Casidy?s gun was pointed at Derek Rolland?s head.

Derek happened to be the leader of a near-by shifter society. He was a sweetheart in Casidy?s opinion and he was a good friend. He was a looker too. One of the most handsome men Casidy had ever seen in her life. He was tall. Standing at a full ?6?7? and pure muscle weighing about 248 pounds. His beautiful tan skin somehow seemed to glitter a bit, but so did all the other shifters in his pack. He had dark curly black hair that fell just at his collar. He had that hair a woman just wanted to stick her hands in and not let go. Casidy groaned with relief and lowered the gun from Derek?s head.

?Holy s**t Derek! What are you doin? sittin? in my pool house? You shoulda called or somethin?. I almost blew your brains out.?

Derek let out a breathe of relief as his dark blue eyes watched Casidy lower the gun and put it back in its holster.

?Sorry. I tried to call the house earlier but some guy answered and didn?t even give me time to say anything. Told me to shove off. Although..?

He said with a sweet smile of white teeth and that manly charm he seemed to carry in abundance.

?He didn?t say it quite as I just did.?

Casidy sighed. Bill. He didn?t seem to be taking to kindly to her guy friends.. At all. She would have to talk to him about that later. Casidy walked through the bedroom back to the main sitting room, knowing by his footsteps he was following her. She sat in one of the two blue overstuffed chairs facing the couch and motioned him toward the couch.

?I?m sorry sugah. That would be Bill. He doesn?t seem to like all of my guy friends.?

Derek nodded as he sat on the couch and looked intently at Casidy with his stunning dark blue gaze.

?Ah. Yeah, I remember him. The vampire.?

Derek said it with a little bit of bitterness in his voice, that apparently he didn?t notice. Casidy inclined her head and looked at Derek.

?Hey now. You forget that I have vampire in me as well.?

Derek raised his hands showing he surrendered. He smiled at her as he lowered his hands.

?Sorry, It?s habit I guess. I tend to forget not all of them are that bad.?

Casidy smiled and laughed a bit. Derek looked at her with a smile as she laughed. She looked at him and then looked away. Standing up she walked to the wide windows and looked out a moment. She hated THAT look. That one made her hurt. Derek had always had a thing for Casidy. More than a thing. She sighed as she told herself again that was one of the reason she hadn?t spoken to him that often since he had told her he loved her. She turned around to find Derek behind her. He looked down at Casidy his dark blue eyes a shade lighter now.

?I thought you two were done.?

Derek didn?t say much but Casidy knew who he was talking about. Casidy looked up at him not one bit intimidated by him as others might be.

?Well so did I but there was someone else who needs us both.?

Derek?s eyes grew a bit wider as he looked at her.

?So It?s true? You have a daughter? ..Together??

Hurt seemed to reflect as he said the word ?together? and it reflected clearly in his eyes. Casidy looked at him and looked away from him for a moment before looking back and answering him.

?Well I guess that you could say that. I didn?t actually..umm.. conceive her. She was made with both Bill and my DNA.?

Casidy smiled at him, wanting that smile to take that look from his face. And from his eyes.

?She looks just like me. Acts like me too.?

Derek looked away a minute and then looked back at her with a smile and a laugh.

?God help the world. Another you.?

Casidy smiled before looking out the window at the house.

?She is my world.?

And she meant it. With every fiber of her being and her soul. She heard Derek shift his feet from behind her and clear his throat and then he whispered something. If not for Casidy?s great hearing she wouldn?t have heard it.

?What does he have that I don?t? Why can?t you love me??

Casidy looked down at the ground still staring out the window as she answered him.

?I don?t know.?

She didn?t want to hurt Derek any at all. She never had, but somehow she always did. She turned around to see his eyes their dark blue again. The features of his face hard.

?Why don't you know Casidy.?

She looked at him with a flicker of anger showing in her eyes as she stalked up to him and looked him in the eye.

?Did you come here to argue with me until you got the answer that you want Derek? OR Did you come here to fight with me? Because if you have you forget I?m one hell of a fighter and your butt will be on this floor before you can think about what your gunna do. I?ve done it before..?

Casidy smiled wickedly at him.

?And I?ll do it again.?

He looked at her and took a step back not taking his eyes from her.

?I came here to ask for your help.?

Casidy raised her eyebrow and crossed her arms as the little bit of frustrating anger she had vanished just as quickly as it came.

?Alright. Talk to me.?

Casidy walked up the stairs holding a half asleep Katra in her arms. She rocked her back and forth gently in her arms and stopped at the top of the stairs and looked down. Was it a good idea to leave them alone together? She sighed as she continued walking to Katra?s room.

?Maybe they won?t kill each other.? she whispered to herself.

She gently opened the door to Katra?s room and took a quick glance around as she always did. The light aqua blue colors seemed to be Katra?s favorite so the room had been done in them. Scanning the room mentally as usual. The only source of energy in the room was in her arms. She smiled down at Katra who had her thumb stuck in her mouth and the other hand gripping Casidy?s jacket. Katra was a strong empath and was very powerful as a witch also. Casidy felt a pang of fear build up inside her. She could only hope and pray that Katra didn?t inherit Casidy?s ?other? traits. She sang lightly to Katra as she usually did. She watched as a small smile spread across Katra?s sleeping face. She pulled the blankets back on Katra?s bed with one arm and held Katra close with the other. She gently lay her down in the bed and still she sang. She bent down and kissed Katra on the nose and brushed a curl from her forehead.

?I love you my little one.?

Katra reluctantly let go of Casidy?s jacket and visibly seemed to relax.

?I ?love you ..to ?mommy.?

And Katra drifted off into a deep sleep.

Casidy smiled and turned heading silently for the door. As she headed for the stairs she hear Bill and Derek talking hush like in the kitchen. Casidy raised her eyebrow as she gracefully without a sound walked down the stairs. She didn?t try to eavesdrop even though she could. She smiled as she walked into the kitchen and headed to the fridge getting a lemon out. She looked up at Derek.

?Want anythin???

Derek shook his head as he held up his freshly opened beer bottle.

?I?m taken care of. Thanks.?

Casidy nodded as she fixed a glass of ice water and then rolled the lemon on the counter.

?So what do you need my help with??

Derek looked at her.

?I have a ghost haunting my pack.?

Bill looked at Derek with a raised eyebrow.

?A Ghost??

Derek nodded at Bill and then glanced at Casidy with the knife cutting the lemon before he continued.

?It?s a ghost from the ancient world. A powerful one. He manifests himself as a mortal but he?s..untouchable.?

Derek took a drink of his beer. Bill looked at him.

?Untouchable? Literally or figuratively??

Derek looked at him with a serious look.

?Both. He?s an ancient warrior and for some reason he?s haunting my pack. He?s already killed 6 of them. I don?t know what he wants or anything. All I know is he said if I were to ever want to be gone of him I had to find a warrior worth fighting with. Someone who had put him in his place before and who gotten rid of him for a long time.?

Derek looked up to find Casidy facing him with the knife in hand. Her eyes glowed blood red with anger and that fueled her hunger. And God save him, she was the sexiest thing he had ever seen. He looked up to see Bill staring a hole in him for a moment. Derek sighed. This was the man she loved? Of course if Derek were a girl he would think the man was handsome but what did he have that he didn't? Derek pulled his thoughts away from that subject. Casidy looked at Bill as Derek went on.

?He said this worthy warrior?s name was Casidy.?

Casidy looked at them both, waiting for a reply or a sound. She cursed inwardly, she would even have gone for a dumb look on one of their faces at this point. Moments went by in silence before Derek broke it with a dumb look. Casidy sighed, gods bless him.

?Casidy..how..? he stuttered, ?How did you manage that??

Casidy looked at him, this time with a priceless duh Casidy look.

?I ripped it out of him. He left his chest vulnerable and I took the openin? and struck him.?

Bill sat in silence looking from Derek to Casidy. Derek looked at Casidy again this time with curiosity and the look on his face was one that someone might get when swallowing bile that had risen in their throat. Derek opened his mouth in an O shape before talking.

?How Casidy??

Bill could tell now that Casidy was on the edge of being irritated but she hid it well. Bill held his hands in prayer inwardly Thanking the good Lord that Casidy had self control. Because if she didn?t, the world would be in serious trouble. He watched as she thrust her hand out in demonstration of sorts as she answered Derek.

?I plunged my hand into his chest and pulled that thang out. I don?t even think that thang qualified as a heart if you ask me.?

Casidy kept her gaze on Derek for a moment. Then she looked at her hand she had thrust out in front of her. She quickly tore her gaze away from it before looking back at Derek and lowering her hand. The look on Derek?s face said it all. And it sent a heat of anger through Casidy that seared her skin and boiled her blood.

?Even though I?ve seen you fight and .. Kill many times. I just can?t see how someone like .. you could ever ..?

Derek trailed off staring at Casidy and she finished for him, her arms crossed and feet planted on the floor as if she were about to brawl. Her face was nothing but calm and relaxed as she slightly tilted her head to the side.

?Have the heart to do something like that without a thought..?

Bill looked at Casidy and could see even through the calm features of her face that she was on the edge of breaking. She flashed her eyes at him for a moment and he saw it, but as soon as she looked back at Derek her eyes were black as coal. Derek opened his mouth to say something when his cell phone rang from his jean pocket. He sighed irritably digging it out of his pocket then answered.

?This is Derek here.?

