This is basically a sequel to my "Just let me Cry" from Zoey's point of view when Stevie Rae dies in book 2 "Betrayed". In this one, it's Stevie Rae's view when she dies and is resurrected by Neferet.

Disclaimer: I don't own Zoey, Stevie Rae, Neferet, Erik, Stark, Erin, Shaunee, Damien, Jack, Darius, or any body else in the House of night series. I do however own that random real estate agent showing up at your door :ding dong" see? What'd I tell ya? That's crazy shit right there O_O

My coughing got worse and worse

There came this familiar taste in my mouth

It tasted sweet

It tasted warm

It tasted new

It tasted not at all like a stranger's would.

There was too much of it in my mouth.

I had to puke some of it up in my hand

It was red.

It was warm

It was gooey.

Zoey began crying. Every one was. Hm.

I wonder. This is probably the end. This is when I become one of those who's body rejected the change. Only my Earth affinity could keep the pain away.

Zoey was saying things. I could hear her but just barely.

"Hey Zoey. Since ya never had a real momma or daddy, you can have mine. Tell 'em you're their daughter now."

She said something almost inaudible

"She'll bake you some of her cookies now"

I looked at all my friends.

I could almost have sworn if they kept up the tears, they'd drown.

"Ya'll take care of Zoey. Don't let anything pull you apart."

Damian could only say "Of course."

Shaunee and Erin were crying so hard, they couldn't speak. I almost didn't see them nod their heads.

My eyelids almost went shut.

Dear goddess, they were heavy. Like someone tied a cinder block on each of my eyelashes.

I was so worn out.

I was finding it harder to breathe.

"Z, I think I'll go to sleep for a while now, okay?"

I saw her nod. She knew as well as I did that it was more than just "sleep for a while".

I looked even harder into her eyes. I think I saw her mind constructing some images that I would wake up soon.

Oh, Z. You're always the dreamer, huh?

But still. Dying like this would be better if I'm not left alone. Pfft, like Z would let me alone right now anyways. She's a better friend than that.

"Will you stay with me?" I asked.

Z nodded fast. I imagined her head falling off from doing that. That would be weird wouldn't it.

Every light in the room has shut off.

Maybe it's because I've closed my eyes?

Now I suddenly don't feel so heavy and tired anymore.

I'm weightless.

I'm like mist.

I wonder.

I think I see myself now.

I'm just laying there in Zoey's arms.

"Hey me! Wake up! You can't die with all that blood on ya, ya look like someone put ketchup all over you!" I shouted. Only I could hear my voice.

My body didn't move.

I screamed it louder. Nothing. I'm only standing there, just looking on.

My feet begin coming off the ground.

Whoa, hold up! Where am I going? I gotta wait and see if I move or not.

Zoey's still looking at me. That must mean I'm going to wake up right? Let me stay and see if I wake up!

My green candle flame started flickering and then went out

Zoey, Erin, and Shaunee all started crying harder. It was like a combination of screams you'd hear when you have

A horror movie dude chasing you

You stuck your hand on the hot stove

You just ripped your favorite sweater

Your being skinned alive

Your having nails driven in your head

And

You just saw a roach in your drink

Damian just got more tears to run down his face.

I still couldn't stop myself from floating higher and higher

It was that I didn't want to leave my friends like this

And it was that I couldn't stand there and listen to them suffer.

Then everything, Sight, Sound, Feel, Smell, Taste had all went black and unrecognizable.

There was a light again.

It was bright and it hurt my eyes.

Neferet stood over me and looked down.

"It's time for you to go with my other fledglings." She said

"Fledglings?"

"Yes. The other who have died and I was gracious enough to bring you back,"

"I don't understand."

"You will sooner or later. However, my Stevie Rae, my generosity does come at but a small price."

"Price?"

"Do what I ask, When I ask and then the meanwhile, You'll get what you desire."

"What I desire?"

"Blood. Aren't you thirsty right now. Like you could drink all of Earth's oceans and every sea of Mercury and still not be satisfied?"

"…"

"Then serve me, and you shall get the blood you want. In fact, I have someone here just for you."

In her hand, there was hair. Attached to the hair, was a head along with quivering limbs, a hunched over torso and the words of "Lord! Please save me! Please no!"

Neferet slit a small scratch on the woman's face.

The blood hit my nose and I knew what I'd desired for real.

What happened to the friends from before. In my mind they have disappeared. Right now, I'm thirsty, and I have much blood to take care of. So until I'm no longer thirsty…

Just Let Me Stay.