I was having some kind of out of body experience. Not only was my pride bruised, but I hated pity. Pity was what I saw on the faces of everyone sitting at the table with me. I skipped down the stages of grief directly to anger.

Mason had a million chances to tell me he was leaving this morning. In the end he treated me like the piece of trash I currently felt like.

"If you'd excuse me I'm not feeling well enough to eat," I said not meeting any of the compassionate looks. I stood quickly, throwing my napkin on the table and attempted to salvage a getaway.

"Umm Paris, sweetheart," my father spoke tentatively. He reached across the table and placed a small box in front of me.

I gave him an inpatient frown.

"It's a new phone. Abe sent someone out this morning. Quinn was insistent that you get a new one today."

Words continued to fail me, but I managed a quiet thanks.

Dad reached over and grabbed my hand. "Your grandmother has planned some kind of outing for the two of you today. If you'd like I can tell her you're not feeling up to it." The look of regret on his face only fueled my anger.

"No, that's fine. I don't mind," I said my voice getting hard, "that's after all why we're here right? Just text me the details." I got up and without looking back fled the room. In my mind I wasn't just leaving breakfast. I was running away from the pity and regret. I was giving up on the hopes and wishes I had for today, possibly for the future. Mason abandoned me. I was just a distraction from his everyday life. At least he was honorable enough not to sleep with me before he snuck off into the night.

"Should I go after her?" I heard Jill ask the table, but luckily someone talked her out of it.

I stomped to the elevator feeling like a child who lost their toy. I pushed the call button repeatedly in a vain attempt to call it faster to my rescue.

What had I been thinking? I knew Mason was leaving, but this small part of me wanted to hold on. I had been in denial from the beginning. When Mason told me we would be going our separate way I should have ended it with him. I wasn't programed for quick flings, I got too attached to people. It just wasn't who I was. I cared too much.

When the doors opened I let out a long jittery breath. Mathew and Paisley smiled at me, but could quickly tell by my expression that something was wrong.

"Hey Paris," Paisley said questioningly as she stepped toward me, "you want to join us breakfast?"

"No thanks." My face was getting red with embarrassment and they had no idea why.

Andrew came up behind Paisley wrapping his arms around her and whispering something seductively into her ear.

Cringing I stepped onto the elevator and averted my eyes from the PDA.

"Hey guys I'll catch up with you," Mathew told them and jumped back onto the elevator just as the doors closed. "What's wrong honey, where's Mason? I thought you two would be inseparable today." He looked questioningly at the depressing look on my face.

"I'm not sure where he is," I admitted slowly. "From what his mother and Alex just told me Mason is probably somewhere at 10,000 feet."

"Mason left," Mathew said disbelievingly, "and Alex was the one that told you?" Mathew spoke slowly like the words didn't taste right in his mouth, "He didn't even bother to say goodbye?"

I nodded and tried to swallow the lump of emotion strangling me.

Mathew's breathing increased and his face transformed into something fearsome.

"Don't get upset," I managed to huff out just before the first drops of moisture trickled down my face. "I knew it was coming, I knew that he was leaving. Just like you are."

Mathew pulled me toward him and I buried my face in his chest.

"Why am I crying? This is ridiculous!" I sobbed all over his designer sweater.

"I'm sorry," Mathew frowned as I pulled away, I could see him squeezing his fists.

I wiped my arm across my face spreading the a mixture of tears and snot onto my sweatshirt in a very unlady like way, "You have no reason to be sorry Mathew. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have," I paused trying to think of what exactly I regretted. We stepped out off the elevator and Mathew grabbed my hand squeezing it firmly.

"Hey the super guardian duo is coming this way," Mathew said pulling me away from him just enough to see Rose and Dimitri's eyes on us, "lets blow this popsicle stand."

I looked up surprised to see Rose and Dimitri stepping off of a second elevator. They must of left the table right after I had. I wasn't sure if they were following me, but I was sticking around to find out.

I linked arms with him and walked away from their regretful stares.

"Where are we going?" I asked Mathew figuring there was a good chance that he might not even know.

"Well, I need some food to absorb all the alcohol still floating around in my system," Mathew grinned, "and I suspect you are feeling the same way."

I nodded and let him lead me back to his room. Mathew put on some loud music that made our awkward silence more bearable and ordered room service. I was grateful he didn't ask me about Mason or what happened. I wasn't ready to talk about it. Honestly, I was probably going to be living in denial for the near future.

