My head suddenly felt incredibly heavy. A low buzzing sound started softy in my ears, but quickly took over in my head. My eyes closed on their own and all I could see blackness.

Rose's angst ridden voice cut through me, 'What did she call him?"

I couldn't remember falling, but I could feel the cold floor on the palm of my hands. My eyelids felt too heavy to open so I shook my head from side to side trying to wake up. Small pieces of the conversation around me were registering, but it all felt like a dream. A bad dream.

"Geez her neck is still bleeding," Dimitri pointed out.

"Not here Adrian," Abe commanded, "we need to get her upstairs."

"I got her," Mason said softly and I could feel his warm moist breathing on my forehead.

I awoke with a start. The vision of red eyes had made its way through my deep sleep. Paisley's concerned eyes gazed at me. She sat on the chair by the bed staring at me with wide eyes.

"They left you to babysit?" I tried to joke, but my dry voice cracked.

Paisley's face softened, "What, no I was worried about you. When I came to check on you Mason asked me to sit with you for a second. He hadn't left the room since they brought you up."

My fingers felt up for the gash at my neck. I was expecting to feel a new bandaid or maybe a few stitches, but the skin felt was smooth and oddly untouched. My father must have healed me. He could fix the cuts and scrapes, but there wasn't anything that he could do for my exhaustion. I needed to sleep that off. "How long have I been out?"

Paisley shrugged, "Not too long, maybe an hour. You made quite an entrance."

I flinched imagining the spectacle that I must have created. "How much of it did you see?"

"We were all down at the pool when the resort went on lock down," Paisley explained. "Nobody had any idea what was going on. Just to be nosey Andrew, Mathew, and I walked down to the lobby. We didn't really think that we'd find out what was going on, but Mason was pacing around like a mad man. Eddie and Alex were trying to calm him down. We didn't see you anywhere and Mason was so upset, we figured you might have been involved somehow."

"Did you see Quinn brought in?" I asked sadly.

Paisley nodded, "We only caught a glimpse, but you could tell he was unconscious. They had him laid out on some kind of stretcher. One of the guardians called for your Dad."

"That's probably why I didn't see him when we came in," I frowned. If they needed help from my Dad, Quinn must have been in really bad shape. "How did I get up here?"

"Hey, take it easy," Paisley squealed as I tried to sit up. She fixed a pillow behind my head and put the back of her hand on my forehead like a mother checking a child for a fever.

"I'm not sure exactly. You kind of collapsed and the crowd closed in on you. The next thing I saw was Mason carrying you in his arms with Abe and your Dad following behind," Paisley grinned.

I flushed and buried my face in my hands, "O God that's mortifying."

"No way," Paisley shook her head insistently, "it was totally swoon worthy. Mason scooped you up like you weighed nothing. The crowd parted and let him through. Mason looked totally freaked out, but he wasn't letting anyone near you."

"Where did Mason go?" I asked sitting up and dangling my feet over the side of the bed. The exposed vulnerable feeling I felt walking into the lodge was back in full force and I needed Mason to chase it away. He was a soothing balm to my insecurities.

Paisley pointed to the adjoining door. "There was some commotion in your Dad's room he went to check it out. "Is there anything you need, anything I can do for you?" Paisley's concern was so endearing I wanted to hug her.

"I'm starving. Could you order up some room service? Some pasta maybe or lasagna?" I asked stretching my stiff arms up over my head.

"Yeah absolutely," Paisley nodded happily. Just as she got up to retrieve the room service menu a loud bang like a resounding knock landed on the adjoining door. Someone was throwing their shoulder into it or someone was being thrown into it.

"Was that the sound you heard earlier?" I asked concerned. Paisley nodded quietly and stepped back farther into the room to use the phone.

While Paisley's back was turned I stood up. My head was swimming for a second, but I quickly recovered and lunged for the door. I pulled the door open and was immediately assaulted by loud yelling and shocked gasps.

A sea of faces all turned toward me.

