Mr. Darrow set my in the passenger side of his car and shut the door. It was pitch black outside and figures of what I assume were vampires were lurking everywhere. This place sure did get busy at night. He started the car but we didn't move. "That bracelet, who gave it to you," he questioned.

I squinted in his direction. It was driving me crazy to not know what he looked like or what my surroundings were. "I'm not entirely sure. I woke up on the plane with it, sir."

His hand took my arm carefully. "I figured." I heard a snap and the area the bracelet had rested over was exposed to the air once again. "I hate witchcraft. I get that Jared didn't want you to heal or be able to be tracked but this is ridiculous. You're going to drink some of my blood. It'll help the drugs fade faster, alright?"

I nodded, "yes, sir."

The blood was warm when he pressed his wrist against my lips. I parted them and let his blood flow down my throat. "We will go over all the boring rules and stuff when we get home but just so you know, you don't have to answer like that. Australian vampires are a lot more laid back on human manners."

As I drank, my vision came back quickly and I was so grateful. The light from the auction house's bright neon sign in front of the car casted a red light on his skin. His brown hair was long, coming down to his shoulders. I was right about his arms, they were built but I noticed the rest of him wasn't. He was on the scrawny side of vampires which was a weird sight for me. Tanner, Finn, Zach, and Jared were all ridiculously jacked. It was a nice change. His eyes were brown and kind, which was also strange for a vampire. He took his wrist away from my lips. "Thank you so much." My voice was as raspy as a chain smoker. What a good first impression you're making Jess.

He flashed a bright smile in my direction before turning his attention to pulling out of the parking lot. "Of course, love. I should probably introduce myself. My name is Derek Darrow and I'll be taking care of you for the time being."

'For the time being.' What did he mean by that? He called me 'love' just like Zach would. "It's nice to meet you. As you already know, I'm Jessica Dysart."

Derek nodded, "you know it's interesting. You are nothing like Jared described you. But I have a feeling a lot of what he said is wrong."

I didn't know what to say. I had a ton of questions but if he's anything like Jared it would be a death wish to open my mouth when it wasn't warranted. We sat in silence for a few miles. I didn't really notice if it was awkward or not. I was too preoccupied with my thoughts. I wonder how Finnigan and Tanner were doing. I wonder if they'll ever find me now that I'm in a completely different country.

"Not much of a talker?" Derek prodded.

My attention snapped back to reality. "I'm sorry. I'll tell you whatever you want to know."

He chuckled. "It's not an interrogation, just idle conversation. I have a feeling Jared never let that happen though."

I shrugged, "not really."

"Well then luckily for you, we're almost home."

I bit my lip. He was clearly not a Jared. That said, in what world would Jared have an opportunity to give me up to anyone he wanted and not pick an awful monster? The only way I'm going to find out is if I test things out. "May I ask you something?"

"You just did," he joked.

I frowned, "I, uh, sorry." My cheeks felt flushed.

"You can ask me anything you want, love. I'd actually prefer you speak to me."

"Do you and Jared know each other?" I glanced in his direction.

"We were friends at a certain time, yes. Why?"

Another person who called him their friend. I doubt I'll ever get used to hearing it. "I was just wondering. Thank you."

"Let me guess; you want to know because I'm nothing like him so far so you want to know why he would have ever picked me to hold on to you?" Damn he was good at guessing.

"Yes."

The Jeep pulled up to a heavy duty metal gate. Derek pressed a button on his dash and it began to slowly open. "Jared always finds a way to dump his problems on me, even from this far away. He needed to get you away from Tanner for a bit so he shipped you here."

"Wait, I'll get to go back? Really?" Finally a light at the end of this dark tunnel.

Derek drove the car up a slight incline toward a eastern coast style mansion. He stopped abruptly and turned to me, "woah wait. Don't get your hopes up, dear. You could be here for a week, a year, or maybe forever. His last fuck up is still here..."

Wow that stung. I'm not just Jared's fuck up, I'm a person. "You're right. I'm sorry. It won't happen again." My light was officially crushed.

The two of us shared an awkward walk up the drive way. I was thankful to finally be able to do things for myself. Slow motion Jessica was gone, hopefully for good. Derek opened the door for me but immediately pushed me behind him and back onto the porch. "What are you doing out of your room this early? I told you not until at least three in the morning." His demeanor had gone from relaxed to demanding.

"I wanted to see your new pet. Will she play with me? I hope she likes playing pretend. Come on lemme see! I'll go back in my room right after. Please, D?" A high pitched female voice pleaded.

"Ugh, fine. But stay there. You can't come anywhere near this one. She's different." Derek stepped to one side exposing me to the stranger.

"H-hi" I stammered.