A/N: Because I created unfamiliar characters, I wasn't sure where I wanted to go with this chapter. But what I did know was that I needed you to understand why Catalina is the way she is, how she got that way, who to blame, and so on. You needed her background history otherwise it wouldn't make much sense. I also didn't want to make it seem like a mini book about her so I tried to give you about a brief background of her life as I possibly could.

I know that this chapter may seem all over the place, but I tried to stick with the main points that will later on explain how the domino effect started and how it affected and linked the lives of so many people.

Plus I needed a reason to get Dominic out of the way to make room for Eric (gotta love Vikings) since he has a bigger role in this story than I thought.

I do not claim the rights to any of the characters from the Southern Vampire Mysteries or True Blood. Read, review, and enjoy! ^-^


Catalina's POV:

I sat in a living room with the warm company of a vampire.

I wasn't prisoner, oh no, I wanted to be here. In fact, this was my idea. I planned everything with great detail. Down to the last minute changes.

I was a great actress too. I thought to myself. Dominic…now you are the damn fool.


Past:

1910 was going to be my year. I was now engaged to Jacob. My career was thriving. And I've officially gotten over my grief from the death of my sister, Calypso.

I'll admit, it was anything but easy for me. Its been over five years since her death and no longer do I burst into tears at the mention of her name. I moved on with my life, even if its without her.

Jacob and I have been friends for decades and after four years of dating, he decided to propose to me on this very night. We decided that we would make it official next spring in Sarpedon.

My parents were thrilled to know that he finally popped the question. Of course his parents already knew of his intent. Both of our families couldn't be any happier. And…we might be moving home for good.

I couldn't be happier.

Things are beginning to turn around for me. Sometimes I feel that when I'm being overly blessed, something bad is about to happen. Its happened before and I'm sure it will happen again.


"My mom wants to make your dress for the wedding."

I smiled, "Really?"

Jacob nodded, "You better get use to being spoiled by my mom. She always wanted a daughter."

"Then I will be honored to be wearing a wedding dress made by your mother." I told him, kissing his cheek.

Jacob has always been so sweet and patient with me. If it wasn't for him, I don't think that I could get through the process of carrying on with my life without Callie.

Gabrielus clammed up and practically drank himself to sleep every night. He blames the world for his troubles, for his lost, his streak of bad luck, he calls it. I tried to comfort him many times before but it was impossible. Being around him only reminded me of Callie. I'm sure he felt the same way about me as well.

Dominic however became obsessed with solving Callie's murder. To the point where he made it impossible to even get close to him. After about a year of trying, I finally gave up with keeping in touch with him. What was the point when I, myself, needed to move on. It wasn't healthy for any of us to remain glued in the past.

"I have to leave for Washington, some conference or something. But I will be back tomorrow evening, I promise." he paused, "And when I return, I want us to take a trip to Sarpedon so that we can continue celebrating with our families and friends."

"I would love to!" I nearly screamed. I was about to literally jump for joy. "I've been wanting to go back for years but never found the courage to." I told him, "But with you there beside me, I will have the courage of a thousand men."

"Well, I was hoping you would agree to. The arrangements have already been made so all you need to do is pack your bags."

"How long did you have this planned?" I asked as I played with my engagement ring. "I mean everything. The engagement, the wedding, the trips."

He sat there silent for a few seconds. "Awhile." he said, moving closer to me.

"Did you know I was going to say yes?"

He laughed, "I'm not a psychic Catalina." he took my hand and placed it into his, "I can only dream of spending the rest of my life with you." he sighed, "I mean if you declined of course."

"So you told your family before you told me?"

He nodded, kissing my hands gently, "Both of our families actually." he said smiling, "I had to ask your father for permission first. It was the respectful thing to do as well as tradition."

What he saw in me, I wouldn't know.

I was this awkward Amazon woman standing five foot ten (not as tall as her either) who wasn't half as beautiful as Calypso. I may have long blonde hair and green eyes like Callie but that is as far as resemblance goes.

Jacob looked down at his watch, "I have to get home. A car is being sent for me in an hour." he said, glancing up. "But I will see you as soon as I return. I promise." he gently kissed me.

I nodded, "I can't wait."

I have never been intimate with Jacob, or any man for that matter. We've never gone any further than kissing. Sure, he caressed my thighs before, but that's as far as he went. I was never comfortable in my own skin, so having someone else see me naked was a nightmare.

Jacob didn't understand how I felt. He insisted that I was just insecure and scared. He tells me everyday that I'm the most beautiful woman he has ever known and that I have a body of a goddess.

I then tell him he is lying because Gabrielus told Callie that often. Frequently, actually. But Callie never doubted Gabrielus. As for me, I knew the truth, so I doubted Jacob everyday of my life.

He was my first and only real boyfriend. I went on dates, which always ended in disaster, but never did I let anyone get close to me. Except Dominic.

I remember the day he left Sarpedon. It was the loneliest day of my life. I know I should've thought of him as my big brother, but I couldn't help it. He was so handsome, still is to this very day. Taller than me, that's for sure, and he has the most amazing body I have ever seen.

When he's with his mistresses or whatever you want to call them, he's horrible to them. He just uses them for sex and then moves on to the next idiot.

But with me, he's different, much like the Nick I knew from Sarpedon. He treats me differently, nothing like a little sister, but nothing like one of his many conquests either.