"Paris what are you doing out of bed?" Abe spoke up.

I gave him a disgusted look and lied, "I'm okay. What's all the banging about?"

"Just a disagreement," my father said with a shaky voice. He looked pale and vacant.

Mason had positioned himself in between our fathers and Rose looked sick to her stomach. Whatever this disagreement was, it was obviously about me.

"Here come sit Paris," Dimitri motioned to a chair.

"No, tell me what's going on." I demanded, "Why would you be fighting with my father after he used spirt, twice? Don't you know what it does to him?" I looked around the room searching the faces for an answer.

"We are just getting some confusion cleared up," Abe said glaring at Dimitri.

I ignored them and looked to my father, "How's Quinn?"

"Quinn was in bad shape Paris," Dad admitted. "His skull was broken, probably in more than one place. I'm sure he was having some swelling in his brain. If they hadn't gotten him here when they did I'm not sure I could have done much to help him."

The breath caught in my throat and tears welled up in my eyes.

"Quinn's okay," Rose assured me, "they got him here in time. I saw him about fifteen minutes ago and he was awake. The doctors are just doing some tests to make sure he's fully healed."

"O" I blew out. Relief assaulted me. "Then you healed me?" I asked reaching up to my neck.

"Yeah," my father confirmed. He was looking worse by the minute.

"Why are you arguing now? You need to go lay down," I said desperately.

"Well, I would," he started raising his eyebrows and looking pointedly at Dimitri, "but I'm just finishing up a discussion."

"Yeah we were just finishing up here," Rose repeated and frowned at her husband. "We need to sit down and do a debriefing Paris. When you're feeling up to it."

"A debriefing?" I echoed.

"It's not a big deal," Dimitri added, "we just need to ask you some questions about what happened and make sure their isn't anymore the guardians need to do. Sometimes it leads us to other Strigoi or humans adding them. You never know what we can uncover."

I could feel the look of terror moving over my face.

My father moved in front of me and ushered me back toward my room. "You need to eat. Come on back in your room and get some food brought up and relax a little. You can do the debriefing thing later."

I made eye contact with Mason and he followed me back into my room and shut the door behind us.

"What was that all about?" I tried to ask him, but he just shook his head at me.

"Hey Paisley," Mason spoke up, "thanks for staying with Paris. Could you give us a moment?"

"Sure. I'm glad you're feeling better," she said with a smile, "I ordered you some food, it should be up in a few minutes."

I reached over and squeezed her hand, "Really Paisley thanks."

"I'll see you later at the party." Paisley walked to the door and left with a little wave.

"You still want to go to the whole New Years celebration?" Mason flinched, "You know it's going to be formal with dancing and all that crap."

My face split into a huge smile, "Yes, I do." I wrapped my arms around his waist and looked up into his lovely chocolate eyes, "I'm sorry I ruined our last day together."

"You didn't ruin anything," He said the relief evident on his face.

"I heard you came to my rescue downstairs," I teased him. "Paisley assured me it was very romantic.

Mason flinched but met my eyes, "I wasn't there when you needed me."

"Don't you dare blame yourself Mason. What happened to day was in no way your fault," I practically yelled at him, "I'm fine and so is Quinn that's all that's important."

He flinched and closed his eyes briefly, "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not at all," I said shaking my head.

"I understand, but can I ask you one question?" Mason said sweetly.

I nodded and laid my head on his chest.

"Why didn't you run? I looked at google maps. There were stores and other businesses around you could have hid in and called for help. Why did you stay and fight?"

"That's more than one question," I said into his chest.

"Paris," he warned.

I pulled away and walked over toward my bed. "There's a pretty simple answer with a complicated explanation. I couldn't leave Quinn. I didn't see them hit him, but I could tell he was in no position to protect himself. He left the lodge for me. If he hadn't he would have never been hurt. I guess some of it was guilt and some of it was obligation, but I like Quinn. He's a good guy. He didn't deserve to die in an alleyway alone. I guess no one does."

