Dawn Reclaimed

"We'll take good care of her. I'll give you a call the minute she wakes up."

"Thanks." Thomas left his mother to tend to her patient. He made his way down the hall to check on his other two patients. Saving Grant for last, as he was the least injured. He knocked on Hunter's door.

"Enter," Hunter answered. Stretched out on the plush bedding, dressed in a pair of cotton pajama bottoms, he stared blankly at the muted picture on the TV. He wasn't healed yet. If he'd taken all that the vampire offered, he would have been. Physical pain didn't bother him. He'd suffered worse and his pain was nothing compared to the wounds in his soul. "You're a physician?" He asked not bother to glance away from the TV screen.

"The scrubs and the lab jacket gave me away again. Damn it." Thomas used his best bedside manner. Joking lightly with the tense wolf. Thomas made his assessment. Baffled that the wolf had sustained such severe injuries and was still breathing. Hunter still had some tender spots around his ribs and his right thigh and knee, and a few red, puckered scar lines crisscrossed over his chest and abdomen. But, they were superficial and filling in nicely. Thomas wanted x-rays and labs. But, the man had refused a trip to the hospital or to give him so much as one drop of blood to analyze. Thomas's best guess was that the man was healing as normally as a wolf could.

There was no way to guess at the condition of his psyche. Hunter was tight lipped, stoic, and closed off. He would speak, only to answer questions regarding his physical condition. Otherwise, he stared at the TV, not saying a word. "Ok. Well. I'll check on you tomorrow and see how you're doing." Thomas dug in his bag and sat a box of samples on the table. "Take one of these every four hours for pain."

"That won't be necessary, doctor."

"Ok. Fine. I'll leave them just in case. And I'll have someone get you a set of crutches. Keep off the leg for now. I'll see you tomorrow." Thomas scuttled from the room and went to see his next patient. Grant.

Grant scuttled to hop onto the baby blue exam table. The paper crinkled as he shifted his weight. "Hi, Thomas... wasn't it. I didn't know you were doc to the vampires."

"Just a sideline job. Occasionally I do a werewolf or two. I prefer humans as patients, quite honestly." Thomas washed his hands and ripped a paper towel free from the dispenser. "Let's take a look here." He pushed Grant down on the table and pulled up his shirt, eying the puckered scar line in disbelief. The scar ran from the bottom of his right rib cage diagonally to his belly button. The injury would have killed a human. Probably cut the liver in two, severed the hepatic artery, and a normal person would have bled out in minutes. He probed at the scar with his fingers. "Do you feel all right?"

"A little sore, but I'll live."

The curious researcher was rearing its ugly head again. "Mind if I take a tube of blood or two from you? I'd like to make sure you aren't anemic and there isn't any infection from the cut."

Grant shrugged. "Ok." He turned his head and looked away as Thomas prepared the needle and scrubbed away at a spot on his inner arm with an alcohol pad.

"I'm not going to hurt you. Are you afraid of needles?" Thomas asked in disbelief. The man had practically been gutted by a knife and was turning pale as a ghost at the sight of a little needle.

"Maybe. Just do it, ok," Grant begrudgingly grunted.

Thomas jabbed at the vein and collected the tubes. Grant's blood didn't look any different from anyone else's. But, neither did vampire blood. The proof was in the results. "Ok. You can look now. I'm done." Thomas labeled the tubes and tucked them away in the pocket of his lab coat. "Do you need any pain pills?"

"Nah, I'm good." Grant said, sitting up from the table. Yanking the cotton ball and bandaid off his arm, he asked, "What's with all the equipment doc? Vampires can't have children can they?"

"No. Not that I'm aware of. The equipment is for Claire. I've been meaning to talk to you. Man to man."

"You want her to deliver in the midst of a vampire's nest. You can't be serious," Grant huffed. The scent of her blood would be enough to send the vampires into a frenzy. She wasn't safe here with them.

"The vampires have extended their generosity to her. They spared no expense to make sure that she has the best of care possible. Grant, she isn't like you. She's beginning to weaken. You know it. And I know it. I'm willing to help and so are the brothers. You've seen what their blood is capable of. If things start to go bad, you'll need their help and mine. Don't be an idiot."

"The baby will be fine."

