"Snap out of it, babe. He's not real. Be stronger than your memories." Brandon's voice pierced through out of no where.

My eyes opened and I gasped for air. Derek and the basement were gone.

Brandon had made his way over to me and held me in his lap. How did I end up on the floor? I looked up at him. His yellow eyes held sympathy. "It seems so real, doesn't it?" I don't know how, but he knew what had just happened to me.

"It's like I never left the basement," I whispered.

Finnigan had Zach pinned to the wall by his throat. "If you ever touch her like that again I will kill you. I don't give a fuck how long we've been friends. Do you understand me?!" He screamed inches from Zach's face.

Zachary nodded. "I'm sorry, mate. You were right, I was just thinking about Vicky. I never want to hurt Jess."

He let Zach go and the two brushed themselves off. Had they gotten in a fight while I was blacked out? Finn knelt down next to us and lifted me up from Brandon's lap. "Take Brandon back down to the basement. I'll be there in ten minutes. He is not to be harmed, got it?" His body was calm and gentle, but his voice still held touches of anger.

Zach simply nodded and sped out of the room with Brandon.

Finnigan sped us into what looked like the master bedroom. The walls were a light gray and adorned with gothic molds. In the center of the room was the biggest bed I had ever seen. A black veil of lace flowed from the mahogany wood posts around the bed which had matching black sheets. I don't' know who's house this is but it was stunning.

He set me down gently before taking a seat himself. Minutes ticked by on an old grandfather clock hidden somewhere among the wall decorations before Finnigan finally spoke, "that was a shit show."

I leaned up and pressed my back against the pillows. "It wasn't that bad."

He smiled to himself. "Lying is my number one pet peeve, but somehow I missed how you would do it to make me feel better."

"I'm sorry," I retreated slightly. Being with Finnigan again felt so safe but yet so dangerous. I wanted to be myself but that part of me was locked away and replaced with a broken Jess.

He turned to face me. "I know I let my anger get the best of me but I was only trying to protect you. Are you afraid of me again?"

That wasn't a fair question. Finnigan is the kindest vampire I have ever met but then again Tanner was kind once, and so was Derek. Our eyes met and my heart skipped a beat. Those dark green eyes were so welcoming and so familiar. I don't know how why, but I knew he couldn't turn out like them. He was pure of heart, I could feel it. "No. Not of you." I finally answered.

Finn's body relaxed and a smile spread across his face. "I'm so happy you're home." His hand caressed my cheek and I flinched slightly, making him tug it away.

God damn it Jess. Why can't you get anything right?! I reached for his hand, "no, please. I'm so sorry. It's just—"

Finnigan stood up. "No, it's okay. I shouldn't push you. Get some rest. I'm going to go deal with your friend in the basement."

I bit my lip. Why did I flinch?

You flinched because you know he should have hit you there. He's a walking monster just like I am, love. Believe me. Derek's voice reappeared.

"Shut up," I muttered a bit too loudly.

Finnigan was halfway out the door when he spun back towards me, his hair waving as he did. "What was that?"

Fuck. "Are you going to kill him?" I prayed that he hadn't actually heard what I said.

"If he really is the hero you say he is, no. But if he harmed you in any way... then I won't hesitate." His fists were now clenched. I let out a sigh of relief. Thank god he didn't hear me. I needed to be more careful. Derek isn't real. I can't let him get to me anymore.

Ha. Good luck with that.