moved aside and Edward grabbed her around her waist pulling her close. "Because now I have to kill you." He bit into her neck and sucked hard as she screamed and struggled. Regan's eyes went wide as she attempted to move and help her friend. Jennie fought back screams and Justin only guessed she did it purposely. Her struggling siezed as she breathed her last breath, her body drained of all of it's blood. To make sure, Edward snapped her neck. She stayed awake but was too weak to even move her fingers. Tears were in her eyes her mouth open in disbelief, but she couldn't form the words. Johnathan chuckled standing over her. He bent down picking her up, her body limp in his arms. "I'll save the rest of her for me," he whispered. Then he carried her to her room and he layed her on the bed as Bruce still held Victoria down. She went wide eyed when she saw Regan. "What did you do?!" she screamed with rage. Johnatahn only chuckled laying her on the bed. Justin smiled at her limp body on the bed, feeling her blood start to work in his body. His eye sight became stonger and he felt stronger altogether. Then they all left her and Victoria.

 

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     Victoria crawled over to Regan, calling her name. Regan only stared at the ceiling her lips uttered one sentence before blacking out. "If I die... tell Connor I love him..." Victoria checked her pulse and it beat faintly. Damn! she cursed. She covered Regan with the blankets and stayed by her side, praying her bbody had enough blood left to keep functioning.  Later on there was more shouting and pounding on the door. Suddenly Jack was dragged in and pitched into the cell. He rolled as he hit the floor and only stopped when he collided with the wall. Jutin laughed. "Stay down, Jack. You're a waste of the vampire flesh and blood." He laughed again, then left. JAck painfully pushed himself up and when he saw Victoria his eyes went wide. He got up and hugged her. "You're alright?!" he said in disbelief. Victoria half smiled. "I can't say the same fore Regan. She's dying." "What?" He looked over on the bed and when he saw her lying there heartache fell upon his face. "How did they catch you?" Victoria asked. He crawled to Regan and took her hand in his and it was cold. Startled he felt her feet, legs and arms. "She can't hold her own body heat," he whispered. He got up and climbed into the bed next to her and wrapped his arms around her, rubbing her back and shoulders, trying to give her warmth. "Connor's here with Matty and your father," he whispered to Victoria. "I got too close and Justin found me. He's stronger than I remember." "That's because he stole half of Regan's blood.," Victoria said angrily. Jack kissed Regan's forehead and she stirred. "Connor?" she whispered in pain, as she woke. "It's Jack," he whispered back. "Is- he coming for me?" "You bet," Victoria answered. "And when we get out of here, we'll get you to a hospital. Okay?" She nodded weakily, snuggling her head into Jack's chest. "I'm thirsty," she whispered.

 

     Victoria went to the sink but no water came out when she turned the handle. She went to the door and pressed the button. "Justin?" He went to the door. "What?" "She needs water unless you intend on having her die right now, and I don't believe John would be happy with that." Justin left then came back with water for Regan. He opened the door handing it to Victoria and he smirked. She gave him a fake smile in return and he chuckled then left. She brought in the small pitcher and Jack helped sit her up. "Here you go," Victoria said soothingly as she helped her drink. She took several long draughts then layed back down. Victoria set the pitcher on the floor. Regan started drifting to sleep. Do you think she'll make it? she asked Jack. I don't know. She feels very weak in my arms. Justin took alot of blood. Maybe... he trailed off rubbing Regan's arms as she attempted to sleep.

 

<3

 

     Johnathan smirked when Justin asked what to do with Jack, the next day. "We can't kill Jack. He's an asset to gain a powerful ally in the future," he told Justin. He cocked his head slightly, to one side. "Who?" Johnathan only smiled. "You'll learn more later brother." "I promised the boy that he could mess with her. Why don't you go get Regan again." "Brother she'll die if they do anything else to her right now." "That's what I'm hoping. When she dies I will drain her body dry." Justin shrugged reluctently and left returning moments later with Regan but he had a scowl on his face. "What?" Johnathan asked him. "Jack. The little prick got in the way so Bruce had to hold him back." He was litterally dragging Regan. Her legs were so weak that she could not stand on her own. Justin brought her over by the pipes again but let her fall to the floor. "I won't tie you, seeing as you're about to die anyways." Regan struggled to get to her hands and knees but only fell back down weakily. Johnathan smiled. "Go get Trey. The boy will have the time I pomised him, he could have." Justin left then returned with Trey who was grinning. Johnathan rose from his chair. "Have fun with her and try not to kill her too soon. I want to see the life leave her eyes." Trey nodded and he left with Justin.

