Thank you all for adding me to your favorites, your author alerts, and mostly your reviews. They mean so much to me.

I have to give it up for my fantastic Beta Kristine for all her hard work and mad editing skills. Thanks honey :)

One hour and twenty minutes left before we landed in Tulsa. I leaned my head back once again, hoping for another delicious daydream about my Z. I closed my eyes and began recapping our last few weeks.

~*~

I made it a point to seek her out; it might have been in the hallways between classes or a glimpse of her in a classroom as I passed by. Of course we would meet up for lunch and dinner. I tried to invite Cole and TJ to sit with me but they were reluctant to give up their favorite table. They said that the 'twins' intimidated them. However, the more I am around the 'twins', the more similarities I see between them and the dynamic duo, TJ and Cole. One day I will get them to meet. Maybe with Zoey's help we could play matchmaker for our single friends.

Some days after school we would spend the evening talking with her friends or watching some silly sitcoms for a few hours. I would excuse myself, taking Zoey with me of course, and sneak into the Library or where ever we could be alone for some private time. I knew she didn't like PDA, especially in front of her friends. I would lead her into the room and close the door behind us. I would gently press her against the wall just inside the door. I would place my hands on either side of her body, trapping her. I would lean in slowly and kiss her lips gently, teasing the crap out of her and testing her boundaries. She was always guarded - to an extent. There were always loopholes and I was slowly finding them. She liked being in charge and she liked it when I teased her. That drove her wild. She would let down her defenses and almost attack me. I loved it.

I would bring my body closer to hers, almost pinning her up against the wall. As our lips moved in perfect harmony, she would let out the cutest little whimpers into my mouth. Of course, I groaned at the sound. It only made me want her more. I would give in just a little bit more and deepen the kiss; pressing into her even more. Just before I over stepped the boundary, I would pull away and kiss her soft, wet lips and say my goodnight. I would caress her cheek, kiss her lightly once more, and walk out of the room. I usually walked back to the boy's dorm with a grin plastered on my face and a raging hard on. It was so worth it.

I got to know her best friend (and roommate) Stevie Rae. She was a piece of work; cowgirl to the core. She could argue the finer points of Kenny Chesney and why everyone should listen to his music. Don't get me started on her room. One of the first times I had been up to see Zoey's room. I was shocked at what I saw. Zoey's side was tasteful, simple – just like her; while Stevie Rae had every western motif you could find. My favorite was the boot shaped lamp on her desk. Wow! Girl loves her some country. The huge Kenny Chesney poster over her bed was the final straw. Just before she left she would give it one last look of reverence and then step out of the door. I don't think she knew I was watching her, but I was.

Stevie Rae reminded me of a nurturing mother. She would be the voice of reason when the twins and Damien were going at it. She would use her strongest Okie accent and tell them all to "be nice". It would immediately stop all bickering and then the uproar of laughter would follow. With her around you couldn't be mad for long.

~*~

The captain came over the loud speaker and announced our descent into Tulsa. I looked down at my watch and noticed I had been drifting in and out for the last hour. Yeah! Only thirty minutes left before my sweet reunion with Zoey.

When we landed, I all but jumped out of my seat and headed out of the small airplane. We crammed into the House of Night's SUV and headed home. My foot tapped nervously as Zoey's present bounced on my lap. Could we drive any slower? We finally made it back to the House of Night with only thirty minutes to spare before we had to perform our monologues. As we pulled into the driveway, we saw Neferet standing at the gate to greet us.

"Welcome back, everyone! I hope you had a pleasant trip. I am excited to see all of you performing tonight." She beamed at each of us with such love and affection.

Her eyes lingered as Blake stepped out of the SUV and walked up beside me. Was there something between them?

In a clear, powerful, loving voice she spoke directly to me, "Erik, did Loren tell you about your new roommate?"

"Yes, Priestess, Loren Blake notified me that Jack Twist was my new roommate and that he was introduced to Zoey and our friends," I said quickly. She looked towards Blake and then back at me with a warm, bright smile.

"Good, I hope you make him feel welcome here at the House of Night." I nodded my head in agreement.

