Chapter Five

Brom made a snuffling noise as Aisling sat down on the edge of the bed. She loved watching him sleep. There were many a night. She would sit here and watch him wanting so much to be with him, but the fates were so cruel. Unlike her, one day he'd grow old and die. That was something she could not bear to sit back and watch. A face of an angle, but the ferocity of a devil, thought Aisling running her fingers through his close cropped hair. Even in his sleep. She could tell he longed for her, as he moved his head toward her hand and smiled. It broke her heart that she tortured herself in this way. But she knew it broke his too every time she turned him away, and pretended to despise his kind. All in hopes he would find a mate, and bare children instead of waiting for her. Waiting for something that could never be.

Taking a deep breath she slid off the bed. Grabbing the edge of the mattress. She throw it into the air sending a snarling Brom into the floor. "It's about time you woke up," snapped Aisling placing her hands on her hips.

"Ashley," snarled Brom throwing the mattress off him and staggering to his feet. "What was that for!"

"I didn't want to touch you. So I decided to upset your bed."

"Couldn't you have just yelled or something," snarled Brom.

"It wouldn't have been as fun," laughed Ashley walking to the door. "Get dressed Brom. You're embarrassing yourself."

Looking down at himself Brom groaned at his bodies betrayal. Sliding on his pants Brom positioned is erection before zipping them up.

Walking through the hallway. Brom found Ashley in his study doing her normal irritation of off centering his paintings. So that they all hung sideways. "Is that really necessary," asked Brom fixing him a glass of scotch for he knew this was going to be a long night.

Picking up the small clock on his desk he groaned, and turned his attention back to Ashley, "Come on Ash, leave the paintings alone. Why are you here bothering me at two in the morning?"

"I will bother you whenever I feel like it. It is my prerogative. For I am the governing body of this area. Plus I wouldn't mess up your paintings if you put up good artwork. These are all ugly," stated Ashley before taking the chair that all his pack knew was his.

Plus Brom knew she did it on purpose just to irritate him.

Rolling his eyes, Brom swallowed his scotch in two big gulps before fixing him another. Looking like a queen in his chair she stated, "I have some questions to ask you flea bag. So be a good boy and have a seat."

Ignoring the blatant insult, Brom sat across from her before he said, "I will answer all of your question if you answer a question for me. An I mean really answer it without all of your Fae bull crap. Like answering a question with a question. Answering in a riddle, or skirting the answer leaving even more questions. Is that a deal?"

"I do not make deals," snarled Ashley shooting daggers at him with her eyes.

"Then I guess you don't want you're answers, huh?"

Within a split second, Ashley was in Brom's face. The silver in her eyes seemed to swirl with her anger as she spat, "You do not defy me dog! You will do as you're told!"

That was what made Brom so irresistible to her. For he would defy her, and he's the only one that ever has. He's the only one that's ever turned her down for a one night romp in the sheets. Human, supernaturals, or Fae alike would kill for a night with her. Back when Fae walked the word openly. She went by the name of Freyja, the Goddess of Love, attraction, and fertility, but even in this he defied her. Saying on many occasions she looked like a common winch to him.

"Then you're going to have to spank me, for being a bad dog," laughed Brom before licking her nose.

Leaping away from him. Ashley wiped her nose off on the sleeve of her lavender dress yelling, "You nasty vile animal!"

"So have we come to an understanding?"

"Understand this. If you ever do that again! I will make sure every tree you pass by for all eternity. Will smack you in the face," snapped Ashley before sitting back in her chair.

"Considering you are a Fae of the nature class. I will not take that thought lightly, but will you answer the one question to the stipulations I've said before," questioned Brom with an air of calm that was undo, considering no one crossed a high Fae and lived to tell about it.

"Fine it's a deal," huffed Ashley for she knew she wouldn't get her answers other wise.

Leaning forward in his seat Brom glared at her. "Swear on it."

Crossing her heart Ashley chanted, "Cross my heart, and I'll die if what I say to you's a lie. Brom Arnald Rainaldi, I will answer your question without riddles. Without going around the truth you seek, and without answering it with another question. In return you answer all my questions truthfully and honest."

Smiling, Brom sat back in his chair. "Okay go on. Ask away."

"Has anyone, besides Shaw, came to town or this area within the last couple weeks?"

"No."

"Have the local Fae been using their magic?"

"No more then usual."

"Have the covens been convening more then usual?"

"No."

"Have they been casting excessive spells?"

"No"

"Is Shaw still wearing the ruin that keeps his beast locked up?"

"He was last I saw him?"

"Which was?"

"Right before I went to bed."

"Has he been struggling with his wolf or using his magic?"

"Doesn't the-" catching himself before he asked the question he quickly changed what he as going to say, "No he's been doing really good. Other then when he attached a mountain lion the other night. He hasn't used his magic that I know of?"

"He attacked someone," gasped Ashley with worry written clearly on her face.

"Yes, but he did it defending someone. Don't worry about it, for if I find the intruder he's dead anyway. If Shaw doesn't eat him first. So keep going with you're questions."

"So nothing out of the ordinary has happened the last couple of weeks?"

"Other then this mountain lion issue. Which really isn't out of the ordinary, nope."

"What's going on with this mountain lion?"

"Well it seems that in a pride to the west of here has a very horrible Felix. Well in this pride, is a girl, who has a touch of magic. The kind of magic used to heal and calm a hostile situation. Well the felix want's her under his control, and the only way to do that since the touched fall outside the pack standards. Is to force her to take him as his mate. Well of course he tried to rape her. By the fates she escaped and brought her troubles to our small town for me to deal with."

"Have fun with that," said Ashley with a board expression waving the conversation off. "Okay well that's all of my questions fido. You may ask yours now."

Sitting there in silence for a minute. Brom thought about his words carefully. Even though she could not lie. She would not for-fit information willing. "I heard an old legend about the hell hounds. I was told that your race made many changes to the hell hounds. The last change you did caused a result that scared you," said Brom watching Ashley's smug expression fade.

Ashley realized the question she sworn to answer was a story that was forbidden for any Fae to tell. The penalty for this was death, but if she lied she would die anyway.

