Day 4, 9:08, Las Vegas

When Rashel opened her eyes, she instantly became very aware of three important things.

Firstly, she was lying in a massive bed in the most expensively furnished room she'd seen in her life. Secondly, Quinn was beside her, all dark perfection against the ivory sheets, his body rising and falling with slow breaths. Thirdly, for the first time in these hectic days, she did not feel the need to grasp for her knife under the pillow and check the place. There was a sense of security in her she couldn't understand but enjoyed.

She watched the morning light squeeze through the sides of the heavy curtains, sending beams of light across the floor. Despite the luxury of this place, which she really could not get used to, it felt homely. She didn't actually feel the need to get up at all.

She rolled over leisurely, facing her soulmate and gradually drew a fingertip up his exposed arm. She felt his consciousness returning and the warmth of his emotions as he realized what she was doing. Bottomless onyx eyes looked at her as she continued her way up his shoulder until she reached the base of his neck.

"Hey," she whispered.

He blinked back at her. Then he reached over to pull her in for a kiss. She didn't even think of resisting, meeting his lips with equal passion as they embraced. After yesterday's tension, this was an absolute release.

She found herself being pressed into the pillows as he shifted his weight on top of her. Her hands buried himself in his hair of their own accord. She needed him closer, needed his ferocity and his strength and the love, which poured into her. Obviously he felt the same because he moulded his body to every inch of uncovered skin, sending lightening shocks running through their minds.

How on earth had she lived without this?

Her self-control was nothing when it came to him. Her head seemed to switch off entirely when they had physical contact like this. Without reservations, she slipped her hand under the hem of his shirt, lifting it away from his abdomen. Her hands touched heated skin, brushed over scars, feeling the muscles shiver at her motions.

He nipped at her earlobe, past her neck to place burning kisses along the strap of her top. She let him tug it off as she mirrored his movements, removing the thin T-shirt from his body. Then they were at each other again, tongues exploring and hands brushing across each other's bodies like they had been starved for it.

All nerve endings felt lit on fire as he dipped his head to her stomach, taking his time to alternative between kisses and soft bites, travelling upwards. She actually groaned at the loss of the sensation when he raised his head momentarily to look into her eyes.

If his eyes were endlessly black before, now they seemed ethereal with want as they locked with hers. There was a glaze in them she hadn't seen before but she found the sight addictive. Imperfections of any kind were swept away by that expression. Even the extended fangs she saw hidden behind his half-opened lips did nothing to quench her sudden thirst for him. There was no disgust, no fear.

She surprised herself by hooking her hands around his neck to pull him back down. There had been too many instances already where she'd had to draw back, this morning she wanted to change that. That overwhelming desire to be as near as possible to him had her tingling all over.

But this time he was the one that rolled off her first. She was just about to chastise him for the teasing when several knocks sounded on the door. She let her head fall back into the pillow. These distractions could really not be coincidence anymore.

The vampire did not bother recollecting his shirt as he crossed the room to open up. A new face appeared, which Rashel could just make out to be blond and male from where she was spread-eagled on the covers. The person said something to Quinn but from the distance, she couldn't hear details. Who designed such enormous rooms anyway? Sighing, she stepped out of bed in her bra and shorts, quickly tugging on her top again as she also approached the doorway.

It was Ash, grinning slyly as she leaned against the doorframe beside Quinn.

"Didn't disturb you did I?"

She gave him a bland look. "Where would you get that idea?" she deadpanned, raking a hand through her dishevelled hair, "What do you want?"

"Don't worry, I'm not here to join the fun. There's breakfast downstairs. Figured at least the human one might want something," he replied with a wink, "And I'll warn you now, there are some curious people who want to meet the newest additions"

"Great," Rashel said, suppressing a yawn.

"Thierry put me in charge of showing you around. Couldn't imagine that anyone would have something better to do. So I'm telling you now, might want to get to the kitchen first. This place will take half a day to finish a tour"

Quinn didn't say anything, arm braced against the doorframe and eyes on Rashel. She couldn't read the look so she just nodded at Ash, mostly to get him to leave, before gesturing at their pyjamas.

"We'll need ten minutes"

The lamia just nodded. His eyes lingered on Quinn for a second before he left them and disappeared down the hallway. Rashel suddenly became aware that she really wanted a shower if she was going to look humane in front of these strangers.

