VAMPIRE PROTECTION AGENCY

ELIZABETH FORTY THREE

Looking around, after he left, I don't remember anything. How did I get back here? But he did it, he got me out of there, he made me safe again.

He came back in with a plate and large glass of water in hand; and he's smiling. Oh how I missed those smiles!

"Here drink this."

Helping me drink, it's then I noticed that there's an I.V in my hand, and a cast on my other hand.

Drinking most of the water, he set it on my night table. "What happened to me?" My voice is still a little raspy. "What do you remember?" "We were at the funeral, I was taken and held hostage. Everything else is a little hazy." He nodded. "It's okay. Don't force it, it's better if you don't remember." "Hello? Is anyone here?" "We're in here." Stepping into the room, Pandora Uther and Brian have huge smiles on their faces, it's so good to see them! "Thank god you're awake!" "I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare anyone. Thank you all for saving me."

No one said a word, it's so awkward right now. "How long was I gone for?" Sitting next to me, Pandora took my hand. "Sweetheart that monster had you for a week. When we found you, it's been a couple days. Now we're into the first of March." "What? How can it be?" I'm starting to freak out, how did this happen to me?

"Hey it's okay. You're no longer with him, your back with us, and you're safe."

I nodded, relaxing against the bed. Doc came in, knocking on the door, a huge smile on his face.

"Look who's awake. I'm glad to see you're awake. Let's check you over." Lifting my arm, I hadn't noticed before; bot of my arms are wrapped in bandages, and one cast. Carefully unwrapping my left, my arm is covered in cuts and bruises. Seeing them, it's like I'm really back there. That dark cold room; chained to the wall, cutting and bruising myself trying to break free, and breaking my wrist in the process.

Doc's voice brought my back from my memory flash.

"There all healing well, you might have a couple scars though. Your cast will have to stay on for a couple weeks. You need to stay in bed for today. But tomorrow you can start to move, but you have to take it slow. You need to keep your fluids up, and we'll see if you can handle solid food."

I nodded, looking at the wounds on my arms.

He held me there for a week!

"Did you ever give up hope of finding me?" They all shook their heads. "Never! We never stopped looking for you." The look on Gabriel's face, I know he means it. "I think I'm done here. You need to rest. I'm very happy you're back safe and sound." Giving him a smile.

"Thank you. I'm happy I'm back as well." "If you need anything, just call. I will check in, in a while." He started to leave, but stopped. "I'm having a wheelchair I brought up for you. You can use it, but stay in bed."

He made it very clear that I'm to stay in bed, which I am very happy to do.

Uther spoke up. "Elizabeth I want you to know, no matter what, we will find whoever did this to you, and make them pay!" stepping up to me, he took my hand, kissing the back of it. "Thank you. You saved my life, and now you're all taking care of me; so thank you." He nodded.

"You're important to us, to Gabriel. We wouldn't have stopped until we found you. And I will not stop until we find the monster that did this to you." I couldn't say anything. Of course I'm happy that he's taking care of me like this; seeing this side of him, it's a little scary, I'm not going to lie. Gabriel looked at me, clearing his throat. "We should let her rest." "Of course. Rest well, our little princess." "Wait. There's something I remember." "What? What do you remember?"

Gabriel asked sitting next to me. "Something he told me. He kept telling me I was meant to be his, not yours. He somehow knew that you and I are mates. He kept calling me 'My darling.' I refused to play his game. I knew you would find me!"

Tears started streaming down my face, Gabriel pulled me into chest. "It's okay. Just let it all out." Pushing him back wiping my eyes. "I think I'm okay now."

"Lie down and get some rest." I nodded, Gabriel helped me get more comfortable.

"Does Lucy or Mat know what happened to me?" pushing me back against the bed.

"They think you got sick and left. You can call them tomorrow and let them know you're alright." Nodding I sighed, closing my eyes.

"Please stay until I fall asleep. I don't want to be alone right now." Sitting next to me in bed, he took my hand, and everyone else left. "I won't. I'm right here. Just close your eyes, and let go."

Moving close to him, I closed my eyes, feeling him next to me. "Gabriel?" "Yes my darling?" "Thank you for saving me." "I will do whatever it take to keep you safe. Your safe now, and you will stay that way! Now sleep." Smiling this man I have only known for a short time, has saved me more than once.

If we weren't mates, would he care for me like this? Is that the only reason he has feelings for me? Shaking my head, I cleared my mind, slipping away into the awaiting darkness.