"Not when you're a vampire." Rose flashed a weak smile and sat up shakily.

"I wouldn't imagine so. But, I'm not one. So that wasn't that nice to me."

Seth sat down on the floor next to the door.

"So, Travis was just in here. Where did he go?"

The door to the room flung open and Travi stood their eyeing each of them.

'So funny how they are just as reckless as me' he thought.

He rushed into the room, and much against her will, swept up max in a giant bear hug. She kicked him several times to let her go, but he refused, he was simply to happy to be alive. Besides, he wouldnt hug Seth because he was hurt and Rose wasnt feeling well.

"Hey Travis, glad to see you're alive. Now wheres my cane that I threw for you?"

"Shouldn't you be talking to someone?"

Max kicked her legs and wiggled, trying to move. All the time, she couldn't keep her eyes off of Derric.

Rose laughed at them. "Travis, you better be loving me too. Or else I might get jealous."

She stood up and started changing again, going back to her 16 year old body. Rose smiled at him then frowned again.

"Domicic was a bi**."

"Listen to Rose, Taravis." Max said.

She finally looked at him. "Or I swear I'll bite you."

Travis let her go and first turned to Derric. He looked at the wolf, then the woplf turned into a man. They looked so much alike. Travis wondered why he hadnt seen it the first they they had met. Although, that meeting was not under the best of circumstances. Travis couldnt think of anything to say to his son, he was surprised Max and Seth had even managed to convince Derric not to kill them. Something inside Travis told him his son had known the life he was living wasnt the one he began with.

"Do you remember me?" Travis knew it was a stupid question, Dominic had assured Travis he had no recolection of past events.

The Lycan shook his head.

Travis did'nt care. He moved forward and hugged his son, what he felt like was the most meaningful hug he had ever given. To his surprise his Derric gave no resistance. He simply opened his arms just as wide as his father had opened his. Travis was so confused, there were many things he wanted to know...so many things the Lycan could thell the rebels that could be helpful. His own son was a goldmine of inforamtion...but for now, those things didnt matter. Travis was alive...as were his friends. Friends...he turned to Rose.

"I'm sorry for the way I acted back there...although I figure an apology won't cut it." He scratched his head.

"If I had a kid, I probably would've done the same. But still man, where did you put that shotgun I tossed you? That thing is my cane."

"I think I might have forgotten it...and Dominic crushed it... I'll carry you back if you need me to. As collateral, I picked something up when I killed Dominic. I figured I would keep it, but it would probabaly be more useful to you." Travis pulled the golden and ivory pistol out of his pocket and handed it Seth.

Rose looked from the gun, to Seth, to Derric, and finally to Travis. "It's okay." But she knew it wasn't. For a split second, Rose wondered if she shouldn't have gone to try and help.

Her neck throbbed painfully, reminding her of Dominic. Rose shivered. "Please don't ever let me get bitten again." Rose pleaded quietley.

Her eyes were deep and full of so many things: Pain, forgiveness, love, and pain. "Promise me."

Travis looked at Rose, and sat down on the bed. He placed her hand on his heart.

"I wont promise you that...I'll promise you that as long as I'm here...I'll do whatever I can to keep you safe. No one who means harm will EVER touch you again...you hear me...I done running off like a damn fool. You three...and mostly you...are what matters to me the most right now."

Rose hugged him. Another fragile moment...

She smiled alittle. "This is sad: The human is promising to protect the near indestructible vampiress."

Travis pulled back the shoulder of his shirt, revealing a long gash where Dominic had grazed him with his rapier.

"No one is indestructible...not even close..."

"Nah, you don't need to carry me. I was really just fond of that Shotgun. And this is a nice gun. Keep it as a trophy." Seth shakily stood up. "Now, I think we all may wanna head to bed. Travis needs some alone time with Derric. Agreed?"