Dawn's Shelter

Nash walked Eloise to the security checkpoint. The airport was filled with commuters, shuffling sleepily to their gates, slurping coffee in a desperate attempt to shake off their zombie like sleep-deprived state. Here at the checkpoint was the end of the line for him. He couldn't keep her company while she waited for her plane to board.

Eloise waited her turn in line. The man ahead of her cursed as he balanced on one leg. Removing an expensive pair of leather shoes and placing them on the belt. She was aware of Nash, standing beside her. Scanning through the throngs of people. Looking for danger. She placed a hand on his shoulder, drawing his attention. "I want to thank you. For everything."

Nash looked down at Eloise. His eyes drifted to the point where her fingers made contact with his shoulder. The pinkie finger brushed across the open collar of his shirt, brushing his skin. "You're welcome. You go down there. Take care of business. And keep yourself safe. Come back to us if you can. You will always have friends here." He slid a hand along the curve of her hip, settling his fingers around her waist. His thumb looped through her belt, guiding her closer to him.

"You'll take care of my family for me?" Eloise leaned into Nash. Curling her arm against his chest as she looked up. At that moment, she wasn't a fierce pack mistress. She wasn't anything. His protective nature enveloped her. And she'd never felt so cherished.

"You have my word." Nash tipped his head down. She was warm in his arms. Fitting against him as if she were made for him. He gave her time to turn away. Encouraged when she didn't. Slowly, he softly pressed his lips to her mouth. Stealing a kiss and a taste of her full lush lips. They were soft, sleek, and lush, whispering against his in unspoken words.

Eloise knew the kiss was coming. But the effect of it took her by surprise. Nash's scent filled her nostrils, spicy, woodsy, and wild. His lips were soft and tender. Molding against hers. Stirring something she hadn't felt before. She kissed her former husband out of duty. She shared kisses with her omegas to chase away the loneliness that ate at her. This kiss was different. She could have turned away and stopped him. But, she hadn't. This kiss happened because she wanted it to. One last taste of sweetness and gentleness before the bitterness and harshness of her world tore her to shreds.

"Maam, your carry on and purse please," the security attendant said sternly. A smile curved at the corners of his mouth as he watched the couple share a passionate goodbye. But, they were holding up the line. And people had planes to catch and places to be.

"Oh, sorry." Eloise blushed and cast a shy smile at Nash as she plopped her carry on and purse onto the conveyor. She leaned against him for balance, heavier than she had to, longing for one last touch, as she pulled off her shoes and tossed them onto the belt. She snatched one last peck on his lips before she walked through the x-ray booth. Cleared for the flight on the other side of the checkpoint, she slid her feet back into her shoes and gathered up her things. There was no going back now, only forward.

Casting one final glance at Nash before she was swept away by the current of weary travelers headed for their flights. Her lips tingled from the kiss. That one kiss was the only one they'd ever have. She had a connecting flight in Atlanta. A few more hours of respite before her plane touched down in Dallas. And then the long drive home.

Nash licked his lips, tasting her on them. He raised his hand in a wave. And watched her walk away until he could not distinguish her from any of the other commuters shuffling to their prospective gates of departure.

The drive back was going to be long and lonely. The days would stretch out like months as he waited to hear from her again. He wished her well. Prayed to the goddess to keep her safe and to bring her back to him. He had faith that he would see her again. Although he knew she did not share that same hope. She believed she was going to die in Texas. And she marched bravely toward her fate without another backward glance.

Kacie awoke to the sound of her sister's voice cooing in admiration. She stiffened as she heard Jan whisper, "Aren't they cute?" to somebody. A masculine chuckle answered her sister's question. A heavy weight stretched out across her chest. Her skin was slicked with sweat as heat poured off the body draped casually over hers. Hot breath tickled across the hollow of her throat as Tristen's snores vibrated over her skin. Her eyes snapped open as she felt a drop of moisture drip from the corner of his slack mouth. "He's drooling on me." She wiggled her way free from the tangle of his arms and limbs as he pinned her to the bed. Finally exasperated with the stubborn unwillingness of him to budge she elbowed him sharply in the gut.

