Storiesonline.net ------- The Artist's Dragon by Eon Copyright© 2005 by Eon ------- Description: Drake Saint-Angelus is on the run from terrible events in his past which he cannot even remember. Alanna Wolfe remembers her past, and struggles daily to face it. When her brother Alastair sees a picture she drew that looks just like Drake, he introduces the two of them. But no one was expecting the passion that would ignite between them. Together they'll overcome fear, enjoy love, and take on two scheming blondes. Codes: MF FF slow rom 1st cons bi het safe oral mastrb pett toys ------- ------- Chapter One: Beginnings It was the same dream. The same horrible dream that plagued him every night of his life, for as long as he could remember. What made it so horrible was that he saw nothing. All he could hear was terrified screaming, pleading, a high, scared voice begging him to stop. When he awoke from it he was tangled in his sheets, covered in sweat from head to toe, and shaking. Drake Saint-Angelus leaned against the window of his apartment, grateful for the cold glass against his skin. How he hated that dream. It was based on memory... sort of. Based on a memory that he didn't have. If it weren't for the evidence, he would have insisted he was innocent. As it was, Drake believed he was guilty. He felt guilty. It had never happened again, he'd never wanted to do it again, but he was always wary about what could happen. He didn't want another dream from something he couldn't remember. The sun wasn't up yet. It was a bit too early, but Drake got out of bed anywhere. He pulled on a pair of jeans that lay in a heap on the bed and wandered into the mini-kitchen. Dirty dishes would be piled on the counters if it weren't for the fact that empty frozen dinner boxes were piled there instead. Drake put a kettle on the stove, on the back burner which was the only one that worked, then shoveled some instant coffee into a mug. He had to be on his toes today. He had an interview... of sorts. He didn't much like using his training for this sort of thing, but he was new in town. Drake needed to make some money fast, and this would be the way. Besides, if Alastair Wolfe was who he thought he was, he might be able to help. When he'd been very young Drake had been part of a group of young, hard to handle kids that had spend time with one Gabriel Wolfe. He would like to see him again; maybe he could help him figure out what to do about his dreams. Drake drank his coffee. He took one of those frozen breakfast sandwiches from the freezer and heated it up; he had to eat, after all. Even if the thing was gross and loaded with sodium. He worked that off easily in a single day. Still, he was distracted, making it difficult to eat. Drake wondered if Alastair was anything like his father. At first he'd hated Gabriel, but as he got older, as he went through the things he did, he looked back and admired the man. After finishing breakfast he took a shower and got dressed. After so many years it was easy to put his hair into the loose braid he always wore it in. Thick and black, it hung down to the small of his back. Some people didn't get it. Drake couldn't even remember the amount of times some ignorant jerk had called him a fag just because his hair was long. Which is kinda odd, he thought, as he headed out of his apartment. Cause every female I know tells me I desperately need Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. It was true that he was far from the most tidy person in the world. The only thing he kept clean was the motorcycle he rode. And as far as he was concerned, it was so much easier than cleaning a whole car. But no AC or heat, Drake thought, pulling on his helmet. Maybe one of these days I should invest in a car. He just didn't have the money. Gas and insurance prices were outrageous. He could barely afford to rent a hole in the wall right now. Of course, he hadn't been better off before coming here, either. Drake had been living in California for awhile. He'd gone there to get away from his family. Now he was back in town, but still trying to avoid them. His father had never believed he was innocent, and his mother... well, it was just easier not to see her. Her half of the family accepted him, at least. The place he was going was downtown. It was a strip joint. Drake would never have even considered it, despite the money one could make, if he hadn't heard that it was run by Alastair Wolfe. And he hoped he could find something else quickly, because he wasn't at all fond of the idea. But I don't have first month's rent, Drake thought, as he parked his motorcycle in the mostly empty lot. And I need it soon or I'll be out on my ass. His landlord was a goddamn prick. There was another motorcycle in the lot, a Ducati. If he remembered correctly, Gabriel had always shown up on one. The children in his group had always thought it was so cool. I suppose that might just be where I got it from, Drake thought, securing his helmet on the back of the bike and heading inside. Of course, coulda been Hawk, too. He always had that influence on me. The inside of the club was dim and mostly empty. Chair were up on tables. There were two people, a man and a woman, sitting on the stage. They were eating donuts and looking through papers. The man had long, dark hair and bore a striking resemblance to Gabriel Wolfe. Must be Alastair, Drake thought. And the woman must be his fiancé that I read about. She also had dark hair, though shorted than Alastair's. And she was dead gorgeous, too. "Excuse me?" Drake called. Alastair looked up, blinking in surprise. "Yes?" "I'm here for the uh... interview," Drake answered. "I know I'm a little early..." "And a little dreamy!" Sada exclaimed, bouncing down off the stage. Alastair caught the back of her shirt and hauled her back. She shrieked, laughing as she landed in his lap. He kept her in place easily with one arm around her waist, and lifted a cup of coffee to his lips with his free hand. They looked good together, Drake noticed. He stepped forward through the tables and put on a smug grin, folding his arms across his chest and lifting his eyebrows. "Only a little dreamy?" Drake asked. Sada giggled. Alastair rolled his eyes, keeping a tight grip on her. "Back off, hotshot. You're here for a reason." "Come on, let me go," Sada complained, wriggling from his grip. "Someone's got to judge whether he's a good choice, and baby, you're not a great judge of men." Drake watched as she approached. She had brilliant green eyes that were absolutely lovely and a kind, if slightly teasing, smile. The ways she studied him was speculative, professional, nothing more. I bet she has eyes for no one else, he thought, glancing at her from the corner of his eye as she lifted his braid. And I can see why he'd want to marry her. "Your hair is even longer than Alastair's," Sada commented. "Is that a problem?" Drake asked, raising his eyebrows. "Nooo," Sada answered, her eyes widening. "I'm just surprised..." Drake grinned. "My mother has Native American blood... Navajo. I spent quite a bit of time with them. They're pretty traditional... I started wearing my hair like this when I was little and I haven't stopped." "Cool," Sada said, grinning. She headed back to the stage and sat next to Alastair. He handed her a donut and she nibbled on it as she watched. Drake sighed. "Am I supposed to take my clothes off?" he asked. "Just the shirt," Alastair responded, hardly looking up. "Sada judges that part, not me." Drake tugged his shirt off and hooked it through the belt loop on his jeans. "What part do you judge?" "Well," Alastair said, looking up. "I guess I judge whether or not you've got talent. But Sada ends up making the final decisions. Just show us what you can do." Drake sighed. He didn't really feel comfortable with this. There wasn't even any music. Closing his eyes, he imagined the sound of drums, like when he spent time with his mother's family. It helped, at least. He had a style that was influenced by tribal dance, not just Native American, but a bit of African he'd studied for awhile some years back. Drake loved to dance, actually, and in a way he kind of liked the idea of having a job in which he could do so. If it was only minus the stripping. "Hey, hold up!" Sada called. Drake stopped and turned around. She hopped off the stage, licking white powder sugar from her fingers, and walked over. Sada signaled for him to turn, and he did. He felt her hand against his back and it made him jump slightly. Half turning, he glanced over his shoulder at her. "Love the tattoo," Sada said, grinning. "And the dancing." She turned to look at Alastair. "I like this one, sweetie. I think he's a keeper." Alastair sighed. "If you say so. So, tell us your name, then." "Drake," Drake answered. "Drake Saint-Angelus." "Ooo," Sada cooed. "That's a sexy name." Drake nearly blushed. Her soft touch was kind of arousing, and that bothered him. The tattoo she spoke of was a dragon that dominated most of his back. A firedrake. He'd gotten it because of his name, and because he thought it as cool. Sada's hands braced his shoulders and turned him around to face Alastair. She was shorter than him, and had to stand on her toes to see over his shoulder. "A dragon," Sada said, grinning. "Drake Saint-Angelus, the dragon prince." Alastair rolled his eyes. "Lame!" "Lamer than the big bad Wolfe?" Sada demanded, jumping out from behind Drake and advancing on Alastair. Drake watched, fighting a smile, as she pounced on Alastair. He wondered if she worked with him all the time, or only when he was hiring. She must be a real handful, he thought, pulling his shirt back on. I bet he gets real jealous every time she so much as look as another guy. Sada seemed a little flirty, but it was just her personality. Drake knew quite a few girls who were outgoing that way. Alastair finally got control of the situation. He had both of Sada's wrists clamped together, holding them easily with one hand. She struggled and fussed, but couldn't get free of his grip. Alastair stood up, pulling her with him. Actually, she went along willingly, despite her complaining, Drake noticed. "All right, my little dancer seems to like you," Alastair said. "So you've got yourself a job, at least for now. Turn out to be a problem and out you go." "Problem?" Drake asked, raising his eyebrows. "No drugs. No drinking," Alastair explained. "Not here. You also do not sleep with any of the girls and if by some chance you do, I'd better not hear about it. Got it?" Drake nodded. He decided that he might want to wait to ask Alastair about his father. Perhaps sometime when Sada wasn't there, making him possessive. I need some time, anyway, Drake thought, pushing back loose strands of hair. I have to think about... about what to say. What advice to ask for. There was just so much and it was so hard to explain. Especially since he hardly understood it himself. "Hey, Drake, wait a second." Startled, Drake turned around to face Alastair. "Something wrong?" "You didn't look too comfortable doing that," Alastair said. "You don't seem the type to go for this sort of job. Wanna tell me what's up?" Drake took a deep breath. He could see Sada sitting on the stage, watching curiously. The last thing he wanted was to explain himself. His situation did get rather complicated, after all. "Hard for me to find a job," Drake responded shortly. "And I need the first month's rent for my shithole like... yesterday. It's only temporary." Alastair simply nodded, looking speculative. Maybe I shouldn't have said that, Drake thought, suddenly worried. Would he hire me if he thought I was going to split right away? Not that he really, truly wanted this job. He just knew that he had the chance to make enough in a couple nights to pay his greedy landlord. If he could get on his feet, he would have the opportunity to look for some place... some place else... that wasn't going to do a background check. "What do you normally do?" Alastair asked. "I'm a mechanic, when I can find a job," Drake replied. "But even if I could find one, it doesn't pay enough to cover in a few days time." Alastair smiled. "Oh, I don't know about that. I know someone who would hire you... no questions asked. If he likes you, he might even put you up. I can give you his number, if you'd like." "I'd appreciate that," Drake sighed, feeling relieved. "I um... didn't mean to waste your time." "Not at all," Alastair said. "Actually, you have some talent. There's something I'd like to talk to you about. Why don't you come sit with us for a bit? And then I'll get you in touch with that person I told you about." Drake grinned faintly. He's just as good as his father, he thought. Even if I was a little jerk and hated Gabriel, back then. He was suddenly glad he'd decided to come see about this job after all. Now he had the opportunity to find work and a place to stay, at least for awhile. And maybe if he could keep his past from leaking out, he could even make some friends. ------- "Whatcha drawin'?" Alanna glanced up, startled. She hadn't heard Bea come in; she'd been too focused on her drawing. This man she drew so often was the man of her dreams, so to speak. Tall, sleek body, black hair that coiled down to the floor in a thick braid, a gorgeous, elegant face, tan skin. He was stretched out beneath a blanket. On the dais behind him a large, fierce looking dragon was drawn. Alanna set the pad down and leaned back against Bea as she put her arms around her. "My prince," Alanna explained. "A man who can't possibly exist." "A dragon," Bea mused. "How beastly! I wouldn't think you'd be into that, Lonnie." Alanna looked up at Bea. Bea was her best friend in the whole world. She was a petite, shapely red-head with a wild streak miles long. Turning, Alanna set her sketchpad down and stretched out on the floor. "I should never have given you a key," she teased. "I got my own place for privacy, after all." "Hiding, you mean?" Bea asked, stretching out beside her. "Lonnie, sweetie... you're getting worse." Alanna sighed. She absolutely hated it when Bea did this. It wasn't entirely true, after all. Yes, all right, she thought, it's true I haven't really healed. But it's not like I'm not trying. That had really been the point of moving out of her parents' house. To get some independence and some space. Alanna had only been here a short time, though, and she wasn't fully adjusted yet. "You only let your family touch you," Bea said quietly, running her fingers along Alanna's cheek. "And me. You need something more." Alanna rolled her eyes. "I'm just fine, Bea. Believe me." "You long for something more," Bea said, kissing the curve of her ear gently. "I know you do. You know how I feel about you... I'd keep you if I could." Alanna sat up abruptly and gazed down at Bea. The red-head stretched out beneath her, grinning. Rolling her eyes, Alanna stood up and flopped down on the bed. She glared down at Bea and reached out, tugging at a strand of her hair. "If you feel so strongly about me why were you sleeping with my brother?" she demanded, in mock fury. "'Were' being the operative word," Bea shot back, grinning. "He's got Xandri now. Lucky prick." "And what would you do if I did find a man to love?" Alanna asked. Bea stood up and climbed onto the bed. "Be happy for you. Lonnie, we're best friends and we have a casual relationship, but it's never been more than that. No matter how much I tease you." "I know," Alanna said, reaching up and pulling Bea down on top of her. "We lick each other's wounds." "Among other things," Bea said, her grin broadening. Alanna laughed, tossing her head back against the pillows. It felt really good to laugh. She put her arms around Bea, pulling her more firmly against herself. Bea kissed her, softly at first, then with gently nipping teeth and the pressure of her tongue. A hand slid beneath her shirt, fingertips running across her skin lightly. Alanna squeaked, pulling back. "That tickles!" she exclaimed. Bea laughed. "You big baby!" "Am not!" Alanna pouted. Bea rolled her eyes, then began tickling her. Shrieking loudly, Alanna tried to scramble away. They both tumbled to the floor. She tried to get away, but her friend was faster, grabbing her around the waist and dragging her close. Laughing, she kicked and struggled, trying to break Bea's grip. Although Alanna was the taller of the two, Bea was definitely the tougher. "All right, that's it!" Alanna said, feigning anger. "I'm leaving you!" "You can't leave me! We're not together!" Bea shot back, tickling her again. "You little bitch!" Alanna laughed, trying to grab Bea's fingers and pull them away. Every time she managed to get one hand free, she lost track of the other. They tumbled around on the floor until they were both out of breath, then sprawled out. Alanna lay on her belly, her arms folded beneath her head, staring at the picture she'd drawn. Over the years she'd drawn tons of them, and she couldn't help the odd feeling that he was someone she remembered, rather than someone she'd made up. "He really is gorgeous," Bea commented, leaning against her back. "I'm glad to see you interested..." "Oh... well... he's special," Alanna said, trailing her finger along the surface of the paper. "I've got so many drawings of him... I started drawing them when I was about thirteen. Someone to protect me..." "I never knew that," Bea murmured, running her fingers through Alanna's hair. "I hadn't even met you then..." "It was a year or so after that," Alanna