L.L. Love's Unexpected Journey-Completed This dedicated book is dedicated to my muses. Inspiration comes in many forms. 
 
 
   
 
 
As the gray clouds splitted and beams of sunlight emerged from the sky, 29 year old, Lailani Grace Sunglao stepped onto the wet pavement from her locked car.  She hurrily speeds along the sidewalk forgetting Mrs. Roger’s lessons regarding how young ladies should walk with poise and style, in an effort to catch an already crowed train.  
 
Lailani boards the sardine-packed train and prays that there will no delays.  Today, she cannot afford delays. ‘Work’ she thinks to herself, ‘why can’t grief take a holiday.’ Ironic to think that seeing she was a therapist who works in a grief center. Being a therapist is not the glamorous life she envisioned for herself.  A two level Victorian home with plush curtains, crystal chandeliers and hosting parties was the life she dreamed of having. Every little girl dreamed to have something like that. Lailani came close to having her fairytale come true. 
 
The loud and penetrating sound of the horn was pounding in her ears as the train began to depart.  For a moment, Lailani forgot why she was on the train to begin with…’Oh yeah staff meeting with new board director,’ she recalled as she began to brace herself for her upcoming stop.  Her mind began to wander.  ‘This is not where I imagined my life taking me,” she thought as looked down at her scuffed black shoes.  
 
Lailani was not a typical Asian girl.  She hated that stereotypical bullshit people labeled Asians as. She did not fit the mold of a classic Asian girl who married the Asian boy next door who was majoring in medicine or engineering. Nor was she a size 0-2 or exclusively drove Toyota or Honda cars. In fact, she drove a red Mitsubishi Eclipse. Red rocket was the car’s name and she could move when Lailani needed her to in a hurry.   
 
Lailani was a curvaceous Asian with an hour glass figure. Full bosom, smaller in the waist and nice shapely hips. She had slanted but wide dark brown eyes, thick dark brown hair that fell like a waterfall  just below her breasts, high cheek bones and a killer smile, at least that’s what she’s been told, to show off her straight, ‘I didn’t need braces’ teeth. She had a tiny birth mark in the shape of moon on her left shoulder blade.  One thing she had going for that made her the envy of her Asian comrades was her luscious tanned skin.  
 
Lailani could thank her parental genes for that attribute.  She could go out in the sun for an hour and return with beautiful sun-kissed skin that her fellow Asians could only dream about as they would either burn or would tan minimally.  But, not that these attributes added up to a hill of beans to her.  She just saw herself as simple.  She was an average female.  Just another face in the crowd. No beauty queen here. 
 
Not all Asians are good in Math, she sure as hell wasn’t. She struggled with jaws of life to pass College Algebra and Statistics. She picked a career where she wanted to make a difference in and not one that would produce zillions of dollars.  She could not see herself doing anything else.  Helping people….seemed the way to go. After all people helped her along with her struggles.  Why not return the favor to others.  
 
Thankfully, Lailani had forward thinking parents who allowed her to pick her own career, choose her own friends and boyfriends.  Not that she dated much or socialized with others a whole lot.  They did not make her choose someone who was of Asian decent specifically Filipino.   
 
After all, she was the product of an interracial marriage.  Her father was from the island of Luzon of the Philippines and her mother was an American. Why would her parents except her to conform otherwise.  Their only wish was that Lailani find happiness.  So much sadness they watched their daughter endure at a young age.  
 
Honor was important in Asian cultures.  To Lailani, honor and happiness were almost equated. Lailani wanted to make her parents proud and bring honor to her family name and to herself.  Except…how could she.  She felt lackluster about her life.  She believed it was going nowhere.  All her friends and other family members were either married or travelling or having families.  And where was she?  Who did she have to come home to?  An empty apartment.   
 
Her life was divided in three areas: her job as therapist, her family, and at her dojo practicing martial arts and Eskrima a form of Philippine martial arts with blades and rattan sticks. This was the one area of her life where she felt she belonged.  She excelled at this fine yet difficult art.   
 
From age 11, Lailani earned multiple awards and competed in national championships to showcase her talents.  She recalls the words of her sensei “Compassion and mercy must show at all times as that is the way of the dragon, The dragon thinks about it’s actions before it reacts unlike the tiger who can only react.   
 
Remember balance between tiger and dragon is the only way to be at peace.” Peace that was a concept she was all too familiar with.  She longed for peace in order end her nightmares, to turn back the clock to that night.  
 
“BBBWWWWWOOONNNGGG!” was the sound loudly made signaling passengers that the train has stopped to begin the ushering parade of people off and on the tracks.  Lailani snapped back into reality from the land of OZ and gathered her belongings.  She smoothed out her black knee length skirt and fixed the collar on her white v-necked blouse. ‘Why didn’t I wear make up, Meeting the new board director and looking like hot mess with no make up seems the way to go’ she scolded herself.   
 
As she scrambled to reach her exit, she heard the train’s final whistle blow…’Oh shit I am not gonna make it,’ she screams internally.  Suddenly, Lailani is jolted backward she felt her right shoulder and forearm beginning thwarted by her purse strap being caught against an armrest.  As she tried to break free from it’s fierce grip, the train jumped forward and Lailani fell against metal and wood knocking her head.  She felt like a thunderstorm erupted within her skull.  Crashing and pounding. Feeling dizzy and faint, she feels the weight of her body escaping and begins to collapse. 
 
At the very next moment, Lailani feels resistance. Her fluttering eyes caught glimpse of an arm catching her, preventing her from crashing against the dingy, gum-stained floor of the boxcar. Not fully coherent, she hears a lot of noise in the background, sounds like bees buzzing.  She feels pain and pressure at the back of her head and groans.  
 
The next thing that registers in her pulsating skull is being cradled next to something. Something strong, something that smelled good like the ocean and Irish spring soap mixed nicely. Lailani turned her face slightly down and to the left and saw the forearm of her anonymous rescuer that gripped tightly around her portly figure. Still feeling delirious and with need to stand, she tries to loosen herself from his grip…but to no avail those herculean arms are not relenting. 
 
“Ssssssshhhhhh, you’re okay. You need to try to relax,” was all she heard from a deep, masculine tone. 
 
“Who are you?” she uttered. 
 
“You’ve hit your head pretty bad I think you may have concussion,” her mystery savior replies back.  As Morgan held Lailani, he could feel her breathing.  He began to listen for any signs of distress in her breathing patterns.   
 
As he held her Morgan caught the scent of something he had never smelled before.  God, it was intoxicating to him.  This scent sent shivers down his spine and caused him to feel flush.  Morgan felt a bulge straining against his trousers. Where was this coming from? He looked down and it was her…She smelled so heavenly. Japanese cherry blossom and oranges…God what a combination!  
 
He just couldn’t seem to get enough of her as he deeply inhaled her scent again.  This time Morgan could feel this monstrous hard on he was getting from this female who lay helpless in his grasp. 
 
As her chest began to rise for the third time, Morgan caught a glimpse of her bosom line.  For a split second, he thought how voluptuous her breasts were.  They appeared high on her body frame and fully rounded.  Her chest was slightly pressed against him as held her. Morgan began to feel like an ass for imagining how good this fallen damsel felt in his arms, against his broad chest and how good it would feel to place his lips between the valley of her breasts and how it would feel even better if he could…..Stop! Abruptly, he noticed that her breathing went from normal to slow and shallow breaths rising and falling in her chest.   
 
“Someone call an ambulance,” he shouts toward the crowd of onlookers. “Stay with me here Cinderella.” Morgan smiled inwardly ‘Cinderella’ wish I knew your real name. 
 
Slowly, Lailani begins to stir again.  Everything seems fuzzy to her. Wasn’t there something she was supposed to do today…see someone important?   She tries to get her eyes and ears to focus on her surroundings.  She hears something that sounds like breathing.  Someone is breathing along with her.   
 
Her gaze turns upward and squints her eyes and flutters her eyelashes to open.  She begins to see features of man. Piercing green eyes, green the magnificent color of jade staring down at her, dark hair longer strands falling forward from his cruelly handsome face, stern brow, chisled jawline and supple pink lips.   
 
Something takes over in her. She reaches up to caress his tanned skin.  As her hand moves toward his face, Morgan catches her hand and interlocks his fingers with hers.  They fit like a glove. The edge of Morgan’s mouth curls up slightly to a smile. ‘I must be dreaming and this is a good dream to find this Adonis here,’ Lailani thought to herself.   
 
Suddenly, a throbbing pain returns to the back of her head. ‘Oh no…I am not dreaming.’ She squints her eyes and grimaces. Long fingers caressed the side of her check in effort to comfort her. 
 
“Ow….my head, I feel like its been a blender,” Lailani growled. 
 
“You’ve taken quite a fall Miss. Help is on the way. What is your…” Morgan did not have time to finish speaking as he was being ushered to move out of the way by the paramedics. 
 
Paramedics begin addressing Lailani needs by asking a series of questions and checking her vitals.  She had trouble responding to the questions coherently.  “Okay, lets move her.  She’s showing signs of a concussion,” the paramedic yelled to at his partner.  In a flash, Lailani was wisked away to Morningside Hospital where she would be examined. 
 
Meanwhile, Morgan remained in state of shock attempting to process the last 15 minutes of his life.  In all his living days, he had never reacted to a human as he did just now.  While he never really cared for the human race, he actually took the time to care for a human. This human female.   
 
This female who had the most intoxicating scent and the most beautiful features he had ever seen on woman.  Morgan had met many beautiful women in his life and even cozied up to few on occasion.  But nothing possessed him the way this woman did.  Her oriental features were like none he had ever seen. And he wanted to see more of her….all of her.   
 
Morgan spent the last 300 years of his life trying to survive and learn to co-exist with his vampiric race and the human race. All those stupid vampire stories regarding sunlight, garlic, and crosses were horseshit!  
 
Morgan became angry every time thought about it or when the next vampire movie would be made and completely painted his race all ass-backwards. ‘Just a different species, that’s all we are. Yeah, we need to drink blood to survive, true, our hearts do beat but at slower rate, and we are sensitive to the sun but we don’t burst into dust if a ray of light hits us. Jeez!’   
 
Morgan took a deep breath and returned back to Earth after his mental venting was over.  After all the chaos dissipated and the train jumped back on its schedule, three questions remained on his mind ‘Who was she? ‘Why was he so interested in this human female?’ ‘How do I find her? As Morgan exited the train, he placed a call on his cell phone to his assistant to reschedule today’s meetings for tomorrow. 
 
Morgan’s pace began to pick up as he walked down Jefferson St.  His thoughts were swirling around his Asian Cinderella.  As he entered the SunTrust building, he swiped his keycard to go to the 25th floor. As he got off the elevator, Morgan hollered for his assistant. “Griffin!” 
 
An elderly man dressed in light gray suit came around the corner, he resembles the butler from Batman “yes, sir?” 
 
“I need you to find someone.” Morgan lowered himself in his chair behind his cherry wood desk.  “I need you to find an Oriental female that was admitted to a hospital today for a concussion. Once you locate her I need you get all her information…her name, address everything…got it?” 
 
The old man bowing “yes sir, as you wish.  One question sir…when you mean oriental do you mean Asian?” 
 
“Yes, yes. She is Asian but I don’t specifically what she is…I just need you to find her okay?” Morgan pleaded as he picked up the receiver of his phone. “Just find her now!” 
 
Back at the hospital, Lailani becomes cognizant of her surroundings and is ready to leap of this damn hospital bed.   
 
Several members of the nursing staff are hovering over her bombarding her with questions which annoys her even more. “I am fine.  You have ran every test, withdrew several tubes of my blood and gave me a CAT scan. But now I have to go, I have an 11:00am meeting that I cannot miss.” Lailani motions herself from the bed in attempt to leave. 
 
The charge nurse, Nancy, who was stoutly, older woman with gray hair fires back at Lailani. “Young lady you are going nowhere. You have a slight concussion and you need to be monitored over night for observation. The doctor will clear you to leave tomorrow if you show no signs of distress. Now is there anyone we can call for you.”  
 
Lailani exhales sharply. “No one to call except my parents. And they are the last people I want to see here.” 
 
“Are you sure Missy? I am sure your parents would want to know their daughter is okay?” Nancy says with heaping load of guilt for me to call. 
 
“No, I’m good. Besides there is nothing they can do but stare at me. I don’t need that right now. I have enough people observing me. But thanks anyway.” Nancy takes Lailani’s temperature and BP and then departs from her bedside. 
 
Disgruntled, Lailani leaned back against the bed and her the XX large hospital gown sleeves fall on her face.  She looks up at the clock in front of her and it read 10:37. Oh, shit! ‘There is no way I’ll make this meeting even if I left AMA.’  She looks around her bedside for her purse.  She locates it under her the foot of her bed along with her clothes in a patient’s belongings bag.  
 
“Hi, Margie this is Lailani, I need you to find Sam and transfer me to him,” she breathes nervously into the phone as she patiently waits for her boss to get on the phone not only to jump her for being late for clients but jump her for not being there early to meet the board director.   
 
“Hi, Sam yeah I know what time it is…Listen I am in Morningside hospital.  Yes, I’m okay.  I fell on the train and got a concussion. Yeah I must have it hard enough I have to stay the night for observation.  If all goes well then they will let me leave tomorrow morning. Please apologize to the new board director…what oh he canceled the meeting and rescheduled for tomorrow afternoon at 2p.m. Yup I’ll be there. Okay Bye,” she rapidly closes her phone tosses it back into her purse.  
 
‘Fucking Sam, fucking douche bag! Yeah like I planned this mishap, for all days to get a concussion and be late for the one of the most important meeting of the century for our center. Yeah…Uggghh!’ she mentally vented toward herself.  
 
This new board director is supposed to be a financial wizard at least that was the rumor around the center. Hopefully he can help the center search for additional funding as Lailani reflected back at the purpose of today’s would have been meeting.  She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.  
 
As she exhales, her eyes fly open. Striking green eyes, dark hair and beautiful smile flash to her frontal cortex. ‘A man helped me….a very handsome man helped me. He held me close to his massive chest. God he was strong. He smelled wonderful. Who is he?  I don’t recall getting his name. Maybe the hospital knows? Must have been Zorro.’ Lailani smiled sheepishly to herself. She began to yawn. Boy, those meds must be working cause Lailani closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep with images of her hero waiting for her. 
 
Sleep did not come easily for Morgan for that night.  He lay wide awake in his massive four post bed surrounded by mountains of pillows on top of duvet cover.  For the rest of the day and evening Griffin called every clinic and hospital within the area. No one matching her description had been found yet.  “Do not worry Sir, I have about another more dozen hospitals and clinics to call in this area before I begin searching outside the city,” the old man said as he departed from Morgan’s home office. 
 
Crackle, crackle was all that could be heard in Morgan’s office fireplace aside from his loud thoughts that were plaguing him.   
 
All afternoon he could not get her face out of his mind.  It was all he could do to accomplish some work.  He had to cancel and reschedule his evening meetings as he would be no use.  His mind would be elsewhere.   
 
Her hypnotically, slanted eyes, incredibly molded lips, her bronzed skin, fully sculpted breasts and her enthralling scent that drove him mad was all he could stay focused on. ‘Who is she???’ 
 
The next day promptly at 7 a.m. the hospital sees no signs of a bleed in Lailani’s latest CAT scan and she has been released to go home.  ‘Thank God! A hot shower and some tea’ was all she was looking for. She took a taxi to her apartment.  When she got home, there were 2 messages on her machine.  The first one reminding her that she was due for an oil change this month and next was her father reminding her to bring eggrolls to festival this Saturday. 'Eggrolls really??? Sheeesh!' she grunts to herself. 
 
Lailani got out of her sullen clothes and stepped into the hot, steamy shower.  She stood there for about 10 minutes without any effort to budge in order to unwind from her lovely stay at Hotel Hell where people barge in your room every 2-3 hours and disturb your sleep to take your temp and BP vitals.  
 
Lailani craned her neck against the hot water as it ran down her body.  She reached for her shampoo and squeezed some in hand.  She began to work up rich lather of suds. She washed every strand of that lion’s mane of hers.  She felt the extra need to be clean after sleeping in a grimy hospital bed.  She grabbed her body wash and began to work up a rich lather on her skin.  As Lailani began to wash herself, her thoughts travelled to her hero.   
 
‘How nice would be to find someone like him to wash her back for her and rinse the soapy suds from her skin.’ She felt a warm sense of wetness between her legs and it wasn’t coming from the showerhead. She chuckled to herself as she wanting those wanton feelings to increase. 
 
How could she be thinking about this man she knew all of 15 minutes?  He prevented a nasty fall on the train. That’s all! Right…Not.  Lailani had to admit it.  She was attracted to this mysterious stranger.  The idea of being attracted to someone she didn’t know seemed exciting to her…even invigorating to her.  If only she could find him, how could she? She didn’t even know his name.  All she was left with was a beautiful fantasy.   
 
Oh well…suppose it better than nothing. Nah, Lailani wanted the real thing. No, No, she didn’t need this in her life.  She can’t go there. 
 
She got into the office around 8:30 am where she was greeted by staff her who missed her from yesterday.  Lailani went straight to work and began seeing client’s for counseling sessions.  It was around 1:45 and she finally began to catch up from yesterday’s and today’s paperwork.   
 
Margie knocks on her door to inform her that the meeting is starting soon and that Lailani should head toward the conference room.  
 
Lailani opened her desk drawer and grabbed a ‘Campbell’s Soup at hand can. MMMMM Chicken noodle her favorite.’ She heated it up in the staff microwave along with some green tea and made her way to the conference room.   
 
She sat in one of the wingback chairs and hurried her lunch along before others began piling in. She finished her quick lunch and returned to chair as the room began to fill up with fellow counselors and their chipmunk chatter. 
 
Lailani’s mind began to wonder.  She could not get over how attracted she was to her unknown savior.  But, she could not think about that now, nor could she think about the awful knot on the back of her head.   
 
She had to get her head in the game.  She needed to focus.  Not only her livelihood but her center depended on this new board director as to whether she should be looking in the want ads.  She had no idea why the board switched directors in the middle of the quarter.  That was highly irregular.  
 
As Lailani leaned back in her chair, her thoughts began to drift away once again.  She could not get away from that handsome stranger’s face from her mind. Every time she closed her eyes, there he was. Never had she been so captivated by a man.  She replayed the sequence of events over and over in her mind.   
 
His strong arms, his perfectly chisled face, impeccable straight nose, nice full lips the color of summer berries, and his haunting green eyes.  Oh, those green eyes piercing right went right through her. Lailani slightly shivered as she returned from La-La land.   
 
‘Get a grip girl,’ she thinks to herself unaware that the meeting is now beginning with the introduction of the new board director. ‘God, if only she could have made it yesterday then the meeting would not have to been rescheduled around her and her dumbass concussion.’ Shit.   
 
Sam, the boss, who is kinda of a nice guy when he isn’t pissed off for some reason or another.  He is either pissed that his dog chewed up another pair of his girlfriend’s thongs or his 1969 black Chevy Shevelle Supersport was giving him trouble again.  
 
For some reason, Sam always seems to look for sympathy from Lailani, but she refused to indulge his trite complaints.  She would never want to give him the wrong idea.  
 
Enough females in this office have suffered the consequences of trying to be sympathetic to Sam’s plight, he then takes the friendly shoulder to the next level like tells his whole life story and where things in his life are wrong.  Sam may benefit from some 1:1 counseling himself. Never work out your own shit in someone else’s therapy. Rule of thumb for therapists. 
 
“Alright, I see everyone is here so let’s begin. Joining the Haven House is the new board director Morgan Hawthorne. Welcome Mr. Hawthorne” Sam announces and everyone in the room begins to clap insync. 
 
Lailani looks up from her pile papers as she claps out of sync with the rest of the crowd. She looks up to make eye contact with new guy. She stops clapping.   
 
Her eyes widen and mouth slightly opens. She is completely stunned. Is this some sort of trick? Is her head reeling from the side effects from yesterday’s concussion?  Because as sure as day…Morgan Hawthorne, the new board director who is standing 10 feet from her, is her hero from yesterday’s train fiasco. Holy Shit! 
 
Morgan begins his introduction not quite making eye contact with all the faces in the room. “Good afternoon everyone I am Morgan Hawthorne. I would like to begin today by apologizing for yesterday’s cancellation.  Something came up and I was detained.  I would like to begin today’s meeting by having everyone introduce yourself. Let us begin with you on…”  
 
Morgan’s words trailed off as he caught a familiar scent of Japanese cherry blossom and oranges.  He knew that scent. Where was it coming from? His frantic eyes searched the conference room trying to pinpoint that wonderful scent. 
 
Morgan’s gaze met with Lailani’s.  Was his mind playing tricks on him? No…that’s Her. His Cinderella from yesterday. He found her. No fucking way! This had to be fate. “Would you all excuse me for moment?”  
 
Morgan quickly exited the conference room and went down the hall to the men’s room. He splashed some cold water on his face in order to compose himself. He could not go back in there until he regained his stature.  He began to breathe rapidly.   
 
At that point, nothing mattered to him, not the meeting, those people, this center, only Her.  He finally found her and could do not nothing.  He was completely powerless until this meeting concluded as he did not want to complicate things for her or himself. Powerlessness typically does not equate to a vampire. He hated that feeling. 
 
Morgan returned from the restroom and headed back towards the conference room. Nothing but white walls, a single duplicate picture of a Picasso painting in the middle of the main structure, one long, wooden table and 15 chairs filled with bodies and Her. How was he going to conduct this meeting for the next 90 minutes?  
 
“I apologize everyone. I have been under the weather. Let’s begin first on how to generate funding for this center…”  
 
Morgan trailed off with brilliant ideas that included getting funds donated through large corporations, grant writing, and networking with other community resources.  He knew people in high places who would be willing to donate funds to keep the center open.  It took every ounce of his vampiric blood to keep up this charade. 
 
Lailani sat there stunned.  She could not move.  All she could do was focus on Morgan’s physique.  He had to be 6 feet 5 maybe 6 inches.  275 pounds.  Pure muscle underneath all those clothes.  Wait…was she sizing up?   
 
He had broad, wide shoulders she noticed as he shuffled back and forth between the powerpoint slides.  He was colossal.  Compared to her most men were colossal as she was barely 5 feet 5 inches.  Holy hell, will this meeting never end.  She began getting impatient by chewing on her pen and began rotating her ankle underneath the table. She stared to pull on her pant leg up and down to feel the soft fabric slide against her calf.  Anything to make this meeting go into wrap drive. 
 
Finally at 3:35, the meeting concludes.  All the counselors began to bombard Morgan with all sorts of questions.  Naturally, he has to answer them all. Lailani wants to speak with him to thank you for his assistance.  She tears off piece of paper and scribbles something down, stands up and walks towards Morgan.   
 
“Mr. Hawthorne it is very nice to meet you.  We welcome you to Haven House.  I am Lailani Sunglao. I’m one of the therapists here.  We look forward to working with you.  Please let us know if there is anything additional you need,” she extends her hand and slips him the scribbled piece of paper into his fingers. 
 
“It is my pleasure to meet you Lailani and I look forward to your input and hope we can work together in the future,” Morgan accepts the tiny leaf of paper as she extends her hand and grips it with his large hand.   
 
He wanted to stay locked onto her delicate hand so much longer than just 5 seconds.  He releases her and watches her depart from the room.  This was bittersweet. 
 
After everyone clears out, Morgan faces a corner of the conference room to see what Lailani handed him.  It was her cell number 555-8989 and her office number 555-0220 Room B.  He contemplated as to whether or not he should go there or call her now or call her later on after she has left work.   
 
How could he wait any longer? She was here…just down the hall from him. He so afraid that she would disappear again. 
 
Lailani walks back toward her office and can hardly breathe.  Murriel, who’s office is next to hers, walks behind her and whispers, “H-O-T!!! I wouldn’t mind seeing him in my office for some 1:1!” she giggles as she heads toward her office door.  
 
Lailani walks into her office and closes the door as she attempting to compose herself.  She seemed to have borrowed the powers of an earthquake as she is shaking and trembling in regards to what has just transpired.   
 
She looks the stack of papers on her desk that require her signature and begins to sign away. This ought to keep her busy for the next 30 minutes.  But how was she going to stay busy for the next 2 hours.  She was making up her time from this morning.  God, how was she gonna do it? 
 
Suddenly, there was a knock on her door.  She carefully approaches the door for fear of what was on the other side.  She gently opens the door and peers outside. Oh, just Sam. 
 
Sam leans on the door jamb and cocks his head to the side, “Hey bunch of us are headed to O’Neil’s for quick one. Wanna come?” Company drinking was something that Lailani preferred not to be a part of.   
 
She never liked the way alcohol made her feel.  She always became flushed, had accelerated heart rate and BP. Damn Asian genes and the mutated allele all Asians have which prevents them from enjoying alcohol like everyone else. 
 
“No thanks, Sam. I am gonna finish up some paper work and I have some time to make up from this morning anyway.  But thanks for the offer.” Lailani hoped that would be enough to suffice him.  She was getting sick of hearing his BS about his girlfriend’s thong underwear anyway. 
 
“Okay, if you change your mind you know where we will be.” Sam departed from her office door. Lailani let out a sigh of relief. Suddenly there was another knock on the door.  Probably Sam again ready for round 2 to see if he can entice her to come out. “Thanks but no….”she stopped dead in her tracks as the door swung open. 
 
Morgan Hawthorne was on the other side of her door not dumbass Sam.  Now she felt like the dumbass.  “Hi…were you expecting someone?” He motioned as he looked over his shoulder. 
 
Stammering….”Um um no S-sorry. Bunch of co-workers invited me out to bar to drink and I declined the offer.  I thought you were Sam wondering if I reconsidered. Sorry about that. Won’t you come in?” Lailani opened the door all the way so that Morgan had enough room to step through into her tiny office. 
 
Her office space wasn’t much.  She had a couch where her clients sat and she had a nice comfy chair she would sit in adjacent from them or she would sit behind her desk.  She had a few pictures on the wall of beach scenes and some candles on her book shelves along with a slew of books.   
 
She had one photo of her family and one picture of her and her sensei when won her last Eskrima competition.  Morgan noticed she had Zen living magazines and box of Kleenex on an end table next to a light blue lamp.  
 
Morgan looked around her office and decided that he liked it very much. It seemed to fit her.  In a world where there is awful shit, here in her office he could see that all she wanted for her clients were to find peace and be at peace.   
 
Morgan motioned toward her over stuffed couch and sat down stretching out his long legs.  His thighs appeared massive on her couch like they could choke a bear.  He looked so handsome just sitting there. Lailani sat at the other end of the couch making sure there was plenty of distance between their bodies.  There may have been distance but there obvious chemistry brewing. 
 
It was rather difficult for her to maintain that space between them as she could smell his scent radiating off his body…that lovely combination of the ocean and Irish spring.  She could get lost in his scent.  She could feel her body quivering internally.  She wanted him.  Wanted to feel his strong arms around her body. Wanted to get lost into ecstasy and he could lead the way. Okay new topic. 
 
Morgan spoke first, “I can only imagine how awkward this must be for you.  I was pretty stunned to see that a member of my audience during my presentation today was actually Cinderella from yesterday’s train ride.”  
 
Puzzled…”Excuse me, Cinderella.  I don’t think I understand?” Lailani shot a very confused look on her face toward him. 
 
“Yeah, see I didn’t know who you were, your name or anything about you.  I didn’t have a chance to get any information before the paramedics came.  In fact, I had my personal assistant cancel all my meetings yesterday and call every hospital and urgent care clinic in an effort to locate you. But as of this morning, no luck…until now and here you are. How’s your head?" Morgan spoke frankly. 
 
Stunned from his revelation, Lailani is trying to wrap around her head all that he just threw at her like a basketball being passed to the next player who needs to make a jumpshot in order to win the game.  
 
“Head’s okay. I didn’t have any kind of bleeding just a slight concussion from that hit I took. Why were you searching for me? I am sorry that was rude. I should be thanking you not questioning you. Please forgive me.” Damn she felt so guilty now. Here was this nice guy who assisted her and she was acting like an asshole. 
 
“No no. It’s quite alright. I would be asking the same thing if I were in your shoes. I wanted to make sure you were alright.  I am glad to see that you are and the doctors gave you good news.” Morgan replied as he was ushering her to relax and not feel bad.  He turned his body so that the right side of his body was sitting against the couch in order to face her better.   
 
God, he could get lost in those striking features of hers.  All those exotic qualities about her made him think that he could lie there and bathe in her gaze for the rest of his days.  
 
Quickly, Morgan starts to feel bloodlust toward Lailani.  He wanted to get at her.  Wanted to feel those supple lips against his, feel her full breasts against his pounding chest and wanted to spread her legs and taste her honey with his tongue. He also wanted to drink from her. Time to go.   
 
He knew if he stayed a moment longer he was gonna pounce her. Not just to feel her body against his but for her blood as well.  The last thing he wanted to do was hurt but, he needed to feed.  
 
“Well, I must go.  I have a meeting in 15 minutes. I hope to see you again soon Lailani. Real soon,” as he ascended from her couch. 
 
Lailani rose from her spot and extended her hand, “A pleasure meeting you, and I look forward to working with you on future projects.”  
 
Morgan grasped her hand and instead of shaking it, he brushed a soft kiss against her knuckles in order to inhale her scent one last time before he departs.  Oh…she smelled so good. What felt like an electrical current traveled from her hand down to the core of her spine.   
 
Lailani gasped ever so slightly. Morgan looked up and smiled devilishly at her as if he knew what that kiss could do to her.  What could she do…but grin back in response.   
 
“Have a pleasant evening…Zorro,” she said in a flirty tone. 
 
“Zorro?” Morgan looked at her somewhat puzzled.  
 
“Yeah see I didn’t know who you were either. So Zorro was the first name that came to mind. Ya know a mystery man who rescues women” Lailani grinned shyly. 
 
“Until we meet again.” Morgan gave her another feather light kiss on her hand and left her office.  Lailani was floored.  What the hell is going on here? This can’t be real.  God, he smelled incredible and was so incredibly handsome.  Wait….no no no! This can’t happen.   
 
He’s kinda like her boss.  He’s the board director for her center.  There is no way she could have anything to do with him except at a professional level. Not even meaningless sex…well it wouldn’t be meaningless but she couldn’t even have a one night stand with him let alone a relationship. 
 
'Great’…..she thought maybe she should go have her head looked at again.  This was not happening no matter much she wanted him. 
 
Lailani looked up from her computer screen and at her digital clock.  6:23 p.m. Crap.  “I should have left 25 minutes ago. I gotta get home.”  She shuffled around some papers and turned of the computer monitor.  She stepped outside into the evening sky.  What a beautiful sunset...colors of purple, amber, and pink congealed in the atmosphere.  She makes her way across the parking lot to Red Rocket her sweet car.   
 
At once, a black Mercedez Benz pulls up to her. Lailani is unsure what to make of this.  Perhaps a lost driver in need of directions.  An elderly man exits the driver’s side door. “Excuse me Madam, might you be Ms. Sunglao.” 
 
Lailani puckers her lips together and appears muddled. “I am Ms. Sunglao. May I help you?” 
 
“I am Griffin Bosworth, Mr. Hawthorne’s personal assistant.  I have come for you Madam. Mr. Hawthorne sent me to extend an invitation to you for dinner tomorrow night.  He states he will send a car for you at your place of residence at 7:00 p.m. promptly.  Will that be enough time for you to be ready?” the old man said so sweetly. 
 
The nerve of that man! That was something Lailani refused to be by any man…controlled no matter how good-looking he was.  Why would he assume that she hasn’t made plans or have a life for that matter. Okay she really didn’t, but that wasn’t the point.  Why would he assume that she would have dinner with him.  And why not ask himself? And why…Ugh! “Please inform Mr. Hawthorne that I must politely decline his invitation to dinner. Thank you Mr. Bosworth but you wasted a trip out here.” Lailani tipped her chin up and began to approach her car door. 
 
“But Madam, Mr. Hawthorne insists that you come to dinner. I was told not to leave until you accepted his invitation.” Griffin implored this fiery Asian female. 
 
Lailani did not look back as she unlocked her down and slid into the driver’s seat of her car.  She unrolled her window half way and shouted toward Griffin. “Thank you but NO! Please inform Mr. Hawthorne of my decision. Good night Griffin!” and she began to speed away. 
 
Meanwhile, Morgan had managed to make it back to his home.  He lived in a villa on the outskirts of town.  He had all the money in the world to buy a gorgeous mansion.  But he didn’t need to live in a mansion to live comfortably.  His villa had 4 bedrooms, 2 and half baths, an office/den, nice open kitchen and dining room and living room.  It was all the space he needed to live out his life. His home was decorated with minimal décor.  He believed he didn’t need tons of art and sculptures crowding his walls and floors to fill his home.  
 
Morgan began to feel weak as he exited his vehicle. He needed to feed.  He hated going so long in between feedings.  As he approached his front door, Forester was there to meet him with glass of blood wine.  Forester was Morgan’s personal physician and closest friend.  He owned labs that produced synthetic blood since the shortage of blood donors existed in the world and naturally vampires need blood to survive.  
 
Forester solved one problem and in turn solved the other.  Forester had labs around the world to service the blood needs of vampires so that they would not have to turn to humans and animals for survival. Modern vampires did not want to feed on humans.  But, there were other rogue vampires who did not appreciate Forester’s creation.  They believed they could consume whomever they pleased without suffering the consequences. Khan was the leader of this clan.  Rumor had it he was both lethal and charming.  He could charm his way into any human’s life and as you fell into his web of appeal you were already dead. Sucked bone dry. 
 
“You look like hell.  Here better drink this before you keel over.  You won’t be seeing me giving you mouth to mouth if you faint.” Forester smirked off handing the glass the Morgan. 
 
“Yeah thanks. You’re a real pal.” Morgan replied with sarcasm as he accepted the glass and swallowed the burgundy liquid.” 
 
“Tell me how goes your meeting? No scratch that question…Tell me again why are you volunteering to be this board director? 
 
“Forester as I have mentioned to you before, I have seen so much ugly in my 300 years and committed some horrendous atrocities on mankind.  I feel being involved in something like this is a way for me do penance.  It is a way that I can find peace somewhere in this existence.” 
 
“Why not just write this center a check or something?  Don’t you think you’re opening yourself up for exposure by having so much contact in the human world? You don’t even like humans!? What gives Morgan!” 
 
“I know that I don’t particularly care for the human race, but I believe that if I don’t do something to make amends for all the bad shit I’ve done, then my soul will be permanently damned.  I cannot live with that. It haunts me everyday”  
 
Exhausted from this conversation and lack of nutrients in his body, Morgan waltzes to his home office and sits behind his mahogany desk in his black leather chair as Forester follows him in the room, he can feel that he should be gearing up for round 2 with him. Just then the phone rings… 
 
“Yeah… Hi, Griffin, what’s …she did what?!? Did you not stop her? Alright, I’ll take it of myself personally.” Morgan slams the phone back on the receiver “Fuckin-A!” 
 
“So what ails you now? Oh no, let me guess…you found a female you’re interested in seeing.  Is she playing hard to get?” Forester leaned back in the red lounge chair adjacent from Morgan’s desk with goofy grin on his face. 
 
“Something like that, but I got one even better for you Forester.  She’s human and works at the center.  She’s one of the therapists on staff there!” 
 
“Holy shit man!!! Why?!? You could have any female in the whole vampiric society and yet you’re bitchin’ about not getting a date with human.” 
 
“She’s not just any human Forester.  There’s something so unique about her.  I can’t figure it out.  But I want her so bad.  I crave her Forester.  Everything about her drives me wild.  And get this she’s Oriental.  And not what you read about in books or see on t.v.”  Morgan gives a detailed description of Lailani’s features that even Forester begins to wishes he too could get to know this female Morgan is lovingly describing. “I have never felt this way about any female in my life.  Now, she just blew me off and my invitation to dinner.” 
 
“And you still want to see her? You’re pathetic.  I think you should just forget about her and resign from the center.  Temptation may be too great.” 
 
“I can’t Forester! I feel…I feel…Aw hell I don’t know what I feel.  All I know is that I can’t walk away from her. I have to make her mine.” 
 
“What…are you listening to yourself?!? Make her yours? You don’t even know her.  She’s a human for Chrissakes!” 
 
“I don’t give damn if she’s related to the Easter Bunny. She will be mine. I gotta go! Morgan disappeared from his office.  He had to get away from here, from Forester.  He just had to get away. 
 
Lailani walked into her apartment after stopping off running a few errands on her way home from work.  She was no longer fuming over that insolent invite from Morgan.  She figured he was felt sorry for her and that’s why he invited her to dinner.  She stripped off her work clothes and flipped on her shower.  She just wanted to wash the ilk of work away from her.  After completing her bathroom routine, she walked into her bedroom and put on a pair of black pajama bottoms and black t-shirt with little moons and stars on them. 
 
Morgan appeared on Lailani’s balcony hoping to catch a glimpse of her.  Okay now he has morphed from rejected to stalking.  What was going on with him?  He could see Lailani walking back and forth between her living room and kitchen, straightening up her apartment.  He heard go into her bedroom where a loud whirring sound was being made.  It stopped after 10 minutes and he could see her silhouette brushing her long locks of hair.  Must have blow-dried her hair he figured. 
 
Lailani emerged from her bedroom brushing out the last bit of dry hair.  She hated going to bed with wet hair.  As she passed the sliding glass door in her living room, she caught a glimpse of a large shadow. Alarmed, but not scared she turned off all the lights in her home.  She crept over to her curio cabinet where her rattan fighting batons were resting. She grabbed both of them and gripped them firmly in her palms.  ‘Whoever was out there would be in for one hell of wake up call if they touched her!’   
 
The large shadow began to move closer to the handle of her sliding glass door.  Lailani heard the lock being jiggled.  The latch lifted and the door began to slide.  She was ready to pounce.  Heavy foot steps entered into her home.  ‘Okay…this is it. On the count of three…1…2…3!’ she counted to herself.” 
 
Lailani flew out from the corner with lighting speed and came at her intruder.  She struck on baton on his back while the other swept his legs from under them. 
 
Morgan felt a bolt of pain strike his back as he entered into the apartment.  Next thing he felt was sharp pain across his legs as he stumbled falling backward onto his back making a loud thud on the floor. 
 
“Don’t you fucking move asshole! I have no problem striking you again if you move an inch before I call the police!” 
 
Without breaking her gaze from her intruder, Lailani reached over to the end table to grab her cell phone to dial 911. “Wait…Lailani!”  What the hell is going on! This was no intruder.  This was Morgan…Morgan Hawthorne…her boss kinda! Oh damn! 
 
“Morgan, what the hell are doing here?!? Breaking into my home…I ought to call the police. I don’t care who you are!” She screamed at him as she flipped on a lamp to get more light in the room. 
 
“Damn that hurt! What the hell are those made out of? Look I am sorry to alarm you.  I just had to see you. By the way, the latch on your door is broken.” Morgan got up slowly off her living room floor in order to stand upright. 
 
“See me? Ever hear of knocking on the front door or picking up the phone and dialing my number? Those are less creepy and less painful ways for you to get my attention. And...Well duh! Of course the lock is broken after you jimmied it open” she responded with sarcasm. 
 
“No you don’t understand, the latch is not catching that’s how I was able to open it see for yourself.” 
 
Lailani set her batons against her couch and went over to the latch.  Sure enough, the latch wasn’t catching.  He had been telling the truth.  “Okay, so you’re right. But why are you here again?” She closed the door. 
 
“I don’t rejection that easily.  Most females do not usually reject me.  I was hoping I could by and change your mind or at least find out why you won’t go to dinner with me?” Morgan stated in that matter of fact tone. 
 
And she had no problem giving it right back to him.  “Well first on all, I am not like most women.  I know I am not the kind of woman you go after.” 
 
“And what kind of woman do you think I go for?” 
 
“Models and Barbie Dolls. Not someone like me” She motioned her hand up and down the length of her body. “I am not a size 2, I have breasts that are more than a hand full.  I am not blonde or have blue eyes, I don’t believe in botox and getting face lifts for Christmas.  Furthermore, I will not be controlled by anyone especially by no man. Your invitation to dinner was not a request more like an order.  You assumed that I would say yes without giving me the opportunity to say yes.  No one will rob me of my ability to make my own choices. Secondly, I don’t swoon over a man just because he happens to be attractive and asks me to dinner. You..” 
 
Morgan cut her off. “Wait you think I’m attractive.” He gave a devilish grin and his eyes narrowing to her face. 
 
Feeling flustered for opening that can of worms, “That’s not the point. The point is you cannot..” 
 
Morgan leapt up from her couch with sudden speed until he was facing her. How did he get to her so quickly? “But that is the point you see… you find me attractive and were scared to have dinner with me.” Morgan could smell her scent as it began to fill the room.  He began to feel sex stirring within his gut.  His cock started to get hard.  He started to imagine himself bathing in her delicious scent. Thrusting his tongue between her legs. 
 
Lailani went from warrior mode to frozen solid.  She couldn’t move.  Here this gorgeous, colossal man was standing toe-to-toe with her and all she could do was stare at him.  “Look, I am not scared of you or anyone for that matter. I think it is time for you to leave.” Summoning up all the courage she could muster, she moves toward the door. She was running from something and it wasn’t fear. 
 
She could feel pure unadulterated lust spring from within her. As Morgan stepped closer to her, she could smell that lovely mixture of ocean and Irish spring.  Her core bloomed for him.  She could feel the wetness beginning to pool between her legs.  Oh, God!  
 
She could feel pin-pricks of electricity flowing through her body.  She wanted him.  She wanted feel his strong arms around her body.  Press his mouth against her juicy sweetness.  Feel his tongue thrusting all over her body.  Inside and out. 
 
Morgan caught her by the forearm as she tried to walk past him.  He met her gaze and stared deep into those slanted, chocolate eyes of hers.  ‘How could she not think she is beautiful?  She has such beautiful exotic features.’ He thought himself.  He sensed her arousal for him.  He felt his cock straining against his trousers.  He cupped her face with his long fingers and ran them down the side of her check.  With his other arm, he closed the distance between by pulling her tightly into his grasp.   
 
Lailani could feel his erection straining against his clothes.  She was going to need the powers of heaven and hell to get out of this.  She couldn’t help but fight this.  Men like him didn’t go for women like her.  He was used to models and Barbie dolls.  
 
“Stop fighting this Lailani.  Can’t you see that I want you, All of you, every inch of you.  I wouldn’t want you to be anyone else but who you are.  At this moment, you are exactly who I want. Make no mistake about that” Morgan whispered against her neck.  His tongue slowly tracing her neckline pressing soft kisses against her skin. “Please let me kiss you.” He whispered into her ear as nibbled on her earlobe. 
 
“Why, why would you do that? I don’t understand,” was all Lailani could say. 
 
“Don’t try to understand.”  Tender soft lips descended upon hers.  Game over.  Lailani could feel Morgan’s mouth on hers tasting every inch on him. He tasted even better than she imagined.  He began to nip her lower lip with his teeth beckoning her to open for him. On cue, Lailani opened her mouth and felt the gentle glide of his tongue enter her mouth.  With each stroke, he would breathe in her scent and her taste.  It drove him mad.  Morgan deepened the kiss.  Gentle strokes have now become dueling forces. 
 
Lailaini snaked her arms around his neck pulling him closer to her as if he were a lifeline.  Caution was tossed to wind.  She couldn’t make any more excuses nor could fight this magnetic pull.  Hell, she didn’t want to fight it. 
 
At the very next moment, Morgan twirled their bodies around until Lailani felt something pressed against her back. Had to be a wall.   
 
