After dinner Al took me back home to our little apartment in the ever after. I was getting tired and looking forward to some shut eye. We arrived in my bedroom and Al got busy starting a fire. I watched him as he hunched over the flames and heat began to fill the room. It felt nice and I curled up in a chair next to him.

"So, you never answered my question," I said.

Al stopped and turned to face me. "And what question was that?"

"How much demon money do I have?"

Al sat down in a chair opposite to me and shrugged. "Enough, why would you like to buy something? New clothes?"

I nodded, thinking about the white leather dress he had given me. There were probably some nice stores at the demon mall. I looked around the bedroom. "Maybe I could pick up some new furniture and you could move some of this into your bedroom," I offered.

Al raised an eyebrow at me. "What, does this décor offend you?"

"No, this room isn't bad. I just still hate the idea of you giving up your bedroom for me."

Al sat, motionless and I started to feel awkward. "You're a good teacher Al, honest. You've watched me recover after building two constructs. Tonight you even helped Ivy. I want to be a better student. Maybe I can stop trying to get us both killed all the time." I paused. "I guess what I'm saying is, maybe you're investment in me can start paying off."

Al continued to gaze at the fire, his head propped up against his fist.

"Al, what do you want?" My voice was soft and I felt fear as soon as the question left my lips.

Al looked at me and then leaned forward, rubbing his hands together. He took in a breath as if he was going to speak but then let it out before falling back into the chair. Still, he said nothing. Dang, maybe I would have better luck talking to Mr. Fish.

I frowned and got up to look around the room. I hadn't really spent much time investigating it. The furniture was nice, much nicer than anything I had. Even my desk would look cheap here. I went to a dresser and opened one of the drawers to see if anything was in it when I felt Al move up behind me. I froze when I felt Al's warm arms wrap around me. I sighed and leaned back into his muscular torso, rubbing my cheek against his chest. This felt so good.

Al leaned in and pressed his mouth against me ear. "I want you, Rachel," he whispered. I shivered. Never before had such as small sentence had such a profound effect on me. His words sounded sincere and suddenly, Al seemed vulnerable to me. This was new territory for him and it probably scared the hell out of him. I turned around to face him and wrapped my arms around has waist. We stood there, searching each other's eyes. I reached up and brushed his cheek.

"Al, I'm not sure about this," I began. "But maybe, I can be yours."

"Can you?" he asked. Hope flitted across his eyes. "It wasn't that long ago that you told me you hated me."

I grimaced at the memory. "Well, things have changed since then. You've changed. At least, I think you have," I said." I shifted in his arms. This conversation felt intense.

Al's chest rumbled and I felt him lean in to kiss me. I brought my hand up to stop him. "Al, wait, please. Everything is changing a little too quickly for me and I'm not sure if I can trust you yet." My last statement sounded harsh but it was the truth. I still didn't think Al was above lying, stealing, or even killing to get what he wanted. And if I was what he wanted, that could mean serious mayhem in my future.

I dropped my arms and tried to take a step back. Al's arms tightened around me. "Al..," I threatened. I looked up at him and there was a gleam in his eye. "Al, I just said I'm not ready for this. At least not yet."

Al's smile grew wider. "You are my student. And as my student, you should follow my instruction. How about we consider this a preview of what may come, eh? Beside, you owe me big for rescuing your little friend."

I wedged an arm between us and tried harder to push back. Still, Al didn't budge an inch. "Al, this isn't what I want right now," I said in mild annoyance. I felt a trace of leyline power jump from Al to me. Desire sparked inside of me and I swallowed hard.

"No," Al mocked gently. "Maybe this is what you need. Rachel, your situation is quite delicate right now. People and creatures on both sides of the leylines have taken an unhealthy interest in you. You need someone to help protect you, to be by your side. If you think I may be that person, don't hesitate. Let me in. Let me do this for you."

"You already are that person," I said. My voice was almost a moan. The power from Al was seeping into every part of me and I was craving more. "I just don't want to take the next step, not yet."

I hoped Al would release me soon. If he continued to hold me like this, I might attack him in a fit of wanton lust.

Al sighed and I started to relax. He was going to concede, thank God. But then, his grip tightened and I looked at him.

"Just one more kiss?" he murmured.

I nodded weakly and welcomed his warm mouth to my own. He slid his tongue past my teeth and I turned my head to allow him further access. I felt his hands run along my back and I leaned into him further. The man knew how to kiss. When I felt I couldn't breath anymore I pulled back, gasping. Al's eyes searched mine. I think he liked what he saw because he smiled and released me.

The lack of contact was startling and for a second, I wanted to go back to him, but I forced myself to stand and regain my composure.

I wiped my hands on my jeans and looked at Al. He looked almost sheepish.

"It would make things easier if you were a bit more, affectionate towards me around the collective," he said.

"Affectionate?" I asked, raising my eyebrows at him.

"Yes." Al looked almost apologetic. "You can probably expect several suitors to make a play for you. You've seen that already with Jarzebak." Al almost growled the demon's name. "A relationship status carries some protection."

"So other demons will back off if I wear your promise ring?" I joked.

Al frowned. "Some will. God Rachel, I don't think you fully understand your situation. Your existence is one of the biggest things that has happened on this side of the leylines in millennia. I don't want to lose you." He paused. "And for the record, be careful who you trust. Your faith in others almost borders on stupidity."

I frowned at him. "I dunno Al. You're turning out to be an almost decent guy."

And then I sneezed. "Holy shit balls," I cursed. "Not again." I clutched my stomach as I felt the familiar pain course through me.

"Rachel!" Al yelled.

"Crap Al, please come find me. I don't know who could be summoning me this time."

I looked into Al's frantic eyes. "I can't. The sun has just come up. This must be a deliberate ploy to take you away from me," he said.

The pain inside me doubled and I gasped. "Al, what do I do?" I moaned. I couldn't fight the summons any more. I stopped fighting and let the leylines take me to my summoner.

Luffy fan: I'm on a roll. Three chapters this week!