"Could it be because we're mates?" Gavriel asked thinking out loud.

Adam made a sour expression. "Nothing against the metaphysical bonds that tie us together, but this is affecting you on a physical level; I'd like to start there if possible."

Elizabeth thought about how different her life was now. Everything was different. Different house, different food, different routine, different squire... Her thoughts stopped.

"Different squire," she whispered.

"How does Ryuu factor into this?" Adam inquired.

"Not him, Sebastian, my uncle's squire. Every morning he would serve me breakfast in my suite as I got ready for the day. That included a vitamin designed by my father. I haven't been taking them since I got here, but I bet that is why my blood is helping more than your bagged blood. My father was asked by the council in Noctem Falls to design a vitamin to help supplement what is now missing from human and shifter diets. We don't eat like we used to. If humans and shifters aren't getting the correct amount of vitamins and minerals neither are the vampires. It's still in a test phase before being distributed to the other cities." She looked at Adam. "My father could tell you more."

Gavriel turned to Adam. "It would explain why Meryn was so unappetizing. She grew up on junk food and caffeine. She's only been eating decently this past month under Ryuu's watchful eye." Gavriel frowned. "If the vitamin is the reason why Beth's blood helps, it could make other's transitions much easier. The blood I've been drinking does little to satisfy the thirst and might as well be water. No wonder my body is going through blood depravation. I have to ingest three times the normal amount to get the bare minimum required for the changes I am going through, and it's still nowhere near what I actually need."

Adam patted her leg. "I'm keeping you here overnight. Bagged blood may not help your mate, but it will do wonders for you. You should be nearly healed by morning. If you'll excuse me, I have a certain scientist in Noctem Falls to call." Adam turned and headed towards the door.

"Don't tell him about me, he'll just worry," she called after him.

He nodded and closed the door behind him.

Gavriel took her hand and in silence ran his thumb over her knuckles. The motion was so soothing she found herself closing her eyes and drifting.

"Do you want me here?" Gavriel asked, breaking the silence.

She opened her eyes and frowned at him. "Of course I want you here."

"I delayed your treatment because I lost control. I saw everyone as a threat; you could have died and I would still have been fighting them." His face was unreadable.

"You are my mate, I belong with you."

"Are you sure you don't want to go home? Not for good, but at least until my transition is over."

She tugged on his fingers until he looked her in the eye. "You are my home now."

He drew in a ragged breath. "Then all I can do is promise that I will do everything I can to minimize the danger to you, no matter the cost to me."

She brought his hand to her lips and kissed the back of his hand. "Don't make me hurt you later," she threatened with a smile.

His eyes lightened and he shook his head. "I think I prefer Meryn's blunt and sometimes graphic ultimatums to your polite, smiling threats." He leaned down and kissed her gently. She could feel the depth of his love for her in the barest of touches. "I'm going to go next door and apologize to Colton again. He not only got a bit mangled but he also sustained quite a jolt getting me away from you so you could be treated. Unfortunately electricity affects shifters more than vampires. He's to be released tomorrow too."

"Poor Colton. Tell him thank you for me."

"I will, be back." He left closing the door softly behind him.

She closed her eyes and pulled the blanket up to her chin. It wasn't long until she was asleep.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Elizabeth ended up sleeping through to the next afternoon. By the time she was out of bed and ready to go home it was almost time for dinner. The house was quiet when Gavriel carried her through the front door. While trying to wake up at the clinic she'd realized she already missed the zaniness of the Alpha estate. She caught herself wondering if Meryn had threatened anyone at breakfast and what snack of Ryuu's she had missed at tea.

"Where is everyone?" she asked as he walked carefully up the stairs to their room.

"I dropped Colton off this morning after he was released. He went right back to bed. He said he would be down for dinner. Keelan, Darian and Ryuu have been working with Keelan's brother, Kendrick, via Skype on developing a perimeter spell. Aiden decided to get familiar with his new iMac while Meryn and her trainees played around with some gadgets. The other trainees had the afternoon off and last I heard, collectively decided to catch up on their sleep."

"So it's been a lazy day for everyone then."

"Yes. Meryn did make me promise to tell you that she missed you already and to hurry up and get better."

Elizabeth smiled. She had missed the little terror, too.

Gavriel opened their bedroom door and closed it behind him. He set her down on her feet and watched her carefully.

"I'm fine. Adam said I'm completely healed; the blood helped enormously."

"If you're sure."

"I am. Now. I want to see my closet. I have so much to unpack." She looked around. "Where are my boxes?"