Tristen snorted awake, sputtering at the ache in his belly where her sharp, pointy elbow gauged him. "What?" He yawned and flipped onto his back, casually ignoring her scowl. He was not so good at keeping his hands to himself apparently. But, he could hardly be held responsible for what he did in his sleep. He grinned in smug satisfaction. Inhaling the scent embedded into his bed linens and pillows.

"Shouldn't you be on your honeymoon or something?" Kacie grumbled as she ran her fingers through the tangled mess of her hair. Her face was hot with blush while her sister snickered. Utterly entertained at her expense.

"We're going to take off for a long weekend. I just wanted to pop by to offer you my apartment. The rent is paid up till the end of next month and there's no reason to let it sit empty. I thought you might want to stay there while you figure things out."

Kacie hadn't had much of a chance to think about where she was going to live or what she was going to do. The car was a rental and she couldn't afford to keep paying daily for its use. She had no job and nothing to speak of in the bank. All she had was the clothes in her suitcase back at the hotel and a visa card that had probably been cancelled now that her mother was not in control of the pack. "Ah, sure. That'd be great."

"Wonderful. I was hoping you'd say that." Jan reached in her pocket and tossed a set of keys to her sister. "There's some food in the fridge and I've got a car. It isn't much. In fact, last time I tried, it wouldn't even start. But, you're welcome to it."

Tristen stretched out and folded his arms under his head. "I can get it running," he said confidently. Engines he understood. Women, Kacie in particular, he had not a clue. But, the car gave him the excuse he was looking for to keep in close contact with her.

Kacie blinked over her shoulder at Tristen. He lounged against the pillows with his arms crossed under his head grinning at her so cockily she wanted to gauge his eyes out. If he sported morning wood, she swore she was going to cut his dick off. If he was erect, he hid it well under the mound of blankets. Still, if she were going to stick around this godforsaken wasteland, she needed transportation. And she was broke as a joke. "Thanks. I can't pay you for the work, yet."

"We'll take it out in trade." He said as he winked at Jan and Thomas. Sliding his palm against the soft denim of her jeans, he worked his way up her thigh to her hip.

"No we won't," Kacie huffed. His palms were warm against her hip, his fingers long and nimble and promising all sorts of mischief. She swatted his hand with a sharp smack of her fingertips.

Jan pushed back a laugh. "Cut it out you two." She giggled instead. "I think Tristen was referring to having you make him dinner sometime as trade."

"Really Kacie, get your mind out of the gutter," Tristen chastised.

"Me?" Kacie retorted. Rolling her eyes at the playful smirk on his face, she huffed and puffed utterly speechless. Her mind was in the gutter? He was just jerking her chain. Playing with her. But, she'd never been so aggravated at another living being in her life. "Oh, never mind."

"Guys, we've gotta get going. I'll catch up with you in a couple of days." Jan gave her little sister a tight hug and winked at Tristen over Kacie's shoulder. His interest in her sister was more than apparent. She hadn't missed the way he looked at Kacie. They'd make a good pair. Tristen's playfulness was the perfect match for Kacie's serious nature. They balanced each other out nicely. And she knew her sister. Tristen's interest was not unnoticed or unreciprocated, despite Kacie's best attempts to hide it.

"Thanks Jan." Kacie released her sister and gave Thomas a wave. He stood leaning on the doorjamb, patiently waiting for Jan. In a way, she was glad that Jan would be back in a few days. She and her sister had a lot of catching up to do.

"Well come on. The day is wasting." Tristen bounded out of bed and went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and comb his hair. "After breakfast I'll take you to the hotel and grab your stuff. I'm anxious to show you what I can do with my fingers." He playfully waggled his eyebrows at Kacie. "Under the hood, of course."

The twins considered Nash's offer. He appealed to their egos. What he said was true, of course. They were highly skilled. Well trained. And, naturally, the best at what they did. He'd offered them important positions. Patrolling the outer boundaries of the territories in exchange for room and board. If they proved their worth, the pack might consider taking them in as new members. All in all, Nash's offer was most generous and worth their time to think about.

"What do you say?" Nash asked. He'd done his best to stroke their shattered egos. They were restless and had no preparation for a life without a pack. On their own, they'd either get into trouble or end up living under a bridge. He had to make it sound like his offer was their idea to accept. He had plenty of pack members patrolling the outer territories. But, a couple more wouldn't hurt. And in time, if they stuck around long enough, the pack would accept them as one of their own.

