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Pushing Boundaries Ch. 01

By: ArtForm



NB: Kudos to my editor, wildheartedangel for staying by my side throughout my writing experience; giving comments and editing my work with patience and efficiency. I really appreciate it. Also to my blog readers who encouraged me to actually write this sequel out –thank you. J

This story's time line is situated somewhere after Into the Vampire's Lair and before The Hunters. If you haven't read those and don't wish to, it's okay because I think this story can stand on its own. 

With that said, I enjoyed writing this chapter very much and I hope you'll like it!

-Alice-

***

Alex was ten years old and he hated to play tea parties with his sisters and their silly girlfriends. Why oh why had Aunt Sydney and Aunt Fiona both had girls? 

"Come on Alex, stop being such a baby," said his eldest sister Clara. Alex pursed his lips as an answer. That was another thing he didn't understand. Why was it being born ten minutes after Clara and three minutes after Mira meant he was the youngest? They were all ten years old and he was much much bigger than both his sisters! 

"But you're still a baby. You carry that stuffed panda everywhere." Alex turned towards the voice and shot out a chilled look –one that he had learned from Uncle Alaron. 

"You shouldn't be reading people's minds. It's rude," he stuck out his tongue and hugged his panda closer. 

The blonde girl with sharp green eyes simply shrugged. 

"Just ignore him Keona. It's a girls party anyway," said a strawberry blonde girl. 

"Faith! You're supposed to be my cousin. You can't side with her!" said Alex in exasperation. Faith was Uncle Dominic's and Aunt Sydney's daughter and by blood relation alone should have been in his camp. 

But before she could reply, the door opened and two more girls came shrieking in, jumping on the beds with glee. Alex wrinkled his nose in disapproval. Girls shouldn't behave like that. 

"Oh, I'm sure you know all about girls, Alex," sniggered one of the new addition to the group. This one was called Naira and her giggling cousin was called Marine. The two of them often came to visit to play with Keona, their other cousin. Alex didn't mind Marine; she was nice for a Vampire but he hated the other two to the guts. They were younger than him by three years but he got bullied by them all the time. 

Almost on cue, Naira bobbed towards him and peered at his face with her big blue eyes -eyes she inherited from her mother. It winked at him as wolf eyes usually do but Alex didn't like it one bit... even if her mother was the one who'd always patch him up when he was injured. 

"Papa won't like hearing you say such things," warned Keona unapologetically. Alex snarled at her for he knew she was reading his mind... again. Alpha pup or not, Alex stuck out his tongue at her. 

Alex was ten and he hated girls. 

***

He really hated girls... okay, maybe not all girls but just two of the most annoying little brats in the entire world. 

Alex was sixteen –almost a man, in his opinion –and he just had his ass thrown into the lake behind Uncle Dominic's house. 

It really sucked to grow up with girls for he had no male peers to spar with. They were learning hand to hand combat for god sake! He'd never dare lay a hand on the girls and of course they used that to their advantage... like now. 

Dominic was frowning when Alex finally pulled himself out of the water. 

"You're not going to learn anything if you only block attacks," he lectured. 

"But Uncle... she's a girl!" he cried, pointing to Keona who was rolling her eyes at him. 

"She's a girl who can obviously read your attacks even before they happen. And you were so obsessed with blocking her that she literally pushed you until the edge of the bank."

Alex heard a giggle. Why are girls always giggling?

"And you... you know you're not supposed to use your abilities during sparring sessions," warned Dominic; his lips set in a straight line of disapproval. He knew that Naira was the one who had mentally 'pushed' Alex into the water. Keona on the other hand, never displayed her abilities outside the confines of her home. 

"But he's not my sparring partner. Faith is. That doesn't count," Naira said defiantly, grinning to the other girls. 

Alex heard his own two sisters giggling. They were such traitors. 

***

When Alex was eighteen, he decided he had enough of girls to last him a lifetime. That was why he was going to beg his Alpha not to send him to the same university as them. He'd die. 

After knocking on Eian's door, he waited for it to open and was surprised when cool green female eyes greeted him from behind the screen. 

"I'm here to see your Dad."

Keona didn't answer him but lifted the latch then disappeared. Alex always wondered how she could be so cold when her parents certainly weren't. Or maybe she reserved that only for him. 

"Alex baby is that you?" 

He winced. Fiona had been calling him that since forever. He was not a baby! 

"Uh, yeah. I'm here to see Eian..."

A minute later, Fiona appeared; a warm smile on her face. "Come, have a sit first. I want you to try something I've been experimenting with."

Alex froze. If Fiona was experimenting in the kitchen, that was always bad. She seemed to have picked up a liking for cooking but somehow cooking didn't like her back. But when she handed him the tray of cookies, he took one so as to not hurt her feelings. 

The sweet, buttery cookie melted in his mouth in an explosion and his hand reached out for another.

"Good?" she asked excitedly. "Kiki helped me with it. I think it's wolf magic or something coz every time I do it myself it turns out terrible!" she laughed. 

Kiki? Alex laughed out loud in his head and instantly regretted it. The hand holding his cookie suddenly decided to feed the cookie to his nose instead. 

"Keona..." It was a warning tone. 

Alex looked up. Alpha, his savior! Immediately the hold on his hand was gone. 

Eian took a seat beside his wife, opposite Alex and looked warily at the tray of cookies on the table. Sending a furtive glance to his wife, he picked up a cookie and dared himself to eat. 

"Keona helped her make it," said Alex; that statement alone sufficient to answer Eian's unspoken question. 

The two males grinned. 

"So why have you come here today Alex?" asked Eian. 

"I'd like you to consider sending me to another university... preferably out of the country."

Eian raised his eyebrow. That was a very daring request, for Eian never let the pups wander further than the UK. 

"Are the universities here not of your standard?" he asked calmly, aware that his protective vibe was brushing on the young wolf. 

"No they are not." That was a direct challenge but the Alpha wolf admired the boy for his spine. "They do not offer me independence from my sisters and most definitely do not distinguish me from any other packmates. I will have the same education as them and the same experiences as them. I want more."

Eian leaned back against the sofa and observed the boy before him. What had he been doing when he was eighteen? Eian paused to think... oh yes, he had been in one of the many territorial wars in France. But back then, children became men at a much younger age. This boy... was still a pup and against all his logic, he knew he should not allow him to leave the country. 

But instead he asked, "Where?"

"America."

"What! No! That's so unfair Daddy!" this came from the fifteen year old teenager stomping down the stairs; her blonde hair flying in her face. "I asked you first and you said no!"

Eian didn't bother to turn. They had talked about this many times and she knew his stand on the issue. She was his baby and since Fiona was a Vampire, she had to abide by the 100 year rule to have another child. There was no way in hell that he was ever going to let Keona out of sight. 

"Sweetheart... don't raise your voice like that," said Fiona, getting up to calm her daughter. Alex watched with interest at Keona's sudden outburst. She wasn't one to display emotions so openly and if his ears served him right, he could hear her sobbing. 

One point to Alex. 

Satisfied, he looked back at his Alpha and waited for the verdict. 

"Since you're now eighteen and officially an adult; you do not need to consult your parents on your decision. However, you should let them know... but I say yes."

Alex's smile was so wide that Eian couldn't maintain his stern look anymore. The boy's warmth as he hugged him melted whatever controlled anger he had for his daughter. 

"Thank you Alpha... you don't know how much this means to me. I won't let you down."

Eian smiled. "Prove it to me first then I'll believe you." 

***

Of course Eian wasn't going to let one of his pups live in a strange land all on his own. He knew there were wolf packs in America; some of which were probably part of his step-family but they held no loyalty to him. 

Picking up the phone, he called Alaron; hoping to entice his brother with a plan. 

"Hello? Give me a minute... Marine! You better clean up this mess before your mother gets home or else!" 

Eian could hear Marine shouting something and stifled a laugh. The girls were entering the puberty age and as Pearl warned him –PMS. 

"Oh hey Eian. What's up?" 

"I have a proposition for you."

"No can do puppy. I'm married and happy."

"Thank god for that," teased Eian. "Well, actually I called to know what you'd think of a full sponsorship for Marine to study in the US?"

Alaron was silent for a while, clearly thinking. "She's only thirteen Eian..."

"Yes I know," he sighed. "Actually, it's like this –Alex wants to study in America and although I said yes, I really would prefer if he had family with him and I don't mean his sisters. God knows they drive him insane."

"I'm listening..."

"I thought since Marine's about to enter high school, it won't be as traumatic as asking Faith, Keona or Naira to transfer schools. They'll probably claw my eyes out if I suggest it to them."

"And you think Marine won't? Her friends are here Eian..." 

"Marine has a very soft personality so my eyes are safe. Besides, Alex is most comfortable around her. Plus, he has this thing for you so maybe it's a spillover to your daughter too you know?"

Alaron rolled his eyes at that comment for he knew it was true. Alex, by some weird logic was very attached to him and looked up to him as much as he looked up to his own father.

"So you want me to move to America?" 

"I have to be honest Alaron. It's easier for Vampires to uproot but Weres live in packs. Draven's living in the compound only because of Amber and I can tell it stifles him. On top of that, he's on the board of Elders. He can't leave Europe. And since Vampires prefer to go solo that makes you the best option."

"Yeah yeah... okay. I love that brat anyway. I'll speak with Erika and pray she won't sucker punch me. She keeps forgetting she doesn't have human strength now." 

Eian laughed. "Thanks Alaron. I owe you one. Give the ladies my love."

*********************

4 years later

The rumble of his Suzuki GSX-R1000 came to a quiet din. With its sleek black body and aerodynamic cut, the motorcycle isn't over the hill, baggy, overweight or gutless. It was built for speed, a little thrill but with the benefits of comfort. Plus it was a chick magnet. 

Not that Alex needed it to attract the girls but it was an added bonus. 

"You are such a show off," said Marine, punctuating every word as she rolled her eyes at him. "All my friends are going to think you're my boyfriend!" she accused even as she turned her head cautiously to make sure no one was looking. "And you're late."

Alex threw the spare helmet in her direction and shrugged. "Thirty minutes isn't late. And if I were on time, your friends are going to start rumours that I'm your boyfriend... and that's bad why?"

"Because you're not..." she replied. "You're like the most annoying big brother ever... like ever." 

When she crossed her legs to ride pillion, Alex nodded and concurred, "Damn right I am and you're not having a boyfriend till you're thirty."

"What the..." her words were drowned by the sudden speed at which he accelerated the bike.

Alex could feel Marine gripping his waist, holding on for dear life but even with her body pressed against him, he didn't feel anything other than brotherly love for her. Sure, he had been annoyed when Eian told him Marine was going to study in the US too but somehow he had been relieved that he had a friend. 

Alex was aware that he was the only Werewolf in his school and while his human half disciplined him within the walls of the university, his feral side demanded release once in a while and the only person to understand that were Marine and her parents. 

So every Friday, he'd pick her up from school and they'd go running in the many national forests in California. He knew she was just keeping his wolf company but he appreciated it and in return, he watched over her. Of course she'd accuse him of scaring boys away and would get back at him by trying to outrun him... like today. 

His tongue was flapping out; gasping for air as he continued chasing her. He'd learn from a young age that Vampires were really fast and that's before you put Keona and Naira into the mix. They moved like lightning, it was scary at times. 

"Aren't you worn out yet?" asked Marine, running backwards to face him. She was grinning, knowing that she was taunting him but she didn't care. She enjoyed her runs with him and it helped hone this new skill she's discovered –moving faster than the speed of particles around her –literally stopping time. Of course, her parents didn't know this and she intended to keep it her little secret. 

Her cousins, Keona and Naira were exceptionally talented at copying other people's abilities and she didn't want to share hers with them. Being the only girl in the Culzean line that was not of mixed blood, she envied their ability and was so happy when she found out she was going to move to US. It wasn't that she didn't love her cousins; she did but sometimes they liked to treat her as a second class citizen and she didn't like that. 

"Goddamn it Marine! Where the hell are you?" Alex's voice cut through her thoughts and it occurred to her that she was moving so fast that he couldn't see her anymore. Alex must have shifted back or otherwise she wouldn't have heard him. Her Uncle Draven said that only mates or pack members could hear each others' thoughts. And she did not qualify for either.

Slowing down, she came into view and threw his bag pack with his clothes in front of him. She'd always tease that he made her carry his bag for him when she was the girl but really, the weight was negligible. 

Alex tugged on his jeans and slumped himself against a tree trunk, obviously worn out. 

"Good run," he said, panting slightly. "I didn't know you could run that fast."

"Oh... it's a secret," she said with a smile, sitting down cross legged opposite him. "So, have you made your decision?"

"Yeah," he snorted. "I'm continuing to law school. That's another three years of freedom."

They smiled at each other. Freedom was their little secret too. 

"But I'm finishing high school... I don't know if Daddy wants me to go back to UK. But I don't want to. I mean I don't even sound English anymore!"

Alex grinned. Losing their accent had been the first thing they did after their running sessions in the first year. For Alex, it was to fit in but for Marine, it was to create a new, more confident personality. 

A sudden movement in the trees wiped the smile off his face; predatory instincts on full alert. He sniffed the air but nothing was unusual and after a long while, he relaxed. It was probably just a squirrel or something. Still, his instincts told him it was time to leave. 

"Let's go home," he said, curling a protective arm around the seventeen year old he considered his younger sister. 

***

"The two younglings are problematic," this was voiced by a low, baritone-like voice... belonging to a woman. 

"Have you tracked their abilities yet?" said the man opposite her; his eyes flashing in the dark. But his words were not directed at the woman but at another man seated beside her. 

"They seem to display almost every possible ability that runs in their family," the man replied.

Silence surrounding them. 

"Hereditary?"

"The lab will need blood to confirm that."

"But you don't think so. Why?"

"The introverted one –the Alpha's youngling –she doesn't use any abilities outside her home. It's like she knows I'm watching. I cannot ascertain what she can or cannot do."

"Then you'd have to be careful. The other?"

"Full display of mind reading, mind control and healing manipulations but has trouble with foreseeing and reading emotions."

"Ironic... she has stronger ties to the grandparents providing the blood. What about their... other ability?" Disgust was apparent in his voice. 

"None. Data collected over five years proved no significant change."

"Good work soldier. This means the younglings are one of us. They belong to us," said the baritone voice woman. 

The other two men kept quiet. 

"What of the other girl?"

"No known manifest or latent ability Sir."

The man referred to as 'Sir' nodded in understanding. "As expected. It will take time for the ability to express but I want to know her status as soon as you find information on her ability."

"The other two subjects sir?"

"Keep an eye on the extrovert but do not approach subject without authorization."

"Yes Sir."

"As for the Alpha's girl, she is an unknown and therefore potentially dangerous. I want feelers out there. Report to me once you have more data. Is that clear?"

"Yes Sir."

"Dismissed."

***

Marine was sitting guiltily in front of her father and Alex; eyes darting desperately now and then to her mother seated beside her for support. 

"Who was that boy?" asked Alaron; his annoyance leashed only by Erika's warning face. 

"He's twenty Daddy not a boy! And he's just a guy!" 

Alex bared his teeth at her. "Just a guy would not maul you at the front of your doorstep."

Marine stared at him in disbelief. "He was not mauling me! It was just a kiss! Mom..." she turned with pleading eyes towards her mother. Erika was laughing; amusement flashing in her eyes. 

"Okay you two, cut it out. She's going to grow up stunted if you two don't back down."

"Thanks Mom..." smiled Marine, moving closer for a hug.

"Geez Honey, you spoil her rotten," said Alaron accusingly. 

"Yes I do and I will for the next eighty years."

Alaron raised his eyebrows at her. "Then?"

"Then we can have another one for me to spoil rotten." The adults proceeded to make googly eyes at each other.

"Oh man... you guys..." moaned Marine in embarrassment. It was bad enough that the Weres in the pack were all touchy-feely but you don't usually think of blood sucking Vampires as anything but cold and distant... 

"Oops, sorry baby," said Alaron, swooping down on his daughter to plant a kiss on her cheek. A minute later, he had scooped Erika off the sofa and went upstairs. Marine didn't want to imagine anything that'd make her throw up. 

"Gross..." she said when she heard the door slam. 

"Oh please. Have you seen my parents?" said Alex in amusement. "After all those years and they still can't get enough of each other."

Marine smiled. "That's nice isn't it?" 

Alex smiled back. "Yeah." He let a pause hang between them before continuing. "So this boy..."

"Drop it Alex." It was a command.

"I can't. It's instinctive," he grinned. Marine wrinkled her nose at him haughtily. 


Pushing Boundaries Ch. 01



"I don't remember sniffing around the girls you take around that silly contraption of yours."

"Sure you do or you wouldn't have known that I take them on my Suzie," he replied, referring to his Suzuki motorcycle. 

Her eyes flared open in curiosity and shock. "You don't really mean take them... like take them do you?" 

Alex shrugged and flashed her a charming grin. "Maybe." 

"Cassanova."

"Baby."

She threw a pillow at him. "At least I'm not the one who still sleeps with his stuffed panda!"

Alex's eyes widened. 

"Now I've got to strangle you to keep my secret safe."

***

Back in Culzean's Castle...

"Grandmama... do we really have to do this?" cringed Naira as she sat in front of Josephine; her back cradled in the ancient Vampire's lap. 

"Yes. You're becoming too absorbed with sharpening your attack abilities. I don't like that." Naira knew what her grandmother was referring to. At eighteen, Naira had almost honed her mental offence capabilities to knife points. She had no idea why her grandparents insisted on teacher her 'soft' skills of sensing emotions or interpreting the future. Both were weak and useless in combat. 

"You might see your opponent before they attack and you think that's useless?" Draven's voice interrupted her thoughts. The young girl scowled. Somehow her father didn't seem to want to teach her how to put up barriers to protect her mind from being read. 

"Serves you right," he said warningly. "I've told you many times not to read others' mind without permission and still you do it."

"Oh baby boy, you know she can't help it," Josephine defended. Draven paled at his mother's words. 

"Mother, you're going to spoil her if you don't instil discipline in her." His face was grim when she didn't reply him. "Alright, she's yours for now. Don't stress yourself out. There's still Gabriel to run after," said Draven, referring to the six year old terror of a brother. 

After Draven left, Naira lifted her face to stare at her grandmother. She'd always considered her mother the most beautiful of all but her grandmother was second on the list and both of them adored her. 

"Are you angry at me?" she asked innocently. 

"Of course not baby. But don't you go giving me that puppy face now."

Naira laughed and cuddled close to Josephine's body. Puppy was a reference to her status as a wolf pup within her mother's pack but in truth, Naira couldn't shift; not even to draw claws... and it bruised her ego. 

Her mother, Amber, had been trying to figure out the problem; obviously worried why her daughter couldn't shift. It was as if Naira only expressed the Vampiric blood in her genes and while she knew her mother didn't judge her for not being able to shift, she still felt the deep sadness in her soul. Maybe that's why she didn't like picking up on others' emotions. It sucks. 

***

Eian was standing with his arms crossed, staring at his daughter sitting on a chair opposite him. He didn't like doing this disciplining but he had no choice... especially when his daughter had just fought off a couple of the twenty-something year old male wolves. Okay... fought was too tame a word for she had throttled them and sent them landing on their ass. Eian sighed. 

Keona was only eighteen and she was already being challenged by the older wolves for dominance. He understood their curiosity. They wanted to 'test' this half-breed –oh he knew about the name calling –and rub it in her face that she wasn't able to shift. They weren't aware that by doing so they rubbed humility in his face too. He was the Alpha and if a group of young kids started questioning his genes, he was sure that sooner or later, some of his own Beta wolves might take up the hint and challenge his status. 

Not that it was a problem. A good display of dominance was always necessary to adjust to shifts within the pack hierarchy. It just so happened that no one in this pack had shown enough strength to take on an Alpha status... except now. 

Eian didn't want to think of himself as supporting nepotism but the fact was clear: Keona carried the scent of a very strong and very dominant female... except that she could never be a wolf... and by default would not earn the absolute trust or loyalty of the other wolves. 

As a father, it broke his heart. 

"You're supposed to be angry at me Daddy..." his daughter pointed out, in that cool, flat tone of hers. Apparently that was something she inherited from him. Girls were supposed to be bubbly and feisty like Fiona... but then again, Eian didn't think he'd like his baby girl so girly.

"Did you use your abilities?" he asked; knowing that while he was expected to ask the question, it was a great insult to his daughter that he even had to ask. 

"I never use my abilities outside the home. You know that. You made up the rules."

Eian's lips thinned to a line. Yes, he made rules... even more stringent ones specially imposed on his daughter and yet she heeded every one of them. He had to be harder on his daughter because he didn't want anyone in the pack to think he favoured one pup over another... but of course, he loved her the most as much as he loved her mother. 

Keona smiled –a rare delicacy –and Eian knew he couldn't stay angry with her for long. 

"Did you kick their asses good?" he asked, watching her drop her guard and smile even wider as she nodded. Eian smiled back. "Want to spar with me?" 

The smile widened into a laugh and Keona leaped off the sofa to jump onto her father. 

***

It was much later in the night... or early morning since the clock showed two o'clock that Alex curled himself into bed. It had been a very long day and Marine had exhausted him out yet again on their runs. He wouldn't admit it to her of course but she was getting better and faster. 

He snorted and a few seconds later fell into deep slumber. 

"RING!!!"

Alex groaned; his hand absentmindedly searching for his phone on his bedside table. 

"RING!!!"

"Where the fuck is that damn phone!" he roared; forcing himself to wake up to shut the bloody thing up. Werewolf hearing was so sensitive that even though a volume of 'one' was set on the ringtone, it echoed over and over in his head to the point of bursting. 

Stumbling out of his bed, he groped for the jeans that he'd toss carelessly on the floor and found the bane of his existence. His eyes were still blurry as he tried to find the right button to cancel the call when he noticed the number. 

"Shit!" he pressed the call retrieve button instead. "Hey Alpha..."

"You don't sound pleased to hear me," said the voice on the other line. 

"Uh... it's kinda two in the morning Eian..."

"Oh, I'm so sorry Alex... I keep forgetting the time difference. Should I call back?"

Alex stifled a yawn. "No, it's okay."

"Good, 'cause I wasn't planning on calling back." Alex managed not to roll his eyes. "I'd like you to come home and see your family Alex. You've only come home twice over the past four years and you know how dangerous it is not to bond with the pack."

"I have Marine and her family. I bond..." he replied defiantly. 

"I mean with actual wolves Alex. But this is not a request. This is an order. At least come home and rub noses before you disappear for another few years."

He reined his wolf's growl and muttered, "Okay. I'll arrange for the flight tomorrow morning."

"Good. Sleep well Alex. I'll see you soon." Then he disconnected. 

Alex didn't bother crawling back to bed. He simply passed out on the floor; face down and snored his worries away for the next five hours. 

***

1 week later

The grim, rain-bound skies of London greeted Alex the moment he stepped out of Heathrow Airport. He had expected his family to pick him up but to his surprise, he didn't see or scent anyone familiar. He had scanned the entire arrival area for familiar faces but none came up to him to say, "Hey!" or "Welcome home!" Strange. 

He debated whether to simply take a cab or call one of his sisters to fetch him. He knew they should be back in the compound now that they've finished their bachelor degrees. Neither Clara nor Mira had plans to further their studies and he knew that they'd rather stay in the pack and start finding their mates soon. 

"Women!" he muttered, chuckling to himself. "Ah well, cab it is."

He was walking towards the line of cabs when someone waved a hand directly in front of his face. 

"Alex?" 

Pushing the hand away, he turned to catch a glimpse of the perpetrator. She was cute but nothing special. Pass.

"Maybe."

Then he continued walking. He had no idea who she was so what's the point of talking to strangers right? 

"So maybe Alex, would you like a lift back home or would you rather behave like you have a stick up your arse?" 

Geez! Haven't heard that word in a long time. 

"Yeah well. Come on. Everyone's waiting at home," she said.

Alex frowned then came closer to sniff at her. Immediately she stiffened. 

"This is why we do not let dogs out in public," she warned, clutching the lapels of his coat. 

"Oh Naira... come on. You're such a meanie!" he complained but followed after her nevertheless. 

"Yeah yeah. Took you so bloody long to recognize me. You walked right past me and acted as though I was part of the wall!"

"Well, you don't look like a skinny lizard anymore so you can't blame me! But I knew I should have stopped when I saw your face. It still has that cross-eyed lizard thingy that looked vaguely familiar... oww!" he winced when she smacked his head. 

"Welcome home Alex," she grinned when he growled at her. "Get in. I think they're having a party in your honour."

Alex rolled his eyes and opened the door to the backseat. There was no way he was going to risk anymore bodily harm in the presence of the still skinny but taller and more violent nineteen year old. Naira never paid much heed to the fact that she shouldn't use her abilities and he knew first hand just how lethal she could be when angered. 

"How was your A'levels?" he asked a while later. 

"Good actually... well, not as good as Keona's but I should be able to get into one of the universities."

"And she?"

Naira shrugged. "You can ask her later. Fiona's in charge of the cookout so Key's there to make sure we don't get poisoned."

Alex caught Naira's eyes in the rear view mirror and grinned. Well... some things never changed. 

***

Okay, he was wrong. Some things do change... and he noticed. 

Prying his eyes away from the slender girl/woman for the hundredth time that night, Alex tried to focus on what his mother was saying. 

"Oh babycakes... I don't want you to stay in the States anymore! I miss you so much. Why don't you do your studies here?" asked Pearl in her most persuasive voice. Alex almost got suckered. 

"Mama, I've already received the acceptance letter..."

"Oh pish! You can always transfer! We have Cambridge, Oxford..."

"I love you Mama but excuse me," he said, leaning forward to give her a tight hug before escaping from her grip. 

Making sure he stayed close to the shadows, Alex crept his way to the back entrance of his Alpha's house. Since Fiona had insisted on hosting the welcome home party, they had utilized her backyard for a cozy little family gathering. Both she and Eian were busy at the grill at the moment so he knew this was his chance to find his prey. 

He could scent her; a scent so heady he was sure she poured a whole bottle of perfume on herself. However Keona wasn't the kind to put herself on display –neither abilities nor emotions and definitely not her sexuality. 

He continued following her scent and for a split second almost didn't sense someone coming from behind. 

"Why are you looking for me?" she asked in a flat, almost bored tone. 

"Who said I was?"

"You kept looking at me the whole night... I suppose you had something you wanted to say to me?" She didn't sound too excited about this. 

"Err... nothing."

"I'm in my home," was her simple warning. To an outsider it wouldn't mean a thing but to pack members, it meant that she was fully capable of exercising her abilities because her home was the only place she was allowed free reign. 

But Alex wasn't intimidated. If he could handle Naira's bullying, he could handle Keona. The two girls were of the same age and the same mixed parentage so they should have the same strengths and abilities. 

"You look... different. I wasn't sure if it was you at first and I wanted to tell you that my wolf likes what it sees." 

She raised one eyebrow at him but displayed no emotion –not even a flicker of pleasure at his words. Other female Weres would have been pleased at the compliment... but of course Keona wasn't a Werewolf and her inability to shift into wolf form intrigued everyone. 

"If you have nothing else to say, then you should return to your family. I think they're about to leave. Goodnight Alex," she said before turning to go up the stairs. 

"Wait!" Alex blurted. Why'd he ask her to wait for? She was staring at him now, with that jaded look in her eyes. "Umm, I'll be here for a couple of days and I know it's your holidays now..."

"Get to the point Alex." It was an order. 

Alex heard his wolf huffing in annoyance. Did this gangly creature just tried to boss him around? Alex frowned at his wolf. Gangly? Didn't it just whistled at the sight of her like an hour ago? Stupid animal!

"Actually, I wanted to ask you to go out with me but..." he was raised a wolf; he knew what she was trying to do by giving him an order. It was a dominance test and since she started it, he'll play along. "I'll meet you at your front yard at 8am. Hand-to-hand combat; no wolf, no abilities. If I win, I get to date you for a day."

She smirked, clearly interested now. "And if I win?"

"Then you can torture me to sweet death for the whole week," he said, flashing her his charming smile. "Not that I won't enjoy every minute of it."

She was about to argue when he leaned forward to press his lips against hers; just a peck. It startled her enough that she stepped back in alarm, covering her mouth with her hands in shock. 

"See you tomorrow morning," he grinned. Two points to Alex. 

***

At 7.50am, Alex was already at his Alpha's house. Somehow the news of their 'showdown' had spread for they had a few spectators waiting eagerly for them. 

"What is this I hear about you going on a date with my daughter?" asked Eian protectively. 

"You did not hear wrong Alpha but you missed out the part where I'd have to knock her off her feet first."

"Oh Alex!" Fiona appeared from the kitchen; her face flustered and worried. "This is ridiculous! You don't have to do this you know. It's not like she gets asked out much..."

"Mummy!" Keona intervened. Alex raised his head up in time to catch a blush on her face. Good. If she can blush that means all is not impossible. 

"Good morning contender," he greeted, smiling at her. Alex knew she was trying not to scowl at him. It made him even more eager to draw those rare emotions out of her. Oh he's so going to enjoy this. 

"I'll wait for you outside," she said tonelessly but not before flicking a trembling gaze at her father. 

Eian simply shook his head and ushered her out, leaving Fiona and Alex alone in the living room. 

"Don't you hurt my baby!" she warned before letting out a long sigh. "Sometimes I wonder if she should have been born a boy instead. And that Eian! Always encouraging her to be so... manly! I can take stubborn and bitchy but not this... argh!"

"I won't hurt her... I promise," said Alex, drawing Fiona in for a hug. "Wish me luck!"

Then he jogged out to the front yard. 

Keona had taken off her baggy sweatshirt and was dressed in one of those tight lycra t-shirts and just ordinary shorts. He'd seen her wear these many times but somehow now that she had curves filling out the loose material it was distracting him. She looked so small and feminine...

In contrast, Alex wasn't beefy. In fact he didn't go to the gym much and the only exercise he had was running in the forests. But he knew he was much bigger than her. So? He's not giving baby punches. 

"Okay kids. Three rounds. Two out of three wins is the winner. Mortal combat only –that goes for you too Alex. Keona won't use her abilities." 

Alex nodded. Taking his place opposite Keona, he took his stance and waited...

"3, 2, 1... fight!"

Alex didn't hesitate. His right fist came swooping down, intending to block her first punch... except that a blink of an eye later, he was on his ass. 

"What the?" he stared up at her face. She freaking did an Uchi Mata on him! Basically what she did was to use his own force of energy to 'swing' him downwards; using her inner thigh to kick him off balance and pin him down. Damn!

Alex scrambled to his feet and saw Eian's beaming face. "My baby wins this round," he smiled. 

"Ok. You've improved. I'll just have to up my game now," he muttered under his breath. 

The second round was intense. The two of them remained in a low stance position, simply circling each other, waiting for the other to deliver the first strike. Alex didn't trust himself this time so he waited. 

Her leg moved so fast that he barely caught a blur of her toe missing his neck and thanked god that he jumped backwards in time to evade her kick. It was a good move. Basic but she upped it by moving just that one kick close to 40mph. In other words, if he got hit, his vocal chords might have ruptured. 

"So you're a kicker huh? But not good enough." he whispered; barely audible to taunt her. 

Her eyes flared upon hearing it and as expected, she charged at him with another kick... but he was ready for her. She shouldn't have used the same leg twice, he mused. Silly mistake. The moment her right leg moved, he came at her, pressing his left arm on her right shin to grab the leg before it could execute its kick. Then he used his own left leg to kick her only remaining leg on the ground; effectively destabilizing her and knocking her flat on her back. 

She screamed. 

It wasn't pain but pure anger. Alex smiled. So she kicks and screams. Sexy. 

Eian however wasn't looking too happy when he rounded them up for the last round. But Alex had a feeling that the Alpha was trying his best to be fair. He managed a grin towards him before returning his gaze to his beautifully angered opponent. 

"Fight!" Eian's voice echoed between them for this time, neither Alex nor Keona moved; simply staring at each other in concentration... as though trying to read each other. Alex knew she could read him –and she could but would she? –no, she would never. Since young, they'd been paired up (why?) but she never used anything but her own human force to win or lose a match. 

Damn damn him! Thinks he's so sexy and suave. I'll kick his balls I swear I'll kick it so hard...

"Keona?" Alex was stunned. He cannot read minds... and definitely not her mind. "Umm... I'd like to keep my balls safe please."

He didn't give her time to react; striking a low kick that landed his heel directly against her abdomen. She was thrown back a little but still on her feet... and she was angry. Alex wasn't sure if she was angry at the fact that he had caught her off guard or that he had heard her thoughts. Probably both, he mused. 

Alex couldn't help it. He grinned. The first lesson in combat training was not to feel anything for your opponent –no pity, no concern and definitely no anger. Anger would work against yourself... like now. It's sambo-time. 

Sambo stands for some complicated Russian word that Alex could not pronounce but he knew the technique well. He learnt it in the illegal street-fight tournaments his friends dragged him to. Oops. 




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 01



Okay time to focus. Keona's stance showed that she wasn't going to use her leg so when her left fist aimed at his chest, Alex moved just slightly to the side; grabbing her left wrist and pushing at her left shoulder at the same time. He ignored her right hand punch in his ribs but focused on twisting her left arm to the point where she could no longer take the pain...and then he used his toes to kick her calves just slightly to flip her down on her back. 

Game over. 

She didn't scream this time but closed her eyes and betrayed no emotion on her face. 

"I'd like to say congratulations but as you can see my baby's pride is wounded," said Eian in what sounded like amusement and concern. "Come pick her up in an hour. I'll dress her down."

"Yes Sir," replied Alex; his eyes twinkling with mischief. 

***

Alex was heading to the bathroom when his mother accosted him along the corridor. 

"Alexander Michel MacFarlane! You stop right there this instant!" 

He tried to flash her his most charming smile, hoping to wheedle his way out of her nagging. 

"Yes Mama?"

"Did. You. Just. Kick. Your. Date. To. The. Ground????" Alex groaned. Why'd she have to punctuate every single word like that? 

"Yeah, so?"

"Don't give me that tone, young man."

"Yes Mama I did. I played fairly."

She pursed her lips and stared at her son for a minute. "So did she say yes?"

Alex couldn't hold back his laughter and a second later, Pearl joined him. "Yeah. I'm picking her up in an hour," he managed to wheeze out. "Shoo Mama. I need to wash this grime off."

Pearl, being the maternal wolf that she was, leaned back against the wall and laughed/cried. 

***

Exactly an hour later, Alex stood outside his Alpha's house, dressed in casual jeans and a simple white t-shirt. He had managed to tame his black curls somewhat and if the American girls found him hot, he didn't see why Keona wouldn't. Unless of course she was too mad to see beyond his charm and try to murder him during their date. 

When the door opened, Alex wasn't surprised to see Fiona first with his date hidden behind her. 

"Now, you take care of my little girl and make sure you get her home by 9pm. Are you driving?"

"He can't drive Mummy. He doesn't have a car licence." Alex swore he heard contempt in her voice. 

"Oh well, that's good 'cause I was going to say no drinking and driving," she said. "Well then... have fun you two." Then she pushed her daughter to the light and closed the door. 

She was wearing a pair of faded jeans and a plain black t-shirt that must have been at least four sizes bigger than her frame and old sneakers.

"Honey, you're going on a date. Wear something decent," he commented, catching the slight fire in her eyes. 

"Don't call me honey and I can wear whatever I choose to wear," she replied angrily. 

Alex broke out in laughter. "Honey, I earned the right to call you whatever I want for today. I won fair and square so you're mine... so go and put on something girly for godsake. Shoo."

The door opened even before Keona reached it. Alex barely saw Fiona's hand grabbing her daughter before the door closed but he managed to hear Fiona chide, "I told you so."

About ten minutes later, she came out –ran out more like it –and was still wearing her faded jeans but paired with a tight fit lace top... and heels. 

"Okay, that's much better," said Alex. He wanted to say 'hot' but feared his life might be in jeopardy. Those heels look lethal.

"Alright now. She's decent," said Fiona with a laugh. "Oh and Alex, I want that blouse back in one piece so please, no fighting."

"Err, yes ma'am." Then turning to his date, he smiled and purposely slipped his hand into hers. "So do you want to catch a movie first or grab a bite?" 

Keona was really trying not to focus on his hand so she pretended not to care and gave him a shrug. 

He responded by laughing and squeezing her hand tight. Oh boy... this was going to be a long, torturous date. 

***

To his surprise, it turned out better than he expected. Maybe his date didn't really get out much and although she tried to hide her excitement, he could feel it; a steady beat at the pulse on her wrist... and Alex would know since he made the effort to touch her at every opportune moment. 

She'd freeze up each time and give him her cold stares but Keona was a woman of her word. Since he had won fair and square, according to pack rules, that meant he earned the right over her for whatever length of time stated prior to the match. She was thankful that he hadn't demand dominance rights and had asked for just a date. But who was she kidding huh? 

"So, I heard from Naira aka the wicked witch of the west that you did well in your A'levels. So what are your plans now?"

She didn't answer straight away. Instead, she twirled her pasta lazily with her fork before bringing it to her mouth in what should have been a perfectly innocent gesture... except that Alex found it incredibly sexy and inviting. 

"Stop looking at me like that... please."

"Why?" he asked curiously. 

"Never mind," she replied. Admitting that his stares were affecting her meant he had more control over her emotions than necessary. She didn't like that. "Maybe I should consider law."

"No!" his sudden outburst surprised her. "I mean... yes you can do law... but not in the States."

His ridiculous answer angered her. Frowning, she angled her head up and replied, "Why? Don't want me to find out about your girlfriend?" The realization that he might actually have one annoyed her. Not that she'd ever admit that. "I don't think she'd appreciate you dating other girls."

"It's okay. You're not a girl." 

Her fork dropped absently onto her plate. She was about to reach over and punch him when he shook his finger at her. "Play nice honey. Your mom wants that blouse in one piece remember?"

She narrowed her eyes at him and replied through gritted teeth, "Then I'll take it off first before I swipe that stupid grin off your face."

He only laughed and shook his head. "Not tonight."

Keona started stabbing a piece of prawn on her plate with her fork and eating it angrily. What the hell was "not tonight" supposed to mean? 

Alex was smiling of course, aware that he was teasing and pushing her beyond her limit but his wolf liked to play... and play dangerously at that. His leg brushed against hers, rubbing itself against her calves; aware that while her heartbeat was increasing, she was putting on a poker-face. He'll change that. 

"If you play nice for the rest of the night maybe I'll let you take off your blouse and swipe at me. But if you're really really nice, I might even consider letting you pin me down after that."

The sexual implication of it was subtle but it wasn't missed. She blushed; the red burning up her neck so vividly to stain her white cheeks. 

"I don't play with puppies. Sorry." Her tone was flat but her eyes were hard and angry. "You know what? I think I know what I'm going to study in university now. You've given me a good idea."

Alex stopped teasing. "What?"

"I'll be a coroner. I'll make it my life ambition to actually get you on top of my examination table."

"Ouch. Honey, you're sexy when you're angry. I'd love to let you examine me on your table any time but I don't do necrophilia."

Then Keona did the most unexpected thing: she laughed –a warm, throaty kind of laugh that shouldn't have belonged to a nineteen year old body. 

"Alex, I've missed you," she admitted and smiled, reaching out to take his hand. 

Alex allowed her to touch him but was wary. Ironically now that she had lowered her guard, she somehow had the upper hand for he didn't know how to handle 'girly' Keona. Shit, what was she doing to his arm? Why is she rubbing slow circles on his skin?

He pulled his hand away slowly, ignoring his inner wolf's protest. Damn beast was such a flirt. 

After their movie, they had walked home because he wanted to spend a bit more time talking to her without having others eavesdropping on them on the bus. Plus he liked the feel of her hand holding his. 

"The last time you held my hand like this was when we had to play house. Remember?" she laughed, swinging his hand. "I know you hated it."

"You think? I always have to be the daddy. Urgh."

Keona laughed. "Yeah... when you should have been the baby. Still keep Mr. Panda around?" she teased. 

Alex was grateful that it was dark for he didn't want her to see him blush. "No."

"Liar..." she whispered. 

They walked in silence after that, holding each others' hand until they reached the edge of the compound. 

"Why are you so nice to me?" he asked suddenly, stopping to face her. 

"You earned that right," she whispered, moving close to press her head on his chest. "I don't have a wolf inside me to tell me what to do but my instincts tells me it's alright to trust you."

"But you're never like this... ever."

"Oh that's because you've never seen me inside the house with my parents."

"You mean you're actually... affectionate?"

She smiled against his chest. "Pack needs touch Alex... and they need to bond." Okay she had a point. He closed his hands around her, holding her just for a while more. When he let her go, their hands linked once more and they entered the lush green fortress of their compound. 

"You've really improved Alex," she said after a while. 

"Yeah? So have you."

She smiled. "Wanna know a secret?"

"If you tell me then it won't be a secret anymore right?"

"Then it'll be our secret," she whispered. "You know all those times I said I never used my abilities outside my home? Well, I lied."

"I knew it," said Alex who was surprisingly not angry at her. 

"I'm not done yet." She squeezed his hand slightly. "I'd always 'suggest' to whoever's our trainer to pair us up. Always. But that's the extent of me using my powers outside."

Alex stopped walking, clearly stunned at this revelation. "Why?"

She smiled. "Because I like you."

"What???" Alex was going to have a heart attack. 

"Okay maybe not. I just wanted your toys," she teased and saw him scowl. "Well, you always get bullied by all of us and the girls were prone to cheating... especially Naira. She'd use her abilities during training and make you look weak when you're actually not." She paused to look at him kindly. "And I'd know because I took many blows from you and they hurt like hell but I played fair and I gave you a fighting chance by pitting us on equal grounds."

"Oh man..." Alex slapped a hand over his face. "I really gave my best punches because I thought you'd at least use your abilities to heal or something. Damn. I punched a girl!" 

"I thought you said I wasn't a girl?"

He smiled and moved closer. "You're more woman than girl now and like I've said before, my wolf approves." Then he kissed her. It was sweet and gentle... a sign of trust. 

When they pulled away, she smiled before looking down at his jeans pocket. "Someone's about to call you," she said just a few seconds before the phone actually ring. 

"Should I answer it?" 

Keona blinked. He needn't ask her permission. "Sure."

Alex dug his phone out, stared at the number and smiled. "Hey Sweetie..."

"Alex... when are you coming home? I miss you!" 

"I'm going to be here for a week I think. I'll be home soon. I promise."

"I wanna go running... but Daddy doesn't let me."

"Don't worry... we'll run together once I'm back okay? Now be good."

"Okay, I love you."

"I love you too."

When he disconnected the call, he turned only to find cold, impassionate eyes looking at him. He didn't think much of it at first but as he came closer to hold her hand again, he saw the slight tremble on her lips... then she ran. 

He blinked back in confusion for a few seconds before giving chase but she was really fast. By the time he reached her front door, she was already inside and the person who greeted him was none other than his Alpha. 

"Slightly later than curfew but that's not why I'm standing here glaring at you," he said. 

"I'm sorry Alpha... she misunderstood..."

Eian cut him halfway. "Right now, I'm not your Alpha but Keona's father. There's a difference my boy. As an Alpha, I understand these petty things you younglings undergo. It's part of growing up and normal in a pack. But as her father, I am not that understanding. I can scent you on her. What did you do to her?"

"I didn't do anything! I swear. I hugged her... like any other pack member would."

"And?"

"And I kissed her... once!" 

"You kissed my girl?" Oh boy was he in deep shit now for Eian's eyes had widened. "That's it young man. You better get your butt home this second before I tear your limbs apart."

"Yes Sir!" Then he was gone. 

His mother stood at the door, waiting for him with her arms opened. What is it with mothers and knowing exactly when their kids are in trouble?

Alex didn't say anything but buried his face against her neck. 

Damn! Alex was twenty-two and he wished he didn't stop hating girls. 



Pushing Boundaries Ch. 02



How did she make even walking look sexy? Deina was getting ready to leave her house, packing her car with her back bag and gym bag. A low growl erupted from his chest; Deina was bending over to pick up a dropped book. Those low hanging shirts she loved wearing revealed just the top of her breast, not all of it just a teasing glimpse. Tingles ran across his lips, he was dying to take a bite of her, to run his tongue over every inch and millimeter of her skin. Maybe she would let him suck on her breast; he would make sure those beautiful nipples of hers were erect. He wondered if she would have chocolate kiss nipples or were they saucer shaped, either way he would take his time biting and sucking her delicate flesh. He knew his baby girl wouldn't be some prude when he got her in the sheets, she would be a wild vixen. He had a couple of naughty fetishes that he only wanted Deina playing out for him, no other woman would do, no other could fulfill his needs like he knew her body could and would. 

Only a few naughty thoughts about Deina and he was already was hard as a rock but he couldn't stop thinking about her luscious skin. She was making it even worse when her shirt shifted up slightly and he got a glimpse of her midriff. That tantalizing exposure of skin sent his thoughts whirling. Hopefully she tasted like cocoa, it was a cliché to think of a black girl tasting like any type of chocolate but he couldn't help himself. He knew she would taste luscious and chocolate was delicious and sweet like her. God he sounded like a pansy hopelessly in love with some fantasy girl he couldn't attain. Getting a boner right before he was supposed to put the moves on Deina wasn't really a good thing so he shifted himself in his pants and stored the images of him sucking on her breast for a later date. Forget this he mentally goaded himself. David ran outside towards Deina's car. 

"Hey Deina!"

"David."

"Mind giving me a ride to school?"

"You have your own car."

"For some reason my damn car won't start."

She stared at him for a moment, contemplating on what to do.

"Get in, shut up, and don't touch anything."

"Oh feisty, I like that." He said with a wink.

He opened her car door and waited for her to climb in. She eyed him warily he was being nice, too nice. Those sparkling green eyes of his were disasters waiting to corrupt some innocent little girl. Climbing into the car acting as if she didn't care what he did or didn't do, she started the car. David ran to the other side of the car and climbed in before she could change her mind and leave him. Deina started to pull out of the drive way and head toward school.

"So, why did you really need a ride to school?" she said not even looking in his direction.

"I like riding with you, beautiful." He winked cheekily. 

"Cut the crap what do you want?"

"Why do you always think I want something?"

"That's your personality Dave. You always do things for a reason, and usually that reason only benefits you."

"Can't I just want to be with you Deina?"

"No." she stated in a dead pan voice.

She could smell his bullshit a mile away, how do you hit on a girl who knows every stupid shitty thing you did and more? She probably knew every pick up line he ever used every sleezes trick he used to get girls in bed and much more. Why was that because he had told her ever thing because she was his confidant. Maybe he should take the direct approach with Deina, she hated beating around the bush and wasting time. That's what always kept them going when they were younger maybe it would still work to this day. Deina didn't know what David was up to but it must be something, every time he gave her that little wink he somehow convinced her to get into some type of shenanigan.

"Let's go on a date Friday."

"Was that a question or a statement?"

"Statement."

"No."

Deina whipped her little beetle bug into a parking space, cut off the car, and got out, grabbing her stuff on the way. She made no eye contact with him didn't even wait for him to get out of her car, while waking toward school. He knew Deina well enough to know that she was pissed; she always avoided eye contact when she was pissed off. Once, when they were twelve, she looked him in the eye when they were having a fight and he had ended up with a broken arm and several bruises to the mid-section. But they were older now and he easily out weighed and was much stronger, besides he loved ruffling her feathers. She was cute when she got mad. Her cheeks got rosy, her already dark brown eyes got darker, and she bit her very full plump bottom lip. 

"Why?"

"I don't want to go on a date with you. Now if you would like to help my little sister and I bake cookies for her school on Thursday you are welcome to come by."

"I'll take what I can get." He stated with a smirk.

"I don't know what you're up to David but I am not going to be some pawn in your little game."

"Don't worry Deina." You're no pawn sweetheart you are the prize. 

..............................................

Deina was pissed, not angry but utterly pissed off at one David Corella. All day long he was touching her in slight subtle ways. Not blatantly sexual touches but slow delicate touches that made her jumpy all day long. She was very attracted to David they had been friends for years and she watched him go from cute to sexy throughout the years. She knew the attraction wasn't shared because David dated more girls then a Macy's one day sale could attract. It was never a really big deal because as long as the temptation wasn't reciprocated then she felt she was safe in denying her interest. But now with his forward behavior it was driving her insane. 