Mason blinked, "You are incredible. Do you have any idea how brave that was? How bad the odds were that you would get out of there alive?"

"I guess I wasn't really thinking about it," I told him timidly.

Mason walked over and sat on my bed. He pulled me over to stand between his legs. Even though Mason was sitting, I was still only a few inches taller than him. "I know I apologized for how I treated you when we first met, but truly Paris I was so wrong about you. You have an amazing character." He reached up and pulled my chin so I was forced to look at him. "I was so scared you wouldn't come back. I'm so glad you aren't going to be a guardian. This isn't the life I would want for you." Mason pulled at my blonde hairs still caked in blood.

I was so overwhelmed with love and pride that I couldn't speak. I just wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him. Mason responded with a soft lingering kiss where my neck had been healed.

"Why don't you go grab a quick shower and I'll wait for the food?" Mason offered.

Mason made it seem so normal I couldn't turn him down. He didn't even flinched when I came out of the bathroom with my hair all wrapped up in a towel. We spent the next hour chatting and cuddling. I ate an absurd amount of spaghetti and garlic bread, that didn't deter us from the occasional kiss. My mother called and I assured her I was fine and that I would fill her in on everything when I got home. It was comfortable. It was us.

Around ten o'clock Rose came knocking on my door and asked me if I was ready to do the debriefing. I didn't have any real reasons to refuse her. Despite Mason's usual overprotectiveness they wouldn't let him come with me. My father looked much better after some rest and a shower. He also had a chat with my mother and she had an uncanny ability relax him.

Walking into the conference room was intimidating. Several pairs of appraising eyes stared in my direction. Rose, Dimitri, Eddie, and Myron were the faces that I recognized sitting at the oblong table. There were a few men that I had never seen before and a older Moroi woman that had a computer to dictate the conversation.

Most of the questions they asked me seemed fairly routine. Rose was particularly patient and cautious with her questioning. She was still waiting for me to fall apart. The guardians basically wanted to know what happened. My Dad sat beside me and held my hand supportively but, the room gave me the distinct feeling of being a naughty child called into the principle's office.

Rose and Eddie believed my recant of the story, but the others took some convincing. It was hard to get them to believe that I was able to take down the two strigoi myself without Quinn's assistance. I wasn't looking for their praise or their acceptance.

Just when I thought that I couldn't take anymore questions the door opened and a very normal looking Quinn walked in. Jumping out of my seat I went right to him and threw my arms around his neck. For the first time hot fat tears poured out of my eyes and I buried my head into his chest. I felt Quinn wrap his arms around me and hold me tightly as I sobbed quietly into his chest. "I'm okay Paris, really," Quinn reassured me.

When I pulled away my face felt hot with embarrassment. I had soaked Quinn's shirt, but he didn't seem to notice. He gave me a patient smile. Quinn sat down with me and helped confirm the parts of the story that he remembered. He had been hit from behind and knocked out before he had a chance to warn me. Quinn confirmed that he hadn't helped me kill either of the Strigoi, which just generated more questions.

The worst part of the questioning was that everyone seemed to be blaming Quinn. Sure he could have gone back and done a sweep of the alleyway, but it seemed plausible that the Strigoi had been laying in wait for us.

The guardians final recommendation was to go back and question some of the people working at the jewelry store. There was a strong possibility they had been either working with the Strigoi or being threaten by them.

"So what are we going to do with her now," Myron asked the group. He didn't even have the decency to look at me when he said it.

"What do you mean, do with her?" my father asked sarcastically.

An incredibly guilty looking Eddie spoke up, "Paris do you think that you can go home after all of this, or do you think that you would feel better being some place more secure?"

"Our home is secure," my father insisted. "We have wards and a safe room. Sydney and I have done everything we can to make our family safe. After everything that we've been through do you think that we would jeopardize our family."

"We know your house if safe Adrian," Rose said trying to calm him, "but Paris has to go to school. She has to leave your home to live her life." Rose turned her attention to me, "I understand your grandmother has expressed some interest in you attending an academy."

