You know... I didn't get a signal review for my last chapter... which is why you're only getting this one now...

Sorry :/

LPOV

Walking into Terrance's office I found him in a conversation with a royal Moroi. I knew him personally, of course that's no surprise considering I'm a royal too. Eric Badica, one of the many royals who found my existence a disgrace...

"Ah, Tia." Terrance stood from where he sat behind his desk, gesturing me over to him.

I smiled politely as I moved to stand beside him, Eric's eyes on me the whole time. When I stood, facing him I could see his hungry eyes, boring into me.

Las Vegas has a reputation when it comes to the human world... but with Moroi and dhampirs there's a whole new world that comes to life. It isn't uncommon to find 'blood whores' throughout the city; and well royals are usually behind it all.

"A new face." Eric stood, towering like most Moroi. He was older then my dad, but younger than my grandfather, I could tell just by looking at him. Black hair going grey, hazel eyes that told a million stories from living many years.

I bowed my head, being respectful. "Good morning Lord Badica."

It was strange for Moroi to be out during the day. But I was used to Terrance doing all his business while the sun was up. He was one of the night lovers. Even though Moroi timetable was based around night time, a lot kept to themselves. But Terrance liked to use the time to live to the fullest. Parties, women, drinks. He was one of the livelier Moroi.

"This is one of my newest dhampirs, Tianna Sage. She came to Las Vegas with her boyfriend, and both have been great assets." Terrance smiled up at me.

Eric sat down once more nodding with appreciation. "Well she must have things to do, so..."

Resisting the urge not to roll my eyes I bowed my head in respect once more before turning to Terrance. He handed me a note, giving me a quick wink before I left his office.

Just as I was closing the door I heard them start their conversation up once more, much to my disgust...

"Of course, we'll have the room prepared for you and the other royals. The dhampir girls will be waiting for your arrival, and security will be heightened for the night; a special case for your gathering..." Terrance spoke professionally, no emotion in his words that signalled approval or disapproval.

I hated that part of this life. Blood whores, women- sometimes men- dhampirs that were used as snack bags and sex toys. It was a job, a lifestyle, and a hobby I guess, but it didn't mean they had to be treated like dirt.

Nether the less I had a job to do, and there was nothing that could be done about the royal 'gathering' happening tonight. So I turned to the note, ready to do whatever it was that Terrance needed me to do today.

I know you don't want to blow your cover, and it's risky with Belikov. But he requested you. He's required to head into the basement and check all underground exits. If things go bad when the royals come, I need to know they'll have a perfect getaway. I don't want Strigoi catching us on our way out.

So, can you accompany Valentin for the day before meeting me in my office around six this evening? I understand you go hunting around that time, but I will need to speak to you beforehand. Thank you.

Groaning, I shoved the letter in my pocket. "Do you know where he is? I don't want to have to go to security and ask them, Dylan might be there."

Victor shrugged. We had learnt that with a single thought from me, he appeared ready to help. It was something I liked about our bond or whatever it was. Though I still found it unnerving that he was a scheming, evil, ghost...

"Last time I saw him he was in the security office... with Dylan. Your boyfriend volunteered to show Valentin how to do things. I honestly think he's worried Belikov will figure you out, or his interest in you will grow." he grinned knowingly.

Victor was not a Dylan fan. He thought I was an idiot for sticking with him for this long. According to him I could have left the country by now if I didn't have Dylan with me. He was always reminding me of the things he did before he died, and the way he helps me now. Apparently he could keep me hidden forever if that's what I wanted.

It was. I didn't want to go back, not with my mum and dad wanting to keep me home where they can keep an eye on me twenty four seven. I didn't want to go back to being that royal dhampir people whispered about. I liked my life here. I had friends, a job. No one knew I was magical. No one made sure I was safe. I was just another dhampir, capable of taking care of herself.

"Fine. I'll go to the security office." I sighed, heading off reluctantly. I didn't want to see Dylan after what Kate had said.

"Think of it this way... if Valentin figures out who you are, you could always run away and leave Dylan here." Victor laughed before disappearing.

APOV

I sat in the living room of Lily's place. Adrian was going to fly back with me this afternoon, but before then we were having another spirit lesson. With Lily missing we needed all the spirit users we could get, so mum agreed to let Adrian teach me. He had helped her back in the day so she thought it was only fitting he did the same with me.

Adrian sat on the ground, legs cross eyes closed. He was currently trying to connect with Lily as I read his aura trying to read how he used his spirit. Considering we had no idea what timeline Lily was working on we had no idea when she'd be asleep, so getting through to her dreams was a little difficult.

"Do you think she's masking herself?" Sydney walked in, looking worse for wear.

It wasn't surprising that Sydney was taking Lily's disappearance the hardest. She hardly slept or ate. Whenever I saw her she was usually doing some sort of spell to locate her, or she was fussing over Adrian, making sure he had everything he needed. It was obviously wearing her down.

Adrian sighed, slumping his shoulders as he gave up for now. "I don't know. Even when Rose was in Russia, I could find her, it was just difficult getting her when she was asleep. But with Lily it's like whenever I try to find her, I run up to a wall. There's nothing. No matter what time I can't get to her."

