Dawn Discovered

She had to get her feet moving. Step by step. She could do this. Open the stall door. Wash her hands. Nice and calm. Walk out of the ladies room. Find a cab. Give the cabbie the address and go to her new home. Just like that. Simple. Step by step. Her fingers clutched the latch and she walked out of the stall. Paused at the sink and splashed some cold water over her face. Dried off her hands and face on a wad of paper towels. Disposed of the towels in the trash and pulled open the bathroom door. She took a deep breath. Checked to see if Eric were anywhere around. He wasn't. She gathered what composure she could muster and walked out into the terminal.

O'Sullivan tucked the newspaper under his arm and took his time. He kept to the sharp corners and dimly lit edges. Like the hunter that he was, he stalked his prey. The scent of her terror filled his nostrils. He had her scent. He didn't need to give the game away. All he had to do was follow the acrid, pungent, delicious aroma of her fear.

Gina hailed a cab. She slid inside. The cabbie looked at her with frank disinterest as she recited the address from the sheet of paper Daniel had given her. She ducked low in the backseat as the cab pulled away from the curb. No one was following her. She breathed a sigh of relief. She'd lost him. Or rather, perhaps he'd gone his own way, and her fear had been the result of paranoia and exhaustion. Either way, Eric was gone and she'd seen the last of him. She cracked the window and let the cool night air blow across her cheeks.

O'Sullivan instructed his driver to follow the cab. Those in his employ knew better than to disappoint him. Nonchalantly, he stared out into the night. He wasn't planning to attack. He didn't operate that way. There were simply too many willing to give him anything he wanted to waste his time hunting the woman. He was gathering information. He didn't know what she was doing in his territory. But, he was going to find out. Then, once he discovered her purpose for being here, if he chose, he'd have a taste or perhaps, if what he learned displeased him, maybe more, much more.

The place was neat as a pin. Decorated in shades of neutral gray and eggshell. Gina had a wonderful view of the coastline from the narrow balcony. The ocean was as black as the sky above. Instead of the brilliant stars she was used to seeing. Waves with crests of white crashed onto the strip of pale beach. The scent of saltwater was heavy in her nose.

She dropped her bag in the floor and sat down on the floor. Stretching out across very expensive and plush beige carpet. The cool night air blew over her prone body. She shivered against the breeze. Relishing its bitter sting. The scent of cozy nights spent in Hunter's arms lingered on her clothes. Pangs of loneliness dug at her heart. She missed Hunter. She missed her home. And she could never go back. No matter how badly she was hurting. She couldn't risk him. Love was not worth his life.

When he was his wolf, he wouldn't feel the pain of her desertion. In time, he'd recover. He had to. Otherwise, she'd done this for nothing. She had to believe that time would heal his wounds. She had no such escape. No way that she could forget him. A pretty view would not erase his image from her mind. The fresh smell of sand, saltwater, and open skies would never tantalize her senses the way he had. She would spend the rest of her life alone. Cold and in a frozen wasteland of emptiness, she'd exist. But, she wouldn't really live. Without him, existing was the best she could hope for.

O'Sullivan crouched beside Gina as she slept. He'd stood on the balcony for a long time, silently watching her cry herself to sleep. His brow wrinkled in puzzlement. Either she'd been sent away or she'd run. Which, he didn't know. She did not bear the brotherhood's mark. But, their scent clung to her. She was a very curious enigma indeed. He could wait. Watch. See if the Sons came to claim their wayward human. On his turf, he made the rules. But, in the name of 'diplomacy' he'd refrain from playing 'finders keepers', for now.

Hunter paced as he waited for the plane to begin boarding. He clutched the carry on in his fist and ground his teeth. He didn't relish the thought of being confined on a plane, squished into a tiny seat, and trapped for hours at the mercy of a pilot's whim. The airport was a busy place. People crammed shoulder to shoulder waiting, just like him, to take their seats on the 6A.M. flight bound for Los Angeles.

Tristen scoped out the chicks. He was trying to hide his nervousness and anxiety behind his overly healthy and all too eager sex drive. He'd never flown before and had no idea of what kind of experiences awaited him. The wolf prowled inside of his skin, skittish from being in such close quarters with so many people. The scent of expensive perfumes and hair products wafted in the air. He concentrated on the feminine smells. Using the women to provide him and his wolf with a distraction.

