A/N: Sorry I have dropped off the face of the Earth! Unfortunately, that's what college and work does to you! It's all a trap! Ahhh! Luckily, fall semester is almost over and I go on break! Anywho, been slowly writing out this chapter between classes on scratch paper and now I am finally updating! I own nothing!

2 Months Later

"Hey McKenna?" I called out as I quickly put my spare stake into my black combat boot. I straightened my black skinny jeans that had a stretch to them and my black Nike-Pro thermal top. I gathered my hair into a tight bun at the base of my neck.

In my two months of searching for Logan, I've learned how to get my hair into a perfect ballerina bun. I had also chopped my hair off to my collar bone, and grew my bangs back into a side-sweep again. I looked a bit more mature that way. My back had finally healed. Mariah was in Russia with the Belikov's and the band was still with us. I hadn't heard from Adrian since I called him. I didn't know if it relieved me or if it made me upset.

I gently tucked the stake from my father into my other boot.

I was not ready to brave the cold. We were in the upper most area of Canada. Logan probably brought me here to freeze to death.

"Yeah?" she responded from the room over. She was curling her room in boredom.

"I'm going to get some pizza."

"Okay."

"Behave," I joked, but not really. She would figure out soon where I was actually going.

"When do I not?"

I motioned Uri over. He dropped the floor plans of the hotel and made my way over to me at the door.

"Do not let her out under any circumstances. I do not know what Logan has planned," I whispered. Xander looked suspiciously my way.

"Sure thing, are you sure you don't want one of the guys to go with you?" Uri's eyes pooled with concern.

"No, I have to do this. I know it'll just be Logan. He wants to fight me all on his own." I shake my head.

"Good luck. Yeah, and get me and the guys a meat lovers pizza. Make it three." Uri winked.

I smiled and grabbed the car keys and my cell phone.

"Bye boys," I spoke softly, giving all the Dhampirs a knowing look. Xander furrowed his eyebrows, sensing something.

I took off down to the parking garage of the hotel. I unlocked the black, Ford Edge and slid in. All I had to do now was wander around a forest while freezing my tits off. Great.

I pulled into the national park just at dusk. I let out a shaky breath and soaked in the heat coming from the vents. I could die. I touched the "A" pendant and closed my eyes. The pendant was now void of spirit power, but it was comforting. I grabbed my cell phone with trembling hands and dialed the number I knew by heart.

It rang three times and then he picked up. My voice caught in my throat.

"Remi?" he breezed in his silky voice. My eyes pricked and I had to bite my lip to stop the tears.

"Hey," I said quietly, not knowing what to say.

"Are you okay?"

"Fine, I just wanted to hear your voice and say I love you. Just so you know, I have never stopped loving you." My voice was thick.

"What's going on?" He began to panic and for the first time in two months I began to feel the bond spark up. I had been getting good at suppressing it.

"Goodbye, Adrian," I whispered, a tear leaking out. I was confident I would make it out alive, but a part of me knew to be rational and say goodbye in case I did die.

I took off the pendant; put it in the center console, as well as my phone, and car keys. The car had a panel code unlock, so I didn't need the keys on me. I got out of the car and headed into the forest.

McKenna's POV

My phone began to go off, startling me. I set down my curling iron and picked up my phone. It was Adrian.

"What's up? Remi just went out for pizza," I said quietly as to not alert the boys of who I was talking to.

"She didn't go out for pizza," she spoke in almost a hysterical tone. I could hear crashes and rustling on his end of the phone.

"What do you mean? The guys told her to get three meat lovers pizzas. They wouldn't let her go out unless it was for food. Uri was against her going to look for Logan."

"Last time I checked, all Guardians are about protecting their charge and killing Strigoi. Uri is covering for her, he isn't going to stop her from doing something she is supposed to do," Adrian growled.

"How do you even know she went out? The bond isn't both ways." I rushed up and looked through the crack of the door to see the boys practicing their instruments…except Xander who was nervously chewing his lip as kept redialing his phone.

"She called me, McKenna. She called me and told me she loved me and never stopped loving me." Another crash came from his end of the line.

"Maybe she forgave you." I knew I was hoping for a lost cause.

"You're in denial right now. What was she wearing?"

I paused and pictured her black skinny jeans, the sleek, thermal top, perfect bun—but she had been doing that lately—and the black combat boots.

She was combat ready.

I cursed into the phone and relayed to him the outfit choice in my panic.

"A bun, really?" Adrian was temporarily distracted. "She could never fit her hair in a perfect bun."

"Well she chopped her hair off," I snapped, not appreciating him being distracted. I reached under my bed and pulled out a shoe box that hid the stake I had acquired before we left.

"She chopped it off?! How short?!"

"Get back on the subject at hand, Adrian!"

"I'm just a town over from you. Give me half an hour. What hotel are you in?"