"What about Claire? What about her? Will she be fine?" Thomas pounded his fist on the exam table and rose to his feet, sending the rolling stool crashing into a wall. "How many babies has the midwife delivered to a human mother? How many survived? You're gambling with a life that is not yours to wager. I'm in this for her and the baby. Not for you. I'm not willing to risk it. Your midwife and the Shaman will deliver the baby under my supervision. If things start to get bad, I'll turn to the vampires for help."

"She won't need their help. And she doesn't need yours. Nana is the best midwife we've got. You'll see. Claire will be fine." Grant hopped onto his feet and stared down at Thomas. He had to believe what he was saying. He'd laid too many of his pack mates' wives to rest. Stood at their pyres and held the tiny lives they left behind in his hands.

Thomas thought he was archaic. A hard willed, backwoods, hick. Denying Claire the best that modern medicine had to offer. The truth was that he couldn't admit that to himself how fragile Claire's life was. He had to believe Claire was different. That she wouldn't die in childbirth like Hunter's wife. Accepting Thomas's help and the help of the vampires would be admitting that Claire might not pull through. That she could die.

"I guess it doesn't really matter what you say, does it. Claire is an adult. She's not property. She makes her own decisions about her life and her health. And she's willing to accept my help. Ultimately, you have no real decisions to make. The choice is up to her."

"Are we done here?" Grant glowered at Thomas. When it came to Claire, Thomas was as protective and fierce as he was. Grant had always suspected that Thomas had feelings for Claire. Now his suspicions were confirmed. The man threatened what was rightfully his. But, to not accept help, from Thomas, a highly skilled and respected physician, or the vampires, with their magical blood and gifts, would make him an archaic, backwoods hick. He wanted, ultimately, what was best for Claire and the baby.

"Quite." Thomas washed his hands and watched the werewolf stomp off. Not wise to piss someone like Grant off. But, when it came to Claire, he didn't care. He'd take on anyone or anything that threatened her safety.

Claire slid her badge through the clock. Grinning when the little beep announced that her shift was over. She was looking forward to her day off. And to seeing if there was any news from Grant. She bypassed the elevators, slow as molasses on a winter morning, and went for the stairs. Her yellow mustang pulled up right on cue. Thankfully, Tristen was punctual and she didn't have to wait around for him. Her face lit up when she saw Grant behind the wheel instead.

"Are you home for good?" She asked, planting a kiss on his lips. She was so glad that he was safe. Uninjured. And home.

"Most definitely." Grant nuzzled Claire's ear and rubbed his cheek against her face. She was soft and warm, a welcome sight for his weary eyes.

"How's your brother?" She asked pushing herself into the passenger side seat. They were blocking the drive and needed to get out of the way.

Grant steered the car down the long drive leading away from the hospital grounds. "He's safe."

"That's a relief. What about the woman? Did you find her?" Claire nervously tugged on the strap of her purse. She didn't know how she'd take the news that the woman hadn't made it, if the woman was dead.

"We found her. She's safe as well. Claire, everything is fine." Grant handed her a cup of hot chocolate. He'd stopped at the coffee shop on his way to pick her up to buy a cup for her, knowing it was her favorite.

"Thanks. I'm so glad. I can't imagine what must be going through that poor woman's head. I hope she's ok. And I'm really glad about your brother."

"You want to grab some dinner out tonight?" He asked, changing the subject.

"Actually," Claire said hesitantly, "I'd like a shower and Thomas caught me at lunch. Said he has something to show me. He said you could come too, if you want."

Grant grumbled beneath his breath. Silenced by her gentle touch on his hand.

"I know you don't like him. But, he's trying to help me. He's my friend. Next to Ginger, my best friend, you've got nothing to worry about. Really. We're just friends."

"I'm not so sure he feels the same way." Grant made the turn from the highway onto the gravel roads.

"He's having some trouble adjusting. Everything has happened so quickly. But, he'll meet someone and move on. We'll probably look back on this years from now and laugh about it. Grant, I'm in love with you and only you."

Grant grinned. "I feel the same way about you." He slowed, turning onto the narrow lane leading to the house.

"Well, then its' settled." Claire's phone buzzed to life in her purse. Blaring an annoying tune. Demanding an answer. "That's him. Are you coming or not?"

"Yes. Claire I have something to talk to you about. I know where he's taking you. What he wants to show you. And I need to explain a few things to you. There's more to the world than what you know." He was stammering like an idiot. But, how could he possibly expect her to accept the strangeness of her new world. As far as she knew, there was no such thing as vampires.

