A/N: I don't normally respond to reviews like this, but one reviewer posted as a guest, so I couldn't respond privately. They expressed doubt about Cat's changing figure and Bone's rather 'mind in the gutter' response to it. I can cite several responses to this: in Book One, Bones mentions some vamps liking 'a little more meat on the arse' and a push up bra doing 'wonders' for her cleavage. So we can gather from that she is rather slender and more athletic in frame. In the book where Denise shape shifts into her copy, it's mentioned that Denise has grown taller and filled out in the bust and ass. Gregor mentions her more filled out figure as well. And on a personal note, I was exactly Cat's build at age 22, slim and flat chested. I didn't begin to fill out until 24 and didn't finish until 27 or so. In Book 3 when Mencheres shares his power with Bones, Cat thinks "it was almost a relief to find his mind still in the gutter."

Also, I have to take SOME creative license here – for most of the first book, I was asked over and over for more Bones content. So I'll give it, and the way I think fits his character. Sorry for the long response but I felt that review needed answering. Also, I've tried to work in some of the deleted content in here, just to keep things fresh. See if you notice it.

Don't cry to me/If you loved me, you would be here with me
You want me/Come find me
Make up your mind.

Should I let you fall?/Lose it all?
So maybe you can remember yourself.
Can't keep believing/We're only deceiving ourselves.
And I'm sick of the lie/And you're too late.

Don't cry to me/If you loved me, you would be here with me.
You want me/Come find me.
Make up your mind.

Couldn't take the blame/Sick with shame.
Must be exhausting to lose your own game.
Selfishly hated/No wonder you're jaded.
You can't play the victim this time, and you're too late.

Don't cry to me/If you loved me, you would be here with me.
You want me/Come find me.
Make up your mind.

You never call me when you're sober.
You only want it cause it's over/It's over.

How could I have burned paradise?
How could I - you were never mine.

So don't cry to me/If you loved me, you would be here with me.
Don't lie to me/Just get your things.
I've made up your mind.

- Evanescence

I was waiting when Kitten arrived in the hall for photos. Felicity, the bridesmaid paired with me for the evening, it seemed, was coming onto me like a bad rash. And, as I knew it would drive Kitten to reveal her feelings for me, I decided to turn on the charm.

When she came into the room, Denise abandoned the pose she had with Randy and met Kitten and her mum at the entrance.

"Oh, Cat, I didn't know that Randy's friend was…" She lowered her voice. "A vampire! But don't worry. I talked to Randy. He was amazed I knew they existed, too! We have so much in common. Anyhow, Randy swears he's harmless. Says he's known him for months."

Her mum looked at Denise like she'd grown three heads.

"Harmless?! We aren't talking about a dog that may or may not bite! We are talking about a murderer—"

"Ahem," Kitten interrupted, stroking her neck for emphasis. Justina closed her mouth and stalked off. I snorted with laughter, having been listening.

"It's okay, Denise," Kitten reassured her. "He knows as long as he keeps his fangs clean, we won't have any problems."

"How does he know that?" Denise asked practically. "Did you talk to him? You were in the bathroom awhile and I didn't see him. Did you corner him?"

The other way around, luv. "Um, well, kind of…er," Kitten stammered. "I know him. I mean, I've seen him around before. Around Virginia, that is. He, uh, he and I have an understanding. He doesn't mess with me and I don't mess with him."

"Well, then let's go get pictures. I'm glad you two aren't going to fight. Tell him not to mention anything about you to Randy, okay? Your boss would lose all the hairs off his balls if he found out how many people knew about you."

"Well put," Kitten retorted.

During the pictures, Felicity managed to squeeze herself almost indecently next to me. Kitten bent down between shots, pretending to fiddle with the strap on her shoe.

"Keep it up and she'll need a new pair of panties before dinner."

I smiled at something Felicity said and coughed into my hand. "Jealous, luv?"

She continued fiddling. "Not at all. Why don't you just take her around back and fuck her real fast before we go to the reception? Then maybe she'll simmer down a notch and not act like such a whore."

"Ah, Kitten," I said low, refitting the rose in my lapel so no one would see my lips move. "You know how I like to take my time…"

"Just the wedding party, now," the photographer said and ushered us to stand together. Move in closer, that's right, a little closer. Now smile and think about the one you love."

It was a ridiculous line, but as the camera clicked, Kitten and I stared into each others' eyes.


As soon as pictures were over, Kitten made a beeline for the bar. She downed the first glass without budging in front of the bartender.

"Another one."

The bartender made an inquiring face but poured another gin and tonic. She eyed the level he selected and gave him a dirty look.

"More alcohol," she said succinctly.

"Drowning your sorrows?" I mocked behind her.

"None of your business," she snapped.

"There you are, darling!" A lanky bloke with hair that seemed to always flop in his eyes came over and gave her a peck on the cheek. This must be the boyfriend. I tightened my lips into a grim line as I watched.

"Um, Noah…I'll show you to your table." Kitten offered, no doubt wanting to get him away from me. I saw Justina watching us and, wanting to distract myself from the sight of Kitten with someone else, I devilishly winked at her.

Kitten saw Noah to his seat, since she was sitting separately at the head table with the rest of the bridal party. Her mum pulled her aside as soon as she left Noah. Justine's face was florid.

"Do you know what that beast did when you walked away from him at the bar? He winked at me!"

Taken aback, Kitten laughed.

"You think that's funny?" Justina irrationally demanded.

"Well, Mom, he risked his life for you, and then you tried your damnedest to have him killed. He may not like you."

She spoke low but flippantly, not concerned over my actions with her.

There were place cards at the head table, which was one long, rectangular thing that would have everyone facing the reception room. She sat at the one marked Cristine Russell. I still couldn't believe that she was using my real surname as her alias. She may have run, but she hadn't left me truly behind.

Randy sat to her left, with Denise to his right. To Kitten's right read Cris Pin. I'd fiddled with the seating cards to arrange this – and it should prove priceless.

"You've got to be kidding me," she said aloud.

"Justina, we meet again." I appeared and took my seat next to Kitten as she vaulted out of her chair. "Wouldn't want to be rude, but I believe your table is over there." I inclined my head to where Noah – wanker- sat, oblivious to the drama.

"There you are!" Felicity squealed. She grabbed me by the arm and smiled at me. Another seating card I'd fiddled with – just to grate on Kitten's nerves.

"You and I are paired together for the night, so no more running off! I hope you dance as great as you look."

"Slut," Kitten muttered, but not softly enough.

"What was that?" Felicity asked, still batting her eyelashes at me.

"Er, good luck." Her voice rose to a normal level and she backed away.

Felicity looked smug. "I don't need luck."

Kitten downed her gin and then headed, again, for the bar. Her mum glared at me as she followed after her.

"Oh, Ms. Russell," I called out. She froze. "Would you be a luv and get me a drink? You remember my preference, I'm sure."

She took a deep breath and headed towards the bar.

"That filthy, lecherous—" Justina began.

"Stuff it." They reached the bar. Kitten gave the poor attendant behind it a murderous look. "Tall glass. All gin. Don't even think about commenting."

The bartender's face blanched but he poured to her specifications. She took a long swallow before adding, "Oh yeah. And a fucking whiskey, neat."