We ate ridiculously large waffles covered in real whipped creme, fresh strawberries, and rainbow sprinkles. All of which Mathew claimed was the best food for a hang over. He poured me many cups of coffee and told me hilarious stories about his life at school. It was fun, Mathew was fun. For a little while he let me forget about Mason leaving, my grandmother's expectations, and having to go back home. I wasn't going to be the same girl when I got home. In fact, I was starting to feel like I had no idea who I was.

"I'm going to miss you Mathew," I said gazing at the luggage that was neatly arranged in the corner of his room.

"Well, you can call me you know," Mathew smiled wiping some stray whipped creme off of his chin, "I know I'm going to call you."

"Thanks for this," I motioned to our impromptu breakfast. "It's going to be so strange going home after this week. I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to go back to my old life, it feels like I was a totally different person when I arrived here."

"Why is that?" Mathew asked his face wrinkling in confusion.

I took a deep breath and looked at him seriously, "I have to lie to everyone, even my best friends. No one knows what I am, and none of my friends would understand if I told them. We don't exactly have a normal family. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't change them. I have a great family. It's just hard living a lie sometimes. It gets exhausting."

"You know you could always come with us," Mathew said poking me, "just think how happy you would make your grandmother."

"No," I replied my face totally void of any emotion, "Mason wouldn't like it. He made it very clear that I would not be welcome."

"Screw Mason," Mathew yelled his face twisting in anger, "who cares what that idiot thinks. If you come with us you should do it for yourself. He had his chance and the guy was so twisted he threw it away. What's really stopping you?"

"My mom," I admitted, "and Ben. They would probably let my father visit."

Mathew rested his head on his hand,"What's your mom like?"

"She's great." I smiled as Mathew listened intently, "For a long time she stayed home with me and my brother, but she just started working full time. She's really supportive. Anytime I need something I can go to her. My father is totally wrapped around her finger, it's sweet and kind of gross to watch. I feel like she taught me everything I know," I sighed seeing sadness in his face for the first time. "My mom didn't have typical family either, so I think she is always trying to make it up to us."

"Must be nice, my mother has never been very motherly, "Mathew admitted. "If I were you I wouldn't give that up either."

"Really?" I teased, "Christiana Zelkos isn't much of a chocolate chip cookie baker?"

"No, she just checked out when I was a little boy," Mathew said with a shrug, "it's not uncommon though. I'm not the only guy around here with an absentee parent."

My phone buzzed and I looked down to several worried messages.

Jill: I can't find you and I'm getting worried. Text me and let me know you're okay. I'm going to walk over to your room incase you shut off your phone.

Dad: I'm sorry that things worked out this way. Let me know if you need to talk. I know you're sad and I wish I could fix it for you. If you are up to it, your grandmother wants to meet you at 10. If not just let me know and I'll blow her off. I love you and I wish I could protect you from everything.

I stood up and looked to Mathew, "I'm sorry I have to get back to my room. Everyone is freaking out. They probably hid all my razors."

Mathew let out a painful laugh as he opened the door for me. Looking down at me with pleading eyes he asked,"You going to come down and see us off?"

"I think I can do that," I grinned leaning over to wrap my arms around him in a quick hug, "sorry about your sweater."

I felt his chest rumble in a deep laugh as I pulled away.

"You crack me up Paris." Mathew shook his head at me, "Take care of your self."

I walked down the hall totally spaced out. My head was filled with so many unanswered questions. I expecting to see Jill waiting for me, but was surprised to see Abe standing at my door. He stood menacingly with his arms crossed in front of him and a deep frown creasing the sides of his jaw.

"Paris," he grumbled.

I threw my hands up in surrender, "If this is about Quinn I'm sorry. I just needed some time. It's been a difficult morning."

"Not out here," Abe motioned and waited until we stepped inside my room. Either the maids had turned the temperature down or Abe's cool glare caused me to shiver. I pulled my arms into the sleeves of my sweatshirt and wrapped my arms around myself protectively.

"Tell me what happened," Abe demanded his eyes getting soft. He looked afraid of my answer.

"I'm sorry Abe what happened when?"

"I need to know if I'm going to have to kill my grandson Paris." Abe took a step forward his eyes focused on the rug. "What happened last night?"

"Nothing," I lied, "you saw us together at the party last night. We danced for a while and after I had a bit too much to drink. Mason brought me back here and I fell asleep." I cringed. "When I woke up this morning he was gone. Poof no more Mason," I told him exaggerating the last few words.

Abe leaned down and picked up a small white button off the floor. He focused on the button turning it over in his finger tips. "Paris I realize this is a difficult topic, but I never took you for a lier."

