A/N: Thank you all for being so patient for me to continue my updates on this saga. I changed this chapter up a bit, but none the less, I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did writing it. :) More will be posted tomorrow. That's a promise! Stay tuned and happy reading!

The following morning, everything seemed to be fine at Regina's house. Her father had gone off to work, and Emma had been back just in time to be with Regina, while they waited for Ruby to arrive.

"You don't have to leave, Emma," Regina's arms wrapped firmly along Emma's waist. "I think we've spent enough time apart, don't you?"

Emma chuckled, "It would be better for both of us if I wasn't here while Ruby was. Besides, I think a bed for my bedroom is in order, according to Lily."

Regina groaned, "It's really not."

"I'll be back tonight. I promise. And besides… about your friend Ruby… if you trust her, then I will attempt to be more reasonable of your need to be around her."

"Wow," Regina breathed.

Emma leaned in, capturing Regina's lips with hers in a kiss that quickly found itself deepening. Regina's arms didn't waste any time in tangling themselves along Emma's frame, her grip clutching along her jacket.

Ruby stopped by the door, a frown thinned out along her lips as she quickly looked away from the display of affection happening before her.

"I'll see you later," Said Emma, once she pulled away from their kiss.

"Okay." Regina smiled, almost losing her footing as they parted. She watching as Emma headed toward the door.

Emma's eyes glare directly into Ruby's as she walks past her before disappearing. Ruby welcomes herself inside Regina's house, "So… what was so important that you needed to see me?"

"A vampire was here last night. Someone we don't know. Emma and her family, they need to feed, so I was hoping-"

"Wait," Ruby chuckled, "So, your vampires aren't strong enough to protect you now?"

"Don't be smug, Ruby. They need to feed. And it was my idea to get you involved. Can you help or not?"

Ruby sighed, "So, where was the intruder the most last night?"

"My room."

Ruby marched right into Regina's bedroom, her eyes looking around while she took a whiff of it. Her nose scrunched up. "Whoever it was was definitely here. They certainly left their stink behind. But at least I know what to look out for," she turns to Regina. "Don't worry. If I so much as catch a whiff of the scent again, they won't get anywhere near you or Henry."

"Thank you." Regina sighed with relief, sitting along her bed.

Ruby moved over to the bed, helping herself to a seat. "It's been so long since I've been back here. It feels strange." She looks around Regina's room before her eyes are on Regina again. "So, Emma finally allowed you to hang out with me for the day, huh?"

"Ruby," Regina glares.

"Hey, it all works out for me. At least I get to see you," Ruby nudges her playfully. "So, what do you say to a pizza? My treat this time."

Regina chuckled, "Fine, but we might have to get two, so you can have a whole one to yourself."

Ruby laughs, "I like that idea, actually."

Regina chewed on a slice of pizza, sitting by the fireplace that Ruby poked around with a fire poker before joining her along the living room. It had been an interesting evening, spending it with Ruby. Regina had really missed her.

"I missed this. When we could just talk, and things didn't have to get so… tense between us." Said Regina.

Ruby smiled, "Well, then you're about to hate me." she said, sliding over to sit by Regina's side.

"I could never hate you, Ruby. It's impossible." Regina smiled.

"Can I ask you a serious question, then?"

"Depends on what it is." Regina frowned, preparing for the worse. She picked off a pepperoni from one of the slices and placed it in her mouth.

Ruby scrunched up her nose, "So, you and Emma… you kiss a lot?"

Regina's brow slightly lifts, "What kind of a question is that to ask?"

Ruby shrugs, "I'm just thinking… aren't you worried about fangs?"

Regina rolls her eyes, "Don't be ridiculous, Ruby. You know she doesn't have any fangs."

"Alright, alright," Ruby laughs. "It can't be fun, though, right? Dating an icicle."

"Are you really going to make this about Emma and I?"

Ruby takes a bite of the slice in her hand, a smug look on her face. "Okay, new topic," she nudges Regina's leg.

"Please," Regina nods.

"So, we are having a little bonfire tonight. Granny will be there. She loves telling her old tales to us when we get together like this," Ruby smirks. "Would you like to come?"

