A/N: Glad to see that Anne and the others are saved. :) But what about William? Read on to find out. Thank you for your continuous support by reaching this page. You must have read like 20,000 words or more. :'D I'm so touched.

DISCLAIMER: Hear Ye Hear Ye! Me no take CSI:Miami, YUMGirlAndMoltMan's characters as well as Coldplay lyrics, so you no sue me. Vous comprennez?

Chapter 21

Anastasia's POV:

I thought that no one will ever save me when Grey whipped my back repeatedly, with nothing but pure hate and evil in them. My mind couldn't wrap around the fact that William died in front of me, under my nose. He was just laying there in my arms, the two distinct wounds shown in his neck. His eyes just kept staring at me in silence, like he has had the shock of his life, taking his own in the end. I didn't want to back down, for my friends and my family, for what I've been thought to feel ever since I was a little kid:

But all of that went away for this just this moment.

My whole body started shutting itself off of my conscience, knowing that the next few minutes is going to be unbearable, and that I will probably meet my maker soon enough, if I ever have one. I thought all bets are off until the I heard a deafening 'smash' and the door knob looked as if it is gone, before a kick ripped the door out of his hinges, and straight towards Grey's direction, catching him in his own surprise.

The next few minutes it was all in a blur because my body was going into shock, but I kept my eyes open for the major details: two figures fighting in front of me and my mates, and definitely the poking of the wet nose from Ryan, anxiously to see if I'm alive, which to his delight and my relief, I was.

There were flashes as the scenes passed by quickly in front of my eyes, the darkness reigning in and the bright red lights blinking every two seconds. There were faint voices surrounding my ears and my head, but I couldn't make it out. I've forgotten whether I've actually spoke to someone while being half-awake and I'm scared about what I might have told them. Suddenly, someone was touching my hand, feeling their way round, before piercing me with something sharp. I wanted to yell, to roar into the world about the pain that I've been taking so badly, but my body was too tired to scream, or do anything.

I felt the heat and smelt the smoke coming from the surroundings, as if some people are actually setting the building on fire. Then, I felt like I was pushed and I was immediately greeted by bright lights, using my hands to protect myself from the blinding light but found myself blocked by two people. One of them looked like Ryan, a smile coming into my face. He actually cared about me. He saved my life countless of times, but this time, it is the biggest one of all.

I looked back at my hands, feeling for the tube injected inside my hand, before turning it around, mesmerized and frightened by the blood on my hands. Will's blood. My mind wandered back to my senior, sadness and despair coming back to me, just as Ryan's warm hand wrapped around it and tightened his hold, as if telling me not to think about it. His figure drew darker as he edged in and his lips pressed my forehead. I miss those days.

I smiled as I closed my eyes. Now I can relax, because I've felt like I had returned from Hell back to planet Earth, and that nothing bad is going to happen to me.

"Those Christmas lights,
Light up the streets,
Down where the sea and city meets,
May all your troubles soon be gone,
Oh Christmas lights, keep shining on."

I must have been dreaming too much because the beeping noise seemed to wake me up. Looking at the heart-rate monitor, I got a little confused. That is the moment when I realized I was still injured, and is just hanging by a string. The beeping monitor was slowing its pace. Am I going to die?

I heard noises in the background, sounds of someone yelling and roaring as loud as he could, before the owner of the voice moved closer to me, his grey eyes turning back into the familiar Egyptian gold, but there was a red slit in the middle of it, trying to speak to me but it only end up in muffles, "Anne…don't…go!…"

It didn't work. The heart rate continued slowing down, and the surgeons have resorted to using electricity. As they charged it up, I felt Ryan's hand on my mine, bringing it up and planting it with kisses, "Please, please… don't leave me." I felt a strong charge passing through me, sending me flying upwards, but I couldn't find the strength to go back up.

I heard a sound as if they are charging it a little higher, rubbing the metal plates with some sort of a gel, before doing it again on me. Instead, I couldn't feel anything, and the sights and sounds are slowly disappearing. Before I gave out my last breath, something sharp jabbed my neck, and it hurts not only because there is one point of contact, but lots at once, as if it is the jaws of an animal.

My whole body instantly felt like it was charged up when I noticed that blood wasn't the only one taking its course around my body. There is a sort of venom inside me, and boy was it painful. There was heat, too much heat, and I got up, taking a big gasp of air.

The group of surgeons looked back at me, faced with nothing but disbelief. Mrs. Woods' was particularly interesting, because her face was the most amusing from all of them.

