This is the new chapter of my story! I hope you will enjoy it. Happy holidays to all and may the new year bring you everything you dream of!

Daniel's POV- the previous night

I was so glad that the girls won't be at home. I could finally have some fun! I called Will and we went to one night club, where humans offer to be fed from. I loved to come here! Mortal women practically throw themselves over to a vampire and the chance to be his lover or food source for the some pleasant minutes.

I lost count on the glasses which I drank, or the girls I danced with. The females were very beautiful, easy and this was my favorite place in this town. You could even drink from some girls, even without payment, they did it for free. I saw many of the regulars here, vampires or mortals. The women were of every age, hair color, skin color and blood type.

I whisked away one long haired blond and made love to her in the rooms upstairs, reserved for such occasions. The blood was sweet, and I felt I couldn't get enough of it. I fed from another girl, and made love to one brunette. All the tension from the last days, the anger, it was gone. I was so happy, free. The alcohol, the beautiful and easy women, the blood, the loud music. They all intoxicated me and I returned with an awesome mood to my home.

I was so drunk, that I nearly tripped at the stairs.

'' Hey, buddy! Did you miss me?''- I ruffled Lucian's fur when my pet ran down the stairs to greet me.-'' Where is Marcus?''- Closing my eyes, I entered my other animal's mind and saw him in front of Kamelia's room.-'' Why there?''

I climbed slowly up the staircase, my head was pounding. Every step was a torture and I wanted nothing more than to lay in my bed and sleep.

'' She is not there, Marcus. Come on.''- My grey wolf rose up when I neared, but he was sitting in front of her door. –'' Kamelia will be back tomorrow. Come on.''- But the stubborn animal scratched the door to be let in.

'' See, she is not here.''- I unlocked the door, I had a duplicates in my pocket and it took me a few minutes fighting with the lock given my hard focus. Marcus rushed inside and whined when he found the room empty.-'' Your Kamelia is coming tomorrow. Now relax and get some sleep.''- I caressed his grey fur, but my attention was caught by a sketchbook on top of the bed. Kamelia had said she liked to draw and I picked it up. I found drawings of Marcus, my garden, looked from the window. These were pretty good, I thought as I saw all of my guest's works.

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Kamelia's POV

I had never sleep so good like I had in my own bed and with my own pillow. It was the most peaceful sleep I had since this all began. Without waking up during the night , or having difficulty to fall asleep. Everything had been so familiar, so safe, so mine. So I had took a good amount of time to stretch in my bed and snuggle beneath the covers. I still had time before my alarm. I wanted to savor this moment while I still could.

I regretted getting up, but I had to. My alarm began , and I groaned as I hit the button. Another day in school and another in Daniel's mansion. I opened my window and let some fresh air in.

I had decided my clothes for today and went to brush my teeth. As I left the bathroom, after taking a quick shower, I heard my mother's alarm . I hurried to get dressed , but my hand froze when I was about to pick up the comb from my night stand.

Right next to my comb was a photo and I picked it up. It was my family- my father, me at the age of 13 and my mother. This picture was taken on my birthday when my dad had come to bring me my present and they had taken me out for a pizza. I have inherited my father Cole Owens's blue eyes, the curly hair, but the hair color was my mother's. As much as I was angry and hurt because my dad had left us, he had been a handsome man with his brown , a bit longer hair and my mother always says that his smile had been the thing she fell in love with. But my dad had left us when I was little. One day he had just packed his things and disappeared. My mom had cried, and later I learnt he had another and that's why my parents had argued a lot. But with my innocent, childish mind I had thought I had done something so wrong, something to make him angry and that was why he left us, me. But there had been simply another woman and my father had chosen her over my mom and I despised him for that. For years I had tried so hard to hate him, to push him away, and I had said some pretty bad words to him. How dare he do this to us?! To me?! He married the other woman , but I didn't go to the wedding . My father had done anything in his powers to make me love him, but I only felt bitterness and anger in me. I knew dad loved me, but I couldn't forgive him for abandoning mom, divorcing her, and marrying another. My father still bought me presents for my birthday and Christmas, but I detested his second wife. Sarah was not so bad, but she had stolen dad from mom, and I hated her for this. I was secretly happy that she couldn't have children, and I was my father's only child. I know, it was so wrong and sick to be happy because of this, I was a horrible person for doing so. But I simply wanted my parents back together again, every child of divorced parents' wish. But as much as it hurt me, my father seemed happy with Sarah, and everything between him and my mother was over. And now my father was gone and I wished I could erase every bad thing I had done to hurt him. He was my father, despite my anger and I loved him.

