4.

I barely touched anything on my plate the next morning at breakfast. Everyone else chatted over their breakfast like a couple of old college buddies while I stared at my hands. I knew it was the worst thing I could do, but I was worried. There, I admitted it. Even if I tried to eat or interact for appearances sake, it would have been strained and insincere. They seemed oblivious to my dire mood, even though it was storming outside and the weatherman had predicted a clear, sunny day.

The professor was out with an acquaintance for breakfast, and I was very appreciative of that small miracle. He would've noticed my mood before I even entered the dining area, and right now, I didn't want to be noticed, even though I wasn't eating or talking. Instead, I studied Jean – just as everyone else did. Her table manners were… lacking this morning.

Jean's appetite was voracious; she was currently working on her third plate. Her eating was the current attraction of the breakfast table. Logan sat transfixed watching Jean shovel spoonfuls of food into her mouth. I think he was astonished that someone else was actually eating more than him for a change… or maybe it was the fact that his beautiful Jean was shoving food down her throat like a hungry bear. I hadn't figured out which, yet.

Unbeknownst to Jean or anyone else in the room, she was trying to replenish her energy. People developed large appetites or an unquenchable thirst when they had been fed on (physically or psychically). This could last a couple of hours or even a couple of days depending on how much energy (or blood for the victim who's been bitten) was taken. Victims also seemed very lethargic after being a vampire's snack. Jean would probably go back to sleep once she felt full.

"You ladies must've really had a wild night." Scott said smiling as Jean drank a full cup of orange juice without taking a breath. She slammed the cup against the table as if she had just won a drinking contest. I didn't know whether I should applaud or be amused. Who knew Jean could take orange juice to the head like that?

Scott looked expectantly from Jean to me. He expected one of us to start talking. "We had a nice time." I lied without much emotion, hoping to sedate the curiosity. What was I supposed to say? 'Yes Scott, I let a vampire take a little of your girlfriend's energy, and now, she's probably doomed if I can't find a way to save her. Could you please pass the coffee?' I don't think so.

"Yes, it was fun." Jean said through bites of toast. "We had dinner at that nice, Italian restaurant downtown, and then we went… to a club…" Jean furrowed her eyebrows, trying to remember the details.

"What was the name of the club?" Scott asked. Why did we always have to get into specifics with Scott? Couldn't he just be happy with Jean's answer?

"I… I don't remember…" She looked to me helplessly.

"American Pie," I answered quickly, saying the first thing that came to mind. I couldn't tell them we went to Vermillion Nights even if it wasn't my idea. That would bring about more questions, and I just didn't know if I could continue to find lies to fill in the blanks, and once you tell a lie, you had to remember what lie you told when and to whom.

Jean frowned, trying to remember. I knew she would never be able to recall the club's name or what happened there. "Oh right, and Ororo bumped into an old friend while we were there," she said with a hint of mischief glittering in her eyes like diamonds. "He was the most intriguing man with a strange shade of green eyes and a Spanish accent. Isn't that right, Ororo?"

She wiggled her eyebrows at me, and I fought the urge to cover my face. Someone hadn't done their job effectively enough, or maybe more persuasion was needed with Jean because of her powers. The effects of vampirical persuasion on telepaths – that would make an interesting study, but I digress. Jean had forgotten all the major details, but she remembered some of the finer ones.

"I wouldn't really say he was a friend. He was more like an associate." I mumbled, looking down at my hands again.

"I didn't need to read your mind to see there was something there." Jean teased. I was starting to think something more than a little energy had been taken from Jean such as some of her common sense. I glanced around the table. All eyes were focused on me. Thanks a lot, Jean. I guess my dull love life was more interesting than our night out.

"Anyone we know?" Logan probed, and I shot daggers at him with my eyes. Couldn't he see… couldn't they see that I didn't want to talk about it?

"No. He is just a person I know from working on police cases." That was not a lie. I hope Jean wasn't snooping around in my head right now because my thoughts were rushing out like water through a broken dam.

"So, when do we get to meet Prince Charmin'?" Logan asked, staring intently at my face. If I didn't know better, I'd say that his expression betrayed a little envy, but I did know better.

I snorted at the thought of bringing Vega home to meet them. I could just see myself introducing him as my new undead boyfriend. Wouldn't that give them something to talk about? She would never have to worry about that because that was never going to happen.

"He's no Prince Charming, and you're not going to meet him because there is nothing going on between us. Truthfully, I cannot stand the guy." I said pointedly at Jean.