I took another step into the room and turned my back to Abe. "Okay so Mason came back here with me. I thought you didn't want me wandering this halls alone," I said with more attitude then I really intended.

"I'm thinking if the buttons from his shirt are on your floor there is more to this story then you are letting on." Abe paused, "No one could find Mason this morning and he almost missed his flight. I'm wondering if he spent the night with you."

"It doesn't matter," I blurted out. I pulled open the curtains, to busy myself, letting in the small amount of light still on the horizon.

"It does too matter," Abe demanded swearing under his breath in a language I didn't understand and grabbing my arm. He turned me around to face him and looked up at the ceiling and shook his head. "Paris I need you to answer a simple question," Abe spoke slowly his face looking older than I had ever seen it, "Did Mason get you drunk?"

"No," I paused, "yes," I cringed, "maybe a little. I knew what I was doing."

The wrinkles around his eyes seemed deeper and Abe looked older than I could ever remember. "Mason left your room this morning? Without telling you he was leaving"

I nodded all emotion wiping from my face. I braced myself for the question.

"Did he take advantage of you Paris?"

My throat got tight and I could feel the tears prickling in the corner of my eyes. That had not been the question I had expected him to ask.

"No, he didn't," I met his eyes and spoke with a shaky voice. "That's not what happened Abe I promise. I'm not lying."

Abe let out an uncomfortable breath. "Any truth to it at all?"

"We were both drunk Abe. I know we shouldn't have been, but we were just trying to have some fun and relax" I tried to explain as tears slipped from the pinched corners of my eyes," it wasn't Mason's fault. We just fell asleep." I covered my mouth a sob escaping my tight control.

"Mason left quickly. You have to understand how it looked," Abe groaned pulling me into his arms, "we were all worried. Rose has been a mess not knowing what to do."

A loud knock came at my door. Abe unwrapped me and opened the door. A very unhappy Jill stood before him with her hands planted firmly on her hips. Jill took a second to scan the room and looked up at Abe, "I got it from here."

Abe nodded and looked back into the room at me as I walked toward them, "I'm sorry Paris I can see this has been tough on you. I'll see you at dinner. You know I would do anything to protect you." Abe leaned forward kissing the top of my head, "I love you like you were my own."

I wiped the new tears off my jaw and walked back into the room. I flopped down on the bed as I heard the lock click closed. I had a sudden longing for my bed and my sheets.

"For what it's worth I tried to beat Abe here. Someone is going to have to deal with Rose and I'm glad it's not me."

"What does Rose have to do with anything?" I yelled and threw my hands up in frustration.

Jill gave me a patient smile, "She's just worried. I'm not sure why she expected you two to run off into the sunset together, but she didn't expect Mason to hurt you."

I rolled my eyes like a spoiled child and squashed the smile that threatened to appear from her words.

"It's been obvious from the beginning. Eddie and Adrian were taking bets on how long it would take you two to realize it at the mixer. Auras aren't my thing, but they don't lie."

"I don't believe that little halos of color define a person. What now they are used in match making?" I said petulantly. Apparently being dumped had the side effect of making me act like a five year old.

"You had an exciting night last night," I raised an eyebrow at her and tried to change the subject to something happier.

"Yes, and a rather vigorous morning as well," Jill admitted returning my smile, "I was doing my best to keep your Dad busy. He's angry, but he has put it all together just yet.

"Put what together?" I asked pulling the pony tail holder out of my hair and scrubbing the last of the moisture from my face.

Jill sighed, kicked off her heals, and despite her perfectly pressed gray suit she flopped down on the end of the bed,"You want to talk about it?"

"No." I insisted. "That is the last of the tears. I'm not crying anymore over Mason or any other stupid guy."

"He might still call," Jill said tilting her head toward me not saying Mason's name out loud. "You got to have some faith in him."

"Really," I answered drawing out each syllable. "All the times you and Eddie ended things, how many of those did he come crawling back?"

"Once," she gave me a sad smile, "the last time."

"So what makes you so sure Mason's going to call?"

"I'm not," Jill confessed, "I'm actually pretty sure that he won't."

I gave her a very annoyed look. "Mason told me he didn't have any interest in having any kind of relationship once we left the lodge. He couldn't have been any clearer. If he calls it will be out of guilt."

Jill raised an eyebrow at me "He could call out of regret. You have to understand these guys Paris. They aren't like any other. They get so far into their own head that they don't believe that they deserve love. Eddie spent so many years believing he wasn't good enough for me, it almost ruined us."

