The invitations were sent to many and everyone who received one quickly responded with his or her intentions to attend. As the responses piled high in Stefan's study, he noted the excitement that sparkled in the eyes of his loved ones. He couldn't have been more pleased.

On the night of the masked ball, Stefan donned his attire early so that he could make productive use of his free time. A smile caused his goatee to twitch and he drew in a sharp breath. An expression of dire seriousness took possession of his face as he rapped on the door to Carlotta's quarters. One of the maids answered his knock.

"Leave us," Stefan ordered in a low voice.

The maid followed his bidding without hesitation. The door closed quietly behind her and Stefan sauntered further into the room. Carlotta stood before the floor length mirror, admiring her reflection. The exquisite costume she wore was unfastened and exposed her bare back to his delight. Their gazes locked in the mirror and a small gasp of surprise passed from her lips. "What are you doing?"

His fingers traced the line of her spine as his mouth closed over her bare shoulder. His tongue swirled across her smooth flesh, leaving goose bumps in its wake. She moaned deep in her throat and the sound vibrated through him down to his toes. "Carlotta" he murmured against her flesh. "I am doing what I do best. I'm loving you."

She shivered under his touch. His arms closed around her, his hands resting flat against her abdomen. He brushed his cheek against hers. Smiling at their reflection, he whispered, "I thought you knew that."

"I do," she said, lacing their fingers together. The 8-carat, trillion cut diamond engagement ring he'd given her sparkled as brightly as the light in her eyes. "You realize that our guests are arriving as we speak, and the thoroughly loving that I feel is pressing and urgent will have to wait until after they've left."

"You are a cruel, cruel woman," he teased in a low growl. "I shall remember this."

"Patience is a virtue, darling," she quipped.

"But I am not a virtuous man." He brushed his lips against her rosy café au lait cheek before fastening her dress. Once she was presentable, he took her hand and led her to the landing in preparation of their entrance.

*~*

"Ssh!" Nikolas pressed his finger against his mouth as he slipped inside Dawn's room. "Are you alone?" he asked, his gaze finding her as she sat at her vanity table. Upon her quick nod, he promptly locked the door behind him and then strode into the room.

"What on earth are you up to?" she asked, her eyes growing wide as his hands encircled her waist and pulled her to her feet. "Nikolai!"

If she planned to say anything other than his name, Nikolas would never know. His mouth closed over hers, devouring her hungrily. When the kiss ended, both were left trembling and breathless. Dawn pressed a hand to her heaving breasts. "Oh, my..."

His mouth curved into a male smile of pride and possession. He stepped back and sat on the chaise at the foot of her bed. "You should continue with your preparations. The guests have arrived and Uncle and Aunt Carlotta are waiting for us."

Frowning, she pointed at him. "Why didn't you say so?" She whipped around and shrieked when she saw her reflection. "Look at my hair. It was perfect-"

"It still is," he said, watching her as she sat at the vanity table again. She glanced at him in the mirror and when their eyes locked, her frown faded. She mouthed her words of thanks. "You're welcome," he replied softly. "Are you nervous about tonight?"

"I don't think so," she answered. She patted and pulled on her hair.

Nikolas didn't see what difference her actions were making, but if it pleased her to fuss so, it pleased him, too. "This will be our official debut as a couple. Are you certain you have no misgivings?" he asked again.

Her hands became still and she swiveled around to face him. "Perhaps, I should ask you these questions. Sarah will be here and you haven't spoken since our return. Are you ready to see her? Are you sure that I am the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with?"

"Quite," he said, his eyes remaining fixed on her. "I have no doubts that you are the woman for me. When I asked you... I wasn't referring to Sarah, but to Jason. I know you cared about him. Will it bother you that he doesn't remember you?"

Dawn shook her head. "Those memories are best left buried. I am happy for him and Keesha. I won't be affected by seeing him again."

Nikolas nodded. "And if you are affected, remember that kiss and the man who gave it to you."

She shook her head and started to laugh. "You are too much. I do so look forward to being your wife."

"I know," he said with a wolfish grin.

Before she could respond, he kissed her lightly on her lips again and then took her hand and joined Stefan and Carlotta on the landing.

*~*

The Cassadine men and their fiancées floated down the staircase and their guests were quiet and still as they watched. After the initial first dances, the attendees relaxed and began to mingle. Keesha smiled and chatted with her cousins, but when she noticed that AJ stood alone near the refreshment line, she excused herself and went to him.