Around me, he is himself. He doesn't have to impress me or go to extreme measures to get my attention. He has my undivided attention with just two little letters, hi.

I melt like butter when I hear his voice…his voice, smooth like velvet, deeper than the oceans dark waters…heaven. And his lips! He is truly beautiful.

"Kate?" Jacob called out to me, waving his hands in front of my face. "You still with me honey?"

I shook myself, "Sorry, my mind just wondered off…" I could feel the warmth on my cheeks. I'm blushing? "Did you say something to me?"

He sighed, "I asked you if you wanted to have dinner with me before I left."

I stood up, "No, no. I'm fine, really. You should get going. I don't want you to be late." I said, bending down, I laid a kiss on his cheek, "You have a safe trip and I'll see you when you return." I said waving as I quickly walked to my bathroom, closing the door behind me.

You're engaged to Jacob. Why don't you get over him already? He doesn't love you the way that you love him.

I sighed as I stared at myself in the mirror.

Jacob knows how you feel about him. I'm sure everyone does.

"No." I whispered as I turned on the cold water.


Today Jacob was returning from his trip to Washington. I had all last night and this morning to pack but as usual, I waited until the very last minute. Hey I was busy tying up loose ends before I leave for our long vacation.

Our very much needed vacation.

Well, that and putting the final touches on our newly refurnished condo. Since we were planning on moving in together, even before we got engaged, we decided to get rid of the old and in with the new. Thank goodness our tastes in furniture were similar, otherwise it would just be one big cluttered mess.

I closed the buckles on my suitcase and headed to the living room. For a moment, I stood in the hallway, admiring the change.

So this is what marriage looks like? I smiled. No, this is what family looks like.

I was more than ready to settle down now and start a family. Its what I always dreamed of since I was a little girl. Of course a few things did change, for one, I was not marrying a King, but Jacob is my prince. I was not living in a castle, which could also change if we chose to. But the biggest change in my imaginary wedding, Nick, my King, my husband, the father of our children…

He was never yours Catalina. Get your head out of the clouds and back to reality where it belongs.

I sighed, "I know…I know." I told myself.

I knew my dream was just some damn fairy tale. But hey, a girl can dream can't she? If there weren't anymore dreams, then there went hope, right?

But I know, I know. I've come to the conclusion that I would rather be with Jacob and start a family than wait for Nick to come around. I'm not that stupid, I know what love is, Jacob loves me more than words can describe.

Yes, yes…he loves you. But do you love him?

"I do love him." I almost yelled at my conscious.

At that moment, there was a loud thud at my front door that literally made me jump out of my shoes.

Don't go looking. You don't know what's out there.

Ignoring my instincts, I ran to the door, checking out the peep hole.

Nothing.

I slowly unlocked my door…

You're going to regret it Catalina! Listen to me!

I opened the door as I laughed at myself for thinking of…

No!

I gasped at the sight of what almost smelled like a rotting corpse. It took a moment to realize who this was.

I jumped over the body, dress and all, "Dominic!" I shrieked as I bent down to help him up.

Dominic looked like a man who was stranded in the middle of nowhere for years.

Oh man, and he smelled worse than he looked.

"You are a mess. Come, lets get you cleaned up." I said as I brought him into my home. "Jacob has left some of his things here. I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you borrowed them." I told him as I pointed to the bathroom that was down the hall.

I left him there to let him figure it out while I closed the front door.

"You still with him?" I heard him asking from the bathroom.

I opened my linen closet and grabbed a towel.

"Yes, I am. He proposed to me last night." I said as I entered the bathroom and handed him the towel. I smiled as I showed him my engagement ring. "We are thinking about moving back home. I want to get married there with my mom and my sis…" I stopped. I didn't need to remind him why he looked the way he does at this very moment. "Never mind." I said instead, pulling back my hand.

I stared at him for a few seconds, not really recognizing the man I use to know. By the looks of things, it seems as if he hasn't shaved in months, maybe years. And his hair…oh my gosh, he looks horrible!

How did he end up like this? What happened to the handsome man he use to be? The man that took good care of himself.

He must've loved Callie more than a friend to look worse than his own brother. He is acting as if he was the one that lost the love of his life.

No, it can't be. He wouldn't betray his brother like that.

"I'm sorry." He finally said, breaking my train of thoughts.

"Stop that now. You should be sorry for looking the way that you do right now." I told him, shaking my head. "I have never seen you look this…disoriented in all my life. No wonder you haven't had a date in so long."

"I tried…everything I've learned up until now has all been dead ends."

"Dominic, its been much too long. Its about time that you move on now." I sighed, "Take yourself a hot bath and then we can talk about this…later." I said as I closed the door behind me.

I stood there in the hall, gripping the doorknob.

Could it be possible that he fell in love with her? I mean they were the best of friends since forever.

I laughed softly to myself. No, he just took things harder than any one of us. He never looked at her the way Gabrielus did. No, he was not in love, Gabrielus was.

I shook off the weird feeling that was creeping up my spine and headed to my room. I went through Jacob's drawers and found some clothes that Nick could borrow. I'm sure he wouldn't mind. I mean we were all friends once upon a time. Close friends actually.

I knocked softly on the bathroom door, I could hear the water running but no answer.

I cracked the door open a little bit and whispered, "Nick?"

What is he doing?