I shook my head, "I'm not interested."

Rose patted my hand compassionately, "You've made some friends here, it's not like you'd be all alone. I'm sure Alex and Mason would help you."

"No, Mason has enough going on this semester without being my tour guide and I appreciate your concern. I really do, but what I need to do is put this whole horrible mess behind me."

Rose and Dimitri shared a look that I couldn't place. Eddie and my father nodded at me as I stood up.

"Wait a minute," Quinn spoke up for the first time. "Paris is still eligible for two monlija marks either way right?"

The entire room went quiet and everyone turned to Quinn.

"Paris saved me there's no doubt about it. She single handedly took down two Strigoi. Quinn insisted, "Paris earned the right to the monlija marks if she wants them."

No one spoke up to contradict him.

My father turned to me a bit shocked at the turn in conversation, "Is that something that you might want Paris?"

The pride and warmth in Quinn's eyes was overwhelming. "I have a good friend here that's an incredible tattoo artist. Paris would be in good hands."

"Can I think about?" I asked him cautiously.

"Absolutely," Quinn said with a small smile.

I was the first one out of the room. I wasn't running exactly, but I didn't want to spend another minute in the suffocating room.

Mason stood up and followed me into the hallway. He didn't say anything, but I was sure the look on my face told him all he needed to know. Mason dutifully followed me back to my room rubbing small soothing circles on my back the whole way.

"I'm going to leave you here," Mason said sweetly as we approach my door. I looked at him questioningly, but he continued, "We both need to get ready. I promised my girl dancing and kissing at midnight."

I gave him an uncharacteristic giggle, "You wouldn't want to let her down would you?"

"Nope," Mason said tugging my pony tail playfully, "you going to walk down with your Dad?"

"Probably," I nodded expecting a kiss goodbye, but Mason disappeared with a small wave.

Walking in to the room the sight of Mason's blue zip up hoodie made me grin. He kept surprising me.

It was easy to busy myself with getting ready. I had a black dress all picked out, but a dress I had never seen before had been pressed and laid out for me. Another subtle hint from my ever helpful grandmother. It was a magnificent silk floor length dress in a deep violet color. There was a deep dip in the front that made a dramatic plunge all the way down to my belly button. The straps wrapped around so that there was practically no fabric covering my back. A clip covered in emerald sparkles was placed to look like it was holding all the fabric strategically in place. I was not going to look sixteen in this dress, but the dress was so fantastic I wasn't sure I cared. It was either going to be way over the top, or just enough.

After taking my grandmother's special earrings out of my safe and putting them on I gave myself some dramatic make up. I completed the look with a smokey eye and slipped on the dress. It fit flawlessly and I took a few seconds to stare at myself in the mirror. Underwear was not an option in this dress and it made me feel oddly naked even though all the important parts were covered.

A knock at the door startled me out of my daze. I opened the door to find Jill almost hystarical with panic.

"O my God," she said lunging for me and touching my face like she wasn't sure I was real. "I can't believe you were hurt. I'm going to kill your father and when I find out Eddie's part in all this he's toast too."

I gave her a small indulgent smile, "Do be too hard on them. I can be rather persuasive when I want to be."

"I would have come sooner," Jill spoke quickly and stepped into my room, "but, your Dad was pretty messed up after healing Quinn. I haven't felt that out of it in a long time. I'm not sure how your Dad was even holding it together."

"Yeah, I feel really bad about that," I cringed.

"Well, from what I've heard of the story you shouldn't," Jill told me pointedly. "I'm proud of you." Jill didn't know the specifics of how my mother and I protected ourselves, but through her bond with my Dad she had made some assumptions."Wow look at you," Jill said pulling away and taking in my ensemble for the first time. "You look awesome!"

"Is it too much?" I asked self consciously and stepped back into my room. "Tell me the truth, I can change."

"Don't you dare!" Jill insisted. "Everyone is already talking about you, lets give them another reason." She winked. I was happy to see Jill in a floor length formal black dress that had a very high slit up her leg.

