I stared out the window and onto the front porch of the cabin. The snow had blanked itself over my car, turning its midnight paint job into white. "Yeah, dad. I doubt we will be able to make it back tomorrow. The snow is coming down pretty hard. I do have some good news though. For added insurance, I will add another fifty-five thousand to my offer on Jess." I hated lying to him. It was snowing, but I could definitely drive in it, no problem. The problem was that the girl I was supposed to be training was following Zach around like a lost puppy. They couldn't see her like that. It would look like I had cheated. We had no idea how much longer it will last either. So I needed to buy us some time.

"Well let me know when it clears up and stay safe, son. I will see you hopefully within a few days." Without another word, he had hung up.

I sat down at the bar and sighed. My hands held up my head. I wanted to go back in there and be there for her, but I couldn't. Watching her follow every little thing he says without even saying a word to me pissed me off to no end. If I am anything when it comes to relationships, romantic or not, it's jealous. I wondered what they're doing. I focused on her thoughts.

'He was setting me up for failure. Humans are never supposed to talk ill of their masters.' My eyebrows curved in interest. She talking about me? What was she saying? 'I had never made my feelings for Tanner vocal. It was tragic.' Damn, she was just talking about my douche of a brother. There's no way she still had feelings for him, could she? I sure hope not. 

'Was he going to tell Finn what I said? I need this blood thing to wear off, fast. He can never know the words that came out of my mouth.' I scowled at her thoughts. What had she said that was so worth hiding from me?

The two walked downstairs and entered the kitchen. Zach hopped on the barstool beside me. Jess went hastily to the cabinets, searching them for something.

"How was the phone call," Zach asked, to my annoyance. He knew I could read her thoughts. I needed to know what she told him.

"It was fine. I bought us an extra day or two here if we need it. What did you two do while I was gone?" My eyes bored into his and I tilted my head to the side.

Zach shrugged his shoulders, "Not much mate, talked about girl stuff."

Jess set down two glasses in front of us. "Here you go, sir." She stepped back and looked to the floor.

"What is this?" I asked.

Zach picked his up and took a sip. "I'll be damned. That is the best old-fashioned I have ever had; and I've been around a long, long time. Where did you learn to make it?"

"I worked twelve-hour shifts at my hometown bar to help my parents with their financial troubles for years. I know how to make all kinds of drinks. I'm glad you like it, sir."

I picked up the glass and downed its contents. Zach was right, that was a hell of a drink. That was something I definitely needed right now. This whole week has had my stress levels through the roof. It sure has been a strange experience. I haven't cared for a human since....no, I can't think about her. I promised myself I would never think like that again.

"Jess, why don't you go upstairs and pack Finn's things for him. We need to have a quick chat, alone." Zach's voice broke through my thoughts.

Jessica nodded, "of course. Right away, sir." She scampered out of the kitchen, her hair bright yellow hair swinging back and forth behind her.

'God damn it. That asshole is going to tell him, isn't he? Well, now I know never to trust him with secrets.'

As soon as she was out of sight I turned to Zach and socked him with a right hook to the arm. He jumped out of the bar stool. "What the hell, mate?"

"Don't 'what the hell', me. What the hell were you two talking about? Tell me, now."

Zach walked to the fridge and grabbed two beers. He swung his hip into the door and it shut. "I don't think your girl would want me to tell you."

"I don't care what she wants. She's not in charge," I said through gritted teeth. "Tell me."

He rested his elbows on the counter in front of me, his head sitting on his palms. "You care so much about this human. It's interesting to watch. You've never been like this. Well, not since-"

"Don't change the subject."

Zach's eyes scanned the room before leaning in and whispering, "she likes you more than Tanner."

I shook my head. "I know that, dip-shit. That's obvious. What did she say about her feelings for Tanner? Does she still love him?" This was a gigantic invasion of her privacy. Usually, I'd be against this sort of thing, but I felt vulnerable and needed to know damnit.

"No. She cares for him, but it seems more like pity and regret. She truly did love him, but he turned dark."

She was right. Tanner's descent into the sadistic asshole that inhabits him now was unbearable to watch. That's why father and I barely visit.

"Did she say anything else about me?"

"Not much. She appreciates how fair you are to her. When are you going to tell her about taking her from Tanner?"

I stood up, "I'm not sure. I think I'm going to just surprise her when we get back tomorrow. Speaking of that, are you going to join us? It would make me feel better to have someone else to protect her." I had a burning feeling in the pit of my stomach that Jared was going to try something. Having back up would put my mind at ease, and I could count on Zach.

"Hell yeah. If I'm buying half of a human, I'm going to make sure she stays safe. Besides, I can't wait to see the look on your brother's face when you take her from him."

I sighed. I hadn't really thought about how Tanner would feel about this. It did not matter though. He was collateral damage. I don't care what I have to do to keep Jessica safe. Nothing else mattered to me right now.

"Did you know she was unaware of her blood type?"

"Really? Huh. I'm gonna go check on her. I'll see you in the morning." Immortality was a lot to swallow, I didn't want her to have to do it alone.