"That makes sense for Eddie," I reasoned, "his family abandoned him. Mason has always had a family that loved him. Mason's insecurity comes from his sense of duty. He thinks that his whole world must be about self sacrifice." I shook my head in disbelief. "A true martyr."

"That's something that drew you to him," Jill stated.

I shrugged, "Possibly."

"Hmmm. So why did Mason fail to tell you about his plans to leave early."

I shook my head feeling the soft pillow behind my head. "I'm not sure. I want to think that it's because he was a coward and couldn't face me to say goodbye, but honestly I said something that probably freaked him out. There is a good chance that it was all my fault."

Jill turned sideways toward me and propped her head up on her hand. "Mason didn't tell you he loved you too?"

I squeezed my eyes closed as shame washed over me, "How do you know that's what I said?"

"Well," Jill sighed, "Eddie ran the first time I told him that I loved him so I figured there was a good chance that history repeated itself."

"I'm sure I freaked him out. I freaked me out," I said as a burning blush moved up my neck and onto my face, "Mason probably though he had some crazy stalker girl to deal with. When he woke up he had a chance to get away from me and he took it. Simple as that."

Jill startled me as a loud laugh escaped her. "You are out of your mind Paris. That boy was in so deep with you he'll never dig himself out. They aren't easy men to love, but it doesn't change the fact that we do. You should go after him."

"No," I demanded feeling my anger resurface, "I deserve better than that. I deserve to have a boyfriend that is fighting to be with me, not to get away from me."

"I can't argue with you there," Jill agreed. "But, tell me one thing would you rather have your pride or would you rather have Mason."

"That's insane. I'm not changing my whole life to go after Mason," I said exasperated.

"Understandable," Jill nodded, "but, I have a feeling this isn't the end for you two."

I responded under my breath, "That's what I'm afraid of."

"So where did you end up running off to." Jill smirked, "Where ever it is I'm going to hide there next time I want to be left alone. I looked everywhere."

"I had breakfast with Mathew." I told her, "We had a good talk, took my mind off all the drama. I didn't realize he had such severe mommy issues."

"I can only imagine," Jill said as she silenced her ringing phone, "there was a big scandal after his father died."

I couldn't help the gasp that came out of my mouth. "Mathew's father died?"

Jill nodded, "When he was little, three maybe four years old. It was a big deal because they didn't find him at first."

"He was turned," I blurted out in a shaky voice.

"Yeah, I think so. I don't know all the details and it isn't my story to tell, but I know that Rose and Dimitri had a part in putting him to rest." Jill let out a long yawn and hugged a pillow to her chest.

"I thought Mathew said something about his father not being proud of him," I wondered.

Jill shrugged, "He was probably talking about his stepfather. Only father he really every had."

I frowned, "His mother kept her last name as Zelkos." Even if it was a royal name it seemed like an arrogant thing to do.

"No," Jill said letting out a long breath, "Christiana married Mathew's uncle. The story was that they bonded over their loss."

"How very royal of her," I laughed through the shock I was feeling.

"Yup," Jill nodded in disgust. "I feel dirty just talking about it."

"Me too, right now a shower is just about the only thing that would make me feel better," I reasoned. All the tears had made my face feel tight and itchy. My hair felt greasy from all the dancing the night before, and I was hoping to wash away the empty feeling in my gut.

"You go get in the shower and get yourself cleaned up," Jill told me motioning toward my bathroom, "I'm going to figure out when we are supposed to meet your grandmother."

"You're coming with me?"

"Damn right I am," Jill gave me a bright smile, "I have invited myself."

"Thank God," I smiled and climbed out of the bed toward the warm inviting water.

After my shower Jill laid out a comfortable pair of black slacks and a topaz colored silk shirt out on my for me out on my bed. She forced me to get dressed and make myself as presentable as I could without putting any effort into it. Without much thought, I followed her out the door.

"What does my grandmother have cooked up?" I asked looking across the elevator at Jill's shining eyes.

"I have to admit she's got something good up her sleeve. Way better than some boring tea party," Jill smirked. "We have one stop to make first."

"What's that?" I wondered as the elevators opened on the lobby. It was jammed full of people. Most of them toted baggage. Jill grabbed my hand and moved us swiftly through the crowd toward the large fire place where I had spotted Mason for the first time. The crowd parted easily for Jill as they took note of who she was. Everyone was hugging and saying goodbye. More than one mother had tears in her eyes.