Morgan could feel the urgency that had erupted between them in the last minutes.  He wanted to be in her.  He needed to be in her.  Oh, God, he had to get deeper into her. His hands threading into her hair and cradling the back of her head.  Without breaking the seal of their kiss, his hands ran down the sides of her waist and lifted her shirt off and tossed it to the floor. 
 
Full, round breasts were met against his beating chest.  Morgan snaked one arm around her waist while the other hand began to explore the softness of her breasts.  His mouth broke the seal of their kiss as it began to travel down her neckline to her breastbone. 
 
“May I kiss you here?” Morgan motioned to her breasts with a sinful gaze.  “Yes, please,” was all the encouragement he need.  He began suckle one of her nipples while massaging the other one.  He switched sides and gave the same delicious attention to her other nipple. 
 
Lailaini’s hands were kneading through Morgan’s hair pulling his head closer to her bosom.  She craned her neck so that her head fell back against the wall.  Her breath becoming shorter, and moaning becoming louder.  Abruptly, Morgan looks up at her and grabs her hips and hoists her thighs up and around his waist.  She clings to his body for dear life. “Bedroom?” was all he could breathe out as his cock was straining to be released within her. 
 
Lailani motions to the door behind her.  Morgan strides down the hall so they may continue this adventure in her bedroom.  He opens the door and lays her down on the bed.  His mammoth body hovers over her frame.  She reaches up to pull his shirt off.  He has no patience for her to undress him.  He jerks the material from his chest, ripping in two pieces completely away from his body.  
 
Morgan shifted his body and stretched out on top of her, falling in between her legs. She absorbed his weight with a satisfying sigh.  Lailani running her hands along his side, scoring her fingernails along his rib cage.  Morgan descends upon Lailani’s lips this time with hunger and possession.  She was his.   
 
Morgan’s lone fingers traveled to the waistband of her pajama bottoms and drew them off her tanned, smoothed legs.  He starting pressing kisses down her torso, moving his slick lips to tops of her hips and thighs. Her hands tangled in his hair urging him exactly where she wanted him to go. 
 
He pressed his mouth on her slick, wet folds.  He could taste her honey.  He ran one of his fingers along her juiciness.  He slipped one finger into her.  Fuck, she was tight and sopping wet. God, she was a drug he had to have and couldn’t get enough of.  A true addiction.   
 
He kissed her softest skin, drawing her clit into his mouth. Her hips began to buck against his mouth which heightened his arousal even more.  What a pleasurable pain.  Sucking and churning. Licking and lapping. Swirling and lollipopping her clit until she came over and over again for him until he couldn't fight his own need any longer.  He shrugged off the remainder of his clothes and covered her body once more with his.   
 
Lailani wrapped her legs around his hips, and he moaned as her heat burned his cock.  Morgan pulled back and looked down into her face. "Don't stop, " she whispered. "I want to feel you inside me." 
 
Morgan dropped his head into the hollow of her neck. The tip of his cock slid into place beautifully, and he encased himself in her body with one powerful, sensual stroke.  He propped himself up on his arms and pounded into her, taking her hard, drilling her wet cave with each thrust. Lailani's bed headboard banged against the wall to the beat of his thrusts.  
 
Lailani’s moans were getting louder as they were rapidly escaping from her throat during intervals of panting.  Never in her whole life had she felt sex like this with any man.  The way he tongue-fucked drove her wild.  And now, as he is pumping his hard, throbbing cock into her satin cave drove her to endless ecstasy. 
 
He came powerfully, filling her up continuing to pumping into her, his orgasm going on and on, until he realized she was climaxing right along with him as they were crashing against shattering waves of passion and rapture. 
 
As they returned on a slow float back to earth, he pulled her tight into the crook of his arm. Morgan brushed her damp hair aside and kissed her forehead and nestled himself into her neck.  It was a perfect fit.  Lailani was the perfect fit to him.  Sleep carried them away as the moon began its ascent to the ebony sky. 
 
Dawn is approaching.  Lailani emerges from her slumber to the feel someone nuzzling her neck.  She slightly turns her face to find Morgan nestling against her back breathing soundly.  ‘Oh my, he stayed over.  Well this was first.’ Never in her life had any of her lovers stayed over that’s counting all of three people she had ever been intimate with. Morgan’s arm was wrapped around her torso.  She could see his well defined biceps and abdominal muscles, his thighs engulfed her hips in their width, his manhood was as enormous and magnificent as the rest of him.   
 
Lailani just lay there in complete wonderment.  She reflected back on the things that they did last night.  Orgasm after orgasm.  He moved in her in ways no man ever has.  All the pleasurable and tingly feelings returning to her body as she begins to picture him mounting her from the front and then behind.  He was powerful and commanding between her thighs, but she somehow made room for all his masculinity.  The next question was ‘where do I go from?’ 
 
“You are so beautiful.” 
 
“Hi, I didn’t know you were awake.  Sorry if I disturbed you.” 
 
“You didn’t.  I had been awake for awhile just admiring this gorgeous female laying in my arms.” 
 
The truth was Lailani never felt beautiful in all her life.  Sure, she had receieved compliments from others but she never believed any of it.  She never wanted to be valued for her looks but rather for her character.  She believed that character was a testament of how beautiful people were or were not.  But in this very private moment, she did feel beautiful.  When Morgan touched her, she did feel beautiful, and when he told her she was beautiful she believed him.  Reality snapped back to her frontal cortex. 
 
“Listen, it is almost 5:30 and I have to be in work by 7:00 today it’s Friday and we all go in early so that we can leave early by 1 p.m.  I think it best we keep what happened between us.  What I mean to say is that you’re kinda my boss being the board director of Haven House and its probably not a good idea if you and are…ya know…anyway, it would be unprofessional for us to continue this.” 
 
“What if I were to tell you that I want to see you again?  I don’t care what people say or think? 
 
“Then I would have to say that I value my job, my livelihood gotta pay bills, and most of all I value my client’s and the work we do together.   If I have to remain professional with them, I have remain professional with my superiors regardless of how I feel or what I want? 
 
“Have you always been this value-driven and morally guided?  Not that morals and values should be tossed to the side.  I mean do you ever put yourself first before others?  Do you ever think about your wants or needs and putting value to them? 
 
“Sometimes my wants and needs cannot supersede my ethical and legal codes that I must follow.  I cannot lose my license that I worked so hard for just because I want to have relationship with someone I am not supposed to that’s why we therapists adhere to set of guidelines.  We know what the boundaries are and which ones we are not to cross.  And last night I crossed one of them” 
 
“I don’t think you broke any guidelines that you’re supposed to follow.  See, I too have examined the professional code of conduct before I accepted this position to ensure if I did meet someone who I may want to see romantically or platonically I could and no where as the board director does it say that I cannot have a relationship with people I work with.” 
 
“Look even if it does say that I don’t believe we should be involved with one another except when it comes to the future of Haven House.  I hope you understand and respect my wishes.”  God, she hated saying that.  Part of her defense to not becoming involved with Morgan Hawthorne was true.  There is a moral compass that guides us and she believes that she would unethical if she were to continue see him.  Most of all, she was afraid to get involved with him. 
 
Lailani was afraid of what she felt for him or at least what she could feel for him.  No man has ever gotten close to heart…but one other.  Taylor Jackson (TJ) Montrose.  No! She can’t’ go there again.  She pulled back her duvet cover and slipped out of Morgan’s grasp.  She began searching for her kimono robe. 
 
“Tell me something Lailani, what are you so afraid of?” Morgan sat upright so that he could face her when she responded to his question. 
 
“I’m not afraid of anything or anyone for that matter.” Lailani replied as she knotted her robe and made her way to the bathroom to brush her teeth. 
 
“Ya know something, lie to yourself if you like but don’t ever lie to me.”  Morgan put the emphasis on ‘ever.’ 
 
After she finished her morning routine, she made her way to the kitchen to make a cup of tea.  She was going to offer him some but he was nowhere to be found.  He had left.  ‘I guess he took the hint’ she thought.  Yeah….except that thought did not sit so well with her.  She knew she was lying to herself.  He was right. But she would never admit to him.  She would never admit that she was afraid to feel something for him.  But how could she just after spending one night together? 
 
As Lailani reached for her tea kettle, Morgan strolled back into her apartment with fresh croissants.  He must have went to the bakery across the street.  Amazed about his return, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and looked down in an effort to be invisible.  “Would you like some tea?” she said with hesitation as she sensed his displeasure with her. 
 
Morgan came in the kitchen behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, “I would love a cup of tea.  While the tea is brewing, please join me and have some fresh croissants.”  He pushed her hair aside and kissed her nape.  He felt her head fall back against his chest.  He began to run his teeth lightly against her skin giving her light kisses intermittently.  He didn’t want to give her any indication that he had some “special” teeth just yet. 
 
Lailani began to feel the wall she put up so many years beginning to shake and crumble.  She put up those walls for a reason.  She didn’t want to relieve all the pain of the past.  If she got hurt again, she would not survive this.  As she almost did not survive the last painful blast that ripped her in two.  She must strong.  Strength comes from many places and right now she was searching everywhere internally to remain so. 
 
“So, fresh croissants huh? The next question is, did you bring fresh butter?” She smiled at him. 
 
“Sure did.  Come sit with me, please.” 
 
Morgan pulled out her chair for her as she sat down.  Lailani thought that was so sweet chivalry is not dead in this country.  Morgan began preparing her croissant carefully slicing and spreading creamy spread on each side. 
 
“I can do that.” 
 
“Where I come from, the male always prepares the female her plate.  It is a sign of respect.” 
 
“Well thank you,” as she accepted the plate from his fingers. “So how did you become involved with Haven House?  We usually don’t change directors in the middle of the quarter,” she curiously asked. 
 
Morgan motioning his finger upward as to let her know he was still chewing. “It’s funny you ask that, I believe in giving back to others when you, not you per say, but world collectively, anyway if much has been bestowed upon you then share what you can with others.  I work in the Suntrust building downtown as a financial advisor with a brokerage firm and wanted to become involved in a cause so I came across the ad in the paper for the board director of your center.  I was told that the last director became very ill and required a leave of absence and no other members of the board wanted the position.  So I applied and interviewed for it. And here we are,” he said so candidly. 
 
Just then the tea kettle began to whistle interrupting her next thought.  “I’ll get it.” Morgan motioned for her to remain seated and went into her kitchen to prepare the tea.   
 
“So do you think you would reconsider having dinner with me this evening, unless you already have plans?” Morgan asked so sweetly remembering the lecture she gave him about offering a choice to say yes or no as he handed her the cup of tea. 
 
“As much as I would like to, I can’t Morgan.  I hope you understand.  I just…I’m not looking for a relationship right now.  I don’t have time for one.  I am work many hours and I am committed to my martial arts training at the dojo.  Not to mention, my professional code prohibits a relationship with you.  So…” 
 
“Okay, forget dinner how about just straight up casual sex.  No real big demands on you or me,” Morgan said in that matter of fact tone of his. 
 
“Absolutely not!  I am not that kind of girl. I don’t like having meaningless sex.  And another thing I don’t even know you. You don’t even know me!” 
 
“Then what was last night then?  For you information, I thought I got know to you last night very well, and I thought you got to know me.” 
 
Now, she’s mad! “Last night was a mistake it should have never happened.  This is why we don’t have these kinds of relationships with our bosses cause this shit happens.”  She blasted out of her chair.  She was on fire! 
 
Just as Lailani moved away from her chair, Morgan grabbed by her waist with lighting speed and pulled her into his grasp onto his lap.  “As I said before, lie to yourself but don’t lie to me.  I know you don’t believe that shit you just said me.  Even now I can sense you are aroused by me.  I could take you right now and make you come until you feel like your lungs are going to explode and you would not stop me.  Now, would you like me to do that to you, because I am more than willing. I would kill to be in you right now!” He said in a growling voice. 
 
Stunned by what just came out of Morgan’s mouth, because it was true.  As Lailani sat there listening to his voice.  She became aroused.  There was something in his voice that made her go weak in the knees.  She could feel that he was getting erection and that wonderful scent of his began to invade her nostrils.  He smelled so good.  She wanted him to fill her up again, pounding and pumping his orgasm in her core once more.  Lailani losing sense, she did not think to counter his action, she merely reacted by what he just said and gave him a loud, whooping slap across the face, PPPPOOOOOWWWW!!! And leapt from his grasp reaching for her baton sticks from the couch. 
 
Not surprised by her action, Morgan was impressed with her.  She had the courage to take him on which increased his arousal for her even more and he respected the hell out of her.  All he could think about was ripping off that robe hers and taking her right now on her dining room table.  Spreading her legs so that he could taste her and feel all her silky wetness in his mouth and down his throat. 
 
“Get the hell out of my home you arrogant bastard!  You will not touch me! I will fight you tooth and nail if you lay on hand on me!” Lailani threatened as she crouched down into her defensive mode with her batons in her hands ready to strike like a cobra. 
 
“You got on hell of slap. I’ll give you that.  You’re very courageous.  I like your spitfire.  Fear not, I will not force myself on you unless you want me to take you.  By your sense of arousal, I believe you do want me to take you.  You want me just as much as I want you.  But I will hold myself back this time.  You can lower your weapons there,” he countered to her last response as he looked at his watch it was 6:15. 
 
“Listen, I’ve got head out I have a meeting and you need to get to work at 7:00.  As much as I would like to stay and continue this soirée with you and I really would, I’ll take my leave.  I will see you at Haven House later on today.  I’ve got a meeting with Sam.” 
 
Morgan rose from his chair, made a slight bow to Lailani as to bid her ‘Adieu,’ and walked out her front door. He appeared back at his home where Forester was waiting for him in his office.   
 
“So, how did it go?  Don’t tell me…she shot you down again?” 
 
“Leave it alone Forester, I am not talking about this with you.” 
 
“Ya know, this would be sooo much easier if you would just mate with one of vampiric noblewomen.  She could give you everything you want and more.”  Forester stated sipping his second cup of coffee. 
 
“Look when I want dating advice, I call the love connection show.  Til then just the hell up about the dumbass noblewomen.” Morgan’s voice angered and growling.  He walked into his bathroom and flipped the switch on to take a shower.   
 
“Okay, okay. No more about the aristocracy.  So what are your plans?” 
 
“I don’t know.  I will think of something.  I have a meeting with her boss today to do some number crunching.  I’ll approach her then.”  He reluctantly said as he shredded his clothes and hopped into the shower. 
 
Lailani was rushing around her apartment trying to get ready.  It was 6:47 and she had to get outta here.  After Morgan left, she cleaned up the mess of dishes and jumped into the shower.  She dried and straightened her very quickly.  She reached for the first pair of blue jeans she saw in the closet and grabbed her alumni FSU t-shirt and a pair of flip flops.  Friday’s it was casual, but not holes in your clothes and shorts not were allowed.  She gave herself a glance over one more time, sprayed on some cologne ‘Very Sexy #1 by Victoria Secret’ and out the door she went. 
 
She hauled out of her apartment complex and almost hit the mailman as she was rushing to get to work.  At 7:03 she pulled into the parking lot of Haven House and bolted her way into the building.  She made quick hellos to everyone and went to her office.  As she sat down, her phone began to ring, it was Margie letting her know that her 7:30 and 9:00 appointments cancelled and rescheduled for next week.   
 
Feeling relieved they cancelled, Lailani sat back in her chair and reminisced about what took place in the last 24 hours of her life.  She just found out that the board director is her mystery savior, he shows for a meeting here, he stalks her outside her home where she knocked him a good one with her batons, had erotic, wild sex with him, was ready to go round 2 with him and slapped him and booted him out of her apartment. Yup, that pretty much covers it.  She decided to do some work in effort to make the time go.  She decided to remain locked up in her office all day in order to avoid Morgan when he came to see Sam. 
 
11:21 ‘ring, ring’ she didn’t recognized the number.  “Hello, Lailani Grace Sunglao speaking.” 
 
“Hi there, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you all morning.  I’ll see you 5 minutes.” The line went dead. 
 
‘Oh shit!’ now what was she going to do.  She had to get out of the building…wait 5 minutes was not enough time to get to her car and drive off without being seen or without having too many questions being asked and she would forced to answer.  Lailani walked out of her office and into Murriel’s began to strike up a conversation about O’Niels.  
 
“So you guys have fun?” 
 
“Yeah, it was blast.  You should have come out with us.  We got up and did karaoke.   I sang the ‘I said Hey’ song by 4 non-blondes, it was awesome.” 
 
“So what did you do last night?  I know you were working late.  What time you get outta here?” 
 
“Late, I ran some errands, went home, took a shower and went to bed.”  Well most of that was true Lailani left out the part where she had terrific sex with the board director but she decided to gloss over that detail. 
 
She and Murriel chatted for another 20 minutes or so about weather, sports, nothing important until Murriel’s next appointment arrived.  Lailani figured perfect timing it was 12:15 less than an hour before she could leave for the day.  She could stay locked away in her office til then.  Morgan had to be finished with his meeting with Sam or would be in it when she left. 
 
Lailani crept back to her office as if she were a spy.  She closed her door very quietly and sighed a deep breath of relief. 
 
“Afternoon Lailani.  It is a pleasure to see you again.”  Morgan whispered from the shadows of her office. 
 
Lailani jumped after being spooked.  “How did you get in here?  Is this going to be a regular habit for you? Stalking, breaking and entering are illegal ya know? Don’t you have a meeting with Sam?”  She grumbled to him. 
 
“First of all, your door was wide open so I didn’t break and enter.  Secondly, I am not stalking you just merely waiting for you to return and third, my meeting with Sam concluded 10 minutes ago.  I have been waiting for you to return from Murriel’s office.” Morgan said so casually. 
 
“Look if I didn’t make it clear this morning, let me make it clear for you again.  Leave me alone, please let me do my job here and you do yours to keep Haven House open.  I will work with you on projects, fund raising, speaking to community leaders, but please just leave me alone.  I am not just asking I am imploring you.”  Lailani was not angry at all, she was frightened and begging him. 
 
Damn, Morgan did not want her to feel like this.  He just wanted to spend some time with her.  Be near her, talk to her, eat with her.  He never imagined that he was coming too strong for her.  He didn’t want to force things between them especially if they made her feel uncomfortable enough to believe that her job was at stake. 
 
“I apologize Lailani.  I don’t want to upset you anymore than you are now.  But I have to be honest with you.  I feel this magnetic pull to you and don’t deny that you don’t feel it too.  I know you do.  But know this, I will not approach you unless it is business related.  You have my word.  But, you have to make the next move if you decide you want more.  When and if you decide, I will be waiting for you.”  Morgan walked into the light of her office heading toward the door. 
 
“Thank you for respecting my decisions.  I wish you all the luck and I hope we can find funding for Haven House to keep its doors open.”  She extended her hand to shake his in good faith so that she would let him know that there would be no hard feelings. 
 
Morgan graciously accepted her hand, but brought it to his lips.  He kissed her hand lightly, taking her lovely Japanese cherry blossom and orange scent on last time.  Panic set in the very next moment.  If he never say her again and this would be their last interaction. No, that would not do.  “Lailani, may kiss you one last time before I take my leave, please?” 
 
Lailani really knew that would be a bad idea.  A kiss from him could turn into something else and she didn’t want to lead him on.  He gave his word that he would not bother her or force things between them.  Oh, what the hell! 
 
“Okay,” she walked into the space between his feet and braced herself. 
 
His soft, supple lips descended upon hers very lightly.  Their lips moving in a lovely, slow dance. This time she made the first move.  Her hands begin to snake around his neck to pull him closer to her body.  Her mouth opened to let her tongue be free. She licked his bottom lip beckoning his mouth to open for her.   
 
Morgan had no problem acquiescing to her request.  He wrapped one around her waist pulling her to his chest in a tight grasp and the other hand cupped her check.  His thumb rubbing against her jawline.  His tongue came out of hiding and joined hers playfully. 
 
There seemed to be no end to the kissing.  She loved the way she molded so easily to his frame.  She could her heart pounding in her ears.  Her breath coming in shorter intervals. She was soaked with wetness that pooled between her legs.  She hated herself that she was allowing this to happen again.  Her arousal was filling the atmosphere. 
 
Morgan broke free of their kiss and lowered his face to her ear.  “I know this isn’t right place but I can’t help it.  Can I touch you? I’ll stop anytime you want.  I just…I need to touch you, please?” 
 
“Alright, only be gentle.”  
 
“I promise.” One of Morgan’s hands found its way to the button of her Levi jeans.  He slowly unbuttoned the denim and slid down her zipper.  He let one of his fingers trace along her lower abdomen just above her panty line.  He could feel it was lacey.  He extended his hand down to her sex.  He could that she was sopping wet from the outside.  This got his blood racing for her.  His erection immediately followed.   
 
Slowly, Morgan moved his hand back to the top of her lace panties and slipped his hand inside extending one long finger to that sensitive nub between her slick folds.  He began to lightly stroke her.  He could feel her juices increases as he began to rub his finger faster along her flesh.  He then slipped two fingers into her honey hole. 
 
Lailani was shocked that she had allow this to go so far not to mention she was in her office.  People were just 5 feet away from her.  But risk of getting caught somewhat appealed to her. Here she was….forbidden to be with a man like this, allowing him to sexually please her in her place of work.  She didn’t care.  All she knew was if Morgan stopped touching her she felt she was gonna explode and not in a good way. 
 
“Lailani, you’re so wet and tight.  I want you to do something for me. Okay?” 
 
“Hmmmm….what? she was lost in the moaning and stroking. 
 
“I want you to come for me.  Will you do that? Let me feel you as you orgasm,” he whispered against her neck. The rhythm of fingers began to increase moving against her wet flesh.   
 
That was plan that she was more than happy to go along with.  Lailani felt herself tensing up and could feel the onset of orgasm was just a milisecond away.  The next moment she exploded as he kept caressing her clit.  The pain was so pleasurable she couldn’t take it anymore.  She was hit with shockwave of energy that took her into a dimension unknown. 
 
Morgan retrieved his wet fingers and sucked his fingers clean tasting the remaining essence of this beautiful Asian female in his embrace.  “Your taste is something I can never get enough of.”  He said as he began to zip up her pants and fix her shirt. 
 
“That was incredible.  Never in my life have I done anything like this…this dangerous. You realize people are still here.  Someone could’ve knocked or even worse walked in on us.  Then we both would be outta of job.”  She said smoothing out her shirt attempting regain composure. 
 
“Well I am more the happy to pleasure you and make you come again.” He reached for her again. 
 
“Hold up there…remember what you said.  This is where it stops truly.  I can’t let it go any further.  Lailani looks down at her desk at some papers that need filing.  “Look I’ve got a ton papers here that need to be filed.  So…” she makes her way to her chair behind her desk. 
 
“I’ll see ya around here okay?” she says in dismissive tone. 
 
“Know this Lailani, I will be waiting for you when you come to you damn senses.” Morgan said in a very angered tone as he departed from her office. 
 
‘Ring, ring.  Ugh who is it now?’ not even bothering to look at the caller ID. “Lailani Grace Sunglao speaking.” 
 
In a thick accent, “Oh, hello Lailani, how are you? This is daddy.” 
 
The corners of Lailani’s mouth turned up to a smile.  Her daddy could always make her smile no matter what was going on her life.  He had that special magic of being a dad. 
 
“Hi daddy.  I am well. How are you and mom?” Of course that was a lie. 
 
“Good. Your mom and I are good.  Did you get the message about making eggrolls for the festival?  It’s tomorrow.” 
 
‘Oh shit, the festival Damn!’ Lailani hates fibbing to her dad.  “Yeah I got your message how many do I need to bring? 
 
“We need you to bring 3 dozen.  Don’t worry about cooking them at your apartment. Apulilang will cook them when you get to her house.  You know how she is. She likes crispy, fresh eggrolls.” 
 
“No problem daddy.  I’ll bring them tomorrow at Apulilang’s at noon.  Look I’ve got some papers that need filing. My love to you and mom.” 
 
“Okay, see you tomorrow.  Love you too bye bye.” The line went dead. 
 
Lailani deposits the phone back on the receiver and takes a deep breath.  At least she could make eggrolls and stay occupied for several hours when she got home.  Lord knows where her mind will wander to.  She finished filing the rest of papers, turned off her desk lamp and left the office. 
 
On her way, Lailani replayed Morgan’s last words in her mind. ‘I will be waiting for you when you come to your damn senses.’  Except she couldn’t come to her senses.  Letting him into her heart was not an option.  Sure maybe he’d be a good fuck-buddy but she didn’t want that from him.  She didn’t want to use him like that.  She sure as hell didn’t want that kind of relationship with a man.  As she sees it, her only option was solitude and never letting him.   
 
Her mind time travels back to July 30, 1999.  It was start of her senior year at Beachcrest High.  Class was resuming in less than two weeks and everyone was having one last HOORAH! down at the beach for the big bon fire.  Roasting marshmallows and hotdogs. People passing around all sorts of liquor and malt beer bottles.  She was meeting TJ to spend some time with him before he left on a 7 day road trip with some friends.  TJ was the love of her life for the last 18 months.  She couldn’t imagine her life without him.  He was her rock.  Her saving grace.  He was the boyfriend who made all the bad shit go away.  He saved her in every way a person can be saved. 
 
Before TJ, Lailani was dating another boy by the name of Tony Marks.  She thought he loved her she sure as hell loved him but instead she was emotionally abused by this guy.  He ended up breaking up with her because she would not sleep with him.  She wanted to wait until she was ready to take that next step. Jack ass!  Then TJ came along, he was very patient with Lailani telling her he would never force into anything.  He just wanted to be with her and that he just wanted to make the pain go away for her.  And away all the pain went.   
 
Being with TJ healed Lailani not just emotionally but also for the sake of her soul.  Now she had TJ he was her best friend, her everything and all was right with world at least that’s the way it should have been. 
 
Returning to the present time, Lailani pulls into a parking spot at her dojo.  She walked in and was greeted by all the teachers.  She headed to the locker room to change.  She came out wearing her karate gi with her batons in hand she was ready to spar.  She began to practice by herself in a small section on the mat near the far corner.  She twirls, flips, jabs, and raises her batons in and all around the air and her body.  Her body contorting to all sorts of positions. 
 
“Would you like to practice with a partner?”  an older Asian man was behind her. 
 
“Sensei, yes please.  I fear that my timing is off.  I don’t want my skills to slip.” Lailani bowed to her teacher. Sensei Kim. 
 
Lailani began to spar with Kim.  She had so much energy that she had to burn off.  But it was hard for her to focus.  Focus was key when sparing with these batons.  It is very easy to cause serious damage to limbs when focus is disrupted.   
 
Sensei Kim could sense that Lailani was off balance. He knew her all too well to know when something was bothering or on her mind.  He had brought balance into her life before.  Teaching her how to balance tiger and dragon energies within her.  Balance and control were two very precious commodities that she worked so hard to get back.  He knew that she was struggling now with them. 
 
“Hold up, stop! Enough!  You cannot practice like this.” 
 
Trying to catch her breath, “Huh, why not?  I have too much energy I need to practice, be constructive.” 
 
“No, not like this.  You have to be completely focused.  Your mind is not. We stop now. Come have tea with me.” 
 
Tea was not something Lailani needed or wanted at this particular moment.  But always trusting her Sensei she complied.  She put her equipment away and started walking toward her teacher’s office. 
 
Sensei Kim pour two glasses of hot green and handed one to his student and motioned for her to sit in the chair adjacent to his.  His office was decorated in traditional Asian motiff.  He had several pictures of Thailand and Japan and small statue of Buddha.  He had several candles burning and an incense warmer. 
 
“Tell me what is wrong my child?” 
 
“Nothing I can’t handle.  Just something that I have to deal with.  Nothing important.” 
 
“Now if I believed that then we wouldn’t be here.  You would be sparring and me well…I would be watching another Japanese game show on G-4 channel.” 
 
Lailani could only look up and laugh at her teacher.  She recalled many hours they spent watching that channel and making fun of all the stunts and watching the people try to complete the obstacle courses. 
 
“Want to tell me the truth now?”  Sensei Kim looked at her sternly while finishing up his last bit of tea. 
 
“Let me put to you this way Sensei. Old wounds are resurfacing and it’s affecting me more than I want it to?  There was no way Lailani was going to tell her teacher that she met someone, had great sex with him and he wants to see her again, oh not to mention it’s her boss. 
 
“Ah…so you met someone eh?”  Sensei Kim crossed his arms.  “He must be really something since your focus tonight is off.” 
 
“I never said I met anyone.” 
 
“Then why old wounds resurface? Let me tell you something, you’re the most gifted pupil that I have had the honor of teaching.  You bring honor to your family name and to yourself.  You put have always put others before yourself.  You are compassionate and believe others should be treated as such. But right now you’re dishonoring yourself by lying.  You can lie to yourself but do not lie to me.” 
 
It’s funny.  That’s second time someone has told her that today.   
 
“Sensei, I can’t go there again.  No! I won’t there again.  The pain is too great.  I have learned to live with what happened to me over the last several years.  I just won’t go through it again.  You remember what happened last time.  This time I know I won’t make it back.  I can’t betray him.” Tears began to fall from Lailani’s grief stricken face into her tea cup. 
 
“My child, how can you say that?  Moving on does not mean betrayal.  Letting go of the pain does not mean you’re letting go of him.  I know you have heard this before.” 
 
Sensei Kim was right. Lailani had heard this before.  In fact, she had has to tell some of her clients the same thing.  Why wasn’t see taking her own advice? 
 
“Look, you have one set parents so I am not going to try to be another one to you. But I have known you since age 11.  I have watched you grow and blossom into a lovely and courageous woman.  Not many people can come back after they suffer like you did.  You must know that you are loved and supported by your parents, friends, and by me.  We are here for you.  There is no shame in asking.” 
 
Lailani just broke down sobbing.  Sensei Kim wrapped his arms around his student in an effort to comfort her.  Asking for help was something she has always struggled with but knows she must continue to work on that. 
 
“Go on home tonight.  Take a hot shower and relax.  You have much to consider and think about.” 
 
Lailani returned to the locker room and changed out of her karate gi. As she was walking out the dojo, she bowed to her Sensei as means of thank you. He motioned for her to return to his side once more. 
 
“One last thing before you go, Lailani.  You can love more than one person in a lifetime and sometimes others are not given a second chance.  If a second chance presents itself to you, it would be foolish for you not to accept it.  You know he will always be a part of who you are, part of soul.” Sensei Kim finished his monologue and hugged his student. 
 
“I think you’re being a parent now.”  Lailani somewhat chuckled into his embrace. 
 
Sensei Kim smiled and kissed her forward.  “Go now and find peace.”   
 
At last, Lailani gets home at 6:30 pm and makes her way inside her apartment.  She gets outta her clothes and pulls on a t-shirt and lounge pants.  She goes into the kitchen and prepares all the ingredients for her eggrolls.  At this rate, she will be up all night long rolling these suckers. 
 
Finally at 10:00, she rolls her last bit food up and stores them in the freezer.  She knew the trick to good eggrolls was you must freeze them over night in order for them to taste the best.  She sat on her couch with glass of Pepsi and began flipping the channels. Nothing on t.v. appealed to her. She thought she would call some friends and see if they wanted to grab a quick bite to eat or late movie.  She dialed everyone in her cell who wasn’t attached to someone.  Alas, no one was available to hang out. 
 
As she lay on her couch, she began to watch The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.  It was one of her favorite movies.  She got comfy and pulled a quilt over her body to settle in.  She must have been more tired than she realized as she drifted off to sleep just as the beginning credits were rolling. 
 
On the other hand, Morgan Hawthorne remained pacing in his office trying to figure out how to avoid Lailani at the office when he goes down there for business and how to remain in his house and not wind up on her balcony again.   
 
Morgan knew that something was off with her.  She was holding back from him.  He wanted to know why.  He wanted to be with her and not just to have terrific sex for sex sake but really wanted to be with her.  Talk with her, hear her voice, enjoy her company.   
 
Suddenly, his own conscience grips him.  How you expect her to tell you what’s doing when you haven’t been up front about yourself either big man?  You’re a vampire.  There’s no changing or getting around that.  You drink blood in order to survive.  Although, you don’t drink humans dry thanks to Forester’s creation.  Nevertheless, you haven’t been honest with her either. 
 
Remaining frustrated, Morgan decided that he would keep his word to Lailani. He realized that if he had any chance to see her again he would have to stay away from her.  He would have to respect her wishes.  As difficult as it will be for him, he knows he has to endure this.  ‘Once she comes around, then I’ll tell her about my….condition.’ Condition…really? 
 
“Sir, will that be all for you this evening or do require my services longer?” Griffin appeared in the doorway looking dapper as always in his butler’s uniform.  Looked more like tux. 
 
“Yes, Griffin that will be all for the night.  Thank you.  Have a pleasant evening.”  Morgan reached for a decanter of brandy and poured a few splashes in his glass. 
 
“If isn’t too bold to say sir, but I think she is a very special lady.  I think you have found your mate sir.  Someone who you can match your wit, morals, and character.” The old man slowly revealed his feelings to his boss. 
 
“Thank you Griffin for your honesty, but I am hardly searching for a mate. Besides she’s human and does not know about my kind.” Morgan retaliated. 
 
“If you would indulge me once more sir, it matters not that she is human. If she is your match, at which I believe she is, then it won’t matter she is human.  And about your kind sir, I don’t not believe she is the kind of woman who would run away from what is different, she would accept you.” 
 
“Good night Griffin, see you tomorrow.” Morgan swallowed back his brandy as he swallowed back Griffin words. 
 
“Good night sir.”  Griffin departed from the office and left the house for the evening. 
 
Morgan sat in his chair in front of his fireplace thinking about Lailani and when they were last together.  God, she tasted so good.  She felt so warm and tender in his arms.  He wanted her to be back in his arms once more.  He wanted to…he wanted to make her his.  He wanted to mark as his own so that no other fucking male would come near her.  So others would know that she was spoken for.  What the hell is thinking? Mark her? That was crazy.  He needed quit with that shit.  He decided that it would be best if he poured himself some brandy and get shit-faced to put her out of his mind. 
 
The next morning came too quickly.  Morgan woke up with a massive hang over and head ache.  He needed to get some Tylenol in him.  He made his way to his bathroom.  He took one look in the mirror and realized that he looked awful. He was beginning to have beard growth.  His eyes were red.  His hair disheveled.  He decided to clean up with a shave and a hot shower. 
 
Ten minutes later he reappeared in his kitchen in search for some coffee.  There was Forester reading the paper. 
 
“Well don’t you look comfy, make yourself right at home why don’t you.  Forester don’t you have a 2 million dollar mansion you live in? 
 
“Yeah so, what’s your point?” 
 
“My point is why aren’t you there drinking your own coffee and reading your own paper?” 
 
“Because your coffee tastes so much better and you’re much better company than goldfish.” 
 
“Thanks you compared me to fish for company.” 
 
“Someone is pissy this morning.”  Forester said in a sing-song voice. 
 
“I’m not pissy. I’m hung over. I had too much brandy last in an effort to drown my sorrows and numb my feelings.  It always worked in the past.” 
“Well it’s different now, my friend.” 
 
“What do you mean?” 
 
“I think you’re starting to bond with her.  Which makes downing your sorrows in booze much more difficult.” 
 
“Ah fuck, not you too.  Griffin said something crazy like that to my last night how he thinks she may be my mate.  I admit I am drawn to her and want to be with her but she as my mate?”   
 
“I think Griffin is onto something.  Think about it my friend, could you imagine yourself being with anyone else at this very moment? Better yet, do you want to be with her and only her?” 
 
Morgan sat there for a moment really taking in what Forester said.  “No, I can’t.  I only want her.  What am I going to do?” 
 
“I don’t know.  I know you’ll think of something.  Look I got to run.  There’s new lab opening on the west coast and I’ve got catch a plane.  We will talk more when I return.  You know how to reach me. I’ll be back in flash.  Literally.  Oh I also stocked your fridge with more blood wine. I’ll see you.” 
 
“Thanks Forester you really are a good friend.” 
 
“And don’t you forget it.” Forester departs from the kitchen giving Morgan a wink. 
 
Lailani woke to the sound of her alarm clock buzzing off.  It was 9:00 and she had to get moving.  She went to the bathroom to complete her morning routine.  Afterward she dressed in a casual blouse and blue jeans.  She was just going to Apulilang’s house where she didn’t have to dress fancy.  She was blue jeans kinda gal.  Always had been. 
 
She ate a quick bowel of Cherrios, grabbed her eggrolls and out the door she went.  As she began the 30 minute drive, she was grateful for the time so she could think about what her Sensei said to her.  She wanted to have peace in this life.  She didn’t believe she deserved it.  She blamed herself and carried so much guilt for many years.  Memories came swirling back like a typhoon. 
 
As TJ approached Lailani on the beach, he had such sadness in his eyes.  He wanted her to go with him on this road trip.  He couldn’t stand the thought of being away from her for more than a few hours, he hated that he was going away for 7 days.  But Lailani insisted that he go.  She got him a ticket to the Stars Convention for his birthday and he always wanted to go. 
 
“Babe, I hate leaving you.”  TJ said so pouty. 
 
“TJ, I’ll see you soon.  7 days is not that far away.  Besides I know how bad you wanted to go. So maybe next year I’ll go when we can afford 2 tickets.”  Lailani kissed his nose.  
 
TJ pulled her in for deep kiss.  Moving his lips and tongue with hers, she responded by wrapping her arms around him tighter.  She broke the kiss in an effort to catch her breath. “Listen, before you go there’s something I wanna us to do.”  She drags TJ along the sand walks over toward the beach canopies that people rent on the beach.   
 
“Okay you’ve got me stumped, what?”  TJ looks around all confused. 
 
“I want to be with you.  I love you and you love me.  And I want you to make love to me right now.”  Lailani pulls TJ on top of her on the canopy bed. 
 
“No wait Lailani, we can’t, not out here.  Plus I don’t have any protection on me.  And I don’t want you to rush into anything.” He pulled himself away from her grasp. 
 
“Yes, it is perfect. We’re on the beach no one is around.  We have complete privacy.  And you’re in luck I brought some protection for you.” Lailani reaches in her pocket for the foil wrapper.  “Don’t you want to be with me?  I mean if you don’t then…” 
 
TJ cut her off.  “No babe, I want to be with you more than anything.  I just don’t want you to feel rushed or pressured.  I do want to make love to you.” 
 
“I don’t feel pressured at all.  All I know is that I want to be with you.  I have waited and decided that I am ready.” Lailani starts take off her shirt to reveal her bra with pink heart and purple stars.  She reaches out for TJ’s hand. 
 
TJ lays on top of her and begins to kiss her gently then greater passion and force begins to follow.  They begin to rub each other in places that created moans and damn near high pitched screams.  After 10 mins of heavy breathing, they both shredded all their clothes off.  TJ positioned himself between Lailani’s thighs. 
 
“I love you so much.  I don’t want to hurt you.  I’ll try to be gentle.” 
 
“I love you too.  We will get past that part.”   
 
TJ began caressing her neck with his lips and tongue and moved back to her lips.  He slowly slid his manhood into her tight, satin cave inching his way in slowly.  Lailani feeling the discomfort is trying to remain focused on TJ and his kissing.  He was such a sweet and tender kisser.  TJ came up the barrier of her virginity.  He looked down at her face and was in complete awe. 
 
“Make love to me, TJ.” She whispered against his neck.  In one quick move, TJ slid forward against the barrier.  Lailani grimaced feeling the pain in her lower body.   
 
“Are you alright? Do you want me to stop?” TJ showing the upmost concern for his love. 
 
“No, just go slow.”  TJ moved at a very slow pace until Lailani became accustomed to his invasion.  Slowly the pain began to dissapate and TJ’s strokes became faster and stronger.  Their bodies began to move fluently with each other.  The moaning between them increased.  All at once, TJ felt his climax pouring into Lailani.  He could feel his orgasm going on and on.  Just about that time he noticed that she too began to orgasm along with him.  As they came back down from their waves of ecstasy, TJ pulled Lailani closer to him and whispered sweet, loving words of their perfect love and how losing their virginity to each other was beautiful.  In fact, it was all so beautiful. 
 
Lailaini arrived at Apulilang’s house just in time to be greeted by several Filipinos.  Many of them she knew from the neighborhood, others she went to school with, some she met from church, and the rest were visiting other relatives.  It was a huge gathering filled with laughter, great food, and tons of San Miguel beer.  She didn’t know how some Filipinos could drink that stuff. 
 
Today, Lailani was celebrating Kadayawan Sa Dabaw which is held every 3rd week of August.  This festival gives thanks to the bounty of fruits and flowerers as the waling-waling orchid blooms. Colorful floats are bedecked with beautiful orchids and other flowers in the grand parade.  Thankfully, she had not been asked to ride on one of the floats.  Last year, she was nominated or volunteered by her family more or less to be the lead in the parade where she was required to wear a huge ball gown, crown, and was escorted by one of Apulilang’s next door neighbor’s boy who was worked for a local engineering company.  There was not end to Apulilang’s matchmaking tactics.  She believed Lailani should be married now with 2.3 kids.  Thankfully, her parents are not forcing this issue. 
 
Lailani greets Apulilang by extending the elderly woman’s hand and bringing it to her forehead.  In Filipino culture, that is called ‘mano’ which is a sign of respect to the elderly since they are revered as being full of wisdom and virtue.  She brought her eggrolls into the kitchen and began visiting.  She mingled with her relatives and parents and continued with small talk. 
 
Around 5p.m. the festival began to die down and people began to depart, Lailani made her good-byes to everyone and headed toward her car.  On her way to her car, her mother hollered to get her attention.  “Lailani…wait a moment!” 
 
“Yeah, mom what’s up?” 
 
Lailani’s mom approached her and gave her daughter a hug.  Lailani looked nothing like her mother.  Lailani’s mother, Tina, was an American with lightly tanned skin, hazel eyes, straight pointed nose, and average figure. Lailani favored her all her father’s features.  Except one…Lailani’s personality and iron will came from her mother.  She liked being linked to her mother like this. 
 
“Thank you for making the eggrolls. Your father and I appreciate it.  You know your dad and his cooking.  You think he was cooking for the Navy again.”  Her mom chuckled.  “Sensei Kim called and said he was worried about you. Is everything alright?”  She looked so worried about her daughter. 
 
“Yeah mom everything is okay.  I’m just trying to work some things out in my head.  You and daddy don’t have anything to worry about.  If I feel like I can’t handle things you’ll be the first I call, I promise.”  She hoped that would suffice her mother. 
 
“Okay, you know we love you and we just want you to be happy.  You know, TJ would want you to be happy too.  He wouldn’t want you to torture yourself for the rest of your life.”  There she goes being a parent.  But that’s what parents do…even to their 29 year old kids. 
 
“I know mom.  Everything will work out.  I’ll see ya later.”  Lailani hugged and kissed her mom bye and drove off in her car.  On the way, home her mom’s words replayed loudly in her ears. ‘TJ would want you to be happy.’  That message seems to be coming at her from different angles.  She remained pensive the remainder of her drive home.   
 
As the dusk turned into night, Morgan stood outside his home admiring the beautiful sky.  So many stars on this starry night, they twinkle with such illumination and magic.  They seem so you close you could almost reach out and grab them.  He wished he Lailani could share this sky with him.  At once, Morgan felt a change in the breeze.  The beautiful scent of trees and night faded into something foul.  He knew that could only be one reason for this abrupt change….Khan. 
 
Khan appeared from a set of trees about 100 yards from Morgan’s gated home.  He was wearing black clothes, black boots and his eyes were bloodshot red.  He must have just fed on humans.  When a vampire feeds only on human blood, their eyes remain a dark ruby color.  He approached Morgan’s gate and looked puzzled. 
 
“Morgan Hawthorne, how wonderful to see you again.  Aren’t you going to be a good host and invite me in?”  Khan leaned his face forward onto the gate. 
 