Patrick leaned casually against the wall. People watching, it was what he did best. Observe. He was accompanying the wolves on their search for Gina. As a tracker, they'd need his skills to find her and to keep them well out of any danger. This breed of vampires, the nest that they were flying into, was dangerous and deadly. He hoped they could find her, get in and get out, without drawing any attention to themselves. They were unarmed and headed into enemy territory. And he didn't like it, not one bit. Lowering his glasses, he nodded to Carter in greeting.

Carter had dealt with O'Sullivan before. Negotiations hadn't gone well. Basically, the negotiations had ended with an unspoken agreement between them. He'd stay out of O'Sullivan's territory and O'Sullivan would stay out of his. The Great Father had thought it best if he join Patrick and the others on their mission, in case there was any trouble. And, since they were breaking the unspoken pact and waltzing into O'Sullivan's territory, there could be.

Carter shrugged off the appreciative female gazes and those from a few male admirers that crossed his path. He had been considered attractive when he was alive. But now, the aura of danger that surrounded him drew humans to him like flies to an open bowl of sugar. He stood six foot-four, thin, and compact for his frame with a wild shook of unruly chin length blond curls and blue eyes. Boarding pass and a backpack clutched in his fist as he stood next to Patrick. Impatiently waiting. He had flown many times and on many flights longer than this one. But, each time, flying filled him with dread. There was something about having his feet leave terra firma that had never agreed with him. He sighed in disgust. Damn, he hated flying.

Finally, weary passengers. Reluctantly tossed their paper cups of coffee into the trash as the stewardess announced that the plane was boarding. Hunter took his place in line. Handed over his boarding pass and ID and followed the directions to his seat. Tristen and the vampires took their places beside him. He stared out the tiny box of a window. Outside, the sky was turning a deep plum color, as dawn climbed over the horizon. In California, the city was still in the clutches of night. He hoped that Gina was someplace safe. Tucked into a warm bed, dreaming happy dreams.

Tristen noticed the strained expression on his old man's face and the tightness of his jaw. "Don't worry dad, we'll find her. Even if we have to drag her by her hair, we are bringing her home."

Hunter hoped it wouldn't come to that. But, he'd do whatever it took to bring Gina back. He hoped his words would be enough and that when the time came he'd find the right ones. Without her in his life, he was incomplete and nothing but her would fill the void. Somehow, he didn't know how, they'd find a way to make things work. There was nothing he wasn't willing to sacrifice for her. Nothing he wouldn't do for her. He couldn't deny her. Ever. And he hoped, that she could not deny him, that she'd listen to him, and come home, this time, for good.

Gina awoke shivering and stiff. The pre-dawn sky filled the apartment with faint gray light. Groaning, she got off the floor. She must have been so exhausted that she'd fallen asleep where she landed. The cabinets were barren. The fridge was immaculately clean, but empty. There was not so much as a cracker to nibble on in the kitchen. She slid a sweatshirt over her head and palmed her keys and purse. Surely, there was a grocery store or a coffee shop nearby. Without a morning jolt of caffeine she would feel even less human and emptier than she already did.

The sidewalks were deserted in this early hour of the morning. The sounds of the ocean whispered to her in the distance. A lone seagull perched on a light post squawked at her as she walked beneath the ornate fixture. The streets were lined with pots filled with beautiful colorful blossoms and greenery. Quaint shops loaded with treasures lined the street. At least, that would give her something to fill the empty days that stretched out in front of her. She wondered how many times she could haunt the shops and meander along the golden stretch of beach before they would no longer provide her with any distraction. What was she going to do with the next three or four months of her life?

She followed her nose to a small and equally quaint café at the end of the block. The trendy shop was brightly lit and cheerful. Painted in tones of earthy adobe and brilliant crimsons. Tiny round tables with wrought iron chairs were scattered about the sidewalk. She wasn't hungry, but she ordered a donut anyway. She chose a seat as far away from the other customers as she could get and nibbled at the sweet treat as she sipped at a rich, frothy cappuccino. Staring blankly out of the window, she waited for the day to unfold.

