Dawn's Second Chance

Sam spun, narrowly missing the blade as it descended in a blinding flash. She sparred with Chance, and he was definitely back on his game. "Alex finally decide to let you get some sleep last night or what?" She asked, blocking another well-executed blow with her sword.

"Love. You should try it sometime," Chance replied. Jumping and landing a kick to her wrist, he easily disarmed her. Her sword clattered to the mat.

"HA!" Sam scurried to grasp her weapon, keeping an eye on her opponent. "It's been my experience that men are more trouble than they're worth. No offence, but they're a pain in the ass." She circled Chance, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

Chance parried her blow, turning to deliver a kidney punch to her right flank. "You protest too much. Got someone in mind?"

Sam drove Chance back with a series of swift, aggressive, counter moves. "Not hardly."

Chance snickered, and veered to the left out of the path of her right hook. "I must have hit a nerve. Who is he?"

Sam continued her assault, disarming Chance and pointing her sword to his throat. "Nobody."

John Mark huffed. These two might manage to actually accomplish some training today, if they'd shut the hell up and pay attention. "All right you two cut the chatter!" he barked. Chance's performance was much improved today. And Sam was coming along nicely, learning to master her body and her new abilities. As a whole he was pleased with today's workout session. "Wrap it up for today. What the hell do you two think this is a sewing circle? Sam, hit the locker room. Make yourself look pretty."

He snickered as Sam scurried off to the showers. Damn, he loved his job. John Mark saw an excited grin cross Chance's face. "I didn't say we were done Sweet Pea." He scoffed as Chance's smile fell. "Hormones," he said, shaking his head. "Chance," he motioned to the boy with a finger, "You're with Patrick. There's a lot more to being a warrior than mastering a couple of pointy objects." He pointed to Chance's forehead, "You've gotta learn to use this."

Janine sat on the mat facing Chance. Being the only human on the premises, she was drafted to volunteer. "Well, hurry up. I've got a bachelorette party to plan." She smiled coyly at Chance and gave him a big wink.

Chance focused his attention on Janine. Following Patrick's instructions. He zeroed in on Janine's mental signature, and damn wasn't her mind a snarled mess of random thoughts and tangled ideas. Entering her mind, he isolated neural pathways and synapses. He whispered, "Sleep Janine."

Janine snorted in amusement. Who in the hell did Chance think he was? Dracula or something? All that 'sleep, blah, blah, blah, I want to drink your blood, blah, blah...' he might bore her to death, but put her out? Ha. The only thing he was missing was the black cape and bad hairdo. "You're going to have to do better than that."

Patrick grinned with pride. Janine was fairly easy to work with. Her mind was an open door. That was why he chose her. Chance was still young and inexperienced, needing a lot of guidance. "This isn't like the movies. Her reactions are a response to your manipulation of the chemicals and electrical impulses in her brain. Concentrate." He snickered and added on a side note. "I know there isn't much up there in that head of hers. But, sometimes you have to work with what you're given."

"Hey!" Janine narrowed her eyes and glared up at Patrick. She sent him a very clear mental message. Making fun of her wasn't going to get him laid tonight, or any other night.

"Just kidding, babe," Patrick said contritely. Flowers, he'd definitely have to send her flowers.

Chance swallowed back his snicker. Even as inexperienced as he was, he caught that thought from Janine's mind. Patrick tucked his tail like a whipped pup. Chance blew out a frustrated breath and concentrated. "I can't help it if she doesn't have much up there to work with."

Patrick scowled. He wasn't going to let anyone pick on his woman, even if it was just teasing. "Enough. Focus," he barked.

Janine fiddled with the hem on her blouse, waiting. She knew Chance and Patrick were only joking around. She had a Master's degree in accounting hanging on the wall of her bedroom to prove them both wrong. But, she was getting a little tired of being seen as a ditzy blonde. She hid many things, pushed them to the corners of her mind. Well out of view from Patrick and the brothers. Her dinginess was just a well-planned cover. Her innermost thoughts were private and hers alone. She opened up, making it easier for the poor boy. At this rate, if he ever needed to scrounge up a meal in a pinch, he'd starve to death. Her skin prickled as she felt him enter her mind.