Kissing the photo , I put it down, wiped my tears, took my schoolbag and head downstairs to grab something to eat and maybe drink coffee. I had knocked on Michael's door, but no one answered . I had heard my guard's voice, coming from our kitchen and quickly got down and entered. The sight that greeted me made me eyes widen.

'' Good morning , Miss Owens.''- Michael smiled at me and ran a hand through his hair.-'' Please, forgive me for my boldness, Mrs. Owens, but I wanted to make you this.''- On the table there were cups of coffee, sugar and milk. And also pancakes , chocolate and jam. .-'' I know it wasn't my right to touch your things, but I …''- My guard blushed and cleared his throat.-'' I know you, mortals, have this custom to not go in someone's else home without a gift, and I am sorry I didn't brought anything with me. I am your guest, no matter the situation and your daughter doesn't cause me troubles. So I made this breakfast to show you I mean no harm .''- My mother seemed more confused than I was. I had never expected a vampire to bother to make breakfast for a mortal.

'' You didn't have to, Michael.''- I spoke first, taking a seat.-'' I…''

'' I felt bad because I made your mother upset.''- Michael smiled kindly.

'' I don't know what to say. ''- My mother took her seat, too. She carefully poured herself some coffee .

'' It's not poisoned, Mrs.''- Michael turned off the hot plate.

'' I didn't say it was!''- Mom replied , scared. Maybe she thought this breakfast was some sort of a trap, and there was poison in the food. But the days, spent with Michael had made me doubt everything I had seen or heard about vampires. My guard never yelled at me, hit me, like I had seen the other guards do to girls on the streets. He never called me bad stuff, for now at least. He had kept me company when I was locked in my room, he even brought me newspapers, crosswords to pass the time. My guard had only excused himself to go to feed. I didn't know what to think about Michael and his good attitude. It was so unlike a vampire to be good. Could I really become friends with a one?

'' Don't be afraid , Mrs.''- Michael put on his jacket and zipped it up.-'' You have raised a wonderful girl, Mrs. Owens and on your own. Your daughter is well mannered, polite . ''- The vampire wrapped the scarf around his neck.-'' Enjoy your breakfast, I hope I had done well. I will wait for you outside.''- Michael eyed me , before exiting through our front door.

'' Why did he do that?''- My mother still looked at the pancakes with suspicion. I took one and began to spread the chocolate on it.-'' Why this kindness? Is Daniel like this with you?''- I put the cup with coffee down, because if I had drank, I would definitely choke. My master to bother do so something nice for me ? The same guy that had made me one of his personal servants?

'' No, we are still getting to know each other.''- I took a bite of the pancake to occupy my hands with something. By the look in my mother's eyes the prospect of her daughter becoming friendly with vampires terrified her as much as being hurt by them. And I felt the same way. My guard made me question everything I knew about the bloodsuckers and their violent nature. Michael was so different from the abusive, bloodthirsty creature and the idea I might be his friend was hard to accept. While my master, Daniel , seemed more like the image I had created in my head for the vampires. Arrogant, controlling and dangerous. But he had returned our phones, allowed us to do our favorite things and to see our families. And Daniel never laid a finger on us. But he had humiliated me, and I won't let this go easy.

'' I will miss you, Kami! Don't forget to call!''- Mom hugged me and I melted in her embrace. Being home even for a night, was all I needed to make me feel good . The familiarity and warmth . I didn't know when I will be here again, but I promised myself to be strong for my mother, and I didn't cry. Instead I smiled and kissed her cheek.

'' Good morning!''- Beatrice and Lizzie greeted me after I got in the limo. Daniel's driver had only me and Michael to pick up, before he drops us at school.

'' How are you?''- I smiled at them. Even Djina nodded in my direction before looking down at her phone again.

'' Awesome!''- Trish exclaimed and handed me her cell phone. –'' Look at what Jeremy sang to our grandfather last night.''- And my friend clicked the button and I smiled as Trish's little brother started singing for his grandfather's birthday. The tears in the old man's eyes as Beatrice and her baby brother Jeremy had carried the cake and they both sang : Happy birthday to you!'' and everyone clapped. My friend showed me a picture of her grandparents dancing on a slow music. –'' I had bought him a present and I have to thank Daniel for letting me go home on this day. He remembered.''- I blinked confused at Trish and she explained-'' At our dinner I had mentioned my granddad's birthday and Daniel had promised to let me be with my family. And I was.''- Leaning back on the seat, I couldn't believe what I had heard. My master , the same man that had made me iron his jeans, allowed my best friend to be home on this particular day so she could give her grandfather a present? It was unbelievable, but there was a kindness in Daniel after all, maybe not a big one, but there was. Or he was hoping that would make my best friend like him. Michael eyed me , but I turned my attention to Lizzie and asked her how she spent the night.