I spotted Paisley's beautiful red hair easily. She was hugging her mother tightly. Andrew stood just a few steps away rolling his eyes at a man, that looked so much like him, he had to be his father. Mathew stood a few feet away squashed against a cart filled with luggage. He gave me a small gloomy smile and all I could see was a sad little boy.

"You showed," Mathew said looking relieved.

I shrugged, "Of course I did. Someone had to see you off."

"Well, I'm glad it was you," Mathew said taking a step toward me and closing the distance between us.

"I'm glad that I had a chance to know you."

Mathew made me jump as he leaned forward to whisper in my ear, "It's not over. You can't get rid of me that easily."

"Moving on so quickly," Nicole's the sing song voice cut through the crowd.

"I heard Mason climbed out of your bed this morning and you jumped right in Mathew's. Don't worry you'll be in good company." Nicole sneered. "I guess the rumors were true."

I looked back hoping Jill would give me some back up, but couldn't see her in the growing crowd.

"Anyone ever tell you that you shouldn't believe everything that you hear," I fired back, "maybe you shouldn't start rumors."

Nicole moved closer to me laughed humorlessly at me, "Don't worry I'll take care of Mason. He will be warming my sheets by the time we get back."

"What?" I laughed, "Mason is smarter than that."

"He didn't tell you?" Nicole said snidely and winked at Mathew, "Mason and I have been taking care of each other's needs for awhile now.

"That's enough Nicole," Mathew growled grabbing Nicole's elbow and forcibly pulling her away from me, "you've said enough."

"Tell Nicole she's a lier," I pleated with Mathew, "Mason wouldn't get near her."

"I'm so sorry Paris. I honestly don't know what kind of relationship they have. I've heard rumors, but"

Nicole's cold laugh cut through me.

"You're such a jerk," I yelled toward her as Mathew stepped between us.

"Such strong language Paris. I thought you were trying to appear to be a lady," Nicole continued to prod me.

I shook my head in disgust. "Some of us don't have to pretend Nicole."

I turned around but, after only a few steps I walked right into Alex.

"I'm so glad you came to see us off," Alex said giving me an apologetic smile and pulling me away from a now fighting Mathew and Nicole.

I took a deep breath and tried to maintain my composer. "Yeah take care," I said turning to walk around him.

"Paris wait," Alex called reaching to grab my hand and holding up my escape. "I'm sorry about last night."

I turned back toward him confused. "For what?"

"I didn't forget the music. I left it in my room on purpose." Alex blushed unable to meet my eyes, "I wasn't ready."

I gave him a shaky laugh and patted his arm. "I understand. I never meant to make you feel like you didn't have choice. You are very talented Alex, you need to take some lessons and get some confidence but, I'm not angry with you."

Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out the iPod I had lent him. "Thanks for letting me borrow it. It's really cool, I've never had one before."

"Really?"

Alex shook his head and looked a little bit embarrassed.

I gave him my first genuine smile of the day. "Keep it. I have my phone and I can always pick up a new one if I need to."

Alex looked stunned and tried to hand it to me, "I couldn't, it's too expensive."

"Really keep it. I'll see if I can't find you some good music books when I get home. We have got to teach you how to read music."

Alex looked uncomfortable, but didn't fight me. "Thanks Paris and, um, hey, is there anything you want me to tell him?"

"No," I said clearly, "I have nothing to say to Mason."

Alex nodded, "Hey, they're calling us to the buses now."

"Bye Alex," I said softly giving him a tight hug and watched as he walked toward his parents.

Paisley gave me a quick hug and I promised to call her. I waved sadly at Mathew as he blew me a kiss.

Jill walked beside me linking arms as we walked out of the lobby.

"Feel better?" she wondered.

"Yeah, I do. Thanks," I lied.

Jill shook her head but didn't argue with me. "Okay now that all that drama is behind us lets go relax," Jill said as we walked up to the doors of the spa.

I frowned, "Forgive me Jill but I'm not really in the mood to be scrubbed again."

"No scrubbing," Jill laughed, "but lets not count out the healing power of a swedish massage,"

"A massage?"

Jill nodded as we walked up the front desk. A familiar looking woman in a black uniform led us back to a large dark room lit mostly in candles.

"Hello ladies," my grandmother said from across the room. She stood up and walked toward us. I could see that she was already wearing a robe. Turning toward Jill she raised and eyebrow and asked "Do you make a habit of being late?"

Jill flashed her best fake smile and answered, "We got caught up in the crowd leaving for Saint Vlads."