Chance was in. He probed deeper locking in on her somewhat scattered and frayed consciousness. She had a lot on her mind, perhaps more than what Patrick or the brothers realized. She pushed him back, keeping him out of the darkest corners, where her true thoughts were buried. That was ok with him. There were probably a lot of things floating around in there that he didn't want to know about, and shouldn't know about. He honed in on an impulse and whispered the command. "Sleep Janine."

Janine sighed, falling to the mat as her eyes slid shut. She felt strong arms lock around her, keeping her head from smacking the mat. Her eyelids fluttered briefly as Chance filled her awareness with another suggestion. "Wake."

Janine looked up into Patrick's eyes and yawned. "I think he's got it." She wobbled as Patrick helped her up to her feet. "Are you guys done? I'm getting tired of being used as a guinea pig." Her head was splitting and even though Chance had lifted the suggestion he planted into her mind, she really needed a nap.

"Sure." Patrick hugged Janine protectively. He didn't like anyone burrowing around in her mind. But, he wanted her to feel useful, like she was contributing. He remembered the word she'd used to describe herself. The pain in her voice as she said it with such self-hatred and vehemence. 'Ornament'

"Thanks Janine," Chance said. Something hid beneath the surface of her mind. An emotion he couldn't quite identify. He'd talk to her about it later, when they were alone. He didn't want the details. He just wanted to make sure she was ok.

"Ok," Patrick said, turning his attention to Chance after he watched Janine leave the gym. "Psychic brother to brother communication. Not always reliable, but sometimes necessary." Patrick grinned knowingly as he sat on the mat facing his pupil. "Find someone you're strongly connected to."

Chance focused on Alex, easily finding her and sending her a soft, gentle, loving thought. He smiled as she received it and sent one of her own.

"All right you two. Geez get a room. Telepathy isn't private," Patrick cautioned, slightly embarrassed as he intercepted the loving thoughts the couple exchanged. "Now, I'm going to teach you to block your thoughts. Something the brothers and myself will be glad when you master." He snickered. "I know more about your love life than I ever cared to know. You're a very loud sender." Patrick chuckled. Alex is like a little sister to us. "You've gotta learn this before the wedding night. Otherwise, we're kicking your ass."

Chance's face grew hot as Patrick's lips curled up a leering smile. "Trust me, I'm not sharing with the rest of you on purpose."

Sam finished showering and ran her hand through her damp waves, shaking the water out of them. She was determined to master this vampire thing, quickly. She was learning to conquer her hunger, leaving the woods full of fluffy woodland creatures, and her donors in no danger of becoming anemic. She was still small and lithe. Something she hoped would change from her conversion. But, it didn't. She was stronger, faster, had endless endurance, and heightened senses. Unfortunately, her size had stayed exactly the same.

She looked down at her scuffed tennis shoes and worn, faded, workout pants. She really could use a wardrobe boost. She had nothing in her closet but dark colors and cottons. She wanted to look nice for the bachelorette party. For once, she wanted to look like a girl and be seen as one. Maybe, it was the shorter hair that had her thinking of her appearance, something before now she'd rarely considered. Maybe, it was clearly hearing the thoughts of the brothers in her head. She'd heard them there before, just not as loudly. Half of the brothers didn't realize she had boobs and curves. Ok, so the baggy clothes and the sports bras really didn't help. But, she was sick of being just another one of the guys.

The truth was that Chance had struck a nerve. She had her sights set on a guy. The object of her affection wasn't her usual type. Generally, she'd gone for the tall, strong, athletic, and human type. Marcus was none of those things. Medium built, a little soft around the middle, and definitely, not human. Decidedly, average in size, and only slightly impressionable in the looks department. But, there was something about him that attracted her more than his looks. He had a sharp wit and a quick mind, and his heart, when he chose to let his guard down, was as vast and deep as the ocean.

Sam frowned at her reflection and set out to track Janine down. Sam had avoided being in close contact with the woman since her conversion, not wanting to accidentally take a bite out of her. Sam felt like she had control of her baser instincts now and she needed help desperately in the fashion department. Janine might be a little bit dingy, at times. But, she knew how to dress and put on makeup, and she'd help her without being petty or judgmental. Despite her flaws, Janine had a true heart and she genuinely cared.