I didn't care…much. I quickly went in, leaving the clothes on the sink, and practically ran out. My heart beat hard against my chest.

There you go again, acting like some little school girl in love.

School girl yes…love…I doubt it.

Thank goodness for the phone otherwise, I would still be standing in the hall like a damn idiot.

I ran to the sofa and answered the phone.

"Yes?"

"Catalina, honey..."

"How was your trip?"

"That's why I'm calling you. Our final meeting exceeded the estimated time, forcing us to miss our train."

"Oh its okay."

I could hear doubt in his voice. I knew him well enough to know that something was bothering him but I didn't want to ask. If he wanted to tell me, he would. I just had to wait until he got home.

"I should be home in a few hours. I'm just waiting on the next train."

"Don't rush home. I want you to get home safely. I will still be here even if your train was delayed."

"And that's why I love you."

Why do I feel as if he wants to tell me something that I don't know? Warn me maybe?

"I love you too Jacob."

"Goodbye my love." he said softly. I thought I heard trembling in his voice.

"Goodbye Jacob and stay safe!"

He laughed, "I will. I promise."

I hung up the phone and sat there staring down the hall. I wasn't really thinking, just more like phasing.

Jacob sounded worried. About what though?

Then I heard the water shut off. I stood up and went to the door.

"Dominic?" I called out as I knocked softly, "Jacob has his shaving kit under the sink if you want to shave."

Suddenly the door opened to reveal a half naked Dominic. His skin glistened with water as it slowly dripped down his perfectly sculpted body. He was wearing a smile and a towel, but nothing else.

Oh my…that's Nick alright.

I took a step back and immediately looked down. I could feel my cheeks burning with fire. I am going to hell for thinking about a man and is also engaged to be with another.

"Can you cut my hair?" he asked, lifting my chin so that he could see my face, "I'm in desperate need of a hair cut if you don't mind."

I gulped as I looked up smiling. He could pass as a homeless man if he wanted to. "Yes, Dominic, you do. I don't mind because right now you remind me of a caveman." I told him as I burst into laughter.

He turned around and sat on the toilet. I followed, right behind him.

Yup modern caveman. Instead of a loin cloth, he has on a cotton towel.

"While I'm doing this, you want me to shave this for you?" I asked, tugging gently on his beard.

"You shaved a man's beard before?"

I've done it many times, more than you know.

"Jacob has taught me a few things." I told him as I brought out the scissors from the drawer. "I'm a fast learner."

He stared at me with raised eyebrows. "A few things huh?" he said with a grin.

I shook my head. "Oh Dominic, you have a filthy mind." I told him as I began cutting his hair, stopping just to slap him on his shoulder. "Jacob doesn't go through women the way that you have done over the years. In fact, he is a gentleman. We decided to wait."

"I don't go through women Kate. They go through me."

I had to laugh, "Of course, because every woman you came across only wanted sex and nothing more from you."

"Its true." he said, looking up.

I scoffed, "Nick, does it look like I was born yesterday?" I paused. I may be a virgin but that doesn't make me stupid. I do know a few things. "You can't possibly tell me that the women you had sexual relations with wanted just that. Sex."

"Believe it or not, they do. I can't help it if I give them exactly what they want."

I stared at him with disbelief, hands on hips, "Really? You know what every woman wants?"

"When it comes to pleasing a woman…yes." he told me grinning.

Watch yourself Catalina. He is dangerous. I told myself as I continued cutting his hair in silence. When I was done with his hair, I began shaving his face, still in silence and lost in thought.

I was a virgin, but not because I decided to save myself for marriage. I was a virgin simply because I haven't found the right man to share that intimate moment with. When it happens, I wanted it to really mean something. I wanted it to be worth the wait.

And I do mean wait, by the way. I mean I managed to stay a virgin for 129 years, what's another year?

I tried to take my relationship with Jacob to the next level so many times but it never happened. Something always came up. If it wasn't one thing, it was another. So we sort of just gave up and agreed to just let it happen when its suppose to.

The night that he proposed to me, he told me that he wanted to make our wedding night even more special. He wanted us to wait until then because this gift is something he wanted to treasure forever.

"What?" I stopped.

I don't know how long he was staring at me, but he began to make me feel uncomfortable. Not in a bad way, more like in an unfamiliar way. Dominic has never looked at me the way he was at this very moment.

"Nothing." he simply said as if it was natural for him to watch me the way he has for decades.

"Well, why are you staring at me like that?"

"How do you mean?"

Oh come on, stop playing around.

I frowned, "I don't know…am I hurting you?"

Maybe he was looking at me funny because I snipped him with the razor but he didn't want to complain.

He laughed, "You would know if you were hurting me Catalina." he said, reaching for my hands. "You have the hands of an artist." he told me as he took the razor from my hands, placing it on the sink.

He's only saying that to get into your bed. Who knows how many women he told that same lie to? Don't fall for it Catalina, you know him better than he knows himself.

He stood up making sure he locked his gaze with mine.

"Don't be afraid." he whispered as he stepped closer.

Be afraid Catalina, be very afraid.

I was frozen. I couldn't move even if I wanted to. Oh hell, apart of me didn't want to. I wanted to stay here trapped under his spell. I wanted to stay here locked in this very moment, the moment that he saw me with a new pair of eyes, the moment that he saw the woman I've become.

