It was silly and it was ridiculous, but it was fun. As I finished my dinner, I sat watching person after person take the stage. Most of them making fools of themselves. Each one singing songs that had the crowd either laughing at them or with them. With each rendition of Madonna or Celine Deion I forgot about all the reasons I was stressed or uncomfortable and relaxed for the first time in days.

Mathew's grin rivaled only mine. I was happy to see that he had held off on drinking for the evening and it wasn't an alcohol induced happiness. At one point he leaned over and put his arm around me. It was comfortable and warm, but not romantic. Paisley got up and cuddled in Andrew's lap as a moderately talented woman belted Taylor Swifts Teardrops on my Guitar.

"I know you want a turn." Mathew teased while the pianist took a quick break, "What do you want to sing? I don't think anyone has done I Feel Pretty."

I cringed, "I have no interest in making a fool out of myself." I rolled my eyes exasperated and pulled away from him. "You really think that's what I would choose to sing?"

Mathew's eyes got big. He could tell that he had insulted me, "You know Paris, if I'm honest, I never have any idea what you're going to do. It makes me totally crazy." Mathew looked distraught.

I shook my head and laughed at him. "You know you aren't the first person to tell me that. What are you doing to sing I'm Sexy and I know It?"

"You think I'm sexy," he teased.

I stared at him and tried desperately not to smile.

"I thought I knew what I was doing around women before I met you. You have shaken my confidence."

Paisley caught the tail end of our conversation and busted out laughing. "You know Mathew I believe you," Paisley poked him. She tilted her head toward me, "Ladies room?"

I nodded and followed her across the restaurant. My jaw dropped as we walked passed the tall stools that lined the mahogany bar. Quinn raised his short squatty glass of brown liquid at me and smirked. The crazy stalker guy was at least enjoying his job.

The restroom looked like a Hollywood dressing room with large bright yellow light bulbs lining the oversized mirror. We passed by the usual winding line and went straight for the sinks.

"You look great tonight, I couldn't believe how fast you got down here," Paisley said while attempting to reapply her lipstick.

"Thanks," I told her appreciatively as I fixed my eyeliner. All the laughing I had done caused it to smear down my face, "it was sweet of you to invite me. Hey weird question, you're a junior right?"

"I don't graduate till next year if that's what you mean." Paisley explained, "Technically I'm a third year in the upper school."

"What about Mathew and Andrew?"

"Mathew is a third year like me, but I think that he would graduate this year if they would let him. He really doesn't like school. I can tell he is sick of the partying and no one ever leaves him alone," Paisley spoke sadly. "He gets guilted into being on every committee and showing up to every event. Nicole seemed to brighten his mood for a while, but we both know how that worked out for him."

I washed my hands and followed her toward the door. The music had picked up and I could barely hear her say, "Andrew graduates this year." She gave me a sad smile, "I'll see him all summer at court, hopefully we make it that long." I could tell she was really falling for him.

As we returned to our table I felt Quinn's eyes follow me across the room. Speaking with Abe would be on the top of my to do list for tomorrow.

A very drunk Moroi man finished up a lively rendition of Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy as we took our seats. The plates had been cleared and mine had been replaced by a huge piece of green key lime pie with an enormous meringue topping. It looked amazing.

Mathew leaned across me, "I wasn't sure what you liked, but the waiter said it was very popular. I double dog dare you to eat the whole thing. You up for the challenge?"

I stared at the pie, "Totally."

I took down the whole thing as a wide eyes Paisley looked on. It was heaven in desert form. Mathew looked proud.

Just as I finished I was startled out of my pie coma by an incredible male voice. On stage a melodic version of Let It Be flowed through the restaurant. Alex Belikov stood next to the piano with a black microphone. He wasn't trying to dance around or strut, Alex was letting the music speak for it's self in a wonderfully understated way. As the final cords of the piano resinated the usually rowdy crowd sat unexpectedly quiet. Someone let out high pitch whistle and a roaring applause followed. I wondered if Alex had any idea how talented he was.

Mathew stood up and spoke to the table, "Everybody ready?"

I stood up and asked him, "What about the bill?"

"I took care of it." he said like it was no big deal.