Chapter 51

Anna smiled and played nice for the interviewer. She posed for a camera shot with the hospital administrator, standing in front of the new Children's wing that she designed. Her feet ached in the tall, spiked, pumps she'd chosen. Her spring colored, linen suit and coordinating silk shell was itchy and uncomfortable in the unseasonably warm sun. But, this was the price of success and professionalism. The write up would appear in the next edition of the Sunday paper. The page right after the sports section. As if anyone would read about her or the new wing of the hospital, when highlights from college basketball playoffs preceded the article. Oh well, any publicity was good publicity, it looked good for the firm, and it got her boss off her back.

Anna thanked the reporter and shook hands with the cameraman. Thankfully, the interview was over and she could go home and change out of her suit and into a comfy pair of sweats. Waving her arm wildly, she hailed a taxi, eager to get out of downtown before rush hour started. Once seated in the air-conditioned cab on the cool, black vinyl backseat out of view, she blew out a relieved sigh and peeled off her jacket. The workweek was over and she was hopefully, expecting company tonight.

Toby punched down the accelerator. He'd kept Anna dangling long enough and it was time to add more bait to the hook. His plan was simple, keep adding bait until she bit, hook her, give her enough line, and let her swim until she wore down. Then, he'd reel her in. He smiled smugly as he took the off ramp and drove through the quiet neighborhoods to her house.

Anna stood at the door digging through her purse for her keys. She looked up to see the black SUV pulling into the drive. Her heart raced as Toby got out and walked to her. She realized, much to her embarrassment, she was staring with her mouth open at the sight of him. She wanted nothing more than to leap into his arms and cover him from head to toe with kisses. Forcing her attention back to the door, she fumbled with the key, turned the knob and left it open for him.

Toby grinned widely. The excited expression on Anna's face told him everything he needed to know. She missed him. A lot. He followed her into the house and ran the smooth petals of the rose he'd been hiding behind his back along the curve of her cheek. "I missed you." It was true, he had. He pulled her close, crushing her lips with his as he kissed her.

Anna smiled against Toby's kiss. Her head reeled as he held her close to his chest. The sweet fragrance of the rose tickled her nose. Sighing contentedly, she closed her eyes. "I missed you too." She tipped her head up, ready to deliver a long awaited, welcome back kiss.

Toby smiled running his nose along her supple neck. "I'm here for the whole week, if you want me to stay."

Anna took his face in her hands and pressed their noses together. "Don't you dare leave," she said, kissing him again. Her heart sang with joy. They were going to be together for over a whole week! No crisis. No brothers. No trackers. Just the two of them.

Alex spent the week in tow behind her mother and Janine. Dutifully, she picked the wedding colors, selecting light pretty spring shades. She reviewed the menu for the reception and helped pick out the cake. She thought it was pretty senseless to have a cake. Especially a three tiered monstrosity of butter cream and pastel roses, but tradition was tradition. She was getting edgy listening to her companions yammer on and on, planning this, measuring that, and buying everything that caught their eye.

Alex carted the overflowing bags down the hall to her old room. "Whose wedding is this anyway?" she grumbled under her breath. She should have just eloped. She sighed and dropped the packages on the bed. In just a few days, the whole thing would be over and she'd have her life back. Janine and her mother babbled back and forth in the kitchen over some meaningless detail. She saw the opportunity, their backs turned, and snuck away, retreating to the old barn where she'd spent her childhood.

Alex smoothed the brush down the bay's coat. Big balls of loose hair caught in the bristles. Winter was over and Jack was losing his thick, wiry, winter coat. She buried her nose deep into his mane, smelling the sweet scent of earth mixed with his musky animal scent. The combination reminded her of summer days, riding in the warmth of the sun, just her and Jack on the winding trails, wandering aimlessly, but happily through the woods.

Alexander saw his daughter, her nose resting against Jack's mane, deep in thought. He scrubbed a hand through his wiry, reddish-blond, gray hair and smiled, remembering the day he'd brought Jack home from the auction. They were both so young. Jack was a yearling and she was entering middle school, barely a teen. He smiled, lost in the happy thought as he walked toward her and cleared his throat. "Need to talk?"

Alex looked up and smiled at her dad. His hair was a mass of disheveled graying curls. He was lean, strong, and muscular. His skin permanently tanned from all of the years of working in the sun on the ranch. "Hi, Dad. No, I was just thinking."

"Got stuff on your mind?" he asked, grabbing a steel comb and sliding it through the rough wiry tangles of Jack's reddish-brown tail.

