Dawn Reclaimed

Thomas reached across the table and gripped her hand. "Claire, I just want you to take a minute to think this through. You don't have to be in any hurry to marry him. You don't have to marry him at all."

"Thomas, that's all I've done is think. Don't think there aren't times that I've wondered about what would or could have happened if Grant had never come along. If you would have shared how you felt about me sooner."

"Would you have fallen for me instead?"

"I don't know. Maybe. But I didn't. By the time I realized how you felt, it was too late. I was already in love and I can't, no I won't, look back or waste my time wondering what might have happened between us."

"It's really too late isn't it?" Thomas bit back any words he was going to say. There was no point to continue humiliating himself or groveling at her feet. She didn't want him. She never would. Not the way he wanted her at least.

"I'm sorry. I really am. I've said it too many times already. I've tried to spare you this pain. But, I guess, I'll say it again. I love Grant. I'm marrying Grant." Claire blinked away a tear. Seeing how badly her words tore through Thomas's heart. "I'm sorry."

"Claire, don't cry. I didn't mean to upset you. I only wanted to give it one last shot." He snorted, "I really am a glutton for punishment aren't I."

Claire gave him a smile. "Yeah, you are." She took a sip of her tea and gathered her composure. "If you don't ever want to see or talk to me again. I understand."

"What, and miss out on seeing my best friend get married? No way." He grinned a sly, crooked smile. "But don't think for a minute that I'll be hoping that he won't fall off the edge of the Earth or get sucked up by a tornado." His eyes slid up to meet hers, "I'll be in the cheap seats, praying that you'll change your mind until the last 'I do' is said. Probably after that too."

Thomas straightened in his seat. Thrusting his chin up in a display of male pride. "Think about it. My face will be the first thing the baby sees when he comes into this world. Think I'd miss out on that? Not a chance."

Claire snickered, "That's scary."

Thomas gripped her hand, holding it fast in his. "Do you think I'll ever meet someone like you?" He didn't know why he was bothering rubbing salt in an open wound. Or why he was asking her when he should be backing off...way the hell off.

"Hopefully, someone better. Just promise me this. Don't give your heart to just anyone. Hold out for the right one." Claire withdrew her hand and dropped a twenty on the table. She leaned over Thomas and pressed a light kiss to his cheek. "She'll be worth the wait. You'll see."

Thomas closed his eyes and savored the warm feeling of her soft lips brushing against his cheek. "I promise." He slid out of the booth. "I think I'll walk home from here. The fresh air will do me some good."

"Are you sure?" Claire asked. The air was thick with humidity. Her perfectly beautiful sunny day had clouded over and a rainstorm threatened to unleash. Thomas lived a few blocks from here. And the storm wouldn't hit that soon. But, even if he claimed the fresh air would do him some good, she didn't like the symbolism of him walking out alone. He was putting distance between them. And she should be grateful for it. She wasn't. The sting hurt more than she'd expected.

"Yeah, I'm sure. Now get home and put your feet up."

"Ok."

Thomas rammed his hands deep into his jeans pockets and watched the yellow Mustang pull away from the curb. Turning the opposite way, he walked aimlessly down the empty sidewalks. Going, he didn't know where.

Gina sat on the edge of the great stone hearth. Watching a fire merrily consume logs. Thinking. So many things in her life were different now. Vampires. Werewolves. She found herself in a very exclusive club of people who knew the truth. But couldn't ever tell it. Who would believe her anyway? Her web search had turned up nothing, not even a nibble. She couldn't afford to quit her job with nothing to go to. Better she show up to work Monday and go along with the premise that had been laid out for her. Mono.

She didn't hate the vampires, nor did she blame them for what had happened to her. It wasn't their fault anymore than it was hers. She didn't hate Hunter or blame him for not telling her the truth sooner. He was right. At the time, she wasn't ready to hear the whys'. But, now she knew. She didn't feel cheated or slighted. He hadn't told her to keep some big secret. He'd been acting in her best interests. Trying to protect her.

She'd miss this place once she left. She'd miss the safety and security her little room represented. She'd miss the quiet and majestic beauty of the woods. She'd miss the insane antics of the vampires going on around her. And yes, she'd miss Hunter and his erratic mood swings that could shift from hot to cold in a microsecond.