reminded her. "Because you were there the day I turned fifteen." "I know," Bea said quietly, grinning. "Remember what I gave you for your birthday?" "The strangest experience of my short life," Alanna responded, turning over and putting her arms around Bea. "I should have kicked you out as soon as you started kissing me." Bea's hands slid up to her wrists, catching them firmly and pinning them above her head. Their mouths met for a brief second. Alanna laughed softly against Bea's mouth, giving her a slightly push. The red-head sat up, straddling her hips, and grinned. "You know you love it," Bea said, her eyes alight with mischief. It was perhaps a strange relationship the two of them had. Yet it had worked for a lot of years, because neither of them had wanted something to commit to. It was only recently, watching first her brother Alastair, then her brother Quinn, find someone special that made Alanna start to wonder. Even if she felt that way about Bea, the wild red-head was simply not the settle down type. As it was, their relationship was the closest emotional one she'd ever had. I guess, she thought, sighing heavily. I guess I'm wondering if I have it in me to trust anyone enough... if not Bea, who I've known for so long, then who? ------- Chapter Two: The New Dancer Alastair was feeling especially good. His stomach was full; dinner had been his mother's famous lasagna, and that always left him pleasantly stuffed. He walked out into the living room, where the family was gathered. His eyes went immediately to Sada, who was sitting next to Quinn's girlfriend, Xandri. The two of them had their heads together and were looking through some of the photos Xandri had taken of Quinn and Alastair. His mother and father were curled up on the couch, sticking M&Ms into clumps of cookie batter spread out on a tray. It always amazed him how they did everything together but hardly ever argued. Even he and Sada argued at least once a week. Small, silly little things that usually sprang from simple discussions and ended in rousing make-up sex. Alastair grinned to himself, pausing behind the chair on which his sister, Alanna, was sitting. "Whatcha drawing, Lonnie?" Alastair asked, leaning forward for a closer look. He paused, frowning. The sketch she was doing struck him as oddly familiar for some reason. Something about the facial features and the long, dark hair. And that tattoo, Alastair thought. That looks like... well, it looks kinda like Drake. There were some differences, but for the most part it looked like him. Alanna looked up at him, a faint smile touching the corners of her mouth. "Just a sketch," she replied. "Where'd you meet him?" Alastair wanted to know. Alanna blinked. "Meet him? Don't I wish! He's just something I dreamed up." Alastair opened his mouth to reply, then hesitated. If that's true, he thought, frowning, then she's never actually met Drake. Now this was interesting. He moved out from behind the chair so he could stand in front of her and look down. Alanna had gone back to her drawing, but she looked up, her eyebrows raising curiously. "We've got a new dancer in the troupe," Alastair told her. "Why don't you come to practice tomorrow?" "Ooo, really?" Alanna perked up. "Could I bring Bea, too? She keeps bugging me to see you guys dance." Alastair laughed. "Sure. The more the merrier." She'd been kind of down lately, he'd noticed. He was glad he'd found something to cheer her up. Alastair settled down in the chair across from her, feeling completely satisfied with himself. We're all so happy, after all, he thought, reaching down and resting his hand on Sada's shoulder. Alanna should be happy too. Not that he knew much about Drake, but he seemed like a good guy. And besides, he was just going to introduce them; it wasn't like they were getting betrothed. ------- Alanna slid out of the passenger's seat of Bea's car, tucking her sketchpad under her arm. The parking lot still needed a bit of work, but the building her brother had bought to house his dance troupe was looking good. A new coat of paint, a new roof, and a serious scrubbing on the windows had worked wonders on the outside. Hooking arms with Bea, they headed inside. Much of the building was taken up by the dance area, which was absolutely huge, and floored in hard wood. The walls were lined with mirrors. At one end of the room there was several rows of chairs, enough for a few viewers to attend, but not a huge crowd. Not yet at least, Alanna thought, smiling. Alastair is doing a fantastic job here. On the other side of the room was a door the led to the changing rooms. Each troupe member had a small, private area all their own. Until now, Alastair hadn't had a full troupe. "There you two are!" Alastair was coming towards them. He was dressed to dance, in the leather pants he always wore, which were so worn they were as soft as cotton, and a plain black tank top. There were a few of the other dancers already out on the floor warming up, and looking over Alastair's shoulder, Alanna could see more of them coming out of the back room. Sada was also here, sitting near the door into the back room beside a pile of towels and a bunch of water bottles. She had a clipboard in her lap and a pen behind her ear; she ran a lot more of the show than people realized. "Fashionably late," Bea responded, grinning. "You're looking delicious as always, Alastair." Alastair rolled his eyes. "Hello, Bea. Mind you keep your hands to yourself, okay?" "Awww," Bea pouted. "But I can already see such yummy guys... you're no fair." "I'll make sure she behaves," Alanna assured her brother. "So, where's this new dancer of yours?" "You'll see," Alastair replied, grinning. "Why don't you two go have a seat with Sada?" "All right, special seating!" Bea cheered, already heading in the direction. Alanna laughed. She exchanged a slightly exasperated look with her brother, then followed Bea. Sada glanced up briefly as they approached and smiled, then went back to whatever it was she was looking at. And so she and Bea sat on the other side of the pile of towels, leaning against the wall. More dancers came out of the back room, until almost all of them were out on the floor. The new one makes twelve, Alanna thought. The door opened a final time. She looked up, curious to see this new dancer. Already her sketchpad was open. What she saw took a moment to register in her mind. The long black hair was not as long, although it was still down to the middle of his back. The face wasn't quite as elegant, being slightly more angular and rugged. The nose was a bit longer and the eyes a bit darker. But Alanna would recognize her dragon prince anywhere. Bea was staring at her, but she wasn't paying attention to that. She watched the fluid, easy movements of the new dancer as he stepped out on the floor and began warming up. Her heart was pounding so loudly that she was afraid he might hear it. And her pulse roared in her ears. He's even more gorgeous in real life, Alanna thought, swallowing hard. I need a drink... As if she was reading her mind, Bea handed over a bottle of water. "Who is he?" Bea asked Sada. "The new guy." "Drake Saint-Angelus," Sada replied, looking up from her clipboard and grinning. "Even his name is sexy!" Bea exclaimed, glancing at Alanna. "Lonnie..." "I know," Alanna said quietly. "I know." She couldn't take her eyes off him. He was so graceful. Not quite as muscular or as tall as Alastair, but the two of them looked good dancing next to one another. Normally Alanna loved watching all the dancers, but she had eyes only for Drake tonight. This is insane, she thought, biting her lip. How could I possibly draw someone who really exists? Had she met him before, and she just didn't remember? It didn't seem possible to not remember him. "He actually was looking into a job at the strip joint," Sada was saying. "Although he didn't look happy about it. Alastair thinks he probably has something in his past that makes it hard to get a job." Alanna glanced at her sharply. "Something like what?" "Dunno," Sada said, shrugging. "Probably nothing that we'd think is a big deal, but others might. Like theft or something. Something he used to do but doesn't now." "That doesn't bother you?" Bea asked. "It doesn't bother me," Alanna said, turning back to watch Drake. "People do stupid things when they're younger, but it doesn't mean they'll keep doing it." Perhaps she was a bit biased. After all, he looked like her prince. But she could see exactly what Alastair must have been thinking. There was something very quiet and unobtrusive about Drake's demeanor. Alanna got the feeling that he was sure of himself in most things, but didn't like flaunting himself. It's in the way he dances, she thought, burning the images into her mind. The ones who are cocky really show it when they dance... especially Alastair. Her brother was a show off. He jumped higher than the other dancers and did more physical, acrobatic moves. It was Alastair who showed them how to do the things they didn't know, where to stand in the line-up, and how to avoid running into each other. It really amazed Alanna how well things came together... at least usually. At the moment she was rather amazed by Drake. "Need a towel, Lonnie?" Bea asked, nudging her gently. "Shut up," Alanna shot back. "I'm trying to watch this." Bea laughed. "Yes ma'am!" Once she'd gotten over her initial shock, she was able to make herself watch more of the performance. Drake hadn't been with the troupe for very long but he was already fitting in very well. Alanna's fingertips itched and burned, but she didn't want to stop watching in order to pick up her sketchpad. Not just yet. Not until the rehearsal was over. It seemed to finish far too soon. For a moment, as Drake turned to head back into the backroom, his eyes caught hers. Alanna couldn't read his expression. She couldn't break her gaze away from his, either. For a long moment she couldn't breathe, couldn't move, couldn't think. Then Drake turned away and disappeared with the rest of the dancers into the backroom. Alanna leaned back against the wall with a heavy sigh. "So, what did you think?" Alastair asked, coming to a halt in front of them. He was grinning broadly. "You are an asshole," Alanna answered, scowling at him. "You knew!" Alastair crouched in front of her and reached out, ruffling her hair. "Come on. It was such a weird coincidence, I couldn't help it. Would you like to meet him?" Alanna blinked, surprised. Usually her brother didn't want her anywhere near any of the dancers. He'd made it quite clear that they were not allowed to touch her. Sometimes I'm grateful for my overbearing brother, she thought, smiling to herself. Even though he's overprotective, he cares about me. She set her sketchpad aside and reached out, tugging Alastair's hair. "I'd love to," Alanna said, echoing his grin with one of her own. ------- I'm lucky I didn't fall on my face, Drake thought, as he pulled on a fresh t-shirt. Amazing how distracting one woman can be. Having Sada around had never bothered him, and she was gorgeous. And the red-head who'd been here today would have been enough to floor any man, but it wasn't her, either. She wasn't as pretty as those two, Drake thought, but she seemed to glow. And those amazing blue eyes had been on him the whole time he'd been dancing. Yes, very distracting indeed. He wasn't about to hang around with the other guys while they talked, either. Tifo expected him to be awake bright and early to do some extra work on a car that was only a few steps away from totaled. Drake was so grateful for the job and place to stay; there was no way he was going to blow it this time. "Hey, Drake!" one of the dancers, Jordan, called out to him. Jordan was Tifo's son and the only one of the other dancers he really knew at all. "Mom said you'd better not miss dinner tonight." Drake grinned slightly. "I haven't missed a meal yet. Even though I keep telling her there's no need to cook for me." "Well, you know mom," Jordan said, shrugging. "I'm gonna hang around here for a little bit. Tell her I'll be home in time." Drake nodded. Jordan was a mix of his father and his mother, having his father's short, muscular, compact body and his mother's blond hair, which he wore long on top and shaved on the sides. Like his father he had a mustache and trimmed goatee, which he said was a counter to the long lashes he'd inherited from his mother. Drake liked him well enough, but he knew better than to get too close to anyone. He settled his duffle bag on his shoulder and headed out of the backroom. Alastair was out there, standing with his fiancé and the other two women, gesturing expansively around the room. Drake figured he'd just sneak on by, but he couldn't help looking, just once. The blue-eyed woman was slender, small but not as short as the other two. Her hair was long and straight, brown with streaks of honey gold, and it looked as fine as silk. He hadn't looked at a woman in years; why was he suddenly so intrigued by this one? "Hey Drake!" Alastair called suddenly, making him wince. "Come over here! I want you to meet someone!" Drake sighed and made his way over, reluctantly. The little group turned to face him as he approached. He noticed that the blue-eyed woman held a sketchpad and she was looking at him, although it was from beneath her lashes. The red-head had no problem staring at him. Alastair put one arm around Sada and the other around the blue-eyed woman. "I'd like you to meet my sister, Alanna," Alastair explained, nudging her forward. "Alanna, this is Drake Saint-Angelus." "Nice to meet you," Alanna said softly, smiling and offering her hand. Drake took her hand cautiously, feeling very uncertain. "Nice to meet you too..." She had such a nice, soft hand. Small, delicate, with long, slender fingers. And she looked straight at him, her blue eyes warm and gentle. Drake pulled his hand away, forcing himself not to wipe it on his jeans. It wasn't that he disliked her touch; he liked it far too much. There is no way I'll let this happen again, he thought, trying to ignore the hurt and confusion in her eyes. Not to someone with a smile like that. "I uh... can't be late for dinner," Drake said quietly, looking away. "Callie will string me up by my toes." Alastair laughed. "Well, then, since you already know about insistent women, you'll be joining us for dinner next Friday." "Wait... what?" Drake stared at him. "Oh, I can't, um..." "Please?" Alanna asked, smiling slightly. "There's always seven of us now. I'd feel better if it was eight." "Um... okay," Drake replied, blinking. "I really should... go..." Well, when the hell did I become a pushover? Drake wondered, watching those lovely blue eyes. I didn't know I was a shy, stumbling idiot. How was he going to eat a whole dinner with those eyes on him? He turned away and started to leave. As he was walking out of the building he realized that someone was following him. Drake glanced over his shoulder and saw Alanna. "Can I help you with something?" Drake asked, trying to keep his voice neutral. He took the straps off his helmet, and strapped his duffle bag in its place. "I just wanted to give you something," Alanna answered quietly. "I um... I'm an artist... I was just sketching but... here..." She handed him a folded up piece of paper, then turned and fled back into the building. Drake stood there for a moment, staring after her, then tucked the paper into his duffle bag. He pulled on his helmet, got on his bike, and was on his way... well, it wasn't home exactly. Tifo and Callie did their best to make him feel comfortable, but he looked forward to the day when he could get his own place. The house was brightly lit when he got there. Even though it was Callie who commanded him and Jordan to be home for dinner, it was usually Tifo who was making it. He was in the kitchen now, humming off-key as he stirred something bubbling on the stove. Smells good, Drake thought, pausing for a second. Amazing that a tough guy like that does the cooking here. "Hey," Drake called softly. Tifo turned, grinning. "Well, look who's home. Where's the boy?" "The boy" was what Tifo always called Jordan. Even though Jordan was a little bit taller than him. Drake shook his head and grinned back. "He'll be here," he replied. "He's just hanging out with the guys. I'm going up to my room." "Don't forget about dinner," Tifo called after him as he headed up the stairs. Drake headed up the stairs, down the hall, and up another set of stairs. The attic of the house had been turned into a nice, cozy loft. It was carpeted, and there was a small couch and T.V. in the living area, a full-sized bed in the bedroom, and a small table and two chairs in the kitchen. Drake really liked it; he just wished it was his own place, rather than someone else's. It was later, after dinner, that he remembered the folded up piece of paper Alanna had handed him. Drake stared at his duffle bag, which sat on the kitchen table, as he stripped out of his clothes. He was down to his boxers when he finally decided to take a look. Grabbing the paper from his bag, he dropped down on the bed and unfolded it. It's me, Drake thought, his eyes widening in amazement. It was just a sketch, but it was the most amazing sketch he'd ever seen. It was him, leaping into the air. The expression on his face was one of such bliss that it startled him. Is that what I look like when I dance? Drake wondered. At the bottom of the drawing, in neat, small