Richard glared at his ex. What a time for her to show up! They hadn't parted on bad terms and Richard had specifically told Santanico not to be a stranger but, he could feel the tension and hurt rolling off Kate as she walked out of his office. He wanted so bad to tell her to stay but, he was unsure of why Santanico was here. As the office doors closed to Kate, Richard made it a point not to look at her.

"Well Richard, that's interesting," purred the Spanish beauty as the doors shut. She stepped over to his desk and casually sat on the edge casually crossing her arms.

"I'm not gone that long and already you resurrect a child and take it as your own," she said.

Richard straightened his tie.

"I didn't resurrect her and she isn't a child," he replied walking around to the back of his desk and sitting in his chair. He could feel the tension in his shoulders making it impossible to get comfortable. He placed both hands on his desk.

"So? What are you doing here?" he asked. Santanico sat down in a chair across from him.

She tossed back her head moving her hair from her face. She was achingly beautiful. It wasn't hard for anyone to understand why so many people believed she was a goddess and even went to worship her as such.

Richard had always felt that her story was one to be pitied. After she was turned she spent centuries as a slave to the nine Lords before finally obtaining her freedom. Yes, she was a ruthless killer and a cunning manipulator but, she was also wounded in ways that no one could imagine. Underneath the visage she was still the same girl running for her freedom.

However, now that she had obtained it, Richard sensed it had made her more empowered.

"Hard to believe what friends will say when you drop in for a visit," she purred. Richard rolled his eyes.

"Come on Santanico," Richard began.

"Kisa!" she snapped. His brow furrowed.

"Kisa?" he asked.

"Yes. My name is Kisa, not Santanico," she said calmly. Richard nodded.

"Okay. Why are you here Kisa?" he asked.

She shook her head and let her gaze wander over the massive office.

"You left this place pretty much the same," she commented her voice had lost its edge. Richard nodded.

"I liked it from the moment I saw it. Didn't make sense to change it," he said with a shrug.

"What's been going on here Richard?" asked Kisa.

Richard shrugged.

"Same old same. Moving the cartels through to Mexico or back to the states. Oooh and we also included horchata in the menu," he replied sarcastically. Kisa rolled her eyes and got up shoving her chair away.

"I'm serious! Word is that Santa Sangre had arisen again," she said leaning both hands on his desk. Richard rolled his eyes.

"So what if it has?" he asked.

"You don't think there aren't enough vampires out there who want that power? Who are willing to take on the famous Geckos to retrieve it? You're doing so well for yourself, I'd hate to see all that fall at your feet in shambles, and do you want that?" she asked. Richard hadn't thought about what could happen if anyone knew that Kate had such power. How many vampires would kill for a chance to appease the blood god and receive favor from what they considered a deity?

"Luckily for you, the buzz is still a rumor at this point and no one knows who is the vessel for Sante Sangre, at least not yet. I'm guessing it's the girl? Considering she looks great for a year old corpse," sneered Kisa. Richard glared at her. He didn't like his ex taking shots at Kate.

To be fair, Kisa wasn't jealous, well at least not much.

While she had been in California the last five months she had made friends there. She enjoyed her freedom and ability to do as she pleased. She even got a job tending bar with one of her most recent lovers. Her existence was no longer that of a sad slave wishing for release.

Yet when she opened the door and saw Richie with his hands on the girls waste. The look of lust in his eyes and the proximity of their faces, she felt a pang of jealousy. Though she and Richard had shared many kisses, she had always known their love was that of convenience. Though they actively made love and enjoyed it, the look he had for Kate compared to one he used to have for her was apparent and it made her a little edgy. She had always been used to being adored and didn't like competition.

"Richard, I came to warn you," she continued and he could hear the genuine concern in her words. "Just make sure you have a plan if anything goes awry."

"Well, thank you for the warning. It's very much appreciated. Look, I have business to deal with. How long are you staying?" asked Richard as he stood up.

"Just a night or two. I want to get back to the states," she replied. He gestured for her to follow him.

"You can stay in my room tonight," he showed her where is bedroom was and led her inside. She glanced around for a moment and nodded in approval.

"Thank you Richie. I could use a shower," she said with her first genuine smile. He nodded and shut the door behind him. The music from the bar was still loud and it seemed that more people had shown up. Richard moved quickly, he needed to find Kate.

Through Kate's eyes….

I stood outside Richards's office for a moment, trying to get my heart to slow down its pace. What the hell just happened?

It happened been the first time that Richard and I had been intimate. I still remember when we sat at the Twister and he had kissed me only to have Seth walk in on us breaking the spell. I remember how confused I had been then. I hadn't wanted the kiss, at least not really. At the time he and Seth had been our kidnappers and I was positive that Richard was bat shit crazy.

Yet now I couldn't lie to myself and I couldn't blame confusion, I had wanted him to kiss me.

I leaned against the wall and counted to fifty. I needed to calm down before going back to the bar. I closed my eyes and felt a calm fall over me. I wondered if it was Sante Sangre or if it was just the counting?

"Kate?" came Seth's voice. My eyes snapped open and I saw Seth and Scott turn the corner heading towards me. I took a deep breath and walked to them. I gave Scott a hug, which I think surprised him.