 

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     Regan looked around, breathing hard. She had heard well enough to know Trey was left alone with her and that he was being given permission to kill her. She crawled blindly around the floor. Her hand met something and she felt around it. It was someone's shoe. "Hello Regan." She froze knowing it was Trey. He grabbed under her arms, pulling her up and he pinned her to a wall. She whipered slightly from the pain of her sides and back, which were still healing from Triston and Edward's abuse. "Aw," he said as his fingers traced along her jaw. "You know Regan... you brought this upon yourself." He whirled around letting her sink to the ground with her back to the wall as he began pacing. "I don't want to have to kill you. I tried before and I couldn't pull the trigger on you. Just on your little boy toy and now I know why he survived." He squatted in front of her and his hand went to her chin, bringing her eyes to his. "Johnathan told me of his love for you and all of the girls he has tried to protect but what I don't think you've realized Regan is that you are one of many girls he has seduced. He's loved any woman in your family you're just another girl to him. He doesn't love you and you don't love him." He was trying to make her denounce her love for him but it wasn't working. "You're wrong-" she managed to say. "I-... love him- and.... he loves me." Trey growled and slapped her. She went from sitting up to being forced to the floor by Trey's blow. He grabbed her hair and dragged her to the chair Johnathan had been sitting in. She cried out in pain as some of her hair came out. He picked her up and put her in the chair and sat in her lap. He began kissing her, relentlessly. She was too weak and he easily overpowered her if she tried to push him off, or turn away. After an hour she was bruised up again and Johnathan came in. He laughed at Trey. "You could have been beating her and instead you waste your time with trying to romance her." Trey grinned and got off of her as she sat there, slouched in the chair. "I'll leave the killing to you, Johnathan." Then he left. Justin came in and he was ordered to bring her back to the cell. "I'll kill her tomorrow. Right now I have some buisness to take care of regarding Mr. Wood." He grinned at Regan and she was dragged back to the room which was used as a prison cell. Justin threw her in and Jack caught her before she hit the floor. He hugged her close as if he was an older brother who hadn't seen her in forever.

 

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     "Oh God, Regan. I'm so sorry. Connor is coming soon. I promise," Jack whispered biting back his tears. How could Johnathan or his men be so cruel. he asked himself. He brought her back to the bed and she fell asleep the moment her face touched the pillow. "Oh, Tori. What will we do? "I don't know Jack, but she needs to get out of here. What's taking Connor so long?" "They needed to regroup after I was captured. Help will be here soon and we'll all get out of here... alive!"

 

<3

 

     After Connor saw Jack captured he cursed. "It's fine," his father told him. "We'll get them all back." 

They left and came back the next day with a better plan and they were able to sneak around to the back of the building this time and it was only guarded by one vampire. "Bruce," Matty whispered. "I'll take him." Matty started running to the right and he caught Bruce's eyes as he bolted after him. Connor and his father made his way down a slight hill to the back door. As he layed his hand on the door's handle he hit the ground. He rolled over seeing Trey who was now squaring off with his father. "They turned him?" Connor whispered, to himself. Suddenly a gril was standing over her. She had long blonde hair and peircing blue eyes. She smirked then pulled him up by his neck and punched him several times. He kicked his legs out, knocking her to the ground. She flew down on her back. Connor punched her in her stomache then held her down, strangling her. He hated to kill a woman but if he didn't she would likely kill him. He watched her struggle, fear in her eyes and knew she was only a half-breed. "I can kill you girl, we're just as fragile as humans." Instead Connor ended it quickly and painlessly, breaking her neck. Her body jolted then was limp. He turned to see Trey had his father pinned down and Connor tackled him off. The two fought rolling around when suddenly Trey brought out a knife and stabbed him in the back of his thigh. Connor screamed in pain and was pinned down as Trey started choking him. He taunted him. "You couldn't save little Regan. She'll die and leave you all alone again. She's ours..." he trailed off tightening his grip. Connor couldn't get him off and was starting to feel light headed. Suddenly Matty appeared over them and he clubed him in the head with a thick tree branch. Trey was knocked out as he fell off of Connor. He gasped for air, couching slightly. Matty helped him up and Connor pulled the knife out of his calf. He limped slightly but then was somewhat alright. "Where's Bruce," Connor asked in a harsh whisper. "He's knocked out for now. Let's go."

 

     He helped Connor to the door then Connor walked on his own they got through with no problems. They heard laughing and they all froze. They turned to a room and peered in seeing Justin and Garret at a table smoking. The little- "Bitch hit me in the lip. It was busted but after drinking some of Regan's blood, mm mm mm! I'm healed." Justin kept laughing as rage boiled in him. Garret didn't say anything he stared down at his hands looking miserable. "Aw what's wrong Garret?" Justin asked, grinning. "This isn't right. You know what will happen if she dies." "Our race will rise to power." I'll handle this, Connor told Matty. You get Garret. As they kept talking Connor rushed into the room hitting a startled Justin in the face. Connor kept beating him until he was knocked out like a rock. Matty had Garret pinned to a wall. "Where is she?" Connor asked calmly. Garret pointed to a door. "They're all in there," he said. Connor rushed to the door, knocking the steel door inwards. When he looked up he saw Victoria , Jack and then Regan who was in his arms. "Oh God!" he whispered to himself when he saw her. Jack moved as he went to her side. "Regan?" he called. A small smile tugged at her lips as she reached up, cupping his face in her hand. He held her hand there kissing her palm. "Connor? Is it really you?" she asked. She sounded so weak that Connor's heart was breaking. "It's me Regan." He hugged her close. "It's me." He kissed her forehead and all over her face, then gently on her lips, feeling tears in his eyes. "Connor time to go!" Matty called. Connor reached down picking up Regan, holding her close. They left the way they came but had to knock out Trey again as he got in their way. Jack killed him instead. Connor got her into the back of the Lexus and his father took her mustang with Victoria. Jack and Matty remained with Connor. They drove off.

