AN: Sorry for the wait, I'm sure this chapter will be worth it though!

Nora's POV

The uncomfortable feeling builds up in my lower belly again as Billie steps out of the bathroom wearing only a night shirt. Her pale skin glows in the moonlight and her eyes appear even darker than usual. She sits on the edge of the bed in the master bedroom, and her shirt rides up ever so slightly to reveal the curves of her hips.

I've never seen so much of another woman before, and I've never experienced this strange, wonderful sensation of desire coursing through my body. Charles did nothing for me. He was a weak man with not much to look at. Even our wedding night was passionless.

Now, looking at Billie, with her long blonde hair and legs that go on for days, I'm almost painfully aroused. I have to bite my tongue to banish these impure thoughts.

"Are you alright Nora?" The medium places her hand on my knee. I turn away, my face flushing bright red from the touch.

In my most convincing tone I reply, "Yes, I'm fine." Billie frowns at me then presses the back of her palm to my forehead.

"You feel kind of hot Nora. Do ghosts get sick?"

Shaking my head no, I get up and busy myself with tidying the room. I know that if I keep staring at her she'll guess what I'm thinking.

For a bedroom that hasn't really been used in a few years it's a mess. A thick layer of dust coats everything and a broken picture frame of Tate and Violet is strewn about the desk. "I'm sorry everything is so unkempt, Billie."

She chuckles slightly. "Don't worry about it. I'd much rather be here in a messy room with you than out on the streets were a serial killer is lurking."

"About that…I think I know who's behind it."

Billie raises her eyebrows in question. 'Who?"

"Michael Langdon.'

"Michael? But he's so young! Yes, there's something evil living in him, I can feel it whenever I even walk past his house, but I don't know if he's capable of this."

"Every week, sometimes more than once, he and Constance drag a dead body into the backyard and Tate buries it. I've never gotten a good look at them up close, but I'm sure that they're the same victims the police are looking for."

The medium's eyes are wide with astonishment. "What do we do?"

"Nothing." Chad Warwick says sternly. He's leaning against the door frame with his strong arms crossed over his chest. "Leave it alone. Stay out of it, if you know what's good for you."

I slide closer to Billie until our shoulders are pressed together. Chad stalks over to us with a wicked grin on his face. Honestly, he frightens me.

"You don't belong here Miss Howard. You're not welcome."

"Yeah, well neither are you asshole."

"Touché." He's standing right in front of us now. His cold eyes and broad shoulders are intimidating. "The boy is going to free us from this house. He's going to let us roam through the streets doing as we please. He's going to unleash hell on the living, and I can't let you ruin that. I'm too close to freedom to let anything stand in my way."

Chad grabs Billie's arm forcefully. I can see her skin turning white around his fierce grip; there will surely be a bruise. "Let go of me Chad." For a woman being threatened by a deranged ghost, her voice is steady and strong. "Go away."

He laughs in her face. "Honey, there's way too much evil in this house for that to work anymore. But good try. Now it's time for YOU to go away."

Chad drags her up from the bed with one hand on her arm and the other pulling her hair violently. She tries to stay composed, but ends up wincing and squeaking in pain.

"Leave her alone!" I'm a lady, ladies aren't supposed to fight, but I will do whatever it takes to protect Billie. I can't stand to see that brute's hands on her. I'm terrified that he's going to kill her.

I try telling myself that I only want to save her because she could get me to the afterlife, but it is so much more than that.

"Meek, little Nora finally raises her voice. You seem to be missing the point though. When Michael frees us, you can go steal however many babies you want. You can be a mother again Nora. So just be quiet and let me take care of the medium."

Billie's eye lock on mine. She's petrified. I do want to be a mother again, more than anything in the world, but I can't sacrifice Billie.

"I said leave her alone Chad. You don't want me to get Thaddeus do you? With one word from me, he will rip you to shreds and use your insides as play toys for all of eternity. Is that really what you want?"

His hold on Billie loosens and he grits his teeth, seeming to be weighing the options. After a few silent moments, he throws Billie back towards me.

"That's what I thought."

"You made a bad choice here Nora. Now we know what side you're really on. You'll regret this." And with that he disappears.

It feels as if my heart is racing and I'm out of breath from fear. What if he comes back for Billie? What if he hurts me?

Billie is sitting up, rubbing her sore arm. "Are you okay?" She looks shaken, but fine overall.

She nods in response. "It's not the first time a spirit has threatened my life and it probably won't be the last. Thank you so much for standing up to him Nora; you saved my life. I owe you. Are you alright?"

"Yes." I say quietly. I'm not alright. I'm not alright at all. Billie seems to see right through me though. She pulls me into a warm embrace that makes my heart race again, but for a different reason this time. Stroking my hair, careful to avoid the bullet hole, she comforts me.