As Derek talked Casidy looked at Bill and Bill looked back. He placed his elbow on the counter and his chin in his hand. He gave her a smile and mouthed ?I love you?. Casidy?s eyes went from coal black to a dark brown with dark grey. Derek hung up the phone and looked back at Casidy.

?He got another one.?

Casidy looked at him and blew out a breathe as she ran a hand through her long light brown hair.

?I?ll start huntin? for him tomorrow. ?

Casidy walked over to Derek and looked up into his face. Her eyes still dark brown and dark grey.

?Don?t worry Derek. I?ll find him and I?ll get rid of him. Once and for all. I promise. He won?t hurt any of your pack again.?

Derek looked at her with compassion and admiration in his dark blue eyes. He wrapped her in a hug and kissed her lightly on her head.

?Thank you Casidy. It means a lot to me.?

Casidy hugged him back before backing up a bit and smiling with sympathy a bit.

?I know. Now, go home and take care of that business. If you can postpone any ceremony for the body until I get there. I?d like to see it.?

Derek nodded, waved to Bill and headed out the back door. As soon as Derek walked out and the door shut Bill was behind her. His arms wrapping around her. Casidy turned in his arms and watched as a single tear rolled down her cheek and her eyes changed back to their normal light hazel color.

?Am I really that heartless Bill??

Bill leaned down and kissed the single tear on her cheek and placed both of his hands on either side of her face. Looking into her eyes intently.

?Sweetheart, you are anything but heartless.?

Casidy looked at him, knowing she couldn?t tear her gaze away even if she wanted too.

?But I am. I kill without a thought otherwise. I do it on a daily basis. Even as a goddess I take lives. How can a person live like that without being heartless.?

Bill slid his hands from her face and pulled her close to him still looking at her face.

?You kill to save lives. You save the world Casidy. You do what you have to to keep other alive. Anyone who is heartless wouldn?t give..? He raised an eyebrow and gave her a smile that made her heart pitter patter in her chest, ?as you say, ?wouldn?t give a rat?s a**, about anyone, but you do. You try to care for everyone.?

He pulled her even closer, her head resting on his chest as he placed his chin lightly on her head.

?And as to how someone can live like that. You have to be strong and in control to do the things that you do. I can?t even stand here and tell you how wonderful you are. It would take years Sweetheart. But if I know anyone who could tell you that your not heartless because they see it more than anyone.."

Bill leaned back and looked into her eyes and kissed her forehead.

?That would be Katra.?

Casidy smiled at Bill as she looked into his dark brown eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck lightly.

?I love you.?

Bill looked at Casidy and smiled with white teeth gleaming.

?Those are beautiful words coming from your mouth that I love to hear.?

Casidy smiled as she reached up and placed a velvet soft kiss on his lips. At that moment he felt his heart miss a beat and Casidy noticed it too. She laughed and Bill picked her up. She smiled with a teasing smile.

?And just were do you thank your goin? with me Mister. You know goddess? can walk.?

Bill raised his eyebrow at her as he stopped at the stairs and gave her a seductive smile.

?Not my goddess. Why darling, I?m taking you to bed.?

Casidy and Bill?s laughter drifted up the stairs.

Casidy stood and looked at Katra her eyes wide. She ran a hand through her wet hair and squatted down in front of her. She reached up and touched Katra?s cheek then pulled her in a hug. Katra giggled.

?Mommy, your wet.?

Casidy leaned back and looked at Katra with a smile and brushed a dark wavy curl away from her daughter?s face. Casidy couldn?t seem to think straight for a minute. What was happening? Was the same thing that happened to Claira happening to Katra? She needed answers. Katra reached up and copied Casidy?s gestured and brushed a wet strand of hair behind her mother?s ear.

?Mommy, Uncle Sam is on the phone. He seemed surprised that I answered. But..?

Katra sighed and giggled as she looked at her mother with bright hazel eyes and a warm loving smile. A complete imitation of Casidy.

?I don?t blame him.?

Casidy raised her eyebrow a moment at Katra noticing that Katra was now getting the same southern drawl as Casidy. Then her eyes grew a bit wide.

?So you know what?s happenin? don?t you darlin???

Katra nodded. Dark brown curls bobbing as she did so.

?Yes Mommy I know what?s goin? on. I felt it start last night but I felt the changes when I woke up.?

She smiled at her mother and spread her arms.

?I?m turnin? into a big girl!?

Casidy laughed and stood up straight walking to the phone by the bed, Katra following at her heels. She watched as Katra jumped on the bed, barely bending her knees to build momentum to jump. She watched as Katra did flips gracefully and with ease, just as Casidy did. Katra looked at Casidy as she started to levitate in the air giggling. She seemed to be having the time of her life. Casidy smiled as she picked the phone up.

?That you are honey child, that you are.?

Casidy turned around looking out into the woods by the house. It was lit up with light and life. Different colors of greens and browns scattered out and wild flowers growing everywhere. She noticed a mushroom ring out toward the edge of the woods. Casidy smiled to herself. The fairies must have moved it again. She talked to Sam.

?..And she said she felt it. I don?t know Sam. I just need answers. There is only one place to get them.?

She could feel the strain in Sam?s voice as he tried to stay calm.

?Casidy, you can?t risk..?

Casidy cut him off slightly lifting her hand in the air in front of her. She hesitated a moment when she realized the entire forest had grown quiet.

?I have to Sam. No if, and, or buts about it. I?m goin?. I?m goin? to bring Katra by there so she can stay with you while I go. I trust you to keep her safe.?

She heard Sam?s answer immediately.

?With my life. I?ll see you in a bit.?

Casidy said goodbye and hung up the phone. She noticed that Katra was by her side looking up at her and then looking out at the woods. She slowly lowered her hand and the sounds of the forest start back. Casidy looked at her daughter, who?s light hazel eyes looked excited and admirable.

?Mommy.?

Casidy picked her daughter up and kissed her nose.

?Yes sweetie.?

Katra giggled and smiled as she pointed back at the woods.

?That was cool.?

Casidy laughed as she headed back to the doors that lead into her bedroom.
She took a glance at Katra who was peering over her shoulder in wonder.

?Don?t worry baby girl. I?ll teach you everything I know in time.?

She looked at Katra, worry showing in Casidy?s eyes but for a second as the doors shut behind them and she smiled.

?Just give it time.?

Casidy stood in the kitchen cooking Derek something to eat. She?d cooked for Derek before and she knew it was like feeding an army. While she fixed pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, fried potatoes, and muffins she told him about earlier that morning. He looked at her with a blank look as he chewed the mouthful of food. He groaned and shoveled in more food.

?Damn Casidy, you always were a great cook.?

He looked at her as he took a drink of coffee.

?What are you going to do to find out what?s wrong??

Casidy looked at him and looked away as she started to fix Katra a plate, who, Casidy noticed by listening, was hoping down the stairs one by one. She looked up at him as she sat the plate and the glass of orange juice on the counter by Derek. Katra came in smiling. She hopped up on the stool by Derek and looked at him with a smile before she started eating. Casidy smiled at Katra before catching Derek?s gaze again. She didn?t flinch away from that look or even think about it. It didn?t scare her like it did some people. But it had made her worry on many occasions.

?I?m goin? back for a simple visit.?

Derek gently placed his fork on his almost clean plate and glanced at Katra eating before looking at Casidy again.

?Goin? back to that place??

Casidy did nothing but nod and take a drink of her blood in a coffee mug. She hated drinking it in front of Derek. He always tried to hide the distasteful look but he didn?t hide it well. He looked at her and stood.

?Can we talk for a minute??

Casidy looked at him sternly before coming around the island counter and kissing Katra on the top of the head.

?Mommy will be back in a second.?

Katra nodded

?Ok Mommy.?

Dark brown curls bobbing as she took a bite of a muffin.

Derek didn?t even see her hand move and he hadn?t thought she would hit him, but man did he feel it. It sent a painful vibration all through his face and it kept going. He also felt the air leave his body. A burning sensation hit his lungs as he landed flat on his back. He managed after a minute to lift his head. After a few hundred blinks he brought Casidy into focus as she stalked toward him. As she stalked toward him she reminded him of a laid back jungle cat, who at any moment would strike for the kill. He didn?t hear her footsteps but he saw the smirk on her face as she stopped in front of him, hands on hips and leaned a bit toward him.

?Was that as good for you as it was for me Hot Shot??

Derek slowly but surely stood up. He swayed a second and managed to smile at Casidy.

?Not what I was thinkin? but it rocked my world.?

Casidy crossed her arms behind her back, military style like and cocked her head at him. The smirk turning into a full on grin.

?Well darlin? if you enjoyed it that much I can ?rock your world? again. Free of charge. Beg for a beatin? and get another free.?

Derek held up his hands in surrender. Before anyone could say anything a ?poof? of smoke appeared to the right of Casidy and Jade appeared with Claira in her arms. Jade?s crimson lips were curved in a smile when she spotted Casidy. Casidy wrapped Jade in a hug.

?Hey sistah! I didn?t know that you were comin?!?

Jade gave a laugh and then spotted Derek where a slight bruise was no appearing on his jaw. She raised an eyebrow.

?Hello Derek. Did you trip??

Derek reached up and lightly touched his now sore jaw.

?Not that I remember.?

Jade looked at Derek then Casidy with a smirk.

?Am I interrupting something??

Casidy smiled at Jade and threw her hand back at Derek gesturing that he wasn?t all that important at the moment.

?You just saved him from getting an ass whoopin? is what you just did.?

Jade laughed and looked at Derek.