He was backing off. Withdrawing. She didn't know if it was for her benefit or his. Maybe both. She had a feeling that he needed her every bit as much as she needed him. But his pride kept him from admitting it. She wondered, when she left, if she'd ever see him or this place again.

She'd paid very close attention during the drive to and on the way home from the city. Memorizing and jotting down the directions as soon as she'd been able to steal a few seconds alone. She had something in her blood that called to her, buzzing like an alarm whenever Dane was near. Even without the directions. She could find her way back whenever and if ever she wanted to.

She wondered, that if she did return for a visit, what shape Hunter would be in. If he'd be worse off and even more disconnected from the world or if he'd do better with her gone. She had to question, if he came to see her, what shape he'd find her in. She had high hopes to rebuild everything she'd lost and make a future for herself. If she and Hunter ever crossed paths again, she wanted him to find her healthy, happy, and strong.

"Gina." Dane entered the room, moving with the sleek catlike grace that Gina had become accustomed to.

"Yeah."

"I understand you'll be leaving us in a couple of days."

"That's my plan," Gina answered. She had a feeling that this was no social call. Dane wanted something.

"I'd like to take every precaution to ensure your safety." Dane said, sitting next to her on the hearth. "You have become a member of our family. Very dear to us."

"You're not going to turn me into a vampire are you?"

"No!" Dane sputtered. Offended by the accusation. He would never turn a civilian, especially against their will. "I would like to give you this." He slid a compact cell phone into her hand. "This isn't a normal cell phone. It is encrypted. Any time you need us all you have to do is call. We have friends in the city. They're your friends too. If you're ever in trouble, someone can be by your side at a moment's notice."

"That's a very generous offer. But, I don't have any plans to get myself into trouble."

Dane raised his brow. "Take the phone. I have a feeling that trouble has a way of finding you. And I'd rather know that I have taken every precaution to guard you against it."

Gina smiled and slid the phone into her back pocket. "Thanks. I hope that if I call, it's a social call."

"I'd like that, Gina. Whenever you feel like you're ready. Let me know and I'll arrange transportation for your return to the city. If you ever wish to come back for a visit, just call."

"Thanks, I will."

Gina wasn't aware of it. The phone gave them a means to track her. As long as she had the phone on her person, they'd be able to find her. No matter where she went. He had already spoken with Carter and given him notice that Gina was planning to return to the city soon. She would be better protected than the president, guarded and kept safe by a band of silent sentinels hiding in the shadows. Men hiding well out of sight, but able to be at her side before any foreseeable threat could touch her.



Chapter 73

Claire tiptoed through the house, avoiding the sounds of clanking plates and noisy chatter coming from the dining room. Her hands were loaded down with bags and her conversation with Thomas had left her simply exhausted. Grant's car wasn't in the drive and she could snatch a few minutes of desperately needed alone time. She stuffed the bags under the bed. Determined to wrap them later and stretched out on the comforter. The throw was soft and warm, smelling like Grant. Before she knew it, she'd dozed off.

Grant was pleased with his progress. His plans were coming together nicely. He ducked into their bedroom. Seeing her curled up in the middle of the bed, sleeping fitfully, he bent to give her a gentle peck on the cheek. Tucking the covers under her chin before he left.

The chocolate brown wolf sped through the dim woods. Kicking up a layer of cold, slick, humus with its hind feet. The woods were thick with the smell of wolf. Their scents were as familiar to him as the smells that filled the dense, forest air. The wolf wasn't on any particular mission to guard his borders or mark his territory. He ran for the sheer joy of running. Enjoying the woods as they swiftly passed by out of the corners of its vision. He caught up with two of its pack mates. A thicker, heavier grayish wolf and a lean, smaller sandy colored male. Woofing in recognition its pack mates joined in on the run.

The trio slunk beneath the cover of darkness, surrounding their prey. Sliding in and out of the tree line with silent paws. The buck, young with felt covered points of antlers cropping just above its ears, looked into the evening light, sensing the danger. The deer's pink tongue slicked over the end of its nose as powerful muscles coiled in preparation to flee. The wolves sprang into action. The alpha of the trio struck hard. Flanked by the other two. A river of gore dripped from powerful snapping jaws. Drying on tangles of rich, deep, chocolate brown fur.