While she was talking with a group of their mutual friends he had come up behind her without warning and wrapped his arm around her waist. Everyone acted as if it were normal, while the contact his hand was making with her body was burning her through her clothes. It was the beginning of November, cold as hell yet she felt like a furnace from his simple touch but yet she craved that he would touch her even more. When he started to move his hand up and down her back that's when she almost jumped out of her skin. Chills were running up and down her body, from head to toe. Everyone looked at her as if she was out of her mind. David knew though, he had Deina acting like a scared kitten. Making up some excuse about being late she ran away from her friends and David, hoping she could dodge David for the rest of the day. He watched with a grin at heer retreating form.

For most of the day dodging David was successful. She knew his entire schedule and wasn't going to let him play her like one of his stupid bimbos. Now school was over and she stood in the gym serving volleyballs like crazy trying to get out her anger. Picturing every single ball as David's stupid but sexy face; his strong jaw, his short black hair, and those beautiful green eyes with gold flecks in them, made the perfect target practice to perfect her already deadly serve. Especially those beautiful green eyes of his, she didn't even know that a guy's eyes could be so beautiful until she met David. His eyes always seemed to be so intense, that it took her breathe away. It was always beautiful too look at him when he was excited, enraged, or passionate about anything, he looked as if he could conquer the world if he set his sexy little mind to it. And that set her off even more because she found herself wanting to pin him down and have her naughty way with him when she knew that wouldn't be a good idea. All she could think about all day long was how badly she wanted to kiss those full lips, only in order to whip that handsome smirk off his face that seemed to be permanently set there just to annoy her. How dare he be so confident in himself when she felt like an awkward teenager going through puberty all over again whenever she made eye contact with him for more than five seconds? She started pounding the ball even harder then before, with the thought of how David made her feel. 

David just watched Deina smack the hell out of her volleyballs, her anger was almost tangible. She was still damn adorable like that though, especially when the sweat on her face made her pixie hair cut stick to her cheeks. How badly did he want to kiss that frown off of her pouty little mouth. By the way she was serving those balls though he thought if he tried anything his balls might be next.

"Hit that ball any harder and you're liable to break someone's nose sweetheart"

"Am not your sweetheart and a little blood never hurt anyone."

"Tell that to the city morgue."

"What are you doing here David?"

"You've been avoiding me all day, why?"

"Ever think I just didn't want to see your ugly mug today?"

"No and to bad baby girl cause you're my ride home."

Damn she had forgotten, that meant she would have to wait for him after practice. With a grumble she turned toward David. He was leaning against the wall like he had not a care in the world. His arms crossed over his broad chest, showing off the very impressive muscles in his arms and chest. That broad chest was an enticing invitation to lay your head on and he was so tall. Tall guys were really her preference and at six feet and four inches he dwarfed her five feet eight inch self. Denying her attraction to the well muscled man in front of her wasn't possible but she could only disguise it as annoyance. 

"Wh....what did you come here for David."

He walked toward her until he stood so close she could feel his body heat.

"Don't ignore me baby girl, am not going anywhere. Why are you running from me." Her heart started beating like a tambourine.

"Fine. You're being weird today. Straight forward, frank, and you've never touched me before like you did today, this is totally out of character for you."

He took her into his arms and pulled her flush against his chest. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he slowly felt up and down her sides and back. Damn, her body was perfect like a pin up girl. Her waist felt smaller then it looked but her hips flared out to accommodate that magnificent ass of hers, she had the perfect curves. How had he ignored her for so long, how could he not have seen the beauty that had blossomed from his best friend? 

"How is that am touching you Dee?" His voice turned huskier then usual.

"David let me go this instance, am not one of your tricks you can run game on."

"What if am not running game Dee, what if I seriously want you."

A laugh bloomed in her chest.

"You are always running game Dave. It's what you've done since I've known you"

She threaded her fingers through his short hair and pulled his head down to hers and whispered in his ear to illustrate her point, 

"Even if you did want me babe you could never have me."

He ran his lips on the shell of her ear, "Don't be so confident sweetheart, I fight for what I want." 

Chills ran through Deina's body and settled between her thighs as a smoldering heat that wanted Dave to put it out. Deina's nipples were begging her for some type of touch; anything at this point would do to alleviate the ache. She pushed her breast into his chest a little to satisfy her hormonal demands and feel the rub of his hard muscle against her soft flesh. This would definitely go down as an erotic moment to dream about later. Just when Deina contemplated killing Dave with death by kisses, steps could be heard coming into the gym. Mutually both Deina and David let each other go and stepped away quickly. Before David left the gym for Football practice he whispered in Deina's ear.

"Let the fight begin." 

Deina had a bad feeling that no one was going to win this fight. 



Pushing Boundaries Ch. 02



NB: As always, credit goes to wildheartedangel for editing this chapter. Enjoy!

*** 

5 years later

Alex was officially a junior associate of Beck, Johnston and partners. At twenty-seven, he was considered very lucky to have been offered a job even before he passed the bar examinations. And he earned it –spent the last five years studying hard and working pro bono at the legal clinic; sacrificing the parties, the girls, the trips back home –

Marine called it avoidance but Alex considered it strategic risk taking. And all that hard work has paid off hasn't it? 

So today, he was going to celebrate; spoil his precious Marine silly with his first month's pay. He'd promised to take her shopping and knowing how she loved to shop, had promised no limits on what she could purchase. 

Not wanting to be late, he rushed towards the lift, just in time before the doors closed. 

"Hey new guy," said the only other person in the lift. Alex looked up to see a colleague smiling at him. Alex recognized him immediately. He was about an inch taller than Alex and had classic sharp features than women would describe as handsome. "I'm Riley Eos."

"Oh hi. I'm Alex MacFarlane. You're the guy who's been on leave the whole week right?"

Riley laughed. "Yeah. Damn cold."

"Feeling better?"

"I am. Want to go for a drink? My treat for the new guy," he offered with a wide smile. 

Alex knew that his position as the newest staff would benefit from this small socializing. Riley was at least three years his senior and in the legal world you'd have to know whose boots to lick in order to get far –or so his roommate school said. But Alex had made a promise to Marine and he didn't want to break her heart. 

"Maybe another day Riley. I've got a date."

Riley gave a low whistle. "Geez new guy. You're a fast one. First month on the job and already you've found a girl. Can I meet her?"

Alex laughed. "Sure. She should be waiting at the lobby."

A moment later, the two men strode across the lobby towards the sofas that were placed in the waiting area. 

"Jesus Alex. You're dating Jade Raymond?" said Riley. 

"Who?" Alex was perplexed. Did his colleague mistake Marine for someone else?

"Never mind. It was a compliment actually. Your lady's a beautiful woman."

Alex frowned. Was Riley trying to hit on his Marine? No way in hell. 

"Hey Alex!" squealed Marine in excitement when she spotted him. Dressed in simple jeans and a cardigan over a faded t-shirt, she never turned heads... maybe until now. 

"Hey Sweetie," he said as he hugged her. 

"Are you going to introduce us?" urged Riley. 

No, not really. 

"Oh well... Marine, this is my colleague, Riley. Riley, this is my date, Marine."

Marine didn't take the hand that Riley offered but bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement. 

Hah, take that! 

"Alex must be the luckiest man to have such a beautiful girlfriend," said Riley charmingly. Alex frowned at the sight of Marine blushing. She'd better not open her mouth to say...

"Oh, I'm not his girlfriend. He's my obnoxious older brother."

DAMN that big mouth!

"Is that so?" said Riley with a smile. "It is nice to meet you Marine." 

Marine was about to say something when Alex interrupted her.

"Uh, Riley, I'm sorry but we have to get going. I'll see you at work on Monday!" said Alex quickly, pulling Marine away before she could protest. 

"He's cute," she commented as they exited the building. 

"Keep your damn eyes to the front," he scowled. 

"Why?"

"He's way too old for you and definitely too horny."

"How'd you know that? Did you sniff at him?" she asked in agitation, locking her eyes with his.

"All men want the same thing when they see a girl. And you qualify for easy prey."

"What!" Marine was flabbergasted. "Then what about you huh?"

"What about me?"

"You're a guy; so does that mean you only want one thing when you see a girl?" she snarled. 

"Naturally," he answered. 

"That is such double standard!" she shrieked, jabbing at him with her fingers only to have her wrists grabbed. She pulled her hand away angrily. "Stop!"

Alex intended to snap at her when he saw the hurt in her eyes. 

"I'm sorry Sweetie..."

"What are you sorry for?" she asked. 

"For whatever it is I said or did that's making you sad. I swear I didn't do it on purpose"

"Liar." Okay she knew him too well. 

"Haven't I told you, no dating till you're thirty?"

"That's just ridiculous Alex! I'm twenty-two now. I'm not a child!"

"Well, then we'll make that forty."

Her lips were trembling as she stared at him in disbelief. "That's it! I'm going home!"

Then she was gone. Just like that; in a blink of an eye. 

Damn! Now she's just impossible to find. Alex had found out about her ability over the years and both he and Alaron had helped her perfect it to the point where she could disappear from sight in less than a second. 

***

Marine wasn't paying attention to where she was going but all she knew was that she needed to get away from Alex. 

She'd been so happy when he called her to say he was taking her out shopping but then he always had to spoil everything by being the overbearing, overprotective idiot that he was. She was a legal adult now and if she wanted to date or drink or smoke or have sex with random strangers –that was her right. 

Her father's voice rang in her head. 

"Oh that's right, youngling Vampires have no right!" she shouted, not caring that she was amongst humans. So what? Not like they could hear what she said. By the time her voice travelled through the many layers of particles around her, it would have been fractured and barely heard.

"I bet Naira and Keona never had this problem," she muttered to herself; slowing down considerably until she was at a jogging pace. "I hate being me," she added sadly then took a seat on a nearby bench. 

When her phone rang, Marine chose to ignore it. She knew who it was and wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of locating her. If he cared so much, he'd just have to put that stupid wolf nose of his to good use and find her himself! 

Snarling to no one in particular, she got up and started walking aimlessly. It was only when she was walking past a row of shops that she spotted a familiar face. He was sitting outside Starbucks; cigarette in one hand and his phone in another. He looked relaxed and like a man without a care for the world. 

Marine found herself walking towards him. She wasn't sure if he'd recognize her but didn't he say she was beautiful? Men don't just say that for fun if they don't mean it right?

"Umm, hi," she said awkwardly. Riley lifted his eyes and blinked back in surprise at the sight of her. 

"Hi... Where's Alex?"

"Mmm, I ditched him."

He laughed then patted the seat beside him. "Guess I'd have to make up for your lost date then."

Marine smiled but didn't take a seat next to him. Instead she sat opposite him and dared herself to look at his face without blushing. She couldn't help it. He was really good looking... okay... he was inhumanely gorgeous. Or perhaps she was just biased. It wasn't like she had much opportunity to be this up close to the opposite sex.

Marine never dated much and most guys avoided her like a plague... simply because they didn't survive the 'stare test' by Alex. He'd stare at her dates until she was sure they'd melt on the spot under his searing inspection. After that, they never call back. 

"So Marine, why are you here?" he asked. 

"Oh... Umm, I was just wandering aimlessly until I saw you and decided to say hello."

He blew out a puff of smoke and gave her a considering look. "You don't look like the type to approach strange men you've just met. Aren't you afraid... of me?"

She stiffened. He was right. "Why should I be afraid?" she answered bravely. 

He smiled; a slow, seductive smile that made her toes curl. "Because I'm much older than you and definitely more dangerous."

Yes... yes he was, she admitted but she could outrun him and she was definitely stronger than the average human. But she couldn't deny that she had subconsciously run towards his direction and sought him out. 

"I'll be fine. We're in public," she pointed out. "You can't be that dangerous out here."

He smiled; sensuous lips curling up in an inviting stance. Marine wasn't sure she was breathing. 

"So tell me about yourself," he said after awhile; his voice like silk against her skin. 

Marine gulped slightly before speaking. "Well, I'm twenty-two this year and completing my last year in college."

"Ah, I knew you were intelligent," he commented. "Which course?"

"Umm... media graphics?" she said, controlling herself from stammering. He just complimented her! 

"Somehow I knew my instincts were right when I pegged you for a Jade Raymond," he said, smiling at her. "And I know that you're not related to Alex."

Marine stiffened. If he was a Vampire, she would have said he could read her mind but he was just a human... such instincts were incredible. 

"Why'd you say that?" she asked, not wanting to confirm anything. 

"You have some traces of an Asian lineage and Alex... well I know one of his parents is Black."

"You're such an observant fella aren't you?" she laughed. "Yeah, well we're more like distant cousins. We grew up together and Alex just decided to adopt himself as my older brother along the way."

"He's protective of you." 

"Yes."

"Don't you think he'll be upset that you're alone with me right now?" 

Marine smiled. "He will. In fact, he'll try to stare you into a meltdown if he could. But since you're older, you might win this time."

"You're adorable Marine... but I probably should send you home," he said, getting up. "As much as I'd like to take you to bed, I won't. Alex would kill me and I have a feeling your parents would be worried if you don't return home tonight."

Marine's eyes widened at his blunt admission. Did he say take her to bed? This sexy handsome man wants her in his bed? 

"Oh," she said softly, clearly disappointed that he wanted to cut short their interlude. "Yes, home it is I suppose..."

Riley kept his promise. He took her home without even once touching her. As they rounded the corner into her neighbourhood, she told him to stop. 

"Are we there yet?" he asked. 

"No. I... I want to ask you something," she said, looking up at him. "About what you said earlier... about taking me to bed..."

He smiled. "Changed your mind?" 

"No!" she burst out. "No I mean... did you really mean it?"

"Honey, you look like sex. Who wouldn't want to have you as their own?" 

She didn't look like she believed him. "Are you married?" she blurted out before covering her mouth in a gasp. Where did that come from?

Riley cocked his head slightly and stared at her. "I have no time for marriage... nor relationships. That is why I'm sending you home."

Marine didn't understand. 

"You don't deserve just a one night stand Marine. You're full of innocence and intelligence and I don't want to spoil that," he said, pressing his foot down on the gas to finally bring the car to the front of her home. "Besides, it looks like you already have two angry and worried men waiting for you," he said dryly. 

Marine didn't even dare to look. His words struck deep inside her and it hurt. Rejection was such a bitch. 

"Good night Riley. Thank you... for everything," she said tonelessly as she got out of the car to face the music. 

Alex was staring at the car as though his gaze could burn through the vehicle. She could scent his wolf coming to the fore as he approached her. 

"I..." she stammered but was silenced with a sharp slap... from her mother. Marine blinked in surprise. Erika never laid a hand on her ever. 

"Mom..."

"Go to your room. Now." Erika's voice was controlled and firm. Marine didn't argue. 

When she was safely inside, Erika turned to the two men glowering at her. "This is all your fault!" she accused. "You baby her too much that she has to get into cars with strange men to prove that she's not a child anymore."

"Man... Aunt Erika it's not..." Alex tried to protest but one heated look from the petite woman made him shut up. 

"One more time you lose my baby girl... I'll swear I'll cut you up and feed you to the vultures!"

"Honey... don't be so..."

"Don't try to sweet talk me out of this Alaron. You're just as guilty. Now get in you two!"

Marine managed to catch her mother's words and smiled. How's that for revenge?

***

"I've been looking over your report and I find it... intriguing."

"How may I improve it Sir?"

The man called Sir turned to the baritone-voiced woman as though expecting a response. 

"We still know nothing much about our two main subject of enquiry," she said.

"With all due respects Madam, I have established the theory that their main source of abilities derive from copying the abilities of others... but I will need the actual subjects present to prove this hypothesis."

"At this moment, it is still not feasible. They are too closely guarded," said Sir. 

"Then we have to set the trap," said Madam. "Take out their weakest link. They'll come for her."

The man holding the report gasped. "But Madam! She is one of us!"

But the man called Sir laughed. "Pawns must be sacrificed for the greater good. Dismissed."

"Yes... yes sir..."

***

When Monday came round, Alex didn't feel like going to his office. He was dreading the moment he'd bump into Riley. Although the guy did return his Marine untouched, Alex was still suspicious of him. 

But the fact remains that Riley was still his senior and he had promised himself that he wouldn't let personal problems interfere with his job. Yeah right. 

He saw the takeaway Starbucks cup on his desk the second he stepped into his office and knew immediately who it came from –the note placed below it was evident enough:

Here's my peace offering. –R

Alex stared at the cup warily then chucked it into his trashcan. What if it was poisoned? From his corner cubicle, he could spot Riley leaning back in his seat, taking a sip out of his own coffee cup. The guy looked too relaxed for his own good. 

An email alert pulled his attention from scowling at his colleague. Opening it, Alex almost bit his tongue trying not to burst out in response. 

Stop staring at me or the others are going to think you have a crush on me. It's bad enough that your sister has one.

Throwing a furtive glance towards Riley, Alex turned to his desktop and replied back furiously to the email.

Stay away from her. 

Maybe. 

I'm warning you. 

Is that a threat? Don't forget I'm your senior in this office. 

Fine. We settle this like men after office hours. 

There was no instant reply this time. A glance towards Riley's cubicle showed that he was on the phone with someone, possibly a client. Not wanting to appear too occupied with waiting for his answer, Alex decided to leaf through his latest case. It was a straight forward case of fraud and he was understudying one of his senior colleagues as it was only his first case. It was really important that he did well for this case or he'd be relegated back to boring office chores. The previous weeks, he had been assigned research assignments and that had bored him to death. 

A 'ping' on his desk top shifted his gaze from the files to the screen. 

Let's talk over lunch. 

It took forever for lunchtime to finally arrive but when it did, Alex quickly cornered Riley before he had a chance to escape –not that Riley had any intentions of escaping. In Alex's opinion, the bastard looked like he had far too much time on his hands and was simply taunting him. 

Riley didn't say a word to him as they squeezed into the lift with many others and only spoke once they exited the building. 

"I'm grabbing a sub." It wasn't phrased as a statement nor a question but from the tone of his voice Alex understood that he was asking if Alex wanted to join him or get his lunch somewhere else. 

"Sub's fine." Plus it was just around the corner. They'd get their tummy's fill and then talk.

"Don't be so grumpy Alex. You're scaring the girls away," he commented, jerking his thumb in the direction of some girls passing their way. Alex ignored him and didn't say anything until they got in line.

"I really appreciate you sending her home last night... untouched."

"I don't do coworkers and their family. It's a personal policy," said Riley with a smile directed at the server. He rattled his order and went down the bar to the counter, waiting for Alex. "But of course, there are always exceptions."

Alex had to resist growling in public; his wolf was dying to come out and claw Riley's pretty face. "Get someone your own age Riley. Come on... we both know she's just going to be another face, another fuck then you'll forget her."

Leaning against a railing, Riley shrugged as he bit into his sandwich. "You think so little of your precious gem's value." 

"Our job doesn't allow us time to date much less have relationships Riley. You and I both know that. I don't want her to be just another tissue in your box that you use and throw."

Riley considered that a challenge. "I could prove you wrong."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because she's mine and I say no."

"Don't you think she's old enough to decide for herself?"

Alex gave him one long suffering look then, "No."

A warm bubbly laughter spilled out from Riley's throat, almost choking him as he was trying to laugh while swallowing his food. 

"Damn Alex. You're a hard bargain... but it's good set skill to have. You're going to need it for your first case," he said with a wink. 

Alex simply stared at him. 

"You're my...?" No way in hell...

"I could be. You're either assigned to me or Jonah from the sixth floor but since I'm more senior than him and we share the same office space –you're mine."

Alex narrowed his eyes at Riley. "You play dirty Eos."

He gave an amused smile and shrug. "Second set skill. Lots to learn little one. Lots to learn."

Alex scoffed down the remainder of his sub and stormed back to his office. He didn't know which was more annoying: Riley wanting to date Marine or Riley pulling him by the nose through his first ever case. Damn!

***

Marine had no idea why she just ran close to 30miles from her university to Los Angeles... okay, she had an idea why but she was pretending to be in denial. 

She wanted to see him again... even if it were from a distance. There was just something about him that pulled at her; calling out to her as though he was her... well she was about to say mate but she didn't think so. Marine believed in God but she didn't believe that He would be so nice to send her an Adonis to be her mate. This was just a crush... and it would go away. 

Even then, Marine knew it was stupid to be perched on top a tree fifty feet from the Starbucks where she had met him earlier, hoping to catch a glimpse of him again today. She was thankful that the streetlights had somehow fused so she was doused in darkness. It was an added precaution. 

Besides, he might not even come here tonight... but she was willing to take the chance. However she wasn't going to come any closer to him if he did appear for she didn't want his scent to cling on to her. That would probably spell immediate death... okay, being grounded for a month by her dad. Why does he have to behave like an ancient Vampire when he's not even a hundred yet?

Marine sat patiently for the next hour, hiding amidst the shadows but all the while keeping an eye out for him. In fact, she almost fell off the branch when she saw him walking towards the coffee house. Almost on cue, he turned slightly to look in her direction but Marine knew that he couldn't see her. No human could see through that thick miasma of darkness... right?




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 02



She saw him shrug as though he was dismissing a weird hunch then continued walking into the store. Marine had no idea why he was drinking caffeine at such a late hour –don't people drink it in the morning to start their day? So? She didn't care. He was cute to ogle at and she still had an hour before she had to rush home. 

Resting her elbows on the branch, she cupped her head and sighed as she watched him take his first sip of coffee; the slight flutter of his lashes as the caffeine buzz kicked in. How sexy was that?

Marine was sighing with contentment when she sensed something moving on the ground level and instincts made her jump in fright. Something... no, someone was looking at her for she could make out a pair of eyes looking straight in her direction. Swallowing her saliva, she inched backwards to the tree trunk and prepared to run. Those were not human eyes. 

Marine wanted to scream but somehow her voice was stuck in her throat, almost as if the perpetrator had control over her vocal chords. Marine did the next best thing –she gave a piercing mental scream before falling off the branch and collapsing into a state of unconsciousness at the base of the tree. 

***

Riley was sure he had seen something... or was it someone staring at him from across the street but it was too dark to be sure. Plus, he hadn't had his coffee yet so he might not be as alert. 

However, ten minutes after he sat down with a hot cup of latte, he heard the most blood curling scream ever –except that it was in his head. He was about to respond to it when it suddenly stopped and he swore that something fell from a tree across the street. It sounded like it was something really big for he could hear an audible crash. 

Curiosity made him put his latte aside and he got up to investigate. It might be a trap but Riley was the master of traps himself. As his eyes adjusted to the increasing darkness, he spotted the silhouette of a female lying on the ground and frowned. 

Moving closer, he dared himself a quick whiff and stiffened. He recognized this perfume. 

"Marine?" he shook her shoulder gently. "Hey, Marine?" 

When she still didn't come to a minute later, he took out his phone and dialed for Alex. 

"Alex, I found your sister unconscious under a tree... I know it sounds suspicious but I'm just giving you a heads up before I call for the ambulance... what? You don't want me to call...okay fine. I'm at the Starbucks along Prospect Avenue. Yes... I'll stay with her."

After putting the phone down, Riley shook his head. "What a nutbag." His fingers eased along Marine's neck to check for her pulse and found it to be strong. He was surprised that she managed to survive such a fall –if that was her on the tree in the first place. What in the world was she doing here in the dark? Surely she was not... watching him?

Riley sat on the grass and heaved her slightly so that her head rested on his lap. 

"Apparently you have a knack for getting in trouble don't you?" he asked in amusement. "Were you watching me?" Laughing to himself, he slapped her arm gently, "Stalker."

She was still unconscious so he dared himself to stroke her cheek slightly. 

"A truly fine specimen," he said to himself. "You're probably named in association with the sea... but I'd like to think of you as a precious stone –aquamarine, yeah that's more like it."

She began to stir in his arms and groaned a minute later. "Oww..." she complained, rubbing the back of her head before opening her eyes to stare at the brightest pair of blue eyes that she had ever seen. 

"Oh! Oh my god!" she gasped, trying to get away from him but Riley only laughed and held her down. 

"Stay still. You just fell off a tree for god sake," he reminded her. 

Marine closed her eyes shut, thankful that it was dark enough to hide her blush of embarrassment. 

"Yeah, that's what you get for peeping," he said, knowing that she was going to open her eyes wide to stare at him. 

"I wasn't peeping!"

"Staring then."

"No."

"Sure you are. Otherwise you wouldn't be here opposite the Starbucks I frequent."

"The barista was hot."

"I didn't know you were into girls," he grinned and earned a shove from her. She was really strong for a woman for he found himself jerking back slightly. "Anyway, we'd better alibi our stories right. Alex is coming in a few minutes and I don't think he'd appreciate knowing you came here to steal glances at me."

If it was brighter, Marine knew that Riley would see her face turning pale. "No... please don't tell him. He'll send me to a convent for sure."

Riley let out a long loud laugh. "Aren't you too old for that? So what's your excuse?"

"Umm... I came here for uh... a school thing and uh happened to see you but was walking in the dark and crashed into a tree?" she said innocently. 

Riley rolled his eyes. "Geez. That is such a bad lie Marine. You live with a lawyer, couldn't you learn to lie better?"

"Fine," she huffed. "Why don't you come up with a better lie then Mr. 'I'm a lawyer hotshot'?"

He grinned, flashing his white teeth at her. "Okay, it's like this. I picked you up from school after work because we promised to get coffee here. But then I decided I couldn't resist you any longer so I lured you into this dark secluded spot to make out. However, something fell from the tree," he said looking up. "A fallen branch or something and hit you on the head so you fainted."

"Oh please... like Alex is going to buy that."

"Yeah he will."

"Why?"

"Trust me, I lie through my teeth."

She rolled her eyes. "What an oxymoron."

"Gem, are you trying to seduce me with big words? It's not gonna work."

"I am not trying to anything with you. Now let me go," she hissed, feeling a warm flush creeping up her neck. The moment he let her go, she tried to get up and felt the world spin. 

"Whoa..." she groaned, pressing a palm against her head. She felt him move to steady her and then a while later felt him try to brush some dirt off her jeans. 

"Take your hands off her or I'll cut your damn hands Riley."

"Oh great, your personal cop's here," said Riley, winking at Marine. "She's not complaining Alex..." 

"Marine! Why aren't you complaining?" asked Alex, striding towards her with a fierce look on his face. "You are in such trouble young lady," he snarled, gripping a hand around her wrist and literally dragging her away to his car, leaving Riley behind. 

Riley didn't look particularly worried or disturbed by the drama unfurling in front of him. He simply sent her a sweet smile and started walking towards the Starbucks to where his coffee was left cold. Marine returned an apologetic smile before ducking into Alex's car. 

"Alex..."

"Seriously... why are you playing with fire here Marine? That guy is untrustworthy!"

"Hell, all lawyers are untrustworthy... including you."

"What? I'm not the one making out with some random stranger in a secluded section of the city!"

Marine kept quiet. Damn, Riley didn't even have to lie and Alex had already guessed what happened... except that was not what had happened. 

"I'm old enough to make out with whoever I want Alex," she said in a resigned tone. "I know you love me... but you're stifling me too." 

"Marine sweetheart, I just don't want you getting hurt..." 

"Then what about yourself huh? You got hurt when Ke..."

"I don't want to talk about that!" he snapped, cutting her off mid sentence. "This is not about her. This is about you."

"No, this is about her too... ever since that day five years ago, you've been doing nothing but choking me, trying to protect me from the same kind of hurt that you experienced with her."

"We were just kids Marine. Come on."

"You were my age," she reminded him. 

"Yeah, the age of stupidity," he muttered. "Just stay away from Riley... he seems odd for a human."

Marine frowned. "Why?"

"He doesn't have a very strong scent... I can only smell his cologne."

"And a guy who observes good hygiene is bad because..."

"I'm not saying that! I'm just saying that it's strange."

Marine shook her head and leaned back in her seat. "You have too many issues on your mind. Seriously."

"Brat."

***

In a secluded corner of the street, a quiet conversation was talking place between two men. 

"Have you locked on your target?"

"Yes."

"How did the recon go?"

"I'm surprised at how efficient he was. Tracked her really well."

"Yes, he is the best tracker we've got. She moves faster than three hundred thousand metres per second."

"Are you sure? Is that her ability?"

"Possibly but running fast isn't something novel."

"But?"

"Running at that speed means she's moving faster than the speed of light which makes her literally invisible."

"Surely that speed would leave a hurricane behind? Are you sure you measured that right?"

"Do I look like I'm ever wrong? That's the other thing. We do not know exactly how she does it but she doesn't move a particle out of place each time she moves at that speed... which is why I said invisible –you don't even know she's there because not a freaking suspended speck of dust vibrates as she passes by."

"Amazing."

"Yes. I'm still leaving the tracker to keep an eye out on her so you do your job."

"Yes Sir."

"Good. Dismissed."

***

PS: For those of you who've read ITVL, I will be posting an epilogue on Lit after my exams so look out for it. =)



Pushing Boundaries Ch. 03



Where was David? Usually football practice started early and ended right before volleyball did. But he was nowhere to be seen; actually she didn't see any of the football players out in the parking lot. What was going on?

There wasn't any point in going to the field to find out if they were still practicing, she would still have to wait and walk back to the car anyway. Besides she didn't want to look like all the rest of the groupies that hung around the football field for they're boyfriends or hopeful boyfriends. It was easier to make fun of those girls then it was to actually be those girls. 

Putting all of her stuff in the back of her car, all Deina could really do was wait. She sat on the hood of her little bug car and waited for David. They couldn't be much longer Deina reasoned. 

Fifteen minutes later, trickles of football players started to exit the school. Many who passed by Deina's car mumbled a, hi or a solemn hey, but all seemed down in the dumps. When Gerard Reynolds, a childhood friend of both David's and hers, walked by she stopped him to ask what was with the gloom and doom look from everyone.

"Gerie, what's going on? You all look like you just found out that Megan Fox was a dude." She tried to make a joke to cheer up his spirits. 

"Don't even joke about something like that Dee." He said with a slightly less somber look.

"Don't call me Dee and I promise I won't crush your dreams that will never be a reality." No one but David called her Dee; she hated being called anything that was outside of her name but throughout the years it became a term of endearment when David said it. With a snort Gerard just scuffed at her. 

"David got hurt in practice and the big game against the Jaguars is in two weeks. We can handle the Bears this week, with our freshman wide receive but against the Jaguars we need David's speed. His injury isn't serious but it's up to him to work everyday to get better and even then we're not sure if he will be okay." 

David would not be a happy camper if he would sit out for the biggest game of the year. This injury could take him out for the season and might even effect his college aspirations. "How much and what type of therapy would he need?" she asked with trepidation.

"I am not sure Deina." 

"Thanks Gerie." She said, and went to go hug him, but a booming voice filled the air above them.

"Don't you dare touch her Gerard," bombed David's deep voice over the parking lot as he came out slightly wobbling towards them.

"You can't bully me into not touching her Dave; I've known her since we were in diapers."

"Hey! I wear big girl panties now, especially the ones from Victoria Secret. Want to see?" she winked at Gerard trying to lighten the mood between the two boys.

"No. he doesn't." David stated flatly, as he got to the car. 

"Actually, I wouldn't mind seeing Victoria's Secret." David stepped in front of Gerard and turned his back to Deina. He grabbed the man by the shirt and pushed him back a few steps out of hearing range. "David!" she warned lightly. Deina couldn't tell what they were saying to each other but she hoped they wouldn't fight. 

"She's mine Gerard, let it be known. Am not losing her, I refuse." He practically snarled it into his ear.

"Fine got up the balls to take her?" Gerard laughed. "Let's just hope it's not too late." 

"I'll murder anyone who comes near her, let it be known." For good measure David pushed Gerard away from him. Gerard just laughed and waved goodbye.

"What was that about?" she directed at David who had already started to get into the car. He didn't respond to her, he didn't want to admit to letting Gerard know that he was going after her, and he didn't need any competition. 

Deina climbed into the car with David. He was being eerily quiet, no talking football plays or statistics, no harassing her on how practice went or as of lately no come-ons. Was the injury bothering him that much pr was it something else bothering him?

She pulled into the Dairy Queen closest to their neighbor. No one was leaving this car until everything was laid out on the table.

"What's wrong babe? You've never been this quite before and I know you're hurt."

There was no lying to Deina, she would either find out later or he would let it slip. But he wasn't ready yet to admit to her or himself what was going on in his heart so he might as well tell her half of the truth. 

"I've been working for over six years to become the best and fastest wide receiver that I can be. You watched me wake up at six in the morning just to go jog so I would be in shape during the off season. Not one injury not one missed practice, and now this bull crap! Jerry Feluock comes charging at me from out fucking nowhere. Nowhere! If I saw him coming I could have turned and landed on my ass or something but no I landed right on my hip. Deina we weren't even scrimmaging, I was just standing there watching the freshman scrimmage, making mental notes. That sorry S.O.B thought it was funny, 'just having some fun' he said. His 'fun' has me missing Friday's game because of a minor sprained hip injury. Merda!" 

Deina could feel the anger rolling off of David. His voice sounded calm but when he started cursing in Italian, shit had hit the fan. Anytime he switched from English to his family's native tongue of Italian, it was a stormy day in paradise. Usually Italian was reserved for his family members because no one outside of his family could understand what he was saying. Cursing wasn't prominent in his house hold so when he did curse it was usually over something big. Only during certain times had she ever heard him curse; when he was mad and the time she over heard him talking about fucking some girl. Otherwise he rarely did it.

As for Jerry Felouck, she'd have a talk with him tomorrow. He had always had it out for David when they were kids but she thought it would have stopped once they hit high school, but it seemed maturity levels hadn't risen since puberty.

"What kind of physical therapy would you need?" Maybe there would be a way she could help.

He sighed, "am going to need to jog everyday and after every practice I have to take an ice bath. The trainer also said it would be a good idea if someone messaged my hip after every practice, I guess I'll ask mom to do that."

"How about this, I'll wake up with you every morning and jog with you, I need it anyway. As far as your hip, your mom doesn't get home until ten and you'll need that message as soon as you get out of practice. Your dad isn't a good idea either because he's heavy handed, he'll probably end up hurting you even more than you already are hurt." 

"Then who the heck am I going to get to help me?" he said exasperated.

"I'll do it, but under one condition."

"I'd give you the world if I could Deina." He whispered looking straight into her eyes.

"That, that right there! You've been acting strange and saying stuff that's either romantic or sexual and its freaking me out. I just want you to be real with me, no fake emotional hallmark moment just be straight with me." She looked him dead in his eyes, no flinching away from his gaze this time.

They stared straight at each other; the tension was so high between them sparks could fly and no one would blink. Deina had never looked straight at David and challenged him like she was now. No longer was she going to take his shit and just sit there getting lost in his eyes like some lost little puppy dog. David stared at Deina, he watched her full lips pressed together into a grim line and instead of agreeing he had the urge to kiss her pouty lips into submission. When he tried to put action to thought by leaning into Deina she swiftly pulled away. Rejection, felt like a punch to the chest but he knew better to think that was the end. Deina wasn't easily coerced, just what he needed.

"Alright Deina, I promise I will be straight forward with you. Best friends only come once in a bundle right?"

"And no more come-ons? And where do you get those sayings, because am pretty sure that isn't the right line."

"I can't promise the first but the sayings come from mom, you know she mixes up everything." He smiled at her and winked.

She sighed at him. Those thousand watt smiles of his were going to be her undoing. Now was the perfect time to get that ice cream of hers. Maybe that would cool down her libido from the inside because David sure wasn't helping the matters any. She got of the car and headed toward the Dairy Queen. 

"Lets go, we need ice cream to get through this." She yelled back to him.

"Is that your solution to every emotional problem, ice cream." He scuffed at her while he got out of the car.

"Excuse me, but who was the one who first took me to Dairy Queen when I was nine and lost my puppy?" she said as she walked into the restaurant.

"You remember that?" he replied while watching her debate over what to get.

"Of course, after that we always went to Dairy Queen when we were down."

With a smile on his face he watched her order a small brownie fudge blizzard. She had remembered, even something so small like that she had taken the time to notice the things that he did for her. Most girls didn't pay attention to the small important actions just the big romantic things that they could brag about to their friend. 

After Deina ordered the cashier took his order as well and paid for them both, much to the refusal of Deina. They ate their ice cream and talked like they did when they were younger. Everything was good until Deina and David and got into an ice cream fight like little kids and got thrown out of the Dairy Queen. 

Since both were in a lot happier mood they left for home Deina parked into her drive way laughing as she got out of the car. 

"Did you see the look on that waitress' face?" laughed David as he walked with Deina to her door.

"You started it! Putting ice cream on my nose wasn't cute. But I bet if you would have given her your number then she wouldn't have been as angry." 

"Maybe, but I wasn't interested. And you didn't have to retaliate by spraying my face with vanilla ice cream." Deina started to laugh uncontrollably. "What?" he asked confused. Deina just kept laughing and pointed at his face. David still had a big blot of vanilla ice cream on his face from when she had sprayed him.

"You've got some ice cream on your face." Deina stated. "But I'll get it off for you." Without thinking clearly Deina reached up on her tip toes and licked some of the ice cream from his face. It wasn't meant to be a sexual act but she figured since she had already gone that far might as well complete cleaning him. 

Pushing her body into his, she placed her hands on his shoulders for balance. With the tip of her tongue she scooped up the excess ice cream. She sucked on the spot where the ice cream had been, just making sure he was clean of course. But, it was hard to stop, besides the ice cream; his skin had its own tempting flavor. It was intoxicating. Getting lost in the moment Deina nibbled along his chin. David's shudder brought her back to the present. 

"Am so sorry, I didn't...I mean I got a little carried away I suppose."

"We promised to be honest with each other, no boundaries, right Deina?" he replied in a husky cracked voice.

"Yeah." She breathed out with fear of what that promise entailed. 

"Good, cause I've got a hard on so bad for you that am afraid I might explode. Baby girl you can't do that to me and think everything will be okay afterward. I am two seconds from picking you up right now and taking you against the door. If I had a choice about it I would take you inside and fuck you until your legs couldn't move and keep you satiated in my bed for a couple of days." 

David brought his hands to Deina's ass and pulled her towards him until there was no room even to breath between the two of them. Deina felt something poking into her stomach. She licked her lips, He felt just as big as she had thought. Days, he said he had wanted her to stay in his bed for days? She could barely last two minutes with David holding her in his arms, without turning into a puddle. How did he expect her to last with him for days? Deina couldn't help but squirm in his grasp, his hands were big and they were man handling her ass with ease. She wasn't big but her butt wasn't exactly small so for him to be able to grab most of it with ease was sending sparks down to another very intimate part of her body. 

"Feel that baby girl? It's all for you, this is what you do to me. Even the smallest actions and am hard as a rock."

Deina couldn't control her breathing; David was way too close for comfort. Every brain cell she had stopped working when she got so close to him she could smell what brand of soap he used. No cologne just soap and him, and for some reason that was a bigger turn on then if he were wearing cologne.

"We...I...umm...we shouldn't do this." She put her hands on his chest to push him away. Instead she ended up fanning her hands over his biceps, soaking in his heat. The monstrosity sticking into her stomach twitched and she almost jumped away if it wasn't for David's arms encasing her. She shifted nervously from foot to foot. With his words David had turned on the faucet between her thighs. By now she knew her panties would be soaked and she just hoped he couldn't tell how turned on he was making her.

"Shouldn't and couldn't are two different things. I want you Dee, right here right now." His head dipped to take her mouth.

That's when it clicked for her. This wasn't love, this was lust. He wasn't interested in her it was her body he wanted. If she learned anything from her older brother it was to never let a guy beguile you into thinking it was about you instead of the sex. 

Gathering all her strength Deina pushed on David's chest until he let her go. "Shouldn't means not going to happen. Thanks for the groping session David but am not into being another notch on your bed post." With that she walked into her house leaving David to feel like he had just been slapped in the face. 

What just happened? Deina was almost hyperventilating in his arms when he told her what he wanted. Why was that girl so damn stubborn? Either way he was standing outside in the cold looking at Deina's front door. David walked home with his hard-on unsatisfied in his pants. What a challenge his little Deina posed. Obviously there was a sexual attraction but why was holding Deina back, what was stopping her? 

David walked across Deina's lawn to his house and up to his room. Getting work done at this point was worthless. After taking a shower he climbed into bed not worrying if he had homework to finish or not. With a last stitch effort he looked out the window and watched Deina working on her laptop. He tried closing his eyes and sleeping but they always seemed to open and find their way back to Deina's window. What started off as an attempt to sleep ended as a two hour stalking binge of Deina working diligently. She looked so determined and focused in her desk chair with papers spread all over. She was beautiful with her glasses vicariously perched on her nose, looking as if at any second they would fall of her cute nose. At what point in his life had she gotten so much embedded into his skin that just watching her work was enough to satisfy him? 

When the light went off in Deina's room he knew she would be getting ready for bed. Sleep still eluded him though. Maybe if he heard Deina's voice it would ease his troubled mind. Since she was thirteen and got her first phone Deina always kept her phone next to her while she slept, so David hoped that hadn't changed.

"Deina?" he questionably whispered.

"It's close to one in the morning David what do you want? Are you nervous about the big game tomorrow?" Since David got onto the Varsity football team he was always nervous the night before games and usually he would call Deina to calm him down. It had been that way for years, and even though she knew he wouldn't be playing in the upcoming game it was just an immediate reaction to ask.

"No, but I needed to hear your voice." He lay in bed on his back with the phone to his ear soaking in the sound of her voice.

"Go to sleep Dave." She yawned.

"Talk to me Dee." 

"What's wrong, you haven't called me this late since junior year." Her voice started to become more coherent. She was shaking off the cobwebs of sleep because of her concern. Concern for Dave always over ruled anything else that she was feeling.

"What happened to us Dee? We used to be closer then two pigs in the slaughter house?" He teased, knowing Deina would be grossed out because she didn't eat pork.

"Really, pigs in the slaughter. That's disgusting. Where do you get these horrible analogies from?" Deina and Dave laughed together. 

"Come over. It will be like when we were nine." Hopefully he could convince her to sleep with him, no sex just sleep in the same bed. That would be the only way he could get any decent sleep tonight. 

"When we were nine, I had a flat chest and was only interested in what new Harry Potter book would come out next, and you still thought girls were icky. And didn't we just have a conversation about you and what you shouldn't do with your dick?" She stated with as much bravado as she could. 

"Death's promise I won't fondle you. I need you here Deina." He felt like he was pleading like a wimp but it was the only way that Deina would come over. He knew he could play to her concern for him to get what he wanted.

"Open your window." She stated while he heard rustling on the other end. Deina knew that David never asked her to come over if it wasn't seriously important. Something was wrong, usually he would tell her what was wrong but for now she could deal with the fact that he just needed her with him. Pulling on a sweatshirt over her tank top and slipping on her sneakers she climbed out the window of her first floor bedroom and walked across the narrow strip of grass to David's window, where she found him waiting for her. 

"Thanks for coming Dee." He stated while helping her through his window. She hushed him and climbed in. In her groggy state, she didn't notice the lack of clothing David was wearing. He was shirtless and barefoot only wearing flannel pants. When Deina got adjusted to the dark light she noticed his broad expanse of chest. She couldn't really remember the last time she saw him shirtless but things had definitely changed. Wash board eight pack abs tapered down to a slim waist, and you could even see his pubic bone. Before things got heated anymore she had to interject reason.

"Am going to climb into bed while you go put a shirt on." She stated while turning away from him and stripping of her sweat shirt, tossing it to the ground. Her state of dress wasn't as nearly as sexy as David's. Just some flannel pants and a tank top but surely he would notice the lack of a bra underneath the thin tanktop.

David did notice the lack of a bra underneath her tank top but he said nothing as he went to go put on his shirt. Obviously she was hiding her attraction to him by making him put on a shirt but he could hide his as well, at least for tonight. 

When he turned back around he found Deina curled up in his bed looking as if she were already asleep. He climbed in after her, and as if it were second nature she snuggled back against him, fitting herself into his arms. They were perfect; she fit like a glove against him. He wrapped his arm around Deina's waist and breathed in her scent, she smelled like citrus fruit, a combination of mangos and oranges. 

The warmth radiating from David's body as they cuddled in bed threatened to burn her, this was nothing like when they were kids. On one side, being with David was extremely comfortable, his body sheltered his and she felt safe. On the other side, the temptation to roll over and test what he said earlier was playing it self over and over again in her mind. This intimacy they were sharing felt like something in there relationship had been pushed open, a new territory to explore.




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 03



NB: As always, credits to my editor, wildeheartedangel for her help editing this chapter. 

For my readers, be patient. This story has an arc and you'll be able to see the links as we go through the chapters. And thank you to those who pointed out the speed of light for me. I've taken note of it. =)

***

"Okay, lay it out to me MacFarlane," said Riley who was seated across Alex in the meeting room. It was slightly after nine in the morning and they were starting to pour over the fraudulent financial accounts from their client's company. 

"First of all, why do we have to save this company's ass when they've obviously done serious felonies? I mean tax evasion, creation of nonexistent offshore projects and misleading financial statements? That's just the tip of the iceberg Eos. I am betting that the top echelons are pocketing..."

"Just tell me the facts."

Alex scowled at his colleague but pushed the fact sheet that he had compiled towards Riley. He had thought that being a lawyer meant helping people with their legality issues –old grandfathers who want to write wills but don't know enough of the law to make their testament legal or young married couples who needed legal advice for the purchase of their first home and stuff like that. 

"We don't get to choose our clients Alex," said Riley quietly without looking up. "No, let me correct myself. You as the most junior addition do not get to choose a thing. However, the company does and they only choose clients that are the most profitable. This client has already assured us thirty, maybe forty grand just to represent their sorry ass in court. Win or lose, that fee's already cashed in little one."

Alex rolled his eyes at Riley. Damn the guy has no moral backbone whatsoever but he was right about Alex being just a junior nobody in the company. He had to fucking represent those sorry asses in court even if it went against his own moral predicament. 

"Have you checked all these bogus offshore projects and subsidiary companies?"asked Riley, taking a sip from his coffee. 

"Yes, I wanted to talk to you about that. On the surface, logic would dictate that all the accounts would lead back to the company's finance right?" Alex waited for Riley to nod. "But I traced them painstakingly one by one..."

"Legally?" interrupted Riley. 

"It wasn't a pleasure to toe around the law."

"Okay, continue."

Alex frowned. Riley really has no moral conscience. A superior should have at least chastised him or something. 

"So these bogus accounts are generally meant for money laundering and tax evasions but a couple of them aren't actually financial cash flows but investment cash flows."

Riley looked up in interest. "So you're saying that they disguise investment expenditure as a source of income?" 

"So it seems but like I said I had to toe the line a little to get the information so I'm not sure how reliable it is."

Riley arched his eyebrow as though he wanted to know how Alex had done it but reserved his comments. Instead he said what he was supposed to say as a senior staff. 

"Try and see if you can get this same information through the legal means this time. It's possible that they left traces unintentionally. If you can, that means they're in bigger trouble than they are now for the prosecutors will rip them to shreds. But if you can't, then leave it be."

"Then what about this discrepancy? Are we going to talk to the clients?" 

"Discrepancy? I thought you said they were just investments parading as profits?"

"Yes... but what if these are illegal investments Eos? We have to tell them to stop it or at least destroy the damn project. Besides what does an oil company gain by investing in animal shelters? If they were investing on real estate I'd understand."

"It could be a cover. Alright, we'll pay our clients a visit. I don't want the prosecutors coming up with shit I can't bull back."

"I'll give them a call now then," said Alex getting up from his seat without a backward glance at his colleague. 

"Alex," Riley's voice was firm enough to make Alex stop but he didn't turn around. "I'm taking Marine out tonight."

Alex stiffened; his hand clenched hard at his sides. "If you hurt her; hurt even one strand of hair on her head... I'll come for your throat, I promise."

Riley smiled as Alex left the room. Part one of his plan seems to be in place...

