I tucked the key card to the room into the back pocket of my skinny jeans, promptly striding down the hall towards Corey as he walked hastily to the elevator.

I picked up speed, easily sprinting down the carpeted floor so I could reach him before the elevator came and he got in.

He didn't look at me when I reached him, his eyes avoiding mine.

"You didn't even let me finish." I said.

"You don't need to." He replied lowly.

Running my fingers through my hair, I bit my lip. "Please, just let me explain further, please."

He shook his head. "Arabelle-" He stopped with a sigh and shook his head again. "No."

"We'll have to talk about it eventually." I grabbed his hand but he pulled away, taking a step back.

I swallowed, feeling a lump in the back of my throat.

"Please, Corey, I-" The elevator doors opened and a tall, lean man stood by the opening, ready to get off.

I stopped talking when a scent hit me; a very strong, very enticing smell.

I was completely caught off guard at the intense sensation that jolted through me- a sharp yearning in the back of my throat and in the pit of my stomach; a powerful, deep craving that stopped me cold in my tracks.

My eyes had been set on the tall man in the elevator; my mind blank in shock.

I saw Corey from the corner of my eye as he moved in front of me, obscuring my vision of the man.

He pushed me back, making me turn around and walk away, back towards the room.

I walked with my eyes blankly looking at the floor and Corey's hands guiding me, moving us swiftly away from the elevator.

"Key?" He asked; his left arm wrapped around my waist tightly as we stopped at our room door.

My fingers went to my pocket, abstractedly pulling the card from my jeans and handing it to him.

He hurriedly unlocked the door and led me inside, promptly shutting the door behind us.

Fingers trembling, I ran a hand through my hair, sweeping it to the side.

"What was that?" I questioned softly.

"Blood." He stated.

I let out a breath, trying to steady myself.

At least I got him back into the room, I thought idly.

"Corey, about before-"

"Stop. I don't want to hear it." He interjected.

"But-"

"Arabelle, I was just starting to get over the fact that I almost lost you a little over 24 hours ago. I was starting to assure myself that I did have you. And then you tell me that you're in love with someone else. I literally felt like my world fell apart. And, honestly, it did. I'm not quite sure I ever had you to begin with."

"Wha- no, no, no!" I exclaimed, putting a hand to my forehead. "Corey, you had me the second I saw you. I will forever and always be yours. We're going to be together forever that's why I'm trying to work through this issue right now."

His eyes softened ever so slightly. "You really mean that?"

"Yes." I breathed.

"Then why the fuck did you just tell me you're in love with someone else?" He put his hand on the doorknob but I stopped him, placing my hand over his.

"That's the thing; I don't think I do love him. Not really. It just feels like I do. But I don't know why. That's why I'm telling you this."

He looked at me apprehensively. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, it feels like I love him but it doesn't. It's hard to explain. It's like it feels wrong, strange, I don't know."

"How long have you felt like this?"

"Just today, after that dream. But I mean I've always felt a weird...appeal to him even though I don't really think I like him. It's confusing."

"You dream about him often?" He questioned stiffly.

"Well...yeah," I answered quietly.

"Do you know what he is? He's not human, I know that."

"Um, well...he told me he was...a demon."

He let his hand fall from the door-handle and I took mine away as well.

He sighed lightly. "Arabelle, if it wasn't for the fact that he was pretty much controlling you I'd say you were a fucking idiot. But, I guess it's not you're fault."

"What are you talking about?" I questioned nervously.

"I'm guessing you don't know much about demons." He said condescendingly.

"No."

"Well, demons can control people. Enthrall them. Usually it doesn't work on vampires but I guess that's probably why you noticed something was off just today."

"So, he's been controlling me?"

"At times, yes."

"Is he right now?"

Corey looked into my eyes. "No. You're eyes are lighter."

"What does that have to do with it?"

"You're eyes have been darker since he showed up, a lot darker. When someone is under a demons control their eyes turn darker. When they're completely under their control they turn black. You're eyes are almost the usual color they were before he showed up."

"...I'm going to kill him."

"You and me both."

"You know I only love you, right?" I assured.

"I do." He replied.

I wrapped my arms around him and we embraced each other.

"I'm sorry." I said. "I wish I wouldn't have said that I loved him." It felt weird saying those words now, that I loved him. I absolutely did not. "I can't imagine how it must've felt."