She stretched out her back as Quinn closed the door and was heading towards the bathroom when strong vampire arms spun her back around, pushing her against the wall. Her back collided with the smooth surface but she barely felt it because Quinn's mouth was back on hers and she didn't even think about complaining.

"John…" she murmured in between forceful kisses, "No…time…now"

"I don't care about breakfast," he replied huskily, hands pressed flat against the wall beside her head, "I want you"

That took her breath away and she needed a second to stop herself from just melting at that moment. This reminded her of the way his aura had almost overwhelmed her on the enclave when he'd tried to change her. It was so inviting, coercing her into something she knew she could have if she only gave in. Tempting as it was, she needed to get a grip.

"We just got here," she reassured him, debating whether to duck out from under his arm or not, "There is time for this later"

"Really?" he asked, caressing her collarbone with his lips. She breathed deeply, knowing exactly that he was doing this on purpose. God, he was going to drive her insane.

"Yes," she gasped out as his hands found her waist and he began massaging the exposed skin there with gentle movements.

"You really want breakfast right now?" he questioned further, sliding her top up her stomach again, while his lips brushed along her ear.

"Yes," she had trouble keeping her breathing regular, "Starving"

His answer never came because his lips suddenly covered hers again and she lost all ability to coherently speak at all. His hands found her thighs and suddenly she was hoisted against the plaster, Quinn's naked torso against hers and she instinctively wrapped her legs around him. If they had been eager before, this was just on the edge of hunger in the way they could not get enough of another.

He was right. Clothes were dropping on the floor faster than she could even feel them being drawn away from her body. Suddenly she was down to her underwear and the skin-to-skin contact accelerated the rush inside her tenfold. Quinn was not entirely unaffected either; she could feel him stirring against her just as her body was responding to him.

Then his head dipped down, settling kisses on the swell of her breast. She gasped at the sensation. This was territory nobody had breached before and it was extraordinary to feel the rasp of his fangs against the skin followed by the soothing warmth of his lips. She wasn't scared, just exhilarated.

Her back was wedged too tightly against the wall to undo the clasps of her remaining clothing so she unlinked her legs. Sliding down his body, she used the change of height to capture his mouth again while she knocked his arm aside with her shoulder and switched their positions. Quinn only put up a mild resistance as she spun them and pressed him against the surface.

He must have guessed her intentions though because seconds later, his fingers danced over her bra, lingering as he waited for a reaction. When she showed no sign of discomfort, he undid the hook, removing the garment from her body without second thought. For a moment shock flowed through her at the loss of that barrier and she felt exposed just as she had when her scarf had been lifted. Doubt snaked into her head for a second. She wasn't ready. She couldn't be.

Then Quinn returned to his ministrations and everything became a blur. They were so close and she was desperate for more. His hands on her hips were sliding lower and she was determined to give back as good as she got. Her fingers settled on the hem of his sweatpants and she pulled at them in her distraction, not one to be undermined in this game they were playing.

She wasn't really prepared for the fact that there was nothing else to undress. Smooth skin followed the path of the sweats and as the came away she had to draw back, pausing, taking him in, in his entirety.

He felt her freeze, felt her mind go wild with uncertainty, and gradually lifted his head to meet her eyes as she stared at him. Realization flashed in his expression.

You've never done this before. It was a statement.

It took her a moment to gather her wits and catch her breath enough to be able to answer and when she did, her grip on him loosened.

No, she confessed, I told you I tried to punch the guy who tried to ask me out. It stopped after that. I couldn't afford that in my life.

He looked thoughtful for a bit, the pure lust in his eyes receding somewhat. She knew it was something normal teenagers might have experienced but he had known from the beginning she was not the average girl. She met his eyes squarely. I never wanted anyone until you.

He leaned in for a kiss then. Far less demanding than before, this was a kiss of assurance. She responded, feeling his arms envelop her and her own heartbeat thundering in her head. That in combination with his mental voice put her at ease. I wasn't judging. I'm just not used to taking it slow. If you need time, we'll take time.

She smiled against his lips before pulling back and regarding him. I want this too.

I know.

Cool-down time?

He just chuckled, leaning his head back against the wall.

