Happy Holidays everyone! It's the start of December and I'm uber excited. So far this is my longest chapter. Woot woot! I'm going to make this really quick. Big thanks for those of you who left reviews hounding me for a new chapter. Seriously thanks! Excellent motivation to say the least. So I wanted to personally thank the following:

Gizzy, Gizzyredbird, Gizzyzoeyredbird, ZOEYSTARK FOREV, stark my guy, zoeyLuv, heath w ZoDRAMA, girlsonread, and fanoffic

Without you, there wouldn't be new VH chapters. I really hope it was worth the wait. :D

Of course, I don't own HON, however the created characters and events are mine. Now onto reading :)

Zoey

The familiar scent of lavender welcomed me home. Grandma's house sat between two lavender fields and was shaded by huge, old oaks. It was built in 1942 out of raw Oklahoma stone, with a comfortable porch and unusually big windows. I forgot how much I loved this house.

Climbing the little wooden stairs that led to the porch made me feel better, even if my body was somewhat achy. I was about to reach for the door to knock when I hesitated for a second. My brain started coming up with all these different scenarios like what if she hates me? What if she tells me to leave and never come back? She'd have every right to feel that way. I couldn't belong here anymore. I didn't deserve to.

Turning around, I started back down the stairs. It was the sound of the door opening that made me stop moving. "Zoeybird, where in heavens do you think you are going?" I faced Grandma Redbird to see that she wore her familiar smile. It was clear that she missed me. Returning a smile, I ran up the stairs. I hugged my grandma with the biggest hug I could give.

"You must be freezing out here. Let's get you out of the cold." Grabbing my hands, she led me inside. I was about to ask how did she know I was headed her way, but I stopped myself from asking a dumb question; She always knew when I was coming. Grandma still practiced the ways of her Cherokee tribe. When I was a kid I used to think it was weird, but as I got older I appreciated the extra sense she had. All my life I knew that, no matter what, I could count on Grandma Redbird. During those awful months after Mom married John the step-loser, I think I would have shriveled up and died if I hadn't been able to escape every weekend to Grandma's house.

Right now, I hated that I took me this long to remember that. It took me to get to the point where I was desperate and scared out of my mind to remember that Grandma was always there for me. I didn't want to cry, but I needed to have her hug me and tell me that everything would be okay.

Right on cue she, pulled me to her, engulfing me in a big warm hug. "U-we-tsi-a-ge-ya. It will all be okay. You'll see." I couldn't stop the tears now. The familiar Cherokee word for daughter never sounded as loving as it did in this moment.

"I'm so sorry Grandma."

She led me over to the couch. "There's nothing to be sorry about Zoeybird. You simply lost your way. I knew you would find your way back home." There was so much warmth and love in her eyes. They were framed with wrinkles from a life that I could only hope was filled with laughter. It left me feeling warm, safe, and blissful. Until recently, I couldn't remember how long it had been since I felt this happy.

"Let me take a good look at my little Zoeybird." Removing my hoodie from my head, I couldn't help the dread that seemed to always ruin good moments. Mentally I tried to prepare myself for the worst.

Taking a good look at me, her eyes widened. "Your Mark…" Unable to finish her sentence Grandma stared at my face but it wasn't with disgust or hate. I could tell she was curious about it. I wasn't sure how to feel though. I was certain that she didn't hate me, but where did it leave us now that I was Marked?

Gently holding my chin with her index finger and thumb, she turned my head side-to-side. "It just doesn't make sense."

For a moment, I panicked. If I couldn't get the one person who loved me unconditionally to understand, then I was doomed. No one ever would. Uncontrollable babble started spewing out of my mouth. I would say anything to get her to understand. "Grandma I can't believe I got Marked either. I'm so sorry. I don't know what I did to deserve this."

Shushing me she held my hands again. "That's not what I mean baby. I'm not surprised you were Tracked and Marked." With such pride she continued. "The Redbird blood has always held strong magic; it was only a matter of time before one of us was Chosen. What I mean is that it makes no sense that you were just Marked. The crescent isn't an outline. It's completely filled in. The markings you have appear to continue on from there. But you can't be a full adult vampyre or is that's a possible now?"