"If you hadn't have told me you wouldn't have figured it out. And, it actually kind of makes me feel good that you were that honest with me. That's what I've always wanted."

I pulled away a bit and leaned up, placing my lips to his in an avid kiss that grew to last several moments.

When we broke apart he asked; "You hate him, right?"

"Yes." I answered, feeling the fiery dislike in the pit of my stomach. "More than anything at this moment."

He smiled. "I'm the only one you'll ever love?"

"Always." I agreed.

We kissed again, the passion between us making my lips tingle.

This kiss lasted even longer than the other and when we pulled away I felt lightheaded with bliss.

This was different than I how I felt in my dream with Reaver. Much different.

This was a million times more intense, passionate, blissful, and breathtaking and most importantly- it was real.

I loved and cared for Corey more than words could ever come close to expressing and I was beyond grateful to have him.

He was all I needed or could have ever wanted.

I bit my lip, our arms still wrapped around each other and my eyes were still shut lightly.

"Arabelle, darling,"

I opened my eyes to look at him as he spoke.

"I want to marry you."

I smiled. "Are you sure this time?"

He looked a bit guilty for a second but continued with his pleasant and loving expression. "I'm absolutely sure. It's just another way to make you mine. And I'll get to call you my wife." He let out a breath lightly. "Wow, that feels good to say. It's exciting."

I breathed a laugh. "Well, I'll have to start planning another wedding. This one will be less intricate."

He nodded. "That's sounds nice. And could we only have, like, our families there?"

"Yeah, it's better that way anyways."

"Well," He smiled. "I can't wait. But first, we have to take care of Reaver. And I need to officially get rid of the demon curse you're under."

"Eh, Curse? That's what's it called? I don't like the sound of that at all."

He gave a slight shrug. "You're okay with me killing him, right?"

I blinked. "Mm...yes." I agreed slowly.

"You don't sound sure."

"Well, it's not like I really care but I mean, just, killing him is a bit...excessive it seems."

"It's the only way to really get rid of his hold on you. He's a demon, he doesn't deserve to live anyway."

"I take it you don't like demons?" I questioned.

"No. They're manipulative, greedy, evil-"

"I get it." I interjected. "Okay, so, you're sure you can kill him? I mean, are demons powerful?"

"Well, yeah, but I'm sure I can..." He looked down, thinking.

"Well, can't someone else do it? Has this ever happened before? Why don't we have laws for this stuff?"

"Demons don't show themselves very often in this world...I mean they're here often, they just don't tell anyone what they are. Not most people believe they're real."

"This world?" I questioned skeptically.

"Yeah, they're from the underworld. What," He laughed. "You actually think they came from here?"

I shook my head. "God, I need to read more books. Where's The Underworld? Under the...world?"

Smiling, he answered. "Kind of. It's kind of like a different dimension. They teleport or something to get in and out. And you know what's funny?"

"No." I stated.

"Demons have humans for slaves."

"That's not really that funny..." I glanced down.

He breathed a laugh. "Guess not to you."

"Anyways, so, how do you kill a demon?"

"Well...I don't know. I'm going to have to do some research. Not there, though. We need to go back to the house. You have books there that can help."

"The house? You still don't call it home?" I said disappointedly.

He grimaced. "Sorry, no. It still doesn't feel like it."

I frowned, glancing away.

"Anyways," He took in a deep breath. "We need to get back there but I don't want you to go there. I want you to stay somewhere else. I don't want to risk him doing anything to you, especially if he figures out we know. Which he quite possibly will."

I nodded in understanding.

He let go of me, keeping one hand on my back lightly. "Maybe you could stay with my family? I'm not sure how long it's going to take, I first need to find out how to kill him then go from there."

"They wouldn't mind?"

He smiled slightly. "No. They love you."

"Really? I didn't know that."

"That's 'cause I never told you."

"You should have." I stated, looking at his bright eyes.

"I just did." He smirked.

I shook my head lightly. "So, I'm guessing I need to book a flight back home."

"And I'll call my parents and make sure it's okay you stay there."

I gave a nod, reaching for my cell phone.

Sometime I'd really like to come to New York and not have my life endangered and under a demon curse.

Sometime.

A/N: Sorry for such slow updates!! Thanks to everyone who's still reading! Comments are very much appreciated!