My body sat in basement, but I felt like I was watching everything from a bird's-eye view. What I had just viewed shocked me to my core. I now knew the gist of what happened to Jess. Brandon's memories showed us the horrifying truth, but it didn't cover everything. Derek kept her locked in his room majority of the time and unless I was to look into Jess's mind I would never know what went on behind that closed door. Did I want to know what happened though?

Brandon sat up from his position on the floor and cracked his neck. "Welcome back," I felt my vison drift back into my body.

He stared at me with wide eyes. "I thought you were going to kill me?"

I shook my head, "far from it. I saw what you did for her. I saw it all." I extended my hand and helped him to his feet.

"You really went through my memories? I thought Zach was just lying to me so I would relax before you ripped my heart out." His eyes darted back and forth between Zach and I like tennis balls on a court.

"The Pureblood helps me see your memories like a film," Zach explained.

"Oh," Brandon replied. His transformation into a vampire certainly did not get rid of any of his siren-like charm. The boy was gorgeous and I'm straighter than a board. Every like on his body was well defined and perfectly sculpted. Could Jess have a thing for this guy? Wait, why should I be worried about that? Our relationship was strictly professional just as it was when we first met. Yup. Professional...

I led us up to the main floor and into the bar. Miles poured us drinks and we sat in silence for the longest time. One question nagged at the back of my mind. Finally, I had to ask it. "Why'd you lie to Derek about sleeping with her?"

Brandon clutched his glass tighter. "I wasn't a member of his clan, I was his investment into science. I came from the same auction house Jess did. He'd kill me if I didn't go along with his ridiculous plans."

Guilt spread over me. "Shit. I'm sorry man."

He shrugged and smirked. "No need to apologize. The past is in the past. You're ten times the man he will ever be."

An hour went by and surprisingly enough we all got along. It was nice to smile and laugh again but I needed to go check on Jess. I had left her alone for quite some time.

"Miles, did you get all of the medical supplies that I asked for up to Jess's room?" Jess was malnourished when I got her from Tanner. Now, she was practically just a skeleton.

Miles finished polishing the glass in his hand and nodded, "yes, sire. I included a few extra needles as well just in case."

Brandon eyed me cautiously. "You aren't going to hurt her, are you?"

A small laugh escaped my lips. "What? No. I would never hurt Jess. She needs nutrients and fluids. Derek only did the bare minimum to take keep her alive." I doubt you could even qualify it living. "Zachary will show you to a guest room. This obviously isn't our clan house or our main residence but if you so chose you may come with us in the morning and we can start your training immediately."

Brandon's eyes brightened even more than normal. "Really? Thank you so, so much for this opportunity. You won't regret it."

"I know I won't." I replied before speeding upstairs.