Relieved, I smiled. "From what the High Priestess said, I'm still a fledgling."

Amazed, she kissed my forehead. "Your Mark is beautiful. It could only mean what I've known this entire time; Zoeybird you are special in more ways than you could ever imagine."

Confused, it felt like I was part of a riddle that everyone understood but me. "What does that even mean Grandma?"

"That's for you find out my u-we-tsi-a-ge-ya." Smiling, she shook her head with disbelief. "You could use a blanket and some hot chocolate." Before I could refuse she got up from the couch, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

For the first time in hours, I let myself relax. Grandma said it will all be okay and I believed her completely. Yet I had this nagging feeling that I couldn't shake. Before I could let the unease take root, Grandma walked right back into the room with a mug in one hand and a lovey quilt in the other.

She placed the mug in my hands and the quilt over my shoulders."Grandma thanks but the cover isn't really necessary. I'm fledgling now. We don't get sick. That is, unless we reject the change, we're pretty much immune to flues and coughs and stuff like that."

"I hate to say it, but I am guilty of being use to you needing me. It seems I still have much to learn Zoeybird."

"I'll always need you Grandma."

"Times have changed since you were young. Change is good."

Instantly, I was quite. With the warm cup in my hands, I tried to distract myself. I couldn't avoid the truth anymore. I spoke it out into the universe. There were only two ways my life could go now; either, I would survive the Change and become an adult vampyre or I would reject it and die.

"Zoeybird?"

I blurted out, "I'm scared Grandma."

Again, she held me making me feel safe. It was something that my actual mom should have done, but I was grateful for my Grandma and for everything she did for me. "It's only natural for you to fear the unknown. It was makes us human. Fear not. The Goddess loves you u-we-tsi-a-ge-ya. I know you will make it through the Change."

We talked for an hour or I should say I talked for an hour. Grandma sat there and listened. I told her about the things that I couldn't tell anyone else. The things that had happened that changed me in many ways. Some were good while other things were bad, but through it all she completely understood. No judgement. No ridicule.

Staring at the empty mug in my hand, I looked back at my grandma.

"Zoey it's getting very late for you. The sun should be up in less than two hours. Are you ready to go back to the House of Night?"

With a new found sense of assurance, I nodded yes. "Almost Grandma. I have my bug out front." I placed the mug on her wooden table and took the quilt off of me, laying it down on the couch.

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. Stark...

I remembered that Grandma wasn't the only one who told me it that everything was going to be okay. Stark keep telling me that I would be fine. And I left him without letting him know what was going on. He was probably going crazy, worrying about me.

Pulling my phone out of my pocket to check, the bright screen read that I have more than twenty text messages and thirty missed phone calls. Most of them were from Stark, but surprisingly I had at least one text from everyone else.

"I have to go Grandma. My friends are waiting for me."

"Before you head out, I have something for you." She walked over to her mantle. Opening up an old chest she pulled out a bag from inside.

She handed it to me. I didn't get it. "What's this for Grandma?"

With a questioning look she asked, "You don't think I would forget did you? Look inside the bag."

Opening it up I peeked inside to see two packages. One was big and tented with brightly colored (and definitely not Christmas) wrapping paper. The other was book-sized and covered in cream-colored tissue paper like you'd get from a chic boutique. Pointing to the bigger one she said, "When it's time, open this one first."

Speechless, I stared at the amazing women in front of me. For what seemed like forever, I had focused on what I lost when my mom left with the step-loser. Yet Grandma never forgot about me. "You don't have to say anything Zoeybird. However, I expect you to visit when you can." With a playfully stern look Grandma pulled me into a hug. From here on out I swore to myself that I would never forget what I would always have ever again.

"I will. Promise."

Walking me over to the door, she said "Then that settles it. I will see you soon."

"Okay Grandma. I love you."

"Love you always, u-we-tsi-a-ge-ya."