handwriting, was the name 'Alanna Wolfe'. He closed the picture and set it aside, then dropped back on the bed. Alanna Wolfe. For the first time in six years a woman was haunting him in a way that wasn't exactly bad. It worried him, though, that he was so consumed by her. I will not let this happen again, Drake thought, I will not! He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to ignore the way his body tightened. The image of her in his mind wasn't exactly sexual, but it was enough to turn him on. And now he would be having dinner with her family. This is bad, he thought, bringing his hands up to cover his face. This is really, really bad. Because despite his usual caution, Drake really wanted to go. Six years was a long time to close out everyone he knew. He liked Alastair and Sada, he wanted to meet Gabriel and the rest of the family. And you want to see her again, a small voice in the back of his head whispered. You want to see those beautiful blue eyes and that warm, gentle smile again. ------- Chapter Three: Dinner With the Wolfe Family Gabriel had been a little surprised when Alastair had told him they were having a dinner guest, but that was not what had made him cranky. He'd been somewhat taken aback when Alanna had told him that she'd decided to invite Bea along to dinner, but that was not what had him so put out. It was the letter he held that made Gabriel so uneasy. And the way Aislinn stared at him intently from her seat at the kitchen table. "So, what is it?" Aislinn asked. "A letter," Gabriel hedged, not wanting in the least little bit to tell her the contents of the letter. Aislinn rolled her eyes. "Come off it, Gabriel. We've been married too long for that. Who is it from?" "My cousin," Gabriel told her. He winced at the expression on her face. Gabriel had told her once, after the twins were born, about his family. Most of them had already been dead when his parents had died, but one uncle still lived. He'd wanted nothing to do with Gabriel or his sister, Mary. One child sucking the money out of him was enough, he'd said. And years later, after his uncle had died, and he'd tried to contact his cousin, he found out that he'd been pretty much disowned. Aislinn had thrown a fit when she'd heard that. He'd never mentioned it again. "And what does that pompous, over-stuffed prick want?" Aislinn demanded. "It's his lawyer, actually," Gabriel said softly. "He and his wife are dead. They died in a car accident." Aislinn's expression changed to one of horror and worry. Since his parents had died in a car accident, he knew she must be thinking about how this made him feel. Smiling, Gabriel walked over to where she sat and settled on the floor, resting his head on her lap. When she buried her fingers in his hair, he groaned and pressed his face against her thigh. The years had done nothing to diminish his desire for her. "His two youngest children are only seventeen, still in high school," Gabriel went on. "A boy and a girl, fraternal twins. And well... apparently they're coming to us." Aislinn's eyes widened. "Why can't their older sibling take care of them?" "Siblings," Gabriel corrected, smiling wryly. "My cousin had six children. Apparently in his will, he leaves their care to me, rather than one of his older children. Why, I couldn't begin to tell you." "Well, they must be contesting it," Aislinn said. "I can't imagine they'd just allow their brother and sister to go to people they hardly know and have no doubt heard nothing good about." "Oh, they're contesting it, all right," Gabriel assured her. "In the meantime, Elijah and Sydney Wolfe are being sent to us. They'll be here in two weeks." "Nice of them to ask us," Aislinn huffed, rolling her eyes. Gabriel sighed. This doesn't make a lot of sense, he thought, looking down at the paper again. The only thing I can think of is that Ethan heard about the Wolfe family fortune and decided he wanted his kids to go to someone with money. The oldest of Ethan's children, Ethan Jr. (Unfortunate luck, that, Gabriel thought wryly) was only a little older than Alanna and just out of college. It would be just like his cousin to search for someone with money. Or more accurately, his wife, a rich woman who'd married a poor man and never been satisfied with her life. Gabriel pulled a photograph from the envelope. All six of his cousin's children were in the picture, standing next to each other. They all had the dark hair and eyes that marked the members of his family. The boys were tall, even Elijah, and they all looked fairly similar. The two girls couldn't have been more different. According to the back of the picture the tall, elegant one was Sydney, which meant that the petite, adorable girl standing next to her was Bailey, the older sister. Sydney was slender and Bailey, while not fat, had a heart-shaped face and a pleasantly full figure. "Good Lord, Gabriel!" Aislinn exclaimed. She was studying the picture. "Are all the men in your family drop-dead gorgeous?" Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Don't start that. I've got enough to worry about without you getting all gaga over the male members of my family." "No worries, love," Aislinn said, leaning down and resting her head on his. "You're the only one I've ever wanted." "I'm glad you feel that way, sweetheart," Gabriel said, reaching up and putting his arms around her. "Because I can't say no. Until this gets sorted out, we'll have to take them." Aislinn pulled back and smiled down at him. He knew that smile. He'd seen it so many times over their wonderful years together. She would help him through anything. Gabriel took her hands in his and brought them to his mouth, kissing her palms softly. He could feel the corners of his mouth turning up in his usual crooked grin. "We have time before dinner..." Aislinn began, her pale blue eyes sparkling mischievously. "And no one else is here..." Gabriel's grin widened. "My thoughts exactly, love." ------- Drake was nervous as all hell. He'd found his cleanest pair of jeans and his least worn t-shirt, but he still fell like a slob. His hair was pulled into its usual braid, which hung over his shoulder at the moment. He took a deep breath, then knocked on the door of the Wolfe house. There was some shouting inside, footsteps, and then the door swung open. Drake thought at first that he was looking at Alastair, but he realized almost immediately that the man before him wasn't as muscular and his hair was pulled neatly back. Must be Alastair's twin, he thought, as he followed the man inside. The house was warm and cozy. There were huge, overstuffed couches in the living room that made him want to sink down on one and go to sleep. There were a lot of people inside, too. He recognized Sada, Bea, and especially Alanna right away. There was another woman, a cute little moppet with chestnut hair, who reached out for Alastair's brother as soon as he came near. And there was Alastair himself. "Mom, dad," Alastair called, standing up. "Come and meet my new dancer." A man who looked like a somewhat older version of Alastair stepped out of the kitchen. He was followed by a woman who he could see easily was Alanna's mother. Like her daughter, there was something about Aislinn Wolfe that made her seem to glow. Drake paused in the middle of the living room, feeling uncertain. He could feel Alanna's eyes on him, and that made his nerves worse. "Drake Saint-Angelus," he said quietly, holding his hand out to Gabriel. Gabriel's eyebrows rose. "The same Drake Saint-Angelus who terrorized my summer program all those years ago?" "You remember me?" Drake asked, surprised. "How could I forget?" Gabriel chuckled. "Admittedly you weren't like my normal cases, but you still managed to keep up with them." Drake smiled hesitantly. "Well, that was a long time ago..." Such things hardly seemed to matter to Gabriel, who shook his hand and then gestured towards the dining room. Around them, everyone rose and began filing into the dining room to sit down at the table. Drake followed nervously, and found himself sitting between Sada and Quinn's girlfriend, who introduced herself as Alexandria Thomas, or just Xandri. And sitting directly across from him was Alanna. She smiled at him warmly when he glanced her way. Dinner turned out to be very interesting. Talk at the Wolfe family table was lively, humorous, and interesting. No one tried to force him into the conversation, allowing him to just listen. Occasionally he allowed his gaze to wander to Alanna. More often than not, Drake found her eyes on him. Sometimes her expression was puzzled, and she would glance over at Xandri, frowning. Most of the time however her gaze was warm and curious, making his body tighten. Damnit, Drake thought, picking at his food. It was very good, but he could barely eat. Every time he glanced at Alanna, desire spiked in him, hot and furious like it hadn't been for years. And for some reason he couldn't shake the feeling that he'd known her somehow. For the first time in years, Drake thought, watching her covertly from beneath his eyelashes, I've found someone who I want. And I can't even make her mine... ------- Alanna could not stop looking at Drake. He was truly gorgeous. When he turned to look at her, she felt like she was drowning in his dark, deep blue eyes. Yet it was those eyes that had her puzzled, as well. They felt familiar, beyond her drawings and dreams, and the sense of having known him she originally had. Alanna kept glancing at Xandri, whose dark blue eyes were a perfect match for Drake's. They look a little alike, she thought, but that's not possible. "So what have you been up to all these years, Drake?" Gabriel asked, sitting back in his chair and setting down his fork. "Uh... odds and ends," Drake answered quietly. "Been doing mechanic work lately." "Alastair told me you signed on with Tifo," Gabriel said, grinning. "Me and him go way back. You enjoying it?" Drake nodded. "He's very nice. The whole family is." "And how is your family?" Gabriel asked. What is this, the Spanish Inquisition? Alanna wondered, scowling. She knew her father was just being friendly, but how could he not realize that it was making Drake uncomfortable? He answered hesitantly that he didn't speak with his family, then lapsed into silence. God, he's gorgeous, Alanna thought, her eyes following a strand of dark hair that had slipped from his braid and hung in his face. I just want to sink my teeth in... my god, what's going on with me?! She had never been attracted to a man this way. He made her heart pound and her pulse race. Occasionally, without even realizing what he was doing, Drake would smile at her in a way that made her melt. I want to draw him, Alanna thought, sighing softly. Not the way I usually do, but the way he really is. She found herself staring at his mouth, wondering what it would be like to have him kiss her. At one point Bea nudged her in the ribs hard, and she realized that her staring was becoming obvious. "It's always good to see one of my former charges," Gabriel was saying. "Even me?" Drake asked, a good-humored grin turning up the corners of his mouth. "I don't remember that time as much as I'd like, but I remember I was a real little jerk to you." Gabriel laughed. "I won't deny it. But I never blamed you, Drake. Your parents were putting you through hell. It's not surprising that you were acting out." I wonder what dad means, Alanna thought, looking from her father to Drake and back again, curious. She didn't remember those times all that well, either. She'd only been four, after all. There were images, glimpses in her mind, but she couldn't pull up more memories than that. To Alanna's disappointment, though, her father and Drake didn't speak of it any further. And dinner was over all too soon. "Will you stay for dessert, Drake?" Alanna's mother asked. "I wish I could," Drake responded, smiling ruefully. "But I'm to be up at dawn tomorrow at the behest of my new slave driver." Down at the end of the table, Alastair laughed. "Don't complain. You get breakfast and lunch for free!" "You have to feed your slaves, or they'll die," Drake shot back, grinning. Alanna delighted in seeing him this way. Good humor made his blue eyes sparkle with life. She felt the familiar burning itch in her fingertips and it was only Drake's presence that kept her from going for her sketchpad. Her heart thumping in her chest, she watched as he gallantly accepted Tupperware with a piece of cake in it from her mother. Alanna noted that even her mother was falling for Drake's charm. "I feel rude, eating and running," Drake said. "But I promised Tifo I'd do some work on a car belonging to a friend of his." Gabriel nodded in understanding. "Not a problem. I'm sure you're welcome to come to dinner any time. Am I right, love?" "Any time," Aislinn agreed, reaching over and tweaking her husband's nose playfully. Sometimes I really love my parents, Alanna thought, smiling to herself. Even more than usual. She wanted to follow Drake outside, maybe try to talk to him, but Alastair went with him, talking animatedly about their schedule come morning. When her brother came back inside, Drake had already driven off. Feeling sullen, Alanna sat quietly in the passenger seat of Bea's car the whole ride back to her apartment. Her mind was on Drake, so she didn't notice the looks Bea was giving her. I should have tried to talk to him anyway, Alanna thought, hardly noticing as she went through the familiar routine of unlocking her door and hanging her keys up on the hook just inside. I should have followed them out any talked to him, even if Alastair sat there breathing down our necks the whole time. Well, there was little she could do about it now. Alanna flopped down on the couch with a sigh. "Lonnie, you have got to stop moping," Bea said, dropping down next to her. "I've never seen you so lovesick." "I am not!" Alanna argued, picking up one of the small throw pillows on the couch and whacking Bea with it. "You so are!" Bea shot back, grinning. She grabbed for a pillow to defend herself with. "You were looking at him like you were a hungry kitty and he a bowl of fresh cream!" Alanna's cheeks burned. She hugged the pillow to her chest, frowning. "Was I really? Was it obvious? Do you think he noticed?" "Calm down," Bea said, rolling her eyes. "It was obvious to me, because I know you, but I doubt anyone else noticed. Him especially. He kept looking at you like a schoolboy with a crush on the girl he thinks would never like him back, even though in truth she does." "Do you really think so?" Alanna asked, falling back onto the couch. A pleased smile touched the corners of her mouth. So he knew my father, she thought, staring up at the ceiling. Which means I must have at least seen him at some point. If only I could remember. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she let out a shriek of surprise when Bea nipped at her thigh. Alanna tossed the pillow aside and looked down at the red-head, lifting her eyebrows inquiringly. "I'm so jealous," Bea complained, pouting. "You haven't stopped thinking about him all night. And I'm sure you didn't wear such a cute little skirt for me..." Alanna smiled lazily. She watched as Bea pushed the short, pleated jean skirt up to bunch around her hips. A finger trailed along her thigh, teasing its way slowly downward. "And since you most certainly didn't wear these cute panties for me," Bea murmured huskily, hooking her fingers beneath the waistband of Alanna's panties, "I guess I'll just have to get rid of them..." Alanna closed her eyes and lifted her hips, allowing Bea to pull her panties off. She shivered as Bea's mouth touched gently on her thigh. Slow, wet kisses trailed along her skin, drawing a soft moan from her. She let out a gasp as Bea's mouth closed on her clit, giving it a gentle tug. Alanna buried her fingers in the red-head's hair, holding her close as she lifted her hips against her mouth. Bea's tongue teased her, making her squirm and moan loudly. The red-head knew exactly how to please her. It wasn't long before Alanna was crying out in climax. Groaning, she bit her lip, trembling slightly as Bea licked her clean. Good lord, she knows me too well, she thought, lifting her head to look down at Bea. The red-head was busy teasing her further, pushing her index and middle finger into Alanna's body. "You're too good at this," Alanna told her, moaning as Bea's fingers moved in and out. "You made it easy tonight," Bea replied, her voice teasing. "You were already so wet from thinking about Drake..." "Ooo, you're terrible!" Alanna exclaimed, grinning. "Ooo... Bea..." Bea continued to tease her as she rose to her knees and pressed her mouth against Alanna's. Moaning into the kiss, Alanna lifted her hips against Bea's hand. She whimpered in disappointment as the red-head pulled away, but she wasn't to be disappointed long. Bea paused long enough to pull her shirt off, then flashed a teasing smile and dashed into the bedroom. "You teasing vixen!" Alanna shouted after her, springing up from the couch. "I'll get you for that!" ------- Drake lay on his back, staring up at the ceiling and trying to keep his mind on something other than Alanna Wolfe. He was failing miserably. Seeing Gabriel had brought back some memories of his time in the man's company. Alanna is his daughter, he thought, so I must have at least seen her, back then. He simply couldn't remember at the moment. Drake wondered if Gabriel had any pictures of those days. If he