Ok so I know its been FOREVER but I'm still determined to finish this story if it kills me darnit! I'm still keeping the option of asking any questions you have in mind, there is no limit. You can either ask them in review or e-mail at my e-mail address listed on my profile page. Also, if anyone has comments or questions at ANYTIME about ANY of my stories feel free to e-mail me as well. Thanks!

Chapter 11: I can't lose you…

(Joss's POV)

My senses tingled widely as I felt the vampire approach me, as if they thought I was a normal teenage boy. They were dead wrong. The ground shifted even with inches of snow covering the earth beneith my feet. The dead made no sound but there presence was like a sonic explosion to someone like myself.

I didn't even turn around, just barely made a flick of the wrist and the stake flew from the hidden weapon under my sleeves. I heard the barely audiable gasp the dead man made and then a crunch as he fell into the snow. I've gotten better. I smiled at the thought. Now maybe I can defeat him…

(Vlad's POV)

Henry and Ivy were as rejoiced as I was as the school bell rang on the last day before winter break. We ran like little kids to Nelly's. Our home.

Ivy hasn't received word from her father in months. She seems to have became accustomed to living at Nelly's and she hasn't returned to her aunt's home since Halloween. I was just glad to have her around. We ran into the house hollering and laughing but Ivy and I stopped suddenly as we both sensed a strange aura. Otis stepped around the corner of the living room looking down at his hands as he cleaned his glasses with his shirt.

He looked up as he slid them back in place on his face and look at me sadly. I frowned and then looked back at Henry and he nodded, knowing that he should leave. Once I heard the door shut I looked at Ivy who's eyes were wide and surprised. Before I could understand what the look was she ran past Otis and into the livingroom.

I followed and Otis put his hand on my shoulder soothingly as my heart crumbled to bits. Ivy stood in the livingroom with her arms wrapped tightly around a large mans chest. His arms were holding her tightly to him and he whispered words I could understand. He looked up and his shaggy brown hair covered his pale skin on his forehead and part of his murky blue eyes. He smiled at Otis and said in a heavy Italian accent, "Thank you Otis, for keeping my girl safe."

I knew that was her father, I felt it all around him, the feeling of losing her. Ivy pulled away from her father and smiled. "Papa I have so much to tell you! Vlad and Otis and Nelly have taken good care of me!" Her father nodded and looked at me, smiling brightly at my blank expression.

"And you must be Vladimir?" I nodded and he came closer to me, looking my over skeptically. "You have been a good friend to my daughter. For that, I owe you my gratitude."

I shook my head and looked down at my feet. "Sir I mean no disrespect but I don't want your gratitude as much as I want your daughter to stay here. I want to be able to see her everyday like I have these past few months. Please sir." I looked back up at Mr. Netherland's face which had a deep frown plastered onto it.

His gaze shifted to Otis and he said in a worried tone, "Otis what is the meaning of this?"

Ivy's hand intertwined with mine and I looked next to me to find her looking at her father. "Father we're not just friends. We're kensleys."

Her father's expression softened as he looked at his daughter. "Ah now I see. Well I'm glad you have found a good boy to protect you but you are only 15. Don't become to attached." He looked back at me in a stern way. "I have much work to attend to still. I cannot rest just yet. You take care of my daughter until I can. Understand?" I nodded and smiled happily.

Ivy hugged her father tightly and thanked him over and over. He kissed her cheek and spoke a few words in Italian and she nodded, seeming to know what them meant. He smiled and thanked Otis once again and they both stood for several minutes saying nothing but having a conversation in there minds. I had an urge to peek into the conversation but received a strong look from Otis. The two shook hands and Ivy's father left.

The next day…

Ivy and I sat next to each other on the plane. The couch lacked a lot of seats so she was able to sit next to me by the window. She seemed facinated by the clouds and blue sky. I smiled at her lit up face and her childish curiosity. I wrapped my arms around her waist and her head rested on my shoulder.

Nelly was fast asleep, her head in Otis's lap. His hand stroked her hair lovingly and I smiled at the couple. Ivy's eyes were closed and her breathing slowed in her sleep. I kissed her flaming hair and smiled, feeling sleep set in I closed my eyes and let myself relax, knowing my kensley would be here for a little while longer.

Sorry this chapter was so short! I've been really busy getting ready to start freshman year and im FREAKING OUT! So… im sorry to all my awesome fans, I'll try harder I promise! Review's are great incouragement though!

-M.J. Ethreal