Sera leaned against the doorjamb. The frat house was packed with people, more people than she had ever imagined it could hold. They bumped and jostled her as they made their way through the crowd. Kathleen stood by her side, swaying with the music as she surveyed the dance floor. It was so packed that there was no room for them.

Danielle reappeared, slightly flushed and harried looking as she handed Kathleen another beer. "God it's packed in here!" she cried.

Sera agreed as she studied the swarm of bodies. Kathleen ran a hand through her tussled, short bob. Even though they weren't dancing, the heat of the room was enough to make them sweat. She cast Sera a small smile as she stood on her tiptoes trying to look over the sea of heads.

Sera was still amazed that Kathleen wasn't mad at her for not telling her about Jacob sooner, and for telling Liam first. At first she'd been upset, more by the fact that Sera had told Liam first, but she had said that she understood. Sera had been even more astonished by the fact that Kathleen had stated that she'd known something had happened to Sera, she just wasn't exactly sure what. She knew Kathleen, and patience was definitely not one of her virtues. Kathleen loved gossip, and hated being kept in the dark about anything, but although she had noticed it, she had never questioned Sera about her hesitancy around men or the fact that she had never dated. She had simply tried to help Sera get over it, in her own way, by forcing her to go to parties and to interact with other people. Kathleen waited for Sera to tell her in her own time, and in her own way. Sera loved her even more for her consideration, and understanding. She had been concerned that Kathleen might have just said that she wasn't upset with her while in truth she really was, but over the past three weeks, her best friend had shown no signs of resentment.

Sera returned her smile as she turned to scan the crowd again. She spotted Liam's dark head above the crowd as he wound his way toward them. Her heart immediately began to beat a little faster and a small smile curved her mouth. She had spent every night of the past three weeks with him. They had spent a few nights hanging out in his room, watching movies, and talking. A few other nights had been spent hanging out with Kathleen, Danielle, Mike, Jack, and Doug. Other times they had gone out to dinner, to the movies, and one absolutely ridiculous night of bowling where they had both made fools of themselves and vowed never to do it again.

They had gone to parties, where every girl there hit on him, but he paid no attention to them as he stayed by her side, dancing with her, and never failing to make her feel as if she was the only woman in the room. He also never failed to make her feel safe and protected. When men leered at her, and made rude comments, one look from him was enough to silence them, and send them on their way.

Sera had never been so happy in her life, never had she felt this wonderful, this blissful, and this secure. He never pressured her, never forced her to do anything that she didn't want to. When she stiffened involuntarily, he comforted her. When panic seized her for no reason, he understood and helped to set her at ease.

She knew that she was falling in love with him, and it scared the hell out of her. She hadn't thought it was possible to fall in love with someone in three weeks, but she knew now that she was wrong. With each day that passed, she found herself more and more scared of losing him. There was only so much that a man could take before he got tired of being patient. Although he showed no signs of that happening, she was certain that it was only a matter of time. She just hoped she could get over her apprehension by then.

He stepped out of the crowd, flashing his dazzling grin as he handed her a beer. Sera took it and sipped it as she studied him through lowered lashes. "Hey guys," Jack greeted as he appeared at his side. "This place is a mad house tonight!"

"That's for sure!" Kathleen agreed.

Jack was bumped forward causing beer to slosh out of his cup. "Hey watch it!" he yelled over his shoulder before turning back to Liam. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Yeah," Liam replied. He turned back to Sera and kissed her. "I'll be right back."

She turned and followed Jack back into the crowd. "Well now, wasn't that sweet."

Sera turned at the voice in her ear. Michelle stood behind her, leaning casually against the wall as she surveyed her through narrowed eyes. Her long hair was loose and flowing around her elegant face. Despite the heat of the house, she somehow managed to look cool and refreshed.

Sera stared at her as she tried to sort through the jumbled rush of feelings that rolled through her at the sight of Michelle. She hadn't seen her since the night she'd left her dorm room. She didn't know what to say to her now, or why Michelle suddenly seemed to hate her so much. She felt betrayed by her, and she was hurt, but she was also mad and getting madder.