***

Marine was seated at the park opposite her campus; her heart beating fast against her chest. She couldn't believe that Riley was coming to fetch her but more than that, she couldn't believe Alex actually said yes... okay he actually said, "Yes over my dead body." 

But then she bribed him with his favorite butterscotch cookies and even helped him do his laundry which had been left in a pile outside his toilet. Alex probably buys more clothes instead of washing them –gross. 

"What he needs is a keeper. Though I doubt Keona would ever wash his laundry unless he begged her... or maybe she'd be the first one to train him to do his own laundry," she said to herself before bursting out in laughter. 

"Ah, someone seems to be in a good mood," said a familiar voice behind her. 

"Oh! Riley... I didn't hear you," said Marine in a startled voice. Neither had she scented him either. "Did you walk here?"

"Yeah, my car's over there. Didn't think it's gentlemanly of me to make you walk alone to the car," he said smoothly, offering her a hand. 

She blushed but she took his hand, feeling the rough edges of his fingers graze her smooth palm. 

"Fasten your seatbelt," he said once she was seated in the passenger seat. "Alex warned me not to get a scratch on you so I'd better be safe than sorry." 

He flashed her a sexy grin. "But then again, it's not like I have claws or fangs or anything right?"

"Err... yeah," said Marine, trying not to let him see her facial expression. It just occurred to her that while Mr. Perfect over here was giving her attention, he'd probably just run off the moment she told him what she was. Seriously, slipping the idea that you're a Vampire into a conversation is certainly not easy. 

It's not like: 

"What would you like for dinner sweetie?"

"Uh... a glass of blood would be nice."

Or:

"Baby, is that hickie you're giving me?"

"Oh no, I'm sorry I just wanted a taste of your blood."

Even she knew how lame that sounded. Rolling her eyes, she tried not to think about the inevitable and just enjoy his company... for now. 

"So Gem, I'm going to take you out for a movie. You mind? Or would you prefer to do... something else?"

Marine felt her eyelashes flutter just for a second. "A movie's fine. It's been ages since I've seen one."

"That's great. I thought you'd rather go shopping or something like that."

She smiled; turning slightly towards him. "Or you could let me beat you at assassin's creed."

This time he laughed; a deep thundering kind of laugh that sent tingles up her spine. 

"Seriously Gem... I do not take challenges lightly but I don't think you'd want to have a tussle with me on our first date right?"

Marine almost groaned. What's with him and the innuendos? Or was she reading too much into it? 

"We'll play some other time then," she replied. 

"I'm sure we will," he said, turning to smile at her; his eyes giving her a once over to let her know he caught the double entendre. 

Their conversation went along those lines for the next half an hour until Marine was sure she was going to get wet just from all the sexual innuendos. She was betting that Riley did this all the time with other women for he didn't seem as disturbed about it as she was. 

"So, what would you like to watch?" he asked as they stood in front of the box office. "I'll let you choose."

Marine bit her lips slightly as she glossed over the movie selection on the screen in front of them. Call her silly but she didn't fancy ghost movies or even the Vampire ones. They were just too freaky for her to stomach. 

"Gem, do you always bite your lips like that?"

"Huh? Yeah I do that when I'm thinking."

"Maybe I can help you."

"With the thinking?" she asked hopefully because she was seriously debating between Rio or Rango though she doubted that Riley was the animation kinda guy. 

"No, with the biting."

Her mouth hung wide open at his comment. When he winked at her, she snapped it shut and said, "Rio then."

"See, I'm a big help with the thinking too."

Marine laughed and slapped his arm playfully. It was then that she realized how hard it was for her fingers stung like it had slapped stone instead of flesh. When she started to flick her hand to dissipate the pain, he turned to take her hand in his. 

Rubbing at her fingers slightly, he smiled before pressing them against his lips. "That's probably the only place that isn't hard."

Her eyes widened at the explicit sexual undertone and blushed. Pulling her hand away, she folded them across her chest and waited for him to purchase the tickets. 

When they finally sat inside the theatre, she turned to hiss at him, "You're doing this on purpose aren't you?" 

He gave her a sideward glance. "Doing what?"

"This... word play and teasing! It's like you want me to blush and get flustered every second that I'm with you," she said angrily. 

Riley didn't answer immediately but raised his left arm to hook it behind her; pulling her closer to him. For a moment, Marine did not dare to breathe. 

"Relax. I promised Alex not a scratch," he whispered against her ear, sending goosebumps down her body. She was so close to him that she could feel his body heat and smell his cologne. 

He didn't make any moves after that, letting her get comfortable in that position until she almost forgot about him. Her eyes absorbed every detail on screen and she was mesmerized by the graphics, the characters and the plotline. It was all very childlike but Riley knew that the woman in his arms was no child. She may be petite and thin but her scent was strong and heady like that of a woman's. It made him want to turn and bury his head against her neck and take a bite... or two. 

Riley didn't like feeling this way about Marine so he was just going to keep his eyes glued onto the screen and push away all the unwanted dirty thoughts slowly creeping into his head. 

However, he could still feel every movement that she made beside him: when she gasped in shock or when she trembled while laughing and then the minute gestures she made as she tried to pretend she wasn't crying. It was just adorable. 

Later when they were out of the theatre and walking to his car, she asked him if he enjoyed the movie. 

"Well, it kinda reminded me about us except that I'm the confident sexy Linda and you're the inexperienced, domesticated Blu. You still have wings that have not yet been used for flying Gem."

Marine frowned and wrinkled her nose at him. He was right of course and it confirmed her hunch that he was just going out with her to spite Alex or something. How depressing. 

"Riley, why do you call me Gem? That's not really my name you know," she said while they were driving back home. 

"And your point being?"

"I... I just don't want you to mistaken me for someone else. Maybe Gem's a name of a past girlfriend or something or just a term you use because you couldn't be bothered to remember your date's name. Know what I mean?"

She felt him press the brake slowly, pulling over to the side of the highway before turning to look at her. 

"Marine, I have never called anyone Gem in my life before so don't be mistaken."

She widened her eyes at his admission then nodded. Now that he sounded so serious, she was suddenly afraid of him. Oh dear. 

"Are you afraid now?" his voice was low and Marine was sure that his blue eyes were glowing in the dark. She shook her head bravely. She was the Vampire here not him so technically, he should be afraid of her not the other way round. 

"You should be, Gem. I am not a good guy."

"You behaved yourself today," she pointed out. "I'd say that was an act of a good guy."

He tilted his head back and laughed. "Gem, you have no idea the amount of control I have."

Marine didn't dare to say anything for she didn't want to taunt him. Those eyes were flashing so dangerously that she was afraid he was going to reach out and... kiss her. 

Her eyelashes fluttered wildly at the thought. She was imagining things for sure for Riley had no intention of doing that. Didn't he say that he wasn't in for relationships? 

"Maybe you should send me home now Riley," said Marine in a calm and controlled voice. She didn't want to betray her disappointment or fear to him. This was going to be their one and only date and she wasn't stupid enough to believe there'd be more. 

However, Riley didn't attempt to start the engine for he was still staring at her. 

"Marine..."

"Home, now, Riley." 

But Riley still didn't start the car and instead leaned sideways towards her, cupping her chin gently to make her look at him in the eye. 

"Let me go!" she snapped. "I know you're doing this just to get back at Alex or something. You said it yourself that you don't want anything to do with me. You have no time for..."

Whatever she wanted to say was drowned out by the pressure of his lips over hers, kissing her hungrily; his mouth slanting over hers as his tongue reached out to tease and tangle with hers. Marine almost forgot about everything else except the feeling of his hot lips against hers and his scent washing over her senses. This was his real scent, not masked by cologne and it called out to her like that of a... 

Mate.

Her eyes flared open in shock as she recognized the slight metallic hint of blood in his scent and pushed him away. 

"You know what I am," she said breathlessly. It wasn't a question but a statement and she was waiting for him to deny it. 

He looked at her, the brightness in his eyes losing its luster. "Yes."

"And you are..."

"Yes."

"Your ability is to hide your scent?" she asked in amazement. 

"Yes."

"Can I kiss you again?"

"Yes," he breathed out before plunging into another heated kiss with Marine. He thought she was supposed to be sexually inexperienced but she was kissing him like her life depended on it. He couldn't blame her for he felt the same thing too. He wanted her so badly and now that he had let her know his secret, he wasn't going to let her out of his sight. 

It hadn't been intentional but there was no denying the body when it recognizes its other half –it wanted to be known, wanted to be claimed –and scent was the first step for mates to recognize each other. 

With that in mind, he slipped a hand under her t-shirt and squeezed one of her breasts through the bra that she was wearing and moaned. 

"They're not perfect," she mumbled against his lips, obviously ashamed somewhat of her less than sexy body. 

He pulled away and kissed her nose lightly. "You're mine now... and whatever's mine is always perfect." He heard her inhale sharply at his words. 

"You're just saying that to get me into bed." 

"Gem, I'm a hundred and twenty years old. If I wanted to get you into bed, I'd have done so the second you got into my car this evening. And trust me, you wouldn't fight it."

"So sure are you?" 

"You know why. Try and resist it," he said for he'd known the torture the first time he rejected her and sent her home instead. He'd try to deny who she was to him then but it was getting harder each time to pretend her scent wasn't calling out to him. 

"Riley... if I go home now, I'm going to smell like you... and everyone's going to know that you're one of us... which I think would defeat the purpose of you hiding it in the first place."

"What do you suggest?"

"You should send me back to my dorm. I only go home on the weekends anyway."

"Is that an invitation?"

A warm flirty laugh emanated from Marine's throat. "Not tonight."

"Why?"

"I need to get over the shock of you kissing me."

"You make it sound like it's dreadful," he said, pulling a sad face that made her laugh. 

"Well then it just means you have to improve on it the next time wont' you?" she teased, watching him arch his eyebrow at her. "So shall we? Before the cops come by to see if we're dead or something."

"Or something," he replied, turning the ignition. 

"Riley, am I... complicating things for you and your principles?" asked Marine quietly. She understood that not everyone finds their mates at such a young age. Some wait for centuries to find each other –just look at her grandparents. And Riley had made it clear that he didn't have time for relationships or marriage... and a mate was more than both of that. Would he reject her to keep his freedom?

"It was my mistake to lose control back then because now your body's recognized my scent. If I hide it again, it will curb this mating impulse, I'm sure."

Marine was sad to hear that. "I see. Well then, maybe we shouldn't see each other much."

"Gem, unfortunately for me, I can still scent you... even if you're a state away. I'll be pulled to you somehow or another –there's no escape from that but let's just take it slow for now. You're still a youngling Marine. According to our laws, you still belong to your family," he said omitting the disclaimer "Until I claim you." But he was sure she didn't know that. 

Marine nodded silently, turning away so that he wouldn't see the tears that were threatening to escape from her eyes. She understood him –hadn't she known it would come down to this some day? He had made it clear right from the start what he needed and what he wanted. And right now, she was just on his 'want' list –not necessary and disposable. 

***

"Madam, I have some bad news," said the mousy head scientist as he entered the office of his superior. 

The woman looked at him lazily then nodded to let him speak. 

"The first trial batch... is a failure. I apologize Madam. I won't repeat this error again."

The woman called Madam got up to her feet and reached out to swipe the scientist across his face –four bleeding gashes appearing on his face a second later. 

"I do not tolerate failure!" she bellowed. "Have I not given you the best facilities? The most expensive materials? Have I not funded this project well enough for you to give me satisfactory results?"

The scientist whimpered, dabbing at his wound. "Please Madam... I will try again. It is just that we do not know what combination of sperm and egg produces the best offsprings and in what permutation... I have calibrated it at one Pure..."

"I do not want to hear your silly science rubbish. I just want results. I don't care how you do it!" she roared, clenching the scientist by the throat. "I'm giving you one last chance to give me something," she said with a spat before tossing the man aside like he was garbage. 

"Please Madam... there is a need to study the original specimens in order for me to understand how to replicate their DNA structures... I need..."

"Need, need, need. Is that word the only thing you scientists know?" Her voice was cold and extremely lethal; almost as lethal as the killing blow she executed on the scientist a second later. Flicking the blood off her hands in disgust, she picked up the phone on her desk and dialed a number. 

"I have a proposal for you. It seems I have an opening for the position of Head Scientist at my laboratories," she said, pausing to listen to the response on the other line. After a moment of silence, she issued her ultimatum. "This is not an invitation, Hedva. I will have a plane sent to Jerusalem within the hour to fetch you to our facilities. Start packing."

Then she slammed the phone down and kicked the corpse staining her carpet. 

***

The next day, Riley and Alex didn't report to work but went straight to their client's office building in Sacramento to straighten out some of the facts. While the bogus companies that were supposedly bringing cash in for the firm did not exist; Alex managed to track an exact location for the shelter that was supposedly labeled as 'capital investment' by the company. 




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 03



"Good work MacFarlane," Riley had said. 

"Yeah, I should have been a cop. At least I wouldn't have to worry about my moral compass."

"Loosen up newbie. How old are you huh? Ten? Nobody's moral compass points directly north and then there's the problem of relativity –north of what centre?"

"Don't go all Aristotle on me. I still have to chew your hide later."

"Whatever for?"

"For kissing Marine."

Riley let out a laugh as they stepped into the elevator of the thirty floor building. "Let me guess, she told you?"

"She gives it away too easily. Blushes every time I look at her and has that guilty look on her face whenever I stare too hard. Wish all criminals were like that. It'd make working in the legal system such a breeze."

Riley didn't say anything. He wasn't sure if he ought to comment for part of him would have gone beyond words to throttle the little wolf walking beside him for insinuating that Marine was a criminal. She was such a sweet little... -No they came here to work. He'd have to put Marine aside for now. 

When they reached the twenty-seventh storey, the two men stepped out of the elevator and were immediately greeted by a slim brunette dressed in a black suit. She led them straight through a door and into the private waiting room of the CEO of the firm. 

"Mr. C. will see you in a while," she told them before leaving. 

"Sounds enigmatic," said Alex resentfully. 

"Behave," was all Riley managed to say before the door on the other side opened and a tall, powerful looking man greeted them. 

"Do come in. I understand you have a few questions."

"Yes Mr. C." said Riley politely. "It seems we have some issues we need to clear before we proceed."

"Please, call me Caden. And you are Riley and this is..."

"Alex, I'm his understudy for this case."

"Alex. Good. So what are these issues?" asked Caden, turning to face Riley. 

"It seems Sir that your financial accounts can be traced... though of course legally there are no footprints but even the most careful trails can be tracked."

Alex thought he saw something like anger flash across Caden's face but just for a second. It would seem that he was upset about what Riley had said about the finances but Alex had a hunch that it wasn't. Nevertheless, he chose to dismiss it. 

"I won't deny that we created these bogus projects and as my lawyer, you are supposed to counsel me as to what are the best steps to take to ensure that I won't get the rap for this."

Alex didn't want to say anything but instead watched as Riley went over every single detail of the fake financial accounts, suggesting that Caden dissolve them to avoid future fraud cases. Alex was thinking that Riley had a backbone after all when he suddenly launched into possible scapegoats to take the heat of the trial. Almost immediately, Caden leaped up at him saying that as the CEO he is not responsible for the finances of his company blah blah blah. 

Alex was sure that was rehearsed and Riley was merely practicing the speech with the man. Good god. Clearing his throat, Alex decided it was time he spoke up. The two men had been ignoring him for the past half an hour or so. 

"Mr. C., I would like to talk to you about this investment account you set up over the Lake Tahoe region. I double-checked the trails and saw that you made extensive care not to have any prints left behind but I still managed to find the location of this 'investment' of yours."

Caden actually stopped and turned to look at Alex, clearly impressed. 

"It's a legit investment my boy and I don't see why you're questioning it."

"I have to Sir because your company and by proxy, you, declared it a form of profit. However, investments don't break even until at least two or three years."

This time Caden smiled and held Alex's gaze for a long time before he spoke. "Did you know that there are wolves in Lake Tahoe, Alex?" he said slowly, waiting for Alex to catch the bait but Alex was too smart for that. 

"And how is that connected to an oil company?" he replied coldly. 

"Ah this is an excellent practice for the trial. He'd make a good prosecutor won't he Riley?" said Caden in a mocking tone. Riley remained stoned face and gave him a jaded look. "So my boy, see here. There is intel that there might be oil underneath all that rocky terrain but being the socially responsible company that we are, I have put aside funds to set up some sort of site to house these... wolves. I don't want any of them to be killed by accident during our dig. Surely you'd understand how precious these endangered animals are?" 

Alex tried not to react and instead gave an impassive face. No one knew what he was except Marine and his family... surely she didn't tell Riley? No, she wouldn't. Loyalty was to your family first. 

"Then why not put it under the company's legitimate expenditure? Why go around the bush to try and hide it if there's nothing to hide?"

Caden broke out in laughter. "Those animal rights activists... they'd have our head for sure if they knew we're trying to restrict these wild animals' rights. They'd turn violent and sabotage the project for sure. I can't have that."

Okay, the man had a point, thought Alex but it still sounded suspicious to him. However, Riley seemed to agree with Caden and decided to round up the meeting with a few more points before taking their leave. 

Alex walked sourly behind Riley but as they were leaving, he caught the familiar whiff of metallic blood that signaled the presence of a Vampire. Surely not! When he turned around, there was no one in the room; Caden probably had exited by another door. 

Maybe he was just imagining things. 

***

The moment they exited the building and hopped into Riley's car, Alex announced, "I want to go up to the Lake. I want to see this... shelter."

"Why?" 

Alex kept mum for a second. He needed to know if those wolves up there were one of his kind. If they were, they'd have their own Alpha and they needed to know about this shady business going on. Tahoe could be their home and Alex was too loyal to his own kind to not give them a heads up. 

"I want to see if there really is a shelter. The man's lying through his teeth."

"No." Riley started the car and began driving towards the highway heading back to L.A.

Fine then. He was going after work –even if he has to drive god knows how many hours to reach there.

"Alex, we are not cops. Our duty is to defend our clients. Not everybody gets to defend the good guys. Some of us? We learn to take the shit of society. So if you can't handle that, then this job is clearly not for you."

"Fuck you Riley!"

Riley didn't even bat an eye. After ten minutes of no response, Alex leaned back in his seat, clearly frustrated. Only then did Riley speak. 

"Okay, we'll take a look. But it's not going to change a thing."

No, Riley was wrong. It would change a lot of things if those wolves out there were really Werewolves. 

***

"Right, this seems to be the place," said Riley about three hours later. They hadn't really seen any shelters yet but Alex had seen enough of the natural landscape to know that wolves would love to live here. He could see himself weaving through the tree trunks or rolling in the snow during winter... 

Lake Tahoe reminded him of home. 

"I'm guessing that whatever plans for the shelter if it even exists would be in the state park," said Riley looking at the map on his android. Leaning over, Alex squinted at some of the words and clicked on the western side of the lake to enlarge the view. 

"No, I think it'd be somewhere here. Higher elevation means more predatory animals. Bird's eye view you know? And it has to be away from any human settlement so it must be somewhere here," said Alex, circling around the snowy areas on the map. It was approaching May but there might still be snow if they're lucky. 

"I didn't know you're an animal lover," Riley commented dryly. 

"Lot's of things you don't know mate." 

Riley stiffened slightly at the word 'mate' although he knew perfectly well Alex wasn't referring to that kind of mate but still... 

They drove on for about half an hour when Alex decided it was time to put his nose to much better use. This place was nature at its best and Alex was a born tracker. He'd track down another pack mate within minutes. Lowering down his window, he made a pretense of taking in a deep breath and immediately picked up faint traces of wolf scent –except that they're not all wolves. His nose twitched a little as though confused at the scents but he conveyed his 'gut feeling' directions to Riley. 

Eventually they made it to a small makeshift shelter and parked the car outside the gates. Alex was frowning. His client was pouring money into this place and it looked like a shack? And... there were wolves and dogs caged up! Just who the hell was in charge? 

Anger consumed him and he pushed the gates open, marching up towards the front door of the shelter.

"Alex, wait!" called Riley but Alex was too deaf from his own fury to hear him. He covered the distance between the gate and the door in less than five steps and literally kicked it open to reveal two women bent over a wolf with syringes in their hands. 

"Get your filthy hands away from that animal you bastards!" he shouted, storming up to push them away from the animal. 

"Just what the fu... Alex?" said one of the women who tried to fight him off. 

"Alex!" Riley had caught up and was pulling Alex away with guilt written all over his face. "I'm so sorry ladies. He's really emotional about animal rights..."

"You're killing him you bastards!" Alex shouted, kicking against the ground in agony. 

"Shut the fuck up or I swear Alex... I swear I will pump you so full of tranquilizer your dick's going to fall off." 

Riley frowned and stared at the woman who just dressed his colleague down. "You know him?"

"Unfortunately. Could you please just get him out of here?" she ordered before hesitating a little bit. "No wait. He'll just scare the others. Just settle him on the chair over there and get him to relax –I don't give a damn how but just get him to shut up."

"Yes Ma'am," grinned Riley, moving Alex away from the women. "I'm Riley by the way."

"Sure," she replied, turning on her heel and ignoring his invitation for an introduction.

"Okay..." he whistled instead and tried to settle Alex onto the seat. Alex was looking like he was in a state of shock; his body unresponsive and his pupils dilated. 

"Damn it Alex... you snap out of this right now!" he shook Alex by the shoulders, looking straight into his eyes. Alex was just staring into space, almost in a daze. 

"He's in a state of shock," the woman said from a distance before coming over towards them. "Just let him rest for a minute."

"So... this is a shelter for...?" prompted Riley. 

"We found injured wolves and wolfdogs left abandoned; some were seriously starved and others needed serious medical care. Rina here called me to help out. I'm what you call them... consultant."

"British right?" 

"I'm the best, that's why she called me."

"Evading the question," he mused. "Let me get this straight... if you're the best, then how is she going to afford to pay for your consultation fees when this place doesn't even look like it's worth five bucks?"

"Oh no, she's not paying for it..."

"Key..." warned Rina. 

"I'm going to find out who's responsible for hurting those animals out there and then I'm going to sue their sorry asses. And then, I'm going to win," she said with a smile. "And Rina here has no debt to pay."

"You'd make a good lawyer, Miss...?" 

"It's Doctor and I share my last name with him," she said, angling her head in Alex's direction. "Now, if you'd excuse me, I have lives to save," she turned haughtily and walked out the front door with Rina following after her. 

Riley's mouth twisted in a wry smile as he looked at Alex. "Geez little guy, you sure have interesting women in your family."

***

"Madam, it has been confirmed that the rejects have been discovered and being salvaged."

"They're just animals. Get down there and get rid of them."

"Madam, we have to have a proper system of disposal."

"No! Just which part do you not understand? I don't give a damn!"

One of the men in the room cleared his throat slightly and spoke up. "Now, there's no need to get angry. The sooner we get the bait, the sooner we can release all the other untested specimens. That way, we won't attract too much attention."

The messenger gulped, flicking a grateful look at the man who had just spoken. 

"Madam, the rejects have already attracted attention from some animal rights advocates..."

"Then terminate those advocates. I'll authorize the vanguards."

"No Madam... I cannot do that."

"I do not tolerate insolence. Terminate them now!" she bellowed. 

"There is no 'them' Madam. It is a 'she' and our particular subject of enquiry."

Silence ensued in the room. 

Then everyone broke out in rushed movements; shouting orders and literally running out of the conference room. 

***



Pushing Boundaries Ch. 03



"Don't get to handsy or I'll cut them off." Deina said without even opening her eyes or moving an inch. Hopefully that sent a message. 

"Way to ruin a moment Dee. I just want to hold you. Maybe that way I can get some sleep. Now rest babe we have to get up early to go jogging." Her soft groan tickled him and two seconds later he could hear her rhythmic breathing of a peaceful sleep. 

His body finally felt weary and settled. The beating pace of her heart beat lulled him to sleep. There was no turning back, some how he knew Deina in his bed pushed past sometime of boundary with them and he hoped she felt it too.



Pushing Boundaries Ch. 04



Vibrations woke Deina from her peaceful rest. Sleep was fogging up her brain but she recognized her surroundings, she was in David's room. Memories of the previous night rushed back to her. If her dark skin could show that she was blushing she just might be beat red. How had they crossed the proverbial line of friendship into the unknown territory? Deina tried to stretch to clear her mind, but her hand hit something hard.

A groan came from behind her. David wasn't awake yet but her movement caused him to shift. In a sleep induced state he reached across Deina and pulled her closer to him and laid his cheek against hers. Now she knew what a teddy bear being smothered felt like, it was comfortable and cozy next to David but they had to get up. When she tried to rise he just held her closer and buried his face against her neck. His morning stubble tickled her neck and that tingling feeling stole over her once again.

"Dave, we have to get up. Wakey, wakey, babe." She twisted in his grasp to look at him. Bad idea, David's eyes stared right back at her. Those sea green pools looked at her with an emotion she didn't recognize every seeing before from him. Those magnetic sea green eyes pulled her towards him, she couldn't help herself. His freshly awaken face was beautiful in the morning glow. His features were calm and relaxed as he smiled wearily like a man content with life. 

Without hesitation she titled her head upwards and kissed his lips softly. Kissing wasn't her area of expertise but she didn't really have a choice. There was something about David that drew her to him not a magnetic pull per say but a natural response to his spirit that called to hers. And there is no going against nature, so there was no going against David either. 

Her lips felt like satin covered cotton balls, so soft. David wasn't really sure where he stood with Deina. Was she submitting to him, finally? Either way he wasn't going to miss the opportunity of waking up to her warm body beside him and her soft lips on his was paradise. Maybe he was dreaming? It wouldn't be the first time that he dreamed of waking up with her in his arms. When he felt her dig her fingers through his hair, he almost lost it. 

In an attempt not scare her away or kill this dream to early he lightly cupped her cheek and kissed her back gently. Sparks tingled from where David was touching her, his touch was gentle but burned her skin at the same time. His lips felt like butterfly wings barely grazing her lips, promising more. 

What started off as a beautiful light intimate moment turned aggressive when Deina got tired of his feather kisses when a craving deep with in her demanded more. She tangled her fingers in his thick black locks and forced his lips toward her own. Fuck it David thought, he grabbed the back of her head and put everything he felt into his kiss, everything he had felt for her since they were kids. It was aggressive and passionate; he wanted Deina to remember this forever, to know that he was the only man that could make her feel this way.

David sucked on her bottom lip, begging for entrance into her mouth. Her slight little moans of pleasure were fueling the flames to his own passion; he loved the little noises she was making. Deina was having a hard time thinking straight, shocks of pleasure raced through her body and settled in between her legs, stocking a fire in her belly with every single kiss and brush of his finger tips.

Deina couldn't stay still. Her body was craving closer contact but she wasn't sure how she could get any closer to David then she already was without literally climbing into his skin with him. She fidgeted along side of him in bed, her brushed her leg along side his. Deina couldn't have made this anymore perfect; she might not have known how to give her body what it was demanding but David knew exactly what her body needed. Without pause he slipped his thigh in between her legs and rocked it gently against her mound, a small high pitched screech escaped her throat. She never wore underwear to bed so the rough fabric of her pants ground against her pussy roughly, creating an intense friction that she had never felt before. There was no way to escape the pressure his thigh was creating between her legs and even if she could she wouldn't want to resist. 

On her gasp of pleasure he took the opportunity to plunge his tongue into her delicate mouth. At first taste he was shocked. She didn't taste like chocolate at all, she tasted like citrus fruit. Like tangerines, lemons, and the sweetest grape fruit all wrapped into one delicious little package. A growl escaped his throat, his control snapped; he delved into her mouth with abandon. No area of her mouth went untouched by his tongue. He mimicked what his cock wanted to do to her pussy with his tongue. 

His tongue was literally fucking her mouth and she thought she was losing her mind with how good it felt. The pressure of David's leg combined with his tongue was too much to take anymore. Deina rocked her pussy against David's leg hoping that it would relieve some of the pressure but it stocked the fire even more. By now she was so wet she knew he would be able to feel the moisture against his leg. It should have been embarrassing that she was so wet that she was probably leaking on his leg but at the moment the only thing that mattered was how good he was making her feel.

Deina's moans were getting louder as she rocked against David's thigh. "That's it Dee, come on baby girl give it to me." He wanted Dee cumming for him but before he could act on that plan her alarm went off. That little vibrating phone broke through their revere. 

"We...should...umm..., we need to get up and jog." Deina stuttered wrenching herself from his grasp and getting out of his bed.

"Dee, what the hell? Come back here." David reached out to grab her and force her back into bed with him but she side stepped him with the ease of a dancer. Why was Deina acting like nothing had just happened between them? Whenever he thought he was getting some where with her she put up her boundaries and hid behind them. 

"Can't, we don't have time." She uttered while putting on her shoes. "See you in fifteen minutes outside." And with that she climbed out the window towards her own house.

What the fuck had just happened? David flopped back on his bed, all these boundaries that Deina had up was driving him crazy. One minute she was hyperventilating for him and the next she was running away. His dick was getting a headache from all of this, it didn't know whether to be up, down, or if it was better to be twisted into a pretzel from the way she was driving him crazy. God he had blue balls from their morning session. 

David got up, no reason sitting around; he had ten minutes to meet Deina outside. He dressed quickly and saw Deina standing outside waiting. Neither of them said a word as they jogged a mile around the neighborhood. She barely even glanced at him, but he stared at her the whole entire time. He knew under that long sleeved shirt of hers she had on a criss-cross sports bra, that he had seen many times before. 

All he could think about was how that body had felt against his. He watched her butt as she ran and could only think of how it had felt in his hands only thirty minutes ago. Every, movement she made was like a slow seduction; the swing of her hips as she jogged, the slight bounce of her breast with every step, the way her hair shifted with the wind and her shallow breathes reminded him of how she had moaned for him. Even the flex of her calf muscles as she took every step was a reminder of sex. This was driving him insane. 

She could feel his eyes on her and it was unsettling to say the least. Running never felt so sexual but she had promised and no matter what happened they were still friends and she had to honor her promise. 

When they finished their run, Deina didn't even hesitate with her foot steps to give David a chance to ask her any questions. She went straight to her house not even missing a beat. Instead of confused David was angry not just angry but pissed off. How could she just pretend that not more than an hour ago they had been lip locking and grouping like the horny teenagers they were? 

What was her problem? Never in all the years that he had known Deina did she just blatantly ignore him or anyone for that matter. If anything, she couldn't stop that fast mouth of hers from spewing out whatever it was she had to say. That's what he had loved about her for so long, she wasn't the type to just let things fester or go unresolved. It was starting to grate on his nerves how aloof she was acting to the whole situation; he knew she had felt something even if she wouldn't admit it.

David walked back to his house and thought back to when they were kids and everything was a lot simpler back then. David had been horribly upset that his parents had made the whole family move from Italy to the United States when he was younger. He was no longer closer to his grandma, his cousins or any of his friends. They were in a strange country that was nothing like Italy, there were no sandy beaches, no nice smiling faces, and there was no family close by to run to. David's parents could explain to him all they wanted that the American company that his dad worked for need him in their head quarts in America. It was the same company that had brought his dad to Italy from America in the first place but he didn't care. They were just moving in to there new house and David had declared his defiance by sitting in his soon to be room pouting.

Deina's mother was the talkative type, which was an exact match to David's own mother who instantly fell in love with Deina's family as soon as she met them. Both Deina and David's fathers were engineers so they shared a common interest that soon budded into a mutual friendship. Their family had come over with a plate of cookies as a "welcome to the neighborhood gesture." David hid in his room when the new people arrived not wanting to acknowledge their generosity. Deina was no better; she hid behind her mothers legs, to shy to meet her new neighbors. 

Their parents announced that they would all be eating dinner together as a celebration of their new friendship. It was the first time David and Deina had met one another. The first time little Deina and David saw each other, was a source of comic fixation for years to come. Deina was fascinated with the little boy's dark hair and green eyes, David was also amazed at the little American. She had dimples and the most interesting skin color, it was a mocha color brown but seemed like it had a golden glow to it.

David decided right then and there that not all Americans were bad. He had been excepting a blue eyed blonde haired boy who would want to play baseball with him or something, not a small shy black girl.

He grabbed her hand and led her to the dinner table like they had been friends forever, instead of meeting for the first time. Shy little Deina willingly let David grab her hand and lead her where ever he wanted without fear. Their parents silently watched the two of their kids interact and laughed to themselves. It would be a joke for years to come about their "love at first" experience and their mothers would forever bicker over the dowry price for Deina as a joke.

How had they gone from instinctual attraction to barely speaking and awkward interactions? That little girl who had been to shy to meet ne people he had known had morphed right in front of him and he missed the whole thing. Instead of the girl who was to shy to meet new people but still acted like a tomboy she had become his beautiful and feisty best friend. 

David marched into his house up to his room, more confused and angry then ever before. So many questions ran through his mind. Where had the time gone? When had his feelings for her changed? How had they gone from being the best of friends who told each other everything to barely being able to get through a conversation without things getting awkward? Why the hell was she avoiding him and the attraction that was so strong that even the people around them would be burned by the intense heat between the two of them? 

Harboring over Deina and the situation wasn't helping anything. Trying to get her out of his thoughts he took a shower to try and wash his thoughts away. Whatever game or walls Deina had he wasn't going to be deterred by her issues. 

Deina thought she might hyperventilate. David had always been the type to get whatever or who ever he wanted but his attraction had never been geared towards her and it was starting to become very unsettling. His green gaze was so intense the whole time they were running, she thought he had the power to burn her from the inside out. 

Admittedly she had been attracted to her best friend since she hit thirteen years old. But, once they entered high school and he started dating everything that walked and had breast she promised her self she would never get involved with David. Every girl he dated left with a broken heart and her panties in her hand. It wasn't that David was misogynistic, he just never wanted to get serious with any of them and that was the end of every relationship. Never would she date David and get her heart broken and her best friend taken away from her forever. She wasn't going to be another stereotypical girl who would be crying herself silly over him. 

To this moment she could still feel David's thigh between her legs and lips on hers. Her clit was still sensitive from there morning grope, which made running uncomfortable. With every step she was becoming progressively more turned on and the feeling of David's eyes on her back made things even more heated. When they made back towards their houses she knew she had to get back to her house immediately. So without even a glance back she ran home, not saying a word to him. 

It was getting harder to deny David when he was so damn persistence. When your best friend is gorgeous and trying to get into your pants he has every base covered; emotionally, physically, and mentally he knew how she ticked. Where it would take guys weeks and months to break down her barriers, it only took David seconds and he barely had to say anything at all. All he had to do was look at her or say her name and every wall and boundary she had put up came crumbling at her feet. 

Deina tried pushing her thoughts and feelings away, and get ready for school. She hurried through her normal routines, pulling on a winter skirt, lace up boots and a white sweater. Then headed to her car hoping the pressure of school would distract her from her best friend and if she was lucky she could dodge seeing him at school. Luck would not be on her side though, because David was there when Deina stepped outside her door. Leaning against her car, arms crossed, looking as if he had been waiting for her forever. 

Her heart plummeted to her stomach. What was he doing looking so relaxed against her car, when she was wound up so tight? His persistence started off as endearing but now his cool demeanor was starting to grate on her nerves. Why was she the only one who was visibly shaken by what was going on between them?

She couldn't stop herself from storming over to where David leaned against her car. "What the heck?"

"What? You thought I could drive my car with crutches?"

"Crutches?" she asked quizzically.

David bent down to pick up the crutches at his feet, which she hadn't even seen. For a moment she felt bad for him and then he started talking again.

"So are we going to get to school or what?" All sympathy was erased.

"Hobble your ass into the car and we might make it on time." Her anger returned with full force; he was such an arrogant prick.

"I love it when you sass me." He sighed happily, like she had just professed her love to him. He took his crutches and bag and set it in her car, climbing into the passenger side. 

"Who the heck says sass any more, you crazy Italian." She grumbled underneath her breath. Just another annoying thing about their friendship, her insults or anger was never taken seriously by David. He thought of them as endearing expression, which grated on her nerves. She was itching for a fight and he would never take the bait. Her anger was palpable now, when she climbed in the car and had to sit so close to him.

For a long time they drove in silence not mentioning this morning or anything else for that matter. David had let a little of his anger cool off from this morning but he still wanted to get things straight with Deina. With a heavy sigh he dove right into the topic.

"Deina, when are you going to let me into your panties so we can quill this sexual tension?" he only half joked.

"When the African American community realizes that Tupac is dead, and the white community admits that Elvis died and the two build a support commit for each other." Although he was trying to be serious, he couldn't help but laugh at her sense of humor. 

"I can have that arranged." 

"You're an idiot"

"Your idiot, if you would just say yes." He said with all seriousness etched in his face. 

She really hated to lie but the situated was getting too heated and she only saw one way out. "Am not attracted to you David."

For a split second there was absolute silence in the car. Then the booming laughter of David's deep voice filled the interior of her little bug car. It was happy laughter, but sarcastic hated filled laughs. Deina rarely lied and now he knew why, she was horrible at it. 

"Sei sicuro? Because this morning I clearly remember exploring that sweet mouth of yours and all I heard coming from you were moans. My boxers still have a wet spot on them from when you were rocking your pussy against my leg." David's words were meant to hurt. How dare she deny what happened between them.

"It was purely a biological reaction!" She shouted. Deina was becoming flustered. She didn't want to talk about her wanton behavior or how good it had felt. 

"Tesoro, there is no term in biology for what I wanted to do to you this morning." 

"I am not your treasure, don't start with that Italian crap, I've been around your family long enough to know what you're saying." She was boiling by this point. He was staying so calm, cool and collected while she was two seconds from crashing the car into something just so that he would shut up. 

David put his hand on Deina's thigh while she was driving and gently stroked her smooth skin. "Bambino, you can deny your attraction to me all you want, but your body will always tell the truth." 

"Remove your hand from my thigh before your hip isn't the only thing that is broken." She growled out between clenched teeth. His touch was restocking the flame that hadn't completely died out this morning. 

"Okay." David removed his hand from her thigh and instead slid it to the conjuncture of her thighs. 

Deina jumped in her seat, almost crashing into the car in front of her. David's touch was like electricity, flowing from his finger tips straight through her whole entire body making her thighs tremble slightly. Taking her shock as an opportunity David used the moment to gently stroke the crease in her panties. He could feel the heat emanating from her, and if he wasn't mistaken he could feel her getting wet. How she could deny wanting him was unfathomable. 

She was trembling; she knew it and she was pissed because she couldn't stop her body. A part of her wanted to beg for him to rub her harder but her pride got in her way. With fast reflexes she swerved her little car into a parking space, effectively knocking David to the side of the car and his hand from between her legs. She was gripping the wheel so tight he was afraid she was going to break it.

"Don't you ever do that again."




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 04



NB: I did my own editing for this one, so pardon any mistakes. Also, any reference to the actual names and locations of places are purely fictional. On that note, happy reading!

***

"Secure the perimeters and make sure you keep her in sight at all times!"

The head vanguard acknowledged the order and signed off; his holographic transmission disconnected from the communications mainframe.

"Helene, there is no need to be hasty. You are risking the discovery of our best vanguards and alerting her of our presence!"

The baritone voiced woman looked up at the speaker and slapped him.

"I have waited over two centuries to find the answers so don't you dare stop me! This is my Order and my money funding the research. I do not answer to anyone and certainly not to you!"

"We should stick to our plan. Kidnapping her in plain sight is going to be counterproductive... I have already set my plan in motion. We will have the bait lured..."

Helene took a deep breath before letting it out slowly.

"Very well," she conceded. "But if your plan fails, we're doing this my way."

"Yes Madam."

"And make sure you keep it under the radar of your Council. That child is here under the concessions of the European Council and I don't want either Council to nose around. So do your job. There is a reason I put you in charge of it."

"Indeed you have..."

***

Alex felt stupid... okay he didn't feel stupid but she always managed to make him look stupid. And the fact that Riley had just ordered him up here to appease and/or suck up to her reminded him that it was a stupid idea.

"So... you've come here to make an official apology." It wasn't a question and not even a statement. She was mocking him.

"Yes."

"Because your boss told you to?"

He restrained himself from rolling his eyes. "Yes."

"Good, then you can go." She wasn't even looking at him but rifling through some files on her desk.

"So you're not... pressing charges?"

"No. Now get out."

Alex stared at the impossible woman in front of him for a moment in disbelief. She was acting like they did not know each other.

"Keona..." he pleaded.

"I said you can go, Alex. Or has your hearing deteriorated along with your mind?"

Alex narrowed his eyes at her. She was such a bitch.

"I can hear you Alex." There was not an ounce of emotion in the delivery of that sentence.

I stand corrected then. You're a cold hearted bitch.

This time she lifted her eyes to meet him and smiled --an icy smile that bore no actual joy in it.

"This is who I am," she said before getting up. "You can see yourself out. I have to do some routine checks."

Alex didn't stop her. Truth was, he did screw up and not just with the whole misunderstanding thing five years ago but also with what happened yesterday. He had thought that she was trying to murder the wolf on her operating table when she was trying to save its life.

The fact that he didn't even know she was a certified canine specialist reminded him of his negligence to update himself on everyone back home. It was like they didn't exist... and yet here she was --five years later and still angry at him.

Clenching his fist tightly, Alex decided, "What the hell. She's mine and I'm not letting her have her way this time."

He pushed the door of the shelter open and tried to follow her scent --except that there wasn't any. It just occurred to him then that ever since he stepped into that shelter today, he hadn't noticed her scent at all.

"Maybe it's a new ability she perfected over the years," he told himself with a shrug. Guess he'll just have to find her the non-wolf way. It wasn't hard. She was not too far away from the shelter, administering some sort of medicine to some of the wolves lying on the ground in an enclosed compound.

Alex heard his wolf howl in despair at seeing his kind caged up like that but the human part of Alex understood the reason behind it.

"I'm sorry buddy but our friends there are sick and this is to prevent them from running away before they fully recover," he tried to soothe the animal as he walked into the enclosure. Even though those wolves were not Weres, he still held some sort of affinity to them and he felt their pain.

"Key..." he called softly, leaning against the gates, waiting for her to respond.

"You shouldn't be here," she replied curtly. "You've done what you need to do so go."

Alex kept quiet; his eyes watching the way she soothed the wolf under her with so much care and tenderness. He actually felt a second of jealousy. How stupid was that? Getting jealous over a normal wolf? However, his own inner wolf seemed to think that wasn't stupid.

"I've stayed away for five years Keona... and it hasn't been easy."

Keona remained silent; stroking the wolf beneath her gently as she administered an injection. The animal howled sadly and Alex could feel it's' pain.

Then he felt hers.

She was hurting inside and it was partly due to all the injured canines but part of it was also because he was standing there behind her; watching her and knowing that she was hurting. Keona always had a need to hide her emotions and Alex knew that she had exposed too much of her weakness to him once and he had crippled her.

Moving closer, he knelt down and wrapped his arms tightly around her. He didn't see the tears, didn't feel her body trembling but he could hear her cries inside his head, sense her shields dropping away...

"Shh... it'll be fine honey, it'll be fine," he whispered, trying to soothe her.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the wolves perking their heads up as though sensing her distress. Busybodies.

"She's mine. Keep your noses to yourself," he warned, knowing how stupid he sounded seeing that they weren't even Weres to begin with.

"Someone was doing tests on them Alex," she whispered. "The wolves were stronger so they survived but the wolf dogs and the dogs suffered. I couldn't save them all Alex. And the ones that I could save? They're so scared of me... of anyone that they don't even let me touch them unless I use my abilities to soothe them. And it's exhausting..."

Alex held her closer, rocking on his heels slightly to calm her down. "I'm sorry..."

Keona let Alex hold her for a second longer before going rigid in his embrace.

"Leave me alone Alex," she forced the words out. "I shouldn't have even let you touch me."

"I was just doing what another pack member would have done."

She didn't reply him and tried to move over to the next canine. But the atmosphere between them had chilled.

"Any other pack member would understand when I say leave me alone," she warned, shrugging his hands off her.

For a moment Alex went completely still. He understood what she was implying --that she was the dominant between them, as she probably is amongst the pack. But Alex hadn't been back in a long time to actually have a rank in the pack so her authority here --if she even had any --meant squat.

"I'm not leaving you alone. You're my mate and you can't run from that forever. So look at me," he demanded. "Look at me!"

She turned reluctantly; her green eyes flashing angrily at him. "Don't you dare use that word. You have no right. No right!" she lashed out.

"Do you want me to fight you down for those rights again? Huh? Coz I damn well can get you on your ass in five seconds flat, no doubt about that," he challenged, knowing full well she would take the bait.

And she almost...

"Grow up Alex... we're not kids anymore," she sighed in resignation.

"I'm not the one still sulking here. I've grown up. I've gotten over whatever it was that you seemed to have misunderstood. And no, we're not kids anymore... but you are. You are acting like one! You're the one who needs to grow up!"

She tilted her face slowly; her eyes full of challenge and anger. "Run Alex," she whispered, slowly getting up.

"What?" he asked obviously confused.

"Run me out or you can have no right to shout at me."

Before she could even move, he was already out the gate; taking his tie and shirt off while in motion. Keona had no idea how he was undressing while running but she was interested enough to see that she slowed down just a little.

What a mistake.

He didn't take off his boxers.

But that second of slowing down cost her for he was at least ten feet ahead of her and already in his wolf form --and Keona knew that Alex the wolf was a born tracker which meant that besides being one of the fastest Werewolves in the compound, he was also impossible to track down.

I'm winning Key and this is really fun.

"Damn it!" she hissed, kicking off her own shoes and started running barefooted across the hard soil. She zigzagged through the old firs and pine trees, trying to follow his scent but this was not her forest and there were just too many new smells and unexpected fallen logs and craters that she kept fumbling around. It was like she was moving blindly and it was not funny. She needed a bird's eye view, literally... and that's when she decided it was time.

***

Alex was sure that Keona was running behind him just a minute ago and then she was gone. It was bad enough that she had no scent but he could no longer hear any footsteps or breathing --nothing! The only person who could disappear like this was Marine and even then he could still hear whispers of her heartbeat.

He stopped; heightening his senses to try and 'feel' her out. Then his eyes started raking up one of trees, wondering if perhaps she had climbed it.

"She's not a cat. Hell, she's not even a wolf. And no woman can climb a tree in a minute," he told himself and heard the wolf part of him laugh mockingly. "Yeah yeah, she's not just any woman either. I know you like her you flirt. Now use your damn nose and find her or I'll lose."

The wolf actually sulked. Then it happened.

A small feathered bird landed on top of his nose and freaking pecked at his head! It wasn't so much as its beak but its talons digging into Alex's snout that made him go crazy; shaking his head from side to side and jumping up and down as though on fire.

Get off! Get off!

Haha, sucker.

Alex stilled. Was he hearing things? The bird had stilled too and was staring at him with amusement in its eyes. Alex did the next other thing he could think of to get the bird off his face --he shifted back.

The sudden force of the physiological change startled the bird enough that it let go of its talons and landed neatly on its feet a few feet away from a very puzzled and annoyed Alex.

"You --come here," he said, hooking his fingers in a come hither sign. The bird simply blinked and cocked its head slightly to the left; a blank look on its face. Alex raised his eyebrows then narrowed his eyes.

"You're a female aren't you? Okay, now shoo. Don't you have some eggs to hatch or something?"

The bird gave a fatal cry.

"What? You want to argue with me about that? Geez what am I doing? I'm talking to a bird for godsake!" he swore and rolled his eyes. As he got up, he saw the bird eyeing him suspiciously. "Oh no you don't! This is not a snack so stop looking at it!" he snapped, covering his crotch with his hands. Turning around, he was about to shift back to his wolf form when he heard hysterical laughter coming from behind him.

"This is not a snack? Seriously?" Keona was lying on her back, holding her stomach and laughing hard.

For a moment, he forgot all about his nakedness --not that Keona wasn't used to nakedness but the last time they were naked together, he was 10 and they hated each others' guts which they still do --so he turned. She was still dressed --barely --in a white tank top and white boxer shorts.

"Did you chase after me in just that?" he asked in confusion. "Without shoes?"

"It helps me run better. Besides, I don't like going all commando," she replied, flickering her eyes down to where his hands were for a second before returning her gaze to his eyes.