Jacob…

"But I'm engaged to…" I began but for some reason, I couldn't finish my sentence. The words refused to form.

If I had any chance of saving my self respect, it just went out the window.

Nick was closing in and he was closing in fast.

He gripped my waist, pulling me toward him until our hips were parallel to one another. Slowly he closed the remaining space that separated our bodies.

"He doesn't have to know." he whispered as he placed his lips to mine.

That kiss was all it took for me to forget everything that I knew, forget everything that I had build up to protect my heart from being broken.

He picked me up as if I weighed no more than a sack of potatoes and carried me to the bedroom. Our kisses deepened with hunger, with force that we held back from each other all these years.

He put me down and held me until I could stand on my own two feet. He then turned me around and carefully pulled down the zipper to my dress. He slipped the fabric off of my shoulders and down my arms shoving it pass my waist until it was nothing but a pool of clothing at my feet.

I've never been undressed by anyone except the maids back home. This was something entirely different, something forbidden in a way.

I felt as if I was walking head on into something that will change me for the rest of my life. I was scared shitless.

He took out the clip that held up my hair and tossed it aside as my hair fell down my back. He kissed my shoulder, leaving a feather path of kisses along my neck as he slowly began untying my corset.

Those hands of his has touched many women. He's treating you just like one of them. He doesn't love you, not in the way that you want to be loved.

For a second, that almost sounded like something Calypso would say to me. She has actually. She warned me about my little crush on him many times before.

"Leave it at that, a silly crush. He will hurt you if you let him."

"No he won't. He knows me Callie. Nick wouldn't do that, maybe to those other women but not to me."

"In his eyes, baby sister, you are just another beautiful woman. Don't be fooled." She placed her hands over my heart, "No one can protect this better than you."

He turned me around, snapping me back from the past and gently peeled away the rest of the corset until my breasts fell into place. He stood there for a moment, devouring the sight of my bare breasts.

I'm sorry Callie, I'm helpless against him.

I stripped off the rest of my clothes and scooted on the bed. I looked up and watched him intently.

Don't you hurt me Dominic. Prove everyone wrong. Don't you dare make me regret this.

He unfolded the towel and let it drop onto the floor.

I've never seen a naked man before this moment. Sure, I've seen it in paintings and Greek statues, but not the real thing.

Nick was sculpted to perfection, whoever made him made no mistake whatsoever. He was blessed with good looks, a gorgeous body, and an extremely large penis.

Maybe it was my inexperience, but what I saw before me, getting closer to me, frightened me more than any scary creature I've ever seen.

"Wait." I said as I reached into Jacob's night stand drawer. "I got this for…my wedding night." I told him as I handed him the condom.

I didn't know how to put one on since I've never gone this far before with anyone.

I hope he knows what he's doing because I don't want to get pregnant.

I wasn't sure if he even put it on because in no time, he was straddling me.

"Are you sure about this?"

I nodded, hesitating. "Just…go slow. I haven't done this…in awhile."

Okay, I lied. But he didn't need to know he was taking my virginity. I may be an idiot but I have to at least hold onto some of my dignity.

He grinned down at me as he hovered over me, holding his weight with his left arm as he bent his head down to suckle on my nipple.

But I couldn't help myself, I let out a soft moan as I moved beneath him, trying to get comfortable.

He reached down for my leg, gripping my thighs to his side. I didn't know what he was trying to accomplish but I also didn't want him to stop doing what he was doing with my nipple between his teeth.

More, more, more.

He lift my leg higher, releasing my nipple as he slid himself within me.

Oh my god!

I wasn't expecting this to be so painful. I mean I didn't know what it was like, I just didn't think it would hurt this much.

I tried to withhold my cries but I couldn't help it. I never experienced pain like this, not in my lower region.

Stop, stop, stop! I screamed to myself. I knew it was too late to change my mind. What should I do?

And then I felt Nick pull out. For a few seconds I was glad, so glad I could've kissed the ground I walked on because I thought it was over.

I could feel stinging and throbbing below. But then he slipped right back in, a bit more forceful.

I bit my lip, trying to hold back my scream. I don't want to do this anymore. I cried to myself inside.

I don't know how sex was suppose to be but this isn't at all what I've imagined. This wasn't how I dreamed it would be. This was a nightmare and I wanted to wake up so badly. I just wanted it all to be over.

But then Nick pulled out again and instead, he slipped his fingers in me this time as he suckled on my breasts.

Alright, it wasn't that bad, at least it wasn't as painful as his penis.

I didn't understand what he was doing to me. He seemed confused, like he wasn't sure what he was doing. Oh hell I, myself was confused.

Why was his fingers in my vagina? Why would anyone do that?

He kissed me as he entered me once again. I tensed up, trying my best to endure the pain that I knew was coming. I bit down hard on my lips, trying my best not to make a sound.

He suddenly stopped mid motion, still within me.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just…slow."

He did as I asked, starting out slow but then he picked up speed. Harder, faster.

I have never been stabbed but this is what I imagined a stabbing would feel like. I just wanted it to be over.

The sooner he is done, the better.

I felt as if my insides were tearing apart. No, I knew I was being ripped from the inside out.

He glanced down, "You almost there?"

I felt tears trickle down the sides of my face. I didn't know what he was talking about. After a few seconds, I just nodded.

At that moment, I wished I said no because he began thrusting in harder. The deeper he got, the more pain I felt. I couldn't hold back, I cried softly as he began to slow and eventually stopped.

