A/N Many thanks as always for the reviews. They are alwys appreciated.

Dane

Chapter 3

Julia stared at Dane, as though she didn't quite believe that he was really there. "Dane?" she asked, stepping closer to him. "Dane, it's really you!" she said, finally acknowledging what her eyes where telling her.

With a bright smile, he moved over to her, and swept her in his arms, hugging her tightly. Then holding her at arms length, he gazed at her. "You haven't changed one bit, Julia," he said in wonder. "You're still the Julia Hoffman I remember."

Julia's smile spoke volumes to him. "Dane, it's so good to see you!" she said happily. "How did you ever find me?"

Dane glanced in Barnabas' direction, and his easy smile, and easy going manner, faulted slightly, as he regarded the man that had entered with Julia. There was something about him that he couldn't quite put his finger on. And he didn't like it.

Julia glanced back at Barnabas, and immediately went to his side.

"Barnabas, I'd like you to meet Dane Spencer. We grew up together," she said for his benefit. "Dane, this is Barnabas Collins, an English cousin of Elizabeth and Roger."

For Julia's benefit, Dane smiled, and offered his hand. "Mr. Collins," he said, cordially. His dislike of this Collins cousin growing.

"Mr. Spencer," said Barnabas equally cordial. Something about this friend of Julia's told him to watch him carefully.

Introductions over with, Roger ushered them into the drawing room. While Julia and Dane seated themselves on the sofa, Barnabas remained standing by the fire, watching Dane, warily. His immediate dislike of the man puzzled him. He was a friend of Julia's, and that should have been enough, but strangely, it wasn't. He senses perceived him as a potential threat to both his survival and Julia's safety. The question that bothered him most was: what was it that Dane Spencer wanted?

"So, you really became a doctor," said Dane, proudly. "I always knew that you would."

Julia laughed self-consciously. "Believe me, it took a lot of effort. And that was just to be taken seriously."

Dane took her hand in his, and patted it. Barnabas glared at him. "I always believed in your ability. And in two completely different fields to boot!" he marvelled. "Quite an accomplishment."

"For a woman," she said, finishing his unspoken thought.

"Most certainly not!" Dane protested.

Julia smiled, pleased at his compliment. "Are you planning to stay in Collinsport for long?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Well, if my business allows me to, I plan to stay for a few days at least," he explained carefully, feeling someone watching him intensely.

"Do you have somewhere to stay, Dane?" asked Roger, joining in the conversation.

"I've a room at the Collinsport Inn," he said. "It's meets my needs."

Roger bit his lip in thought. "Well, no doubt, you and Julia will have a lot of catching up to do. Why not consider staying here, as our guest?"

"Roger, I couldn't possibly!" protested Dane, shocked.

"Why ever not?" asked Roger, spreading his hands. "We have the room, and you must admit, it would give you the perfect opportunity to spend more time with Julia. We'd love to have you."

Dane looked from Roger to Julia, indecisive. "Well, I must admit it sounds appealing," he mused. "And it would give me more time with Julia.. It's decided. Thank you Roger. If your sure."

"Of course I am. Then it's settled. You can bring you things tomorrow. I'll have Mrs Johnson prepare a room for you."

Dane turned to gaze at Julia, thrilled at the turn of events. "I can't even begin to thank you, Roger," began Julia, but Roger brushed off her thanks, with a wave of his hand. "It's the least we could do, Julia. You're almost like one of the family."

Everyone seemed pleased at how things were turning out; all except Barnabas.

Dane turned his attention to Barnabas, aware of the other's intense gaze on him. "So, you're from England, Mr. Collins?" he asked conversationally.

"That's right," said Barnabas, stiffly.

"Which part?"

"London."

"Really?" asked Dane, rising an eyebrow. "I lived there, for a while a few years ago. We must compare notes, sometime."

"Yes, we should," Barnabas agreed, without enthusiasm.

The conversation continued, with Barnabas only joining in, when spoken to.

His instant dislike of Dane still bothered him. There was nothing in his manner that warranted any of his doubts or suspicions. He was everything that he would expect a childhood friend of Julia's to be. So what was it about him, that made him react this way?

Trying to analyse the problem, was rapidly becoming the least of his worries, as he felt the bloodlust begin to tug. He could ignore it, for only so long. And he was beginning to reach the limits of his endurance.

"...Barnabas?." From a distance, Julia's concerned question broke through his clouded thoughts. He blinked at her dazedly for a few minutes, before recognition returned.

"Barnabas, are you all right?" she asked again.

Obviously something had happened. Something he couldn't quite remember. He didn't want to remain and find out. He stood up, leaning heavily on his cane. He frowned slightly. Hadn't he be been standing? Deciding it was unimportant; she made his excuses to leave.

"I'm fine. I just need to get some air," he said hastily. "Mr. Spencer, it was a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise, Mr. Collins. I hope you'll feel better soon," he said, offering him his hand. Barnabas looked at it, and slowly shook it with his free hand.

"Barnabas," said Julia in a tone she used when in front of others, when she was worried about him. "I'll come with you."

"That won't be necessary, Julia. Besides, you can't very well leave your…" his voice trailed off, as the need for blood began to overwhelm him. He swallowed. "Excuse me," he said, and quickly left the room.

Alarmed, Julia turned to Dane and Roger, "I'm sorry, but I...I need to talk to him. Dane."

"It's all right, Julia, we understand, don't we, Roger?"

"Of course," said Roger, nodding his head. "Barnabas didn't seem himself at all. I hope you will be able to help him, Julia."

Julia repressed a sigh. "So do I," she said, despairingly. "So, do I."

She turned to Dane. "I may be some time. Barnabas can be... stubborn when it comes to his health."

"I understand. Besides, from tomorrow, we'll have plenty of time to catch up."

Julia smiled, briefly, before hurrying out after Barnabas.