Giving me a warm smile my grandmother asked,"What do you think?" She motioned to the three half dress men standing next to the towel covered tables. They were all very pretty looking men with long hair and rippled chests.

"I think you had a great idea," I blushed looking toward Jill for support.

"I thought after all the unpleasantness," she paused shuttering softly," yesterday you deserved something truly relaxing."

"Unpleasantness?" I mimicked.

She let out an inpatient breath as she took a step toward me. "You have got to take care of yourself Paris. Your father told me you left the resort," she shook her head disapprovingly, "thank goodness you were smart enough to take a guardian with you. I'm glad he was able to protect you. I'm sure Abe pays him enough he better be worth it." She eyes got soft and pleading, "This is why I wanted you to be some place safe, protected. I care about you Paris."

"My father told you Quinn took care of me," I asked disbelievingly, "that he was the one that killed them?"

I could see Jill flinch out of the corner of my eye. "Paris let's get changed. These men aren't going to wait around all day while we chat," Jill tugged on my arm trying to distract me.

"Yes, Yes, hurry up and get changed," my grandmother purred, they aren't going to hold the room forever."

Slipping into the changing room I cornered Jill. "What's going on? Why did dad tell her that? You and I both know that's not what happened!"

Jill leaned against the wall and unable to meet my intense eyes. "You have to understand Paris everyone agreed this was for the best. We didn't want you to get too much attention. Girls your age don't just take out two Strigoi and walk away without a scratch. Quinn taking them out and getting hurt protecting you was much more believable story."

"That's what everyone thinks," I paused not believing the words coming out of my mouth, "that Quinn saved me?

"Yes," Jill said simply.

I was speechless. How could my father not even bother to tell me that I was now living another lie? I was going to have to pretend here just like at home. Was there ever going to be place I wouldn't have to lie about who I really was? Suddenly I felt like a caged animal. The air in my lungs burned making me aware that I had totally stopped breathing. I didn't want to play nice and swallow if all down. Laying on a table while some greased down man rubbed away my stress seemed like a ridiculous motion.

"Paris?" Jill said as she emerged from one of the changing rooms. She was now wearing one of the plush terry cloth robes and looking at me expectantly. "You know your grandmother didn't have anything to do with it, there is no reason to punish her."

For the first time in my life I wanted to scream at Jill. She had no idea how deeply her words had changed what I thought of her.

I nodded and changed into a matching robe.

No matter how many times the masseuse tried to get me to relax, I couldn't. At the end of the forty-five minutes I jumped off the table feeling wound just as tightly as when I laid down.

"Did you enjoy you massage," my grandmother asked me sweetly as we left the changing rooms.

"Not really," I frowned. My days pretending that everything was fine were over. It was about time I rocked the boat. "I think I want to take Alyssa up on her offer."

"What?" she said taken off guard. Stopping she turned her attention toward me. "What offer?"

"I think that I'd like her to give me the tour of Princeton. Do you think that you could help me arrange it, maybe help me convince my father?"

A calculating grin spread across her face as Jill stood tentatively beside me.

"You know you don't need to make any decisions now," Jill reminded me.

Completely ignoring Jill I continued, "Did you want me to just consider Saint Vlad's or were there other schools I could look at?"

"What?" Jill said so loudly a the woman at the desk looked up at us.

"I'm just thinking," I admitted to them, "that might not be the right place for me."

Jill looked scared. She had never the decisive side of me. "Don't you think that's something you should discuss with your father?"

"No," my grandmother supported me, "Paris is right. There are many great institutions that would be lucky to have her. Many of which your father attended. Let me get some books together and I'll send them to you."

"Thank you, I can use all the help I can get," I opened the door to the spa taking a few steps down the opposite hallway.

"Wait," Jill pleaded, "aren't you going to have dinner with us?" Jill looked down at her phone and frowned, "You dad is meeting us in fifteen minutes."

"Sorry," I waved, "I have something I need to do. I couldn't eat now if I wanted to," I looked at Jill with disgust. The rational part of my brain understood that Jill wasn't to blame, but she was the only one I had to take my anger out on.

"Do you think that we could have breakfast tomorrow before we leave, just you and me," I asked my grandmother sweetly. Jill looked like someone had slapped her.

My grandmother nodded seemingly pleased with my request and I took off. I had no idea which direction I was going, but I needed to find Quinn. I needed to find him fast before I blew.

Stopping in one on the public restrooms I ducked into the last stall and locked the door. Leaning against the cold wall I scrolled down the contact list praying all the numbers had been transferred over to this new phone. Scrolling down to the Q's I was relieved to see his lone name.