"I would like to know what happened back then that made your race let the Hell Hounds die out. What was it that scared you're race so badly that you kept your pets from breading. So that their would be no more, and why you ripped that truth from the pages of history?"

Standing up Ashley paced the floor sadly. She was bound by old magic to answer Brom, but it was old magic in which the King forged that kept her from telling the story. Finally she turned to Brom sadly. "This story is forbidden by the King to tell and is punishable by death Brom."

Jumping to his feet a look of horror covered his face. "Oh my God Ashley! Then I take back my question! I renounce you're promise!"

Shaking her head she looked at the floor, "It doesn't work like that Brom. I have to answer your question if not I will die."

"But if you do then you die," blurted Brom taking her hands. "There's got to be another way!"

Taking her hands away from Brom. She wiped them on her dress. "Their is no other way you nasty creature."

"There is always another way. We never agreed on the time right? So you have time to find another way to answer the question without answering it right? You don't have to answer it today."

"Until later then Brom."

When he expected to see Ashley disappear into thin air he watched in horror as she grabbed her chest. He watcher her stagger forward just as her legs gave out. Screaming her name Brom caught her just before she hit the floor. Scooping Ashley up he rushed her to the couch yelling for Ellen.

*******

Elizabeth woke with a start. Seeing the sun was already up and peeking into her window she drug herself out of bed. Shuffling her way to the bathroom rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She brushed her hair and teeth. Picking the stray hairs out of the sink she made sure the sink was clean before getting dressed.

Opening her bedroom door Elizabeth tripped over Shaw who was curled up in front of her door. Picking herself off the floor she crossed her arms. "You're not that cute Shaw, and don't sleep in front of my door."

Walking down the hallway she opened the bathroom door that sat between the guest room and the living room. "There's an extra toothbrush in the draw and a hair brush in the draw under that one."

Watching Shaw pad into the bathroom. Elizabeth closed the door on him. "I hope you like pancakes," called Elizabeth proceeding to the kitchen.

Shifting Shaw looked at himself in the mirror, before he opened the top draw. Finding a new tooth brush he pulled it out of the package. Grabbing the toothpaste he eyed it wirily. Having witness this ritual on the couple occasions he'd stayed with Elizabeth, he brushed his teeth. Finding the experience quite enjoyable. He rinsed the toothbrush off before placing it in the cup that sat beside the sink. Brushing his hair he put the hair brush back into the drawer. Streaking back to the spare room for his clothes he rolled around on her bed. Pulling his clothes on, Shaw slid his shoes on. Not knowing how to tie the laces he left them untied as he made is way to the kitchen. Where he found Elizabeth standing at the stove making this round disk like thing and bacon. Reaching for a slice of bacon that sat beside the stove he yanked his hand back when Elizabeth smacked it with the spatula. "You'll get some when I'm done," snapped Elizabeth blocking his view of the food with her body.

Pouting Shaw sat down at the table. Watching her rear as she walked around the kitchen he smiled. Getting plates out of the dishwasher to set the table, and putting the rest away Elizabeth ignored him. Setting a bottle of some kind of brown liquid down in front of him, she swatted at him again when he undid the lid and stuck his finger in the top. Taking the bottle away from him. She put the lid back on and sat it on the other side of the table away from him. Handing him a steaming hot cup of coco she thought better of it and placed her hand on top of it when he reached for it. "It's hot."

"I can see that woman," said Shaw picking her hand off the cup before taking the cup. "I'm not daft lass."

"Could of fouled me. It seems you're daft, as you put it, enough not to know how to tie you're shoes," said Elizabeth with an un-lady like snort before going back to the stove.

"Bloody Hell," shouted Shaw rushing over to the stove scaring Elizabeth enough she brought the spatula up to use as a weapon if needed. "How is it you can afford such a treasure?"

Lowering the spatula she looked at Shaw like he was dumb. "The coca woman! How can a woman without family or husband afford such a thing?"

Laying the spatula down. Elizabeth took the box of hot chocolate out of the cabinet and shook it at him. "It's a dollar seventy five at the store you moron. Even the poorest person can afford it. Where have you been living, a cave?"

Taking the box out of her hand he pulled the packages out of the box turning them over in his hand. Shaking them he growled, as Elizabeth snatched them out of his hand before he could tare into it. Taking the spatula back up she smacked him hard enough on the arm to leave whelps before she snapped, "Don't you dare growl at me like some animal! If you want to take that kind of attitude with me mister you can just take your happy ass outside!"

Rubbing his arm, Shaw took his coco back to the table with the look of a scolded child. "You act like you've never seen hot chocolate before."

"I have, but only royalty had such a treasure," said Shaw to his cup.

"Yeah what year was that? The 1800's," joked Elizabeth.

"The 16th century actually."

Dropping the spatula she spun around on her heels. "You're pulling my leg right?"

"If anything is pulling you're leg it is'na me. It's more likely those torture devises you call jeans. Doona see how you can wear the blasted things," said Shaw without a hint of sarcasm.

"So where were you at the turn of the century when coco became a common house hold good?"

"Living in a cave like you said I was."

Looking at him dumb struck, Shaw pointed behind her. "You're burning whatever those things are that you're cooking.

"Shit," said Elizabeth flipping the burnt pancake over.

Charred beyond the point of eating she tossed it into the trash.

Fishing the last pancake off the griddle she placed the huge stack of pancakes on the table with an entire package of bacon.

Taking three pancakes for herself. Beth grabbed a couple slices of bacon before pushing the plate his way. Poking at the stack of disks he watched her pour the brown liquid on top of them. Picking several of the things off the top. Shaw copied her action and doused them in syrup. Cutting a peace off he cautiously placed it into his mouth and began chewing. "These disks are exquisite," burred Shaw before devouring the ones on his plate and grabbing several more.

"They're called pancakes Shaw. Please don't tell me you've never heard of them either."

"They don't look like cakes to me," replied Shaw between mouthfuls.

Lord help me, thought Elizabeth looking at the pig that sat across from her.

Clearing the dishes off the table. Elizabeth was wiping it off when Shaw's coffee cup appeared in front of her face. "May I have more coca?"