"I'm going to take a shower," she stepped away, careless of any nudity by now and headed towards the bathroom as intended. She felt his eyes on her bare back as she went to her duffel to pick out fresh underwear.

The moment she was in the shower she let out a long breath under the pounding water. She couldn't comprehend how he set her on fire like this but they were definitely the craziest feelings she'd ever had. She couldn't think straight at all. She rested her head against the tiles of the shower, thankful that they were still relatively cold.

She could feel Quinn on the fringes of her mind, just as inwardly frustrated if not more. She didn't want to play him like this but it was easy for him to go all the way when she hadn't experienced a kiss until days ago. She was already surprised by herself for letting herself go today in a house they'd been in for a couple of hours. She didn't blame him for not paying attention to her inexperience.

So maybe she was being a coward but she didn't want to rush this. Especially not when they had just been accepted to stay here.

She finished up quickly, leaving her muddled mind behind with the shower and getting her head to focus. She had a role to play right now. She quickly dragged a brush through her hair and shook it dry. When she emerged from the bathroom, Quinn immediately took her place and she was left to sort through the insane amount of things Anja had packed her.

Some of it she couldn't even remember trying on. She stared at the heels poking up between the shirts and on a whim, tossed them under the bed. She really, really didn't like those things. After rummaging several minutes, she settled on a tank and regular jeans. If she was going to stop being the Cat, then she would have to make an effort not to come across as a ninja at all times.

She was tempted to throw open the curtains, then remembered that Quinn wouldn't react well to it. That was another aspect she supposed she'd have to get used to. Not that it made a significant difference since she was more of a night prowler too.

She peeked out though, finding that she could see the stretch of garden grounds behind the house. Again, everything looked flawlessly kept with extended rose beds and hedges forming the perimeter of the property. There was even a statue somewhere in the centre of the footpath leading out from the house around the black carpet of blossoms. She felt half the urge to scoff at all this wealth. Appearances really were everything out here.

She turned when she felt a caress on her wrist, finding her damp-haired soulmate in front of her. He kissed her lightly, some droplets still running down his face, catching on her eyelashes as she pulled him in. Then she laughed, blinking against the sudden wetness.

"Ready to face the wolves?" he asked, flashing that dazzling smile of his.

It was one of those moments. Too good to be true, she thought.

"Always," She reached over and pushed her knife down the side of her waistband until it was well out of sight.

The kitchen was surprisingly easy to find despite the maze of upstairs hallways. Once they'd reached the main foyer, the smell of pancakes and toast led them straight into the large room. It looked like the kind of workspace expected in an expensive restaurant, complete with a man bustling around in apron and hat who was flipping omelettes.

One side of the room had been cleared and filled with an assortment of small mismatching tables, around which six people were lounging. Simply the smells of fresh food filling this place had Rashel's mouth watering. The moment they entered though, all sets of eyes turned to them.

All teenagers, all of them beautiful in their own special way. Her eyes skimmed over them, catching brief sight of a head of fiery copper curls and a pair of entwined hands on the table. The only familiar figures were Ash and the tanned girl who had brought them to Thierry's office.

She forced herself not to look at them with her usual stoic hostility as she picked a seat beside the wolf girl and reached for a plate. Quinn settled next to her, a chair between him and Ash.

A blond girl spoke up first, her expression transmitting a warm and welcoming feel. She was earth-child if Rashel ever saw one. A witch. That voice just carried wisdom in it that was beyond human maturity. "I couldn't believe what Ash was saying. But it really is you. I would have expected anyone to be chosen by the Old Powers but you, Quinn. It's unbelievable. A human soulmate."

"Looks like no one is immune anymore. I actually followed your trail here," Quinn remarked, "I suppose I should thank you"

Rashel snapped to attention. "The witch you were talking about…the one who disappeared with a human," she turned to the pretty girl, "That's you?"

"Thea Harman," the gentle-spoken witch nodded, "And you are Quinn's soulmate."

"Rashel," she responded, addressing the table in general.

"This is mine," she turned to smile at the tall blond boy beside her who had been drinking from his mug, curiously watching, "Eric. I left my Circle for us to be together. I suppose you could say I dropped off the grid of the Night World. Now I'm just working for the good of everyone. What do you mean you followed my trail?"