I was a little bit speechless. His words felt loaded. Mathew was trying to say more with those four little words.

"You didn't have to do that," I answered and dug around in my clutch for my cards.

"Hey don't sweat it Paris." Mathew reassured me, "Watching you take down that pie was totally worth the price of admittance.

The crowd began to break up and it was slow getting into the hallway. As we walked out I felt a warm hand low on my back. Mathew leaned forward and spoke into my ear, "Did you have fun?"

My face split in a huge smile, but kept my eyes forward. "Yes, Mathew it was the most fun I have had in forever."

"I was hoping you'd say that," he said falling instep with me. I looked around and briefly located Paisley and Andrew. Even with their arms wound around each other they were fighting the crowd to catch up with us.

"On a totally different subject, you aren't graduating this year are you?" I wondered.

Mathew abruptly stopped and pulled me to a halt beside him. People had to swerve around us to move with the crowd.

"You're thinking about coming to Saint Vlads." Mathew said definitively. "I can't believe you are actually considering it."

I shrugged silently.

"I'm not graduating this year," he answered.

An older dhampir man cursed under his breath narrowly avoiding a collision with Mathew. When he realized who Mathew was the blood ran out of his face and he apologized.

"Not this year," I explained, "I'm thinking about next year. I want to keep my options open, but it feels like it could be a good move for me."

Mathew totally shocked me as he scooped me up and spun me around in a circle, "This is incredible Paris. I'm so happy right now, you have no idea."

I was breathless and stunned by Mathew's display of enthusiasm. He placed me jarringly on my feet. I had to grab onto his shoulders to steady myself.

Paisley and Andrew caught up to us and flashed us disbelieving looks. "What's going on?" Andrew asked Mathew.

"Just some really good news," Mathew replied casually. I was grateful for his discretion.

The crowd had parted as the elevators packed full and I caught a glimce of a very unwelcome sight. Nicole stood ethereally in a shiny red halter dress and very high stilettos. Her shiny black hair and piercing eyes made her easy to identify.

Despite the dispersing crowd you could clearly hear Nicole say, "You whore!"

The next thing I knew all hell broke loose. Nicole came straight toward us and lunged at me. Mathew jumped in front of me, but despite her killer heals Nicole rolled out of his grasp and continued straight toward me. The ferocious look on her face alone had me stepping back toward the wall. Things were happening all around me. Despite Nicole's desire to hurt me, it never occurred to fight back. Andrew caught Paisley around the waist and tried his best to hold her back out of the fight. Nicole's single minded anger was not easily detoured.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Quinn flash forward and stand protectively in front of me. He caged me in against the wall. I felt the cold wall behind me. Without placing his hands anywhere near Nicole, Quinn was able get her to retreat. "Miss you need to back up," he told her intimidatingly.

"Seriously," Nicole bellowed, "since when do dhampirs get guardians? You are disgraceful, a complete embarrassment to your kind."

"Thank you for your assessment Ms. Bodinca," Quinn said clearly annoyed.

Alex moved stealthily around the group that was beginning to form around us. He snaked his way between Quinn and me, "What happened?' he asked me frantically.

"Nicole calm down, you're making a scene out of nothing," Mathew spoke soothingly and he tried to reason with her.

"Out of nothing!" Nicole answered frantically shaking her head at him. "You can't do one thing for me. All I asked was for you to stay away from her." She sneered in my direction. "Still every time I see you together your hands are on her."

"Your little love story is fascinating," Quinn stated losing all patience for the unraveling situation, "but, you need to take it somewhere else. You are not to put your hands on Paris."

Nicole looked at Quinn with pure venom in her eyes, "You," she pointed at him sticking her finger forcefully into his chest, "need to learn your place." She tuned her attention toward Alex and me, "All of you seem to have forgotten your roll here. You are nothing, but scum. A means to an end. Keep you hands off of Mathew or I swear to God Paris."

Quinn cut her off taking a step forward into Nicole's personal space, "You do not get to threaten Paris. If you do, you'll be dealing with me. He turned toward Alex, "Get Paris out of here now! You know where. Stay there until I come to get you."

Alex didn't speak, he nodded up at Quinn. With military precision Alex shielded me until we were safely on the elevator and away from the onlookers. I glanced up and noticed Mathew join us just as the elevator doors where closing.