"Hello Michelle," she replied coldly.

"Haven't seen you around much." Nor had she attempted to either. Sera didn't say a word as Michelle casually brushed back a strand of hair. "You two make a cute couple," she purred.

"Don't they?" Kathleen inquired sweetly.

Michelle's eyes flashed to her as a cruel smile twisted her face. "You're a fool if you think that he really likes you."

Sera's hand clenched on her cup. "I don't think it's any of your business Michelle."

"You're just pissed because he turned you down!" Kathleen retorted.

Michelle lifted her head haughtily as she tossed back her hair. "I wouldn't waste my time on someone like him."

"Oh really Michelle?" They all turned as Liam stepped beside Sera, his arm wrapped around her waist as he drew her against his side.

Michelle's eyes flashed angrily as she took Liam in. Kathleen snickered, but hid her smile behind her hand. Danielle was frowning as she stood nearby them. Liam's arm was like a steel trap around her waist. There was an odd sense of power radiating from him that frightened even her. Sera's heart skipped a beat as his eyes landed upon her. His face was pitiless, but there was a warmth in his gaze that she knew was only for her.

"Hello Liam," Michelle said calmly.

"Were you talking about me?" he inquired as he lifted his head to look at her.

Michelle raised her chin and stared back at him defiantly. "Yes."

He smiled at her, but there was no warmth in the gesture, or in his features. "Good, because I wouldn't waste my time on you either. So now that we're in agreement, don't you have somewhere else to be?"

His voice was filled with an icy bitterness that made the hair on Sera's arms stand up. "Yeah, I do," Michelle replied coldly.

"I would suggest going there."

Michelle glared at the two of them as she stormed past. Sera sighed as some of the tension eased from her body. Liam's arm around her waist loosened marginally but he didn't release her.

"Want to dance?" he inquired.

She glanced back at the crowded floor. She hated the idea of pushing her way onto it, but the thought of being wrapped in Liam's arms was too tempting to refuse. "Yeah," she replied.

He led her out to the dance floor, easily cutting through the thick crowd. A small smile curved her mouth as she rested her head against his solid chest and wrapped her arms around his strong body. His arms around her were warm, comforting, and completely sheltering. She felt perfectly safe, and completely at home, as she moved in time with him.

***

Liam moved swiftly through the thick crowd, searching for Mike, Jack, or Doug. "Hey."

He turned as Jack caught hold of his arm. "Hey."

"Come on."

Jack led the way to the back stairway and up the stairs. Liam followed behind; his thoughts were jumbled as they made it to the second floor and continued on to the third. Mike and Doug were standing outside Mike's room, their arms crossed over their chests as they talked quietly. This far up the music was only a distant, thumping melody. Shouts and laughter wafted up from below, but the words were indiscernible.

Mike and Doug straightened away from the wall as he and Jack approached. An uneasy feeling began to fill him as he studied the intense looks on their faces. "We have to talk," Mike said briskly.

Liam knew what they planned to talk about; he just didn't care to hear it. "I don't have the time right now," he replied.

Mike eyed him. "Then you're going to make the time."

Liam folded his arms over his chest. "What is it Mike?"

Mike looked at both Jack and Doug, but it was obvious that they were perfectly content to let Mike do the talking. "Come on."

Mike strode across the hall and thrust Liam's door open. He waited for all of them to enter before closing it again. Liam silently stood by the door as he eyed the three of them. "It's Sera," Mike said bluntly.

He had already known that it was, but he still didn't want to deal with it. "What about her?" he asked coldly.

Mike perched on the edge of the desk. "Don't be difficult Liam. You shouldn't be involved with her, and you know it."

"It's none of your concern."

"It is our concern! We're involved in this too!" Jack shouted.

"No, you're not."

Jack's hazel eyes narrowed as his solid jaw clenched. He was shorter and thinner than Liam, with a lithe, soccer player build. Right now his light brown hair was a darker shade from sweat as it curled down to his collar and clung to the broad angles of his face. His nose had been broken when they were twelve, and it was still a little bent to the side with a small bump in the middle of it.

