Laura was sitting into the center of the running water, shivering when she splashed it onto herself. When sitting on her knees, the water cam up to about her waist, leaving the rest of her to shiver in the night air. Early dawn had given her at eerie glow as she bathed and locks of her wet hair snaked down her back in mild curls. Royce just stared. She was a goddess. Royce took a few steps toward her, letting his hand fall from Billy's eyes. Billy smiled.

"Hey there, Laura, uhh, well, we were kinda wonderin' if, uhh, we could join you?" Royce gave her a nervous smile.

"Sure, why not?" The teen looked over her shoulder at them. "The water is a little bloody, though. My cuts were bleeding again." She frowned.

Billy had somehow already gotten undressed and splashed right on into the creek, plotting down into Laura's lap at soon as he could. Royce growled softly and slowly began to undress himself, leaving only his briefs on. He stepped into the creek and shivered, the water colder than expected.

"I should warn you, the water is really cold and the rocks are pretty slippery.

"Thank you, ma'am." Royce grinned at her before he waddled into the water a bit more then sat down.

During all their talking, Laura had placed her wet hair over her breasts to keep them somewhat out of sight. The Torn Prince thought about pushing her hair back for a moment, but he didn't want the kid to see all of her. He'd be damned if he did! He scooted closer to the woman-child and wrapped his arms around her, seeking comfort in her lovely form. She giggled softly before curling up against him with Billy in her lap.

"Royce?"

"Hmm?"

"I love you." Laura blushed.

"I love you too, Laurita." He snickered at how badly his accent had come out in Spanish.

Laura gave a relieved sigh and rested her head against Royce's chest, giving it gentle nips and kisses occasionally. Billy had fallen asleep and only God knew when he had. The two lovers were too caught up in themselves, but they didn't do anything too daring. They kissed and nipped, cuddled and nuzzled. That was about all they could do for now. Royce glanced down at his woman and took note that her lips were bluer than usual.

"Cold?"

"Not really." She smiled.

"You're sure now?" The Torn Prince raised a single brow.

"I'm sure, now relax will ya?" She nipped at his bare shoulder playfully, drawing a slight moan from him.

Royce decided that he would wait for the teen to tell him she was cold, not keep asking her. That seemed like a fair plan to him. Anyway, he began to stoke at Laura's hair.

"He'll look for us, you know." Royce looked down at her curiously, surprised that she had said that.

"Who?"

"You know who. Ryan, the Jackal, however you want to put it though I prefer heartless horn dog."

Royce looked thoughtful for a moment. "I don't see how he'd find us in the desert unless he's been following us from the start."

"It's none of those. I feel a bond with that bastard and I think that's how he finds us. You know, like sire would with his young fledgling. He killed me so now he'll probably know where ever I am. Thing was, remember that the building was made to keep ghosts inside, keeping them confused about where they were. Only reason we got out was because we saw it on our way to our room."

Royce sighed. "Maybe you're right, but I'll protect you."

"Thanks." She nuzzled her guardian angel with pure adoration.

"Okay, time to get out before we get rendered useless due to the cold!"

Laura laughed and slowly got up, balancing Billy in her arms and cautiously stepping on the slippery rocks with calculated steps. Laura disliked phasing all the time; she was still use to being human. Sure, she'd phase to get to places faster, but she still found pleasure in thinking she was alive. She got out of the water safely then dressed Billy before herself. Glancing up at Royce, she smiled before walking back toward camp.

~*~

Ryan was still as pissed as ever. He was in the middle of the fuckin' desert for the love of God! He sat down on the warm sands and sat Indian Style, smirking and growling. He disliked the desert more than he disliked that whore he was following. He had been sitting her ten minutes, one hand propping his head up, the other slashing at the sand. He couldn't wait to get his hands on the pathetic slut!