Quinn explained briefly, getting one or two impressed murmurs from around the table at their quest to find Daybreak. Rashel meanwhile helped herself to some toast and the man, whom the girl next to her referred to as 'Chef' slipped an omelette onto her plate before she could open her mouth to protest.

At some point Ash stepped in during the conversation and gestured towards the rest of the group. "Okay, okay, before we all get absolutely blown away by the mad story telling here, let me just get the names out here"

Quinn sent him a black glare but since Ash knew best how to ignore unwanted reactions, he went straight ahead, pointing at a couple in the corner, "That's Poppy, newbie vampire. And James, I don't know if you guys met before? I don't think you ever took interest in the Rasmussens did you Quinn? Anyway, we've got a bit of a Romeo and Juliet story with these two. Well at least one of them died by choice"

"Funny, Ash," the boy in question said. He had Hollywood star good looks, a defined face, honest eyes and a smile on his lips. The name didn't ring a bell with Rashel though. He looked over at them, "I saved Poppy from cancer. She didn't have long anymore, so she chose to be turned"

She stared at the girl with the soft features and big smile. Immortality suited her but Rashel couldn't help but imagine the girl as human, not plain but not supernaturally glowing with energy either. She imagined her sick and dying, imagined what kind of pain she must have been in to allow herself to be killed by a vampire. She respected the decision but couldn't quench the tightness in her stomach at the thought.

"That's noble," Quinn answered in her place, "How did you know each other?"

"We're childhood friends," the redhead answered, her high voice full of affection as she glanced at James, "We were always close. When we realized we were soulmates it was as though we'd never been anything else"

"Poppy is actually half a witch as well. She never knew though," Thea added, "Heritage-wise she could have used the magic in her if she hadn't been turned"

"And that's Lupe over there," Ash continued, "Our very own human-werewolf halfbreed"

"Don't call me that," the girl hissed with sparking eyes.

He rolled his eyes before drawling on. "We saved her from Night World thugs who found out she wasn't pure wolf. They've been doing that a lot, casting out anyone who has human blood. My first mission where we got into a clinch. Trust me, she can fight like crazy against guys twice her size"

Rashel assessed her between bites of egg, taking in the way she seemed to be equally in control of her body as Rashel had been trained to do. That was natural for shapeshifters but from her stance, Rashel knew the girl was a fighter. She immediately felt more at home. Despite the age difference, she had a feeling they would find a lot of common ground.

Then she noticed the absence.

"Where's Connor?" she inquired, reaching for some orange juice.

"Off again this morning," Lupe explained, "He's a busy guy, in charge of a lot of bases. He's not around this place much"

"She likes to think she's the alpha-wolf around," Ash grinned. That obviously earned him a kick under the table because the smug expression was followed by a wince.

"Just like you think you call all the shots here," the human boy spoke up from beside Thea, "Didn't you say you had somewhere to be by now?"

That got a rapid reaction. Ash glanced at the kitchen clock, eyes growing wide. "Damn," he muttered before abruptly getting up and vanishing out of the kitchen at a speed Rashel hadn't seen the languid vampire use before.

"Mary-Lynette," was all Poppy said, suppressing a giggle.

It didn't take them long to add two and two together. "His soulmate?" Quinn guessed.

The curly-haired vampire smiled wickedly, "It's adorable how quickly he changes his attitude once you mention her. They call each other on the weekend when she doesn't have school. The second you say something about how he's completely head over heels, he goes and sulks for getting caught"

"Which is only fair for all the teasing we get," James agreed.

"This is all there is? When Thierry said they provide asylum for soulmates I thought he meant more than just you," Quinn looked around the group expectantly.

"Oh there are quite a lot now. But they don't stay here. This is headquarters but we can't have too many people in one spot, it gets risky. Night World people come here on occasion to see Thierry. It's one of his residences so the less Daybreakers hang around the better. The other safe houses are outside the big cities; they're made for people to stay permantly," Thea said, "We're not here long either. Thierry wanted to meet with us to discuss how to locate the Wild Powers. Everyone has been working on it day and night"

"Getting anywhere?"

"It's not so simple," the witch smiled, "It is awfully hard work to find the right signs. Most of the time the Wild Powers won't know that they are special people. The blue fire in their blood doesn't emerge whenever they feel like it. That keeps them safe but it also means they're difficult to find"

Rashel had finished eating and was listening intently. "Okay, so how do you start looking?"