"Hilton, room 327." I hung up.

I bit my lip thinking how pissed Remi was going to be, but it was a good cause. I couldn't let her kill Logan when I could just bring him back. I would just have to compel the guys—ah, probably Xander too—to come with me. She couldn't be too mad if I brought Guardians with me. Could she? Then there was calling Adrian for help. She'll be mad I brought him into danger and around her. She may still love him, but she is not ready to see him.

I pulled my suitcase out and grabbed my under armour leggings, a hot pink, thick, cotton long sleeve, and black, zip up hoodie. I pulled socks and black and hot pink running shoes. I collected my hair into a side ponytail. I even touched up my make-up—superficial, I know, but I want to look good when I bring back the man I love from the dead. I stashed my stake into the inside pocket of my hoodie.

I walked into the living room where the guys were still strumming away on their instruments, aside from Xander and Uri who had went back to looking at maps.

Uri glanced at me, concern and inquisitiveness growing in his eyes.

"Are you going to go work out?" he asked. The guys abruptly stopped playing and looked at me too.

"She never does workouts outside," Xander snorted.

"I need fresh air," I shrugged. Uri narrowed his eyes, detecting the lie. Damn, he was good.

"In the freezing air? What's going on, McKenna?" Uri approached me.

Before I could come up with an answer there was a knock at the door. Uri went to answer it.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Uri boomed as Adrian strode in.

"Just thought I would swing by since I was in the neighborhood." Adrian shrugged, smiling coolly at the guys.

"Who told him we were here?" Uri snapped out.

"Don't look at me, I don't want him around." Xander raised his hands up.

Adrian sneered in Xander's general direction. Xander gave him a deadly look back.

"We have no time for this, we have to go," I scoffed. As soon as the words flew out of my mouth the Guardians ran to block the door.

"You're not going anywhere," Uri stated, raising and eyebrow at me—a challenge.

"Don't make me do things I really don't want to do," I threatened and nudged Adrian.

"Still not getting through."

"You will let us go through, you will come with us, protect us, and Remi. You will let McKenna stake the Strigoi. Uri, you will keep Remi from the Strigoi, but do not hurt her badly when fighting her away," Adrian said in a calming, yet chilling voice. It took a bit, but a glaze set in the Guardians' eyes.

"Are you coming Xander?" I turned to my brother. He was standing there shocked. He quickly pushed it aside and nodded. He was already dressed like a Guardian. He really loved to wear black. He and Adrian matched, it was a funny sight.

"C'mon boys." I smiled at the Guardian's and they followed wordlessly, just as I had planned.

"So where is she?" Adrian wondered.

"I'll search in the car," I told him as we walked down to the parking garage to a black SUV.

Remi's POV

"Hello, Logan," I murmured. He turned to smile at me. His red ringed, blue eyes glinted in the moonlight.

"Why, hello, Remilda. I've been expecting you." His voice made me shudder in unintentional fear.

"A little bit later than planned," I pointed out.

"Well, I wasn't going to fight you after that bastard injured you. I had to wait until you healed."

"I figured. I'm surprised you didn't kill him."

"I left him alive for you. You can kill him once you are immortal." His voice was alluring as he took a step towards me.

"How do I avoid either getting staked by his Guardian or him setting me on fire?"

"Simple, we get him when he is in the low-end communes and surprise him. While we're at it, you can kill Deirdre. I know how much you hate her." He took another step.

"As wonderful as that sounds, I'm not a murderer." I took a step back.

"But you will be. We may even kill your silly boyfriend for breaking your heart."

"You will not touch a hair on Adrian's head," I growled, "Enough with the chit-chat. Let's fight."

I quickly backed up and pulled one of my stakes, the generic one, out of my boot.

"I like that through all your hard times, you're still my spunky Remi," Logan chuckled and barred his fangs at me.

Thus the battle began. We were an even match, unfortunately for me. He got a good hit to my right rib cage, knocking the air out of my lungs. I didn't let that deter me though. I hit him across his jaw and knocked him down.

The Shakespeare quote "Though she be but little, she is fierce" ran through my head as he slammed into the Earth. I dove down, my bony knees digging into his pelvis. Even though I had pinned him down, he smiled at me and chuckled. Momentarily confused, he had an advantage. He back handed my wrist, sending my stake skidding across the forest floor. I quickly rolled off of him and got space back between us. I wasn't going to pull out my other stake just yet.

He lunged at me and I side stepped him yanking on his shoulder. He twisted, but kicked my knee in the process. I cried out. I felt a surge of darkness twist in me. Adrian. He had just used a large amount of spirit. The pain disappeared and I lost control of my own actions. I could barely register my moves as my muscle memory pulled out every move in my arsenal. My arm stealthily snatched my favorite stake from my boot.

