I stood on the threshold of the Manor, watching Damon give instructions to the remaining servants. In the doorway I could feel the wind blowing the cold air against my skin causing my cloak to open against it. I felt like Little Red Riding Hood amongst the wolf's territory. I watched him help Carol to the second car before turning to face me. His eyes were dark and I knew he was on edge about things.

"You look edible," he said as he approached me. "I could eat you up."

"What big teeth you have," I replied. He smiled slightly before placing his hands on the door jamb above mine. He looked down at me, eyes blazing and emotions swirling. His eyes darted down to stare at the locket I'd clasped around my neck. His touched it gently before reaching out to hold my chin.

"You may leave our home," he said softly as his eyes dilated.

"Thank you," I said as I moved to step through the door.

"I wasn't finished," he replied holding me in the Manor. "When we are there, you are to always be with myself or Tyler. You are never alone." As the words left his lips I felt the magic rip through me, binding me to his word. "Come."

"Wait," I called as I grabbed his wrist. "I have my own restriction."

"What?" he asked as he turned to me. "What is this restriction you will place on me?"

"I don't care about your friends," I began. "I don't care about your duties and I don't care about your expectations. You will spend Christmas with me."

"Christmas," he said as he mulled it over. "I suppose I could manage that." He kissed me then, an odd way to grant me a promise. He tugged me through the doorway and up into his arms. It was chilly outside and I laughed when the snow twinkled down over my red cloak. Under it I was wearing some white lacy thing he'd chosen. I felt as though he'd dressed me for bed and I couldn't help but wonder his intentions.

Hours later we arrived at our rest stop, a wooden cottage he'd chosen. It was incredibly magical looking and completely unlike the dark, foreboding Manor he loved. The car stopped in front of it and he turned to help me out onto the path carved out of the snow. I glanced around for Tyler and Carol but found no evidence of their arrival.

"Where are they?" I asked as we neared the door. He said nothing as he ushered me inside to the toasty, warm cottage. It was small, just big enough for two people and it was ready for us. The fire roared in the old stone fireplace while the large, four-poster bed was turned down invitingly. I glanced around and noticed two garment bags on the hook by a small armoire and two sets of shoes sitting beneath them.

He tugged my cloak off and placed it over a chair while I moved around the room to look in cabinets and in the refrigerator. There were a few blood bags stocked there but just enough for my three and his one. There was only enough food for one night. Before I could comment he was behind me. His lips pressed against my neck with purpose as his hands slid to my front, resting on my stomach.

He pressed upwards until his lips were drifting over my earlobe, tugging the skin loosely until I let out a soft sound. His hands slid up over my belly until they cupped my breasts. His fingers were warm as they pushed me against him until his intent was clearly known. He'd brought me here...for...

"You are my companion and as such...there will be expectations," he whispered. "Scents must linger..."

"We must...?" I whispered in resignation. I closed my eyes and wondered how much I'd have to sacrifice for us. How much would I have to allow before it was enough? How much of myself would I need to lose before I was more than a prize?

"I promise to be gentle," he replied. "I won't...hurt you like last time."

"And if you lose control again?" I whispered as tears gathered. "I can't go through it again Damon, I can't."

He said nothing as he left me to stand by the door. I turned when I heard it open and saw him standing looking out the door into the snow. He sighed loudly while he gripped the door tightly. The door splintered in his hands while I watched him. He was a lot of things. He was my captor, my punisher, my warden. He was my lover, my provider, my protector. He was my savior. He saved me when there was no hope left and he's kept me alive when I would have died from insanity. My weakest moments were the moments he was there to stop me from hurting myself or others.

"You're not asking for them," I said softly. "You're asking for you. You always seek me out when you're troubled. Why?"

"Because you're pure," he replied as he took me in his arms. I didn't fight him as he moved me towards the bed. "You've always been goodness."

His fingers tangled in the ties of my dress, until he slowed. His eyes met mine and he kissed my nose apologetically. His hands slid warmly over my body until they rested on my hips. He was still troubled, his mind whirling as he watched me, anguished murmurs echoing in my head. He was frightened.

"Will you take me to bed," I whispered. Comfort was the only thing I could give him since he wanted nothing else from me.

"Yes."