"Only if you tie you're shoes," said Elizabeth pushing the cup away before turning to the dishes.

Filling the sink full of water she turned to see Shaw starring at his feet still clutching his cup. "Let me guess you don't know how," huffed Elizabeth drying her hands off. "You really did live in a cave didn't you? How is it you don't know how to tie your own shoes?"

"I never had anything with strings. I either went with boots or none at all. I spent most of my life on four legs. So really there was not need to learn," replied Shaw still examining the laces.

Rolling her eyes Elizabeth pulled his shoe off and sat it down on the table with a disgusted look on her face. "I can't believe I'm putting you're shoe on my table, yuck."

Facing the laces away from her. Beth took both laces in hand. "Okay watch carefully neanderthal man. I'm going to do this slowly, so you can see how it's done. When you accomplish it, you'll get as many cups of hot chocolate as you can drink. deal?"

"Deal," said Shaw moving his head between her arms so that he could watch closely. "First you make and X like so.... Now you take the lace here that's on top and run it through the bottom of this X. Now you pull it tight like so. Once you've done that make a loop out of both laces so that it looks like a rabbit. Cross the loops over each other. You want the string that was on the bottom of the X on top with the ears. Okay lets pretend the top loop is a tree and the bottom loop is a rabbit. So the bottom loop or rabbit goes around the tree and into the whole on the other side. But when it gets in the whole it sees a snake, and runs out the other side." Pulling the loops tight she turned the shoe around so he could see the bow.

"Was it really necessary to talk to me like I'm a child," asked Shaw looking up at her.

Spinning the shoe back around she untied it before standing back upright so that Shaw's lips weren't within kissing distance. "That's how I learned to tie knots in the Navy. The rabbit metaphor works very well in teaching younger sailers. So I figured it'd help you. I meant no insult."

Walking back to her dishes. Elizabeth tried to calm her racing heart, as she wondered how Shaw didn't hear it hammering at her rib cage. It took everything she had not to barry her nose in his hair and inhale his sent. On top of that, the dream she'd had last night was at the for front of her mind all morning. An being in such close quarter to him made her womb clinch in expectation.

Setting the last dish in the draining board Beth watched Shaw struggle with the laces. Showing him one more time ,she headed off to collect the soiled linens from where Nicole had stayed. Before she left the kitchen she took the box of Hot chocolate with her to be sure Shaw wouldn't cheat.

It was getting close to ten when she heard the doorbell go off. Tossing the second to last load in the dryer. Elizabeth looked in on Shaw before heading to the door. Pulling it open she found Nicole standing timidly on the porch. "Good morning Nicole."

Peering out the door Elizabeth saw Brom walking up the sidewalk talking to the girl she dreamed about last night. "Well good morning Miss Marshall," said Brom walking up the steps. "By you're expression. I see you're as cheery as usual. I brought Shaw his clothes since he's playing your body guard until this matter is resolved."

Pulling a suit case into the house Brom continued on into the house. Elizabeth stepped in front of the woman and eyed her up and down. Suppressing the urge to deck the woman on the shier fact that it would make her feel better. Elizabeth settled for the next best thing, and slammed the door in her face. "Ms Marshall," scolded Brom looking from her retreating back side to the door.

Opening the door Brom apologized to Ashley before leading her to the kitchen. "I understand you're not a people person. But was closing the door in her face called for," asked Brom when he got to the kitchen.

Setting a glass of tea in front of Nicole, Elizabeth looked back at Brom. "Yes it was, because I don't wont her in my house."

Walking out of the kitchen. Elizabeth shoulder checked the woman on her way through the door.

Shocked by what just happened Ashley rubbed her shoulder. "She hit me!"

"I warned you on the way over here, that you're magic doesn't work on her."

Ashley opened her mouth to say something, but closed it when Shaw flung his shoe across the room. "I bloody give up. I swear to Odin that woman's a demon!"

Watching Nicole uncover her head. Brom looked at the brooding Shaw. "Why? What has she done?"

Turning around in his seat Shaw held up his empty mug. "The bloody wench wont give me any more coco until I tie my shoe!"

Retrieving his shoe Brom laid it back in front of him. "It's not that hard once you get the basics."

Growling Shaw took his shoe back as he snapped, "I've got the basics! She told me to make an x, and bring this under like so. Then you make a tree and a rabbit. Then the blood beast goes around the tree into a hole. But there's a snake in the whole that tries to eat the damn thing, and the varmint runs out the other side."

Picking the shoe back up he shook it at Brom. "I'm tired of these blood things!"

"Shaw-"

"I want my blood boots back," said Shaw cutting Brom off.

"Shaw-" tried Brom again just to be interrupted again.

"I doona care if this is what men wear in this year!"

"Shaw!"

"No coco is worth this!"

"Shaw!"

"I've been sitting here for more candle march's then I care to count!"

"Sèitheach!"

"What is it Brom," snapped Shaw finally pausing in his ranting.

Plucking the shoe out of his hand, he held it in front of his face. "You just tied you're shoe."

Within a blink of an eye Shaw, and the shoe were gone. Leaving only the overturned chair as proof he was even there. It wasn't long before they heard Elizabeth making her way up the hall saying, "I'm sorry Shaw, but I don't believe you. If you did it once, I'm sure you can do it again."

Re-entering the kitchen Beth dropped the shoe back on the table and crossed her arms. Picking the chair back up. Shaw sat in front of the shoe. Talking his way through it again. Shaw yipped and thrust his cup toward Elizabeth when he successfully tied it again. Taking the glass she pointed at his feet. "Now put your shoe on and tie them both."

Pouring water into the coffee maker. Elizabeth retrieved the hot chocolate out of her room and dumped the contents of one of the packages into Shaw's mug. Once both shoes where tied, did she relinquish his mug. Going back to the guest room Elizabeth went back to making the bed when the strange woman walked it. "How is it you got him to tie his shoes? He never listens to anyone. Especially when he's told to do anything?"

Fluffing the pillows Elizabeth placed them just so on the bed before acknowledging the woman had asked a question. "You must have never had a good enough reward?"

