Michael caressed her neck with his smooth hands and pressed his soft lips against her ears. "Are you sure?"

Shivers ran up her spine as she took in a deep breath. "I'm sure."

As his teeth punctured her skin, his hands explored her body. The wine in her system made the pain feel almost pleasurable. It didn't last long, however, because she quickly lost consciousness as the blood continued to flow from her.

Michael finished just as Henry entered with the blood pack. "Well, I guess you won't be needing this after all," he said as he put it into his jacket pocket.

"No, I guess not." Kara's body was limp in his arms. "Henry, please clean her up and carry her to my room. If anyone asks you, tell them she passed out from the wine."

*****************************

Kara woke with a startle from her regular nightmare. As the fear from her nightmare faded, she looked around. She was in Michael's room on the sofa. He sat at her feet, staring into the fire that blazed before them. The flames sent red, orange and golden lights dancing across his face. Looking at him, she felt her breath catch in her throat. His beauty was otherworldly. Her legs were numb, and she wanted to move them, but she was afraid of disturbing him and ruining the perfect moment.

"That was a quick recovery. I expected you to be out for at least one more day after taking that much from you." His eyes didn't leave the fireplace as he spoke.

She hoped his preoccupation with the fire caused him to not notice why she woke so suddenly. "I'm a quick healer," she replied, pulling herself up to a seated position. Her legs tingled as the blood flowed back into them.

"Why did you give your blood to me freely? Forgive me for saying so, but it seems out of character for you."

"They say alcohol lowers your inhibitions." He just stared at her. His grey eyes upon hers. "I decided that I can't keep fighting this." She swung her feet off the couch. "I chose to serve you, and I can't run away from that. Also, I think you're hiding some decency under all of your arrogance." Kara spotted a faint smile from him.

"You are quite the psycho-analyzer aren't you, detective?" She couldn't tell if he was being serious or making a mockery of her. "Your fight was what attracted me to you. If you lose that, then I'll have no choice but to send you home."

As usual, he was playing some kind of game with her that she didn't understand. She refused to take part in it. "I think that you'll agree that I've served you well tonight. I'll be returning to my room now." She stood to her feet with a slight tremble but caught her balance without much trouble. She headed for the door, but Michael blocked her way.

"I do have some other needs that you can help me with," he grinned. He had reverted back to his old self again, but for some reason, Kara did not mind it so much this time.

"Maybe some other time," she playfully shoved him out of her way. He grabbed hold of her arm. His grinning face had turned solemn.

"How did you know?"

She smiled. "I just knew."