"I don't know," Regina brushed back a strand of her hair. "I'm supposed to see Emma tonight."

Ruby rolls her eyes, "I'm sorry, but vampires aren't allowed."

"We'll see." Said Regina.

Regina was coming out of the shower, drying her hair. Ruby had left, stating that Emma would be back and was just waiting for her to leave Regina's house to appear soon. She had invited her again to her gathering, and pressed her to think about going.

Regina gasped as she turned away from her window and saw Emma already in her bedroom. "I like your hair wet," Emma whispered, standing close to Regina and taking a whiff of her hair. "Did I ever tell you that you smell like apples and cinnamon?"

Regina gulped, her hands landing along Emma's waist, "That's just my shampoo," she whispers. Her eyes close as Emma's cool lips kiss along her jaw, down to her neck.

"Mmm," Emma kisses right along Regina's pulse that throbs along her neck. "I disagree. That's just your natural scent. I like it."

Regina doesn't waste time in capturing Emma's lips, feeling them part and mold along with hers once Emma quickly deepens their kiss. Her hand slid inside Emma's jacket, and Regina was surprised when Emma didn't stop her from sliding it off of her body, hearing it pool somewhere along the floor. Their kiss deepened and Regina took the initiative to guide Emma toward her bed and straddle her lap as she sat along the edge. She could feel Emma's hands tremble as they placed themselves along Regina's thighs, but didn't move further up.

It wasn't until Regina attempted to remove her shirt, that Emma's hand caught her wrist, halting her movement. Their breathing heavy as she pulled away from their kiss all together.

"You know, Emma, one of these days I'm going to die of combustion because of you." Regina breathed.

Emma chuckled, "Is that so?" She toyed with a wet strand of Regina's hair. "Then, maybe I should save you from combustion."

"Please," Regina caught her lower lip.

Emma easily removed Regina from her lap and stood up.

"I don't mean like that!" Regina scoffed, moving back into Emma's arms.

Emma chuckled as she caught Regina, enveloping her in her embrace. "Gina, you seriously underestimate my self-restraint."

"Is that a bad thing?" Regina grins, pulling Emma closer toward her body.

Emma's smirk grows along the corner of her lip but says nothing. Instead she leans in, capturing Regina's lips within her own one last time tonight, ending with a gentle kiss along her forehead.

"You know, Emma…" Regina whispers, looking up into her girlfriend's eyes. "We have to figure out what to tell people. Sooner or later. My dad… why I won't be home for Christmases. Thanksgiving, birthday's."

Emma frowned, "In a few decades… everyone you know will be dead. Problem solved," she chuckled, "I apologize. That was too harsh of me. But it's the truth."

"Why are you so against me becoming like you?" Regina asks.

"Gina…" Emma inhales slowly, pressing her lips along Regina's forehead, her eyes closing. "I know the consequences of the choice you're making," she locks eyes once more. "I've lived through them. And to watch you suffer that… just for the sake of never having to lose you. That's the most selfish act I'll ever do." She inhales Regina's rich scent, "If there were any way for me to become human for you- no matter what the price was, I would pay it."

Regina's heart combusts inside of her chest at Emma's words, her eyes shining.

"What?" Emma asks, wishing she could read her mind right now.

"I just…" Regina shakes her head, "I thought that maybe you didn't want to turn me because you were afraid that I wouldn't be warm anymore. Or that I wouldn't smell the same to you."

Emma's hand cups Regina's warm cheek, her thumb drawing soft circles along the corner of her lip, her head shakes slowly. "Certainly, there are things I'll miss. This for one… Her hand stroked along Regina's cheek. "And the sound of your heart," she continued. "It's the most significant sound in my world. I'm so attuned to it now, I swear I could pick it out from miles away. But neither of these things matter. This," she said, wrapping Regina into her embrace. "You. That's what I'm keeping. You'll always be my Gina." She captures Regina's lips in a gentle kiss. Her arms hold Regina closer as she buries her face along Emma's chest, her chin rests atop of her damp hair. "My Gina, just less fragile."