"Really?" Jack inquired. "Go tell that to the girl across the hall. She's there for you, not us!"

Liam's arms dropped as he took an angry step forward. "Hey," Doug intervened. "Cut it out. Both of you."

Jack's eyes still simmered with resentment, but he took a small step back. Liam glared at him, his jaw clenched, as his nostrils flared. "Look," Mike said, shooting Jack a warning look. "All we're saying is that you shouldn't be involved with her Liam, and you know it."

Liam scowled at him, but there was nothing that he could say to defend himself. Mike was right; he shouldn't be involved with her. "I know," he replied. "But I'm not going to let her go."

"Oh, for crying out loud!" Jack exclaimed.

"Jack!" Doug hissed warningly. Jack sneered at him. Doug didn't back down though as his ocean blue eyes remained fixed on Jack. His dark blond hair was cut short, and right now stood in little spikes on top of his head from tugging at it, which had always been his habit when he was agitated. He was shorter and stockier than all of them, but he was wholesome and cute, a combination that had always made people think that he was younger than he was, and had never failed to make women flock to him.

"Look Liam, you can't keep seeing her," Mike said firmly. "First of all, we can't keep finding girls for you, second of all she's going to end up hearing about it, and then what are you going to do, tell her the truth? No, you're not. Third of all, you're just going to hurt her."

He was fuming as he glared at his best friends. "I know that!"

"Well then, don't you think you should end it soon, now?"

"No."

"Shit!" Jack exclaimed.

"Are you insane?" Mike demanded as his patience finally frayed. "Are you listening to yourself? You agree with everything, and yet you're still being an ass!"

Liam's patience, and his temper, was close to exploding. It was the most selfish thing he had ever done, and he despised himself for it, but he couldn't bring himself to end it with her. The thought alone sent a cold bolt of dread through his heart.

"I'm not ending it with her."

Mike stood rigidly. "I cannot believe that you're being so fucking selfish. What about her? Don't you think she deserves better?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then end it with her!"

"No."

"Liam, you have to," Doug said calmly.

"No, I don't."

"You're a selfish bastard!" Mike exploded.

Liam rounded on him with his fists clenched. "Yes, I am," he snarled.

"You have no reason for hanging on to her!" Jack yelled. "None!"

"I love her!" Liam bellowed.

They gaped at him in amazement, but it was nothing compared to the astonishment that jolted through his system at his words. He took a small step back as the realization really slammed home. Jesus, what had he done? He had never meant for things to go this far, never planned to care for her at all, never mind fall in love with her.

"Crap," Liam muttered.

"You can say that again," Jack mumbled.

"Liam, what can you offer her? Nothing. Your life, our lives, are nothing but death, and blood. She deserves better than that. The only thing you're going to do is hurt her, you, and maybe even us."

"I know that Mike, but I can't let her go. I don't know why, I just can't. Not now anyway."

"It will only get more difficult."

Liam ran a hand through his hair. He was still completely staggered by the realization he had just come to. Love, he had never expected to love anyone, especially not now. The only people he had cared about as a human were these three, David, and his family. How was it possible that now, when he was a monster, when he was no longer human, that he could fall in love?

"You have to let her go," Doug said.

It would be the most challenging thing he'd ever have to do, but the most decent thing that he had ever done, human or not. "I know," he reluctantly admitted.

"Then..."

"All right!" he snapped. "I will. I'll end it tonight."

The thought tore through his heart and sent a fiery rage coursing through his veins. "It's for the best," Mike murmured.

"Shut up Mike!" he spat.

They stared at him as if they had no idea who he was anymore, he wasn't entirely sure he knew who he was either. "The girl is across the hall," Doug informed him.

A muscle twitched in Liam's cheek. "Get rid of her."

"But..."

"I said get rid of her!"

"You need to feed Liam," Jack said.

"I'll kill her if I do."

He spun away from them and flung the door open so forcefully that he heard the plaster in his wall crack. He didn't care as he stormed down the hall and back toward the party. His breath was coming in rapid pants by the time he made it to the ground floor. He paused to gather his control before he walked back into the party. The last thing he wanted was for Sera to see him like this. He would scare the hell out of her.

