Erica reached back for Alfred's hand, hoping she could find strength in it when Cassidy opened the door.  She needed to be strong.  She needed to remember how much Alfred meant to her, how much she needed him here, no matter what Cassidy said.  She doubted it would be easy.  She'd never exactly figured out what kind of hold it was that Cassie retained over her, but she knew that Alfred was important enough to at least try to stand up to it.  She just hoped Cassie wasn't too hungry.  She may have chosen to sire Erica, but that didn't mean she wasn't above hurting her to keep her in her place.  Above all Erica was determined to keep Alfred safe.<br/><br/>She'd even tried to convince him to stay in the car...wait until she was sure her sire wouldn't flip, but that didn't cut it.  Even after the journey here, both she and Alfred could hardly stand the few hours they were parted for her to feed.  An important moment like this, she understood why he would want to be here, and she was glad he'd been brave enough to insist.  She turned her face back to the door, taking a deep breath simply out of habit.