"Hi, AJ."

"Keesha," he murmured with a faint smile. "You look amazing tonight."

"So do you," she answered. She hated how awkward this felt. Since Jason regained his memory, her relationship with AJ came to an abrupt end. Now months later, their friendship continued to feel strained. She wondered if it was still there at all. "I haven't seen you in awhile. How are you? How's Michael?"

"He's great." A smile of genuine happiness spread across AJ's face. "He's growing bigger every day, and he's doing fine."

"I'm so happy for you. I knew you'd be a wonderful father. How is everything else?"

He shrugged. "Life is life. You know I live each day as it comes. How are you?" He looked past her towards where his family stood and back at her again. "Is Jason making you happy?"

"We're good," she answered. Without thinking, she reached for his hand. "I never wanted to hurt you. I'm sorry for that."

His fingers flexed against her for a brief moment and he dropped his hand. "He was the one for you. I should have realized how great you were when I first met you, but I messed up. I hope you're happy. That's all I ever wanted for you. Now, if you will excuse me..."

He moved away before Keesha could say anything to stop him. Her head dropped down in dismay. She hoped that tonight would be a fresh start, but there was too much between them. Maybe there would always be too much. It saddened her that by rediscovering love with Jason, she'd lost a best friend in AJ.

Warm hands closed over her bare shoulders. Jason's hands. Leaning back against him, she relaxed as his love wrapped around her and comforted her. "I take it things didn't work out the way you wanted them to."

"No," she said, slowly turning around to face him. His blue eyes probed to her very soul. She knew he felt her pain, but she didn't want it to worry him. "I'm fine. It will take some time. He's hurting now, but it won't last forever."

"Maybe it won't," he said gently, "and maybe it will. Sweetheart, whatever AJ decides...you can't beat yourself up about it. He's a grown man. He's responsible for his own decisions. Just like we're responsible for ours."

"You're right," she said, conceding with a nod. Their fingers laced together and they slowly began to move aimlessly around the grand ballroom. She glanced into his chiseled face and smiled. Batting her eyelashes, she asked, "Have I told you how handsome you look in that tux?"

"Yes," he said with a broad smile, "but I'm not opposed to hearing it again."

*~*

"This is a day I never thought would come," Robert remarked casually to an attentive Alexis whose hand was tucked neatly against his arm.

"What?" she asked. Stefan glanced at her from across the room and smiled. The small gesture made her heart flutter. His forgiveness of her past betrayal brought untold comfort to her soul. Just maybe their relationship would be what it once was. She prayed that it would.

"That I would attend an extravagant gala at the home of a Cassadine and with a very lovely Cassadine on my arm."

"I'm a distant cousin," she corrected. "Not an immediate relation."

"A Cassadine is a Cassadine," he teased, "and I'm surprised to find that I don't mind. I suppose I'm maturing in my old age."

"Not too old I hope," Alexis returned. "I have plans for you, Mr. Scorpio and they aren't plans for an old man."

"You don't say?" he asked, his eyebrows arching with interest. "What kinds of plans are these?"

"Oh, plans which will require a certain amount of stamina."

"Stamina?" he repeated. "Oh, I have plenty of that. Go on."

"Ingenuity."

"I've been told that my imagination is boundless," he said. "Is there more?"

"Of course," she said, "but I can't repeat it here and I don't want to give too much away. A little mystery never hurts, does it?"

"Oh, no," he murmured. "Besides, haven't you heard? Mystery is my middle name."

*~*

Robin smiled to herself as her father and Alexis Davis moved past her and went outside to the terrace. A warm body stood beside her and she turned to see that her uncle's former co-worker was there. "Hello, Detective."

"Ms. Scorpio," Marcus said with a low rumble. "Please, call me Marcus. I'm not on the clock right now and I'd hate to intimidate anyone."

She laughed. "I find that hard to believe. I think you enjoy making people shake in their shoes."

He shrugged and smiled. "Only certain people. How are you? I heard you were in Paris."

Robin titled her head to the side. "You were asking about me?"

"Um, no," he said with a nervous laugh. "Dara told me. She and I are friends. We talk. It happens."

Now, it was Robin's turn to feel embarrassment. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way. Of course. Well, yes, I'm back. I went there for a few weeks. A study abroad project that I'm sure you're not interested in hearing about."

"Don't be so sure" he responded. "My whole life doesn't revolve around making arrests and intimidating people. I've been to Paris. I liked it. I may go back."