A pair of arms lovingly wrapped around me, and Ryan's familiar sharp nose met mine, just by the side, "Oh. Thank goodness you're alive. I've missed you, I love you, but I didn't have the courage to tell you that because I'm such a coward," he began rocking me back and forth, as if I was a baby. I missed his touch, and did he just confess to me, all of his feelings deep down inside?

Not wanting to make a drama scene; I backed my face away from his, before contacting my lips against his cheeks, "I love you too… And no, you are not a coward, because you saved my life, and I thank you for it," Ryan purred in delight, as his hands began caressing down my back, an old favorite. He growled when he saw what Grey had done to me, but continued doing it anyway.

Our lovey-dovey moment was interrupted when Mrs. Woods cleared her throat, with the other surgeons leaving the operating room, "Well, I guess we've done our job here. It's time to get the papers checked and Anne cleaned up, coming Mr. Wolfe?"

"For my love, anything," he looked back at me, stealing a kiss from my lips, before turning to look back at the Medical Examiner, who's eyes have been widened, "Man, you do need to slow down, Ryan. Little girl's not going anywhere you know."

Ryan scratched the back of his head, just as Mrs. Woods left the room and the nurses came in with the papers and the hospital garments, prompting me to go take a shower once I've been wheeled to my room, while Ryan handle my paperwork. Ryan let out a big groan, chuffing like a little child, I HATE paperwork.

His immaturity caused me to blush, to know that I'm back towards my normal life, and that everything was going to turn out fine. But why does it seem as if I felt guilty of murder? That even though I washed the blood off my hands and body, the emotional wounds is still there, visible to my eyes only. What if people don't understand how I feel, especially Ryan? I don't want them to be sympathetic at me for doing the wrong things.

I've forgotten that Ryan could read my thoughts, because he placed his hands on top of mine after putting the clipboard on the bed, just next to my toes, warming it against the ice cold hospital rooms, "Annie, don't feel bad about the murder, about Will. It's not your fault. It was Grey's doing all along."

"It is, Ryan. But don't you get it? Because of me, my club members were hurt, and one of them died, right in front of us. Because of me, Maxwell had to betray us for his parents, his family bond shattered; I don't think I'm any good," a tear ran out of my eye, and trickled down my cheeks. Ryan must have noticed it, because I felt his warm, wet tongue licking the tear away, tasting the saltiness of it.

"It's not your fault, Anne. You're a blessing in your parent's lives. Without you, there's no way they could have been together. And I wouldn't be meeting and marrying the most beautiful, most talented and smartest girl in the world. I have been grateful to have been given you."

It's just those one of those moment where you wanted to go 'Aww', smiling his shy smile again as he lets go of me and picked up the paperwork, writing in details with his left hand. Curious as usual, I've wondered how well he knows me. Maybe a lot more than I do myself.

One of the transporters has arrived and he was standing by the door, arms crossed and looking more like a bodyguard than a transporter. Ryan recognized him immediately, and lowered me down, lying against the bed once more, "What are you doing, Ry?"

"There's someone here who's going to bring you up into your hospital ward. It's best if you lay down for a moment," he gave a few pats on my head, before leaving the bedside to look for the man. Both of them immediately came back and after checking that all of the equipment has been approved and ready to be transported along with me, I was being pushed into the elevator, going up towards my room.

Leaving the elevator, almost everyone I know was loitering about the corridors, though I had to strain my neck by looking down at them. Father was wrapping his arms around his wife, trying to coax her and telling her that everything is fine now. Uncle Eric and Aunt Calleigh were having their one to one moments; Mrs. Woods and Uncle Frank are certainly having a talk, probably about what happened and how they are going about doing the police reports for this. And Aunt Jesse and Uncle Don were snuggling near each other over at the end, near my room, both of them holding a cup of coffee each.

All of them immediately went beside me, but they didn't crowd the corridor for other people to pass by, and for me to safely get inside the room. Mother was holding my hand, teardrops falling onto my shirt as she felt nothing but pure joy, that her daughter was finally away from harm, but she wiped it off her face before the transporter realizes there is a strange drop of blood on my shirt.

Settling in nicely and making sure that all of the equipments are ready and in place, the transporter greets all of us politely before leaving the room, closing the door behind him. When the door clicks, everyone gathered around me, thinking as if I'm some sort of an alien.

Mother was the first one to speak, "Hey there, my little pumpkin. How are you?"