Walking out to my car, I waved to Grandma. Starting the engine, I made a promise to myself that I would make sure to do a better job with calling and visiting. Driving away from the home of my childhood, I had one more stop to make before I made my way back to the House of Night.

Stark

With my directions, we now stood in front of Zoey's old home. It looked different than I remembered; maybe because it was empty now. Jane tailed behind me while I walked up to the front door.

Just as I was about to reach for the door Jane bursted out saying "Stark wait!"

"What?"

"Look down."

Listening to Jane, I realized that the welcome mat on the ground wasn't in its original place. An outline of dirt was now visible. "She was here." I reached for the doorknob and wiggled it. The door was still locked.

"Emphasis on was, Stark. It's clear that she's not here anymore. We should head back home. We're cutting it pretty close to curfew." Grabbing my arm she started pulling me away from the house.

Easily, I detached Jane's hand from my arm and stopped us from moving further away. Smirking I asked, "Since when did you start caring about curfew?"

She rolled her eyes at me. "Since I decided that I didn't feel like explaining myself or my actions to the vamps. It's been a long night Stark. Besides, Zoey's probably on her way back now."

This time I ignored her. Heading around the side, there were more signs that proved Zoey had been here. She must have headed over here for something. The dirt had cracks verifying that someone had walked near the windowsill.

Looking through the window, there wasn't much to see. It was empty and dark inside. There was no one there.

Sarcastically, Jane asked "You find anything yet Sherlock?"

Sighing I knew Jane was right. I was being stupid and stubborn. We looked everywhere and didn't find her. Not to mention, if we wanted to get back on campus without any problems, now would be the time to do it. "Fine, let's head back."

Dramatically she raised her hands. "Finally! Now you're making sense."

I rolled my eyes and started toward the direction of the House of Night. We weren't too far from the campus. Jane walked beside me in silence for a couple of blocks.

"Stark?"

I couldn't help the defeat in my voice when I responded. "Yeah?"

She sighed. "You know Zoey's going to be okay, right?"

"I want to believe that, but she's been away from the vamps for a long time now. She's was just newly Marked. There's no way she can handle the distance for this long."

"Stark she's been Marked for a couple of days now. It's not like it that fresh. Zoey just needs time. She'll come home once it becomes her only option."

I didn't like where Jane was going with this. "That doesn't mean she won't start feeling shitty. Her chances of rejecting the Change are greater than normal."

"That's bullshit and you know it. Realistically, the entire student body of fledglings have a higher chance of rejecting the Change then Zoey does. I mean let's be real; why in the world would Nyx bless her with all that power just for Zoey to reject the Change?"

Answering her own question, Jane continued speaking without even bothering to wait for me to say something. "It wouldn't make sense, at least not this early in the game. Take you for example. You did just fine without being in constant contact with adult vamps."

For a split second, I considered avoiding her statement all together. Jane was already involved too much as it was. I didn't want anyone else to be put in danger because of me. I didn't want to lie to her either. I figured being vague was my best bet. "There were a couple of adult vamps on my side. They insisted on visiting me often."

With a halfhearted smile she nodded without questioning my answer like I hoped. Sighing again she said "Stark if you think like that you're going to drive yourself insane with what ifs."

I grunted in response.

With a wave of her hand, she dismissed my supposed counter argument. "For the record, all that pouting makes you sound like a whinny girl. Man up. Take a deep breath and chill out. She's a big girl Stark. She can take care of herself. Besides she's an all-powerful fledgling. There's no way in hell someone like Zoey will be defeated by a couple of hours away from the vamps. Not to mention, it hasn't even been 24 hours. The vamps always give fledglings the option of going home for a day during the holidays. She's going to be fine."

"You better be right."

"Don't bite my head off grumpy. Besides, aren't I always right?

Per usual, Jane used facts and made complete sense. Didn't mean I was going to tell her that.

As if the universe was insistent on Jane being right, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Immediately I checked it. It was a text from Zoey.

Zoey: I'm soooo sorry Stark. I'll explain everything to you when I get back.

Stark: Are you okay?