Picking the clothes basket up Elizabeth headed for the door. Moving out of her way so that she wouldn't get hit, and a experience she didn't wish to repeat. Ashley fallowed her. "You don't know Shaw," continued Ashley into the laundry room. "He'd just take the reward anyway whether by force or foul. He'd never willing try to complete a task for it."

"That's why to didn't leave the hot chocolate in the kitchen," grumbled Elizabeth with her head in the washer.

"You're missing the point. For the Shaw we all know, would have thrown you to the ground and ripped them from your hands," exclaimed Ashley.

"Then I take it he dislikes you as much as I do," stated Elizabeth using more force then necessary to close the dryer door. "Why are you bothering me Aisling?"

Wide eyed Ashley took a step back stammering, "Wha, Wha, What did you call me?"

"I called you your real name Aisling. That is you're real name is it not?"

"Um It's Ashley," said Brom poking his head into the laundry room.

"Of course it is not," laughed Elizabeth dumping a load of whites into the washer. "You see you're real name has power over you. The Fae know that and love to use it to their advantage. So when they give you their name. It's never really their real name, but whatever they choose at that time. I do have to say though Ashley does come very close to her real name which is Aisling. Ashley means from the wood of an ash tree. So let me guess you're one of the nature or earth Fae."

Shouldering passed them again Elizabeth went back to the kitchen. Grabbing the dust mop out of the pantry she started cleaning the floor in the living room. "How is it you know so much about the Fae," asked Brom dancing out of her way.

"Hello! You've seem my library. You of all people know I like to read. You would be surprised what you find in books."

"Yes, but not everything you read is real," stated Ashley from the safety of the kitchen.

"True, but all fantasy and legions stem from truth. You just have to find the truth in the words. Like if the same thing is repeated many times in many different books, then more then likely it's true. Hello, haven't you ever heard of Occam's Razor?"

"So how is it you know my name," called Ashley as Elizabeth ventured down the hallway.

Waiting patently, which for her was a challenge, for Elizabeth to make her way back up to hallway. Ashley watched her hang the mop back up before she got her answer. "It floats around you like a like silver smoke forming the name and then disappearing again. Only if I look hard enough can I see it."

Taking Shaw's mug away she placed it in the sink. "Hey you promised I could have as much as I'd like," protested Shaw retrieving his glass.

"Fine change out of those dirty clothes, and I'll fix you another glass."

Looking down at his tank top and black slacks he ran his hands down his chest. "But these aren't dirty."

"You wore them yesterday. So even though you can't see the dirt, they are dirty. Brom brought your clothes so go change."

Growling Shaw stormed away with his cup in hand. Rolling her eyes Elizabeth crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the sink. "Shaw!"

"I wasn't growling at you. I was growling at having to tie these bloody shoes again," called Shaw somewhere down the hall way.

"What do you have in your hands Shaw?"

Within seconds Shaw was depositing his cup into her hand before scurrying off again. "I don't believe my eyes," said Ashley looking between Elizabeth and Shaw's retreating backside as he disappeared into his room.

Pouring another glass of hot water into the mug Elizabeth emptied another packet of coco into the mug. The spoon ticked against the side as Elizabeth turned to Ashley. "It just proves all dogs love chocolate."

"Ah come on now. That's a low blow," whined Brom.

"I'm sorry Brom would you care for a glass?"

"Thought you'd never ask," said Brom with a hint of a smile as he took a mug out of the drain board.

Giving him a short laugh, Elizabeth sat Shaw's cup on the table. "See."

Taking the Swiffer out of one of the drawers Elizabeth ventured back into the living room to dust. "Are you always so..... Why are you cleaning you're house it's spotless," asked Ashley running her finger across the mantle.

"I'm not as bad as I use to be. The Navy broke me of most of my OCD, but to answer your question the answer is yes I'm always a clean freak. Are you always such an irritation?"

"Well I never," exclaimed Ashley highly offended. "Brom said you didn't like people, but I'm trying to be nice here."

Stopping mid stroke Elizabeth glared at her. "I don't care if you where a saint. I'd still hate you."

Standing up to her fool hight which wasn't much taller then 5'5. Ashley squared her shoulders. "Brom I've seen enough. I think it's time to leave."

Walking over to the door Elizabeth opened it for her. "Good don't let the door door hit you. Where the good Lord split you."

Slamming the door closed behind Brom, Elizabeth thought to herself, good riddance. Walking into the living room Shaw looked around the living room before peering into the kitchen. "Brom and Ashley already leave?"

Sliding into the Truck seat, Ashley turned her aggressions and hurt pride toward Brom. "I can't believe she had the nerve to insult me like that! I've never in all the eons I've been alive has anyone ever treated me like that!"

Turning the truck around Brom headed down the long gravel drive. "I warned you she didn't care for strangers much, but I do have to say she really doesn't like you."

"Why does she not like people? I would think that being in the military. People skills would be a must, and from what I can see she lacks there of!"

Pulling onto the road he spared a glance toward Ashley, and if he was right her face was flush with anger. Something not even he had ever accomplished. "She has a really good working relation with Mac and Cleo, but she's still a closed book to them. The only person she's opened up to is Donna."

"I wonder why that is," pondered Ashley staring out the window.

"I've pondered that a lot since she's been here. I think it's because Donna and her family are one of the poorest people in town. At Christmas, Elizabeth bought Donna and her bothers christmas presents. Let me tell you they weren't cheap gifts either."

"So the witch has a heart huh?"

"I think there's more to her then what you see on the cover of the book."

Stepping out of the truck Ashley made her way to the front door. "Do you think she's mean to people so that no one will get close to her? What about her family?"

"Lets put it this way she's been living here for a little over six months, and never once has she called home. She calls her friends in Virginia all the time, but that's not home. From the records I have she's from Kentucky."

Ellen greeted them at the door offering them food and refreshments as they made their way to the study? Politely sending her away Brom sat down at his desk and began shuffling through paperwork. "So when are you going to tell me exactly what happened this morning," asked Brom looking toward the couch where he'd seen Ashley flop down, but she wasn't there.

