I looked at him, feeling this slight pressure in my chest. I was annoyed with this whole conversation, but at the same time, I was scared, because.. Because a part of me felt like I was lying to him. To myself. But I said it. I said the right thing. The one that we were both aware of very clearly. "That doesn't mean that I trust you with my life, Christian." + ~ + Christian's POV + The house had gotten colder with time. I left a few months ago, searching for a way to find the necklace. However, I had the place for two years now. Away from Venedocia, away from the whole world my father once created, and was now ruled by Dimitri. + The place was.. It was a big villa, too much for just myself, but I had Alaya to keep the place all freshed up while I was away. Compelled humans as help around the house were one of the best choices, especially because it meant fresh blood whenever I wanted. + Unlike the old place, this house was bigger I would say. Different. Still in the woods, but more modern. I needed something close to Venedocia, to Moondale, and at the same time a strong connection with the human world. Now, I had a guest with me, and I needed Alaya to make her as comfortable as possible. I did make a deal with the girl, and I needed her for information. + She was my first, and best connection with the Morphers, of course with her being one herself. I wanted her safe and on my side. Comfortable, and trusting. Even though she made it quite clear in the car earlier that night that there was no possible way she would ever trust me. A vampire. A Le Boursier on top of everything.. However, still the one helping her escape. + I wanted to know why. I needed as much information as I could get for this girl. Not only did she have a well prize on her head, but she was the only one that could tell me where this necklace was. I needed to show her that she could trust me, and that was my key, the only key to get her to talk. + The rooms in the house seemed larger, but I had gotten used to them with time. Even after just two years, they held some memories that I still had trouble erasing. Sara firstly, and then the rest of the things that happened in the house after we put Adam down. After Amelia wanted a place away from Venedocia with Dimitri and Annabelle, I needed a fresh start as well. For me, things like that didn't really exist. Soon, it would turn into the same hell my life was. + I needed a distraction. And what other way to keep my mind off things than having a fresh blood after so long. It was easy compelling Alaya to stay still.. The thing was, with having a few glasses of the old bourbon before, it was hard to contain control. And the last thing I needed was Lana. + "Bon appétit," I heard her voice from the side, before I pulled away. Alaya's body was already faint, and it was good that Lana had stopped me. Quite the timing.. The girl fell on the side as Lana walked in the room casually, giving me the coldest smile I've ever seen. However, still a different reaction than I thought it be. The confidence in the posture made every inch of her body stand out, whatever she was wearing it was captivating.. 1 "You have quite the entrance, Lana.. And I over here thought that you would freak out." I heard a dry laugh escape her throat in response of my statement. She stopped a few meters away from me, crossing her arms over her chest as I somewhat had the chance to take in the view. + The black tank top was skintight around her waist as the brown wavy locks of her hair fell down her chest. Her thighs were firmly lined with those shorts; the dark olive color - a perfect contrast with her pale skin. Putting a stand of her goldish hair behind her ear, it still fell away, slightly over her face as she faked a quick ironic smile. "I've met other vampires Christian. I know your nature." I heard that soft tone of hers after a few seconds, taking my attention. And still no matter what she said, it sounded calming and feminine. + I took a few steps towards her, feeling a smirk stretch my lips. It was impossible for her to look frightening no matter how hard she tried. She was just.. Too gentle for that. It didn't suit her. I pinched the bridge of my nose to hide the alight smile on my face before I placed my hands on my hips. "I would offer.. But I've learned that your calmness is never the right sign." It was fun watching how something went behind those greens. Something mysterious and something that it was too obvious to hide. I was going to find out. 2 I could see how she shifted her legs. The small space between the two of us making her uncomfortable. She was interesting to play with. I knew I was going to have a fun time while pursuing this deal. She looked up at me, the humor behind her eyes disappearing as she got aware that I was playing with her. However, she continued the tough act. + "You're lucky. I'm in a good mood." + I didn't break our locked gazes. I wanted to see how long she would last looking at me the way she did. "And why is that?" + Blinking slowly, a faint smile was placed on her lips. The dark pink color seemed cherry like in this lightning. "Because I have good news." + My words started coming out mechanically. I wasn't thinking much anymore. "Enlighten me." I heard my own voice, but I was still concentrated on taking in every each one of her features, never having the chance to see her so up close. Never had the chance to follow her moves the way I did that night. 4 She looked on the side, before taking a step towards me. However, she just moved on the side and sat down on the couch next to Alaya's unconscious body. "I know where the necklace is."