But instead of getting off of me, he buried his face into the side of my neck, kissing me gently.

Why didn't he treat my damn vagina the way he's treating my neck?

Finally, he pulled out and rolled next to me, smiling.

"You okay?"

"Yeah…"

No. I'm in pain you dumb ass!

He sat up at the edge of the bed. Then quickly he jumped up as if a spider crawled up his leg (I'm not saying he's afraid of spiders, he's not). He just stared down at himself.

"What's wrong?" I asked him as I reached for the sheet, covering myself up.

"I think something's wrong with me."

Oh shit. He gave me something!

"What do you mean?" I asked, trying my best not to sound panicked.

Without answering, he pulled the sheets out of my grasp and moved my legs to the side.

What the hell is he looking for?

"Catalina, were you on your period?"

I glanced down to look at what he saw.

Shit!

I knew the blood was mine. I could feel it.

"No…" I told him as I slipped off the bed.

He looked at me, "Then…" he paused, "Was this your first time?"

No point in denying it. Obviously blood isn't normal during sex. He knows.

I turned around and grabbed the robe that hung behind my door.

"Its fine. Really."

Just leave, Nick. Let me sit here and beat myself up for being so STUPID!

"No, its not! Why didn't you tell me?"

I grunted, "If I did, would it have made a difference?"

"Of course it would! I would never have taken advantage of you like that!" he yelled back to me as he walked out.

He was right. If he have known the truth, maybe he wouldn't have…

Its too late now.

I gathered my clothes on the floor and tossed it in the hamper.

This is not how I imagined this. I thought to myself as I began putting on a clean dress.

I looked in the mirror at myself.

You're an idiot Catalina. You've made mistakes before…but this was the biggest.

I sat at the foot of the bed and cried.

I knew I deserved everything that has happened because I was a fool, a damn fool. I was an adulteress and a liar. No one will ever want me. No one will ever forgive me. I'm damned to this hell.

I stood up and walked down the hall to the bathroom.

I didn't know what I was going to say to him, but I knew we couldn't leave things the way they were.

I opened the bathroom door wider only to find it empty.

The moment I heard my front door slam was the moment I knew everything was never going to be the same. I knew things between Nick and I was about to get worse. It was just a matter of time.

Instead of chasing after him like the idiot I use to be, I went back to my room and stared at my bed.

I hate you so much Dominic, more than you will ever know.

This was something I couldn't hide, not from Jacob. He deserved someone better, someone who will remain faithful, someone other than me.


I managed to change the sheets and put the old ones in the washer before Jacob came home to find me cleaning the bathroom, cleaning up the mess that Nick had left.

He just stared at me for awhile before he finally spoke.

"You're a fool Catalina."

I dropped everything and burst into tears, "I'm so sorry Jacob."

"So Nick was here? Right?"

I couldn't speak. I couldn't hold myself together to even explain how everything got so out of control. All I could do was nod with agreement.

I could see the disappointment on his face.

"So the moment that scum comes crawling to your doorstep, you give yourself to him? Just like that?"

"I didn't want to-"

"Are you saying that he raped you?" he pushed forward, grabbing my arms.

"No…"

"So you wanted it?"

I screamed, "No! Not like that!" I pulled away, "I don't know what I want anymore!"

"He doesn't love you Catalina! He will never love you! He hasn't been here for you when you needed him most! He left you once already, remember?" he yelled back at me, "I've been here all along. All this time, I was the one at your side, your shoulder to cry on. Me, not Dominic, me! Where was he? Fucking around as usual?" he paused, "You are a fool for loving him all these years. A damn fool." he whispered.

"I know that now."

Jacob grunted as he placed his hands on his hips, "So where do we go from here?"

I knew it was wrong of me to want him to stay with me, marry me, make an honest woman of myself. But I couldn't do it. Deep down, I already knew our dreams of starting a family was gone. It would be selfish of me if I didn't let him go free and ask him to forget that this ever happened. To pretend.

My lips quivered, "You deserve someone better…better than me. Someone who will love you the way that you should. Someone that you can trust." I slipped off my engagement ring and placed it in his hands, "Its too late now. Its too late for me." I tried my best to hold back my cries, "But not for you…Goodbye Jacob."

I shoved pass him and locked myself up in my room.


I found out later that Nick had run away to Sarpedon. Obviously running away from me.

He was gone and he wasn't coming back. I wasn't sure if he was ever coming back. He was treating me like one of his conquests. Now I look just as stupid as they did. There was no use for me, now that he got what he wanted. I meant nothing to him.

That was when I came to terms with myself, I knew things weren't going to be the same for me again. I could feel it, like a storm just above the horizon, heading straight my way. This storm was growing more fierce each day.

I began to shut everyone out from my life, my family, whatever friends I had left, Jacob especially, even my job. No one knew what to make of it.

Nick has changed me into something, someone I don't even recognize.

I was a different person now compared to who I was weeks ago. Anger and pain replaced the hurt I felt deep inside. I resented him, resented his very existence. I wanted Nick dead.

One day I will get my revenge, your day will come. I made a promise to myself.


Present day:

"So you want me to hold him prisoner?"

I laughed, "Oh Felipe, don't make it sound so cruel. I'm sure you could use a Sarpedon Warrior in The Pits."