"Oh yeah?" she asked. This conversation struck Robin was as a little strange, but she found herself enjoying it. There was obviously more to Marcus Taggert than what met the eye. He was certainly a handsome man and sexy, too. But he also had a sense of humor that she never noticed before. Robin started to wonder what else she hadn't noticed before. "What did you like the most about the City of Lights?"

"Everything," he answered. "And you?"

She smiled. "Everything."

*~*

"Don't look now, but I think Marcus is hitting on Robin."

"What?!"

Mac started to move toward the couple, but Dara grabbed his upper arm in a firm grasp. "Oh, no you don't. Leave them alone."

"But that's Taggert," Mac protested, "and she's my niece! She's just a kid."

Dara laughed. "Look at her. She's a lovely young woman. Besides, I think it's just harmless flirting."

"There's no such thing," he grumbled.

"Dance with me," she told him, leading him toward the dance floor. "She's a grown woman and Marcus is a grown man. Forget about them and concentrate on me."

"Now that's something I can do," he murmured naughtily against her ear.

His hand fell to the small of her back and the other held her hand. They moved in time to the romantic sounds of the string quartet. Her head rested against him and Dara couldn't stop smiling. "This is nice."

"With the kind of money that's being thrown around today, I think saying it's nice is an insult."

"You know what I mean," she said, lifting her head to look at him. The teasing grin on his face gave him away and she shook her head. "You are becoming outrageous."

"Me?" he asked, feigning innocence. "Outrageous? I certainly hope so!"

"What will you do when I go on tour? Will you behave yourself while I'm away?"

He shook his head. "I'm throwing wild pity parties every night. I'm gonna miss you, love. Are you sure you have to go?"

She nodded. "L&B is pretty adamant about it and I agree. The CD will be released soon and we have to get me out there to push it. There will be a few breaks along the way."

"And husbands are allowed to participate in those?" he asked.

"Most definitely."

"I'll be there with bells on," he said, brushing his mouth against hers.

Dara giggled as he raised his head. "Bells? Oh, I could think of a few places where you could hang those bells."

Mac gasped and crushed her to him. Minutes later, they slipped outside to lose themselves in the garden and in each other.

*~*

"We're gonna have a problem with Mac."

"Why?" Brenda asked, popping a chilled grape into her mouth. She fed one to Ned and giggled as he licked her fingers. "He's happy for Dara."

"Yeah, he's happy for her, but he'll be a pain in the ass once the tour starts. Mark my words." He opened his mouth for another grape. "Those are good. Did they import them from Greece?"

"Probably," she said with a laugh. "Now, back to Dara. She wants this and what that woman wants, Mac will make sure she gets."

"How do you know?"

She shrugged as her eyes gleamed with wisdom. "Because I'm a woman and women know these things. Mac's in love with her. He'll make sure she's happy."

"Is that how a man in love behaves?" Ned asked, waiting patiently for another grape.

Brenda withheld the grape as she asked, "You tell me."

His arms closed around her and he nuzzled her neck. "Yes. Is there anything you want?" he asked as he gazed into her eyes.

She popped the grape into her mouth and threw her arms around his neck. Nodding, she said, "Yes."

"Your wish is my command," he murmured.

"I want some more of these grapes!" she said, giggling. "And then I want you all to myself."

He kissed the tip of her nose. "Consider it done."

*~*

"Now, this is what I call a party," Pamela announced as she watched Stefan Cassadine twirl his bride-to-be around on the dance floor.

Jax chuckled. "You can't be serious. This is frightfully boring."

"It's not so bad," she said, turning away from the dance floor to smile at him. "Actually, this is great. I can't wait for the wedding."

"I think I know why," he said as he pulled her towards him. "Does the opening of a branch office in Sydney, Australia where you will be the big lady boss have anything to do with that huge smile on your face?"

"Some of it," she told him. "I also look forward to finally meeting your parents, and maybe your larger than life big brother, too. Maybe?"

Jax shrugged. "I could see that happening. If he's not out wrestling with crocodiles. You know that Dundee guy stole that from Jerry's life. My brother is infamous Down Under for his wrestling skill with reptiles."

Her perfect eyebrows arched in surprise. "I hope you're kidding."

He shook his head. "Unfortunately, I'm not. Jerry has wrestled crocodiles. He did it on a dare. Mum and Dad nearly skinned him alive when he came home all bloody and bruised."

She laughed. "Your family is strange."

He glanced at the slew of Quartermaines who stood near the champagne fountain. Directing his attention to her again, he asked, "And yours isn't?"