Tracker shared a moment of non-verbal communication with his twin Catcher. "We'll do it." They were testing the boundaries of their newly found freedom. Learning about the world around them and how it worked. And for the first time in their lives they were figuring out who they were. Not as a part of a pack or defined by their duties, but who they really were, as brothers, and as individuals.

Nash grinned and bowed his head. "My pack is in your debt."

The plane jolted to a stop at the end of the tarmac, taxiing around toward the gate. The sun was high above, beaming down on the winter-dulled landscape of Texas. Eloise took a deep breath and stared out the window. She was on her own. And had nothing but a guess as to what her future held or where it would take her.

Kacie stood in the wide glass expanse of the patio door over looking the rooftops below. Arms crossed over her chest to protect her from the chill of the hazy afternoon, pale yellow sun that shone weakly down, barely illuminating the gray world below. She didn't know what the future held in store for her. Whether it was here, in Texas, or someplace else that she hadn't even thought of yet. The only thing she knew was that for the first time her future wasn't up to her mother to decide for her. She wasn't subject to the whims of the pack. Her future was totally up to her. And she was going to do with it whatever she saw fit.

Nash stood at the top of the bluffs, on the highest point in the territories, looking down at the world below. He stared out into the horizon. Thinking about where his life was taking him and how much farther he had yet to go. He wondered if Eloise was safe. Hoped that she was. He wondered if he'd ever get the chance to see her again. If she had the choice, he wondered if she would have chosen to stay instead of going back. He wondered what his future held. And what hers held. He wondered if their separate futures would somehow lead them both to the same path. Maybe someday, they would.

Thomas stretched out on the blanket, pulling Jan to his side. A fire roared in the fireplace warming the room with a cheerful glow. The spa was everything it promised on the Internet. Posh. Secluded. Luxurious. But, all of the opulence that he was surrounded by paled in comparison to his new bride, laughing as she stretched out beside him. He had a future, with her, because of her. He didn't know if the glimpses he saw of his possible past were true or not. In time, he'd find out as the future unraveled and revealed itself. And, for once, he was okay with that. Content to live each day in the present and make the most of it. There was nothing he couldn't face, no obstacle too big, as long as he had Jan by his side.

Jan snuggled against Thomas, soaking up the warmth of the blazing hearth. Happy. The future she thought she was going to be forced to live was gone forever. Replaced by a new one. One with Thomas, one as his wife, a future she looked forward to. Embracing each and every shining moment with joy and enthusiasm that only love, contentment, and this man by her side could bring.

Epilogue

The Shaman clutched the flowers nervously in his right hand as he tapped on the door to Barbara's quarters. He didn't really have a clue as to what he was doing. But, he'd spent every second of his free time watching sappy movie after sappy movie, trying to clue himself in and get some pointers on how to proceed.

According to his research. His tactics were right on track. He was clean-shaven. His hair was neatly parted and braided tightly down his back. He had Janine pick out his clothes, everything, including his underwear and socks. The new boots rubbed his feet and were uncomfortable. The starched collar of his new pale gray button down choked him. The snug fit of the soft black dress pants stifled him. The new belt was stiff and inflexible. But here he was. And this was the absolute best that he had to offer. He was as good as he got.

He wrinkled his nose at the sweet smelling cologne that Patrick had painstakingly picked out for him. And he repeated every line that Toby had coached him to say. His approach had to be flawless. Ruthless. And direct. No beating around the bush. He was a man on a mission. The mission was to win her heart. He was done with propriety and rules. She'd tortured him long enough and he was a surrendered man.

Barbara answered the door. Confused by the scent that wafted under the narrow crack between the bottom of the door and the concrete hallway. She didn't know who was knocking on the other side. She'd planned to spend the evening curled up with a good book and forget that another year without romance and passion had passed. But, all too aware that it had. "Oh," she said as the red roses were thrust into her hands. "What's this?"

The Shaman looked down at the tops of the petals and glanced up at Barbara in dismay. He'd done his best. He really had. He tried to recall the smooth words that Toby had taught him to say. But, his mind was a blank. "Are flowers not an appropriate gift for Valentine's Day?"