Claire stared out into the night. Looking intently into the black wall of woods that she could see out of her bedroom window, wondering if Grant was out there somewhere. Mouse slid up beside her and pressed her nose to the glass, gripping Claire's hand with her tiny fingers. The storm she'd thought was coming had passed them by. The humidity and sticky heat showed no signs of relief any time soon.

"What 'cha doin?" Marianne asked.

"Sounds silly, but looking for your Uncle Grant." Claire continued to stare furtively into the darkness. Hoping to catch a glimpse of her soon to be husband.

"Oh." Marianne turned to the small pile of bags tucked underneath Claire's bed. "Did you get me a present?"

"Maybe. Don't be so nosy," Claire chastised. Clasping the girl's dainty fingers in her hand.

"Look." Marianne said excitedly. "There they are!" She pointed to a spot dimly illuminated by the yellow light spilling from the window down onto the ground below. "See that one there?" She said motioning to a brown colored wolf, "That's my dad."

"Your dad?" Claire pressed her face against the glass for a closer look. The wolf was slightly larger than Grant's wolf. Walking with the lethal grace and stealth of a predator. "Wow." When Mouse continued to malinger in Claire's room. Claire thought maybe the girl was trying to give her a hint of some sort. "You want me to read you a story and tuck you in?"

Marianne looked up, her eyes peeking over Claire's enormous belly. "Nah, if it's all the same to you. I'd like for my dad to do it."

"No problem." Claire heard the back door slam shut and a rush of masculine voices echo up the stairs. "You'd better go get ready."

"Ok." Marianne trotted off to brush her teeth and change into her PJs.

Claire tried flopping into her side of the bed and snatched up the book on her nightstand. Casually, she pretended that she hadn't had her nose pressed to the glass worrying and waiting for him. "Hi."

Grant smiled. Claire wasn't a very good liar. No poker face whatsoever. "Hi. Did you wait up for me? When I came up to check on you, you were out like a light. So, I went on a romp through the woods. I didn't plan to be gone so long." Grant slid out of his jeans and kicked off his boots. Headed for the shower. He was happily stuffed, his wolf had taken care of dinner. But, he bet that Claire wouldn't like or appreciate the smell of fresh kill on his skin.

"After that nap. I wasn't sleepy," Claire muttered. Flipping through the pages of her book, she snuck glances of Grant's naked perfection over the edge of the book's cover.

Grant snickered, feeling her eyes traveling over his body. "Did you get me a present?" he asked as his glance flitted to the pile at her feet.

"Never you mind." She answered. Smoothing her belly over her cotton sleep shirt someone at work had gotten it for her as a gag gift. The oversized sleep shirt was a dark gray with red lettering that said 'Hecho en Mexico' across the front. The shirt fit, it was comfortable, so, she wore it.

Grant crossed the room and pressed his palm to her belly. "This is all that I want. Healthy, safe and secure, this right here, the whole package, is all I'll ever want."

Claire looked up. "And its already gift wrapped," she teased. Noticing that parts of him were beginning to rise to the occasion, she was tempted. He bent to give her a light peck. She wrinkled her nose. He smelled awful. Like he'd been rolling in a pile of decaying leaves and stagnant mud. "Ugh, you stink. Shower first. Where have you been anyway?"

"Just expressing my animal magnetism." Grant said as he sashayed into the bathroom. "Little buddy wants to know if you'll come with us?"

"I am pregnant, ridiculously huge, covered in stretch marks, and my ankles take up half a city block. I don't want to get naked in front of you with the lights on."

"You are blossoming, ripe with the fruit of my loins. And you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Hair like sunlight, eyes like the deepest ocean, breasts... Hey, I was building up to the good part," Grant said as he deflected the pillow tossed at his head.

"Go take your shower," Claire snorted. Propping her feet up on a pillow and kicking back. The bedroom was filled with the steam from his shower and the masculine heady scent of his body wash. Much better. She meant to close her eyes to rest them for a second. Instead, she fell into a deep sleep. Dreaming of wolves.

Grant finished his shower and tucked a towel loosely around his waist. Shaking his head at Claire as she slept. Gingerly, he slipped the packages off the bed and put them on the dresser. Reaching over her to turn off the light as he climbed in beside her. "You don't know how much you mean to me," he whispered. Kissing her cheek as he tucked the blankets over her shoulders.