"No Prince Charming? Are you kidding? If I wasn't head over heels in love with Scott…" Jean's eyes darted over to Scott nervously as her sentence trailed off. "I mean he didn't seem like such a bad guy."

She wouldn't be saying that if she could remember what happened to her. She would probably be cursing Vega's name right about now. I knew what she was going to say next. She said it every time I mentioned a guy. She was going to say, "He might add some spice to your life".

"Besides, he might add some spice to your life." Jean said eyeing Scott's bacon. She was right on cue.

"I don't need his kind of spice in my life." This was quickly becoming an uncomfortable topic. I pushed my vegetarian omelet across the table. "Here, you can have this. I'm not very hungry this morning." I wanted her to stuff her face, so she would stop talking about Vega. She took it grateful and then she took Scott's bacon and crumbled it over the omelet.

The conversation was then steered down a different path as Scott mentioned a mutant teen they had searched for the night before. There had been a couple of occurrences with empty buildings blowing up, and apparently, this kid had something to do with it. They were hoping to reach him before Magneto did – if he hadn't already reached him.

Poor kid. No, I really meant that. I'm sure some of the children we approached probably feel overwhelmed by the information we feed them. It's tough enough being a child, not to mention being a mutant child. And then to hear a bunch of grownups trying to tell you that their philosophy is right probably doesn't make things much easier.

Not too long after breakfast, I escaped to my greenhouse, hoping that I wouldn't be bothered for the rest of the day. The soft sounds of Mozart filled the greenhouse as I worked patiently on my flowers. Despite the rain, which was now at a drizzle, some of the older children had gone to the mall. Jean and Scott took the younger children to see a movie. I vaguely remember "Finding Nemo" being mentioned as they walked out the door. Jean seemed okay before she left. She looked a little tired, but not tired enough to keep her down.

The Professor was still out, and Logan would probably find something to occupy his time. With the grounds being near empty, I was sure to find the peace I was looking for. I needed time alone to think. I had to think of a way to get Jean out of this bind. I didn't trust Triage at all, and I didn't want to wake up tomorrow morning and find Jean completely turned or worse. The only way I knew to free Jean was by killing Triage. I didn't know if I had the power or the expertise to kill a vampire that strong.

"What really happened last night 'Ro?" I heard Logan asked behind me. I jumped slightly, turning to face him. I hadn't expected him to come sniffing me out.

"Logan, you startled me." I answered, turning away from him again.

"That doesn't answer my question."

I paused for a moment, remembering the events of the night before and my promise to return to the club tonight. "Nothing, we went out to dinner and then we went to a club just like Jean said…"

Logan grabbed my arm, turning me to face him. I didn't look him in the eyes. I couldn't. "Cut the bullshit. I may not be all prim and proper like Scott or the Professor, but I ain't stupid neither. I know you've been actin' funny all day, and I wanna know why. Did this friend Jean mentioned at breakfast have somethin' to do with it?"

I wanted to confide in Logan, to tell him everything, but I knew doing so could be dangerous. "No, there is nothing wrong, my friend. Nothing I cannot handle on my own anyway." I said with more feeling. I patted his arm in a friendly manner. I hated being so vague with my friends, but I couldn't get any more people involved in this confusion. I had promised that one thing myself. I would never get my friends caught up in my other dealings.

Logan gripped my chin firmly, making me look in his eyes. His eyes were stern, yet concern. The skin between his brows puckered as his frown deepened. "Somethin' ain't right. I'm your friend, 'Ro. You can trust me." He insisted.

I finally relented a little. "You're right, Logan. Something did go wrong last night, and now, I have to fix it. That's all I can tell you. I cannot let you or the others get involved in this. I have to do this on my own. I know you of all people should understand that the best."

Logan nodded solemnly. He had been taking short leaves from the team to try to rediscover a past he'd long forgotten. Our plights were different, but it was still something that we needed to do on our own. "Don't try to be a hero. If this is somethin' we can help you with, don't be too goddamn stubborn to ask. Don't go doin' somethin' stupid." He searched my eyes for answers, but I wasn't giving him any. I knew my response to his question probably worried him, and I was deeply moved by his concern.

"No heroics here. I'm just doing what I have to do." I replied.

"Is there anything I can do?" Logan asked.

I shook my head. "No, there is nothing. Come, let's go back to the mansion." I said trying to sound more upbeat. I linked arms with Logan, talking about whatever popped in my mind – the weather, classes, my cases. I didn't want him to worry about me. A morbid thought crossed my mind as we entered the mansion. Maybe, I should tell Logan how I feel about him, just in case I don't make it back alive tonight. I quickly dismissed the thought. I wasn't planning to check out tonight, and lust doesn't count as genuine feelings for someone.