"Ah, well, yes they are," Barbara stammered. "They're for me?"

"These are not the type of flowers you desired? I thought roses conveyed interest and affection?"

"They do." Barbara took the heavy crystal vase in her hand and brushed the tip of her nose across the delicate petals, inhaling their sweet scent. "You're interested in me?"

"That was the sentiment behind the flowers. If you'd like some other declaration of my feelings, I'd be happy to get it for you." The Shaman stood at the doorway and shuffled his feet anxiously. Worried that after all her advances that he'd turned down, she'd given up and chosen another. It would, after all, serve him right.

"NO! They're perfect. I'm just surprised, that's all." Her fingers adjusted his upturned collar out of habit. Even though he sported a new look. He was still her Doc. His tie was slightly out of kilter and the hem of his shirt poked out of the waistband of his pants. He wore his hair down, long and sleek draping over his neck to brush across his shoulders. And with his imperfections, he was positively adorable. "Doc, you dressed up for me."

The Shaman smiled shyly. "Well, the crotch is a bit binding and the underwear chafe me so." He looked down to the tips of his polished loafers and glanced up to meet the most amazing smile he'd ever seen. "Do you like it?"

"Doc, I like you just the way you are. I know they say that clothes make the man. But this." She pressed her palm to his heart. "Truly makes the man. And you are absolutely perfect where it counts."

The Shaman blushed brilliant red. He slid a stem out of the vase. Carefully breaking the rose free from its thorny stem, he tucked the flower behind her ear. "Thank you." He smiled as he adjusted her blonde locks to hold the flower in place. "You are beautiful."

Barbara met his smile and stepped aside. "Would you like to come in?"

"I'd like that very much."

Barbara set the roses down on her bedside table. She planned to press the petals he'd slid behind her ear into a keepsake album to remember the moment. Doc crossed the room and took her hands gently in his. He bent so close that their noses brushed.

"Barbara, will you be my Valentine?"

"Always." She tilted her chin to give him easier access to her lips. Slowly, his mouth descended on hers. The kiss was shy, sweet, and a bit hesitant. His mouth lingered on hers. Breathing in her exhaled breath. They'd shared other kisses. Stolen moments here and there. But, she considered this their first real kiss.

"Always." The Shaman repeated her words. They hung in the air between them like a vow, a promise finally spoken aloud. He held her close. He danced with her, leading the steps to the rhythm of their beating hearts.

Jan snickered and checked out her trashy look in the mirror. This was their first Valentine's Day together and she was going to make it one to remember. Ginger was right. The naughty nurse costume was absolutely perfect. She adjusted the thin fabric cap, securing it tightly in place with pins into the severe bun gathered at the nape of her neck.

The scanty top, with bits of white lace in all the right places, made her boobs look huge. She fluffed up the white skirt and checked out the white lace crotchless panties. She was a naughty, naughty nurse. She fastened the garters that held the white fishnet stockings in place and slid her feet into a pair of dangerously high, spiked, white patent leather heels. She had everything at hand to complete the fantasy. Including all the items necessary for a very hot sponge bath.

She snickered and her heart kicked up a beat as the door leading from the kitchen to the garage closed shut and she heard the sound of Thomas sliding out of his coat. Hopefully, he still had his scrubs on. She had plans, definite plans to turn her good doctor into a bad one. She precariously trotted on the heels and posed over the arm of the couch. "Good evening, Doctor Sterling."

"Hi Jan," Thomas sighed. He had his back to the living room as he unloaded his pockets on the dining room table. He turned at the sultry sound of her voice and the seductive scent of her perfume, his eyes widening in appreciation. "Hello there, Nurse Sterling," he said grinning. Kicking off his shoes, he made his way to her. He was stiff and hard, ready to try out his best bedside manner on the naughty vixen nurse. Determined to make sure that she was good, oh so good, he smoothed his hands up her very short white satin skirt and locked his fingers around the lace covering her butt. "What's the occasion?"

"Happy Valentine's Day, honey!" Jan shivered as his fingers trailed along the curve of her butt and smoothed over her lace panties.