LPOV

I walked around on duty, checking the surroundings as humans, dhampirs and Moroi sat at machines, betting money, and drinking an endless supply of free alcohol.

It was funny, how even during the day, Moroi could be found out in the real world. The two months that had gone by I found myself feeling more and more comfortable with how humans live.

Day light had always been something that I hardly saw. Traditionally Moroi slept during the day and so that meant most dhampirs did as well. St Vlad's timetable was centred around the night, day trips rare and short.

I had gotten used to being in the sun though. I had even tanned a little more, my skin sun kissed and my hair a little brighter with highlights from being in the sun. I just couldn't imagine going back to living in the dark. Sure I hunted at night, but I was always back at my room before midnight and up before seven.

I looked down at my watch, feeling my stomach grumble and tighten, telling me it was time to eat. Sure enough, it was time for my lunch break. Moving to the next security guard I told them I was off before heading towards one of the kitchen.

Walking in, I was met with a chorus of hello's and bright smiles. Seeing as I was Terrance's assistant, the majority of the staff members knew who I was.

"Hey buddy." I grinned, jumping on the bench next to one of the head chefs.

Bruce Kenneth, a short, chubby, bald man whose laugh was full, loud and contagious. I had never met someone who was always so happy and positive; and who could cook like a god!

"Ah, beautiful Tia!" he bellowed, always yelling whatever he said. "What can I get you today?" he asked as he finished a dish of lasagne, placing it on the shelf for a waiter and turning to me.

"Your special toasted sandwich of course." I shrugged, still grinning.

He laughed, the sound coming straight from his stomach. It was what I imagined Santa's laugh to sound like- if he was real. "You come to a five star cook and want a toasted sandwich." he shook his head. "You're lucky I like you." he winked before starting on my food.

"Hi, Tia." I looked over, seeing Kate take the plate of lasagne.

Smiling back at her I nodded. "Hey."

"Are you going to that party tomorrow?" she asked, shocking me.

"Yeah... Why?" I asked, trying to sound carefree even though I was suddenly worried.

She shrugged, her smile growing. "Terrance asked a bunch of the girls if they'd work for the night. He offered to pay us double whatever we'd get waitressing. So I said yes."

I felt my hear drop as I pictured Moroi men biting into Kate's soft, white neck... "I guess I'll see you then?" I could feel how weak my smile was as I spoke to her, but she didn't seem to notice as she grabbed the plate and walked off.

As much as I hated the idea of her being some blood bag for the Moroi, I knew I couldn't meddle in her business. I also couldn't complain to Terrance seeing as he's my boss, and she's 'just' a human.

Well there goes my good mood... Again. And all because of this stupid party. I was starting to think the night was going to be more trouble than it seemed...

APOV

I sat on my bed, looking out the window, the sun bright and strong at its highest point. I knew I should be sleeping, but it was easier said than done.

I hadn't gotten a good night's sleep since Lily had run off. Most of the time I slept for a few hours, maybe four or five, then I'd just sit like I am now, looking out the window, thinking about where she could be and what she could be doing.

I wondered if it was night where she was. Was she asleep? Or maybe it was day time and she was having lunch? Was she with Dylan? Has she made more friends? Or maybe she's homeless, living in an alley way, a cardboard box her only shelter? No, I was pretty sure she was off the streets, probably in some nice place she was living in with Dylan.

It was obvious that I was jealous. After seventeen years of friendship, she ran off with some guys she'd met only a month before. She had always been so blind to my feelings, how I loved her so much...

Closing my eyes, I tried to go back to sleep, hoping that maybe then my mind could rest and stop thinking about Lily. Of course, that was just wishful thinking...

LPOV

I finished my shift around four o'clock, giving me plenty of time to practise a little more magic, have a shower, get ready, have dinner, and then go hunting. That was the plan, but it never does work out the way I want...

"Tia." Valentin called as he followed me out of the security office. "Wait."

Sighing, I stopped, too tired to try and get away. I would get this over and done with and then do what I wanted. "What?" I asked, not hiding my annoyance.

Ignoring my tone, Valentin looked down at me with a seriousness that made him look so much like Dimitri. "Have you heard from Terrance at all today?"

I shrugged. "He called this morning to tell me I'd be doing a short shift and what he wanted me to do. That's all. Why?" I frowned, the seriousness in his tone and face making me feel nervous and unsure.

"He called the office earlier today. Apparently he hasn't been able to get in contact with Daniel since he left."

"Daniel?" it took me a few seconds to realise he was talking about Dylan... "Oh, right. Yeah." I nodded, recovering quickly. "Well I'm sure he's fine." I shrugged, ready to walk off.

"Terrance was wondering if you've heard from him at all?" he asked trying to keep up the seriousness and stay professional, but I could sense the curiosity behind his words, as if he was also wondering.

I shook my head. "Last time I saw him he was storming out of my suite after I dumped him." I answered shortly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have places to be." I took a single step away from him before he grabbed my arm, spinning me around to look at him again.

"I heard you're going to Lord Badica's party tomorrow night." he was no longer being profession, but there was still a seriousness about him only now it was personal and slightly angry.

"Yes. I am." I answered plainly.

"I don't like that idea."

Pulling my arm from his grasp I glared. "Sorry to inform you, but I don't care what you think or like. I'm going to the party and there's nothing you can do to stop me." I snapped, spinning on my heels and storming off.

