When Haven finished her story, Claire was angry beyond words and everyone else was either shocked or appalled.

"How could you? What the hell were you thinking and what is your baby going to be?" Claire spat out.

Haven stood firm, "I loved him and I could see beyond what he was and love that part of him."

"He was a murderer, he was evil and, and…" Vicki was searching for the right word when Coreen said softly, "Disgusting?"

Vicki pointed and nodded excitedly, "Yeah, yeah, that's it. I don't get it."

Haven surveyed the group before her and said, "Henry, you're a vampire, Vicki, human," she turned to Claire, "and you," she pointed, "you're a shifter, Mike, human." They all nodded, puzzled and still flabbergasted by all they'd heard tonight.

"Coreen, do you know what will happen to you yet?" Coreen's eyes were wide and teary, "No you don't so," she sighed and put her hands on her large belly, "while all you saw on the outside of Ryder was evil, ugly and disgusting, that's not what was in his heart. He was a product of his environment. He wanted to be normal again and he mistakenly thought by killing and taking the blood of innocents and then trying to kill Henry and Vicki, he truly thought he could become normal again, whatever normal is."

Haven moved closer to the group, "So while you judge me, look at yourselves. Vicki, when you make love to Henry or kiss him or even just enjoy his company, do you think of the innocents he murdered in the name of survival? Do you see him as a monster? Mike, do you think of those Claire has had to kill to keep the secret?"

They all understood, they knew what she was getting at and while it was so simple, they felt stupid for being so judgmental.

Quietly, they got into their cars and decided to call it a night. Henry was still injured and could feel the pull of the impending dawn. Coreen was headed with Mike and Claire although she didn't want to she did as Vicki asked. Haven left with a heavy heart but no regrets. Just as she was getting in her car, she felt a hand on her arm.

"Haven?" Claire said softly.

She turned and stared in surprise, "Yes?"

"I know this had been hard for you, all the way around. You've kept this secret so long and you have no family. Slade wanted to kill the baby, isn't that right?"

Haven nodded, "Do you blame him? I cheated on him. He was angry and appalled, just like everyone else. I couldn't tell anyone that's what he really wanted and that's why I went into hiding."

Claire shrugged in understanding, "I want to offer you a place in our group."

Haven's eyes widened, "What? But..I'm not of your blood line and my baby, she's," Claire put her hand up, "We must stick together and your baby, daughter, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

Haven wiped a tear from her cheek, sniffed and mumbled out a thank you before getting into her car. Claire told her where to go and that she would call ahead. She also told her group leader the house they were in needed cleaning to wipe away all evidence of what happened. After feeling reassured that everything would be taken care of, they headed home.

Vicki was quiet during the ride but glanced at Henry to make sure he was okay. He seemed a little pale, even for a vampire and his hands were clammy rather than cold but other than that, he looked okay. Vicki entwined her fingers into Henry's and settled next to him.

"Vicki," Henry started.

"Henry, let's get you home and rested, we can talk tomorrow night."

Henry smiled wickedly, "Well, I think I might need some first aid when we get to my condo."

Vicki smiled back and nodded knowing full well what he meant. Henry sped up and decided to get there as quickly as possible to enjoy himself before he died for the day.

**

In no time, they were at his condo and as Vicki helped him inside, Greg waved and stared at them. They were both dirty, bloody and looked a little worse for the wear.

"You okay Mr. Fitzory?"Greg called out.

"He's fine, just a rough night you know, catching the bad guys and all," Vicki called out and chuckled. Greg watched them disappear and shook his head, "Those two are so strange," he muttered before turning back to his show.

Once inside the elevator, Henry leaned into Vicki and nuzzled her neck, "Mmm, you smell so delicious."

"Is that all I am to you, a quite bite?" Vicki teased. Henry licked and kissed her neck before nipping it lightly eliciting shudders and groans from Vicki. Turning to face him, she kissed him softly with a hand on each side of his face, her tongue parting his and her lips pressing tenderly into his. Henry growled and kissed her passionately. The soft ding of the elevator doors parting brought them back to reality.

Vicki exited the elevator, turned to Henry and said in a sultry voice, "Hurry…"