Author's Note: Thank you sooo much to everyone who reviewed and favorited. Reviews make an author happy. ToAislinnNicole1, I hate it when people make Peter whiney and dependent. Peter is one of my favorite characters, along with Claire and you'll be seeing a bit of him in this story, to bring a bit more conflict and drama to the story. Brynndabella, reneemm, Rikku Ree, and lhazel24, thanks so much for the reviews. I hope I can keep you happy with Sylar. And thank you so much to sanmi, darkhuntress21, rebelwilla, and of course, ChamberlinofMusic for reviewing.

Because this is such a short chapter, I'm going to post the next one later on today when I've got more time. Again, thanks everyone. =]

Disclaimer: I do not own Heroes or any of the characters.

Footsteps echoed through the room as Noah paced the room. They had settled into Angela's living room, an open space with no doors. When Claire came storming down the stairs, he rushed to her side. Her hair was tangled, a little on the wild side. The after effects of being electrocuted.

When she reached the landing, she smiled through gritted teeth. "Everything's fine," She said swiftly, before her father could rush into questions. In the living room, Angela was staring out the window. Peter had been waiting in the archway, and Matt was on the phone with Janice. Sylar came down the stairs a few moments later, that sly smirk still on his face.

Matt hung up the phone almost immediately. He had stuck around just in case things got messy here. Now he was beginning to wonder if all this had been a mistake. They needed his help, but who was to say Sylar wouldn't pick them off after they killed his father? Matt couldn't see Sylar settling down as Angela hoped for.

"There are other conditions," Sylar announced. He was going to milk these people for all they were worth. "If you want me to protect your precious Claire-bear," He turned to Noah; his eyes showed flecks of amusement, "She'll have to be at my side for most of the day, and night."

"Absolutely not," Noah stated, drawing Claire closer to him, his protective embrace getting tighter. She looked widely up at her father. She turned her gaze back on Sylar, "Are you serious?" She asked, her eyes narrowing. For a moment, they shared a knowing look. It sent a rush of chills down her spine.

He was terrifying, and it thrilled her. And that's what scared her the most. For the past 2 years, she hadn't felt alive. There was no pain, her body tolerated everything. She tried catching herself on fire, it singed a bit, but she regenerated and felt nothing. She snapped bones out of place, fell from multi story windows, thrown herself in front of trains. None of it affected her. And then the electricity she felt from him, it was a tingle. A flicker of pain, and she was a fly drawn to a light. It made her seethe.

It was more then the electricity. It was the captivating fear he had installed in her. The boiling anger she felt when he spoke the blunt truth. The rush of adrenaline when he punished her. The peak of excitement when she almost reached victory. The challenge he presented to her when all other obstacles were easy conquests.

Sylar ignored her, and turned his gaze to Angela. She wasn't as fixated on the window, and was intent on watching Sylar. She was obviously calculating their options. "He's right, Noah. That's the only way to ensure her safety."

Noah reared his head in her direction, the look in his eyes turning into a menacing one. "How is she supposed to be safe with him?" He bellowed, releasing Claire and taking a firm step toward Sylar. The amused chuckle that sounded from Sylar's mouth only egged Noah on.

"Do I need to remind you that you're the one who requested this?" He taunted Noah, circling around him until he was standing behind Claire. She stiffened notably, and Peter stepped forward. "This isn't some game, Sylar," Peter spoke to him quietly, almost sounding threatening.

"You think I think this is a game?" Sylar said, looking shocked and appalled.. "Oh, no. Not at all." He gripped Claire's shoulders, and brought her close to him. "Our precious Claire-bear, who everyone is so intent on protecting, someone who can't die, is in immense danger." He grinned. "And we've got to rely on the big bad wolf to keep her safe."

"This isn't a game at all. But don't blame me if it's not as concerning to me as it is to the rest of you." He shoved Claire away, and she stumbled. She snapped her head back to glare at him, and he ignored her again. She didn't want to speak to him, she didn't believe she needed any protection.

"I'd rather die then be protected by him," The tone in her voice was deadly, and finally Sylar turned his heated gaze on her. He took a step towards her, and Peter was in front of her in a flash. "Be careful what you wish for, Claire. That can still be arranged…" He said lowly, disregarding Peter's presence completely.

"Claire." Her voice broke through their lethal glares. Everyone turned to look at Angela. "Once this is all settled and dealt with, we can all go back to our lives." The thought pained Claire; she'd have to watch all of her loved ones die. What sort of life was that?

"Well then, my place or yours?" His trademark smirk tugged at his long mouth.