A/N: =)

Christian's POV

"Why is it that I keep hearing from sources that Elena wants you dead?"

Sighing, I finished the rest of my blood before tilting my head in the direction of my brother and his new wife Kate.

"Hello Kate, Elliot. Please, do be seated," I said quietly. I kept my eyes on the fire and heard my brother trying to rationalize the recent development while sitting across from me. I heard them pull up into my driveway earlier, and they were talking in the car for a good ten minutes before they stepped out.

Probably trying to find out what I was thinking.

"Is that true, Christian? Because if it is, we need to act, now! And why is it that she all of a sudden shows up at a party you've attended with a human?! I'm gone with Kate for a couple of weeks, and madness takes place!" By the time my brother had finished shouting, his accent had completely come out and he probably hadn't realized he was starting to speak our native tongue, Gaelic. I smiled when I saw the stunned look on Kate's face.

"I do apologize Kate for all of this. I had no intention of you or my brother to return from your trip abroad." She offered a shy smile.

"It's okay Christian. Elliott was concerned, and I didn't want him to worry too much. Are you sure you're okay?" She asked me gently. I set down my glass before nodding.

"Yes." When I didn't say anymore, Elliott groaned at me.

"Please try to get out of your Louie pouting, and please inform us of what is going on!"

"I had no idea you'd seen an Interview with a Vampire," I joked. He pointed to Kate.

"She made me see it. I had to know why she was so obsessed." Sobering a bit Elliott leaned forward, gaining my attention.

"Christian-"

"Elena was here because she must've heard I was seeing someone. She is insanely jealous and wants me back. I want her dead and I will kill her, but she knows something."

"How do you know that?"

"Because she is smug. And I do know Elena. She has something over my head, and until I find out what it is, she must be kept alive."

"Fine. I won't touch her. But I'm not above instilling terror in her," Elliott said pointedly to me, daring me to deny him. I only smiled fully, allowing my fangs to show.

"I won't stand in the way," I added. We were all silent for a moment before Kate spoke again, still hesitant.

"Christian-"

"Kate. I am not Dracula. I understood the timidity when you first found out about my brother, but you married him and became his life-mate. You are now a vampire and my sister. No more shy crap with me. Say what you want. We are family." I focused my eyes on her, and silently pushed my thoughts into her head. She gasped but was immobile as I spoke to her.

Elliott doesn't know that I can do this. I never wanted him to feel like he didn't have any privacy. If you need anything, just come to me, or call out for me in your mind. Are we clear? I watched as Kate blinked before giving a subtle nod. Elliott looked between the two of us before frowning.

"What is going on?" Elliott asked, focusing on me. I just smiled at him.

"Just welcoming my new sister into the family," I said before standing. "And yes I am seeing someone. Her name is Anastasia. She's a librarian over on Post street, and I quite fancy her," I admitted before breaking eye contact with my brother.

"Are you in-"

"We are still dating," I said, interrupting my brother. I will be meeting her tonight. I invited her to meet you two next week because we are family," I said. I saw Kate smile and that made me relax somewhat. I could see my brother was ready to harass me but Kate clamped her hand over his mouth and spoke for both of them.

"We are happy for you. And we don't want to take up any more of your time. Go get ready for your date with Anastasia, and Elliott and I will be leaving. Now," she enunciated to my brother, and I smirked when I watched him nod before sighing like a little boy.

"What she said," he muttered. I laughed before walking over and patting his shoulder.

"I shall see you next week."

"Alright."

Ana's POV

I was nervous.

She'd never been to anything remotely upscale, but she hoped the dress she splurged on would suffice. She googled while at work upscale fancy dresses and was stunned at the number of types of gowns that fit that category. She narrowed it down, but it wasn't until she saw this online boutique that she felt had the dress she was looking for. She wanted to make sure that her look complimented Christian Grey. Even though the man didn't need any additives. He was fine all by himself.

"What do you think sugar? Is it too much?"

Her bark and tail waggle seemed to tell me she liked it, but I wouldn't really know. Sighing, I glanced at myself in the mirror before hearing the knock on my door.

"Here goes nothing."

Christian's POV

Here goes nothing.

I heard Ana's quick mutter before she opened the door. And she didn't need to worry. Because I should've have been the one worried to keep myself in control.

Simply put, Ana looked stunning.

She was wearing a beautiful floor-length satin peach gown. It was form-fitting, and it looked as if it shimmered. With my sharpened eyesight, it looked as if tiny diamonds were sewn in the dress. It had one full sleeve, leaving the other completely bare. Her hair was swept up in a loose bun on top of her head, and the only make-up on her was a deep red lipstick. She wore no jewelry, and yet I'd never seen anyone resemble more of a queen than the woman in front of me.

"You look absolutely breathtaking, Ana. I am honored to have you as my date tonight," I said before stepping closer to her. I was pleased to hear her heart rate increase, and her cheeks flush. I had to tamp down my animalistic side especially when looking at her bared neck.

"Thank you," she said quietly to me.

"Oh! I have to make sure Sugar has her dinner and water for the night. If you don't mind-"

"No, Ana. I am fine waiting." Just then Sugar came from around the corner barking her greeting. She growled at me and Ana giggled before pointing behind her.

"I'll be right back."

I smiled and tilted my head down to her puppy.

"Sugar and I will wait."

As soon as Ana left I looked down at the growling dog and raised a brow. When I did that, Sugar stopped barking and whimpered before she sat on my shoes. Chuckling at the puppy I lowered to my haunches and petted the soft dog.

"You're a good dog Sugar. Keep protecting Ana," I whispered. I heard Ana's heels on the floor before I saw her, and glancing up I watched as she grabbed her shawl and purse.

"Okay. I'm all ready to go."

We were driving in my car when Ana asked about our first stop.

"I promised to attend the opening of some new art gallery. Do you remember Andrea?" I asked Ana. She nodded before offering a smile.

"Yes."

"Well, her husband is also an artist. He wanted me to make an appearance because he said, 'you're a billionaire businessman, and your attendance alone will boost my sales.' Andrea was very quick to agree with her husband," I finished as Ana laughed.

"They seem like good people. Friendly. But they don't take me as a group suffering from money."

"You would be correct," I admitted. "Honestly Ana, I think he does it to see who is really interested in his art, versus who isn't."

I saw understanding lit Ana's features.

"That's smart. I think with you having a substantial amount of wealth, it can be tricky to see who is genuine or not. I admit to watching some celebs on television and in magazines. They all say the same thing. I could never imagine having to screen almost everyone you come in contact with," she said quietly. I was amazed. Ana was feeling sympathy for us because of our wealth. She truly was one of a kind.

"I've never even thought of it that way," I said to her. "For so long, well it feels like a long time, I have had to learn who to trust and who not to. It comes with the territory I suppose."

"Hmm."

Pulling into a side parking spot, I quickly killed the engine before getting out of the car and opening her side of the door. She stepped out and slid her arm around mine before we began walking up ahead to the gallery. Right before we entered Ana smiled and pulled on my suit jacket.

"Yes?" I said looking down at her upturned face. Her smile was bright as her eyes before she spoke.

"I wanted to say thank you tonight. For everything."

I could see that she wanted to say more, but it didn't matter. What she already said was more than enough. It gave me life.

"You're welcome, Ana."

A short one I know, but I had to get back in the swing of things. Where do you guys think this is headed? I already have a plan, but this one will depend on the reviews you leave. LOL Let me know and have a good weekend!