"Grant, are you talking about the vampires? Thomas filled me in, more or less. But, I've been meaning to talk to you about them. I just haven't had time. Apparently, they know about me though. One of them left a whole closet full of new clothes in your room for me."

Grant chuckled. "That would be Janine. She's like the fashion police with fangs. Harmless really, as long as nobody wears white after Labor Day."

"Are they like us? Like people, I mean."

"Claire, they are people. Just a little different." He coasted to a stop at the end of the drive and slid the car into park. "They do drink blood. That part of the legend is true. From animals and willing donors. They have hopes and dreams. Fall in love. Just like anybody else. There are good vampires and bad vampires, just the same as there are good and bad people. Claire, these are the good guys. You can trust them.

"For all intensive purposes they're our cousins. The brother of our founding father started their race. The goddess gave him her gift and he passed it on. The Great Father drank from her wrist and he fed another from his. So forth and so on, that's how vampires are created, Claire. They are not born like Pack. Claire, you have to forget everything you thought you knew about the world. The vampires are alive, thinking, feeling, sentient beings.

"Do not doubt this. Despite all their talents, strength, long lives, youth, and beauty, you possess something far more valuable. You can do something that they in their wildest dreams cannot. Change. You can have a child. Vampires are made Claire, not born. They can share life, extend lives, but they cannot create it."

"And that's why they're so interested in me."

"Yes. They want to help you, Claire. They've invested a great deal of money, for you. They've built a birthing room for you and the baby, Claire. They want you to have the baby there."

"But, what about the blood?"

"I can't answer that question, Claire. They're my relatives and my friends. But, don't ever forget what they are in their deepest core."

"What's that?"

"Predators."

Claire gripped her throat nervously. "Do you think its safe?"

"Claire, I think Thomas has your best interests at heart. I don't think he'd deliberately put you in danger. You have to consider their offer. Having the baby there might be the best and safest place for you." Grant took a deep breath and squeezed her cool fingers with his palm. "If something goes wrong. They can help you in ways that I cannot."

"How?"

"Their blood is filled with magic. Powerful, ancient, magic that I don't fully understand. They can share their gift with you. Save your life. If you aren't too close to death, the blood can heal."

"But, if I am? Too close to death?"

"The blood can kill or save. I don't understand how it works. Nobody does. Sometimes the blood gives life and sometimes it takes one."

"If I take their blood. Dying or not, there are consequences aren't there?"

"Yes. My brother. By the time I got to him he was so close to dying. In pain, suffering, I had to do something to help him. I made the decision and asked the vampires to share their blood with him."

"Did they?"

"Yes. He wanted to die, Claire. But, I didn't let him. I couldn't. I pulled him back from death. Instead of letting him go and honoring his wishes, I forced him to live. I couldn't just let him die, Claire. I couldn't."

"And the consequence?"

"He's healed. But, he's not whole. He didn't turn. The blood didn't change him. It pulled him back from death and restored his life. But, his soul is fractured worse than before, because of me. He wanted to move on and I should have let him. He shares a blood bond with the vampires now. They know what he's thinking. They'll find him no matter where he goes. His life will never be his own. The bond is a sacred trust. Never to be betrayed. Living wasn't something he wanted. He would have rather died. He hates me for what I've done."

"What will you choose for me? If the time comes?"

"I won't. I'd give anything to keep you by my side. But, I won't make the decision for you. As much as I love you, your life is your own."

"Grant, you do whatever it takes to keep us together. If that means turning me into a bloodsucking creature of darkness, so be it. You do whatever you have to do to make sure our son has a future and his mother and father."

Grant lifted Claire's fingers to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. "I will."

Claire slid her hand from his lips and wrapped her arms around his neck. The gearshift jabbed into her hip but she didn't care. She lifted her mouth to his. Feeling the crush of his lips, hard and needy on her mouth. His tongue traced the border of her lips and she opened. Inviting him in. His hands groped beneath her jacket. Smoothing down her sides and grabbing fistfuls of her scrub top.

Grant was wondering exactly how far back the seat would go. And if there was enough room to pull Claire onto his lap when the sound of stifled giggles and a tap on his window squashed the random thought. He rolled down the window and glared at his niece in irritation. "What Mouse?"

"Ah... Grandpa sent me out to get you two. Supper is ready." Marianne pressed her palm to her mouth to keep from giggling.

Grant rolled up the window blocking out Mouse. "Later?" He said kissing the top of Claire's head.