“I don’t think so Khan.  Now, get the hell off my property!”  Morgan was bracing himself for Khan’s next move. 
 
“Temper, temper Morgan.  No need for hostility.  I was just looking for a place to rest my weary head and rest for a spell.  Are you really going to turn me out?” 
 
“You are not welcome here! Now leave! Before I….” 
 
“Before you what?  Are threatening me?”  
 
“No, I’m promising you! I will tear you apart.  You’re trespassing you piece of shit!” 
 
“No need for name calling.  I think whatever Forester has been giving you has numbed your zest for life.  You should go back to feeding on humans.  They taste so delectable much better than that slop Forester has created.” 
 
“Forester is damned hero in my eyes.  Modern vampires don’t want to feed on humans.  They appear to value human life as much as their own. A concept you have no capability to grasp as you value nothing.” 
 
“This coming from the Morgan Hawthorne.  All your life you have never liked humans. You even drained them dry til there was nothing left but bones…leaving aristocracy has made you weak!” 
 
“Not all members of aristocracy believe as you do Khan. I wouldn’t be surprised if not all than majority of them utilize Forester’s synthetic blood.  You may not care about your soul, but I care about mine.  Now, leave!” 
 
“My soul….your soul…please! You are damned like the rest of us!  Well I will take my leave of you now.  It seems you are stirred up enough.  I would hate to make it worse for you.”  Khan disappeared into the night with a trail of evil laughter following behind him. 
 
Morgan was fuming!  He wanted to tear Khan apart.  He hated the fact that he let that leech get under his skin.  Morgan knew better to take on Khan not knowing where his followers were.  But Morgan had big surprise for Khan if he showed up on his property again. 
 
The following week seemed to go by quickly which surprised Lailani.  She did all she could to stay busy and not give her mind too much time to wonder.  At times, she had trouble focusing on her client’s when all she could think about was Morgan…his voice, his breath on her skin, his soft kisses, his massive…Stop! Have to focus on clients. 
 
Lailani kept to herself and kept her interactions limited.  She was not in the mood to be sociable with others.  She had not seen Morgan all week nor did she receive any phone calls from him.  He was truly respecting her privacy.  It was Thursday and 4:45 p.m. and only 15 more minutes and she could punch out for the day.  At once, ‘ring, ring’ she picked up the phone. 
 
“Sunglao come to my office for few moments before you leave.” 
 
“Be right there.”  She hated when Sam called her Sunglao.  She felt like a football player being hollered at by the coach.  She walked down the hall to Sam’s office and knocked on the door and entered slowly. 
 
What do ya know?!?  There was Morgan Hawthorne…as handsome as ever sitting down on Sam’s couch.  Lailani starred at Morgan for the briefest second and turned her attention back to Sam.  Morgan held his gaze toward her. 
 
“You remember Mr. Hawthorne for last week?” Lailani nodded.  “Well, he is meeting with some big people this Saturday and we think they will invest into Haven House.  Morgan has to discuss this proposal with them; however, this discussion will be taking place at an event…a masquerade ball to be exact. Morgan and I believe that it is important for someone from Haven House to accompany him to this event.  Ya know, promote Haven House list all the good things we do for the community, who are we partner with.  So, I need you to go with him. It stars at 7:30 p.m.  I know it’s short notice.  You can take tomorrow off with pay to find a dress and I’ll even pay you time and half on Saturday for going.  But we need this.” 
 
“Uh…Sam…I can’t.” 
 
“Why can’t you?” 
 
“Well didn’t it ever occur to you that I have plans?” 
 
“Change them.  Meeting with these big wigs will almost guarantee Haven House will not be closed.  I know it’s last minute and I’ve put you in a tight spot.  Please do it for Haven House.” 
 
Guilt was a shit thing!  It had a way of making people do things they wouldn’t normally or completely hated doing.  “Okay, I’ll do it.”  She nodded and exited the office.  Great, what was she to do now? 
 
“Lailani, may I speak with you for a moment?” It was Morgan approaching her as she got back to her office door. 
 
“Sure, please come in.”  She entered her office and Morgan followed behind her closing the door. 
 
“Okay, so what’s up?” Lailani trying to remain stoic and professional. 
 
“Sorry for this at the last minute, but I just got the news this afternoon and wanted to inform Sam ASAP.” 
 
“That’s quite alright.  So what is the address where the masquerade is being hosted at and I’ll meet you there? 
 
“I am sending a limo to pick you if that will be alright?”  He remembered she liked having a choice to say yes or no to things. 
 
“I can drive myself.” 
 
“Please, I insist.  I would prefer us enter and exit together to appear professional and united for Haven House.” 
 
“Alright.  So I will you at 7:00 p.m. since it starts at 7:30.” 
 
“Perfect, here is my cell number when you find a dress let me know so that I can match my tux according to your dress color.  Until then.” Morgan made a slight bow and left her office. 
 
Nothing, there was nothing between them.  She felt no chemistry. No sexual energy emitting off of him.  She could barely detect his scent.  Maybe those days with him were a dream?  She dreamed up all those erotic things they did to each other.  Who was she kidding?  He was doing what she asked.  She was calling the shots.  She was in control of her destiny.  Did she feel better? That would be NO!  She felt miserable.  Sometimes what you ask for may be the last thing you need.  This certainly was. 
 
Morgan returned back to office on the 25th floor of the Suntrust building.  He was rattled and pissed off to no ends.  This last week unable to be near her was awful. And just now he had leave to her, he had less than 5 minutes with her.  He was consumed by Lailani.  He physically ached every time he realized they were not together.   
 
An epiphany occurred to him. ‘Maybe she is just as miserable as I am.  Except she didn’t look miserable.’  He began to get even more pissed off.  He knew what he was going to do.  He was gonna make her feel as horrible as he did.  ‘She needed a dose of her own medicine.’  Oh yeah, great plan mistreating her would ensure she would go running into Morgan’s arms.  What else could he do?  ‘We both will be miserable together.’  
 
The next day Lailani went to several costume stores to find a dress for the masque.  She was happy that Sam gave her the day off with pay but this was proving to much more difficult.  She felt it was hopeless to find a dress at the last minute.  She comes to ‘The Wooden Nickel’ and prays they will have something that works.  She walks into the shop and is greeted by an older woman who was dressed like a fortune teller. 
 
“How can I help you?” 
 
“Hi, it’s last minute and I am need of dress for masque ball.  I don’t suppose you have anything in my size?” 
 
“Oh yes, honey I do.  Now tell me how do you feel about the colors red and black?” 
 
“I’m good with those colors.  Either one looks okay on me.” 
 
“Come with me, I have the perfect dress for you.”  15 minutes later Lailani was wearing the most beautiful dress she had ever laid eyes on.  The dress was classic with black beading over lace on the bodice and a sensational, cascading skirt. The red satin positively glowed, catching the light and sheen of the fabric.  “Red looks good on Asian women, it highlights your features and tanned skin.  There you look breath taking.  You will be the envy of the masquerade ball.” 
 
“I’ll take it.”  Lailani was so excited that she found a dress.  She felt like a kid in the candy store.  Now all that was left were a mask, shoes, and beaded purse.  Oh, how would she wear her hair? She decided that she would wear half up and the rest down with loose curls.  She spent the rest of the evening gathering up her last items and made an appointment with the beauty salon. 
 
Lailani decided to send Morgan a text rather than calling him to let him know what her colors were. ‘My dress is red satin with black lace.  See you tomorrow night @ 7:00.’ SEND.  By the time she got home from her shopping excursion she was exhausted she decided to order some pizza for dinner.  She decided to take a bath to unwind since it would be 45 minutes til the pizza arrived.  As she began to relax, her phone rang.  She picked it up without looking at the caller ID. 
 
“Um…hello?” 
 
“Good evening, how are you?”  It was Morgan on the other line.  God, it sounded so good to hear his voice. 
 
“I am fine just trying to unwind for the evening.  Did you receive my text?”  
 
“Yes, I did. I just wanted to let you know that the limo will pick you up and then bring you to my home and from there we will go together.” 
 
“Sure, no problem….”She was hoping he would say more to her. 
 
“See you tomorrow at 7:00 p.m.  Good night.”  The line went dead.  Damn! So, this is how it was going to be.  She couldn’t blame him for being short with her.  She didn’t want any complications or involvement with him beyond the needs of the center.  But what about her needs? 
 
That night Lailani dreamt of Morgan.  He was making sweet love to her.  She could feel the warmth of embrace his rippled muscles against her body.  His cock plunging into her honey hole.  She was calling his name out over and over.  She was climaxing as he continued to pound and ram her until he orgasmed, filling her up.  She woke up and immediately turned over to see the empty side of her bed.  She let her hand fall to her forward as she realized she was dreaming.  She felt wet between her legs.  She thought maybe her period had come early.  Thank goodness, she was on the pill. She recalled that she and Morgan did not use a condom.  She counted the days and realized she wasn’t having her period.  She in fact was wet due to having an orgasm.  That was one hell of a dream she thought.  Never had she ever had an erotic dream which resulted in orgasm.  She lay her head back down on the pillow in hopes of picking up where she left off. 
 
The next day came so quickly.  Lailani had so much to do.  She needed to clean her apartment, pay some bills online, and go grocery shopping.  By the time she finished all that it was 1:00 p.m.  She took a quick shower and got dressed making sure to where a shirt that buttoned in the front since she was getting her hair done.  Her appointment was at 1:45 and she knew with all her lovely, dark, and thick hair those ladies would need several hours to make it perfect.  She drives to a local beauty shop ‘Curl up and Dye.’  How appropriate. 
 
She spends the next several hours getting her hair teased, curled, and doused with Paul Mitchell’s Freeze n Shine.  The only thing that will hold curl in her hair.  She had the salon apply her make up so that she wouldn’t have to bother with it.  It was 5:23 p.m., she was making good time as they put the finishing touches on her face.  They gave her some extra lip gloss so she may freshen up her lips throughout the evening.  Once she got back to her home, she slipped into the beautiful gown and placed the mask on her face.  She smoothed out her dress and gave herself a look over.  She added her favorite Victoria Secret perfume to her skin.  For once in her life, she felt beautiful.  This gown accentuated all her features nicely.  She felt like a princess.  The phone rings. 
 
“Hello?” 
 
“Hey, Lailani its mom.  You got a sec?” 
 
“What’s going on mom, I’m kinda in a hurry.” 
 
“How many years have Harold and Luna been married? I am making a cake for them for their anniversary.” 
 
“35 years mom.” 
 
“Thank you sweetheart.  I can never remember.  So, you say you’re in hurry.  Where are you off to?” 
 
“Um…I am going to masquerade ball. I am meeting some people who are interested in investing in Haven House.  We hope they will, so our doors stay open.” 
 
“That’s good.  So…are you going with someone?” 
 
“Uh, yeah.   I am accompanying the board director.  His name is Morgan Hawthorne.” 
 
“Morgan…eh…so what does he look like?  What does he do?” 
 
“Mom, we are just colleagues.  Nothing more. Uh…mom I really gotta go.  The limo will be here any moment.” 
 
“I see.  Well, have a good time tonight. Talk to you soon.” Her mom said in sing-song voice. She hung up the line. 
 
She was not going there with her mom.  She didn’t want her mom to think there was something more with Morgan. Exactly at 7:00 p.m. there was a knock on her door.  That must be the limo. 
 
“Good evening Madam, wonderful to see you again. Are you ready to depart?  It was Griffin looking as handsome as ever. 
 
“Good evening Griffin, pleasure to see you too. Yes, I am ready.”  She locked her apartment tight and took Griffin’s elbow as he escorted to the limo.  It was exquisite.  Leather seats, moon roof, t.v. and dvd player, and mini bar.   
 
They begin the drive to Morgan’s residence.  “Is the temperature to your liking?  If not you can adjust it.” Griffin said expressing interest in her well-being. 
 
“No, everything is perfect.” 
 
“If it would not offend madam, you look breathtaking.  Mr. Hawthorne will not be able to take his eyes away from you. You may not realize this but you are very special to Mr. Hawthorne.” 
 
“I don’t think so, Griffin.  Mr. Hawthorne and I are acquaintances.  He’s practically my boss and I’m only doing this to ensure that the center’s doors stay open.  As far as being special to him, I think you are mistaken.” 
 
“Begging your pardon ma’am, but you are indeed special to him.  He cares about you very much.  Although he may not show it, he is a good man.  I have had the privilege of being with Mr. Hawthorne for quite some time now and have gotten to know the man very well. Since he met you, he’s been a different person.  He is even more dedicated now to keep the center’s doors open just as much as you are.” 
 
Not wanting to continue this conversation anymore without offending the old man, “Thank you Griffin,” was all she said and decided to remain quiet as she did not want to stir the pot anymore.   
 
About 10 minutes later, she arrived on the outskirts of town at Morgan’s villa.  She was shocked by the big gates and barbed wire on the outside and all the outside lighting. ‘Boy, he’s got one hell of a security system, no one’s getting by him.’  The limo stopped and Griffin opened the door and helped her out and walked her to the front door.  “Madam when you walk inside please wait in the foyer directly on your right Mr. Hawthorne will be waiting.”  Lailani nodded and entered into the villa. 
 
Picking up the skirting of her gown, Lailani makes her way into the foyer. She was rather surprised at his choices.  She figured that he lived in a huge mansion surrounded by priceless artwork and memorabilia.  It instead his home and belongings were not overly large as if he were compensating for something.   
 
Morgan heard the limo’s doors close.  ‘Griffin must have returned with Lailani.’  Morgan smoothed out this red vest before putting on his jacket.  He looked handsome beyond all words.  His well-defined body was over shadowed by his tux.  His chiseled features and tanned skin were highlighted by the red in his costume.  He was dressed to kill.  He picked up his mask and left his bathroom and walked toward the foyer. 
 
There she was….standing there in wearing a beautiful satin red gown with black lace.  She was stunning.  Never in his life had he seen any female look as ravishing as she did at this moment. She was absolutely beautiful.  She definitely picked the right dress.  Her hair was in long loose curls.  He could see her slanted eyes through the mask.  Her lips where shiny and supple.  He began to become aroused just staring at her.  He could smell her Japanese cherry blossom and oranges scent.  That intoxicating scent of hers got his blood racing.  He could feel his erection coming on full force. ‘Now is not the time.’  He fought back his urges savagely in effort to remain stoic. 
 
He approached her from behind and tapped her shoulder. She turned to face him.  “You look wonderful, Lailani,” he took her hand and brushed a light kiss across her knuckles. 
 
“Thank you, as do you Morgan.”  He looked more than wonderful he looked incredible.  She began to feel tingles travel up and down her skin.  She wanted him.  Taste him. She wanted to feel the warmth of his embrace.  Her lips on his, the feel of his arms around her waist closing the distance between them. She felt moisture between her thighs…But once again, he seemed emotionless toward her.  This made her sad internally. 
 
“Shall we go?”  Morgan lead her back to the limo and they began the trip to the Hyatt hotel to the masque.  They sat in silence during the whole trip.  He wanted to talk to her so badly.  See how she was, but he couldn’t.  Although he was thrilled that she was with him this evening, he wished this evening was over.  He hated being so close and yet so far from her, from her body, from her essence that is her, from her heart.  He wanted to win her heart so badly.  ‘Funny, that’s  the first time of wanting to win her heart.’ 
 
Morgan had to snap out of that.  Morgan turned to face her.  “Tonight, the key players are Lex Thompson and Virginia Axelford.  They run one of the largest corporations in town. They are looking to expand but they want to be seen as a company who cares about the public, ya know that kind of stuff positive image and most of all positive publicity.  So it would be best to engage with them as much as possible but remaining subtle.  Don’t talk numbers just talk about the work that’s done there. Be charming. Okay?” 
 
“I can do that.  I hope this works.  I would hate to see our clients lose their continuity of services.  So many more in need of us.” Lailani gazes out the window, her mood shifting from excitement to melancholy. 
 
“You’ll do fine.  Just remember what I said and I think we’ll nail it.”  Morgan attempting to reassure her.  The limo stopped.  Griffin opened the door.  “Okay here we go.”  Lailani accepted Morgan’s hand and stepped out from the limo and entered the Hyatt.  They walked toward ballroom A.  As soon as they entered the room, so many beautiful people were swirling around in extravagant dresses and costumes.  Morgan made the introductions to some of the guests. 
 
After about an hour, Lailani began to feel overwhelmed with all the people she met.  Trying to keep all their names and professions straight in her head only briefly mentioning her job and the center.  She met Mr. Thomspon and Ms. Axelford and kept the dialogue to a minimum.   
 
In addition, Morgan hadn’t said more than a few sentences to her all evening.  She was beginning to take it personally.  She recognizes that he is keeping his promise regarding their relationship remaining professional, but he could at least be more sociable to her. 
 
Mr. Thompson approached Lailani and struck up a conversation with her.  They started discussing the weather, then politics and now sports.  Apparently, Mr. Thompson was a huge Steeler’s fan and Lailani liked the Giants.  They began debating back and forth about the teams, the statistics and how good each team is looking for the upcoming year. 
 
Morgan noticed Lailani smiling, laughing, and having a good time.  Something snapped inside of him.  She wasn’t supposed to be having fun.  She wasn’t supposed to be flirting with him. Before he knew it, he was standing in front of them.  The music began to play.  It was a waltz. 
 
“Excuse me, may I have this dance Lailani?”  He bowed to her with his hand extended waiting for hers. 
 
She was shocked. This was their first interaction all evening.  It made her nervous.  She couldn’t believe it.  But without skipping a beat, she accepted his hand.  “I would love to.”  They strolled onto the dance floor and began to waltz. 
 
His grip on her waist was tight almost forceful.  His eyes were piercing but with anger.  His lips and jaw pressed so tightly together you could his teeth grinding.  “I don’t recall saying that you should be flirting with the guy.” 
 
Lailani looked at Morgan bemused.  “Excuse me, I wasn’t flirting with him. We were talking about sports and ragging on each other’s team for your information.  You were the one you told me to keep it casual.  Be charming.  I was doing what you asked.  So if there’s anyone you’re gonna pissed at, be angry with yourself.” His grasp around her waist got tighter. 
 
“Well are you enjoying yourself this evening?  Talking to all sorts of males. Smiling and laughing with them?”  Holy shit, he was jealous. 
 
“Look, you’re the one who was been short with me all week and especially tonight.  You have hardly spoken to me. You asked me to accompany you to help the center not remain a wallflower for the evening.”  She fired back at him.  “I can’t believe I am having this conversation with you.  You sound like you’re jealous…you know what, in fact I think you are.”  She felt some sort of victory after that response. 
 
Morgan twirled her and brought her back to his body.  “You know something… you are quite the charmer.  Every man in this room has stared at you from one time or another.  All wanting to get at you.  But know this…” he leaned down to whisper in her ear.  “You are mine….”  He growled lightly then kissed her neck. 
 
Lailani’s eyes widened.  “I don’t think so.  I belong to no one least of all you!” 
 
Morgan didn’t ask for permission.  He wasn’t going to stop being polite.  He was going take what was his.  The next moment his lips took hers.  Hot and possessive with force.  He had enough.  He needed to penetrate her in some way.  One arm around her waist and the other pulling her neck and face to his.  He shot his tongue into her mouth.  Coaxing her tongue out of hiding.  Attempting to engage her in a duel of tongues.   
 
Lailani couldn’t believe what was happening.  Everything lady-like in her was gone.  Now she was pushing against him attempting to break the kiss and his firm grasp of her.  She managed to break apart from him.  She caught her breath.  Oh, she wanted to slap him so hard but didn’t want to make a scene.  Instead, she tipped her chin up and walked onto the balcony away from everybody.  She had nothing to say to him.  Rage fueled in her blood stream.  She knew herself, she had to calm herself. 
 
Morgan just stared.  He was dumbfounded.  He couldn’t believe himself.  He was feeling a surge of different emotions.  Most of all, he felt regret.  This was not how he hoped the evening would transpire.  He hoped she would come to her senses.  They would have a great time tonight.  But instead, he fucked it all up.  God, he was such an asshole!  Mr. Thompson approached him.  They chatted very briefly. 
 
Morgan followed her onto the balcony and down the stairs.  He found her sitting on a bench near the garden.  The garden was lovely.  Decorated in white, twinkling lights and ivy wrapped around trees and the trellis.  He approached her very slowly as he wasn’t sure what her reaction would be.  “Lailani…” he spoke so softly. 
 
“Get away from me.” She spoke in a firm, but subdued voice.  Her face was in her hands. 
 
“I am sorry. I don’t know what came over me back there.  I lost it.  I hope you can accept my apology.”  She remained silent.  “In any case, Mr. Thompson just approached me and has agreed to invest 3 million dollars into Haven House.  In return, he wants his company featured as being a sponsor of Haven House and would like us to promote his business next month by networking with other community leaders.”  He hoped this news would soften her mood. 
 
“That’s good news. If that will be all, I will go home now.”  She rose from the bench taking her thumbs wiping away the silent tears from her cheeks. 
 
“It’s early, come back inside we can still have a good time here.  If not, how about we grab a bite to eat?  Nothing special.” Now he felt even worse.  She was crying.  He hated the sound of tears coming from her. 
 
“No offense, I wouldn’t spend another minute with you if my life depended on it.”  Now, she was a pistol.  “I don’t know how you were raised or where you came from, but here people don’t typically go around forcing themselves on others.  What about what you said to me last week that you would force yourself on me?  What the fuck was that 10 minutes ago? 
 
“You’re right. I have no excuse for my behavior.  I was angry and jealous.  I had no right to be.”  What else could he say.? 
 
“Look, I just want to go home.  When you come to the center to see Sam, DO NOT contact me.  Go about your business.  Do not ask me to accompany you to anything anymore.  I want nothing to do with you! Stay away from me!”  She began to walk toward the stairs. 
 
Morgan realized she kept pushing him away for a reason...perhaps fear was driving her?  “What are you so afraid of?  I know you something is holding you back.  It’s not just me, but you won’t let anyone get close to you.  You have built all these damn walls around yourself to keep people out.  And when you do that you also suffer.  That is no to live.” 
 
“How dare you to presume that you know me! You know nothing about me. You know nothing about what I’ve been through.  You have no idea why I have built walls.  People like you.  That’s why!”  Lailani was losing it.  She was crying and raising her voice.  She didn’t care if anyone heard her.  Morgan had touched a very sensitive nerve. 
 
“You’re wrong, I do know you.  I know that you are vibrant, beautiful, courageous and compassionate woman who wants to be happy in this life.  Your spirit is like none I have ever seen. You’re not afraid to tackle any problem especially if helps another.  You give of yourself so freely and don’t ask for anything in return.  Not to mention, you’re one hell of a martial artist who could kick anyone’s ass.  You want to be free of this prison that you have created for yourself.  You have so much to give someone but are terrified.  Why Lailani? Why won’t you let me in? Please…”  He was pleading to her hoping to breakthrough that steel cage she has insulated herself in so tightly. 
 
“I can’t! Just leave me alone!” 
 
“No, I won’t leave it alone.  Not til you tell me the truth. Why?” 
 
“Because I can’t!!!”  She collapsed to the ground. She was weeping uncontrollably.  Nothing could comfort now.  She felt broken once more.  She could not bring herself to look at him as she heard him calling her name softly in an effort to reach her. 
 
Morgan stole his arms around her.  He held her as she cried.  She was tucked underneath his chin and clutched the lapels of his jacket and sobbed.  Morgan tucked strands of her hair behind her ear and whispered soft words telling her it was okay for her to cry.  After a while, her breathing went from ragged to even.  Pulled his cell phone from his pocket and hit the speed dial.   
 
“Griffin meet me out of the side entrance where the garden is and take us back to the villa.” He flipped his phone shut and one quick swoop he lifted Lailani in his arms.  She armed her arms around his neck and made no effort to resist him.   
 
He gently placed her in the limo and returned back to the guests to inform that he was departing.  And Lailani did not feel well.  He came back to the limo momentarily and closed the door.  During the drive, Morgan took off his jacket and wrapped it around Lailani’s shoulders as he cradled her in his arms.  There were no words passed between them.  Sometimes silence was the very thing that was needed. 
 
Lailani felt like her mind left her body.  She began to drift in and out.  Out of nowhere, July 30, 1999 came back to her.   
 
Lailani and TJ lay on the canopy staring at the sky.  It was full of stars and full moon.  They could hear the ocean in front of them as the waves came crashing down on the wet sand.   They lay there wrapped in each other’s arms. 
 
“I think I want to marry.” 
 
“Well that is something we will have talk about when I get back.” 
 
“You know our parents wouldn’t allow it to happen.  They want us to go to college. I know we are but…I still want to marry you.” 
 
“Lailani, it doesn’t matter what our parents say.  We are both 18 and if we want to get married tonight we could.  But I want to do it right.  Buy you a ring that you deserve, ask your father for your hand.  I want to be able to give you everything I can.  You know that old two story Victorian house on Douglas St.?”  She nodded in agreement.  “Well I want to buy you that house fix it up with chandeliers, plush curtains, furniture, and where you can host parties, everything you could want.” 
 
“TJ, I don’t need all that.  All that matters is that we are together.”  She nestled herself against this body. 
 
“No, it matters to me.  You deserve the best and that’s what I want to give you…the best of everything.  As soon as I get back from the convention, I am going to look for a job and start saving so that I can buy you a ring.  And I don’t want to hear anything more about it.”  He begins to tickle her until she yielded. 
 
“Okay, okay.  Stop tickling me and you can lasso the moon for me if that makes you happy.  Just stop with the tickling.”  She giggles and rubs her nose against.  “Well it’s almost 9p.m.  I know you need to head out on the road.  Please be careful and you, Nick, and Lassiter.” 
 
 
 
 
 
“I will, I promise.  We should get to the hotel in Atlanta around 3 a.m.  I promise to call you then.”  He kissed her once more to ensure her not to worry.  They put their clothes back on and made their way back up the beach.  The bonfire was still going on.  Most people were dancing, smoking, and falling over each other with the ‘I love you man’ phrase.  Nick and Lassiter were waiting at the top of the pier for TJ. 
 
“Let’s get outta here.  Star Wars waits for no one!” Lassiter yells out. 
 
“Yeah, yeah I know.”  TJ hugs Lailani and kisses her deeply before he got into the car. 
 
“Come on you two! We will miss George Lucas.” Nick added. 
 
“Shut up you twits!  I’m sorry babe.  Okay I love you with all my heart and I’ll call you tonight when we get to Atlanta.”   
 
“I love you too.  Be safe.”  She kissed TJ and watched the car speed away toward the interstate.  That was the last time she would ever say that to him.  At 1:15 a.m. Lailani’s phone rings, it was TJ’s parents.  TJ and his friends had been an accident and was hit by a drunk driver.   
 
Lailani fell to the floor.  She could hear TJ’s mother crying.  TJ’s father got on the extension.  TJ did not make it.  He died at the scene.  Lailani began screaming at the top of her lungs.  Her parents came rushing into her bedroom.  Her father pulled the phone from her hand to speak to TJ’s father.  TJ’s father told him what happened that the boys were on their way to Atlanta and was struck by a drunk driver.  He and his friends were killed instantly.   
 
Lailani had no concept of reality for the next several days.  After the boys were brought home, their funeral services were arranged.  The boys were the best of friends so the parents decided they would celebrate their lives together and all be buried on the same day together. Lailani was a zombie.  All she could do was cry out in agony for TJ.  She would scream his name until she was hoarse.  After the funeral, she locked herself away in her room.  She refused to see her friends and family.  She wouldn’t eat and barely slept.  She kept looking through photos and replaying their favorite songs in her CD player.  She was given leave from school.  She felt the pain was too unbearable.  There was no way she could live without him nor did she want to live without him.  
 
Lailani decided that she was going to be with TJ.  She would end her life and end all the pain.  One night, she planned to do it.  She was going to swallow a bottle of pills and drift off to sleep.  TJ’s spirit came to her.   
 
“Don’t do this.  Ending your life is not the solution.  I know you’re hurting and if there was a way to come back to you, I would.  But I can’t.  I know you feel guilty.  What happened was not your fault. You need to know that.  I need you to promise me something…look after my parents.  They need you.  You need your family and you need them.  Go to college live your dreams.  When the time comes, you’re gonna meet someone who can love you the way you deserve.  Don’t be afraid to love again.  I want to move on and know that I will always be with you. We are part of each other forever.  Nothing can take that from us.  Promise me Lailani…” 
 
“I promise.”  Tears were pouring from her face. 
 
“I will always love you remember that.”  He disappeared forever. 
 
Lailani broke down crying.  She realized that as much as she wanted to end her life, she couldn’t because of the promise she just made to him.  Her word was her bond.  So the next day, she went to see his parents and offered her apologies as she felt guilty and believed his death was her fault.  If she had never purchased him that ticket, he would alive today.  His parents hugged her told her that she has nothing to be guilty about.  None of this was her fault and they didn’t blame her for anything.  Lailani told them about her dream.  They cried as they heard her words.  They all hugged and embraced each other.  The path of healing had begun. 
 
The next day Lailani went to see a grief counselor, a woman from her church, to talk about what she was feeling.  Her name was Jamie Reynolds.  She was an older woman who worked with young people who had suffered losses in their lives and had difficulty coping.  Jamie made it safe for Lailani to express all her hurt, rage, and pain. One day, she was driving home from class and heard a song on the radio. It was Mariah Carey ‘Through The Rain.’  As she listened to the lyrics, she thought of TJ and didn’t believe that she could make it.  But she was making it.  She decided at that moment she wasn’t going to let what happened consume her any longer. They worked together for an entire year to process all her grief and guilty feelings.  At least, she could begin to forgive herself.  However, she still struggled with letting people get close to her because she believed it would be a betrayal of his memory.  
 
Presently, that is still her struggle.  Allowing Morgan to get close to her terrifies her as she does not want to lose TJ.  She didn’t want to risk it.  She lost him once.  She could not bear to lose him again. 
 
The limo came to a stop.  Morgan lifted Lailani out the limo and brought her into his home.  He set her down on the couch in the living room and dismissed Griffin for the night.  He went to the kitchen and brought back some refreshments. 
 
“You have anything hard to drink?”  She eyed a decanter across the room with amber liquid. “Whatever is in there will do.” 
 
Morgan grabbed the bottle and two tumblers and filled the liquid up.  He handed her the glass and watched her struggle to get the brown liquid down her throat.  She let out a few coughs trying to compose herself.  
 
“Where am I?” she rubbed her head. 
 
“My home.  I didn’t want to leave alone tonight.”  He threw back the brandy in his glass in one large gulp. 
 
“Thanks.  Look sorry for spazzing out back there.  I just…there’s no excuse. I am sorry.” She looked down at the brandy and swirled the liquid around in the glass. 
 
“It’s okay.  I believe that I am partly, if not mostly to blame for what happened back there.  What happened to you Lailani?  He genuinely wanted to know. 
 
“I don’t want to talk about it.”  She slammed the rest of the liquid at the back of her throat. She felt flush and warm.  Her heart rate began to increase. “Right now, I am going to have another drink.”  She reached for the bottle and poured herself another glass, this time she filled it up.  She started to sip the dark liquor. 
 
“Easy with the brandy there.” 
 
“What are you my mother now?” 
 
“No, it’s just that stuff is very strong.” 
 
“Well good for me, I need to take the edge off.  Get off my ass!”  She drank more from the glass.  Heart rate starting go to faster. 
 
“You know what?  I think this tough girl façade you have is a bunch of horseshit.  Although you have an independent spirit, you want someone to take care of you.”  Morgan said as he sat back in the chair loosening his tie and removing his vest. 
 
“Go to hell! I am not talking to you.  I don’t care what you think about me.  I just want to sit here and enjoy this drink.”  She raised the glass to her lips. 
 
Quickly, Morgan leapt off the couch and pulled the glass away from her lips before she could take another swig.  He pinned her body down with his arms as he knelt in front of her.  “Morgan let me up!” 
 
“No, not until you tell me why!?” 
 
“Why, what?” 
 
“Why this tough girl attitude all the time?  It’s getting old.  Don’t get me wrong I like that tough girl attitude you have.  It adds to your spirit.”  He continues to keep her pinned to couch without hurting her. 
 
“I don’t have to tell you anything.”  She struggles against his body.  Her gown keeps making a crumpling noise against his hold. 
 
“Then I’m not letting you up.” 
 
“Why do you care so much?” 
 
“Because I do.  I care about you.  I want to understand you even more.” 
 
“Understand me?  Care about me?  I am sure I am just another conquest to you.” 
 
“Now that hurts, it really does.  I don’t think of you as a conquest.  In fact, I think of it as you who conquered me.” 
 
“What…you’re full of shit!” 
 
“What a male can’t be conquered by a female?” 
 
“Not usually.” 
 
“Well, let this be one of those few instances. And as much as I would like to continue this conversation with you, I won’t. Not until you answer my question.” 
 
“I guess you’re gonna be waiting for an eternity.  ‘Cause that’s something I will never answer.  Now let me up before I start to scream bloody murder.” 
 
“Go ahead, there’s no one here and my villa is located on the outskirts of town.  Closest neighbor is 7 miles away.  If you think your voice will carry that far by all means…scream.”  She sensed his cockiness which infuriated her. 
 
“Let me go!  God, what do you want from me!?!  Why do you want to torture me? Make me relieve that horrible night!  How can you be so cruel?!”  She began screaming directly in his face. 
 
“I am not trying to torture you.  What happened that night?”  he said so softly.  “You can tell me…you are safe here.  It is okay to talk about it?” 
 
“He died!!!  And it is all my fault!!! Okay there happy now Dammit!”  She fell back against the couch and tears began to roll down her cheeks. 
 
“Who died?” 
 
“TJ! Dammit! Leave me alone please, I am begging you!” He released his grasp from her but did not get up from his knees.  He wiped the tears from her face.  She did not shy away from his touch.  In fact, it felt soothing.  He stroked her cheek.  He dabbed away the tears from her eyes with his handkerchief that he pulled from his pocket.  He was comforting her.  She was letting him.  At this moment, he was giving her exactly what she needed…comfort.   
 
Lailani could feel the anger seep from her body.  She warmed up to Morgan’s touch and his comfort.  Something was different between them.  Whatever it was she liked it.  She leaned forward and stared into Morgan’s green eyes.  She never noticed that his eyes had small flecks of gold.  His eye lashes were dark brown and long and full.  She extended her hand to his face and traced his lower lip with her forefinger. 
 
Morgan caught her hand and brought to his lips.  “Be careful.  I don’t you to put yourself in a position that you’ll regret.  I don’t want to take advantage of you right now.” 
 
Lailani leaned closer to feel his face.  She could smell the brandy on his breath mixed with his own personal scent. MMM! She seemed intoxicated by it.  “You wouldn’t be taking advantage of me.  If anything I would be taking advantage of you.”  Morgan thought she could take advantage all she wanted.  He was more than willing.  “That sounds awful of me.”   
 
Morgan lifted one of his hands to her cheek and stroked her hair behind her ear.  The long curls enveloping his hand.  He brought one of the longer strands and smelled her hair.  She smelled fantastic.  He was beginning to feel aroused.  She could feel his arousal between his legs as it pushed against her legs.   
 
Without thinking, she leaned down toward his face and brought her lips to his.  They tasted like brandy.  As he parted his lips, she inhaled his breath into her body as to have his essence within her.  She coaxed his tongue out of hiding with hers.  Morgan responded to her solicitation.  Their tongues began start to play against each other.  Tasting and exploring.  It wasn’t harsh or forced.  It was sweet and pure.  A gentle caress.  Her left hand snaked around his neck and brought him closer to her face. 
 
Morgan could hear Lailani’s heart rate increase.  He could see that she wasn’t holding back.  She was in command.  He could see that she needed to be.  As much as he wanted to possess her, he decided to hold back until she ready.  Until she beckoned him for more.  Morgan never took things so slow with a female ever in his life.  His past vampiric lovers were all about the sexual animalism.  Nothing sweet or tender.  He never thought he could gentle.  But there he was.   
 
His arousal was at full force.  His erection straining to break from his black trousers.  He could hear his heart pounding in his ears.  His blood was racing for her.  Bury his face in her slick, folds…tasting her honey.  He wanted to invade her.  Wanted to fill her up with his orgasms.  Feel her body beneath his.  Feel her thighs straddling him at his waist as she rode him like a wild stallion.   
 
Their gentle kissing has now transformed into an inferno of passion.  Morgan stole his lips away and moved to her neck.  God, he wanted to bite her and taste her blood.  He could imagine how good she tasted.  Instead he sucked at her skin and kissed her neck.  He could her moan in pleasure.  Lailani slid one hand down to his erection and began to massage that bulge against her.  Morgan growled loudly.  He broke the seal of his lips on her neck. 
 
“Be careful, Lailani.  You keep that up and I will not be able to hold myself back.”  He gritted through his teeth. 
 
“I want to.  Don’t tell me you’re going to say no?  I want to be with you.  I’m done fighting this.” She traced her tongue on the outside of his mouth. Nipping his lower lip with her teeth.  She began to massage his erection more, grinding her hand into his hips with more force.  
 
Game over.  Morgan responded to her command.  He was ready to give himself to her to lord over.  
 
He pulled her completely between his legs, crushing his face to hers.  Penetrating her mouth with his tongue.  Hot and coveting every inch of her mouth.  In one quick move, he sweeps her off the couch and into his arms.  She wraps her arms around his neck and leans onto his shoulder.  He brought her into his bed room where he placed her on his extra-large king size bed.  It could sleep six people.  He lit a few candles and turned off all the lights.   
 
She was even more beautiful in the candlelight on his bed.  In two strides, he was back to the edge of the bed facing her.  He towered over her.  She got to her knees in order to face him.  She began to unbutton his shirt.  She slipped her hands behind his back to relieve him of his shirt that was tucked in.  She could see all his well-defined muscles and thick waist.  He leaned down and began to kiss her again.  He couldn’t get enough of her lips on his.  He moved his hands toward the bodice of her dress and began to unhook the bottoms.  In a matter minutes, she was free of her garments.  She lay there with nothing but her black lace bra and panties. 
 
“Lie back.”  She did as he ordered. 
 
Morgan slid onto the bed and hovered over her. She reached up and put her hands on his shoulders.  He took one of her fingers and slowly began to suck and lick it all around.  She began to get turned on by his actions.  He leaned toward her and whispered “That’s what I’m going to do between your thighs.”  She moaned in pleasure which was wall the encouragement he needed. 
 
His hand stole to the center between her thighs were the wetness was waiting for him.  He could feel it on the outside of her panties.  He started to trace her folds through her panties.  He could feel her shiver in enjoyment.  With his other hand, he started to massage her breasts through her lace bra.  He could feel her nipple tighten with each caress he gave her through the bra.  He unhooked the bra’s clasp and discarded her bra to the floor.  He then began to run circles with his tongue over each, taut and tanned nipple.   
 
Morgan slipped one finger inside her panties and began to rub her clit.  He could feel that she was dripping wet with her juices.  He had to taste her.  He tore off her panties and began ravish her sex.  He was rolling his tongue along the outside of the soft skin. Lailani’s moans began to increase in frequency and pitch.  She liked what he doing to her flesh, what he was doing to her body.  He sucked her clit.  His licking and lapping drove her wild.  Tension began to build in Lailani.  He could sense she was near orgasm.  He wanted to fulfill her need.  “Come for me Lailani, let me feel you in my mouth.  Your taste on my tongue.”   
 
Morgan increased his French kissing exercise on her sex.  She started to buck her hips against his mouth.  He held her in place.  Lailani’s started moaning uncontrollably.  “Oh yes, Morgan Oh, Oh, God yes, I’m coming Morgan.  I’m coming.”  And orgasmed she did.  Once then twice.  He lapped up every bit of her.  He was near orgasm just tasting her and eating her.   
 
Without breaking sweat, Morgan slipped out of his trousers and boxers and climbed back between Lailani’s thighs.  “Lailani, may I make love to you?”   
 
“Yes, Morgan make love to me.  Let me feel you in me.”  Morgan slid himself inside of her drenched, honey hole. She was primed for him.  She felt like heaven to him.  He let out a soft moan and growl.  Lailaini heard sounds of music playing in the distant.  Morgan used his mind control to flip on his surround sound and select a song.  One of his many talents.  It was Bon Jovi’s ‘Thank you for loving me.’  These words best described what Morgan felt toward Lailani.  He wanted her to know that even though she really wasn't paying attention to the lyrics.  She wasn’t causal sex.  She was who he had been searching for the last 300 years of his life.  He never truly felt alive until he met her. Morgan felt Lailani has saved him from a life of loneliness and pain.  He hoped he would be able to do the same for her.  Everything she was, he loved.  Yeah, he loved her. 
 
As the music played, the rhythm between their bodies increased.  Morgan began pumping harder into Lailani’s sex.  She took all he gave her.  Her hips moving against him creating more friction and heat between them.  “Oh, Lailani. God you feel so good!  You’re everything.”  Lailani’s hands were at the small of his back pushing him into her deeper locking him in place.  She was scoring his back with her nails, digging deeper into his flesh. 
 
“Morgan, it’s your turn. Lay on your back.” He did as she asked. 
 
Morgan lay on his back and watched Lailani climb on top of him, straddling him at his juncture.  She slid his hard cock into her wet, core.  She began to pump, sliding forward and back against him.  Riding him.  Morgan couldn’t believe it.  No female he had ever been with ever took the time to offer him pleasure.  He knew he was starting to fall in love with her.   
The contact between their sexes began to build momentum.  Morgan couldn’t hold back his orgasm any more.  “Lailani, I’m coming, yes, Oh Oh!  Oh, yes I’m coming! Lailani!”  Lailani milked his orgasms, tightening herself around his cock.  She could feel that hot, fiery liquid shoot inside her.  Lailani could feel another orgasm coming on as Morgan’s cock kept rubbing against her G-spot.  “Oh God Morgan, I’m coming again.  Morgan, Oh, yes!”   
 
Lailani collapsed onto Morgan’s chest.  Her breathing and panting labored and uneven as was his.  Her damp hair fell around his chest.  He wrapped his hands around her body keeping her in place a moment longer so that he could relish in ecstasy once more.  Moments later, Lailani slowly shifted herself off Morgan and slid next to his body and wrapped an arm around his waist and nestled against his torso.  Their breathing began to become normal and steady.  Morgan could sense that she had fallen asleep.  He kissed her forehead and brought the sheets up to their bodies.  He looked at her and sighed, “Thank you Lailani for loving me.”  He slowly drifted to sleep as the candles continued to burn.   
 
Morgan lay in repose.  He was watching over Lailani as she slept.  She looked so peaceful, her breathing slow and deep.  She was lying on her stomach with the black satin sheets against her tanned skin as it fell just below her hips.  He slipped quietly from the bed and slipped on his boxers and crept to the kitchen. 
 
He flipped the light on and went to fridge.  He needed to drink his blood wine.  He was feeling a little weak.  He didn’t want to endanger Lailani if his bloodlust got out of control.  He swallowed the last bit.  He went to the fridge and grabbed a can Pepsi.  He always liked Pepsi after drinking blood wine.  It relieved the tart after taste.   At the next moment, he felt hands around his waist.  Lailani was standing in the kitchen wearing his long sleeve black satin robe that dwarfed her.  She looked so sexy. 
 
“Hey there….what are you doing up?” 
 
“I’m hungry.  What you got to eat around here?”  Her grasp tightened around him. 
 
“Well I make a mean omelet…I have some fresh sourdough bread for french toast? What are you in the mood for?” 
 
“Would being in the mood for you be on menu?”  Lailani gave him a coy look as she turned to face him.  She stepped on her tip toes to kiss his jawline. 
 
“Hmmmm. There’s a good possibility of that.”  He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her forehead.  “But you’re hungry…so how about I make you something to eat first.” 
 