 

<3

 

     Johnatahan growled. Garret and Justin were both knocked out, Regan and the others missing. He walked up to Justin and slapped him. "Wake up!" he yelled. Justin stirred then groaned waking up. He stared up at Johnatahn then jolted to his feet. "Connor! Ah! The bastard!" he sawyed and used the wall to steady himself. "What happened.?" Johnatahn asked. "He ran in and takled me, and before I knew it he had punched me so many times I just blacked-out." Johnathan snareld. "Wake up Garret. We have to track her down again. Go find Bruce and the others. After waking up Garret he left for Bruce and that's all he came back with. "The boy and the girl are dead," he said. "He wants a damn fight... we'll give him one!" Triston shouted coming in the room. He had a cut forehead. "What happened to you?" "Jack," he said snarling. "Where's Ed?" Johnathan asked. Triston shook his head. "He went off with Jennie I haven't seen him since." "That boy has a mind of his own," Bruce said. Triston get the truck ready. They won't make it far."

 

<3

 

     Regan looked up at Connor. She had thought she would never see him again. Her hand ran to the rose on her neck and she held it in her fist. Connor looked down at her and smiled softly. She smiled back. "Connor?" "Yes?" he asked. "I never thought I'd see you again," she admitted. "I told you I would always be here. I- I'm sorry they hurt you." "I'm fine," she whispered. He leaned down kissing her gently and she kissed back. After a few hours of driving they pulled over in the parking lot of a hotel. "We're staying here for tonight, okay?" She nodded. Connor carried her inside after Matty had paid for a few rooms. Her and Connor shared a room, while Matty shared a room with Victoria, and Jack with Mr. Collier. "Where's Angela?" Regan asked. Connor when they were in their room. "We sent her back to England and away from the violence. She's about five to six months preagnant so we didn't want her in the middle of all of this. She also took Bella with her. I hope that's alright but I didn't want to leave the dog on it's own and we set the horses free to roam your estate since it's fenced off. I'm sorry I just don't know how long it will be before you can go back." She nodded as Connor sat on the edge of the bed and took off his shirt, laying down next to her. He pulled her in closely, closer than he had ever held her. She giggled. "If you hold me any closer I won't be able to breathe." He chuckled at that and loosened his grip slightly. "I'm just afraid of ever letting you go," he whispered. "I'm fine." Suddenly, her stomache grumbled and she blushed. "Are you hungry?" he asked grinning. "Well I wonder what gave that away?" she replied. He laughed then got up going to the small refridgerator. "We came here eralier and set everything up. There is pleanty of food." "Can I have a peanut butter sandwich?" she asked. He smiled. "Of course." He got out two slices of bread and smothered them in peanut butter. He folded each slice in half then handed them to her. "You eat the other one," she told him. "I don't need to," he said. "Okay but I don't know if I can eat two." Regan did eat two because she was so hungry. "That was so good," she said, feeling refreshed. He laughed then kissed her forehead. He looked deeply into her eyes for a long time, remaining silent. "What?" she asked in a whisper. "I'm- so sorry. You were hurt because of me- because I couldn't protect you. I feel-" She stopped him bringing her fingertips to his lips. "Connor, you couldn't help what happened. Besides I'm fine now because I'm with you." He smiled and he kissed her deeply, she kissed back.  His arms came around her again and she never wanted to let him go. They snuggled closely after they pulled away and Regan fought to tell him a secret she had been longing for him to know. "Connor?" "Yes?" "Do you remember how I told you my mother died?" "Yes. You had said she was in a car accident and so did Mr. Wood." "No," she whispered. I lied and Mr. Wood lied for our family." "Well- then what happened?" he asked. "I was 15 and it was a car jacking. It only happened four years ago. I'll never forget that night..." she trailed off thinking back.

 

