A/N: For those who were missing the evil bat – have no fear. He's back. With a vengeance.

And oh yeah – I got tired of Kyle being such a wimp. LOL!

Until 34! xox-G

Chapter Thirty-three

Rafe intended to go and see Caleb once more. But after the events of this morning he figured it would be a good time to get some training in. This morning had been a turning point for him in regards to Kyle. Anyone who would get so riled up about someone cheating on his wife was more than good enough for him. If things went the way he envisioned, he intended for his future son-in-law to be the best he could be. Suddenly Rafe wanted to do everything he could to make sure that happened.

He was still smiling as he climbed into the ring. "OK Kyle. You ready? Here's your chance."

Kyle stood on the outside not at all ready to face him. Thousands of thoughts raced through his mind. "Mr. Kovich – please…"

Rafe continued to chuckle. "Aw, c'mon. You said you wanted to hit me – I'm telling you to go ahead."

As Kyle looked over at him something suddenly snapped. "Stop." He whispered.

"What?"

"I said stop. That's it. It's over." Kyle continued, his voice shaking a bit.

Intrigued, Rafe stood by and stared at him.

"I'm not letting you do this to me anymore." Kyle said defiantly. "You think it's funny don't you? Alright - I admit it. I've given you plenty to laugh about but I'm through."

Rafe realized all at once that the joke was over. He'd pushed him one step too far. Everyone – especially his wife - had warned him but he hadn't listened.

Feeling ashamed of himself he said softly, "OK. Kyle…"

"What have I done that's so wrong?" Kyle asked, cutting Rafe off sharply. "Oh. I know. I fell in love with your daughter and apparently that's a crime." He sprang up and into the ring clenching his fists. He was ready to fight now.

Kyle's voice gained strength and began to rise. "I love her. I love her because she is brave and beautiful and absolutely amazing. Becky is kinder than anyone else I've ever known. I know this makes you unhappy but it's true. I love her. I love every single thing about her. When she called me and told me she couldn't see me anymore I almost died."

His eyes were on fire as he continued. "I've been walking around on eggshells for almost a year. I've done everything you asked. I've stayed away from her for months to make you happy."

Kyle continued to glare at him as he promised. "No more. I'm finished."

He moved towards Rafe and stared him straight in the eye. "Let's go. If this is what you want – let's get it over with. If I have to fight you to get you to finally let me be with her then I will."

"Kyle." Rafe took a deep breath and said softly. "I'm not going to fight with you. Not about this."

Rafe's words barely had a chance to register. Kyle went on. "She doesn't want to do anything you disapprove of. She respects you too much but she deserves to be happy. Don't you want her to be happy?"

Rafe nodded. "Of course I do."

"I make her happy." He said with a sigh. "I make her happy." Kyle repeated as he sank to the mat. "Why won't you let me?"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Caleb stood beside the bed, panic coursing through his veins. "Olivia?" He whispered again. "OLIVIA." He said, louder this time.

He shouldn't have done it. She always got angry when he used his power to silence her and he shouldn't have tried while they were so unstable.

It had been a full day and another night and still she slept. It was morning again and she was still so far under nothing he said or did could rouse her.

He paced, unsure of what to do or who to call to help. If he called another vampire they'd be clued into the fact that he was slowly but surely losing control. He knew all at once that it was not an option.

A voice in the back of his head implored him. Go ahead. Call for him.

"NO. I won't give him the satisfaction." Caleb said aloud. His mind continued to race. Maybe I could call Colin… He thought.

He dismissed it almost as soon as it formed in his head. And admit that the life you've chosen was more complicated than you can handle? Admit that you put his mother in danger? No. I don't think so.

"WAKE UP OLIVIA." Caleb bellowed his voice so loud that the walls were nearly shaking. He knelt by her side and continued to implore her. "Please. Wake up…"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"You're right. I shouldn't." Rafe replied as he moved to sit down beside Kyle.

"Huh?" Kyle couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"I said – you're right. I shouldn't keep you two apart." Rafe took a deep breath. "There really isn't a good reason to."

Rafe stood and held out his hand to him, his voice apologetic. "I'm sorry Kyle; I haven't been fair to you."

"That's alright." Kyle said as he walked a few steps away, still a little shaky.

"You came to Port Charles to warn my daughter. You're a slayer yourself – someone who can protect her. There's no reason for me to have given you such a hard time."

Realization washed over him as he added. "It's crazy. I didn't even treat Colin like this come to think of it. And he's the son of my worst enemy."

Kyle stared at him in disbelief. "Are you kidding me?" He asked - his voice shocked.

He shook his head as an answer. "It was complicated. Alison was pregnant with Ella at the time. I went crazy and forbid Kate to date him, and because of it she got hurt." Rafe looked over at Kyle as he admitted. "It should make you feel better to know I've made my share of mistakes too."

"Mrs. Kovich – and Ella, they're both OK now though." Kyle said softly.

"Yeah but because I was so stubborn I almost lost both of them. As soon as I knew everything would be alright I vowed to make it up to her." Rafe replied. "And it seems I haven't learned my lesson, because here I am – making the same mistakes with Becky."

Kyle realized all at once how out of line he must have sounded. He stood to face Rafe and began to apologize. "I know. You care about her, Sir. I understand that."

"And so do you." Rafe sighed as he finally let go. "So who am I to keep you apart?"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Caleb hadn't wanted to leave her but he had no choice. After giving Sebastian specific instructions to keep Rachel out and to call him if Livvie so much as murmured he went off to find the answers he needed.

He needed to do something drastic. There wasn't time to plan. He prowled the street, looking for someone who fit the bill.

He needed someone strong in body, but weak in mind and spirit. What he fondly called a lost soul. He needed an easy kill, someone who in return would serve him blindly.

As he walked through the streets it dawned on him. It had been years since he'd done something like this. His father was right. He had changed, he had become more mortal that vampire. He had the best of both worlds, but there were many times he let his legacy fall to the wayside.

It was time that he took control of his life.

He loved his children but they made him weak. He needed to gather strength. And there was strength in numbers. Whatever the spell his father cast on him he'd fix it. Caleb would show him he was not a disgrace to his legacy. That he could be as cold and as heartless as he was.

As he approached his target he summoned every ounce of strength he still possessed. And in one lethal bite, Caleb started the cycle all over again.