knew that he'd met her before, it might explain at least some of what he was feeling. Certainly there wasn't much that could explain away this fierce desire. But if Drake knew there was a reason why he felt as though he'd known her for so long, he'd be a little reassured. She haunted him completely. Her smile, her eyes, the silken look of her hair... everything. Argh, this is nuts! Drake thought, sitting up. I'm going mad. That's what this is. I'm going absolutely, completely mad! He stood, pulling his clothes off as he padded across the loft room towards the bathroom. Growling in frustration, he turned the shower on, making certain the water was cold. Drake pulled his hair from its braid, then stepped beneath the spray, hissing as the cold water raced across his skin. This won't happen again, he thought, taking comfort in the way the freezing water cooled the fire in his body. I won't bring pain to those beautiful eyes. ------- Chapter Four: Cousins "So why is it we never knew you had a cousin?" Gabriel glanced at Alastair and sighed. He'd asked the question that everyone had been avoiding up until now. Six pairs of eyes were on him, curious and intent. I suppose they have a right to know, he thought, since this is going to disrupt their lives, as well. The twins were being allowed to use Alastair's and Alanna's old rooms (Quinn had flatly refused). Gabriel knew that neither of them were really happy about it. You wouldn't see it in most situations, he thought, but our kids are spoiled. "What was left of my family, that being my uncle and my cousin, didn't exactly welcome me with open arms," Gabriel said. "Since I thought it was likely you'd never meet any of them anyway, I figured there was no need to tell you." "And we only have to take care of them until their brother gets custody of them?" Alastair asked. "Seems that way," Gabriel replied, frowning. "I'm not certain how that's going to work, though. They're out in California. They may have to come here." "All of them?" Aislinn asked, her eyes widening. Gabriel shook his head. "I don't know." What would he do if all six of them ended up here? At least the older siblings could live on their own. I guess I am a little curious to know what they're like, he admitted to himself. I never got to know Ethan or his wife. Gabriel found it nerve-wracking to stand around waiting. High security meant they couldn't go down to the gates. But there aren't even any chairs out here, he thought, scowling. How inconvenient. As a man who'd preferred a motorcycle most of his life, he hadn't been thrilled with Aislinn's suggestion to get a mini-van. Now Gabriel could see the wisdom in that suggestion. All of his children had insisted on coming, and where Alastair and Quinn went, Sada and Xandri went too. With the addition of Elijah and Sydney, the extra space in the mini-van was going to come in handy. But it's still so uncool, Gabriel thought, smiling to himself. A stream of people began coming up from the gate. He watched them passed, growing more and more concerned with each long moment that ticked away. Finally, when the crowd had thinned to just a few, they appeared. That wasn't a recent picture, then, Gabriel thought. Elijah's hair had been short in the picture, but now it was down almost to his shoulders, and was terribly unruly. Sydney, in contrast, had a short pixie cut that looked adorable on her. Neither of them looked happy. Elijah spotted him first and his eyes narrowed. Gabriel fought back a grin as the boy strode forward, moving protectively in front of his sister. The boy's expression was grim and determined, and it reminded him so much of himself that he fought not to laugh. Definitely related to me, he thought wryly. Elijah came to a halt in front of him, with Sydney stopping beside him a moment later. "You're Gabriel?" Elijah asked gruffly, his arms folded over his chest and his face drawn into a scowl. "I am," Gabriel answered, smiling gently. "Don't look so grumpy, boyo. You have nothing to be afraid of here." "I'm not afraid!" Elijah retorted, his scowling deepening. "Not of you!" Gabriel sighed. "Good. Then we shouldn't have any problems. Let's get your luggage." They traveled down to the baggage claim, all of them silent, Elijah and Sydney following rather reluctantly. Gabriel kept his gaze determinedly forward, trying to ignore the way the rest of his family kept sneaking looks at Elijah and Sydney. I guess I can't blame them, he thought, sighing. God, how am I ever going to deal with this? He had a feeling these two weren't going to warm up to him, or the rest of his family, very easily. ------- Drake wasn't used to seeing Alastair in such a mood. Usually he was there before anyone else arrived, but he'd gotten there late and gone stomping into the changing rooms. When he'd come out, he'd snapped at them to begin warming up, then stormed into his office. The other dancers grumbled as they warmed up. I hope there is something really wrong, Drake thought. At the thought of something wrong, the image that came to mind was Alanna. He stubbornly shook it away. "All right, slackers," Alastair snapped, as he came out of his office. "Let's get to work!" "Trouble with the little lady, Alastair?" Jordan called. The other dancers laughed. "I wish," Alastair grumbled as he turned on the stereo. "That's easier to take care of than this. Okay, let's get started!" What's going on, if it isn't his fiancé? Drake wondered. Now was not the time to ask. Before long his mind was completely focused on dancing. He had to be; with this many dancers, it was far too easy to accidentally hurt one another. They worked hard, as they did every day. Alastair was a hard taskmaster, but he wasn't stupid. They practiced five days out of seven, and even though they spent a good six to eight hours in the studio daily, at least two of those hours went to stretching and resting. Hours later Drake lay stretched out on a gymnastic mat, panting. It was time to hit the showers, but he could barely move. He'd been staying late at the garage to help Tifo and he was exhausted. Alastair came over and dropped down onto the mat next to him. Drake couldn't see the other man with his gaze so intent upon the ceiling, but he could feel Alastair's eyes on him. "You look beat," Alastair commented. "I'll live," Drake told him. "I think." Alastair chuckled. "You bet you will. I'll be very pissed off if you die on me. You're one of the best dancers I've got." "Thanks," Drake said. He pushed himself up onto his elbows and glanced at Alastair. "So um... what had you so lathered this morning? Er, if you don't mind me asking..." At first Drake thought he wasn't going to answer. Perhaps it had been too much of a personal question. But then he found himself listening as Alastair explained about how he'd found out that he had cousins he'd never known. How two of them, a boy and a girl, were now staying in his family's house. And how the two of them were acting so miserably that it was affecting his whole family. "Mom and dad are busy trying to get those two to stop moping," Alastair complained. "Quinn and Xandri are always off somewhere, either for her to take photos or... well, whatever, I don't want to know. Alanna has been moping around for some reason. And I want this dance studio to be a success, but I miss having sex with my fiancé!" Drake didn't know whether to laugh or not. He wanted to ask Alastair what was wrong with Alanna, but he quelled that urge fiercely. Why is he talking to me about this, anyway? he wondered, frowning. It's not like we're close friends or anything... Then again, Alastair was the impulsive type. He probably wasn't even paying much attention to who he was ranting to. "So um... your sister is mopey, huh?" Drake wheeled, despite his better judgment. Alastair glanced at him and grinned. "She's been moping around and staring off into space ever since you showed up for dinner." "I um... I'm sure it has nothing to do with me," Drake said. He got the feeling Alastair was a very overprotective brother. "I'll admit, man, I don't like guys moving in on my sister," Alastair told him. "But she's made it easy, cause she hasn't really been all that interested. I was starting to get worried about it, but it seems she's finally interested." The thought thrilled him. Drake stomped firmly on that emotion. I'm acting like a boy with his first crush, he thought, frowning. This is getting way out of hand, far too fast. He noticed Alastair watching him closely and hoped that what he was thinking wasn't showing on his face. Alastair must have seen it, though, because he chuckled softly and patted Drake on the back. "It's all right, man," Alastair assured him. "I'll reserve judgment... for now. For my sister's sake." Drake smiled uneasily. Alastair might reserve judgment now, but if he knew the truth, he'd be more than ready to judge. Of course, I don't really blame him, Drake thought, biting his lip. But... he'd never let me near her. I'd never see those eyes again... The thought was painful. I need to figure out what to do, he thought, groaning inwardly. But there's no one I can even talk to for advice... ------- Alanna sighed and dropped her pencil. She'd been trying for hours to draw something, but every time she began, it was Drake who came to mind. Grumbling to herself, she picked herself up off the floor and headed into the kitchen. She opened the fridge and scrounged around for something to eat. I have no fun food, Alanna thought, pouting. I need to go and get some ice cream or something. The door opened suddenly. Since Bea was the only other person with a key, it had to be her. Unconcerned, Alanna continued her inspection of the fridge. She laughed when Bea grabbed her from behind, pulling her away from the fridge. Lips pressed against the curve of her ear. She sighed and sank back against the red-head, letting her head rest against her shoulder. "Still sulking, Lonnie?" Bea asked, her voice teasing. "I'm not sulking," Alanna grumped, scowling. "Sure you are," Bea said, laughing and nipping at her earlobe. Her hand slid up beneath the thin camisole Alanna was wearing and up over her breast. Shrieking in surprise, she turned on the red-head, squirming out of her grasp. Bea settled the back she was carrying on her shoulder, then chased after her as she darted for the bedroom. Giggling, Alanna sprang onto the bed and grabbed a pillow to defend herself. Bea sprang onto the bed after her, tackling her and carrying her down onto the mattress. "Slowpoke," Bea teased, grinning. "No fair," Alanna said, pouting. She wriggled under Bea until she slid off onto the bed. "What did you bring, anyway?" "Something to perk you up," Bea said, opening the bag. "You've been mooning after Drake since he went to your house. You've barely wanted to have sex." Alanna's cheeks heated. "Bea..." "You're so cute, Lonnie," Bea laughed. "I'll have to admit, I'm getting pretty jealous of Drake." Alanna glanced at her. Her expression revealed no hint of jealousy; in fact, she was grinning like a cat with a fresh bowl of cream. Bea pulled something out of her bag that Alanna immediately recognized as a vibrator. Her eyes widened. I should have known that look meant trouble, she thought, scrambling backwards on the bed. Bea caught her easily and pulled her back against her chest. "You've been thinking about him constantly," Bea murmured, her lips nuzzling beneath Alanna's earlobe and her hands sliding up over her breasts. "I... I'm sorry, Bea..." Alanna stammered, her eyelids fluttering shut. "I just... mmm..." "I don't really blame you, Lonnie," Bea said, pulling Alanna's shirt up to bare her breasts. "I mean, I've seen him... he's gorgeous... those strong hands..." Alanna bit back a moan. Bea's hands cupped her breasts, kneading gently. She could imagine Drake's hands, big, strong, calloused from years of hard work but no doubt just as gentle as Bea's. Leaning heavily against the red-head, she sighed softly and moaned, picturing Drake in her mind. Bea's voice, teasing her, didn't help matters much. "And his body... absolutely yummy," Bea continued, moving onto her knees and pulling Alanna with her. "Imagine having that strong body on top of you... a man who can dance like that should be real good in bed..." "Bea..." Alanna groaned. Bea's hands slid to the top of her jeans and unfastened them. Alanna squirmed slightly as the red-head pulled down her pants and panties, and slid a hand between her thighs. She moaned as fingertips stroked her, teasing her into further arousal. The buzz of the vibrator caught her attention. Alanna gasped as it was pressed between her thighs, taking the place of Bea's fingers. "I saw the way you looked at him," Bea murmured. "Like you want him inside you..." Alanna moaned as the vibrator slid inside her. Bea thrust it inside her, and she tilted her head back, moving her hips to meet each thrust. She imagined it was Drake's hand that traveled slowly up her belly and over her breasts, lightly teasing her nipples. And that it was his body moving inside her. Alanna bit her lip, gripping the blankets beneath her hands. The mouth moving along her neck, teeth nipping occasionally, made her shiver and coo softly. The movement of the vibrator, in and out, built a sweet, hot friction inside her. Soon Alanna was shuddering, crying out as she came. Pleasureful sensations zinged along her nerves. She groaned as Bea pulled the vibrator out of her and slid down to the bed, sprawling on her stomach. The red-head stretched out on top of her, brushing the hair from the back of her neck and laying kisses over her shoulders and back. "Poor Lonnie," Bea teased. "It's probably a good thing you haven't seen him since then. You're going crazy as it is." Alanna sighed. "I'm sorry, Bea. It's not fair of me to do this to you..." Bea rose and pulled her over onto her back. She rose to her knees, sliding her hands beneath the red-head's shirt as she leaned forward to kiss her. Alanna pulled Bea's shirt off, then opened the latch of her bra, letting it fall away. Fingers tangled in her hair as she pressed her face between the red-head's breasts. Bea laughed softly, closing her arms around Alanna and pulling her close. "I'm not upset, Lonnie," Bea said, sliding down to sit on the bed and carrying Alanna with her. "I'm so happy to see you interested in someone like this. I thought you'd never... ooo!" Alanna closed her mouth around Bea's nipped, suckling hard. The red-head moaned softly and dropped back onto the bed, pulling her with her. The two of them tumbled around on the bed, until Alanna had ended up below and Bea above. Laughing, she stretched out beneath the red-head, nearly purring as her mouth traveled restlessly against her breasts. "You're incorrigible!" Alanna laughed, swatting playfully at Bea. "Teasing me about Drake... it isn't nice!" "But I was right, wasn't I?" Bea wheedled. "You've been thinking about him." "I can't help it," Alanna said, propping her head up on her arms. "I don't know what it is about him..." "So it isn't his sexy body?" Bea asked, grinning. "Or his broad shoulders? Or strong hands? Or..." "Stop!" Alanna exclaimed, laughing. "That... that's only part of it. I feel like I've met him before. And... I'd like to know him better..." "So then do it!" Bea told her. "Ask him out!" Alanna's eyes widened. "I can't do that!" Can I? she wondered, frowning. I mean... would he say no? She didn't like the thought of him saying no. It was frightening to think of asking him on a date. Alanna looked up at Bea, who wore a thoughtful expression. Wiggling out from beneath the red-head, she stretched out on the bed, on her belly. Bea settled down next to her, resting her head against her back. "Why don't you suggest a family outing?" Bea said. "To help make the new family members feel at home. And perhaps you could suggest inviting along some friends, like Sada and Xandri, and me, and maybe suggest like... Drake and Jordan. Enough people to have a little party. Then you could have the opportunity to spend some time with him, without worrying about an actual date." Alanna grinned. "You know, that could work. Of course, no matter what I do, Alastair is going to tease me when I suggest inviting Drake." "But who cares? You'll still get to see Drake," Bea reminded her. "And you might at least get a little time alone with him." Alanna smiled. That would be so perfect, she thought, sighing softly. I'd love to get to talk to him. She hadn't gotten enough of a chance to get a feel for him, with what little conversation they'd had. Like, none, she thought, rolling her eyes. How can I possibly like him without knowing him? Alanna didn't know. There was only that feeling, as if she'd known him before, and it was just one unsettling sensation atop a pile of unsettling sensations. ------- I really must stop this, Drake thought, staring up at the ceiling. Why am I always naked when I start thinking about her? He groaned and rolled onto his stomach. At first, when Alastair had invited him to a little gathering to welcome his cousins, he'd been uncertain. Alastair had said they were going ice skating. Drake didn't much like the thought of ice skating, although the rink would be wonderfully cool in contrast with the summer heat. But there'd been something else in Alastair's voice, something smug and teasing. Finally, just before hanging up, Drake had found out. It had been Alanna's suggestion, not only to have this little skating party, but to invited him. Alastair said she tried to cover