It had been raining and it was night, as Regan and her mother, Diana, were heading to their car. Three men in maks emerged from a truck and made their way towards then. By the time they had turned to see them it was too late. One held Regan around her waist a knife to her throat. "Mom!" "Regan! Please let her go! I'll give you whatever you want." "Give us evereything!" one ordered. "Money, jewelery... come on hurry up!" They had yelled to her mother and she gave them everything, all of their valuables. The man holding her harrassed her whipering things in her ear only she could hear. "You're a pretty little girl. What if I just take you home with me and make you mine. I'd be good to you as long as you behave." He kissed her neck and behind her ear, making her struggle. Her mother had handed them everything. "Thank-you for your cooperation Mrs. Blane," one of them said. "Unfortunately you didn't move fast enough so we'll be taking your little girl." "No!" she screamed and Regan struggled. Shots were fired and she turned seeing her mother fall to the ground, bleeding from three bullet wounds in her stomache. "No! Mom!" she screamed, tears going to her eyes. "God, Andrew! You shot her?!" "Who cares, keep going." "No!" Regan screamed as she broke away from the man holding her. She ran to her mother but was soon pulled away by then man again. "Hey!" someone shouted. They had all turned seeing a young man with blonde hair and blue eyes. "What?" the one man called. "Let her go!" He laughed. "Get out of here kid." Suddenly he ran up with inhuman speed tackling one of the men and knocking him out. The other man had his gun out and tried to shoot him but he missed as he dodged behind a car. Then he appeared out of no where and was battling with the man for his gun. He knocked the man out and then was advancing upon The other man who was still holding Regan. He was shaking slightly. "S-Stop!" he stuttered. The knife met the skin of her throat. "Or I- I'll kill her!" Regan felt the knife bite into her skin slightly as blood trickled down her throat. Regan whimpered, scared out of her mind. The young man stopped. "Just let her go," he said calmly. Suddenly the man froze and his arms pried away from her body. Her legs were shaking and the crumbled as she sunk to her knees. She closed her eyes, burrying her head into her hands. Someone was helping her up. She looked up noticing all of the men wre knocked out as she heard police sirens. She looked up at the young man, who was carrying her and he met her eyes. He brought her over by her mother and set her on the ground by her. He reached up behind her ear and everything started going black. "Wait!" she had yelled. "You saved my life, Thank-you...Will- will I ever see you agin?" she asked, feeling light headed. He sighed sadly then whipered. "Maybe," and he left as she blacked out next to her dead mother.

 

     "It was you wasn't it?" she asked in a whisper. "You saved me?" He sighed but didn't answer. "Connor please?" "Your mother knew the dangers. When she was your age the same thing happened that's happening to you. I was able to protect her from my kind but not from her's I was too slow. I'm always too slow!" he said in a harsh whisper. "So, my mother knew too... about you I mean?" He nodded. "But in all respect. You are alot stonger than her. She wouldn't except it even as she saw it happening around her. She thought it was a sick twisted game someone had sucked her into. She didn't believe me even after I showed her everything." "How long have you been watching over me?" "Since you were born," he answered. They fell silent and he looked into her eyes. "Forgive me for not telling you sooner. If I had told you then maybe things would be different... you wouldn't be-" he broke off and she saw him biting back tears. "Then maybe- you wouldn't be hurt," he finished. "Connor..." she trailed off before speaking again. "I'm fine Connor. I'm just sore but I'll heal and you shouldn't worry so much I'm alot stronger than I look, remember?" He smiled but it faded. "I wouldn't have understood if you had told me then. I was too young and besides.... I never would've had the chance to-" she broke off wondering if it was appropriate to finish. "To what?" he asked. She looke up deeply into his eyes. "Too fall in love with you." He smiled and leaned into her, kissing her deeply. She kissed back and they opened their mouths slightly, making out for the first time. It took her breath away and she felt light-headed, as her heart melted in her chest. After a while they pulled away and she took a deep breath, shivering slightly. "What?" he asked. "You're amazing, I love you," she said. "Why thank-you," he said sarkastically and she stuck her tongue out at him, giggling. He rubbed his nose on hers giving her a light peck on the lips. Then she snuggled her head on his chest and they fell asleep side by side.

 

 

     Regan woke later the next morning. Connor was up out of bed watching the news, sitting on the edge of her bed...The horses were set loose and are running wild around Regan Blane's estate. The garage was torched and went up in flames and arson is suspected as three bodies were recovered inside the building. The police have confirmed that none of the bodies belong to Regan Blane as teams still search her estate carefully, hoping to find her safe and sound. The police department is also searching the roads and highways, believing there was a possible kidnapping. Mr. Wood gave us this speech this morning. "It is a great tragedy and obviously someone is intensionally hurting her family. I believe Regan to be alive and so I will continue with the search parties and news conferances until she if found safely." Back to you Rick... Regan sat up. "You torched the garage?!" "No! That wasn't us. Someone else is in on this with Johnatahn." "It's Mr. Wood," she whispered. "But- but why?" he asked. "He wanted the comapny and with Johnathan taking me out of the way it would have been his but he didn't know that I had given it to him anyways." He sighed. "Regan if you haven't already been told I'm sorry but I was afraid of hurting you durring such a troubling time and Jennie seemed to have posed no threat but she's in leauge with Edward and Johnathan. She was turned several months ago." "I know. She died trying to keep Justin away from me. She never wanted to hurt me. I- I think she was more lost and confused than anything else," she said and he only half- smiled. After they ate they packed Connor's things then went over to see Matty and the others, who were packing to leave. Jack went up to her. "Are you alright?" he asked. "Yes, I'm feeling much better. How's Victoria?" she asked in return. "I'm fine," Victoria said, coming into the room. Regan noticed that she was all healed. "So now what?" regan asked. "We keep moving until they can't find us and you're safe," Matty answered. They all packed the cars and headed off onot the higway once more. Connor cuddled with her on the back seat of Matty's Lexus. They drove fore hours and she slowly fell asleep in his arms.<3

 

 

"They were here alright. I can till smell them," Triston told Johnathan. "You're sure?" "I know Victoria's scent anywhere." He nodded and they kept heading in Regan's direction. Edward and Bruce along with Justin sat in the backseat. They tailed them for several days, growing closer day by day. Soon they spoted the two cars but followed at a distance waiting for their chance to strike.

