Sorry about the wait for this chapter. I've been busy with my band, Jupid Oak. We're about to make our first album, so we kind of have a lot to do. If you're interested, feel free to hear our latest single or watch our music video on facebook or youtube :-) I wrote this chapter listening to those songs, and some of the songs from our coming album.

Please review! and thanks to you who fav's my story and already has reviewed. You make me find the time to write :-)

The delicious smell of lasagna flooded her senses, as Kirya stepped into the kitchen. Damon had actually done what she'd asked him! Even if she'd only told him, to keep up appearances.

"You need to let it rest for a bit longer."

As usual Damon had snuck up on her. She was bone tired and maybe that was why she responded a bit more sarcastic that she would have done usually.

"So, you're a masterchef as well?"

Anger flared in his facial features, but then it was replaced by amusement.

"Nah...not really, I do know how to pick the perfect bloodbag though." He smiled diabolical, and continued. "But since I was born and raised in Italy, believe it or not, I do know the right way to cook a lasagna."

She froze. Eying her with a smirk he added. "And it needs to rest for at least ten minutes."

"Sorry," she mumbled. "I didn't try to be rude. Maybe I just need a rest as well."

Laughing, Damon said: "That's probably a good idea, I'm not sure I can handle all those sarcastic remarks flying around. I am used to humbleness and obedience. I'll bring in some food when it's ready."

Confused Kirya left the kitchen. This was a totally new side of Damon, that she hadn't seen before. Exhausted she let herself fall onto the couch. She really did tire easily.
Already dozing off, she had to fight to get into a sitting position when Damon emerged with a portion of the lasagna.

"Dinner is served," he said mockingly, and placed it on the table in front of her.

"Thanks." She smiled to him, but he had already turned his back on her, retrieving the bottle of scotch from the cupboard.

She ate in silence, and Damon was quiet as well, standing facing the window, drinking absent mindedly directly from the bottle. She caught herself staring at his back several times, and had to concentrate to keep her mind on eating. He had been right, by the way. The lasagna was perfect.

When she was done, she quietly carried out the plate and took a long drink directly from the tab. He was acting weird she decided; normally he would be either ecstatic, unable to sit still, drinking, listening to super loud music and mock her just for the fun of it. If that wasn't the case he used to be malicious, and gloomy, and, of course, drinking. He somehow didn't fit any of those tonight. One minute he talked to her like an equal, the next he mocked her and then ignored her. She entered the livingroom again in deep thought.

Damon hadn't moved an inch. She lingered a bit, not able to decide what to do. She bit down on her lip and pulled herself together.
"Are you alright?"

"Huh?"

"Is there something wrong?"

His voice was cold and distant when he finally spoke. His words shocking her.
"You don't have to be here anymore, I don't need you. Count yourself released from our deal."

What? Where did that come from?
She took a sharp breath and felt her eyes sting, when his words impacted. Once again she was kicked out on the street. Once again she had to leave home and friends.
It's not fair! Anger welled up inside her. She wanted to yell at him, and fling herself at him, but she fought the feeling, trying to stay collected.

"If that is what you want me to do." She couldn't keep tears from filling her eyes.
When did this place grow so important to you? Just leave and be glad you made it out alive.

But that was easy to say, not to do.

Damon turned around facing her. His face was just as blank as his voice had been. He regarded her, letting his eyes take in all of her. Then his eyes fell on her face. She angrily wiped her eyes.

"Can I sleep here untill tomorrow?"

He just nodded, and she left the room.

That night the nightmares returned. They had taken a new angle. It wasn't just her father now, looming in the shadows, watching as she ran for her life. Damon was there too. Indifferent to her fear, ignoring her cries for help. She tossed and turned all night and when she woke her throat was dry and parched. Had she been screaming in her sleep?

She slowly got to her feet and started collecting her few belongings, stuffing them into her backpack.

Where should I go? I wonder if any of my old spots is still vacant? Probably not.

She walked, deep in thought out into the hall, and straight into someones chest. She stumbled back looking up meeting Yuki's eyes.

"Sorry," she mumbled.

"Good morning sunshine. What's the rush?" He grabbed her waist and whirled her around, laughing at her objections. Then he saw the backpack.
He put her back down, eying her concerned.

"What's up, Kirya?" It was so seldom that he used her real name, that she was put a bit out of it. He really did seem concerned.

She evaded his eyes.

"I'm fired."

He sputtered. "You're what!?"

"I thought vampires had excellent hearing."

Normally the comment would have made him laugh, but not today.

"So you're leaving." It was a statement, and Kirya just kept silent.
"Where to?"

"Dunno. I'm adaptable, I'll figure something out."
She wanted to add, it's not like you care anyway. But she kept her mouth shut.

His next question took her by surprise.
"You don't sound too happy about it. Don't you wanna leave?"

She tried to evade.
"I'm not wanted here, so I'm gonna go."

But he caught onto it. "You didn't answer my question." He reached out, and gently lifted her head, untill she finally looked him in the eye.

When she still didn't say anything, he continued.

"Most people would run as fast as they could if they had been held prisoner by a vampire who fed on their blood."
Suddenly she was angry, and she could feel her insides boil, as she violently jerked back from his touch.

"Firstly, I'm not most people, Yuki Nakamura. And secondly no one, and I repeat, no one, can hold me against my will. I was hired, and now I'm leaving since he obviously doesn't want me in his house anymore."

Yuki burst out laughing, and Kirya wanted to hit him so bad, that she had to ball up her fists to hold herself back.

"Well, then I would like to hire you." Yuki managed to say in between his chuckles.

"Not interested." Fucking vampire!

She pushed past him, and left the apartment.