it up by inviting other people, he thought, but he said he thought she sounded like I was the only one she really wanted to invite. That thrilled Drake, and terrified him. He should have said no. But... really, what could it hurt? It wasn't like they were going to be alone. Her whole family and a bunch of other people were going to be there; that should be safe enough. I could talk to her, maybe, Drake thought, closing his eyes. Maybe if I could talk to her, I could figure out what it is about her that draws me to her. Because he had to figure it out, before he went crazy. ------- Chapter Five: Iced If Drake had known there would be so many people at the skating rink, he would have refused to go. He'd thought it would be just the Wolfe family and their friends, but the rink was open to everyone, even today. I must be out of my mind, he thought, settling down on a bench to get his skates on. I hope I remember how to ice skate... it's been way too long. Drake looked up from tying his skates at the sound of laughter; sweet, melodious, and familiar. Alanna was already on the ice, racing around like an enthusiastic kid. Well, except for the fact that she didn't look at all like a kid. Her hair waved behind her like a banner and swirled around her face when she turned. She wore a nearly sheer, long-sleeved shirt of pale blue over at white camisole, a short white skirt, and a pair of pale blue legwarmers over her skates. God, she's adorable, Drake thought, feeling his heart thump as her eyes met his and she smiled. "Come on, Drake!" Alanna called, waving to him. "Don't be a stick in the mud!" Me? he wondered, glancing to the side, where Sydney and Elijah huddled together on another bench. Yell at those two, not me. His attempts to feel grumpy were failing miserably; Drake was thrilled that she was paying attention to him. He rose, uncomfortably aware of how silly he had to look, wobbling towards the ice in his skates. Now I understand why Gabriel is sitting over at the tables and refuses to budge, he thought, scowling. As soon as he was on the ice, Drake's wobbling got worse. He knew if he could simply get going, he'd be fine, but he didn't like the thought of falling while he was getting the hang of it. Not with so many people in the rink. "Want any help?" Drake struggled to turn, to face Alanna. "I'm fine." "Sure you are," Alanna said, sliding an arm around him. "Please, don't be all macho and stuff, like my brothers. A girl can only take so much of that." "What, you mean to tell me a man like Alastair wouldn't allow his little sister to help him skate?" Drake asked, in mock surprise. "Now that I just don't believe." Alanna laughed. "Alastair might, actually. He acts tough, but he's just a big teddy bear. Now, Quinn or my father... god forbid they look anything other than cool and indifferent." Drake looked down at her. Her friendliness was wonderful and the warmth in her eyes made him ache. He knew he shouldn't, but he leaned against her, putting an arm around her as she helped him across the ice. We can't possibly be anything more than friends, he thought, and we really shouldn't even be that much. Drake knew he was going to regret being so close to her. "What a waste! What's a cute girl like that doing with a faggot hanging all over her?" Drake felt Alanna go rigid. He turned with her-he really had no choice in the matter-to look at a group of guys gathered on the side of the rink. They looked young, probably high school age, and they were all laughing and nudging each other. Morons, he thought, scowling. Why don't people ever grow... whoa! Drake almost fell as Alanna skated forward suddenly, coming to an easy halt before the boys. They all straightened, suddenly alert, their attention focused on hers. "Is there a problem, boys?" she asked, raising her eyebrows at them. "Not a problem, really," one of them replied, grinning at her. He had shorter brown hair, gelled as was typical for most guys between the ages of fifteen and thirty (or at least that was how it always seemed to Drake). "Just that you're so fine, girl, seems like a shame for you to be hanging out with a fag." Alanna's eyebrows rose higher and she turned to regard Drake. "Fag? Now, that's really odd, boys, I don't see how you came to that conclusion." And if he calls me that one more time, Drake thought, keeping his gaze focused on Alanna to help ease his growing temper, I'm going to show him just how hard a "fag" can hit. And darn, he'd been doing such a good job of controlling his temper lately; he shouldn't allow some stupid kid to make him explode. Drake didn't like the thought of looking like a loose cannon in front of Alanna. Even if he was one. "Look at his hair," the boy said, his tone derisive. "What kind of man wears his hair like a girl's?" A mischievous smile curled Alanna's lips. Uh oh, Drake thought, as she leaned closer to him. One hand caught his braid, pulling it over his shoulder. The way her fingers stroked over the long plait made him shiver; if he was a cat, he would have been purring. Alanna half turned to look at the boys. "A man who knows women," Alanna said, her voice a soft, husky purr. "Who knows that women love to have something as soft and as sexy as long hair to bury their fingers in while they're screaming in ecstasy." The smiles dropped from the boys' faces so quickly, it should have been comical. Should have been, but Drake was too busy fighting to keep himself under control. The urge to pull her close was overwhelming. The only thing that kept him from backing away is how it would have looked. Oh, this is just wonderful, he thought, groaning inwardly. As if everything else isn't bad enough, now I get to feel like a jerk because I really, really don't want her to think I'm gay. Even if it would have made his situation so much easier to deal with. "Come on, Drake," Alanna said, letting her hand drop from his hair. "Let's skate." She caught his hand and began tugging him across the ice, making him feel like a much loved, much favored teddy bear. Drake continued to struggle to find his balance, wishing desperately that he could look as cool and graceful on the ice as Alastair did. I haven't felt this awkward since I was twelve, he thought, still leaning against Alanna. He hoped he wasn't making quite as much of a jerk of himself as he thought he was. "Stupid kids," Alanna muttered, rolling her eyes. "Honestly, some people never grow up." "It's no big deal," Drake said quietly. "Yes it is!" Alanna insisted. "No one has a right to make fun of other people simply because they look different!" She stopped abruptly and whirled to face him. Drake had to draw himself up short so he wouldn't fall, and even then he lost his balance. Struggling to stay up right, he didn't realize at first that Alanna had slid up against him and put her arms around him. Startled, he looked down at her. "Gosh, I'm so sorry!" Alanna said, trying to help him stay standing. "I didn't even think..." Is she flirting with me or something? Drake wondered. Out loud he said, "Don't worry about it. Uh... look... I'm gonna... sit..." He pulled away from her, still wobbling. Drake thought he saw a hint of hurt in her eyes at his sudden withdrawal, but he refused to let her see that he'd noticed. I'm so confused, he thought, as he skated shakily away. It's been so long, I've forgotten how to act around people. And girls especially. Drake wasn't sure what to do when a girl like Alanna hung on him like that. Maybe I'm imagining things, he thought, as he settled down on one of the benches. Maybe I'm seeing her flirting with me because it's what I want to see. Groaning, he dropped his head into his hands. Drake sighed softly. He glanced up and saw Alanna skating across the ice. She's so beautiful, he thought, smiling to himself. Well, at least I can watch her from a safe distance. ------- Stupid, Alanna thought, tucking her knees up to her chest. I am so stupid. She'd tried to forget the way he'd pushed her away, but she couldn't. Skating couldn't clear her head. She'd tried talking to Sydney and Elijah, but the twins remained stubbornly reticent. Finally Alanna had taken off her skates and settled on a bench to sulk. Drake had eventually gone back out on the ice... to join her brother, not to join her. Was I too forward? she wondered, chewing fretfully at her lower lip. I wasn't trying to be. If there was one way in which Drake reminded her of her brothers, it was that she felt inexplicably comfortable around him. Alanna had thought nothing of putting her arms around him to hold him up, or to come to his defense in the way she had. It had seemed so natural, as if she'd been doing it all her life. "Lonnie, is something wrong?" Alanna nearly jumped out of her skin. She glanced up as Bea took a seat next to her. Although they usually stuck pretty close to one another during these sorts of things, today the red-head had made herself absent. And all for nothing, Alanna thought, sighing. All I want is to talk to him a bit, and I blew it completely. Bea seemed to sense how she was feeling, because she put her arm around her shoulders and gave her a small hug. "You're not used to guys, Lonnie," Bea said soothingly. "Aside from your brothers. You can't expect to get it right the first time." "But it's not like I'm uncomfortable around him," Alanna told her. "I'm not, not in the least." Bea's eyebrows rose. "Not at all?" "No," Alanna said, shaking her head. "I... I wasn't scared at all, Bea..." The red-head gave her another small hug, then left her alone. I've got so much to think about, anyway, Alanna thought. I wasn't scared this time, but what would happen if we got to really know each other? It wasn't the physical part that bothered her, not really. I couldn't bear it if he turned out to be... like that, she thought, her shoulders slumping. But I really don't think he will. The feeling was complete inexplicable, but Alanna couldn't help but trust Drake. She was so absorbed in her thoughts, she didn't realize someone had sat down next to her until a hand rested on her knee. Startled, Alanna looked up. The guy, the one who had taunted Drake about his hair, sat next to her. "Move your hand," Alanna said severely, her eyes narrowing on him. "Come on, I just want to get to know you better," the guy wheedled, grinning broadly. His hand slid up to her thigh. "I said, move your-" Her words died on her tongue as the guy was jerked off the bench and thrown roughly to the floor. Drake towered over him, gazing down at him with eyes that were filled with such a cold fury it made Alanna shiver. He still wore one of his skates, and the blade was poised just over the guy's fingers. The guy stared up at Drake, his eyes wide, shaking too badly to move. "When a woman tells you not to touch her," Drake said quietly, dangerously. "You listen. If you don't listen, you don't deserve to keep your fingers." "Drake! Don't!" Alanna cried, horrified. He looked up at her. A crowd was gathering around them now, but Drake was looking only at her. I would never have thought he could do something like this, Alanna thought, meeting his gaze stare for stare. He's so angry... And he was angry because this obnoxious snot has touched her. I should not be thrilled that he's ready to cut this guy's fingers off for me, she thought, biting her lip. That should not be exciting. Drake sighed and lifted his foot, allowing the guy to get up and dash away. Without so much as a word, he removed his other skate, grabbed his boots from where he'd left them, and walked away. Alanna took a deep breath and turned... and came face to face with her father and her brothers. Her mother, with Sada, Xandri, and the cousins, were a few feet away, watching nervously. "What happened?" her father asked, his voice calm and quiet. "He was protecting me," Alanna answered, lifting her chin and glaring stubbornly at her father. "He did nothing wrong." Gabriel stared at her for a long moment, then laughed. "You truly are a Wolfe," he said, reaching out and ruffling her hair. Beside her father, her brothers relaxed, and Alanna quickly stifled a sigh of relief. She tolerated the indignation of having her hair ruffled to keep her family from thinking twice about Drake's display of anger. ------- Drake was distracted as he unstrapped his helmet from the back of his bike. I can't believe I did that, he thought, reaching up and rubbing his forehead. I haven't lost hold of temper in so long. When he'd seen that punk touching Alanna like that, he'd completely lost it. And if she knew the truth, Drake thought, she'd think I was a disgusting hypocrite. He settled on his bike and lifted his helmet to pull it on. "Drake! Wait a minute!" Startled, he almost dropped his helmet. Alanna was coming towards him. She held her skates over her shoulder and her tights and legwarmers were gone, replaced by a simple pair of sandals. Drake forced his gaze away from her long, bare legs. There was something about the way she moved that made him want to stare at her all day long. He tucked his helmet under his arm and waited patiently while she approached him. "Um... look... about what happened," Alanna began hesitantly. "I'm sorry," Drake said, looking away. "For what?" Alanna asked. She sounded so stunned that he turned his gaze back to her. "For... for making an ass of myself," Drake explained. "I went too far." "Too far," Alanna said, leaning forward. "Is some guy I don't know putting his hand up my skirt. What you did was nothing more than he deserved." "I still made an ass out of myself," Drake muttered. "Well, we'll call it even, then," Alanna said. When he lifted his eyebrows at her quizzically, she shrugged. "I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable earlier," she said. "I didn't mean to. I was trying to be friendly and I guess I came off kind of... slutty." Never, Drake thought, unable to stop a smile. Her kindness tore at him, but he couldn't ignore it. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and pull her close, to savor that kindness while he could. "Not at all," Drake said. "Maybe a little forward, but... I think when a beautiful woman is friendly, a guy tends to hope she's being forward, so..." A smile lit her dark blue eyes. He shouldn't have said it, but he couldn't help himself. Drake could never think of her as being slutty, and she shouldn't think she was, either. Alanna leaned forward and rested a hand on his arm. He looked up at her and he was startled by the expression in her eyes. Something he couldn't define, couldn't quite understand, but it felt so familiar. "You know, I love dragon stories," Alanna said quietly. "They're all so different. But my favorite ones are about dragons that are strong and wise, calm and gentle... except when someone hurts those they care for. Then they really become creatures of fire. That passionate anger makes them what they are... and they're truly beautiful creatures." Drake wanted so much to thank her for those words, but he didn't know what to say. Gazing up at her, he realized that he didn't have to. She understands, he thought, struggling with the need to pull her close. She hardly knows me, but she looks at me and she sees... something different from what everyone else sees. For a moment Drake had the crazy idea that maybe she could understand, could possibly forgive him, but he quickly stomped on it. "Drake... would you model for me?" Alanna asked suddenly. His eyes widened. "M-me? I... I don't think..." "Please?" Alanna's stared at him and he imagined she didn't realize the pleading, sorrowful look on her face. "I... well... I... all right," Drake said. "I'll do it..." "Great!" Alanna exclaimed. "I'll come by to Tifo and Callie's place after you get out of work tomorrow, okay?" "O-okay..." Drake stammered, feeling a little stunned. Alanna let out a little yelp of joy and threw her arms around him. He savored the feeling of her holding him tight, even though he knew he should not. She lifted her head and gave him an enthusiastic kiss on the cheek. Drake tensed as he felt her mouth brush the corner of his. Alanna released him, flashed him a last joyful grin, then turned and raced across the parking lot towards her family, who were coming out of the skating rink. Oh boy, Drake thought, sighing and pulling on his helmet. I'm in way over my head. ------- "Did you see that? Do you think all their friends are like that?" Elijah glanced up at his sister, biting back a derisive retort. She could be so silly sometimes. Just because one of them is a loose cannon, doesn't mean they all are, he thought. Although father always said that Gabriel was pretty crazy. It just didn't make sense. Why had their parents left them to Gabriel and his wife? Elijah wanted to go back home, to his familiar house and school and family. "Come on, Ly-Ly," Sydney wheedled, using her old nickname for him. "Tell me what you think!" "Honestly?" Elijah asked, lifting his gaze to look at her. "Honestly," Sydney replied, nodding. Elijah sighed and leaned forward. "I miss home. I miss Ethan and Chase and everyone else. But... but I don't see what is so bad about Gabriel. Father made such a huge deal about it, but him and his family have been nothing but nice to us." "I... I was thinking the same thing," Sydney admitted quietly. Elijah bit his lip. Both he and Sydney had thrown fits when they'd found out they had to leave their home, even though she was usually the sweet tempered one. They had made a pact before coming that they would not, no matter what, like