Disclaimer: I do not own Blood Ties or any of its characters. They are Tanya Huff's creations.

Thanks to my story consultant, Lena! All of your suggestions helped to make this a better story.

Previously in The Visit: Vicki's father came to town to reconnect with his daughter. At first Vicki refused to speak with him but eventually she does. While talking to her father, she learns that he has another family and she has a sister. Her sister, Lyssa shows up at the end of the story.

Chapter 1

"When Stanley said that you were interested in meeting me, I didn't think you would show up on my doorstep this soon."

Lyssa sat in one of the wooden chairs in the waiting area. "I know I should have called first but I figured if I just showed up there was no way you could turn me away."

Vicki sat beside her. "Despite my feelings towards our father, I would never condemn you for what he did. Where are you staying?"

Her half sister's eyes studied the floor for a moment. "I was kind of hoping I could stay with you. That way we could get a chance to know each other better. I'll understand if you say no. I saw a couple of motels on the way here. I could always stay at one of those."

As they were talking, an attractive guy with shoulder length curly brown hair and piercing blue eyes stepped into the doorway.

Lyssa inclined her head. "Who's that? Your boyfriend?"

As Vicki shook her head emphatically, a big grin spread across Henry's face.

"Actually he's my partner. Henry Fitzroy, this is Lyssa Nelson."

"Hi, Henry."

Henry bowed slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you." He looked past Lyssa at Vicki. "I think I'll give you two some alone time."

"You don't have to go on my account. I always say the more the merrier."

The vampire briefly smiled. "I doubt you want me to be privy to everything you intended to discuss with your long lost sister."

"True. Well, it was nice meeting you. Hopefully I'll see you again."

Vicki was beginning to wonder whether it was Henry's vampiric charm working on her sister or whether she was always this forward.

Henry glanced at Lyssa before returning his gaze to Vicki. "I'll see you tomorrow night, Vicki. Goodnight, ladies."

"Night, Henry."

Vicki's partner left.

Lyssa's reddish eyebrows rose in question. "Is Henry seeing anyone?"

"No, but his life is very complicated."

"Whose isn't?" Lyssa countered.

"He's older than you."

"Yeah, maybe by a couple of years. Four tops."

"Henry's older than he looks. It just wouldn't be a good idea." Vicki quickly changed the subject. "How long are you staying in town?"

"I'm on semester break so at least a couple of weeks." Lyssa rose and put on her backpack. "I guess I better check in at one of those motels before they are full." She walked toward the door.

"Lyssa… wait. There's no rule saying you can't stay with me. I just have one question. Do you snore?"