Camille sits on the love seat and releases a breath. Contentment runs through her as she thinks about all that’s happened.

“Are you hungry?” Alfrigg asks his guests.

“I am.” Samuel puts his hand on his belly, coming from the hallway in a new set of clothes.

“Of course you are, you’re a wolf.” Alfrigg rolls his eyes, “Anyone else?”

“Unless you’ve got some O Positive, I’m good.” Camille smiles.

“I’ll see what I can whip up, you’ve got at least eight hours before the sun goes down.” Alfrigg nods and turns to Henry, “Something for the witch?”

“No thank you, I really need to get back, this is going to require some paperwork.” He glances at Samuel.

Alfrigg bangs pots and pans around in the kitchen, starting Samuel’s meal, “Suit yourself.”

“We should discuss your report as well.” Henry’s tone says there’s something more to what he’s saying.

“What’s to discuss? I’ll report what I saw, and you do the same.” Samuel shrugs.

“We’ll discuss it, please send your report to me before filing with the local office. There may be some things we don’t necessarily want Warren to be aware of just yet.” Henry’s tone is full of implications.

“Because Warren is dirty?” Samuel’s face twists with confusion.

“In my capacity with The Directive, there are things that local offices don’t need to be privy to.” Henry eloquently dances around the subject.

“Like what?” Camille asks, sitting forward.

“Bloodmates are very rare, we want to keep them out of the spotlight,” Henry explains, then widens his eyes after giving it some thought. “I’m still very concerned how they will be able to complete the blood exchange.”

“I’ve seen what happens when a vamp drinks her blood, it’s not exactly pretty,” Samuel interjects.

“There’s so much they don’t know.” Henry shakes his head.

Alfrigg comes from the kitchen with a large plate of bacon, eggs, potatoes and toast, “Here you go.”

Samuel’s eyes light up as he takes the plate, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Alfrigg turns to Camille, “It’s going to be okay. I’ve decided that a visit to…”

“Toronto?” Camille questions.

“Yes, if that’s where Hunter is, I’ll be going there.” Alfrigg declares. “Rook is a sweet kid, I want to make sure she’s going to be okay.”

“That’s very sweet of you and I’m sure that Hunter will appreciate your company.” Camille studies him for a long moment.

“They will be getting a visit, likely, from Delia Costanzo.” Henry checks his watch, which doesn’t seem to be working, “It’s a formality, of course, nothing to worry about.”

Samuel seems oblivious, continuing to devour the plate of food, only showing concern with Camille’s reaction. “Delia Costanzo? Who’s that?”

“As I said, it’s a formality. She’ll be able to offer them some guidance,” Henry assures them.

“Delia was a cold heartless bitch before she was a vampire.” Alfrigg bristles.

“I wouldn’t say that,” Henry defends her.

“That’s because you’re afraid of her.” Alfrigg quirks his brow.

Henry ticks his head back, crossing his arms over his chest, “I’m not–”

“Hush, you’d be a fool not to be,” Alfrigg interrupts then pins Camille with a stern look. “Don’t trust her.”

“I trust few,” Camille takes heed. “I’ll also let Hunter know she’s coming.”

“Who the hell is she?” Samuel asks. “I’ve never heard of her and I’ve been with The Directive a long time.”

Henry rocks on his heels nervously, “You don’t need to know her, and shouldn’t mention this to anyone. This should be handled as all Directive business, with discretion.”

Samuel acknowledges the order in the Henry’s words.

“I’ve really got to be going. My work is done, and this has been more than enough excitement for me.” Henry makes for the door. “It’s been a pleasure, take care of yourselves.”

“Thank you,” Camille says with sincerity. “I hope to see you again some time.”

“Only time will tell.” He closes the door behind him.

Camille watches as Samuel finishes every last morsel on his plate. She rarely misses eating but seeing how he enjoyed his meal made her a little jealous.

“The less any of us see of the Directive the better,” Alfrigg scoffs, then flashes a glance at Samuel. “You’re okay, but you’re naive.”

“There has to be order and I’m honored to be part of that,” Samuel says, beaming with pride, “This was amazing, by the way.” He takes his empty dish to the kitchen.

“You’re welcome,” Alfrigg says then stretches. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I need to get some rest.”

Samuel turns to Camille, “Would you like me to come back for you at nightfall?”

“Yes, I would love a ride to the airport.” Camille stands and offers her hand, “Thank you for all of your help.”

“It’s my pleasure. Rook’s a good kid, I hope he takes care of her.” Samuel nods.

“He will.” Camille’s eyes light with happiness, “I’ve never met a more loyal or caring man.”

“That’s good.” Samuel turns to Alfrigg, “Thanks again for everything.”

Alfrigg grunts and waves him out the door, the excitement clearly getting to him.

When Samuel leaves, Alfrigg starts for the hallway, “I know you still require rest. Follow me, I’ll show you to the guest room.”

Camille stands, feeling fatigue setting in, “I could use some rest.”

Alfrigg motions to a door in the hallway, “Bathroom, guest room.” He continues down the hall.

“Alfrigg?” Camille stops him.

“What is it?” His irritation is apparent.

“How long have you known Hunter?” she asks, always curious about the things her friend hasn’t told her about himself.

“Longer than I care to admit,” he says, continuing down the hall.

“Where did you meet him?” She prods for more information.

Alfrigg doesn’t turn to face her, he wants to hide the pain of the memory, “He was a trespasser in my cave. I wanted to throw him back out but...”

“He’s a very powerful vampire. I’m sure you’re quite formidable but doubt you could throw him out of anywhere.” She considers Alfrigg’s size and wonders if old age has made him slower or less powerful than he once was.

“He was a vampling. Blood crazed.” There’s a pang of sorrow in Alfrigg’s voice, “He had just lost Runa and his sons. I couldn’t put him out. I could see the humanity in the savage, knew he’d be one of the good ones and couldn’t let him burn in the sun.”

“I’m glad you didn’t.”

Alfrigg shakes his head, “Nothing that most wouldn’t have done. Rest up.” He dismisses her.

Camille closes the distance between them, laying her hand on his shoulder, “Thank you.”

“For what?” Alfrigg glances at her over his shoulder.

“Your kindness is why I’m still alive.” Her words are full of gratitude.

“How do you figure?” He turns to face her completely.

“Hunter has spoken very highly of the man that took him in right after he was turned. Said that man taught him the true meaning of kindness,” Camille reveals.

Alfrigg turns away and puts his hand on the door, “Must be talking about someone else.”

Amusement fills Camille and she can’t contain the giggle as Alfrigg closes the door. “He certainly is an ornery little thing.”