"Isn't this a coincidence?" A man's voice said to her left. "I see you've found one of my fair city's best hidden treasures." Gina looked up to see O'Sullivan looming over her. Smiling widely and friendly with a cup of coffee clutched in his hand. "May I?" He asked, motioning to the empty seat across from her. He sat, without waiting for a reply. Toying with the paper cup in his hands.

Gina's first instinct was to abruptly and rudely tell him to get lost. But, he couldn't very well bite her in a room filled with early morning commuters. She pretended to fail to recognize his face and stared up at him with a confused look.

"Eric," he prompted. With a loud scrape he pulled out the chair. "Eric O'Sullivan, from the plane last night."

"Oh, how silly of me. I'd forgotten all about you," Gina said. He blended in. Dressed like so many of the morning commuters. Ready for another day at the office. His navy, pin stripped suit fit with the tailored look of perfection. The fabric clung to his broad shoulders and exemplified his narrow waist and hips. His shoes were impeccably polished to a deep brown that reflected the dim rays of the sun. His hair was secured back in the same tight ponytail that it had been last night. The eyes of a predator regarded her with interest. "Do you work near here?"

"You could say that." O'Sullivan regarded Gina's disheveled appearance. She looked as if she'd just rolled out of bed. Her hair stuck up at haphazard angles here and there. Her sweatshirt was faded and crumpled. She wore the same jeans she'd been wearing last night on the plane. Dark circles made her eyes appear bruised. Her face was puffy and haggard from lack of sleep. He leaned close. "You failed to tell me, are you here for business or pleasure?"

Gina pushed away her donut and clutched her cup. "I told you, neither. Tell me, why were you on the plane? Business or pleasure?"

O'Sullivan grinned. She was a gutsy one. "Visiting the Midwest is always a pleasure, as was sharing the plane ride back with one so fair as you. But, business brought me to the Midwest in the first place."

"Is your business there finished?" Gina asked. She knew she shouldn't push. But, she had nothing to lose. So what? If she pissed him off, what did it matter?

"Unfortunately, no. Now, I believe it's your turn to answer a question. What brings you here, business or pleasure?"

"Neither. I'm here...I don't know why I'm here," she admitted. "I guess I had to get away. I really don't know what I'm hoping to find here."

"Ah. Vague. I like that. A woman of mystery." O'Sullivan lifted the cup to his lips and faked a drink. Over the years he'd developed a certain level of tolerance for human food. He choked the sip down with a smile.

Gina's eyes narrowed. He'd taken a drink out of his cup. She knew vampires couldn't stomach human food. How had he done it? Was he faking? Was she wrong? "Hardly any mystery here. But, you...you are quite the puzzle aren't you, Mr. O'Sullivan."

"What you're doing in my city is a mystery. One I am determined to solve." He was so close to her that he could feel the heat her body generated. Leaning into her ear, he whispered, "Let us be honest. I know that you and I share a similar acquaintance. I only wish to know why you're here. The city can be a dangerous place, especially to one such as you, alone and unescorted."

"I've seen only one such threat to my safety and he happens to be sitting right across from me. Am I in danger here?" Gina's hand tightened around her cup. Her heart sped. She tried to control the fear twisting in her gut. He couldn't attack. Not here. But, the minute he caught her alone. And eventually, he would. She couldn't stay in the café forever. In the daylight, as long as she remained around people, she was safe. At night, when she was alone, she was in danger. As long as she remained in the city, he could find her wherever she went. She was done running from terror. Terror had thrust her into this strange world. Terror had almost taken her life. Terror had torn her from Hunter's side and she would not be victim to it again.

"I can see to your safety, if you'll but answer my question."

"I came here of my own accord. I assure you. To the best of my knowledge our shared acquaintance has no idea of my whereabouts."

"Interesting. Why would the brotherhood allow you to leave?"

"Why would they force me to stay?" Gina asked. She shivered as his fingers trailed a cool path down her face and guided her cheek to press against his lips. To the occupants of the café, they must look like lovers sharing an intimate moment. They were anything but. He'd threatened her life. And she'd responded with tenacity and boldness. Was she really so ready to die?

"You know secrets. Dangerous. Secrets. To allow you to go is to risk their secrets. Are you certain they're willing to do that? As you know, nothing is as valuable as a secret."

"Surely, a life has more value than a secret," Gina whispered.