The phone rang so many times I was sure that it was going to go to voice mail, when he picked up I let out a jittery breath.

"Paris?" Quinn sounded surprised to hear from me, "Is everything okay?"

"Quinn you said if I wanted to punch anything else while I was here you would help me," I said sounding desperate.

"You need to talk?" Quinn asked slowly.

"No, I blurted out, "I need to hit something. I need to scream and try to kick someone's ass."

"I'll meet you down in the gym," Quinn said understanding, "calm down okay."

"I can't calm down," I said breathing hard, "I don't know what I need, but you were the first person I called."

"Ten minutes," Quinn repeated and hung up.

This is a bonus scene from Mathew's POV. This is set just as they return at school. I know not everyone loves Mathew, but this is just a quick peak in his head. I could see this so clearly in my head I had to share it. Also, I need some help from my awesome readers. In the next few chapters I am going to need to have Mathew's element figured out. He will either be a water, earth, or air user. I am leaning away from spirt because of the obvious Adrian parallels. If you have an opinion or just want to weight it I would love to hear your ideas. Thanks for reading everyone.

I was so pissed I just wanted to punch something, anything really. I hadn't had rage inside of me that felt like this before. I felt like a live wire. If anyone touched me they were going to get a hell of a shock.

I guess if I was being honest I always had anger boiling inside of me. I had since I could remember, it wasn't anything new. Losing your father the same day your mother decided to check out tended to do that to you. But, this was something different. I felt like I had been deceived. Mason was supposed to take care of Paris. That's why I stepped back. No way I would have let Mason have her if I had thought for one moment he wasn't totally in. I thought Paris deserved better than me, but not anymore. I wasn't going to let her slip through my fingers again.

It had been an awful day from the moment I woke up. My mother was on my case again. She firmly believed that telling me how much I embarrassed her would motivate me to do better in school. Sure I could try harder, maybe pay attention more in class and do my homework once in a while. However, the speeches tended to have the opposite affect. I just felt like crap and didn't want to try at all. If I was going to fail I might as well not waste my time.

I rubbed my temples as the shuttle pulled up at Saint Vlad's parking lot. I hadn't talked to anyone the entire trip from the airport. Andrew and Paisley sat across from me, but were so caught up in their own gross tongue sucking world they hadn't even noticed my bad mood. Plenty of girls offered to keep me company, but I knew there was no girl capable of numbing me.

Nicole seemed to have taken the hint and hadn't bothered on the trip back. She still seemed smug about something though. Her petty insignificant brain could be cooking up anything and I just hoped I wasn't the center of her current scheme. The one positive side of Paris not coming back with us was that she would be far, far away from Nicole.

I stepped of the bus and all I could think of was Paris. Her sad delicate face crying on my shoulder this morning was burned into my memory. It incited a rage that I still hadn't been able to shake. I wanted to hit, no pound something just thinking about it. It was the strangest thing, I missed her already. I didn't want Paris the way I usually wanted a girl. She didn't make me feel numb and unattached. Paris made me feel more alive, more myself. She seemed to have faith in me that my own mother couldn't see.

Small social groups formed outside of the bus and I could see several of the groups looking toward me hoping I would join them. Not one of the social climbing girls wanted me for anything but my last name. It used to thrill me, but now it just kind of made me nauseous. I flashed my trade mark smirk toward a few girls and walked past them without a word. The bizarre thing was my silence seemed to make me more appealing. I guess I would never understand what it was about me that held so much allure.

Paisley linked arms with me and tried to steer me toward the cafeteria, but when I pulled away she gave me a very unconvincing pouty face. Paisley had been one of my first friends. She and I had shared crayons and eaten paste together in kindergarden. Even though our mothers positively despised each other, Paisley had been one of my first and best friends. People always thought it was strange that a guy who never even looked at a girl twice would have a female best friend, but it didn't to me. Next to Alyssa, Paisley was the closest thing I had to a sister.

"You need to eat," Paisley said slowly punctuating each word like I didn't speak English. "Even if you want to sulk and be anti social you're going to be starving later.

The baggage was already sorted and would be delivered back to our rooms so I didn't have much of an argument. Paisley knew since we had been away on vacation so long I wouldn't have anything stashed away in my room.

I nodded at her and Andrew turning to follow them toward the familiar smell of pizza. It was one of the few things that they didn't screw up here and it was served at practically every meal.

I plopped down at the first empty circular table I saw. My carryon bag flopped to the ground with a loud thunk.