Zoey: I'm okay

Zoey: OMW home

Putting my phone away, I looked back at Jane. As if she could read my mind, she smirked at me with a glint in her eyes. "Zoey's okay?"

I sighed with relief. "She's okay. On her way home right now."

She gave me a nod. "Good."

Before I could question her thoughts she said "Race you home Stark," and took off in a sprint. Following right behind her, I knew I would catch up with Jane. Running side by side, I sent up a silent prayer up to Nyx, thanking her and hoping that Zoey really was okay. But one way or another, we would be finding out soon enough.

Zoey

It didn't take me long to get here from Grandma's house. Walking over the wood chips, I went toward my favorite part of the park.

Sitting on the swings reminded me of the good old days. When I was little I always felt I could touch the sky if I swung a little higher. Nothing seemed impossible. It was easy back then. Simple.

Thinking about the past few days, a lot had changed since then, but I was finally realizing that I didn't have to go through it alone. Grandma, Stark, and my friends were proof of that. Again my thoughts strayed back to Stark. I sent him a text before I left Grandma's. Hopefully that would be good enough until I got home and explained everything. In such a short time Stark had become such a huge and important part of my life. It seemed almost unreal.

However, one question continued to circle in my head since I left the mall. What was I going to do about Heath? I thought I left it all behind me months ago, but I was completely wrong. My old life collided with the new one in a matter of hours. However, did it mean Heath still belonged in it? Nothing was simple.

Maybe if I was actually paying attention to reality, I probably could have avoided what would happen next.

Three loud guys where messing around, but I didn't notice them until they were basically four feet away from me. The guys looked old enough to be college students, probably out for winter break.

With only the moonlight shining, I quickly pulled up my hoodie, hoping they didn't see my face. I tried to get out of there without them noticing but I was of course, too late.

The shortest of the three asked, "Where are ya headed off to pretty lady?" He had a southern accent like Stevie Rae's.

I turned my face away from their direction. "It's late. Heading home."

The taller one had a beer can in his hand and took a drink from it. "But the fun is just getting started."

Keeping my head down, I kept walking toward where I parked my bug at; even if it meant I was walking closer in their direction.

The tall one must have noticed that I was getting closer to them because he laughed. "Well gentlemen, looks like she wants some fun!" Burping loudly he crushed the can with his hands and tossed it aside. The other two laughed with him at this.

My heart was beating fast. I figured I just needed to get a little closer to them before I could try to sprint my way right through them. If I was lucky I could make it work. But luck wasn't on my side. Coincidentally enough, the three were standing under a lamppost. To past through them I would be end up being exposed by the light.

I decided screw it and took my chances. Sprinting right at them I collided into them. The short one was way too drunk to keep his balance and was on the ground, but the other two weren't.

The tall guy easily had a hold of my arm. The second just stood there dumbfounded with a deer-in-the-headlights look. He looked scared. I immediately realized it was because my hoodie had fallen, revealing my face.

"Bro, she's one of those freaks."

The tall guy leered in disgust. I tried pushing and shoving to get away but he was so much stronger than me. Shaking me he laughed. "Ha looks like we caught ourselves a weird one. This is going to be fun."

In that moment, fear made me stop thinking and I acted on impulse. "Wind, come to me." With a swirling gust behind me, I used all my strength and pushed the tall guy away from me. I didn't expect him to fly five feet into the air. Then with a thump he landed on the ground. The third guy ran to him. I was scott-free. In disbelief I whispered, "Thank you, Wind. You may depart."

I had it in my right mind to run to my car but then I smelled it. Something smelled amazing – hot and sweet and delicious. As if in a trance I walked over to where the tall guy had landed. I didn't realize how close I was until he stood up straight and our bodies were almost pressed together. He looked up at me, confused but wide-eyed.

"You smell really good," I couldn't stop myself from saying it. My heart was pounding so loud that I was sure everyone could hear it.

Raising his eyebrows he smirked. "Yeah?"

I was vaguely aware of the fact that his two friends were trying to pull him away from me.