After a few more blows had been made my stake neared his chest and I had to force myself to follow through with the fatal hit. Before that could happen I got the wind knocked out of me. I cussed loudly to see Uri pinning me down.

"Uri, what are you doing?!" I exclaimed. He did not respond, his expression was glazed over and emotionless—compulsion. I glanced around to see McKenna, the boys, and…and… Adrian. My heart dropped into my stomach. Why was he here? He was going to get killed.

Logan looked shocked and then he smirked at them.

"Hello, wife-y," Logan greeted her in a sweet tone.

"Hey, hubby," she sighed back in the same tone.

"Heard through the grapevine you were planning on turning me back." Logan paced in a line. "Well that's not going to happen."

"You never know, darling." McKenna grimaced.

"I don't believe you're strong enough; and what makes you so sure I'll want you if you turn me back. I'll probably still want Remi."

"But Remi won't want you, and I've changed, I'm nice now," McKenna hissed, a nerve had been struck.

"It won't happen anyway. I will take pity on you though, and turn, and let you join my ranks." Logan sure was a talker. "But, Adrian I will enjoy killing. He stole Remi."

"You never even really loved her." I would expect that to come from Adrian, but it came for Xander. He walked out from a hiding spot.

"Xander, what a lovely surprise, I would have expected you to stay behind. You sure as well don't want me to be saved," Logan chuckled.

Xander shrugged.

"I wouldn't mind to see my sister happy, and I'm not concerned that Reni will go back to you. I have a war with a different person now." Xander pointedly looked at Adrian.

"Most girls would be pleased about boys fighting over her, but really, it just annoys the fuck out of me," I growled.

Logan was distracting them, they couldn't engage in anymore talk.

"Almost forgot you were there, Remi." Logan grinned.

I grunted as I struggled to free myself from Uri's grip. I glared at everyone, aside from the compelled ones. They would have never allowed Moroi here.

"Nice job with the compulsion by the way," Logan commented to McKenna.

"I did it," Adrian stated.

Oh, I could still feel it. He had to keep up the compulsion to go with McKenna's plan. The darkness kept growing, but I knew I couldn't let it take over anymore. I would end up severely hurting Uri.

"That's right; you're a spirit user too." Logan made a step towards Adrian and McKenna. A faint gasp released from my body.

In an abrupt moment Logan ran towards me and Uri. I bit back the scream as I tried to move Uri off of me so I could protect him. The Earth began to move around and underneath me. A tree fell in front of me, momentarily stopping Logan. At the sound of the tree hitting the frozen ground Uri snapped out of it. He quickly assessed the situation in a second and pulled out his stake, pushing me behind him. I protested and stood next to him. Logan quickly stopped before he got near us. He couldn't fight the both of us.

Adrian and McKenna ran toward Logan, the still compelled Guardians around them. They were thwarted by the ground trembling beneath them and knocking over and Logan went flying in the other direction. I looked at Xander to see him concentrating. He was more powerful than I had thought.

I sprinted over to Logan, my stake at the ready when I was tackled to the ground. A choking noise escaped my lips as a rib cracked. I looked up to see Feliks with the glazed expression Uri had before. Adrian was still wielding his compulsion to keep me from Logan. It made me angry with him again. I was so hot-cold with him in my mind lately. The darkness reared its ugly head from the anger and I lost control of my body again. I flipped Feliks off me with no effort, knocking him unconscious. I apologized in my head; he was going to hurt later.

Logan was once again heading to McKenna and Xander. Luckily, Xander was still keeping them separated by moving the ground beneath them. I smirked, he was on my side. They had brought him thinking he would help them. Oh, Xander, you are the best.

I pulled in the rest of the darkness and set my sights on Logan. Xander could keep them away for now, and Uri was closely standing by McKenna and Adrian. My feet lightly hit the ground, lighter than air, the darkness made me feel out of control, but powerful. I was powerful. I was close, so close until…

"Remi!" Adrian called out to me. Naturally, my body paused to him. I looked him in the eyes sensing Xander keeping Logan at bay for the moment.

"I'm in the middle of something!"

"No you're not, you're going to let McKenna save Logan," Adrian spoke in a soothing town, his words seeping through the bond as well.

"Like hell, she's not getting close to him," I protested, ignoring his words, but something was egging me to obey him.

"You're tired. You broke a rib. You want a break." He kept using this town that made my nerves stand on end. His emerald eyes focused on me I was not accustomed.

"No, I'm fi…" The words died on my lips as exhaustion blanketed me.

"You're going to let McKenna take care of Logan." I nodded.

I grew confused as Adrian's eyes widened in horror and he shouted out. I had a split second to see Logan coming at me. I tried to move, but my body was too tired. McKenna was supposed to take care of Logan. I was exhausted.

I barely cried out as Logan's teeth ripped into my neck. I was tired, I couldn't do anything.