?You can thank me some other time.?

Claira looked at Casidy from her mother?s side and stuck out her bottom lip.

?I don?t get a hug or a kiss??

Casidy laughed and picked Claira up kissing her forehead and hugging her tight.

?Of course angel, I?m sorry.?

Claira smiled as Casidy sat her down.

?It?s ok. Where?s Katra? I want to meet her.?

Casidy didn?t even get the words out when Katra came through the kitchen door and spotted Jade.

?Auntie Jade!?

Jade laughed and picked Katra up as she ran to her placing a kiss on her cheek and hugging her. Jade sat Katra down and Claira and Katra looked at each other in wonder and curiosity. They walked a circle together looking at each other for a moment. Then they both smiled and Claira spoke first.

?You name is really pretty and you look like my Auntie Cas, so that makes you pretty too.?

Katra shrugged her little shoulders and smiled.

?I know it. You look like my Auntie Jade so your really pretty too. I like your name too.?

They both looked at each other and giggled hugging each other. As they hugged a surge of energy went through the room knocking Jade, Derek, and Casidy over.

Casidy laughed at Derek and opened the back door and stepped out. She watched the girls playing and glanced back at Derek. He seemed mesmerized by them. There was a sparkle of love in his eyes. She?d seen that look before. Derek had always loved kids, and he had always wanted some of his own. The only problem was finding someone he loved to do that with. Derek glanced up and caught Casidy?s stare. Casidy cleared her throat.

?You want some of your own don?t you??

Derek nodded and sighed. He turned his gaze back to them.

?At one point I had hope that someday I?d have em.?

Casidy cocked her head to the side as she snapped her weapons appearing strapped to and hidden on her body. She snapped and her claymore appeared in her hands. She looked down to strap it on.

?What made you ever give up hope Derek??

There was a moment of silence before he answered.

?I realized my hopes and dreams only belonged to me and not someone else as well.?

Casidy fixed the strap and looked up to find Derek?s dark blue eyes fixed on her. She swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. That someone was her. She opened her mouth.

?Derek I..?

He came up just as fast in front of her with his hand over her mouth. He closed his eyes for a brief second and his voice came out broken.

?Don?t Cas. Just don?t? Don?t say your sorry. When I look at that beautiful child out there you don?t have room to be sorry. I?ll be fine. It?s just hard.. Harder than I ever thought.. To let you go..?

Casidy looked up at Derek his hand still covering her mouth and a tear fell from her eye trailing down to his hand. Derek?s eyes were filled with unspilled tears. He removed his hand and leaned against Casidy, his forehead placed against hers and he spoke so lightly that Casidy probably wouldn?t have heard it if her hearing wasn?t so accurate and better than a lot of people. His voice seemed to blend with the wind, making it seem harder to know if he really said it or if she had just thought it in her head.

?I?ll always love you Casidy Marie. No matter what you do, where you go, I always will. I want you to remember that. My heart is always open for you. It may not look so great from your point of view but it has nothing but love for you. I'll be here, always. Forever. I always have the hope that one day it?ll be my arms you come running to. That one day.. You?ll look at me with those beautiful bright eyes and when you say ?I love you? my name will come out at the end of those words I've been waiting to hear for the longest time. Always remember that. I love you Casidy.?

He leaned back a second tears running down his strong face. He leaned forward and placed a kiss in Casidy?s hair before he turned and walked to his own blue crotch rocket and climbed on. He looked up at Casidy one more time as he cranked the bike. Then he was gone, not taking a glance back.

Claira and Katra both looked up at her their eyes now dried up of all tears.

?Where are we going??
"Where are we going?"

Casidy laughed when they both asked in unison. She sat the girls down on their feet and smiled.

?You two are gunna go stay with Uncle Sam for a little while.?

Their little eyes seemed to grow brighter and they both started jumping up and down giggling. Casidy laughed at the two and opened the door to her brand new black mustang. She took a second to admire it, as she always did. She wanted a 1970?s model and she was having a friend of hers look her one up. They had found a few but none that really caught Casidy?s eye. She turned back to the girls to see that they were both staring at the mustang with what it looked like to be curiosity. But neither said anything as they climbed into the backseat together. As Casidy buckled Claira up she noticed Claira look at Katra with a smile and a slight nod. Katra smiled brightly and nodded back. Katra looked up at her, her bright hazel eyes gleaming with excitement.

?Mommy??

Casidy sat in the drivers seat and turned her head looking back at her daughter with a smile as she put on her shades.

?Yes darlin???

Katra looked at her mother with a half smirk half smile that fit her, just as it seemed to fit her mother?s many facial expressions. She folded her hands in her lap.

?How fast??

Casidy was in the process of backing of the driveway faster than anyone would have thought but she drove smoothly and efficiently. She glanced in the rearview mirror as she started down the empty road ahead. She smiled at her daughter knowing exactly what she was talking about. Dear gods help the child if she picked up Casidy?s fast car addiction. She looked at Claira who looked just as excited as Katra.

?Ya?ll wanna see how fast she goes??

Katra and Claira nodded, sending ringlets of dark curls bobbing.

?Yes!?
?Yes!?

Casidy laughed as she shifted gears and pressed down the accelerator. The engine let out a beautiful roar as Casidy headed down the long road. She glanced down at the digital speedometer to see she had just hit 120 mph and was still going. Casidy let out a laugh at the adrenaline rush. She reached Sam?s in 4 minutes flat and spun into the parking lot smoothly. Katra and Claira were having a giggle fit and Casidy laughed at the two. She shut the engine off and opened the door. As she stood up she heard a very familiar voice behind her.

?You always were a speed demon Cas.?

Gator looked at Casidy with one raised eyebrow still leaning against his car. He held out his hand and Casidy looked down to see a file in his hand. She noticed the symbol on it and looked at him, forgetting him but focused on work.

?What?s that??

He sighed as she took it and stood at attention. She raised an eyebrow at him as she opened the file and looked down at it. He had always secretly hated she was of way higher rank that him but he never complained, well Casidy thought to herself, until he found out what she was. She felt her heart thump loudly with hurt as she remembered that night. That night he said he couldn?t accept her for what she was.

?At ease. Explain.?

Gator looked at her as she looked at the file. She was beautiful and she used to be his. She didn?t used to look at him like that. She used to look at him with love and something he couldn?t find in himself to give her. Acceptance. Dear Lord how he had royally screwed up. He cleared his throat and started to explain the situation.

?There?s a team stuck in the jungle in South America. They got through with only one transmission before they were bombed and there has been no further communication. There are five of them still alive that we knew of at 21:00 hours.?

Gator?s voice was cut off as Casidy?s mouth fell open and her voice came out in a slight whisper.

?Oh my dear sweet Jesus. My team.?

Casidy glanced over her shoulder and spotted Gator tearing his gaze away from her behind. She sighed heavily and got out shutting the door to her mustang. She stood up right and laughed, crossing her arms in front of her.

?Never fails. Someone always wants me dead.?

She watched as a smile formed across Gator?s face.

?It seems that way. That?s why our team fits so well together."

She nodded looking down at her hands. He was a member of her team. And god help her, she still loved him and would lay down her life for him just as she would the other members of her team. She looked back up at him.

?Yeah, I reckon so. Well I guess I need to call in and tell them I?ll be heading out soon.?

Gator looked at her now with wide eyes focused on hers. He crossed his arms over his chest and took in a deep breathe.

?Your not goin? alone.?

Casidy looked at him with narrowed light hazel eyes now. She leaned back against her mustang and cocked her head to the side.

?Really? Cause that is what I had in mind to do.?

Gator stepped closer to her, now almost in her face. His brown eyes seemed to grow darker with frustration.

?I won?t allow it.?

Casidy peered up at him and lifted her chin. She took a finger and poked at his chest a time or two.

?Well the last time I checked Mr. Jackass I was your superior officer.?

Gator let out a breathe of frustration and ran a hand through his hair.

?I?m not talking as a soldier Cas. I?m talking to you as someone who cares for you.?

Casidy stood there breathing heavily. Not because she was out or breathe, because this man said he still loved her. He had hurt her so badly by not accepting her as she was, but yet he said he still loved her. Casidy couldn?t help but laugh. It was a laugh that had a growl mixed with it and Gator couldn?t help but find it sexy as all get out. It just made her voice have a huskier tone than it already did. When she stopped laughing he saw that her eyes were sea blue. It made him hurt inside to see her sad. She shook her head at him as she walked to him to stand in front of him.

?How can you say you still love me? You can?t accept what I am, so you can?t possibly love me Gator.?

Gator shook his head and grabbed her shoulders lightly. Casidy raised one eyebrow at him and looked a his hand. Just to be mean she trailed a French tipped manicured finger along his arm.

?Do you want to keep this arm Gator?"

He gulped and closed his eyes a second trying to not give in so easily at her touch, but it was hard.

?Yes ma?m I believe I do.?

Casidy thumped his knuckle making him take his hands off of her.

?Then I suggest you keep em to yourself ?sir?.?

Gator smirked at her never ending Smarta** remarks. Even in danger she always had something to say.

?Casidy your wrong.?


She cocked her head to the side and put her hands behind her back.

?About what? I believe you made it darn clear that you weren?t going to accept me for what I was. I remember it. Every. Damn. Day.?

She threw the words at him like they were knives and it made him flinch inside. He shook his head and looked at the ground.

?It wasn?t that I couldn?t. It was because I wouldn?t.?