Alex's eyes widened. "I don't have a choice. The clothes don't stay on. Anyway, where were you? I actually lost you there for a second. Seems you've improved from the last time we met."

The smile died in her eyes and they turned cold again, as though she remembered that she wasn't supposed to have fun around Alex.

"We should go back," she said. "Good run Alex."

His face hardened. "No, you don't get to dictate terms around me right now Keona. I came, I apologized and I kept explaining to you what happened back then. But you pushed me away! You pushed me! For what should have been a wonderful adventure for both of us!" He kept advancing towards her with every word.

"Get away from me!" she shouted when he pinned her down. He was so swift that she didn't even have time to react until she was beneath him. But the truth was, Keona wasn't sure she wanted to react the way her brain wanted her to --which was to use any ability to get away. Her heart was pounding and as much as she denied it, she actually wanted him.

Her father was right. There was no way mates could be separated for they'd always find each other; get attracted to each other without realizing it. Or maybe it was just fate's twisted little game. Whatever it was, Alex was right on top of her now and he knew that she knew what they both wanted.

"I hate you," she said through gritted teeth.

"I know." His words came out like a wolf's snarl right before it wants to pounce on its mate.

There was no teasing or gentleness to his kiss but a primal and possessive streak to the way he took her mouth; kissing her with a brutal passion that allowed them only a second to catch their breaths before pressing their lips together again.

Their kisses continued to be brutal and fevered even as they rolled on the hard ground; each wanting to be more dominant than the other. Keona was strong and Alex soon found himself flipped hard on his back --not that he wouldn't enjoy her being on top --but they were playing his game and by his rules now.

He grabbed a handful of her tank top and yanked it away; exposing flesh he'd always dream of but never seen... until now. Growling at her, he flipped her back beneath him and immediately clamped his teeth at the tender muscle near her neck.

On a cry of protest, her hands immediately went to his back; nails scratching hard against the exposed flesh even as her legs wound around his waist. Alex's growl grew louder as her cotton crotch pressed dangerously against his erection. She obviously did not like being marked.

"Stop fighting me," he warned, sinking his teeth deeper into her flesh. On other Weres, this was clearly a sign to yield but knowing Keona, she was going to fight him all the way even if it kills them both. "Fine," he snarled, baring his teeth at her.

Ignoring the stinging of her scratches on his back, he pushed himself up; hands quickly holding on to her fleshy butt as he walked to the nearest tree and slammed her back against the wooden trunk.

He didn't even give her a chance to gasp at the brutality for he had loosened her legs from around his waist and propped them up on his shoulders instead; her back resting against the tree trunk, leaving her exposed to Alex's mercy. As with her tank top, he didn't bother with gentleness but ripped the boxer shorts aside and pounced immediately on his prize.

The instant his tongue licked at her wet folds, Keona gave a sharp cry and almost lost her balance. It was getting harder to hold on to the tree for support when his tongue was doing all sorts of delicious things to her that she hadn't imagine was possible. Was this what the other girls in the pack meant when they described their first ever...

Orgasm.

"Oh my god Alex!" she screamed, bucking her hips against his face as the waves of sensations gripped her body. She was slipping downwards but Alex continued his torment, spreading her thighs even further apart --this time, going in slow lazy circles around her clit before sucking it hard over and over again.

He smiled when he felt her thighs shaking, a second before she let out another scream; trying to close her legs together as though hoping to stop the oncoming pleasure. But Alex wasn't done with her. As soon as her orgasm subsided, he held her legs tight and brought it down to wrap around his waist.

She didn't get time to protest for he had impaled her on his hard cock in one swift movement before grounding into her; the force of his thrusts slamming her back against the tree violently. Keona cried out as the pain translated to pleasure coursing through her body. She wanted more and demanded her need by meeting each and every one of his downward movements with an upward thrust of her hips.

When she gave another scream of pleasure, he covered her mouth with his own; tonge wrestling with hers as his hands grabbed and squeezed her breasts possessively. They wanted each other --there was no mistaking in that --and their primal instincts were taking over, groins grounding against each other with furious need. She was slick with desire; her inner muscles clenching deliriously around his invading cock. He was stretching her oh so good that Keona wasn't sure she could hold on much longer.

Their breathing became more labored as their sweaty bodies slapped against each other in wild abandon --she digging her nails into his skin and he pounding into her against the tree --eventually pushing them both into a mind-blowing climax. Only this time, Keona felt the earth move as the pleasure robbed her of her senses; blanking her out for a minute even as Alex pumped every drop of himself deep inside of her.

When she opened her eyes, Keona noticed that they hadn't moved from their position. She tried to move but found herself inconveniently trapped between the tree and a really muscular chest. Keona didn't want to look up but could hear Alex's breathing; almost as fast as his heartbeat.

She continued to stare at his chest, wondering since when had he grown so broad and so toned. It made her want to lick and bite every inch of his body... oh my god, did she just say that? No. They just had animal sex in the freaking woods for god sake --that was it. Just sex.

"Alex, let me go," she demanded, struggling against him. However he kept still and instead lowered his face to the side of her neck, nuzzling almost lovingly against her skin.

"You shouldn't have let me be so rough," he whispered, pressing gentle kisses up her neck to her ears. "Even though you wanted me to," he added, flicking at her earlobes playfully.

Keona had the urge to strangle him, except that she was stuck to him...

"Alex..." she sounded unsure at first then became very pissed. "You have got to be kidding me!"

"What?" he asked innocently.

"This!" she cried in exasperation, pointing to their conjoined bodies. "I did not give you permission to do so!" Keona narrowed her eyes at Alex. He had the nerve to grin at her as a reply. How did she let herself get marked and mated like a bitch in heat so easily?

"Don't be so angry honey," he murmured, making sure she could hear the amusement in his voice.

"Urgh! Alexander MacFarlane! You... you are the most obnoxious creature that I've ever met! Urgh! Get off me right now!" she bawled, slapping her hands on his chest.

To her surprise, he released his hold on her with ease and Keona dared herself to flick a quick look at his... wow --no wonder she felt like dying from her last orgasm.

"Like it do you?" he teased, leaning his body against the tree; his eyes roaming her body, giving her a once over.

"No," she replied defiantly, picking up her torn pieces of clothes in an effort to not look at his naked body.

"Liar."

"Shut up."

When he actually didn't reply her, Keona turned to look at him and saw that he had already shifted into his wolf form. She wouldn't admit it out loud to him of course but she always found his sleek black fur very alluring. Despite being fairer than his sisters, Alex had surprisingly shown a melanistic variant of the grey coat characteristic of his family members.




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 04



Damn! Why did she always have a soft spot for him? And now he's coming closer towards her... and what's he doing?

"Alex!" she yelped, trying to stop him from licking the blood stains at her inner thighs. It didn't matter if it was the wolf or the man who was licking her but if he didn't stop, they might not actually get back to the shelter.

I promise I'll be gentle next time...

Keona looked down warily at his eyes. "What do you mean?"

Your first time shouldn't have been like that.

She stiffened at his reply. Since when did she say it was okay to communicate mentally like that? And why was he caring so much? Damn him!

"I'll be fine. I'll see you at the shelter," she replied emotionlessly before breaking into a run. Alex followed after her; aware that at the speed she was running, she would probably make it back in time to put on her clothes to greet him.

I'll just have to take them off again then. The wolf howled in appreciation at Alex's thoughts; aware that there would be another time to make love to its mate --gently, seriously and definitely marking her until she yielded to their mating call.

***

"Helene my dear, perhaps you should sit. Pacing around like this isn't going to bring us any closer to catching them."

Helene was tired but she conceded to her brother's suggestion and sat. "What's your status with the Culzean girl?"

"Give me a bit more time Helene... I'll get her here by the end of tomorrow. She's always under the watchful eyes of her guardians."

Helene was silent for a minute as she stared into space. When she looked up, she saw that beneath her brother's cold exterior, he had kind eyes looking at her.

"Thank you for being here Connor... I'd thought you'd leave me to return to England." When he didn't reply her, she continued. "I'm crazy aren't I? I've been chasing this project for so long; almost believing that it was impossible until I saw the Ancient allowing his son to marry that wolf --in public! How could that be Connor? Why didn't our..."

"Enough," he interrupted. "Let's not talk about the past anymore. Wounds will not heal if you keep reliving them."

Helene watched her brother move towards the window then dared to ask, "Have yours healed?"

Connor gave her a small smile and shrugged. "How does one heal from the lost of a mate? Especially not when she cornered you into dueling her..."

"I'm sorry. Oh god... it was all my fault!"

Connor wasn't sure if it was entirely her fault. Helene had found a mate with a Werewolf and despite many attempts to stay away, the mating pull had been too great. Helene was only alive because she bit him first --something she regretted for the rest of her life.

Initially Connor hadn't understood the torment his sister was feeling. In fact he despised her for even considering mating with a lesser being until he met his own mate --then he understood the force of the pull.

Kyra had been beautiful and generous; her smile made everything feel better and best of all, she had given him three children: Kyros, Eliza and Annabelle. But he had made a mistake...

He had asked her to let their children take part in the research for the anti-venom that Helene was working on. Helene was convinced that younglings had a less potent venom in their fangs and wanted to compare them with her own.

He'd expect Kyra to yield but instead she wagered her life for their children's and challenged him to a Pureblood duel --a binding contract that made it impossible for him to touch his children upon her death... and that night, Connor lost his mate and left his children in the care of his brother.

There was nothing much to care for in life after that except for Helene. He had understood her loss and wanted to help her as much as he could, even at the expense of marrying a Noble working for the European Council.

It had been a strategic move for he was sure that they had a way of going around the problem of inter-specie mating. It had stunned him when he learnt that the Ancient Pureblood Culzean had married off his adopted granddaughter to the Original Werewolf. That was just beyond comprehensible! Connor had been sure it was a political marriage but he had been to the wedding and saw that there was genuine love between them --like they were true mates.

And indeed they were.

The hybrid child present on their American soil right this moment was a testament to that --and he was going to do everything in his ability to capture her.

***

Alex must have been really happy about something because Marine noticed that he didn't even growl at her when she mentioned Riley's name.

"Earth to Alex... hellooooo..." Marine waved her hand in front of his nose. "Daddy, I think Alex is in a trance."

"I am so not!" he snapped; blinking his eyes quickly before looking up at her smiling face. "Where are you going little Miss?"

"She's going out on a date," said Erika, coming out from the kitchen. "And I want the two of you to be on your best behavior," she added, glancing knowingly at Alex and Alaron who were looking like they're about to protest any second.

Erika fussed a little with Marine's hair then kissed her daughter on the cheeks --a cover to whisper her last minute instructions. Despite her reluctance to let her precious daughter grow up, Erika knew that there was no holding age back. So the only way she could protect her daughter was to prepare a mini first-aid kit and a can of pepper spray to be tucked in Marine's purse.

"Take good care of yourself and come home before midnight okay?" said Erika with a smile. Marine nodded and flashed a smile to the other two men glowering at her from the sofa.

"I don't trust that Riley fella," said Alaron as he crossed his arms across his chest.

"Honey, you don't trust any fella."

Alaron made a face. "Alex doesn't trust him either."

Erika gave them both a sideward glance. "Alex doesn't even trust himself. If only he'd been a bit less strong headed, he wouldn't have had that whole misunderstanding with Key..."

"Aunt Erika!" exclaimed Alex. "That's hitting way below the belt!"

"I'm just saying..." she replied with a broad grin. "Now stop it you two. Alex, be good or no dinner for you."

"What! I'm 27 years old!" he protested.

"So? You still need to eat don't you?" Erika walked off to the kitchen after making her point.

"There's just no way around women you know," said Alaron, leaning back against the sofa. "They always win so don't bother to argue... too much."

"You are such a softie," Alex said accusingly.

"Heh. I'm a mated man. What can I say? Besides, your mother gave me that advice and it's pretty good advice I must say. You should try it."

Alex wanted to gag. Try and not argue with Keona? That was like castrating himself --okay maybe not that drastic but something to that effect. He lived to argue with her. Besides, that's just a precursor to hot sweaty sex right?

Hell yeah.

"You look like a lovesick puppy," commented Alaron, smacking Alex's head playfully. "You're not actually jealous of this Riley fella are you?"

Alex's eyes widened immediately. "What! No!"

Alaron chuckled and patted his back. "Just checking. I mean if you were jealous then you'd be in big trouble Mister."

Alex gave Alaron a horrified look.

"What? I have to do this daddy-role you know."

"You are one evil Uncle..."

"Yeah yeah. But you love me. Now get off my couch and eat your dinner."

***

Riley had already been waiting for her when she got out of the house. Giving one last wave at her mother, Marine got in the car and put on her seatbelt. Folding her hands neatly on her lap, she turned to look at Riley and blushed slightly.

She was still getting used to the idea that he wanted her --that they were mates --but disciplined herself to wait until he'd make a commitment to her. Mating was primal and instinctive but beyond that? Surely it wouldn't hurt to think about love right? Besides, she was a hopeless romantic and she was falling...

"Gem? Are you alright?" his question interrupted her from her thoughts.

"Uh, yeah. I'm fine," she replied softly. "Where are you taking me tonight?"

"It's a secret. You'll see when we get there."

The drive took about an hour, and when they finally reached their destination, she couldn't help but ask, "Please... please tell me what we're doing here?"

He turned to flash her a sexy grin, "Skinny dipping." As expected, Marine gasped and widened her eyes at him. Patting her thigh gently, he laughed, "I'm just kidding. Your first time shouldn't be in the cold."

Marine stiffened just a little at his play on words.

"Are you frightened of me?"

"No..." she croaked. Truth was, she wasn't sure what she was feeling when it came to Riley. Knowing that they were mates wasn't enough for her. Like all relationships, work needed to be done to maintain the bond right? Lifting her eyes to look at him, she confessed, "Your sexual prowess overwhelms me... and my fear is not that you'll hurt me but that I won't be good enough for you..."

"Don't say that," he whispered, reaching out for her hand. "I've told you before that what is mine is always perfect."

Marine pulled her hand slowly from him. "But you lie for a living. Even now, you're lying to me."

"How am I lying to you?" he demanded, turning to look at her.

"You're hiding your scent again," she said accusingly. "My family thinks you're just a regular human being... but I know you're not. And the fact that you hide your scent all the time tells me you don't want anyone to know what you are... but why?"

"You don't know me long enough to demand answers for those questions Gem," he replied; frustration controlled beneath his calm exterior.

"Then maybe you resent being mated to me. Mates shouldn't lie to each other."

"I didn't lie to you about who I am."

"But you expect me to lie that you're not human either."

Riley took in a deep breath before lowering his shields; allowing his scent to fill the car. It was a concession for her and he wanted her to know it.

"You can tell your family when you are ready," he whispered. "I don't know why Gem but you mean more to me than you should."

Marine forced herself to smile a little. That was probably the most honest sentence he had said to her all night and she hoped that it would continue that way. She wanted to ask him more questions but he was already getting out of the car to open the door for her. She was unsure where they were or what they were doing in what looked like a park but she trusted him enough to hold his hand and follow him.

"This is about the most romantic thing I could come up with," he admitted as he led her to a small clearing a little deeper in the park. At first Marine was skeptical but then she saw a picnic mat laid neatly on the ground with soft looking cushion lying on top of it.

"Is that a picnic basket?" she asked, squinting slightly as she laughed. "If you were really human, then I'd actually have to pretend to eat and then be sick the whole way home."

"Then aren't you glad that I'm not?" he grinned as they finally reached their destination. Now that they were closer, Marine noticed that there were unlit tea candles floating in cups placed around them. It was unnecessary for they could both see perfectly well in the dark but the romantic gesture didn't go unnoticed.

"I'll light that in a while. Why don't you just lie down first?" he said as though reading her mind. Marine was sure he could if he wanted to. Mates usually could read each other although it was something she hadn't tried before. Maybe some other time. Right now, she wanted to stretch out on the mat and look up at the blanket of stars above them.

She lifted her finger and traced the constellations that she could see with her naked eye. Marine was sure she was making up constellations but some of them really looked like odd shaped umbrellas and random things like that.

"Don't you think that looks like a funny umbrella?" she commented, pointing to a cluster of stars. Riley looked up just as he finished lighting up the last candle.

"I think that's a mushroom," he replied before joining her on the mat. Lying flat on his back, he looked up to the sky and allowed her to point out her conjured constellations.

For a moment, Riley almost forgot why they were there. She seemed to have that effect on him, he realized. Unlike the many women he had met in his life, Marine's innocence and youthful energy was like a breath of fresh air to him. Being with her wasn't about sex or power or money --it simply was about life.

He turned slightly to his side to look closely at her and couldn't help but smile.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked as she turned her head to meet his gaze.

"Because I like looking at beautiful things," he replied, watching her stick out her tongue at him.

"Tell me something else... like maybe about your family?"

Her question caught him by surprise but what surprised him more was when he opened his mouth to reply her truthfully.

"My parents were Augustus Nobles and they were mercenaries. They died together on one of their missions a few decades back, leaving me and my younger brother behind. I was about sixty then and he was twenty."

"I'm sorry..." she started to apologize but he simply shook his head and continued.

"It was their job so you shouldn't feel sorry. Besides it was a long time ago."

Marine bit her lips as though holding back her question. Would it be right for her to ask him more questions when it would hurt him?

"Just say it. I know you want to ask me something else," he said, moving closer to touch her face. "You're like an open book Gem. I don't have to even read your mind to know what you're thinking."

She blushed lightly and made a face at him. "You make it sound like it's a bad thing."

"Right now I find it adorable. Plus you don't look good with a poker face," he mused. "Now ask your question."

"How come you and your brother are born forty years apart? Vampires have to abide by the hundred year rule right?"

Riley actually smiled. "The rule doesn't apply to mercenaries because of the nature of their jobs. They are allowed to have more than one child per century mainly because they might not live long enough to wait a century to have another."

"I didn't know that..."

"You're still a youngling. There's much that you don't know yet."

Marine kept quiet. Riley was slightly older than a century and yet he sounded more mature than that. He'd probably know things that were worth more than her parents combined. What could she possibly offer him?

"Riley..." she whispered. "Why are you going out with me?"

His reply was to roll himself on top of her; hands flattened on the ground to brace his body up.

"Because I want to," he replied, bending his head slightly to press a kiss on her lips. He didn't linger and pulled away before she could deepen it further. "We should probably open the picnic basket now," he said, moving away from her to sit up straight.

Marine mimicked his movement and peered into the basket as saw him taking out two wine glasses and a bottle of what she assumed was wine. She vaguely saw the ice packs that were keeping the bottle cold.

"It doesn't smell like wine," she commented, coming closer to sniff at the liquid. "Oh! It's..."

"Yeah it is," he grinned, clinking his glass against hers. "It's O negative so you should be able to drink it."

Marine nodded and pressed the glass against her lips; tipping it lightly to allow the liquid to flow down her throat. She downed the whole glassful and placed it down. Leaning back on her elbows, she took a deep breath and relaxed. It was really peaceful here and it would probably be a good place to bring Alex for their next run --if only she knew where they were. Did Riley mention the location? He did right? Marine was sure he did but her head was spinning slightly. Maybe she was allergic to O-negative blood or something.

"Riley..." she called out to him and a moment later felt his sturdy hands lifting her lightly to allow her head to rest on his thigh. She smiled as she looked up into his handsome face; reaching up to stroke his cheeks tenderly. He was starting to look blurry now and Marine felt her head spinning even faster.

Cuddling closer to his warmth, she was half unconscious as she murmured, "I... love..." before everything went completely blank and dark.

***

Riley closed his eyes for a moment, trying to push away what she almost wanted to say. Guilt and pain ripped through him at the thought of losing his mate. But this was his mission and Riley had never failed... until now. How was he to know that she'd be his mate? He wasn't supposed to have feelings for the target but he did. He broke his first and most important rule and regretted the choice that he was about to make right now.

Picking up his phone, he made the call.

"Took you long enough Eos. Report your location."

"I'm at coordinates 39.17139°N 119.8925°W."

"Very well. A pick up vehicle should arrive in approximately five minutes. Be on standby."

"Yes Sir," he replied and disconnected the call. Riley was supposed to clear the picnic site but he didn't move from his position. Instead he continued to hold Marine in his arms for as long as he could. His sweet innocent Gem was going to be lost to him forever now. And she was right about him --that he was a liar. He didn't deserve her.

***

The facility was located deep beneath a series of minor lakes and because it was bordered by treacherous hills on all sides, it did not attract any tourist attention; rendering it safe from being discovered. Furthermore, the elevation of the site also meant that the intense cold provided additional coverage when necessary --especially numbing one's sense of smell and hearing.

"Major Eos, this is Hedva, our new head scientist. She will be taking care of the captive for the time being," introduced Connor.

Riley stiffened slightly at the realization that their head scientist was a Werewolf.

"She's the best," said Connor, making no attempt to hide the fact that he had just read Riley's mind.

"Yes Sir. It is good to meet you... Doctor," said Riley politely before adding, "Take good care of her."

Hedva gave him a small smile then disappeared back into her lab. Riley managed to catch a glimpse of the holding cell where Marine was kept and forced himself not to feel anything. This was his job and nothing more.

"That's right it is. And while I appreciate your success in delivering the bait, your loyalty is now questionable," said Connor. Riley almost burst out in protest. How dare him!

"You like her." It was a statement not a question --one that Riley chose neither to confirm nor deny. "Your impartiality might affect the research status so the lab is out of bounds to you effective immediately. If caught, you will be terminated on the spot."

Riley tried not to grit his teeth. "Yes Sir."

"To test your loyalty, I have one last mission for you."

This time, Riley snapped. "No! You promised me that this would be the last! If I lured her here, you'd release my brother!"

Connor simply clucked his tongue and shook his finger. "I never promised anything. You of all people should know that promises don't mean a thing. Look at what you promised the Culzean girl. Tsk tsk. Shame on you." Connor smiled and then added, "Be in Meeting Room Five in fifteen minutes for your next briefing." Then he turned and left.

Riley was furious. They had a deal! He considered attacking the Ancient but controlled himself. If he wanted to ensure that Marine was kept safe, even under the circumstances, then killing the American Council head was not a good move.

He had never been afraid of death for his parents had been missionaries and taught him to be fearless. And now, he was a Vanguard --a missionary in another term --and to the world, they never existed. Their births were never recorded and so will their deaths. He was trained to be the greatest spy; excellent with disguises and the ability to blend in their environments. His scent cloaking ability had been extremely useful for him for it allowed him to live safely amongst the humans, behaving like them while he kept his watch on his targets.




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 04



In fact, Marine hadn't been his original target. Alex was. That was why Riley was sent to pose as a lawyer in the firm that Alex was recruited in. It had taken him about a month to master the constitutional laws and another month to learn the jargons. The change in targets on the last minute had confused him. However, Riley's job was never to question his superiors.

When he entered the meeting room a while later, he knew that there was no questioning the next mission set out for him. Vanguards were never allowed to choose their missions and failure was never tolerated.

"I'm aware that you've met your next target."

"Yes Sir."

"That's very good. Now, she is the most important component of our research so you need to take extra care when bringing her in. Your ability to mask your scent should lower her defenses enough to trust you. However, your task is not to take her out but to bring her back here in one piece, preferably uncompromised."

"No drugs you mean," said Riley stiffly. "You want me to bring her back in perfect mental and physical health."

"Yes."

"And then you will release my brother?"

Connor paused to look at the others present at the meeting.

"We'll discuss this again when you've completed your task. Dismissed."

***



Pushing Boundaries Ch. 04



With that she got out of the car, taking her bags with her and slammed the door leaving him to sit by himself in her car. Oh yes, he had his bambino frazzled now. This was the angriest he had ever seen Dee and even though it might sound sick he was highly turned on by her anger. Her dark brown eyes lit up, her lips pouted, and her body back tight like a cord just ready to snap. He wanted to be that little button that pushed her over the edge.

Before she disappeared into the school building he got out of the car and yelled to her "You will be mine Dee!"

He watched as Deina stopped in her tracks. Maybe this was the final straw that snapped that camels back. She turned slowly and stared straight into his eyes. For a second David feared being dropped kicked again like he was six years ago.

"David I will never be one of those fast tailed floozies that you have running in and out of your room. I am no whore that spreads her thighs just because a good looking boy with a nice accent says he wants her." 

Then without another word she disappeared into the building. Where had she gotten the idea that he wanted to treat her like a whore? She was his best friend; he had more respect for her then to want her to be a girl he just had sex with. Actually he didn't know what he wanted, but he knew it wasn't just a one time thing. He knew that Deina wasn't someone that you just fucked; her body was made to be worshiped. But, was that it, was that all he wanted from her? 

David got out her car and locked the doors, heading for his class before he was late. But instead of focusing on teachers regurgitating lectures that had probably said for the last five years he thought about what he really wanted from Deina. Was she right, was he just treating her like the other girls he hooked up with? No, he wanted more with Deina, he wanted to go on dates and hold her hand in public all the things normal couples did. Most of all he didn't want anyone else but him touching her body, ever. 

Even though David had classes with Deina he hadn't seen her all day and was starting to become irritated as the hours passed by. Where could she be? She was effectively avoiding him. Hopefully he would have seen her at lunch, but she was no where to be found. His temper was now palpable; every person around him could feel his irritation. Instead of sitting with his friends chit chatting about crap he didn't really care about, he left the cafeteria to find peace else where. 

While walking a group laughing loudly down the hall caught his eye. There was Deina! At spotting her he actually felt his heart lighten. She looked more gorgeous then this morning, with a twenty watt smile and softly chuckling. Her winter skirt and boots that covered her calf muscles created a tempting showcase of skin, only give a peek of skin from mid thigh to knee and that white turtleneck sweater of hers was form fitting, showing off the curve of her breast. He watched the animated way she talked to her friends and with every laugh how her dimples would flash from their hiding place on her cheeks. He wanted so badly to go over and have her greet him warmly like any girlfriend would greet her boyfriend instead of cold indifference he knew to expect. 

On instinct he started to head in her direction, until He saw Jerry Feluock heading toward her. The agitation and anger that he had felt not long ago was back with a vengeance. He watched silently as the scene unfolded before him, eyes glued on Felouck's hulking form not being able to move. 

Feluock snuck up behind Deina and David could tell he was appraising her body, staring at her legs and ass mainly. Then he had the audacity to touch her, not only that but he picked her up! Deina was caught by surprise when two muscular arms enclosed around her waist and hoisted her into the air. A squeak erupted from her before she could stop herself. For a second she thought David had returned to his silly playful self and was teasing her, but the dark brown arms that encased her body definitely belonged to someone else and she knew exactly who it was. 

"Put me down!" she said with a slight giggle because those strong arms had started to swing her around and even though she couldn't stand Feluock it was fun.

"Now." She stated. The swinging stopped immediately and she was placed on her feet but he didn't let her go from his grasp. 

"What baby girl, just having a little fun. You know we have a game tonight, so that means we must do everything to keep the star linebacker happy and this little skirt of yours is a good start." His thumb toyed with the bottom of her skirt, raising it to reveal more skin. With him preoccupied she managed to wiggle her self out of his grasp and faced him with a smug smile.

"Star linebacker? So you want me to go give Gerard a blow job?"

"So, you got jokes........." his words were caught off by David slamming him into a set of lockers. David was in a red haze of anger, blinded to reason or anything other then crushing Felouck's face. He knew more than anyone that Deina was off limits, this was just to get on his nerves. The guy knew how to push his buttons, and Deina was the button that if touched would result in a fight. David was ready to break Felouck's jaw with his fist so he could never utter anything about Deina again, when he felt a hand on his arm.

"Stop. He's not worth it." Deina was trying to hold him back.

David released Felouck and spun on Deina, "so what you're on his side now?" Deina really couldn't deal with David's erratic emotions right now. With the ordeal this morning, the car ride, dodging him all day, Felouck bothering her, and now nearly grown men fighting in the hallway over her made her temper snap. 

"WHAT THE FUCK! We are not in kindergarten there are no sides. I just don't want your dumb ass to get benched because you had a fight in the hallway over stupid shit. So don't yell at me." 

From behind David came Felouck's voice, "What's wrong Dave? Mad because the one girl you want doesn't want you back. White boy you can't handle a good looking black girl like that. You saw her giggling when I held her; leave the black women to the black men."

Dave snapped but instead of pummeling Felouck he grabbed Deina and hoisted her over his shoulder. She cursed but wasn't hysterical as he thought she might have been. She shouted to her friends to leave without her and to Felouck to go fuck himself.

All along the way David looked for an empty room to take Deina so they could talk in private. This was crazy and he knew it but there was no other way Deina would listen to him without being forced. He could feel her fist pummeling against his back in anger, and she was becoming increasingly anger with every step he took. This wasn't the Stone Age so it gave David no right to act like a caveman.

"You asshole put me down, am not a child!" she spat out. 

Her voice and insults were grating on his all ready raw nerves. Out of anger he spanked her ass hard without restraint and told her to shut up. She was quite, he thought he might have hit her to hard and hurt her.

David carried her into the men's locker room where he knew no one would be at this time. Once he set her down on her feet again, her fist connected with his shoulder, sending a flash of pain through his arm. He snatched her wrist as she was getting ready to throw another punch that was aimed for his face and pinned her wrist against a set of gym lockers. She fought against his death grip, kicking her feet into his shins, hoping his grip would loosen on her so she could deck him again. But instead he pressed his body weight against her and back into a set of lockers to quill her movements. 

"Why did you let him touch you?" he growled out menacingly into her ear.

Deina was pissed; she was not a child to be manhandled, "what should it matter if another guy touches me? You've touched almost every girl in this school. Am single..."

David punched his fist into a locker next to her head leaving a huge dent, but she didn't move an inch or flinch a way. The veins in his neck were visible now, he didn't get mad easily but when he did it was like an uncontrollable storm. 

"You are not single! You are mine!" He was yelling.

"YOURS! You don't even like me Corella, if you could stop thinking with your dick for once you would see that."

When she started talking about her not being his he lost it, he didn't care if he was thinking with his dick or not. He kissed her, hard. He just wanted her to stop talking nonsense and for things to go back to this morning where it had felt like heaven. Where it felt like they were lovers and friends. He just wanted Deina to be his; his girlfriend, his lover, his best friend, and he could even see her being his wife in the future. Wouldn't she make a beautiful bride but she was cooperating and this was pissing him off more than anything else.

All these thoughts swirled in his head until he felt soft lips pressing hard into his own, she was kissing him back with just as much force.

This wasn't sexual, emotional, or even physical desire, this was anger, and the fight for dominance that both of them had been looking for. Instead of fist fighting with each other, they were using each others lust and desire for one another to break the others spirit. 

What did he think that he was the only one allowed to go around sleeping with any bimbo with a nice set of hooters and she couldn't even flirt with a guy? No, that would not go down he was not her ruler. She kissed him back with a vengeance; he was not the only one who could play dirty. But he was better at it then she was. He pushed his knees in between hers and then spread his thighs, effectively opening her legs and having her skirt rise up her thighs. 

Deina dug her fingers into David's black locks and grabbed hold controlling his head movements. She felt his hands slide unto her bare thighs. A shiver ran down her spine and she knew he could tell because he laughed at her while nibbling on her bottom lip. In retaliation she pulled his head back by the grip she had on his hair cutting off their tongue play and effectively releasing a moan from David. With his neck exposed she attacked in with gentle kisses, little nibbles, and tongue lashes. 

It seemed that she was winning this battle with him, until David grabbed the back of her thighs and hoisted her up to be aligned with his waist. Then he let her go, a trick that forced her to lock her legs around him if she didn't want to fall. Reflectively she let go of his hair and grabbed on to his shoulders for balance. With only a skirt on her panty clad pussy was exposed to the harsh denim fabric of his erection that he was effectively rubbing against her 

"You can't deny this Deina." She heard his words through the haze of euphoria he was creating with his gyrations.

"This is nothing but a physical reaction David." She spat out at the same time feeling the dampness in her panties grow.

"Physical, huh?"

David slid his hand up the back of her thigh to the curve of her ass, toward her panties. He stopped his movements when he reached the delicate scrap of silk, for a minute he played with the silk fringe of her bikini bottoms that he had dreamed about for so long. Then picturing the fact that if Felouck had raised her skirt any higher he would have gotten a glimpse of the same panties he was finger made his anger return ten fold. With a tug, he ripped the little underwear off of her body. 

"What the fuck, you jackass!" she screamed, but he didn't care. One of her favorite panties destroyed, but that's not why she was yelling. It sent a little thrill through her to have him lose his self control like this but also fear. David would purposefully hurt her but it was rumored that he could get a little rough.

This was it he would get to finish what they had started this morning. Not thinking about what she wanted he dove in, sliding along her slit slowly with his middle finger, gauging her reactions. She was dripping wet for him; there was no denying the juices that were running like honey on the inside of her leg. He heard her breathe hitch in her throat as soon as his finger connected with her inner flesh. 

What was he doing to her? Every touch and movement of his fingers and she felt sparks zing straight to her clit. Her muscles were twitching uncontrollably; she couldn't stop her body from reacting to everything he did no matter how harsh. 

Gently he inserted one finger into her until he heard her gasp, and then pulled out slowly. Withdrawing his soaked fingers from her panties he left her body empty of his touch once again. He brought his fingers to eye level with her face watching her for any type of reaction. Stone faced she stared at him but her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Now tell me Deina do you get this wet over just a 'physical reaction'?" He whispered angrily in a husky tone. She had lied to his face, but more importantly she had denied him the satisfaction of knowing that he wasn't the only one suffering.

She couldn't think much less make a reasonable or witty response to his comments. At her silence, he placed his fingers back underneath her skirt, rubbing her juices all over her cunt, effectively avoiding her clit, making her slick with her own wetness.

All reasonable thought was cut off by David's touch; she couldn't even form words to say anything. It felt electric, everything felt so good but her body was screaming for something, she didn't know what but it was begging her for more. Uncontrollable shivers ran through her legs and she whimpered. It was beginning to be too much, she whispered his name on a breathe of air in a silent plea. 

"What is it Dee? You can't possibly be turned on because you're not attracted to me like that. Right?" He growled sarcastically. In his haze of anger he bit down hard on the sensitive are between her neck and collar bone. This was his property and he wanted to mark her to let everyone know that he had loved her well. 

As David bite down on her neck she let out a small shriek and pushed her pelvis toward his hand forcing his fingers to brush of her clit for the first time. She jumped in shock, it was like direct acess to every nerve ending in her body. She threw her head back, letting him have free access to her body. In his anger he knew he was being rough with Deina but the feisty hellion was enjoying it. If her moans were any type of an indicator then he was on the right track.

"Plea...please...Dave."

"You beg so sweetly tesoro." He said almost berating her desire. Taking the thumb and forefinger he pinched her clit, sending her screaming and arching her back off of the lockers. 

"That's it, Dee. Feel that babe, that's what only I can do for you." Maliciously he twisted her clit making her jump, which only pulled on her clit harder. 

"Tell me you love it." He barked out at her, he needed her to confirm what her body was already telling him. Raising her jaw defiantly she stared him straight in the face and bit her lip silently signaling to him that she wouldn't do it, a final act of strength.

Even when he had her wrapped around him she was still trying to be defiant. He'd fix that. Aggressively he started stroking her clit wanting more than anything to get her to cum, hard. During his anger haze to get her to submit he hadn't realized she had snuck her hands underneath his shirt until her fingers contacted with his skin. Her touch was like fire, but Deina was dying for some of her own skin to skin contact with him and in her position this was the closest she could get.

She was trembling, he could feel that she was close to cumming, she just need that extra push. More aggressive then he meant to be, he pushed her sweater and bra up simultaneously with one hand. Those perky little breasts sprang free from there confinement. Just like he had thought her nipples were like little chocolate chips. Chocolate chips were meant to be eaten and that's exactly what he sought out to do. 

"Say it Dee." He whispered hotly right above one nipple. 

Deina gulped and tried rotating her hips against his fingers to get that final push over the edge but it was of no use. 

"I......I......shit...please...David." 

"Say it!" he barked while pinching her clit.

"Yes. God, yes I love it, now please..." she gasped out. 

With that he locked onto her nipple and sucked hard. She toppled over the edge with a scream that she tried smothering with one hand, while the other latched onto David's back. Her body was trembling so hard that he had to hold her up so that she wouldn't fall. 

She was absolutely beautiful as she came, he could feel her every muscle release and contract. This was beyond his wildest imaginations of what Deina's first orgasm from him would be like. She was wild and unrestrained, he knew that this orgasm was real and that she was enjoying every moment. 

For a long time they spent leaning against each other. David let Deina's legs go from around his waist so she could stand wobbly on the ground. All anger was burned out of the two of them what was left was an awkward peace, but a peace no less. David's erection was calling to him now that he had made a point of shattering Deina's self control but this was not the place to take her. Yet, he was desperate to find out if her reaction to his fingers was so strong, what would happen when they actually had sex?  

As a signal from some evil fate that this was definitely not the place for the start of an intimate relationship, the creak of the locker room door echoed toward them. A small freshman came in carrying a backpack that looked bigger then he was. When he spotted the two of them he stood stock still in shock. 

"GET OUT!" roared David at the unwanted intrusion. This freshman broke the reverie of their little world.

Like a skittish cat Deina jumped away from David in embarrassment, adjusted her clothes and ran past the shell shocked freshmen who just stood still. 

"DAMN IT!" David cursed in every language he knew and broke three lockers in his rage. 

Hadn't they been so close to breaking down that barrier between friend and a real relationship? He was so confused, no longer angry, just hurt.

The freshmen still stood watching David. 

"Kid if you want to live don't repeat to anyone what you saw her today or you'll become like one of these lockers. Understood?" 

The poor freshmen nodded his head and went to runaway when he stopped him.

"Word to the wise, when it comes to girls treat them with dignity you never know when that shit will come back to bite you in the ass."

With those parting words the kid ran out of the locker room and left David alone.

............................................

Thanks for reading! I appreciate all over your comments and feedback, and I know this has been a long time coming but with the holidays, work, and other very important stuff I've been very busy. I know that I probably have a lot of grammatical errors and things which is why I got an editor! But I wanted to get this piece in before the New Year so this isn't edited by my editor just yet but I promise the next one will be. I worked rally hard on this chapter so I hope you like it! Happy New Year!



Pushing Boundaries Ch. 05



NB: Hi all, I'm really sorry for the delay. As usual, thank you to wildheartedangel for editing this piece.

***

Riley sat quietly on his bed, amidst the Spartan furnishing of the Vanguard quarters. This was where he would be staying now since the previous accommodations were just temporary covers.

There was no 'home' for a Vanguard. He literally slept where he was needed and right now, he needed to be within five miles of his latest target. She might appear eccentric; sleeping amidst the abandoned wolves in the open, marking herself as easy prey but Riley was convinced that looks could be deceiving.

He had never tracked and hunted down a hybrid before so he was going into this next mission with calculated blindness. He would have to watch her before making his move. Her files showed that Keona MacFarlane was a copycat --at least that's what the scientists think --but Riley had a hunch that she had more tricks up her sleeve. Women that cold and controlled never display more than necessary; not just her emotions, but her thoughts, her sexuality and most definitely her abilities.

There was no way he could successfully seduce her. He needed a plan B.

Whatever plan B was, it'd have to wait for his phone was ringing like crazy. Riley saw the number and knew that he should not pick it up but a part of him wanted to still be connected to Marine's life --no matter how sadistic it was.

"Hello..."

He expected shouts and angered curses but instead a feminine voice on the other line said, "Riley is my daughter safely with you?"

He knew he should not answer and should have disconnected the call but instead he lied, "Yes Ma'am. She's sleeping at the moment..."

He heard the gasp on the other line and then it sounded like someone was trying to snatch the phone away from Erika Culzean's hand.

"Ah," he heard her say in a slightly embarrassed tone. "It does seem too late for me to say no to that right now. Well then... will you keep her safe for me? I know she's all grown up now and you're both adults... but she's my only baby."

Riley felt choked. He wanted to apologize, to beg this woman for forgiveness but instead he kept his voice level. "I love your daughter Mrs Culzean and I will bring her home soon. I promise."

A long pause on the other line then, "Thank you. We'll see each other again then."

Riley crushed the mobile phone in his hand until it was a mesh of plastic and metal and threw it violently to one side of the room. There was only one way to uphold that promise of course. He'd have to negotiate with Connor.

But he already knew what the verdict was --Keona in exchange for either Marine or his brother. He'd have to choose.

***

Meanwhile, Marine was slowly regaining consciousness; her head throbbing violently as though she had been knocked about carelessly. Rubbing her eyes, Marine pried them open to find herself in a strange white-washed room.

She may have been wrapped in a blanket but Marine recognized while there were no chains on her feet, she was in some sort of prison. The room had an electronic door and bore no windows. The only ventilation was a square vent big enough for a rat. In other words, there is no escape.

Instead of feeling fear, Marine tried to recall what had led her to this situation. Had she been kidnapped on the way home? Frowning, she closed her eyes and tried to remember.

She was lying on the mat looking up to the sky... and Riley was there wasn't he? They had a drink and then...

"Riley!" she screamed, getting to her feet to pound on the door. Someone must have drugged them both and placed him in another room or something! She continued pounding on the door until a voice made her jump in alarm.

"Miss Culzean, I would suggest for you to remain calm and sit down," said a female voice from a hidden speaker. Marine's eyes flicked to every corner of the room, hoping to find a camera or a speaker that she could rip out. There was no way someone was going to watch her 24/7!

"Where's Riley?" she demanded. "What have you done to him?"

The woman kept quiet for awhile then answered, "He's fine. Don't worry about him."

Marine bit her lips; the adrenaline rush was wearing off and fear was creeping up her neck. "Please don't hurt him... I'll do anything you want," she begged.

***

Hedva who was watching Marine from the screen didn't know what to reply to the girl. How could it be that the first questions she asked were not to enquire about her own safety but for that of another? Hedva was a scientist, not a kidnapper and her sense of sympathy for the girl was ruling over her immediate order to keep her under lockdown.

Marine Culzean was of no scientific significance to her. She was just the bait --not even a lab rat. Hedva felt sorry for the girl.

"Miss Culzean... is there anything that you need? Food, water... more blankets perhaps? I need you to trust me that you and Riley will be safe," she said over the speaker.

Hedva watched as Marine frantically looked around for the camera before giving up to huddle herself in a corner of the room.

"I want to go home..." she sobbed and Hedva knew that if Connor wouldn't release this girl soon, she would. Marine was just a baby...

Turning off the microphone, Hedva picked up her desk receiver and connected her call to Riley's room.

"Eos," he answered at the first ring.

"Come by my office at 0700. I want you to start looking for your target at the first opportunity."

"Yes Doctor."

***

Hedva had given him a screen shot of Marine huddled up in a corner of her holding cell. She said it would come in useful in case Keona refused to believe that Marine was truly kept hostage.

However, from what Riley had seen of Keona; she had a kind heart especially for the weak and helpless. Despite her intense outer shell, she could be manipulated if one knows the right buttons to push. And right now, that button is Marine.

Keona was raised in a pack and from his files; it was a known fact that pack fostered the kind of loyalty and love for kin. Marine may have been born as a Vampire but she spent her younger years playing in the compound; protected and loved as a child of a pack that consisted of the MacFarlane Weres and the Culzean Vampires.

So in other words, she will not hesitate a second to help release Marine. That had been the flaw that the research facility was hoping to act upon. However, Riley had been studying Keona's files for the last twelve hours and her behavior patterns showed that she struggled between the individualistic trait of her Vampire and the communitarian need of her Were. As such, she saw sharing as something forced but was reasonable enough to understand its necessity for the functioning of the pack. That didn't mean she had to like it.

Initially, Riley thought of sending her a package containing the screenshot and specific directional clues to the facility but decided against it. The struggle between her two halves would force her to tell Alex and Marine's parents out of courtesy and that would jeopardize the whole mission. So, Riley was going to deliver the package himself and convince her to act on her own accord.

But first, he needed to look like he had been beaten up pretty badly.

It didn't take him long to get another Vanguard to punch him at specific, non-fatal areas just so he'd look roughened up. It was necessary for the story that he was planning to act out. After making sure his clothes were soiled and muddied, he drove up to the shelter and put on his game face. Keona was going to read his mind and he had to be prepared for it.

As he drove, Riley made sure that he kept thinking of Marine all the time; playing images of her and his feelings for her on rewind inside his mind. The intensity of the memories should convince Keona that he wasn't lying --at least not about that.

About half an hour later, Riley reached the shelter and shielded his scent. If the reports were correct, Keona would have mimicked his ability --even subconsciously --and that would mean he'd have to be really careful to maintain his shield around her.

Limping towards the shelter, Riley banged on the wooden door and made a concerted effort to slump against the side panel to exaggerate his injuries. As expected --it worked.

"Oh my god! You're hurt!" exclaimed Keona the moment she opened the door. "Rina! Clear a table for me!"

"No... no..." Riley croaked. "Need to... hurry..." His chest heaved as though he was about to have an asthma attack.

"I have to see to your wounds first," she insisted. "Who did this to you?" Her voice was firm but gentle; her fingers examining the swelling on his cheekbones.

"Have to... find..." he choked a little before continuing, "Marine..."

That did it.

"Marine? How? Where's Alex? Did you call him? Is she alright?" Keona was starting to panic. "No... wait, I can find her. Did someone hurt her? Where is she?!"

Keona leaned Riley carefully against the door frame and cupped his cheek in desperation. Riley knew that if he didn't stop her, she was going to read his mind so he reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled photograph.

"Help her..." he whispered, passing the screenshot of Marine to Keona. He knew the moment that he saw anger and fear flash in her eyes; Keona MacFarlane was his.

"I'm going to call her parents and Alex," said Keona as she started to stand up.

"No!" he burst out. "No... time..."

"What? I don't understand..."

"One hour to find... her... or she dies..." Riley pulled out a bloodstained note from his breast pocket; hands trembling as he passed it to her.

Keona looked at it and the gold flecks in her green eyes seemed to burn to reflect her state of mind.

"I'm going to get you some water and bandage that hand while you tell me exactly what happened. Is that clear?"

Riley nodded.

When she returned with the glass of water, he took a sip and began recounting what happened.

"The next thing I knew, I was left alone on the picnic mat and she was gone..." he started to sob. "And I couldn't drive much further because my head hurts... and I remembered your shelter. You have to help me..."

"You were dating my cousin?" asked Keona, sounding slightly surprised. "For how long?"

"Maybe a few weeks..." he groaned as she applied a stinging cream on his arm. "Alex was very possessive of her... took me so long to get him to let her go out with me."

Something in her expression made Riley put his guard up. There was a look of utter destruction and fury that he could only describe as jealousy --except that she looked like she was about to kill someone.

Bingo! This was another button to push.

"Oww..." he winced as Keona tightened his bandage a little less gently than she did before. It was obvious that she was annoyed.

"Can you get up? I'll drive," she said before peeking inside the shelter for Rina. "Hey Rina, I'll be out a while. If anyone... comes looking for me, tell him to go to hell."

Riley heard Rina chuckle. He would have done the same too except that he didn't want to die in the hands of a jealousy-stricken woman. As they say, hell has no fury like a woman scorned.

Although... a furious woman behind the wheel was perhaps a ticket to hell too. Keona was driving beyond the speed limit; muttering curse words that sounded foreign --probably gaelic --and swerving the car like a she was a formula-one driver.

"Uh... I think we should slow down..."

"Just give me the damn coordinates," she snapped. Then turning to look at him, she peered at his eyes. "Do you love her? Do you love Marine?"

Riley didn't blink and held her gaze as he answered, "Yes... and I will do anything to get her out safely."

The car came to an abrupt stop.

Riley was thankful that he had his seatbelt on. Looking around him nervously, he asked,"Is... is this it?"

In lieu of an answer, Keona shifted the gear to neutral and pulled up the hand brake. "I can smell her," she muttered under her breath but Riley heard her. If she could scent Marine who was locked deep underground, it only meant that her abilities were much stronger than his for he could smell nothing. It made him glad that his shields were up and in excellent working condition.

"I want you to stay here."