Looking around the room he saw no trace of her. "Well good-bye to you too Ashley," said Brom to himself before he started working on his finances.

*******

Leading Nicole toward the woman's department of Betty's. Elizabeth asked, "What do you prefer? Blue jeans and t-shirts?" pointing in that direction. Then she pointed toward the business apparel. "Then you have the finer selection of pant suits and skirts, or are you more of a dress type girl?"

Looking around nervously Nicole looked at her feet and said so softly that Elizabeth almost didn't catch it. "Everything here is new."

"Well of course it is," laughed Elizabeth before taking in Nicole's sad expression. "Honey how old are you?"

"28," whispered Nicole.

Shocked Elizabeth bent down so she could meet Nicole's eyes. "Are you telling me that for 28 years you've never owned anything new?"

"The Felix never let us have anything new. Growing up my parents got my clothes from the local church, and when I got older I got my mothers hand-me-downs."

"Did you're parents not work," asked Elizabeth unbelieving.

"They did but all the money went to the Felix. He didn't even leave us enough to eat on. I manly survived on the rats I came across at the dock."

"Yuck," said Elizabeth making a disgusted face. "Well things have changed. You get to pick whatever you want, and the up side it's out of Brom's dime. So what's you're pleasure."

Digging a toe into the ground Nicole asked shyly, "I wouldn't mind a nice dress."

Taking Nicole's hand, Elizabeth pulled her through the rolls of clothes. "Well honey you're in luck. It's spring and the newest line of Sun Dresses are out."

Stopping in the middle of the spring collection. Elizabeth raised her hands. "Take your pick girl. Whatever you like, try it on."

"Oh I couldn't," whispered Nicole still not raising her eyes off the floor.

"Yes you can. See look here," stated Elizabeth pulling out a peach sun dress that had a pleated skirt. "This would go good with you're red, auburn hair. I bet the red would stand out better once you get all cleaned up, and more healthy looking. Because right now you look like a Jew in a Nazi prison camp."

Giggling Nicole fingered the dress. "Do you really thing so?"

"That you'll look good in it, or that you looked like a starved bag of bones," laughed Elizabeth holding the dress out to her. "Go try it on, and see if you like it."

Feeling the soft material Nicole yanked her hand back like the dress bit her when Betty walked up. "Good morning Miss Marshall. Ah you must be Nicole," said Betty offering Nicole her hand.

Flinching back as if she thought Betty was going to hit her. Nicole took a step back. Keeping her hand outstretch. Betty took Nicole's reaction in stride. "In this town Nicole. When someone offers their hand it's in greeting to show they mean you no harm."

Lifting a shaking hand Nicole shock Betty's hand once before dropping it, and retreating to a safe distance. Shrugging her shoulders Elizabeth forced the dress into Nicole's arms. "Alright the dressing room is over there, go try it on."

Elizabeth was surprised that Nicole could even find the fitting room since she never raised her eyes from the floor. Disappearing behind the closed door Betty turned to Elizabeth, "Poor thing acts like she's been beat."

"That and starved to death," added Elizabeth plucking more dresses from the rack.

"Well Brom will bring her back around. If any one can. It's that man. So I see he's stuck you with baby sitting details," said Betty gesturing to Shaw who had his face pressed against the glass on the jewelry counter.

"Unfortunately Brom saw fit to post Shaw as my body guard," whined Elizabeth.

"Well that idiot is the best guard dog in town. That's for sure. Brom chose well since he seems to fancy you. Not even a flee could hurt you with him on watch," stated Betty handing her a couple blouses and matching skirts.

"It's more like cruel and unusually punishment if you want my opinion."

Laughing Betty fallowed Elizabeth to the fitting room. "Well at least he's smudging up the glass instead of breaking it. I'm glad just to see the uncivilized pup dressed."

"Uncivilized is an understatement. It took him three hours to figure out how to tie his shoes this morning."

"Well my hat's off to you Miss Marshall. For I have to say no one has ever been able to teach the feral beast anything."

With that Betty left to attend to her other customers. Stepping out of the dressing room Nicole turned slowly for Elizabeth. "I like it but it's a bit large."

"That's good, because you're going to put on some weight while you're here believe me. Everyone here loves to eat, and if I don't put the weight on you. I'll make sure Brom does. So we'll get some pants that fit now, but the dress looks fine even if it is a little big. That way you can fill it out later," smiled Elizabeth handing her several arm loads of clothes. "This is to much," whispered Nicole looking down at the pile in her arms.

"There is no such thing," said Elizabeth turning her around and pushing her back into the dressing room.

Dropping the first load of goods off at the car. Elizabeth ushered Nicole into the shoe store. Sitting her down in the chair. Elizabeth measured her foot to make sure she got the right size. Selecting several shoes Nicole slipped them on. "Alright get up and walk around to make sure they don't hurt your feet or anything."

Walking down the aisle Nicole smiled down at the white dress shoes, Elizabeth promised would match the peach dress. "Brom said you don't like people. I find that hard to believe considering you're so nice to me."

Handing her another pair of shoes to try on Elizabeth sighed, "He's right, I hate people in general."

"But why? You seem so nice."

"Honestly I'm not. I'm a bitch to most people," laughed Elizabeth leaning back and propping herself up on her hands before crossing her legs.

"Why is that," asked Nicole walking down the isle again.

"Well it goes back to childhood really. I grew up in a dirt floor poor family. My father was a coal miner. He didn't make enough money to support his family of six and his alcohol habit. I grow up with ratty clothes and a house so old it never stayed warm or clean. We didn't even have running water in my house. So bathing wasn't something that was common."

"Wow," said Nicole taking the other pair of shoes Elizabeth handed her. "But your house is so immaculate. I could eat off your bathroom floor."

"Yep, I think that's why I picked up OCD when I left there. But everyone always made fun of me and my family. My father was in out of jell for getting in fights or beating me and the other members of my family. Well he was there long enough for the Sherif to bring him home again away. He beat my littlest brother so bad it killed him. The child services took the youngest of my siblings. Lord knows where they are now. My father was back in jail with in days of getting out when he beat my mother to death. I was tortured throughout school and everyone in town acted like I had the plague. Well more like they thought I was cursed. It was a family thing," said Beth when Nicole looked at her funny. "So at 18 years old, me and the only three friends I've every had joined the Navy on the buddy program. From there I never looked back. Ever since then I find it easier to dislike people then to get my feelings hurt."