I was going to die. Logan would never get the chance to turn me now. Uri will stake him before he tries to put his blood in me. He wouldn't even get a chance to drain me dry, but I would die from bleeding out in the middle of a fucking freezing forest.

Never thought I would die this way. I thought I would die a bit more honorably, like in combat, doing a raid or something. But, I was going to die because the love of my life compelled me to help my best friend get hers back.

Adrian compelled me, my heart hurt again. How could he? He shouldn't even be using this much spirit. He put me and everyone else in harm's way. The last thing I remember feeling was so much anger, I thought I was going to explode until everything went black.

(Warning: Somewhat Lemons/Mature Content)

His lips firmly pressed against my feverish body. He lovingly nipped at my neck. A shiver ran up my spine. My hormones raged. In that moment, I didn't care we were in his sister's closet. I didn't care that her "sacred" Jimmy Choos were digging into my ass. I didn't care that any moment someone would open the door to see me and him clawing at each other. All I cared about was him. How he was gentle, but rough, at the same time—him scratching down my back, his hand slipping under my shirt. I straddled him in a moment of courage. I had done the same with Logan before and wanted to the same with Xander. But this time, I wouldn't regret it. I was over Logan. I wanted Xander, the one who had always told me I was beautiful, even in my awkward preteen phase. The one person who knew what happened between me and Logan, but wasn't disgusted or hated me for it. He knew I had been drunk and vulnerable, and Logan had taken advantage of that. If Xander had been there, it would have never happened. His hands slid into the waist band of my jeans when a bright light hurt our eyes. Someone had opened the door.

I was now in the most familiar shower. Lips gingerly kissed the scars on my back. Water fell on my chest. A coy smile tugged at my lips. His hands caressed my curves, his touch making me tingle.

"So beautiful," he kept murmuring. His skilled hands dropped lower and lower where he knew I wanted them. I couldn't handle the torture anymore. I spun and grasped his stiff man hood. His sultry eyes widened. My hungry eyes bore into him. His lips crashed onto mine, his hands now wove themselves into my hair.

"So eager," he chuckled against my lips.

"Always," I giggled, my back now pressed against the cold tile of the wall.

"I aim to please." He picked me up and I wrapped my legs around his stomach. I slowly lowered myself on him, savoring the feeling of him inside me. It would never get old. I tugged his hair as I moved up and down. His breathy moaning making me feel more alive. His mouth attached to one of my breasts and he bit down gently. I moaned and arched my back. He was going to drive me over the edge as he began to move too, slamming into to me. I felt my climax coming, but he stopped, smirking at me. I whimpered. A faint please fell out of my lips. With a satisfied smile he thrust a few more times and I…

"Remi!" someone called my name.

I jerked awake, and regretted it. I cried out at the pain in my neck and ribs.

I checked my surroundings. I was in the SUV with everyone. Three people were in each row. Uri, Maxim, and Feliks were up front. I was in between Xander and Sergey in the last row. McKenna and Adrian were on the ends of middle row and someone familiar in the middle. Logan… McKenna had done it. I should have been happy, but I just felt angry. Some darkness still lingered. I was mad at them for the compulsion and endangering our lives. Xander rested his hand on my shoulder. I sank into the side of his form.

"You were dreaming," he murmured. I nodded, blushing. Being almost dead really made me relive some sexual moments—the moments I felt beautiful and wanted.

Adrian stirred and looked at me through sleepy eyes. My heart warmed to know he was okay, but the hurt flooded back. The happy feel from the dear wore off completely. Adrian glared at Xander. I was probably too close for his liking.

"How is your neck feeling? I could only heal it for a bit before I was drained," Adrian whispered. I realized all the passengers, besides Xander, Adrian, and I, were sleeping.

"It would have felt fine if you hadn't used compulsion in the first place," I growled.

"I'm sorry. It was the only way to…" Adrian began to argue.

"Leave her be," Xander spoke in a dangerous tone. I looked at Xander to see the bags under his eyes. He was drained too, so much magic, and he looked sorrowful. "You've done her enough harm."

"Not intentionally, Remi, I…"

I interrupted him. "Xander's right, I just need you to leave me alone right now." It hurt me a bit to say it, but a little less than usual.

He was about to protest, but Xander gave him a scary look, like he might murder Adrian.

"Go back to sleep, Rem," Xander wrapped his arm around me carefully and kissed the top of my head. He didn't have to tell me twice, I was still so exhausted.

At least everyone was safe. Logan was back, Adrian was around again, there was also Xander and Uri.

Oh, brother. I was not prepared to face the fights to come. Sleeping was my best option.

A/N: Soooooo… thoughts? Since it has been a millennium since I have updated—which I apologize profusely for. I think I may have one more chapter for this story and then it is on to the sequel. REVIEW PLEASE!