"No! I want to follow you," he said stubbornly.

"No! You'll only slow me down!"

"I have to..."

Keona stared at him --he was sure that she was reading his mind now -- and she finally relented.

"I suppose she'll feel safer with you. But stay close behind me at all times do you understand? If you get in my way I will kick you."

"Yes..." he stammered and followed her out.

***

Keona was confident that she could have handled things alone but the human was insistent that he wanted to follow. Was this what it felt like to love someone so deeply you'd risk your own life for them?

Not that she loved Alex --that bastard. She was going to kill him the next time she sees him. What claim does he have on Marine? He's not her parent and she's not even a Were for him to extend his pack behavior to. He certainly did not extend any sense of possessiveness over her and he certainly had no right to be possessive over someone else when he claimed that there was nothing between them. How dare he! He had called her his mate but never once in five years had he made the effort to call or visit or anything!

So yes --the next time she sees Alex, Keona was going to grind his bones to dust.

"Argh!"

"Umm... is everything alright?" asked Riley. Keona turned to flash him a weak smile. She really didn't want to frighten the human. He really cared for her cousin and Marine deserved someone nice like him... not that obnoxious, lying brat!

"Focus..." she warned herself. Anger was an emotion --a distraction --and if she was going to find Marine and get the three of them out safely, she needed to keep her cool. How could she have forgotten that?

Oh yes, that's right --Alex, the bane of her existence.

"I think that is the entrance..."whispered Riley, pointing to a hidden panel behind some foliage.

"Yes... but we can't enter from there. I need to find the ventilation hatch. They won't have cameras there."

"Oh... good thinking."

"Yeah, keep up."

Keona heard Riley stumble a little behind her as they waded through the dense foliage and uneven ground. If she were alone, Keona would have shifted into a smaller four legged animal to help her maneuver in a more stable manner but she had a feeling that he doesn't even know that he's been dating a Vampire.

Keona pondered on that last point. Whoever kidnapped Marine must be doing so for a specific reason. Now that she wasn't so angry at Alex she could at least clear her mind to think of a better explanation.

It wasn't just Marine's scent beneath the ground. Keona was sure that there were at least a dozen other Vampires walking about within enclosed metallic walls...

Maybe it wouldn't be a good idea to bring a human into a Vampire's lair --or whatever you want to call it --down below. It was like bringing fresh meat...

"Oh god! That's what you are!" she exclaimed. "Listen to me. You have to stay in the car you understand? Do you... have a gun or something?" she asked, even though she knew the bullets would be useless against Vampires. However, it would cripple them long enough to give the human a chance to escape.

"I... I... yes, I do. But... why can't I be with you?" he demanded. Keona gave him a sympathetic look then placed both her hands lightly on his shoulders.

"I'm really sorry that I have to do this," she whispered just seconds before she forced the suggestion into his mind --an ability she learned from her mother. "Stay in the car and keep the gun with you at all times. If anybody and I mean anybody approaches you apart from me and Marine, I want you to shoot them and then drive away. Do you understand?"

Riley's head moved reluctantly but he was obeying the suggestion. Keona waited until he was at least ten feet away from her before continuing her search for the hatch. There has to be one somewhere.

Ignoring the sharp stones cutting into her sandals, Keona continued to search; perking both her Were and Vampire instincts to pick up the ventilated scents.

Finally! She found it!

***

Riley had been sitting in the car for more than ten minutes when his phone started to vibrate; shattering him out from his dazed situation. As he blinked back to reality, Riley frowned in confusion as to how and why he got into the car.

Another vibration cut him from his thoughts and he picked it up.

"Where are you Major?"

"I'm directly above the capture point... but she did something to me and now I've lost her. She... made me do something against my will."

"Yes, we assumed she would have that ability but that does not merit in your favor Eos. Where is she now?"

Riley paused, thinking of his last conversation with Keona. "I... I think she's looking for the ventilation hatch."

"There's no way she can get into it. It's not big enough for a human."

"I'll find her."

"Get to it. That's an order."

"Yes, Sir."

***

Keona had found out that while she could not shift into her own wolf, she had the ability to take on a copy of other wolves and animals alike. However, she didn't like it. It was like putting on someone else's mask; someone else's skin and looks. She will never have that intimate relationship with the inner beasts that Werewolves pride themselves with and it made her sad.

With that said, she still had to recall the DNA of the animal she wanted to shift into. Apparently, when she learned to copy Alaron's ability to heal, she managed to tweak it further to actually 'see' to the level of each cell's nucleus. It made for faster healing because she could manipulate the cell to begin dividing at a much faster rate to stitch back wounds and cuts. It was why working with injured animals became her calling.

The real animals in the wild knew only base emotions and instincts. They did not treat her like a second class pack mate or call her a half-breed and if they hated her, they'd bite; instead of passing snide remarks and isolating her.

So, she had always been alone and kept to herself --like now. She could still call for Alex or for her uncle and aunt but she won't. She could do this.

Unbuttoning her shirt, she took it off and folded it neatly; hiding it together with her jeans and boots. That was another thing she learnt. Werewolves often ripped their clothes when they shift because the mind does not see the material as part of the body. But when you can 'see' how every fiber crisscross over your skin, you'll be able to shift --at least with minimal clothing.

"Okay, here we go," she murmured under her breath as the familiar tingle of bones melting away and skin stretching and contracting took over. When she blinked her eyes open, all she saw were indistinguishable colored images of the world around her.

The hatch may be too small for a human but it was big enough for a cat. Keona had considered shifting into a wolf or a dog but knew that their heavy padded feet would alert the Vampires down below much easier than the soft and light movements of a feline.

The downside? Canines had better sense of smell but Keona was sure she'd find Marine in no time. Her cousin was scared and she was radiating waves of energy literally everywhere; calling for someone to help her.

Moving as quietly as she could, Keona tried to search for an exit. The ventilation spaces forked at various places but she needed to exit the one closest to Marine... then she'd have to think of a plan to bust them both out. There was no way Marine could fit into the hatch.

Found you.

Keona could vaguely see through the filters of the ventilator in the room where Marine was kept.




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 05



 *peaks in sheepishly* Hi! I know your upset but I'll explain at the end. So for the moment just enjoy!

The rickety school bus jostled Deina and her volleyball teammates along the busy freeway. While the commotion of the girls escalated the closer they got to their destination, Deina sat in the back with her head phones blaring, daydreaming trying too block out the storm of emotions she was felling.

With great effort she tried to forget David, to focus on playing her best game. But, every time she even dared to clothes her eyes for too long she pictured his green eyes, every time someone touched her she was reminded of his fingers pressing into his skin. He was rough and demanding with her, like he had never been before. 

Holy hell, her best friend just man handled her pussy and made her cum on his fingers. Where did they go from there? Every time she thought of him or if someone said his name she heard his voice in her head telling her to cum. She was trying hard not to freak out about the situation but her mind just kept swirling around the idea of 'them.' 

The bus abruptly jerked to a stop, bringing Deina back to the present. For now her thoughts of David would have to be stalled, it was time to handle business. Her team poured out of the bus and into the opposing team's gym wasting no time getting situated. 

Her team was to quite, she had neglected them on the bus ride because of her own problems but not anymore. With a whooping yell Deina screamed, "Who are we?"

The team replied without even glancing at their captain, "Panthers!"

That was pathetic, their hearts weren't in it. If they were going to win they need to be more energized. It wasn't just about skill but passion, aggression and intimidation that won a game. 

She scoffed at her team, "Panthers? More like pussy cats. Now, I said, who are we!"

She saw the startled faces of the girls as they started to gather around Deina and with a louder response she heard them respond, "Panthers!!"

"Am not sure they heard you? Who are we?"

"PANTHERS!!!" A series of growls, howls, and screams in general arouse from the crowed that were now closely gathered around her. 

"Now that's what am taking about, hands in everyone." The team huddled around and placed their hands on top of each other.

"I want you all to play with heart today, okay? I want you to leave it all on the court, your hurt, your pain, happy, sad, whatever, nothing is held back! Right ladies?!" Appreciative nods were directed her way so she continued. "Alright, team on three."

1

2

3

TEAM!

The band of girls dispersed into their position, on and off the court. Before taking her position at the net, Deina heard her friend, Tara whisper past her, "good to have your head back in the game, Capt'." Deina nodded her head in acknowledgement and prayed that she could stay that way. 

......

David had gone through the entire practice sitting on the side line, not being able to play, which escalated his already agitated temper. Then he had to sit and listen to Jerry Feluock talk about how fine Deina was and how much he wanted to 'tap that ass'. He wanted so bad to break Feluock's legs and shove them up his ass but he could do nothing in front of the coaches which was the exact reason that Felouck knew he could talk his shit. 

The only thing going his way was the fact that Gerard was kind enough to drive him home, since he had forgotten that Deina was his ride and she had an away game. They didn't talk the whole drive, David didn't want to talk and Gerard didn't care. 

When they arrived at his house he said thank you and got out of Gerard's car.

David couldn't hide his fury, he came in the house slamming doors and banging things around. His usual cool demeanor was shattered by the combination of Deina's skittish behavior and Felouck's mouth. 

"Davide?" Came his mother's sweet accented voice.

"Mamma, what are you doing home so early?"

"Not many patients today, so I come home early." 

"That's awesome Mamma." He said while sighing, turning away from his mother to wallow in his own self pity. 

"Davide wait, I want to talk to you."

"Mamma, can it wait? I am not really in the mood right now."

"Sit and listen to your mamma." That wasn't a request.

David followed his mother to the living room and sat down on the couch with her. For a couple of minutes all she did was stare at him, looking over his features like she was trying to find and answer in his face. Then she spoke.

"Bambino, I never tell you how to live your life. I let you make your decisions, especially with your dating life, but you must listen to me now." David had a foreboding feeling.

"What's wrong?" he said skeptically.

"I forbid you from dating Deina." David's mamma's face was stern and she looked her son straight in his eyes.

"Mamma what are you talking about? Deina and I aren't dating; we don't even like each other. And what do you mean 'forbid'?" With reflexes like a cat his mother smacked him hard upside his head. He cringed, not expecting the blow or its intensity. 

"Ow! What was that for?"

"Don't lie to me bambino. I find her sweatshirt in your room and I see the way she looks at you. I swear if you're messing around wit' her I will disown you."

"Mamma you love Deina. Why not date her? Is it because she's black?"

Again, his mother dealt him another blow to the side of his head. For such a small woman she packed quite a punch. 

"Do you not know your own mamma? I love Deina like she came from my womb. So her skin is darker then ours, she's still a great girl. But, I know you like my own face. You look at her, like she's your only life line." 

David sighed; his mother was always very perceptive so lying to her was futile. "Mamma, the need I feel for her is scary but I can't stay away. She's addictive, it's like she draws me in without doing anything. I know she feels the spark between us but she fights off my every advance, as if I'm dangerous." 

His mother smiled warmly. "Bambino, you are dangerous. She's known you for more than a decade; you don't think she knows better than to get involved with you?

"But..."

"Who was that girl you were with a week ago, Amanda? 

"Ashley? What does she..."

"What happened to her? Nothing, right? You go through girls like toilet tissues and Deina is too good to be tossed aside. Bambino, she sees how you treat them and she's afraid you will treat her the same way and don't you disagree with me! But then what happens after you break her heart? You would no longer have one of the most important people in your life anymore. Bambino you're my heart and I love you but I love her too."

With those final words his mother got up without giving him a chance to respond. That was her way of telling him that she was done and he should listen to her advice. 

His mother was being too critical of his relationships. All the girls he brought home knew that they were just having fun. Sure, many of the girls were upset when he broke up with them but what was he supposed to do about that? He told them all from the beginning that they weren't his girlfriends and he had no interest in them becoming more than a bed partner. All he wanted was a soft female body to satisfy his raging libido and at the moment the only one who could satisfy him was Deina. But, it wasn't just about her body; it was her mind and her spirit, everything that she did and said had him enthralled. 

But, David couldn't get his mother's words out of his head. 

"But then what happens after you break her heart?"

David's mother made a valid point but David wouldn't break her heart. They could make it work as his mother said she has known him for a decade, if anything his best friend could make this work. By the way she reacted to his fingers she needed it as much as he did.

David wasn't going to let Deina slip through his fingers.

"Mamma, I am going to the mall."

......................................

Deina looked at the little package sitting on her bed, it was small and pink. She was absolutely positive it wasn't hers or that her parents gave it to her. She hated the color pink, it was too girly, and everyone knew that. Would it be a long shot that her little sister had given her a gift for winning the game tonight? 

Deina was too tired to deal with surprises at the moment. The game had been successful. Angry frustration was great incentive to try and pound volleyballs down your opponent's throats. She dropped her volleyball bag next to the small package. 

"Hey Tina! Did you put this little pink bag on my bed?"

Tina, her ten year old sister, yelled from down the hall, "no!"

Tentatively Deina peeked inside the tiny bag, inside was a pair of red silk bikini panties, almost identical to the panties that David had ripped off of her earlier that day except they looked to be a size to small, and another cotton pair, even smaller than the first but they tied at the sides. Deina stared at the panties baffled, it wasn't hard to piece together that these 'gifts' were from David. The first pair was probably a replacement for the panties he had ripped off of her and never gave back but what was the second pair for? In the bottom of the bag there was a small card. Written in David's neat handwriting the card said, 'the first pair is a replacement, the second, an apology' 

Deina felt her blood pressure rise; she didn't want his damn apology panties. The "apology panties" brought back the memories of the sensations that David had stirred within her early that day. The way he demanded her to enjoy his every touch, willing her body to betray the mental resistance she had built up, and the way he made her beg for it was absolutely delicious. She could still feel the tingle of his hand on her ass from where he smacked her. 

Those memories came flooding back all too clearly. For a moment she softly toyed with the silk material remembering how it felt to have his finger against her skin. The incredible rush of adrenalin from the harsh touch on her clit combined with the heat of her anger defiantly trying to resist the inevitable explosion that was sure to come. She never knew that her nipples could be so sensitive until he had put his mouth on them and sucked.

Inside Deina was warring with her own emotions. There was a part of her that wanted to go over to David's house and bitch slap him, another part wanted to straddle his hips and prove to him that she could drive him crazy as well, but the safe part of her wanted to curl up in the fetal position underneath her bed and hid from David until they left for college. 

After awhile of just staring at his 'gift' she got tired of wondering or even caring. Let the chips fall where they may.

Still in her uniform, Deina yelled to her sister she would be back in five minutes and climbed out the window towards David's window. David always kept his window unlocked so it was easy for girls to slip inside without alerting his parents, so it was easy for Deina to slip inside unnoticed.

There was no sign of David, so she sat in the same chair that he had masturbated in to a picture of her. The though of him masturbating did nothing to settle her anger or her lust. Just the thought of David's dick had her rubbing her thighs together. Maybe it wasn't a good idea to confront him at the moment?

...

David was pleasantly surprised when he saw Deina sitting in his desk chair. She was still in her volleyball spandex, legs on full display, resting on top of his desk. Those tiny spandex shorts didn't help cool David's desire for her any less.

She looked pissed as she sat watching him skeptically with her arms crossed over her breast, hiding them from his view. Even her anger was turning him on. Her lips were pouty in a frown and her breathing came faster lifting her chest up and down enticingly, she looked adorable but he knew better then to say so. He felt a strong need to kiss that frown away and have those long legs of hers wrapped around him, but the waves of anger coming off of her made him think twice about that.

"Even if you keep starring at me my clothes won't fall off." David shut his bedroom door behind him, snapping out of his trance.

"It's not me starring that you should be worried about." His eyes gleamed with intent. He was surprised to see her; usually she would be avoiding him until he eventually caught her. "I thought you would be too pissed off to even look in my direction."

"I was..." She stared him straight in the eyes.

"Was?" He countered, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. I promised to help you, even if you're an asshole." 

"Is that why you are here?" he stood shifting from foot to foot feeling restless, dismissing her quip in an attempt to stop his eyes from focusing on her legs.

"Yes." She got up from his chair and strode toward him, stopping right before their bodies made contact. "Unless, there is another reason I should be here?"

David reflexively took a step back, thinking she meant to hit him again, his back hit the door, signaling that there was no escape. When the hit didn't come David was a little more then confused. This wasn't his Deina, his Deina should be running away with a sarcastic comment following behind her but here she was standing and inch away from him goading him. What did she want? Whatever it was he needed to slower her down before he had her on his bed stripped before she was ready. "One day the only reason you will be in my room is to be naked in my bed but not today. I've already gotten in trouble once." 

He saw the smile on her face fall. 

"You mean when you forced me into the guys locker room then proceeded to manhandle my pussy? Then you try and apologize with a pair of skimpy Victoria Secret panties that couldn't even cover one of my ass cheeks?" Her temper was rising with every word and even though she kept her voice low and even. Her deep brown eyes were a light with fire and she was practically on her tip-toes screaming in his face.

This is what he had expected; her anger, but it didn't faze him because he knew she had loved every minute of it. He knew that soon she would be running out of his room after cursing him to the heavens above, she was all bark without any bit.

But at the moment she looked a gorgeous sight. She stood fuming, hands on her hips, slightly out of breath from her tirade, and that infuriated look on her face that was more cute then threatening. Those plump lips of hers were pouting and her quick breathes had her breast rising and falling in an enticing rhythm. His anger wasn't the only thing that was beginning to rise.

"What do you want? I apologized..." She cut him off and rolled her eyes.

"I don't want your damn apologizes!" 

"Then what the hell do you want?!"

He felt Deina grab him by the shirt and instead of the fist he had anticipated he felt Deina's soft lips touching his own. Shit. 

...

Deina wasn't sure what she wanted from David, but as she began to yell at him and recall what happened earlier that day. Those memories brought heat flooding through her body pooling in her center. Her panties were getting wet and she was craving the sensations that he had created in her body earlier that day. She wanted to chastise him into guilt but her anger turned into lust. He was right in front of her, embodying everything she wanted in a man. His broad shoulder and strong arms, slim waist, and wash board abs were calling out for her. The ease in which he dominated her senses into succumbing to him was overwhelmingly to ease but it turned her own nonetheless.

But at the moment he wasn't pushing back like she was used to and that infuriated her to push even harder and stick her ground. Deina wanted the strong, passionate, forceful, smartass best friend who she had come to know. If he wouldn't play along then she would take it from him. 

Deina couldn't help but kiss him; it was like an urge she couldn't contain. She reached up on the tips of her toes and took his lips with her own, kissing him hard but she didn't expect the response. David placed his hands around Deina's face and bit at her bottom lip. 

"You're pushing it Dee." He muttered through her barrage of kisses.

"Good." 

She clung to his shirt and pushed her body as close to his as is physically possible. His body was rock solid and the heat radiating from him ignited her lust even more. 

The tight cord David had on his lust snapped. David's fingers plunged into Deina's hair and he angled her mouth to his satisfaction.

He bit and tugged at her lips then sucked it into his mouth to numb the pain away. The bite instead of hurting sent a tingling thrill throughout her body making her nipples harden into little peeks. She whimpered at the strength and passion of his kiss along with how her nipples rubbed against his chest. David was making her body tingle from the roots of her hair to the tips of her toes, with only a kiss. 

His hands released their grip on her hair to grasp her ass. She felt his strong hands lifting her off the ground as if she weighed little to nothing and she more than eagerly wrapped her legs around his waist. Her hands let go of his now wrinkled shirt to cling on to his broad shoulders in an attempt to hold on to some type of self control. David's lust and strength was out matching her own and she felt her oncoming plunge into submission but she didn't want to submit just yet.

Through her thin spandex she felt the outline of his restrained erection trying to break through the material of their clothes. With every step his cock brushed up against her swollen lips making her thighs twitch in anticipation. His cock hadn't even touched her but she felt her inside turn to molten lava gushing out of her pussy. Goose bumps rose all along her skin and her nipples were aching to be touched. If he were to reach in her shorts he would find her panties soaked all the way through. 

Deina felt her back hit his bed an immediately David's hands seemed to be everywhere, tearing at her jersey, gripping her ass, in her hair, he was completely surrounding her. 

...

David, in his haste pulled down Deian's jersey and was rewarded with the sight of her dark purple sports bra pushing up her breast into perfect swells of flesh, demanding his attention. Did David mention that he had a thing for sports bras, particularly Deina in her sports bra? He felt his dick jump at the sight of her breast being confined and pushed together enticingly.

He planted his face in between the swells of flesh that peeked out of the top of the bra and rubbed his face against every inch of subtle flesh he could touch, placing kisses in his wake. Her skin was so soft but it wasn't enough, he needed more contact with her skin. David reached under Dee's jersey feeling the smooth flat plain of her toned tummy. When he reached the edge of her bra he grasped it and hauled the jersey and bra over her head with ease, baring her for his viewing pleasure. 

With her breast unbound he had complete access, and he dived right in. Her body practically jumped off of the bed when he twisted her nipple, his baby girl liked it rough. While one hand was preoccupied with pinching and tweaking her nipple, her other breast had his mouths full attention. He flicked his tongue back and forth across her nipple before he sucked it into his mouth. He heard Deina moaning beneath him and he gave each nipple the same attention as the other but her moans weren't enough, he needed to hear her scream. Deina's moans were driving him crazy but he wanted her to scream for him. The urge was to strong, his teeth closed around her nipple and tugged at it, hard. Deina's moans turned into the low pitched screams that David wanted. Her body arched off the bed and her hips rocked against his erection. That brought a low groan from David's throat and he felt like his cock was about to explode in his pants. David needed to be inside her, now.




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 05



His hands fond the elastic band to her spandex and he hooked his fingers inside the edge to pull them off immediately. Deina hastily unwrapped her legs from David's waist to help him. He peeled the spandex from around her ass and then slid it from her toned shapely legs. 

In front of him Deina lay with her thighs spread open for him wearing only a simple black cotton thong that was soaked with her juices. David didn't know he could get this hard but his cock felt like it might break if she touched it. He needed in her, now! In his haste he hooked his thumbs into her underwear, and pulled. The panties ripped and she lay before him complete naked. 

She lay before him like an all you can eat buffet, neatly trimmed with a small triangle of hair pointing him in the right direction. He was starving and couldn't wait to devour Deina. He grasped Deina underneath the knees and pushed her legs back towards her chest getting a better view of his treasure. Deina's pussy was spread open before him her juices seeping out from her pussy lips heading toward her little puckered anus. 

David didn't realize he was starring until he felt her hands grabbing at his shirt and pulling it over his head. Her fingers played along his abs, circling around his nipples, tracing down his happy trail ending at the ties of his pants. She was just as eager as he was. Her hands unraveled the ties of his pants, yanking them down just enough to free his cock from their confines. 

Deina's eyes grew large, he was bigger than she had expected, he had to be about eight inches long but it was his girth that was impressive. David saw Deina's eyes grow wide and he smiled cockily.

David grabbed her by the hips, positioning her how he wanted. His fingers swirled around her clit then down her slit to push into her dripping hole, her pussy was hypnotizing him. She bit her lip, eyes wide with excitement and something else but David wasn't paying attention.

With cock in hand David pushed the head of his cock into her opening, Deina was tight. David buried his face in the hollow of her neck and closed his eyes breathing in her scent trying to resist the urge to cum inside her. He heard Deina's groans and felt the twitch of her legs but he kept pushing in inch by inch until he bottomed out. David didn't know he was holding his breathe until he bottomed out and had to take a shaky breathe to resist the urge to cum inside Deina. David held Deina's hips still so she wouldn't move, or he might just explode before he even got a chance to start. 

"Fuck baby, you're tight." Not Deina but baby now?

Deina toke a shaky breath before she answered.

"No shit, I am a virgin."

David reared up onto his arms to stare down at Deina. She looked back at him with a raised eyebrow and drying tears on her cheeks.

"Fuck!"

...

"How could you not know that I was a virgin?" Deina just stared at David as if he was stupid.

A few tears escaped Deina's eyes as David shoved his cock in her pussy but it was a painful pleasure. She felt absolutely full like her body was stuffed. Even the feel of David's weight pushing back her thighs was uncomfortably pleasant. David's entrance had been painful and Deina didn't know if she could handle the thrusting with out bursting into tears. So she was thankful when he finally filled her and stopped to breath.

David cut through her thoughts, "How would I know if you are a virgin?"

Apparently David had returned to his normal insensitive self.

"What do you mean 'how would you know' your supposed to be my best friend!" her temper was starting to rise again. David could be such an asshole sometimes. Even when they're supposed to be having sex they couldn't help but fight.

At her comment David's demeanor changed. "If I would have known, I would have approached this differently."

Before Deina could ask what he meant, David fingered Deina's clit. With one hand he massaged the little nub in a circular motion, sending spark in Deina's pussy. With the other had he resumed a grip on her breast plucking her nipples like the chords of a guitar. Deina felt the heat rise and before any words could escape her lips David plunged his tongue into her mouth, fucking it. 

The fire was rising in Deina's body and she couldn't help but gently rock her hips. The pain subsided and was replaced by a desperate hunger. Deina tried to grab David's ass in an attempt to get him to move but he resisted her attempt. Instead his hands disappeared from her clit and he took both of her hands and forced them above her head and held her there helplessly. 

Deina was pissed, David was toying with her. What was worse is that she liked it. He held her satisfaction in his hands and he knew how to use it against her. David removed his hand from Deina's breast to replace it with his mouth and hand formerly on her breast continued their torture on her clit. Deina couldn't hold it any monger.

"Dave...Dave...uhhh fuck...I can't take it anymore. Baby, am going to cum." 

As soon as the words were out of her mouth Deina felt David's teeth close around her nipple and pull, at the same time that his fingers squeezed then pulled at her clit. Deina came screaming and thrashing wildly on David's dick and he hadn't moved an inch yet. 

Deina was coming down from her orgasm, still shaking slight when David began to grind his hips into her. Deina didn't think she could take another orgasm like that but as David started to grind into her hypersensitive clit Deina began to moan anew. 

David released Deina's hands to grab her hips and started moving in and out of her pussy, using her hips for leverage. His movements were slow at first but with every stroke he picked up speed. Deina grabbed David's back and dug her finger nails in not caring if she left marks or not. With ever stroke Deina thought she was losing her mind. There was nothing but David and what his cock was doing to her. So when David pulled out of her Deina thought about killing him.

Before she could complain David flipped her over like she was a pillow.

"Ass up, face down."

Deina complied without a word and waited for David's assault on her body. David moved his cock head to her entrance but didn't enter her. Instead he reached underneath her to her swinging breast and leisurely rolled her nipples. When Deina couldn't take it anymore she tried to push back trying to force her way on him but David wouldn't allow it. Deina reduced herself to begging.

"Please Dave! I need you, so bad...please!" 

David chuckled, "you beg so sweetly."

Unceremoniously David plunged his entire length into Deina making her cry out in ecstasy. He withdrew once again until only the head of his cock was in her, then he slammed into her again, and again. Deina was trembling, she was so close that she could taste her orgasm but she couldn't get over the edge. 

As if David could read her mind he grabbed her ass and fucked her fast and hard. Deina pushed back matching David's rhythm. An orgasm was knocking at her pussy door. 

"Cum for me." David instructed her then smacked her ass. 

The smack on her ass had the effect of sending Deina over the edge. Her whole body convulsed from the intensity of her orgasm but her screams were muffled by the bed. David pulled out of Deina as he felt her clenching down on him and spurted his come all over her back and ass.

Deina couldn't move her ass was still in the air; face pressed into the mattress and the contrast of David's white cum splattered against Deina's brown skin was so exotically sexy. The sight of her satisfied body lying in front of him made David want to take her again. 

Deina felt David wiping of the cum on her ass and back with the shirt she had taken off of him and throw it back onto the ground. Deina was too tired to protest when David rolled her on her side and spooned up behind her. 

.........

Deina hadn't said a word since David had made her orgasm and David didn't know what to say. She felt so warm and soft against his body that he didn't want her to leave if he said the wrong thing. He never really talked or cuddled after sex but he wanted to do just that with Deina but where to start?

"I think you woke the dead with your screams. I'm glad our parents are out together on a double date or we would skinned." He tried to joke with her.

He heard her groan in embarrassment, she was adorable. 

"Dee can I ask you a question?" 

David felt Deina nod. 

"If you're a virgin why didn't I break your hymen?"

In a groggy voice Deina answered. "That was broken along time ago. Sometimes when female athletes do as many sports as I do your hymen tends to break early."

"No wonder. I never thought you would still be a virgin or I wouldn't have fucked you."

"What? So since I'm not like the whores you usually bed you wouldn't do me?"

"No, well sort of. I just meant your first time should be special. You're like a sister I just want to protect you."

"A sister? So what is this incest?"

David laughed. Even in her anger she was funny and cute. But his amusement upset Deina and she got out of his bed and started dressing. 

"Deina don't leave yet."

"Where does this leave us David?" He hadn't thought about it.

"I mean I still want you to be my best friend but I definitely want to do this again."

"So, fuck buddies?"

"You said it not me."

Deina was quiet for a long time and then a smile he new was fake spread across her face as she finished outing her clothes back on. 

"No, thanks. You are right my first time should have been special, oh well. I guess the nest time will have to do." 

David got up and tried to stop Deina before she left. Something was wrong.

"Dee wait we can still be friends, I don't want to lose you." Deina just smiled at David.

In a last stitch effort he tried one last thing, "We could try dating? I've never dated anyone before, but I could try?"

With one leg already out the door, Deina started to laugh without humor at David.

"Is that your last stitch effort at trying to get in my pants again?" 

David looked down in shame. It did seem like he was saying that.

"You were right Dave. You got me, for this time being I was yours, you should be proud."

But, He wasn't. He watched Deina disappear into the night air and return to her house.

.........

2 months later 

Deina wallowed in her own self pity. She felt like she was closed off to the world as if she was living life but viewing it from a kaleidoscope. The things they said to each other that night, subconsciously she knew he wasn't saying those things to be insensitive but that didn't mean that he wasn't. She on the other hand wanted to hurt him, to rip deep into his ego, hopefully making him insecure and hurt.

A couple of weeks went by and she only went through the motions of school and practice. Her grades improved, her practices were more focused, in theory this was a good thing. The football team was winning, the volleyball team was winning, and everything was amazing.

She thought everything was going so wonderful that no one would notice the fact that she was emotionally dead inside, she no longer was her witty spicy self. 

It hade been two weeks after the incident and Deina was sitting at a small dismal mom and pop coffee shop which she visited from time to time. Gerard walked in and sat down unceremoniously in front of her. She looked up from her frappuccino and saw Gerard's brown eyes staring into her own. He looked at her with a questioning gaze, as if he could find the answer somewhere written on her face.

"You don't like coffee." He stated.

"Frappuccinos doesn't taste like coffee." She stated blandly looking down at the swirling contents of her cup.

His eyebrow lifted, "Where is that deadly tongue of yours, with a sassy comeback for everything?" 

"How did you even know where to find me?" She stated while looking distractedly outside of the coffee shop window.

He shrugged, "Tara told me. She's really sweet and worried about you." Deina rolled her eyes, Tara was nice but she should mind her own business. Gerard ignored her attitude and got up on his feet, reaching his hand out for hers. "Now come on, we're leaving!"

"Where are we going?" She asked but got up without grabbing his hand. 

"Out of this dreary wanna be spoken word coffee shop." He said heading for the door. She followed without any real resistance. 

They walked side by side until they got to an arch way that had "Happy Holly's Carnival" printed above it. 

She stopped at the gate opening. "A carnival?" 

"Yep."

"You know I think Carnivals are sappy attractions made to draw in the romantically inclined masses who like to put their relationships on display."

He didn't look at her, but rolled his eyes. "I am aware but I thought we should go somewhere that has more life than you do."

That stung a little but he was right. So she followed without any further complaint. They rode rides, got popcorn, and Gerard even won her a stuffed animal that was the size of her torso. It was a perfectly delightful evening but Deina's mind was off thinking what it would be like if David took her on a date?

Night was approaching and as she held the over stuffed doll and leisurely ate cotton candy Gerard walked beside her.

"So, you wanna talk about it?" 

"Nope."

"Let me rephrase, we are going to talk about it." He stopped in mid-stride and gestured to a bench for them to sit on.

Deina sighed; she wasn't really up for arguing but she'd know Gerard since they were in diapers and knew that he wasn't going to let it drop. They had always been friends throughout the years, he was always reliable and dependable, and so she sat on the gestured bench along side Gerard without compliant. Gerard was a big guy and although the bench was more than enough room for the both of them she still found herself pressed against his side. 

"So what did David do?" he draped his arm around her without reproach. 

Why pretend? "How did you know?" 

"There are only two things that damper that fiery spirit; volleyball competitions and when David has done something to hurt you. You're no longer a little spit fire; I haven't gotten a witty remark out of you in weeks."

She leaned her head on his shoulder, "I don't know Gerry, David and I, we...just pushed things way too far and now I feel so empty inside. Afterwards he called me his sister and wanted to stay friends with benefits. He was trying to get rid of me like those other girls. He spent all this time trying to get into my pants and maybe I was delusion in thinking he wouldn't treat me like all the other girls. I am not angry or sad now, just devoid of feeling anything. He was playing a big joke like when we were kids just to see how far he could push until he got what he wanted?" 

Gerard took in everything she had to say for a minute. "I don't know what David was thinking but I doubt he was intentionally trying to treat you like a whore. But, on the other hand you know, better than anyone, that with David's personality to never get in a relationship. As long as I've known him he has had the uncanny ability to put his foot in his mouth and his words come out sounding like douche bag garbage."

"I know and that's what sucks must of all. I promised not to be that gullible and stupid!" 

"Yeah, but he was the idiot. He knows your personality and he should have respected you more than that."

"This is David we are talking about Gerard. It's all about him."

The anger started to rise in her voice. "But you know what!? I am more like a 'sister' than anything to him." She did the air quotes for emphasis. 

She felt Gerard cringe. "He used the sister term?"

"Yes. I just want someone who wants me, not just my body but all of me."

Gerard didn't respond, he was so quite Deina started to worry she had divulged too much. Maybe she had just put Gerard in an awkward situation since he was technically friends with David and her.

Quickly she turned toward him to look him in the face. "Am so sorry Gerard. I didn't mean to get you involved in my drama." 

He didn't respond, his hand came up to her face and brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek. His hand cupped her cheeks and he tilted her face toward his. Deina was confused but it didn't stop the tingly feelings in her belly, it was the first thing she had felt since the altercation with David. 

"I want you...for as long as possible." His lips descended until they were a hair away from hers, waiting patiently for her response. Her whole body started to tremble. She wanted to kiss him badly but tears started to cloud her vision. This was the first guy to sincerely show that he cared about something other than getting in her pants and he wanted her. The first tear rolled down her cheek when Deina realized Gerard had actually noticed a change in her demeanor and then taken the trouble to find her, she was touched. 

Deina tried hard to contain her tears, she hated crying and she didn't want Gerard to think that she wasn't appreciative or that she didn't like him but everything was crashing down on her at once. Bottling up all the hurt from David's rejection and the touching consideration of Gerard just built up to much pressure and the damn cracked wide open. 

She felt Gerard's strong hands grab her around the knees and around the shoulders then she was lifted up and settled into his lap. 

"Gerie, I'm sorry......I can't help it......It's not you, I promise...I just...just." 

She heard Gerard hush her, "it's okay sweetheart. I know, I know." 

Gerard's comforting was actually pleasant. His huge form surrounded her in warmth and security. His strong arms encased her around the waist; encasing her in his strength then as if she was a child she rested her head against his massive chest. With her head on his chest she could hear his heart beat which was extremely soothing. 

After her tears had dried she was extremely embarrassed and didn't know what to say next. Thankfully Gerard spoke for her.

"All better now. Come on let's get you back home before someone thinks I'm the reason your crying."

"I'm not crying. I just had a temporary eye malfunction."

"Ah, that's my girl!" He chuckled then kissed her endearingly on her forehead. 

Gerard and Deina walked back toward the coffee shop fingers intertwined. For awhile Gerard and Deina laid low with their relationship. But as they grew closer stolen glances to each other and flirtatious touches sparked interest from the more observant peers and soon they outed themselves by publicly displaying their affection, so further speculation would die. 

...

After months of avoiding each other the two rationalized that the other didn't mean anything but when David saw Tara sitting across from a smiling Deina, who was seated in the lap of his 'friend', Gerard?

David was in a bit of a stupor, he knew what he was seeing but he wasn't sure why he was seeing it? Deina was no floozy to be hoping from lap to lap, he couldn't remember an incident in where he had actually seen her sitting in any guys lap. As David got closer to them he could hear the sound of her laughter, it sounded light, sweet and untroubled. He didn't know when the last time he heard her laugh like that? 

She sat perched in Gerard's lap side ways legs crossed talking animatedly to Tara and looking gorgeous as ever. It was still very cold out and she looked like the colorful version of a snow bunny with her tight blue jeans that molded to her long legs, a pair of red snow boots, a black tight fitting long sleeved thermal shirt stretched across her breast nicely, along with a matching red bubble vest that was unzipped. She was looking too sexy, like she was trying to look good, which wasn't like his Deina.

After the initial shock wore off his anger started to rise. Why the hell was Gerard letting Deina sit in his lap? It was DEINA! His Deina, admittedly the Deina that he had told he didn't want but still his. There was a perfectly good seat next to Gerard and there were chairs all around them. 




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 05



Before David could contemplate his actions any further he strutted over to where they sat together. He reached out and picked Deina up and out of Gerard's lap to plop her in the seat beside him then he sat down across from them next to Tara. The air was tense around the four.

"I think your beginning to develop a fetish for man handling me." Deina quipped at David with a smirk. She was mocking his anger at the same time as referencing their exploits in front of Gerard. 

Before David could remark Gerard spoke, "Well, it is an obvious temptation, all that fieriness is just begging to be tamed." Gerard's smile was almost as dopey as Deina's.

"Is that what you want to do Mister Reynolds? Tame me?" she was leaning towards him with a flirtatious pout of her full lips. It irked him how she flirted so openly toward Gerard. 

"Oh, never that my little vixen." He leaned towards her. "Never that." Their faces were close enough to kiss and it gave David a nauseous feeling. 

From behind them they could all here Felouck's voice, "Why don't you just bang her already Gerie. Not all of us want to see you drooling at Deina like a starving man with his dick hanging out. Don't you agree Tara?"

Tara shifted uncomfortably and pretended to play with her cell phone hoping to become invisible. Deina and Gerard straightened up and backed away from each other quickly at Felouck's words. 

Felouck sat down across from David and next to Deina, making everyone uneasy. 

"Well did you two tell David yet?" Everyone felt the tensions rise.

"I don't think..." Tara began to say quietly but was interrupted by David's angry voice.

"Tell me what?" David looked at Deina but her face was turned toward Felouck leering angrily at him.

Over exaggeratedly Felouck proclaimed, "You didn't know!" In a mock concerned voice that got half the cafeteria's attention. 

Someone told Felouck to shut up but he was to far gone by now. 

"Your little Deina and big bad Gerard here have been dating for awhile now." Felouck paused to see David's reaction and when he was sure he was getting pissed he continued. "Deina, you didn't tell David, your best friend for years that you were dating his friend? How rude. I mean seriously, it's just common courtesy to let your best friend know when you're banging his buddy."

Fortunately for Felouck, Deina's sharp tongue was quicker than David's temper.

"Why Felouck, I didn't know you could act like such a little whining bitch but I must say jealousy does look good on you. Are you jealous because even if you were on fire I wouldn't spit in your direction? Seriously, have you ever seen a little boy bitch and moan so sweetly before?" She uttered the insults calmly with a little flirtatious cooing that you would think would be sexy but the venom behind her words was inevitable to deny. She really had a talent for being evil politely.

David inwardly smirked but was still two second from punching Felouck in the face. Gerard on the other hand was chuckling at Deina's verbal quips. 

Felouck didn't seem to register Deina's insults but continued his efforts to anger David. "Told ya, you couldn't handle a girl like this. She had to go and find herself a black man to satisfy her." 

David was halfway across the table before Gerard's arms came around his shoulders and dragged him out of the cafeteria with Deina trailing behind them, leaving Tara to deal with Felouck. 

Gerard pushed David out into the mostly empty hallway, "What's your problem? He's pressing your buttons on purpose and you know that, yet you keep letting your anger get the best of you."

Gerard's words although true didn't settle him. "How long?"

Gerard turned towards Deina, who was leaning against the opposite wall from David, legs and arms crossed with a bored expression. They were starring at each other in a silent conversation. It irked David that they were so in tuned with each other that they could have a silent conversation right in front of him. 

"How long!"

Deina drug her eyes from Gerard and answered as if answering him was a waste of breath. "Roughly, two weeks."

"What do you mean roughly? And two weeks is enough time for you to say 'hey David I'm going to fuck Gerard, okay?!'"

"At least he cares for me." she stated the words as calmly as she did that night in his bedroom.

Gerard interjected, "Look Dave were just dating, I like Deina and we both know I'll treat her well, so there's no reason to be upset."

"Of course there is a reason! What do you even know about her? Did you know she's scared of bats, she hats plaid, when its cold she likes to wear long boots so she can wear her favorite fuzzy socks?"

"No I didn't but that's why I'm dating her so I learn it all." 

"What kind of boyfriend are you? You went pussy footing around me like a sneaky rat bastard and said sweet bullshit in her ear to take her away from me? What kind of man is that?"

David was so busy focusing his anger on Gerard, whose hands were balled into fists at his sides that he didn't notice Deina approaching until she stood right in front of him. The coldness in her eyes froze him in place. He felt the hand come across his face before he saw her movements. She slapped him, not just that but she bitch slapped him, full handed and with a perfect follow through. 

"That happens to be my man you're insulting and I am not that easy. He wants me without condition and that's how he got me." Her eyes were fixed on his.

Gerard reacted quickly, grabbing Deina and placing her behind him to shield her. David would never hit Deina but Gerard shielded her as if he believed David would retaliate. 

Deina seemed unfazed by the tension in the room. She rolled her eyes at the both of them and turned on her heels, "Am done." With that she walked away.

Gerard moved to follow Deina but addressed David as he was trying to leave. "David I know we didn't tell you but we shouldn't have to get your blessing, what we do together is our business. You had your chance, now she needs me."

Gerard left catching up to Deina. David watched as Gerard easily intertwined his finger with hers and she melted into his embrace. They really did look good together.

To be continued............

Two things; I am so sorry! Yes I know I promised this chapter a long time ago but some things happened. Like moving to another country then moving back, then returning to college and starting the fall athletic season. Yeah, I know excuses, excuses but its here now!



Pushing Boundaries Ch. 05



Marine... It's me, Key. Don't look up, don't even make a single expression. Blink twice if you can hear me.

Marine blinked. Key?

Yes Sweetie, I'm here.

I'm scared...

I know... shh. I need you to tell me something Marine. Are there cameras inside this room?

Yes! But I can't see them.

Keona paused to think. From where she was, she could see another panel just a few feet away. Could that be the control room?

I'll be right back Marine. Do not move or show any sign that you're relieved. Hear me?

Yes Key...

Keona padded over to the other ventilation hatch and peered downwards. Though she couldn't exactly see a variety of colors, she could distinguish the shapes of the people and monitors in the room.

There was only a Vampire at the console; she was sure of that although the room does reek of other scents that she could not describe... They smelled...

Like her.

Were there other hybrid children hidden here? A wave of sudden panic took over Keona. This was what her parents had been trying to protect her from and now she's here... in some sort of holding facility. She needed to help those children out too! What if they had parents? People who love them?

A burst of warmth curled inside her heart. She needed to act --Now.

Pushing as hard as she could against the metal hatch, Keona did not wait for it to drop to the floor and alert the room's occupants but immediately leap out; shifting in mid air to land gracefully behind the unsuspecting controller.

His reactions were a split second too late for her hands were already on his neck --a sharp twist --and he lay unconscious on the floor. She hadn't killed him but simply broke his neck. It should heal in a few days.

Turning around to make sure no one was behind her, Keona glazed her eyes over the panel of controls and reached for the microphone. That must be how the captors communicate with Marine right?

"Marine Sweetie, it's me. Now I'm going to try and get the door to open but if it doesn't... you see the mirrored wall in front of you?"

"Yes," stammered Marine, getting up to her feet.

"If I can't open the door, I'm going to break the damn mirror and I want you climb through it do you understand?"

Marine nodded wordlessly.

Keona frowned over the various controls. All these tech stuff were beyond her comprehension so she did as promised --she threw one of the chairs into the glass panel in front of the control.

"Marine!" she shouted as alarm bells began to ring. "Hurry!" Pulling Marine carefully into the control room, Keona held her cousin's hand tight and headed to the door. "What can you do Marine?"

"I... I don't understand..."

"What is your ability Marine?" she demanded. "We need to use our best resources right now to escape."

Marine looked at Keona and bit her lips. It had taken her so long to perfect the ability... and once Keona saw it, she would have it too. To her surprise, Keona did not push for an answer and instead held her hand tighter as they ran across the hall.

The alarms were ringing continuously and Keona knew that she did not have much time. They were going to block all exits even as they speak and Keona was praying that it didn't mean complete lock down. Once that happened, there was no way out.

Keona was frantically reading minds --as many as she could --all while running down the hallway. Partly was to hide from the guards but partly was to see where the nearest exit was. She got lucky when a group of them ran by to secure the east exit. This was their chance!

"The moment you get out, I want you to find Riley... he's in his car a little further down the road. I need you to go and get help you understand? Call Alex and your parents."

"But Key!"

"There are others trapped here Marine. Just do this. I can handle myself... I'm strong remember?"

Marine hugged Keona and whispered, "I can run... run real fast. Faster than light."

"Good girl. I want you to run and get yourself out while I distract the guards you hear me?"

"Key..."

"I'll be fine. I promise. Now, on the count of three... One, two..."

"Ah, Miss MacFarlane we finally meet..."

"Run!" Keona shouted as she pushed Marine. The moment her fingers left Marine's body, Keona could no longer see her. Amazing --she was moving so fast she was invisible!

Keona turned her head slightly, just to catch a glimpse of whomever had called her name, before mimicking the exact thing that Marine had done. Of course, it wasn't as perfect for Keona felt herself moving too fast for her body to control and she didn't know how to slow down so she ended up crashing against one of the walls at the end of the hall.

The annoying tingle at her back told her that she either sprained a muscle or broke a rib. As if that wasn't bad enough --guards were coming towards her from every corner.

"Shit!" she cursed even as the first few Vampires started to grab at her. Keona was an excellent fighter but there were just too many of them. Even if she were to mentally suggest them to back off, she'd have to do it one by one and it would drain her out too much. So she did what she could.

She pushed herself to her limit --physically and mentally.

***

Connor watched from a far as the hybrid girl fought her way through the first dozen of his Vanguards. They were not his best but they were decades older than her and would have easily immobilized a 24 year old Vampire.

"But you're not just a Vampire are you?" His lips curved into a wry smile as she started to take down the next dozen set of stronger Vanguards. It was wearing her down, he could see that but Connor was impressed nevertheless --except that she didn't kill those she took down but merely knocked them out. That didn't impress him but caught his interest straight away.

Keona MacFarlane as it seems has never killed a single thing in her life.

"We shall soon see..." he whispered as the last vestige of her strength started to leave her. Keona was beginning to take in more blows than she could give out.

"That's enough," said Connor; his voice reverberating down the hallway. "Stand down soldiers." They did as told, moving to the side to let the Pureblood kneel down to a very worn out and bruised Keona.

"It is an honour to meet you, Miss MacFarlane. I hope you will reciprocate my gesture," he said, offering her a hand to get up.

However, Keona simply glared at him and snarled her question, "Are there more... like me here?"

Her question surprised him --the mortal emotion so vivid across his cold face. He contemplated his answer for a minute; simply staring at her slowly healing face.

"I will show them to you if you allow me the grace of your company."

Connor didn't need to read her mind to know that she was already planning to help the other hybrids escape. It was clearly reflected in the green of her eyes.

"Well?" he prodded.

"How do you know who I am?" she demanded; slowly pushing herself to her feet --with much difficulty. Yet she refused his help.

"I know much about you and your family... What I know is beyond compare. Not even Aramis Culzean comes close."