Nicole looked at her feet quickly almost in tear, "I'm so sorry Elizabeth I didn't know."

"Hey don't feel bad for me, that was years ago. I've turned a new leaf on life. I'm happy where I am. Now all we have to do is to get you on the same level," laughed Elizabeth before a pare of boots where dropped in her lap.

Grunting she pulled one of the boots out of the box and looked up into Shaw's puppy dog eyes. "I'm not buying you boots Shaw."

Laying the boots aside Elizabeth reclined as Shaw put the boots back in her lap.

"I told you. I'm not getting them," leaning forward to move them again she turned into Shaw, nocking heads. "Ough," complained Elizabeth rubbing her forehead. "Didn't we discuss this personal bubble before?"

"Please," begged Shaw plucking a boot out of the box and holding it up. "I will pay ye back."

"You only want them because you don't have to tie them," stated Elizabeth taking the boot away from him and tossing it back into the box.

"Please Elizabeth! I'll do wha ever ye ask," pleaded Shaw clasping his hands together.

Nicole started laughing as passer-by's stopped to stare. "Give me one good reason why I should? Because I'll tell you right now you're not wearing them with what you've got on. It doesn't go with that style of clothes."

"Because it reminds me of me old shoes Brom through away. An if Daniel is serious about filling his barn with horses again. I need shoes to ride with, n these bloody things wont sit right in da stirrup."

"Horses? I love horse," said Nicole jumping in the middle of the conversation.

Shaking her head Elizabeth looked between Nicole's excited expression and Shaw's. "When did he say that?"

"Last night. He said dat he really liked ye stud and he thought about importing a filly so dat he could breed her to um, and start his horse farm back up."

"Hang on, my horse hates him. What makes him think he can do that?"

"He's really good with horses. As long as he gets dem young, they are okay with his difference. So Please, please, please, can I have em?"

Knowing she was going to regret it. She reluctantly agreed, "Fine, but only if you pay me back."

Placing a big hand on either side of her face Shaw drug her in for a crushing kiss. Shock, over took her scenes as Shaw scooped his box of shoes out of the floor and took them to the counter.

Sitting there dumb founded Nicole waved a hand in front of Beth's face. "Beth you okay?"

Shaking her head to clear the fog she turned to Nicole, "Yeah, um you ready?"

Placing Nicole's shoes on Brom's account. Elizabeth purchased Shaw's boots. Fighting with him to leave them in the car while the went into the diner to eat. Nicole rolled in laughter at the bickering pair. "You'll get them back when we get back into the car Shaw! I swear to God you're the most irritating man I know!"

"I lass and ye are a banshee incarnate. Why can I na take them with me," growled Shaw.

"Because you don't need your new shoes to go eat, you moron!"

"I doona know what moron is. I take it is an insult!"

Snatching the shoes out of his and she tossed them in the passenger seat before slamming the door and locking it. "Ha!" shouted Elizabeth as Shaw tried the door handled. Growling Shaw yanked the handle again ripping it from the door. "I'm out of here," gasped Nicole running into the dinner.

The dinner was quite as all occupants watched what was transpiring outside. Nicole could see Elizabeth was furious as she screamed at Shaw. Her face getting redder by the moment. "Now, I haven't seen a show like this in years," cackled an old woman at the bar.

"Oh no this is bad," said Donna rushing toward the door.

Before she could get there. Elizabeth had already hit Shaw in the nuts before bringing her knee up into his gut. Flinging the door open. Donna rushed out just as Elizabeth stormed passed her. "Good job on the wooing Shaw. Really? Was whatever you where arguing about worth that," asked Donna looking down at the panting Shaw who lay on the ground curled in a ball holding his nuts.

Re-entering the diner, Donna found Elizabeth in her normal spot handing Nicole a menu. Fixing a glass of tea she took it to her just as door slammed open. Making his way to Beth in less strides then it took a normal man Shaw growl. "If you ever strike me in the testicles again wench. I'll-"

But is words cut short as Elizabeth did just that. Grabbing his ear Elizabeth twisted it while she leaned over in her seat. "Listen here you over baring, self conceded idiot! I've met Master Chiefs that where more intimidating then you'll ever be. This hole town might quake at the sight of you, but I'm not one of those yellow belly cowards. You will not cuss me! You will not order me around. An I'll be damned if you get in my face and yell at me! Have I made myself perfectly clear Shaw," snapped Elizabeth. "You better heed my words too, for the next time you think you're man enough. I swear to God I'll rip that manhood off and shove it down your throat!"

It wasn't until they were being doused with water that Elizabeth noticed Shaw was engulfed in flames. Releasing his ear she sat back in her chair and grabbed the towel off the counter. Drying her hands and face she tossed it on Shaw's steaming head.

Throwing the towel to the floor Shaw slowly stood up before making his way out of the dinner. "I can't believe you just did that," gasped Donna still holding the water nozzle in her hands.

"He had it coming," growled Elizabeth stealing a glance at the now closed door.

Slamming the menu down, because her hands where to shaky to read it. Beth didn't complain when Mrs. Masselli grabbed her hand to turned it over looking for the burns that should have been there. Other then a couple singed hairs Elizabeths hand was no worse for wear considering she had a hold of a human fire ball. "I don't believe it! Not even one small blister. A little sweaty, but thats it," exclaimed Mrs. Masselli patting the hand she just set down.

"Now that was the most excitement I've had in years," cackled the old woman tossing several bills on the counter before taking up her cain and hobbling out the diner.

Noticing it was too quiet, Elizabeth scanned the dinner and found it empty of all residents. "Oh no," exclaimed Elizabeth turning back to Donna and her mom. "All you're business left. I'm so sorry!"

"It's fine Miss Marshall. Seems like everyone over payed in their haste to leave," called Mr. Masselli holding up several twenties that one of the guests had tossed on their table in their haste.