"What are you doing Mathew?" I spoke up for the first time. "You coming with us is only going to make her more angry!"

Surprisingly Mathew shrugged, "I really don't care. This was the last straw with her. Nicole has clearly lost her mind."

Alex rubbed my back gently, "It's okay Paris. He's better off staying away from Nicole while she's like this. Hopefully, when she calms down she'll be more reasonable."

"I'm so sorry Paris I had no idea Nicole would flip out like that. I didn't even know she would be around at all tonight. She made it sound like after her family dinner she had other plans. Please don't hate me," Mathew pleated.

"Even if you did know Nicole was there her behavior wouldn't be your fault. You didn't do anything wrong. My friendship with you should not be this threatening to her," I tried to reassure him. Mathew looked incredibly relieved. "Thank you for keeping her away from me, both of you," I said gratefully. "I'm not sure what I would have done if Nicole had hit me."

I followed behind both to them as we stepped off of the elevator. We walked down a short hallway until we came to a pair of glass doors.

I stopped and look to Alex before walking in, "What is this place?"

Alex opened the door for me. "It the arboretum. This is our families' emergency meeting place. Quinn wanted to put you some place secure while he defused the situation and called Abe."

The room was phenomenal. Each wall was made out of glass panels that formed an upscale green house. Huge exotic trees grew in large planters that were fitted into the marble floors.

"I can see this being the last place anyone would come looking for us," I said quietly, "do you really think that he'll call Abe?"

"If Quinn wants to keep his job he will. Abe would freak out if he kept something like this from him," Alex responded.

I found a small stone bench by one of the far walls and Mathew moved to sit with me. The small light was breaking the horizon as dawn began to make it's way into the sky.

Alex paced in front of us,"I left my phone downstairs in all the commotion. I'm going use the hall phone and just update my parents."

"If you call them don't you think you're going to get Mason all upset," I insisted with a yawn, "I'm safe there is no reason to at gas to the fire."

"Mason is probably asleep, but if it were me and my girl was almost attacked I'd want to know," Alex explained.

I looked down at my hands. "Okay just be vague. I don't think I can handle another fight tonight," I pleaded glancing at Mathew.

After Alex stepped out into the hall Mathew and I sat quietly. I watched as the sun creep slowly into the sky. "Isn't it kind of strange that they would have a glass room? Doesn't it make it difficult to enjoy the plants?"

"We don't need much light to see," Mathew responded. "A lot Moroi find it dangerous to get out and enjoy nature, so we bring nature to us."

I smiled at him and shivered.

"You should have said something," Mathew pulled off his suit jacket and draped it over my shoulders.

"Thanks," I told him and pulled it closer to me, "I think I'm still in a state of shock, I didn't even realize how cold I was."

Alex popped his head back in the door, "I need to run downstairs to get my phone. Quinn is finishing up. He and Abe should be here shortly. Mathew could you stay here with Paris for a minute?"

"I'm not going anywhere," Mathew told him.

Alex frowned, "I'll be right back."

"Interesting family aren't they?" Mathew commented.

"What do you mean?" I wondered. "I think that they are an awesome family. Despite all their obstacles they make it work."

"That's what I mean, they have so many things working against them. It is incredibly rare to see an all dhampir family. Almost unheard of," Mathew tried to explain.

"Really," I said surprised, "I thought that the taboo was squashed a long time ago."

"You're right. No one really cares if dhampirs get married anymore, but it never lasts."

I frowned,"Isn't that kind of cynical."

"Unfortunately it's reality." Mathew explained, "Most dhampirs are guardians and they are almost never placed together. Can you imagine spending nine months out of the year not even in the same house as your husband? The lucky ones that get placed together usually last longer."

"I think that it would be hard not to have your own home. I don't think I would be happy following someone else around watching them live their life, have their family, and not get to have my own," I said sadly.

"Most dhampir women seem to want kids. That's why there are less and less girls that take trials every year. Sometimes even the girls that go to school all the way through don't want the tattoo."

"Can't really blame them though can you. At least they have options." I spoke optimistically. "Rose and Dimitri adopted and there has to be other advances in fertility treatments that could help couples."

