Hushed whispers occupied my hearing, my body felt heavy and weak. I weakly open my eyes and the surroundings are unfamiliar, the whiteness of the room was harsh on my eyes, I lifted my arm in attempt to shield my eyes but was unsuccessful, the unnatural pain in my arms had caused me to shift in discomfort.

I lay there for a few seconds the previous traumatic events flooded my mind, the fear I felt, the pain I was in, it all hit me at once but my thoughts had drifted to Ivan. Was he alright? Where is he? Where am I?

Even the slightest movement would make me wince so sitting up was going to be a mission.Gently casting the blankets aside I sat up and ever so slowly swung my legs around. Using all my strength I push myself from the bed, suppressing a scream was harder then I thought. My steps were small and cautious, I didn't know how long I had been out and my wounds had not fully healed. The way In which my body was moving resembled a new born dear learning to walk the first time, there was just a little less of the prancing around.

After a few steps it started to get easier and my confidence had increased. Turning the door handle and pushing it open, I stepped into the other room.

"Rogue you're awake" Hunter had spoken.

"No you shouldn't be out of bed, you aren't fit enough to be walking around" Rose rushed to my side and draped a blanket over my shoulders.

"Don't baby her Rose" snapped Hunter

"She isn't fully recovered" replied Rose

"I'm aware of that Rose, but the poor girl isn't dying, if she wants to walk around then that's what she will do" sternly stated Hunter

"Thank you Rose" I say earning a soft smile from Rose.

"You need to eat you've lost a lot of weight and I suggest you shower and change" said Rose

All of that had went in one ear and out the other, none of that mattered right now.

"Where's Ivan?"

Hunter and Rose look at each other.

"Is he alright?....can I see him?"

"There won't be anymore talking until you've eaten and showered, that's final" Hunter said. Like father like son, that's exactly what Ivan would of said.

"Okay" I say In defeat

"The shower is in there to the left and I've set some clothes out is well"

After a quick nod of the head I turn and walk towards the shower. I had planned on making it quick but the soothing water had made it almost impossible. The expensive body wash had stung when it entered my cuts but it had rinsed the dry blood that remained on my skin.

Even though the shower was distracting it wasn't enough to pull my thoughts away from Ivan.

I get out and put on my bra and pants, the urge to look in the mirror was too strong. The sight of my reflection had taken me by surprise, I was thin and frail, the largest bruise I have ever seen covered my outer thigh. My eyes were swollen and bruised, a painful cut was on my bottom lip. I looked horrible and disgusting, my stomach was churning and the mess that was in front of me.

I grabbed the baggy tracksuit from the shelf and quickly slid it on. I scraped my head back and left the bathroom.

"Oh great you've finished, I've made you some food, I want you to eat it all" Rose had ushered me to a seat and the marble island in the kitchen, where I sat in the stool at the end.

Two large plates and a bowl were placed in front of me. One was filled with a full English fry- up, on the other was a large platter of fruit and in the bowl was a sickening helping of porridge.

"I can't eat all of this" I exclaim astonished at the banquet prepared.

"You haven't eaten for two days, you won't get any better unless you get some food inside of you. Besides I'm not telling you anything until you've at lest eaten half of that" replied Rose

I wanted to know where Ivan was and this was a small price I needed to pay. I picked up the knife and fork, cutting of some sausage i put it in my mouth. As soon is touched my tastebuds I put another piece in my mouth. I have never been this hungry in my life.

The first plate of food had been devoured a lot quicker then expected, one down two more to go. I wash it down with a gulp of water before pushing it aside and starting the bowl of porridge.

It was tough to finish the large bowl of carbs but with a lot of motivation I managed to succeed.

"You can listen and eat the fruit whilst I talk" said Rose

"I'm sure you remembered what occurred the other day and the last thing you want to do is relive that moment, so I'll spare you the details. One thing led to another and Ivan ended up loosing control, he killed Tyson then he tried to attack you, But let's get one thing straight before you start assuming things, Ivan didn't lay a finger on you and that's a fact. He can't control his powers and once again they ended up taking control" Rose had stopped and stared at me with curiosity, I simply nodded my head to signal for her to continue.