'' My grandmother had knitted me this .''- She pulled out from one bag a sweater.-'' And also gave me cookies for all of us.''- I took the offered chocolate cookie and it was amazing. My mother had sent me the other half of the cake and I will share it with my new roommates, even with Djina. My other classmate engaged in our conversation, and she sounded in a good mood.

'' This is my sister, practicing for her audition in Friday.''- Djina showed us a video of the little Clara, playing the violin.

'' She is amazing, Djina.''- Beatrice said and I smiled when I saw in my red-haired classmate's eyes how proud was she of her sibling's talent.

'' Thank you.''- She even smiled at us . This day had started good, but when we neared our school, I shivered. School meant I will see Anthony again and he would be mad at me. My dear boy thought I loved the luxury now I live in, and even I find Daniel attractive! How to explain I only lied, fearing what might others think of me? That I didn't want their pity? I knew I had to make things right again, but how?

I had thought to pass a note to Anthony in some class, but Michael was always near me . And the boy I loved, didn't even look at me once, even if we happen to be near when we exit a room. Tony just passed me. Tomorrow we will have gym class again and I will try to make things right then.

I was suprised when Michael told me Daniel had said we would all dine outside after we go to the cinema, he had booked us a tickets for a movie in fact I had been dying to see. The dinner would be in a fancy restaurant, which meant I had to dress properly. I had picked up some more suitable for such places clothes, but I still feared they were not good enough.

I did my homework, prepared for the English test tomorrow and then finally checked my wardrobe again. I chose a sleeveless blue knee –long dress, one of my finest clothes and I did my makeup.

Daniel kissed each one of us' hand when he saw us. And I would never admit it out loud, but my master was very attractive man indeed. I had always liked a longer and curly hair in boys, and the fact that the vampire has it, was troubling. And Daniel's eyes were really nice shade of green, and his voice could pretty easily sweep a girl off her feet. I admitted that. But he was still nonhuman, I had seen the blood donors leave his room when he was giving me chores. Now many people had become voluntary blood donors for the vampires, either for money or because they seemed to enjoy it. I didn't understand how could this be possible, how could someone like being used as a blood bag, like a cattle ? But of what I had heard blood drinking was very pleasurable for the human and addictive, too. Maybe that explained why people do this. I would never do that, they would have to force me, like some humans now were picked because of their blood type, health. Daniel might be handsome as some fairy tale prince , but he was the typical slave master and he showed that very well with his behavior towards me. But the vampire had also showed the kindness to my friend so she could be at her grandfather's birthday. Daniel confused me .

'' I hope you will enjoy the movie. I thought I would be nice to be outside for a while.''- Daniel acted like a gentleman and he helped each one of us get in the car. –'' You are all very beautiful.''- His hand was so warm, and he squeezed lightly mine before dropping it. Thank God he chose to sit next to Djina and Lizzie and began a small talk with them. Me and Trish engaged into a conversation of our own , but I often looked from the window. I had forgotten how beautiful our town was at night with all those twinkling lights, people on the streets.

I smiled when I stepped out of the limo in front of the cinema. I wished that the ride to here could be longer. Daniel had freed two of our guards, only Djina's and Beatrice's were around. Michael had wished me pleasant evening, a peaceful sleep and I had sincerely smiled at him.

'' Good evening, sir.'- The uniformed man behind the desk bowed as he saw Daniel.-'' It's a pleasure to have you as our customer.''- His smile went wider when he saw us.-'' Good evening, ladies! You are a vision!''- I blushed , I wasn't used to be stared like this. The whole town knew who Daniel was, and it was a matter of time before our faces and names become popular too. I wasn't ready for this, but I knew I couldn't escape it. I had already become more noticeable in our school, students who had never said a word to me, or haven't ever seen, now were greeting me like old friends. Girls who had ignored me wanted to sit with me, Trish or Lizzie during lunch. I had even seen a girl with the same shirt as me. Beatrice complained that in the school's swimming team, which she was in, one girl had asked who was her hairstylist. A girl, which hadn't noticed my friend before. Being popular for having the opportunity to wed the next ruler of our town wasn't something I wanted. I didn't care for the riches, and certainly not marrying Daniel, no matter how deviously handsome he was.