“I have a better idea.”  Lailani found the lip of his boxers and slipped her hand down to stroke his shaft.  Instantly she could feel him getting hard.  She heard Morgan moan and start to make growling noises.  She liked that fact she could do that to him.  He would growl for her at the lightest touch. 
 
“Oh, God Lailani that feels so good.  Don’t stop.”  Lailani got loose from his embrace and sunk down to her knees.  She pulled down his boxers and let his erection free.  She put her mouth on the tip of his shaft and began to slowly suck him.  Now, Morgan’s growling and moaning increased.   
 
Lailani slid her mouth back and forth from the tip to the length of his shaft covering him with her mouth, kisses, and lapping her tongue all over his length intermittently between the sucking.  Morgan leaned back against the counter in effort to keep himself stable.  She was making him weak in the knees.  Never had a female do this to him.  He never let any female suck his cock before. No one ever seemed interested in giving him the pleasure that he has extended to others.  He could feel that his orgasm coming.  
 
“Wait, stop!”  He pulled her from her knees and lifted her up by her thighs wrapped his hands around her backside.  He leaned into her neck and whispered in her ear, “I was so close to coming.  But I’m not going to come in your mouth and I’m gonna come in you and only in you!” 
 
The sound of his voice was turning Lailani on.  His growling noises and whispers were like an elixir her body craved.  Morgan stretched her out the island counter in the middle of the kitchen.  He was going to take right there in the kitchen.  He opened her robe and stole his mouth to one of her nipples and began to suckle her while running his hand to her sex.  God, she was so wet and ready for him.  He pulled her body to him and she opened her thighs for his massive erection.   
 
Like a glove, he slid perfectly into her core.  He began to pound her.  His rhythm picking up the pace.  Her pants and moans increasing with each thrust and the smack of his body against hers.  She was so tight, her slick folds wrapped around his hard, throbbing cock.  He began to rub her clit with each thrust he gave her.   
 
Lailani could feel herself going over the edge again.  “Oh, yes Morgan, I’m coming! Yes, yes I’m coming for you!” 
 
Morgan could not hold back anymore.  Her whimpers for him are enough to drive him mad.  His orgasm began to pour into her.  “Lailani, yes, oh yes! Oh, God I’m coming!”  He fell on top of her resting his head between the valley of her breasts.  She was stroking his hair, pushing it away from his face.  Her other hand she made circles against his back, to soothe his breathing.  Morgan realized that Lailani was giving something that he never had ever experienced…intimacy.  He was in complete admiration of her.  He knew loved her in this tender moment.  No going back now.  He didn’t want to go back. 
 
“Hey…are you okay?”  She noticed a change in his body language. 
 
“Yeah, just in awe of you and how unbelievable you are.” He lifted up to look down at her Oriental features.  “You are quite a woman Lailani.  I hope you know that. You are beautiful in every way a person could be.” 
 
“Thank you.  When I’m with you, I feel beautiful.”  She smiled up at him.  “But…now I’m no longer hungry.  I’m famished.” She giggled and crinkled her nose.   
 
“Well then how about an omelet and french toast?”  He pulls himself and her off the island.  He pulls up his boxers and knots the robe around her body and walks to the kitchen door. 
 
“Sounds fantastic. Can I help?” She leans into his body. 
 
“Nope, this time I am going to cook and serve for you.”  
 
“Okay well then, I’m going to take a shower.” 
 
“Make yourself at home.  Towels, soap, shampoo are in the large cabinet on the second shelf next to the sink. By the time you finish, your meal will be ready.” 
 
“You know I think I’ll do just that.”  She struts out to the kitchen swaying her hips.  He wanted to have her again.  He couldn’t get enough of that female.  He turned back to face the fridge and grabbed all the ingredients he needed to make that amazing meal he promised her. 
 
Lailani walked into his bathroom.  It was huge, her living could fit in here.  She grabbed a towel, soap, and shampoo from the cabinet and flipped the shower head on.  She slipped out of the robe and stepped under the steamy, hot water.  She let the water fall all over her muscles and body.  She was sore between her thighs and her lower back but it was that good kind of sore.  She began to soap up and shampoo her hair.  Once all the suds were rinsed from her body, she paused to think about was waiting in the kitchen for her. 
 
A wonderful man who genuinely cares about her is waiting for her in his kitchen where he was preparing her something to eat.  She hasn’t felt this good about anyone since TJ.  Although, she was intimate with Morgan she didn’t feel that she betrayed TJ’s memory at all.  This was relief to her.  A light smile was brought to her face.  She slipped his robe back on.  She liked the feel of his robe on her skin.  It smelled like him.  Ocean and Irish spring.  She toweled dried her hair to get rid of all the water from her long strands. 
 
The smell of french toast and omelets traveled down the hall as she emerged from his room.  It smelled so good.  He could cook.  He was setting the small table in the corner and brought the food over.  He pulled out a chair for her.  She grabbed some grub and began to chow down.  It was delicious. 
 
Morgan sat beside her and watched her to see if he could get any kind of read on whether she liked his cooking.  She noticed he was staring at her. She looked up from her plate.  “What?” 
 
“Sorry I don’t mean to stare.  You’re so beautiful. I can’t take my eyes from you.” 
 
“You know you need stop with all those beautiful comments it might go to my head.” She smiled and giggled.  He loved her giggle. 
 
“Then I will always tell you how beautiful you are.  How is your omelet?” He finished off his omelet and was now working on his french toast. 
 
“Oh my gosh, it’s wonderful.  You are excellent cook.  My specialty is Asian food.  Well Filipino food in particular.  I can cook American food okay.  But I prefer my native food more.”  She poked at the omelet with her fork. 
 
“So you’re from the Philippines.  What’s it like?”  He sincerely wanted to know about her culture. 
 
“Yup, my dad was born there.  He came to the states when the Navy went to the Philippines to recruit for the war.  He took the test and passed it.  My mom is American and they met in New Jersey.  I was actually born in Iceland due to his navy travels.  But I did live in the Philippines for several years.  I loved it. The landscape is beautiful.  I can remember climbing the fruit trees in my backyard to watch the sunsets.  My aunt would yell at me to get down because she was sure I would fall.  Plus girls shouldn’t climb trees especially in their school uniforms.  I miss it and hope to get back there again.”  She finished her omelet. 
 
“School uniform?” 
 
“Yeah I went to a catholic school ran by an order of nuns.  I thought I wanted to become a nun at one point but then  I found out they can’t marry so I changed my mind.” She smiled at him. 
 
“Well I thank God for that.”  Morgan smiled devilishly at her just as he finished his french toast.  She knew what he meant by that smile.  He noticed her plate was empty.  “Are you still hungry?”  
 
“No, no.  I am stuffed.  Thanks.”  She leaned forward and gave him a light kiss on his cheek.  “Thank you for cooking, it was wonderful.” 
 
“It was my upmost pleasure.”  He leaned forward til his forehead was touching hers.  He felt so privileged that she opened up to him.  He hoped his next question wouldn’t push her away. 
 
“Lailani…” he paused. 
 
“Hmmm.”  She was nuzzling the side of his neck with her face. 
 
“What happened to TJ?”  He felt her go stiff and pull back from him. 
 
She picked up plates and walked to sink and began to wash them.  Morgan got up from the chair and walked up to her side.  He could sense she shut down.  Damn! Not again.  This was just what he feared. 
 
“Lailani, no stop you don’t have to do that.  I’ll take care of the dishes.”  She was ignoring him as she was rinsing the plates.  “Look I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to upset you.  Won’t you please tell me what’s going on?” 
 
“No.  I don’t want to talk about it.”  She finished rinsing the last plate.  “Would you call me a taxi?” 
 
“A taxi…what for?” 
 
“I’m going home and obviously Griffin is not here to take me.” 
 
“No, please stay the night here with me.”  He reached for her hand but she pulled back at his touch. 
 
“I can’t. I need to get home.”  She walked out the kitchen and back toward the bedroom.  She was looking for her clothes. 
 
“What are you doing?”  Morgan really couldn’t believe that she was leaving. 
 
“What’s it look like…changing, as soon as I find my clothes.  Please call me cab.” 
 
“Why do you want to leave?” 
 
“Because it’s late and….I just have to leave.  Remember you’re my boss...rules and all.” 
 
“Cut that shit out!  Me being the director has nothing to do with it. It’s because of TJ isn’t it?  What did you mean it was your fault when he died?” 
 
Lailani remained silent.  She sat on the edge of the bed.  She refused to look at him or answer any questions.   
 
“Lailani, please talk me.  I’ll make you a deal if you answer me I’ll drive you home.” 
 
“No.” 
 
“Okay, I call you a taxi. I promise.” 
 
“No, I am not talking about this.” She crossed her arms across her chest as stared across the room. 
 
“Why do you have to be so damn difficult?”  He raised his voice to her. 
 
“Why are you so damn nosy?  Why can’t you leave things alone?”  She fired back at him. 
 
“Because…I can’t, not when I comes to you.  You’re hurting and in pain.  I can’t ignore that.” 
 
“I wouldn’t be in pain, if you just quit asking about shit I don’t want to talk about it!” 
 
Morgan walked to the other side of the bed and sat down beside her.  He knew that using force to compel her to talk was likely not going to work.  He was going to try something else. 
 
“Well he must have been very special to you.  I can understand why you don’t want to talk about him.  You want to keep him safe.  Safe from me?”  Lailani couldn’t look at him.  all he said was true. 
 
“Lailani, you can still keep him with you.  I would never try to rob you of someone who obviously was a big part of your life.  You can keep him with you and still be with me.  My heart is big enough to accept him.”  He wrapped his arm around her side.  He could sense she was crying.   
 
He turned her body toward his.  By now, tears were pouring out like Niagara Falls.  He wiped them away and wrapped his arms around her.  Lailani curled up in his embrace and sobbed silently.  Morgan had just given her something that she never thought she deserved…he was giving Lailani his heart.  He was willing to open himself up to her and her deceased love.  It was okay for her to continue to love TJ while feeling something for him. 
 
Lailani fell back against his embrace.  He pulled her up to chest and up to headboard so he could hold her stretching their bodies out.  She wept silently, her tears falling on his skin…completely melting him.  She took deep breaths and cleared her throat. 
 
“TJ and his friends were on their way to a Star Wars convention just before we started our senior year of high school.  I bought him the ticket for his birthday.  Anyway, they left at night to avoid the traffic during day since they were going to Atlanta.  On their way, the boys were hit by a drunk driver and were killed.  His parents called me that morning to tell me and I just fell apart.  I wouldn’t eat, sleep, and see friends or family.  In fact, I was ready to kill myself.  I was going to swallow a bottle of pills and just go to sleep.  TJ’s spirit came to me and stopped me.  He made me promise to look after his family and not take my life.  So I fulfilled that promise.  I got some counseling.  And that is why I decided to become a therapist and work in a grief center.  I only hope I’ve been doing good work.  I know that I still have to work through some stuff.  Well, there you have it.” 
 
Morgan was silent.  He thought about all she just said.  He felt true sympathy for the pain she had to endure but failed to see how his death was her fault.  “Lailani, how it is your fault that he passed away?” 
 
“If I never would have bought that ticket he would be alive.  I have carried that cross with me for a long time.”  She shifted herself against his chest. 
 
“Oh, beloved that was not your fault.  You could not have known.  No one could have known what would’ve happened that night.” 
 
Lailani sat up and looked down at him.  “I know that here,” she point to her head, “but I don’t know it here yet,” she points to her heart.  “I have had to struggle with that and fearing that letting go of it all and moving on would be a betrayal to him.  See we were each other’s first.  Our love was so pure and amazing.  I met him after I left an emotionally abusive boyfriend.”   
 
Morgan couldn’t stand hearing someone hurt the female he loved. 
 
“I really got a chance to heal from everything because him.  TJ didn’t force me into anything and we waited til I was ready.  And the night he died we made love for the first and last time.  I admit it.  I am terrified to open my heart to you.” 
 
He appreciated her honesty.  He knew the courage it took her to talk about her past so candidly with him.  He felt honored.  He brought her hands up to his lips.  “I am honored that you shared this with me.” 
 
“Whatever is between us is just coming on a little fast for me.  Before I met you, I wasn’t even looking for anything with anyone.  You were very unexpected…in a good way.” She tried to break the tension and smiled at him. 
 
“Can I be honest with you about something Lailani?” 
 
“Absolutely.  I have been totally honest with you and told you everything about me.  I expect the same.”  She looked at him intently. 
 
“You were an unexpected surprise for me as well.  I care about you…very much.  I want to be with you.  I want to take care of you.  However, I don’t want to complicate your life especially at the center.  And I don’t want you give up your job.  That place needs you and your clients need you. Maybe I should resign after the funding comes through.” 
 
“You would do that for me?” 
 
“Of course, I would. I would do anything for you.  I love you.”  Morgan just dropped the L-bomb. 
 
“Excuse me…what did you say?  Lailani took a double take and sat completely up while crossing her legs. 
 
“You want honesty right…well I do.  I love you.  I don’t want to scare you off.  But I am unconditionally, wholly in love with you.  I love you with all my heart and soul.  I know you don’t feel that way about me.  I hope one day you will.  I would never force you to feel something you’re not ready for.  I won’t push you.  You have my word.” 
 
Lailani was astonished.  Never did she think that he would feel so much for her so soon.  It did kinda scare her.  But he wasn’t going to push her.  That was relief to her.  Too much too soon would be way too overwhelming for her. 
 
“I do thank you for your honesty Morgan.  I won’t lie to you either.  What you said to me does kinda scare me.  But I won’t run from it.  I do appreciate that you’re willing to be patient.  Since we’re both being honest here, I can tell you that I do care about you and would very much like to continue to see you.  I would prefer if we kept our relationship discreet.  I don’t want you stop working at the center.  In your short tenure, you’ve done good things.  I know that I am not breaking any guidelines or legal codes.  I too reviewed the conduct handbook.  I just prefer to keep our relationship private.” 
 
Morgan wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly.  He cupped her face and stared into those slanted eyes of hers.  He was completely enamored.  He kissed her softly.  “We can keep our relationship private; I have no problem with that.”   
 
“Thank you.” 
 
“No, thank you for…” He was about to say loving him but he stopped. He resumed, “Thank you for the gift that is you.” 
 
She smiled at him and leaned in to kiss him.  Their contact was gentle and slow. He wanted to make slow love to her.  He wanted to take his time with her.  Nothing rushed or hurried.  They fell back against the pillows of the bed.  He hitched her leg up to his waist and wrapped his arm around her.  They spent the next several hours exchanging intimate touching and tender strokes.  He poised himself between her hips. He entered her satin cave til she engulfed him.  They began kissing as their bodies molded to one.   
 
The next day Lailani woke up before Morgan.  They were lying naked in his huge bed surrounded by pillows and candelight.  His face was nestled in the crook of her neck.  One of his arms was snaked around her waist while the other was between her thighs.  Even in his sleep he wanted her.  She glanced over at the clock on the night stand it was 1p.m.  Holy shit! She practically spent the whole weekend with him.  She smiled to herself.  She knew that she needed to get going.  She had some things to take care of at home.  Plus, she had to return a call back to her mother and she had to go to the dojo to practice.  She managed to wiggle out of Morgan’s embrace without disturbing him.  She searched for her clothes and dressed quickly. 
 
She was wrapping up her hair in a twist and heard the rustling of the satin sheets.  Morgan was sitting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes.  He was trying to focus his vision.  He looked down and saw that his bed was empty.  He scanned the room til he found her standing in front of his bureau and mirror pinning her long, dark locks to her head.   
 
“Hey, what are you doing?” He came up behind her kissed her shoulder. 
 
“Hey, sorry if I woke you up.  I was about to leave you a note to let you know that I had to get home to take care of some things and go to the dojo to practice and that I would be home after  5 p.m. You could call me then.  I’ve already called a taxi to come take me home.”  She looked up at his reflection in the mirror. 
 
“Nonsense.  I’ll drive you home.  Call the cab company back and cancel the ride.  Gimme 10 minutes.”  He kissed her neck and strolled into the bathroom.  She could hear the shower running. 
 
Ten minutes later, Morgan emerged from the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist.  Beads of water were dripping down his back and the tips of his hair.  He looked hot, good enough to eat she thought.  ‘Okay, focus Lailani, you have had more sex in the last 24 hours than you have all year.’ 
 
He headed to his closet and slipped into some khakis and a t-shirt.  She was rather disappointed he hoped they would become horizontal once more before she left.  He emerged out of the closet and looked up at her.  He could sense that she was thinking about the same thing he was.  All she had to do was say the word. 
 
“So, how about a tour before we go?”  She asked him. 
 
“Certainly, well as you know this is the master bedroom and bath.” He smiled coyishly at her.  He took her on a tour of the rest of his villa.  He led her to the garage where she saw a black Mercedez, she recognized from the first time she met Griffin.  Next to the luxury car was a black Cadillac Escalade. He opened the door for her.  Helping her climb in since she had all the extra skirting from her gown.  He hopped into the driver’s seat and pushed a button to open the garage door. 
 
As the pulled out of the driveway, Lailani noticed the walls and barbed wire.  “So what’s with Fort Knox treatment?” 
 
“Just like to remain protected.  Never know today who lurks around.”  Morgan thought about Khan.  He felt his knuckles gripping the steering wheel.  That fucker got him going.  He hoped to never see that bastard again.   
 
“Morgan, are you alright?” She noticed a change in him and saw how tight he was gripping the wheel. 
 
“I’m fine.” Attempting to reassure her, he reached over for one her hands and brought to lips.  He held her hand for the rest of the drive to her home.  
 
Attempting to make conversation with him, “So who exactly is Griffin to you?  I know he said he’s your personal assistant.” 
 
“That’s exactly who he is. He’s been with me for a long time now.  He schedules all my meetings, takes care of filing, paperwork, he’s very handy on the computer.  He really keeps my life in order. He lives down the road about 5 miles from my home. He insists on living near me.  In case, I need him for anything he’s close by.” 
 
“He seems like a sweet old man.  Don’t you think he works too hard?” 
 
“Yeah I do, but he refuses to scale back on his duties. I’ve even threatened to fire him if he doesn’t cut back.  He said to me then he would have to work for me for free then.  Griffin believes in caring for others. He doesn’t know anything else.” 
 
“Well he definitely is dedicated to you.” 
 
“He sure is. So, how about dinner tonight?  You mentioned that you’re busy til 5 p.m.  How about dinner around 7 p.m.?  Do you like Italian?” 
 
“Um…sure dinner sounds fine at 7 p.m.  I love Italian!” She squeaked with joy.  This was really happening.  She was in a relationship with him.  She was happy.  So very happy. 
 
Morgan pulled up to her apartment.  She thought she would invite him but doesn’t want to appear over eager plus her apartment was shoebox compared to his home.  “Would you like to come for a few minutes?  I could make some coffee, maybe some lunch?” 
 
“Actually, I’ve got to be somewhere in about 30 minutes.  How about a rain check?”  He could sense her disappointment. 
 
“No problem.  Well I’ll see you around 7 p.m. then.  She reached for the door handle.” She heard Morgan lean to the side of her seat and grasped her arm. She turned her head to face him. 
 
“Hey…no good-bye kiss?” He was making a pouty face by poking out his bottom lip. 
 
“Of course, you get a good-bye kiss.”  She leaned back toward his face and kissed his nose. 
 
“Come on, you can do better than that?” 
 
Lailani leaned back in and pressed her lips to his.  She cupped his cheek and pulled his face closer to her.  She opened her mouth to let his tongue roam against hers.  Her tongue began to explore his mouth toward his upper lip. She felt something sharp as she grazed her tongue across him.  She didn’t think give it a second thought and continued to massage her tongue with his.  She pulled back with a devilish grin the kind that Morgan gives her. 
 
“You’re teasing me, aren’t you?”  He smiled sheepishly at her. 
 
“Alittle, so you can see what you’re missing.” 
 
“I am already missing it.”  He reached for her once more. 
 
“Nope, you have to go.  And I have to go.  We could spend all day doing this.  I’ll see you tonight at 7p.m.”  She hopped out of his truck and made her way to the breezeway.  She looked back and gave him wave.  Just like that she was out of sight. 
 
Shit! He wished that he didn’t have to go.  But he knew that he needed to meet with Griffin.  Griffin contracted people to install cameras around Morgan’s villa in case Khan and his clan showed themselves again.  Morgan thought he may even install some cameras at Lailani’s place.  He would be able to keep her safe if Khan ever came around him again. 
 
Lailani entered her domain.  She flipped on her kitchen light and pushed the button on her answering machine to check for messages.  ‘One new message…..’  “Lailani, it’s mom. We missed you at church today.  Hope you had a good time last night.  Call me when you get in. Love you. Bye.” 
 
‘Oh mom!’ she thought.  Lailani’s parents never pried in her personal life.  They didn’t harp on her for not attending church every Sunday.  Nor were they bible thumpers.  They figured they raised their daughter and she lived on her own and she could make decisions for herself.   The phone began to ring.  ‘Must be mom again.’ 
 
“Hello…” 
 
“I miss you already and just had to hear the sound of your dulcet tones.”   
 
“Well aren’t you sweet.  Can’t wait until tonight.”  She trailed off into the phone. 
 
“Me neither.  Wear your hair down please.  Until then beloved I love you.”  
 
Lailani put the phone back on the receiver.  She was going to have to get used to that phrase once more.  The phone rang again.  “What did you forget to tell me how beautiful I am?” 
 
“What…Lailani it’s mom?” Tina sounding very confused on the other line. 
 
“Oh sorry mom. I…uh…so what’s up?  I got your message from earlier. I was out.”  ‘Out’ was the best way to leave that. 
 
“So…who thinks you’re beautiful besides your dad and I?” 
 
‘Oh, I wasn’t going there.’  “It’s no one mom.  Just playing around.” 
 
“Well tell me how was the masque? Hope you had a good time.  Figured that you must have got home late from it since we didn’t see you in church today.”   
 
“It was wonderful.  We got the funding we needed.  This company is going to invest 3 million dollars into our center.  So that’s great news for the center.” 
 
“That’s fantastic Lailani.  You work really hard, too hard really.  So…tell me more about this Morgan guy who escorted you.”  Tina was not going to let this go. 
 
“Well he’s my boss mom. He’s a nice guy, hardworking, and dedicated to our center.  He works as a financial advisor for a brokerage firm downtown in the Suntrust building and volunteers his some of his time to Haven House.  Not much else to say…”  
 
“Yeah…like I believe that.  Lailani, I know you better than that.  Is he your boyfriend or someone you’re seeing.” 
 
“Mom, remember the no prying rule.  You’re prying, but in a loving and concerned motherly kind of way.” 
 
“I know, I’m sorry.  I just want you to be happy.  Find someone who makes you happy.  Someone who is worthy of you.  You are very precious to me and your dad.  We just want the best for you.” 
 
“I know mom and I love you and daddy for it.  Let’s just say this.  I am having dinner with Morgan tonight at 7 p.m.  So we shall see…okay?”  Lailani hoped that would be enough to suffice her mother. 
 
“Great.  Hope you have a good time.  Talk to you later during the week. Bye.”  Tina disconnected. 
 
Lailani returned the phone to the receiver.  She got undressed and headed for the shower.  The hot water felt good.  But she was saddened, as she stood there she was washing away Morgan’s scent on her.  His scent gave her goose bumps.   Can’t think about that now.  Gotta grab something to eat and head to the dojo.  20 minutes later, Lailani was speeding down Houser Blvd. with a turkey sandwich in hand.  She inhaled her lunch just as she pulled into the dojo.  She raced to the locker room and changed into her karate gi and wrapped her wrists in protective tape and walked onto the mat.  Sensei Kim was there waiting for her.  He was dressed in his black karate gi.  Always looking regal. 
 
“Sorry, I am late Sensei.  I had a lost track of time.”  She bowed to him and held up her batons ready to spar. 
 
“Nothing to apologize for.  Are you ready?” She nodded.  “Let us begin then.”  For the next 60 minutes, teacher and pupil began to spar.  Fluid and precise strikes between the batons.  Smooth jabs and exact kicks exchanged. Lailani felt a fire in her that she never had before.  She knew she was skilled but today she felt different.  She felt like her blood was on fire.  She felt she was quicker and more accurate than ever.    
 
“Stop.  You are done for the day.”  He bowed toward her. 
 
“Sensei, I have 15 more minutes.”  She looked really confused. 
 
“You are done for the day.  You’re training is nearing its completion.” 
 
Lailani didn’t understand.  ‘What did he mean by that?’  “Sensei Kim, what does that mean?” 
 
“All will reveal itself in its own time.  For now, you have done well my child.  Now, go home and enjoy the rest of your afternoon.  I will see you next week.”  Sensei Kim bowed to her and disappeared into his office and closed his door. 
 
Lailani walked back to the locker room and changed back into her clothes and left the dojo.  Sensei Kim watched her depart from the parking lot.  ‘She is coming of age.  She must learn the truth about her past.’  Sensei prayed to Buddha for guidance on this next course of action.  There was a good chance Lailani may not want to embrace her destiny and she must. She must. 
 
Morgan met with Griffin back at the villa with the workers.  He wanted the best security systems money could buy.  He refused to open himself for attack.  He also wanted Lailani’s apartment wired up too.  He doesn’t know how he is going to able to convince her.    How will be able to convince her that this is for her protection?  Then he will have to explain to her why?  He would have to tell her about his origin.  He wasn’t ready for that.  Morgan just found the love of his life.  He did not want to lose her.  He felt so selfish.  To hold onto her longer just to avoid this inevitable conversation.  He decided that he would tell her at dinner.  He didn’t want their relationship to begin on lies.  She had been forth coming about herself, how could he not offer the same to her?   
 
Morgan thought back to his maker.  The one who made him.  Edgar Fitzgeralad.  He was a count during the 1500’s who lived a lonely life and desired companionship.  Edgar was over 200 years old when he found Morgan on the street near death after getting into a bar fight and was mortally wounded.  Edgar offered Morgan immortality.  Morgan not wanting die accepted his maker’s offer.  Edgar taught Morgan to enjoy the pleasures of life.  He taught Morgan how to behave like a gentleman, educated him on manners and how to be charming to ladies.  
 
However, Edgar thought humans were senseless, useless creatures.  He looked at them as a food source nothing more which is where Morgan got his attitude about the human race initially.  Morgan has changed his mind, especially since Lailani has crashed into his life like whirlwind.  Edgar was killed before the turn of century by a clan of vampire slayers from the East after he slaughtered a small village including children.  Morgan could never bring himself to suck a child dry.  He decided that he would start mend some of his ways and be less crass regarding the human race, be more tolerable.   
 
It was approaching 6 p.m. and the contractors just finished installing all the equipment.  Morgan looked over to the monitors and saw the every necessary perimeter of his home on the screens.   
 
“Does this suit your needs, sir?” Griffin inquired. 
 
“Yes, thank you Griffin.”  He looked at his watch it was after 6p.m.  “Oh, I’ve got to hurry.  Listen, Griffin take tonight off again.  I’m taking Lailani to dinner. So I won’t be home this evening.” 
 
“Very good sir.  Should you need me, please call.”  With that, Griffin left Morgan’s villa. 
 
Morgan jumped in the shower and rushed around for the next 25 minutes.  He dressed in a blue collar shirt and black slacks and black shoes.  He brushed his teeth and combed his wet hair back so that the longer strands were not hanging in his face.  He set the security system alarms and walked out of his home.  He was getting excited he was seeing Lailani.  He hated being away from her for so long. 
 
Lailani was rushing around her apartment.  She decided to dress up for dinner tonight.  She decided to wear a little black dress that came just above the knee and black heels to give her some height since Morgan was so tall.  She wore her hair down as Morgan asked her to.  She wore very simple, silver jewelry.  She never really liked make up but decided to wear alittle bit of eye make up and some lip gloss.   
 
At 7:00 on the dot, she heard a thunderous knock on her front door.  She was so excited that she nearly tripped answering the door.  Morgan was there with something behind his back. 
 
“Hey beautiful!” 
 
“Hey yourself what do you have there?”   
 
“Exotic flower for my exotic beauty.”  Morgan pulled out an orchid and slipped it in her hair.   
 
“You just think of everything don’t you.”  She stepped into him and kissed his lips. 
 
“Yes, I do.  Let’s get outta here.”  He pulled her door shut behind her and escorted her to his truck.  They pull out of her complex and head toward town. 
 
“So where are we going?” 
 
“This little Italian restaurant called Gino’s.  It is authentic, Italian mom-pop restaurant.  They have the best lasagna and tiramisu.  They have a little dance floor and in the back is the sports bar.  It’s a neat place I found one night on my way home from work.  I hope you like it.” 
 
“Well if I don’t, at least I will enjoy the company.”  She smiled at him. 
 
They arrived at the restaurant 15 minutes later.  They were greeted by a little old lady and escorted to their seats and given menus.  Morgan ordered the lasagna with meatballs and Lailani ordered the eggplant parmesan.  After they placed their order, the waiter brought them salads and fresh bread.  They talked endlessly about everything.  Lailani’s Eskrima competitions and Morgan’s travels to the weather to the conspiracy theories surrounding the death of Michael Jackson.  The waiter returned to the table to apologize but their orders got backed up due to the kitchen being short staffed.  Embarrassed, the waiter offered them complimentary dessert.   
 
The music began to play on the dance floor.  Morgan got up from his chair. 
 
“Would you like to dance?  He extended his hand to Lailani. 
 
“I thought you’d never ask.”  She accepted his hand and walked with him to the dance floor.   
 
The music was being dj’ed by a kid couldn’t have been more than 17 years of age.  Morgan pulled Lailani into his embrace and began to slow dance.  The song that started to play was ‘Don’t you wanna stay by Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson.’  Morgan thought how appropriate for their first dance as a couple.  These words described them to a tee. 
 
“Do you hear those words, Lailani?”  She nodded.  “That is us.” Lailani couldn’t agree with him more.   He leaned down and kissed her tenderly.  He loved his female.  He wanted to stay in her arms forever.  He couldn’t imagine his life without her. 
 
They finished their dance in perfect timing as the waiter signaled to them that their food had just arrived.  The rest of evening was pleasant with light conversations and dry jokes.  The waiter returned with complimentary dessert in to go bags.  Morgan paid the bill and tipped his waiter 25% of the bill.  He could see the kid was working hard and wanted to reward him for his good service. 
 
They left the restaurant hand in hand and walked back toward the truck.  Morgan got a sudden urge to kiss Lailani.  He pulled her swiftly into his arms and kissed her fiercely.  His tongue shot into her mouth.  Mixing his essence with hers.  She responded to him with her own fierceness.  She dropped the to go bags and wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her.  He broke the kiss and brought his lips to her neck where he sucked and kissed her tanned skin.  He began to stroke her neck with his teeth gently so that he didn’t give any indication of his vampiric teeth.  He was surprised she hadn’t noticed them yet as much kissing as they have been doing lately.  In any event, he was grateful she had not started asking questions. 
 
“Morgan, I think we should continue this where we can have more privacy.” She whispered as she nibbled on his earlobe.  God, he loved it when she did that.  It sent shivers up and down his spine. 
 
“Yeah, let’s go back to your place and fast.  I want to explore every inch of your body with my tongue and my hands.”  He pushed his erection into her body.  He was solid, rock hard.  She moaned in pleasure. 
 
They got into the truck and sped back to Lailani’s apartment.  Just as she was unlocking her door, Morgan put his hands around her waist and spun her around to face him.  She pulled his face to hers planting a hot, smoldering kiss to his wet lips.  He picked her up and split her legs to wrap them around his waist.  He pushed her against the door.  Exploring her neck with his mouth and tongue.  Making her wetter with each slick, stroke.   
 
“If I don’t unlock my door, we’re going to have an audience in the hallway.”  Lailani said in her rushed breath. Morgan felt around for the keys in the lock and managed to unlock the door and push them in without having to put her down.  He held by her backside. 
 
Once inside, they picked up where they left off.  Morgan walked back toward her bed room.  He pushed her back against the wall while feeling up her body.  One of his hands gripped her fully, rounded breasts massaging the soft flesh.  He could feel her nipple getting hard under his touch.  Lailani nipped Morgan’s lower lip to get his attention.   
 
“What…what’s wrong?” 
 
“Take me now!” 
 
Morgan moved from the wall to the bed.  He slipped on hand between her thighs.  He could feel her core was on fire for him.  Sopping wet with her juices. Morgan slipped his hand down her panties and started to play with her clit.  As he massaged her, he kept kissing the side of her neck, blowing his warm breath on her flesh.  Lailani grabbing at his shoulders, holding onto him as he kept rubbing her.  She thought she was going to fly apart.  She felt a shockwave of energy hit her and began gasping for air and moaning Morgan’s name over and over. 
 
Lailani extended her hand downward in effort to give Morgan the same pleasure as he just gave her.  He caught her hand.  “No, no.  I have to be in you.” 
 
“I want to pleasure you as you have done so for me.” 
 
“Beloved, being in you and coming inside you over and over is my pleasure.”  He shredded his clothes from his body.  Lailani got to see his wonderful physique.  He was absolutely godlike.  He was all for her to admire.  Lailani kicked off her heels and lifted her dress of her head to reveal her tanned body.  Morgan drew off her panties and unclasped her bra and tossed it on the pile of clothes. 
 
He moved Lailani’s body around so that she was lying on her stomach.  He split her thighs with his body.  He leaned down and brought her hips up slightly.  He entered her honey hole and began rock against her body.  Thrusting deeper and deeper into her he went.  Feeling every inch of her.  She loved the feel of his body pushing and thrusting into hers from behind.  Morgan pulled her up to her knees so that she was resting against his chest.  Lailani’s body moved and contorted to whichever way Morgan wanted her to go. She gave it up to him.  Her moans and panting began to come quicker.  Her skin all tingly and on fire from Morgan’s touches.  His cock was rubbing her G-spot.  He could feel that she was about to erupt once more.  His strokes came faster and thrusting deeper and deeper.  They climaxed together riding the waves of passion and rapture.   
 
Lailani fell against the pillows landing on her back as Morgan lay on his side.  Their breathing was labored and uneven.  She rolled into his arms to feel the warmth of his body.  This how she wanted to wake up in the mornings.  She kissed his chest and nestled into the crook of his arm.  At last, their breathing became slow and calm.  Lailani thought back to TJ’s words ‘you are going to find some who deserves your love.’  She smiled to those words as she believed that he was right.  She believed that Morgan did deserve her love.  She and Morgan had found one another.  The world made sense. 
 
Sensei Kim got on the phone and made the necessary call.  He knew this day would be coming at some point.   
 
“Hello?” 
 
“Roy, this is Kim Lee.  The time is coming near.  She will be told the truth and what her destiny will be?” 
 
“What if she doesn’t want this, if she chooses not to embrace it?” 
 
“She must.  She has the mark upon her.  It will hard for her but she will come to accept it.” 
 
“When will she be told?” 
 
“She is coming of age in 12 days.  So the day after.  She will be given Lin Dan’s sword then.  She will accept this because it is her destiny.  Fear not, her faith will be her guide as we will too.” 
 
“Okay, We will speak again before then.  Good-bye.” The line went silent. 
 
Morgan woke up to the sounds of sizzling.  He looked around to find that he was in an empty bed.  He looked and saw the curtain was slightly open.  His eyes flinched since he was sensitive to the light.  He ducked his face back into the pillows and rolled out of bed cover his face.  He reached over to the curtain and pulled it all the way.  Something was in the air.  It smelled good like bacon and fresh coffee.  Mmmmm, just what he needed.  He slipped on his boxers and went to the bathroom.  He say a new toothbrush next to the sink for him to use.  ‘How sweet of her, can’t be kissing my female with morning breath.’  He brushed his pearly, white teeth and splashed some water on his face and used the restroom. 
 
Shortly, Morgan made his way into kitchen and saw Lailani standing over the stove making breakfast.  He was in total enamored with her.  She was making him breakfast in her kitchen with her two hands.  He noticed she was wearing his shirt that came down just to her thighs.  He brought his arms around her waist and leaned down resting his chin on top her head. 
 
“Hey you…that smells great!”  
 
“Morning sunshine.  You sleep well?” 
 
“Like the dead.  I haven’t slept so well in so long. I can’t remember.”   
 
“Breakfast is not quite ready, so how about some coffee.  I just brewed the pot or would you rather have tea...even though tea is better for you.”  She winked at him. 
 
“Coffee is great.”  Morgan reached over to the pot and poured him some of the hot liquid into a mug.   
 
“Cream and sugar are on the table.  How do you like your eggs?”  Lailani goes back to cracking eggs. 
 
“As long as they are not sunny side up, I don’t care.” 
 
“Over medium okay?” 
 
“Yup, I just can’t eat the white when it’s runny.  Blech!”   
 
“Me too.” 
 
Ten minutes later, breakfast is finished.  She served herself and Morgan.  She watched him cut up his eggs with a knife so delicately. 
 
“You eat with such manners.” 
 
“Food is meant to be savored especially when it’s cooked by your female.” 
 
“Your female?”  She paused with a smile. 
 
“Yup you’re my female.”  Morgan remembering she was not accustomed to some of his language and terminology.  “Well, my girlfriend.”  He smiled at her and finished eating by dabbing the corners of his mouth with his napkin. 
 
'Girlfriend, she liked how that sounded.' Lailani polished off her breakfast and sipped her coffee .  She heard her cuckoo-cuckoo clock chime 7 a.m. She had to get moving. She had to be in the office at 8 a.m.  She picked up the plates and walked over to the sink.  Shit! She didn’t have time to wash them.  She would get them later.  She walked past Morgan on her way to take a shower.  Morgan caught her by the wrist and pulled her down to his lap. 
 
“Hey there, where are you rushing off to?”  
 
“In case you haven’t noticed, but it is 7 a.m. on Monday morning and I have to be in work in 1 hour.  I have clients to see.  Don’t you have to go to work yourself?” 
 
“I make my own schedule.  So I can go in went I want.” 
 
“Don’t you have meetings or big people to meet?” 
 
“Nope, I’m the big people.  People schedule meetings with me or through Griffin.” 
 
“Wait, I thought you worked as a financial advisor in brokerage firm.” 
 
“I am and I do.  But what I usually don’t tell people is that I am the brokerage firm.  I prefer to keep my business dealings private and on the up and up.” 
 
“I can understand that.  We have to respect client’s privacy at the center.  Well unlike you, I have to go to work.  I get off 5 p.m. pending I complete all my notes and filing and don’t get stopped by last minute clients or douche bag Sam.” 
 
“Douche bag Sam?” Morgan looked confused. 
 
“Yeah, he can be such a prick from time to time.  Always bitching about his car not running right or his dog eating another pair of his girlfriend’s thongs.  The day we were supposed to have the first scheduled meeting at 11…remember the train”  Morgan nodded.  “Well I called him from the hospital and he began yelling at me before I even got a chance to say Oh, by the way I’m the hospital with a concussion but I’m fine.  So anyways, that’s why he has earned that nickname with me.” 
 
“So does this mean I need to defend your honor and beat him over the head with a bag of doorknobs and transformers?” 
 
“What…No! Transformers and doorknobs where did that come from?” 
 
“I don’t know it just came to me.  Seriously, want me to have talk with Sam, not about you specifically but I’ll talk in general terms to him.” 
 
“No, no I can handle Sam.  No, you just go on being the charming boyfr….guy you are.” 
 
“You started say boyfriend.  Why didn’t you finish it?” 
 
“I’m sorry.  It’s going to take some getting used to.  Are you sure you want to be in relationship with me?  If you want us to see each other causally without a full commitment, I’m okay with that.  I am a lot to handle I freely admit that.  I mean I’m know I’m probably not the kind of woman you’re used to being with.  Blond hair, blue eyes, 110 pounds.  As you can see, I am clearly none of those things.” 
 
“You’re absolutely right.  You’re none of those things….you’re even better. You got me.  I have never been with an Asian female before you.  But I love the way you are.  I love your full breasts, round waist, tanned skin.  I wouldn’t want you to change or be someone you’re not.  What I have read about Asian females is that they are pasty white and way too skinny.  I don’t like making love to a stick.  I love making love to someone who has some meat on them so I can grab them without fear of breaking them…someone like you.”  Morgan squeezed her tightly against his chest.  “I love being with you.  I want to be with you and only you.  I can’t imagine myself with another female.  Does that answer your questions?” 
 
“Yeah, I think you pretty much covered it.  As much as I love to get frisky with you again, there’s not enough time and I must get ready for work.” 
 
“Then I guess, I’ll have to move quickly.”  Morgan scooped Lailani in his arms.  She giggled with delight.  “Ever made love in the shower?” 
 
“Nope, sure haven’t.” 
 
“Well then you’re gonna love this.”  He kissed her lips and nipped her lips with his teeth and strode off to that shower. 
 
Surprisingly, Lailani made it to the office on time.  She couldn’t believe she managed to make love, get a shower, and get to work all before 8 a.m.  She smiled inwardly to herself.  She greeted her co-workers and Margie.  She met with her first client at 8:30.  She saw clients back to back until 1:00.  She finally caught a break to have some lunch and catch up on her notes.  There was a knock on her door. 
 
“Hey Sunglao, so I hear we got the funding.  Axelford and Thompson, especially Thompson, found you ‘charming’ that was the word he used.  They were sold by the work we do.  Whatever you and Mr. Hawthorne said nailed it.  They said they had good time that evening but said you felt ill and went home early and Mr. Hawthorne took you home.  You feeling okay today?” 
 
No way was she telling him she spent the whole weekend with Morgan.  Sam would have a canary.  A big, fat yellow canary!  “Yeah.  I’m feeling much better thanks.  I was just exhausted. I think it was fatigue and it caught up with me.  Thanks for the giving me time and half on Saturday.” 
 
“It was the least I could do after springing this on you at the last moment.  Well Mr. Harwthorne phoned me 10 minutes ago and will be here around 3 p.m. to sign the paperwork.  Good job again.”  Sam departed from her office. 
 
Dodged that bullet, she thought to herself.  She called over to Murriel’s extension to see if she wanted to grab lunch.  But her line was busy.  Lailani decided to run down to the corner market for some grub.  She hopped into her car and drove to Lenny’s Market.  She ordered a turkey sandwich with extra mayo and olive oil.  She took one bite and it tasted soooo good.  Lenny’s made the best sandwiches.  She ate outside where there were picnic benches.  She heard a familiar voice. 
 
“Had I known you’d be here, I would have met you for lunch.” 
 
“Morgan!” She reached up and hugged him.  “I thought your meeting wasn’t until 3 with Sam.” 
 
“Yeah, I pushed it forward to 2 so that I could see you sooner.  I didn’t want to wait until 3.  Maybe you could give me a 1:1 session back in your office?”  He shot her that devilish grin he is so fond of flashing to her. 
 
“Oh no bad boy.  All your sessions will be conducted at my home or yours.”  She giggled and went on eating her sandwich. 
 
“Do you think….” His phone begins to ring.  “Yeah, Griffin…no, that was not what was agreed upon. Okay…. I can get a flight after my 2 o’clock meeting.  Yeah, I’ll see you then.  Damn!, Lailani I’m sorry, I have to go out of town to go babysit two companies who agreed to merge and now they are arguing like children over ownership and some crap like that.  So I’m gonna be outta town in Westchase, Virginia for a few days.  I hope to get back by Wednesday or Thursday the latest.” 
 
“Hey, no I understand.  You take care of what you need to do.  I won’t lie and say I’m not disappointed because I’m disappointed that we can’t spend any time together before you leave.  But I understand, it’s the nature of your business.” 
 
Morgan leaned forward kissed her cheek.  “I don’t deserve you, you’re too good to me.”   
 
