HON: Burned (Stevie Rae's POV/shortened version)

I wake up feeling like a big ol' pile of poo. Well actually, I feel like a big ol' pile of stressed out poo. Everything comes back to me, as my brain starts waking up. I had imprinted with Rephaim. I had almost burned up on that rooftop.

I remember the excellent season two True Blood episode, for a second, where Godrick had burned his own self up on a fictional roof. I snort a laugh. "It looked way easier on TV."

"What did?"

"Sweet weeping puppies, Dallas! You nearly scared me out of my skin." I clutch at the white, hospital-like sheet that covers me. "What in the San Hill are you doin' here?" Dallas frowns. "Jeez, settle down. I came up here to check on you a little after dusk, and Lenobia told me it'd be okay to sit here for a while in case you woke up. You're awful jumpy."

"I almost died. I think I have the right to be a little jumpy."

Dallas looks instantly contrite. He scoots the little side chair closer and takes my hand. "Sorry. You're right. Sorry. I was really scared when Erik told everyone what had happened."

"What did Erik say?"

His warm brown eyes harden. "That you burned up on that roof."

"Yeah, it was really stupid. I tripped and fell and hit my head. When I woke up, I was almost toast," I lie, and have to look away when I speak.

"Yeah, that's bull."

"What?"

"Save that load of crap for Erik and Lenobia and the rest of 'em. Those assholes tried to kill you again didn't they?"

"Dallas, I don't know what you're talkin' about." I try to take my hand from his, but he holds tight.

We talk a few minutes more until Lenobia comes in. I get dressed and eat some blood from a couple blood baggies.

I get the news of Z. Her soul is shattered. She'll die in seven days. Kalona killed Heath whom she was imprinted with. For now, I have to be the High Priestess.

I go to ask info of a shattered soul from Rephaim. He tells me stuff and I leave.

I got back to school to the council meeting. I'm wanted there for some dang reason.

I call Aphrodite and then go do a ritual to get close to Earth.

A few days later, Z is back and coming home.