Disclaimer: Being Human does not belong to me.

His Protector

Annie sat carefully on the edge of the bed in the messy, dark bedroom and watched the curly-haired vampire breathe rhythmically in his sleep. His face was pale in the bit of moonlight that managed to creep through the blinds, his curls mussed. His hair could have given him the look of a little boy except for the tight expression that marred his handsome features. Mitchell had been through a lot lately; his soul was tortured, Annie knew.

Thoughtfully, she reached out and brushed his hair back from his face, a small smile curving her lips. She would take away his pain and his blood lust if she could and bear it herself. She hated that he could never let his guard down and truly be John Mitchell.

The object of her perusal shifted in his sleep as his breathing quickened. His brow creased in a frown and a slight moan escaped his lips.

He was having a nightmare, Annie realized. Making a quick decision, she stretched out next to him and rested her head against his shoulder. "Shhh, Mitchell," she whispered.

The vampire sighed in his sleep and turned his head toward her before he murmured, "Annie?"

"It's me," she answered softly. "I'm right here. Now, go back to sleep."

"'Kay," he mumbled, shifting her closer and drifting into slumber.

"I'll always be here if you'll let me," Annie whispered into the darkness as she prepared to stay by his side all night to chase away the nightmares.

Finis