I spent the rest of my day grading tests and preparing notes for tomorrow's classes. I called my boss at Animators, Inc and told him that I wouldn't be coming in; then, I told our secretary to tell anyone that calls for me that I out working. I had to cover my bases. I left the mansion around 6:30pm, the normal time I left for work. I borrowed Scott's car and rode around the city wasting time until I knew it was time to go to Vermillion Nights.

Once I parked the car, I sat in Scott's car for a moment staring up at the stars. I normally loved gazing up at the stars, but tonight they didn't seem very friendly as I looked up at them for comfort. I needed their strength, but they had none to offer me tonight. I sighed as I got out the car, turning to look at the glowing neon light ahead of me. I could see Vega standing in front of the club. He was nothing more than a shadow from where I was standing. Triage was nowhere in sight, and this might have been an intentional on his part.

I walked toward Vega, not speaking. "Walk with me, Ororo." Vega said as I neared him. Vega held out a hand. I looked at the outstretched hand and then back at him. I was not about to hold hands with a vampire. What did this look like? A damn peace rally? "Take my hand. Pretend that you are a human with her vampire paramour. If the police pass by, it will explain everything they need to know in their minds."

I was going to regret this. I looked at his hand again and put my hand in his own. Our fingers locked, and I could feel my pulse racing. Was I afraid? No, I didn't fear him at this moment. I could also feel his pulse throbbing under my fingers; it was speeding to catch my own. "Where is Triage?" I asked.

"He's with the master, and that is where I am taking you. I have to ask you not to insult Triage. He does not like you, and it would be his pleasure to kill you. I will not die defending you."

"Nobody asked you to." I countered, and he let out a throaty chuckle. I didn't want him feeling obliged to protect me from anything. I'd lived my whole life without his protection, and I certainly didn't need it now.

"What is your ability?" He asked suddenly changing the subject. That was Vega for you.

"My ability?" I knew what he was talking about, but I did not want to get into a conversation about my mutant powers with a vampire, especially a vampire I may eventually use them against.

"You don't have to pretend. I was almost tempted to let you and Triage fight, just to see what you could do, but since I did not allow that, you will have to inform me."

"I have the ability to control the weather. Whatever I will it to do, it obeys."

"Could you have blown up Triage with one lightening bolt?" He sounded amused as he asked this question.

"Perhaps, but that would have required me to build a large amount of power that I cannot."

"You cannot or you will not?"

"I will not." I answered simply. He nodded as if he understood that I had to have limitations on my powers. A part of me believed that he did, but how probable was that?

We continued to walk the dusky street hand-in-hand. It would have been a pleasant walk – given the circumstances. I concentrated on matching his gait while he talked about nothing in particular. He walked with his shoulders straight and head held high as if he owned the universe. Every now and then, he would rake his free hand through his hair. She wondered if he'd always been that confident or if it had come with the vampire package.

A police car peeked from a corner as it crept down the street, using a spotlight to pierce the darkness. I tensed, and Vega pulled me against him, turning me away from the lights, pushing me against a wall. I braced my hands against his chest, pushing away from him. "Don't fight. You'll bring their attention. Think about your friend." I didn't move my hands, but I stopped pushing as he wrapped one arm around me. Vega tilted my face toward his own.

"No! I will not look in your eyes." I said with urgency.

"I won't try anything. I promise, just look at me." I reluctantly looked into his eyes. Dark pools of mesmerizing green stared back at me, but they were empty, just as they had been at the club the night before. "Trust me."

What could I do besides trust him? I didn't want the police to stop and question us. I could feel myself shaking a bit as he ran his hand through my hair. He gently cradled the back of my neck, and I could feel the beat of his pulse against my skin. No, that wasn't right. I could feel his pulse throbbing through me. Our pulses beat in unison. It was as if we were working as one person. We stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like an eternity. Desire swirled around us like a mist. This was not supposed to be happening.

A soft rain began to fall against us, caressing us like a lover's touch. He looked up at the midnight sky. "Is this your doing Ororo?" He asked softly. I wasn't really sure. I know that sounds ridiculous. The sudden shower could have been a reflection of what I was feeling at that moment, or it could have simply been mother's nature own doing. Droplets rolled from his silken hair like small diamonds. Fascinated, I touched one tendril that was beginning to curl. One of the droplets rolled from his hair into my hand, pooling in the palm of my hand.