“Yes you do deserve me.  Don’t ever say you don’t.”  She ran her hands through his dark long strands of hair in the front of his face.  He caught her hand kissed it sweetly. 
 
“Well at least let me kiss you properly before I go.”  Morgan brought Lailani’s face to his and kissed her with softness and gentility.  He wanted to savor each tender caress of his lips upon hers.  She snaked on arm around his neck and the brought the other to his face running her fingers along his jawline. 
 
“You had better leave before I don’t let you go.”  She smiled into his kiss, staring into his lovely green eyes. 
 
“I’ll call you tonight I promise.  I love you.”  Morgan departed from her embrace and caught a taxi. 
 
For the next couple of days, Lailani went about her job as usual.  She saw her clients and mingled with her co-workers.  She couldn’t wait to get home.  She and Morgan had been talking every night since he left and even a few times during the day.  She was really missing him.  But during tonight’s phone call she was very disappointed as Morgan would not be coming home on Wednesday or Thursday but rather on Friday.  She understood it couldn’t be helped.  Morgan felt bad that he had to extend his trip.  He hated being without his female for so such a long time.  He promised to make it up to her. 
 
Friday morning 6 a.m. and the phone rang, Lailani jumped to answer her cell phone, “Hello!” 
 
“Why didn’t someone tell me they have a birthday soon?” 
 
“How did you find that out?” 
 
“I have my ways, now why didn’t you tell me?” 
 
“Well because I’m turning 30! I know age is but a number.  Anyway I don’t like celebrating it.  It’s just another day for me.” 
 
“Not to me it isn’t.  I am thankful each day you were born otherwise I wouldn’t have you in my life.  So tell me, what would you like to do for your birthday?  I can take you anywhere you want to go or I can cook for you.  Whatever you want…your wish is my command.” 
 
“Nothing.  I want nothing to be done.” 
 
“Okay…anything but that.  I have to celebrate your birthday with you somehow.” 
 
“Really, I don’t want to.  Every year I go to parent’s house, they make my favorite dishes and desserts.  And that is it.  No party, birthday cake or presents.” 
 
“Then, I’ll go with you to your parent’s house then.” 
 
“You want to meet my parents?”  She seemed confused. 
 
“Why not?  Doesn’t a daughter introduce her boyfriend to her father…ya know to have his permission to court her?” 
 
“Well not my dad.  No one except TJ ever asked my dad if he could ‘court’ me.  I think it’s kinda old fashioned and not for me.” 
 
“I was raised to ask the father for permission to court his daughter.  I would love to meet your parents and ask your dad’s permission to court you officially that is.”  Morgan cleared his throat.   
 
Lailani sighed knowing she was losing the battle.  “Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.  My parents are going to bombard with tons of questions be prepared to answer them.” 
 
“No problem.  So I can’t get you anything for your birthday?” 
 
“No, don’t even try to otherwise you cannot come with me.  I mean it Morgan, no presents.” She grasped the phone firmly as if she were grasping him. 
 
“Got it, no presents.  Well I’m looking at the time and I know that you have to be in work early.  So I’ll see you tonight.  My flight gets in around 5 o’clock and Griffin will pick me up then I’ll head…”  She cut him off. 
 
“No, I’ll pick you up, if that’s okay.”  She didn’t want to be presumptuous and giving him an order. 
 
“Great, I would prefer that. By the way, there will a knock on your door in 5 minutes make sure you answer it. Love you. Bye.”  The line went dead. 
 
Lailani didn’t have chance to get a word in edge wise.   ‘Knock, knock’ right on cue.  She walked to her door. There was delivery man on the other side with something in his hand. 
 
“Are you Lailani Sun….”  The delivery man was trying to pronounce her last name. 
 
“Yeah, that’s me.” 
 
“Sign her please.”  Lailani scribbled her signature on the invoice. “Here ya go Miss.”  He handed her a beautiful orchid plant and another bouquet of assorted flowers mostly orchids and birds of paradise.  “Your man really loves you.  He paid extra to have me deliver these before we’re even open.” 
 
“What time does your shop open?” 
 
“9 a.m. ma’am.  But he insisted and he paid extra so I couldn’t refuse him.  Anyway have a good day Miss.”  The delivery man left her door way. 
 
‘He is way too good to me.’ She thought to herself.  Lailani sighed in happiness.  She opened the card that was attached. 
 
‘Sorry for coming home later than I wanted.  I hope this can beginning of making it up to you.  See you tonight.  Love, Morgan’  
 
She picked up the phone and called his cell phone and left him a message thanking him for the orchids and that she will thank him appropriately when she picks him up.  She rushed around for the next 15 minutes to get ready for work.  Once she got there, she had the biggest shit eating grin on her face that not even her co-workers could ignore. 
 
“Someone is a good mood.”  Murriel leaned on the door jamb of Lailani’s office. 
 
“It’s Friday.  Aren’t you in a good mood?”  Attempting to placate her. 
 
“Friday…yeah right.  I know that look.  Someone has gotten her groove on.  That’s the look I get 2-4 times a week from the people I’m seeing.”  Technically, Murriel was right but Lailani was not about to confess to her that she’s betting her groove on with the hot board director.  Lailani was sticking to her guns and not revealing to anyone that she was seeing Morgan.  She didn’t want the whispers to start and didn’t want to have to explain her relationship to anyone.  It was no one’s business. 
 
“Only you, Murriel. Only you.  Now if you’ll excuse me I have clients.”  Murriel walked away disappointed. 
 
The rest of the day went by quickly.  Lailani saw her clients and caught up on her paperwork.  As soon as 1 o’clock chimed she was blowing this joint and heading toward the shops in historic downtown.  She wanted to look for something special for Morgan when she welcomed him back.  He seemed to like red on her so that’s the color she would keep in mind.  1 o’clock came and out the door she went waving bye to her co-workers.   
 
She raced down Atlantic Blvd in ‘Red Rocket.’  Boy, that car could move.  She walked into a little shop called ‘Her Fancy.’  There Lailani found the most adorable Baby doll nighty with matching lace panties and robe.  She looked at the price it was $100.00!  She flipped out.  She had never spent this much on underwear before, but this was a special occasion and with the recent increase in her paycheck she could afford it.  She made her purchase and the clerk wrapped the silky material in a special bag.  
 
Once she got home, Lailani took a quick shower and gathered some clothes and her toiletries in an overnight bag just in case she stayed over at Morgan’s villa and needed to go straight to work from there.  She decided to wear a summer dress since it was still hot as hell and some heels. She called her mom to let her know that she would be over on Wednesday and that she would be bringing someone to the house with her for her ‘non-birthday’ meal.  Her mom did not ask too many questions as her daughter has just freely admitted to seeing someone and Tina wants to meet the person she currently is dating. 
 
It was 4 o’clock and Lailani knew she needed to head toward the airport as it was about 20 minutes away and it took forever to get inside due to all the security measures.  She wanted to be there waiting for Morgan at his gate.  She gathered up her belongings and headed toward her car.   While driving, she suddenly realized that Morgan is 6 feet 6 inches and would he even fit in her small, sporty car.  Well didn’t she have dumbass pinned to her head right about now.  Oh, well can’t think about that now.  She drives down Columbus St and follows the signs for the airport.  She parks her car in short term parking.  She makes her way inside the crowded airport looking for arrivals.  She heads to gate A-7 his flight back from Virginia was on time.  She paces in the waiting area its 4:43.  She hears an announcement that Morgan’s flight had landed early and people would be exiting the aircraft shortly. 
 
What seemed like an eternity was merely 3 minutes.  There he was.  Morgan was dressed in a three piece suit and tie carrying some papers and his carry-on luggage.   Lailani couldn’t stop herself and before she knew it she was running toward him almost running over a custodian to get him.  Just as Morgan turned around there were arms reaching for him.  He caught Lailani as she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.   
 
“Oh my, now this is surprise.  I like the way you welcome me home my female.”  She kissed the side of her cheek. 
 
“I have missed you something fierce Morgan.”  She said against his chest.  God, he smelled wonderful.  His scent was splendid.   
 
Morgan whispered into her ear, “I got your message so when are you going to thank me properly.”  He chuckled. 
 
“Tonight but you better behave!” She responded in a flirty voice. 
 
Morgan and Lailani waited patiently in the baggage claim area.  It always took forever for those conveyor belts to dispense luggage or maybe it was the attendants that took their sweet ass time.  It seemed like an eternity.  Morgan seemed to get alittle nervous as his bag had not shown up yet.  He made the mistake of putting his blood wine in there.  He should have finished off the beverage before he left Virginia as he knew he couldn’t carry it with on the plane.  He began to feel weak.  Great! Looks like the airline lost his bag or it got misplaced.  Now was not the time to panic although he good reason to.  He wasn’t sure if he was going to make it to his villa without his bloodlust becoming out of control especially with Lailani so close to him.  Her Japanese cherry blossom and orange scent only feeds into his bloodlust. 
 
There was nothing he could do.  He would have to get his bag later.  Right now, he needed Lailani to get him home before he went apeshit.  Morgan made a quick call.  “Griffin, I need you come to the airport and get my bag as it has been lost.  I don’t have time to wait around for it.”  He ended his call abruptly and walked back toward his female. 
 
“Everything alright?’ 
 
“No everything is not alright!”  He snapped at her. 
 
“Look, I know you’re upset about your bag but this happens.  Now come on let’s head to my car and I’ll bring you back to your villa.”  She extended her hand to his. 
 
Morgan grasped her hand realizing she didn’t deserve his snappish temper.  “Hey, I’m sorry.  I just hate it when this happens.” 
 
“It’s alright come on, I’m parked in short term parking.  I hope you’ll fit in my tiny car. It’ll be like watching all the clowns getting outta the small wind up car with giant key at the back.”  She giggled at the joke she made. 
 
Morgan smiled along with her trying not to think about his bloodlust too much.  They got to short term parking and it was just as Lailani predicted.  Morgan struggled to fit in her car but managed to as his knees were almost to his chest. He looked so uncomfortable.  Lailani paid the attendant and off they were back to his villa. 
 
On the ride back to his villa, Lailani could sense that Morgan was not doing well.  She could see that he looked ill.  He hardly said two words to her since they left the airport.  He kept fidgeting and moving about. At first she thought it was due to the limited amount of space in the front seat.  But then she noticed that Morgan kept looking at his watch every couple of minutes and kept rubbing jaws near the top side of his mouth. 
 
Finally, Lailani couldn’t take it again.  She had to ask him what was going on.  “Morgan, you have been awfully quiet.  This can’t be all because of your suitcase being lost.”  In truth, that’s exactly why he was upset only she didn’t know that.  “Talk to me, please I am concerned about you.”  She was pleading to him as she began speeding to get him home faster. 
 
“It’s nothing.  I just need to get home and rest.”  He couldn’t face her.  She was too tempting.  He just prayed she would go faster and that he could get inside to his blood wine. The thought crossed his mind to call Forester but then he would have to explain everything to Lailani right then and he wasn’t prepared for that.  He sure as hell wasn’t prepared for this.  “Please just drive faster Lailani.  Speed if you have to, break every traffic law.  Just get me home.” 
 
“Morgan I’m going 20 over the limit as it is.  Any more if I were to get pulled over I could get my car taken from me.  I’m hurrying as fast as I can.  We should be there in less than 10 minutes.”  She firmly gripped the wheel. 
 
Morgan didn’t have 10 minutes.  He could feel his fangs elongating.  His bloodlust was about to rear its ugly head.  The phone rings “WHAT….yes Griffin I am almost home.  You have my luggage.  Any damage?  Was it opened?  Okay good.  Bring it home.  I’ll see you soon.”  He slammed his cell phone shut. 
 
They pulled up to the gates.  Lailani noticed there was keypad.  “What is the passcode to enter?”  She looked up at him.  He was pale as a ghost, sweating profusely.   
 
“It’s a three digit code which are your initials.  L-G-S=5-4-7.”   
 
She punched in the code raced to his front door.  She unbuckled her belt and flew to the passenger door to help out him of her car.  He accepted her assistance.  He leaned into her body for support.  Lailani unlocked his door.  Morgan collapsed to the floor of his foyer.  She ran to his aid. 
 
“Morgan, what do you need?  What can I do?  I better call 911 you need help.”  She reached for the phone by the end table.   
 
“No, no ambulance!” 
 
“Morgan, you need help! Stop being so damned stubborn!” She began to dial. 
 
Morgan knocked the phone out of her hand and it crashed against the wall breaking into several pieces across the rug.  Where did that come from?  Morgan never lost his cool with her ever even when she was spazzing out on him. 
 
“Lailani got into the kitchen and in the back of the fridge on the second shelf there are dark colored bottles.  Please bring me two now!” 
 
Lailani ran to the kitchen and opened the fridge.  Sure enough on the second shelf in the back there were several dark colored bottles.  She grabbed them and slammed the door shut.  She wondered what it was.  It looked like thick, dark syrup. When Lailani came back to the foyer, she found Morgan writhing in pain.  She saw him open his mouth and saw two long teeth elongate out from the top of his mouth.  What the hell was going on?   She was frightened.  Scared shitless!   
 
She leaned down with the bottles in her hand trying to comfort Morgan.  “Give me the bottles!”  She handed it to him.  “Back off Lailani!”  Morgan twisted the cap off and inhaled the liquid one after the other.  He didn’t come up for air.  He let the liquid fall down his throat until the bottle was dry.  Not a drop left.  Some of the blood wine dribbled down his chin. He wiped it up with his hand and licked it off.   
 
Lailani watched the whole thing happen and was in shock.  She was no dummy…was that blood he was drinking?!? And were those fangs coming out his mouth?!?  After another minute, Morgan composed himself and sat up to face her.  When he moved, she moved away from him. His secret was out.  Now she knew something was going on with him. 
 
“Lailani, I am so very sorry that you had see that.  I know that you have a million questions and I will do my best to answer them.  But…”  She interrupted him. 
 
“What the fuck are you?”  She was bracing herself against the wall with arms folded across her chest in an effort to steady herself. 
 
“I know this is going to be hard for you to believe but, please believe me.  I am vampire, Lailani.” 
 
“What?  Are you fucking with me?  Is this some kind of sick joke to you?” 
 
“No, Lailani I’m not.  I am a vampire truly.  What happened just a few minutes ago was my bloodlust getting out of control and what you brought me was blood wine in order to satiate my appetite.  I must drink blood in order to survive, but I don’t feed off humans or animals despite how movies paint vampires.  I drink synthetic blood.  My friend, Forester, is a scientist and created this product for vampires to drink from so they don’t turn to humans.  And his creation is used in hospitals around the world since there is lack of blood donors in this world.  If I had not drank my blood wine, then I was in danger of biting you and I would never let that happen.  I would rather cut off my own hand, than harm you.” 
 
Lailani stood against the wall speechless.  She didn’t want to believe what was coming out of Morgan’s mouth.  But she believed him.  He had never lied to her before, why lie about this.   
 
“So let me get this straight…for the past couple weeks I have been fucking a damn vampire?  Oh my God…the other day in your car, I felt something sharp in your mouth when we were kissing.  I didn’t think anything of it, but it must have been one of you fangs.  How could I have been so fucking blind and stupid!  How could I have not known?!?  How could I have not felt those fangs on my skin?!?”  She was flabbergasted running her hand over her mouth and through her hair.  Her anger has now transpired into pain. 
 
Morgan got to his feet and began to walk toward her. 
 
“You stay the fuck away from me, you no good bastard!” 
 
“Lailani, please let me hold you.  I know this has come to a shock to you.  But if you..” 
 
“You are never getting anywhere near me again.  I fucking hate you.  How could you do this me?  Why didn’t you tell me up front?  What about what we said about telling each other the truth and being honest?!?  I trusted you with something so sacred and private!  I poured my heart out to you and gave you something that I give no one which my trust especially when it comes to what happened to me and TJ.  I…I have to get outta here.”  Tears were rolling down her face.  She was crying and screaming. 
 
Morgan took another step closer to her.  “Lailani, if I could take it all back and tell you what I was when we opened up to each other I would, but I can’t. All I can do is apologize and beg for your forgiveness.  I will spend eternity trying to find a way to make it up to you.” 
 
“No, no! I am through with you.  I don’t want you to call, email, stalk, or contact me in anyway.  I will get new apartment or move away if so much as send me a text message.  You may be vampire but I have a particular set of skills that I will use to defend myself against you. If I die trying to do that, then so be it.  But you will never lay another finger me as long as I have breath in my body.  I would rather die than ever be with you again!” 
 
“Now, you’re being cruel and acting foolish!  I could kill you now if I wanted to.  But I don’t want any of that. Lailani, I love you.” 
 
“No, don’t say those words to me!  You don’t love me.  What you have done to me is not love.  You have destroyed me.  You don’t know what love is!” 
 
“Listen up!  I do know what love is.  I know that I would die for you.  I would suffer a thousand deaths if it meant sparing you this pain. I would walk to world’s end if you commanded me to.  I know that I am so in love you with you that it makes my body ache.  You are the female I have spent the last 300 years searching for.  You are my soul mate.  I want to marry you! But you’re so damn stubborn and terrified to love me back.  You think that I’m going to leave you like TJ did or worse that if you take a chance and love me that you’re going to get hurt.  You’re so caught up in your own pain that you can’t see that love is here waiting for you.  But loving someone is taking a risk.  I know that TJ wouldn’t want you pining over him for the rest of natural damn life.  He would want you to move on.  In fact, I think you do love me.  You’re just too damn scared to admit it!” 
 
“You fucking leave TJ outta of this.  This has nothing to do with him.  Don’t try to turn this around me either.  You fucking lied to me!  Love you…no fucking way!  I can’t love liars.  You’re a damn vampire for Chrissakes!  I can’t take this anymore!”  By now her crying has almost turned to hyperventilation. She grabbed her keys on the side table and walked toward the door.  She struggled with door.  She could hear Morgan’s stride behind her.  She turned around and got into her fighting position. She may not have her batons, but she had one hell of kick and a quick strike. “Stay away from me you son a bitch!” Morgan stared at her with a glaring stare.  The door opened from behind her.  It was Griffin.  She spun out the door as he walked past her. 
 
Griffin didn’t understand what he just walked into.  “Sir, what is going on?” 
 
“She knows Griffin.  She’s leaving and is never coming back.” 
 
“Oh no, sir you must stop her.” 
 
“It’s too late.  She’s gone.  I’ve lost her.”  Morgan sank to the floor and put his hands to face.  He felt something wet.  It was tears.  For first time in his life, he cried.  He cried because he just lost the one person who was his purpose for breathing.  Without her, he didn’t know if he could go on living. 
 
Lailani was speeding down the highway back to her apartment.  Her tears came running down like a rainstorm.  She couldn’t fathom what just took place 15 minutes ago in Morgan’s foyer.  One minute her life was great and the next her world comes crashing down.  This is the second time it has come crashing down involving another person.  She couldn’t believe all those horrible things that Morgan was saying to her about TJ and loving him.  The truth was she did love him.  That’s what made the pain worse.  She loved him and was afraid to tell him.  Now, she was stuck with these feelings that she no longer wanted.  In an effort to put some distance between her feelings and tonight’s revelation, she flipped on her radio to listen music. She didn’t care if it was country or golden oldies playing she just need a distraction.    The song that was playing ‘Toni Braxton’s Breath Again.’  Perfect! She thought.  She listened to every bit of the lyrics. It described exactly what she was feeling.  What was she going to do?   
 
For the next couple of days, Lailani did not leave her apartment nor did she take any calls.  She just stayed in bed and wept.  She was physically aching from the ordeal.  Her whole body hurt.  She couldn’t see how leaving her apartment would result in anything good.  She called out of work on Monday.  She couldn’t go in.  She didn’t have the mental energy for her client’s problems when she was drowning in her own.  She was a zombie once more.  That night she lay in bed and actually slept.  She dreamt about TJ.  He came to her and told her that she must forgive Morgan and that he is exactly the person who she needs. 
 
Lailani awoke from the dream somewhat pissed off.  She couldn’t believe that after all this time now TJ comes to her only to tell her to forgive Morgan.  She almost felt betrayed.  Then something resonated in her.  She knew that she couldn’t hate Morgan despite what she said and that she could actually forgive him.  She just didn’t know if she could be with him.  The idea of being with a vampire freaked her out.  She didn’t know what kind of relationship they could truly have.  She wasn’t sure if she could get past the pain despite forgiving him.  She decided to play it safe and stay away from him. 
 
On Tuesday, she returned to work.  People in the office were buzzing about asking how she was feeling.  She made up the excuse that she had 72 hour stomach bug.  She barely registered her client’s problems when they were in therapy with her.  All she could do was think about how betrayed she felt and how badly she wanted to see Morgan to tell him she was hurt but would forgive him.  She felt so confused. 
 
Morgan had not left his home since Friday night.  He remained in the same clothes for the past 4 days.  His beard was growing in; his eyes were blood shot from all the alcohol he had consumed.  He hadn’t eaten or slept in days.  Griffin would come by to check on periodically and Morgan would wave him away.  Forester returned that afternoon and found Morgan with a glass tumbler filled with amber liquid. 
 
“What the hell happened to you?  You look like hell.” 
 
“Go away Forester!”  Morgan took large swallow of the brown liquid. 
 
“What the hell went on while I was gone?  You look like you haven’t shaved or showered in days.  And from the looks of it you have had your share of brandy and then some…” Forester looked around Morgan’s room finding disheveled. 
 
“She left me Forester.  She found out what I was and left me, not before she broke my heart and took the pieces with her.” 
 
“How did she find out?”  Forester sat on edge of Morgan’s bed to listen to the story.  Morgan told him what happened from start to finish.  He didn’t leave anything out.   
 
“So that’s what happened.  She knows the truth and hates me.  Can’t say that I blame her.  I hate me too right now.  Maybe if I just end it all right now, I can make the pain go away.” 
 
“Don’t talk that stupid shit now Morgan.  You can’t blame her for being upset.” 
 
“So you’re on her side now.  Wasn’t you that said I should stay away from her.” 
 
“Yeah, I did.  But then I could see how much this female affected you.  She is your mate.  She is the one who you are destined to be with.  That’s why you ache uncontrollably.  You’re missing part of your soul.  You kill that, you kill her.  Is that what you really want?” 
 
“No…of course not.”  Forester was making a lot of sense to Morgan.  “I don’t know how to get her back or at least have her listen to reason.” 
 
“You have to give her time.  She is in just as much pain as you are.  Maybe even more.” 
 
“How so?” 
 
“See the way I see it, she is grieving for the second time in her life.  She lost another love.  Except this love is still living and breathing and she just can’t bring herself to go to you yet.” 
 
“I know, I have drank a lot over the last several days but you make a lot of sense.” 
 
“Of course, I do.  This is why I am your closest friend.” 
 
“Ever hear of that song, ‘Broken by Seether’?” 
 
“Yeah, I have.” 
 
“That is exactly how I’m feeling now.  Just like the lyrics say.  She’s gone away and I am lonesome and broken.” 
 
“Be patient my friend, she will come around.” 
 
“How can you be so sure?” 
 
“It’s just a feeling I have.  Two living soul mates cannot stay apart for long.  You're a bonded male now.  Lailani is your mate.  You two won't be apart for much longer.  Now come on, let’s get you in the bathroom.  You definitely need a shower and shave.  You look like a drunken mountain man.” 
 
Morgan cracked a half smile. 
 
It was approaching 5 o’clock and Lailani decided to stay an extra hour to catch up on paperwork.  All the staff had left the building except her.  She knew how to lock up and set the security alarm.  She was walking back from the copier when suddenly felt she was not alone. She knew it wasn’t Morgan as she recognized his scent.  This was a new scent. Smelled like apples and lavender.   She called out.  “Who’s there?  I know someone is, I demand you show yourself!” 
 
“Good evening Lailani.” 
 
She didn’t recognize this person but knew it was vampire. 
 
“Who are you, what do you want?” 
 
“My name is Forester.  Please do not be alarmed.  I am a friend of Morgan’s.  I don’t know if he’s mentioned me to you.” 
 
“Yes, he has. You’re his scientist friend who created synthetic blood for vampires to drink.” 
 
“That’s correct.” 
 
“What do you want?” 
 
“I have come to beseech you and ask that if you can find it in your heart to forgive Morgan for not being up front with you.” 
 
“Not to be a bitch, but this is none of your business.”  She glared at him. 
 
“I know it’s not.  Morgan doesn’t even know I came.  I was hoping that maybe you would come see him.  He misses you terribly.  You have to know by now that he is hopelessly in love with you and wants nothing more than to bear your pain.  You are his soul mate as I believe he is yours. He is physically aching and in so much pain.  He can barely move.” 
 
“I don’t believe you about us being soul mates.  My soul mate is dead.  He died several years ago.” 
 
“Yes, I know.  By the way, you can have more than one soul mate in a life time.” 
 
“What do you know about it?” 
 
“Morgan told me.  How you believed that it was your fault that he died, all the guilt you felt and afraid to let go and move on.  None of that is your fault.  What you endured was not your fault.  In fact, it has made you stronger.” 
 
“What do you mean?” 
 
“You survived this awful tragedy.  Many people don’t survive something like that.  You have a will like no other.  You’re a survivor Lailani.  You made it through what happened to you.  And you will make it through this pain too.  You just have to give yourself and Morgan a chance.  You are the love of Morgan’s life.  He considered ending his life if that meant extinguishing the pain he caused you.” 
 
Lailani gasped.  She didn’t want Morgan to do such a thing.  No matter how badly she hurt she didn’t want him to end his life.  “I don’t want him to end his life over this.” 
 
“Neither do I.  Don’t worry I talked sense into him.  He has no plans to take his life.  He just wants the pain to end as I suspect you do too.” 
 
Forester was right.  She did want the pain to stop not just for her but for the both of them. She just didn’t know if she had the strength.  “What did you mean by that he is in physical pain?” 
 
“See in our race, when a vampire finds his mate and bonds with her.  She becomes a part of him empathically and biologically.  He can feel what you feel.  Know when you’re ill.  And vice versa.”  She knew he was telling her the truth.  She sensed when something was wrong with Morgan on the drive back to his villa.  “When a vampire is away from his mate for an extended period of time, he physically aches for her.  Like when he was away in Virginia dealing with those fuckhead companies.  He hated being so far from you and for so long.  Right now, it would be my guess that you physically ache too.” 
 
“I won’t lie I haven’t feeling all that great.” 
 
“Reuniting with Morgan will help with your pain.  Admitting what you feel for him will heal you and him.  Please don’t lie to me and tell me you aren’t in love with him.” 
 
Great backed into another corner by another vampire trying to get her to admit her feelings.  She hated that, but it was time to face the music.  No more running.  “I do love him.  I love him very much.  I’m just very hurt right now and I don’t know if I can be with him especially since he’s a…he’s a…you know.  Damn, I can’t even say the word.” 
 
“Lailani you can be with Morgan regardless that he is a vampire.  You fell in love with the man, not his origin.” 
 
 
“Well he said that he was tempted to bite me because his bloodlust was out of control.  No offense I don’t want to be a vampire.” 
 
“Morgan will not change you. In fact, he has never changed a human as long he has lived.  The only way he can change you is if you consume his blood and he consumes yours.  I know there are several stories and bullshit myths about vampires like with crosses and garlic and bursting in flames.  Here is the truth about our vampiric race, yes we drink blood to survive, but we also need food to just like humans.  Our incisors or fangs as you see them become elongated when we are aroused, become aggressive or when we feed.  As long as we have enough blood in our system, usually we can will them back to receed.  Most people don’t notice them.” 
 
“We have reflections and are not allergic to garlic.  We don’t fear crosses or God.  In fact, many vampires believe in God and go to church.  We do not go up in flames when we are in sunlight but we are sensitive to it especially our vision.  Even though we are immortal, we can still die by being mortally wounded to one of our vital organs and if we are beheaded.  We typically can heal very quickly from wounds.  We can control things with are mind like will candles to light, flip locks open and close, turn things off and on.  We have a keen sense of smell.  And when we love, it’s ten times more powerful than humans do.  When we suffer it’s even worse.  I hope by me telling you all this, you’ll make the best decision you can.  I must take my leave now.  Whatever you do, I am very happy to have met you.  Please know that Morgan will wait for you.  He has waited 300 years for you.  He can stand to wait a little longer.  Good bye Lailani.”  With a quick flash, Forester disappeared from Lailani’s sight. 
 
Lailani was overwhelmed with a wealth of information and topsy-turvy feelings.  Forester had given her much to think about.  Truly, she had no idea what she was going to do.  All she knew at that moment two people were incredible pain and there was huge hurdle blocking them.  What to do?   
 
She had too much going on in her head.  She needed to take a breather elsewhere.  She needed a completely different view.  So she decided to go somewhere she hadn’t been in the years.  She was going out to club.  She left work at 5:33.  Ate a quick dinner which consisted of a Wendy’s burger and fries and rushed home.  She jumped into the shower and cleaned up.  She ran to her closet, dripping wet in a towel.  In the very back of her closet she found a leather, black skirt that she wore once and a low cut blue sequined top to show off her cleavage and boots that came to up her knees.  She was ready to get plastered.  She didn’t worry about work tomorrow as she requested that day off in advance.  After all it was her birthday.  
 
This was completely out of Lailani’s character.  She hardly does anything on impulse.  But today, she was all spontaneous.  Hell, her lover had been a vampire for Chrissakes, going to the club to have some fun and getting wasted was equated to going to the dentist.  She decided to go to this new club that people at work said was always packed.  ‘Tropics’ was the name and she was in luck Tuesday nights was ladies night.  She put the finishing touches of her make up on.  She grabbed her black clutch purse and slid her driver’s license, a credit card, some cash, and a tube of lip gloss inside.  She was smoking hot!!! 
 
When she got to Tropics at 9:30, it was packed.  The line was wrapped around the building which surprised her for a Tuesday night.  She parked her car and tripped the alarm and made her way to the building.  She noticed that some bouncers were letting other people in while making others wait.  She decided to give being flirty a shot to see if she could get in and not have to wait in the long line.   
 
As she walked toward the crowd, she noticed one of the bouncers in black jeans and a black shirt with scar across his face.  He looked up at Lailani as he handed the last patron back his ID.  Lailani fluttered her eyelashes and cocked her head to the side flashing him a quick smile.  The bouncer waved for her to come.  ‘Holy shit! It worked!’  She walked up to him and flashed her ID.  He looked at her ID.   
 
“So Lailani, is it?” 
 
“Yup, that’s me.” 
 
“First time here at Tropics?” 
 
“Yup, you gonna let me in?” 
 
The bouncer thought she was fine.  He had never seen an Oriental woman look as hot as she did.  He wondered if he could get her number.  “Sure, go in but save a dance for me. Okay?” 
 
“Sure.”  Lailani winked one of her slanted her eyes at him and flashed him a smile.  The bouncer winked back at her and let her pass over the crowd of people. 
 
Lailani walked into the club.  The music was booming. ‘Soulja Boy’ was playing. Strobe lights were flashing from one end to the next.  She walked up the bar and sat down on the bar stool and ordered a Rum and coke.  She sipped her drink and began to people watch.  She noticed some men across the room eyeing her.  She thought to herself, ‘Keep eyeing me boys, cause that’s as close as you’re going to get.”  She finished 2 drinks in less than 20 minutes and was ready for another.  Just as the bartender gave her third drink of Rum and coke, a man walked up to her from behind and asked if she wanted to dance.  It was one of those men that was eyeing her from earlier.  He wasn’t bad looking.  But he was nothing compared to Morgan.  ‘Morgan’ that was one person she wanted to forget even if it was for one night. 
 
Lailani thought what’s the harm.  It’s just a dance.  The dj began to play ‘Usher’s Yeah’ a club classic. She began to dance with the man.  He put his hands on her waist and began to grind against her hips.  She didn’t face him.  She just swayed her hips to the beat.  She was having a good time.  Just as the song ended, the man asked her if she wanted to go back to his place for some fun.  She smiled and politely shook her head NO! He mouthed ‘please’ to her.  She shook her head NO once more and disappeared into the crowd of people. 
 
Lailani was feeling really good right about now.  She felt all the tension and craziness dissipate from her body.  She swayed to the music.  The next song that came on was ‘Cyclone by Baby Bash.”  All the women in the club raised their arms in circles.  She did the same.  As the music played, she felt hands around her at the side of her waist.  She could tell it wasn’t the same guy from earlier.  This guy’s hands were huge.  She could tell he was taller.  She felt grinding against her backside.  She swayed her hips and backside to the beat of the song.  Whoever it was he had rhythm. She could feel this stranger’s leg between her thighs grinding hard into her.  She could feel his erection.  One of his hands wrapped around her waist while the other pushed her head back to his chest.  She felt his head lower to her ear.   
 
“You know you’re the hottest piece of ass in here…”  Oh God! That voice was familiar.  She was scared shitless to turn around to face him.  
 
Dammit! Among all places to find her, he found her here at a club, wearing revealing clothing.  Morgan was dressed in a tight polo shirt that shows off all his rippling muscles and a pair of faded blue jeans.  He even looked better than when she last saw him.  He smelled incredible.  She felt aroused. That was the last thing she wanted to feel.  Morgan was grinding her from behind.  She didn’t think he would ever come to a place like this.  Clubs seemed beneath him.  But there he was dancing with his female.   
 
The song ended and Lailani looked up at him and strode off the dance floor.  She walked out of the club.  She just wanted peace for one night.  She couldn’t even have that.  Morgan followed her out to the parking lot to her car.   
 
“Lailani, wait!” 
 
“Leave me alone, I just wanted some peace for one night and even that you had ruin for me!  Besides, I thought you were in physical pain.  So what the fuck are you doing here?”  She began to walk faster. 
 
Not interested in answering her questions at this moment, Morgan attempts to talk some sense into Lailain, “At least let me drive you home, you’ve been drinking and you shouldn’t drive.” 
 
“I have one set of parents, I don’t need another.” 
 
Morgan didn’t want to have to pull out the big guns but he would.  He would do anything to prevent her from driving with all that alcohol in her system.  “I think this is the last thing you should be doing…remember TJ.” 
 
Lailani stopped dead in her tracks.  She turned and faced him. “You would stoop to that all time low you arrogant bastard.” 
 
Morgan sealed off the distance between them and came within an inch of her body.  “I will say or do anything to keep you from getting behind the wheel right now.  You’re upset, not thinking clearly, plus you have a lot of Rum in your system.  You shouldn’t be driving.  I am not trying to make things more difficult for you.  But I care about your safety even if you don’t.  Please give me the keys.” 
 
She knew he was right.  Drinking and driving was not a good thing to do.  She hands over her keys to him.  “Don’t think just because I’m letting you drive me means I’m sleeping with you.”  She started to walk toward the passenger door.  Morgan in lighting speed grabbed her from behind and spun her around to face him. 
 
“You know I could have you right now and you wouldn’t fight me.  I felt you get aroused on the dance floor when I was grinding against you when we danced.  Don’t pretend that you don’t want me. I could be up that skirt of yours right here, right now between these cars.  But I would rather lay you down on a soft bed and make sweet love to you but it’s your choice.  Either way you want me just as much I am dying to be inside you.”  Morgan whispered in her ear and ran on his of his free hands on the inside of her thighs.  He could feel her heat and moisture increase.  His touch was electrifying.   
 
“You know, your cockiness is the best thing you got going for you right now.  Regardless of what my body says.  I’m saying NO.  Now take me home!” She struggled to get free of his grasp. 
 
He opened the car door and she slid down on the tan, leather seat and buckled up.  Morgan entered the driver’s side and adjusted the seat back to accommodate his long legs.  He put the car in drive and drove away from Tropics.  On the drive home, Lailani feel asleep.  That’s what happened to her when alcohol hit her system like that in such a short period of time.  Morgan glanced over to her silhouette.  He couldn’t stay mad at her.  He blamed himself.  He believed he drove her to this.  She knew she was going to be mad at him when she woke up as he was not driving her home but rather to his.   
 
Morgan pulled up to his villa and punched in his security code.  He lifted her out of the car.  Lailani leaned against his shoulder.  Griffin opened the front door. 
 
“You’re back sir…oh, I see.” 
 
“Griffin, please get her things out of her car.  I noticed an overnight bag in her back seat and her purse is in the glove box.  Bring those things inside and leave them in the foyer.  After that, you can go for evening.  Thank you Griffin.” 
 
“Yes sir.”  The old man followed Morgan’s directions while Morgan made his way to his room and placed Lailani on his bed.  Her breathing was raspy and slow due to the alcohol.  He unzipped her boots and covered her up with the duvet.  He walked over to a chair sitting adjacent to his bed and just watched over her.   
 
He must have fallen asleep himself after a couple of hours, he heard Lailani moving about underneath the covers.  He knew she would have a massive headache.  He got up and moved to the bathroom and got her some Tylenol and a glass of water. 
 
Lailani stirred.  She was trying to get her vision to focus.  Stuff seems kinda hazy.  She looks over to her left and notices a digital clock 1:25. Something registers in her mind.  That is not her clock nor is this her bed she is in.  Dammit! Morgan must have brought her to his villa.  She tried to sit up but had difficulty.  She grumbled, “Ohhhh, way too much Rum.” 
 
“You think?”  Morgan was towering over her with a glass of water.  “How about some Tylenol?  My guess is that you have a splitting head ache.”  He hands her the glass and two little pills. 
 
“Thanks.”  She takes the meds and sips the water.  She tries to stand but finds her legs are a little wobbly.  She sinks back down to the mattress.  “Why did you bring me here?” 
 
“Because I wanted to make sure you were safe, no sign of alcohol poisoning.  You’re just suffering from a hangover so it looks like you’re going to be fine.”  He responded so candidly. 
 
“Will you please drive me home?  I would rather be home recovering.”  Lailani grumbles again putting her hand on head. 
 
Morgan disappears from the room and comes back with a cold, washcloth.  He sits on the edge of the bed and pats her face with it.  “How’s that feel?” 
 
Lailani having no strength to duke it out with him, lets him sponge her face with the cool cloth.  “Better.  Thank you.” 
 
“You’re welcome.”  After a few minutes, Lailani attempts to sit up a second time.  Morgan helps her lean against the headboard with a mountain of pillows to support her. 
 
“Forester came and saw me at the center this afternoon.” 
 
“He did? I don’t know what he told you; please know I didn’t ask him to go on my behalf.  I too was recovering from my own drunken stupor.” 
 
“I believe you.  He told me about your vampire race and that all the stories are a bunch of bullshit except that you do drink blood in order to survive and you’re sensitive to light.  He also told me you that you were a lot physical pain.  Was that true?” 
 
“Yes, I was in physical pain especially when I really grasped how badly I hurt you by not being forthcoming about my origin.  Hurting you, I in turn hurt myself.” 
 
“Did you follow me to Tropics?  How did you know I was there?” 
 
“Did Forester tell you about what happens when vampires bond with their mates?”  She nodded in agreement.  “Well, I was able to sense a change in you and knew something was going on.  So, I got cleaned up and flashed over to your home and saw you weren’t there despite the pain that I was in.  Then I picked up your scent to the club district and followed it to Tropics.  You see your scent is in me.  I am connected to you now biologically and empathically.  I would know if you’re sick or upset or happy about something. If you ever needed me, I could find you.  I saw you dancing with that other male which made me wanna stab something.  But I knew to keep myself under control.  I saw that you were drinking.  I could sense that the alcohol was relieving the tension in you.  So I walked up behind you and began dancing with you.  I thought maybe the alcohol may have loosened you up enough to where you wouldn’t freak out when you saw me.  But I miss calculated on that note.” 
 
“Yeah, I guess you did.” 
 
“Lailani, I don’t know what to do.  But somehow I am going to make this up to you.  Even if I have to spend all of eternity.  I love you.  I want to marry you.” 
 
“Whoa, whoa! I can’t do this.  I cannot be with a vampire.  I won’t.  Do you have any idea how insane that sounds?  Mind as well pump me with 1,000 units of Thorazine.  Do what you have to unbond to me or whatever.  But this is the last time we will see each other.  I’m submitting my resignation at the center and moving away.  Please don’t try to find me or anything.  I want to be left alone.”  She swings her legs over the side of the bed and leans onto the bedpost to steady herself. 
 
“Lailani, it doesn’t work that way.  Once a vampire has bonded to his mate, it is for life.  And I don’t want you to give up your life here because you’re hurt and angry with me.  Besides no matter where you went I could find you.” 
 
“Great! So now I’m trapped.”  She sinks back to the bed. 
 
“You’re right you are…but I’m not going to trap you.  I will submit my resignation as the board director effective immediately so that you will never have to see me again.  I will leave town and you can move on with your life.  I won’t lie to you about this but occasionally I will come to town just to see that you’re okay and then I’ll go.  You’ll never know I was here.  I want you free of any pain that I have caused you.  I love you enough to let you go.”  By this time, tears were falling down Morgan’s face into his palms.  He wanted to spare the female he loved pain and if this was the only way then so be it. 
 
Lailani could see that he was in geniune pain.  She heard his silent tears in his low, monotone voice.  She could sense he was physically hurting as she began to feel all achy too.  As much pain as she was in, she couldn’t stand to see him in pain and not offer some measure of comfort to him.  She walked over to him and began to run her fingers through his hair as his face was cupped into his hands.  His hair was soft and thick.  She leaned forward and whispered “Shssshh it’s okay. I’m here.”  She didn’t know if what she was doing was helping.  He didn’t shy away from her touch but he wasn’t responding to her either.  Maybe it was too late? 
 
Morgan responded to her without hesitation at the sound of her voice.  He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her body close his face.  He rested his face against her stomach and began continued to sob.  Lailani stole her arms around the back of Morgan’s neck cradling him to her body.  She continued to her fingers through his dark hair and with her other hand she rubbed circles between his shoulders.  Once Morgan’s breathing stabilized and his tears stopped, he looked up her.  Her gaze met his.  Sorrow, love, comfort, and peace all these emotions seem to be encapsulated all in that one gaze between these two lovers. 
 
Morgan stood up and pulled Lailani to his chest.  He hugged her tightly and she responded by holding onto his embrace.  In this quiet moment, Lailani whispered into his chest, “I love you Morgan.”  She wasn’t sure if he heard her or not.  But he did.  He pulled her face upward to meet his. “I love you too, Lailani.”  He bent down and kissed her softly.  Lailani felt all her walls crumble to bits and pieces.  There were no more walls.  Not anymore.  She didn’t need them.  She finally realized that love can overcome the strongest of barriers.   
 
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to eliminate any space between their bodies.  She could feel herself becoming aroused with each move of Morgan’s lips upon hers.  Morgan could smell her wonderful Japanese cherry blossom and orange scent fill his nostrils.  He wanted to bond with her now in a way they hadn’t before.  He scooped her bride style and carried her over to his bed.  He looked down at her and remained captivated by her beauty and warmth.  He felt like he was the luckiest person in the world to have found such a treasure.  He was completely enthralled by her charm, her wit, her personality, everything about her he adored. 
 
Lailani looked up at Morgan and felt the magnetic pull to him.  She felt the need to bond with him.  She raised her hands to the collar of his shirt and pulled him down to her lips.  At the moment of contact, she felt the need to possess him and brand him as her own.  She believed that he belonged to her and no one else.  Her kiss was hot and needy.  Full of wanton desire.  She opened her mouth to take in Morgan’s essence within her.  She felt powerful.  Her tongue licked his bottom lip and he opened his mouth for her.  Their tongues gliding back and forth all around tasting and sampling.  She ran her hands under Morgan’s shirt and scored her nails against his flesh pulling him down closer to her.  Morgan propped himself between her legs. One of hands reached went to her the top of her thigh and hitched up to his waist.  He could feel the passion and need erupting between them.   
 