I tried so hard, but managed a faint smile at the end, "I'm good. Thanks mum…"

"You sure you don't want to drink our blood? It helps you to heal quicker," she urged, folding her sleeve so that her wrists are bare.

I shook my head, not wanting to cause any more trouble, "No, thanks mum. I want to heal just like a normal human."

I looked for the familiar, comfortable hand on my bed, but it isn't there, "Ryan?"

"I'm coming, Annie. I just need to pour some water for you," Ryan frantically brought out the glass from the cupboard and began pouring in some mineral water, placing a cover on top of it and running towards my side, "I'm here, sweetheart."

Just having him near me is good enough, but feeling the warmth of his hand as he soothed my cheeks made me feel like I was unstoppable again, being the old Anastasia before any of this happened. Is this what 'falling in love' feels like? "Thanks for caring for… me."

"Anything for you, my lovely lady," he bent down as his warm, wet lips met my cold, dry forehead. The silence of the room quickly broke out into 'Aaw's, "I love you and nothing or no one is going to change that, all right?"

"Hmm…," I closed my eyes, taking in his scent, which has been earthy from his transformation, but still good overall, and "…okay."

"Atta' girl," he pressed his nose against my cheeks and took in a deep breath, Do you mind if I stay with you tonight?

Sure thing, I winked, letting my eyelashes give his cheeks a tickle before closing my eyes again. He went back to his original position, "Um… H, mind if –".

He was abruptly interrupted by my old man, with an inflicting glare of doom from his eyes, and the crossing of his arms. Eric was doing the exact same thing, as he stood beside the Lieutenant. The room seemed tensed for the moment, before everyone broke into sighs after the Lieutenant gave the nod, "You may, Ryan. I trust you. Make sure you don't break that trust. I don't want to break any of your bones in the end."

I heard a small gulp coming from Ryan's throat, as he looked at them dead on. He knows that whatever comes out of his mouth is always promised, and he didn't want to ask what happened to Grey, "And by the way, you can start calling me father-in-law. I know I'm happy to have you part of the family," father didn't even lift a foot and he was already beside the young wolf, patting him on the back.

Poor Ryan. He's really terrified but he didn't really show it, because he gave out a normal schoolboy smile, still having father's words wrapped around his head. I lazed around, rolling my eyes at the scene, "Come on dad. Don't be… too harsh on him."

"Me? Being harsh? Oh no, silly. I'm just being a good father. And good fathers protect their daughters, do they?" he gave one last look on Ryan, before walking up to me giving me a small cuddle, "We've got to go. I'm feeling kind of hungry, and you need your rest, young lady. We'll come back tomorrow, okay?"

"Hmm… Okay, dad. Good night…" I gave out a genuine smile, something that I've never thought I would do since getting kidnapped by Grey himself.

As per usual, he bent down and pressed his lips against my cheeks, "Good night. We'll see you soon."

One by one, all of them said their goodbyes, since it's almost past midnight and they are really tired from juggling all the cases at once. Uncle Eric didn't really want to leave, but after a few tugs from his beloved wife-to-be, he finally let his guard down and parted to go back home. I don't really want to think about whatever their doing next. The thought sickens me already.

The hospital room sure is peaceful when not many people are around, and it can sure get creepy at night. I'm grateful that Ryan asked whether he could stay the night with me. I don't really know what to do all alone in here, except freaking out a little bit, "You need to wash up, for now. Do you want me to help you or would you like to go towards the bathroom to do it yourself?"

"Hmm…" I made an effort about getting up and I managed to, even without Ryan's help, "I'd like to do it myself… if that's okay."

Ryan was anxiously biting his nails, watching me as I leaned forward to press my foot on the floor, grabbing the infuse along the way and making sure it isn't untangled or anything, "That's all right, babe. Do you need me to accompany you to the bathroom?"

I looked at him, giving him my most awkward look, "All right then, I don't think you want me to. That's fine with me, I'll just wait outside."

I nodded to thank him for being a gentleman. I grew up thinking that all of the boys other than in my family are jerks, but Ryan made me think differently. Reaching the bathroom door safe and sound, I grabbed the infuse from him and pulled it over behind me. Before closing the door, I felt a hand jamming it, "If you ever need me, just knock on the door or scream, okay?"

I just can't believe his overprotection for me. Feeling bad for thinking that way, I tiptoed my way and give him a quick peck, "I'll be fine. Thanks…"

And with that I closed the door behind me.