Keona's eyes snapped straight to Connor's face. He knew her grandfather! "What do you want from me?"

"Oh... just a little bit of this and that... maybe a little blood," he replied with a smile. Keona was beginning to hate that smile.

"I'm not giving you a damn thing!" she protested when he reached out to grab her wrist.

"Ah... then I'm afraid I can't let your precious Marine leave this facility..."

Despite her weakened state, Keona forced herself to push a brutal suggestion into the Pureblood's brain. It might have worked of course --if she was at full strength and maybe a few hundred years older --for all it did was make him release her hand in surprise and step back.

Then she felt it --an invisible hold on her mind; an icy grip over her brain, jerking her into submission. Keona heard herself scream but there was no sound... and then she felt herself melting away into an empty darkness...

***

"She's still asleep," said Hedva.

"How is she?"

Hedva looked at the Pureblood Helene and saw sadness in her eyes. Was she sad for this child? Or perhaps a memory of her own?

"We've sedated her and I'm keeping her stats monitored. As you can see, she's healing herself even unconsciously so we are not administering any medication."

Helene moved closer to the screen. "Extraordinary... so tell me Hedva, how do you plan to proceed with the trials?"

"With your permission, we will draw a sample of her blood and compare it with the developed prototype."

"What do you expect to see?"

Hedva shrugged and shook her head. "I can't say Madam. If I enter the experiment having preconceived ideas then I will miss things."

"I would not want you to miss a thing. This child... is precious," whispered Helene. "Don't harm her unless it's necessary."

Hedva nodded and watched the Pureblood walk across the room towards the electronic sliding doors. If she had her questions, this was the best time. Helene was feeling soft.

"Madam..." Hedva tried to halt the Pureblood.

"Yes?" Cool blue eyes turned to face her.

"I am only asking this because it relates to the research..." said Hedva carefully. "But if the current prototype does not survive past its infancy; how would you like me to dispose of it?"

The blue eyes hardened into coal --not anger but pain. "Then you will burry her for me," she whispered and left the room without saying another word.

Women, Hedva thought, were always subject to their emotions even when they try to hide it from the world. The research lab may call the hybrid prototype by it's lab name but Hedva knew that both of them had their own secret name for the miracle baby.

When you put a name to a face... it always becomes harder to let them go when the time comes. And Hedva knew that the time was coming... soon.

The prototype was showing signs of breathing difficulty and unstable eating patterns. She was rejecting blood and did not take well to formula milk. As a Werewolf, Hedva knew that pack mothers suckled their young, regardless of whose pup it was. It was how a pack functioned for they took care of each other's young.

As with prototypes, there will always be mistakes in coming up with the perfect combination. Helene had been a Pureblood and the Were whose sperm she had kept frozen was a Beta wolf. In contrast, Keona was a product of an Alpha --the Original Were --and a turned Vampire. There are many mechanics at play there. Did the gender of the Vampire play a bigger role or was the quality of the sperm more important?

Taking gender out of the equation then Naira, the other hybrid girl would be a better choice for comparison: Sperm from a Pureblood and egg from a Beta Werewolf. The status would be much more similar to Helene's situation or is it?

Helene may have successfully carried the child to term but artificial insemination did not solve the problem of gene compatibility between Vampires and Werewolves. Everything at the moment was still inconclusive. Hedva couldn't put her finger to it until she managed to study Keona's blood.

But for now... she will let the child sleep. There are many tests to be done on her tomorrow. Keona will need all her energies to stay alive and Hedva did not want the girl to die... yet.

***



Pushing Boundaries Ch. 06



NB: I really apologize for the hiatus. As always, credits go to wildheartedangel for editing this chapter. I made some changes so any mistakes are mine alone. 

***

Keona stirred slowly into consciousness, fully aware that she was in a strange white washed room filled with even stranger equipment. Electronic monitors beeped beside her; their LED lights flickering repeatedly like Morse code.

She was seated on a wooden chair; her arms and legs strapped to the insulting teak while various electrode patches lay visibly on her almost chalk-like skin. It was a sign that she was exhausted and blood-drained as Vampires were when they're forced to go without feeding for months.

But Keona wasn't a Vampire.

Whatever minute quantity of blood she had ingested --two, three weeks ago --had been depleted just trying to fight off the dozens of Vampire guards earlier...

It occurred to her that she had no idea how long she had been knocked out.

Yet, no emotion or thought betrayed her true feelings as she stared straight into the mirror in front, knowing full well she was being observed.

"Good morning Miss MacFarlane. Or would you rather I call you Keona?"

Keona's eyes remained open; refusing to blink in acknowledgement of the female baritone voice booming from the speaker. Instead, she concentrated on trying to reach beyond the mirror and read whoever's mind she could get a hold on.

Her inability to do so shocked her.

"There's no use Keona... it's okay if I call you Keona right?"

No response.

"Very well Keona... this room is lined with thick lead. You can't reach out to anybody through these walls. It's futile dear."

"Don't you dare call me that," Keona's voice was passive; her eyes still staring straight ahead. "What do you want from me?"

"Just want to test out a few things... do oblige us."

"Why?"

Silence on the other end of the speaker.

"I'm sure you'd like to have Marine safely back home wouldn't you?"

Keona snapped at the words; her eyes widening with anger. "Don't you dare touch her you hear me! I swear I'll hurt every one of you."

"Then comply."

Her eyes were blazing but Keona knew everything has a price. "I want to see that she's safe first."

The mirror in front of her flipped to reveal a screen --on it was a live feed of Marine, huddled in the corner of a room.

"How do I know this is live?"

"Call out to her. We'll transmit your voice directly into her holding cell."

Keona was skeptical but did as suggested. "Marine sweetie, it's Keona... are you okay?"

Marine's head snapped up at the sound of her voice. "Key... I'm sorry... they caught me..."

"No it's okay... I'll get you out," she replied looking straight up to stare at unseen eyes beyond the screen.

"That's all for now," the baritone voice said again and the screen returned to its mirrored form once more.

Keona didn't say anything. She had no idea what to do in that moment and felt so helpless strapped onto the chair like that.

"We're going to send in one Vampire at a time. He or she will display their ability and I want you to repeat it. Can you do that?"

What! How did they know about her?

"You look surprised Keona. Of course we know what you can do... but can you show us?"

"No."

"Then Marine will die."

"You bitch!"

"The first test is coming up Keona. Behave and follow my orders and I will let her go."

Keona struggled against her restraints; shaking the metal chains brutally but to no avail. It was no use, she realized as the first Vampire entered the room.

It was a very handsome Vampire; just under a hundred and when he came in, he was carrying a thick book. Sitting down opposite Keona, he opened the book and started to read out loud.

"What are you doing?" asked Keona. Was he trying to read her to sleep?

"You'll see," he said continuing the reading. It was a book about Antarctica and the Vampire continued reading until he was midway through the 1911 expedition. Then he placed the book on Keona's lap. "Tell me a page number and I will read it to you."

Frowning, Keona said, "Thirteen." The Vampire turned the page for her and got up to stand at the end of the room, reading out accurately every single word on the page. "You memorized everything?"

"Yes... and now you can too. What is the twentieth sentence on page four?"

Keona knew it wasn't possible that she'd know the answer but she did --much to her dismay --for she began to recite, "It sits atop a featureless, windswept, icy plateau at an altitude of 2,835 metres and about 1,300 km from the nearest open sea at Bay of Whales. Damn you!"

"Very well done Keona," said the voice again. "Thank you Kendall. You can leave." The Vampire nodded and left the room.

"Please stop this. I don't want to do this!"

"You have no choice Keona."

The onslaught of Vampires continued until Keona was positively sure her brain would explode. It was too much... just too much for her to absorb at an alarming rate. Due to the first Vampire's ability, Keona was now mimicking abilities even faster and at a deeper level because she retained every single detail with perfection; her mind a whirlwind of information.

"This is the last one for today Keona..."

A very Ancient Vampire entered the room. She was beautiful in that ghostly frightening way that reminded Keona of her own grandmother except that Josephine had kind and loving eyes. This Vampire looked empty and stood silently in front of the door; eyes devoid of any irises.

Keona tried not to be afraid.

"What can you do?" she asked softly. She might not want to copy any more abilities but the Ancient intrigued her. To harness such a powerful Vampire's ability could lead her to a breakdown but Keona needed to know.

The Vampire didn't speak... nor moved. She kept staring straight at Keona; her long hair trailing down the side of her face, stark black against pale snow-like skin.

Then all of a sudden, the sprinklers were activated --spraying the entire room with a torrent of water. Keona yelped slightly in surprise and held her breath.

Not a single droplet moved.

She turned her head slightly to see the Vampire still staring at her with those white balled eyes --freaky --but that was nothing compared to what was happening right that moment. This Vampire wasn't stopping time was she? Keona was still moving so time had not stopped or has it?

The sprinklers had been turned off but the water still remained motionless in mid air.

"Thank you Irene," said the voice through the speaker and immediately the water droplets fell to the floor, splashing over Keona. The Vampire left the room soundlessly, leaving Keona unsure of what exactly had happened.

"Can you repeat that Keona?"

"I... I don't know what is it that I'm supposed to repeat."

Nobody addressed her question and a second later, the sprinklers were activated once more but Keona couldn't do anything except let the water soak her right through her skin.

"Why are you not doing anything?!"

"I... I can't. I don't know. I'm tired!"

"Again!"

The water came down in harder torrents; creating puddles at her feet. Still Keona couldn't do anything. She tried to stop the water or was it time? Or maybe she could manipulate the metal sprinklers --what? She didn't know... and the pressure brought about by her stress was making her head spin.

"Again Keona!" The woman sounded hysterical.

Keona tried... she really did. She didn't want them to hurt Marine but right that moment, she knew they were going to hurt her first. Her head was throbbing and Keona could feel the darkness slowly enveloping around her...

Alex... help me...

Then she blacked out.

***

Riley was watching Keona from inside the control room. He had been slightly late in joining the team so he only managed to observe her mimicking the tenth Vampire. He had no idea how she managed to enter via the small air duct or how she single handedly break Marine out of her holding room and take down two dozen Vanguards. But what was more impressive was actually seeing her copy all these Vampire abilities --

An ability that many would kill to have.

He now understood why Madam Helene had been very specific about getting Keona to the facility alive and undrugged. And now... he needed to renegotiate his end of the bargain for bringing her in.

Stepping out of the control room, Riley walked down the hall towards Connor's office. The Pureblood, it seemed, was waiting for him.

"Eos," his greeting was low and unwelcoming.

"Sir."

"How may I help you?"

Riley clenched his fist tightly behind his back. "We had a deal."

"Ah... yes," replied Connor, his eyes twinkling. "Our deal..."

He flipped open a file on his desk and seemed to ponder over it for a while. That only seemed to anger Riley.

"Sir, my brother..."

"Oh? Yes, your brother." He closed the file and stared up at Riley. "He's... doing very well."

"I fulfilled the end of my deal. Now will you release him?" Riley demanded.

"Tsk tsk. Yes, yes of course. But wouldn't you rather use this deal breaker to get your precious Marine out?"

Riley's eyes widened. Marine! She didn't get out?

"No... I want my brother." Riley had to make a choice. Kendall had been held hostage for the past five years. Riley wasn't letting his baby brother be caged for another second.

"A pity," sighed Connor. "I had thought it lovely to do our trial test on him."

Riley moved; his nails elongated to lethal points aiming at Connor's throat. "You son of a bitch!"

But Connor was faster and he caught Riley's wrist just seconds before it could do any real damage. A trickle of blood appeared on Connor's cheek even as he gave Riley a ghostly smile. "You're fast Eos... but don't be mistaken. I can kill you now if I want to and nobody will know or care."

Riley heard the sound of his bones snapping before he was kicked to the floor.

"Your brother is in holding cell 19PA. Now get the hell out of my office."

Riley kept his face passive as he picked himself up and limped out of the room. He knew that the bone crack will heal within the hour. In fact the physical pain was nothing compared to what he was feeling at that moment. He had chosen his brother over his mate...

But it had been five years since he'd seen or spoken to Kendall... surely Marine would understand that right?

"I've been authorized to release the prisoner," said Riley to the guard outside cell 19PA.

"Yes Sir." The guard swiped his security card and punched in the code to open the cell door.

Pushing the door open slightly, Riley saw the handsome face of his brother looking at him. Surrounding him were stacks and stacks of books.

"Riley?" he whispered as though he couldn't believe his eyes. "Is that... is that really you?"

"Kendall..." Riley got to his knees and hugged his brother tight, feeling the frailness of the youngling's body. "I've come to take you away... I'm so sorry Kendall. I'm really sorry for what happened."

Kendall stiffened in his brother's embrace and slowly pushed Riley away. Looking down, he murmured, "I... I can't go yet Riley. They... they need me."

"What! No! They do not. We have to leave now Kendall!"

"You don't understand..."

"No. You don't understand. If you stay here any longer you're going to end up a guinea pig for their experiments!"

"I have to... I have to stay here Riley. She... that little girl, she needs me."

The hair on Riley's back stiffened in fear. "Who?"

"The copycat girl... she needs me."

"What... I don't understand. She can do everything why does she need you?"

Kendall clutched his knee close to his chest. "They want me to train with her... make sure she's memorizing everything correctly..."

Riley stood completely still for a moment. "Kendall... did you..."

"Yes," he whispered sadly. "It was an accelerated process."

"Oh god..." Riley was devastated. An ability had to be learned and discovered on its own but to be forced like this... it could destroy a youngling's mind!

"Please Kendall... I can't leave you here..." pleaded Riley. "Don't do this to me..."

"I can't leave her... she's alone and scared. I have to be her friend."

"Kendall..."

Kendall placed a gentle hand on his brother's shoulder and shook his head. "I will be fine..."

Riley's heart was truly breaking now. Connor had known this that's why he kept baiting Marine in front of him... and now Riley failed to release either of the two that he loved...

***

Far away, Alex woke up with a start --and growled. He had fallen asleep on the forest floor after running himself into exhaustion. He would be in denial if he said he hadn't chosen to run in the Lake Tahoe region because he wanted to be close to his mate. Of course he hadn't come within a mile of her shelter --where he wasn't wanted --but had chosen to race along the periphery, satisfied with the knowledge that she was somewhere amidst the blanket of trees.

Besides, he came there to run... and to think.

His mind was occupied with worry over Marine but at times, thoughts of his mate would flit into his subconscious and whisper pleas and desperate needs.

Clearly, his wolf wasn't sated by the one tryst in the forest. It craved the feel of Keona; the intoxicating scent of her arousal, the look of pleasure when she...

"Damn it Alex! Stop it!"

He tried to shake himself out of the distraction; the sleek black pelt of the tracker wolf bristling as though combed by the wind. Furthermore, it was close to dawn and Alex knew he needed to get back home and get ready for work.

It would give him an excellent chance to see Riley and give him a piece of his mind too. How dare he take his innocent Marine out for a weekend getaway? It wasn't rocket science to guess what his colleague had in mind.

Still growling, Alex made his way back to his motorcycle; shifting back into his human form before slipping into the pair of shorts he'd hidden between some foliage.

Alex...

The wolf went completely still inside of him.

"Keona?" he whispered into the air. She had to be really close by if he could hear her like this...

Alex waited; keeping still as he listened to the sounds around him and took in the scents mingling in the air --nothing.

The rational part of Alex wanted to ignore what he heard but his wolf was agitated. It wanted to resurface, take charge and hunt down its mate right that instant.

Alex should have agreed with it.

"I'm sorry buddy, but I've got to work... and you know Keona would never ask for help for anything. She's probably cursing out my name."

The wolf wasn't convinced.

Alex looked up at the sky and knew that the sun would be up very soon. He'd be very late for work. Taking out his phone, Alex began to call Keona, hoping that she would be home and put his wolf at ease.

He only got her voice mail.

After trying a few times, Alex called the shelter and a very tired and sleepy Rina picked it up.

"Yes?"

"It's Alex. Is Keona there?"

"She's been out since yesterday. I'm not sure where she went but she was with that other guy."

"What guy?" Alex found himself growling. If said 'guy' dared to even leave a sliver of scent on her, he'd hunt him down and rip his throat out...

"The other guy who was with you the first time. I didn't quite catch his name." His inner wolf went completely still. Riley was supposed to be with Marine...

Alex knew immediately that something was wrong. "Okay, thanks Rina. Give me a call when she gets back okay? It's important."

Disconnecting the call, Alex heard his wolf howling loud enough to give him a headache.

"Yes, you're right and I'm wrong. Geez. Give me a minute!" Alex's wolf was scratching to be let out from inside but Alex needed to make another call --this time to his office to call in sick.

To his surprise, his superior told him that Riley had called in sick too and that he could only allow Alex to come in later after lunch hour. Damn!

That meant he wouldn't have much time to look for Keona but he had to try. Shifting back to wolf form, they begin to search.

***

Alex couldn't find either Keona's or Riley's scents and was about to be pissed when he caught faint traces of Marine's scent. What the hell was she doing here?

The predatory instincts kicked in. She'd better not be naked and smelling of sex or he'd swear he'd claw out Riley's eyes and string them...

Alex stopped.

There was a clearing and what looked like a cozy picnic set up but no vehicles or even things to signal that there were people around. Plus, the whole place was cold which meant that it had to be abandoned for some time, leaving very little heat and scent behind.

But Alex had definitely scented Marine here.

Moving around, he began to inspect every inch of the clearing, hoping to find something --a strand of hair, blood or even...

"Wine?" He came closer and sniffed... "No... blood. Wait, blood?" This wasn't just any kind of blood. It wasn't Marine's kind and it didn't smell like human blood either...

The wolf whined in confusion. Did the two of them drink from a bottle or something? Impossible! Or did Marine lose control of herself and attacked Riley?

The thought pleased him. The guy deserved it...

Except that Marine doesn't even know how to use her fangs. She's too young to have been taught how to hunt and had been relying on bagged blood her entire life.

But this blood had a very acrid, chemical-like scent to it that his wolf disliked. It was blood... but it was also laced with something...

"Drugs?" Very likely. Alex moved away from the spot of blood and tried to follow Marine's trail but it ended a few feet away and he knew why.

"Vehicle tracks..."

He had lost her and to venture throughout the forest looking for her would take him hours --that is if she was even in the forest. On top of that, he had to look for Keona...

Alex knew what needed to be done.

***

Alex barely made it to his office when his phone rang. Looking at the number, he groaned.

"Now's not a good time Naira..."

"Something's wrong with Key... I saw her."

Alex stopped in his tracks. "You saw what?"

"Well, my forecasting still sucks but I swore I saw her in some sort of lab..."

"Are you sure Naira... you know that skill of yours is unreliable."

"Hey!"

"Are you at home?"

"Mmm, with my grandmother. We're in training but I didn't tell her what I saw."

"Why?"

"Coz Keona's not supposed to leave the country didn't you know? So... I can't tell anyone or else she's going to be in a lot of trouble."

"Pass the phone to her."

"Grandma? Hell no."

"Naira... give the damn phone to her!"

He heard her complaining but then she did as he told... or perhaps the phone was taken from her.

"You wanted to talk to me?" came to gentle voice of Josephine. "Alexander is it?"

"Yes it's me Dame Josephine... I was wondering if you had seen anything about Marine or Keona lately?"

"Why my dear?"

"I think they're in trouble."

"Oh? My... then have you called their parents?"

"Not yet. I just... I know something's wrong but I don't want to worry their parents unnecessary. They could simply be out on a girl's shopping trip or something and not want to be disturbed." Alex couldn't believe he just lied to an Ancient.

Josephine called his bluff.

"Alexander... if you're worried enough to ask me for help, that means you have a hunch they're in big trouble. You're a wolf... your instincts are much better than mine. So I will try to see if there's anything to help you... but you have to let Keiran and Alaron know. They will be most devastated if they can't protect their babies."

Alex could almost see her smiling when she said that. "I will."




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 06



When she disconnected the call, he made his way up to his office. He should have called his Alpha straight away but he knew that Josephine was probably doing that at the moment. Eian would no doubt be preparing for flight as soon as their conversation was done.

That would give him about fifteen hours give or take to gather as much information as he could... before a very angry Alpha and worried father come after his hide.

***

When he reached his office, Alex wasn't surprised when his superiors told him that Riley had submitted a last minute resignation letter --so much for calling in sick. For a lawyer, that would mean burning crucial bridges for future references... except that Alex had a hunch Riley didn't give a damn about his credentials.

After office hours ended, Alex poured through Riley's files as well as the cases he was working on before the sudden resignation. Everything looked perfect --high school valedictorian; magna cum laude from Harvard... it even listed him as having a tidy apartment with a dog. Previous employments included other prestigious legal firms and even a stint as an intern in the DA's office.

Impeccable resume.

Alex took down Riley's home address. He had about ten hours before Eian's plane touched down in San Francisco Airport. His Alpha wasn't going to inform him of course; he was already en route.

The born-tracker in Alex kicked in the moment he stepped out of his office. As expected, the address was phony and in its place was simply a P/O box.

"You'll need a warrant for that," said the mail room lady; a sweet smile on her face. "Mr. Eos told me to ask for one if anyone but him came to open it."

"I understand, Ma'am," he replied as charmingly as he could. "Does he come here often?"

"What's it to you?" she turned, leaning her elbows on the counter to stare at him.

"He's dating my sister," he grinned. "I'm doing what brothers do --I'm checking him out."

The pudgy lady laughed. "Mr. Eos is the kindest soul ever! He wouldn't hurt a fly!"

"That's what I'm hoping." Alex tried to be patient. "Has he been here lately?"

"Nah... he just comes in once a month or so... but he always brings chocolates. He's sweet that way."

"Guess my sister's in good hands then."

Alex left.

That was a dead end --or not.

His wolf had picked up a scent; very faint but it was still there. Moving back to the P/O box, Alex touched the metal very carefully. Just because he couldn't see what was inside doesn't mean there wasn't anything to be learnt from the outside...

Then it hit him.

The pure, cold metallic scent --of a Vampire.

Something inside the mailbox had made Riley --or a Vampire posing as Riley --excited enough to release his scent.

Now the question was, what was it?

***

Connor was sitting at his desk when one of the Vanguards came in.

"Sir, we've received reports of an attempt to open Major Eos's P/O box at La Verne. Should we check it out?"

Connor raised his head lazily. "What's inside the box?"

"Nothing of value Sir but someone's trying to track him down."

That caught his attention. "What do you mean?"

"His background files were checked this morning; an attempt to authenticate them by calling up the various references. His credit card transactions are also being checked and monitored."

"Who's doing all this?"

"We are still investigating I will send a team out straight away."

The Vanguard was about to leave when Connor raised his hand. "Wait... I have a better idea." He gave a slow smile. "Tell Eos to meet me at the control room in ten minutes."

Ten minutes later, Riley watched from behind the glass panel as Connor sat in front of a very weary Keona. Was this another test?

"What do you want?" she whispered; too tired to be more forceful.

"You're an interesting creature... truly."

Keona stared at him with mild interest. "You have me. You've done your tests... now will you let Marine go?"

"Of course."

His sudden compliance made her wary. "What's the catch?"

"Astute judgment," he mused. "Well let's say I have a final test for you --a task." She narrowed her eyes at him but remained quiet. "I want you to track and find someone... and then you're free."

"I'm not a detective."

"Oh no... you're a living prototype of how do we say it --bounty hunters? Yes... you find the target, collect necessary information and then terminate them if necessary."

"I will do no such thing!" She struggled against her restraints.

"Then we have no reason to strike a deal with you. We have enough data and samples from you to successfully recreate a hybrid... so in other words you have now become obsolete."

You son of a bitch! Keona was tired but she tried to force her way into his mind, trying to bleed him from the inside...

"Futile attempts Keona..." Connor shook a finger at her. "We'll give you five hours to recuperate and then you can decide. You either die at the end of the task and free Marine or both of you die here at the end of the day. Your choice."

***

Alex needed help --the wolf kind. He was sure that he was being shadowed by someone and he didn't want to risk being seen shifting into his wolf form.

So he needed cover.

He stopped his car in front of the shelter and went to find Rina; fully aware that the wolves and wolf-dogs were watching him with intense curiosity.

"Hey Rina, did my girlfriend call to say she missed me yet?"

"She'll skin you alive for saying that," said Rina with a sigh. "You know, I'm starting to get worried. I've been trying to call her but she's not answering."

"Is her phone on silent mode all the time?"

"Yeah, I think so. She doesn't even allow it to vibrate because she says the noise gets amplified for the wolves."

It was still worth a try.

"Rina, I need you to give Keona a call in the next thirty minutes... and continue calling until someone disconnects it. I don't think she went far. Maybe she got lost in the woods or something."

Rina frowned. "Keona never gets lost... but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."

"One more thing Rina. I need you to lend me... as many wolves as you can."

"Why?"

"I need them to scent her out."

Rina looked at him suspiciously. "I don't trust you."

Alex shrugged. "These wolves now have a tag and a tracking chip right? I know that's what you guys do so you'll recognize them the next time. And, I really want to find Keona. She's got a thing for me."

Rina rolled her eyes at him. "Yeah, she loathes you alright."

Flashing a grin at her, he laughed, "Told you she has a thing for me."

"Yeah, yeah. Now I think we have about five wolves that are rehabilitated enough to be released anyway. The tracking chip is already embedded at the scruff of their necks and I will be able to find them if I turn on this monitor," she explained, pointing to her desktop screen.

"Then we're all set."

"Not so fast Mister... I want those wolves back here in perfect condition. Key will kill me... no --you if you don't get them back safely. Understood?"

Alex smiled at her. "You're the best Rina." Then he followed her out towards the enclosure.

The wolves studied Alex; eyes watching every move the Were made, their noses twitching to familiarize themselves with his scent. They recognized the wolf in him and though his scent confused them, the wolves accepted his Alpha status. And his wolf acknowledged them.

"If they are ready to be out in the wild, why are you still keeping them here?"

"Keona's very cautious and I think she's bonded with them... so it's harder for her to let them go. Besides, they come back every time she lets them out." She took out the collar from five of the wolves and passed him one of Keona's handkerchiefs. "Be careful. These feral wolves like to bite."

The moment she left, Alex crouched down and shifted; trying to remain as hidden as possible. The wolves began howling, one after another until the black furred Alex silenced them with a snarl.

Pushing the handkerchief with his snout, he motioned for the others to remember the scent.

The hunt had begun.

***

Meanwhile, time was running out for Keona as well and she knew what the most rational choice was. She needed to get out so she could leave clues --for her family to find her. This was the only way. Completing whatever task lay ahead of her would not guarantee Marine's safety either. She needed to get help and there was nothing she could do trapped in a leaded shoe-boxed room.

"So, Miss MacFarlane, have you decided?"

"What is this task you have for me?"

Connor shrugged. "Nothing too difficult for you."

"I'm not killing anybody."

"We'll see..."

Keona glared at him. The rest had helped her restore her energies and she was prepared to fight him if she had to. "I want a hardcopy agreement that you'll release Marine the second I complete this task... she's just a child and has nothing to do with this sick experiment of yours!"

"Okay." Connor gestured to the mirror and a moment later, the Ancient female Vampire from earlier came in. "We'll do this... the old fashioned way," he said with a smile.

Keona was about to ask what he meant when a she felt a sharp pain in the middle of her right palm.

Blood.

Connor was extending his own bloodied palm face up. "Now... we seal the deal."

Keona had never seen a blood oath before and the thought of touching the Ancient Pureblood repulsed her but she knew the gravity of her decision now. To seal the deal with a blood bond meant that if either one of them broke their vow, they would die.

It would require her to do everything Connor asked her to --even if it meant killing someone.

"I... can't..."

"You disappoint me Keona..."

Out of nowhere, the other Ancient drew out two long swords; the cold blades crossed right beneath Keona's neck like scissors --aimed to severe her head with a flick of the wrist.

"So what's the decision little girl?"

"What's the assignment?"

Connor's response was to hold out his hand once more. "You are to do the task that I've assigned you. Upon the successful completion of the task, your cousin Marine will be set free --memories of this event wiped completely from her mind."

"And I?"

"Will become the property of this research programme until we decide to terminate you."

Keona lowered her gaze. I'm sorry Daddy... She thrust her hand forward. Mummy... Connor placed their palms facing each other...

The burn seared through her entire body, short-circuiting her senses and nervous system and Keona heard herself scream...

Alex...

"Alex?" Connor looked at Keona with interest. "Will that be Alexander MacFarlane? My... isn't this getting interesting..."

Keona was still trying to overcome the pain from their blood oath but she heard him loud and clear. There was no way he's going to use another one of her pack members as leverage.

"It seems everything's falling in place now." Keona lifted her eyes to look directly into his. "Well then, you already know what your first task is."

At first she didn't comprehend what he said for her head was still spinning but then...

"No..." she whispered, shaking her head. The blood sang in her ears; Connor's instructions echoing in her head. "No!"

But Connor was smiling as the first trickle of blood appeared at Keona's throat. "Say no once more and you know what happens little girl..."

With that, he walked out, leaving Keona to her newfound demons.

***



Pushing Boundaries Ch. 07



NB: As always, thank you to wildheartedangel for helping me edit the chapter. I'm really sorry it took so long but for those of you who have patiently waited --thank you. 

***

Keona sat stoically in front of the man she thought was harmless; her mind sharpened to kill him with a thought should he even dare to say anything to piss her off. How could she have missed this?

His lack of scent should have alerted her immediately.

"Keona." He sounded almost apologetic. Son of a bitch!

"Riley," she replied through clenched teeth.

She had been told that he was a high ranking Vanguard --a trained assassin --and he would be her trainer as well as the source of information for her to hunt down the person trying to track him.

Keona would rather that person track Riley down and slaughter him.

A sudden multiple knife stabbing sensations hit her brain the moment she thought of that.

"Don't fight me Keona," said Riley gently. He had seen the pain etched on her face and knew she was probably thinking of killing him --a counter thought to her given mission.

"Just tell me what to do," she forced the words out.

"Whoever's looking for me left a trail and your job is to find this person and terminate him or her. You have exactly forty-eight hours to do so."

"Then get me the hell out of here."

"I can't." Patient eyes stared into hers. "You need to be briefed on how to pull up an ability from your mental cupboard and how to minimize power consumption to avoid blackouts. You are only half as strong as a Vampire."

"At least I would never sell out the ones I love," she whispered; a tone so low only he could hear.

Riley made no change in his expression; his face set in constant seriousness as he slammed the files in front of her. "First up, to maximize your energy consumption, you need to rearrange the abilities in your mind to a specific sector in your brain. So when you need to use it, you only need to focus on that part of the brain."

"How?"

"Like this." He took her hand and placed it at his temple; knowing full well she could see straight into his mind as her uncle Draven could. "The remaining brain activity functions at a minimum while allowing that one sector to attain perfection. Now, your turn."

Her ability to mimic meant there was no need for second tries.

"Good. Now, Kendall's going to help you compartmentalize."

"Who's he?"

The focused look faded slightly, replaced by a gentleness that Keona understood as love.

"He's my brother," he whispered as he turned to look at the door. As though on cue, the Vampire named Kendall walked in --the same handsome one who had read to her during the first abilities test.

The brothers hardly looked like each other.

"Hello," he greeted her. "I hope we can be friends."

Keona preferred Kendall. He had eyes that spoke of much innocence and the fact that his ability was not combative made him even less of a threat.

"Come, let's start. The clock is ticking."

***

Eian didn't bother knocking. As an Alpha, he had the right to be in absolute control when it concerned the pack's safety and as a father --well, that gave him the right to be just a little hysterical.

"Alex!" The command was all wolf.

"Alpha."

Sharp green eyes stared into beads of onyx. "Where's my girl?"

Alex knew his Alpha was going to be less than rational at the moment but he was firm as he answered, "I have tracked her as far as I could but her scent ended deep beneath the snowy mountains. The feral wolves are still continuing their search but they're not meant for tracking down hybrids. Keona's scent confuses them."

"I can smell her on you damn well Alex. I could kill you for that alone."

Alex would have protested except that the wolf before him was not just the father of his mate but his Alpha. Alex had no doubt that Eian could break every bone in his body without even breaking a sweat.

"With all due respect Alpha, she is my mate."

The anger in Eian's eyes faded slightly; replaced by a look of amusement and disbelief. "We will have this talk another time. Right now, I want you to find her and Marine. Alaron's already on the verge of a rampage. I'm surprised he hasn't come here yet."

"He has."

Everyone turned towards the voice at the front door to find Alaron; arms braced on the door frame, looking murderous.

"Get me that damn friend of yours and I'll rip him apart with my fangs!"

"Alaron..." This warning didn't come from Eian but from the only other Vampire in the room --Draven.

Alex looked at all the men in his room and wondered why no blood had been shed yet. A distressed Alpha, a frantic Vampire, two Beta wolves --his dad and Dominic --and then there's the Pureblood Draven.

An unlikely ensemble but a task force nonetheless. Alex felt puny.

Everyone was asking him information; barking at him for what he should have done, criticizing his lack of judgment and all the while arguing amongst themselves on what should be done next.

A room full of dominant males meant that everyone wanted to take the reign and no one would concede.

"May I make a suggestion?" Alex put his hand up.

"What?" snipped the other males.

"We could divide the search into three teams --two for each of the missing people."

Eian frowned then nodded as he considered the suggestion. The young wolf never failed to impress him --but since he dared to touch his princess, he ought to get bloodied a little.

"Fine, Alex and I will search for Keona. Alaron, you go with Dominic to look for Marine and Draven will be with Mike to look for this Riley fellow."

"How come I can't go after him?" asked Alaron. "I promise I won't bite... hard."

Draven who was leaning lazily against the wall explained, "Alex thinks he's some high ranking Vampire disguising as the real Riley. The ability to hide one's scent is meant for combat. I think it's better for me to handle him."

"Keep him alive so I can kill him."

"Let's not be quick to judge now," warned Eian.

"Fine," he said stubbornly. "But I want all of you to use my house as our base. This place is... well, hardly fit for headquarters," he said looking at the messy one bedroom apartment. "I have a proper living room big enough for all of us."

Eian was pleasantly surprised. Alaron never offers anything unless...

"Erica okay with this?"

The Vampire rolled his eyes. "She already bought enough food to last a week."

Alex forced himself not to react. Aunt Erika sure had her way.

"Great. I'm dying of hunger already," complained Dominic, grinning at everyone. "We should go before we start attacking one another."

Alex looked at everyone. Sure, the tension in the room had diminished a little but it was still high enough to cause a riot. Alaron gestured towards the door and everyone started to move except Alex and Big Mike.

The dark skinned man was large enough to be mistaken for a grizzly bear but his eyes were pure wolf. Those same eyes now bore down on his son with love and kindness of a father.

"You alright son?"

There was no use lying to his dad. The Beta saw and knew everything. "No. I'm worried as hell and scared."

A brave confession.

"Your Mama doesn't know about this," he said with a smile. "But she's got a mother's instincts and will know the second you break down. You know what'll happen."

"Yeah. She'll over react."

Big Mike laughed. "And since you live halfway across the world, that'd mean I will get the brunt of her nagging."

"Geez. Thanks Dad." Alex nuzzled close to his father, needing his touch of assurance. It was the pack's way of bonding and never had he felt so lost without it until now.

"Shh, we'll get through this. I promise."

***

Meanwhile, Keona had her first breath of fresh air. For a moment, she simply stood basking in the glory of the morning sun and appreciating the life around her --

She might not have this moment ever again.

Forty-seven hours left.

***

Alex was in his office, trying to apply leave for the duration of the search but was finding it hard. With Riley gone, the cases had to be reshuffled and redistributed. Even though he was a junior associate, he now had case files that rivaled some of his more senior colleagues.

Just great.

He was still scowling when he exited the building for lunch. His boss had given him only two days --pathetic --to manage his 'personal' business before he had to haul his sorry ass back to work. Alex was going to cherish those two days. His wolf was already itching to track, to search for its mate. In fact the beast had been clawing at him incessantly since they got out of the lift.

Damn animal cannot be still for a second.

"Come on buddy... I promise we'll start right after office hours today. I'll let you run around, do your stuff and I'll even..."

He stilled.

Every one of his senses perked; alert as though it recognized its mate...

Keona...

Lunch forgotten, Alex scanned the lobby of the building. There was no scent but he knew she was there.

Keona! Raised as a wolf, he knew she could not ignore his mating call. And for a second, he swore he sensed a tug at the end of his bond.

She was here... but where?

"Damn it Key... what the hell is going on?"

***

Keona couldn't believe it. She heard him --heard her mate calling out to her and yet she had to ignore him; hiding in the shadows, masking her scent, casting an invisible barrier between her and everyone else...

Because she had a task.

Taking the stairs, she headed up to Riley's office. Whoever had been searching through his files had access to them directly. The Vanguard had a hunch it was Alex but Keona wasn't going to believe anything he said anymore. If it truly had been Alex hunting down Riley...

No! She wasn't going to think of that.

A sharp pain paralyzed her for a minute --a warning.

Pushing the thought aside, she cloaked herself with as much power as she could; a technique that Kendall had taught her. She smiled at the thought of the Vampire --so gentle and kind and yet so used just as she was.

Unseen to the human eye, Keona continued to walk into the office. It didn't take her long to spot Riley's work station but it took her a little longer to access his computer. They had changed the password and with all the encryption, it took her about fifteen minutes to hack her way into the system --courtesy of a Vampire whose ability she had mimicked.

Riley had said that the system would show who logged on to retrieve which file and at what time. They often cross-referenced each other's cases so it was uncommon for co-workers to open unrelated case files.

Personal data was another thing.

Keona's eyes scanned the screen as quickly as she could. She had sensed a Were --and she knew who --fast approaching. It showed that Riley's personal database was opened --damn! --by himself from his own terminal...

Which meant that whoever tracked him down did not want to leave a trace.

Damn it!

Keona?

She hastily retrieved the necessary files and shut the computer down. Alex couldn't see her --yet but they both knew he could sense her. She wanted to say hi... to tell him she was okay... to let her mate know she loved him...

A tear threatened to escape from the corner of her eye. Looking around, she spotted a post-it pad and scribbled something onto the scrap. Her agreement with Connor hadn't stated that she couldn't write anything did it? Only that she could not say a word of her task to anyone.

Still... it was a risk.

But she hoped he'd find it...

***

Alex swore he felt something --someone brushing pass him but when he turned, there was no one... and no scent.

He tried calling her again; desperate to feel even that one second connection with Keona but nothing. She was gone.

Alex was about to return to his desk when he spotted the yellow post-it stuck to Riley's screen. No one had been at that work station since he himself had used it --Alex had made sure of that.

Curious, he moved over to take the note:

Still keep Mr. Panda around?

Alex's eyes widened --fear, relief, excitement all welling into a lump in his throat. Keona had been here! Only she would tease him endlessly about such a thing and...

Mr. Panda... was that a clue?

Running to his own work station, he punched the numbers to Alaron's home.

The sleepy sound of his Alpha greeted him on the other line. Alex didn't blame him. Eian had stayed up all night searching the Lake Tahoe area for his daughter despite his jet lag.

"She left me a note."

Alex could almost see his Alpha straightening up. Voice low and serious, he spoke, "I'm coming over right now."

Hanging up, Alex started opening up Riley's browsing history. He knew that if Keona had looked through the files, she wouldn't be stupid enough to leave a trail...

But she did.

"Damn it Key! What the hell is going on?" Alex slammed his fist on the table. She had deleted every file available on Riley and made it seem like he never existed. He had no idea how she had bypassed the encryption and security codes but she had and that fact alone made him worried.

Someone was pulling the strings; her hands had to be tied because she would never do such a thing like this.

With a sigh, Alex began to trace the penciled words with his fingers, drawing in his mate's essence.

***

Eian was very anxious as he heard Alex's explanation of the 'clue' left by Keona. It wasn't conclusive but it was the only thing they had to ascertain that she was alive.

"But why did she choose to write Mr. Panda? Is that a clue about the person holding her?" Eian knew he was reading too much but he was entitled to.

"I don't think so Alpha. It's the thing she constantly teases me about --an intimate thing that no one here would have known about."

"But is it a clue?"

"I'm not sure..."

"I think she's going to your place."

"Why?"

"That's where you keep the damn soft toy right?"

Alex's wolf whimpered slightly at his Alpha's anger --not out of fear but slight annoyance.

"Okay, let's say she is but why? Why not just wait for me here and say 'Hi Alex, I'm alive!'"

"Being a smart ass now?" The words were spoken with a smile although Alex could see the anxiety brimming underneath the façade.

"My wolf disproves of the word ass. It is not predatory," he grinned, hoping to make his Alpha relax. But his words only served to ignite Eian's worries.

"Predatory... Panda's a prey right? I mean we don't eat pandas but in the wild they are hunted..." Eian's brows knit into a frown. "Is she hunting you down? Is Mr. Panda still there? You're her prey?"

"What! That is absurd Alpha! I've just told you that she was looking for information on Riley; deleting everything about him, not me. And she knows I am a tracker wolf -- one that isn't hunted down easily."

Eian's expression softened a little. "Nothing escapes capture Alex... even the strongest of us Weres and Purebloods are at the mercy of things beyond our control. I'm just saying that we shouldn't discard all possibilities. My baby's really smart. She wouldn't leave unnecessary words lying about. I mean she even arranges her pencils on her desk by height! She's that organized and detailed."

Knowing that touch would keep them both mentally stable, Alex placed a hand over his Alpha's shoulder. The women were more affectionate but even the men knew when holding someone was important --like now.

"If what you say is right then I think we should go to my house now. If she's looking for information on Riley then you're right, my home office is the next place she's bound to look."

Eian managed a smile. "You're a good wolf."

Alex smiled back.

***

Keona wasn't sure if Alex got the hint but she didn't want to consciously think of it as leaving a clue. It was just a note --neutral and had nothing to do with going against her task. She needed to know who was hunting Riley and why, even though her gut already knew the answers.

Next stop --Riley's P/O box. He had given her the pass code and had instructed her to open all the contents when she was alone. It would help her understand things, he said. Keona didn't trust him one bit but right now she hadn't much information to work with and the clock was ticking.

When she reached the small mail room, it took her a second to mentally 'push' the mailroom clerk to look another way, occupying her mind with trivial thoughts. With her back turned away, Keona moved towards Riley's box and keyed in the code.

To her surprise, there were no letters inside but a musky old scroll kept in what must have been a bamboo carrier --odd. However, not wanting to waste time, she stuffed it into her jacket and left.

She had less than forty hours now and her next stop would be Alex's apartment.

A quick look up the sky showed that it was slightly after five in the evening which meant that Alex was probably not home yet --all the better. She didn't want him distracting her while she turned his apartment around.

Following the address from her files, she hunted down the building and slipped in unnoticed.

The smell of unwashed clothes and muddy sneakers hit her like a sharp razor the moment she opened the door. God! It was so like Alex to be such a slob!

Closing the door softly, she began to look for his laptop --a feat considering the mess. She had to hold her breath for a whole minute as she dug into a pile of sweat-sodden clothes, praying that the electronic device was below it. No luck.

Moving to the bookshelf beside his bed, she began to study his book collection, pleasantly surprised to find that he read other classics besides his law textbooks. Keona couldn't help but grin when she saw Dr. Seuss. That was his favorite book.

With a sigh, she cast her eyes on the bed; knowing that her mate --yes she was admitting it --laid here to sleep here every night...

She might break his heart at the end of everything.

A sudden sound at the door made her arch her back; alert and aware that Alex had come home. Keeping a shield around herself, Keona made sure that she could not be seen or scented by the Were. She could not trust herself to carry out the mission within the allotted time if she got caught just when she was about to start.

She let him pass; the sheer presence of him beside her causing Keona to almost weep.

Alex...

She watched his eyes scanning the room as though looking for her; his face set on predatory alert to hunt her out. It was then that Keona realized that she could just read his mind and be done with it. Werewolves might be immune to Vampire abilities but then again, Keona wasn't just any Vampire... and Alex was --well, he is still her mate. Hadn't Amber always said her uncle Draven could read her mind even though she was a Were?

Very slowly, Keona sliced her way into his mind; hoping that he wouldn't feel her clumsy intrusions. Her father had trained her to keep her abilities away from Pack... and right now, she felt like she was betraying everything she believed in and stood for...

I'm so sorry Alex...

***

Alex had left Eian to roam the Lake Tahoe reserve with the others. Eian was sure that Keona was going to visit his apartment that night and had ordered the younger wolf to return home.

"If I'm wrong, I will apologize and you can return here to help us. But if I'm right, I'm skewering your guts for breakfast."

"Yes Alpha." Alex managed a grin before he left. Truth was, he was hoping she'd be waiting for him even when his head told him otherwise. However, the moment he stepped into his apartment, he knew she was there. He couldn't see or scent her but he sensed her --the acute awareness of his mate so close that his wolf was howling loud in his head.




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 07



"Keona honey..." he whispered softly. He didn't want to scare her. Whatever it was she was doing, he wanted to help. When an unfamiliar ache pounded at the base of his skull, Alex stood still. Someone was standing right in front of him... if he could just reach out and touch...

A blinding flash of light.

Alex felt his mind pulled inwards; replaying the last twenty-four hours like a cinema in his head. He saw himself sitting in front of Riley's computer and then searching through his case files... and then there was the arrival of his Alpha and the others from UK...

"Enough!" he growled, stepping back; trying to dislodge the annoying headache by shaking his head vigorously. When the ache finally cleared, the scent hit him --

Strong and potent as...

"Keona... Honey, I'm here. Please stop hiding..."

Keona watched the annoyance in his eyes give way to concern and gentleness. He knew. She had accidentally let slip her control over her scent because she had seen her father in Alex's memories. She had thought it would be easier to carry out this stupid task if he had been safe back home in the compound... but now that he's here with the rest of the family, tracking her, Marine and Riley...

Connor's instructions jammed hard down her spine. Who was tracking Riley? The memories flashed through her mind --oh god... her uncle Draven and Big Mike.

She might have to kill a Pureblood and her mate's father. No! She'd rather die.

Fighting off the pain from going against the blood oath, Keona let slip her cloaking ability, revealing herself knelt down, hands on her head as though stopping the torture in her mind. It wasn't that she was weak but it took more than just a few hours to have perfect control and manipulation of abilities she never had before --some of which belonged to Ancient Purebloods of the lethal variety.

It wasn't surprising when she felt herself lean into the warmth and familiarity of a pack member... and the comfort of her mate. He wasn't saying anything --no questions, no nagging --but simply held her until the shivers melted away under his strong embrace.

When she looked up --green eyes into his midnight black ones, Keona knew that all those years of fighting him was simply a mask for her attraction. There was no denying the special bond between them. It didn't take an inner wolf to tell her that this man before her would rather cut himself than hurt her.

Curling against him, she took in his scent; reveling in the smell of the wilderness and trees in them.

"Alex..."

"Shh... we'll talk when you're ready."

"I'm sorry..." she murmured. How was she going to tell him?

"Don't be... stay the night Key and we'll figure out everything tomorrow..."

Yes, she wanted to scream but there was no time to lose... "I can't... I have to go."

"Two hours. Please baby, please be with me." A gentle demand. "We'll talk. I'll help. Just don't go."

Keona doubted he'll let her go anyway. From the deathly grip he had over her arms, she was sure that Alex would fight her all the way to the door if she even tried to escape. Two hours?

She'll give it to him --for it was all she could give him. Alex would have to live on without her. Maybe he'll find a nice wolf back home and settle down... have those young pups he loved so much...

Her hand went protectively to her stomach, realizing that it was something she would never get the chance to give him...

But for two hours tonight...

"Okay," she whispered, burying her face at the crook of his neck. "I'm yours."

***

He wanted to swipe at her, bite her and tell her to fight him but Keona was lying so forlornly in his arms that it was just... not her.

The Keona he knew would never yield easy. The wolf in him wanted to nudge its mate to play, to annoy and challenge its temper --a sadistic nature of his.

"Stop thinking and take me Alex..." she coaxed; fingers already at his buttons, desperate for skin contact. "Time's running out."

No, Alex thought, time would never run out as long as she was with him. Grasping her impatient fingers, he brought them to his lips. This wasn't just another rut in the forest. He was going to take it slow this time.