"There is a prophecy," Thea looked at Quinn questioningly, "You might have heard of it. We know for a fact that Hunter Redfern's closest witches have found out about it. One from the land of kings long forgotten, one from the hearth which still holds the spark, one from the Day World where two eyes are watching, one from the twilight to be one with the dark"

Rashel raised an eyebrow. "Just who creates these prophecies?"

Eric smiled knowingly at her. "Sounds like a lot of garbage when you hear it the first time"

"But it makes sense," Quinn said, "The second line means there is a Harman-descended witch who is a wild power. And the Day World…"

"A human," James supplied, "Although the question of the two eyes is hard to figure out. We've considered maybe different coloured eyes or a human with special talents, superhuman abilites. Even an Old Soul is a possibility"

"Or an impure human," Quinn's dark eyes flashed, "Hunter likes to call them mongrels"

"What exactly is that?" Poppy asked, her fiery curls bouncing as she leaned forward.

Rashel was catching on now and with an apologetic look at Lupe, put it in clearer terms: "A half-breed. Night World blood mixed with human. Though I think they would be hard to find. People like that know better than to expose their heritage. The Night World would kill them. I bet most don't even know they're more than human if they're raised by humans"

"It's possible," Thea said, lost in thought, "But then it is just as difficult to find somebody who fits that description"

"The land of kings" Lupe threw in, "That sounds a lot like ancient times. If a person lives that long, that would make them a vampire"

"You're forgetting that they have to be born in the year of the Maiden's vision. That would be around seventeen or eighteen years ago," James reminded her, "So even if there's a vampire, he or she would have to be made or born recently"

"Well if you go with that trend you get one Wild Power from each of the species," Eric said solemnly, "And so far we have a lead on none of them"

"This would be our average breakfast discussion," Poppy grinned at the two newcomers. Rashel was too preoccupied to return the smile though, caught up in everything she had just heard. Puzzle solving was something she was used to, drawing connections between signs in order to track down her prey. There was something nagging at her.

"Didn't somebody say that all Wild Powers had to work together to stop the darkness?"

"Yes," Thea looked at her quizzically.

"The last part contradicts that doesn't it? From the twilight to be one with the dark…I mean that doesn't make sense if the dark is supposed to be the evil side. How on earth would you get them to change their mind?"

"Luck," Lupe said.

"Appeal to their conscience," James added.

"Hand them a soulmate," Quinn smirked.

She snorted and leaned back in her seat. "What do the witches think of that?"

Thea shrugged, "We have considered many possibilities. Circle Twilight could be the link that is mentioned but the witches are deciding right now whether to leave the Night World for good and work against the Council. It's unlikely that anybody would defer to their side if the entire race has declared independence from the dark side. We also thought about twilight symbolizing somebody working for both sides. Nobody can be sure."

"Right," Rashel shoved her empty plate aside, "What the witches need is a strategy. Scout teams. You can't just theoretically find a Wild Power. You've got to be out in the field looking, using contacts, finding clues"

"It's happening," Lupe said, "Everybody is working the hardest they can while also fending off the Council thugs"

"Well then we're not just going to stick around and sight-see around Vegas," Rashel decided, "We can help"

"I have people we can use to help find these powers," Quinn added, "There are still a couple that are loyal to me. And we're both ready to fight"

"I'm getting a weird sense of déjà vu here," James intervened, eyebrows raised as he stared at the made vampire, "Weren't you the one that was advocating a human-free world two months ago?"

"I was out staking vampires every night because I despised them and told myself it's for honour," Rashel countered, curious that she was jumping to Quinn's defence immediately, "And today I'm here to help keep the peace"

"Yeah, we heard you were a vampire hunter," Lupe gave her a sidelong glance, "Thierry said a pretty good one too"

"The best," Quinn corrected and Rashel jabbed him with her elbow for it.

"I worked under an alias," she quickly explained, "And that time of my life is over now. I'll fight for Daybreak if that's what they ask of me but I'm not the hunter anymore. So don't worry," she gave James and Poppy a smile, "I won't come stake you in the night"

That roused a laugh out of everyone. The dampened atmosphere slowly lifted, especially when Chef came back over to hand them berry muffins. Rashel was struck by how normal everyone looked. Despite the supernatural traits of course, this could have just been a group of teenagers enjoying their day together. The homely feeling she'd had when waking up grew ever stronger the longer they conversed with the others.

