Thank you to Vampmama for beta'ing x

I want to again thank everyone for their reviews, faves and alerts. I'm gobsmacked at the amount of love I'm getting.

I want to dedicate this chapter to those that haven't reviewed yet. If you do ever get the urge to hit that button, I would love to read your thoughts ;)

The Watcher
X

I'm shaken and I can feel the sting of Laurent's fist begin to make a new bruise where my father's mark has just begun to fade. I gingerly touch my cheek and cuss as pain shoots through to my temple. I bring myself to my knees and then shakily stand up.

"Did he hurt you?"

I nearly jump out of my skin. It's him. He is right before me as if appearing out of thin air. He reaches out and places a gentle hand under my elbow to support me. I look up into his eyes and gasp. They are a deep, demonic red. There isn't a hint of their usual golden tone.

He ignores my reaction and repeats his question.

"I'm okay," I answer slowly. The tremors coursing through my body make it hard for me to speak.

"You know," I continue, suddenly feeling a little annoyed, "If you're from my imagination, the least you can do is show up without scaring the bejesus out of me," I scold him.

He smiles and, even though his eyes look like those of the devil, it makes him that much more handsome and my knees begin to buckle.

I'm suddenly crushed against his chest and his cool arms hold me to him. He's whispering and I can barely make out his words, but I grow stiff in his arms when I hear his last words.

"…I took care of them. You'll never have to see them again."

I push on his chest gently but he doesn't budge. I push harder and he looks down at me, his brows furrowed. I look up and meet his eyes.

"What do you mean you 'took care of them'?" I ask. I feel heady and the urge to throw up increases with each passing moment.

He releases me from the circle of his arms, but cups my cheek and looks at me imploringly.

"What I did, I did to protect you. I protect what is mine," he states in a deep authoritative tone.

"Why is it you think I belong to you?" I'm annoyed again.

"For the same reasons that I belong to you," he replies smoothly.

"And what reasons are they?"

He looks at me as if I've lost my marbles. "Destiny."

If anyone is interested, I will post a list of songs that have helped me get in the mood for this story. It might come in handy should you want to read the story start to finish when it's complete. I will post this list on my profile under the story summary.

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