Casidy opened her mouth to reply and he held up his hand to stop her.

?Let me finish.?

Casidy shut her mouth and nodded for him to continue. She placed her hands on her car and pushed herself up to sit on the hood looking at him for an answer, and a damned good one at that. He sighed and leaned against his own car, they still were only three feet from each other.

?Like I just said, I didn?t want to accept it. I definitely could, I just acted like I didn?t. I don?t know how to explain that. I acted like a small child, I really did. I don?t know what I was thinking. I guess if I said I didn?t accept it that it would all just go ?poof?. But of course it didn?t.?

He stopped a moment and placed two fingers on the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes, breathing deep. There was nothing said for a long moment until Casidy cleared her throat.

?Why??

Gator looked at her. Placing his hands against his car.

?Why what??

Casidy groaned.

?Gator if you can?t keep up with the conversation you have to sit at the kiddies table, and I think they?d have you beat.?

He laughed and looked up to see a smile form on Casidy?s gorgeous face before it disappeared again.

?Why couldn?t you accept that or should I say me, Gator??

Gator ran a hand through his hair and looked at her.

?Your not goin? to understand it if I tell you.?

Casidy sighed crossing her arms in front of her, still sitting on the hood of her car.

?Try me.?

Gator looked at her raising an eyebrow and then immediately looking at the ground That wasn't an invite Gator. He shook his head to prevent himself from laughing to look up and see Casidy staring at him. Her velvet southern voice rang in his mind.



He chuckled before smiling up at her.

?Sorry.?

Casidy slightly smiled back, not wanting to get to comfortable with him. Clearing her throat and putting a hand out moving it in a circle around and around two times.

?You were sayin???

He sighed and looked down at the ground, barely raising his voice above a whisper.

?I want to be normal. I want a normal life.?

Casidy looked at him for a moment and saw the sadness in his eyes. She understood completely. But she loved who she was, and what she was.

?I understand all too well Gator. You have no idea.?

Casidy looked up at him with wide eyes. Her hazel eyes were filled with surprise and shock. She felt as if someone had knocked the breathe out of her. She opened her mouth, hoping words would come out. Nothing. Gator looked into her eyes and her mouth shut. She couldn?t focus, couldn?t concentrate. Her mind was running 90 to nothing. She saw what had been. She saw what could be. She saw him. She felt like she was hyperventilating in a way.

?..What?Why??

She shook her head and pushed lightly at his chest. Giving herself room to breath. She cleared her throat and looked up at him.

?Why are you coming to me now??

Gator looked at her for a long moment. Neither one of them said anything. He looked down at the ground and sighed.

?I couldn?t find it in myself to come to you and say it. When I got the call about our team, I thought well? ?Why not???

Casidy looked at him and shook her head. Her eyes watery and filled with sadness when she looked in his eyes. She couldn?t help herself. She walked to him and wrapped her arms around him hugging him as a tear fell silently.

?It?s to late Gator. Way to late.?

Casidy couldn?t help but smile as Katra came running to her. She took a glance at Gator who?s face was in shock and amazement. Katra stopped at her mother?s legs and put her hands on her hips and pushing a hip out. A pure Casidy imitation, once again.

?Why haven?t you came in yet Mommy??

Katra turned to Gator and cocked her head to the side, pursing her lips as Casidy smiled and pointed to Gator gracefully and laughed.

?I?m sorry sweetie. I was just talking to a friend.?

Katra, just like her mother, had no fear and walked right up to Gator looking up at him not a bit intimidated by his size. She smiled sweetly and it made Gator?s heart tighten. Katra smiled with the same hazel eyes as Casidy.

?Howdy. I?m Katra.?

Gator chuckled and squatted down in front of her. Sticking his hand out.

?Well Hi there Katra. I?m Gator.?

Katra giggled and covered her mouth like she was trying to hide it.

?I like your name. It?s funny.?

She gripped his hand to shake it, with as Gator noticed a very strong grip. He watched her face as her little hazel eyes looked up at him with sympathy and sadness when she finally let go of his hand.

?You love my mommy.?

She didn?t ask it as if it were a question. He looked at her with shock and then to Casidy. For once he could tell what Casidy face was saying. She was hurting inside. He quickly looked back at Katra and smiled lightly and nodded.

?Yes honey I do.?

Katra looked at him and pocked a finger out at him.

?Well Mister, I hate to be mean to my mommy?s friend but I have a daddy that loves my mommy too.?

She turned and went to walk off back to Sam?s before she turned to him with a sad look and a sweet smile.

?Remember that Mr. Gator.?

Casidy stepped into the bar and let out a breathe and smiled. That had been a little easier than she thought. She gracefully walked through the bar waving to people and saying hello, ignoring the whistle from the corner. He must be new here. The regulars knew Casidy and knew jokingly she was perfectly fine with it but this guy was rude. Casidy spotted Sam and smiled.

?Where are my girls??

Sam pointed back to his office with a smile as he fixed a beer. Casidy walked to Sam?s office and watched the two through the window?s glass as she opened the door. They were coloring. She smiled wide at Katra who was drawing the biggest butterfly she had ever seen. She looked at Claira?s drawing and nearly fell out. Her jaw went slack with amazement. Claira only had a black crayon and was drawing a picture of her mother. A very detailed picture that looked so real. Claira looked up and smiled pointing to the picture.

?Look Auntie Cas. Its my mommy!?

Casidy laughed and squatted down beside Claira examining the picture. The detail as for the drawing itself was simply amazing. She looked at Claira who went back to drawing.

?Who taught you to draw like that??

Claira stopped and looked up at the ceiling for a moment as if in wonder. She squeezed her lips tightly together in curiosity before shrugging her shoulders and drawing again.

?I don?t know. I just do it.?

Casidy nodded as she stood back up and walked over to Katra to hug her.

?It?s really good Claira honey.?

She smiled at Katra?s picture.

?Honey that has to be the biggest butterfly that I?ve ever seen.?

Katra giggled and nodded, sending silky curls swaying in different directions. She looked at Claira who was grinning now.

?Do it again Kat.?

Katra nodded and giggled with Claira.

?Mommy watch this.?

Casidy stood there and watched as Katra closed her little eyes tight and held her hand out palm up and open. Her hand started glowing bright and a slight vibration went through the air blowing Casidy?s hair back slightly. The light in Katra?s hand was so bright that it was almost like looking into the sun for to long. Casidy didn?t flinch away from the bright light but she simply squinted her eyes a little. Katra opened her eyes with a huge smile as she saw the light. She folded her hand closing off the light inside her hand. She stuck her index finger out and lightly touched the butterfly on the page. Casidy watched with wonder as the butterfly on the page started to glow bright as the light in Katra?s hand. Katra and Claira giggled. Katra looked at Claira with a grin.

?Now.?

Claira nodded and her shiny raven colored hair bobbed along with it and a smile spread across her crimson lips.

?Now.?

Katra giggled and opened her hand fully and blew. The bright light that had been there before was now a fine bright powder, almost like pixie dust. As Katra blew the powder onto the butterfly, a gust of wind burst through the room and pushed Casidy back against the wall behind her. Claira and Katra sat at Sam?s desk like it was nothing. Casidy blinked and her bright hazel eyes grew wide as she watched the huge butterfly come off of the page. She stepped forward and watched as it flew around Sam?s office. It flew her way and she stuck her hand out slowly. Casidy felt her heart leap with excitement as the butterfly landed on her hand. It was real. Katra had brought the butterfly, literally to life. She looked at Katra as the butterfly flew off of her hand gracefully and landed on Claira?s head. Claira giggled and Katra looked at her mother with bright eyes.

?What do you think mommy??

Casidy let out a breathe and smiled wide with pride at her daughter.

?I think that was amazing.?

Katra smiled wide and jumped out of the seat into her mothers arms giggling. Casidy caught her and laughed. Katra leaned back a bit looking into her mother?s eyes.

?Really? You like it!?

Casidy smiled and looked into her daughter?s light hazel eyes, filled with happiness and intelligence beyond her years already. She leaned down and kissed Katra?s nose lightly smiling wide.

?I loved it honey. It was wonderful.?

Casidy looked back at the butterfly to see Claira drawing with it still sitting on the top of her head. She looked down at her daughter in her arms and smiled seeing Katra watch the butterfly with amazement. Katra?s glowing skin seemed to hum with excitement and she looked up at her mother, her eyes bright with love that made Casidy?s heart thump loudly. She hugged Katra close.

?Absolutely beautiful sweetie.?

As Casidy drove she listened and sang along with her CDs. She stuck in her Jason Aldean CD and looked at the road sign that she was passing at 95 mph.

?Almost there.?

She sighed and looked at the sky, watching as the sun slowly sank down and the sky became darker by the minute. She just prayed that Bill didn?t get stupid and come after her. It wasn?t like she was doing anything, she just wanted some answers. She wanted to know why her daughter was growing so fast. It scared Casidy a little bit to see it. When would she stop growing? Casidy sighed and pressed the accelerator to the floor even more. A smile spread across Casidy?s lush lips when she pulled up to the huge iron gate. She looked at the security guard standing outside. She knew he couldn?t see her through the darkly tinted windows of the mustang. He gestured and spoke loud enough for her to hear.

?Exit the vehicle.?

It was at this moment Casidy realized her weapons were still at Sam?s. She sighed heavily as she stepped out of the car and watched the surprised spread across the guards face. She smiled. He automatically pulled his gun and pointed it at Casidy, his hands shaking a bit. Casidy calmly shut her door and walked up to him laughing with a sweet smile across her face.