Jill reached over and blended some of the blush on my face,"Wow you look so grown up. I just don't have any words."

"Well, could you find some because I'm not sure I can walk out of here like this," I told her breathing quickly and motioning to the dress.

"My favorite words would be beautiful, lovely, or breath taking," my father said smarty as he came into the room.

"Do you think I should do something with my hair?" I asked. I had left to fall long liking the way it felt falling down and covering my back.

"No, Paris please believe me," my father said reaching out and grabbed my hand reassuringly, "if you looked any better poor Mason wouldn't survive the night."

"Okay," I said shakily.

"I so want to be mad at you," Jill growled at my him.

Dad laughed, "Yeah, but you just can't make yourself can you?"

Jill let out a long sigh, "No I really can't."

"I know you have had a hell of a day," he shrugged, "you want to go get a drink."

"I kind of do," Jill said truthfully.

The three of us moved downstairs to a room with an intimate cocktail party. It was a little before eleven and the room was buzzing with friends and family.

Seeing the three of us enter the room Eddie excused himself from his conversation and moved toward us. Jill scowled at the sight of him coming at her. She refused to meet his eyes and appeared to be punishing him with good old fashion silent treatment.

Jill moved to the middle of the room and took a glass of champagne off a tray from a server. Dinner would be served much later, but hor d'oeuvres and drinks were being passed.

"Come on Jill," Eddie said getting close to her, "you can't ignore me all night."

"I'm sorry Eddie I just can't understand. You won't tell me what your part in all of this was." Jill shook her head, "If you want me to trust me you have to be honest with me. I not a kid anymore. I can take it."

Dad and I took a step away from them, but most of us were very interested to see how there little scene would play out.

"You want to know where Paris went?" Eddie asked nervously.

I met Quinn eyes across the room and with a small shrug he walked over to stand with me. He politely offered me a drink and I immediately took a very unladylike gulp.

"Yes, Eddie, that's what I want to know," she sighed, "but, I don't think this is the right place for it."

Abe came over and gave me a supportive one armed hug as we all enjoyed the evenings first couple's spat.

Eddie looked up at me with nervous eyes, "Paris went into town for me. I had a package that needed to be picked up."

Jill stared at him and waited for further explanation.

"There's something that I've wanted to give you for a long time and it needed to be perfect. You waited long enough for it," Eddie said his voice getting quiet. There in front of everyone Eddie dug the ring box out of his pocket and got down on one knee. "I love you Jill, I always have. Will you marry me?"

Jill stood frozen in place, both of her hand covering her mouth in shock. After a moment her face relaxed and she nodded. With a small sob she squeaked out a small, "Yes."

The small room of people exploded in cheers and celebration. Rose wrapped an arm around me and gave me a sideways hug.

"You knew about this?" Dad said completely floored. "I can't believe I missed this."

After giving Jill a hug I stepped out of the circle of people congratulating them. I spotted Mason leaning against the wall one hand in his pocket the other holding a champagne flute. He was wearing a modern style tuxedo, unlike most of the men in the room, he wore a straight tie. It was totally sexist that even the sloppiest man could put on a tuxedo and look like James Bond when women practically killed themselves to be beautiful.

Mason crooked a finger at me and I dutifully joined him. "You look incredible," I said softly.

Mason gave me a modest smile, "You stole my line." He took a step toward me closing the distance between us and dipped his head to speak in my ear, "Everyone one in the room has noticed how gorgeous you are. You really should stand over here with me and stop stealing the attention away from Jill."

I swatted at his arm, "You're ridiculous."

"You did that," Mason said pointing at Jill laying a huge kiss on Eddie and pulling her hand back to admire her fabulous ring.

"I did not. Eddie and Jill have worked hard and sacrificed a lot to get to here," I stated with a grin, "I just assisted in the grand finale. You're just trying to butter me up so your evening ends well." I winked. "All's well that ends well."

Mason's face turned very serious, "O it will. Incredibly well."