Thorn watched carefully as the woman placed her glass down on the coaster and then seemed to caress the glass with her fingertips.  In reaction to the sight she realized she was stroking Sam’s hair a bit more quickly as if trying to use him as an anchor to keep her from falling prey to this woman.  Of course falling prey would only mean gaining a possible lover, but Thorn was reluctant to take the long trip down that road again.  All she needed was Sam…he didn’t require anything but the basic needs of an animal, and he was obedient; she could get whatever she wanted from him simply by her own actions.<br/><br/>After listening intently to Seraph’s answers, Thorn realized that this woman could possibly be just what she was hoping for…a replacement…an upgrade.  She was not some broken, wilted flower who needed to be protected, but Thorn had to wonder if perhaps Seraph would be too strong…<br/><br/>With that last thought in her mind, she smiled politely and nudged Sam to move as she stood up.  “Well, I’m sure if you plan on staying with us you’ll learn more about me than you care to, Seraph.  But we should all get some sleep tonight.  Breakfast will be at 7am,” she said as she began to collect the wine and the glasses.  “Oh, and Seraph,” she said as she glanced over her shoulder at the woman, “Please be sure to make your bed in the morning and keep your room tidy.  I have this thing about…order…and cleanliness.”<br/><br/>Without waiting for any answer, Thorn sauntered into the kitchen, washed hers and Sam’s glasses, dried them, put them away, and placed the wine in the refrigerator next to Sam’s breakfast.  After she was satisfied that all was in order, she walked back to the living room and simply glanced at Sam for him to follow her.  Seraph would get no more interaction tonight…it was Thorn’s way of maintaining control.