Morgan removed his shirt and met Lailani’s lips this time with no restraint.  He needed his female.  Things had come full circle for them.  He needed her as much as she needed him.  Morgan slid off her clothes and shrugged off his pants.  He poised himself over her.  He was so in love with her.  He would spend every day showing her how devoted he was to her.  She was his to command and lord over.  Anything she wanted or needed Morgan would see that she has it.  He leaned down and began to nuzzle her neck, pressing light kisses against her flesh.  He sucked her skin as his fingers began rolling one of her taut nipples between his fingers.    He bit her neck so gently careful not to break the skin or scare her.  Lailani surrendered herself to him.  She decided that he could bite her if he wanted.  She was ready to be with him for all eternity.  To hell with what she said to Forester earlier.   
 
“Morgan…”  She spoke softly. 
 
“Hmmmm…” Morgan’s attention was elsewhere. 
 
“You can bite me if you want to.  In fact, I want you too.  I want to be with you forever.  I want to drink from you. I want to tasted your blood.” 
 
Morgan looked up to her completely stunned by what he just heard. “Lailani, I will not turn you.  I love you as you are.  I’ve never turned a human before and I’m not about to start now.  We will be together for however long time allows us.”  She didn’t want to argue with him in this moment.  This discussion would be resumed at a later time.  She just nodded.  “Right now, I want to make love to you.”  
 
“Yes, I don’t want to wait another minute to be with you.” 
 
Morgan spread her thighs and slid into her silky, wet core.  She was so tight every time he took her.  He slid back and forth, rocking against her hips.  Thrusting deeper with each stroke of his cock.  Lailani took all of him.  Their breathing increased becoming shorter and shorter.  She could feel Morgan’s cock rubbing inside her precious walls.  Feeling his erection penetrate her each time.  His strokes began to increase and so did their panting.  Lailani could feel she was near orgasm and called out his name, “Oh God, Morgan I’m coming. Yes!”  Responding to her calling, Morgan’s orgasm followed shortly “Lailani, God you feel so good.  I’m coming, Yes!”  Waves of energy crashed through them like a tidal wave. 
 
 
In a sudden move, Lailani pushed Morgan to the bed, straddled him, and slid back down on his erection.  She began to rock her body against his cock.  There was no end to her surprising him.  His erection met her core with delight.  Within a matter of moments, Morgan climaxed again shooting hot liquid into her honey hole.  Lailani followed shortly with her own delicious climax.  She fell forward onto his chest.  They both were damp with sweat and panting.  Morgan started to rub her back to soothe her swallow breaths.  Lailani shifted herself next to Morgan and cuddled next to him.  With his mind control, he flipped his surround sound on.  The music began to play.  “These lyrics best describe what I’m feeling right now.” Bon Jovi ‘Thank you for loving me’ began to play.  Lailani was familiar with this lovely tune.  She looked up at Morgan, “I feel the same way.”  For the first time, she really heard the lyrics and believed every word that was sung. 
 
Morgan and Lailani lay in each other arms and watched the candles burn brightly in the early morning hours just before sunrise.  This was the first time they came together without walls and secrets.  Lailani could hear Morgan’s breathing as she held him to her chest.  His face nuzzled between the valley of her breasts and both of his arms wrapped around her waist.  This was the first time Morgan had fallen asleep first.  She felt so privileged to watch him sleep. 
 
She stroked his hair, running her fingers through it and slowly rubbed between his shoulder blades.  She felt complete when she was with him.  He was the first man to make her feel alive since TJ.  She wanted to hold onto the feeling forever.  Technically, she would hold onto him forever or at least until it was her time to leave the earth.  This made her sad.  She just found him and she already began to think of life without him.  She was going to have to find a way to get Morgan to ‘change’ her.  It’s kinda funny; many years ago she yearned for death and now she longs for immortality. 
 
Several hours later, Lailani awakes to her cell phone ringing.  Not fully conscious she lets the caller go to voicemail.  A few minutes later her phone rings again, this time aggravated she looks at the caller ID and saw that it was her dad. 
 
“Hello…” she groggily whispers into the phone. 
 
“Happy Birthday Lailani!!! This mom and daddy.” 
 
“Hi daddy and mom.  How are you?” 
 
“We are good, your mom and I look forward seeing you in a couple hours around 7 o’clock.  I’m making pancit canton, eggrolls, rice pilaf and purple yam ice cream…all your favorite.” 
 
“Mmmmm.  That sound’s wonderful daddy.  I will see you all at 7 p.m.” 
 
“Lailani…?” 
 
“Yeah, daddy?” 
 
“Your mom says that you’re bringing someone with you?” 
 
“Uh…yeah daddy I am.  His name is Morgan Hawthorne.” 
 
“Is he your boyfriend?” 
 
Lailani really didn’t want to answer that last question.  She had indulged his other questions out of courtesy to him.  She knows that her dad cares about her and only wants her to be happy. 
 
“Yes, he is daddy.  He is my boyfriend.  He is a very nice man.  He treats me very well and we enjoy spending time together.” 
 
“Sounds good.  And now he’s very smart too.” 
 
“How do you know that?” 
 
“Because he has you in his life.  He chose wisely.  Okay okay bring him. We see you tonight. Bye bye.”  The phone call disconnected. 
 
Well that went to a whole new level of weird, she thought.  Speaking of a boyfriend, Lailani turns over to find she is alone in Morgan’s king size bed.  Only a slight indentation in his pillow remained as evidence that he slept there.  She got up from the bed, stretched and popped her neck and back.  She was feeling all sorts of sore as she recalled the number of times she and Morgan made love the night before.  It sent tingy shivers over her skin.  She smiled. She searched around for his robe and found it draped over the foot of his bed.  She slipped it into it and made her way into the bathroom.  She noticed her overnight bag was on the counter and wondered how that got there.  She recalled that she left it in her car last week. She went rummaging through for her travel toothbrush and paste.  She washed her faced and used the restroom.   
 
Lailani made her way out of Morgan’s bedroom toward the kitchen as she was starving for some grub.  As she came down the hall, she ran into Griffin as he was clutching the morning paper. 
 
“Oh, pardon me Madam.  Good morning to you.  Mr. Hawthorne is in the kitchen.  I was just on my way there with the morning paper.” 
 
“I’ll take it to him.” 
 
“Very well Madam.  Incidentally, I am glad you have returned.” 
 
“As am I, Griffin.”  Lailani had to appreciate Griffin’s genuineness.  She made her way in the kitchen and found Morgan making waffles. They smelled so good. 
 
“Your morning paper my dear,” she came up behind him. 
 
“Well hello there and thank you,” he leaned back and kissed her cheek.  “How about some waffles?  There’s hot tea on the stove.” 
 
“Waffles sound great.”  She makes her way to the stove with a cup for some tea.  She notices a box with a little red bow.  She picks it up and looks over to Morgan.  “Morgan…” she says in a sing-song voice. 
 
“Yessssss…..” He draws out the word playfully. 
 
“What is this?”  She holds up the box. 
 
“Oh, that’s for you.  Nothing special.  Just a token of my affection.”  He closed the waffle iron shut. 
 
“I thought I said NO presents on my birthday.” 
 
“That is not a present.  That is an unpresent.”  He was just too cute trying to placate her.  He didn’t think he was winning.  “Please open it.”  He looked over to her. 
 
Taking a few deep breaths, she opened the box.  Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.  It was a beautiful diamond and sapphire tennis bracelet.  She had never seen anything so beautiful. 
 
“I had it custom made for you. Your birthstone is a sapphire and mine is the diamond.  We are forever linked…so to speak.”  He smiled inwardly at his joke.  But she got what he meant.  She jumped in his arms and graciously accepted his gift.  She kissed him forcefully and he acquiesced to her lips.  “Well now that was a thank you! Happy Birthday!” He kissed her hair.  He could smell her Japanese cherry blossom and orange scent.  He could sense she was very happy. 
 
“You’re too good to me.  I love it Morgan.  Will you put it on me?” 
 
“With great pleasure,” Morgan unclasped he bracelet and looped it around her right wrist.  Lailani squeaked with delight.  She kissed his hand.  ‘Ding!’  Waffles were ready.  Morgan served Lailani some waffles and fresh fruit.  They ate in silence as Morgan was reading his paper and Lailani polished off her breakfast.  She broke the silence. 
 
“Morgan…” 
 
“Yes, beautiful?”  He reached for his cup of tea. 
 
“Why won’t turn me?”  She waited for his response. 
 
Morgan closed his paper and folded onto his lap.  He looked straight into Lailaini’s brown, slanted eyes.  He didn’t want to discuss this with her.  But he could sense that she would not let this go. 
 
“Because I will not damn you to this life where you have to drink blood and watch the ones you love the most leave this world.  I have spent the last several decades trying to make up my atrocities to mankind because I didn’t care about the human race in hopes I haven’t completely damned my soul.  If I were to turn you then, I would damn my soul for sure.  I can’t Lailani, please don’t ask me to do that.  My answer will always be no.”  He hated coming down on her so hard.  But he needed to know she understood his reasons. 
 
“You will not damn me to this life as you call it.  We would be together and happy.  As far as your soul goes, you’re not damned.  You do good things for the human race.  You don’t feed on humans.  You utilize Forester’s creation.  You work with humans.  Hell, look what you did for my center.  We won’t close our doors thanks to you.” 
 
“NO! I will not discuss this further!”  He slammed his fist down on the table. 
 
 
 
 
 
Lailani retracted her next statement and sat there in silence.  She didn’t want to make him upset. Now, she felt bad because she believed she caused disappointment in him.  Morgan, sensing she was upset, leaned forward and rested his head to hers and kissed the side of her temple. 
 
“I’m sorry for yelling, especially on your birthday.  It’s just I hope you understand that I love you and won’t do anything to jeopardize you and your soul.  Please…” She cut him off. 
 
“Hey, we don’t have to talk about this anymore.  I won’t ask again.”  Lailani leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his nape.  She was going to do her best to never ask him again to change her.  She tries to change the subject. 
 
“So…I got a call from my dad this morning.  My parents know you’re coming to dinner and you’re my boyfriend.” 
 
“Oh, is that a good thing or bad thing?” 
 
“That depends on how you look at it.  My parents are very inquisitive and not subtle at times.”  She giggled.  “I’m sure they’re gonna love you as I do.”  She kissed his nose and giggled again. 
 
“You know you have the cutest giggle.”   
 
“And you have cutest….”Lailani trails off taking Morgan’s paper from his lap.  She knows he loves his morning paper and scoots away from his grasp. 
 
“Oh so you wanna play now?”  He gets up from his chair and follows her around the kitchen island. 
 
“Looks like someone’s lost his paper…awww poor wittle vampire,” she was teasing him now and begins to run out of the kitchen and down the hall. 
 
“So you liked to be chased now.  Then chase you, I will.”  Morgan goes running after Lailani following her trail of giggles and snickers. 
 
“Don’t forget I have one hell of a punch and kick!”  She reminded Morgan. 
 
“Oh, I remember but you won’t have a chance.”  He leapt over the couch with his vampire speed and caught her by the waist.  Lailani begins to scream and laugh as Morgan grabbed her.  “Gotcha.”  They tumbled on the floor and Morgan had her pinned down on the ground.  “Now, that I’ve got you what shall I do to you.” 
 
Lailani leaned upward to his face to whisper something in his ear.  “Well it’s my birthday, so I get to decide.” 
 
“What do you have in mind?” He smiled at her devilishly. 
 
“How about you make love to me over and over, pounding and thrusting in me making come again and again while I shout your name?”  She wanted to nip and bite his neck playfully as he does to her.  She believed what fair is fair.  She bit his neck careful not to draw blood. 
 
Shocked and aroused at the same time, Morgan could see that Lailani was walking a tight rope between teasing and actually biting and drawing blood.  He decided that her bites were harmless and would only intense the chemistry between them.  He knew where the line was drawn and wouldn’t cross it.  “You just bit me.”   
 
“Are you upset with me?” 
 
“No, in fact your little love bite turned me on.”  Morgan scooped her up in his arms and carried her to his bedroom.  He could never say no to his female.  “God, I’m going to love your body with mine.”  Morgan pressed his lips to hers with passion and need and headed to his room.  Nothing sighs and pleasurable moans escaped from their throats for the next couple of hours. 
 
At 6:45 p.m., Morgan is driving down Calhoun Avenue toward Lailani’s parent’s home.  He felt somewhat nervous. Not that being vampire could complicate things but he had never actually met a female’s parents before. 
 
“Hey, you okay?  What’s going on?”  She sensed something was off with him. 
 
“Oh, yeah.  I’m great.  Just alittle nervous.  Parents….and all.”  He gripped her hand for reassurance. 
 
“It will be fine.  They are gonna love you.  But I warn you they are gonna ask you a ton of questions.” 
 
“Questions, I can do.  I just hope to hide my….” He slid his tongue over one of his vampire teeth. 
 
“Oh, that? No it will be fine.  They won’t even be paying that close attention.  Trust me.  Okay, here we are.” 
 
They got out of the car and made their way to the front door.  Lailani knocked on the door and waited for one of her parents to answer the door.  Tina answered the door and grabbed Lailani for a hug as they stepped into the entry way. 
 
“Oh, Lailani Happy Birthday!”  Both her parents cried out as Lailani’s dad came around the corner. 
 
“Hey, thanks.  Mom, Daddy, I would like to meet Morgan Hawthorne.” Lailani introduced her parents to the new guy. 
 
“It is a pleasure to you meet you both.  Lailani has spoken of you both in glowing terms.” Morgan shook her mom’s hand then her dad’s hand. 
 
“It is so good to meet you as well Morgan.  Welcome to our home.” 
 
The rest of evening was enjoyable.  Lailani showed off the beautiful bracelet Morgan gave her which her parents absolutely loved.   Morgan shared some things about his personal life which Lailani appreciated.  Her parents were just as inquisitive as she described.  But Morgan didn’t mind.  He knew it pleased the female he loved.  Morgan enjoyed eating traditional Filipino food.  He had never experienced such savory food in his life.  Lailani’s parents shared with him about their Navy travels and childhood stories which embarrassed her.  Well, it was her birthday.  Although this was their first meeting, Lailani’s parents could see how devoted Morgan was to their daughter.  They detected that he possibly loved her.   
 
“Well, we have to be going.  I have to be in work tomorrow and Morgan has an early meeting.”  Morgan gave her a puzzled look. 
 
“Before we depart, Mr. Sunglao I would like your official permission to court your daughter.  I know Lailani thinks I’m old fashioned, but I prefer respectful.” Morgan turned to wink at Lailani sensing her aggravation. 
 
“Morgan, I give you my permission to court my daughter.”  The men shook hands. 
 
“See that wasn’t so bad” Morgan turned to Lailani and chuckled. 
 
“Oh you’re gonna get it.”  Lailani was fuming. 
 
“Well, this was a wonderful birthday we got to spend with you.  It was especially wonderful meeting you Morgan.  You just light up our Lailani’s life.”  Tina just went over the line. 
 
“Okay, and on that note mom, I love you and gotta go.”  Lailani hugs her mom and then walks to her dad and embraces him. 
 
“It’s okay Lailani, you look so cute when you’re embarrassed.”  He smiled with coy. 
 
“Bye daddy.” 
 
“Bye Lailani, call Sensei Kim tomorrow. He needs to meet with you.” 
 
“Okay, I’ll see him after work.” 
 
Lailani and Morgan departed in the escalade from the house and returned back to her apartment.  She walked over to her stove and decided to put some tea on.  Morgan walked into the kitchen. 
 
Somewhat confused about something, “So, who is my early meeting with?” 
 
“That would be me.” She stood on her tip toes to reach his well chiseled jawline and kissed him. 
 
“Tell me, what are we discussing?”  He lifted her up kissing her lips and her legs wrapped around his waist.  His lips traveled to her neck and began to worshiped her skin while his large hands roamed freely about her body.  He began to trace the nipple through her clothes. ‘Damn he was good.’ 
 
“We are discussing 10 ways not to embarrass your girlfriend in front of her parents.”  She moaned lightly to Morgan’s teasing touch. 
 
“I see, well I guess I’m going to have to work on that now aren’t I?”  He stole his mouth to hers and started to trace his tongue on the outside of her lower lip.  He nipped and teased her.  She loved it when he did that.  She pulled him closer taking his wonderful scent of ocean and Irish spring; Morgan cupped her full breast in his palm.  He loved the way she felt.  She molded perfectly to his touch.  The wetness began to pool between her legs.  She wanted Morgan’s face between her thighs making her holler his name over and over.  And in no time flat, she got her wish. 
 
The next morning bright and early Lailani rose at the sound of her alarm clock.  She sat up and gave herself a good stretch.  She felt something stinging on her body.  She looked down and saw bite marks on her torso and between her breasts.  Morgan left his calling card, she thought.  Speaking of Morgan, where was he?  She didn’t hear the shower going or hear him in the kitchen.  He’s a loud chef.  She looked over to hear night stand and saw there was note: 
 
“Good morning my beautiful Asian girlfriend, sorry that I am not here when you wake up.  I had to go to work very early at the last minute.  You looked so peaceful and didn’t have the heart to wake you.  By the way, sorry about the love bites on you.  I got a little carried away last night.  I may not see you tonight because I have multiple meetings back to back well into the late evening then I have late conference call from Europe.  So how about a romantic date on Friday night?  Wear something formal.  I love you.  P.S. I hope you like where I take you. Love, Morgan” 
 
Lailani never thought she could have it this good.  She was in a relationship with a wonderful man who professes his love on a daily basis.  Her job is secure and won’t be losing her clients.  Her parents were happy that she was seeing someone.  Things were good at her dojo.  What more could she ask for?  Her cell phone beeps.  She received from Morgan:  “I miss you already.”  She sent a reply:  “Ditto. Gotta get ready for work.  Will call you later.”  SEND.  She hoped out her bed and made up the sheets. She walked over to her bathroom and began her morning routine.  It was time to select work attire.  She decided that she would wear khaki pants and blue polo shirt with three buttons down the front.  No matter what shirt she wore; her breasts were always defined.  She kinda liked it.   
 
Lailani headed out the door and made her way to work.  She got there around 7:35 before her other co-workers.  She entered the building and it was pitch black.  She flipped on the lights and started the morning coffee. She got to her office and saw her phone was blinking.  She picked up her messages as they were from her clients.  They were calling to reschedule appointments.  She penciled in the new appointments and looked down on her desk and saw she had some loose papers that need filing.  She went out to the file room, still being the only one in the building, she heard someone rustling in the building.  She figured it was either Margie or douche bag Sam as they are the early birds at Haven House. 
 
“Hey, I thought I was the only early bird.”  It was Sam. 
 
“Hey, got an early start so I figured that I would begin the day.”  Lailani finished filing the rest of paperwork. 
 
“You know Lailani, you work too hard.” 
 
“Well we all have been working hard over the last few weeks.  Trying to keep the center open.  Looking for funding, change in directors.  A lot changes happening in a short period of time.”  She tried to walk past him. 
 
Sam put his hands on her shoulders to stop her. “You know, I think we should go out sometime.” 
 
“Oh Sam, I am flattered but we can’t.  You’re my boss.  Ethical codes and all.”   
 
“We don’t have to tell anyone.”  Attempting to dissuade her. 
 
“Uh…Sam I don’t think so.”  Okay, subtlety is not working here.   
 
“Don’t tell me there’s someone else.” 
 
“What if I said there was?!?” 
 
“Then I would say either A. you’re lying or B. I just made a complete fool of myself.” 
 
“That would be option B. you fucking douche bag!”  Lailani shrugged of his hands. 
 
“Oh geez, Lailani I’m sorry.  I could’ve sworn all this time you were single.” 
 
“Well Sam, that’s what your get when you assume you make an ASS out of you and you alone!” 
 
“What a minute, you could be lying right now just trying to avoid going out with me.” 
 
Okay time to get mean.  “Listen, Sam I don’t date fellow therapists especially my supervisor.  Even if I did, I don’t feel anything toward you but friendship.  In addition, don’t you have a girlfriend who worships the ground you walk on?” 
 
“Well we’re kinda on the outs and besides I’ve always had thing for you.  You had to have known.” 
 
“Nope, I sure didn’t.  Okay this situation just jumped up to my top 10 of weird.” 
 
“Duly noted, so we’re gonna pretend this conversation didn’t happen. Okay?” 
 
“Yup, I can do that. I’ll see ya later Sam.” 
 
Lailani scooted back to her office and closed her door.  Geez, what was going on with Sam?  This was super weird.   Never in a million years could she ever see herself with him let alone she felt she had ‘dumbass’ tattooed on her forehead, how could she not pick up on Sam’s feelings for her.  Her radar must be off. 
 
Her office phone rings, she picks up frustrated “Sunglao here.” 
 
“Hey, are you okay?”  Thank God, it was Morgan.  “I sensed something was going on with you.” 
 
“Well, you’ll never believe this but…now don’t freak out Morgan.” 
 
“Lailani, tell me…” his voice went from concerned to harsh. 
 
“Sam just hit on me.  I think he was on the rebound and was confused.  Anyway I told him that I was seeing someone and that was how I left it.  Anyway he go the hint so Morgan…Hello Morgan?”  Dead silence.  She looked down on at the phone.  Maybe the call dropped?  She looked up there was Morgan standing against her door in a whole dimension of pissed off.  She rushed from her desk.  Oh no, he was about to beat Sam within an inch of his life. 
 
“Morgan, hey it’s okay.  He didn’t make at a pass at me. Hey, hey it’s okay…” she realized she needed to talk him down.  Lailani knew that Morgan got jealous but did not realize it went to this level.   
 
“Lailani I am glad to see that you’re okay, but right now I want to go beat his ass.  But that would be bad for you right now.  I don’t want you to lose your job.” 
 
“Yes, that would be appreciated.  Morgan not that you don’t have the right to be somewhat upset at Sam, but why are you taking it to this extreme?” 
 
“See Lailaini, when vampires find their mates and bond with them.  They become very protective of them.  We defend our mates with our very lives and will beat, kill, maim, or stab anyone who attempts to make a pass at them or tries to take them away.  Plus I admit it, we are jealous creatures and become territorial. I’m not trying to control you, please don’t think that.  I just wanted to explain our bonding behaviors.” 
 
Lailani could see that Morgan was merely explaining his behavior and not attempting to control her.  She cupped his face with her hands and brought his lips to hers.  She kissed him lightly.  “Hey, it’s okay.  I understand.  I don’t think you’re trying to control me.  I love the fact you came here to defend my honor…well sorta.”  Lailani looked at her watch and saw that it was 8:10.  “Hey don’t you have meetings?  I have a client in 5 minutes.” 
 
“Yeah beloved I do, but I can’t help it but feel like I should stick close by.  Just in case Sam gets ideas again.” 
 
“Look you can’t protect me from everything or everyone especially if people make a pass at me.  Don’t worry I can handle myself.  Sam knows where I stand.  He won’t try anything again because he’s too embarrassed.  Here is a little token to remember me by to make your day go so much faster.”  Lailani unzipped her pants and slid off her lace panties and stuffed them in Morgan’s jacket.  That wonderful scent of hers that gave monstrous hard-ons was imbedded in the lace.   She put her hand of over his erection and rubbed him softly.  
 
“You know that’s dangerous for you to be doing that.  I just may have to take you right now.”  
 
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder so I guess I’ll you see tomorrow night then.”  Lailani steps away from Morgan’s erection and rezips her pants.   
 
Morgan leaned down and kissed her temple.  “Well, I’m glad I got to see you even though it was like this.  I’m gonna get at you tomorrow night just you want and see.  Don’t forget about tomorrow night, wear something formal.”  He flashed out of her office.  The remnants of his ocean and Irish spring scent lingered in the air. 
 
Lailani’s next client was waiting for her.  For the rest of the day, Sam made it a point to avoid her.  She could sense the weirdness between them which was okay for her.  She could get all her work done on time so that she could get to the dojo on time for practice. 
 
At 5:07 p.m., Lailani punches out for the day and heads down to the dojo.  She pulls into the parking lot and goes inside to change into her karate gi.  Except to her surprise the dojo is empty…no teachers, no students, no one.  She calls out for someone to answer and is met with silence. 
 
“Lailani…” Sensei Kim is behind her. 
 
“Oh Sensei Kim, where is everyone?” 
 
“Today, the dojo is closed.  Come you and I have much to discuss.”  Her teacher turned around and led to her one of the back rooms.  The room was light up with candles.  In the center of the room, there was a small table with a red cloth draped over it. 
 
“What is going on here?”  Lailani was really puzzled. 
 
“The time has come.  On your 30th birthday, you came of age.  You must embrace your destiny.” 
 
“What…what are you talking about what destiny?  My dad said you needed to see me…” she trailed off as her father appeared from the shadows.  “Daddy, what is going on?” 
 
“I called Roy to come here today so that he may tell you everything.” 
 
“Lailani it is time you were told the truth about our ancestors.  You and I are descendants from a line of ancient warriors.  During the Manchu dynasty, there lived a great warrior by the name of Lin Dan.  Lin Dan possessed the deadliest of skills.  He was quick with a blade, throwing knives, a staff, any kind of weapon he could wield he excelled at.  He was summoned by the emperor to rid the land of the enemy.  However, a servant in the palace betrayed the emperor for money and allowed his enemy to enter the palace.  Lin Dan fought bravely to defend the emperor and his family but was overtaken. The enemy killed everyone in the palace including Lin Dan and his family except a stable boy who was hiding in a secret passage in the palace and Lin Dan’s only surviving child Mei Ling.  You and I are her descendants.  With Lin Dan’s dying breath he charged the stable boy with care of his only child.”  Roy looked over to Sensei Kim. 
 
“I am the descendant of the stable boy.  Our family has been charged with protecting and training the descendants of Lin Dan.” 
 
“Wait daddy, I’m confused.  What does this have to do with us?  It’s good to know our history but…hold on why don’t you know Eskrima?” 
 
“Because I do not possess the mark of the warrior.  You do my daughter.” 
 
“What mark?  I have no mark upon me?” 
 
“The birthmark on your shoulder blade in the shape of a moon is the mark of the warrior who is to be trained in these special arts.” 
 
“Wait a fucking minute!  That is why you enrolled me in this school and began training at age 11 isn’t it?” 
 
“Yes.” 
 
Lailani points to Sensei Kim.  “You knew all along too?” 
 
Sensei Kim bowed to her in agreement. 
 
“You both lied to me for the last 19 years of my life!” 
 
“Lailani please understand we couldn’t tell you.  I had hoped that my daughter would be spared this.  There has not been a warrior born in the last 75 years.  I am so sorry that you must find out this way.” 
 
“Does mom know?” 
 
“Yes, I told her my history when I met her.  It was only fair she knew about my ancestry in case we had children who bore the mark.  Please don’t upset with her; she was wanted to tell you for a long time now.  I would not let her until you’re 30th birthday.” 
 
“I’m going out of my fucking mind. I have to get outta here.”  Lailani looked around for the quickest exit. 
 
 “You need to hear the rest of it. Lin Dan’s enemies were vampires.  I know it’s hard to believe in vampires, but they exist.  He was trained in the art of Eskrima, Ninjitsu, and Kenpo in order to defeat these blood sucking creatures.” Lailani’s heart dropped when she heard her father say the word….vampire.  She remained in silence and allowed him to finish the story.   Oh, God this just went from bad to worse.  
 
“Lin Dan trained his family members who possessed the mark of the warrior and only those who possessed this mark were allowed to be trained in these deadly martial arts.  His only living daughter who survived the massacre escaped.  Sensei Kim’s descendants have cared for our family for the last several centuries.  Our descendants have killed many vampires in order to protect mankind.  When you come in contact with one, you must always been on your guard and have some sort of weapon on you.  Only injury to vital organs and beheading will kill them.”  Roy unwrapped a beautiful sword and laid it upon the small table.  “This was the sword of Lin Dan.  It has been passed down to his descendants.  My father gave it to me and now it is passed onto you.  This sword will be your companion in combat.  Trust in it. I know this hard for you my daughter.  But this is your destiny.” 
 
 “My destiny….my destiny…no, I don’t think so! I am a therapist and not some killer.  I will use my skills to defend myself and others but I will not kill just because my ancestors did.”  She pushed the sword away.  
 
“You cannot walk away from this.  The blood of Lin Dan courses through your veins.  Yes you will feel compelled to fight and defend and it will be vampires that you will slay.  Vampires feed upon humans.  They don’t care about humanity.  It is your duty to defend others who cannot help themselves against these ghoulish creatures.”  
 
Lailani couldn’t take any more of this.  How wrong her father was.  Modern vampires did care about humanity.  She couldn’t kill vampires.  No fucking way!  Her lover was vampire and so was his friend.  They were good people who cared about the human race.  Hell, synthetic blood was created in order to service their needs.  But how was she going to tell her dad and Sensei this.  Her heart began to break.  Tears poured from her face.  She collapsed to the floor and hugged her knees and prayed that she has been dreaming the last 15 minutes of her life. 
 
Morgan knew something was wrong.  He sensed something was distressing his female.  Morgan didn’t detect that she was in danger just very upset. He so desperately wanted to go to her, but he didn’t want her to think that he was being way too over protective other than what his vampiric nature dictated.  Morgan paced around in his office and decided he would give Lailani 10 more minutes then he was going to call her or flash to where she was.  He had two more meetings lined up and was ready to cancel them. 
 
Ten minutes passed so slowly seemed like an eternity.  His pacing increased.  He took off his jacket and loosened his tie.  Tiny beads of sweat began to run down his neck.  Morgan ran his finger through his hair pushing the longer strands in front behind his head.  He stared out across his desk.  His lips were pursed; he was looking down at tickets he brought Lailani.  At the way things were going he didn’t they would make it.  
 
 Morgan was frantic internally.  He was trembling from the inside out.  He could not steady his hand to sign papers.  He felt he was going to pass out.  He stood up from his desk with force which sent his chair sliding back several feet.  He walked over to this personal fridge and got out a bottle of his blood wine.  He hoped this would help his constitution.  “Damn!” This was his last bottle.  He would have to get Griffin to restock his fridge.  He twists off the cap and drinks the beverage quickly.  He wipes his mouth with his hand as he feels a few droplets dribble to his chin.  After he consumed his blood wine, he chased with it Pepsi.  One drawback to Forester’s creation was the tart after taste, unlike human blood where it is just as sweet as pie.  A slice of heaven. 
 
All of a sudden, his cell phone chimes.  He anxiously grabs the electronic device to see who sent him a text. It was his business contact stating that conference call to Europe was rescheduled for next week which was okay for him.  One less thing he had to deal with.  Now if only he could get out of these meetings.  God, why hasn’t Lailani called him?  He knows she needs him.  What the hell is going on with her? 
 
Lailani returned from the restroom in the dojo after splashing some cold water on her face in attempt to digest the whopper story her dad and Sensei just spewed out.  She was having a difficult time wrapping this around her head.  All she could think about was Morgan.  She couldn’t kill him.  No fucking way!  She couldn’t slay the one she loved.  She walked back to the room lit with candles and faced her dad and Sensei. 
 
“I want you both to hear me loud and clear.  I DO NOT and WILL NOT go around needlessly killing.  It goes against my moral compass and everything I believe in.  I will not be judge, jury, and executioner to any living being.” 
 
Sensei Kim stepped in front of her to block her exit.   
 
“Let me by Sensei,” she yelled out with disdain and rage. 
 
Roy spoke up, “You do not have a choice.  You cannot change where you came from or your heritage.  You will be able to sense evil and it will be in your nature to stop it.  You will be drawn to defend the weak against the evil beings that are vampires.  It is in your bloodline.  In addition, you have been blessed with long life.” 
 
“Long life, what does that mean?” 
 
“You have been blessed with a form of immortality.” 
 
“A form?” 
 
“Yes, you will never age past 30 years of age.  You’re likely never to be sick or suffer from any diseases like cancer.  Your physical strength and skill will increase over time.  In fact it has increased tenfold over the last few weeks.  You will live a long a life unless you are mortally wounded and there is no chance to save you or until you are ready to pass on.  This is both a blessing and curse.” 
 
“No, no. There are no blessings in any of this.  This is a curse.  How am I ever…” Pissed off beyond all recognition, she needed time to think about to do next.  Be away from all this craziness. 
 
“Balance must be kept.  The dragon and tiger energies that flow through you will speak to you.  They will guide you.  You possess something that many of Lin Dan’s line did not…compassion.  Remember that.”  Sense Kim spoke his last words and left the room. 
 
Roy turned to face his grief stricken daughter.  “I know this is a lot to handle.  Go home and think about all that you have just heard.  You can choose to ignore this but you will not be able to walk away.  You are very special Lailani.  There has not been a warrior of your magnitude since Lin Dan.  I am much honored to call you my daughter.”  He bowed to her gracefully while offering the sword. 
 
Lailani reluctantly accepts it.  Tears begin to well at the base of her eye lids.  “My life was finally going in the direction I wanted.  My job was great and I met someone wonderful.  What am I supposed to tell him Daddy?  What am I supposed to do about my job?  Am I supposed to start wondering the world seeking out vampires and killing them?  That’s crazy I’m looking for trouble not defending people properly.” 
 
“If you deem him worthy, tell him about our ancestry.  As far as your job goes, keep it.  But, be on your guard at all times.  Never be without this sword or some form of weapon.  Either way you will know what to do when the time comes.  You will have already thought long and hard about it.  You will only react.” 
 
“I don’t think I can do this…NO! I don’t want this.” 
 
Roys embraces his daughter with his loving arms.  That’s one of the worst things in the world for a parent to witness….their child in pain and there is nothing they can do about it.  Life was really sucking at this point in the game.  He kissed his daughter’s forehead and left the room.  
 
Lailani wiped the tears away with her thumb and left the dojo with the sword in hand.  She drove very slowly on her way home in hopes the drive would relieve some of the tension.  Her phone began to ring.  It was Morgan.  Oh God, what was she to say to him?  She hadn’t told her dad and Sensei of Morgan’s origin.  Could she keep that a secret from them?  She could keep this a secret from Morgan?  The phone was on the second ring.  She knew she needed to answer him otherwise he would likely flash himself in her car, then where would she be.  She cleared her throat and flipped the phone open. 
 
“Hello…” 
 
“Hey are you okay?  Is it Sam again?  I know you’re upset.  I have been rattled for the last 30 minutes.” 
 
“Oh no, everything is fine.”  She hated lying to him.  That was the first lie she ever told him.  “I got into a heated discussion with my dad and Sensei.  Anyway it’s over now.  How’s your evening going?”  Attempting to placate him with questions. 
 
“Bullshit! I know you’re upset and hurting all over physically.  I am not feeling so hot myself.” 
 
“Morgan, please I can’t do this right now.  I am fine.  I just got into a fight with my dad and just don’t want to talk anymore about it.  End of discussion.” 
 
“I’ll let it go this time.  Know this Lailani, I will end up finding out the truth.  I always do.” 
 
“Seriously, are you threatening me?” 
 
“No just merely stating a fact.” 
 
“Well you can that fact and shove it up your ass.  Do not call me for the rest of evening and do not flash to my home and stalk me.  I will call the police if you do, that is no threat, that’s a promise!”  She hung up on him.  She did not need his crazy vampireness right now either.  She needed to unwind. 
 
Okay now he was pissed off!  How could she say that to him?  All he wants to do is take care of her.  Make sure she is okay and tend to her needs.  Maybe she needs more than that asshole?  Maybe she needs space just as she requested…well demanded.  He would respect what she said as he did not want to lose her. Morgan decided to keep his last two meetings in order to remain constructive. 
 
As the evening dragged slowly on, Morgan finished up the last bit of his paperwork as the meeting drew to a close.  He had dismissed Griffin several hours ago and told him he would take a taxi home.  He thought about Lailani and wanted to flash to her home and comfort her but he knew he would be met with rejection.  He grabbed his jacket off the back of his and slipped it on.  Out of nowhere, he caught her scent.  Her Japanese cherry blossom and orange scent was faint but he caught him.  A smile was brought to his face and began to towards his doors thinking she was on the other side.  He stuck his head out and nothing. The hallway was empty.  He walked back to his desk to get his wallet and keys, still puzzled by her scent.  He stuffed his wallet in jacket then felt something inside his jacket. 
 
Morgan reached in and pulled out the pair of lace panties she stuffed in there earlier that morning.  Now a big shit eating grin appeared on his face. He brought the tender lace up to his nose.  He was getting aroused just thinking about her.  She smelled so good.  Morgan’s aggravation told her disappeared as he reminisced about their last meeting.  He was going to call her up and apologize for acting like a brute.  He loved his female and would do anything for.  Suddenly, Morgan caught a whiff of death in his office.  He recognized it instantly. 
 
“Well, well, well.  Morgan Hawthorne.  I see you have some sort of trophy from latest conquest.”  Khan sat down lesiurely on Morgan’s couch. 
 
“Get the hell out of her Khan!”  Morgan stuffed the lace in his pocket quickly.  He didn’t want Khan to get a catch a trace of Lailani’s scent.  “Where are you minions, your followers?” 
 
“Temper, temper.  Once again Morgan.  Your manners need improvement.  I disposed of them.  They bore me.  I prefer the solo track.” 
 
“What do you want Khan?” 
 
“Oh nothing really, just seeing old friends.  You seem different from the last time we met.”  Khan took a deep breath as he caught something in the air.  “Smells wonderful whoever that is, I’ll bet she tastes even better.” 
 
“We are not friends you sick bastard.  Stay the hell away from me if you know what’s good for you!” 
 
“You know name calling is not the wisest thing to do Morgan.  You may get hurt.” 
 
“Bring it on, you miserable piece of shit!” 
 
Khan flashed in front of Morgan and swung his fist and gave him a hard POP! across his right cheek.  Morgan grabbed Khan by the waist and hurled back toward the couch making fall against the wall with a very loud THUD! cracking the picture behind him.  He grabbed a 9 mm gun that kept hidden under his desk and aimed it over Khan’s heart. 
 
“This is your last warning.  Come near me again and I will blow your fucking brains out.” 
 
“You know I think I’ll take my leave now.  Next time we see each other you will die!”  Khan flashed away. 
 
Morgan grabbed his cellphone as he headed out the door.  “Griffin, Khan has made another appearance, make the villa ready; every arsenal is to be checked and make sure the cameras are working and the backup generators.  I want to be fully prepared.  He will strike soon.” 
 
Once Lailani got home, she got out of her work clothes and took a long, hot shower.  She felt the tension melting from her body.  Mentally, she was racked with grief and confusion.  She wasn’t sure what she was going to do.  She needed to sleep on it.  Once her shower was concluded, she slipped into a t-shirt and some boxers and went to bed without any dinner.  She just needed to rest. 
 
Rest was something that Lailani did not have much of the night before.  She maybe got 5 hours of sleep before waking up for her early day on Fridays.  She got out of bed and walked to her closet for some jeans and a t-shirt.  She caught a glimpse of something shiny at the back of her closet. She noticed it was a royal blue dress that glittered.  She completely forgot she had this dress.  She had worn in it in several years.  She decided she would wear it tonight to wherever Morgan was taking her.  Yup she decided to keep her date with Morgan.  She would tell him after this evening about her…past and future.  This was going to break him.   
 
She got dressed and ate a quick bowl of Cheerios before heading out the door.  Once again she got to work before anyone else did.  She was there at 6:19 a.m.  Not even douchebag Sam ever got to work before 6:45 on Fridays.  She made her way in the office and noticed there was something different…a different scent was in the building.  She knew it wasn’t Morgan or Forester.  It smelled like death.  This sent chills down her spine.  Briefly, she recalled what her father said, “You will be able to sense evil and it will be in your nature to stop it.”  She walked down toward the copy room to copy some reading material for one of her clients. 
 
Hands came around over her mouth and torso.  She went into warrior mode ready to take down whoever this was.  She remained calm in an effort not to alert Morgan.  She was struggling against whoever this was.  One of her arms became free and she whirled out this tight hold and pushed back a body with a quick punch. 
 
“Damn! So it’s true.  Morgan has bonded to someone.”  She didn’t recognize who this was but believed it was a vampire. 
 
“Who the hell are you and what do you want?” 
 
“Forgive me, my name is Khan.  I am an old friend of Morgan’s.  What is your name?" 
 
“Lailani...and somehow I seriously doubt that Morgan would be friends with the likes of you.  Now what do you want with me?” 
 
“Well I heard through grape vine that Morgan had bonded to a female.  I am surprised that he bonded to a human female.  I had to see it for myself.  I picked up your scent from Morgan’s office.  He was remembering you fondly with a pair of lace panties I believe.”  Khan inhaled deeply.  “I can see why Morgan is drawn to you.  You smell delicious.  I am surprised that Morgan can hold himself back from feasting on your blood that smells as intoxicating as yours does.” 
 
“I think you should leave and while you’re at it stay the hell away from me and from Morgan.” 
 
“Are you protecting him?  A lousy human making a threat to me?  You are a very stupid bitch and unaware of who I am.  I could rip to shreds and drain you dry within a matter of minutes.  You should be very afraid of me.” 
 
“Listen up, Bitch!”  She emphasized the word.  “You don’t have a fucking clue who you’re dealing with.  I don’t fear assholes and bullies in humans and I sure as hell don’t fear them in vampires!”  She had no idea where this boldness was coming from but there it was. 
 
Not fearing for her life but fearing the danger this Khan character was to Morgan, she crouched down in her fighting mode.  She could feel her blood boiling and her senses began to sharpen and become keener.  “You can try to kill me and you might succeed but not before I inflict significant damage to you and rip your throat out. I will defend Morgan with my life.  Make my day you piece of shit!” 
 
Khan completely stunned by her outburst, because no one talks to him that way and lives.  He began to hear people in the background entering the building. He wanted to finish this in private where he has ample room and plenty of strength to take her on.  He recognized his need for blood as he has been weakened.  “You just may get your wish.  But now is not the time.  We will meet again soon Lailani.  I promise you that.”  He disappeared before her eyes. 
 
“You can count on it!”  She left the copy room with a whole new set of strength and power she had never felt before. 
 
After her most recent encounter with a new vampire, and a deadly one at that, Lailani decided it would be best if she took a few days off.  She need time to regroup and tell Morgan what was going on with her.  She needed to warn him.  After all, he deserved to know the truth.  She only hoped that her new ‘identity’ would not compel her to kill him.  She would let him go.  Free to live and find another.  In spite of everything, how or why would he want to be with a vampire slayer?  She supposedly kills or will kill his kind.  Just before 1 o’clock, Lailani heads toward Sam’s office.  She knocks on the door and waits for his response. “It’s open.” 
 
She walks in swiftly and approaches his desk.  “Sam I need to take some time off effective Monday,” she spoke sternly placing her hands on his desk. 
 
“Wait, is this about what happened yesterday…cause there’s no…” She cut him off abruptly. 
 
“No, this has nothing to do with that.  I have some things that came up that I need to deal with.  How much PTO (paid time off) do I have before I have to dip into my vacation?” 
 
Sam looks at his computer screen and punches a few keys on his keyboard.  “Let’s see you have accumulated over the last 3 years here….12 weeks of PTO.  But that does not include this year’s so a total of almost 15 weeks. How much do you want to use?”  He looked up at her hard face. 
 
“Two weeks for now Sam.  I have already divided my caseload between the other therapists.  If I need more time, you’ll be the first one I inform.”  She turned her back to him and made her way to the door. 
 
“Lailani, is everything alright?  Anything I can do?”  Sam really meant it.  He hoped Lailani could see his sincerity.  He knew she was one of the best therapists on his staff and didn’t want to lose her. 
 
“Yeah, Sam it’s all good.  I just gotta take some time for myself.  Don’t worry.  I have no intention of leaving Haven House.”  Her hand was on the door handle ready to bolt. 
 
“Okay, well if you need to talk or whatever you know where to find me.”   
 
