I flinched at the sound of Valor's screams that came from outside the patio as the human blood in him began to fade.

It was a drug. It made you crazed and untamed and coming off of it would most definitely cause you to have withdrawals, and very painful ones at that.

I didn't understand why it was taking so long, Ava hadn't stopped crying either, her shrill screams echoed off the walls.

She wanted her father, someone who wasn't entirely here right now, and she could feel that and it frightened her.

It frightened me. Why was it taking so long?

I walked outside, Ava quieting as we drew near her father. I knew she could feel his presence.

I saw Valor on the porch, handcuffed to the rails.

He chuckled at the sight of me, but he immediately stilled as his eyes moved to the bundle in my arms.

"You have a baby." He whispered.

"No. We have a baby Valor. Her name is Ava and she is your daughter. I know you're in there. We are both waiting for you." I said.

I watched as his eyes began changing between maroon and black and then he slumped against the porch deck.

It was so quick, and I could feel myself panicking.

"He's not breathing." Cassius hissed as he placed his ear against his friends chest.

Pierre was a blur as he moved, pressing his hands against Valor's chest as he began trying to resuscitate him.

I handed Ava to Raven who stood there frozen, staring down at her friend who lay unmoving.

Pierre shook Valor violently, trying to get him to wake up.

I gripped Valor's hand, my tears blurring my vision as I stared down at his beautiful face.

He couldn't die.

Ava needed him. I needed him.

"Please wake up Valor. Please. I can't lose you. I love you too much." I whispered as I ran my hands through his hair, his head in my lap as I cried.

"Willow." I heard in his voice.

I sighed out as Valor sat up as he gasped.

I cursed as I hugged him to me, ignoring his fidgeting.

"Did I hurt you?" He asked as he managed to pry me from him, his eyes scanning over me.

"I'm fine. We're all fine." I said as I smoothed my hand over his cheek.

He stood up quickly, his eyes scanning his surroundings.

"What did I do?" He asked as he stared at me.

"Don't worry about it. Come inside. Your daughter missed you." I said as I tried my best to ignore his prying.

He narrowed his eyes at me as I wrapped his arm around me to support him.

"Is that a hickey?" He asked, his eyes widened as he stared down at me.

I cursed inwardly.

Raven chuckled and I growled at her as she hustled inside with the others.

"When you were in your druggy haze you sort of turned into a very domineering sex feign. You didn't really hurt me but you were very sexually dominant and my wolf kind of took the reigns and was...enjoying her mate being a tad aggressive in what he wanted, but nothing crazy happened. Oh, and you literally had no idea who I was." I said as quick as possible.

"Did I hurt you?" He asked quietly.

"It was nothing I couldn't handle." I said shrugging as I went to open the sliding door.

"You liked it." Valor said, his eyes holding humor as he stopped us from walking inside.

I felt my face heat up at the accusation. Did I? It was sort of...hot.

Valor was usually slow, and generous lover and he always put my pleasure first which I highly enjoyed, but something about his demanding yet teasing demeanor did have me slightly interested. We were still learning about each other and our likes and dislikes. It was natural to be curious, right?

"Well, I wouldn't be opposed to a little more audacity." I whispered with a grin.

"Really now?" Valor whispered, his eyes darkening to the darkened red I loved.

"I'm a hybrid. I won't break." I said as I stared at Valor who was inching his way toward me with a predatory smile.

I gasped as I was suddenly flush against him, his grip on my hips firm as he held me against his front as he licked his lips.

"Just so you're aware. I do bite." Valor said as he stared down at me.