Eventually even Ash returned with a blissful look in his eyes and sarcastic sniping reduced to a minimum. Rashel wondered whether that was how she looked whenever Quinn gave her his full attention. Love struck as though nothing else mattered.

When everybody separated to complete individual tasks, she actually found it difficult to say goodbye. They were all interesting, all with their own stories and despite her initial distrust, they had been nothing but welcoming. But obviously, everybody had responsibilities and there was no time to waste.

As she parted from Poppy and James who were headed to Washington D.C. that afternoon, she caught Thea's words to Quinn behind her. "You know, I'm happy for you. I knew you couldn't be completely evil"

She had to smile to herself. She clasped Eric's hand in farewell and he gave her a reassuring smile as he and Thea left the kitchen to find Thierry. Then it was just Ash and Lupe who bustled them along to show them around.

It really was as grand as it hinted from the outside. Even though they skimmed most of the rooms, Rashel got a good look at the layout and was barely startled to find there was a ballroom and indoor pool. What she truly didn't expect was the basement that Ash must have purposely kept until last.

The door was effortlessly camouflaged into the wall. Only somebody aware of it would be able to make it out. A curving metal staircase led them down into the darkness and Rashel had half the urge to ask if they were heading to the dungeons. It smelled clean though, metallic and strangely like animal musk.

And then they'd reached the end of the steps and sensors along the walls were picking up their motions and turning on light. The space was bathed in white light and Rashel could actually not control her jaw dropping at the sight.

It was a training room, no question about it. An entire wall spanning at least twenty metres was a spread of weaponry that was fastened to the plaster. Her eyes scanned the length, noting that the equipment ranged from near-medieval swords to bow and arrows, daggers, lances, guns and body armour. It was the most incredible thing she'd ever stumbled upon and her feet moved her into the area of their own accord. She just had to test them. At least hold one of those finely crafted wooden swords she saw suspended on hooks.

"Smart huh? Training grounds under the house. Vampires could be having a tea party upstairs and not realize that their enemies are sparring down here," Lupe's grin could be heard through her voice, "It's sound-proofed and even bullet impact can't be felt upstairs"

"It's amazing," Rashel breathed, running her finger across a snakewood lance, "It's the last thing I expected down here"

"Well, it's all yours to use while you're here," Ash added, "Thierry had it installed as an emergency shelter at first but then a bunch of people became interested in training teams for combat against the guys coming after us. So here you go"

"And it's for anyone to use?" Rashel asked, trying very hard not to let her excitement wreck her composure.

"Anyone who can handle a weapon without killing themselves," Lupe nodded, "Most of us come here to cool off as well. It's hard to suppress changing for too long so this place is safe"

Shifters and werewolves. She'd almost forgotten that this girl was really a feisty little wolf. It was just so simple to become familiar with them that she overlooked that aspect. Of course they needed some kind of outlet for their powers away from the million-dollar interior of the mansion. This was more than she'd hoped for. It was perfect.

"Home sweet home for the vampire hunter," Ash sing-songed and she couldn't find the will to turn and snap something back because it was absolutely true. This was the kind of place she knew. Sad as it was, this was the closest she felt to being home.

That realization hit her harder than she expected. Was this truly what she was? Somebody who could not be happy without bloodshed to fulfil herself?

She stepped back from the wall, instead wandering over to the other side where Treadmills were lined up facing the centre of the room. There were training mats, weights and punching bags. Everything that reminded of a regular gym. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Lupe challenge Ash to a spar, to which he simply looked indignant. Quinn wasn't paying attention to them. He was on the opposite end of the room, examining a box full of stakes.

She suddenly felt the need to be alone. All this bombardment of information this morning had probably worked her up somewhat. That had to be it. She was just taking in very important things at once and that was making her feel this way.

She stuck to the grey wall as she moved along the perimeter until she hit the stairs. She slipped upstairs unnoticed and let out a breath when she reached the corridor. More than that, she wanted some fresh air. She located a balcony at the end of the next hallway, facing out over the garden. Then sun was beating down by now and she almost shivered at the sudden warmth washing over her.