Claire nodded. Face heated by a blush. She'd never been busted making out in a car by a twelve year-old before. "Sure. After dinner and I've had a shower will you take me to meet the vamps?"

"If you really want to."

"I do." She flipped her phone open to text Thomas. Nodding when he texted right back. "Thomas says he'll be waiting for us."

"Fantastic," Grant groaned. The only thing he wanted to do was to feed his woman and whisk her up the stairs to their room. Everything else and everyone else, the rest of the world could wait.

Chapter 58

Gina awoke. Startled and unsure of where she was. She cautiously moved her arms. Freed and unbound. She wiggled her feet. No chains tugged on her ankles. It wasn't a dream. She had been rescued. A tear of pure relief rolled down her cheek. She guessed that she must be in the hospital. She felt the tug of tape against the hairs on her arm. An IV pumped fluids into her arm. She was safe. "Where am I?"

Barbara crossed the room, careful not to move too quickly and startle the frightened woman. "Gina, you're amongst friends. You're safe." Barbara gently lifted Gina's shoulders and fluffed her pillows. She really wasn't a nurse and she had no idea of how to care for a patient. She took her cues from Claire and the nurses that had taken care of her in the hospital. And pillow fluffing seemed to be something nurses did when they felt the need to do something and had no clue of what to do. "Can I get you anything? Do you want something to eat or drink?"

"I..." Gina looked around. This was the strangest hospital room she'd ever been in. The room looked more like a suite at the Hilton than a hospital room. She was in the middle of a huge bed. Lying against soft, fresh, cotton sheets instead of the starched, scratchy, white linens of a hospital. The walls were decorated in pale hues of beige and cream. The floor was covered with a thick, wine colored carpet instead of industrial tile. The lighting was soft and soothing instead of garish white and blinding. "This is a hospital?"

"No."

Gina jerked away from the woman. Terrified that she hadn't been rescued at all but just transferred to another level of hell. The woman reminded her of her mom. Soft blonde hair cut in a trendy style, laugh lines creasing her eyes and mouth, kind eyes of the clearest blue, the woman was as non-threatening as she could be. The woman had an aura about her of kindness and compassion and one of genuine concern. It didn't fool Gina. Her captor had appeared on the outside to be as normal and unassuming as anybody else too. "You're not a nurse?" she asked, scrabbling to scoot further away from the woman.

"No, I'm a friend." Barbara kept her voice low and her tone calm. The scent of the Gina's panic filled her nostrils with the acerbic stink of fear. "You. Are. Safe. Don't be afraid. My name is Barbara. And you, Gina, are among friends. We're here to help."

Gina trembled and gasped against the terror gripping her chest. She didn't know where she was, what day it was, or anything that had happened to her after her rescue. She remembered the man, dressed in black leather. She remembered him releasing her from the chains and lifting her off the cot. Promising her she was safe. The details were blurry, fogged by her pain and fear. He gave her something to drink. Spoke to her with gentleness and compassion. But, that was the last thing she truly did recall until she woke up here.

If she wasn't in a hospital, where was she? Why wasn't she in a hospital? Why weren't there real nurses and doctors hovering around her? The room was posh and comfortable. The colors and the décor specifically selected to calm and soothe. The walls though were closing in around her. And after days of being chained to a cot. She felt tiny and lost in the king sized bed. There were no windows in the room. Block walls painted in beige formed the box closing in around her. Cinderblock, just like her cell had been.

She was back in the room. The gray walls of her cell closed in on her, crushing her with their weight. Instead of a plush luxurious bed, she was on the cot. The clear, plastic IV tubing turned into cold, steel links. It was real. Her rescue was a dream. Gina screamed and thrashed in terror. The sheets wrapped around her wrists and ankles, securing her immobile to the cot. She couldn't see anything but industrial gray walls. She couldn't hear a sound except for Hunter's cries of pain. There was no scent only the scent of blood.

Barbara snatched the syringe off the nightstand and uncapped the needle. Piercing the needle into the rubber stopper on the IV tubing, just like Thomas told her to, she pushed the plunger down and emptied the syringe's contents into the tubing. "It will be all right. You're fine." She cooed, hoping to soothe Gina. In a bit of a panic herself, she realized that Gina was somewhere else. Her mind saw things that weren't real. But, to her they were very real. Gina was back in that cell, chained to a cot, tortured at the hands of a madman. The killer was dead. But to Gina he was still very much alive and capable of hurting her.