On that note she turned and walked away towards the auditorium. We followed suit, leaving all of our suitcases in the SUV. We knew our bags would be brought up to our rooms.

We made our way to the auditorium entering through the back entrance. Professor Nolan was backstage making sure everything was ready for our performances tonight. She was amazing as she took charge and gave orders to a few of the drama class fledglings. I decided to take a few minutes to see if I could find Zoey. After all, she knew we were performing today and I wanted to see her so badly. I needed to see her.

"Hey Cole, I am going to out front to see if I can see Zoey, I'll be right back." I turned without hearing a response and walked away.

Just as I turned the corner, I noticed Damien, Shaunee, Erin, and a new fledgling I didn't recognize; I assumed it was Jack Twist, my new roommate. When I didn't see Zoey, I thought it was odd, but I noticed that Stevie Rae wasn't around either. I quickly closed the gap between us, my nerves were getting the better of me.

"Hey guys, how are you doing?" I asked while walking up towards Damien.

"Hey Erik, we're doing good. How are you?" Damien asked.

"Good. Have you seen Zoey?" I asked quickly, glancing at the entrance to the auditorium.

"I think she overslept," Shaunee announced. My head snapped up to face the twins.

"Yeah, her and Stevie Rae weren't up this morning like normal," Erin's voice held a little concern. She looked quickly to Shaunee and then to Damien.

I started to get worried. It wasn't like her not to be here with her friends. I looked down at my watch, it was almost ten. She never sleeps past eight o'clock. Was she feeling okay? Is she sick? I started to panic when Damien's voice calmed my fears.

"Erik, a lot has happened since you have been gone. Two of Zoey's human friends were killed earlier this week." His voice was filled with sadness. Apparently a lot had happened.

The only friend she mentioned to me was her ex friend Kayla and ex boyfriend Heath. "Do you know their names?" I asked praying it wasn't the two I knew.

"Chris Ford and Brad Higeons. Why do you ask?"

"Zoey only told me about two friends, Kayla and Heath." I was relieved to know that it wasn't them. I was sure that even though she didn't like Kayla anymore, she wouldn't want anything bad to happen to her. Heath was another story. With their long history I was sure she would have taken it very badly. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"The detectives have been here asking Zoey questions about them. Mainly because she knew them from high school, something about being rival school football teams. Anyway, with their disappearances earlier this week and then everything leading up to their deaths, the reports are saying that the guys were drained of all their blood with cuts and gashes all over their body. The media is reporting that it might be a vampyre – or vampyres - that caused their deaths. So naturally we are the logical target. The detectives also said they found a necklace worn by the Dark Daughters on one of the victims. All the Dark Daughters have been questioned about it and all the necklaces are accounted for. So, it's a mystery. There are no leads to the identity of the murder or murderers. Zoey has been taking it pretty hard. Last night she and Stevie Rae left after a broadcast announcing the death of the second guy," Damien finished. He looked so sad and worried himself.

"Well I am glad she is okay. Are there any new leads?" I asked.

They just shook their head in unison, which answered my question. I looked down at my watch again and back at the entrance doors, still no Zoey.

As if Erin knew my hidden question, she spoke softly, "She said she was on her way. She will be here. I promise."

I gave her a small smile and waved to everyone as I left to prepare my monologue. Damn, I hate that she wasn't here. I wanted to see her beautiful face, hold her, kiss her, and tell her I missed her this week. I wanted to blow off this presentation and go find her, but Professor Nolan peeked around the corner and waved me back. Crap. I walked reluctantly towards her knowing I would have to find Zoey after my performance.

I sat down backstage with the white gift box. I traced the intricate bow and thought about Zoey. So much happened and I wished I could have been here for her; to comfort her when she obviously needed someone. I was grateful she had Stevie Rae and her friends. They, at least, cared enough to worry and see to her needs.

"Hey man, you're up next… " Cole's voice broke my concentration. I barely noticed the roars of applause from the audience. Three of my teammates had already gone. Even Cole had done his overly romantic Romeo scene. Deino was on the stage now dying gracefully. I stood up, closed my eyes, and focused on my monologue.