'' But , no, sir! Please, it would be on the house!''- The young man refused to accept my master's money for the popcorn, the tickets and the cola. Sometimes I had found it embarrassing how humans now humiliated themselves in front of the vampires, how they wanted to please them in any way. Not necessarily out of fear, but simply for greed and a chance to have a good life. How some were willing to crawl at these monsters' feet for another dollar. It sickened me sometimes, as now when I look at the look on the young man's face.

'' No, I insist to pay for everything. ''- Daniel just handed the money and smiled. Then my master handed each one of us a packet of popcorn . My favorite flavor, Daniel was a gentleman to ask us for our preferences.

I hadn't been to the cinema since last week with Anthony and the comedy we had watched. Our kisses, hand holding. I felt a void when I entered here. The movie started, I was glad Daniel sat to Beatrice and Djina, and I was away from him, next to Lizzie. I wouldn't enjoy the movie I had long anticipated, if the vampire was near me. I was sure of it. Instead I sat and completely lost myself in the events on the huge screen. I laughed at the funny moments, became scared when any of my favorite characters faced danger, and even looked dreamily at the male lead actor. Me and Lizzie discussed what was happening on the screen, giggled and I forgot about the reality which I now lived in. This used to be me- carefree, loving to go out, to smile, with plans about the future. I had intended after I graduate school, to try to get into an university, I had decided what I wanted to study yet. I had intended to carry on my relationship with Anthony, if he wished for it, of course. But now all of my plans, hopes were forgotten. I didn't know what the life would bring me now, and I was afraid. I was terrified that I won't be able to make it, that I am not strong enough. I felt so helpless and just scared.

When the movie ended and the lights shook me from my daze, I returned back to the reality. Where I lived with a vampire, who had picked me for a candidate bride.

'' It was awesome!''- Trish hugged me and I returned it. Me and her had been talking about this movie for weeks, and I wanted to see it so badly. But here I was, at the premiere of it in our town.

'' The effects were amazing!''- Djina said as she put on her jacket and I couldn't help but agree with her.

'' I am glad you liked it, darlings!''- Daniel smiled at us.-'' I hope you have a good appetite.''-I followed my friend out of the movie salon, my master was behind me.

'' You dropped your scarf, Kamelia. Here.''- Turning around, Daniel handed me my favorite scarf- a purple one, and our fingers touched when I took it .

'' Thank you, Master Daniel.''- I hurried to wrap it around my neck , blushing by the vampire's proximity and the way he was staring at me. I walked to Trish as fast as I could, to create more distance between me and Daniel.

'' You are monsters!''- One guy, dressed in black stood right in the cinema, blocking the exit. And he shot at my master and the bullet went right through Daniel's abdomen and he groaned, covering the wound. The guards quickly jumped at the shooter and killed him before our eyes. Djina and Lizzie screamed.

'' Your kind only brings death!''- A woman pulled out a revolver and had shot at one guard, before the other snap her neck. Djina's guard hurried to get us out of the cinema, while one of Daniel's personal protectors supported his weight.

'' And you are betrayers to your own kind!''- One boy, about my age was giving us a cold stare.-'' Selling yourselves to these demons! You are unclean and deserve to die!''- And he pulled out a revolver too, and shot at me. My mind went blank. It happened so fast. But before the bullet hits me, somebody knocked me down on the ground and a warm body shielded me .

Opening my eyes, I blinked confused at Daniel, who was staring back at me with his green eyes. My master , the vampire who had made me vacuum his room, clean the bathtub, had saved me!

'' Are you all right?''- His arms were on the both sides of my head and he was so close I could touch his cheek .

'' Yes, thank you, master Daniel.''- The vampire smiled, but groaned.

'' You are hurt, sir. We should go.''- One of the guards said .My master stood up and helped me up too. There was a another wound, on Daniel's shoulder, the bullet meant for me. I swallowed when I saw this. A vampire had literally took a bullet for me!

'' And the human? ''- Daniel let go of my hands and I ran to Trish, who hugged me.

'' He is chained , sir.''- The guard had tied the human and put him in the trunk.

'' Good, I want to question him. This was an organized attack.''- The vampire looked at us.-'' I'm so sorry, darlings, that this evening turned out to be a disaster. But for your own safety, dear girls, and for me heal, we have to go home. We will dine there, I will inform my chefs. ''- I ran to the limo, and was happy when the door was closed and we took off to the mansion.