"Thank you so much for the song Scott. It was perfect," I said pasting a smile on my face. My brother smiled back as I let him go and I could see his ears go red.

"I figured since it was your favorite you'd want to hear it," he muttered. Seth was staring at me in disbelief. He knew something was up and I secretly prayed I could keep up the picture of ease long enough to get away from Richards office and avoid telling my brother and friend the truth.

"You ok? Where is Richie?" asked Seth.

I pointed to the office.

"Santanico decided to drop in. I'm fine. Richard and I didn't even get a chance to raise our voices before she walked in," I said. Seth nodded but, I could tell he didn't believe me at least not completely.

"Hey! Let's do some shots!" I said trying to stay up beat and slowly walking towards the bar.

"Shots?" asked Scott looking at me as if I was insane. I never had really drank before. Maybe a fruity cocktail when I was with Seth but, that was every once in a while and usually they were too weak to make me drunk. In fact, in high school, I had always gone to the popular parties but never had a drink because I thought God might strike me down for indulgence.

"Yeah! Come on! It will be fun!" I said. We reached the bar and I asked the bar maid for three shots of fireball whiskey, Seth's favorite. I handed each guy a shot glass and then took my own. Scott and Seth now looked at me with suspicion. I smiled innocently before raising the shot in a cheers.

Seth seemed to think about it for a minute and then shrugged.

"Happy birthday Kate!" he said with a smile. We all clinked glasses and downed the whiskey. I thought my entire abdomen was on fire. Seth burst out laughing at the grimace I made after I downed the hatefully strong liquid. It was that moment that I decided I wanted to get drunk. It was my birthday and I wanted to forget everything for one night. We ordered four more shots and then took to the dance floor.

Seth, Scott and I couldn't stop laughing at our ridiculous dance moves. Scott kept holding onto my elbow when I felt like I was going to tumble over. For what felt like two or three hours that we celebrated, though it was probably about an hour, I didn't think of Richard or Santanico or what they might be doing in his office. I didn't worry about my power or what it could mean for me and my friends.

"Ill be right back!" I called over the beat of the music and the chatter of the other patrons in the bar. Seth was talking to one of the waitresses, Scott had gone off to get more alcohol. Seth nodded and I moved through the crowd making my way to the front doors.

I stepped out into the warm night air. It felt good on my skin. I looked around and saw no one. Only motorcycles parked in front and few semis and cars littering the parking lot. The gas station was empty as well. Tanners rv sat a few yards away from the kitchen entrance. I couldn't see it but, I had yesterday when Seth had told Tanner to move it. I walked in the direction of the Rv until it came into view and sat down on the bench.

I pulled a pack of cigarettes out of the pocket in the side of my dress and lit up taking a long drag.

Ok, I was drunk but, for once I didn't care. I exhaled a plume of smoke.

I stared at the rv. God, I had been furious when my dad bought that thing and told my brother and I that we would be taking it on a trip to Mexico. I really had thought my dad had gone off the deep end. The thing was old and ratty, nothing worth bragging about and yet my dad had planned on us living in it for an immeasurable amount of time. I tried to think what life might have been like had we been able to do just that.

Suddenly, Tanner stepped out into the night from the RV. He spotted me and sauntered over. He was wearing his ever present leather pants and a leather jacket with no shirt on underneath. I rolled my eyes as he walked over but I was too inebriated to bother getting up. I think the cigarette was enhancing my drunk.

"Well, aint it miss Katie cakes! You got another one of those?" he said. I fought the urge to light him on fire. I took the pack from my pocket and threw it at him but, instead of the throw seeming cool it just came off as pathetic. The cigarettes hit his boots. I hadn't used enough force. He chuckled as he bent down to pick them up.

"Someone's a little inebriated," he said lighting his own cigarette. I gave him the finger and he handed the pack back to me. I threw my cigarette and got up shakily before falling down into the bench with a "flump," noise. I giggled.

"Whoa, careful there girl," said Tanner as he grabbed my arm to prevent me from falling.

"Don't touch me!" I snapped and pulled my arm away. He held up his hands and started to say some half assed apology but, then the world began to spin. I sat there trying not to throw up.

"Kate? Okay you need to sleep it off. Why don't you come take a snooze in the rv? Ill keep an eye on you," Tanner said. I shook my head but he was helping me get to my feet. I don't know why my body seemed to take his lead and follow even though my brain was screaming to go back inside.

About halfway to the RV I felt a small gust of wind and Tanner let go of my arm. He shouted out and I fell back without his support. Richard had Tanner by the throat and was holding him above the ground. Richard was in his Culebra form and I could tell he was furious.

"Touch her again and I'll remove your arms then beat you with them!" Richard growled tossing Tanner into the RV like a rag doll. I sat on the dusty ground trying to get my wits about me when Richard kneeled down in front of me.

"Are you ok?" came his gruff voice. When I looked up I was looking into yellow eyes with white almost clear fangs. His face was covered in scales and his brow had been transformed to resemble a snake. I don't think he realized his Culebra form was visible. It didn't frighten me though, being so close to it when it was like this. In fact, for some reason, seeing him this way fascinated me.