?So you do remember me? We both know your not going to use that. So put it up before I take it from you, and I will.?

She patted him on the shoulder as she passed him. He shook visibly and it bothered him that this dangerous woman that could kill him in an instant was so attractive. To him it seemed worth his life and his job to be distracted by her. Casidy threw her head over her shoulder a moment and smirked at him, sending her hair flying and tumbling shining brightly from the light of the sunset. Her skins glowing even more than usual. The man could see her bright hazel eyes from where he stood feet away and it made his knees weak.

?You should call them and tell them I?m coming in. One way or the other.?

He watched her walk calmly on and toward the huge front door of the enormous lab. He fumbled for his communicator and stuttered as he called.

?Umm W..We. Have big trouble. And she?s coming in.?

Casidy raised an eyebrow at him and cocked her head to the side, sending her long light brown hair falling to the side in huge waves and curls that looked like pure silk.

?Really? And you would be??

David stuttered and cleared his throat clenching his fists to keep himself from reaching out and trying to touch her hair and her gorgeous skin. He knew he?d pull back a nub, or possibly he?d have to arm to pull back. David nodded to her.

?D .. David.?

Casidy nodded back to him and she took a quick scan around the room, with just a quick movement of her dark hazel eyes, she looked back at David.

?You better tell your so-called backup to take a hike. I don't want to take out your entire force here but I sure as hell will.?

David looked away from her reluctantly around the room. He couldn?t see anyone or sense anyone, even with his own psychic radar he couldn?t pick them up. Oh man, she was good. He raised his right hand and yelled out to the Calvary.

?It?s ok boys. Take it easy.?

That?s when he felt the tension and fear leave the room. He looked back at her to find that she hadn?t moved an inch. She looked at him and when she spoke it was the most beautiful voice he had ever heard, he slightly shook his head.

?I came here for answers and I want them. Like ASAP Bucko.?

He shook his head again and looked at her.

?I?ll give you your answers, can you just calm your goddess thing down. I can?t think straight.?

Casidy laughed and it rang in his mind like a sweet caress of silk against his skin.

?I don?t ever use that mess anyway. I don?t see the sense in it. Your psychic aren?t you??

David looked at her in surprise his brown eyes wide.

?You don?t use that goddess pull at all? That?s interesting. How did you know I was psychic? No one has ever just came out with it.?

Casidy shrugged and looked at him, her eyes turning a lighter hazel color now.

?I have my way. Answers. Now.?

David nodded and turned around walking down the huge corridor to the main lab office.

?If you will follow me Ma?m I?ll tell you everything I know about my bosses work.?

He turned to find her behind him looking as relaxed as ever.

?Umm. I didn?t get your name Ma?m.?

Casidy looked at him with a half smile her fangs retracting completely, knowing what was coming next.

?Casidy. Casidy Stackhouse.?

Casidy watched as his face became full of admiration and most of all fear.

Bill sat on the front porch watching Katra out in the yard. He smiled to himself as she started to sing to herself as she caught lightning bugs. He listened closely to her small sweet voice as she sang the lullaby Casidy had sang to her when she was little. Her voice drifted to Bill and seemed to fill the air around her, distracting and capturing everything and everyone around her. Just like her mother. Hundreds of lightning bugs swarmed and hovered around Katra, following her everywhere she went as if guarding her and giving her light. She skipped and sang to herself. She turned sending her beautiful silky dark curly hair swinging with the motion and he could see her light hazel eyes flicker with joy ,even in the dark of night, as those gorgeous eyes that were the exact copy of her mothers gazed upon him. His heart swelled with love and he couldn?t help but smile at his child. She gifted him, by smiling back sweetly.

?Daddy! Look! Ain?t they pretty??

Bill chuckled to himself hearing her voice sounding more and more southern, like her mother, every minute. She sounded like a little southern belle. Her hair blew with the breeze and her tan glowing skin had a slight sparkle to it. How could something that beautiful and innocent be his child? She was absolutely amazing. Just like her mother he thought to himself.

?They?re beautiful baby.?

She giggled, her laughter caring itself in the breeze and caressed the air. She turned from him and ran into the field lightning bugs following her loyally. He looked away from her to look at the road a good distance from the huge house. Where was Casidy? His temper was still simmering beneath the surface. He wasn?t mad that she had went, he had actually planned to go himself. It was the fact that she had went, alone. He hated her going anywhere dangerous like that. Why?, he didn?t know, she could take care of herself better than anyone he knew. He sighed heavily as he heard her mustang in the distance coming down the road about a mile away. His heart seemed lighter knowing she was on her way home safe. He sighed again heavily and stood rubbing his eyes a bit. She pulled up the long drive as he lowered his hand. He walked to the garage and watched her pull in and he expected her to come to him, but she didn?t exit the garage. He listened silently.

?Casidy??

He stepped into the garage and saw her sitting with the door open in the car. She was half in half out of the car with her head between her hands and her elbows resting on the knees. He looked at her and his heart ached. He went to walked to her and she stood up out of the car. She shut the car door and her hazel eyes held no emotion as she walked to the garage door and looked out at Katra playing in the field. He came up behind her and gently and slowly wrapped his arms around her waist. She stood stiff and straight watching Katra. She sighed, but it came out in a chocked gasp as she tried to hold in the tears and cries. She slumped and leaned into him surrendering herself to Bill?s arms. He went to speak and she kept her eyes on Katra as she spoke.

?She?s so beautiful isn?t she? So perfect, innocent, and loving.?

Bill held Casidy to him and looked at Katra as she smiled dancing and singing.

?Yes she is.?

Casidy?s voice broke as she spoke again and looked back at Bill turning in his arms. Her eyes were full of tears now, with sadness swimming in their depths.

?Who would have thought she was made to get rid of me.?

Casidy lay stretched out on the living room couch with an arm thrown over her face. She listened to Bill?s breathing as he came down the stairs. And she listened to his heartbeat. It was really unheard of for a vampire?s heart to continue beating after he was changed but Bill?s always had for some reason or another. He made no sound as he crossed the room to her, like always, so his breathing and heartbeat were all there was to listen to. He came around the couch and stretch over her like a blanket would. She uncovered her face and looked into his dark brown eyes.

?Are you ok??

Casidy sighed and ran a hand absentmindedly through Bill?s hair. She listened to his calm cool voice and she felt herself relax.

?I am for now. I really don?t know what to think. It?s so..?

She couldn?t think of the words to say. Cruel and Insane didn?t cover a fraction of what those people had planned out. Bill leaned down and placed a feather light kiss on her forehead. Casidy closed her eyes briefly savoring the feel of his lips on her skin and she smiled up at him.

?How do you do that??

Bill looked at her with a raised eyebrow and a smirk upon those gorgeous full lips.

?How do I do what??

Casidy placed both of her hands on his shoulders and looked at him.

?Make everythin? better??

The smirk left Bill?s face and turned into a soft smile. His dark brown eyes searched her eyes.

?I don?t know. How do you do it??

Casidy sighed slightly and shrugged her shoulders before her lips spread into a grin of white teeth.

?Just good I guess.?

Laughter rumbled up from deep in his chest and it blended perfectly with Casidy?s husky and fluttering laughter. He ran a hand through her hair, pushing it back from her face and looking at her lovingly. Casidy sighed peacefully and spoke before she realized she had.

?I love that.?

Bill kept looking at her face, and watching his hand gliding through her hair and caressing her face.

?And That would be??

Casidy smiled up at him and caught his dark brown gaze with her light hazel eyes.

?How you look at me. I love it.?

Bill smiled and his dark brown eyes seemed to soften even more. They always seemed so hard and cold around everyone, but once he stepped into the room and spotted Casidy that changed. She made him feel like a love crazed teenager one minute and the next she made him feel like the most loved man in the world. She made him feel human. She looked up at Bill and almost head butted him as she popped up on the couch and looked at him with wide eyes.

?Where?s Claira??

Bill placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her a bit.

?Jade and Dakota came by to pick her up. Jade said she?d like for Katra to stay to the night with Claira sometime in the next few days or something. She said she?d call you.?

Casidy released the breathe she didn?t know she had been holding as she stood up from the couch and nodded.

?Ok. I just had to ask. I can?t believe I even forgot about that baby for a minute. I feel terrible.?

Bill was right behind her as she headed to the kitchen.

?You were extremely upset honey. Its understandable. Don?t worry about it.?

Casidy didn?t feel like arguing on the subject so she shrugged her shoulders and headed to the fridge to get a bottle of blood for herself and Bill. As she popped them into the microwave and programmed it she talked with her back to Bill.

?It might be best for Katra to stay a night or two with Jade this week. I have a mission to go on, and you can?t watch her durin? the day honey.?

The microwave dinged and she took the bottles out and turned to Bill to see his face serious now. She just smiled at him and handed him his bottle of blood.

?Don?t worry I?m goin? to explain everythin?.?

And so she did. Of course if wasn?t what Bill wanted to hear. That Casidy was leaving on a mission to South America but she loved her job and he wouldn?t stop her. Not only did she love her job, he thought and smirked, the government loved her. She could be a five star general by now, but she denied it every time. He just didn?t know how much longer she could deny herself it though. He nodded and came around the counter. Pulling her into his arms. Leaning his forehead against hers and rubbing her nose against his he spoke.

?You do what you have to baby. It?s your team. I understand. I?ll miss you terribly though.?