I took a few deep breaths and mentally practiced my lines. As I focused on Desdemona, Zoey's face projected into my mind as I had done in the competition. Just in time too, because the audience erupted with cheers as Deino finally died. Who knew her dying act could cause so much commotion? The girl has talent.

Professor Nolan announced that I was the final performer. I could hear the pride when she proclaimed me as an 'incredible talent since the day I was marked' and that she was proud to be my teacher and mentor. I couldn't help but smile. She was an amazing teacher and I was lucky to be her fledgling. She then announced that I took first place at the competition this year.

On that note, I strolled out onto the stage while the crowd exploded. As I made my way to center stage I couldn't help but look at the front row where I knew Damien and the others would be sitting. There she was, beautiful as ever. My dreams didn't do her justice. She had a huge smile on her face, from ear to ear. I loved that smile, I missed that smile. Hell, I missed those lips.

She stared up at me as if she was staring at a stranger. Had I changed that much in a week? No, I didn't think so. I was still the same Erik. I gave her a wink and a smile. Even from here I could see her breath hitch. She missed me.

I bowed to my audience and concentrated on Othello. When I raised my head I was no longer Erik Night, I was Othello who was trying to communicate his love for Desdemona.

"Her father lov'd me; oft invited me;

Still question'd me the story of my life

From year to year, the battles, sieges, fortunes

That I have pass'd."

I paused at that moment and stepped closer to the edge of the stage. I wanted… no, I neededto impart my love for Desdemona (Zoey). I pictured Zoey standing up on stage with me as I spoke these words. Feeling the love that Othello felt as he confessed his love for his one true love, a woman that he couldn't live without. Everything around me darkened, and everyone disappeared except for Zoey. It was just she and I as my eyes burned into hers.

"She wish'd she had not head it, yet she wish'd

That heaven had made her such a man; she thank'd me,

And bade me, if I had a friend that lov'd her,

I should but teach him how to tell my story,

And that would woo her. Upon this hint I spoke:

She lov'd me for the dangers I had pass'd,

And I lov'd her that she did pity them."

I touched my fingers to my lips, kissing them gently and sending a formal kiss to my Desdemona. I then pressed my finger over my heart and took my official bow. I didn't even make it up from my bow when the entire auditorium erupted into cheers. It took five minutes for them to calm down enough for Professor Nolan to take center stage again. I saw my chance and disappeared backstage.

Cole met me as I left the stage to say 'congrats'. I was grinning like a moron as I relished the fact that I finally got to recite those lines to my Desdemona, my Z.

"Come on, we are supposed to go to the lobby and I am hungry," Cole said resting his hand on his stomach. He was always hungry, there isn't a time of day when someone mentions food and he wasn't hungry. I shook my head and followed him out the side entrance into the lobby.

There she was, my Desdemona. I didn't hesitate as I left him standing just inside the lobby and made a bee-line to Zoey. She had a smile that reached all the way up to her warm, sparkling eyes. God, I missed those eyes. My eyes swept down to her lips as they curled up into a gorgeous smile. God, I missed those lips. My smile grew larger as I quickly closed the gap in between us.

I was still in character when I took her hand and kissed it gently. I bowed respectfully to my lady and in a strong, clear voice I proclaimed, "Hello, my sweet Desdemona."

I saw her cheeks blush a scarlet red as she giggled at my gesture. With her hand still in mine I pulled her into a warm embrace. I nestled into her hair and reveled in the heavenly Lavender and Jasmine scent; god, I missed that too.

Aphrodite's evil laugh broke our wonderful moment as she slithered up behind me.

"If he's calling you Desdemona, then may I suggest you be careful? If it even looked like you're cheating on him he'll strangle you in your bed. But you'd never cheat on him, would you?" Her words were almost friendly, a first for her, but why would she even make that comment to Zoey, I knew she wasn't seeing anyone else. Especially not Heath, I hadn't heard anything about him in almost a month… since the 'incident'. I assumed she was being hateful to Zoey again. Aphrodite walked away with the toss of her hair.

"Issues. She has issues," the twins said at the same time. They took the words right out of my mouth. We all started to laugh, except for Zoey.