Pamela shook her head. "I don't claim them."

"You can't keep running away from Grandpa Edward. One day, he'll catch up and warn you against me. I guarantee it."

"He already has!" she admitted with a faint laugh. "The way I see it, if that old critter is warning me about you, then you can't be so bad. I hear there's good music in the back. Wanna check it out?"

"Sure," he shrugged, allowing her to lead him, "just as long as we leave soon after. I'm beginning to burn with plans for you that are making me viciously impatient."

"Well, in that case," she said, grinning, "let's leave now."

*~*

"When will you put an end to that?" Edward demanded of Justus. "If you can't handle it, I-"

"You won't do a thing," Justus told him. "Leave Pamela Faith and her love life alone. Jax makes her happy and that's good enough for me."

"Well, it's not good enough for me! That Jacks hooligan is not good enough for my granddaughter!" he blustered. "If you were any kind of brother, you'd agree with me."

"I'm a great brother," Justus informed him, "and that's why I don't agree with you. Stay out of it, Edward."

"But what about her shares? You know he's only with her to get them-"

"Edward!" Lila snapped, cutting him off. "Stop it this instant. What a horrible thing to say! Of course, Mr. Jacks thinks more of Faith than that. I certainly hope you never said that to her."

"So do I," Justus added through gritted teeth.

"Settle down both of you," Edward said, his face beet-red. "I'm not insensitive. Of course, I didn't say that to her. I might have mentioned the shares to her, but I never said... Well, I never said any of that. My, that champagne looks refreshing. Lila, I'll get a glass for you. I'll be right back."

"He's something else," Justus commented. "I don't know how you do it, Lila."

"Neither do I," she remarked with a smile, "but I suppose I'm more aware of his heart than most. Beneath all that blustering, he has a kind heart. I hope you will rethink your decision to move back to Philadelphia and stay here a little longer. Please, Justus."

He shook his head. "I'm not sure. Pamela is moving to Australia soon and Lil Bit is happy on the police force and with Jason. It's time for me to find my place."

"You already have a place," she said, taking his hand. "With us. You're our family, too, Justus. Stay a little while longer."

"Are you leaving?"

Justus' eyes widened to find Bobbie Jones looking at him with avid interest. They'd shared lunch a few times and his interest had been sparked, but nothing ever came of it. What if he'd given up prematurely? He shrugged and tried to appear nonchalant. "I've been thinking about it."

"Oh, Bobbie, please help us talk some sense into him," Lila implored. "He won't listen to any of us. Won't you excuse me? I don't like the way that housekeeper, Mrs. Lansbury is looking at Edward!"

Justus and Bobbie shared a laugh as Lila wheeled away in pursuit of her husband. "She's something else," Justus commented as their laughter faded.

"And so are you," Bobbie replied. "For what it's worth, I hope you won't leave. Port Charles would miss you, and so would I."

*~*

Ellen sat in a far back table with Matt at her side. Underneath the table, their hands were joined. So far, they haven't revealed their relationship to anyone other than her cousin, Dara. Their careers were important to them and they feared the risks of revealing how close they truly were.

"One day we'll have an ostentatious party like this," Matt told her, "to celebrate our marriage."

"Matt," she began with warning in her voice.

"What?" he asked, staring intently into her large brown eyes. "I speak the truth. One day you will be my wife, Dr. Burgess. You can mark my words. I won't take no for an answer."

"I already know that," she retorted with a dimpled smile, "but let's take it one step at a time. When you're no longer an intern under my direction. Okay?"

"So I take it you've responded in the affirmative to my proposal?" he asked, his eyes dancing.

Ellen laughed. "I didn't say that."

"Well, that's what I heard," he responded. "Okay, I'll start making the preparations now-"

"Just settle down. You're like a dog with a bone!"

He nodded as he leered at her. "Oh, yes, I can be ferocious, but I can also be as gentle as a lamb. Tell me which you're in the mood for and I'll be more than happy to accommodate."

She grew warm under the heat of his gaze. With a look or a word, the man had the ability to render her speechless and dizzy from wanting him. Falling in love again had never felt so good. She squeezed his hand underneath the table. "Tonight, I think I'd settle for a frisky lamb. Does that work for you?"

"More than you know," he murmured.

*~*

"Eric..I mean Matt looks so happy," Lynn commented as Tommy led her to the bar. He handed her a Ginger Ale and took one for himself. "All those years we thought he was dead, but he was out there...becoming a doctor."