Mathew couldn't meet my eyes. There was something that he didn't want to say. "What, tell me," I encouraged.

He reluctantly answered,"Adopting's hard because most unwanted or orphaned kids get put right into schools hoping to turn out more guardians. As far as I know fertility stuff doesn't work for dhampirs. I'm not really sure exactly why, but I think that it has something to do with our magic. It was never successful." Mathew put his hands up, "Really I shouldn't have told you that. I am definitely not in expert. People are coming up with advances in medicine all the time right?"

I paused mournfully, "I'll never have my own kids. The more I'm around all of this craziness I'm convinced my parents did the only sane thing and moved away. I'm going to college and make a real life for myself."

"You never know what's going to make you happy Paris." Mathew smiled, "We are all worried about what's next. At least you know that college is an option for you."

"My mom always wanted to go to college, but even though she is the smartest person I know she was never able to," I told him.

"I'm probably not going either," Mathew sighed, "you should hear my father complain about how he can't even bribe a decent school to let me in."

"You will," I told him, "I'll help you. If you get your grades up the next couple semesters and do well on the SATs there is no reason you won't get it. Plus, Paisley said that you are on a million committees. College love that crap." I punched his shoulder playfully, "If that doesn't work we can always have my dad pay them a visit. He is really good at convincing people."

"You're going to help me?" he said cautiously. "Really?"

"Yes, really. We're friends right?"

Mathew nodded and looked at me intensely.

I got up and walked over to the glass. The view of brilliant new sun over the snow covered mountain was breathtaking. My perfect bun had fallen down into ratty mess so I reached up at pulled out the pins. I shook out my now wavy hair and combed it with my fingers. I could feel Mathew walk up behind me.

"Incredible view isn't it? Does the light bother you?"

"No," he responded, "the view is amazing." Mathew leaned forward and I felt his face titled in my hair. "God you smell incredible Paris. Like lilacs and sunshine."

I was frozen in place. Suddenly my friendly chat with Mathew had become incredibly awkward. I took a step forward, placing my palms against the cold glass. "Geez what's taking them so long. Nicole must have been more out of control that we thought."

Mathew spoke from behind me, "I'm sorry Paris. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

I turned around to find a very guilty looking Mathew. "I'm with Mason," was all I could say.

"I know. He's a good guy," Mathew said firmly, "Paris you deserve a good guy, the best."

"It's not that your not a good guy Mathew. You totally are."

"A lot of people would disagree with you on that," he said looking toward the door.

"Anyone that doesn't see what a wonderful person you are is dumb," I countered.

"I think that they are more worried about my influence on you."

I laughed, "Going to turn me into a bad girl Mathew?"

He took a deep breath, like he was thinking it over. "I think they are more worried about your virtue."

The cocky smile wiped from my face. I was totally shocked by his choice of words, "That's not a phrase you hear everyday."

"Sorry, I was trying not to be crass. I'm just being honest," Mathew sighed and retreated into the room and I followed him. The sun was now beginning to shine brightly on the horizon. "I have no interest in taking advantage of you or leading you on Paris. It's important to me that you know that."

"You think that if I didn't already know that I would be spending time with you? I just don't understand why Mason is so worried about it. I'm not naive."

"Mason has his reasons and trust me I would feel the same way in his shoes." Mathew whispered, "I can't say I have always had the best intentions toward the opposite sex, but believe me when I say I want to be your friend way more than I want to get into your pants. Looking at you right now Paris, I must want to be your friend extremely badly."

I couldn't help it, I let out a loud laugh that echoed through the mostly empty space, "That's good to know."

Across the room Abe blew into the room without any warning. A battle ready Quinn followed a few steps behind. Even at the late hour Abe was still dressed to the nines and sporting a gold cane. "Paris," he said frantically wrapping his free arm around me, "are you okay? You're a tough girl, but that spoiled brat doesn't get to threaten you."

Abe released me and looked me up and down. "I'm all here Abe. Nothings broken I promise. Your warrior over there didn't even let Nicole get within spitting distance."

"O' how your mother would kill me if I let anything happen to you," Abe said taking a long relieved breath.

"Did you wake my dad?" I wondered. I was sure he would have some choice words on the situation.