He leaned forward, "What makes you think I need a Warrior?"

"Because no one has ever been as good as Quinn and you know it." I smiled, "Besides, you know as well as I do that he will make you a great deal of money."

"What excuse shall I use to hold him prisoner? After all there is no debt to the vampires."

I knew he would do almost anything for me. I mean after all these years of being secretly involved, I had some leverage over him. But, as with any man, let them think that they're the ones in control.

"Felipe…" I stood up, making sure I had his attention. Men. "I've been faithful to you all these years. I've done what no one was willing to do for you and more." I grinned as I gently pushed him back into the arm chair and sat in his lap, "Is this a lot to ask of you?"

He wrapped his arms around me and slapped my thighs.

"Why would you do this to one of your own kind…to an old friend?"

I sighed, "He is responsible for the death of my sister." I lied.

I knew it wasn't Dominic's fault. That wasn't why I hated him so much.

He shamed me. I wasn't just anyone, I was Catalina, his friend, someone I knew all my life.


I couldn't go home without everyone giving me dirty looks as if what happened many moons ago was entirely my fault. They looked at me with so much hate and disgust as if I was the only one present at the time…especially my parents.

My own parents exiled me. My mother won't talk to me, no matter how much I beg. She just sits in her chair, staring out into the fields, and cry. And my father can't stand to be in the same room as me. He refuses to even look at me. I only saw him look me in the eyes just once…once was all I needed to know that I can never go home.

Maybe if I told my family about what happened instead of Jacob, they would look at me differently. Maybe they would've forgiven me if they heard my side of the story. I had many chances to redeem part of my dignity but chose to shut myself away from everything and everyone.

But its much too late.

Jacob was the one who remained my only friend although I did everything I could to push him away. Even after all that I put him through, he is still there for me.

He was hurt, as was I, but after awhile, he forgave me. We moved past the incident and managed to save our friendship, whatever friendship we had left.


"Catalina…" he began but couldn't finish his sentence. He shook his head and sighed, "Don't do this. You don't want to do this to him."

"Yes I do. He deserves everything that has coming to him." I pushed him away and stood up, "Because of him I am the way I am! If I had my sister…"

I couldn't cry anymore. Maybe I used up all the tears that I'm allowed per man and all I have left is hatred.

"If you won't do it then I will find someone who will."

He stood up and grabbed my hand, "No." he growled, "Once he's in The Pits, I can never let him out."

I smiled, "Is that a promise?"

Felipe stared at me for a moment. Then he shook his head, "What happened to the young girl I met all those years ago?"

I looked down, "She died that night along with Calypso."

Felipe was there that night. In fact that is where we first met.


Past:

Back then I was so mesmerized by him, by all of them, that I felt almost obsessed. I've never seen a vampire in all my life and now I was surrounded by them.

"And what do we have here?"

I glanced over my shoulder behind me to see a very handsome man. I turned around and smiled, "Now is that a way to approach a lady?"

He grinned, "My apologies." he said, bowing slightly. "What is the name of such a beautiful woman?"

"Catalina."

"Ah, Catalina." he repeated, rolling the T a little longer than most. "May I introduce myself, my names Felipe de Castro."

I'm a sucker for handsome men. And this was one of those moments where you had to pick your jaw up off the floor, wipe the drool from your mouth and play it smooth.

Felipe was just down right sexy. He had the most beautiful accent I have ever heard. He had thick, dark hair, closely shaven, and a mustache and chin strip. He had dark eyes, strong arched eyebrows, and a bold nose.

Although you couldn't see every inch of him, you did, however, catch a glimpse of his smooth caramel chest. He wore his dress shirt slightly opened, teasing me, enough to make you want to tear off those remaining five buttons and lick it.

"Will you do me the honor of dancing with me?" he asked, reaching for my hand.

I placed my hand into his and felt the shocking chill.

I gasped, "You're a vampire?"

He laughed as he embraced me, "You sound surprised." he leaned into me and whispered, "Don't worry, I promise to be very gentle with you."

And with that, he literally swept me off my feet and onto the dance floor, never taking our eyes off one another.


Present:

Felipe lifted my chin, "Will this make you happy?"

"Not really. But if I can't have him dead, then a prisoner is as good as dead." I told him.

"Catalina, this can't be undone."

"I understand that. I just don't care anymore."

"What if he finds out that you were the one who set him up, that you were the one who betrayed him? Then what?"

"If and when that time comes, I will handle it."

He growled, "I can't stand aside and let him go after you."

I knew it was a bad idea to get involved with a vampire. They are so emotional.

"I'm already dead." I told him.

He stepped closer, "Not to me you're not and you know it." he looked down at my lips and then he pressed forward for a kiss.

I pulled away, "Don't do this. You can't do this. You promised you wouldn't." I told him, stepping out of his grasp.


Past:

I had moved to New York City in 1963. I wasn't doing anything or trying to make anything of myself, just living the party girl lifestyle that I became accustomed to. I worked as a Go-Go dancer at the Peppermint Lounge up until it finally closed down on December 28, 1965.

Around that time, stripping became the new thing in the night world. So Cherry (my friend and coworker) and I began dancing at some of the underground clubs in the heart of New York.

That was where I was introduced to Stardust (aka cocaine) thanks to Lucky Genovese, the human I dated at the time. Partying, drinking, and drugs became my life for the next seven years. Well, up until someone shot Lucky dead in the streets one night, on our way back from the club.