Dropping her hands to her side, he carefully pulled her tank top off to reveal smooth and tender flesh cocooned in a white bra. His lips curved at the practicality of his mate. He wouldn't consider the supportive bra as sexy but it sure as hell made him wonder what she was hiding under all that cloth.

His hands covered both mounds and squeezed gently; fingers tweaking her nipples even through the practical cotton.

"Alex..." she whispered eager to feel his hands on bare flesh. "Please..."

"Patience..." he murmured, licking the side of her neck, taking in her scent. "We have two whole hours. I want to touch you Keona... all of you."

Before she could protest, his lips were on hers; soft yet demanding. It wasn't like their previous tryst and Alex wanted to make it right, to make her remember this moment. His fingers danced slowly on her skin before resting on her bra clasp. Unhooking it, he let the material slide down, exposing her nipples to the cool air.

Fingers closed immediately on the hardened nubs, rubbing and tweaking them as he wished. At the whimper in her throat, he smiled and murmured, "Not yet honey..."

Keona's body was on fire; every inch dying to be touched and licked. She arched her body closer to the source of her desire, demanding that he hold her closer, touch her rougher... but her mate had other ideas of his own.

She felt her feet no longer touching the floor as Alex carried her to his bed and laid her down. Lying on her back, Keona watched as the magnificent male began unbuttoning his shirt, exposing inch by inch of lean, toned muscles for her viewing pleasure.

Anticipation was like a flame licking over her skin as he climbed onto the bed, hands by the side of her head; his lower body pressed over her legs to keep her still.

"You're sexy," she whispered almost shyly as she reached out to touch his chest. At the sharp intake of his breath, she looked up in alarm.

"I won't bite... yet," he said with a wicked grin. True to his word, he stayed perfectly still as he let her stroke him; enjoying every expression of delight and curiosity on her face. The wolf inside was thrilled to have its mate so close, petting him with tenderness and need.

Eyes on him, Keona moved her fingers down his abdomen and heard him suck in his breath. Feeling encouraged, she let her hands slide lower, cupping the hardness of his cock through his jeans. It pleased her to see his reaction to her; recalling how he had deliciously filled her and pleasured her the last time.

"I like your thoughts..." At his words, Keona looked up.

"Stop reading my mind..."

"You're broadcasting your naughty thoughts out loud. I can't help... but I can help you with this..."

He grounded his erection directly into her warm hands and let out a low moan when he felt her squeeze it hard. Growling, he pulled away and got off the bed to peel down his jeans. They were in the way.

Fully naked, he climbed back into bed and rubbed his bare skin against Keona. She was laughing at his playfulness even as she wrapped her hands around his neck and brought his lips down on hers. This time, she was the aggressor; demanding lips pressing over his, her tongue seeking his.

They pulled apart only to catch their breaths before fusing their lips back together; hands roaming each other's bodies hungrily. Alex was already pushing down her slacks, growling when he met the flimsy material of her panties.

"You can use my clothes later," was all he said before he ripped the barrier between them. Keona didn't have time to complain for his fingers were already at her pussy, rubbing enticingly at her clit. Instead, she let out a soft groan as two of his fingers slipped inside her, seeking more of her liquid warmth.

"Please Alex... no more teasing... please..." she begged as she squirmed to allow more of his fingers to penetrate her. Alex stilled as he watched her moving her hips desperately, fucking herself. It turned him on greatly and the next time she went down, he drove his fingers up in a quick and rough manner, making her scream from pure pleasure. His hand moved faster as he coaxed her into her first orgasm. Alex smiled as he felt her pleasure exploding around his fingers, coating them with her juice.

Eyelashes fluttering, Keona opened her eyes to see him licking his fingers appreciatively.

"I think I want more," he whispered before sliding his body down and spreading her thighs apart. Keona expected him to lick her as he had done in the forest but Alex was simply looking at her; tracing her pussy lips teasingly with one finger.

"Don't stare at it..."

"It's mine. I can stare at it all I want. Plus I know you secretly love it." He managed a grin before burying his head closer to ravish her seductive offering. Keona let out a scream as his tongue licked her tender folds before sucking deliciously on her clit. The sensations made her push her hips higher to feel closer to the source of her pleasure.

But she wanted more. Keona moved her legs away and coaxed Alex to lie on the bed. It pleased her to see the growing bulge between his legs. Climbing on top of him, she started working her lips on his cock while offering herself to his mercies.

Alex didn't need to take a hint. He began tonguing her pussy, trying not to think of her soft, explorative licks along his shaft. When she began to suck on its head, experimentally letting more of his length into her mouth, Alex groaned and forced himself not to move his hips and fuck her face.

Instead, he allowed his mate to take her time. She had taken half his length into her mouth and was bobbing up and down, lathering more of her saliva down his cock. Alex felt her caress his balls gently before moving up to clamp around the base of his cock.

"Honey, I don't want to come in your mouth," he groaned as he lifted her up and rolled over so that she was now pinned under him. Keona was already lifting her hands out in invitation --one that he couldn't ignore.

Closing his lips with hers, Alex spread her thighs gently apart and began to push his cock slowly into her pussy; feeling her warm tightness gradually accommodating more and more of his length.

When he pulled his lips away, Alex arched his body so he could stare down at the beautiful creature before him.

Mine.

Keona smiled. She wouldn't admit it of course but it felt good to belong to someone. Wrapping her legs around his waist, she urged him to move faster, meeting him thrust for thrust.

Alex could hear the beast inside of him howling in ecstasy. The blood pumping through him was making him wild; his hips pumping faster and deeper into Keona, needing to fill and mark her over and over...

"Fuck!" he groaned as he felt her muscles clamp painfully tight around his cock, her body shaking as he brought her to another orgasm. He waited for her to calm down for just a moment before flipping her onto her knees; thighs closed together. Spreading her ass cheeks apart, he drove himself in one thrust --the speed and force of his movement causing a moan from both of them.

She was so much tighter in this position and both Alex and his wolf wanted this woman --every part of her, mind body and soul. And as he claimed her savagely; pistoning his hips back and forth, Alex knew it had to be tonight.

He was going to mate with her and she was going to accept it.

Slowing down slightly, he bent forward, pressing her body down until it lay horizontal on the bed and nipped her ear gently. "I want it." Not a question.

In such a position, there was no way to fight --not when he was buried to deep and delicious inside of her with his mating scent clearly signalling his intentions.

"Yes."

His response was a howl --his wolf just beneath the surface, ready to bite and mark its mate for the first time. Resuming his thrusts, Alex moved his hips with a fervour that would have exhausted a normal man --but he was a wolf in heat and he sensed his release approaching.

Keona felt the sharp clamp of teeth at the juncture of her neck and shoulders; the venom of her mate coursing through her body, his scent mingling with hers. And then he gave one last thrust and she screamed as the hot searing liquid of his cum filled her pussy in furious waves.

***

For that one moment, Alex simply held his mate, feeling every emotion, hearing every thought, seeing every worry that gripped through her body. She had opened her mind to him and him to her.

And now he knew.

There was no way he was going to let her fight alone. It had taken the whole of his adult life to finally admit that he loved her and there was no way he's letting her go so easily. He'd wrestle her to the ground if that was what it took to keep her with him.

As his final pleasure ebbed away, Alex fell on the bed, spooning Keona; wrapping his arms around her. The knot between them was a painful reminder of the start of their mating bond. Holding her close, his lawyer's mind worked quickly, trying to find some sort of loophole in the blood oath she had taken with Connor. There had to be something he could exploit. She had to track whoever's hunting Riley right and then terminate the threat, along with all information regarding the Vanguard.

At least he got something right. Riley was a high ranking Vampire --not by age or blood status but according to the American Council, he was probably like one of the Heads of a department.

But that was not all.

He had seen in Keona's thoughts all the tests she had been put through and it was a wonder that she survived after all the arduous tasks she had to perform. She was like a pressure cooker, simply waiting for the time to implode.

So he was going to help her. First by channeling some of her stress and fear into himself and second, by taking her to Alaron's place to sort out this mess.

"Keona..." he whispered, nudging her awake. The sexy image of her naked body tangled up in his made his wolf yearn for more but Alex knew it had to wait. "I need you to do something with me baby..."

"Can't..." she groaned. "Too much already..." Or so she said but Alex caught her looking down between them.

"Not that..." he grinned, nipping her lower lip playfully. "I wonder if you can see our mating bond?"

"I can feel it."

"Good. Do you trust me Key?" A hesitant look followed by a nod. "Okay, I want you to focus on it and let all your worries flow. I'll be fine, I promise."

"No!" she sat up immediately. "I have too much power inside me that I might kill you by accident Alex! No, I have to go now. You can't do this to me."

He caught her by the wrists as she started clambering off the bed. "Then when are you going to tell me about hunting my father?" That did it. She stopped to turn and look at him.

"How do you know that?!"

"You're my mate. I can read your mind back."

"You..." she was stunned. "So you know..."

"Yes. And I also know you're about to burst with all those pent up energy. You're a walking time bomb Keona. If you don't stop worrying and over analyzing everything, you're going to explode. I don't want to bring pieces of you back to Eian. Trust me --my butt's already on the line."

There was fire in her eyes at the purposeful taunt but Keona kept her insults to herself. As infuriating as this man was, she loved him... as she had since they were children.

"You want to share my curse?" she whispered. "Why?"

He looked at her in disbelief. "Honestly?" She tilted her chin up arrogantly despite the situation. "The same reason why you stole my Panda bear and take it to sleep every night for the past five years."

The shock in her eyes told him he was right.

"I did not!"

"Yeah and pigs fly. But I forgive easily. Let's make a deal --you get to keep my panda and I get to keep you."

"Alex..."

"No arguments." He pressed his lips over hers to mute her protests. "I'll chain you to my bed if I have to but you're not leaving me Keona... get that into your head."

"You pig."

"Wolf."

"Unscrupulous."

"Vixen."

Her eyes narrowed in challenge. But then a wicked smile tugged at the edge of her lips.

"I love you."

"Infuria...what?"

Keona enjoyed watching the surprise on his face just before they darkened into a dangerously sexy tease. "Huh. Think I'm scared?" he growled.

"Maybe."

"You know I never back out of a fight. And love's too tame a word for me."

Something flashed in her eyes but he felt it --her disappointment.

"I'd like to spend my entire life driving you crazy, keeping you swelled with our babies and yelling at me to keep my feet off the table. Then we'll make sweet love at night and snipe at each other again in the morning. How does that sound?"

"Bet your wolf likes that."

"And so does the man." He kissed her nose. "I'll buy you flowers when you're angry okay? Maybe bribe you with those triple chocolate cakes you love so much."

"With cream?"

"Mmm..." he nuzzled her neck. "Yeah... so what do say Keona? Want that with me?"

She kept her face close to his chest as she whispered, "Yes Alex... yes."

***

Eian was pacing. He hadn't heard from Alex for the past three hours and he was getting worried.

"He'll be fine Eian... stop worrying," said Erika gently.

"Yeah. You're going to make a hole in the damn carpet," grumbled Alaron.

"I can't help but worry. I'm the Alpha. It's my job to worry about my pups."

"Mike's not looking worried," said Alaron, jerking a finger at the Beta wolf.

"He suffers in silence," said Dominic. Looking over at his pack mate, he knew that the wolf was worried as well. Big Mike might be a giant but he had the gentlest heart ever. It would rip apart if anything were to happen to his only son.

"I'm fine," said Mike. "Perhaps we should just update each other on our findings... that should keep us occupied."

The others murmured in agreement. Eian took the lead. "Okay, I managed to track Keona's scent to the little shelter she's working at but the feral wolves seemed to have lost her scent after a few miles. It's like she learnt how to shield her own scent somehow."

"Probably had a Vampire with that ability close by," said Draven. "We all know she and Naira have the ability to copy others' abilities. She might have accidentally picked it up without realizing."

"It could be that damn Riley," muttered Alaron. At Erika's look, he softened. "Well, me and Dominic followed the lead that Alex gave on Marine's last location and aside from the tainted blood, we didn't get much. The tracks that he discovered have been washed away by the rain."

"But I think they also switched to another form of transport so they wouldn't be followed. The tire tracks stopped slightly before one of the minor lakes and unless they can walk on water, we'd probably have to look around for an abandoned boat."   "Wait," said Erika. "What if they did walk on water?" At the puzzled look of the men, she continued. "It could be a façade hiding something beneath. I mean don't you guys watch resident evil? The surface house is just a front for... ah well never mind. You oldies never watch TV anyway."

"Hey! I watch TV. I know it's that hot chick with the cool moves right?" said Alaron defensively.

"Oh, that you remember," she laughed, slapping at her mate. "But it's a possibility right? Maybe you two could take a swim?"

"It's worth a try," said Dominic.

"So how about you two? Any luck on Riley?" asked Eian.

"I went to the American Council earlier on to check the birth records but there was nothing on Riley Eos. The last remaining Eos were listed as deceased decades ago. They were mercenaries." Draven tapped his temple as though trying to recall more information. "The clerk wasn't more helpful but I think the American mercenaries are given more freedom than the European ones. Ours still obey the one hundred year rule but over here, I've heard rumors that they have rules on their own."




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 07



Eian frowned. "Explain."

"They were allowed to breed freely because of their extremely high death rate. Most of them work independent of the Council although I'm not sure to what extent. Records were probably not kept up to date because they never live more than a century and the secrecy of their missions probably meant that not all births and deaths were recorded."

"So you're saying that this Riley may or may not exist?" Eian didn't like that.

"Yes."

Eian tried not to look too disappointed. "Anything else?"

"Well, there is one thing I thought strange," said Mike. "Erika tells me that Riley eats and drinks. If he is a Vampire, surely that isn't necessary right? And since his home address is a mail box, where does he keep his blood supply?"

"Geez. That's great Mike!" said Alaron, clapping his hand. "I don't think there are any Eos in the Pureblood families here are there?" he asked Draven excitedly.

His elder brother shook his head slowly. "A Pureblood could go for months without blood but if he's not..."

"He's been in California for less than six months. We talked to the law firm manager," added Mike. "But what if he's human? And this whole Vampire thing is just to put us off?"

"He should have a scent if he's human Mike..." said Eian. "We have to assume him a Vampire and a dangerous one. I'm not taking anymore chances..."

When the knock came on the front door, everyone went silent.

***

When his eyes rested on the slender frame of his daughter, Eian felt the worst of his worries ebb away.

"Daddy..." Keona gave a hesitant run before jumping into his arms; cold exterior and false pretenses pushed aside. She was sunshine when she was with him and for that moment, she wanted to feel safe; as safe as she could be in her father's embrace.   The gentle tug in her heart reminded her that she wasn't just a Vampire, bound to the rules of her mother's kind --but she was also a Were...

And Pack is one. Always.



Pushing Boundaries Ch. 08



NB: I'm really sorry that this took so long but I've been busy and had the worst case of writer's block ever. I'm really grateful to those who've sent encouraging emails and tweets to remind me to write. It has really pushed me and here's chapter 8 for you! As usual, thanks goes to my editor, wildheartedangel for being really efficient with the editing. Hope all of you enjoy it!

***

Eian held his daughter for as long as he could, taking in the sweet scent of her hair and... what the hell?

That damn pup had sunk his teeth into his daughter's neck! How dare he mark her? 

His eyes lifted to meet Alex's gaze; his stare like a hot knife through butter. To his defense, Alex remained calm despite the threatening look his Alpha was giving him. Both men knew that when it came to Keona, it was always going to be a constant battle between them. 

I will rip your throat out if she even drops a single tear.

Yes Alpha.

At the gentle kiss on his cheek, Eian softened a little as he pulled apart to look into the same malachite-green eyes as his but everything else was Fiona's –his mate. From the stubborn tilt of her chin to the apple cheeks and pouty lips –Keona was almost a split image of her mother. 

And he was fiercely protective of both of them. So, he ought to be excused if he decided to growl a little... 

Okay, a lot. 

"Daddy..." a gentle warning from his daughter muted the growls. Smiling, he let her slip out of his hands to stand beside Alex. But her eyes were no longer focused on either of them but on Alaron; guilt etched on her face. She didn't know how to express her hurt, disappointment and failure. 

"We don't blame you sweetheart," a feminine voice soothed her; a warm hand on her shoulder. Keona smiled at the petite figure of Erika and was grateful for that one ounce of forgiveness. She nuzzled closer to the female presence, suddenly aware of her longing for her own mother. 

"I've figured out a way to work around this problem. Keona, keep quiet and think of empty walls," said Alex firmly. When she turned around to look away, he began to share everything that he had learnt from Keona's mind. The gasp and horrified roars echoed his own sentiments. 

By the time he was done narrating, the room was brimming with males itching to draw blood. 

"Keona cannot tell us anything about what she's doing but I think she can talk about Marine because that's not part of her operation."

Turning back to face her mini audience, Keona nodded. "Marine's being held at the same location as I am but her role is simply as bait."

"Where's this location?" Eian's voice was calm but the undertones bore a controlled temper. 

"I am not sure exactly..." Her eyes shut for a moment because the blinding pain of trying to reveal the location hurt. "But find my blouse and jeans...I... I folded them somewhere and hid them near the grass..."

Eian didn't respond but looked straight at his two Beta Weres who were already on their way to the door. 

"Hourly reports," promised Dominic and the two left immediately. 

However that much revelation had made Keona weak somehow and she leaned slightly against Alex. 

"Keona, let me take a look at you," said Alaron, coming closer. The young woman might be half Were but she also had Vampire blood and his healing senses was telling him that she needed something fixed. "Can you see where you're hurting?"

She shook her head slightly –the pain was like needle pricks on her brain. As her Vampire uncle came closer, she noticed Alex and Eian moving in tandem, as though they were preparing for a sudden attack. 

The gesture made her grin but then she grimaced the moment Alaron touched her arm. Her sudden squeal caused the two Weres to turn feral. 

"No... I'm fine. Go away you two," she hissed. Alaron just rolled his eyes at the two male Weres. He had enough experience with the pack to not be bothered when it came to their overprotective nature. There was just no way around it so best to just shut up.

"Okay princess, I need you to watch how I do this. I know you can see me in your head."

"Yes," she nodded. She had done this a couple of times when they were younger but since he moved to America, their lessons had stopped. But Keona could still recall the familiar tingle of Alaron's mind as he melded with hers; coordinating his ability with hers. 

She watched as he 'searched' her blood vessels for ruptures before moving up her mind to see the actual damages. 

Keona knew that he had seen something frightening when he gripped her hand tight enough that she was sure his nails pierced her skin. Yet, she didn't move but allowed him to assess her cranial injuries, feeling the healing warmth flow through her veins and up her spinal cord. 

Then he released her. 

"Why'd you stop?" she asked in surprise. Alaron didn't reply her but looked to his brother instead. 

"You have got to see this. It is a freaking labyrinth..." 

Draven nodded and came closer. He had been training both his own daughter, Naira and Keona since they were children so he would know best if anything happened to their minds. After all, it was him who had given them their mind reading abilities. 

"Just relax." Draven cradled her head gently between both his palms and tried to take a peek at her mind. He was expecting to see the usual grooves in her psyche as he had seen in the past years but the sight of a complicated layer of memory bank followed by an extensive compartmentalized brain pattern surprised him. 

It was like looking into the mind of Elder Aiden who had been sentenced to a life of imprisonment many years ago. The Vampire not only had the ability to control the minds and decisions of others but was also eerily organized with self-made mental barriers to contain his memories. 

Keona's mind had none of the barriers that Aiden had but Draven was certain that her mind had an inventory of at least a hundred existing Vampiric abilities. It looked like a filing cabinet that was overstuffed with too many folders; on the brink of bursting. She either needed to expand her cranial capacity or she would explode each time she took a 'file' out of her mental cupboard. 

Keona honey, I'm going to walk with you into your mind and... help you push the boundaries of your mental capacities. It's going to hurt but I need you to trust me... 

Keona opened her eyes slowly. Alaron was already holding onto her other hand as though he knew what Draven was about to do. Looking up, she saw the anxious expressions of her father and her mate... and knew that everything will be fine. 

And then everything went black...

***

Keona was in a strange place. 

It was extremely dark but she could see. It was as though she had the eyes of a nocturnal animal and could navigate in the inky blackness. 

She took a step –wait, four steps... yes, on padded feet! 

Keona tried to look down but she couldn't see her feet and yet she felt it –one careful paw at a time. It was... exhilarating. 

Was this her wolf? 

No response. 

Ah... perhaps she was dreaming of it. After all, Keona had been dreaming of shifting into her own wolf form for her entire life and yet she never managed to. 

So this had to be a dream. 

It doesn't matter. Dream Wolf was happy but most importantly, she felt free. 

At the back of her mind, Keona could feel something moving; being pushed and prodded but she seemed indifferent to it. The wolf liked being in this void and reveled in the endless space; leaping and bounding as it played to its heart's content. 

Her feet began to move and Keona soon found herself running; a cool breeze ruffling her pelt, something like solid earth warm beneath her paws. 

She was running towards something –or at least her wolf was. But what?

Where are we going? 

Keona wasn't expecting an answer but then she received one. It wasn't really a verbal reply but she simply knew what it was. 

Just beyond the darkness was a horizon of sunlit skies and endless meadows. Keona needed to reach that place... because –because what?

Just a little more Keona. Push those boundaries. 

***

The drive up to Lake Tahoe took the two Beta wolves about an hour and a half but neither of them complained about it. In fact, Mike was already in his wolf form even before he could slam the SUV door shut. 

Rubbing noses with his other pack mate, the two dashed off in search of Keona's scent –if there was one. 

It has been gnawing at him as to why the Alpha's daughter was missing a scent but then it occurred to him that perhaps they were searching for the wrong scent. Keona was Alex's mate and the realization had hit him a few hours ago when he scented his own son on Keona. 

Mates –whether or not they have completed the mating bond always smell like each other. It was a way for the pack to acknowledge the mated pair and for the unmated wolves to stay away from either of them. 

We've searched this place at least five times in the past two days. 

Mike looked up to Dominic's blue wolfish eyes and nodded. Find Alex's scent. There has to be traces of it on her clothes. 

Dominic looked up and Mike caught the smile in those blue eyes. Mated to the Alpha's daughter eh?

Mike let out a playful growl. He has the balls for it. 

The wolves grinned at each other and began the search. Although Alex hadn't been home for a long time, both Betas knew the pup's scent intimately, having raised him together. 

However, since Alex had been on the hunt with them, his scent was also heavy in the air; confusing them into taking double rounds at certain areas. But eventually, they found it –the neatly folded garments buried very close to the roots of a sycamore tree. 

The smell of earth made it very difficult to uncover any of Keona's scent but Alex's was a warm and steady trace. 

Did Keona say she buried this before she entered the facility?

Mike nodded. 

But... there's nothing here. There's no door... 

There's that air vent. 

It's too small!

The two wolves stared at each other. Indeed, the vent was too small for a human or a wolf... 

Keona can't shift... right?

I don't know...  Mike was about to continue when his ears perked up as though sensing movements. Someone's coming!

Maintaining their wolf form, the two Betas hid in the shadow; eyes glowing watchfully for the intruder. The remained still as a young and handsome Vampire came into view. He appeared so frail and gentle. They registered no threat emanating from his scent. 

They continued watched as the young Vampire got to his knees and began searching the ground for something –very likely for the clothes that Keona had hidden. 

Do you think he's looking for this?

Dominic tightened his grip over Keona's clothes. They shouldn't take chances when it came to Vampires. It had taken them years to trust the Culzeans and it was only because their Alpha was mated to one and the Pureblood Draven was mated to another in their pack. But to trust an outsider –another Vampire was beyond them. 

I'm going to take this back to Alaron's place. You stay here and watch that bloodsucker. 

Mike blinked; his onyx eyes almost invisible in the dark of the night. As soon as Dominic left, he returned his gaze to the Vampire. 

Frail was perhaps the right word for him. His skin looked like it had never seen sunlight and his eyes were almost glowing red in the night. Mike would have said the Vampire was an albino except that his hair was a lovely shade of sandy blonde. 

Bloodsucker as he was, the Vampire was still a youngling –a non threatening one. His protective instincts told him that the child was harmless. Against his better judgement, Mike stepped away from the shadow into the moonlight and caught the Vampire's gaze. 

For a moment they just stood staring at each other. The Vampire youngling knew Mike was a Were but he made no attempt to attack or defend himself. Instead he just smiled and gave a slow nod as though acknowledging Mike's presence. 

The wolf approved. This was neutral forest and they both had the right to be in it. 

"My name is Kendall." He gave another nod and waited. 

Mike hesitated for a moment. Vampires could not hear Werewolf thoughts unless they were mates and he didn't think it was wise to bare his naked self in front of a child –Vampire or not. 

Instead, he moved closer, nudging his snout into the Vampire's palm. The youngling scented of much innocence and yet held knowledge way beyond his few decades of life. 

Mike looked up into Kendall's eyes –a beautiful sky blue with a tinge of red –and peered curiously, as though asking him what he was doing there. 

Kendall turned his palm gently and patted Mike's head. If he was afraid, he did a good job of hiding his fear. With his gentle smile, he shook his head as though saying that he couldn't give the Were any answers. 

Mike knew there was no reason to linger anymore. They would simply stare at each other; circling carefully. He intended to step back into the shadows when Kendall started to speak. 

"Please tell Keona to be safe."

Every fibre in his body tensed at the words. But before he could shift to his human form and demand answers, the youngling was gone. 

***

Kendall knew it was a mistake the moment he said the words but he couldn't help it. He liked Keona and wanted her to return safely. Connor's blood oath had taken a toll on her and he wasn't sure if she could make it back to the lab in time. 

But Kendall had a plan. While his expressed ability was an avid memory, he had another ability set that was underused and therefore not picked up by Keona during their training. His ability to pick up memories of others through touch was something he had kept hidden even from his own brother. 

That was why he had been adamant to help Keona with her task. He had been slowly gaining access to her memory banks to help figure out the pieces in case she was unable to see them for herself. He didn't blame her. She was strong but she was still young and already had her limits pushed past her ability to cope. 

It was in those memories that Kendall had seen her entire pack and knew the second he set eyes on the Were that he belonged to the MacFarlane clan; one of the top Betas. His presence here on American soil also meant that he was not alone. Kendall had scented another Beta with him and faint traces of another more dominant wolf mixed with a host of Vampiric scents. 

Keona was getting help...

That was enough for him. 

***

When Dominic returned to Alaron's house with Keona's clothes, he wasn't precisely sure if he was ready to face her. He'd always known that the Alpha's daughter was special –reserved and quiet –but she was the strong and silent type. However, he had been thinking about the small vent and racking his brains as to how she entered and his only conclusion had been that she could shift. 

A pup would have been able to fit into that vent and if she had indeed shifted, why then had she kept the secret from the rest of the pack? Was she ashamed of her Were abilities? 

The protective nature inherent of a Beta clenched at his heart. Dominic knew that whatever reason Keona had, it would soon be exposed –and he prayed that it wouldn't break his Alpha's heart. As one of the Betas, he knew how much it had disappointed Eian to know that his little girl wasn't able to shift.

With a deep sigh, he knocked on the front door and waited for it to open. 

It didn't take long. 

It took an even shorter time for the males in the room to pounce on him and demand for answers. 

"What did you find out?"

"Was there a scent?"

"Where's Mike?"

"Did you get in trouble?"

Dominic raised his hand to calm them all down and instead lifted the scraps of materials that belonged to Keona. Turning towards her, he gave her a serious look. 

"Explain now."

Keona's eyes went wide but before she could reply Eian had spoken up. 

"You raise your voice even before answering our questions?" His voice was gentle but everyone in the room could feel the threatening undertones. Eian was Alpha and even without making the effort, he exuded dominance. 

The Beta understood that. "My apologies Eian... but I think there's something Keona should tell you herself." Shifting his gaze to her once more, he continued, "You know where we found this and we should all be told how you got into the facility. Marine's inside there sweetheart and she's not as strong as you." 

Dominic's last sentence was delivered gently –to remind the youngling that he wasn't reprimanding her but simply expressing his authority. Time was running out. 

Keona blinked several times and nodded. She knew that this day would come. 

"Perhaps it is better if I show you," she whispered, flicking her eyes from her father to her mate and then to everyone else in the room. Finally, she closed her eyes and tried to focus on the image of Alex's wolf form –black glossy pelt, strong and sturdy legs and a sharp pointed snout that was characteristic of his tracker breed. 

And then she opened her eyes. 

Everyone was staring at her –or at Alex's wolf rather –but one look into her green eyes and they would recognize her. Furthermore, Keona's new ability to mask her scent allowed her to cloak her own and take on the exact same scent as the animal she was shifting into. 

Keona...

She refused to look into her father's eyes. No, I'm not done. 

Focusing next on the short-haired cat she had imitated a few days earlier, Keona shifted into the next animal and then another and another –all the while without needing to return to her original human form before a shift. That and she was fully clothed. 

In her final form, Keona stood straight as a giant grey wolf –an exact replica of the Alpha himself with stunning green eyes to match. 

Eian was by now already seated on one of the chairs; speechless. He had watched his daughter shifting seamlessly into all those various forms and pain tugged at his heart. He had considered it his failure when Keona was unable to shift into a wolf unlike the other pups her age. He had accepted that it was his fault that his mating with a Vampire had caused some sort of loss of Were abilities –and now, his baby girl was showing him otherwise. 

This is not mine Daddy... it is not the same. 

Eian sighed and beckoned her wolf form to come close, allowing her to rub her snout tenderly against his palm. 

Shifting isn't about what you turn into my love... it's about being pack, being one, communicating at a secret level with your family. 

The grey wolf slowly shifted back into its human form and moved forward to hug the Alpha. "I love you," she whispered before turning to face everyone else. "I don't think they are aware that I can shift... and no I do not have a specific wolf to shift into. I have to touch and 'see' the animal's DNA somewhat to try and replicate them. The vent that I entered through is big enough for a small wolf but its weight might alert the others within the facility."

"Do you remember another way in?" asked Dominic. "We tried to look for it but nothing."

"There was an exit that Marine was supposed to have taken. It was in the northeast corner of the place I think because the vent was definitely south. I remembered coming from the east because that's where the shelter is."

Dominic nodded and then turned to his Alpha, who was already on his feet. 

"Where's Mike?"

"There was someone else looking for your clothes Keona. It was a Vampire... but a very young one. Mike stayed behind to keep watch on him."

"How young? What did he look like?"

"He... I'd say he was a good looking boy. Frail but had a gentle face that wasn't threatening. However, looks can be deceiving because I am sure he was looking for your clothes Keona. And how could he know that?"




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 08



"I... I don't know." Keona was stumped. It sounded like Kendall but she couldn't be sure. Had he picked up something during their trainings together and reported her to Connor? 

Connor –shit! Time was running out. 

"I think we should focus on the problem at hand. I have less than 24 hours right now."

This time, Draven spoke up, "The blood oath is solid. Any attempt to go against the orders will result in immediate death. I'm sorry Eian." At the Alpha's forlorn face, Draven added slowly. "However, I think he forgot that the other half of Keona isn't really Vampire so the effect gets diluted; in this case halved –which is why she's been able to detract from the mission for some time now."

"Wait... so you're saying that there might be a way to break out of this... problem?"asked Eian hopefully.

Draven's lips twitched slightly. "I wouldn't say it would be easy. Every time she tries to resist the instruction, a part of her brain will bleed –but Alaron will be able to heal her if we try to reverse the blood oath slowly."

"It's worth a try Daddy..."

Eian looked at his daughter then at the two Vampires he'd consider family. "I trust you with her life... but don't make me regret it." Turning to Alex, he continued, "Stay here with her. At the first sign of any problem, do not hesitate to call for me."

Alex nodded. His bond with his Alpha would mean that even the faintest cry for help could reach Eian within seconds. 

"But where will you be going?" he responded. 

"I'm going to try and find the entrance to the facility. Following Key's direction and the vent's location, we will try to scent it out. Mike might have more information." 

"I want to go," said Alaron immediately. "I want to rip out that bastard's throat..."

Eian interjected, "No, you have to stay here and break the blood bond holding Keona back. I promise we won't enter until everything's settled here." Putting one hand on Alaron's shoulder, he whispered, "Don't worry. You'll have the honours of tearing off his head. I promise."

"Deal."

***

When Kendall entered his shoebox of a room, he was immediately greeted by a familiar musky scent –

Riley. 

"Where have you been?" demanded the elder Vampire. "Don't bother lying Kendall. I can tell."

Kendall looked up; clear blue eyes staring into the deeper marine of his brother's. "I was trying to keep her safe."

Riley's eyes widened immediately as he grabbed Kendal by the collar of his shirt. "What the hell are you talking about? You know that any attempt to jeopardize her mission will lead to her cousin's death! How dare you!"

Instead of retorting, Kendall blinked and shifted his gaze away. "You like her." At Riley's silence, he smiled. "The other Vampire, I mean. She can run very fast... I've seen her and she's beautiful."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Precisely. And I don't know what you're talking about either."

The hand gripping Kendall's shirt was released suddenly. It was then that Riley realise how cleverly his brother had lured him into a silent standoff. 

"Very well Kendall Eos. I will not ask what I do not wish to know. Any consequences are to be faced by you alone."

The younger Vampire nodded in silence as he watched his older brother storm out of his room. He already knew what Riley was going to do. The slight touch of Riley's knuckles on his skin had told him much. 

Riley was going to the surface to try and erase any prints that would prove he had been out of the facility. Kendall couldn't help but smile for despite Riley's brute words earlier, his brother was protective and caring. 

Kendall couldn't ask for more. 

***

When Riley resurfaced from the facility's main entrance, he was in too foul a mood to be on his guard. Kicking at an innocent stone on the ground, he began to mutter curses under his breath. 

Even then, he knew what he was there for –to erase Kendall's scent if there was any. The youngling was a prisoner of the facility and if there was an inkling of how he managed to escape undetected... well Riley didn't want to think of the consequences. Useful or not, Connor and Helene wouldn't hesitate to terminate him. 

With a sigh, he began to track down the faint traces left behind by his brother; aware that the further away he was from the main entrance, the stronger was the scent, overlapped by another –no, three much stronger, more primal...

He didn't have time to raise his scent shields for he was immediately tackled to the ground. 

"Tell us Vampire! Do you work with them?" Riley wasn't given a chance to answer. A paw – sharp claws already out –pinned his cheek to the ground. 

Alpha, we are not to kill him.

Eian looked up at Mike who was shaking his head slowly; the onyx eyes gleaming in the moonlight. 

He smells like the youngling... 

Eian didn't wait for Mike to finish. He growled; baring his teeth directly over Riley's face. He could scent nothing now –not even the scent he had picked up earlier. No fear was registered on the Vampire's face. He was trained for this. 

Disgusted, he flung the Vampire to the side and shifted immediately –just a second before he held Riley by the throat; a vice of a grip around his neck. 

"What is your name Vampire?" he asked coldly; embers burning in his eyes. 

Riley simply looked defiantly into the Alpha's eyes, wanting to ignore the question but the two feral growls beside him changed his mind. 

"There are no known wolf packs in this region. This is not your land. You have no right to demand any answers from me." 

The beast within the Alpha was raging at the Vampire's insolence but the human part of Eian kept calm as he repeated his question once more –gently, with a hint of ice in his voice. "What is your name, Vampire?"

Riley kept quiet, focusing instead on trying to free himself from the Were's hold. He could scent the Alpha status of the man and knew that just one bite could potentially kill him. Riley didn't want to die yet. 

He did the only thing that a Were would react to: he lengthened his fangs. 

As expected, the Were released his grip to avoid the venomous fangs piercing his skin. However, what he didn't expect was the agility in which the Alpha moved –barely a millisecond passed and he was already in wolf form; a swift strike across Riley's chest drawing blood. 

Staggering backwards slightly, Riley raised his scent shields even higher –to mask even the blood scent –and worked at healing the minor wound. He was a trained Vanguard and these were just three wolves...

Even then, he knew they had better extrasensory perceptions and to give himself a better advantage, he slipped into the darkness of the night and jumped up to the nearest branch. It bought him a few minutes grace for the three wolves were already circling beneath the tree like vultures over carrion. 

Turning his gaze away from them, Riley sharpened his senses; allowing his eyes to take in more light so he could see in the dark. Riley had no intention of fighting the three of them for it would be suicidal so he needed an escape plan. 

Down below, Eian was getting impatient as he circled the tree, simply waiting for the Vampire to make his move. He was smart enough to hide his scent but Eian could feel every single vibration he made; his body's warmth tingling the air surrounding them. 

There was really no way to outrun a predator. 

Dominic, I'm going to wait him out... I want the two of you to check out that location where he materialized. It could be an elevator shaft or something. I can scent lots of metal beneath the earth.

Eian waited until his two Betas had left before he stopped pacing and sat on his hind legs with his eyes staring up intently at the Vampire on the branch. 

***

Riley knew that he had only a small window of opportunity to make his escape the moment two of the Weres left the area. But it was the remaining Were in his gigantic wolf form that caused fear and panic to ride down his spine. This was the Alpha and he made no attempt to hide his status or strength. 

Worst of all, Riley could clearly scent the blood bonds that linked this Were to Keona. He wasn't just the Alpha of her pack – there was no mistake –this was the Werewolf who sired Keona and gave her all the abilities that made her valuable to the facility. 

Cross-matings were supposed to be a myth and Riley had been sure that Keona had been an anomaly that Vampire Councils refused to acknowledge. However, being face to face with the Werewolf that successfully mated with a Vampire made him curious enough to lower his guard for a second. 

It was a mistake. 

If he thought wolves could not climb trees, Riley was obviously mistaken. The grey wolf clawed its way up to the lowest branch; its green eyes shining like moonbeams in the dark. Instinct made him jump off from his hiding position with the intention of running. 

Riley might have been younger and faster but Eian was much more experienced and adapt at taking down his prey. The Vampire barely made it past a few feet when he was pinned down once again; his head slammed against the cold, hard, earth. 

He tried to struggle but immediately felt sharp jaws clamping down the base of his neck and then a hard slash down his back... before everything turned black. 

***

Back in Alaron's home, the two Culzeans were working simultaneously to try and reverse Connor's hold on Keona's mind. 

The youngling was unconscious, her head rested on Alex's lap. 

"How much longer will this take?" he asked; worry etched on his face. Alex wasn't one to feel incompetent but at the moment, there was nothing he could do but just sit and wait while the two older Vampires worked on his mate. They weren't even saying anything –possibly communicating mentally and he hated that he wasn't kept in the loop. 

Thankfully, Erika kept vigil beside him, smiling now and then to soothe the wolf's impatience. 

"You can't actually see it but Draven's walking with Keona in her mind to put in layers of pseudo memories and facts to try and trick Connor into thinking she's done her task," said Erika gently. 

Alex could only stare at her in disbelief. Was Keona really that powerful to be able to do whatever Erika had just said?

"Keona is able to mimic the expressed abilities of other Vampires," said Alaron, as though he heard Alex's thoughts. Lifting his eyes slowly, he held Alex's gaze; brows knitted in a frown. "She's scared Alex. Hold her hand and do whatever it is you wolf mates do to calm each other down."

At last, Alex felt like he was useful for something. Taking her knuckles, he pressed them against his lips, feeling her heartbeat soft and steady at the pulse on her wrist. Alex knew that they hadn't completed the mating bond fully yet but she already carried traces of his scent. It pleased his wolf to know that she had accepted him and he was going to do his best to make sure it stayed that way. 

Closing his eyes, he tried to synchronize his heartbeat with hers, hoping that he could slip into that similar state where he could access into her mind. He hadn't known mates who have experienced what they had but with Keona, everything seemed possible. 

It made him treasure her even more. 

Key, if you can hear me, I want you to know I'm here. 

Silence.

Then he heard it –

The soft growls that sounded nonhuman... almost like a wolf's vocal chords ringing low at the back of its throat. 

Keona, it's Alex. Let me in Sweetheart...

Another growl. Only this time, Alex felt his body lunging forward until his chin slammed hard to the tile. 

"Alex!" exclaimed Erika, helping the youngling to a sitting position. She was about to ask him if he was alright when she saw his eyes. It was all she could do but gasp and let him go.

The black irises in Alex's eyes were gone; only white orbs stared back at her in the most eerie manner. 

***

Alex wasn't sure what just happened. One moment he heard a wolf growling and the next moment he was in this dark and cold place. Then he heard voices:

"But Uncle Draven! You can't block that memory from him!"

"The less connections you have to anyone or anything, the better. I didn't hear you complaining when I gave you another name."

"That's not the same as saying I am a lone wolf." Keona's voice was defiant and Alex could almost see the stubborn tilt of her chin as she'd argue with her uncle. It was a strange feeling to be able to hear their conversation and yet not see them physically or join them verbally. Alex wasn't even sure where he was for it hadn't a solid plane to it –like he was floating mid air without the ability to see, smell, speak or even feel anything. 

But he could hear his mate very clearly as though she was walking right beside him. 

"Keona, Connor has the same ability as I do. He can read minds and look through your memory like it's an open book. You need to make sure that he sees what he needs to see."

"Then why must I be mateless?"

Silence. 

Alex wanted to argue the same thing too. How could Draven suggest such a thing! Mates can die if the bond is denied by one party! Surely he would know? He is mated to a MacFarlane wolf!

"Keona... Alex is your target. You need to show Connor that you've killed him. And if you refuse to build this memory of you as an unmated lone wolf... then he's not going to believe that you've done your job. Surely you cannot survive this long if you've killed your mate." 

Draven's voice sounded calm but Alex could sense the tensed undertones. If the Pureblood could growl, he would sound just like Eian when he was reprimanding Keona. 

Maybe it was a paternal thing. 

However, Alex understood Draven's rationale. It irked his wolf but the human part of his mind accepted the logic. 

It'll be fine Keona. A bond need not be physical or mental to be real. 

He thought she hadn't heard him but then...

Alex? 

Yes Key.

But... how?

I don't know. I think you pulled me into this... space or whatever it is.

You're here?

I'm here. And I won't fault you if you need to do this. 

But...

Keona... you're my mate and always will be. 

There was no reply this time but the darkness surrounding him started to fade away, revealing a lone grey wolf standing a distance away. 

Alex didn't need to ask who it was. The green eyes staring at him told him all he needed to know. 

With a nod, the wolf turned and walked away, leaving Alex engulfed in darkness once more. 

***

Eian threw Riley's body on the floor as soon as the three wolves got back to Alaron's house. He didn't seem to be bothered by the fact that the Vampire was bleeding from his neck down to his chest or that the wolf bite on his calves were slowly poisoning him. 

The first thing he did was to bark. "Draven, read his goddamn mind."

But it wasn't the Pureblood who replied him but Keona. 

"Daddy! Oh my god!" Despite Alex's murderous look, she shook herself out of his hold and knelt down to try and stop Riley from essentially bleeding to death. Her fingers began to hastily work on his wounds, trying to stitch up the cuts but she wasn't fast enough. He was losing too much blood and she could smell the metallic hint meshed with the lethal combination of wolf venom. 

"Keona..." warned Alex. This was the Vampire who got her into trouble in the first place and yet she was trying to save his life. Take your goddamn hands off him. 

He's going to die!

In fact, Riley's shields were already down so the room stank of an unfamiliar Vampire's scent –one that immediately drew Alaron and Erika from the kitchen. 

"You've brought me a gift, Werewolf?" The drawl in his voice was almost as playful as the hunger in his eyes –a look of a predator about to pounce on his prey. 

Eian knitted his brows; understanding registering in his eyes. As per their agreement, he stepped back, allowing the Vampire all the room to... do whatever he wanted with his unwanted guest. 

But Keona wouldn't allow it. 

She remained in her place; her body shielding Riley protectively even as Alaron came charging toward them both. 

"Get out of the way!" he growled but she paid no heed. 

"Eian for godsake! Take your child away!" said Draven impatiently. He had read Riley's mind the moment the three Weres had returned and knew everything there was to know about the Vanguard. 

If no one could make Keona move, he'd have to take her down himself. 

Keona, we've already broken the oath. He doesn't need to live!

No!  The mental scream was directed at all the Vampires in the room. He's Marine's mate. 

Alaron immediately stopped and stared at her. "What? Why that son of a bitch!" All chance of reasoning with him were gone for he launched himself directly towards Riley; pushing Keona to the side. 

"No!" Her scream rang sharp across the room, stopping everyone in their tracks. "I said no!" This time, she punctuated her words with a strong force-field enclosing Riley and herself inside. Keona tried not to look at the wounded expression of her family members; the sense of betrayal in their eyes at her actions. But this was necessary.

Confident that no one could break past the barrier, she turned her attention to the mortally wounded Vampire and began to synchronize his breathing with hers; her mind dipping into his slowly, trying to stabilize his heart rate. 

I'm only doing this because I want Marine back alive.

Despite his deathly state, Riley heard her and responded. I know. 

Is she safe?

I have to get back. They cannot know that I've left. 

Keona didn't reply him. At his current vulnerable state, Riley had dropped all his physical and mental shields, opening his mind for her taking. She didn't need to ask anymore questions to know the reason why he had done what he had –it was something any of her pack members might have done and yet she didn't want to feel any sympathy for him. 

To feel sorry for someone was a weakness at times. 

"Get up," she said instead; the ice in her voice unmistakable. "Take me to Kendall. I want to know how to get in and out of that facility undetected."

Fear and worry flashed across Riley's face the instant she said that. "No! You have to leave him out of this. You know you cannot detract from the mission!"

Ignoring him, Keona grabbed his collar and snarled, "I just saved your life and I can take it away in a blink of an eye if I want to."

You'll die Keona if you go against Connor.

"Then you'll die with me." With that she pulled him to his feet and brought down the barrier around them. Everyone was still staring at her and she knew that they were waiting for her to say something. 

"Meet me in an hour at the place where you found him earlier," she instructed; jerking her thumb in Riley's direction. 

"No Keona. We go in together." It was a clear command from Eian, both in his capacity as her father and the Alpha. He didn't need his daughter to verbalize her intentions for he had already seen it in her eyes and read it in her body language. 

"She needs to do this Alpha," said Alex, his reaction startling Keona. She thought that he too would oppose to her decision. However knowing that her mate sided with her gave Keona a little more confidence to begin her seemingly impossible task. 

Looking at her mate, she smiled and heard his gentle voice in her mind. 

I love you. Be safe. 

Blinking slightly, Keona tried not to look embarrassed. Alex had never said he loved her before and to know that he did –especially at this crucial moment –made her all the more adamant to return everyone home safely. 

"I'll be safe. Trust me everyone." With a nod, she opened the front door; Riley by her side. "One hour," she reminded them all... and she was gone.



Pushing Boundaries Ch. 09



NB: Hi all! I know this took forever but I'm finally glad it's over! It's longer than the usual so hope that makes up for the wait. Thank you all for always checking in. Have a good read! 

******

We really shouldn't do this."

Keona didn't bother replying but simply tightened her grip around Riley's arm. It annoyed her that he could still talk despite her strong hold on his mental consciousness --a clear indicator that he was much stronger than what she thought him to be.

"Maybe we -- "

"Another word Riley..." her voice was gentle but the underlying threat was real; her nails digging into his skin to bring across her point. To an unsuspecting outsider, they looked like a loving couple but Riley knew that Keona wouldn't hesitate to kill him on the spot if he even dared to breathe wrong.

He kept quiet as she led them to the main entrance of the facility; aware that she had cloaked them in some form of protective shield that rendered them undetectable by the main security cameras.

Riley was slightly relieved when he felt her loosening her grip over his arm but his smile faded when he saw her turn to face him with a grim expression.

"This is for your own good," she said, before placing her fingertips at the side of his temple. Riley didn't get the chance to stop her for immediately after that, all he could think about was the blinding white light searing through his cranial cavity.

***

When he opened his eyes, Riley was unsure why Keona was standing in front of him; arms crossed as she leaned back lazily against a pillar.

"Good morning."

Riley frowned. Morning? It was dark and he didn't think he fell asleep did he? And what was she doing here with him? She didn't sound too pleased and the chill in her voice wasn't at all encouraging.