“I do and thanks Sam.”  She exited his office 
 
Lailani raced down the street to the dojo.  She had needed to see Sensei Kim.  When she got there, she ran through the front doors searching for her teacher.  She found him praying in his office to Buddha.  She waited patiently until he completed his meditation before entering.  Once he rose from his knees, that was her cue. 
 
“Excuse me Sensei I need to ask you something if you have time?” 
 
“I have all the time in the world for you my child.  Tell me what is it you want to know? 
 
“I can live a normal life right?  Like have a family? Keep my job? Travel?” 
 
“Of course you can.  Why would you think otherwise?” 
 
“Well last night I got hit with a whale-of-a story about my past history.  I now I am some sort of vampire slayer.” 
 
“Your present life does not end just because a new chapter has been added.  You just have more responsibilities is all.  As a burdensome as that can be, it cannot be helped.  Balance is key.  Do have all the answers you seek?” 
 
“What if I meet vampires who don’t hurt mankind?” 
 
“They are liars.  Do not give into their charm and stories.  They will destroy you.” 
 
“Last night, my daddy said that I will be able to sense the evil in them.  What if I meet one who is not evil and do not sense it what then?” 
 
“It is still your duty to destroy them. Around the turn of the century you’re great, great, great, great aunt Soo-young along with other vampire slayers met what she thought was a ‘good’ vampire.  He swore that he didn’t kill humans only animals to survive.  She trusted in him but in turn he slaughtered a whole village men, women, and children.  She was left with no choice but to destroy him no matter what her reservations were.  She had to carry around the guilt she felt of innocent blood that was shed because she didn’t destroy him.  She took her own life to assuage her honor and guilt.  Don’t repeat her mistakes.” 
 
“You all told me last night that I possess compassion unlike other descendants of Lin Dan and my compassion will aid me correct?  And compassion toward others is not weakness correct?” 
 
“Correct on both counts.” 
 
“If I choose to be merciful, then I may give it to whomever I please.  And it is not your place or anyone else’s to tell me who I give mercy to.  I have to live with these choices and not you or anyone else can decide otherwise for me.  I have no intention in repeating past mistakes.  However, I am still human and will fuck up.” 
 
“Yes you are correct.  You can choose to let those ghoulish creatures roam the streets but it would also be my guess that you don’t want the blood of innocents on your hands either.  So what shall you do then?” 
 
“I will dispense justice when it is necessary.  When true evil is afoot and I can sense it, only then shall I slay anyone.   It is the only way I can live with myself.  It is only way I can have balance and be at peace within.  On my deathbed, when my Maker asks me ‘why’ I want a clear conscience.  Do you understand me?” 
 
“At last, you understand.  There’s nothing more I have left to teach you. You have surpassed the teacher, pupil.”  He bowed in reverence to Lailani. 
 
“Thank you Sensei.”  She bowed back to him gracefully.  She felt a sense of peace she never knew before.  She turned to leave his office. 
 
“Lailani…have you met any vampires in your lifetime?” 
 
How was she going to answer him?  She didn’t want to lie, but how could she tell him that the man she was in love with was a vampire. 
 
“I met one today.  He is pure evil and has made threats to others I care about.” 
 
“What happened? How did your body feel?” 
 
“Well I could sense he was evil; I smelled the evil.  My sense of smell became sensitive to everything around me and my hearing sharpened.  I felt like my blood was boiling beneath my skin.  I felt on fire.  I felt power and strength I had never felt before.  I told him that I would defend those I care for with my life and would maim him in between.  My guess is I can detect their evil presence.  Can they detect me…you know what I am?” 
 
“It is a mixed bag.  Other vampire slayers have been able to detect the evil as their skills increase with time and others don’t.  The vampire, Edgar, who your great aunt Soo-young destroyed, did not know who she was until she stabbed him in the heart.  But Lin Dan could detect vampires and vampires could detect him.  The why is unknown.  This is still a mystery.” 
 
Lailani hoped to God that Khan could not detect what she was so that next time she met him she would have the element of surprise.  More importantly, she hoped Morgan could not figure out what she was.  She wanted to tell him everything in person.   
 
“I must depart Sensei Kim.  Thank you for your guidance.”  She gave a small bow and departed to her car. 
 
Sensei Kim bowed to her then turned back to Buddha to pray that wherever she was she would be safe and would fulfill her destiny with balance she so desperately needs. 
 
Meanwhile, Morgan was back at his villa.  Forester joined him in the efforts to fortify his home.  Morgan had weapons hidden all over the villa and had flash bangs in order to disorient Khan when he flashes so that he cannot detect Morgan.  He too would have an element of surprise.  Oh that was going get him.  Morgan specially ordered these devices just after Khan made his first appearance in front his villa several weeks ago. 
 
“Tell me something Morgan…”Forester was inspecting the handguns.  “Why didn’t you kill that wretched son of a bitch when you had the chance in your office?” 
 
“Because the gunshots and broken furniture would have drawed too much attention in the building.  Personally, I didn’t need that at that particular juncture.  More importantly, I think he detected Lailani’s scent.  I think he will go after her in order to get to me.  I haven’t heard from her since last night, but I can sense she’s okay for now.  No danger so far.” 
 
“Well, you’re probably right Morgan.  You have to tell her about Khan.  She can handle it.  Hell, that female can handle anything thrown at her.”  Forester chuckled to himself.  Morgan smiled at his compliment toward her.  Any other male who would compliment his woman or make at pass her would suffer his wrath.  
 
“I’m going to tell her tonight after our date.  I figure she deserved a normal date before she gets thrown deeper into my crazy life script.  I know she can defend herself, but I’m gonna need to teach her how to use a gun.” 
 
“You know something Morgan…you have completely changed.  I never thought in all the years we’ve been friends you would ever want to bond with a female.  Even more surprising you’ve bonded to be a human female.  My guess is you want to marry her.  Huh?” 
 
“Yeah, Forester I do.  I want to marry Lailani.  I have mentioned it to her twice but she has yet to acknowledge it.  My guess is she is just getting used to the idea of loving me and marrying me is too much for her to deal with right now.  I mean I don’t want to push her.  But man, I want to make her mine, permanently.  I want her to live with me, I want to provide for her, I even want to have a family with her.” 
 
“Whoa!!! That’s some scary shit there that you’re talking about there!  Hybrid children can be dangerous to have.  What if she doesn’t any of what you’re offering?” 
 
“I haven’t gotten that far yet.  I just know she’s my soulmate and I know I am hers.  I hope she wants the same things as me.  I’ll wait for her.  I will wait forever for her.” 
 
“Except…one thing..Lailani doesn’t have forever Morgan.  She will die eventually.  Unless…” 
 
“Don’t say it Forester!” 
 
“It’s the only way you can be together for all time.  You have to change her.” 
 
“I can’t do it.  I won’t do it.  I have already gotten into that fight with her.  I don’t rehash this shit with you again if you don’t mind.” Forester could hear the anger and frustration in Morgan’s tone. 
 
“Well then you will have to watch her die one day.  She will grow older and her body will eventually succumb to old age or illness.  You are going to have to prepare yourself for that.” 
 
“I can’t think about that right now.”  Morgan inspected the last handgun and slid the clip in and tucked it underneath the bureau in the foyer.  New subject. 
 
“So where you going on your date?”  Forester leaned against back against the couch. 
 
“I am taking Lailani to hear the London Symphony Orchestra featuring Sarah Brightman and Jose Cura and their duet ‘Show me how to love you.’  I don’t think she’s ever to been to anything like this.  I have to been several.  I hope she enjoys it.  I told her to wear something formal.” 
 
“I take back what I said earlier you about you changing.  You have become a total sap for this female!” 
 
What could Morgan do but smile.  “Yeah I have become a total sap over her.  I love her with everything in me.  Speaking of which it is 4:12 p.m. and I have to start getting ready.  I told her to be ready by 5:45 when I pick her up.” 
 
“Yeah, I’m gonna run myself.  I need to get back to my empty mansion and stare at my fish that doesn’t talk back.”  Forester got up from the couch and smoothed out his pants and straightened his collar on his red polo shirt. 
 
“You know Forester, you could look for a female to bond too?”  Morgan winked at him with a Cheshire cat grin. 
 
“No thanks, too much drama for me right now.” 
 
“Well if you change your mind, maybe Lailani has friend..” 
 
Forester gave Morgan the middle finger and flashed out of his home. 
 
Lailani got home from the dojo and cleaned up her apartment.  There dishes and clothes everywhere.  She stripped her sheets and mopped the kitchen floor and began washing laundry. She hated putting housework off to the last minute.  She had way too much going on to give two shits about her apartment.  Well now it was time to give two shits. 
 
After the apartment returned back to normality, she began to get ready for her date.  She was so nervous to see Morgan.  She sent him text message earlier telling him that he could call her again she was no longer fuming at him.  He replied back with a big smiley face.  She couldn’t stay mad at him for too long.   
 
She took a shower and then began dressing for her date.  She attempted to style her hair herself with little success.  “Fuck it, I’ll have long loose curls rather than tight ones.”  She began roll some of her hair in sponge curlers.  She applied a little bit of make up to her face to bring out her Asian features.  She slipped into dark blue dress that sparkles and silver heels. She took out the curlers from her head and her loose dark, curls hung nicely against her tanned skin down her back.  She put on the bracelet Morgan gave her and other modest jewelry.  She looked pretty good.  Like clockwork she heard him knocking. 
 
“Wow!”  Morgan was stunned to see how elegant she looked.  He stepped forward into her apartment and handed another orchid to her.  He leaned down and kissed her check. 
 
“Thank you Morgan.  Shall we go?” She grabbed her keys and shawl.  
 
“Wait there is something going on with you.  I can sense you’re uneasy what’s wrong?” 
 
Not wanting to go into right then.  “Morgan, I want to have a good time with you tonight.  I promise to tell you everything after our date.  Right now I just want to think about us and only us, okay?” 
 
Morgan could see it would be difficult to pry anymore information from her.  He figured he could wait a few hours.  “Okay.  As of right now, it’s just about us.”  He leaned down to meet her tender lips with his.  Except the kiss wasn’t soft or tender.  It was strong and powerful and desperate.  Lailani thrusted her tongue into his mouth.  She was desperate to taste him as if this were to be the last time she was to kiss his supple, pink lips ever again.  Morgan could sense her desperation and broke the seal of their kiss. 
 
“Now, you have me worried.  Tell me please what’s bothering you beloved.  You can tell me anything.”  He was pleading to her. 
 
Tears started to well up in her lashes.  She clings to Morgan’s body like he is her life line.  Her reason for breathing.  She just wants one last perfect night with him before their world and romance comes crashing down and swept away by a tidal wave.  “Morgan, please let’s just go.  You’ll know everything before the night is over.”  She leans back into his body taking in his scent. 
 
Morgan didn’t want distress her anymore than she was.  What would be the harm in waiting a while?  He cupped her face with his massive hands and sweeps the tears away from her eyes with his thumbs.  He kisses her forehead and they departed from her apartment.   
 
Morgan escorted her to his escalade and opened up the door for her.  She climbed into the monster truck, anything bigger than her Eclipse is considered a monster.  He walked around to the driver’s seat and started the ignition.  They drove in silence. 
 
“So where are going?”  Finally, silence broke. 
 
“First we are going to Café Mon Du for dinner then we are attending a concert by the London Symphony Orchestra featuring Sarah Brightman and Jose Cura and their duet ‘Show me how to love you.’ I don’t know if you ever heard of them.  The music is quite beautiful.” 
 
“Sounds wonderful.  Is this an opera?” 
 
Morgan chuckles.  “No, this isn’t an opera.  However, these are opera singers who are accompanying the orchestra.” 
 
“Well, this is a first for me then.”  She smiled with delight.  She had never been to an event such as this. 
 
They drove to the restaurant where Lailani was excited to try French food as long as it wasn’t snails.  She refused to eat them.  Morgan kept the conversation light.  He mentioned needing to help Forester in the love department which made Lailani laugh.  For those brief moments, she forgot about everything.  It was just her and Morgan.  If only it could remain that way. 
 
After dinner, they made their way to the Coliseum to attend the symphony.   They arrived just time to take their seats and the music began.  Lailani had never heard such beautiful music as this before.  The singers had voices of angels; so pure and angelic.  It brought tears to her eyes.  She couldn’t have been happier.  The concert concluded.  The applause lasted 10 minutes with several standing ovations.   
 
On the drive back, Morgan was unsure if they were going to her place or his.  Lailani sensed his indifference.  She brought his hand up to her face and stroked it against her check.  Then she kissed his palm. She traced little circles in the center of his palm with her wet tongue.  He looked over to her extremely aroused.  He could feel his erection straining in his trousers.   
 
“Take me to your bed and make love to me.”  She whispered softly. 
 
Morgan wanting to be with Lailani at that moment floored the gas and sped back to his villa.  When they got to the front door, he scooped her up bride style in his arms and carried her into his home.  As they traveled down the hall, Lailani was leaning into the crook of his kissing his skin.  He could feel her warm breath which sent shivers done his back.  No female could ever do this to him.  Only her.  As they entered his room, with his mind control he turned off all the lights and lit a few random candles around his room.  He wanted to see her nakedness under candlelight.  Even candles couldn’t do her justice.  To him, she was an exotic, rare beauty that no words could capture her.   
 
Morgan sat Lailani on the bed.  Her feet weren’t touching the floor.  Her legs parted and he stepped into the space.  He looked down at her and stroked her face lovingly.  He pulled the pins from her so that all her dark waves fell past her shoulders.  He leaned down and felt her sweet lips against his.  This kiss was languid and inviting.  He opened his mouth slipping his tongue into hers.  She gasped lightly and responded to his calling.  She opened her mouth taking in his essence as she breathed in.  Morgan pulls her closer to him to eliminate any space between their bodies.  She pulls apart from his lips momentarily.   
 
“I have a song request for your mind control.” 
 
 
“Anything for you my love.” 
 
“Come away with me by Nora Jones.” 
 
The next moment the song began to play and Lailani smiled.  She got to her knees on the bed to meet Morgan’s gaze.  She snaked her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her.  Kissing with passion, tongues swirling between their mouths.  Grasping and lightly moaning against each other’s embrace.  This is how she pictured it should be between them.  Full of love and tenderness.  She unbuttoned his shirt and slipped it down off his broad his shoulders.  She kissed his chest and slowly ran her tongue over his warm skin. Her fingers made their way to his pants and unbuttoned them.  Morgan grabbed her hand before she got to his zipper and brought it to his mouth and brushed a feather light kiss against her smooth skin.   
 
Lailani reaches behind and unzips her dress and it pools around her body and slides off the side of the bed.  Morgan crawls on the bed and leans her back against the mountain of pillows that have engulfed her.  She opened her legs to absorb his weight between her thighs.  He stretched over her body and few strands of his dark hair fall over his face.  Lailani plays with a few of them as they dangle so sweetly.  He pushed her hands up the headboard with one of his hands.  With his free hand, he stroked her body with light touches sending pinpricks of electricity throughout her.   
 
One of his long fingers traced the outside of her bra where he can see her round breasts beginning to peak with each caress.  He slipped a hand inside the soft material to feel the taut flesh that molded to his hand so nicely.  She felt so good.  
 
Lailani felt her core blooming.  She was getting turned on with each sensual touch and caress he bestowed upon her body.  She was hooked on him as if he were own brand of heroine.  She craved all that he was.   
 
Morgan felt desire and need increase between their bodies.  The chemistry was electrifying.  In one quick move, he pulled Lailani on top of him.  She leaned forward and traced her tongue on the outside of his lips.  She licked him lightly and nipped his lower lip with her teeth.  She caught a glimpse of his fangs as they slightly elongated.  She cupped his face and licked his upper lip and ran her tongue along his fangs.  She sensed no evil in him.  She couldn’t harm him.  She knew him intimately inside and out.  Whatever his past was remained just that his past.  She didn’t care about that.  Everyone had a past.  She only wanted a future with him.  She wanted to be with him for all times.  Yeah, she would even consider marrying him.  Hopefully, he will still want her.  That was her biggest fear.  Morgan sensed some fear in her and pulled apart.   
 
“Hey, are you okay Lailani?” 
 
Not wanting to ruin this beautiful moment. She leaned down and nuzzled her nose and lips against his neck and whispered, “Yessss,” drawing out the word.  She nipped the tender skin of his neck and lightly sucked his delicious skin.  Morgan’s erection increased with each bit of the sucking sensation she delivered to him.  Morgan unhooked her bra and let if fall to the ground.  Her full breasts were free grazing his hard chest.  He felt each hard nipple.  His moaning increased with each brush of skin to skin contact.   
 
Lailani slipped out of her panties and tossed them to floor and straddled Morgan at his waist.  She could feel his hard, cock pushing against her thigh.  She grasped him and started to stroke him.  He began to moan her name over and over.  With each stroke of his shaft, Lailani felt he was getting closer to orgasm.  “I’m going to make love to you now, Morgan.”  She grabbed his hard, thick shaft and sheathed herself around him.  “Oh, Lailani you feel so good.”  She slowly started to rock against his hips.  A simple to and fro action.  The friction began to increase.  His cork rubbing against her G-spot.  Her moans increasing.  Their breathing becoming shorter. 
 
Morgan sat up and pulled Lailani’s legs forward so she could lock herself at the heels around waist.  His hands grabbed her backside pushing her forward and then backward.  Their fluid motion increasing as well as their panting.  Lailani snaked her arms around Morgan’s body pulling him closer and deeper into her honey hole.  Each thrust buried to the hilt at their junction.   
 
“Oh Morgan, Oh Morgan.  You feel so good.  I’m coming!” 
 
“Lailani, Oh God, you’re so tight around me.  I’m coming into you!” 
 
They reached their heights of passion.  Their climax engulfed them.  Beads of sweat mixed in with their scents as they lay lovingly in each other’s arms.  This was paradise.  Morgan and Lailani lay together in blissful silence for hours.  Their fingers stroking each other’s body as they  bask in rapture.  Lailani knew that these wonderful feelings could not last forever.  She had to tell Morgan everything about her past and new life and Khan’s little visit.  She cared about his  safety and wanted no harm to come to him. 
 
“Morgan..” 
 
“Mmmm…” 
 
“What I’m about to tell you is going to be hard for you to believe.  As it was hard for me to believe.  I am still trying to wrap my brain around it.” 
 
No longer was she laying against chest, she was sitting up to face him.  She was terrified of losing him.  He cupped her face sensing her fear. 
 
“Lailani just tell me.  Whatever you tell me can’t be any harder when I told you I was vampire.” 
 
“You will have to judge that for yourself.  Um…okay… uh…last night, my dad and Sensei revealed to me that I am a descendant of an ancient line of warriors from the Manchu dynasty.  I am the descendant of Lin Dan.  This line of warriors were trained in deadly martial arts and I have been trained in those arts.”  Morgan following her train of thought.  “These warriors were not just any kind of warriors.  They were…were…” 
 
“Out with it Lailani!” 
 
“They were vampire slayers.  Lin Dan trained only those of his line who bared the mark of the warrior,” Lailani turned her back referencing her moon shaped birthmark.  “So for the last 19 years I have been in training to become a vampire slayer.” 
 
She continues with her story regarding the survival of the stable and Mei Ling.  Morgan cannot move or say anything.  He’s just sitting there speechless.  He cannot believe what he is hearing.  He knows she’s not lying.  She has no reason to lie to him.  Besides he can detect when she is lying or at least not being 100% forth coming.  Like last night.  He knows what she’s saying is the truth recalling what she told him about getting into an argument with her dad and Sensei.  He threatened to get the truth from her and then she got pissed off and hung up the phone on him. 
 
“Anyway the coming of age when all this is revealed is at 30 years old.  So they told me last night.   My mom has wanted to tell me for years now but my daddy wouldn’t let her.  I haven’t spoken to my parents since yesterday after this got tossed into my lap.  In addition to this curse, cause that’s all I see this as is a curse I will never age physically past 30 years old.  I am likely to never be sick or get diseases like cancer.  My vision, hearing, and sense of smell are sharper and keener.  My skills are much quicker and have advanced especially if I wield a weapon.  My skin feels like it’s on fire; my blood feels like it’s boiling especially when evil is near. And I’m kinda of an immortal.” 
 
“Immortal, how?”  That’s the only thing he asks about.  Go figure. 
 
“That’s part of the curse.  I don’t die of old age or illness.  I can only die if I suffer trauma to an organ and cannot be saved.  There you have it.” She is waiting for him to tell her to get the hell out of his bed and get the hell out of his life. 
 
“Do you believe me to be evil?  I mean you know that I haven’t been saint.  I have killed humans in the past for their blood and not cared.  Do you feel compelled to kill me?” 
 
She turns her body to face him completely.  “No, I don’t Morgan.  That was a fear of mine.  I needed to know if I could be around you without having these weird ass ninja feelings causing me to go into attack mode. You’re not evil Morgan.  You do good things for others.  You care about other’s needs before your own.  Morgan, I love you and want to be with you for the rest of my life.” 
 
Morgan got up from the bed trying wrap his head around this mammoth of a story.  And is not registering the last statement she made.  He paced back and forth at the foot of his bed.  He had so many questions; he just doesn’t know where to begin.  He sat of the foot of the bed and leaned his forearms onto his legs.   
 
“So where does that leave us?” 
 
“Well it leaves me with more responsibility in terms of the defending the human race.  But our lives don’t have to change.  I can still work and keep my job.  We can continue to see each other.” 
 
“Did you tell your Sensei and parents about me…my origin?” 
 
“No, I didn’t.” 
 
“Why didn’t you?” 
 
Now, she is starting to get annoyed.  “Well first of all, it isn’t any of their business who I date.  They don't need to know.  Second of all, if I detected an ounce of evil in you, I think I would have the first time we met I wouldn't have slept with you.  You don’t scare me.  I don’t fear you.  What I fear is losing you?” 
 
“What if I turned on you?  Then you would have kill me or at least try to wouldn’t you?” 
 
“Morgan I don’t even want to think about that. Do you have plans to turn on me?” 
 
“Well vampires can have an unpredictable nature.  You know we are territorial creatures.” 
 
“Well, you don’t go all apeshit on me.  You don’t try to control me or usurp control over me. You address me with respect and consult with me before doing anything rash.  Tell me something, do you not want to be with me?” 
 
“Lailani it’s not that I don’t want to be with you.  You just told me that you’re a fucking vampire slayer.  You’re supposed to kill me and my kind!  How did you expect me to react?” 
 
“Well, I’m not going to go on a fucking killing rampage seeking out vampires and looking for trouble.  I just have to be on my guard towards those who seek to harm humans.  And I figure you would freak out like I did when I found out about you.  But you still wanted to be with me.  I just needed time to get my head around it.  I was afraid.  So are you telling me that you’re afraid or that you need some time or what?!  You’re not telling me anything!” 
 
“So it’s only humans you protect against evil vampires?  About evil people who commit murders, rapes, and robberies?  Why not go dispense justice to them?”  Morgan yells at her in sarcasm. 
 
“Are you fucking kidding me?!  Of course I would protect vampires good ones like you.  I would protect you, Forester, Griffin if he is one and even if he isn’t one, and any another good being who isn’t looking to slaughter mankind.  You bastard!” 
 
Silence is now circling around them like a dark, black cloud.  The lightning strikes and thunder cracks are drawing closer.  
 
“I didn’t ask for any this.  And personally I don’t want it.  But you can’t run away from your past and you can’t run away from your heritage or who you are.  But I can choose how I want to deal with this hidden part of my life.  Hear me and hear me good Morgan….I can sense evil which is an advantage to me.  Not all of Lin Dan’s descendants possessed this ability.  My great aunt Soo-young did not have this gift and met a vampire named Edgar; I think around the turn of century.  She befriended him and he swore to her that he didn’t hunt humans only he lied to her and killed a whole village.  She couldn’t sense any evil in him.  She believed she had no choice and killed him and then killed herself to restore honor since she felt so much guilt for letting him live.  Well he didn’t know what she was either.  So I tell you this, I know who you are and YOU ARE NOT EVIL.  Evil resides in those like Khan.” 
 
“Great more good news!  Now I know who killed my maker.” 
 
“Your maker?” 
 
“Edgar Fitzgerald, the one who changed me.  I was mortally wounded in bar fight and Edgar found me.  He saw that I didn’t want to die so he offered immortality…life of a vampire.  We were companions for about 200 years and then we parted company.” 
 
“Why?” 
 
“Because he believed that just because we were immortal we shouldn’t live responsibly and humans were nothing but a food source.  I didn’t share the same view so I left.  I started to feed off animals and stayed away from human blood until Forester perfected his synthetic blood.” 
 
“See Morgan, even then you knew didn’t want to live a life like that.  You cared about mankind even if it was in the smallest of measures.  You cared about your soul.”  She was hoping to reach him. 
 
“It is obvious that I do need some time to sort through all this.  I think it best we don’t see each other for a while. Until I can figure out my next move.” 
 
Lailani hadn’t expected he would close her out.  But if that’s what he wanted then that’s what she would give him.  She took time off from work.  She would use that time to do some thinking too. 
 
“Fine.  Just know this Morgan…I am certain I will not harm you.  I would give my life for you.  I was prepared to do that today when..” He stopped her in the middles of her sentence. 
 
“What are you talking about? What happened today?”  Why couldn't he sense her in danger?   
 
“Well some evil frootloop vampire by the name of Khan paid me a visit.  He threatened you so I threatened him back.  I’m not afraid of him.”  Her new boldness was coming through. 
 
“You did what?!  Lailani are you out of your fucking mind!!!  Do you have any idea the kind of vampire Khan is?!  He could have killed you instantly!”  Morgan was shouting at her now.  He couldn’t believe she would do something that stupid.  No wonder he couldn't sense Khan, she was fearless of him. 
 
“Listen, in case you have forgotten, I can take care of myself remember the first time we had sex.  It has always been in my nature to defend those who are in need and yes that includes good vampires especially if one of them is my boyfriend who is acting like a complete fucking asshole to his girlfriend right now!!!  And another thing, that Khan character will only come after me to hurt you! I understand how strategy works.  We can play his twisted little game.  We should be uniting against that motherfucker not arguing about my new found skills!” 
 
Morgan completely overwhelmed.  He has just shut down.  This is way too much for him to handle.  He isn’t handling it.  She needs to go.  He needs time to digest all this and figure what to do next. 
 
“Lailani, please you have to go.  I can’t deal with this right now.” 
 
She gets up from the bed and puts her clothes on.  She froze up and became a mountain of stone.  Deep down she was hurting and in pain.  She hoped Morgan knew what she was feeling.  He needed to know that she was hurting over this just as much as he was.  She picked up her cell phone and called for taxi and told the cab company that she would be waiting outside the gates of Morgan’s address.  Tears were quietly failing. 
 
“Morgan, I love you and cannot imagine my life without you.  You are my soulmate.  You told me that you want to marry me.  Well guess what… I thought I wanted to marry you too. But now I don’t know if I can since it appears you will not accept me as I am…an equal to you really.  Equal in strength and skill. I didn’t choose this.  I can’t help who my descendants were and should be punished for it.  I have made the choice not to go hunting vampires since I won’t know if everyone I come across is evil.  But with my new gifts, I can detect the evil.  So I will know.  I will not be judge, jury, and executioner on impulse.  You loved me when I was merely a mortal.  Does your love for me stop because of my past and now that  I am immortal?  Know this, I will never stop loving you and will defend and protect you with my dying breath however long or short that may be.”  And with that she walked out of his room and left something on his dresser. 
 
Lailani walked into the foyer and noticed Griffin walking into the main room. 
 
“Good morning madam it is a bit early. Would you like some breakfast?”  He hadn’t noticed her tears. 
 
“No thank you Griffin.  I was leaving anyway.  There’s a cab waiting for me.” 
 
“Madam is everything alright?”  He was too sincere. 
 
“No, Griffin. I am afraid not.” 
 
Griffin unaware of what is going on offers her his handkerchief.  Lailani accepts it and wipes her tears away.   
 
“Griffin are you vampire like Morgan and Forester?” 
 
“No ma’am.  But my life span is about 500 years.  I am from a race of beings who were born into the world to help vampires with their daily needs.” 
 
“A servant, no more than a slave?” 
 
“Being in the service of others is not a bad calling.  I enjoy my job in caring for Mr. Hawthorne and for you madam.  I would guess you have somewhat of a similar calling too.” 
 
“How do you know?” 
 
“Something I can sense in some people.  I knew you were special the first time I met you in the parking lot of your employment.  I knew from day one that Mr. Hawthorne had found his mate when he assisted you on the train.  You just turned out to be more special than any of us realized.” 
 
Lailani hugged the old man and kissed his cheek.  She couldn’t thank him enough for his words of comfort.  “Griffin you are a blessing here, but now I must go.  It is likely I am not to see you again.  Morgan and I are not seeing other as of right now.” 
 
Not wanting to pry for answers, “Madam, Mr. Hawthorne is a bit stubborn but he will come to his senses especially when it comes to you.  He loves you ma’am.  No amount of differences between the two of you can change that.” 
 
“But the differences are too great this time Griffin.  He’s asked me leave.  What else is left?” 
 
“That’s where you are terribly wrong.  Mr. Hawthorne does not handle shock very well. And he’s being a bit of a…excuse my french…an asshole right now.” 
 
Lailani busted into a smile and light laugh.  Never in a million years did she think this sweet, old man would call his boss an ugly name let alone be call him an asshole. 
 
“Please be patient with Mr. Hawthorne.  He wants only what’s best for you that includes your safety.” 
 
“Yeah I know about Khan.  He came to see me and threatened to harm Morgan.  So threatened him back.  I am not afraid of him.  I don’t fear him, I don’t feat death or pain.  What I fear is losing Morgan forever.  In fact, I think I may have.”  Tears began to fall once more. 
 
“No madam, you haven’t lost Mr. Hawthorne.  He is very lucky to have someone like you in his life that will readily leap to defend him.  No one has ever done that before for him.  You’re the first.” 
 
“I would defend him, you, and Forester.” 
 
“I know you would.  Now just give him time.  He will come around.  Everything in its own time.  But I do want to advise you that Mr. Hawthorne may want to install security cameras at your home just to keep you safe and an eye out.” 
 
“Thank you for the warning.  Good bye Griffin.”  She exited the room and walked to the gate as the cab was waiting for her. 
 
Morgan sat in his chair in his home office in complete thought.  He appeared to be lost in his thoughts about Lailani’s revelation.  He replayed her words in his mind over and over like a broken record. Forester flashed in the entry way. 
 
“So, I debating whether or not to go on a blind date?”  Forester appeared very nonchalant.  “Hello, earth to Morgan?  Anyone home?” 
 
“Hey.” One worded response from Morgan. 
 
“So where’s Lailani?  Did you talk to her about Khan?” 
 
“Oh yeah, and then some.”  He got up from his chair and to grab the brandy decanter and glass tumbler. 
 
“Oh shit! What happened now?”  Forester sat in read lounge chair stretching out his long legs. 
 
“Well, just to speed you up.  Lailani is a vampire slayer.”  He swallowed back the harsh substance in one gulp. 
 
“What does the hell does that mean?”  Forester was very confused at that point. 
 
“Well turns out Lailani comes from an ancient warrior line from the Manchu dynasty and only those bearing the mark of the warrior, which she does it’s a small moon shaped birthmark on her shoulder, are trained in deadly form of martial arts, which she is and they are supposed to defend mankind against blood suckers like me.  She found all this out the day after her birthday.”  He swallowed back more of the amber liquid. 
 
“Okay…how strange.  How do you know she’s not lying?” 
 
“Trust me Forester, she’s not.  I’m a bonded male to his female remember.  We can detect falsehoods.  Our bullshit meter is pretty accurate.  If only she were lying.  It would make this easier.” 
 
“So, where is she now?” 
 
“At home, I believe.  We did not part on good company.” 
 
“So what now, is she going to kill you?  Is she going to kill me? 
 
“Nope, she sure isn’t.  In fact, she’s going to protect us.  She said she will protect all good beings from those who would seek to slaughter mankind as Khan would fit in that category.  Then Khan paid her visit yesterday morning at Haven House and threatened her and me.  Then she did the most stupid thing and threatened him back.” He replied in sarcasm. 
 
“Well, that’s a good thing right.  A very good thing.  She only will destroy evil and not people like us.  I knew I liked that female.”  Forester letting out a sigh of relief. 
 
“Forester, are you fucking serious?!?  She hunts us for Chrissakes!  Plus, get this…it was one of her relatives who destroyed Edgar at the turn of the century.  So right now I don’t know how I feel about that or her at the moment.  I can’t be with her.” 
 
“Morgan…are you insane?!?  First of all, she’s your bonded female.  Why would you do that to her and to yourself by separating yourself?  Second of all, you can’t punish her for something that  one of her relatives did to Edgar.  She wasn’t even born when that happened.  And you separated from him long before his death.  Remember you didn’t want to lead the kind of life he did.  You actually cared about your soul and had some decency where he had none.” 
 
“You’re taking her side.  Hers…a vampire slayer!”  Morgan’s anger has reached his boiling point. 
 
“You know what…I am.  She didn’t ask for this.  She was upfront with you and told you.  Hell, she even defended you to Khan.  When you say she threatened to kill him, I believe it.  I believe she would.  Morgan, you’ve always said from the beginning you were drawn to her.  There was something special about her.” 
 
“You call being a vampire slayer special?!? Boy are you an idiot!”  He reaches for his glass brandy. 
 
Forester pissed off at his best friend; gets up from his chair and slaps the glass away out of Morgan’s hand.  “You listen up you asshole!!!  Just like I told her when you kept from her that you were vampire and she found out the hard way; you can’t help where or who your origin began.  She didn’t ask for this any more than you asked for it.  But you cannot punish her for something she has no control over.  And if you continue to do so, then you have damned her and yourself.” 
 
Morgan just sat there.  He knew Forester was right.  But what could he say?  He was so wrapped up in his own pain and thoughts he refused to register anything his best friend said. 
 
“Fuck this, I’m outta here.  You know what…you think you’d want a female like that who’s willing to go against her heritage and calling just to be with you and would defend and protect you and other vampires like us against those who seek to harm you.  You know something else…you don’t deserve her.”  Forester disappeared from Morgan’s office hoping he left something of value for him to chew on before it’s too late. 
 
Lailani woke up late that afternoon.  She had one hell of headache.  She felt like she suffered from a hangover except no alcohol and fuzzy memories.  Last memories rang loud and clear in her frontal cortex and ears.  She can’t recall how long she cried for.  She knew she cried for Morgan until there were no more tears.  She was alone once more.  Morgan didn’t want her.  That was even worse.  She looked over to her to dresser and saw Lin Dan’s sword.  She rose from her bed and walked to her dresser.  She picked up the ancient relic and unsheathed it from its casing.   
 
It was magnificent.  She had never seen such a luminous weapon. It was perfect and extremely sharp.  The blade was exceptionally long and the hilt was incrusted with a dragon and a tiger wrapped around each other adorned in gold.  All the weapons she has practiced with have always been lightweight and that sword has to be every bit of 50 pounds.  But it felt light as a feather as she gripped the hilt…as if it were made for her.  As Lailani gripped the sword, she felt her blood began to warm.  Her exterior senses enhanced.  But this time, she didn’t smell evil.  Instead she felt a sense of peace flow through her like a lazy river. She tapped into that feeling within and discovered a peace she never experienced in her life.  All her pain washed away.  She felt cleansed.   
 
The phone rang.  Lailani looked at the caller ID and saw it was her parents.  She couldn’t avoid them forever.  She picked the cordless phone and sat down on her couch. 
 
“Hello….” 
 
“Hi, Lailani.  How are you?”  It was Tina. 
 
“Hey mom, I’m okay.” 
 
“I hope you don’t hate me and your dad.” 
 
There’s that guilt thing again.  Well it really wasn’t guilt.  She felt bad she been avoiding her parents for the past couple days.  But she could never hate her parents.  They have always done their best.  Kids don’t come with a set of instructions especially the ones who have an ancient warrior bloodline.   
 
“No, I don’t you hate you and daddy.  This is just going to have to take some time getting used to.  There’s a lot on my mind.”  Lailani smoothed out the legs of her pajama bottoms as they rolled up. 
 
“Please know that I have always wanted to tell you.  But I knew that your dad said we had to wait until after your 30th birthday.  Your dad has been beside himself these past few days.  We hope you can forgive us.” 
 
Now, Lailani felt worse.  How could her parents think that she wouldn’t or worse couldn’t forgive them?  Of course she would.  Forgiveness has always been her strong point. 
 
A few tears start to fall from her eyes.   “Oh mom of course I do.  There’s nothing to forgive really.  This is all just new to me.  I love you both very much.  Put daddy on the phone.”  Tina hollered for her husband. 
 
“Hello..”  
 
“Daddy, hi.” 
 
“Hi, Lailani. How are you?” 
 
“I’m fine daddy.  Look you don’t have to worry about all this.  I’m not angry anymore.  I have accepted this fate.  You can’t run from who you are but you can choose the course on how you want to live your life.  I choose to continue to live my life as I have been.  Nothing will change that.  I just know that my role to serve mankind extends outside of my therapy office.  But I will tell you this as I told Sensei.  I will not and cannot kill needlessly.  Whatever consequences occur will be mine and mine alone to bear.  I hope you can understand that.”  She said that with Morgan and Forester in mind. 
 
“Oh my daughter, of course we do.  We wouldn’t you to change your life and routine.  We want you to have a full and complete life full of happiness.  We trust you to make the right decisions.” 
 
“Thank you.  That means a lot to me.” 
 
“So how are things at work?” 
 
“Good, we got our funding and our doors aren’t closing so it’s all good for us.  I took two weeks off from work to process all that has happened.  I just need a break.” 
 
“I’m glad you’re doing that for yourself.  Time is the best thing you can give yourself right now.  It’s good you can see that.  Tell me how are things with Morgan?” 
 
Wrong question to ask.  “Well to tell you the truth….not good.  We have decided to take some time apart from each other. It was for the best.” 
 
Her dad not being an idiot knew his daughter told him the truth, but not wanting to cause her anymore pain.  “Well then he’s a fool to give up someone so special.  He doesn’t deserve you.” 
 
“Uh…daddy as much as I know you love to come to your daughter’s defense. Please don’t.  I am a big girl and can take care of myself.” 
 
“I know.  I’m still your dad.  Well listen, next week please come for dinner. I’ll make whatever you like.” 
 
“Okay, daddy.  I have to go now.  Love to you and mom. I need to take a shower.” 
 
“Okay, I love you Lailani too so very much. See you soon.”  Roy disconnected. 
 
Morgan got just as shitty sleep as Lailani did.  He tossed and turned all night long thinking about what transpired between them and what Forester said. He sat at his kitchen table drinking some tea which was kinda funny.  He usually drank coffee in the morning but only started drinking tea as Lailani said it was better than coffee.  He was super pissed that Forester could be so blasé about Lailani being a vampire slayer.  Griffin came into the kitchen with the morning paper. 
 
“Good morning sir.”  He dropped the paper on the counter. 
 
“Morning Griffin.”  Morgan rubbed the side of his face preparing for a stern lecture.  Griffin had a way about himself giving Morgan advice without really coming down too hard on him especially when he was in the wrong. 
 
But…nothing but silence came from Griffin.  Morgan being thrown through another loop couldn’t take the silence. 
 
“For Chrissakes Griffin please something!” 
 
“But sir, I don’t need to.  Silence says it all and besides it would be my guess that you already know that.” Griffin walked over to the stove and poured Morgan a fresh cup of tea.  “You see sir eventhough her physical presence isn’t here.  You can’t really let her go.  You’re even drinking her favorite tea.  So you see, I need not tell you what you already what you know.”  Griffin departed from the kitchen to go about his duties. 
 
Damn! Griffin was right.  He was so wise.  He was father-like figure to Morgan.  Morgan never really had that growing up before he was changed.  And Edgar wasn’t any better.  But Griffin has cared for Morgan the last 100 years.  Protective of him.  Another person who was protective of Morgan.  He trouble comprehending how someone like Lailani could feel protective toward him.  Was it instinct?  Was it her duty because he was being threatened by that fucker Khan?  No…..even if any of this weren’t happening, Morgan knew deep down that it was in Lailani’s nature to care for and protect others. That’s what he loved about her.   Yeah that’s right he still loved her in fact he loved her even more now. 
 
Morgan rose from his chair and headed toward his bathroom to get cleaned up.  We would buy her the all the orchids he could find, serenade her, ask her to marry him, whatever it took he was going to win her back.  After Morgan got out of his shower, he saw something twinkling on his dresser.  It was the sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet he gave Lailani for her birthday.   
 
Oh, NO!  He really has lost her now.  She returned the most beautiful gift he had even given anyone.  She didn’t feel worthy enough to keep it.  She let him go.  She gave him up.  Now more than ever he was determined to get her back.  He couldn’t live without his mate.  The one person who was his reason for existing.  That just won’t do. 
 
Lailani spent the next hour meditating.  Trying to channel her energies.  She knew she would be meeting Khan again soon.  She wanted to be prepared.  Physically and mentally.  Someone was in her apartment.  She smelled apples and lavender.  Forester. 
 
“Come on out Forester.  I know you’re here.”  She got up from her meditation mat. 
 
Forester appeared in the shadows.  “How did you know I was here?  I mean you sense evil…I hope you don’t think I mean you harm…” Lailani cut him off. 
 
“Forester, relax, relax.  I know you’re not evil.  I know you mean me no harm.” 
 
A very confused Forester steps into the light.  “So how did you know I was here?”   
 
Lailani sat on her couch and motioned for Forester to sit with her.  “Because I can smell your scent.” 
 
“My scent…you can smell me?”  Forester sniffs his forearm. 
 
“Yeah, from the first time I met you.  You smell like apples and lavender.  It’s a pleasant scent.  See the way I figure it, nice smells like citrus, herbs, and the ocean you know things like that are a sign of good vampires.  Nasty smells like something rotting or death are very bad vampires like Khan.” 
 
“Wow, that’s amazing.  Your sense of smell is very similar to ours.  You can detect what’s in the atmosphere. And have time to react if need be.  So tell me how are you?”  Forester made himself comfortable. 
 
“Well I’m fine really.  I was just meditating…you know channeling my energies.  I know that I will meet Khan again soon.  So I’m preparing myself the best I can.”  She replied matter of factly. 
 
“Not that I would tell a vampire slayer what to do…” Forester smiled shyly at her.  “But I do think you should let Morgan deal with him.  He doesn’t want you involved.” 
 
“It’s too late for that.  The moment that bastard threatened Morgan I became involved.  I will hunt him down and kill him now that’s a promise.” She gets up from the couch and goes into the kitchen for some refreshments.  She returns with two glasses of lemonade and offers a glass to Forester.  He gladly accepts the cold beverage. 
 
Forester takes a sip of his drink.  “You really love him don’t you?” 
 
“Of course I do.  I would give life for him.  He’s my soul mate.  I probably would have married him.  But he doesn’t want me so…what can I do but accept it.” 
 
“Aren’t you in a lot of physical pain?  I mean you know the bond between mates work?” 
 
“Yup, I remember.  I can’t think about it too much because then it will consume me.  I refused to be consumed by pain every again.  It delibated me once and I almost ended my life over it.  So no matter how much I hurt and ache for Morgan.  I will not give into.” 
 
“Damn girl where does this strength come from?” 
 
“I’m not sure.  I think it’s something I’ve always had but more recently it’s been amplified.  Anyways, anyone who threatens you, Morgan, and Griffin, I will have their heads.”  She sips her lemonade. 
 
“How is that your so protective of me and Griffin?  Morgan I understand he’s your mate.” 
 
“I think I will be protective of any good being threatened from vampires like Khan which I am sure there are plenty more out there.” 
 