Casidy kissed him lightly on the lips with a smile.

?I?ll miss you too.?

She laughed and leaned her forehead against his.

?I knew you?d understand. How did I get so lucky??

Bill laughed and smiled at her.

?Just good I guess.?

Casidy didn?t have time to think of how to take action. She didn?t know what was up with Derek. She was completely and utterly shocked. She managed, somehow or another, to shove Derek off of her and she scrambled off the bed. She sucked in a huge breathe and she felt her face grow hot. Ok, it was a good kiss, of course Derek always had been a good kisser, but that was beside the point. She was angry. Angry because she hadn?t seen it coming and because she didn?t know what in the world was going on. He knew it wasn?t right to do that. She took in huge breathes for a moment not knowing what to say. Then, he smiled at her. She nearly lost all the rest of her control and lunged across the room at him, but she stood her ground. What a prick. That was all she could think for a split second and as it crossed her mind it sounded so much like something Jade would say. The smile left his face and pure confusion covered it and reflected in his eyes.

?Casidy, I thought..?

She pointed her finger at him and gestured wildly with her hands in the air, cutting his sentence off.

?Oh boy, did you think wrong. What in the F*** did you think, I was here for you??

She knew as soon as she said it, that that had been exactly what he had thought. Derek looked down a moment and look back up at her with a sigh his jaw locked tight, his dark blue eyes felt as if they had locked on to Casidy?s and she couldn?t look away. She walked to him slowly and pulled him in a hug.

?Derek, I?m..?

She didn?t get another word out before he pulled her back and looked her in the eyes.

?Don?t Casidy Marie. Don?t you dare say sorry.?

She just looked at him a moment and nodded. Not wanting to argue. She still had him in a hug and he her. She looked at his wet curly dark hair.. Wait.. She looked down and saw the towel wrapped around his waist, and snapped her head back up eyes turning wide for a moment. She pulled back, releasing her arms, and stepped back a few steps. Derek?s face looked confused at first then he smiled.

?Sorry, I?d just got out of the shower when I heard you and mom downstairs.?

She nodded and walked past him to the door to exit, she turned with a smirk and smiled, giving him a once over glance and winked at him before heading out of the door.

?Looks like you should have taken a cold one.?

She heard him groan as she walked down the stairs laughing.

Derek looked at the ground a moment and let out a big breathe, holding in tears it seemed. He looked at Casidy for a second and then kept his focus on the shed door.

?I didn?t want to tell you at your house. Its.. Hard enough as it is already.?

Casidy just nodded and looked at the door. Adam. She closed her eyes. He?d been one of her best friends. He?d been Derek?s cousin and best friend. They?d all hung out together and stuck by each other. Casidy took a deep breathe and pushed it all to the back of her mind, and as she went to open the door Derek placed his hand on her shoulder.

I?m going in with you. You can?t go in alone.?

Casidy nodded, not going to argue with him and pushed the door open. The smell of Adam?s body hit Casidy?s nostrils and she stepped into the shed. Behind her Derek turned the light on. Casidy held her breathe when the light hit the lifeless form covered with a sheet on the floor. She knelt down beside the body and breathing deep didn?t smell anything besides the decaying of the body. She glanced back at Derek who was staring at the body but not really looking at it. He finally looked at Casidy. He could tell this bothered her, but Derek knew she could handle this. She always did. She reached a hand up and pushed back her hair.

?Did any of you ever pick up any kind of scent? See anything laying around? On the.. On him.?

She cleared her throat and looked away from him. He knew she was using all she had not to let emotion show. Derek stayed were he was and shook his head.

?No. No scent of any kind, which was really weird. It was like the air had been.. I don?t know the word for it. Um.. Filtered I guess. It was crystal clear and scentless. You couldn?t even smell the forest really.?

Casidy had looked away from him and was looking at Adam. He watched her as she placed her hand on Adam?s head brushing a dark curl from his lifeless face. Then she bent down and kissed his cold forehead. Derek felt his heart in his chest tighten with love and compassion at the gesture. He heard the light sniffle and then she turned to him with her hazel eyes.

?Step back toward the wall.?

Derek stepped back and leaned against the wall like she asked.

?Why??

Casidy looked at him as she stood up straight and crossed her arms lightly over her chest. He watched her light hazel eyes turn dark brown.

?I?m going to try to bring him back.?

Derek ran a frustrated hand through his hair roughly and looked at Casidy.

?Why wouldn?t he be there? I don?t understand.?

Casidy seemed to be looking past Derek as she opened the door to exit the shed.

?Neither do I.?

They walked down the path back to Derek?s house in complete silence. They reached the steps to Derek?s house to find his mother sitting in a rocking chair drinking a cup of coffee. She looked at the two of them with a smile. She spotted Casidy?s attire and her eyes grew bright.

?Oh Casidy! You look beautiful. Like a..?

Derek gave a smirk and looked at Casidy then his mother.

?A goddess??

Derek?s mother looked at Derek with a short laugh and rolling her eyes.

?You always were a little smarta** my darling son.?

Casidy laughed as she stepped up and bent down to kiss Derek?s mother on the cheek and hug her.

?And you were always the smartest woman I?ve ever known.?

Derek?s mother laughed and hugged and kisses Casidy back. Standing up with her coffee mug in hand she smiled at the two of them.

?I think I?ll go on and head to bed. I?ll see you in the morning Derek, and Casidy don?t you forget to bring that baby by to see me.?

Casidy smiled and affection shone brightly in her eyes.

?I won?t. Goodnight.?

Derek?s mother opened the door and went into the house. Derek looked back at Casidy to see her clothes had changed once again. Now she wore a pair of faded blue jeans a tight white t-shirt with a brown leather jacket. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she wore a pair of boots on her feet. He just shook his head.

?How did you change so fast??

Casidy smiled and shrugged her shoulders looking at him. He could see the bright hazel color of her eyes even in the moonlight.

?Just a talent I reckon.?

Derek looked at her and spoke even before he realized he?d thought it.

?You still look like a goddess, forever beautiful.?

Casidy looked at Derek and then looked away. Derek brought his hand up and pushed the hair back from his forehead, resisting the urge to smack himself in the head. There was a long second of silence before Derek sighed.

?So I guess your about to leave, huh??

Casidy nodded.

?Yeah, I got to get home and pack some stuff up before I leave and go talk to someone who might know what?s goin? on. But I promise, I?ll find Adam?s soul. I promise I will.?

He looked at her and there wasn?t a doubt in his mind that she wouldn?t find him. He nodded and pulled her into a hug.

?Thanks Cas, I appreciate all of this. I know you?ll find him, just take care of yourself. And like mama said, bring that baby girl by here sometime. She?s always welcome, just like you know you are.?

He felt Casidy nodded against his shoulder. Then he felt her breathe against his ear. Her voice was like smoke in the wind but he heard it loud and clear.

?I?m sorry I couldn?t love you.?

She turned then and went down the steps heading to her bike. He watched after her as she whipped out of his driveway and drove off into the night back to her house. Back to her child. Back to the man she loved. He sighed and felt a tear roll down his face.

?So am I.?

At that moment Casidy felt her breathing seem to come faster and her heart was pounding in her chest. She felt her anger growing by the second. She jumped up and walked to the kitchen.

?That son of a bitch!?

Thad noticed as she walked off that she wasn?t running from the conversation, no. She was preparing for something. He smirked to himself. Running is one thing he had never known Casidy to do, unless in fact you were her target. He wanted to laugh at the image of someone stupid enough to run from her. He ran a hand through his hair as he watched her walk back into the living room downing a bottle of blood with another in her other hand. She was stunningly beautiful, by far the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. He sighed but she was more, yes definitely more. Intelligent beyond belief. Thad pouted inside. No woman should ever be like her. He tried to think of a reasonable explanation for himself as he watched her drink the second bottle of blood, her own eyes blood red as well with anger. As he watched he found his answer. She scared him to death and she was a lethal weapon. Even though they didn?t necessarily get along, at all, he saw what his son was so infatuated with. She was sexy as hell, possibly the inventory of such a word, she was ever sort of danger all in one little hot package. But most of all he saw what his son loved about her most. She was power. Raw thriving power, just waiting to be let go and released. No one knew what all she was capable of, the way he saw it no one ever would. But he knew enough not to be stupid. He huffed to himself as he watched Bill talk soothingly to Casidy, both hands on either side of her face. That stubborn boy of his had been after her forever and she still refused him, just making him try harder, which in return made her shove him away even farther. Thad let out a slight chuckle under his breath. Obviously Casidy didn?t want to dance with the devil, in any shape or form. His attention came back to the conversation and Casidy as she turned toward them. Her eyes still bright blood red she looked from him to Hades. He swallowed the sudden lump in his throat as he looked into her eyes. He thought to himself this must be what prey felt like at that moment after the chase when they know they?re finished. He watched as her eyes focused on him at last. Yes, this was exactly how that prey felt. Casidy let out a deep sigh, more to calm herself a little more than anything. Bill stood behind her, his hands on her shoulders. This man was her heart. Thad raised an eyebrow and fought back a smirk along with the urge to deceive. Casidy had done nothing to him terrible, except make his son love sick, which Thad found idiotic. But other than that, no she had done nothing so he wouldn?t hit her where it hurt. He smiled then but his son would. He jumped slightly as Hades hit him in the arm. They all looked at him for a silent moment and then Casidy continued.