It was beautiful out here. All palm trees and fountains and despite the glamour there was a genuine touch to it. This morning she'd been satisfied to sit around and simply enjoy the peace and quiet it offered. Now, with all the new knowledge, she couldn't bear to simply relax. Apparently the world was in an even more precarious position than she'd believed. She had to do something about it. She was not the type to sit back, focus on herself and let the world do it's own thing.

For some reason Daphne came back to mind. The girl had been an accomplice despite her complete inexperience. In some strange way, they had become friends. Now she surely had many more people whom she could work with. Whole teams to cooperate with if Thierry showed her to the right people. She wanted to do this. She really wanted to try and leave the Cat behind but she had a feeling that that wasn't ever going to be possible. It was just too deeply ingrained inside her.

She'd been a trained ninja with a sole path to follow and now she'd changed direction but not her purpose. To stop the evil and protect humanity. In this case, to prevent the Apocalypse.

She soaked up the sun a while longer, watching with a trained eye the figures moving around the back of the house. Two shapeshifters, she noted, one fox, the other a hound. Excellent senses. They were difficult to make out from up here but the coat colours in the sunshine gave them away.

Eventually, a movement behind her snapped her back to alertness and she spun, already dropping into a crouch as she stared through the glass of the balcony's double doors. The lithe werewolf girl with silvery hair looked back at her from the other side.

"Nice reflexes," she said, stepping into the open air too, "Almost looks like you've got some animal instinct there"

"Force of habit," Rashel straightened up slowly, forcing the adrenalin to seep away.

"Yeah, sorry, shouldn't have snuck up," Lupe looked a bit sheepish, "I was just curious where you'd gone. I thought you liked the training place"

She contemplated for a minute before saying, "I do. Just hits too close to home I guess. It's exactly the dream I had as a vampire hunter. So now that I could use it, I don't know, it feels like I shouldn't anymore"

"Why? Because we're meant to be the good guys?" Lupe snorted, "We know how to beat back when we have to"

"I didn't mean it that way," she shook her head, "I thought coming here was going to change me as a person. Out with the old, in with the new. But I'm still me. I'm still excited about seeing all that weaponry because it's familiar, I'm still looking forward to getting back into the field, being with my soulmate only confirmed that I'm still part of the old life…it's just shattered the illusion"

"Yeah it was kind of like that for me too," the girl replied, leaning against the banister, "When my parents got killed in front of me I thought the world ended. Then I got taken in by Daybreak and even though they gave me something to fight for, they didn't change who I am. I still feel more wolf than human, I still snap easily and I still think vampires are stuck-up idiots sometimes. But Daybreak is a good place to be. It helps when everything's been turned upside down"

"I'm sorry," Rashel said, glancing at her, "How old were you?"

"Fifteen. It was early this year," the wolf scratched her ear absentmindedly, "It's getting better though. The Daybreakers that Thierry sent me to live with became family. Sort of"

"You're a tough kid," she told the younger girl, "Not letting this get to you"

She received a shrug in return. "Life goes on right? You can only mourn for so long"

"Right"

They stood beside another with a silent closeness Rashel hadn't felt in a while. She empathized with Lupe but beyond that fostered an admiration for the teenager that she'd rarely had with other people. Even hunters who had experienced the most tragic stories had not touched her in this way. She wondered if this was the first sign of her letting weakness take over.

Emotions, friends, caring, soulmate. If life wasn't so determined to have her going on it would have killed her a long time ago. Seeing as she was still alive, she figured the young wolf was right. If she could contribute what she knew to this Circle, maybe she couldn't save the world but she could definitely learn to accept this new side of her.

The old Rashel was still there, probably would never really fade anyway. Just thinking of faces like Hunter's triumphant leer made her want to grab a stake and take to the streets. Yet, she was here and loving a vampire and fighting with a group of creatures she'd previously regarded as threats.

The new Rashel would deal with Council thugs, she'd be tolerant of other species and she'd become a team player. The strange thing was she suddenly felt this was the ideal place for her to be. With Quinn by her side, igniting feelings inside her she'd never known and silently promising support, she would do this. She would redefine who the Cat was and change into somebody that would fight for those she cared for.

A smile broke through on her face. Then she looked back down at Lupe and grinned.

"So, you were up for a spar?"