"Yeah." Alex resumed brushing with circular motions, running the bristles over Jack's flank. She sighed and set the brush on the worktable. She could never lie to her dad. He knew her too well. "This whole wedding has gotten out of control. With the way mom's spending money, you're never going to retire."

Alexander chuckled, "That's your mother."

She looked over Jack's hindquarters at her dad, meeting his blue eyes. "I should have eloped."

"What, and deprived your mother and Janine of the joy of shopping and spoiling you rotten for a week?" He grinned across the sway of Jack's back at Alex. Janine nor his wife would have ever let her get away with eloping. He wouldn't have let her get away with it either. Walking her down the aisle was his job.

Alex rolled her eyes. She patted Jack on the nose as she crawled under his chin and began combing out the tangles in his mane. "This isn't my first wedding."

"No, but that doesn't mean it's any less special."

Alex sighed, "I know. I just didn't want everyone making such a fuss."

"We love you. It's our job to make a fuss."

Alex giggled, smoothing her hand along Jack's soft mane. "I know." She rested her chin on Jack's back, looking at her father. "Do you think I'm rushing things?"

Alexander leaned back on his heels, looking at the deep brown eyes that peered at him from across Jack's broad back. He sighed and patted her hand. "Jack is getting old. Someday, he won't be here anymore. Neither will your mother and I. Some people don't get to grow old and die. Fate takes them far too early. Those are the ones whose loss hurts the worst. And then there are other people, like you, who will be blessed as well as cursed with such a long life. Many people that you love will pass on from this world. But, you will go on.

"When Lucien died he took a part of you with him. I was beginning to think you'd given up on living. But, then Chance wandered into your life, and I started see a change in you. You started to believe, to live again." Alexander was interrupted by Jack's gentle whinny of agreement. "I don't think you can live your life according to a timeframe. You have to do what's right for you when it's right for you. I'm only grateful that you found each other and that, my little girl can smile again."

Alex brushed away a tear and smiled at her dad. "Thanks Dad," she said as she slid her hand out from under his. She gave Jack's mane a few more strokes with the comb and patted him on the neck. "So how's the festival coming along?"

Alexander grinned. He was waiting for her to ask. "I'm entering Priscilla in the contest."

Alex suppressed a laugh. Priscilla was a three hundred pound sow her dad had been threatening to turn into a bacon sandwich for years. "In the pig beauty pageant?"

"Yup. Whoever said that you couldn't turn a sow's ear into a silk purse, sure didn't know our Priscilla. She's gorgeous."

Alex shook her head. Her dad would be lucky to get Priscilla out of her pen. One year, her mom threatened to make a lawn ornament out of that sow. Priscilla never moved, unless it was to waddle to the feed trough. She walked around Jack and hugged her father. "I'd better be getting back. Janine and mom are working on my hairstyle this evening. I guess I'll see you at the wedding."

Alexander squeezed his daughter tightly. "It's a date. Love you honey."

"Love you too dad."

Chance huffed under the burden of the boxes he lugged from Alex's suite to his. "I should have moved in with her. I have a lot less stuff," he groaned to his dad, who was dragging a load of his own to help out.

"She told me your suite is bigger," Will teased.

"No it's not. I asked Chris. She assured me they're both the same size." He nudged the door open with his toe and plopped the boxes on the floor accidentally knocking one over onto its side and spilling the contents. "At least this is the last of it." He bent and stuffed the wayward items back into the box, pausing to pick up an old photo album. He plopped on the edge of the bed curiously flipping through the pages.

Will sat down beside Chance, idly glancing at the snapshots. "Can you believe that's Alex?" he asked, pointing to a faded snapshot of her. In the photograph, Alex was knobby kneed, flat chested, and lanky, with braces and long, shaggy, poofy red hair. He chuckled softly to himself. Who didn't have hundreds of 'candid shots' exactly like this one? "You'd better hide that one. We don't want to embarrass her."

Chance scoffed and continued turning the pages, nodding and occasionally chuckling when his dad pointed someone out. "That kid in the background is John Mark?" he asked in disbelief.

"Yeah, he's a few years younger than Alex. Look at him." Will laughed, examining the photo. Alex stood in the foreground, in an orange bikini, posing like a model for the camera. A scrawny kid with short spiked hair stood in the background sticking his tongue out at the camera.