Paisley grabbed my shoulder and tilted her head toward me, "Slice of pepperoni and a glass of milk?"

I laughed quietly and looked up at her compassionate face, "You know me well friend."

She nodded leaving her purse on the table as while she collected our dinner. Andrew took off toward the food giving me wide birth to sulk. He was a smart man. Paisley was probably the only person that could deal with me in my current mood.

I looked down at my phone and smiled. Paris sent me two texts while I was on the plane. One text was just asking if our flight got in, and one with a crazy picture of her with boxing gloves on her hands. Apparently I wasn't the only one that felt like pounding something. I made it the new background picture on my phone.

The cafeteria was relatively empty. It was mostly just the group coming from the lodge and small group of dhampirs meeting in the bump out in the corner of the room. It made me mad just looking at the guardian wannabes. They liked to pretend they were so important. It wouldn't matter where in the room they sat, I could careless about their self indulgent bull shit.

I managed to nibble on pizza Paisley brought back for me and even managed some normal conversation. Paris's messages managed to squash my fears of losing her completely.

The dhampir group in the corner caught my eye as they dispersed. I went to dump the half eaten pizza off my tray and walked right into Mason Belikov's arrogant face.

"You like to pretend you are so important don't you," I could help myself from saying.

Mason's face tensed and he turned to face me. "Excuse me, don't pretend to know anything about me."

I was glad Mason didn't come right out and attack me, I enjoyed a challenge. "Always taking the high rode, right Mason. You never do anything wrong," I baited him.

"What the hell are you talking about? I have never done anything to you," Mason said louder than he meant to. Several other dhampirs turned toward us with worried glances.

I could see Paisley take long hurried steps toward me. "No, I'm pretty sure I started the day off with a beautiful girl crying all over me this morning. You wouldn't know anything about that would you?"

Mason's cocky grin disappeared and turned murderous. He looked like he wanted to say something, but remained speechless.

"Right," I continued, "you were long gone. Couldn't be bothered with what you left behind?"

My own arrogance was fueling this confrontation and the knowledge that Mason couldn't hit me. If Mason started a fight with me he would be severally punished. If I swung first he could claim selfdefense, but I was in the mood to say exactly what was on my mind.

"Do you know that your brother was the one that told her you left. You left your own brother to see Paris' face crumble. Some bond you two have. Who does that?" I said as Alex's movement across the room caught my eye.

"Don't pretend to know anything about my relationship with Paris or Alex," Mason warned as he took an intimidating step toward me.

"Nicole told her," I shook my head at him throwing attitude in every direction, "I had to watch Nicole tell Paris all about how she's going to be in your bed tonight. The best part is that you are too much of a chicken to call her and set her straight, or maybe it's true."

"That stupid," Mason broke off looking around the room desperately searching for Nicole.

I laughed humorlessly noticing that everyone in the room now had their eyes fixed on us. "What I can't understand is if you were just going to dump her without a second glance why didn't you let me have her?" I shrugged, "Paris obviously didn't mean anything to you. If she had you wouldn't have spent the night with her and left without a word. You treated her like a slut."

Before I could even get the last word out Mason dropped his tray, the dishes shattering on the floor. Stepping over the mess he lunged at me. I stepped back, but his long arms pulled me toward him and down onto the floor.

"I wouldn't trust you with my dog," Mason finally got out just as we slammed to the hard tile floor.

Andrew grabbed Paisley around the waist yanking her backwards barely out of the way. I could hear Alex screaming at Mason to stop, but we were both so in the moment it didn't matter.

I swung first my fist connecting perfectly with Mason's eye socket. If I was lucky he might even have a black eye. I had never hit anyone before and it felt amazing. All the anger I was pushing down came flying free.

Mason wasn't expecting me to fight back and was temporary disoriented giving me a moment to swing my head up and connect with his nose. Blood came gushing out of his nostrils and the whole room erupted in pandemonium.

Alex grabbed Mason around the waist and attempted to pull him off of me just as his fist connected with my jaw. I heard a loud crunch as two instructors grabbed Mason's arms and pulled him the rest of the way up.

Flinging my legs wildly I managed to get back onto my feet in time to see Mason being dragged out of the room.

"You okay man," Andrew said slowly as he inspected the bruise forming on my face.

I smiled broadly at him for the first time all day and declared, "I feel great."

Paisley looked shocked as I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and walked back to our table.

"You are totally insane," Paisley frowned, her face even paler then usual.

"I am," I nodded in agreement, "totally."