I didn't sober up because I was grieving over him. No, if anything, I didn't give a shit about him. I sobered up because I could no longer afford that kind of lifestyle. Hell, I could barely afford making it from day to day on the money I made. Somehow, some way, I managed.


A few months later, I ran into a very old friend, Cherry. She changed quite a bit since the last time I saw her which was about six years ago, maybe longer. She no longer wore her hair long, in fact, it was shoulder length and blonde.

Cherry now went by her real name, Cheryl, and she was married with a child on the way. She also quit the dancing scene to become a reporter for the New York Times.

"Before I go, I have something for you." she said, searching through her purse, "A man came to me years ago, looking for you. He told me to give you this." she told me, handing me a card. "I didn't know what to make of it so I paid it no mind. But then something was telling me you would know what this is about."

I grabbed it, glancing down to see nothing but a number. It wasn't a phone number, there wasn't enough numbers for that. This was a card from the Council, the numbers it contained was a code.

Instead of retrieving the information from the system, I tossed the card in the back of my closet.


For four years, I focused on my life, trying my best to straighten out my life. Cheryl got me a job as a secretary for the editor of the New York Times. I still partied, just not as hard as I use to.

Then on the night that Studio 54 opened, April 26, 1977, that was the night that I decided to celebrate one last time before returning to work with the Council for good, I dragged Cheryl along with me since I knew she needed it.

I wore a glitter white halter neck catsuit with matching platform shoes and a Farrah Fawcett feather do (I was able to do this since I had cut my hair just below my shoulder blade).

For the first time in over sixty years, I was in control of my life. I wasn't about to let anyone ruin what I worked hard to accomplish what took only a few years to screw up. I was genuinely happy.

As we sat at one of the tables near the bar, one of my favorite songs during those times came on, Donna Summer's "Love To Love You".

I jumped up and grabbed Cheryl, "This is my song! Come on, lets dance!" before she could object, I dragged her to the dance floor.

"I haven't moved like this since before the baby!" she yelled laughing.

"I know what you mean!" I didn't know first hand since I was never pregnant, but I could understand at some point.

I turned around, swaying my hips only to see a very familiar face, a face of someone I haven't seen in such a long time.

He grinned, "Catalina…"

I smiled back, secretly shocked that he even remembered my name after only meeting once. Did I mention we were in a room full of people? Beautiful people, no, not people, vampires.

But he was someone I could never forget even if I tried. He was all around beautiful.

(Back then he looked like a really handsome Latin man, but when I look at him now, he reminds me of a young Benjamin Bratt. About as young as he looked in that gangster movie, 'Blood In Blood Out'.)

"Well, well, well…look who we have here." I said, shaking my head. "Its been much too long."

Without thinking, I hugged him. I felt him tense up as if my touch was very much unwelcome.

Hey, in my defense, I didn't know vampires were 'non touchy' type of creatures. The longest I spent in the company of a vampire was twenty minutes, him being the vampire. And last time I checked, he sure as hell didn't mind his hands all over me.

Ignoring him, I turned around, "Cherry, this is an old friend of mine, Felipe." I grinned her way, "I'll be right back okay?"

She nodded, "Yeah, yeah. I'll meet you back at the table."

I turned and walked off the dance floor with my arm linked with his.

I didn't want to leave her the way I did but I wanted some time to myself with him…alone.

All work and no play makes a grown woman very horny.

"You know I could kill you just for touching me." he said as we headed down the hall to the bathrooms.

I laughed, "But you wouldn't." I leaned in toward his ear, "Otherwise, you would've done it already." I whispered softly.

He glared at me, "You seem different some how." he frowned, "You've changed."

I glanced around before I pulling him into the bathroom with me. I locked the door behind us and pushed him toward the sink.

"Yes Felipe, I did change…I've grown up." I said as I slid my hands down his chest and gripped his bulge.

He hissed as he grabbed my hands, "You need to be careful with these. You might get hurt."

Yeah right, I think…no, I know I can handle one measly vampire.

"Is that a promise?" I asked, nipping his thumb.

For a moment, he just stared at me.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" he finally asked, "Because there won't be any turning back."

I pulled out of his grasp and gripped his waist, making sure his body mirrored mine as I turned him around. I sat up on the sink and pulled him between my legs.

"This will be our little secret." I said with a smirk.

I reached down and into his pants to find him hard and ready.

He let out a low growl, "I'll say when." he pulled my hand out and shoved his hard on between my legs.

He gripped my thighs, clawing at them as he turned my head. I could feel his cool breath against my neck and heard some kind of noise that resembled a knife being sharpened.

"Don't." I said quickly when I realized that was his fangs, inches away, ready to pierce my skin.

He pulled away grinning like a child, "I thought that is what you were asking for. You did want me to feed on you right?"

I stared at him blankly, "What? No!" I jumped off of the counter, "I wanted to fuck you, not feed you!" I pushed him out of my way as I unlocked the door.

"You wanted to fuck me?"

I slowly turned around, "Yeah?"

He chuckled, "Catalina, my sweet Catalina…" he whispered as he stepped forward. "You don't want this."

"Oh don't you dare begin to tell me what it is that I want and don't want." I scoffed, "I'm through with that bullshit a long time ago."