"See," Tommy said gently. "There's life after the mob. We'll be happy, sweetheart."

"I suppose," she said, taking a sip of the bubbly beverage.

"I'm serious," he told her while he watched her. "Your uncle is behind bars. He won't hurt any of us ever again. You can start over and you won't be alone. I'm here beside you and I won't leave unless you ask me to."

She smiled. "And we both know I'd never do that. I have to take time in readjusting to this. For years, I've always had the threat of marriage to Bobby in the back of my head. Now that he's gone... I have to face that I'm actually gonna have a life now."

"If you don't want to stay in Port Charles," he said, "you don't have to. We could still enroll at another college somewhere far away. Maybe in Hawaii. I know how much you liked it there and I'm sure those guys would love to have you back."

"Which guy?" she asked, teasing him.

Tommy grunted. "All of those guys! TC, Rick, Higgins and those ugly lads."

"What about Magnum?" she asked.

"I think Jolie has him occupied," he said with a smile. "But for those other fellas... Nah, I think we'll stay away from Hawaii until they get over you."

"Are you jealous, Thomas Hardy?" she asked.

A faint blush colored his cheeks. "Hardy men don't get jealous."

She laughed and then kissed his cheek. "Yeah, right. I like Port Charles and I like the University's nursing program. I'd like for us to stay here."

He smiled and took her hand. "That settles it. We're here."

*~*

Lucky grabbed Emily's hand and pulled her away from her mother. They went outside to the garden and chose a partially secluded bench to sit and talk.

"I can't believe you came!"

He glanced down at his T-shirt, jeans and sneakers. "I'm not exactly dressed for it. You have no idea what I had to do to get to this place. It ain't called Spook Island for nothing."

"I don't care what you had to do," she said, "I'm just happy you're here. Did the Webbers' flight depart without any problems?"

"No problems," he mumbled. "Sarah and Elizabeth and their parents are in the sky now, bound for Boulder."

"You're gonna miss her, aren't you?" she asked.

"I'll miss both of them," he corrected. "Elizabeth's better, I think. Sarah did the right thing in calling their parents. I think things would have been worse without them."

"And you did the right thing by taking her to the hospital," Emily told him. "You're a hero-"

"I'm nobody's hero," he interrupted, blushing furiously.

"I disagree," she said, scooting closer to him. "You're my hero, Lucky Spencer."

"Well," he said, starting to grin, "I don't mind being your hero, but only yours."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," she whispered, leaning forward to kiss him.

*~*

Quentin stood next to Petrukas and neither of them could tear their gazes from the dance floor. Both men watched two very special women in their lives and had proud smiles on their faces.

"Look at our girls," Quentin said. "They're happy. I don't think I've ever seen either of them so happy."

Petrukas patted the younger man on the back. "There was a time I thought I'd see you out there on the dance floor with Carlotta like that instead of Stefan. I never imagined he'd be the one to marry her. I always thought it would be you."

"So did I," Quentin acknowledged, "but it's better this way. They love each other. They always have. I won't interfere with that."

"You're damned right you won't!" Petrukas informed him. "My daughter is happy. I won't let anything or anyone interfere with that."

Quentin was silent for a moment. Carlotta moved away from Stefan and began to circle the room. Dawn continued to dance with Nikolas, smiling the entire time. Slowly, the older man's words seeped into his consciousness. "What did you mean by that, Christofides? Is there something I should know?"

Petrukas' jaw was set as he shook his head. "Nothing at all. What lies ahead for you? Are you still playing around on the road? Isn't it time for you to settle down?"

"You sound like my mother," Quentin said, not entirely convinced by Petrukas' denial. "Why do you ask? Are you trying to get rid of me?"

"Why would I do that? Have I ever tried before? You've always been a good father to my granddaughter. I expect that to continue. Of course, you will be at the wedding."

Quentin laughed. Petrukas was peculiar! "You are one strange cat. Yeah, I'll be at the wedding. No one but me will give my daughter away and I expect you to do the same for Carlotta."

The older man smiled and stuck out his hand. The two men shook hands. "Agreed!" Petrukas declared. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a beautiful granddaughter to dance with."

"Good luck. Nikolas seems to have a firm grip."

"We'll just see about that!"

*~*

Carlotta had been out of his sight for far longer than Stefan wanted. With a frown etched into his forehead, he approached Vincent. "Terranova, have you seen Carlotta?"

