Confusion all round

Aliceabella bit her lip and knocked again. "Ryland?" She called, a little louder. "It's Aliceabella, can I come in?"

Ryland opened the door and looked Aliceabella over once before stepping out of the way silently.

Aliceabella smiled weakly and stepped inside, still cradeling herself weakly.

Ryland swept her off of her feet and carried her to the bed. "Alucard?"

Aliceabella nodded. "Yes." She paused. "He sort of destroyed that t-shirt you let me borrow though."

"It was inexpensive," he sat down on the bed. "What happened?"

Aliceabella sighed. "I was stupid enough to believe him." She whispered. "He was injured, told me he had got the injuries defending the baby from another vampire and needed me to come check on the baby. So I went with him..." She shook her head, tears threatening.

Ryland put a hand on her hair and held her to his chest.

Aliceabella clung to him, letting the tears escape her eyes. "I'm an idiot." She muttered.

"You're just a girl still," Ryland said quietly.

Aliceabella dropped her eyes sadly. "I'd probably still be there now if it wasnt for Wren." She snuggled into him a little, hands going round his neck.

Ryland stared at the opposite wall for a moment before starting to rub the girl's back.

Aliceabella let her head loll against his shoulder, tears still slipping down her face. "I shouldn't have gone I..." She trailed off, burrying her head in his chest.

Ryland let her cry, slowly rubbing her back.

Calming down slightly Aliceabella snuggled into him. "Sorry." She mumbled suddenly.

"It's fine," Ryland murmured soothingly.

Aliceabella shook her head. "No I mean sorry for..." She sighed. "I'm aware of the fact I'm a liability."

"I'm sure you'll earn your keep somehow," Ryland said thoughtfully.

Aliceabella nuzzled into his chest. "If you think of a way, let me know." She whispered, feeling a stab of pain go through the bite on her collarbone.

"I will," Ryland said softly.

Aliceabella pulled back from Ryland a little, moving the coat so she could examine the throbbing bite mark.

Ryland watched silently, wondering if he was doing the comforting thing wrong.

Aliceabella bit her lip. "Does it look alright?" She asked Ryland. "I can't see it properly from this angle."

Ryland held her back a little so he could get a good look at it and frowned. "Let me see it in different light."

Aliceabella nodded, biting her lip as pain shot through the other two bite marks.