Harnessing his willpower, he slowly regained control of his rapidly swaying emotions. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to move out of the stairwell and back down the hall. There seemed to be even more people than before and the smell of alcohol and sweat permeated the air. People bounced into him as he shoved his way forward, heedless of their cries of protest. He had left Sera by the dance floor, but she was no longer there.

He turned around and started shoving his way back through the crowd. He found Kathleen and Danielle at the doorway of the kitchen. "Where's Sera?" he yelled above the noise.

"She went to get another drink!" Danielle shouted.

Liam glanced at the keg by the front door but she wasn't there. He turned and headed toward the back rooms. There were at least three kegs there. He stepped through the double doors and spotted her talking to a tall guy with brown hair. She was smiling, but she looked more than a little uncomfortable as she said something, and then turned to leave. The guy's hand shot out, grasping her arm to stop her. He saw the tremor that rocked her as she turned back to him.

For a moment, Liam saw nothing but red. Then, he was rapidly moving across the floor. "I have to go," Sera told him.

"Can I get your number?"

"I have a boyfriend."

"So?"

Sera was unsure of how to respond to that. "So that means back off." Liam seemed to come out of nowhere to grasp the guy's arm.

The guy's mouth was compressed as he turned toward Liam. "No one asked you pal," he said coldly.

"Let her go!" Liam commanded.

Sera gaped in astonishment, unable to believe what was going on. The guy's hand fell from her arm, but resentment radiated from every inch of him. However, it was nothing compared to the wrath that seemed to blaze from Liam. She was truly frightened as she gazed at his callous face and fiery eyes. He looked like he was about ready to kill the guy.

"Hey, what's going on?"

Sera let out a breath of relief as Mike appeared at Liam's side with Doug and Jack behind him. "Nothing," Liam grated.

"I was just talking to the girl," the guy said coldly. "If you have a problem with that, then we can solve it."

"Yes we can," Liam growled.

"I don't think so," Mike interjected, shooting a pointed look at Liam before stepping between them. "There will be no fighting, right Liam?"

Liam's gaze was still locked upon the guy in front of him. His whole body was stiff, and he knew that he was close to breaking, close to a place that he had never been before. But seeing the guy touch Sera, and hearing what he'd said had unleashed something inside of him that he hadn't even known existed.

"Liam." Sera's voice and her small hand on his arm helped to pull him from the fiery haze that was blurring his vision. He glanced down at her. She was staring at him with pleading, troubled eyes. Her lower lip trembled as she looked over at the guy and then back at Liam. "Please don't."

He stared at her, his jaw clenched as he released the guy's arm. "I think you'd better go," Mike told the guy.

The guy looked at Mike and then at Liam. "Assholes," he muttered as he walked away.

Liam's jaw clenched, but he managed to refrain from going after him and beating him into a bloody pulp. His shoulders slumped and he turned to look at Sera. "You okay?" he asked.

Her eyes rapidly scanned his face. His eyes were still filled with fury, but it was beginning to ease as the warmth that she was familiar with started to seep into them. She hadn't seen anyone look as wild as he had, not since Jacob, and he had terrified her. It had been a new side of him, a side that she didn't like.

"I'm fine. He was just talking," she murmured.

He reached out to touch her cheek but she flinched involuntarily away. "Sera..." She shook her head as tears welled in her eyes. "Will you come upstairs with me?" She bit into her bottom lip as she wrapped her arms around herself in a desperate attempt to stop the shaking that was suddenly rocking her body. He took a step closer to her and she tilted her head to look at him. "I'm not going to hurt you Sera. I won't ever hurt you. I promise. Now will you please come upstairs with me so that we can talk?"

She stared warily at him before nodding. No matter what she had just seen, Liam had never harmed her, and she truly believed that he never would.

She didn't flinch from him, something that he was extremely grateful for as he slid his arm around her waist. He turned back around to find Jack and Doug studying him with mixed expressions of concern. Mike was frowning as he stared at Sera. Liam stopped at Mike's side. "It's not going to happen," he said quietly so that Sera couldn't hear him.