"No, did you want me to?" Abe seemed surprised.

I shrugged, "Alex woke up Rose I just figured you would."

"Your father had a particularly difficult evening. You grandmother has set out to test the limits of your parents vows I'm afraid," Abe's head came up and looked poignantly at Mathew, "you will keep that bit of information to yourself."

"Yes, sir," Mathew replied immediately. I was glad he understood how important it was not to cross Abe.

"What's up with the watch dog Abe?" I motioned toward Quinn. "I don't a need shadow, I know how to take care of myself."

"Paris you have been in two altercations in the last few days forgive me if I disagree," Abe shot back. Out of the corner of my eye I watched Mathew flinch.

I put my hands on my hips and tried a different technique, "I'm not comfortable being followed. My parents quit babysitting me when I was ten."

Just as I finished my sentence Alex and Mason threw open the door and marched over to join our group. Mason looked like he rolled out of bed and put on a pair of jeans and a tee shirt, but the bad ass look on his face made him look incredible. I could feel my breath quicken and my pulse start pounding as he came toward me. I knew that Abe and Mathew would notice, but I was so fixated I didn't care. Neither Alex or Mason said anything, but the tension in the room felt like a physical thing.

"This is not negotiable Paris, when you are not in your room or with Mason, Quinn will be shadowing you." Abe called my bluff, "Either that or we can call your mother and tell her the situation. Would you like to see what she suggests?"

I looked at Mason for help, but knew by his scowl I was defeated, "No we shouldn't worry her."

"Good now that is settled Mason escort Paris back to Paisley's room. She is going to sleep there today just incase Nicole or her mother decide not to heed my warning."

Mason stepped toward me and whipped Mathew's coat off of my shoulder and threw if back to him. He wrapped his arms around my waist and hauled me into his chest, "Tell me what happened."

I looked back at the group around us. I could feel the blush start to creep across my cheeks.

"Paris focus. Tell me what happened? Why did Nicole flip out?" Mason was quickly losing patience.

"We had dinner at he piano bar. About an hour ago things started winding down and Mathew, Paisley, Andrew and I were walking out. Mathew and I were chatting and stopped to let Paisley to catch up. Next thing I know Nicole is flying toward me in a fit of rage. Quinn decided to play super man and threw himself in front of me. Before I knew what was happening Alex was yanking me onto the elevator and I ended up here." I explained in my most diplomatic tone.

"Okay," Mason looked confused, "what made Nicole so angry? I've seen her tantrums before, but this sounds like it went to a whole new level."

I wasn't sure how to answer and fell silent.

"Mathew want to help me understand?" Mason said snidely not taking his hands off of me.

Mathew simply admitted,"I gave Paris a hug."

"A hug," Mason repeated the anger collecting on his face.

"He spun me around in a circle. It was a little over the top, but it was harmless," I shrugged like it was nothing.

Mason took a step back and ran both of his hands over his face, "Do I want to know why Mathew chose to do this?"

"We were celebrating," Mathew shared.

Mason turned all of his attention to Mathew and I was suddenly glad Quinn was still in the room. "Celebrating what?"

Mathew looked to me and shook my head quickly. "I think that maybe you should talk to Paris about that."

Mason tilted his head to the side, "What you two are sharing secrets now?"

"We can talk about it later Mason," I tried.

"We can talk about it now Paris," Mason replied his voice getting louder with each word.

I shivered, "This isn't the right place or time."

Mason rubbed his hands down my arms. "You're right, you're freezing."

"All right," Abe announced clapping his hands together, "Alex thank you for your help tonight we all appreciate it. Paris go with Mason have a chat. When you're finished have him take you back to Paisley's room. If you go anywhere else without Quinn or Mason I am not going to be happy. If you choose to go awol my first call will be your mother, understand?"

I nodded and folded my arms in across my chest defensively.

"Take his card," Abe said handing me a small business card with a phone number printed on one side, "you will call Quinn when you leave your room in the morning. Mathew hang on a few minutes we need to chat about how you are going to start handing Nicole."

We were officially dismissed. I gave Mathew a small wave and took off walking out of the arboretum. Mason and Alex tailed behind me.