 

<3

 

     Connor softly stroked Regan's hair as she slept next to him on the back seat. They had been traveling for a few days on stopped only to go to the bathroom, switch drivers, or get something to eat. Regan was growing stronger as her blood duplicated, replacing the blood she had lost, so that she stayed alive. Later on when she woke up she had to use the bathroom and Matty pulled over at a rest stop. Connor waited by the car as she went in. When she finished and washing her hands the lights started to flicker on and off until it was dark. Since it was night out she couldn't spot the door and she fumbled around blindly. She ran into something and fell to the floor hurting her wrist. She sat there for a minute trying to think of what to do. Suddenly, the room grew cold, colder than it should've been. She shivered. The lights flickered on and off and there were people staning around her. She looked up and gasped seeing Justin, Trison, Garret and Edward. She was about to scream when she was pushed forward. She turned seeing Johnathan and Regan's eyes went wide. He smirked as Justin dragged her up. "No-" she yelled. but his hand was put over her mouth. She struggled. "Let's go," Edward whispered. They left with her beating and struggling. She moved her jaw and was able to get her mouth free by biting down on Justin's hand. "Connor! Hel-" she yelled before his hand covered her mouth again.

 

<3

 

     "She shouldn't be taking this long," Jack commented. Connor felt his worry too and said, "I'll go check on her and make sure everythin- " "Connor! Hel-" Regan suddenly screamed. Jack looked up at Matty and they all bolted towards her." They arrived in time to see her being forced into a truck. Connor jumped landing next to the truck and punched Justin's jaw. He grabbed Regan around her waist and Matty tossed him the keys get her out of here!" "Come on!" he yelled at Regan and they bolted to his Lexus. Connor looked back seeing Matty, Jack, and now Victroia fending everyone but Johnathan and Justin off. "Hurry get in!" he shouted and she climbed in. They left the rest stop getting onto the two laned highway. Johnathan's truck appeared behind him and Connor gassed the car. He was still catching up when he slammed into the back of the car. It swereved a little but he gained control. Regan reached around him and put on his seat belt then she put on hers. He looked over at her and she half-smiled. The car was rammed again but Connor gained control once more. He gassed the car forward faster. Johnathan pulled up nest to them and completely rammed into him forcing both cars onto the shoulder of the road. Johnathanswerved in faster and collided directly into the center of the car and it swerved off the road, then started flipping. Connor's head hit something hard and he was knocked unconcious.

 

<3

 

     The car kept rolling until it ended upside down. Johnathan smirked pulling over and walking over to it. He saw Connor uncocious his left arm broken as well. He went to Regan's side finding her close to unconciousness. He undid her seatbelt and dragged her out. He started draggging her away when suddenly she turned with a burst of strength puching him in his face. Johnathan 's grip loosened and Regan fell to the ground. She crawled towards Connor, her ankle snapped and broken. She was bleeding from everywhere but she kept crawling. "Regan!" Johnathan called laughing. "You're only making this hard on yourself. I promise I'll kill you quickly." She kept crawling and Johnathan crossed in front of her stepping on her fingers. She cried out in pain as he pushed on them harder. He stopped and she layed there for a minute catching her breath. "You're a sick, crazy- son of a bitch!" regan said, weakily and he laughed. "I know," he said. "But you're weak," she said and he cocked his head. "Really? How so?" he asked. "Because,- you're alone.... I bet someone hurt you long ago- and now-... you only find ways to hurt others-" she broke off biting back a cry of pain. "Oh that's really touching Regan. It won't make it any less difficult for me to kill you." "why me? Why am I so important!?" she yelled. She rolled over onto her back then sat up cradling her arm to her chest. "Why!? Just tell me!" Johnathan smiled at her, still circling around her. "Your blood... has unnatural effects on my kind. Escpecially on me. It makes me indestructible. I heal completely... But you see you're the last of the line in your family. So, I can't kill you. I'm going to make you one of us."

 

 

<3

 

     Johnathan leaned down next to her but Regan kicked her legs out from under him and began crawling towards her shattered car. Connor was still unconcious and stuck in the car. She pulled him out, gently. "Connor! Connor wake up, please!" she called over him, thinking he was dead. She leaned in and kissed his lips gently and he stirred. "Connor?" she called softly. Johnathan laughed. "You can not save him from his fate. Or from your's." Suddenly a grip went around her ankle and she was flung away from him. "Regan..." she heard Connor breathe, coming back to conciousness. Johnathan bent down picking Connor up by the front of his shirt. "You always fail," he told him. "You'll never be stronger." Johnathan threw him halfway down the highway and he then made his way towards her. "Connor!" she crawled through the glass and broken metal even though she knew Johnathan was catching up to her. Her side was bleeding from cutts and she had a gash along her forehead. Regan almost had gotten to his side when an arm wrapped around her waist. She was pulled to her feet. She struggled even though her body burned with pain. "Let me go!" she yelled as the iron grip held her. He hair was brushed aside and someone kissed her neck. "He couldn't save you," Johnathan whispered in her ear. "Now your life and your blood are mine." She felt his fangs sink into her neck. As he began to draw her blood it seared her veins. Regan screamed in pain but he held onto her as she struggled, drawing out more blood. She was staring to feel faint, knowing she was getting weaker and Johnathan was getting stronger every second. When she was sure she would die there in his arms he stopped, laughing. "Yes, loose your will to live... it makes it all the easier," he whispered in her ear. Suddenly, they were tackled. She was caught before she hit the ground. She looked up at Connor, as he held her in his arms. "I promised you I wouldn't loose you..." he told her softly. She leaned up kissing his lips softly but blacked out from weariness and her loss of blood.

