A/N: This beginning conversation is a bit... slow, but things will pick up after it. I think. :S :p Enjoy! :D

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 13

"I don't love you, Angelique," Barnabas said, with an edge in his voice.

"You told me you loved me once," Angelique reminded him.

Barnabas narrowed his eyes. "That was one hundred thirty years ago."

"So you lied to me," Angelique said in an injured tone.

"I admit I did love you then," Barnabas said, slightly hesitantly.

Angelique's grey eyes grew cold. "Only then?" She continued with her anger and jealousy evident in her tone. "You love another! I know who she is and she won't-" she cut herself off. Her eyes widened and she emitted a slight gasp as she felt and heard the effects of Julia's words.

She quickly realized that Barnabas was staring at her with curiosity and suspicion. "It doesn't matter," Angelique continued as if nothing had happened. "Just remember this: You will love me again!" With that, she turned and headed for the front door, feeling Barnabas's glare on her back the entire time.

Barnabas turned to look out the bay window to make sure Angelique had left, and then turned his gaze to the horizon. He felt the dawn approaching, but was greatly worried for Julia.

When Willie deemed it safe to enter the drawing room, he saw the conflict on Barnabas's face. "What's wrong, Barnabas?"

The only sign that the vampire had even heard Willie was half turning in his direction. Outside, a dog started to howl.

Willie came closer to Barnabas. "What is wrong, Barnabas?" he asked again, urgently.

"The dawn is coming, but I need to know that Julia is safe," Barnabas said, as if to himself.

He moved away from the window and Willie saw the determined expression in his eyes. He knew Barnabas had come to a decision. He followed Barnabas as he headed toward the front door.

"Barnabas, are ya nuts? It's almost dawn. If ya leave now, you won't be able to come back," Willie said, desperate to make his friend see reason.

Barnabas's movements slowed to a stop as the truth of Willie's words penetrated his worry for Julia's safety and activated his self-preservation instincts.

Barnabas snarled his frustration and swung around to face Willie. "Then I must rely on you to see if Julia is not hurt in any way and to watch her when I cannot."

"I'll watch out for her, Barnabas. Julia will be safe," Willie promised.

"She had better be," Barnabas said. "I would never forgive myself, or you, if anything should happen to her." He stared front door longingly for a moment, then reluctantly turned away and headed toward the cellar.

Willie knew, then, that this protectiveness and this worry Barnabas felt for Julia went beyond friendship. "You're in love with Julia. Aren't ya, Barnabas?"

Barnabas stopped. "Willie," he said without turning around. "Now is not the time to imagine things that aren't true." Then Barnabas continued toward his haven to escape the coming sunlight, not seeing the slight grin on Willie's face.

End of Chapter 13

A/N: See? :p As a side note, I am kind of rewriting chapters 14 and 15 so they may take a little longer to upload, just so you know. :D I hope you enjoyed. :D