"I love you, Emma," Regina whispers, searching for Emma's eyes again. "And I'm in this with you forever."

"I could definitely do with I love you for all eternity," Emma smiles. "Now, what's this I hear about a bonfire party tonight?"

Regina's brow furrows before she scoffs, smiling a little. "Of course, you were listening," she murmurs.

"Just that last part, I promise. Ruby's thoughts are pretty loud," Emma chuckled.

"It's just a party, it's nothing."

"But, you want to go?" Emma searches for Regina's eyes, seeing the obvious answer behind them.

"I don't have to," Regina shakes her head. "It's fine."

"Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea… for you to be in the wolf's den for a while," Emma chuckles. "More protection for you."

"Are you serious?" Regina's brow slightly lifts.

Emma shrugs, "I did say I was going to try being more open of your friendship with Ruby."

"This is very big of you." Regina searches Emma's eyes this time. "Wait… are you leaving again? Is that it?"

Emma shakes her head, "No. But, I trust you. Not so much Ruby, however, but I can't say I blame her for some of her thoughts."

"Then, what's with the change of heart?" Regina asks.

"Because I know you really want to go. But, on one condition…" Emma smiles. "I drive you to the end of the line of reservation. And I pick you up when you want to come home. Just to make sure you arrive safely."

"You'd do that?" The corner of Regina's lip lifts a little.

"Only if you say yes," Emma nods.

"Yes." Regina's smile grows.

"It's settled then," Emma's arms release Regina as she walks to a certain distance of the room, bending down to pick up her jacket. "And because I won't know what kind of trouble you will get into with Ruby…" she holds out her leather jacket toward Regina. "I want you to wear this tonight."

Regina reaches out for Emma's jacket, her brow lifting. "Your jacket?" She sees Emma nod. "But you love this jacket."

"True, but…" Emma takes her jacket and places it along Regina's shoulders like a cape. "I love you more. And your safety means everything to me. And if you decide to go riding a motorcycle again, it'll protect you from road rash. I've never experienced it myself, but I've heard it's awful." She chuckled, zipping up the jacket until it hugs Regina just right.

Regina always loved wearing Emma's jacket. Not only because it smelled like her, but because it was surprisingly warm. "It's really not my style, Emma." She looks herself over.

"Hmm," Emma takes a step back to admire Regina, "I disagree. It suits you just fine, though, a black one would suit you better." She smirks. "And I lied. It's more than fine… you look very sexy with it on."

Regina scoffs, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, right."

"You do. Really." Emma pulls Regina closer to her, enveloping her in. "So sexy."

Regina melts where she stands. "Maybe we should forget about the party and stay here tonight?"

Emma chuckled, "Finish getting ready. I'll wait outside for you."

"So, was your friend Ruby ecstatic to meet you here?" Emma chuckled, holding up the passenger door for Regina.

"She was a little excited, yes." Regina turns her attention to Emma. She feels Emma's hand adjust her hair, pulling it out from the neckline of her jacket.

"You look beautiful."

"No more than you." Said Regina, observing Emma closely. "Are you sure this is okay for you? I mean… won't you get jealous that I'll be with Ruby?"

"I'll admit to some jealousy," Emma chuckled. "But, I promised I won't allow this to create a wedge between us."

Regina bit her lower lip in thought, "Did Kathryn talk to you today by any chance?"

Emma's brow furrows, "No, but her thoughts were a little tormented when I arrived home."

"She told me about her human life. How she was turned. And she also mentioned that…" Regina averts her gaze to the floor. "In Denali… you were the center of attention of certain female vampires. But none had captured your fancy."

Emma said nothing, locking eyes with Regina as soon as the brunette looked up.

"She was telling the truth?" Now Regina was a little jealous. "Who was it?"

Emma shook her head, "It doesn't matter, Regina."

"Yes it does. How many?"

"Gina, you are whose important to me-"

"How many?" Regina asked firmly this time.

"There was one. Tanya, she's… a distant cousin, of sorts."

"Is she pretty?" Regina murmurs, not sure if she wants to know the answer.