 

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     Connor layed her down gently, then whirled around to face Johnathan. He laughed, "You can't beat me Connor. You're not stonger, faster, smarter... you won't win and all of Regan's blood, and her life, will be mine." "Over my dead body," Connor replied. Johnathan laughed. "Gladly." He jumped at Connor pinning him to the side of Regan's wrecked car. Connor out manuvered him and whirled around pinning Johnathan aginst the side. Connor kicked at the fork in his leg and broke his knee. Johnathan screamed but his eyes flared with anger as he threw Connor back. He landed in the middle of the road on a large chunk of glass, which sunk into the back of his leg. Connor bit back a scream as he staggered to his feet. He was too slow and Johnathan kicked him in the face. Connor flew back, landing heavily on his side. He heard Johnathan's leg crack as it snapped intself back into place, healing completely. Connor stared in amazement. Johnathan laughed. "See what her blood does for me. I'm healed," he said patting his leg. He grabbed Connor by his shirt, pulling him up. "Her blood makes me indestructable." He punched him in his jaw and continuously began to punch him. Suddenly, someone groaned loudly. Johnathan stopped looking over to see Regan waking. He smiled, making his way over to her. Connor staggered upright on his knees fighting the feeling of loosing conciousness, tasting blood in his mouth. He pulled the glass from his leg and bit back a cry of pain and crawled after him, his muscles to weak for him to stand. Johnathan got to her and wrapped his arms around her pulling her up. She was too weak to even lift her head up, her feet dragging on the ground. Johnathan brushed her hair aside, moving his mouth towards her neck. Connor got to his feet and leapt at him, stabbing the glass through his back. Johnathan dropped her screaming. Connor fell to the ground his legs to weak to work. He looked up at Regan, who rolled over onto her stomache. She looked up at him,breathing hard. He crawled over to her and layed her in his lap, resting her head on his arm. Her face and everything around them were the images that had been haunting him in his dreams. No!, he said to himself and he looked down at Regan who was staring back up at him. "Regan?" he called. "We can't win," she said. Connor shook his head. "No... no don't think like that. I won't loose you." "Connor I- I love- you..." she trailed off as she faded from conciousness once more. He heard a click and looked up seeing Johnathan with a gun in his hand. "I wonder how these silver bullets are gonna feel ,once they're in your gut," he sneered. He clicked off the safety and moved his finger to the trigger.

 

     Suddenly a horn blasted and a tuck hit Johnathan. He flew several feet into the woods. Connor's vision blured as the doors of the truck opened. He sighed with relief as Matty and Jack stepped out. "The others ?" he asked. Matty only half-smiled. Matty only half-smiled "Come on buddy," he said as they eased him to his feet. They helped him to the truck. "Regan?" he asked. Jack was carrying her. "We have her," Matty told him. "She was bit and- and Johnathan took alot of blood... I-I don't know if she'll make it." "She needs a blood tranfusion," Jack told them. "Where at a hospital? You know we can't-" "No, we have to do it. We know how but we're not the same bloodtype...." Matty said. "But I am..." Connor whispered. "But I'm- not human. She would turn but woldn't she die if her body rejects it?" Jack half-smiled. "It's a possibility, but we need to keep moving. Regan will have to ride in the back with you." Connor nodded getting into the back seat. Jack layed her acoss the seat so the back of her head rested on his arm. Connor looked down at her and was suddenly over-come with grief. As Matty started up the truck, Regan stirred. Her eyelids slowly slid back and she looked up at him and blinked. "Connor?" "It's me," he said, taking her hand in his. "Am I gonna die..." "No!," he said immediately. "You're gonna be fine." "It's ok Connor... I'm not afraid to die... because you've shown me how to live," she said. "No Regan, you will live. I promise." "I lost too much blood... I tried-... I tried so hard not to let him get me but he was too fast and too strong." He saw tears form in her eyes. "Regan, look at me. I promise you you'll live! My friends Matty and Jack are here they can give you a blood transfusion. You'll live." "You're the only one I know of with.... the same blood type. Won't I- become like you?" Connor was silent for a moment. Being a vampire was dangerous if she even survived the transfusion. She could never cause suspition she was alive because of her father's company. He knew people would always be looking for her and it would put her and his kind at risk. If she didn't want to be a vampire he wouldn't force it upon her. "Regan... yes, you would turn and if u survived the transfusion you'd become one of us. I won't do it if you don't want to. It's not a way of life I would wish upon on anyone," he told her. She smiled and kissed him. He kissed her back. "I wanna spend the rest of my life.... with you. If this is the only way then... I want to," she told him. "You're sure?" Matty asked ," You're father runs a multi-billion corperation and everyone is already constantly looking for you. You'd have to go into hiding and hope they'd never find you. It's a horrible way of life to have to hide from everything and everyone." "Let me go back to England with you," she told them. They were silent for a minute. "I don't know if we could even get you on a plane. They'll want your passports and if they see who you are..." She looked up at Connor. "I want to be with you... when you promised me the world, I knew I had found my true love. You, Connor..." she trailed off biting back a cry of pain. There was glass still in her side and it cut deep into her flesh, only making her loose more blood. She closed her eyes, fading from conciousness one more. He leaned down kissing her lips gently. Connor whispered, "If it's what you want, I'll do it." "Connor-" Jack started to object. "No, I'll take resposibility for her. I love her." "Don't let love cloud you mind, my young friend," Jack told him. "Johnathan will keep hunting her. He has tasted her blood but has not taken her life and when he learns she has turned, he'll lust for her even more. As a vampire her blood would only make him stronger. He'll never stop looking for her. You will be caught in the cross-fire and as a prince of our race. If you die-" "I won't," he told Matty. "If you do... you do understand the chaos that will follow?" Connor was silent then said, "So you want me to let her die? Is that what you're saying?" "Connor you have to understand-" "I do!" "No, little brother you don't!... but I already do." He took a deep breath. "We'll save her but if we do... you'll be dismissed from the family you know this." "I know," Connor said sadly. He looked down at her. Remembering how her brown curly hair had fallen across her face when he had slept next to her. Her smile was always radiant durring even the worst times. Her eyes had been such a dark brown he feared loosing himself forever when he looked into them. Now she was scared, blood covered her face and still trickled from her side, but Connnor loved her no less. "Oh Regan," he whispered as a wave of grief rolled over him. He leaned down resting his forehead on hers and he cried. He felt a hand on his shoulder and he looked up seeing Jack, who only half-smiled sadly. "She'll live. I promise you Connor," he said. He nodded and thanked him, but Jack only smiled.