"Bro what the hell are you doing?"

"You're head's bleeding you idiot. Let's get the hell out of here."

Every inch of me was telling me to leave but I couldn't force myself to do it. I stared directly into his eyes. "I want…" I whispered. "I want…" What did I want? I couldn't put it into words. No, that wasn't it. I wouldn't put it into worlds. Wouldn't say aloud the overwhelming surge of white-hot desire that was trying to drown me.

Completely disregarding them he said "Tell me what you want?"

For a split second, I looked over to the two guys standing behind him. The fear in their eyes snapped me out of whatever trance I was in.

Pushing myself away him, I ran toward my car. I wouldn't let myself think. Not yet. Moving methodically like a robot, I opened the door. Getting in, I put on my belt, and started it up.

Pushing my foot on the gas, I glanced in my rear-view mirror. The tall guy just stared at me as I drove away. What was going on with me? I should have ran away but I didn't. I couldn't even begin to explain what the hell happened back there. Just when I thought I had things settled and under control, weird things started happening again.

I just needed to get home. If I made it home everything would be okay.

Jane

We made it through the gates just as they're about to be closed. The sun was probably rising in an hour. Closing the gates around this time was what the vamp considered a brilliant insurance policy for making sure fledglings made it back before curfew. Mind you the sun wasn't intolerable, but it's a pain in the ass that most fledglings wanted to avoid.

Slowing down to a walk, in between breathes I asked Stark a question. "You do know I totally won that one right?"

"In your dream sis."

"If you say so brother dearest."

As we neared the dorming facility, my phone vibrated. Checking to see who it is, I'm surprised to see that the text is from Zoey. I glance over at Stark to see if he got a text too, but he doesn't go for his phone. Which can lead me to one conclusion: Zoey needs my help.

Abruptly I stop. Giving me a funny look Stark asked, "Jane, you okay?"

"Be right back. I have an idea."

Grabbing my wrist, suspiciously he asked "What's going on Jane?"

Slipping my hand away I said, "Go find Logan. I'm sure he can use your help with everyone. Trust me and just give me a sec. I'll fill you in a minute." He gave me nod. Not even giving him a chance to ask any follow up questions, I took off in a sprint and found a detour within an archway.

Checking my phone for messages, it turned out I was right.

Zoey: Jane I'm out in front but the gate is locked. Any ideas?

Jane: Be right there. Do NOT move from where you're at.

Sending the message, I started running again. As I got closer to the gate, I spotted a blue bug. Thanks to that car, my Plan A would need a Plan B. Heading in the opposite direction, it took me about three minutes to get to the east wall. Climbing it with ease, I jumped down and jogged over to where Zoey was waiting.

Getting in her car, she gives me a confused look. "Gate's locked, so you won't be able to park your car here tonight. We'll park it somewhere near and come back for it tomorrow or sometime during the week. Do you know where we can put it for now?"

"I know just the place."

Putting the car into drive, Zoey stepped on the gas. In a matter of minutes we're in front of her old house. Pulling into the drive way, she parked, and then shut the car off.

I already could tell something had Zoey all worked up. Getting out, I start walking ahead, not even bothering to wait for her. Usually I would consider asking her what's going on, but I'd already had enough of her problems for one night. However, my sudden irritation with her caught me by surprise, even if it was justified. Whatever. She's Stark's girlfriend. Not my problem. He can deal with her.

Quickly catching up to me, we walk in silence. Considering I'm not the best person when it came to awkward silence, I stopped walking. Sighing, I rolled my eyes and chose to try and walk it off. Again we continue another block in silence.

Catching me by surprise, Zoey opens up her mouth. "Whatever you have to say, just say it."

I smirk at the unexpected boldness and it calms me down a bit. "Look Z. Before this gets any weirder, just know that I'm on your side."

Stopping, she looked shocked and asked "You are?"

I sigh again out of irritation. "Yes. But you know that running away like that was the stupid choice right?"

"I know Jane. It wasn't the brightest idea, but I had to."