"Let's not waste time. I need to report to Connor."

Riley wanted to protest. He knew, at the back of his mind, that something was not right but his conscious thought was pushing him to execute her instruction. It was as though she was forcing him to --but surely not. He was much older and his shields were superb... right?

Nevertheless, he felt his body responding to her command; his feet moving a step at a time down a quiet hallway towards the Elders' offices. He found it odd that none of the guards seemed to notice them --neither to greet nor stop their advances.

"How are you doing this?" he asked --he had to.

Like a lazy cat stretching its neck, she angled her head to her left and gave him a blank stare. She continued to eye him eerily until they finally made a stop in front of Connor's office. Before Riley could say anything, Keona had already pushed the door open; closing it in his face.

Stay outside

No! I want to...

Whatever he intended to tell her was cut off by a sharp pain in his head. He didn't think it was possible but it was as if his mind was being disciplined by a sharp whip to conform to her instructions.

Damn that youngling had power!

Shuffling his feet, Riley decided to wait. He had no doubt that Connor wouldn't hurt Keona --at least not to the point of death. She was his prized possession and he still had much use for her, regardless of what happened.

***

Indeed, Connor was thinking just that as he sensed Keona walking into his office. Swivelling his chair to face her, he gave her a smile --one that bore no warmth or meaning.

"You're still alive," he said as a way of greeting.

"So will you if you let Marine go now." Instead of being threatened, he laughed at her; slapping his hands down on the table top with glee. "I don't see what's so amusing," she said coolly.

"Oh, nothing, nothing my dear child. You're just the most peculiar and fascinating little creature that I have ever laid eyes upon. You... make me curious," he said, leaning forward as though sniffing at her.

Keona remained still even as he gripped her chin lightly. She knew that he was trying to read her mind; trying to break down as many shields as he could to learn the purpose of her visit. It was like reporting to your boss without having the need to even present your findings.

That also meant that he had access to even her private thoughts and memories --secrets that she and Draven had protected by constructing layers of pseudo memories and enforcing stronger shields.

"Hmm..." Releasing her, he started to walk slowly from his side of the table, round to where she was standing before crossing his arms over his chest to peer at her thoughtfully. "Why are you still alive youngling?" he asked.

"Should I be dead?" she asked defiantly, even though her insides were rattling like skeletons in a closet.

"Weres do not survive long after the death of their mates..." he prompted. It was a test, she knew, to see if she could confirm what both of them already knew were her memories. The only thing was that she hoped he believed those "memories" had been real enough and not constructed.

"I am not an animal," she said with as much disgust and pride as she could muster. "Vampires can live for centuries without their mates."

"Oh?" Connor was pleasantly surprised at her reply for he dropped his hands and started to pace in a circle around her. "You have gotten stronger little one... very strong in fact." He stopped right in front of her and stared long and hard into her green eyes. "But I do not trust you... yet."

"I don't give a damn if you trust me," she replied, trying her best not to spit in his face. "I've done what you forced me to do and now I have my own demands for you to fulfil." A pause. "I have nothing to lose now. I can kill you without regret Connor and trust me, this time, I will fight you even if it kills me."

Perhaps it was her tone of voice or the slight 'push' of her anger indenting on his mind but Connor took a step back to re-evaluate their situation. Indeed, from what he had read in her mind, she was now alone... and scared. She could be his greatest ally or his greatest downfall but he had to decide now. To incense her further could lead to a possible blood bath and his death. To pacify her on the other hand...

"Let us negotiate these... demands then," he said calmly.

"I want you to release Marine... and Kendall."

"Oh? Taken a candle to the boy have you?"

Keona didn't bother to reply him. Those two were underaged younglings just like herself and shouldn't even be locked up in such a place. If he didn't let them go, she was going to jail break them out --to hell with the consequences.

"I will consider Kendall's release on one condition."

"Screw you."

"Such a tongue," he laughed, wagging a finger at her. "But you are asking me to release one of my most useful assets. Surely you have to compensate that somewhat..." He waited to see if she had any reactions --to which she had none. "Join me; join this cause. Be a part of my most elite team. I'll make you even stronger than our strongest Vanguards. Like you said, you have nothing to lose. But I have everything to lose by giving you this position."

Keona squinted her eyes at him. Connor was an excellent master manipulator and though her mind tried to think of the possible loopholes in his offer, she couldn't think of any yet. She had to keep up with her story that she was mateless and with nothing to lose. Besides, it was a risk she had to take --at least to negotiate the release of the two younglings.

"Abide by my wishes and we'll deal."

A smile crept up the Pureblood's face. "Come, let's see to our prisoners and... we'll talk."

***

Riley was still leaning lazily against the wall when Connor and Keona walked out.

"Oh? Eos, I'm surprised you are here," said Connor; eyebrows raised. "Ah well, since you're here, you might as well be of some use."

Riley got to attention immediately. Despite his distaste for his superior, he wasn't one for insubordination. "Sir."

"Keona and I have something to settle... Please escort us to the holding room."

At the smirk on Connor's face, Riley knew instantly which room he was referring to. A rush of cold sweat trickled down his back. Could it be that Connor had given Keona another assignment --to terminate both Kendall and Marine this time?

Even as he walked in front of them, Riley tried his best to communicate telepathically with Keona but she was blocking him; her shields literally slamming its door in his face. Desperate to get her attention, he began to slow down.

"Eos, what's the matter?" demanded Connor. "We don't have all the time in the world to waste right now. Move along!"

"Sir..." His response was laced with a tinge of plea. Not that Connor gave a damn.

"Move it Eos."

Riley didn't have much of a choice but as he moved closer, he did the only thing he could to warn the two Vampires he cared most in the world.

Marine, tell Kendall to protect you now.

Being mates allowed him and Marine an exclusive line of communication that couldn't be tapped by others. Judging from Connor and Keona's stoic faces, he figured that they didn't hear his warning. He just hoped that Marine did as he told her to.

With a grim expression on his face, Riley knocked on the holding room door briefly before opening it. To his relief, he saw Kendall standing guard in front of Marine who was huddled in a blanket in the corner of the room.

It broke his heart to see her like that but Riley pushed his feelings aside to allow Connor and Keona to step inside.

"Kendall," said Connor; his voice lowered down to what Riley figured was his 'gentle' tone. "How is our guest?"

Kendall looked at Riley then Keona before addressing Connor. "She's... exhausted Sir."

Connor nodded slowly before turning to look at Riley. "Leave us."

"Sir?" Riley tried to hide his clenched fist. What the hell did he mean by 'leave us?'. There was no way that he was leaving them... in the room to be killed. "I would like to stay Sir."

Connor looked like he was about to shoot Riley off for daring to disobey him but Keona interrupted.

"Let him," she said calmly. "Riley, I want you to take them out of here to safety."

"No, you don't get to make those calls youngling." Connor's eyes were turning to slits of red.

"I've already done so," she challenged him; staring straight up at Connor's defiantly. "You know he cannot disobey a suggestion keyed into his mind."

"How dare you!" seethed Connor. "We haven't settled the terms of our agreement yet."

"There are no terms. I've done your dirty job for you, now it's only fair you release them. What's their use to you anyway? What, am I not more valuable than both of them combined?"

She didn't even bother to wait for his reply. Moving forward, she crouched and hugged Marine.

Marine sweetie, I need you to follow Kendall and Riley out of here. Do not turn back, do not wait for me. Can you do that?

Marine, whose eyes were wide with fear, nodded silently; her hands reaching out to grasp Kendall's fingers for comfort. Kendall closed his fingers around hers before glancing to his brother as though asking permission.

Go. A simultaneous instruction from both Keona and Riley.

There was only a blur where the two younglings had been huddling together and then they were gone. Marine's super speed ability had progressed so perfectly that Keona couldn't help but feel pride.

It cost her.

That split second where she lowered her shields to smile allowed Connor to penetrate her mind, forcing her to get down on her knees as the pain coursed through her body. Keona might have been more powerful but he was much older and physically stronger than her --leaving her helpless to counter his abilities.

Connor's mistake was that he was focusing too much on Keona that he didn't notice that Riley was no longer under her control.

The moment he was released from her mental suggestion, Riley came charging at Connor; nails lengthening and fangs drawn out for a bloody fight. He was confident that Marine and Kendall would get out safely and he had nothing to worry about at the moment.

He struck -- right through the Elder's shoulder, almost ripping off the limb.

But it worked. Connor howled in pain, cutting his connection with Keona's mind abruptly.

"Get up!" shouted Riley. "He'll heal. I need you now!"

Despite her splitting headache and a trail of blood dripping from her nose, Keona propped herself on her hands and focused on Connor. She could already see that he was healing even as Riley continued to attack him. Her mind was too injured to force Connor to yield but she had no time to search through her mental cabinet for the right thing to do.

She just pushed a thought through her mind and focused...

***

Everything around her started to slow down and eventually stopped. Keona widened her eyes at the sight of droplets of blood hanging still in the air; Riley's claws half embedded in Connor's thigh and Connor's face caught between fear and disgust.  

Did she stop time? Or was she moving so fast that everything around her stopped?

Keona didn't care. It gave her time to think and she needed it badly to heal. Connor had stripped the shields in her mind and if one thought mental scars weren't physical, they were wrong. Every layer of pseudo memory was connected by synapses within the brain. To tear them down forcefully would cause internal bleeding --as she was now.

But Keona forced herself to think. Somehow she trusted that Kendall would at least get Marine to the surface to where the rest would already be waiting for them. She needed to contain Connor in a way that would buy them enough time to release all the other prisoners and burn all the trial hybrids within the facility. She didn't need to see them to know that they were there for she could feel them, hear them and smell them.

Keona could kill Connor --but, she was not a murderer.

She just needed to contain him... in what?

Then it came to her.

Looking up at the ceiling, she smiled at the sight of the emergency water sprinkler; recalling how the Pureblood had made the water pour down on them and freeze the droplets mid air, almost as if she could stop time for the water itself.

She could try. Keona could get Conner wet enough or she could flood the room and encase him within a solid ice block. Connor was a mind reader and shield builder. He wouldn't escape easily if she were to contain him in an ice coffin.

With as much power as she could spare, Keona raised her hand to try and switch on the water flow but nothing happened. Biting her lips, Keona tried again but to no avail.

She wasn't using enough concentration and power. Half of her mind was trying to heal itself and Keona knew that she had to abandon that for now...

It would mean that she could bleed to death but the chances of her freezing Connor's ass was much higher so she stopped healing her wounds; focusing all her strength and abilities to that one single thought: to turn the water source on.

It worked.

But Keona continued focusing; forcing the pipes to burst, flooding the entire room at an accelerated pace. She knew that she didn't have much time left for droplets of blood were starting to drip from her nose and she could feel blood tearing from the corner of her eyes.

Faster damn it...

***

Meanwhile, Marine was running so fast that she wasn't sure where they were going anymore but Kendall didn't seem to raise any objections at her speed or her choice of turns.

Kendall... I'm scared.

There's a turn up a head. We can make it.

Marine squeezed his hand just a little harder and followed his instruction. She didn't know why he made her calm but he did. In fact, he had been the closest thing to a friend inside the facility. For that alone, she would be grateful.

However, upon completing the turn, they were caught in a corner with nothing but a single pass-coded door on their left.

"What now?" asked Marine. "There has to be another way out!"

"This is it. The rest are monitored you see. This is the only way out that no one will think twice about."

"Why?" Marine couldn't hide her scepticism.

"Purebloods think that just because they are purist with no tolerance for filth, every other Vampire in their vicinity will have no tolerance for dirt either..." he grinned as he punched in some passcode. "This is where the waste and other undesirable items get flushed out."

As the door opened, he offered his hand to her. "Here's our ticket out. Coming?"

Marine made a face at the stench but took his hand nonetheless. Keona had sacrificed a lot to save her --twice. She wouldn't screw it up the second time. Kendall held her hand tight, almost afraid she'd bolt.

It was a good thing that he did for she was starting to understand how the disposal system worked: The facility was simply dumping all their unwanted materials right into the lake itself without a care for its toxicity or biodegradability. Right beneath them was a metal trap door that would open at the press of a switch and let them out --to freedom.

"How are we supposed to get out? I don't see a switch..." her voice trembled slightly.

"Wait," he shushed her. "They're coming."

Marine had no idea who was coming but she crouched down and closed her eyes. Almost immediately, she felt something hit her on the head. Her first reaction was to look up and regretted it.

Kendall was grinning amidst the 'rain' of waste materials --thankfully packaged in some sort of plastic. Marine finally got it. They simply had to wait for the sensors on the metal trap door to register enough waste weight before it would open and release them into the water.

"Just a while more..." Kendall crouched close to Marine and held her tight. He knew that she was important --not just to his brother but to Keona as well and he saw it his responsibility to make sure that she stayed safe until they got out of their prison.

Bracing them both for the impact, Kendall tucked Marine's head under his chin and waited for the metal trap door to open.

It was akin to free falling except that water rushed in, engulfing them within seconds, cutting off their air supply immediately.

Kendall felt Marine struggling but he forced her to remain calm. He knew that her instinctual fight or flight mechanism was telling her to move, run, do something but Kendall didn't think her super speed worked in water.

Or he could be wrong.

Marine, stop panicking and listen to me! You need to swim up. I'm going to help you but I need you to focus and stay calm!

Need air...

Keep calm.

He tightened his fingers around her, almost willing her to listen to his thoughts. Slowly, he began to move his legs, pulling them both towards to surface with all his strength.

Help me Marine.

At first he wasn't sure if she heard him but then he felt the pressure weighing them down lessening and they were moving towards the surface faster and faster. Kendall could feel the tightness in his chest from the lack of oxygen but he kept looking upwards; praying that they'd make it.

He could almost see the glimmer of moonlight just above them but his lungs were starting to fail him and somehow Marine seemed to have stopped kicking her legs.

Mar...ine...

Kendall could feel his brain shutting down... he must be imagining things, losing his sanity for his body was no longer floating endlessly but it was so cold...

"Breathe."

***

Eian was standing with his arms crossed as Mike and Dominic pulled the two younglings out of the water.

"Just what in the world were these two doing in the water? And who the hell is this!"

Dominic barely restrained Alaron who was trying to attack Kendall.

"Your daughter's here Alaron. That's what's important," warned Eian in a soft voice. "I'll deal with the boy." One look from the Alpha made Alaron purse his lips in defiant agreement. It was his natural instinct to protect his daughter but Eian was right. She needed him most at the moment.




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 09



Scrambling over to Marine, Alaron pulled her against his chest and tried to feel for her heartbeat - a faint but steady beat pulsing at her throat.

"Is she alright?" asked Eian from a distance away.

"Yes. But I'll just take a closer look to be sure."

While Alaron busied himself with Marine, the other Weres and Draven gathered around Kendall. It was Mike who had pulled the youngling up and told him to breathe.

"He's a bit blue. Should we let Alaron see to him?" asked Mike out of concern.

"And risk him being torn in half?" replied Alex. "We need him to find Keona. There is a reason why she isn't up here with them."

"Let me." Draven slid in front of the Weres with ease, relieving them off their dilemma. As Mike and Alex stepped back, Draven knelt down beside Kendall and touched his fingers gently to the youngling's temple.

He was only in for a second when he jerked his fingers back in surprise.

"Don't touch him," he warned, looking around at the pack. "He has tactile memory --if he has contact with you long enough, he'll know everything about you."

"Can you get into his mind then?" asked Eian patiently. "We don't have much time left. I'm worried."

"Yes Alpha. I can." Turning his head back to the task, Draven focused his mind to merge with the youngling's. The young Vampire was still unconscious but his mind was a spinning wheel of activity.

Draven picked out the last few moments of Kendall's conscious thoughts; seeing through the youngling's eyes as he protected and helped Marine escape from the facility and earlier on as he looked with fear into his brother's eyes... and then Keona's.

Just what the hell was Keona saying? Kendall's conscious mind had been blocked, almost as though he was putting up shields --clearly a Vanguard inherited ability. The boy was too young to learn how to shield his mind on his own.

At the back of his mind, Draven could sense his Alpha's growing impatience and worry despite his cool and calm exterior. He didn't have much time to relook at the scene with Keona. All he knew was that she had struck some sort of deal with a Pureblood Elder and by the looks of it was the reason why Kendall and Marine were released in the first place.

Breaking the connection with Kendall, Draven looked up first at Eian and took the risk of having his head torn off. Instead of telling his Alpha what he saw, Draven asked his permission to call his mother.

The growl given by Eian told him that he was on a very tight leash but he had to take it.

Moving away from the pack, Draven took out his phone and prayed that Josephine would be up. The time difference meant that it was probably just shy of dawn.

"I had a feeling you were going to call me," she said after a ring.

"Mother... I'm sorry for this but I'm pressed for time."

"Anything for you my dear."

"Is Keona safe?"

Josephine gave a small laugh. "You want to know if I've had future threads about her don't you? I wouldn't ask you why but all I can say is that if I was worried enough, I would have called Keiran myself."

"Mother..."

"Oh, I'm sorry... but yes I've had dreams about her though I didn't know what to make of it. She's always in this one room and there are so many of her. Sometimes they're talking, sometimes they're fighting but I didn't think much of it. I just thought I was missing her too much... Is she alright, Draven?"

Draven's eyes widened at the implications of what Josephine had seen but he didn't want to worry her. "Yes, she's fine Mother. I'm just concerned because Alex is getting edgy about his mate."

"Ah... young love," she chuckled just before ending the call.

Draven tucked the phone in his pocket and closed his eyes. He had seen a room full of some sort of prototype experiments in Kendall's memory but they were still babies... what if they had already matured by now? Was Keona the enabling genetic strand for these experiments?

Walking back to the Weres, Draven knew he had to make the decision.

"We have to go in. Key might be in trouble," he said, waiting a heartbeat before the Alpha went feral.

With his fingers wrapped around the Pureblood's neck, the sounds that came out of Eian's mouth sounded more like growls than words. "What are you not saying Draven?" he demanded.

Calm down Alpha... Worrying would make matters worst.

The fuck I will.

But he released his hold on his Beta. Instead, he moved to the youngling lying unconscious and picked the boy up by the collar.

"You know that's my only daughter right?"

The intentions in his eyes were apparent that the other Beta's got into defensive mode --getting ready to protect their Alpha from his own irrational thoughts.

"I think they're trying to create more of her --hybrids. We have to destroy them," said Draven as slowly as he could; his eyes watching Kendall intently.

"And my baby?" The anger was gone from Eian's voice, replaced by a sliver of what Draven could tell was fear.

"We'll find her, Alpha."

Everyone let out a sigh of relief as Eian gently lowered Kendall to the ground. Killing a youngling --either Vampire or Werewolf --was major enough to result in immediate termination.

"Do you know the way in?" he asked softly.

"Yes."

***

Meanwhile, Keona was starting to feel the strain of using too much power while she was still injured. But she could feel the temperature in the room starting to fall at an uncontrollable speed; ice was starting to form on the walls and on the floor.

She knew she didn't have time to wait for the whole room to freeze. Moving forward, she started to grab Riley's hand --the sudden action caused her to lose control over her ability to stop time.

At once she heard Connor's enraged voice cursing at her; his claws aiming for her neck. If it wasn't for Riley's quick instincts, he would have managed to slice her jugular vein, causing serious damage.

As the temperature in the room started to dip below freezing point, Keona gave one last mental 'push' in Connor's direction before feeling her body pulled out the door by Riley.

"Freeze it, damn it. Now now!" he was bellowing but Keona's mind was too weak to comprehend but she moved her hands nonetheless.

"You're a complete mess MacFarlane. Damn it!" she heard him swore. She was losing blood and Riley was shouting at her. How unfair! Didn't she just save his life?

"You're bleeding damn it!"

"Shut up!"

Riley didn't bother to reply her. Instead he scooped her up and started running towards his own room. Raising his shields to the maximum, he hoped that it would cloak both their scents for a few minutes for he had no doubt that her hybrid blood would attract guards like bees to honey.

She needed time to heal and the only sanctuary he could think of at the moment was his room. He had no doubt that Connor had screamed a mental cry of help to the Vanguards and they would be all over the place within minutes.

The moment he closed the door, Riley commanded her to heal herself.

"I can't guarantee that the Vanguards will all be loyal to me. Once a head hunt order is given, we have to complete it. So heal."

Keona was frowning but she paid heed to his instruction. He was right. She had heard Connor's shout in her mind and knew that it wasn't long before they were cornered.

Besides she was bleeding too profusely to argue.

"Why are you helping me anyway?" she asked instead.

His response was to raise an eyebrow at her.

"Forget it."

Riley shrugged and leaned against the door nonchalantly. "Coz I'm Marine's mate whether you like it or not. And that makes us... family."

"You're a despicable liar. What makes you think I'd accept you?"

He gave her a bored look. "We'll tell Marine how truly despicable I am then. If she still hates my guts after the truth and breaks the bond, you can kill me yourself."

Something in the sincerity of his words struck a chord in her. However she wouldn't admit it to him.

"Oh trust me... I'm not the only one on the list."

Riley stared at her for a long time before narrowing his eyes. The moment he did that, Keona sensed a blade aimed straight at her forehead. A second of hesitation would have meant instant death.

"Fuck you Riley," she growled; the blade caught firmly in her fist.

"Good, you've healed enough. Let's go." He shrugged as he opened the door.

"Bastard."

"Bitch."

As she caught up with him, they stared at each other and laughed.

"What do you want to do first?" he asked.

"Let's release all the prisoners. Then we need to destroy this place."

***

Mike was left to protect Kendall and Marine while Eian and the rest begin their infiltration of the facility. For a Beta, the task of babysitting was not only torturous; it was insulting but Mike didn't feel that way at the moment.

The young always deserved the best protection --that was what Eian had taught the pack. Hadn't the Alpha done exactly that when he took in the lost Vampire child into pack lands a few years ago?

Looking at the two Vampire younglings, Mike's heart softened. True, their pack dynamics have changed quite a bit in the past year with the addition of Draven into the ranks, the acceptance of a Vampire as a female Alpha and of course the birth of the hybrid children. Even then, Mike never thought of them as hybrids --or Halflings as some call them. He saw them as children, meant to be loved and protected.

Marine had that. She was loved and protected, not just by her parents but by the pack as well. She was family.

But the boy? Who loved him? Who'd protected and die for him?

Mike had scented nothing on the youngling. Vampires often leave very obvious traces of their bloodlines, almost in the same way that Werewolves mark their children and mates. But perhaps this child had lost his parents and yet he's been subjected to imprisonment and cruelty.

While the boy still had his innocence, it should be protected. It was then that Mike decided:

He was going to first ask his Alpha and then his mate, Pearl if they could adopt Kendall. They had enough Vampires within the pack to keep the boy in check. But most important of all, they'd give him a family and a home.

Every child deserves that.

***

Meanwhile, Eian was striding in step behind Draven, Alaron, Dominic and Alex. They were arranged in a 'V' formation with him forming the apex.

"These Vanguards are strong and they are built to kill, not just maim," warned Draven as they approached the main entrance.

"That's what I'm here for," said Alaron. "I'll heal if necessary."

The quintet kept silent for a minute as two guards approached them.

"Let's do it. Watch each other's backs," said Eian; his voice calm yet sharp as the claws slowly emerging from his fists.

There was no need to even shift yet for they took out the two guards with ease.

"Common levels," said the Alpha matter-of-factly. They weren't even Vanguards and didn't have enough Vampire blood in them to make them lethal. But that wasn't a reason for them to let their guard down. "Destroy the cameras," he instructed.

"There's more coming," Draven said, giving them a heads up as the entered the main gates. "They're coming in dozens. First up, to your left."

There was no need to ask how he knew. It wasn't just because he was a Pureblood with mind reading and erasing capabilities; but he was pack and they trusted each other --completely.

And trust was what guided the five males as they began the first stage of the infiltration; each movement thoughtfully calibrated and coordinated. All lines of communication were kept within the mental bonds of the pack as much as possible, severing the chance for the Vanguards to eavesdrop.

They continued to come in droves; surrounding the five of them at every corner such that they were forced to keep their backs to one another. Dominic and Alex were already in wolf form; teeth barred and attacking as mercilessly as the Vanguards advancing on them. Draven blanked out every single one within his mental radius while Alaron manipulated the air and blood flows of their enemies causing seizures and blackouts.

But the Alpha was as calm as could be; still in his human form, his movements so lightning quick that it looked as though he hadn't moved an inch.

There's just too many of them. If we take them all out now, we won't have time to search for Key!

I'll go. Alex raised his snout slightly to see his Alpha's reaction.

Give him cover.

At once the others moved slightly closer to allow Alex enough space and time to slip in between them. Draven jammed the thought-processes of all the Vanguards directly in Alex's line, giving him a few seconds to make his escape.

Alex didn't waste the opportunity. The tracker in him sought for the nearest darkened room, blending in with the shadows as he plotted out his next course of action. Keona's own scent had changed slightly since the first time he knew her. It could be because of all her new abilities but it was also because of their mating bond.

It felt odd to sniff the air for his own scent but Alex knew that it was probably the best way to track her down. He needed to find traces of himself within the facility and that's where he'd track his mate down.

The black wolf heightened his senses --both his tracking ability as well as his alertness for danger and padded as softly as he could, keeping his body close to the ground. Every now and then, he'd catch faint hints of his and Keona's mingled scents but then it was too little for him to be certain.

But there --

There was an odd, familiar scent coming from one of the rooms down the corridor, accompanied by the metallic scent of blood... of a hybrid variety.

Damn it Key!

Alex tried to call out but there was no response and as he came closer, he knew why.

The room was empty though the scents lingering were still fresh and heavy which meant that she was in the room only recently... and not alone.

Alex didn't need to look up at the nameplate on the door to know whose room it belonged to.

Riley... he growled and dashed off following both scents as best as he could. Riley's scent suppressing ability meant that Alex was bound to lose both their scents soon and he wasn't going to let that happen.

***

"Come on Riley, what is the password?" Keona was trying as many combinations as she could at the main holding cell entrance. It seemed like the code had been reset right after they had escaped.

"I don't know. They must have found a way to send a telepathic message bypassing me. Looks like we've got to bust the door open."

Keona thought for a moment; her eyebrows wrinkled.

"No we don't. I can open the door from the inside."

"How the hell are you going to fit through that gap under the door? No wolf can."

"I'm not a wolf," she said calmly as she started to picture the smallest possible creature in her mind --an ant. It was a risky shift but desperate times called for desperate measures. She didn't like the idea of her skeleton outside her body but she continued focusing nonetheless, feeling every part of her body shrinking... shrinking...

"Damn Keona." She heard Riley swear as she slipped under the small gap. Once on the other side, Keona shifted back; all the while alert for anyone walking pass. To be caught mid-shift could sometimes shock the mind and disrupt the process so she had to be absolutely careful.

The moment she was back in her human form, she tapped the release button of the front door, only to find Riley's throat perilously close to a lethal claw. Keona didn't need to see whose it belonged to. She could scent her mate anywhere.

"Aren't we getting cozy," she chided. "Shift back Alex. We need to release all the prisoners first. You can kill him later."

For a moment, she thought that he'd disagree and rip Riley's throat there and then but eventually he let the Vampire go but he didn't shift back into his wolf form.

"There should be seven occupied rooms. We have to do it manually," said Riley as he rubbed his throat. "If we shut down the power, it will open all the doors..."

Keona got his drift. They had left Connor in the room where Marine and Kendall were in. So they had to do it manually which could be a problem.

"Password?" she asked. "I can't keep shifting to fit through the gap. It will tire me out too much."

"Rip out the code switch?" suggested Alex.

"That'd send the alarms on Alex. We can't afford to fend off Vanguards at this moment."

"Why didn't anyone learn how to walk through walls?" Keona was rubbing her temples, trying to think of a solution. "What if I try to either melt or freeze the door and you two can try and barge through?"

"No... takes too much time. We need the control room. At the moment, we'd be going to the rooms blindly not knowing which one contains prisoners. The control room will let us turn off the code switches individually... right?" suggested Alex.

Riley nodded and pointed straight ahead. "There should be clothes as well. For godsake Alex!"

In response, Alex only snarled and started running in the direction Riley pointed to.

There was a guard outside the control room but Riley or Alex could do anything, the guard starting walking off on his own.

"I suggested that maybe he should take a leak," said Keona with a shrug. "And the passcode is 'security alert'. That's 7328748925378."

Once at the control panels, Riley took note of all the rooms currently occupied. The monitor also showed the age of the captives and the reasons why they were kept under surveillance.

"I don't know if you're going to like what you see," he said quietly. Most of the information was written in code but he was high ranking enough to know their implications.

"What do you mean?" asked Alex, fastening the button of a spare Vanguard uniform. Keona was curious too and came closer to take a look.

"The room where Kendall and Marine were kept was under code purple," he said, pointing to a square on the screen. "That means they have been kept alive with minimal supervision or interjections."

Keona frowned. "But there aren't any purple codes... but blue and red." It wasn't a statement but a question, for her eyes were set intently on Riley, demanding an explanation.

Riley closed his eyes for a moment then gave a long sigh. "Code blue means current test subjects, just as you were a week ago." He toggled the screen to show another view. This was of a young girl curled up on her bed. "Security is highest both outside and in the adjoining observation room. We can expect five Vanguards if we're lucky..."

"If not?" asked Alex.

"If not, there'll be more. At worst, a Pureblood Elder will be around."

Keona chose to ignore his silent implication and instead crossed her arms as she asked, "And code red?"

Riley looked at her, almost hesitant to answer. "I suggest we save only those code blue."

"No. These are innocent lives! We must try," she insisted.

With a sigh, Riley shook his head. "They're failed experiments, left to die because they are unsalvageable." He toggled the screen once more to a view of one of the code red rooms. Alex groaned.

"We save what we can," said Keona after a minute. "Can you two handle the code blues by yourself?"

"You've got to be kidding me Key..." said Alex as they left the control room. "What makes you think those... I mean they might not have any sense of humanity left. You could get killed!"

To his surprise, Riley shook his head and put up a hand. "Let her. We've got to save what we can and get the hell out of here."

The trio exchanged grim looks.

***

Right at that moment, the main entrance of the facility was littered with unconscious and wounded Vanguards. Still, more were coming and the four of them were exhausted. Dominic had suffered the most injuries because he couldn't heal as fast as either his Alpha or the Vampires.




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 09



"We have to move," said Draven.

I'll heal along the way said Dominic bravely. But I will stay here and hold fort if you...

"Start walking and healing Dom," was the curt order from his Alpha.

"Follow closely behind me." Draven's mind was like a radar, 'searching' their perimeter to find the best way to avoid as much confrontations as possible. A simple mind blanking often allowed some of the guards to change their course and allowed the quartet safe and silent passage through the halls. "There is a sort of laboratory at the next turn. There aren't any guards..."

"They're frightened," said Eian softly. "I can scent their fear from here."

Draven didn't want to know whose fear his Alpha had scented. All he knew was that the minds inside the laboratory were innocent and would not attack them. Furthermore, it was the best place for Dominic to heal.

"Let me." Eian moved in front of the group, knocking on the frosted glass door of the lab. Draven could tell that his Alpha had sensed something he hadn't so he kept his guard up, simply waiting for the door to open.

When it did, he knew.

"Your Grace..." Fear masked under surprise was etched on the face of the woman who opened the door. For the simple fact that she addressed him by his title and not his name signalled that she was from Aramis and Josephine's generation.

If Eian was surprised, he did not show it. All that was evident on his face was a cool and calm expression --but the ice in his voice was unmistakable.

"Did you not know that was my daughter you touched?"

"Your Grace!" She gave a soft shriek before flinging her body into a prostrating position; her arms stretched out in shame.

Eian ignored her. Instead, he lifted his eyes to examine the lab. There was life --scientifically sustained --within some sort of tank structure. He didn't know what they were called and if they were even alive, if they needed nutrition and if they moved but all he knew was that the creatures in the tanks were adolescents... resembling his daughter.

Disgusted, he looked down and simply said, "Let my Beta heal and then I'm destroying this lab."

He could tell that she wanted to argue but instead she whispered meekly, "But these are innocent children you'd kill..."

For a moment, the atmosphere in the room fell to a hushed silence as everyone waited for the Alpha to react to her accusation. Draven and Alaron were already on their guard, should he decide to strike at her.

However, Eian merely smiled. "Who are we to play God, Hedva? These children will die the moment they are released... and we both know that you know that."

Hedva lifted her head cautiously to look at Eian's eyes. It had been centuries since she last saw him but the Alpha still reasoned and ruled with the same collectedness as he had before. She would have argued if it was anyone else --even if it was that stupid Connor. But standing before her was the Original Wolf and despite the fact that he was about to destroy her life work, she had no right to argue. Besides... there was already a prototype cell implanted inside of her.

That would do.

"And what of us, Alpha?" she murmured.

Eian gave her one last look and then raised his gaze to the other Vampire scientists inside the lab.

"Because you have killed no one, I will spare all of you." He paused as he watched her rise to her knee. "But I need you to show us all out of here."

***

Just a few corridors away, Alex and Riley were about to break into one of the rooms labelled code blue.

"I can scent four Vampires," said Alex.

Riley nodded. "You calm the girl... she's human. I'll try to pacify the Vanguards." Once he punched in the keycodes, he turned to Alex once more. "If I'm not back in five, get her out first."

Alex grunted as a response as they both stepped into the white washed cell.

The first sound that greeted them was a shrill cry from a figure curled up on the bed at the corner of the room. Sensing the approaching guards, Alex quickly made his way closer to the girl.

He could scent her fear but more importantly, she was confused. The girl had developed some sort of Were senses but one look at her, Alex knew that she was a recently turned Vampire. This was no human nor was she a hybrid.

"It's alright," he whispered. "I'm here to free you..."

Her eyes -- wide red orbs kept staring at him but she made no effort to run or even attack him. Taking his chance, Alex moved closer to hold the girl in his arms. She felt so small against him; frail and probably weakened by the many intravenous drugs hanging by the side of her bed.

It angered him for he knew that the girl could not be more than sixteen. Even though he knew she was no Were, Alex tried his best to reach out to that wolf part in her to calm her down long enough to get them both out.

He felt her stiffen in his arms; her head turning to look at him in surprise.

Alex saw that the redness was gone. In its place were soft grey eyes staring at him.

"Help me..." she whispered before burying her face at the crook of his neck.

Holding onto her tight, Alex looked up; waiting for Riley's signal.

Riley still had three minutes left and though the Vanguards kept their eyes focused on Alex, they were listening to him. Whatever he was saying, it seemed to be working for they weren't attacking him or advancing towards Alex.

Alex only hoped that the Vanguards had enough loyalty to Riley so that they could enlist their help. There were still four more cells listed as code blue. It wasn't going to be easy but at least it wouldn't be as dangerous and as unpredictable as what Keona was going to expect.

***

Keona's heart was beating fast from the rush of adrenaline. Although she only had two rooms labelled under code red, she knew that she had to be prepared for the worst. When she entered the first room, there was nothing but the scent of death and the remains of what had been a Werewolf in human form.

She understood that they were condemned by the facility and basically were left to die, instead of being put to death to end their misery. Riley had said that it was to see how long they could survive but Keona just felt it was cruel.

She was still thinking about the situation as she punched in the keycodes, only to be attacked by the foul stench of rotting flesh when the doors opened. The intensity of the fumes almost choked her.

Keona could sense hunger, desperation and a desire for death radiating from the creature sprawled on the ground. She wasn't even sure if it was a male or female for the body was disfigured beyond recognition --almost as if it was caught midshift. Yet it wasn't a Werewolf for it bore no scent of one... but it wasn't a Vampire either.

Keona was still in shock that she hadn't noticed the creature looking straight up at her. However, she did sense the slight stir in the air and caught the bright grey eyes of the creature --eyes that seemed to cry for help. Without hesitation, Keona took a step forward and stopped.

Kill me...

She had heard it in her mind and knew in that instant that the creature was a Vampire for only pack wolves could hear each other.

"Let me help you," soothed Keona, trying to reach out to the creature.

Kill me!!!

The first attack took Keona by surprise and she jumped back barely in time to avoid a sharp claw intended to shred her face.

Standing guard, Keona kept her stance in a defensive mode instead of on offense for she was certain that the creature could still be saved. For every swipe to her left, Keona dodged a right, hoping that her opponent would give up... but she was wrong.

It only served to incense the creature for it let out a long howl and did the most unexpected thing -- it started to claw at itself; shredding fur and skin without a single ounce of pain or regret.

"No!" Keona screamed as she lunged forward to try and stop the creature from completely mutilating itself. She didn't wince even a bit when the creature's claws dug into her skin or when its fangs clamped precariously close to her neck artery. Still, Keona fought off the creature's suicidal attempts.

Kill me... please...

No! I can help you...

Briefly Keona thought she saw the creature smile.

No one can save me... kill me... while I still have this bit of humanity left... I beg you.

The creature seized Keona by the wrist and forced her hand to clamp around its throat.

At that point, Keona understood that there was no use in saving someone who had no desire to live... and the creature was right. We should die with as much human dignity that we have despite the genes that classify them all. And for her, a hybrid with no name, Keona agreed that she too would choose to die as much a human as this creature was begging to right now.

Closing her eyes, Keona let out a gentle, controlled breath as she extended her nails swiftly to behead the creature with as much mercy as she could... to at least make death painless.

When she opened her eyes, Keona managed to glimpse at a beautiful human face smiling at her before the ugliness of death took over; blood and flesh lying unmoving on the ground before her.

It broke her heart. How dare these people... deciding whose life was worth playing with and whose isn't.

Keona could feel rage fuelling her as she slammed a fist into the concrete wall to her side. She barely noticed the entire wall crumbling upon impact nor was she aware that the room was beginning to shake.

All she cared about was the fact that someone's child was lying dead on the floor and god knows countless others who have suffered the same fate. What if it had been Marine or one of the people she loved?

Just that thought alone pushed her over the edge --

The foundations of the room were starting to collapse under the invisible force radiating from Keona. She could feel anger consuming her but all she could think about was to destroy... destroy... kill... kill everything around her.

Storming out of the room, Keona focused only on destroying the entire floor; her energy causing swirls of fire streaking down the corridors. There was nothing humane about the look on her face anymore --but pure blood lust and fury.

***

Alex was helping their last code-blue victim out when he felt the walls start to shake. Glancing up, he saw that the roof was beginning to collapse from some sort of unknown quake.

"Riley! Get them out! I need to find Key."

Riley nodded as Alex rushed off, making his way through the rubble on the floor. He hadn't sensed an earthquake or anything of that magnitude to be causing such destruction. It was his mate instincts that told him that Keona was in trouble.

In his mind, he was picturing her trapped under some concrete block and it made him panic even more.

Key? He tried to call her in his mind but her reply seemed so... far away. As worry became his fore motivator, Alex broke into a run; searching the air frantically for either of their scents.

Water was leaking through the cracks in the walls and the electricity was cut off at certain sections of the corridor. Alex wasn't sure how long the building could last before the water pressure from outside became too much.

"Keona!" he called out, still searching desperately for her. Her scent was growing stronger and stronger but all that approached him was a mass of toxic fumes and blazing heat...

Alex had to remain in his position as the entire corridor was starting to implode -- walls crumbling, lights flickering, water bursting in from every possible crack and still, Keona's scent became too overpowering until...

Her laughter at the sight of him trashed and lying on his back...

The look of pure venom when he flipped her and caused her to lose the match...

It had been so long since he had scented this pure energy and scent of his mate that he had almost forgotten what it was like. "Keona! Please!" he yelled but nothing. The wolf in him began to panic. He had to get to the source of her anger --but what?

Then it dawned on to him when he saw that she was alone.

"We saved the rest, Key. They're all safe. We have to leave now, please..." he pleaded. "I can't live without you Keona."

That did it.

The emitting bursts of energy stopped immediately and he watched her collapse to her knees in tears.

"Oh Alex..." she wept.

***

At that same instant, Eian felt every fibre of him respond to his daughter's tears. Even while she was no where near him, he could sense her pain and his instinct went on hyper alert.

"She needs me," he whispered to Draven. "Get them all out here safely. That's an order."

"But Eian..." There was no point protesting for the Alpha was already gone in search of his daughter. Draven would have done the same if he had been in the same position and thus he understood.

"Hedva, show me the cameras along our exit route," said Draven. The Were was hesitant at first, seeing that he was a Vampire within a pack structure but a growl from Alaron made her rush to the computer.

Frowning, he studied the various possible routes and made up his mind.

"Alright. Get ready all of you. We're leaving."

***

Eian followed his senses --partly smell and partly instinct. A quick look around him told him that he had less than half an hour to get out of the facility. Riley and Alex must have been destroying the place floor by floor.

Or maybe not.

Keona... Alex...

Alex raised his head almost in alarm at the sound of his Alpha's voice. He wasn't expecting help but at the sight of Eian, the tracker wolf softened and held his mate a little closer.

"We have to get out of here Alex," said Eian, helping the two younglings to their feet. Eian was saying that but both males knew that the chances of them escaping was low for neither of them knew the nearest exit.

Keona used up too much energy breaking apart this section of the building... we have to carry her Alpha.

Eian merely nodded. He understood why Alex chose to speak mentally instead of out loud --Keona was sensitive about being helped and even at her exhausted state, she could still rebel.

"Let me. She won't argue," he stated simply; lifting her into his arms like the precious china that she was. "Come. We should try to find a way out."

We could go up to where I left Riley and the others. If they're still there, we could find a way out together. He knows this place better than us.

Very well.

The entire floor in front of them was empty, dark and deserted. Not a single Vanguard stood in their way but the chill of being watched lingered in the air. Water was starting to pool up to their knees but the trio pushed through; determined to return home.

There was an unspoken agreement between the two male Weres:

If it came down to either of them, Eian wanted Alex to return home with Keona, even if it meant leaving him behind. The younger Were wasn't too happy about it but it was a decision --an order --from his Alpha; one that he could not go against.

So instead of talking about it, Alex shifted their focus to what lay in ahead of them.

"I can scent the other four prisoners. Riley's trying to cloak them with his ability but he's not strong enough."

"Mmm... they smell... strange," said Eian.

Alex nodded as they trudged up the small flight of stairs. Water was rising to their waist level, slowing them down considerably.

"Riley!" he shouted, causing the ex-Vanguard to be on alert; his eyes red with pure focus.

"Oh," he whispered a sigh a relief at the sight of Alex, Keona and Eian, although a wary eye kept watch on the Alpha.

"Need help?" asked Alex with a smile. "Do you know the way out, Riley? Water's already consuming the floor beneath us. We have no other way but up."

As Alex took hold of two of the prisoners, Riley nodded and pointed to an air vent.

"That should lead us to the main circulating duct. But we have to hurry."

It was then that Keona stirred and spoke up; her voice soft and weak. "No... that route leads to a hatch that is way too small for a human... or a wolf. There has got to be another way," she said determinedly, getting to her feet to steady herself.

Riley looked at her and saw that her focus was on the four other prisoners and he understood that she wanted to be strong for them. It was solidarity between victims.

Thinking for a moment, Riley closed his eyes then opened them with a smile. "The lift."

"It's not working Riley. All electrical circuits have been compromised," said Keona.

"Who says we're taking the lift?"

"The elevator shaft," said Eian. "It goes straight to ground level and it's far away from the peripheral walls to be affected by the water pressure yet."

Riley nodded. "This way."

The group started towards the elevator; aware that water was starting to leak through the tiny cracks on the wall. There was no distinguishing who was a Vampire, Werewolf or hybrid anymore for each was helping the other to move as fast as they could to the lift landing.

As the main electrical line had been severed, Riley had to manually open the lift door by prying it apart. A quick look up made him sigh.

It was completely dark but his heightened sense of sight allowed him to see the two lines of stairs leading towards the top. Riley was unsure about Werewolf senses and he doubted that the four prisoners would be strong enough to climb up the lift shaft on their own.

"No, we'll each piggy back one of them," said Keona as though reading his mind --she probably did.

"Key... you're not strong enough," said Alex but he stopped when Eian shook his head.

Let her. We'll both be behind her should she fall back.

Riley went first. The feel of the young boy on his back added extra gravitational pull but he continued climbing; aware that he might be tired even before they reach the top. He estimated that they were at least fifteen floors beneath ground level.

Below him, he could hear Keona's soft but laboured breathing as she carefully took one step up at a time. She was carrying the lightest of the four but it didn't take much for anyone to know that she wasn't at her hundred percent.

They were probably half way up when they felt the first tremors in the elevator shaft. Everybody stopped for a minute; ears perked up and all senses on alert to take note of impending danger.

"Shit! Move, move!" yelled Alex who was the last of the group to ascend. "The water's rising!" It wasn't a fear of water that led him to panic but the fact that the water was touching open circuits, sending a charge of current through the rising tide that worried him.

Riley began climbing faster, ignoring the ache in his arms. There were at least seven more floors till the surface and they were running out of time.

Keona turned her head to look down and saw that the water was rising so fast that it was missing Alex inch by inch as he made his way up at a frantic speed. She knew that she had to do something, anything to give them more time.

Turning to the little girl perched on her back, she whispered, "Little one, I need you to climb up on your own for a little while. I promise I'll come back."

The girl's eyes widened but she nodded silently, moving her tiny hands to the bar for support.

"Keona! What do you think you're doing?!" Surprise and anger was in the Alpha's voice when he looked up and saw his daughter descending.

"I can try and stop the water. I need you to trust me."

"No! I don't..."

Keona closed her eyes and forced herself to 'push' the suggestion into both Eian and Alex's mind to continue without her. She hated to do it to the both men she loved but she had to. She watched as her father's eyes widen in anger at her defiance but his body was already moving according to her mental suggestion.




Pushing Boundaries Ch. 09



When they were a floor above her and safely away from the rising water, Keona turned her focus downwards and tried to freeze the top layer of water; hoping that it would slow down its speed.

A quick look up confirmed that Riley was nearing the ground floor while Eian and Alex were two or three floors away. Giving one final blast of energy, Keona froze as much water as she could --aware that by doing so, she was putting pressure on the water beneath the solid ice to start chipping away at the shaft's foundation.

Satisfied that she bought them a few more minutes of grace, Keona continued up the flight of stairs; catching up with the others and helping the little girl by carrying her once more. She vaguely heard Riley's yelp of joy as he made it out to safety and then sensed her father's relief at breathing fresh air once more.

But Keona was growing weary. While she could hear Alex urging her to go on, she could feel her body growing weaker by the second. Still, she pushed on until Alex was finally out through the lift opening and she could see the stream of moonlight not too far from reach.

She felt Alex reaching forward to lift the little girl from her back and for that one moment when she was all alone in that lift shaft, Keona felt tears threatening to fall.

It was finally over...

As she reached out a hand to clasp around Alex's wrist, a violent tremor from within the shaft caused her to lose her balance; losing her grip on the bars of the ladder and falling backwards as the walls around her started to collapse.

"Keona! No!" Without thinking, Alex jumped in after her; his only thought to be with his mate, the woman he would rather die with than live without.

"Alex!"

Whatever happened next appeared to be a blur for neither Eian nor Riley was in time to catch Alex but they felt a strong gust of wind moving past them and into the crumbling tunnel of doom.

And then a second later there they were on the patch of grass in front of everyone; clutched around Marine's arms --Alex in one hand, Keona in the other.

"Marine..." Riley wept at the sight of her. In that final moment, he really thought that the two new friends that he had made were really going to die... after all that they had gone through. If Marine had not been quicker, their lives would have been lost for the lift shaft was destroyed completely. All that he could see through the lift opening were rubbles of concrete.

The Alpha was already on his knees, pulling his only daughter into his arms --to hold her for just a little while more. He had brought her into this world and he had no intentions of letting her die before him.

"Daddy... I'm alright... really," she whispered; her face buried at the side of his neck.

"It is... everything's alright now," he whispered back before letting her go slowly. Looking up, Eian saw that the others were gathered around them now:

Mike with Kendall, Riley, Marine and Alaron, Draven, Dominic, Hedva and her team of scientists, the victims of experiments and finally, Alex, Keona and himself.

"It's time to go home now."

This chapter in their lives was over now. Whatever lies in the future... they'll face it when it comes.

****

THE END