“There are rogue vampires out there.  I don’t know where they are but they make appearances in the city from time to time.” 
 
“Well as soon as sense them, I’ll be ready.”  She looks over to Lin Dan’s sword. 
 
Forester noticed her traveling gaze.  “That’s a beautiful weapon.  May I?’ 
 
“Of course.”  She reaches over and hands Forester the sword for him to inspect. 
 
“I have never seen anything so beautiful yet very deadly.” 
 
“Careful it is extremely sharp.”  Forester returns the magnificent steel back to its owner. 
 
“So, naturally you’re gonna go around in a trench coat hiding that thing right?”  Forester laughed little trying to make a joke. 
 
Lailani couldn’t help but follow his lead.  She laughed along with him.  “Something like that, plus I’ll keep other weapons within my reach such as throwing stars and my fighting sticks.” 
 
“You’ve really thought this through, huh?”  Forester really surprised how organized and calm she was. 
 
“Yeah, pretty much.  Please look out for Morgan for me.” 
 
“You’re not gonna do anything stupid are you?” 
 
“Well I think of it more as preventative tactics.” 
 
“Lailani…semantics here.” 
 
“Don’t worry, I won’t do any too crazy.  Hell I’m love with a vampire and a vampire slayer myself.  Can’t get any crazier than that.” 
 
“You know Morgan will come around.  He just needs to get his head out of his ass.” 
 
“I  hope he does.  In the meantime, I won’t pine for him.  Nor will sit around like a lovesick puppy dog either.  I have a lot of work to do at Haven House.” 
 
Forester rose from his comfortable spot as he knew it was time for him to go.  He needed to get back to his lab.  “Well I must take my leave now.  I have return to my lab.  I have a ton of samples to run tests on.  Lailani if you should ever need me for anything…anything at all.  Just call give me a call and I’ll flash right to you.”  He handed her his business card with his private number then leaned down and kissed her cheek. 
 
“Thank you Forester.  I’ll do that.  Morgan is lucky to have someone so loyal a friend to him as you are.” 
 
“Oh no, he’s the lucky bastard to have someone like you Lailani.” 
 
“Well maybe I could set you up on a blind date?”  Lailani replied teasing him. 
 
“Oh NO!  No blind dates they are the worst.  I’ll see ya soon.” Forester flashed out of her home. 
 
 
Couple hours went by and darkness was in the sky.  Lailani was reading a mystery novel to keep her mind occupied.  There was a knock her door.  She got up from her chair and answered the door. 
 
“Sam, what are you doing here?” 
 
“I have been worried about you since you left my office yesterday.  I just had to check on you.” 
 
Astonished to see him, “Would you like to come for some tea or coffee?” 
 
“Sure, that’d be great.”  Sam enters her home and makes his way into her living room.  Lailani fills her kettle up with water and turns on the stove to boil water. 
 
“Tea will be ready in about 10 minutes, please have a seat.” 
 
Sam sits down reluctantly.  He was concerned about her.  Sam was no dummy.  He knew something was going with her. 
 
“Lailani, what’s going on with you?” 
 
“Sam, I’m fine.  I just needed to take some time for myself and some affairs in order.” 
 
“Affairs, are you sick? Are you dying?”  Sam starts to flood her with questions. 
 
“Sam chill out! I am not sick or dying.  I just have some personal things, that I am NOT going to talk about, that needed my immediate attention and then I’m taking some time for myself.  I think I will go away for a few days.  I’m thinking Key West.” 
 
“Oh, well you know if something…” 
 
“Sam, stop it! I know and thank you I appreciate your concern.”  The kettle started to whistle signaling the tea.  “Excuse me, tea’s ready.”  She got up from her seat and made her way into the kitchen.  No sooner did she remove the kettle from the hot burner.  Sam was behind her and whirled her around. 
 
“Sam, what the hell?”   
 
No words passed between them.  Sam’s lips came down upon hers.  His kiss was nice and very pleasant.  There was passion there but nothing she could see herself becoming involved in.  Nothing special there as it was with Morgan.  She pushes herself away from his lips.  “Stop, we can’t do this.” 
 
“Lailani, I’m sorry.  I don’t what came over me. I just well to be honest.  I’ve always wanted to kiss you but I guess I’m just really concerned about you.” 
 
Not trying to make a big deal about this, “It’s okay Sam.  Concern for others can make people do silly things.” 
 
Sam backed away from her as she handed him a cup of tea.  They returned to her couch where they chatted about Haven House and the number of services they can offer clients since the funding was now coming in.  They chatted about his Chevy and the $1237.28 it was going to take to fix it.  About an hour later, Sam left Lailani’s apartment but not expressing his concern one last time. 
 
Lailani jumped in the shower before she headed for bed.  The hot water felt so relaxing running down her body.  All the tension seemed to melt away like icecream on a hot July afternoon.  She came out in her towel. 
 
“So, I see you’ve already moved on.”  Morgan flashed into her bedroom and scared the hell outta her. 
 
“What the hell are you doing here?  What are you talking about moving on?”  She reached for her brush. 
 
“Sam, I saw him enter your apartment.  He kissed you in the kitchen.”  Morgan’s jealousy was very obvious. 
 
“Oh I see what this is….You don’t want me so no other can have me?  Like that makes a lot of sense.”  Brushing the tangles out of her long, dark hair.  
 
“You are my mate and bonded to me Lailani!” 
 
“Oh excuse me, news flash!!! Last night you didn’t want me. You wanted time apart.  Sorry my life does not stop just because you walked away from me.  Jealousy does not become you.” 
 
“What was he doing here?!” 
 
“For your information, Sam stopped by to check on me.  He was concerned.  And then he kissed me when I went to get our tea.  I didn’t go looking for it.  But you already know that since you were spying on me.  If you don’t mind, flash outta my home.  I’m going to bed and need a good night sleep.”  She tried to walk past Morgan and he grabbed me by the arm. 
 
“Let go of me Morgan!” She tried to wrench her arm from his grasp. 
 
Morgan pulled her into his arms.  “You know you’re right I am extremely jealous.  You are mine.  I want you right now.” 
 
“Oh, forget it! I’m not going there with you.  You don’t get to enjoy the pleasure of my body. You lost that privilege when you walked away from me.  Now get the hell out of my home!” 
 
“God, even now I’m getting turned on by your anger.  You’re so beautiful when you’re mad.”  Morgan took her hand and grinded his erection against her.  He let out a loud growl the instant contact was made.  He leaned down and whispered, “I know you want me.  I can smell your arousal.  I don’t have to touch you to know that your sex is sopping wet aching for me to pleasure you.  Let me make you feel good.” 
 
Against her better judgment, Lailani gripped Morgan’s erection and began massaging him.  He was rock hard.  God, she could smell is wonderful scent of the ocean and Irish spring.  She couldn’t deny what he was offering.  She let the towel drop around her body.  Morgan picked her up and kissed her with need and possession.  His tongue moving in and out of her mouth sampling.    She acquiesced to his needs.  Rolling her tongue around with his.  Nipping his lower lip with her teeth.  She knew just what to do get him going.   
 
Morgan tossed her on the bed and shredded his clothes off his gorgeous body.  He climbed on of her bed and hovered over her body.  His legs pushed her thighs apart.  He could feel her heat escaping from her satin cave…calling to him.  He sheathed himself inside her loveliness and began to rock against her hips.   
 
Lailani let out a gasp as Morgan entered her.  He was solid as steel.  She absorbed every inch of him and opened her legs wider to make even more room for him.  He felt so good rocking against her.  She began to moan with each thrusting stroke as he went deeper each time. 
 
“Oh God, Morgan don’t stop!” 
 
“You feel so good, you’re so fucking tight Lailani.  Made just for me and only me!” 
 
Just as she was about to climax, Morgan pulled out and flipped her over on all fours.  He pulled her hips up to her erection.  His slid in that wet, silken honey hole of hers.  He was thrusting faster and going deeper.  His climax was upon him. 
 
“Morgan, Oh God, yes, yes, I’m coming, I’m coming!” 
 
“Don’t fucking stop coming, God you feel like heaven.  Oh, Oh, Oh, I’m coming for you Lailani, Yes!” 
 
They collapsed onto her bed.  Panting and ragged breaths escaping from their lungs.  Lailani turned toward Morgan’s body to feel his touch.  He wrapped his arm around her and pushed her back and kissed her forehead.  At last, their breathing was in sync with one another along with their heart beats.  Lailani knew this moment was going to last.  She didn’t know what this or what it meant but she knew at the end of the night, he would be gone. 
 
“What’s on your mind?” 
 
“Nothing important.” 
 
“Bullshit..tell me.” 
 
“Nothing, absolutely nothing important.”  She had to get out of his line of questioning like she was a suspect being interrogated.  “Thinking about going to Key West for couple of days.” 
 
“By yourself?” 
 
“Yup.  I need some time to myself.  Enjoy a Mai Tai, work on my tan…ya know just relax.”  If only Morgan were going with her, then it would paradise. 
 
“Oh, well be careful then.” 
 
Lailani got up from the bed and went to use the restroom.  Meanwhile, Morgan was inwardly punching himself.  He wanted to get Lailani back.  He was determined to save their relationship but now she was going to leave for a few days.  Without him.   
 
So what exactly was this?  Was this good bye sex?  Lailani couldn’t pinpoint why Morgan was here.  He didn’t want her, so why was he here?  She knew that no matter how much she loved him; he needed to accept her as she was or there was no chance for them to survive.  She splashed some cold water on her face and patted herself dry. 
 
Morgan was lying in her bed waiting for her to return.  He was going to fess up tell her how much of a mistake he made yesterday.  He couldn’t let her go.  He spent the last 300 years alone without letting anyone in his heart until her.  Until Lailani.  Even with all her baggage, he wouldn’t want another mate.  She was strong, a survivor.  Anything that regarded her was now his first priority.  He would make her his wife.  If only she will have him? 
 
“So Morgan, tell me what was this?  I mean why are you here?  You made it perfectly clear where we stand.”  Lailani sat on the other side of the bed and looked toward his direction but did not face him.  She couldn’t bear to look into those jade, green eyes of his eyes. 
 
“I came to apologize and ask for forgiveness.  You came to me, obviously upset about what your family dropped in your lap, and I shut you out.  I should have comforted you.  I know you understand my reasons for being shocked…ya know you being a slayer and the fact that one of your relatives killed my maker.  But that still is no excuse for my behavior.  Besides, you left this..”  Morgan reached over for his jeans and pulled out the tennis bracelet.  “I had this made especially for you.  I don’t ever want you to think you should return this.  This is a token of my love and affection for you.  I only hope I’m not too late.  ” Morgan walked over to Lailani and returned the bracelet to the wrist of its rightful owner. 
 
“Oh God, Morgan, don’t do this to me!”  Lailani put her shaking hands up to her face to wipe away her tears.   
 
“Lailani, I don’t know how I could’ve thought I’d just walk away from you, from my mate.  I was an idiot.  These last 24 hours have been the worst for me and I can only imagine how they’ve been for you.” 
 
“To be honest, I haven’t let myself think about too much.  I have been trying to keep busy.  Otherwise I would just break down again.  Morgan, if we are to work then you must accept me as I am.  Everything.” 
 
“I will…I mean I do.” 
 
“Morgan that means I will do exactly as my ancestors have done.  I will slay vampires.  But only those who seek hurt and destroy.  As long as you can truly live with that then I see a future with you.” 
 
“Lailani, I accept your past, present, and future.  I’ll be honest I don’t like it but I’ll learn to accept it.  I won’t like you out there hunting vampires like Khan.  I will always worry about your safety.  But I know that you can take care of yourself.  After all you kicked my ass, that first night.”  He smiled toward her hoping her mood has softened. 
 
She extended her fingers to cares his face.  He looked deep into her lovely, slanted brown eyes.  “Then I accept your apology and forgive you.” She leaned forward and kissed him lightly.  Morgan slipped his fingers through her hair pulling her closer.   
 
Not waiting to waste another minute, Morgan’s lips pulled apart from hers.  “Listen, I do want to talk to you about something important.” 
 
“What’s up?” 
 
Stammering…”Uh…um… I” 
 
“Out with it Morgan” 
 
“Marry me.” 
 
“Excuse me?” 
 
Morgan slinked off the bed and got down on one knee.  Although this wasn’t the ideal setting he had hoped for.  He wanted champagne under twinkling lights with violins playing in the background.  He had hoped to find a ring that she deserved.  He took her hands in his and looked directly into her face. 
 
“Lailani, I would have preferred a better setting, but I can’t wait.  I have been lonely for the last 300 years. I never knew I wanted a mate or even believed that deserved to be with anyone. You walked into my life so unexpectedly.  You awakened me.  I don’t think my heart truly beated until I met you.  I was hoping you would do the extraordinary honor of being my wife.  I promise to love you forever.  I promise to be your best friend, your confidant, your lover.  Will you marry me Lailani Grace Sunglao?” 
 
Not skipping a beat.  “Oh, yes Morgan.  I will marry you.  I would love nothing more than to be your wife!”  She leapt into his arms and sobbed with joy.   
 
“Sorry, I don’t have a ring yet.” 
 
“I don’t need one.” 
 
“Now that’s not right.  Plus, I need to ask your father’s permission for your hand.” 
 
“Oooo…about that…” 
 
“What?” 
 
“Well they know we were taking a break.  You’re gonna have to get back to into their good graces especially my daddy which will not take too long.  You are a charmer after all.” 
 
“Lailani, I will do whatever I have to.  I want to do right by you. I love you.” 
 
“I love you too.” 
 
"One another thing..." he tacked on. 
 
"Yes?" 
 
"How do you feel about us having children...my children?" 
 
Wow...now that was question that really needed some time to generate an answer for. Lailani started babbling...well...um...I don't know?" 
 
"Do you want to have children with me?" 
 
"It's not a question do I its the question of can I?  Can my body carry a...what do you call them?" 
 
"Hybrid or half breeds.  And yes, couplings between humans and vampires can occur which result in children.  Pregnancy is just a killer for the female.  At least that's what I've heard." 
 
"What would our children be?  I am not exactly 100% human...anymore." 
 
Morgan brought her hands to his lips.  "Our children will be conceieved in love and will have a whole lot of mad ninja skills.  They will be taught to respect all life. Whether or not they need to drink blood to survive....only time will tell that." 
 
"Well if you and I can tackle our differences, then we can tackle the family issues when they come.  So on that note...yes I would love to bear your children."  She smiled and crinkled her nose. 
 
Morgan leaned forward and kissed his female on the side of her temple.  She was just amazing.  He couldn't love her more. 
 
They fell asleep for the next several hours in each other’s arms.  Morgan’s massive arms stole around Lailani’s waist.  He was nestled against her back in that lovely spooning position.  Her Japanese cherry blossom and orange scent lingered in the air.  He loved the way she smelled.  Morgan looked over to the night stand and saw it was 4:33 in the morning.  He needed to get back to the villa.  He had that European conference call he had to take that was rescheduled from last week.  He kissed her forehead and quietly slipped from her body to redress. 
 
Lailani stirred and she sensed Morgan’s warmth had disappeared.  She looked over and noticed he was standing up zipping up his jeans.  She turned over on her side to completely face him. 
 
“Hey, where you going?” 
 
“Oh hey, sorry I have a conference call from Europe that was rescheduled from last week.  I have to be home at 5:00 o’clock to take it.  I’m sorry I hate leaving you. Nothing would please me more than to stay here next to your lovely body, admiring your exotic features and bask in your breathtaking scent.” 
 
“My scent?” 
 
“Japanese cherry blossoms and oranges.”  He inhaled the air and found traces lingering the air.  “It’s like nothing I have ever smelled.  It’s very intoxicating.”  Morgan smiled and winked at her as pulled his shirt over his massive shoulders. 
 
“I’m glad my smell is appealing to you,” she rested her head back on her pillow. 
 
“Very appealing.”  Morgan gave her that devilish grin again. 
 
“Well I won’t lie. Wish you weren’t leaving.  But I know it’s for business.” 
 
“Listen, while I’m gone please don’t go hunting for Khan.  He’ll make an appearance soon.  If you feel you’re in danger at any point, I’ll sense it flash back to you.  Just keep away from any ideas of going after him.” 
 
“Well, I can’t promise you that if he shows himself here that I won’t defend myself.  But I can promise that I won’t go looking for him in the streets or alleyways if that makes you feel any better.” 
 
“Yes, that does.”  He leaned down and kissed her forehead.  He noticed her mood became sullen. 
 
“Hey why the long face?” 
 
“Just being a girl…ya know whiney ‘cause my man is leaving.  With that you’re taking your handsome body and lovely scent.” 
 
“Speaking of scents, what do I smell like to you?” 
 
“The ocean and Irish spring soap…a very sexy and yet soothing combination.” She licked her lips and brought them up to a smile. 
 
“Well then here...”  He shrugged off of his t-shirt, balled it up, and put it where her pillow was.  “Pretend this is me.  I’ll be back as soon as the call ends.” 
 
Lailani slipped into his shirt and caught his scent.  It was soothing to her.  It would have to be the best substitute until he returned.   
 
“When I return, maybe we can go ring shopping?”  He winked at her.  He watched Lailani’s frown turn into a very big smile. 
 
“Really?” 
 
“Yeah, why not?” 
 
“Wait a sec…what do I tell people ya know at work? Especially Sam?” 
 
“Well the way I see it you don’t have to say anything until you ready.” 
 
“Well my love, people are going to notice an engagement on my finger eventually.  I want to wear your ring proudly.” 
 
“Well we can tell people at Haven House we started seeing each other after the masque.” 
 
“Okay, that sounds good.  People are going to think I’m nuts getting engaged to someone so soon.  But to hell with them!”  She giggled. 
 
“That’s my girl.  One other thing…I want you to move in with me.” 
 
“Whaaaaat?” 
 
“It’s not that I want to keep tabs on you.  I admit that I would prefer us living under one roof.  United front and all.” 
 
Stumbling on words… “ Uh…Morgan I don’t think if I’m ready for that just yet.  I have just accepted your proposal.” 
 
He looked at her sternly, “I want to fall asleep with you at night and wake up with you in my arms the next morning.  I want to prepare dinner for you. And I want you to show me how to cook Filipino food.  I just want it all when it comes to you Lailani.” 
 
“I have a lot of stuff here.”  She motioned her hand to her very full apartment.  “I will want some space to practice and meditate.  I don’t want to take over your villa.”  Still feeling uneasy. 
 
“Nothing would give me great pleasure to have all ‘your stuff’ in my home.  It could use a female’s touch. And there is plenty of room for you practice your skills and meditate.   I have three extra rooms.  You can fill all three up if need be.” 
 
Deciding to go for it, “Okay, I will.” 
 
Excited as a kid in a candy store, “You really will?” 
 
“Yup, I need to give a 30 day notice to my apartment complex and of course break the news to my parents eventually but one shock at a time for them.”  Lailani chuckled walking up to Morgan to kiss him good bye. 
 
Well it was more of a ‘hurry back’ kiss.  Lailani loved teasing Morgan.  She loved kissing his supple lips. 
 
“I love kissing your lips but that's only one of the reasons I love you.” 
 
 
“Will you tell me the others later?” 
 
 
“Maybe.” She slipped her hand between his legs, shocking the hell out of him and making him gasp. “Might show you, too.”  There was no end to her surprising him. 
 
 
He covered her mouth with his and pushed his tongue into her as he backed her up against the wall.  “When I get back and I will hurry with that call.  I want you naked waiting for me.” 
 
“Wouldn't you rather undress me?” 
 
 
“No, because I'd rip that shirt clean off your body, and I want you sleeping in it every night until you're in my bed with me.”  He growled into her ear. 
 
“I think something can be arranged.”  She licked her lips and crinkled her nose and she smiled at him. 
 
“God, I love you!”  He kissed her once more then flashed back to his home. 
 
Morgan flashed into the foyer of his home where Griffin was waiting for him.  He had the biggest shit eating grin on his face.  He didn’t care.  He was really moving forward with his life.  Even better he would never have to fear about Lailani every dying.  She was immortal like him.  They could have an amazing life. 
 
“Griffin clean out those 3 back bedrooms.” 
 
“Sir, what’s going on?” 
 
“Lailani needs a room to meditate in when she moves in.” 
 
Griffin finally noticed the big grin. “Oh sir! Moving in?  Madam is returning?” 
 
“Yup, she’s moving in and she accepted my proposal.” 
 
“Congratulations sir!  How wonderful?” 
 
“Griffin, this means some of your duties may increase, but with that so will your pay.  I hope that will be acceptable to you?” 
 
“Not necessary sir.  I would love to care for you mate.” 
 
“Fair warning, she probably reject a lot your help and insist on doing it herself.  She’s got that firey spirit in her.” 
 
“Won’t be problem sir.  I’ll begin today.  When does Madam plan on moving in?” 
 
“Within the next 30 days.  She’s got to give notice and start packing.  Plus break the news to her parents. And I’ve got to get back in their good graces especially with her dad.” 
 
“Sir that is something you will not any problem with.  They will be so happy that you have returned.”  Away Griffin went. 
 
Morgan walked into his bedroom closet to get another shirt and his cordless phone to begin the conference call within the next few minutes.  As he returned to the foyer, he caught the scent of death and evil.  Oh no….Khan…so it began.  Morgan wasn’t near any weapons just yet.  He would have to make do with his strength until he got his hands on his flash bangs and his 9mm guns.  He rounded the corner carefully. 
 
“So Morgan, hello we meet again.  I told you we would.” 
 
“Khan you miserable piece of shit, can’t you go somewhere and just DIE!” 
 
“Not before I take you with me!” 
 
Khan launched from the foyer floor at Morgan’s body sending him through the window onto the front terrace.  Glass and wood shattering everywhere.  Griffin came running out from the back of the house.  Morgan hollered for him to stay put. 
 
“You think you can protect the old man from me….and how about Lailani?  Now she’s someone I will take my time draining dry.  She has the most beautiful blood flowing through her veins.”  Khan licked his lips. 
 
Morgan brushing the debris off his body rises in his massive form.  “You will not touch them especially her.  I will send you to hell before I let that happen.” 
 
“Not if I send you first!”  Khan flashed behind Morgan in attempt to blindside him.  But Morgan managed to grab Khan by his arm and swung him against the iron gates.  Khan’s body cartwheeled into the frame, shaking it. 
 
Khan got up and charged toward Morgan, fangs and a long hunting knife, ready to strike.  Morgan with no weapon moved at lightning speed to avoid fangs and the sharp blade.  But he couldn’t escape a cut cross his arm near his biceps.  The cut was deep blood was pouring out everywhere.   
 
Lailani was meditating in her living room and suddenly felt pain.  She sensed Morgan needed her.  He was in danger.  Khan.  Warrior mode took over. She grabbed her weapons and ran out her apartment.  She completed a sudden u-turn in the middle of the intersection to avoid the upcoming red light.  Her foot heavy on the gas pedal.  Thankfully no traffic and more important no cops.  Red Rocket sped along Duram Avenue that would take her to Morgan’s villa.  His villa was on the outskirts of town.  She had to hurry.  Her man needed him.  No time to panic. 
 
Morgan and Khan were battling for control.  Both bloodied from being thrown against the iron gates and along the stone infrastructure of his villa.  Morgan was running low on steam.  Plus he was bleeding.  He knew he had to defeat this evil entity otherwise, Lailani would remain in danger.  His love.  He refused to let that happen.  Morgan ran and lifted Khan up with his upper body strength and threw him against a tree. 
 
“I am going to relish killing that female.”  He hissed out. 
 
“You’re not gonna fucking touch her you bastard!”  Morgan grabbed a large tree branch and hurled it at Khan’s face knocking him to the ground once more.  Morgan fell against his villa practically drained of energy and bleeding out slow.  His face was cut up. His regenerating powers were coming slowly.  He couldn’t get his blood to clot quicker.  His body toppled to the ground. 
 
“Lailani…” he quietly whispered.  Griffin was watching from the window and began to run out of the villa to assist Morgan.  “No, Griffin stay back.  Call Forester!”  His breathing was shallow and short. 
 
Khan pushed the large tree root off his body and stood up to regain equilibrium.  “Say good bye asshole, time to die!” 
 
Throwing stars came flying out and nailed Khan in the leg and shoulder.  He cursed out when the steel ripped through his flesh.  Blood sprayed everywhere.  Lailani summersaulted from the tree with her weapon in hand.  She saw Morgan on the ground.  Fear rushed through her.  She could feel that he was in so much pain.  He needed her.  She looked back to Khan to assess if she could get to Morgan in time.   
 
“Morgan…Oh, God Morgan can you hear me?”  She bent down to caress the side of his bloodied, bruised face.  “I’m here.” 
 
Barely conscious, “Lailani RUN!  Take Griffin and get out of here!”  He tried to push her body away from him. 
 
“Forget it, I will not leave you.  I will never leave you.  I will protect you my love.” 
 
“You must leave me…I could never…” she cut him off. 
 
“Ssssssshhhh…save your strength. I love…” 
 
“So Lailani, we meet again.”  Khan was standing 10 feet from her.   
 
Lailani didn't hesitate. She unsheathed Lin Dan’s elongated sword and crouched. “Come on, you ugly-ass sorry excuse for a vampire!” Her senses were heightened.  Her blood began to boil.  Her skin on fire and that special strength and power coursed through her veins as she wielded her weapon. 
 
“I admire your bravery but it will not do you any good.”  Khan started to circle her and Morgan.   
 
Lailani moved with Khan shielding Morgan with her body and her sword.  Her voice snarled. “You want some of him? You're going to have to get through me.” 
 
“Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a human threaten to take on a vampire.  This shall be fun! Let’s dance.”   
 
Khan charged forward and ran toward Lailani.  She jumped in the air with quick speed wielding her sword and landing on her feet.  “Is that best you can do?” 
 
Khan flashed behind her.  She sensed his move and ducked as attempted to bite her.  She drew her sword behind her and punctured his arm.  Khan yelped out in pain as blood ran down the shiny steel blade.   
 
Lailani withdrew her sword and faced Khan with it ready to strike.  Except Khan with his vampire speed knocked her backwards sending her flying in the air. Lailani landed on the ground scuffing her arms and face against rubble and dirt.  Blood ran from her head.  Shit!  She got up quickly and brushed herself off. 
 
“Haven’t had enough yet?  You’re proving to be troublesome.” 
 
“You messed with the wrong woman!”   
 
Lailani with a watchful eye kept Khan in her gaze.  She looked over to Morgan to see he was still having a hard time.  She could sense it.  His breathing was labored he needed blood.  Khan looked over to Morgan. 
 
“So he is your weak spot.”  He turned around toward Morgan. 
 
Lailani knew it was a trap just to get her to react based on her emotions especially her fear and love for Morgan.  Instead she threw her other throwing stars from the inside of her coat which landed directing in Khan’s back to get him to react to her.  Then she would move in. 
 
Khan riled in pain from these spiky, blades.  He turned back toward her and charged her once more.  She moved quick anticipated his next move to strike her like he did earlier.  She wielded the rattan sticks from the back straps of her coat and knocked him a good one.  She twirls, flips, jabs, and raises her batons in and all around the air and her body.  Her body contorting to all sorts of positions. 
She jumped and flipped in the air and pushed him down.  Khan skidding against the broken shards of glass.  Not reacting he was boiling over. She was dead on his next strike. 
 
Lailani crouched over Morgan again bleeding from her head and arm.  Ready for Khan’s next move.  This would be it.  She reached over and found her sword as his fangs came at her.  She stabbed Khan through the chest sending him over her head.  She fell back against the ground.  She looked over and Khan had Lin Dan’s sword sticking from his chest.  He was coughing up blood completely impaled. 
 
Lailani got up and staggered over him.  She looked down on this worthless creature.  Her hand grabbed the hilt of the blade and pushed it in further.  Khan gasped in pain.  He knew his lung was punctured and his heart was nicked.  Before she sent him to hell, he had to know what she was.  No human can wield such strength and skill. 
 
Coughing up blood and gasping, “What are you?” 
 
“I am the vampire slayer who’s sending you to hell where you can never harm another living being.”  She stabbed him again and in one clean stroke of her blade sliced his head off.   
 
Lailani turned around hurrily to Morgan.  He was still bleeding bad.  She had to do something. 
 
“Griffin, get out here!  I need you!” 
 
“Madam, are you alright?” 
 
“Yes, yes, call Forester I need him!”  
 
“I tried to Madam, I couldn’t reach him.” 
 
“Morgan needs blood go inside and all the bottles of his blood wine.” 
 
“There aren’t any.  Forester was bringing a new supply today.” 
 
“Keep trying to reach him go now and bring me a basin full of water and hand towels!” 
 
Griffin ran back inside to fetch the items she asked for.  Lailani looked down at Morgan.  He needed blood and he was going to die unless he drank.  There was no other choice.  She lost one love, she refused to lose another not when the power to save him was in her hands. 
 
“Morgan…can you hear me?”  Tears began to fill her eyes. 
 
“Lailani…you’re here.”  He reached up to strong one of her long strands of hair.  He tucked the dark strand behind her hair.  “I love you. Remember that.” 
 
“Oh no, you’re not leaving me dammit!  Morgan you need blood!”  She reached over and grabbed her sword and sliced her palm open.  Fresh, warm blood began to pool at the wound. 
 
Morgan could smell fresh blood.  A scent that he hadn’t encountered in a long time.  It sent chills through his body…it was her blood.  He couldn’t do it.  He refused to drink her blood.  He pushed away her palm away from his mouth. 
 
“You can’t leave me not will I can save you! Morgan…” 
 
“Lailani, what if I can’t stop?  Your blood is unlike I have ever encountered.”  Fear was in his weak voice. 
 
“Morgan, my blood will heal you.  You find the will to stop.”  She offered her palm to him once more. 
 
Morgan grabbed her palm and began to drink the blood gathered at the wound site.  Her blood was liquid fire.  It tasted like nothing he had ever tasted in his life.  Her blood was enriched with a dark, sweet flavor.  One problem he wasn’t getting enough to heal him. 
 
Forester appeared behind Lailani.  “What the hell happened here?”  Worried about his friend and his female.  He looked around and saw the decapitated body of Khan. 
 
“I’ll explain later.  He’s out of blood wine.  Morgan is dying.  He needs blood.  He’s drinking mine it’s not working.” 
 
Forester noticed Morgan going in and out of consciousness at the site of Lailani’s palm.  “He’s not getting enough blood.  You have to score your wrist.” 
 
“I was afraid to.  I don’t want to cut myself and bleed to death.  Here you do it!”  She handed Forester her blade.  Forester was frightened afraid to hurt her.  “We don’t have time, besides you can stitch up my wrist.  Forester I need him, I love him and can’t live without him!” 
 
Forester made a small slit along her wrist where the blood flowed much faster and freely.  Lailani put her wrist against Morgan’s mouth.  Instantly, Morgan latched onto her wrist with his vampire teeth in her skin.  Lailani let out a small yelp.   
 
At once, Morgan found himself regenerating.  His healing process began to speed up.  He drank a few more gulps of her precious blood then he realized that she was feeling faint.  He withdrew his fangs from her wound.  Forester started to staunch the wound with the towels Griffin just brought out.  Lailani collapsed to the ground.  Morgan got to his knees and lifted her in his lap.  Tears began to fall from his face. 
 
“She’s gonna be fine Morgan.  She’s just weakened.  She needs rest.  Let’s get both of you inside.  I need stitch her wrist up.” 
 
Morgan couldn’t move.  He cradled Lailani against his hard chest to listen to her heart beat.  It was the most beautiful sound he heard at that moment in time.  He leaned down and kissed her temple and brushed her hair away from her face.  He wanted to bask in those beautiful Asian, warrior features.  This warrior who saved and risked everything for him.  His guardian. 
 
A few days later, Lailani woke up.  She found herself in Morgan’s bed.  She looked over to wrist and noticed a small bandage.  She felt her incisors.  No sign of vampire teeth.  She still felt like herself just weak.  She had bruises on her arms and rib cage from the blows she suffered.  A price worth paying she thought.  She looked over and saw Morgan sitting in a chair next to her.  She reached over and traced her finger on his arm.  His eyes opened quickly at her touch. 
 
Rushing to her bedside, “Lailani, you’re awake! Oh my God!  Are you okay?” 
 
Lailani’s throat feeling dry, squeaked her response, “I’m okay just sore.  How are you?” 
 
“Never mind me. What do you need?  Are you hungry?  Do you feel ill?  Want me to get Forester?”  He flooded her with way too many questions. 
 
“No, no, no.  Morgan calm down.  I would really love a glass of water.”  She tried to sit up with not much success.   
 
Morgan lifted her up and propped her against the pillows and then reached over to the night stand and poured her a glass of water from the pitcher. 
 
Lailani drank the water slowly.  The cool liquid felt so ephermal down her throat.  She looked up at Morgan and saw the tears in his eyes. 
 
“Hey, it’s okay.  I’m fine” She reached up to caress his face with her hand. 
 
 
“Lailani, I thought I had lost you.  I didn’t think I would be able to stop drinking your blood.” 
 
“But you did.  You will never lose me.  Now my blood runs through your veins. How do you feel with ancient vampire slayer blood flowing through your body?” 
 
“Well, I feel warmth in my veins like I had never felt before.  My body feels at peace.” 
 
“Yes, that is what I felt.  So I guess my blood in you is a good thing.” 
 
“I believe your blood and only your blood could save me so I think it’s a very good thing.”  He leaned forward and kissed her forehead.  “How did you know what was going on with me and Khan?” 
 
“When I was meditating, I sensed danger was upon you.  I knew Khan was coming so I grabbed my weapons and raced in my car to you.  I didn’t give it a second thought about protecting you.” 
 
“You could have been seriously injured if not killed ya know…”  
 
“I couldn’t think about that.  Morgan I will always defend people I love.  It will always be in my nature to protect.  Please don’t ask me to feel sorry about killing Khan or protecting people.  Because I don’t.” 
 
“Oh no beloved.  I just wish this was one part of my life you didn’t have to be a part of.  Rogue vampires are extremely jealous and will kill others to possess what they have.  Khan wanted you.  I couldn’t let that happen.  It seems he got the upper hand since all my weapons were in the house and we were battling it out on my front lawn.  I’m glad he’s dead.  I’m glad you killed him.” 
 
“You know others will hear about us and what I did.” 
 
“Then we will face them together.  I love you Lailani.”   
 
“I love you too.  Ugh…”  Lailani closed her eyes and grumbled and desired a nice hot shower. 
 
“What’s the matter?  What do you need beloved?” 
 
“A shower.” 
 
“Coming right up.”  Morgan strolled off to the bathroom and started the hot water.  He returned to his beloved.  Lailani had trouble walking on her own.  Morgan lifted up and brought her into the shower.   
 
“Will you stay with me?  I am feeling weak still.” 
 
“Of course.”  Morgan helped her undress and then undressed himself.  He could smell her Japanese cherry blossom and orange scent.  But this wasn’t the time or the place for that right now.  He lifted her under the hot water.   
 
Lailani craned her neck against the hot water.  It felt so good against her skin.  The soreness seemed to melt away.  Morgan held Lailani up against his large frame, since she was unable to steady herself, with one of his arms.  With his free hand, he picked up a bottle of shampoo and squeezed some on top of her head and working it into a lather and rinsed her dark mountain of hair.  With a bar of soap, he gently washed her skin carefully until nothing but clear water ran down her body. 
 
Morgan scooped her up in his arms and propped against the bathroom counter and grabbed a towel.  He dried off her body careful not to push her skin too hard due to the number of bruises that still remained. Morgan gently combed Lailaini’s hair to rid her of any tangles. He dried off the excess water from her hair and wrapped her up in another, dry towel.  He lifted her up and placed her in the chair adjacent from his bed.  He walked over and stripped the sheets and applied a fresh set of satin sheets on the huge mattress. 
 
He picked her and nestled her against the softness.  Lailani let out a deep sigh which signaled to Morgan that she was relaxed.  She seemed to slip back into slumber.  Morgan grabbed himself a quick shower.  When he dressed, he was careful to be quiet in an effort to not wake his love.  Her body needed to continue with its healing rest. 
 
Several hours passed which felt like days in Lailani’s head as she began to wake from her sleep.  She stretched her arms and popped her neck and back.  She looked down and noticed she was naked.  Not a good idea to go parading around in her birthday suit.  She saw Morgan’s robe draped on the back of chair adjacent from the bed.  She knotted the robe and made her way out of his room and into the kitchen. 
 
Forester and Morgan were sitting at the kitchen table sipping coffee.  Forester was reading Morgan’s paper.  Morgan was staring out of the window at the rain that seemed to be pouring out of the gray sky.  Lailani rounded the corner and waved to the boys. 
 
Forester and Morgan looked up when they heard a rustling noise.  It was Lailani.  Morgan got up from his chair immediately to tend to her. 
 
 
 
 
 
“Lailani, you’re up?”  He hugged her but not too tight.  “Are you hungry, thirsty?” He looked down at her beautiful brown eyes. 
 
“Ya know, I would love some bacon and eggs.” 
 
“Coming right up Madam.”  Griffin had returned to the kitchen just in time to hear her request.  He began preparing her meal as Morgan motioned for Lailani to sit down. 
 
“Welcome back champ!”  Forester shot her a smile as he folded down the newspaper. 
 
“Thanks.  What a trip.  So how long have I been out for?” 
 
“Almost 3 days.  You’re body needed rest so it could heal.” 
 
“Did I need a blood transfusion?” 
 
“Nope you were good.  I checked your blood count several times and you’re blood is completely regenerated.” 
 
“Wow, I had no idea that would happen.  Something new about this blessing I guess.” 
 
Morgan looked at her confused.  “Blessing?  I thought you said your new skill set was a curse.” 
 
“Well at first, but then if I hadn’t been told about my history and acquired all these lovely talents I wouldn’t have been able to save you.  And now we can be together for a very, very long time. So it’s very much a blessing.” She leaned her head toward his shoulder and nestled against him. 
 
“It is I who is blessed to have you with me.”  Morgan pulled her closer. 
 
Forester cleared his throat.  “Do I need to excuse myself?”  He smiled that goofy smile he’s notorious for. 
 
“Not til later.”  Lailani winked at him. 
 
Perfect timing.  Griffin brought Lailani her meal.  For the rest of afternoon, the three of them sat around the table telling jokes and their plans for the future.  Forester was going to open more labs.  Morgan was going to start working from home and resign from Haven House and Lailani would be returning to Haven House and would announce her engagment a couple weeks after Morgan submits his resignation.   She and Morgan were going to begin packing up her stuff in the next day or two.  They were decided to keep Lailani’s “identity” secret from other vampires.  Her identity would be on a need-to-know basis. 
 
“So you’re gonna take the plunge and move in with the ‘Morgan the Grouch’?”   
 
Lailani looked slightly confused at Forester.  “What?” 
 
“Morgan is a grouch in the morning.  Whenever I come over in the morning, he’s grouchy?” 
 
“Well maybe that has something to do with when you come over; you drink all my imported coffee and read my paper before I do.” Morgan interjected. 
 
“I prefer your company over my fish and you have better coffee.”  Forester chuckled. Lailani smiled at Forester’s humor. 
 
“Well no offense, but I will prefer my female’s company over yours.”  Morgan grabbed Lailani by her waist and pulled him closer to her to inhale her scent.   
 
“And on that note, I will flit outta here.”  Forester rose from his chair.  “So let’s all have dinner in the next couple of days.” 
 
“Sure, Forester.  And thank you for everything. We need to find you a woman next.”  She looked up to him with a smile. 
 
“Oh no, not me!  I definitely prefer bachelorhood.”  He smiled back at her and disappeared. 
 
Lailani yawned and leaned back against Morgan’s shoulder.  He knew that was cue for another rest.  He scooped her up and carried into his bedroom.  He lay down beside her as she drifted off to sleep.   
 
Lailani stirred a couple hours later that evening and found Morgan’s hard chest was against her back. His arm was snaked around her waist. His hand was between her legs. His cock solid as steel lay against her hip. She rolled over to catch a glance of him. His eyes were shut, his breathing deep and slow. He looked so peaceful.  She smiled and whispered, “I love you.” 
 
Morgan’s eyes opened.  “What, Lailani are you okay?”  Then he snatched his hand back just as soon as he realized where it was.  Stammering…”Sorry, I…ah…yeah you probably not ready to so soon.  Your body needs more rest.”   
 
Lailani took his hand and returned it back between her wet thighs, pressing his fingers against her sex.  “I am always ready for you,” she whispered gasping his thick cock into her hand. 
 
Morgan growled and felt his fangs elongate.  He moved toward her and she could feel his cock becoming harder with each gentle stroke she gave him.  He ran his tongue and fangs along her neck.  It sent shivers down Lailani’s back.  The thought of his fangs along her skin excited her even more.  His ocean and Irish spring scent permeated the air with hers.  Morgan’s fingers slipped into her wet folds and gently massaged her. 
 
Lailani moaned as he caressed her soft skin.  She felt herself getting wetter with each sensuous stroke Morgan gave her body.  He insisted that they take things slow no matter how much she protested.  Morgan placed Lailani on her back and pleasured her no matter how much he was raging to be inside her.  He poised himself between her thighs and entered her slowly.  His hips rocked in slow, fluid motion against her core.  He could feel all of her.  
 
“I love you beloved.”  He whispered into her ear. 
 
“I love you too Morgan.”  She wrapped her arms around the small of his back allowing him further access to her with each deep, penetrating stroke. 
 
He filled her up with his orgasm, stretching her body as she accommodated all his masculinity.  She felt her own climax shattering against their bodies.  He pulled her close to his chest and felt her heart beating.  Strangely, his rhythm was matching hers.  They were truly one. 
 
A couple days later, Lailani arrived at her parents for dinner.  She had called the day before and told them she had a surprise.  They opened the front door and saw Lailani walking up with Morgan with her left hand around his elbow.  They noticed something sparkling white and blue against the porch light.  Further inspection revealed a spectacular round cut diamond solitaire with two sapphires on each side of the huge gemstone. 
 
Lailani had the biggest the smile on her face which signaled to her parents that she had accepted Morgan’s proposal.  Her father stepped forward and extended his hand to Morgan.  And with that simple guesture gave his blessing.  He could see that this man really loved his daughter and wanted nothing more to make her happy.  That was all any parent wanted for their child…happiness.  And truly happy she was. 
 
Over dinner, Lailani and Morgan shared their wedding plans with her parents.  They wanted a small church wedding were family and friends would come to celebrate their union.  Lailani would be moving into his villa in the next couple of weeks.  After dinner concluded and they were walking to the car, Morgan turned to his beautiful female. 
 
“I’m the luckiest man in the world to have someone like you.” 
 
“Damn right you are.  How often do you find a vampire slayer and vampire shacking up with each other planning to get married?”  She responded in cute sarcasm. 
 
Morgan had to chuckle.  “My guess would be not very often.”  He cupped Lailani’s face and kissed her softly. 
 
“Ya know…this has been quite an unexpected journey.” 
 
“What has been beloved?” He nestled his face against her neck, wrapping his thick arms around her frame feeling her fully rounded breasts against his hard chest.  Their limbs intertwined. 
 
“Love's.” 
 
 
The end. 
 
 
 
 
 Text: My book is complete.  There are some grammatical errors with the verb tense.  I tried to catch it as I went along.  Please offer suggestions or comments.  Please don't steal this work.  It is copyrighted and belongs to me.  The cover does not belong to me only the story.  Please enjoy. Thanks. L.L.Copyright © 9/2011 L.L.All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in orintroduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise)without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above author of this book.This is a work of complete fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or areused fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction,which have been used without permission. All rights reserved. Publication Date: May 16th 2012 https://www.bookrix.com/-asianbutterflies