"That depends on the life, now doesn't it?" O'Sullivan released her cheek and pushed his chair back, standing to leave.

"I suppose it does," Gina breathed. Her knuckles were white and her body trembled. Her eyes warily followed Eric's movements. Tracking him as he reached into his breast pocket and withdrew a card. He pushed the card toward her with a fingertip. Gina stared down at the thin writing scrawled across the thick and expensive stock.

"In case you want to talk." O'Sullivan smiled as Gina took the card with her trembling fingers. He thought that he'd gotten his point across adequately enough. "Do try to have a nice day. Might I suggest a long walk on the beach? The sights and sounds of the ocean can be quite soothing on frazzled nerves." He shot her a smile as he turned to exit the cafe.

She did as O'Sullivan suggested and followed the long footpath to the beach. Maybe a long walk in the salty air would help to clear her mind. The sunrise was beautiful. Streaking across the blue California sky with hues of pink, gold, and crimson. Cool air caressed her cheek. She took off her shoes and walked on the beach. The sand chilled her toes, soft and grainy against the soles of her feet. Gina had no doubt that O'Sullivan was a powerful man. He would track her no matter where she went. Her safety here was only guaranteed as long as he allowed it to be.

There was only one place that she could go to be free from his threats and that was back home. The one place, she couldn't go. The pain was too fresh and too real. If she saw Hunter, her resolve would weaken and she'd beg to come home. Beg to stay. He'd be able to convince her to say yes to anything, even risking his life by withdrawing from his wolf and turning his back on his beautiful gift. No matter how badly she missed him and wanted him. She wouldn't put him in danger from himself again.

The plane landed in L.A. with a jolt and a shudder. Passengers stood and stretched weary from hours of sitting and doing nothing more than reading the paper and clicking away on laptops. Hunter jumped out of his seat and pushed his way through the slow moving herd of people.

Tristen shrugged at the annoyed passengers. "Sorry, type A personality," he mumbled under his breath. A pair of feminine feet narrowly escaped the hard footfall of his boot. "Sorry." He grinned at the scowling redhead as he exited behind his father. The group wound through the shoulder-to-shoulder foot traffic. A SUV waited for them at the rental car booth.

Patrick took the keys from the attendant and punched the address into the GPS. He navigated the SUV through the streams of never ending traffic onto the bustling interstate. People in the city must have a death wish. He pressed the pedal and sped along, following the breakneck pace of the traffic.

Carter had a gift for convincing humans to do things they shouldn't do. Things like provide them a key to her apartment. He smelled O'Sullivan the second his feet crossed through the threshold. "She's had company, recently." So much for getting in, grabbing the girl, and getting out unnoticed, he thought. O'Sullivan had taken an interest in Gina. He didn't smell any human blood. But, that didn't mean she was alive or by any means well. Just that O'Sullivan hadn't done the deed here. Until the brothers had the woman back in his possession, he considered her as good as dead.

Hunter caught Gina's scent and the cloying stench of the rogue vampire. He was already headed out the door when a hand reached out to stop him. "We must proceed cautiously. O'Sullivan is deadly. Perhaps, the most deadly Rogue Master the brothers have ever encountered. Unlike Kore and Kiros, and unfortunately, Roark, Eric is completely sane. He may not know of your kind. And the less he knows, the better off we all are."

Carter cautioned Hunter. He had never told the brotherhood the true tale of Eric O'Sullivan. And as long as he could help it, he never planned to. The bastard they hunted was his maker. And Carter knew him better than anybody. He felt the tingle of Eric's presence along the hairs of his arms. His former master was close by. Watching. Waiting. Plotting. Carter had assigned the search for the Pack's missing woman to his Guardians and had been quite content to leave it at that. Until, he learned O'Sullivan had boarded that plane. He hadn't known Eric had been in his territory. He hadn't felt the familiar presence of his father. What was O'Sullivan doing in his city? And why hadn't his Guardians spotted him? Why hadn't he?

The wolves could hold their own in a fight. But, against so many rogues the likes of which Eric was content to travel with. The odds of any of his present company surviving were few against as many as O'Sullivan had at his command. Eric was playing with him. And it pissed Carter off to no end. He wanted this game between his maker and himself over and done with. Eric had never forgiven him for leaving the fold. And Carter had never forgiven him for turning him into this thing that he was.