I had seen many other Culebras but that was usually when I was fighting them or they were fighting amongst themselves.

"Kate?" he asked and I continued to stare. Slowly I took my left hand and placed my fingers to his brown. The skin was soft and yet not. I ran my index finger along the grooves of the scales until my palm lay across his cheek. I was so consumed by the patterns that I didn't notice he had closed his eyes as if he was enjoying my touch. Then before I could react, he was human Richard again.

"I'm okay," I slurred. Richard chuckled and shook his head.

"And you are drunk," he said with a small smile. I nodded and he straightened up with his hand outstretched. I stood up slowly and after a moment of teetering we started walking towards the bar. Richard held my hand and walked with me. I knew it was so he was sure I made it inside and nothing more.

I stumbled twice and almost fell a third time when Richard whisked me up in his arms so quickly I thought I would vomit.

"Can't have you breaking a leg on me. Our medical insurance here isn't that great," he said. He took me in through the back of the building and got me to my room.

Gently he sat me on my bed. I slouched down into the mattress before falling back with my legs dangling over the edge. Richard looked down at me with annoyance and a little bit of amusement.

"Alright, well good night Kate," he said and turned to walk out of the room.

"You almost kissed me!" slurred Kate from the bed. Richard turned back.

"You almost kissed me," he countered. He didn't know why he was indulging in this argument with her. Most likely she wouldn't remember it the next day.

Kate sat up and even sitting she was swaying. Richard couldn't help but shake his head. Her hair had almost completely fallen in a waterfall of curls. Her dress had dirt on it from falling on the ground outside and her makeup was in need of a touch up. She sat there in her dress and heels and he couldn't understand what she might be thinking.

Slowly she leaned forward to take off her heels but, almost fell forward. Richard rolled his eyes in frustration.

"Oh Jesus sit back! Let me help you," he said as he got down on one knee and unclasped one heel and then the other. Slowly he pulled them off of Kate's foot. She flexed both feet as if relieved to have the heels off.

"So why is she here?" she slurred. He looked up at her in exasperation.

"She came to visit and give me some news on what's going on in the states," he replied placing the heels near the bed.

"Kate you need to sleep this off," he said patting her knee. She nodded like a scolded child but didn't move.

"Come on, I'll help get you ready for bed," he said softly and moved to take her hand but, she pulled away.

"Wouldn't you rather be with her?" she asked. It wasn't a jealousy he sensed in her voice but, sadness. He tilted her head so she was looking at him. He shook his head and a smile crept onto her lips. He would have kissed her right then and there but, the fact that she looked ready to vomit stopped him. He didn't want to do something she would regret.

He helped her stand and walked her to the bathroom. He sat her on the toilet while he rustled through the cabinets and drawers. He removed his black jacket and placed it on the door knob. He rolled up the sleeved of his black dress shirt and then used a wet wash cloth to gently remove Kate's makeup.

When he was finished he made her turn around so he could get the pins out of her hair. She didn't feel any kind of pain or pulling as he removed the pins holding what was left of her up do in place.

Kate luxuriated in the feeling of his fingers running through her hair. She was drunk but, she could tell he was being gentle.

"You're good at this," she commented.

He chuckled as he placed the last hair pin on the counter. He used both hands to comb out her hair looking for any stray pins he missed. Kate closed her eyes and leaned her back against his chest. It was a wonderful sensation.

Richard kept moving his hands for several moments before it became too much. He needed to keep his mind clear.

"Where are your night clothes?" he asked. Kate opened her eyes and nodded to the pile of clothes in the corner. Richard picked them up and was happy to see they were his shirt and shorts. He handed them to her. She took them then turned her back to him.

"Can you unzip me please?" she asked moving her hair out of the way of the zipper of the dress. Richard gulped. It was an innocent request but, he felt like it was going to far. He nodded and grabbed the tiny zipper and gently pulled down revealing a small porting of skin.

Without thinking he ran his hand over her back and was shocked and how soft it was. Kate's intake of breath caught him though and he stepped out of the bathroom.

"Kate? Do you need me to stay?" he asked through the door.

"Hang on!" she called. Richard paced and then Kate emerged wearing his clothing. She still walked unsteadily and he led her to her bed. She laid down and he tucked her in.

"Are you sleeping with her tonight?" she asked.

"No. She is sleeping in my room but, I'll bunk elsewhere," he replied. Kate nodded and scooted away from him in the bed. She pulled the blanket back and patted the spot that was vacant.

"You could stay here," she muttered. Richard could tell she was trying not to slur her words. He smiled uncomfortably and shook his head.

"Not tonight Kate," he replied. She looked like someone had slapped her.

"No, it's not that I don't want to but, maybe when both of us have our heads," he said. She nodded and looked a little reassured. Richard stepped into the bathroom and grabbed his jacket. As an afterthought he also grabbed the garbage pail and placed it near the bed.

"Just in case," he said. Before he left he gave Kate a chaste kiss on the forehead. She almost asleep as he walked to the door, shut off the light and stepped into the hallway.