Watching Donna's brother clear the table she looked down at the melted tiles where Shaw was kneeling. "Aw he melted the floor."

"That's okay they're just the stick down kind. When you have a diner full of super's you learn to keep plenty around to replace the ones that get ruined," said Mr. Masselli as if this kind of thing happened everyday.

"Well I guess the up side is that there wasn't any humans in here this evening," said Elizabeth trying to look at the bright side.

"Don't you know honey? That humans can't enter this diner? It's warded against them. They walk right past here not even knowing it exists," replied Mrs. Masselli handing Nicole a glass of coke.

Looking at Donna's mom in disbelief. Elizabeth scratched the back of her head. "But how's that? I saw it and walked right in?"

"Yes, so you can imagine all of our shock when you first walked in," laughed Donna. "We all knew you where human, but here you were strolling right in as if there was no wards guarding the door."

"So is that why everyone stops talking when I walk in? An here I thought it was because I was new," said Elizabeth sarcastically.

Holding her note pad up Donna looked between Elizabeth and Nicole. "So what will it be?"

Elizabeth took turns between watching Donna's dad scrape the melted floor up and watching Nicole inhale her fourth cheese burger and an entire basket of fries.

Paying for her and Nicole's meals after arguing with Mr. Masselli that they where not on the house, because it was her fault his dinner was still empty.

Chit chatting about all kinds of things on the way to Brom's house she dropped Nicole and all her shopping bags off in the foyer.

Pulling up to her house, Elizabeth gave a sigh of relief that there where no cars parked at her house. Opening her door Elizabeth screamed as Daniel appeared out of nowhere. "Where's Shaw," asked Daniel sticking his head in the car.

Swatting at him to move Elizabeth grabbed Shaw's shoes out of the back. "Beats the fuck out of me where the childish fool is."

"So the rumors are true," exclaimed Daniel staring at Elizabeth aghast.

Walking around him. Elizabeth let herself in and closed the door on Daniel. Locking the door she dropped Shaw's boots off in the room with his clothes. Taking a long shower she ventured into the kitchen for something to drink before she was off to bed. Seeing Shaw's empty mug, she picked it up and slowly sat it in the sink feeling really bad for loosing her tempter with him. No matter how mad she was. It didn't give her the excuse to hit him in the nuts. At least not twice anyway.

Crawling into bed later that evening Elizabeth put herself into such a stupor she wound up crying herself to sleep.

Waking up puffy eyed, Elizabeth drug herself out of bed to get ready for work. Not feeling like making her bed she left it disheveled and walked out the door.

She hopped to see Shaw as she busied herself with the normal maintenance of oil samples and tire pressures. Eating at the diner every afternoon she swore she'd be fat by the time see saw Brom or Daniel to ask if they'd seen Shaw.

No matter what she did. He was always in the for front of her thoughts. Even though he was a thorn in her side. She missed the irritation now that it was gone.

The weeks pass without seeing hide nor hair of the three men that put themselves into her life unwontedly. Work was slow even though all the wealthy people who spent their winter in warmer climates where making their way back. The hardest job of the week was a high time generator that she had to replace. When Saturday morning rolled around she busied herself around the house, but when she ran out of things to clean she headed outside. Loading her four-wheeler up with a roll of tension wire, a box of staples, wire cutters, and a hammer. Did she decide to head down to the lower pasture to mind the sections of fence that was barley hanging on.

Plugging her ears she cranked up her I-pod and road off through the field. Singing to herself Elizabeth let the tension out of the wire before wrenching the nails out of the posts. Cutting out the rusty sections she spliced in new wire before tightening the cable again. After several trips to the barn she'd set two new posts and began re-nailing the wire to the fence posts.

Taking a water break. Elizabeth's heart sank as Halo by Beyonce came on. If any song reminded her of Shaw, it was this one. Sitting on the Four Wheeler she sang along with the song letting a stray tear run down her face. She couldn't believe she'd fallen so hard for a man she didn't even know. There was no way she could love him, when she'd just met him. But when she thought of him, that was the first word that came to mind. Rubbing the tear away she pulled the ear phones out and tucked her I-pod into her jacket. Tossing the water bottle back into the box she'd strapped to the rack on the back she paused to look around. "It's much to quiet," murmured Elizabeth looking around. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary she figured she was being stupid and went back to her fence. Hammering in several more staples she jumped as a quail screamed into flight. Looking down at where it had taken flight Elizabeth froze in fear. Two mountain lions where prowling through the tall grass a stone throw away. Dropping the staples in her hand she ran to the four wheeler just as they jumped on her. Fighting for her life, she screamed as their claws and fangs found purchase in her flesh. Flailing wildly with her hammer she managed to scramble onto her four-wheeler. Turning the key she was almost dislodges as one of the cats leaped on her back biting her repeatedly on the shoulders. Digging her fingers into its eyes, the cat yowled before falling off the back. Shoving it in gear Elizabeth twisted the throttle as far down as it would go. Flying through the field she looked back at the disappear cats. Turning back around she screamed again as four more cats came barreling down the hill at her. Cutting the wheels too hard in her panic, she rolled the four wheeler sending her and the machine rolling down the hill. Bones snapped as the ATV rolled on top of her, and by the third role the pain stole her sight and breath. Sliding to a stop at the bottom, her last scream rang out as the cats ascended on her.

The emergence room was in kayos as Dr. Carlton ran toward the man who was screaming his name. Rounding the corner he found Shaw standing in the middle of the room with nothing on.

It wasn't the nudity that stilled his heart, but it was the amount of blood that covered him and the rag doll that lay limp in his arms.

Seeing Dr. Carlton, Shaw crossed the lobby in three long stride. "I only left for a split second to get a drink of water. I..I... By Oden I swore she'd be safe," wailed Shaw.

Scooping up the body that didn't even look human from his arms. Dr. Carlton ran down the hall. Dashing into the nearest surgical room he started barking order. "Deloris get Daniel here ASAP! Creg, I need four units of uncross match blood STAT! Kelly get the Ortho and Vascular surgeon that's on call! Everyone jump in and apply pressure wherever you can before she bleeds out!"