 

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Jack sighed thinking of Angela and if she was safe. He hated seeing what Johnathan and his goons had done to regan and he knew if they ever got their chance they would bring harm upon Angela. Connor cried in the back of the truck and no one could comfort him. He knew what Connor was afraid of. He was afraid of loosing her but mostly afraid of turning her. If she survived her life would be hard but at least they might stand a chance at being together. Also, Johnathan would keep looking for her. Why can't he just leave her?! Jack shouted to himself. Regan had done nothing to recieve the treatment she had and he knew that Connor partly blamed himself. They took Regan to the place they had decided to do the transfusion and met up with Mr. Collier. They tried to take her from Connor's arms but he held her firmly to himself. "I can't let her go," he whispered. "Connor you must or she'll die. We're trying to give her a chance," Mr. Collier told him. "She never had a chance not from the day I met her," Connor whispered. "This is my fault." "Connor we need your blood, you can save her." Connor let her go and they layed her on a table, hooking the needles into Connor's arm. They took his blood then took some of hers and mixed it then stuck a needle in Regan's vein. They shot the blood into her. After a while she start3ed to toss and trun and roll around on the table, groaning. "Hold her," Mr. Collier told them and Matty did. She started tosing and turning more violently, as she began letting out small cries of pain. Connor's face held horror as he watched her. "I- I should've let her die rather than endure this," he said, crying. "No, Connor! She can not die! If she does both races will collapse. There is an energy that exerts from her. If she dies so does the blalance of power. Then everyone will suffer," Mr. Collier shouted. Regan started screaming and Jack felt like she would not make it. He had never seen anyone turn so violently and in so much pain. After an hour her body collapsed onto the table and she was still. Will she make it? Jack asked Mr. Collier. I don't know Jack. I really don't know.

