I had thought the fracture in my leg was the worst of the damage, but I was mistaken. It was amazing how oblivious I was to the severe blood loss. The trip to the hospital was a mystery to me; Salem explained that I had passed out along the way and was unconscious for nearly three days. The doctor had given me a blood transfusion to recover some of the lost fluid – he assumed it was caused from the severe gashes in my leg and Salem, nor I bothered to tell him otherwise. He was, however, somewhat skeptical about the bizarre bite mark on my throat. I insisted I was bit by an animal during an afternoon hike and fallen down an embankment, but he seemed unconvinced. They ran a few tests to ensure I wasn't infected with any diseases from the bite, and all the results were clear. I was just grateful that they released me. I loathed hospitals almost as much as I hated gym class. When I exited the hospital room, donning my new set of metal crutches, I was shocked to find Paul sitting in the waiting room. My instincts told me to retreat and walk in the other direction, but it was too late–he had seen me.

“Alex, please don't go!” He stood up from the plastic chair and rushed to my side. “I know we’ve been on rough terms lately, but I had to see you.”

“How did you even know I was here?” I grumbled, leaning my weight uncomfortably on the crutch the doctor had provided.

“Salem called me, actually...” He stared down at his feet. “This would be the second time he saved your life. I think I owe him an apology, Alex.”

“Well, I'm glad you finally got that through your thick skull.”

“I'm trying to be civil here. Could you at least try to hear me out?” He sighed with frustration.

“Whatever, Paul.” I didn't meet his eyes. “You’ll at least be glad to know Raziel is dead—also thanks to Salem.”

“He told me all about that, too.” He sighed. “This isn't going to be easy for me, Alex, but I think over time I can come to accept your relationship with him.”

My eyes finally met his. “Are you serious?”

He nodded his head slowly. “I think so, anyway. I never imagined a vampire could feel so strongly for a human, but I can see—and hear—the way he cares about you.”

“He’s more in touch with his human half than the vampire in him,” I said as Paul opened the hospital doors for me.

My face brightened when I saw Salem leaning against the side of the building, drenched in the pouring rain. The moisture plastered his ebony hair to his scalp, and beads of water trickled down his pale face. He looked relieved to see me, but a little anxious at Paul's presence. Surprisingly, to both of us, Paul offered my arm to Salem. My father took one of my crutches so that Salem could intertwine his cold arm with mine, and he led me to the Wrangler parked far off into the lot.

When we were in the car, Salem sat in the back with me, holding my hand tightly in his. Paul peeked back at us, a smug look on his face. I began to worry if he had sincerely meant he was going to try to accept our relationship. As we rode along the street, I leaned my head tiredly against Salem's cold, wet shoulder and shut my eyes.

I was barely asleep when I heard the voices—part of me was unsure if I was conscious or not.

“I think I owe you an apology, Salem,” Paul muttered, barely audible over the rush of wind and splattering rain against the windshield.

“You are forgiven,” he muttered in response, caressing my hair gently. “I understand your reasons.”

“It's not going to be easy to get used to.”

“I understand that, too,” Salem replied in a hushed voice, obviously not wanting to disturb me.

“Salem,” Paul spoke just as quietly. “I give you the benefit of the doubt, but if you ever so much as scratch her...well, let's just say I won't miss next time.”

“You have nothing to worry about.”

My eyes barely opened when the car pulled to a stop outside of the Victorian. Salem nudged me gently on the shoulder in an attempt to wake me. “We're home,” he whispered into my ear.

I sat up and stretched my stiffened arms, smiling happily at the sight of the welcoming doors. Salem helped me out of the car and acted as my support, leading me up the alabaster stairs slowly and steadily.

“You are welcome to come inside, Paul,” he hollered back at my father who still sat in the Jeep, his expression blank.

He hesitated before leaving the vehicle and following us into the glorious house. A shimmer of regret crossed his face as he eyed the stained-glass windows on the door. As he opened his mouth to speak, Salem silenced him.

“I know. You are sorry for the windows, also.”

“You can't read minds, can you?” Paul laughed darkly.

“No.” Salem smirked, looking back at Paul. “You're just somewhat predictable.”

“Which is why I’ve never been able to kill you, I guess,” Paul grumbled.

“Dad!” I shouted. “That's enough.”

“Sorry, Alex. Old habits die hard, y'know?” Paul frowned. “But I’m tryin’.”

“Thank you. That is all I ask for.”

“What would you like to eat, my little raven?” Salem asked as he lowered me onto the sectional. His eyes twinkled violet momentarily, and a plump pillow appeared in his hands. He gently placed my fractured leg against the pillow. I smiled gratefully, and watched my father gaze around the house. He was clearly mesmerized. But who could blame him?

“I'll have whatever Paul wants,” I said with a sly grin.

Salem looked uneasy. “I'm not sure that's such a good idea, Alex,” he muttered.

“What isn't? Paul asked as he entered the vast living room. He was momentarily distracted by the white grand piano in the corner. “Ah, I see what she really likes about you.”

Salem laughed delicately.

“Dad, if you could have anything to eat right now–what would it be?” I asked, ignoring them.

“Steak and a baked potato!” he answered quickly. “Why? Does Salem have his own chef to go with this mansion of a house or something?” he scoffed.

“Not exactly, no.” I grinned. “Go on, Salem...”

Salem frowned at me, then I saw the mystical purple highlights in his eyes, and he gestured for Paul to look into the dining room. Upon the dining table were two plates, each with a steaming hot potato with all the toppings imaginable nestled beside a large steak. My father stared in awe at the food, his jaw gaping open.

“How?” he mumbled; his eyes focused now on Salem.

“There is more to me than just being a vampire.” Salem grimaced somewhat.

Paul shook his head in disbelief. “Amazing...” he whispered. “What else can you do?”

“That's about it.”

I smiled to myself, happy to see they were getting along—at least a little, anyway. Salem brought me my plate and helped me sit up. “Thank you,” I said and pecked him on the cheek while Paul delved into his meal. I picked at mine, somewhat wishing I had chosen something of my own—steak wasn't among my favorite foods, but the potato was delicious.

“Salem?” I said quietly, eying my dad in the kitchen. “Did you have any idea about Hannah being Daniel—Raziel’s daughter?”

He shook his head and scowled. “That's not something I ever expected...I don't even want to think about it.”

“What do you think he meant by all that stuff he said to you?”

“I don't know, Alex...” He sighed, appearing thoughtful. “Perhaps I never will quite understand that, now.”

“And...My future.” I gasped. “What do you suppose he saw?”

“I don't know that, either…but we will have plenty of time to find out.”

After I finished my meal, I grudgingly let sleep overcome me as my father asked Salem all about his bizarre summoning abilities.