"It's going to be okay, Nora. I've got you."

Despite my best efforts, I sob with my face in her neck. I don't have to say anything, she just knows. Maybe it's a medium thing, but I can sense that it's a far deeper connection.

Billie sooths me with soft words and a gentle touch. She whispers softly, saying that I would've been a great mother, and that the Thaddeus in the basement is not my Thaddeus. She kisses the top of my head and holds me close.

I've never felt this way before. Safe. My whole life, both living and dead, was one tragedy after another. It feels wonderful to be held and simply cared for.

"Thank you Billie. You don't owe me a thing."

We're curled up in bed, moonlight spilling through the window to illuminate us ever so slightly. The light catches her jaw line just right, and I know that she is the most beautiful woman to have ever existed.

Billie pulls the blankets over us and kisses my temple. "I've never met a ghost like you before Nora. You're special."

And with that Billie closes her eyes and drifts off into a peaceful sleep.

xxxxxxx

Nights have always been difficult for me. Something about the overwhelming stillness and eerie silence keeps me on edge. My nights are also plagued by thoughts. I think myself in circles, until I can't see through my tears.

Most often I think about Charles and Thaddeus. My poor little boy. The empty feeling in my chest only grows when I picture his smiling face. He had my eyes.

Tonight, though I do think of Thaddeus sporadically, I'm consumed by thoughts of the beautiful woman beside me.

Billie is sleeping soundly. Her mouth open in a soft snore. I always hated Charles' loud, obnoxious snores; I'd even make him sleep on the couch in the parlor. But Billie's are endearing. Everything about her is intriguing and wonderful.

I can feel her heart beating under her ribs. 987 beats since I've started counting the rhythmic melody.

Dim morning light is beginning to peak through the open blinds. I want to get up and close them, but whenever I move, even the tiniest bit, Billie clutches my nightgown. I can't bring myself to leave her.

Instead, I commit Billie Dean Howard to memory. I gaze at her, unblinking, following the path of every vein, scar, freckle, curve, and contour. When she inevitable leaves I want to be able to relive this moment, picture her as she is now, and not feel so alone.

"Nora?" Billie's eyes slowly blink open and her voice is dripping with sleep.

"Yes dear?"

"What time is it?" She rubs her tired, stunningly dark eyes.

"Early still, maybe 6 or 7."

"Did you sleep well?"

I chuckle lightly. "Ghosts don't typically sleep, or eat for that matter."

She smiles back at me which causes butterflies to go crazy in my stomach. "Oh yeah, I forgot that you're dead."

I freeze, her words jolting me. I'm dead. She's alive and I'm dead. No matter how much I want her, it can't work because I am dead.

"Shit, Nora I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to say it like that. I'm still half asleep and it just flew out. I'm so sorry!" Billie does look genuine apologetic and horrified with herself, but that does nothing to ease my sorrow.

"It's true though." I say in a flat whisper. "I'm dead. I'm trapped in this wretched house with dozens of demons, one whom has the body of my mutilated child, I lost my baby, and I'm dead.

"Nora…" Billie reaches out and rubs my forearm. She's frowning sadly, her chocolate colored eyes rimmed with tears.

"Why don't you get dressed? You said you wanted to leave early anyway. I'll meet you in the kitchen."

Before the medium can respond I've already gotten up from the bed and walked straight through the wall, for added dramatic effect. How could Billie have said something like that so lightly? Sure she just woke up, but that's not really an excuse.

Everyday I'm reminded that I'm only a ghost and everyday it just gets harder to deal with. Sighing heavily, I take a seat at the table. I contemplate making Billie breakfast, but decide against it because this damn kitchen is so confusing.

I can hear her high heels clacking as she enters the room. I try not to look at her but fail miserably.

"Nora, I can't express hoe sorry I am for my insensitivity before. I was stupid and I didn't think before I spoke. I didn't mean to hurt you. Please accept my apology. I truly am sorry." Billie looks distraught, like if I don't accept she'll burst into tears.

I want to be angry with her, yet I want to comfort her at the same time. "The funny thing is Billie…that with you here, I feel more alive than I ever have before."

"Oh Nora." Her voice is soft and sweet like candy.

"You don't have to say anything Billie, it's okay. I've already accepted that you'll leave me at some point and I'll be alone again. I can't expect you to stay here with a broken soul who can't give you anything that a living person could. Life is meant for the alive my dear."

Tears cascade from my eyes and I hold my head in my hands. I wait for the sound of her shoes walking out the door, but it never comes. Instead Billie leans over, tilts my chin up with her warm hands, and kisses me.

At first I'm stunned, but I quickly regain my senses and reciprocate. Her lips are full and soft on mine. Liquid desire runs through my veins again as I tangle my hands in her hair.

This is when I know that heaven isn't a place up in the sky, it's a moment in time.