Vinnie shook his head. "Not since you were dancing. You don't know where she is?"

"No," Stefan clipped.

"And you haven't warned her?" Vinnie questioned. "And now you're worried. Dammit-"

"Don't!" Stefan bit out. Terranova didn't need to remind him that he'd made a grievous error. Ice cold coursed through his veins and reminded him of his failure. "There was no need to warn her about Helena."

"Is that why your face is gray and you're gripping my arm?" Vinnie asked as he wrenched his arm free. "Look, I'll alert security and then we'll start looking."

"Immediately," Stefan ordered through clenched teeth.

"Of course."

*~*

Carlotta wasn't sure what drew her to the second floor and to a Wing that was rarely used. Some strange feeling had nagged her and lured her there. A feeling like destiny lay in wait just up the staircase down the passageway and around the corner. A feeling such as that was impossible to ignore. Her footsteps trailed noiselessly down the carpet and into the closed off room.

She wasn't quite sure what she expected to find, but upon pushing open the door she was surprised by the assembling of old trunks and other materials that were strewn about. Forgetting about the party downstairs, she moved around the room. She opened a few of the trunks and inspected the clothing she found inside. Old baby clothes and toys and a few gowns. She put them back and a covering caught her eye. Upon removing the covering, she found a painting of Laura.

The image stared back her, reminding her of Greece so long ago and how deeply Stefan cared for the blonde woman. Carlotta always believed that Stefan's feelings for his brother's wife ran deeper than he ever dared to confess. It bothered her that Laura so quickly found an ally in Stefan, but she never voiced her concerns...or her jealousies. Instead, she found solace with Quentin and remained by Stefan's side when he found himself the sole caretaker of Nikolas.

The memories came flooding back so quickly and overpowered her. Carlotta needed air. The door to the terrace was opened so she went towards it. Standing out on the landing, she closed her eyes and inhaled. The cool brisk air revived her and common sense returned. "Stefan loves me, and we will be married," she whispered to herself. "Stefan loves me."

"I knew it when I first saw you together," came a cold voice from the doorway.

Carlotta's eyes fluttered open and widened in surprise to find Katherine there. The other woman's eyes were wild with hatred and a she held a shiny dagger in her hand. "Wh-What are you doing here?"

"I'm back to claim what's mine," Katherine told her, moving towards Carlotta. "Stefan was mine until you showed up. He will be mine again. But you won't be around to see it-"

"Carlotta!"

"Stefan, no!" Carlotta screamed. "Don't come any closer. She has a knife."

"I'm doing this for you, Stefan," Katherine said as tears started to stream down her pale cheeks. "She isn't right for you. Not like I am. Remember the crystal tree, Stefan? I bet you never gave her anything that has so much meaning. That's because you don't love her the way you love me and I'm here to rescue you-"

"Katherine, please," he begged. "Put down the knife and move away from Carlotta-"

"NO!" she shrieked. "Don't say her name!"

The closer Katherine came, the further Carlotta moved back until there was nowhere else to go. The iron parapet pressed against her backside as Katherine blocked her from the front. A crowd had started to form down below and Carlotta glanced down.

"MOTHER!" Dawn screamed as Nikolas' arms closed around her. Carlotta's father, Petrukas and Quentin stood just behind them. Petrukas' face was ashen and Quentin's held a gray tint.

Tears filled Carlotta's eyes as her daughter's fear struck her with blinding force. She blinked the tears away and looked at Stefan. His eyes mirrored the same fear as Dawn's and her predicament became frightfully clear to her. She could die and her hopes and dreams would never be realized.

And just as that thought clicked in her mind, Katherine lunged.

(but will be continued in the sequel, "Without Bias")

Thank you for taking the time to read this story and for your kind, wonderful responses. I'm taking a little break, but with God willing, I'll start posting the chapters for the sequel in a few weeks. If you're interested in being notified when the first chapters come out, feel free to sign up with my mailing list through Topica. Info for that can be found on my homepage.

"Without Bias" Character/Cast List

Cassadines/Christofides:

Stefan, Nikolas, Alexis and Helena
Carlotta, Dawn and Petrukas

Quartermaines/Wards:

Jason, Ned, Alan, Emily, Monica, Edward and Lila
Keesha, Justus

Scorpios:

Mac & Dara
Robin and Robert

Spencers:

Lucky, Laura, Bobbie and possibly Luke

Extras:

Brenda
Taggert
Ellen & Matt
Carly
And maybe the Jacks, too