"The oracle came to visit and had suggested Ivan takes some time to sort himself out. It was entirely his decision and quite frankly it's for the best, it's only for a little while or at least until Ivan is....stable" she added

I sat there for a while picking at the fruit processing the words I was just told. To be honest the only person I wanted to be with right now was Ivan but on the other hand if he thinks its best to be away from me then I guess that's the way things have to be.

I was well aware of his powers and not being able to handle them I just hoped things would get back to normal as quick as possible.

"I can't say I'm happy about but I understand the situation" I reply forcing out a fake smile.

"It's only for a little while so try not to think about it that much"

"What about Christmas Day it's the 22nd today, I don't want him too miss it" I confess

"Don't worry he will be there"

"I doubt he's too happy about that" joked Hunter

"Tell me about it, I spent about 3hrs begging him to let me celebrate it" I replied

"Ivan isn't the most festive of people, but then again none of the vampires are"

"Pardon?"

"Vampires don't celebrate Christmas, we've been alive so long it seems rather pointless to celebrate the holiday. The food, decorations, all the time and effort invested into 24hrs it's all very tedious" Hunter said

"Then why do you celebrate it?"

"Anastasia is still human, Rose and I want her to experience as many human things as she can before she turns eighteen"

"Oh that makes sense I guess"

"If it makes her happy then I'm happy"

"Where is Ana? I haven't seen her today" I questioned

"She's in her room, we didn't want her bothering you until you had woken up"

"Can I see her?"

"Of course"

I swallowed the last strawberry before thanking Rose and dismissing myself from the table.

Knock knock

"Ana?"

"Rolo?" She jumps off her bed and runs towards me.

"You want to play with me?" Before I had time to answer she grabbed my hand and yanked me towards her bed. The sudden movement had caused me to instantly wince and snatch my arm back.

"Are you alright?" She asks

"Yeah just not so rough alright"

"Did I hurt you?"

"No, no it's fine don't you worry about it, lets just play a game" I reply

She looks a bit hesitant but as I sit down and begin to play with her toys, she joins me.

We had decided to play barbies, we were dressing up the dolls,brushing their hair and rearranging the doll house. Id be lying if I said I wasn't enjoying myself, it felt nice being a kid again, no responsibilities, no stress, just fun times.

All the doll role playing had taken my mind of the pain in my body and the thoughts in my head. Well some of them.

Ana had grown tired of that game so the topic of Christmas ended up being discussed.

"What have you got me?" She asked

"What have you got me?" I challenge

"It's a surprise"

"And so is yours"

"I hope it's a new sylvanian house" she squealed.

Sylvanian families were her obsession, they were these small suede animals that she collected. They were all over her room, some were carefully staged on a shelf and some were neatly put away in boxes. She adored the creepy little things, I had in fact brought the house but I wasn't going to let her know that.

"I'm sorry Ana it's too expensive but in sure you'll love my present"

"I know I will" she sadly replied

After about 20 minutes I said goodbye to Ana and left the room to return to my own where I had stayed for the rest of the day only leaving when I was called for lunch and dinner.

That night I fell asleep dreaming of my beautiful monster.

-----

The next morning was started the same as yesterday, I showered and ate before going to play with Ana.

I stood in silence as i stared out the misty bedroom window. My mind consumed by Ivan, it was weird not having him around. Despite the fact it had only been a few days since I had seen him last, I missed him like crazy.

Knowing my stupid ways I had came up with a solution to see him. I had the genius idea of putting myself in danger so he would show up, you know like what happened in twilight. However this was reality and if Ivan didn't show up things would get pretty ugly.

I release a loud sigh of defeat before falling back onto my bed, the jolts of pain had instantly caused me to regret it.

"Rogue?"

"Come in" the bedroom door opens up and in walks Rose with a small wooden box.

"What's that?"

"More witches remedy, it will help get rid of all the scratches and bruising"

She pulled out a metal circular tub and I immediately recognise the familiar substance. The cream was painless and cold but it did the trick, slowly the marks had disappeared.

"It won't completely cure you, the pain in your ribs and bones will still be there but at least it made a difference"

"Thank you Rose"

"That's alright....How are you anyway?"she asks taking a seat on the bed.

"I'm fine"

"Fine....after everything that happened you're just fine" she presses on

"Yeah I guess"

She narrows her eyes at me before shrugging her shoulders.She stands up and walks towards the door.

