Chapter 195

I sat up with a jolt and looked around. I was on a pristine white sofa in a strange room. The pale, dusky light of dawn seeped through windows and a French door that did not obstruct the light with sheers or blinds.

I saw Alexis standing at one of the windows, gazing out, his back to me. And then I saw that Monica lay opposite me on a hunter green velvet chaise. We were in her home. She slept, and although the sun crept over her porcelain skin, she did not burn. As my child she also had the ability to withstand the sun.

"She will awaken soon," Alexis said. "This one is very strong."

I rubbed my head feeling as if I had a hellafied hangover. It had been a long time since I'd felt that way. "Ugh. I gotta get to BJ."

"Samantha is awake and tending to her needs." Alexis turned and joined me in the living room where he stood with his hands clasped behind him.

I shook my head. "Oh, Alexis, this is trouble," I said as I looked at Monica, my progeny, my child, my friend. "Why me? Why is