"Don't let her get to you," I said softly, caressing her hand. I gave her a crooked smile which always cheered her up.

She looked up at me and gave me a small smile. "Don't worry, she's not. Anyways, who cares about her? You won the competition! That is amazing, Erik. I'm so proud of you!" she said vibrantly. She wrapped her arms around me and nuzzled her head in my chest. I could feel her taking deep breaths as I mimicked her gesture. We stood there in our own little bubble, breathing each other in and enjoying the sensation of our closeness. I squeezed her tighter to me and then released her.

Our bubble was busted when I got a few pats on the back as other fledglings flooded the lobby.

"Erik, it's so cool you won but it's not like we're surprised. You definitely kicked ass onstage," Erin said with a large smile.

"Totally. And so does boyfriend over there," Shaunee chimed in while jerking her chin towards Cole. Interesting. "He is one fine Romeo."

I couldn't help but grin, "I'll tell him you said so," I said trying not to laugh. I knew that Cole would be perfect for her. I willgo tell him about Shaunee, I just hope he can handle her.

"You can also tell him that if he wants a little brown sugar in his Juliet he need look no farther than right here." She pointed at herself. My grin got bigger. I think he wouldn't mind a little brown sugar.

I tuned out the twins' babble as they always get going on some random topic about nothing important.

"Erik, you were amazing!" Damien yelled over the crowd.

"Congratulations," a slender boy said shyly as he came up behind Damien. It was the same boy from before the performance. I was too occupied with finding Zoey that I totally forgot to introduce myself. I am such an ass.

"Thanks, guys. Hey, Jack. I was too nervous before the performance to say that I'm glad you're here. It'll be nice to have a roommate," I said sincerely. Deep down I wasglad to have a roommate. It had been a year since my last roommate died from rejecting the change. I just never got another roommate since. I sighed quietly. I knew I would have to dig out my favorite comfortable shorts again and control my dreams. Ok, maybe I would only have to tone them down a little bit.

I saw Jack's face light up at my kind words. I couldn't help but notice how he beamed directly at me and then turned straight to Damien. Did I miss something? Is he gay? If so, that was cool with me. As long as he didn't ogle me, we would get along perfectly.

I felt Zoey squeeze my hand at my warm welcome to Jack. I looked down at her and saw her chewing her bottom lip. I knew this look. She was deep in thought about something. She didn't even respond when Damien was clearly asking if she was going to get ready for her first Dark Daughters Full Moon Ritual.

She looked up at the clock on the wall and noticed it was 11:05 and blurted out, "Ah, hell!" as her face filled with panic. She turned to me and gave me a sad look of regret, "Erik, I'm sorry, but I have to leave. There are a million things to do before the ritual starts." She then turned to her friends, "You guys have to come with me." They nodded in unison, it reminded me of those Taco Bell dogs with the bobble heads you put in your car.

She turned back to me; her expression was one of concern. "You're coming to the ritual, aren't you?" she asked.

"Yeah. And that reminds me. I got you something in New York. Hang on for just a sec, I'll go get it," I said with a great deal of excitement. I had been toting this gift around with me everywhere. I just wanted to see her face as she saw the beautiful dress. I ran through the side entrance to retrieve the package.

I was back with in no time. I handed her the large white box with the ten minute bow creation. She just stared at it. She looked from the box to me and then back to the box.

"Z, if you don't open it I will," Shaunee announce.

"Damn right," Erin chimed in perfectly.

That did it; she slid off the bow and opened the lid. She gasped as she looked in the box. Everyone else craned their head to peer in the box as well and gasped in unison. She stood there just looked at the dress. I could almost swear she was about to cry. It was the look I was waiting for.

She looked up at me and said in a choked voice, "Erik, this is beautiful."

"I wanted you to have something special for your first ritual as leader of the Dark Daughters," I said softly, giving her a huge smile.

I pulled her into another warm embrace wishing we could hold each other all night. It was over to soon as her friends were ushering her out the door. She only had forty five minutes to get set up and over to the rec hall for the ritual. I saw her hug the dress as she stepped out of the auditorium. I smiled to myself - soon I would see her in that beautiful dress.

Reviews are better than Erik's monologue...