"Good. I get why you ran. I know that you needed some space to pull yourself together. I'm assuming that's why you texted me instead of Stark."

She wouldn't look at me. I felt like I was reprimanding a kid.

"The whole being marked thing is a lot to take in, but you don't go running off by yourself. Next time you have a nervous breakdown, you take me or Stark with you before you take off. Deal?" I realize my tone softened up and I smile at that.

Smiling she said, "Deal."

"Because when I find you - and I will - you're going to be sorry. Got it?"

Laughing she said, "Yes. I got it."

We were just a couple of blocks from the school so I started walking again. "What is up with you two and running away? Seriously?" Laughing I said, "Looks like you and Stark basically belong together."

Zoey smiled all cheesy-like in response.

As we walked the final block, I realized that Zoey wasn't looking to well. "Physically, how are you feeling?"

Surprised by my question, Zoey responded, "Do I look that bad?"

I didn't really know how to reply to that question without scaring the crap out of her. "You didn't answer my question."

"Pretty crappy actually. Is this what normally happens when you're Marked?"

"Yeah. If you've been gone for a long time without being near vamps it can get pretty bad. Considering that you're new, it looks like it's affecting you more."

"That doesn't sound good."

Picking up our speed a bit, I tell her, "You bet your ass it's not. But don't over exert yourself. It's bad enough you're in this condition. Let's not speed up the rejection process."

Her eyes basically bulge out of their sockets. "Jane!"

Trying not to laugh I say, "I'm just kidding. Kind of. We're just a block away. You'll be fine."

Pulling out my phone, I send Logan a text

Jane: what's the status for those on watch?

Immediately, my phone vibrates.

Logan: You have approx. 5 mins before they make their rounds.

Putting my phone back in my pocket, we reached the wall and I start climbing. "Z, make sure you mimic every move I make. I don't want you slipping. It would be pretty sad on my part if I basically get you home, just for you to bust your head open. Not to mention Stark would want to kill me."

Just as easy as it was for me to climb over to get to Zoey, it's a piece of cake for me to get back over. However, as I look back at Z, she's not having the greatest time climbing. Straddling the wall, I reach out for Zoey.

Grabbing my hand she says, "I'm guessing this isn't your first time sneaking back."

Helping her up, I smile. "Eh I've don't it once or twice. Make sure you grab the vines and tree branches on your way down."

Using the vines, half way down I let go, landing on the hard compact soil. Slightly struggling Zoey finally makes it down.

Standing near the oak, I spotted two Sons of Erebus walking toward our direction. Luckily they're too busy taking about something so they didn't notice us. Quickly I grabbed Zoey, tugging her closer by the tree. "I need you to look so sad that kittens cry at the sight of you."

"Jane?!"

"Just follow my lead." Right on cue, I hear the two guys walk closer toward us. In a loud whisper I demand, "Zoey. Sad face. Now."

Making sure that they were within earshot, I said "Everything's going to be okay you'll see, Z."

"Excuse us ladies, but may we ask what are you two doing out here so early?"

Just as they reached us, I turned around. Pretending to be surprised by their presence, I said "Oh gosh. Gentlemen, excellent timing. My friend here has been newly marked. It's a lot for her to take in. And her human ex-boyfriend is being an idiot. You know typical girl problems. She just needed some fresh air." Zoey looked pretty crappy already that it wasn't really hard for them to believe my answer. "Can she just have one more minute?

"Of course"

Putting my arms around the two, I lead them away from Zoey. "I've been trying to coax her into going back inside, but she's refuses." Giggling, I put on my most dazzling smile I could muster and pray that no one else is out witnessing the pathetic level I've stooped down to. "Maybe two strong guys like you don't mind helping me by walking us back to our rooms?"

It was evident that the brunette was the alpha of the two. "It would be our honor." I almost rolled my eyes at the corniness of it all. They both smiled at me like idiots. The two were silly pudgy in my hands; It was too easy. Hopefully it meant that they wouldn't ask questions.

As if almost in a purr, I said "Perfect, let me just get her for us."

