Disclaimer: I do not own Blood Ties or any of its characters. They are Tanya Huff's creations.

Characters thoughts in italics

Thanks to my beta, Lena!

Chapter 4

Not knowing if Henry's attacker would return, she and Coreen agreed to sleep in shifts. Henry's wounds had healed a little more but it was obvious that he would still need more blood to heal completely.

With sudden determination, Coreen came from the living room into Henry's bedroom. "I'm going to get more blood."

Vicki's questioning eyebrows raised. Before she could pose her question, Coreen replied.

"I have a friend at the Canadian Blood Services. He owes me a favor."

Vicki looked at her in disbelief. "It must have been some favor."

The Goth continued. "I let him sleep on my couch when he lost his job and was thrown out of his apartment. I shouldn't be long."

She left Henry's apartment.

Vicki sighed as the door closed behind the girl.

Coreen never ceased to amaze her. She locked the door and returned to Henry's side.

In less than an hour the Goth returned. Vicki opened the door and Coreen wheeled in a mobile refrigerator.

"Hope this is enough."

"I am sure it will be."

"I ordered some Chinese takeout while I was out. It should be here any minute."

She pushed the refrigerator into Henry's bedroom and returned to the living room.

Someone knocked at the door. Coreen's hand grasped the doorknob.

Vicki stopped her with a gesture. "What if this is the person who attacked Henry?"

"How would he know we ordered takeout?"

What if he was watching the place?"

"You are being too paranoid."

"A healthy dose of paranoia might make the difference between keeping you alive and getting you killed."

Vicki took out her asp, went to the other side of the door and nodded as an indication to open the door. Coreen paid for the food and kicked the door shut with her boot as Vicki locked it.

"See? Just a harmless delivery guy. Not an assassin."

"Better to be safe than sorry."

She collapsed her asp.

"True."

The smell of Moo Goo Gai Pan, General Tso's chicken and fried rice floated behind the Goth as she carried the food into the kitchen. Vicki followed. She glanced at her watch. An hour until sunset. That would be enough time to eat something. Vicki's stomach growled in agreement as she and Coreen dug into the various cartons of food.