Mike stared at him in disbelief before looking back at Sera. "Liam..."

"No Mike, it's not going to happen."

"I hope you know what you're doing."

"I don't," he admitted before turning and leading her out of the room.

He knew that he couldn't let her go right now, he wasn't sure if he'd ever be able to let her go. The thought of her with anyone else was enough to make him feel like killing someone. He loved her, and he intended to be with her for as long as he possibly could.

Tonight he had stood on a precipice that he'd never thought to stand on before. His love for her had pushed him to it, but she had somehow managed to pierce through his desire to kill, and pull him back before he plummeted over. He knew now that if he lost her, he would go over the edge. She was the only thing that could keep him from the darkness, and keep him in the light. He couldn't let that light, that goodness go, especially when his existence was so dreary.

He opened the door to his room and led her inside. Flicking the switch on, he turned to look at her. "You scared me," she whispered.

Liam winced. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."

He pulled her forward, enveloping her in his arms. He slipped his hand into her thick hair and held her against him. She resisted for a second before wrapping her arms around his waist and burying herself against him.

He held her for a long time, savoring her warmth, and comfort, the way that she eased his bleak soul. He pulled away, bent down, and picked her up. Her hands instinctively clutched his shoulders as he flicked the switch off and carried her to the bed.

"Liam..."

"It's all right," he said. "I just want to hold you Sera."

She didn't make another protest as he sat on the bed and pulled her down. She laid her head on his shoulder; her mouth pressed against his neck, her breath was warm on his throat. Her small fingers curled into his shirt as she nestled closer. She lifted her head, her delicate mouth parted as she gazed at him. Easing her head down, he kissed her, his tongue entwined with hers as she opened her mouth to his. Instantly, he began to harden and throb. He shifted so that she wouldn't feel his obvious lust for her. Winding his hands into her hair he leisurely imitated with his tongue what he longed to do to her body in long, easy thrusts. She tasted so sweet and delicious that he knew he would never be able to get enough of her.

He stroked her breasts as she melted against him, her body limp and trembling against his as her arms wound around his neck. She moaned as his hand slid up her shirt to cup her full, luscious breast. Her nipple became taut as he rubbed his fingers around it. He rolled her to the side, leveling himself beside her as his hands ran over her satiny skin, and his mouth continued to tease her. She was unbelievably soft and delicate, so enticing as her body moved against his and little erotic gasps escaped her lips.

It was some time later before he forced himself to pull away from her. She stared up at him, her eyes clouded with passion, and her lips tantalizingly swollen from his kisses. He trailed his finger along her full bottom lip as she smiled. He wanted her so bad that it nearly killed him to pull away from her.

He pulled her back down so that her head was nestled securely in his shoulder. "Why did you stop?" she murmured.

She cuddled closer to him, her small fingers rested on his chest. "Because you're not ready yet, are you?"

"No, but you didn't have to stop."

She had absolutely no idea what she did to him. He couldn't take the chance of scaring her if they kept on going, and he knew there was a risk that he would. She was beginning to trust him, and he had already scared her once tonight.

"Yes, I did."

She lifted her head to look questioningly down at him. "Why?"

He chuckled and pushed back her tussled hair. "Because you drive me crazy."

The frown, and the questioning look in her eyes, was enough to let him know that she didn't understand. He took hold of her hand, his eyes fixed upon hers as he lowered it to his crotch. Her eyes widened as his shaft jumped through his jeans beneath her fingers.

Her fingers undid the button of his jeans and slid the zipper down. His breath froze as her warm hand slid inside; she pushed aside his underwear as she began to stroke him. His shaft jumped beneath her shy, hesitant touch as he sucked in a deep breath. "Sera you don't have to do this," he managed to choke out.

She smiled enticingly as her hand wrapped around him. He bit back a groan. "I want to," she whispered. "I just don't..." her words trailed off as a blush crept up her face and her long lashes lowered to shadow her eyes.