Emma sighs through her nose, "She has her charm," she takes her knuckles and tucks them underneath Regina's chin, lifting her head up to meet her gaze. "But she's not you, which is why I would never be interested in her or anyone else that looks my way."

Regina's heart settled, well almost, because as soon as she wrapped herself in Emma's arms and her lips touched her cold ones in a kiss, her heart always beat a thousand beats per minute, she was sure it would combust inside of her chest.

Emma abruptly pulls away, scrunching her nose in disgust, hating the fact that Ruby's scent was so bad, it had to pull them apart. "Ruby's here," she muttered, glaring in the direction of a classic, cherry red convertible, driving to a stop along the side of the road.

Regina smiled at Ruby, who's eyes glared in Emma's direction from a distance, before she turned back to Emma. "I'll see you later?"

Emma nods, "Call me when you're ready to come home and I'll be right here to pick you up."

"Okay," Just as Regina was about to walk away, Emma reached for her hand and pulled her back into her embrace, her lips molding right with Regina's in a kiss so deep, it turned their world upside down. Especially Regina's.

Ruby leaned by her car, arms crossed over her chest. Her eyes rolled back at the unnecessary display of affection between the two.

"Bye." Regina waved at Emma, her smile stretched out from ear to ear as she walked up to Ruby. "Hey, Ruby."

"Hey, Gina," Ruby grinned, pulling Regina into the tightest hug, her nose burying along her hair, but her blue eyes were trained on Emma.

Emma glared back from a distance, her jaw tightening as she picked up on her thoughts on the perfect scent of Regina's hair. She smirked a little once Ruby picked up on her own scent radiating off of her leather jacket.

"Ready?" Ruby asks, pulling open the driver's side door of her car.

Emma's Volvo roars to life, its tires screech along the wet road back to town.

Regina climbs into the passenger seat of Ruby's car. "Nice car."

"You like it? I restored it myself," she grins proudly. "Well, Granny helped some, but with her bad leg, she mostly supervised."

"It definitely suits you." Regina smiles. She hears the engine roar to life before Ruby drives on in the opposite direction.

When they arrived, Regina was surprised to see everyone there. Graham, Emily nestled by his side, Paul, Embry, Quil, Leah looking on into the flames of the bonfire other than at Graham holding Emily. Regina wondered how she could stand it, knowing that she would never be able to if that were her situation with Emma, where she had to share her with some other female vampire. Tanya coming to her mind. Even Granny Lucas was there, sitting beside Seth, who Ruby had mentioned him to be Leah's little brother. Sue, their mother, and Granny Lucas' good friend, sat along the group, too.

"You know, Ruby, maybe this wasn't such a good idea," Regina turns to Ruby.

"What do you mean?" Ruby's head tilted.

"Well… are you sure I'm even welcomed? I mean, this looks pretty personal."

"It's fine, Gina," Ruby gave her a reassuring smile. "Come on, I promise," her hand hovers along her back as she guides her further within the group. "Besides, I thought it would be fun for you to learn of our tribe's history. How we came to be. It's Seth and Leah's first time, too."

"Aren't those supposed to be secret to us humans?" Regina asks.

Ruby chuckled, "Apparently to everyone but you. Besides… your taste in paranormal creatures may be lacking, but you're a part of this, too."

Regina threw a glare in Ruby's direction, even if Ruby missed it.

"Ruby, you're back!" Seth came running, grinning from ear to ear at Ruby. "Paul and Embry were scarving down all the food, but I saved you some burgers."

"Good looking out, Seth." Ruby grinned. "Gina, this is Seth Clearwater. He's the youngest and newest in our pack so far."

"Newest, bestest, brightest…" Seth grins proudly.

"And slowest," Ruby wrapped Seth in a headlock and rubbed her knuckles along the top of his head playfully.

Seth shook himself away from Ruby. "Hey, come on, your grandmother is waiting for you. It's storytime!"

"Come on," Ruby nudged Regina along the arm, guiding her over to the campfire, where everyone sat along in a circle. Seth beat Embry, sitting happily right in the middle of Ruby and Regina.