He frowned, "I may look like you or many other creatures, but I'm nothing like any of you." he gripped my face as he looked deep into my eyes, "You don't know what I'm capable of."

"I don't?"

"I'm very dangerous. You don't want to get mixed up with someone of my kind." he paused, "All we bring is death."


Felipe's POV:

As I stared at her at this very moment, I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around her and make all her problems go away.

For a moment, she looked just as innocent as she did the first time I met her, that naïve child on the arms of her sister.

But she's not that little girl anymore. I've watched her all these years, I even followed her. I had to make sure that no harm would come to her as well. I felt that it was my obligation, my duty, to keep her under my wing and as far away from...her.

I knew what was happening that night, we all did. I didn't know that she would take it that far. It wasn't my idea, no that was all hers. But apart of me feels guilty of simply knowing, regardless whether or not I was personally involved.

The sight of Catalina on her knees, gripping the lifeless body of her sister is something I can never get out of my head. Her cries still haunts my slumber. I never had a reason to resent my kind until that night.

Vampires bring death one way or another.

"I may look like you or many other creatures but I'm nothing like any of you." I told her as I gripped her beautiful face. I know that we are the reason why she had to go through this. Not we…me. "You don't know what I'm capable of."

"I don't?"

If I didn't distract her the way I was asked to…

"I'm dangerous. You don't want to get mixed up with someone of my kind." I'll make sure of it. "All we bring is death."

She brushed her soft hands across my cheek.

Human gesture.

"If you don't think that you can handle someone like me, then I guess you're right." she stepped back, "I don't want to get mixed up with someone of your kind." she said turning around, gripping the door knob.

I quickly stepped forward, stopping her from leaving and gripped her waist, pulling her closer to me. I pressed against her knowing she could feel how much I wanted her.

"I can handle you my sweet Catalina." I told her as I wrapped my hand around her wrist, then with my other hand, it found its way around her. I slipped my fingers between her thighs. "The question is can you handle me?"

She slipped her free hand over mine and pressed my fingers against her center.

"Only one way to find out." she glanced up and licked my lips.

I turned her around and pinned her against the door. Letting out a low growl, I pressed my lips to hers, shoving my tongue in her mouth as she massaged it with her own.

I lift her against the door as she wrapped her legs around me. My dick throbbed against my pants, begging to be released.

Its been awhile since I been intimate with anyone. Maybe I used what happened as an excuse for far too long, now its nearly impossible to contain myself.

Feeling her body against mine felt so right. I deepened our kiss as my fangs extended.

I felt her tense up and pull away.

"What was that about?" she asked as she touched her fingers to her lip.

"I'm sorry." I told her as soon as I seen blood trickle down her lip.

"What the-. Are you trying to eat me or something?"

"When vampires are aroused…" I flashed her a toothy grin, "...you can pretty much guess what happens."

She looked at my fangs and smiled. She leaned forward and traced her tongue over them, caressing them in an exotic way that made me throb for more. I wanted to have her right here and now. She would let me without hesitation.

But I knew better than that. I had been expecting company and I wasn't expecting her to be here tonight of all nights.

I heard feather light footsteps approaching. I already knew who it was.

"We will have to finish this some other time." I told her as I pressed my lips to hers. "I will make it worth the wait."

Before she could respond, we heard a knock at the door.

"What?" I yelled.

"Your guest is waiting."

"I'll be right there." I said.

I waited until I knew he was out of hearing level before I turned to Catalina.

"Soon." I promised as I kissed her once more before putting her back onto her own feet.

She looked up, "Before you go, I want you to promise me something." she paused, obviously waiting until I had her full attention.

If only she knew every moment of my night, with and without her, she has my completely devoted attention.

"What is it?"

"I want you to promise me that you will never fall in love with me."

I looked at her with a raised eyebrow, "What?"

Was she serious?

"Just promise me this…please?" she told me with pleading eyes.

I knew she been hurt over and over again. But to make someone promise to never to fall in love was simply sad.

"You don't have to worry about that." I said, chuckling.

I've never been one to fall for my human lover or any other creature for that matter. I focused my energy on my work on becoming the Vampire King of Nevada. I had no time for anyone else.

She crossed her arms under her breasts, "Oh yeah? And why is that?"

I leaned in closer, "Because in all my vampire years, I have never fallen in love."

"So this should be simple then, right?"

I nodded, "I promise I will never fall in love with you."


Present day:

Catalina's POV:

"I don't care what promise I made all those years ago Catalina. I was a damn fool then. And I'm not the same man I was then." he said, reaching for me.

"No." I took a few steps back, "Don't you dare."

"Why is loving you so wrong?"

I scoffed, "You know why."

He stared at me, blankly, more in a vampire sort of way. I don't think that they're even staring, more like phasing into their own minds. Then he straightened up, "I will hold him prisoner but I want you to know this…when that time comes, I won't stand back."

Don't be a fool Felipe. I'm not worth it.

"Fine." I said as I watched him walk out of the room.

I knew this was asking too much of him but what other choice did I have?

If I can never have my happy ending, neither will he. I will make sure that he suffers right along me. I thought to myself as I sank into the chair, grinning from ear to ear.

I have plans for your sweet Isabelle too. It may take a little longer than I imagined thanks to a small obstacle, but none the less still manageable. I doubt you'll still love her the same way if everything goes according to plan.

All in good time Dominic, all in good time.