A/N: Hi, everyone! As always, your comments blew me away. You are amazing! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I really hope you're enjoying the story.

Xoxo

"So, in conclusion, we can smell people's farts, sweat, periods and whatnot, even when they're far away. Also, I need to point out that many people are fucking disgusting. I'm especially grossed out by some people's feet," Paul shuddered and on that note finished his lecture on what he and Jared could and could not smell. The two of them were at it for more than an hour, answering Kim's questions as best as they could.

"Gross," Kim frowned. "But you still haven't answered the most important question. Why exactly do you phase? I mean, there has to be a reason, right?"

The boys exchanged a look and a moment of uncomfortable silence passed between them.

"Yes, there is," Jared finally sighed. "So, you remember how you and I met at the library? When you asked the librarian about the Cold Ones?"

"When you were stalking me? Sure, I remember," she smirked. He didn't smile in return. Kim's spine went rigid.

"Well, we change because of them, because of the... Cold Ones," he said carefully and Kim could already feel she wouldn't like the words that followed. "We are supposed to protect people from them."

"Who exactly are the Cold Ones?" She took a deep breath and braced herself. Paul's eyebrows scrunched up. Jared swallowed and his Adam's apple bobbed uncomfortably.

"Well, who is a bit of a stretch, I think. Maybe what is a better question," he stalled, looking at his hands.

"Fine, what are they?" She huffed impatiently.

Something broke in Jared's eyes as he forced himself to focus on her. He studied her for a bit, like he was trying to memorize every little line and shape on her face. After a long moment he breathed out, "Vampires. They are vampires."

A loud snort escaped Kim, then full-on laughter. And it wasn't right. There was a high pitched, terrified, almost hysterical sound to it and her sides started hurting, but she couldn't stop. The boys exchanged a worried look, then Jared got up from his seat on the bed and approached her carefully. He crouched in front of her chair and took her hand. His warmth shoot up straight to her shoulders and neck, and made her focus. Her laughter had just started to die down as he said, "Look, I know it's hard to trust us on this, but -"

"Oooh, I do trust you," she managed to wheeze out. "Just, this world, though. It's a fucking mess."

Jared's big eyes got even bigger and there was a softness about them that she couldn't bear, so she looked away.

"I mean, if you think about it, there are so many bad things about this world. Like, serial killers, rapists, floods... You get the picture. And on top of all of that, you tell me there are vampires. Why do we even bother living? I mean, I don't... I -"

"Ok, let's just take a breath," Jared's hands moved to the sides of her face and gently craddled it. "I know it's a lot. I know. But you're fine. You are safe. We got you," he gave her a loopsided smile.

"But what about all the other people, who don't have anyone to defend them or let them know they should pay attention to fucking vampires? And you said that you were born with the gene. So, in theory, to get a wolf, such as yourselves, one would need to find a mother or father, ideally both, with the gene, make a baby, let it grow up and reach its teenage years and then hope it would turn into a shapeshifter. Even if it succeeds, that's at least 16 or 17 years! And if Hollywood movies are correct, it takes vampires, what, 16 or 17 seconds to turn a person into a vampire?" She was rambling, flailing her hands around until Jared gently took them into his own.

"And yet, here we all are, still breathing," he said calmly. "It's not a rampage, Kim. They cannot go and slaughter the entire human population. First, because they need people, for... obvious reasons. And second, we suspect they have some sort of control, some rules they follow. Also, we probably aren't the only shapeshifters on the planet," he gave her hands a little squeeze.

"Doctors can't always save all of their patients. Firefighters can't always drag everyone out of a burning building. It's the same for us, Connweller. We do what we can and save who we can," Paul mumbled. Jared nodded.

"I know this is terrifying. But life does go on. You become more cautious, sure; you start noticing things you hadn't noticed before, you are more scared of certain things, but, eventually, you get to live your life," Jared added. "We are getting used to our new lives," he motioned between Paul and himself. "It's hard, but I think we're getting there. And I'm positive we'll be fine. And so are you. We are here for you, always."

Kim gave a small nod and then her face scrunched up in concentration.

"Why?" She asked, looking at Jared.

"Why what?"

"Why are you here for me? What makes me so special? How did you decide to tell me everything and not, I don't know, Sophie?"

Jared blanched at her words, opening and closing his mouth a couple of times.

"Should I..." Paul asked Jared and motioned to the door. Jared blinked at him a couple of times, then turned to Kim again.

"We told you because you are our friend and you are trustworthy and we trust you won't tell anyone," he blurted out in a single breath.

"Oook," Kim frowned in confusion.

"I think we should maybe have a break now," Jared chuckled nervously. "There's plenty of time for questions, right? We'll tell you a bit every day, does that sound ok?"

"Oh, ok," Kim blinked at him. "Maybe it's for the best. My parents will wonder where I am, anyway. I should head home."

"I'll drive you, I came here by car," Jared said, sounding strangely relieved. He got up and nudged Paul to come with them as well. Paul rolled his eyes but he got up and out of the room. Kim followed them out with an odd feeling that she was being rushed out. Jared hadn't told her the whole truth. They were hiding something.

As soon as they dropped Kim off and she reached her front door, Paul started clucking like a hysterical hen.

"Alright, I get it, knock it off," Jared grumbled, glaring at Paul.

"I can't believe you chickened out after all that preparation. Hell, you've revised that idiotic speech in your head so many times that even I know it by heart," Paul taunted.

"You are idiotic. Just... it wasn't the right time. It didn't feel right. I couldn't tell her. Why am I even explaining myself to you? Mind your own fucking business. God, I can't wait for your imprint to show up, I'm going to enjoy your misery sooo much."

"I've already told you - not gonna happen."

"Oh, it so is."

"No, it isn't."

"Of course it is."

"No, it isn't."

"Shut up or I'll throw you out of my car."

"You do realize that we're supposed to patrol together in, like, 10 minutes?" Paul snorted.

"Goddamnit."