I liked Valentin, I really did. I trusted him, and knew he'd believe anything and everything I'd say. But I also knew he'd tell his dear uncle Dimitri if he found out who I was. There was no way I could get close to him, befriend him, it'd be stupid. So pushing him away and making him hate me seemed like the smartest thing for me to do...

...

I quickly pulled my hair out of my face as I rushed down the halls of the hotel. I had spent a little too long in the shower, so it was already getting pretty late and I still hadn't gone hunting.

Dressed in black jeans with a plain black tank top and black leather, jacket I had decided not to go for the bait look tonight. Instead I was dressed like a guardian, so much so I had ditched my heels for combat boots and pulled my hair into a tight, high pony tail with now make up.

I manoeuvred around the people hanging around the foyer as I rushed through the crowd, jumping over the railing instead of walking down the few steps near the entrance. I knew exactly where I was going, a gut feeling telling me tonight was going to be busy.

Walking down the strip, heading for the middle of all the busy-ness of the city and people that seemed to be everywhere, I paid extra attention to how I felt, waiting for the sickness to tug at my stomach as soon as a Strigoi was near.

I didn't stay around the crowds though, like usual I headed down an alley way, only this time I kept going. Back exits for hotels and casinos felt like a good spot. Sure I'd been around here before, but tonight felt lucky... if that's what you wanna call it.

It was like I could feel an activity buzzing in the atmosphere. Like the Strigoi wanted to be found.

Sure enough I came to a halt as my head began to feel dizzy, my gut wrenching and twisting ever so slightly.

Following my feet as I moved in the direction that made me feel sicker, I soon enough found the Strigoi... only it was too late. She was grasping a young woman as she drank her dry...

I didn't even move, didn't make a sound, yet the Strigoi's head snapped up as she sniffed the air, slowly turning to look at me.

She was pretty I noticed. A sweet pixie cut with thick black hair, which seemed to make her deathly pale skin look whiter. Her eyes, though they were the usual Strigoi red, were large a round and I could just picture a crystal blue replacing the predatory red. Her blood smeared lips, they were full and I just knew that before she was turned she would have had a sweet smile. Her height told me she'd been human, petite and small.

The second it took for me to take in her appearance was all I wasted before rushing forward, just as she did the same all the while I pushed my nausea to the side in order to fight.

As she went to grab me I quickly crouched. She jumped over me as I tried to trip her, rolling over on my other side before getting to her feet. I shot up as she went to grab me again, moving to the side to avoid her claws.

I grabbed her arm as I lifted my leg, kneeing her in the stomach before doing the same to her face. Though she recovered quickly, grabbing my leg and flinging me against a brick wall.

The impact knocked the wind out of me but I wasn't giving up, getting back to my feet as she started for me. But before I could attack, she grabbed my shoulders, head butting me.

Groaning I stumbled back a little.

She took this time to attack again, thinking I'd take longer to recover. But I saw her fist coming and so I quickly ducked, throwing a few of my own punches to her stomach before kicking her away.

Snarling, she came for me again when suddenly someone came out of nowhere, punching her in the face which caused her to fall to the ground.

Valentin turned to me for a split second before turning back to her, shoving his stake into her chest before she could move.

My shoulders slumped as I sighed with frustration. "I had that!"

Putting his stake away he shrugged turning to walk towards me. "I know. But you can't have all the fun." he grinned.

Rolling my eyes, I crossed my arms over my chest. "What are you doing out here anyway?"

"Come on. I know you go hunting for Strigoi most nights." he looked down at me with a smug grin. "You look nice. You look like a guardian."

Valentin had only seen me in my basic clothes, a few of my sweeter dresses, or my professional outfits I wore for work. Honestly it didn't surprise me he preferred the guardian ensemble.

"Whatever." I sighed, turning to go find another Strigoi. But I stopped in my tracks at the body of the drained girl.

She looked foreign, maybe Indian? A tourist most likely. It wasn't uncommon for Strigoi to pick of the tourist types, thought I didn't know why.

She was sweet, pretty. Dark chocolate brown hair a few shade darker than her skin. She would have been tall, with long legs. Heart shaped face, with caramel coloured eyes that were now staring up at me blankly...

"I'll call it in." I felt Valentin behind me, his hand resting on the small of my back comfortingly.

I scoffed sadly. "I'm sure there's nothing the Alchemists can do to fix this. It's not like they can just pour some magical potion over her and she'll disappear like the Strigoi do." shaking my head, I looked away, turning to him. "This is why I come out here almost every night. I want to make a difference, even if it's only small."

He looked down at me, his eyes both knowing and worried. "I understand, I really do. But-"

I lifted my hand to shut him up as I clutched at my stomach. I felt sick again... actually it only occurred to me then that I hadn't stopped feeling sick.

I turned my head away from Valentin, looking around the place confused. Why do I still feel sick?

"Something's wrong..." I whispered.

Just like that, three male Strigoi fell from the roof three stories above causing my nausea to grow so much I almost fell to the ground.

They snarled, moving to surround Valentin and me.

"Tia." Valentin spun around so we were back to back, the two of us moving into a stance ready to fight.

"I know." I nodded before the Strigoi pounced.

BaMbY