If Natasha is hoping to learn new strategies from Joscelin, she may be disappointed. His first move is hardly revelatory--a cautious pawn scouting the field. Nothing to indicate any surprising gambit in store.

But the game's only just started.

"I suppose I ought to have offered you some refreshment," he says in an almost apologetic way. "I'll even be nice and not offer blood. I'm sure I've a bottle of champagne left over from the party last month."

Why does he keep thinking about those dreams? Part of him wants to keep her close, to please her. Part of him wants to see her smile.