"Listen I'm going to stay in Peter's room and sleep this morning. Go back to our room and talk it out," Alex offered and gave me a tight hug. "Be careful hugging you seems to throw people into a fit of jealous rage," Alex joked. I smacked his shoulder and shook my head.

"What too soon to joke?" Alex winked.

Mason excused him, "Good night Alex." With a little wave he took off in one of the elevators.

Mason and I waited for an empty elevator, but didn't speak the rest of the way to his room. I sent Paisley a quick call to thank her and tell her I would be in her room shortly. She winked and suggested I stay the night with Mason, but she couldn't see him. Mason was sulking. He had his arms crossed on his chest and kept shaking his head. I felt like a naughty child about to receive my punishment. Despite our collective bad moods I followed Mason through the halls of the resort and back to his room.

Mason took his time and held the door open politely for me. I knew it was coming, I could fell his Mason's fury building behind me as he softly shut the door.

"Paris look at me," he begged and I whipped around to face his anger. Before I knew what was happening Mason came toward me lifted me and wrapped my legs around his waist. My shoes fell to the floor as I tried desperately to hold on. He pushed me harshly against the far wall of the room and kissed me frantically. It was a brutal punishing kiss that with had me grabbing and pulling at him for more. My hands found and pulled his hair as Mason kissed and nipped at first my lips and then my ear.

"Paris didn't we just have a discussion about this?" Mason asked softly kissing his way down my neck.

I took a deep breath and forced the words out of my throat, "A discussion about what? Right now my brain has switched onto autopilot."

Mason's hands moved to my butt and ground down between my legs with his hips. "About why you need to stay away from Zelkos."

I let out a gasp feeling his arousal tucked between my legs, "Are you trying to make some kind of point Mason."

Suddenly I was flying backward and landed on Mason's bed with a bounce, never leaving his arms. "I was scared tonight Paris. Alex called me frantic. Told me Nicole had lost it, you don't understand what level of crazy you are dealing with here."

"I saw first hand tonight," I told him looking into his chocolate eyes. He looked so sincere. "What did you tell Mathew that had him so happy he was throwing you in the air?"

"Truthfully," I asked and he gave me a stiff nod.

"I told him I was strongly considering my grandmother's proposal. She wants switch schools and go to St. Vlad's next year."

Mason lifted off of me completely stunned. "Why would you do that? It's not like they could have you ready for trials in one year. I would be a disaster."

I flinched feeling his disapproval, "No one was suggesting that. They all just want me to have a chance to be around other dhampir's and Moroi. As my grandmother put it, they want me to absorb the culture. Surprisingly even my father seems on board with it."

Mason took a second and slowly explained, "It's not a good idea Paris. You deserve better than that place. Don't you need to finish your last year of high school?"

I was having a hard time following the conversation with the weigh of Mason on top of me. "I'm not going back next year. If I don't go to St. Vlad's I'm going to start college a year early."

"Don't you have to apply and be excepted to those places," Mason asked uncomfortably. "Can you tell me why Mathew knows about all this and I don't?"

"The only reason Mathew knows is because my grandmother shanghaied him into that ridiculous tea the first day I met her." I ran my fingers through his perfectly unruly hair and I explained, "She decided to use poor Mathew as an example of all the dumb people I could benefit at St. Vlad's. It was totally humiliating for him."

My information seemed to pacify Mason temporarily and he resumed gently kissing me.

A few minutes or hours later he leaned up on his elbow and titled his head, "Why didn't you ask me about this sooner? You talked to Mathew about it."

"I don't want him. I want you," I said simply. "It doesn't matter what we talked about, you are the only one I want to be with."

Something in my words set Mason off. He began kissing me with a new determination. His hands found my breast and I arched up into his touch. I was intoxicated by the feeling of him caressing and stroking me in places no one had ever touched before. Mason had me feeling wild and yearning toward a release I had never felt. It was overwhelming and insane, but in the end Mason took care of me.

Mason laid down next to me and pulled me tightly into the crook arm. "I'm sorry if that was too much, I just couldn't stop myself," he revealed. Mason soothingly ran the tips of his fingers down my face and into my into my now crazy hair.

"It wasn't too much Mason," I answered dreamily, "it was just enough."