the Gabriel and his family. Ethan and them will be coming soon, Elijah thought, so there's no need to get comfortable. But he was finding it harder to resist the warmth and welcome here. "They are family, you know," Sydney said. "We... we don't have to be so cold. I mean... couldn't we just... ?" "And what happens when Ethan comes to get us?" Elijah asked, frowning. "No, Sydney. We can't." She sighed. Grumbling to herself, Sydney rose and headed for the door. They both had rooms to themselves, after all. Once she was gone, Elijah laid back on his bed and stared up at the ceiling. When Ethan comes to get us, that will be it, he thought. So if... if we began to feel like they're family, too, it would be so hard to leave. He wouldn't want to leave if he gave in to the kindness of Gabriel and his family. And so Elijah had decided that he wouldn't, no matter what. ------- Chapter Six: Why Alastair stifled a yawn. He'd been going to his parents' house for breakfast nearly every morning, trying to find away to get Elijah and Sydney to open up. This morning was a regular gathering; Sada had come with him, of course, and Alanna was there, too. Or maybe she isn't here, he thought, eyeing his sister. She hasn't really been "here" all week. Not since Drake had agreed to sit for her. Alastair had tried prying details out of Drake, to find out what had made his sister so giddy, but he'd remained stubbornly taciturn. "So, what are you two up to today?" Gabriel asked, looking at the twins, who sat huddled together at the end of the table. "Nothing," Elijah muttered. Alastair forced himself to smile. "Well, would you like to come to the studio with me? See my dancers?" "No," Sydney answered, standing up abruptly. He stared after her, stunned, as she walked away from the table and disappeared up the stairs. What was that about? Alastair wondered, turning his gaze on Elijah. The boy squirmed in his chair, looking distinctly uncomfortable. Apparently this wasn't something new, and it wasn't just Sydney being rude, either. "Care to explain?" Alastair asked, staring directly at Elijah. Elijah fidgeted. "Syn... Sydney, she took ballet most of her life. Mom wanted her to. She... she absolutely hated it, but she did it anyway. After mom died, she didn't have to anymore and..." Elijah trailed off, biting his lip, but Alastair didn't need him to say anymore. No doubt Sydney was struggling with guilt, because she had probably been relieved that she wouldn't have to take ballet anymore. It was not at all an unreasonable emotion, but she probably berated herself for it on a regular basis. The beginnings of an idea began to form in Alastair's mind. "Did she ever enjoy it?" Alastair asked. "At first... I think," Elijah answered, a bit hesitantly. "But... well, at first it was a lot of fun, but when mom got on her case to become some prima ballerina... she never liked it as much as she did at first." As he rose, Alastair caught the look on his father's face; hopeful but unsure and somewhat amused. He flashed a knowing smile at Gabriel, then trotted upstairs to Alanna's old room. Without giving her any warning, he pushed open the door of Sydney's room. She was lying on the bed and she sat up abruptly as he came in. Alastair flashed her a smile; the one his mother had once termed the "Wolfe at play" smile. He moved too quickly for her to get away, and hefted her up, tossing her over his shoulder. "What are you doing!?" Sydney shrieked, kicking wildly. "Let me down right now!" "Yep," Alastair said, wincing slightly as her fists struck his back. "Definitely a Wolfe. Sada, honey, go start the car." Trying very hard not to laugh, Sada bounced up from her chair, grabbed a piece of toast, grabbed her duffle bag and keys, and raced outside. Elijah rose, as well, and he looked furious. Gabriel was on his feet, resting his hand on the boy's shoulder and pushing him back down into the chair before he could do anything. Alastair couldn't hear what his father was saying, but whatever it was, Elijah was already fighting a smile. "What the hell are you doing?" Sydney demanded, still struggling. "Is this the way Wolfe men treat their women? Like barbarians!" "Yep," Alastair answered, grinning broadly. "And you'll find out soon enough, kiddo, that it works like a charm." ------- Drake hadn't expected to find Alastair's cousin at the studio. She sat on a stack of mats, her arms folded across her chest, grumpy and barefoot. I'm not even going to ask, he thought, as he walked past her and headed for the changing rooms. It's probably better that I don't. If he began asking about what had happen, Alastair would start up with his questions again. Drake had a feeling he might anyway. Nothing had happened between him and Alanna. Whatever he might have been expecting, it wasn't the intense, silent concentration she fell into when she was drawing. Generally, by the time she finished, Drake was too tired to sit around and talk. And yet Alanna didn't seem bothered by this at all. In fact, according to Alastair, she was incredibly happy and constantly daydreaming. "Make sure you're on your toes today," Alastair said, slapping him on the back as he followed him back out into the studio. "But have fun, okay?" Drake's eyebrows rose. "I suppose this has something to do with Sydney, right?" "Depends," Alastair said, grinning. "Gonna tell me about you and Alanna?" Drake grumbled something incoherent and got out onto the floor to stretch. He pushed the situation with Alanna out of his mind and just enjoyed himself, as Alastair had said. Occasionally, while he danced, he caught a glimpse of Sydney. Whenever she thought no one was looking she was leaning forward eagerly, her eyes alight as she watched. Alanna will know what's going on, Drake decided. I'll ask her. She won't pester me with annoying questions. Later, when practice was over and Drake had taken a quick shower (there was no point in more than that, because he had work) Alastair caught his attention. The two of them, closely followed by Jordan, crept up to the door of the dressing rooms and peered out. On the studio floor Sydney was dancing, copying the moves she'd seen them perform all day. "I told Sada I'm always right about these things," Alastair said quietly. "She's good!" Jordan exclaimed. "And hot! Alastair, man, are you sure she's only seventeen?" "Positive," Alastair responded, baring his teeth at Jordan in a feral grin. "And if you so much as look at her the wrong way, your ass is out the door." Jordan lifted his hands and took a step back. "Easy, man. Chill out. You know I wouldn't." Drake had to admit, Sydney was a great dancer. She was graceful and she had great extension, and great height when she jumped, without losing her center. She was so completely absorbed in what she was doing that she didn't notice that they were watching. Alastair headed out into the studio, no doubt to talk to her. Drake turned to walk away and give them time, and nearly ran into someone. "Sorry, man." Connor, Drake thought, recognizing the boy immediately. Technically he wasn't a boy, at twenty years old, but because of his boyish features, he seemed so young. He wasn't a dancer, though. He helped with maitenence in the building and Alastair had said he was the son of another family friend. Seeing the boyish face, bright eyes, and somewhat longish, very tousled dark brown curls, Drake realized who. He'd met Forrester, owner of the ice skating rink, very briefly. "Not a problem," Drake said, eyeing him quizzically. "She's Alastair's cousin?" Connor asked, gesturing toward the studio. "Yeah," Drake answered. He couldn't read the boy's expression, except the odd thought that he looked defeated. Drake watched Connor walk away, wondering if he should be concerned. I'll let Alastair know, he decided, grabbing his bag and shouldering it. He'll keep an eye on him, just in case. Alastair was very good about keeping an eye on the men who showed interest in the females he considered under his protection. Drake knew that all too well. ------- Tifo and Callie weren't home, and she didn't think Jordan was, either. Alanna climbed the stairs to Drake's loft room, her sketchpad clutched to her chest. She'd only been doing sketches so far, but she would like to do a painting at some point. Shifting the pad beneath her arm, Alanna knocked softly, then let herself in. She could hear the shower running and she thought, or at least hoped, that Drake wouldn't mind her coming in anyway. They hadn't gotten to talk a lot, but she was already beginning to feel like she knew him a little better. Oh, nothing deep or terribly personal, but there were things she could glean from being around him. Although it appeared that Drake had few hobbies aside from dancing, he actually had a surprising amount of books, all of them worn from being read. He also had a lot of CDs and a stereo he must have saved up to buy. When she'd asked about the little things, like pictures of the Grand Canyon tacked to the wall, a bunch of old, worn arrowheads on his coffee table, and the large, perfect eagle feathers, she'd found out that he had Navajo blood. The shower turned off. Alanna set her sketchpad down on the bed and turned to face the bathroom. The door swung open. Oh... oh my, she thought, her eyes widening and her cheeks heating. Uh... maybe I should have let him know I was here... Drake had wandered out of the bathroom, completely unconcerned, and completely nude. He stopped and stared at her, stunned. Alanna was feeling pretty stunned herself. Aside from being naked, he was dripping wet. His hair was down and wet it hung nearly to his waist. She covered her mouth with her hands and stared, frozen to the spot. The only thing that moved was her eyes, roaming slowly downward. Drake cleared his throat when her gaze dropped below his hips. Alanna squeaked softly and finally got herself to turn around. "Sorry! I'm... I'm sorry," she babbled. "I... I shouldn't have come in like that, I..." "I'm not upset," Drake said quietly. "A little surprised and very embarrassed, but not upset." She could hear him moving around behind her. There was the rustle of clothing and she finally dared to turn around. Drake's back was to her, but he had a pair of jeans on now, at least. Or unfortunately, Alanna thought, however you wanna look at it. He was unbelievably attractive. She could see the movement of muscle beneath soft, bronze flesh. When he turned, holding a hairbrush, she couldn't stop herself from speaking without thinking. "Want help?" Alanna asked. Drake stared at her so long that she began to think she'd offended him. She was just getting ready to apologize when he walked forward and held the brush out to her. Alanna settled on the bed and he sat in front of her, allowing her to brush his hair out. Something about the way he sat made her feel as if he'd be purring right now, if he could. Drake even showed her how to braid his hair properly and allowed her to do it for him. "This tattoo is amazing," Alanna said quietly, sliding her hand down his back without really thinking about what she was doing. Drake moved away from her as if her touch burned him and turned to face her. Damnit, Alanna thought, I have to stop doing that! She didn't know what had gotten into her. Usually, although she found men attractive, she didn't lust after them like this. And yet she knew it was so much more than that. For the first time in her life she wanted a relationship with a man. Alanna had thought that would be impossible. "So um... let's get started!" she said brightly, reaching for her sketchpad. "Right," Drake said, rising to his feet. He paused and looked down at her. "Um... you mentioned you might like to do a painting at some point..." Alanna nodded. "Yeah. Ugh, that means breaking out the portable easel and everything." "I could um... go to your place," Drake suggested hesitantly. "That would work great!" Alanna exclaimed, feeling suddenly excited. "Okay, how about Saturday?" Drake seemed uneasy, but that changed as they talked. He still seemed uneasy, but there was a smile on his face, as though he was quickly catching her enthusiasm. Excitement thrummed through Alanna, making her heart pound. Excitement and a bit of nerves, too. He wouldn't have offered if he didn't like spending time with me, she thought happily. Maybe he even likes me as much as I like him. ------- Alanna spent Saturday morning fidgeting. She was so nervous she couldn't even eat. When the door to her apartment opened she leapt up from the couch. Of course, it was too early to be Drake, and it wasn't him anyway; it was Bea. The red-head let the door drift close behind her and headed straight towards Alanna. She sighed and sank against Bea as she put her arms around her. "I just wanted to see how you were holding up," Bea said quietly. "I'm gonna be sick," Alanna groaned. "I feel like I'm going on my first date!" "That isn't that far off the mark," Bea reminded her. "You'll be fine, Lonnie. And... Drake wouldn't hurt you..." Alanna scowled. "I know that. I'm not worried about that. Well... not really." Bea's lips brushed her neck. She shivered and sighed, biting her lip as the red-head's mouth worked at her skin. Not now, Alanna thought, fighting not to moan as Bea's hands slid beneath her shirt. We can't right now... ooo... Somehow she always knew how to get her going. Bea's hands cupped her breasts, her thumbs teasing her nipples. "We can't," Alanna protested, panting softly. "Drake is coming over..." "Not for another hour," Bea reminded her, pulling her shirt up and pushing her down onto the couch. "You need something to take your mind off of him until then." "But... but... ooo!" Bea's mouth closed on one of her nipples. Alanna squirmed, arching her back and pressing against the red-head's mouth. She moaned softly as Bea slid a hand beneath her shorts and panties. Well, they did have a whole hour, after all. Alanna gasped as Bea's fingers touched her. She lifted her hips into the touch, sighing as one of Bea's fingers slid inside her. "Mmm..." Bea murmured. "For someone who's protesting, you sure are wet..." "Eat me," Alanna grumbled, scowling at her. Bea grinned. "That was my intention to begin with." Alanna squeaked in surprise, then laughed, as Bea pounced on her. Bea's fingers continued to move inside her as their mouths met. She couldn't really help it, the red-head just had this effect on her. Alanna slid her hands beneath Bea's shirt and cupped her breasts, drawing a moan from her. A little playing around couldn't hurt, could it? ------- Drake knew he was really early, but he didn't know what else to do with himself. He'd gone back and forth for a while, wondering if he should perhaps cancel, but he couldn't do that to Alanna. He wasn't really sure what had possessed him when he'd made the suggestion to go to her place. All Drake really knew was that despite his resolve he was completely unable to resist her. It was his first time going to her apartment, but it had been easy to find. He headed up the stairs and started looking at the numbers on the doors. Hers was apartment fourteen. Twelve, he thought, thirteen... so that must be fourteen. Drake lifted his hand and knocked; the door slipped beneath his hand and opened. It hadn't been closed properly. He stopped in the doorway, completely stunned by what he saw inside. Alanna and Bea were on the couch. Together. His mouth went dry. He knew he shouldn't watch, but he couldn't pull his eyes away. Slowly, starting with the stark red of Bea's hair spilling across her belly, moving up over Alanna's breasts, which were thrust into the air from the arching of her back, and stopping at her face, Drake drank in the sight of her. Her moans filled his ears, making his body tighten and harden. Stop being such a pervert, he scolded himself, but he couldn't look away. He must have made some sort of sound, though, because Alanna's eyes opened suddenly. When she saw him she shrieked loudly. There was a blur of movement as she and Bea scrambled up off the couch. Drake turned, forcing his eyes away from them. He didn't know what else to do, so he started walking away. "Drake! Drake, wait!" He was down in the parking lot when he heard Bea calling him. Reluctantly he turned to face her. She'd gotten dressed awfully quickly, although her clothing was a little rumpled and her hair was a mess. Drake stared at her numbly as she raced up to him. "Drake, that... that wasn't what you thought," Bea panted, when she reached him. "I mean... it wasn't... it's nothing serious." "It doesn't matter," Drake said quietly. "Yes it does!" Bea protested. "Look, Alanna and I... I can't tell you why. It's not my place to explain, not really. But... but..." "It doesn't matter," Drake repeated. "I'm not interested like that." "Like hell you aren't!" Bea growled. "You like her! And she likes you!" Drake sighed. How could he explain? The situation was difficult... impossible to explain. And he knew Bea thought that he was judging Alanna by what he'd seen, but he wasn't. Oh, yes, he was using every ounce of energy he had to fight the agony and the raging jealousy. But he knew better than anyone else that every story had deeper levels. And Drake would have no right to judge anyone, all things considered. "Come with me," Drake said at last, grabbing his helmet and tossing it to her. "There's something I have to show you." ------- Alanna sat on her couch, staring at the blank T.V. screen. Her mind was buzzing. Bea had run off after Drake and it had been several