I began unfastening the strings binding my shirt together. As I did so, I noticed that some of the wounds caused by the whips are beginning to heal. Being a dhampire sure has its upsides. I ran my hand through on my back, near the waists, expecting bumps at every touch.

With the clothes strewn aside, I jammed the sink and filled it with warm water. I picked up a face towel and began soaking it, making sure that I did not touch the tubes in any way. As I wiped my arms and legs, I looked into the mirror and noticed that the cut on my cheeks were healed completely, as if it wasn't there. I raised my free hand to touch it, only to run smoothly across it. I can't believe werewolves have the powers to heal.

After making sure that the blood and dirt from all parts of the body are wiped clean, I unclogged the sink, letting the water run through. I grabbed the hospital gown and undergarments, which have been sitting on top of the toilet bowl, and placed it over me, tying the strings to where it was made needed.

I could have sworn I've spent at least a few minutes in the bathroom, but it seemed like a thousand years had gone by for Ryan, because of him clearly banging his hand on the bathroom door and yelling at the top of his voice, "Hey, Anne. Are you all right in there? Why are you taking so long?"

"I'm coming. I'm sorry. I like to take my time… when I'm in the bathroom," I tried to yell, but only manage a soft voice back at the impatient figure as he taps his foot against the tile floor continuously.

Not wanting to make him wait any longer, I quickly gathered all of the clothes and pushed the door gently forward, earning a sigh from the man himself, "I'm sorry… for making you wait."

Being the attentive and caring person he always is, Ryan immediately stepped into the bathroom and helped me with the dragging of the infuse. What a pain that would be, dragging it everywhere with me, "I've almost have a heart attack thinking about you."

I shrugged, "I'm sorry I've made you worried," earning a small smack from his lips, at the back of my neck, just near my ear, wrapping his arms around my body while being conscious about the tube connected to my hand.

"That's okay. You always made me feel that way, and to be honest, I like that kind of feeling," his lips were felt to make a curve as he smiled for a second, his warm breath overpowering my senses, before gently nibbling my ear.

"That's very sadistic. You liking fear. Mmm…," my sarcasm must have been heard pretty clearly, because the next moment I was cradled in Ryan's arms as he carried me towards the hospital bed, one hand on the metallic pole. He pushing each and every side around me on the bed after laying me down, making sure that nothing is obstructing and that I am laying down comfortably. He crossed his arms and took a step back, admiring me as if I am an art piece.

I shook my head, giving him the 'What the Heck' look, "What are you looking at?"

"Hmm? I'm just thinking about how I'm spending the night close to you," he looked down on the floor and walked back and forth. Occasionally, he would look up towards the ceiling, before he hung his head low. He doing that cracks me up, turning his attention back at the laughter.

"Why are you laughing? Do you have anything against me?" he contradicted my laughter, with his deep, hearty one.

"I'm just wondering, Mr. Wolfie. Why don't you sleep on top of me?" I smiled, trying so hard so that he wouldn't get the wrong message, patting the spot on top of me.

"How do I get on top of you—, oh," he let out an evil smirk as he ran into the bathroom, slamming the door shut. I heard a few rips and I thank him for not roaring after this transformation, for fear of the other patients and nurses. A moment later, the familiar black wolf came out, shaking its body, trying get rid of the extra dust around him. He let out a few snorts, before raising his front left paw and was trying to scratch his ear. For a while, he looked more like a cat more than a wolf.

I've completely forgotten he could read my thoughts, because he stopped licking his paws, hanging it in midair, while glaring at me with his Egyptian gold eyes, hey. I'm not THAT much of a kitty cat, all right?

The bold wolf made sure that nothing is in its way between itself and the bedside, before it pounced up, letting out a silent whine at my discomfort as he landed on my feet. My hand reached out for his head and gently patted it, "That's okay. I'm fine."

Again, the wolf looked around for any hazards, before finally slumping right on top of me, that felt so much better. Why didn't I think of this before?

I leaned forward and cuddled the furry head near mine like a massive teddy bear; I bent in for the kiss in between his ears, which seemed to flop in all sorts of directions as he panted heavily. The wolf let out a silent whine of delight, "It doesn't matter. You're right here with me and that's all that matters."

The wolf opened its jaws out wide, before slumping back, rubbing itself against me, feeling contented just the way it is that's all that matters.

His eyelids drooped, as the young wolf slipped into his slumber. My eyelids soon followed, and I found it hard to keep it open.