?As I was sayin? Seth has my team and the dead pack members souls. I?m leavin? with the only member of my team he didn?t snatch in the mornin?. We?re headed to South America where my team was last seen and we?ll track them from there. Hopefully leading me to Seth.?

Hades looked at her and worry showed in his eyes.

?But Casidy, you can?t. He?ll want to fight to the death for you to acquire what you want. They?ll be no you locking him up this time like you did last time. All he wants is for you to come running his way, so he can kill you. You are the only person or thing that stands in his way of doing what he wants and he?ll do anything to cut you down.?

Casidy just simply looked at him as she reached up and placed a hand gently over Bill?s on her shoulder. Hades looked in her eyes that had now changed back to their normal light hazel. There was no fear, no worry, nothing as to what he would probably see in his own eyes.

?I know that Hades.?

Hades couldn?t take his shocked eyes off of her at her statement.

?Then you must know that every blow you give him, you receive. If you kill him Casidy, you?ll die along with him.?

Casidy just kept her eyes calm and cool staring back at him. She glanced up at Bill, who didn?t say anything or move, but all sorts of emotion swam in his eyes. She then looked back at Hades and simply nodded.

?Yes I know.?

Casidy stood in front of the screened in window of the porch and looked out into the night. Lighting bugs flew and gave off little blinks of light everywhere in random sports, the wind blew through the trees and tall grass and Casidy watched them sway from side to side in every direction. She closed her eyes briefly a moment and listened to the crickets and grasshoppers chirping loudly, singing about the night weather. The night wasn?t like usual summer nights. The wind was blowing making it cooler and the night air didn?t stick to your skin making it unbearable. She opened her eyes looking at the sky. There was no moon tonight and the clouds overhead looked full. She took a deep breathe and could smell the rain coming. She smiled to herself. This was beautiful to her. She just stood there looking out, waiting for Bill to come out and say something to her. She sighed quietly. She would understand if he was mad. She hadn?t told him her plan about Seth, and truly she hadn?t planned to tell him until in the morning before she left. She ran her hand through her hair. She wasn?t used to having anyone to tell everything to anymore. It had been just her for a long time and it was hard to adjust, but she would. She?d adjust quickly for her daughter, for her man, and for her heart. She sighed and decided to go in and find Bill herself, only to see him standing in the doorway watching her. She gasped and then laughed to herself a little.

?Dang, honey you scared me.?

He just looked at her and she sighed. He wasn?t in the joking mood. She could see in his face that he was angry and hurt. She cleared her throat and looked him in the eye.

?I completely understand why your mad and you have a right to be I reckon. I just. I didn?t want all of this to be on your shoulders and on your mind like it is mine. I really don?t know what to say.?

It was quiet for a moment as the crickets chirped and sang then Bill broke the silence.

?Yes I am quite angry right now Casidy. You don?t have to say anything, just listen.?

Casidy nodded.

?Ok.?

Bill stepped out of the doorway and walked to stand in front of her, looking into her eyes.

?I?m not mad at the fact that your going after Seth, because I knew you?d do it anyway. Its who you are Casidy.?

Casidy gave a half smiled as Bill placed his hand on her cheek lovingly. He tilted her head up to look him in the eyes as he spoke.

?What makes me angry is that you lied, and hid something from me.?

Casidy sighed and nodded.

?I know, and I?m sorry. I was planning on telling you in the morning that I was going after him..?

Bill shook his head slightly and placed a finger on her lips to make her quiet.

?That?s isn?t what I?m talking about and you know it Casidy Marie.?

She looked at him and cleared her throat.

?Ok, ask then.?

Bill stood up straight and ran a hand through his hair before he asked.

?What was Seth ?in charge of???

Casidy looked at him and then sat down in a cushioned patio chair.

?Taken souls.?

Bill had a look of confusion on his face.

?I thought..?

Bill stopped as Casidy looked up at him and he realized what she meant.

?You mean, vampire souls??

Casidy nodded as she stood up and brushed back her hair and walked toward the screened in door to the outside to look out. Bill still stood behind her in a daze.

?But what does you loving me have to do with part of you going??

Casidy turned to him and reached for his hand.

?I only know one way to explain this.?

Bill put his hand in hers and let her lead him outside into the backyard. Casidy stopped and turned to him.

?What do you see Bill??

Bill looked at her with a raised brow not knowing if it was a trick question on not but then sighed and looked around.

?I see trees, animals, the night clouds, just the usual.?

Casidy nodded and gestured with her hands.

?Exactly, the usual.?

She stepped up in front of him and placed both hands on either side of his face.

?Tell me, do you remember what its like to go outside in the daylight? To stand in the sun and feel how warm it is.?

Bill looked into her eyes and slightly shook his head.

?No.?

Casidy looked into his eyes.

?I want you to know what that?s like again. I want you to see it, feel it, and hell if you want to taste it.?

Bill pulled his head out of her hands and looked around.

?I can?t have that anymore Casidy. There?s no way.?

He had his back to Casidy when she answered.

?Yes you can.?

Casidy sat on the back porch in a rocking chair drinking a cup of coffee as she watched Katra who was off across the field playing in the barn. Casidy smiled as she saw Katra come out of the barn running toward the fence to step up on it and lean over the top ever so slightly as she watched the horses graze about the field. Katra?s long dark wavy hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail from her sweet face with her little cheeks red from running and playing. Her light hazel eyes were wide with amazement as she watched the horses quietly. Katra stepped off of the fence long enough to roll up the sleeves of her blue and grey flannel shirt and wipe her little hands on the already dirty denim jeans. As Katra stepped back up on the fence a little brown colt stepped a few inches closer to the fence. Casidy watched as Katra and the colt stared at each other for a moment. Katra stuck her little hand out slowly. Casidy then smiled as the little colt wobbled his way to Katra?s awaiting hand. Casidy raised the cup of coffee to her lips.

?Just like her mama.?

Casidy smiled and looked over her shoulder at Gator in his uniform.

?Yes, she is.?

Gator chuckled as he looked at Casidy also wearing her uniform.

?I never could sneak up on you and scare you.?

Casidy chuckled as she stood up with her empty cup.

?Your footsteps are as loud as a damn elephant. How could I not hear you??

Gator laughed as he followed Casidy into the kitchen.

?I guess your right. Can I get a cup of that??

Casidy nodded and Gator headed toward the coffee pot. Casidy held up her hand to stop him.

?Sit down, I?ll get you a cup. Just sugar right??

Gator nodded as he sat down at the island in the kitchen. Casidy turned to look at him a moment and then gestured toward the huge tin can as she turned to pour his coffee.

?You haven?t ate, I can tell. There are some out of this world blueberry muffins in that tin right there. Jade sends them to me all the time.?

Gator opened the tin and took out a huge monster muffin.

?Don?t mind if I do. How is Jade??

Casidy turned with his steaming cup of coffee with a smile on her face. His heart beat faster until he realized the love in her eyes and that smile wasn?t for him.

?She?s great. She got married not to long ago and she?s happy. Happier than she?s been in a very long time.?

Gator nodded as he accepted his coffee from Casidy and she sat across the island from him. He knew if he kept looking at her he?d soon be staring uncontrollably, so he looked out the back doors they had just entered and saw Katra had already climbed over the fence and was rubbing the colt, talking to it. He smiled and looked back at Casidy. She had seen him watching Katra and she had turned to watch too. She smiled as Katra said something and the colt nodded its head a few times. Her smile grew even more as she saw that Katra was laughing. She pushed back her chair and stood up, watch Katra a second longer before looking back at Gator to ask if he needed anything. She saw he had put down the muffin and the coffee and was looking at her with a look of sadness in his eyes. She stood by the refrigerator and didn?t know what to do. So she did the only thing she could think to do. Her light hazel eyes opened a little wider and she looked at him a bit confused.

?What??

Gator opened his mouth and shut it. He looked down at the island top and looked as though he were focusing hard on the marble top. Casidy watched him and waited. Gator sighed quietly to himself but Casidy heard it. He looked up at her.

?I?m sorry.?

Casidy turned from him and went back to opening the refrigerator door to get a drink out.

?Sorry for what Gator??

She pulled out a glass bottle of blood and looked around for something to snack on. Casidy picked up a container as she was bent over in the fridge and looked at the contents from the outside. She knew it was something Bill had tried to cook. She?d try to remember to throw it out before she left. She smiled to herself a second. He was trying to hard at cooking and she was happy he was trying something new ,but she was scared he?d burn the house down.

?Sorry that.. I didn?t do what I should have done.?

She set the container back it the fridge and breathed deep.

?You did what you thought was right.?

She shut the door and saw Gator staring at her shaking his head.

?No I didn?t. I did what I thought was right at the time. Not what I should of done.?

She walked around the kitchen looking through drawers for the bottle top opener. Of course, she didn?t really need it but it kept her hands busy and her eyes away from Gators. She didn?t need to get upset or mad in no way whatsoever. She sighed to herself. She had to put up with his ass for the next little while and that frustrated her a little more. He brought up things that had long been locked away in her mind. He brought out that old hurt and anger that she?d pushed out and away. She was tired of looking for the bottle top opener. It frustrated her that he?d brought this up and it frustrated her that she really could find the damn bottle opener. She shut the door with a little force and looked at him.

?And just what is it that you should?ve done? Please tell me. I?m just dying to know. Oh wait, I forgot, I?m already dead!?

She didn?t know it but she had already got into his face and was eye to eye with him.