hours since she'd gone. What's going on? she wondered, biting her lip. I can't believe he saw that. Oh god... She couldn't remember ever being so embarrassed and horrified. Alanna hadn't wanted him to see that. I should have just stopped it when I first met Drake, she thought, but Bea and I have been together so long... The apartment door opened. Alanna looked up. Bea walked in, her face pale, her eyes distracted. She had something tucked under her arm. The red-head shut the door and walked over to the couch, her expression unreadable. Frowning, Alanna reached out and touched her arm as she sat down. Bea looked up at her, as if seeing her for the first time, and tried to smile. "He hates me," Alanna said quietly. Bea shook her head. "No... no, he doesn't hate you, he... Oh, Lonnie..." Bea slid the newspaper from beneath her arms and opened it up. Confused, Alanna studied the front page. The picture told her nothing. Bea opened the newspaper to another page and spread it out. A black and white picture of a much younger Drake stared up at her. Bea reached out and put her arms around Alanna. "I'm so sorry, Lonnie," she murmured. "Drake... six years ago, he was convicted of rape." ------- Chapter Seven: The Light Alastair was fuming. He stomped back into his parents' house, startling his family. They all turned to look at him. Bea, who had come over with Alanna and had gotten left behind when she took off, tried to inch past him, but he grabbed her wrist and yanked her back. The red-head scowled at him as he pushed her back down on the couch, but she didn't try to get up again. "What the hell is going on?" Alastair demanded. "I don't know what you're talking about," Bea said coolly, folding her arms across her chest. "Like hell you don't!" Alastair growled. "Alanna is upset about something, because I mentioned Drake and she stormed out. And Drake... he didn't show up today!" "Look... it isn't my place to say," Bea said, holding her hands up. "I mean... well, I don't know!" He glowered down at her. Alastair couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that she was keeping something really serious from him. He would have never expected this sort of behavior of Drake. At first, when he hadn't shown up at the studio, he'd been worried. When he'd called Drake, however, Alastair was told that he "just didn't feel like dancing". He'd been infuriated and he asked Alanna about it. She'd taken one look at him and ran out the door. "I suppose you really need to know," Bea said quietly. She glanced around. "Could I speak to your parents first? Please?" "Absolutely not!" Alastair exclaimed. Gabriel cleared his throat. "Alastair, Quinn, Eli, Sydney... go upstairs. Now." Alastair stared at his father, incredulous, but Gabriel didn't back down. He jumped as a hand settled on his arm, and turned to glance at Sada. Her bright green eyes were gentle and sympathetic. Reluctantly he allowed her to pull him up the stairs. Quinn was just as reluctant, but he followed Xandri. I don't like this, Alastair thought, as he stepped into his old room. He pulled Sada close and rested his head on her shoulder, trying and failing to soothe the unease churning in his belly. ------- Drake sprawled on his side, staring at the sketch Alanna had given her when he'd first met her. Looking at it, he wished he could see himself the same way she had. She'll never think of me like that again, he thought, sighing heavily. And it's probably better this way. He hadn't been able to go to the studio today. Drake knew Alastair was going to be furious, but no more so than he would be when Alanna told him the truth. He'd never wanted her to find out. But when Bea had said that Alanna liked him, he knew he would have to tell. This whole incident has been insane, Drake thought, reaching up and rubbing his forehead. I mean, I never expected to see her and Bea like that... Bea had said there was nothing serious about their relationship, but how could that be? Alanna didn't seem like the type to have a casual relationship. Then again, Drake realized, she probably had thought he wasn't the type to rape someone. Footsteps on the stairs startled him out of his thoughts. Drake sat up and slipped off the bed, but not before someone began pounding on the door. I wonder how many of the Wolfe men are here to beat the shit out of me, he thought, wincing inwardly. I can't imagine who else would knock like that. Drake answered the door, and was shocked to see Alanna standing, waiting for him. The sight of her made his heart ache. Despite the fact that she was obviously furious, she looked so lovely. Her hair was up in a somewhat lopsided, sideways ponytail. She wore a pair of shorts with a sheer white scarf pulled through the belt loops and an off-the-shoulder peasant style blouse, also white. Alanna pushed past him and he let her, feeling somewhat dazed. She paused in the middle of the apartment and turned to face him, planting her fists on her hips. "Alastair said you didn't show up at the studio today," Alanna said quietly, glaring at him. "Well, I didn't really think it would be prudent," Drake answered, his eyebrows raising quizzically. "What are you doing here?" "I just want to understand, Drake," Alanna said, throwing her hands up. "First you're a rapist, now you're a quitter, too?" Drake scowled. "Damnit, you don't even understand! You have no idea what really happened!" "You're right, I don't," Alanna agreed. "The newspaper had hardly any details. So why don't you tell me?" Drake sighed. He tried to remain calm, but his heart was racing. The last thing he needed right now was false hope but maybe, just maybe, she would listen and understand. Why would she have come here, if she didn't want to understand? He walked over to the couch and dropped down onto it. Alanna perched hesitantly on the arm of the couch. Drake wondered if she was afraid to get too close to him. "Would you believe me if I told you that I can't remember what happened?" Drake asked. "Maybe," Alanna answered quietly. "If you explain what you mean." "Exactly what I said," Drake told her. He sighed and looked up at her. "I can't remember what happened that night. Not at all. I woke up to some cops dragging me out of bed, telling me I was under arrest for rape. I don't remember raping anyone. And the girl who accused me... I'd been seen with her earlier. But she was the one hitting on me! Not that anyone believed that, of course. I told her no. She just didn't interest me. And I sat around, had a few drinks with my buddies, and then... I don't know." "You were drinking?" Alanna asked, her eyebrows lifting. "The paper said you were only eighteen." Drake smiled sheepishly. "Just another strike against me. But I didn't drink so much that I wouldn't remember what happened! The thing was... I have a bit of a temper." "I hadn't noticed," Alanna said dryly. "Sometimes, when I get angry," Drake went on. "I kind of black out. I don't really remember what happened. But... but not like that! I at least remember what got me angry, but I don't remember ever being angry that night. In fact, I was in a great mood." Alanna bit her lip. Drake was encouraged to see that her face looked thoughtful. The hope that maybe she might understand, might believe him, was painfully intense. No one had ever believed him. When he'd told the cops that his accuser had been the one hitting on him, they'd laughed at him and ridiculed him. When Drake had insisted he didn't remember, even when a number of psychologists confirmed that he honestly couldn't, people didn't believe it. And his mother and father... that had been the worst part of all. "Is... is it possible they made a mistake?" Alanna asked hesitantly. "That you didn't do it?" Drake shook his head. "They found my... my DNA..." he explained. "And she had bruises and... there was too much evidence. I uh... well, I was convicted, but the jury didn't know what to do with me. Every single psychologist who testified said that I really didn't remember what happened that night. It was decided to put me in a hospital, rather than jail. Until I remembered... but I never did." The jury's pity was the only pity he'd ever received. They'd seen him day after day in the courtroom, struggling to explain that he couldn't remember, weighed down by guilt, and he supposed they must have felt some sympathy for him. Drake had spent two years in the hospital before he was released. His doctors concluded that he had no memory of the event and his temperment showed absolutely no indications that it would happen again. But that had changed nothing. "The newspaper... said you lived here... near here," Alanna said quietly. "I did, for much of my life," Drake told her. "After I got out of the hospital, my family wanted nothing to do with me. So I left the state. But... I eventually came back, because I felt the need to. And... there was someone I wanted to see." Alanna looked up at him. "Who?" "Your father," Drake replied. "I hoped... I thought maybe he could understand. Maybe... he'd believe me. He... he went through some stuff himself, so I thought maybe..." He sighed and dropped his head into his hands. Talking about this had drudged up memories he'd hoped to never think of again. All his nightmares, full of screaming and pleading, and the other dreams he had occasionally, of a pair of wide blue eyes that seemed to haunt him. All the hate and ridicule, his family and friends turning their backs on him. Except for Hawk and the rest, Drake thought. They always believed me. A hand rested on his arm, startling him. He looked up to find that Alanna had moved onto the couch and she sat close to him. The look in her eyes was so warm and gentle. Drake rested his hand over hers, afraid to say anything. He could hardly believe her reaction. "I believe you," Alanna said quietly. "I think... I think something went wrong. In the investigation. There has to be more to the story. I just... I just don't believe you did it." Drake reached up and pressed his hand against her cheek. He couldn't help himself; he just had to touch her. Her kindness and understanding was impossible to resist. Alanna looked up at him, her dark blue eyes wide and her lips slightly parted. No, he thought, even as he leaned towards her. I can't... I shouldn't. Drake's mouth met hers, light and tender. It was the first time he'd kissed anyone in six years. Even despite what she'd said, he would have thought she would push him away. But Alanna's hold on his arm tightened and her lips parted beneath his. He couldn't help himself; he put his arms around her and leaned into the kiss. Drake ran his tongue along the inside of her lip, tasting her as he lowered her to the couch. She was so sweet, it made him ache. He was so caught up in kissing her, he didn't realize at first that she was struggling. It wasn't until she got a hand beneath his chin and pushed. Horrified, Drake released her and jumped away. He could see her trembling. Alanna looked up at him with wide, frightened eyes, and he felt his heart break. "It... Drake... it's not what you think," Alanna stammered. "You're scared of me," Drake said quietly. "No!" Alanna protested, shaking her head. "Not... not of you. I'm not scared of... you. It's... it's just something that happened... a long time ago..." Not scared of me, Drake thought, eyeing her, but scared of something? He watched her, the way she trembled, the wary look in her eyes. If she wasn't scared of him, then what was she afraid of? He wouldn't blame her for being scared; he was, after all, a convicted rapist. Drake stared at her, and when the realization hit him, his eyes widened. "No," he said quietly, shaking his head. Alanna looked away. "Like I said... it was a long time ago. I can't explain too well... it isn't... I mean..." The last thing he thought he should be doing was touching her, but Drake dropped back onto the couch and pulled her into his arms. Not her, he thought, holding her tightly. Please, not her. He didn't need her to say it; he could see it in her eyes. If she wasn't afraid of him directly, she was afraid of rape... because she had been. "God... I can't believe your family let me get near you," Drake said, running his fingers through her hair. "They um... they don't know," Alanna admitted quietly. Drake sat back abruptly and stared down at her. "They don't know!? Why the hell don't they know!?" "I... I c-couldn't tell them," Alanna stammered, looking away from him. "My brothers... there was this girl they both liked, when they were fourteen. But... but she was raped and killed. So... so I couldn't tell them. They were so upset, I..." "They wouldn't have been upset at you," Drake said, resisting the urge to shake her. "Damnit, Alanna... the guy who did it should be rotting in jail, not roaming free to do it again!" Drake was so angry, he was shaking. He put his arms around her again and pulled her close. The man who had done this to her was still free. Which means I could find him and kill him, he thought, scowling. And damnit, I would, if I ever knew who it was. Maybe it was a little hypocritical of him, but this was Alanna. Drake rested his head on top of hers, dazed but what she'd told him. And her parents didn't know, because... "You said your brothers were fourteen," Drake said quietly. He felt Alanna nodded. "But... that would make you..." Alanna slipped out of his hold and looked up at him with teary eyes. "Ten. I was ten." Rage erupted within him, and it took every ounce of willpower he had to keep from flipping out. The last thing he wanted was to scare her, but he was absolutely furious. Ten years old, he thought, drawing her close once more. God... as if it wasn't bad enough. Drake thought he was going to be sick. But he had to remain calm so he wouldn't scare her, and so she wouldn't think he was disgusted because of her. If she hadn't told her family, then she blamed herself. "You have to tell them," Drake said softly. "Alanna... your family has to know." "No!" Alanna protested, struggling in his arms. "No, they... they won't understand. You can't tell them, Drake! You can't!" "Alanna..." Drake murmured. "Please, Drake," Alanna pleaded. Tears ran down her cheeks. "You can't tell them. Promise me you won't." He hated the way she stared at him. Those dark blue eyes were impossible to resist. Her fear tore at him. Her family would understand, Drake thought. They love her so much, of course they'd understand. But Alanna didn't see it that way. He caught her hands in his and lifted them, pressing gentle kisses to her knuckles. She didn't pull away. In fact, it seemed to soothe her. "All right, Alanna," Drake said, regretting every word. "I won't tell. I promise." The relief on her face was unbearable. Not sure what else to do, he just held her, letting her cry. This is strange, Drake thought. She's obviously scared, and knowing what she does, she should be terrified of me, but she isn't. Strange, but wonderful, even if it couldn't last. No one, upon learning the truth about him, had ever trusted him. Alanna's trust in him was frightening and thrilling at the same time. "Lonnie," Drake murmured, using the nickname he'd always heard Bea use. "I think you should go home. Will Bea be there?" "I... I don't know," Alanna sniffled. "Probably. She knew that I was upset..." "Then go home to her," Drake said. He pressed a finger to her lips as she began to protest. "I want to help you, but at the moment it will be better if you're not around me. I'm very angry right now." "At me?" Alanna asked, looking up at him. Drake shook his head. "Not at you," he said, running his fingers gently down her cheek. "Never at you. I'm angry about what happened to you and I'm angry because there's nothing I can do to change it. Because I couldn't protect you." "It wasn't your job to protect me," Alanna said. "And it isn't now." But I wish it could be, Drake thought, as he rose and helped her to her feet. Despite her words, she didn't seem angry. In fact, she leaned against him as he led her towards the door. He didn't want her to leave at all, but he had a lot to think about right now. And he now understood what Bea had meant. She had been there for Alanna for years, keeping her secret, comforting her, and teaching her to accept a lover. Bea can do what I can't, Drake thought. "Thanks for... not telling," Alanna said quietly. "Thanks for believing me," Drake responded. He bent down and kissed the top of her head. "It means the world to me." Alanna smiled up at him. She rested her hands on his arms and stood on her toes to kiss his cheek. Drake savored the light touch of her lips. He watched her disappear down the stairs, then closed the door with a sigh. It was foolishness, to feel the way he did, but she was special. Alanna was a shining light in the darkness of his life. Drake would have given anything to be able to be with her. Except that he couldn't. Even if she believed him, if she trusted him, if she wasn't scared of him, there was still her family to contend with. Alanna might not have told them about Drake's past, but they'd find out eventually, and then they wouldn't want him anywhere near her. And they didn't even know what had happened to her. When they found out, they definitely wouldn't want him around her. And they would find out. Alanna might not want to tell them and Bea was obviously keeping quiet, but they had to know. Gabriel Wolfe was a man with a lot of money, who just might be able to find the man who had raped his daughter. But he couldn't do that if he