"I miss him" I quickly add

She softly smiles before returning back to the bed.

"I don't know it's just that it feels weird knowing that he isn't around, I mean before if we were separated I wouldn't really mind but now it's like he's the only thing on my mind. I worry about the stupidest things or I come up with the most ridiculous scenarios."

"There's nothing wrong with that Rogue, you miss Ivan it means your bond is getting stronger"

"I don't know Rose I think I was hit pretty hard, this morning I renamed Ana's Ken doll Ivan"

Rose covered her mouth as she tried her hardest to stifle a giggle.

"Everything happens for a reason Rogue, no matter how weird or creepy it is" she replied after she had composed herself.

"I guess you're right"

"Of course I'm right" she teases

"Rose, you know Ivan's powers what happens if he can't control them? Will he be alright?"

"Don't think like that Rogue, you're his mate you should be the main person supporting him"

My belly fills with guilt as I scold myself for saying something like that.

"Just hang in there in a few days things will go back to normal before you know it"

Shortly after that Rose had left to finish doing her daily jobs.

The rest of the day was spent in and around the Stone quarters, it seemed that Christmas Eve was heading the same way but that didn't matter, because in a few hours Christmas Day

--------

"I'm sooooooooo excited" Ana had ran into my room and jumped on the bed.

"Ah oh my god....me too"

"Let's go quick come on"

"No no your mum said we can't leave this room until we are both changed" I add

"Ok" she agrees

"Quickly change and I'll do the same then we will meet back in here, got it" I suggest

"Yes mam"

"Ready and ......go" she jumps of the bed and runs out of the room.

I quickly get off the bed and hip into the shower, it's rushed and careless. I quickly get out and change into my outfit.

Ana helped me pick out an outfit she wanted to match with me. Since I didn't have any of my clothes with me we were limited to a few options.

We decided on a white dress, it was thin strapped and stopped around my mid thigh and There was a slit on the right side of the dress.

I put all my jewellery on and dried my hair the left it down. I was putting on my white vans when Ana came bursting in, she was wearing a white dress is well.

"Come on Rolo!"

I jumped of the bed and followed Ana who was standing with Rose and Hunter.

"Merry Christmas Rogue"

"Merry Christmas to you both"i reply

"We are still going around Ivan's as planned" Rose stated

"Is he there?" I hopefully ask

"No but he will be" said Hunter

"It's only 7 am don't you want to wait a little bit? Asked Rose

"No way" replied Ana

"Ok well go on then but be quiet"

We both waited no time we were out the door in seconds. She was very fast a little kid so I didn't need to wait for her, we were running up the stairs to Ivan's quarters when I stopped.

Butterflies were starting to form in my belly and my palms were starting to sweat. I was nervous yet excited at the same time, how was he going to react to seeing me.

"Come on" Ana grabbed my hand and pulled me into the room.

There were so many presents under the Christmas tree. Ana rushed over and dived in, scanning every gift until she found one with her name on it.

"Can I open them?" Asked Ana

"Go ahead" I had jumped a little at the unexpected voice. It was Hunter and Rose, they had sat down on the couch.

Ana shredded the well wrapped present in seconds her face lit up out of amazement. She continued to do so until all of her gifts had been open, by the end the was a mountain of presents and an even bigger mountain of wrapping paper.

I had thanked Ana, Rose and Hunter for my gifts before handing out there gifts. Hunter and Rose had thanked me for the gifts.

"What about me Rolo" Ana said in her saddest voice.

"It's not very good so don't be upset okay" I said. She nodded her head as she waited patiently for me to hand it to her.

It was fairly big so I had hid it under a blanket.

"Open it up" I say. She gets to her feet and flings the blanket to the side, she rips open the wrapping paper and a scream fills the room.

"You like it"

"Yes yes yes, thank you!" She squeals.

While she fusses over her gift I quickly scoop up the rubbish lying around and dispose of it in the bin.

"Wait there's more gifts" says Ana as she scrambles to the remaining presents.

"One for mummy....one for daddy....one for Ana and one for Rogue" Ana States as she hands each gift.

"It's from Ivan" said Rose

"It's a miracle" joked Hunter

I watch as they all open their gifts, then I proceed to open mine.