I let my spirit fade, no longer reading Adrian's aura. "It wouldn't be too surprising. I mean she was advancing in spirit before me, and with the other elements she was getting better control. We have no clue how far she's gotten with her witch magic. And if she's capable of charming silver to hide herself- and Dylan- what's stopping her from doing a little witch spell?"

Adrian stood. "He's right. We need more than just some people trying to connect to her. We need people out there. We can't read aura's on a security tape or a photo. We need spirit users out there looking for her aura."

"And if she hid her aura?" Sydney sighed. "Let's just face it, we have no clue what she can do."

It felt like a dead end situation. All we were doing was driving spirit users closer to insanity. The few people who were the main assets to the search were running on fumes. We needed more. We needed money and power...

LPOV

"Hey babe." Dylan smiled as I entered the security office.

I smiled back though didn't really feel it. "Hi."

He walked over to me, kissing me on the cheek. "Terrance got you working down here today?"

Looking around the security office it's exactly what you'd think it would look like. Computer screens everywhere to show every inch of the hotel, even the exclusive Moroi rooms. Large control stations with buttons and switches to control various doors, windows, cameras, speakers and other things around the place.

Then there were the more dhampir things. Like the silver stakes displayed in the weapons cabinet. Of course we had other weapons, because Strigoi weren't the only things we had to fight off, but it's not like human casinos held silvers stakes like us.

"Actually Terrance wants the two of us to go down into the basement and check all the underground exits. We need to make sure they're clear." Valentin stood from one of the chairs, where he had been looking into the screen of a computer showing one of the bars.

Dylan's eyes went wide. "The basement? Why would he send you?"

I shrugged, not really wanting to tell him it was Valentin who had actually requested me. "You know I can handle myself. Terrance knows that too. Don't worry." I reassured him.

But there was nothing I could do to ease his worry. "What if something goes wrong? What if there are Strigoi down there? They could kill you, or worse..." he whispered. "What if you use your powers by accident?"

My eyes scanned the room, but no one seemed to hear what he had said. Stepping away from Dylan I just sighed. "It's my job. Now I'll see you tonight." I kissed his cheek before turning to Valentin. "Let's go."

...

We were in the elevator, making our way down to the lowest floor. There were several levels not available to the public. The first few dedicated to Moroi, for gatherings, special guests and feeder rooms. This way they were away from the heat and we could have proper security detail on each room.

Then there was the lowest level. An arrangement of exits leading to different get away places in case of Strigoi attacks or any other dangers that would require immediate Moroi evacuation. There was also a tattoo room for when a guardian requires one of the many marks we can receive. And of course, a safe house bunker for royal Moroi and their guardians when things get extreme.

"Your boyfriend seems nice." Valentin leaned against the wall of the lift, grinning as he stared at the doors.

I rolled my eyes, standing by the buttons waiting for the light to flash saying the door would open. "He is nice."

Valentin simply scoffed.

I turned on my heels, glaring at him. "Do you have something to say?"

He just kept grinning. "Your boyfriend is an overprotective control freak who worries you'll leave him when you realise you could do so much better. He stresses that you work so closely to Terrance because he knows of our boss' reputation, and the thought of you being close to another guy angers him."

My jaw dropped. "How could you possibly know that from working with him for a few hours?"

He shrugged. "My great grandmother's a... let's just say she's got a sixth sense. I was lucky enough to inherit her gifts."

His grandmother is a witch. The thought come to me before I realised what I was thinking. But of course it made sense. Rose had told me many stories about Yeva, and mum had her suspicions. But if Valentin really got all that from Dylan in a few hours it made perfect sense.

"What do you think he gets from you?" Victor whispered to me, even though there was no reason to whisper.

It was true. We had spent the whole day together yesterday, so he could have read a lot more than just a few things about someone's feelings towards a relationship. Heck he could know who I am and have already told Dimitri...

"So what do you get off me?" I asked casually, trying to sound sceptic and curious at the same time.

He pushed himself off the wall and moved closer until there was a single step between the two of us. I moved away until my back was pressed against the wall and I couldn't move. "You're harder to read. It's like I come up to a wall and there's no way to get around it. That's why I wanted you to come along today. Well that and because I like you, you're different."

Looking away I decided to ignore the last part. "I'm harder to read. Does that mean you can't get anything?"

"No." he shook his head. "I know you're not happy. Since coming here you feel like you can be yourself more than ever. And that the sceptic look you just gave me is false. You believe in more than just the Moroi and Strigoi. You believe there are more things out there then we are taught to believe. But the main thing I get from you is that you don't want anyone to get past that wall; you're strong and determined not to let people figure you out."

Just then the doors opened and I realised I was leaning on them. But it was too late, I was already falling.

"Tia!" Valentin reached for me.

I was quicker than him though, turning before I landed on the ground, and placing myself in a cat stance.

I stood, acting as if nothing had happened. Turning to look at him I moved my hair so it was no longer draped over my shoulder.

When I was facing Valentin, he was looking at me with a confused frown. "You don't have your promise mark." he went to move behind me, reaching for my hair.

Oh no, what's Lily going to do? How do you think Valentin will react about Lily not having her promise mark? And will he figure her out, or can she keep the wall up?

Anyway I hope you enjoyed, don't forget to review :):)

Love and miss you xox

BaMbY