"The Quileutes have been a small tribe from the beginning, but we have always had magic in our blood." Granny Lucas begins, "We were great spirit warriors. Shape shifters that transform into a powerful wolf. This enabled us to scare off our enemies and protect our tribe. One day our warriors came across a creature… it looked like a man, but it was hard like stone. And cold as ice."

Regina frowned as Emma and her family came to her mind. She knew they were talking about a vampire.

"The cold one had slaughtered a few members from the village. Our warriors bared their teeth, fought it, but only fire would completely destroy it. They lived in fear that the cold man was not alone and they were right. Its mate took revenge on the entire village, slaughtered them all. Our last warrior, Taha Aki was the only one left to save the tribe after his son was killed. Taha Aki's third wife saw that he would lose the fight. She was a being with no special powers, but one… courage. The third wife sacrificed herself, plunging a dagger through her stomach so that the cold one could become distracted by the scent of her blood, giving Taha Aki enough time to destroy her. She saved the tribe. Over the years, our enemies have disappeared, but one remains…" Granny's eyes look to Regina. "The cold ones. Our magic awakens when they're near. We feel it in our blood. Something terrible is coming, and we must all be ready. All of us."

Seth leaned into Regina, his voice dropped to a whisper, "Granny Lucas says that the color of our furs defines a trait about us… like Graham's is all white, meaning that he is the purest one of us all. He makes tough choices as Alpha, but he has the noblest heart." He grins.

Regina's eyes look over to Graham, seeing all the love in his eyes shine for Emily as they share a glance.

Afterward, Ruby stopped her car along the same road, which was darker now. Ruby looked over to Regina's sleeping form along the passenger seat. "Gina…" She whispered, scooting closer to her. Her eyes falling along Regina's lips. It would be so easy… to lean in an kiss her. But why risk it? Instead she shook her gently and called out again, "Hey, Gina."

Regina's heavy eyelids slowly parted, until they grew wide as she realized she was inside Ruby's car. "What time is it, Ruby?" She searched for her cellphone along Emma's jacket pockets, but couldn't find it. "Where's my phone? I have to call Emma, she must be so worried-"

"Relax, Gina," Ruby laughed, unable to help herself. "It's not even midnight yet." She dug into her short pockets and pulled out Regina's phone.

"You took my phone?" Regina snatched her phone back.

"Don't bother," Ruby places her hand along Regina's as she began to dial. "I already called her for you. She's on her way to pick you up."

Regina blinked, "You called Emma for me?"

Ruby nods.

"Why would you do that?"

"Well," Ruby shrugs. "I figured if I played nice with your leech for a change, she would let me see you more." She grins, nodding forward where a pair of headlights appear along the dark road ahead. "She's here."

"Thanks, Ruby. That was very kind of you." Regina smiled a little.

"Kind is my middle name." Ruby smiled.

"That can't be why your fur is red," said Regina.

Ruby chuckled, "No. Haven't you noticed that red is my favorite color?" Her eyes look over to Emma's dark figure, pacing left and right along the front of her car. "You better go. I don't think she's very patient."

Truth be told, Regina was very eager to be with Emma, too. She leaned in, wrapping Ruby up in a hug that Ruby lingered in. "Thank you, Ruby. Tonight was fun."

"It was," Ruby whispers, blinking a couple of times. "I'm happy that you were with me tonight. Thank you."

Regina dismounted Ruby's car, and walked her way up to Emma, feeling her arms quickly envelope her in. "I'm sorry. I fell asleep, we ate and Ruby's grandmother told us a story."

"It's alright. Did you have fun?" Emma asks.

"Yeah, it was… fun. I wish you could have been there to listen to the story. It was amazing." Regina smiled.

"Well, maybe you can tell me about it, after you've rested." Emma catches a yawn escape Regina's lips. "Are you tired? I could carry you."

"I'm okay. Let's just go home." Regina turns and waves at Ruby, watching as the headlights of her car disappear into the night.

Emma holds open the passenger door, straps Regina in once she's inside before she's in the driver's seat and driving away.