?You couldn?t forget that though could you? No, you couldn?t even look past it to see me. You left because you were disgusted that you had even thought for a moment of loving a mutt like me! So please, if leaving wasn?t what you should?ve done then tell me what you should have done then. I?ve wanted to know for a long ass time. So go ahead, tell me. Maybe I can help you a bit, did you just forget to cut my head off before you left??

Gator looked up at Casidy. She was breathing out of control. He could hear it and feel it on his face. Vanilla. She had always smelled and tasted like Vanilla. He pushed the thought back in his mind and looked into her light hazel eyes. He could see the hurt and anger in her eyes. Old hurt and anger at that. He knew he?d let it out, but he knew he had to. He had to see it, he had to hear what she had to say. And maybe, just maybe, she would grace him with another chance. He didn?t hesitate as he answered.

?I should of done what I wanted, not what I thought was right. I regret what I did everyday of my life. I wake up every morning knowing that I won?t wake up with you by my side. I left because I knew there was someone out there who deserved to be with a woman like you. You have gifts unlike anything I?ve ever seen or heard of in my life. Your extraordinary. I knew that God didn?t put you here for a man like me.?

Gator stopped and looked at her. She had stepped back and was staring at him. Her breathing had calmed down to normal.

?So I?m sorry that I didn?t stay. I?m sorry that I didn?t drop to one knee and beg for you to marry me,?

He walked closer to her and pointed out the window to Katra running in the yard, the colt at her side.

?I?m sorry I didn?t give you the children you have wanted so badly.?

He sighed and wanted to say more but he couldn?t say it. He didn?t know how to word anything. He looked into her eyes and waited. Casidy looked at him and one tear slide down her cheek as she crossed to the counter to retrieve her drink and flick the metal top off with her fingernail. She took a huge drink and didn?t look back at Gator as she spoke.

?You should have come back a long time ago Gator. I?m sorry. I love Bill with everything I have and..?

She turned to say more but Gator put up a hand and went back to his chair and sat.

?Don?t explain to me Casidy.?

He smiled slightly at her as he picked up his muffin and took a bite. She smiled back at him and took another drink of the blood in the glass bottle in her hand. He didn?t grimace or flinch at the act of her drinking blood. Casidy didn?t know what it was but that simple thing set her at ease in a way. She turned to throw the empty bottle in the garbage when Katra came running in the house. She ran at her mother and jumped in her arms. Casidy laughed as she caught Katra.

?My little monkey. Are you finally hungry??

Katra nodded her head sending her hair swinging about. Gator looked at the two of them and couldn?t help but mad at himself for how jealous he was of Bill. He had everything. Gator thought to himself, Bill had Gator?s everything as a matter of fact. Gator ate the last bite of the huge muffin. He?d have to get Bill to say thank you someday. Apparently he had missed some of the conversation between Casidy and Katra because Katra was no longer in her mother?s arms. She was sitting on the chair right beside him. He looked down at her as she looked up at him with her mother?s eyes. He couldn?t help but smile. He was surprised when she smiled back at him.

?Hi Mr. Gator.?

He was even more shocked that she had remembered his name. He glanced up at Casidy who was quietly fixing pancakes and watching them both with a slight smile on her face. He nodded to her and smiled.

?And good morning to you Miss Katra.?

Katra smiled at him as Casidy set a plate with three pancakes in front of her already ready to eat. She picked up her fork and looked at him.

?Are you goin with my momma to wherever it is that she?s goin? She won?t tell me.?

Gator smiled to himself. Casidy was busying herself fixing the rest of the pancake batter. He looked at the huge plate full of pancakes. There had to be at least 10 already. He looked back down at Katra and gestured to the pancakes.

?I sure am, and it looks like you have a lot of eatin? to do.?

Katra nodded enthusiastically and focused on her pancakes. Gator looked at Casidy, who was setting out two plates.

?Expecting??

Casidy looked up at him with her eyes wide. He looked at her really confused. Then just as quickly as her eyes had grown wide a smile spread across her face and her eyes were wide anymore.

?Umm Yeah. Tina and Wilson are comin? to get Katra. They are goin? to take care of her while I?m gone, since Bill can?t be here durin? the day.?

Gator nodded as he finished off his coffee.

?I remember Tina. Haven?t seen her in a while. Who is Wilson??

Casidy smiled as she refilled his coffee cup.

?Her husband. She?s been married for two years now.?

Gator raised his eyebrow in surprise as he poured sugar into his coffee and stirred.

?Just my luck.?

He hear Casidy laugh as she turned and set out two coffee mugs. He looked up at her.

?She still military??

Casidy nodded as she headed to the fridge for another bottle of blood.

?Of course. You should know she wouldn?t give it up for the world. Just went to Ranger school.?

Gator took up his cup and took a long drink.

?Sounds like someone else I know.?

Casidy nodded.

?They asked her to. She passed with flyin? colors I hear. They want her to do some other programs too. The way she explained it to me, they want her to do every program in every branch she can. Which I didn?t think was possible til I joined, but they knew about me.?

Gator nodded. He?d been put in a special program too. One made of men just like him with his mind abilities. He took another drink as he looked at Katra. She looked up at him and burped as she ate the last bite of pancake. He looked at her with wide eyes and she laughed.

?Sorry.?

Gator smiled at her and brushed back a strand of hair from her face.

?That is alright darlin?. A good one if I might add.?

Casidy smiled and popped three more pancakes on Katra?s plate. Gator watched as Katra ate with extremely good etiquette. Especially for a five year old. It was very old fashioned though. Like her mother. He gestured to the pancakes and Katra.

?She?s gunna eat all of them??

Casidy nodded.

?And then some. I just don?t know where she puts it all.?

Gator shook his head as he watched Katra eat and she didn?t show any signs of slowing down.

?Me neither.?

Katra?s head snapped up as she swallowed a bite of pancake and Casidy smiled as she took a drink of her blood and watched Katra calm down and go back to eating. Gator looked from Katra to Casidy. Casidy sat her bottle down and leaned against the counter. She looked at Katra.

?What did you hear honey??

Katra looked at her mother.

?Sounds like a really big truck. And I hear music.?

Gator listened for a long time and heard nothing but the sounds of the outdoors. Casidy looked at him and smiled.

?She hears Tina and Wilson turning onto the road.?

Gator swallowed hard and listened again. A second later he heard them. Now they were only two miles away. Casidy looked at Katra with love and pride and then looked at Gator. Gator shook his head.

?Tina is flyin? down this road.?

Katra smiled as she finished off her second round of pancakes.

?Momma does too.?

Gator laughed and pushed back another strand of hair from her eyes.

?Well see, Tina is a lot like your momma. You?ll like her.?

Casidy turned her head toward the sound of tires on gravel and smiled as she headed toward the door and laughed.

?Here comes trouble.?

Casidy and Gator climbed into his truck and as he headed down the drive Casidy turned to look out of the back glass. She saw her beautiful house, her grounds, and most of all her gorgeous daughter. Katra stood there in front of Tina waving miserably. For a moment Casidy let the troubles sitting in the back of her mind to surface. This could be the last time that she ever saw her home and her all so new family. The last real goodbye could have been said, and she had known it. When she couldn?t see Katra anymore she turned around in her seat and sat back. Gator was looking at her tenderly. She looked at him and sighed.

?Watch the road.?

He turned his eyes back to the road, even though his attention might not be. Casidy closed her eyes and sighed again. Closing those thoughts back to where she had hid them in the first place. She opened her eyes again to see Gator staring at her again and she looked at him with frustrated eyes.

?Didn?t I tell you to put your eyes on the road dipshit??

He chuckled slightly and turned his eyes back to the road.

?I?m sorry if my attention turns to the gorgeous woman in the passengers seat and besides I was worried about how your feeling.?

She crossed her arms in front of her and looked at his gesturing toward the road.

?Well your gunna be worryin? bout your own health if you don?t watch the damn road there.?

He laughed and with a big smile turned his attention back to the road.

?Yes ma?m.?

A few minutes later he saw her fingers out of the corner of his eye turn the volume up on the radio. She flipped through a few stations til she finally landed on a station playing Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra. He turned his head slightly to see her singing along with the voice of an angel. He hated the music but loved her voice. It wasn?t that the music was bad or anything, it just wasn?t him. He reached over and changed the station. He heard her singing cut off. Very coolly she reached over and changed it back. He changed it again. She sighed almost un auditable under her breath and changed it again. He reached his fingers over to change it again.

?I swear Gator Allen..?

He turned the station back as she started to say his whole name.

?Ok you win.?

She laughed huskily not knowing for a second how sexy it was. He looked at her seeing a little smile on her face.

?Next time I take a finger if you change it.?

He looked at her shocked and pointed a finger unknowingly at her.

?It?s my truck Missy Ma?m.?

She smiled at him with devious eyes.

?And that finger will be mine if it changes my radio station again.?

He laughed and sat back knowing she meant every word.

They arrived at the basement level and Jack was there to meet them when they stepped out. Casidy smiled at Jack. Jack was just about the oldest vampire that she had ever met. And he ran things in the U.S. for the ?special? forces. He stretched his arms wide for Casidy and pulled her into a hug.

?Ah My Lovely Lady, it has been a week since I?ve seen your beautiful face.?

Casidy laughed.

?Yes the longest ever for you I reckon. You know Gator of course.?

Jack shook hands with Gator and smiled.

?I?m so jealous of you, you lucky dog. You get to spend time with this gorgeous creature.?

Casidy spoke before Gator could with a smile.

?A creature is exactly what I am. Jack dear will you show me my toys??