A jolt of shock rocked through him as he understood what she had been trying to say. To his surprise, and extreme joy, he realized that she was even more innocent than he had thought. He took hold of her hand. Her eyes flew back to his as he began to show her what to do, and how to please him.

He watched with intense rapture the myriad of emotions that played across her face. At first there was a hint of fear, then wonder, and finally amazement. Passion clouded her eyes as she watched him. He eased his hand away and allowed her to touch and explore him on her own as he rolled her back to her side. She watched him as her hand continued to stroke and fondle him. He had to fight against the urge to spill himself as pleasure coursed through his body, but he wanted to wait in order to bring her over with him.

Placing his hand on her thigh, he ran it languidly up to the edge of her skirt and slid beneath. He watched her face for any sign that she wanted him to stop, but there was only awe in her gaze. He pushed her panties down, his gaze focused on her as he slid his hand over her curls.

She bit into her bottom lip as her legs clamped together. "It's all right," he whispered. "If you don't like it, tell me to stop."

Her eyes were tempestuous as her hand upon him stilled and she studied him. Then, her thighs eased apart. Liam felt a moment of pure male satisfaction as he slid his hand lower and began to trace her delicate folds. He experienced another moment of satisfaction when he discovered her already wet with desire. It was good to know that he drove her as crazy as she drove him, and she didn't even know what she was missing yet.

He was about to give her a hint.

He slid his finger inside her, an involuntary shudder ripped through him as he realized how wet and tight she was. She inhaled roughly as he slid out of her, and then back in. Her face transformed from caution, to amazement, then to pleasure in a matter of seconds. Her mouth parted as her hand began to move on him again. He arched into her touch as he continued to make love to her with his hand.

He bent his head and reclaimed her mouth as his hand entwined in her hair. She arched into him, a cry escaping her as he began to move faster within her. He held her as she began to match his urgency, stroking faster, and pushing him toward the brink. He parted her folds and used his thumb to caress her. She cried out, arching against him as her muscles clamped around his finger. He groaned as he finally found his own release.

She collapsed on the bed, her muscles still contracting around him as she sighed contentedly. She had never felt anything so blissful or sweet in her life. "Hold on," Liam whispered.

He rolled out of bed and padded across the room. She heard him searching for something before he returned to her. He took hold of her hand and wiped it with a towel. It was only then that she realized she had his seed on her fingers. A blush began to stain her cheeks as she shyly lifted her eyes to him. His pants hung loosely upon his narrow hips, unbuttoned, and unzipped. He was so broad and strong, and magnificent.

She looked back at his face to find him studying her with a bemused smile. He slid the jeans off, revealing solidly muscled thighs. Sera's blush deepened as he pulled his shirt off to reveal his well-muscled abdomen, and a V of black hair that spread across his chest and belly before tapering off at his underwear. She was still marveling at the amazing differences between his body and hers when he climbed back onto the bed.

"You can't sleep in your clothes," he said.

Moving ever so slowly, he took hold of the bottom of her shirt. He slid it up as she lifted her arms to allow him to slide it over her head. She remained silent as he pushed her skirt down. His hands skimmed over her legs, and caused a shiver of delight to tear through her as he slipped it off. Her blush deepened as his gaze leisurely traveled over her body.

"You're beautiful," he whispered.

Her gaze flew to his. He smiled at her as he pulled her down and wrapped the blanket around them both. He rubbed her silky back as she nestled into his shoulder. A feeling of utter contentment stole through him as she snuggled closer to him. Her breasts were lush against his chest, and to his amazement, he found himself becoming erect again. He closed his eyes as he gritted his teeth against the lust that was building within him. If he was this obsessed with her now, what would he be like when he did make love to her?

He inhaled sharply as he tried to get himself under control. Suddenly he was assailed with the heady scent of her blood. It was sweet and enticing, utterly tempting. He had forgotten that he hadn't fed earlier. He was acutely reminded of that fact now.

He wouldn't hurt her. He'd burn in Hell before that happened. He closed his eyes as his baser instincts began to subside. He wanted to tell her that he loved her, but the words were lodged in his throat. Instead, he held her as she drifted off to sleep.