* please review! Thanks for sticking with me even though its taking me forever to finish it!*

Scud pulled into the complex basement and parked the van quickly. He ran to the back and threw open the van's doors. He got inside and picked her up as carefully as he could. He carried her fireman style into the building, her head hanging back. He went to the bathroom and laid her on the floor.

Since her clothes were covered in blood, he stripped her naked then covered her with a towel. He took her clothes, his vest, and the shirt he was wearing and went outside. As fast as he could he threw them into a pile and lit them on fire. He paced back and forth while he watched the clothes burn. It didn't take as long as he thought it was going too, so once the clothes were gone, he poured water on top of the fire to put it out and went back inside.

He dropped to his knees by her with a bowl of water and a wash cloth. He knew Blade said to pack up because they were leaving but he couldn't leave her with blood on her skin. It would drive Blade crazy and he'd come after her without thinking. He had his vampire sense under control until Jillian bled around him, even he couldn't withstand the pull of her blood.

Scud carefully and quickly washed her neck, face, and arms. He continued to check her pulse and her breathing. Her heart was picking up pace and her breath continued to be steady. Once he had all the blood washed from her, Scud picked her up, wrapped in the towel, and carried her to their room. He laid her in their bed and covered her. He put his hands on his head as he gazed down at her. The color was starting to come back into her face and mouth. He took a few deep breaths then started gathering up their bags. He was glad they hadn't unpacked anything.

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Jillian sighed and felt someone squeeze her tightly. She smiled as the familiar scent of smoke and spice came over her. She felt Scud swipe a hand through her hair. He kissed her cheek then pulled the blankets tighter around her. She was completely warm and comfortable. Her whole body was tired and she quickly fell back to sleep.

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The second time she woke, she was feeling better. She turned from her right side to her back and slowly opened her eyes. The bed shifted around her as Scud sat down beside her. He ran his hand over her hair again then smiled down at her. She blinked a few times before she smiled at him.

" You okay?" He asked. She closed her eyes and nodded.

" How long have I been out?" She asked.

" 24 hours." Scud said. Jillian held the blanket to her chest and sat up slowly, making Scud sit back slightly.

" Holy shit, why did you let me sleep that long?" She asked as she looked around the room. "Where the hell are we?" She asked.

" We had to move again. We're in a house this time, across town from our old warehouse." Scud said.

" Why didn't you wake me?" She asked.

" You had to do some pretty serious healing, you needed the sleep." Scud said.

" Is everyone okay?" She asked. Scud nodded slowly as the door to their room opened. Blade filled the door frame.

" You're awake." Blade said simply.

" Are you okay?" She asked. He nodded. She looked at Scud then. " You okay?" Scud nodded as Blade came into the room. " And dad's okay?" Blade placed his hand on Scud's shoulder, making him get up. Jillian frowned as Blade sat down on the bed. " What aren't you telling me?"

" Whistler is dead. He was killed." Blade said.

He never knew how to deliver news. Scud was standing in the middle in the room with his arms crossed over his chest. He started rubbing his lower lip with his right hand as he watched her. Jillian and Blade had their eyes locked together. The unusual adopted brother and sister seemed to be sharing a moment together. Jillian's eyes were filled with tears that hadn't fallen yet.

" Did he suffer?" She asked softly.

" No." Blade said. Jillian nodded slowly.

A few tears slipped from her eyes a second before she covered her mouth with her hand. Her head dropped as her shoulders started to shake. Blade took a hold of the sheet she was using, and wrapped it around her back. He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. Jillian's arms went Blade and they held each other as she started to cry. He moved one hand to the back of her head as he rubbed her hair.

" No tears." Blade whispered into her ear. Jillian nodded again.

" They don't deserve them." She said as she opened her eyes. She looked at Scud who dropped his hand from his chin and smiled slightly. Blade and Jillian pulled from each other then.

" You are safe now." Blade said. " I love you." Jillian wiped her eyes then.

" I love you." She said. Blade put his hands on her arms and started rubbing them slightly.

" Take a shower. Scud will make you something to eat. You can go outside but stay out of the woods. I'm going out and set up alarms around the area. I will be back at sunrise." He said before he got up and swept out of the bedroom. He shut the door behind him. Jillian and Scud were quiet for a few minutes.

" You alright, Babe?" He asked. She nodded and looked up at him. " Your clothes are in the dresser and we have our own bathroom. I went shopping so we got plenty of stuff here to eat but you know I'm not really a cook." She smiled.

" What you make will be fine." She said. He came to the bed with a smile and lean down to her. He put his hands in her hair and looked into her eyes. She took a hold of his wrists.

" I really thought I was going to lose you." He said softly.

" I'm fine now." She said. He sighed and nodded.