*David's POV*

I rolled over, sensing someone outside Taylor's door. I didn't want to move, she was fast asleep, tucked closely into my arms and her soft breaths were tickling my chest. She was dressed in her underwear and my black tshirt from before, it fit her loosely and I loved how small it made her look as we sat there in our post-sex euphoria, her wasting most of it in sleep.

It was a Hallmark moment, and even though I didn't exactly do Hallmark moments, for Taylor I would. Still, I stood up, wrapping her blankets tighter around her as I walked into the hall.

"Is it done, David?" Michael asked, running his hands through his hair. You could tell his mother sent him to ask me; even though she thought she was in charge, it was obvious she still feared me on occasion, and Taylor was one thing she wouldn't cross me on. "Is she one of us?"

"I won't force her into this, Michael, you know that."

Michael's eyes grew wide and I was pulled away from him by Lucy, who was grabbing my wrist with a strength even I didn't have.

"Something's coming, David." She said simply. "Something's coming for us and it's going to go for our weak spot, which at the moment is Taylor. She has no interest in this lifestyle, she doesn't want to be here half the time. If you love her," She jabbed her finger into my chest. "You'll take care of her, and the only way to do that is to turn her."

"No it's not." A little voice said from behind me-Laddie. I hopped he hadn't scared Taylor too terribly bad, but at least he seemed upset over it. "You could protect her, David, like those knights do to princesses in stories. Like you did today, when i was going to, going to...you know."

"Laddie!" Dwayne called from downstairs, and I nodded my thanks to the kid as he walked off, acting as if nothing had happened between us.

"He's wrong, you know." Lucy said. "You can't protect her, I don't think anyone can anymore."

Then she disappeared, swooping off in that way she had of hers. Quickly, I returned to Taylor's room, but paused when I saw the light on. I stood outside her doorway, not sensing any danger, and listened.

"I'm sorry i tried to hurt you, Taylor. I love you, I really do, I was just...hungry, I guess."

That was Laddie's voice, his little heartbroken child's speech.

"It's okay, Laddie. We all do that sometimes. You didn't scare me, I promise. Are you all better now?" There was a pause where he probably nodded. "Then do you want to sleep with me tonight?"

You could hear the movement of the bed springs and I entered the room, seeing the two of them cuddled up together under the sheets, Laddie tucked under Taylor's chin, listening to her heartbeat.

"Can I join the party?" I said, and she looked up, giving me a grin. Laddie was already fast asleep as I climbed in beside them, pulling Taylor back up against my chest.

"...That looks really nice, actually."

"Can we-"

"I swear to god, David, you hurt my sister and I'll-"

"Would you all get out, please?" Taylor said, her voice laced with laughter as the door opened once more, and then shut a few seconds later.

"Alone at last," I said, kissing the top of her head.