Grabbing Zoey by the hand I threaten her with a smile. "If you tell anyone about what I just did, you're a dead fledgling."

She smiled innocently, "What is there to tell?"

"Exactly."

Giving them a nod, the two Sons of Ebrus walk to us. "Lead the way ladies."

I simply smiled. I didn't want to risk saying anything stupid. As we walked the guys followed, flanking us on either side. Using my peripheral, I checked on Zoey to make sure she didn't pass out on me. I was about to stare the black haired guy down but he kept a respectable distance from Zoey. The Brunette on the other hand had other plans.

Within a matter of seconds the brunette had his hand around my waist. In the most ditziest voice ever, I said, "You guys must have to work out a lot to have the amazing biceps that you do." That got them babbling and distracted enough that I was sure they wouldn't even bother questioning us. Mostly ignoring them I nodded and giggled when necessary, to make it seem like I was paying attention.

As we made it indoors, part of the brunette's hand slipped under the bottom of my shirt. It took everything in me to not knock the daylights out of him. I couldn't want to get away quick enough. As we rounded the corner heading into the wing where the girls' dorm was located I stopped the Sons of Ebrus from going any further. "Makes me sad to say, but this is your stop. Guys aren't allowed here."

The shorter one with black hair looked a bit nervous. "We are due for a rove around the premises anyway." Brunette just rolled his eyes. He still had his hand on me. Pulling me closer he said, "I'm sure we can make an exception."

Smoothly pulling away I said, "I'm sure you need to make your rounds. Wouldn't want to get you in trouble, now would we?"

As if daring me, predictably he said, "I like trouble."

Now that I was away from his grabby hands and had Zoey safely inside, I didn't hold back on my sarcasm. "I bet you do." Confusion coated his features at my sudden change of attitude, but I couldn't care less. With faked sweetness I said, "Thanks for the assistance."

Turning away I hooked my arm around Zoey's. Practically dragged her along with me, I didn't bother to look back to see if the two guys left.

"You know Jane, you could win an Oscar for the performance you just pulled off back there. The guy didn't even know what hit him the moment we made it inside. He was so confused. It was priceless."

Smirking I said, "I'm warning you Zoey. Zip-it. Besides, the creep's lucky I didn't break his hand."

Laughing, sarcastically she said, "But you were really good at being so girly. I was almost convinced that it was the real you finally finding it way out."

Shaking my head at the rediculous notion of me being that girly, I smirked and said, "Shut it, Z."

She laughed. "Your secret's safe with me."

I got Zoey up to the common room and lead her to the couch. She plopped herself on it while I surveyed the room. It was unusually empty. Pulling my phone out I sent a mass text to everyone telling them to meet me here. I finally let myself relax. My job was done for the day..

Sitting in the love seat, I closed my eyes, knowing that everyone would burst through the door within a couple of minutes.

"Jane?"

Not even bothering to open my eyes I replied. "Hhmm?"

"Thanks for everything."

Wanting this day to be over, dismissively I replied. "Sure. It's no biggie."

"I mean it."

I open my eyes. It was just now that I noticed she didn't look as pale anymore, which was a good sign. As annoying as the two vamps were, their presence seem to have helped Zoey, not to mention she was back in the vicinity of so many adult vamps in general, so that was obviously a plus.

With a genuine nod at her, she smiled and I closed my eyes again taking what would probably the shortest nap in my life.

First I gotta say, wow! There are a lot more readers than I expected.

It's generally a rule of mine to keep my promises. I did tried my best to make sure there aren't a lot of typos but sorry if one does pop up. Hopefully it doesn't throw you off too much

I plan on updating at least twice this month. I know I've said that before, but considering it's Zoey's b-day month, why not. Time wise, it sets the Christmas mood; not to mention, I've hit chapter 21 and classes still haven't started for the Nerdherd. Probably the longest winter break, ever lol (If only that would happen in real life, right?) Let me know your thoughts on this chapter. What you loved, didn't love so much, what you think needs improvement (grammer, syntax, ect.) Like I said before. We haven't even gotten to the good stuff, so stick around.