Whirling around Dr. Carlton drug the man he never believed had the capacity to cry from the room. Grabbing one of the nurses arms as she rushed toward the room he pulled her to a stop. "Lisa take Shaw to my office and call Brom. He's going to need to get Bryan here to clean up this mess."

Shoving her down the hall, Dr Carlton left Shaw in her care as he darted back into the surgical room. "Dr. her breathing is shallow and gurgled. I think she's got a punctured lung and her wind pipe is crushed," shouted a nurse over the noise.

Scrubbing his hands quickly he shouted. "Someone get me a surgical air way kit and get it to me like yesterday!"

"Doc. she's pale and diaphoretic! Her pulse is week and thready, and her blood pressure is too weak to calculate!"

"I can tell she doesn't have much of her arms left," stated Dr. Carlton jumping into his apron and gloves.

"I know Sir, so I took it from her leg!"

"Good thinking, Crystal you'll make a good doctor yet," said Dr. Carlton taking up the scapula and slicing into Elizabeths neck just below the thyroid cartilage.

Rushing into the ER, Daniel sprinted toward Dr. Carlton's office. Rushing to the door, he ran head long into it when it didn't open like it should. Peering into the small opening, he saw a pair of legs on the floor. Understanding why the door didn't give, he heaved it open enough to shimmy in. Finding Lisa on the floor he felt for a pulse and checked her over for any wounds. Finding her alive he looked at Shaw who was in is beast form pacing the floor. Smacking Lisa hard on the cheek to rouse her, he looked deep into her eyes. "You need to leave and call Bryan."

"I need to leave, yes. Bryan is already on his way here."

"Good as soon as he gets here send him this way."

"Send him your way, yes." said Lisa in a daze.

"You will not remember what happen here once you relay my message," continued Daniel not breaking eye contact.

"I will not remember, yes."

Picking her out of the floor he opened the door. "Now go."

"Go, yes I will go."

Closing the door behind Lisa, Daniel surveyed the mess. If it could be broken it was, and if it could be shred it was in tatters. Crouching enough to look submissive Daniel patted the air, "Sèitheach my friend you need to calm yourself."

Snarling at Daniel, Shaw lunged forward and snapped at him. Holding his ground he was to use to Shaw's bluffs. Just in case, he stilled his heart and turned off all emotion so that Shaw would not smell his worry. The room smelled of burnt hair as the ruin that hung at Shaw neck hissed and sputtered every time hit swung into his fur. Daniel had never seen that ruin get so red hot. Not since the Fae forced it on him as way to keep the beast locked within his body. The smaller, normal sized wolf was as much as the necklace ever allowed out. Only in small fits of rage did his pony sized wolf manage to come out. Of course when it did it was only a short window in time before the gate slammed closed on him again. Never had he held the shape so long that the stone got hot enough to burn. Knowing this, he knew that Shaw was nowhere behind those glowing red eyes and feared that day everyone foretold had come. The day Sèitheach took his life in a fit of rage.

Thirty minutes had passed by the time Bryan entered the trashed office and still Shaw paced the floor in his Hell Hound form. "How long has he been like that," asked Bryan hiding behind Daniel as Shaw curled his lips in a menacing snarl. As the hair on the back of his neck began to stand on end.

"Almost an hour from what I gather."

"How is Elizabeth?"

"That's the farthest thing from my mind at the moment," stated Daniel still trying to calm the beast.

Snapping at them Shaw got closer and closer with each mock lung. "Your going to have to jump us Bryan," said Daniel quickly grabbing Bryan's hand.

"Where," asked Bryan trying to back away from the one thing he knew could kill him.

"Any where," yelled Daniel right before offering his arm up to the snapping jaws that lunged at them again.

As soon as Daniel's arm disappeared into the beasts jaws. Bryan did just that. Ripping the limb from it's owner, Daniel screamed out in pain.

Yanking him out of the way just as Shaw went for them again. Bryan pulled him into the nearest tree with him. Pacing around the tree Shaw eyed his pray. Swallowing hard, Bryan sent a preyer out to whoever was listening.

He watched and waited until Shaw dissipated into a cloud of smoke. Clutching what was left of his arm Daniel said between his teeth, "I can't believe he actually bit me. I never believe he would ever."

"Wait here," said Bryan jumping down from the tree and scanned the area. Ever vigilant and ready to jump back up should he need to.

Satisfied that the coast was clear he helped Daniel down. "So where are we Bryan."

"I'm not sure. You kind of rushed me," said Bryan so quickly the words almost ran together.

"You'll have to do better then that. We need to know if we're close to a city? In the temper he's in, we really don't need hundreds of deaths on our hand."

"No, I think we're on one of the Franz Josef Land Islands," said Bryan looking around again. "I'm almost sure we are."

"And where is that," wheezed Daniel stumbling to the ground.

"As far north as you can get in Russia."

Helping Daniel to sit down, he grimaced when he looked at his arm. "Are you going to be okay?"

"I will be as soon as I feed," said Daniel laying down on the frozen ground.

"Okay, well hang on buddy," whispered Bryan before disappearing.

For once Daniel was glad he was died and didn't have to worry about freezing to death. But if the bleeding didn't stop he would soon loose consciousness, and be easy prey. Should Shaw decided to return and finish the job he started.

It felt like hours before Bryan returned even though he knew it was mere minutes. Tossing a guy on top of him Daniel grunted into the shocked face of the Russian who was being restrained. "Who's this?"

Shoving the mans head down. Bryan gave Daniel a menacing grin. "Just some thug I found in Moscow muggins this old woman. He wont be missed."

Without a second thought. Daniel sank his fangs into the mans bared throat and drained the life from his veins.

Dragging the body away to be disposed of, Bryan returned to see Daniel rubbing his newly re-grown arm. "Man the only thing I hate about regeneration. The damn thing itches like hell when it's done," said Daniel making light of the situation.

"Well at least it can grow back. So what do we do now?"

"Well you drop me back off at home, and you pay a visit to the high counsel and tell... Tell them...." taking a deep breath he regretfully said, "That Sèitheach has finally went over the edge and to send the hunters."