He covered my hand with his own, bringing my hand to his lips for a sensuous kiss. "Kiss me." I said before I could swallow the words, and he obliged. He kissed my forehead, my jaw, and my neck. His lips lingered longer than I would've liked on my neck, and I felt his tongue lap at a pulse point. I tensed, fearful that he might bite me, but at the same time, I offered more to him, savoring the delicious feel against my neck. He pulled away from my neck. Bringing my face close to his, our lips met.

The kiss was excruciatingly slow, but tantalizing. The taste of him was as sweet as honey. His lips were nothing more than a soft whisper on my lips. His hands were cradling my neck again, our pulses still beating as one, and his touch had somehow touched my soul. I pushed my body closer to his, crushing my lips against his own as the kiss deepened, tongues touching slightly. I tried to remind myself how this was wrong on so many levels, but I couldn't break the kiss that was now on borderline ferocious.

To give in to him would mean losing the battle to him. A voice somewhere whispered and I pushed it into the dark corners of my mind. As if hearing my inner voice, he pulled back abruptly, speaking rapidly in Spanish. He pressed my head against his chest. I was trembling… Correction, he was trembling. I could see the police car was long gone, and I wondered how long we'd actually been standing there. The police car had been the last thing on my mind, but I'm sure they got quite the show.

Then, I felt it—his blood hunger—and it scared me. I tried to pull away from him, but his grip was concrete. "Be still." He commanded. We stood there for a moment, and then he sighed deeply, releasing me. He pointed to a rundown looking hotel ahead. "The master's place is just ahead."

I wiped at the front of my clothes as if they wrinkled, not looking at him. He started to walk ahead of me. "Was that really necessary? I think you were overreacting." I finally said when the words would come.

"You were not complaining when it was happening." He said brusquely, still walking quickly toward the hotel. I had to trot to catch up with his quick stride. He hadn't said much, but I could feel the coldness radiating from him. It was the kind of chilliness that you could shape with your hands, much like those ice missiles Bobby was learning to throw.

I wondered if he was actually angry with me or if he was disappointed in his own reaction. "It's hard to complain when you're being assaulted by lips." I complained under my breath, forgetting that he could hear me no matter how low I spoke.

"Assaulted?" He snorted. He stopped and turned toward me. "I assure you, Ororo, if I wanted to assault you, it would be with more than a kiss."

I held back a sarcastic comment. Now was not the time to piss off Vega. I followed him into the hotel, pass a sleeping clerk. I couldn't believe this place was still open. I don't believe the rats would even live in this dump. I followed Vega into a room. Triage was stalking the floors and a woman sat primly on the bed. Vega closed the door softly, and I positioned myself against the nearest wall where I could see all three of them. The woman's hair was void of any color, just like mine, but a silver undertone made her hair shine eerily.

"Well?" I said crossing my arms. "Where is the master?"

"I'm the master." The woman said, her voice held an accent, which was distinctly British. She stood from the bed. She was very tall and slender and when she moved toward me, she moved with a snakelike glace.

I looked at her wide-eyed for a moment and then laughed sardonically. "You're not the master."

"I am the master." She insisted.

I looked at Vega. "She's not Triage's master. Is this some kind of joke? She can't be more than 200 years old, give or take a couple of years. She even still moves with a liveliness associated with the newly dead."

The woman gasped – an indicator that I had guessed right. "Vega? Did you tell her? You had to tell her. There's no way she could've known." The woman hissed.

"I tried to tell you and Triage there was something different about her. I told you this would not work with her, Christie, and you still refused to believe. She knows. How? I don't know, but she knows."

Did they all forget I was standing there? They were talking about me as if I couldn't hear them. "I want to see your master." I demanded. If there had been a desk around, this would be the part where I slam my fists on the desk like a prosecutor. "I came here to get guarantees that my friend would be safe from that killer B movie vampire over there, and instead I get games."

The female vampire, Christie, looked at me with a half-amused grin. "You really are a foolish one, aren't you mortal? How did you know that I wasn't the master?"

"You don't feel old enough, and you don't have half the power old Triage over there has. Now, I want to see your master before people start dying in here, and trust me, it will not be me who's going to do the dying." Talk about losing my cool. I couldn't believe I just said that in a small room surrounded by three vampires.

Before I could react, Triage crossed the room. He grabbed my shoulders roughly and drove me back into a wall. Searing pain rushed through my skull as it made full contact with the wall, and I felt my knees give under me. Then, everything went black.