<3

     "Hey, are you okay?" someone asked Johnatahan. He looked up into the eyes of a young woman. I need blood but I also need help'm gonna call an ambulance, ok? Hang in there," she told him. "No," he said. "I'm fine. Do you think you can help me up?" "I can try," she said. She pulled his arm around her neck and he looked into her eyes. He was able to quickly make her immobile. He layed her down and he kissed her. "You're beautiful," he told her. He kissed her again and again. He released his hold on her but she still kissed back . He kissed down her neck and she moaned. "You should really go to a hospital," she mummbled. He chuckled. "Where's you car sweetheart." "Up on the highway," she replied. He kissed her. "Why don't we go to... ur place... and have some fun first." She giggled. "I don't really know you," she replied. "I do know you're my guardian angel," he said softly kissing her. She kissed him back, then laughed, pulling away. "This is crazy," she said. He chuckled, kissing her once more. He pulled her shorts back on. "Come on," he said and they both got up and went to her car. On the drive home he made sure to keep her interested by rubbing between her legs and kissing her neck. She giggled or moaned when he did. They got to her house half-an hour later and Johnathan read her thoughts. I don't even know him! Ah, but he's so gorgeous! For some reason I'm being drawn to him but I better becareful he could be like a serial killer and he could do this stuff all the time... she trailed off as she looked up at him and smiled. He could use what she had said to his advantage. "Look.... I know this may be going too fast. We know nothing about eachother. You're just so beautiful," he told her tracing his hand along her cheek. She smiled. He chuckled softly. "Just in case, I think I should tell you. I'm not going to hurt you," he lied. She leaned in kissing him he kissed back. He bumped his head on the window as she pushed him back. They both laughed. "Let's get out of this car shall we?"he insisted. She nodded and took him into her house. Once the door was closed he imediately kissed her pushing her against it. She giggled. "You live all by yourself?" he mummbled as he kissed down her neck. "Yea," she breathed. "That' horrible. Someone as beautiful as you should have someone to wait for you every night... to make love to you." "Oh, make love to me," she told him. He grapped her waist and pulled her up so she could wrap her legs around him. They continued kissing as he brought her to her bedroom. He laid her down and he rolled over and started kissing her again. This time he bit her neck and at first she moaned thinking it was just something kinky he was doing. Soon however her veins began to sear and she felt an unbearable pain. She tried to push him off but she was too weak. As her heart began to slow he pulled away whispering. "You darling were too easy but I offer you a chance at eternal life. Drink my blood and you will live forever by my side." "What did you do to me?"she asked, weakly. "That's not what you need to focas on. Do you wish to live or die?" "Die?" she whispered, fading. "Yes you will die if you do not drink from me." "I want to live.I-I'm ready to leave this wrold." He smiled pulling a blade from his pocket. He sliced a cut on his upper arm. "Then drink," he offered. She hesitated as her life began to drain. "No," she breathed. "If you wish to die then that's ur ordeal. Good-bye beautiful." He went to stand but she lunged out with the last of her energy and she covered his wound with her mouth. She began to drink and Johnathan layed back, moaning. It brought him a new pleasure as he felt his blood tickle through his veins and into her body. Suddenly, she rolled over ontop of him as she began to turn, her thirst for life becoming a hunger for something else. "Yes," he breathed. He knew she'd turned completely when she collapsed ontop of him breathing hard. She looked up at him and her eyes were a clear blue more prominant than they had first been. She looked around as if she was helpless as a new-born infant. He chuckled and she whipped her head around looking at him. "You have new hearing, sight, smell, scenses. You are a vampire." She smiled not saying a word. She jumped into his arms and he made love to her. Afterwards he lay there exhausted with her sleeping next to him. He said to himself aloud, "This is the new gerneration I shall create. Young beautiful vampires full of life and with ravenous hunger . We will soon no longer have to cover oursleves, or hide in fear.... we will be the dominant species. For us it will be dawn of a new era."

 

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     Angela shivered standing in her old home. "It has been so long," she told herself. She pulled sheets off the old furniture and began cleaning up the house. She stopped gasping for a minute as the baby kicked at her in her belly. She smiled bringin her hand to the rounding bump on her abdomen. She spent a few days in quiet even with Regan's dog running around. Ah, Regan. Be safe. Then Angela thought of Jack and what she would do if something ever happened to him. A few weeks went by and still no word came from anyone. Then one night Jack called. "Regan did you find her? She's alright isn't she? And you are you alright?" He chuckled softly but he sounded sad. Ok Mrs. One Million questions. We found Regan and we have her, but she's not alright. He explained what happened. The transfusion may kill her. I- I've never seen someone turn so vilontly. She was in so much pain. It's been two days since we did the tranfusion. She hasn't woke and her pulse is faint and sometimes stops before coming back. "Oh, no. How's Connor taking this?" Oh, God Angela. He's a bloody mess. I don't know what to do. but how're you and the baby. "We're fine. It's been kicking very hard and- " she broke off. What, he asked. "Jack, I think I'm carrying twins." He was silent then she heard him shiver into the phone. That's amazing Angela! We're so blessed. "I know," she said smiling. Well I'm sorry honey but I have to go, he said. "It's fine," she said, although she desperatly wished he didn't have to leave and hang up the phone. I love you, Angela. Be safe my angel. "And I love you. Be safe my shining star and my world," she said and he left her. Suddenly, there was a chuckle from behind her. She froze then turn and her jaw dropped. In front of her stood Jack's father. "Hello, Angela." She took a step back. "You- you're dead," she replied shakily. He chuckled. "No... you see Mathhew Sr. thought he killed me, but he made a mistake." He looked to her stomache. "So you carry my grand chiled- or children as I just heard." He took a steo forward but she continued backing away. She had no way of protecting herself. "Don't worry Angel. I won't hurt you, I garentee your safety... for now." "Then why are you here?" she shouted. He walked up to her and she looked into his eyes unafraid. "Johnathan wants to finish the game and you are our bait." She gaped stepping back but he reached forward, slowly pulling her to him. She pushed on his chest trying to wiggle free. He laughed tracing his fingers down her cheek. "My son chose a good woman to bear his child. He's weak though. He won't last long enough to see his sons and I do know they are two boys Angela. I can sense them." She gasped and pulled away. "Let me go you monster!" she yelled. "Uh, uh ,uh think of the children Angel." She beat his chest when he reached up behind her ear and pressed slightly. He caught her as she blacked out to his cold, heartless laughter.