Hunter finished reading to Mouse. Gently, he closed the book and laid it on the bedside table, clicking off the lamp. A pair of brown eyes blinked up at him as he tried to ease off the bed. "I thought you fell asleep," he said softly. Tucking the covers around her shoulders, he sat back down and opened the book. His little girl was all grown up. The last time he'd read her a bedtime story...he thought back and frowned. He'd never tucked her in before. She was reading Twilight. And he'd raised a brow as she handed him the book and flipped it open to a chapter. The book was terrible. And he'd like to wring the author's neck for putting all that stuff into his little girl's head. Vampires glittering in the sunlight? Bullshit. Wolves...well he actually liked that part. Probably, because it was a little closer to the truth.

"Usually Aunt Claire tucks me in. But I like it better when you do it," Marianne confessed sleepily. "I wish you'd tuck me in every night."

"I'll try." Hunter whispered, "Now go to sleep."

"I love you, Daddy. I've really missed you. And I'm really, really, glad that you're back."

"I love you too, Mouse." Hunter said as he pulled the door closed. He paused outside of Daniel's room and peeked inside. Daniel was out like a light. The iPod blared strings of deafening rock music in his ears. Hunter slid the earbuds free and set the device on the bedside table. "Good night, son." He wound around to Tristen's room giving him proper respect and knocking first. Entering when admitted. "I'll see you in the morning."

Tristen looked up from his magazine. He was a legal adult and there was nothing his dad could do about his choices in reading material. Besides, he read the magazine solely for the articles. The pictures of girls, scantily dressed, were simply eye candy. Miss June, however, had a thing or two going for her, even if it was thanks to silicone. "Ok."

Gina was settling in for the night. Curled up in a pair of borrowed flannel sleep pants and a shirt. Kicked back and watching an old movie on TV. A movie that she was fairly certain wouldn't invoke a restless night filled with nightmares. She pressed mute as a gentle, soft knock sounded on her door, "Come in."

Hunter stood in the doorway. "Hi. I was just checking to see if you needed anything before I went to bed." He closed the door behind him and sat on the edge of her bed.

Gina could tell that he had something on his mind. There was something about the set of his shoulders and the fact that he had planted his butt firmly on her bed that gave it away. "Nope, I'm good. Hunter, how have you been? Everyone has been so focused on me. Especially you. And ashamedly, I've been overly focused on myself too. I think everyone has forgotten about you. How are you?"

Hunter took a deep breath. Overwhelmed by the events of the day. How happy seeing and spending time with his kids made him feel. He felt awestruck and speechless at how much they still loved him. More than he deserved. "I went to see my kids today."

"Oh." Gina crawled across the expanse of bed between them and curled up, tucking her legs beneath her. "How'd it go?"

"Good." Hunter told his story about the day. He smiled as he relayed every last detail to Gina. He reveled in how proud he was of Tristen and the man he was becoming. He praised Daniel and his cool, casual exterior that never seemed to crack under pressure. And he doted on Mouse, daddy's little girl.

Gina smiled with him. Glad that he had taken the time to stop by and share with her. His kids meant a lot to him. And obviously, he meant a lot more to them than he'd ever realized. She gave him a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, "That's so good. I'm so happy for you. See, they still love you."

"Yeah, surprisingly enough, they do," Hunter admitted. His face turned serious as he looked into her eyes. "When we were trapped in that room. I didn't worry about myself. I worried about you. When we got out. I thought I rescued you. I think. It was you who did the saving. You rescued me, not from the man, but from something worse, myself." He hooked her chin with his finger and pulled her face close to his. He wanted to kiss her. Feel the inevitable softness of her lips on his. He inched her face forward, lowering his mouth to hers. Eyes following the tip of her pink tongue as it snaked across her lips. Ready. Close. Her lids closed, lashes dancing across her blush-tinted cheeks. Her body eased closer to his. Instead, he turned away and released her chin. "Thank you."

Confused, Gina sat on her haunches. She thought he was going to kiss her. Their faces were only inches apart. Their lips almost touched. His fingers were warm on her chin. So close that she could smell the scent of woodsy pine on his skin. Instead, he let her go. She forced a smile. "You're welcome."

Hunter rose from the bed. "If you need anything. I'm right next door." Sometimes, he amazed himself. How could he be so stupid? The problem was that he didn't know which of his actions made him the stupidest. The fact that he almost kissed her or that he didn't. "Goodnight." He pulled the door closed. Hearing the latch click into place with a whispery snick.