didn't know about it. And so Drake had made up his mind. He was going to do the one thing that would make Alanna hate him. Never in his life had he broken a promise... but this was one he simply couldn't keep. ------- Chapter Eight: Alanna's Dragon Drake took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, before he knocked on the door of the Wolfe family house. His stomach churned with nerves, but he would do what he had come here to do. The door swung open and he found Alastair glaring down at him. Uh oh, he thought, biting the inside of his lip. That's a bad omen. Still, Drake didn't back down. Nothing was going to stop him from this. "What do you want?" Alastair growled. "Go away!" "No," Drake answered calmly. "I have to speak with your parents. Now. It's important." Alastair opened his mouth to reply, but didn't get the chance. The door was jerked from his hand and Gabriel appeared at his shoulder. Alastair was the taller and more muscular of the two, and yet Gabriel looked far more threatening. They know, Drake realized. This is going to make my job even harder. But Gabriel beckoned him to come in and lead him into the kitchen, where Aislinn and Quinn were sitting. Aislinn's face was pale and her eyes narrowed on him when he entered the room. "Alanna told you," Drake said quietly. "Bea, actually," Gabriel told him. "We haven't seen Alanna since she stormed out of here yesterday." Alastair stepped forward. "And if I find out that you have anything to do with this, I'll-" "Enough!" Gabriel growled. "If you can't hold your temper, then go upstairs." Alastair continued to glower, but he didn't budge. Instead he folded his arms over his chest and stood stubbornly in place. I'd better do this quick, Drake decided, feeling uncomfortable beneath so many hostile gazes. They are not at all happy to see me. So much for Gabriel understanding. He'd known that Alanna's brothers wouldn't give him a chance, but he'd been hoping that her father might. Stupid, that. "I don't care what you think of me," Drake said quickly. "I've explained myself so many times... I don't remember that night. But I don't care if you believe me, either. Alanna believes me, and that's enough. That's... she's why I'm here." "Stay away from her!" Alastair growled, lunging forward. It was Quinn who caught him and hauled him back. "Easy, brother," he said quietly. "Don't do anything stupid." "What is it you want, Drake?" Aislinn asked, speaking over her sons. "If you know we know, then why are you here?" Drake took a deep breath, then plunged ahead. He explained everything; how Alanna had come to his place, how they'd spoken about what happened to him... and to her. He left out the part where he'd kissed her, thought. Alastair was looking more and more angry by the second and Quinn was struggling to hold him back. But it was the look on Aislinn's face that tore him up the most. She had her hands over her mouth and was shaking her head. "I'm sorry," Drake said quietly. "Why are you telling us this?" Gabriel asked. "You said you promised you wouldn't." "I lied," Drake said simply, shrugging. "You have to know. All of you. You're her family and she needs you." "But... but you said... when Quinn and Alastair were fourteen..." Aislinn stammered. Tears glittered in her eyes. "That's... that's not possible, it can't be. She... she was only... oh god!" Gabriel moved over to Aislinn and put his arms around her, drawing her close. Alanna looked enough like her mother that seeing Aislinn cry upset Drake nearly as much as it upset Gabriel. He would have liked to have been able to comfort her too, but he knew better than to try. Alastair was still glaring at him, although he noticed that Quinn was watching him quizzically. "Drake?" Uh oh, he thought, turning slowly. Alanna stood in the doorway of the kitchen. Despite what he knew was about to happen, Drake drank in the sight of her. She wore khaki capris, a blue, string-backed halter top, and a pair of blue jelly sandals. As always, he was struck by the way she looked; both innocent and yet tempting. Alanna glanced at her parents, then at her brothers, then narrowed her eyes on him. "You told them?" she asked, her expression disbelieving. "You promised you wouldn't! "Some promises can't be kept," Drake replied, sighing. "Alanna..." The tears that filled her eyes killed him. There was nothing else he could do now. Drake heard shuffling behind him and the hissing of voices, then Alastair and Quinn slipped past him and headed upstairs. Perhaps they were getting out of the line of fire, but he had no intention of sticking around any longer. Unable to bear the look in Alanna's eyes any longer, Drake turned moved past her and headed for the door. "Wait a minute!" Alanna followed him. Is she going to tell me how much she hates me? he wondered, turning to face her. Not that I don't deserve it. Drake braced himself for whatever he had to say. He could see Gabriel and Aislinn watching from the kitchen, but they didn't seem ready to get involved. "Why?" Alanna asked quietly, startling him. "Why would you break your promise?" "I never intended to keep it," Drake admitted. He felt that he absolutely had to be honest about this. "I had to tell them." "But why!?" Alanna demanded, tears sliding down her cheeks. "Why would you do this to me?" "Because I had to!" Drake retorted, shaken by the look of betrayal in her eyes. "Your family can give you the things I can't! They can protect you, comfort you... love you. But they can't do that if they don't know!" Alanna stared up at him. Something flickered in her eyes, but he wasn't sure what. She reached up and cradled his face in her hands. Sighing, Drake leaned into her touch. He should leave, but he wanted to savor a few more minutes with her. Somewhere deep inside him was the hope that she'd forgive him for this. She had understood before, so maybe, just maybe she could understand this time. "Why can't you do those things?" Alanna asked tearfully. "I... I'm not..." Drake began, his hearting pounding. "I told you, I don't believe you did it!" Alanna said fiercely. "I don't care what anyone else says! They... they don't know you like I do!" He wanted to protest, to remind her that she didn't know him at all. Alanna sank to her knees, tears sliding down her cheeks. Damnit, Drake thought, crouching in front of her. I can't do this... He reached out and pushed her hair back from her face. Alanna caught his hand and held onto it, refusing to let go. Fine, he thought, sinking against her and putting his arms around her. You win. I can't leave you. Drake pressed his face against her chest like a scared child and savored the feeling of her arms tight around him. ------- Gabriel held onto Aislinn as they watched the conversation between Alanna and Drake. He struggled with so many emotions; anger, worry, guilt. For years he'd had his suspicions about this, but this was the first time he had confirmation of it. In Alanna he'd seen certain behaviors he'd once seen in his sister Mary, but he'd been hoping that maybe he'd been imagining it. After all, Mary had been dead for years. And Drake... Aislinn shifted in his arms, looking up at him. He could see the worry in her pale blue eyes, but he wasn't sure how to soothe it. She turned to look at Drake and Alanna again. Looking at them, Gabriel saw something that struck him as familiar. Her brown hair, with its honey gold streaks, and his dark hair, contrasting starkly with hers. The way he clung to her, as if she was the only thing in the world that was worth living for. "Gabriel," Aislinn said quietly. "What are we going to do?" "I'm not sure," Gabriel told her. "She's my daughter and I want to protect her but..." "But!?" Aislinn demanded, whirling to face him. "Gabriel, he raped someone!" "Shhh!" Gabriel hissed. He turned Aislinn back to face Alanna and Drake. "Look, Aislinn. Really look at them. Tell me... who do they remind you of?" Aislinn went still and he realized that she saw it too. Alanna's light hair against Drake's dark. Her words, insisting that she believed he was innocent, despite what anyone else said. Gabriel remembered what it was like to have a pair of warm, trusting blue eyes gazing up a him. He remembered how wonderful it felt when someone had looked at him for who he was, not what he'd done. Despite being young, he'd married Aislinn because he refused to let that go, and he'd never regretted it. "But... but you hadn't raped someone, Gabriel," Aislinn protested quietly. "No, I killed someone," Gabriel said ruefully. "I don't remember it very much, but I know I did it. What if Drake really doesn't remember? What if he didn't do it?" Aislinn shook her head. "How would that be possible?" "We need to find out more about what happened," Gabriel told her. "One way or another, we've got to know every detail." "We have to protect her," Aislinn said softly. "And we will," Gabriel assured her, closing his arms around her. "But, love, in order to protect her, we may have to protect him as well." Aislinn stared up at him and he could see by the expression in her pale blue eyes that she understood. Drake needed Alanna and she seemed to want him in her life. If there was any chance that Drake was innocent, then they had to find out. And... it's not like someone can't change, Gabriel thought, holding Aislinn tight. I've never killed anyone again, and I never wanted to. He wasn't going to assume that Drake couldn't change. Not since Aislinn had always given him the benefit of the doubt. And he owed it to Alanna. Gabriel had kept his distance more than he should have, ever since she was little. She had reminded him of Mary and deep down inside, he'd feared getting close to her. I should have been there to protect her, he thought, pressing his face against Alanna's hair. But I was scared. Now Gabriel had to protect her. And what was more important than anything else was protecting her heart. ------- Sydney huddled next to Elijah as they listened through the cracked door to what was going on downstairs. When she'd heard about Drake being a rapist, she hadn't really been able to believe it. She didn't really know him well, but what she'd seen of him... he seemed so strong, noble, and gentle. Like a knight in white armor, Sydney thought, biting back a dreamy smile. Or a prince... She sighed. Drake only had eyes for her cousin Alanna, and after what she'd heard today, she couldn't even be jealous. "Maybe Ethan was right," Elijah said quietly. "I mean, he didn't even know his own daughter had been raped... and now this guy Drake..." Sydney shook her head. "No way, Ly-Ly! It's not Gabriel's fault he didn't know! And you heard Alanna... she doesn't believe Drake did it!" "Girls don't ever think guys like that are bad news," Elijah said, rolling his eyes. "Oh, shut up!" Sydney growled. "I agree with her! He... I know he has a temper, but he was protecting Alanna from some pervert." "Maybe he was just staking his claim-Ow!" Elijah reached up and rubbed his head. Sydney glared at him. Men are so stupid sometimes, she thought, rolling her eyes. They always think it's about their dicks. Drake wouldn't have come here, knowing that Alanna's family probably knew about him, to tell them what he knew if he had really raped someone. He probably would have just taken advantage of Alanna's fear and that would be that. Why can't Elijah see that? Sydney wondered, biting her lip. "All right, I'm sorry, Syn," Elijah said softly. "I'm worried about you, you know. I have to keep you safe while we're here." Sydney put her arms around her brother, hoping a hug would stop the argument between them. Ethan had told him that he had to protect her, and Elijah had taken that very seriously. It could be stifling sometimes, because her other brothers were like that too. I guess I'm going to have to deal with it, Sydney thought, because Alastair and Quinn seem like that too, and they'll end up treating me like a sister. "Is Ethan going to come soon?" Sydney asked, changing the subject. Elijah sighed and shook his head. "There's too much to settle... they've got to go through a lot of red tape to get transferred to a lawyer over here. We'll probably be in school for awhile before they can get here." "I'm surprised he hasn't sent everyone else along to watch us," Sydney said, rolling her eyes. "There's nothing they can do, anyway," Elijah said. "And unless I tell him things are bad, then he won't worry too much." Sydney smiled. "Things aren't bad, though, are they, Ly-Ly? I'm starting to like it here... even with all the drama." Elijah smiled back. He had such a sweet smile and she knew he usually had to beat girls off with a stick. We'll get to go to a new school, Sydney thought, closing the door at last and leaning against it. And meet new people. And Alastair had invited him to go to the studio and watch his troupe practice again. She was starting to be really happy here and she hoped her brother would be too. ------- Bea had listened to everything Alanna had said, and then she'd called Drake and asked him if he would meet her for lunch. Alanna had showed no fear or distrust; in fact, she was determined to trust him. And so that meant, as far as Bea was concerned, that she needed to talk to him. Like Alanna, she didn't really believe that he had raped anyone. And there were things he needed to know, needed to understand. Especially about the relationship between her and Alanna. Bea sat in the corner of a café she and Alanna loved, waiting for him. She knew he'd show up. When Drake looked at Alanna, his eyes were filled with an emotion that would make most girls' hearts stop. Then again, he only has to breathe to make female hearts stop, she thought wryly. Bea wanted to help Alanna, because the way Drake looked at her was exactly what she needed. The door opened and Drake stepped inside. His hair was braided, as usual. It always amazed her that a man could look so sexy in a t-shirt and a pair of jeans with holes in the knees and white stains from plaster and bleach. Not that Bea was interested in Drake like that. Oh, she'd sleep with him if he wasn't interested in Alanna, but there was no guy she wanted to have an actual relationship with. "You wanted to talk to me?" Drake asked when he reached the table. He sounded apprehensive. Bea's eyebrows rose. "What, no hello? Sit down and stay awhile." "Right," Drake said, dropping into the seat across from her. "Sorry. I just..." "I understand," Bea assured him. "Alanna wants to trust you, so for her sake, I'm going to try to too." "Are you in love with her?" Drake asked. Bea laughed. She couldn't help it; he sounded like a lost child. It was odd, because looking at him, one got the impression of someone who was tough and macho. And she got the feeling that he could be, if it wasn't for the weight he was carrying around on his shoulders. Bea lifted her hands and shook her head, trying to ease his confusion while she struggling to stop laughing. "S-sorry," she panted, rubbing at her eyes. "No, I'm not in love with her. I love Lonnie about as much as I can love anyone, but... I can't give her what she needs. At least, not emotionally." Drake coughed. "Uh... but... physically um... I mean..." "Oh, stop!" Bea laughed. She reached out and gently tapped his arm, playfully, hoping to ease his nerves. "Yes, Alanna and I have a physical relationship. Not long after I met her, I found out about the rape. I could see something was wrong, because she was so flinchy all the time. For her fifteenth birthday I gave her... well, I'm sure we don't have to get into that. But she's gotten used to being touched, she's gotten used to sex. And that's kind of what I wanted to talk to you about." Drake's eyebrows rose. She figured he was surprised that she would even bring up the subject of sex. But he was either innocent, or it had been an isolated incident. Knowing Alanna as she did, Bea knew that sex would come up eventually. Maybe not quickly, but eventually she would get over her fear. With a man like Drake, it was hard not to. And perhaps by telling him this, she could gauge some of the truth by his reaction. "I um... I don't think we'll... I mean, she was..." Drake stammered. "Well, it's just..." "Maybe you will, maybe you won't," Bea said, cutting him off. "We won't get in to that. But I need to explain something to you. You need to understand what she's afraid of." Drake frowned. "I would think that she would be afraid of sex. Well... at least, with men." Bea laughed. "No, that's not quite it," she said, shaking her head. "I... I don't know all the details. But I think... I think it was someone she knew. Someone she trusted." Whatever Drake was thinking, it showed in his eyes. Bea waited for an outburst of some kind, but it never came. So, he's trying to control himself, she thought, good. She leaned back in the chair and waited for his response. "It... it wasn't... one of her family, was it?" Drake asked slowly. "No!" Bea protested, shocked. "No, of course not! I mean... I would have seen it. She's not afraid of her family, not at all." "She doesn't seem that close to her father," Drake pointed out. Bea imagined her face was as red as her hair. She hadn't expected him to make those sorts of accusations. It was true that Alanna and her father weren't as close as they could be, but she knew Gabriel would never do anything like that. Alanna had always avoided getting too close to him. She'd explained to Bea once that her father had lost his sister because of rape, and she was always afraid he'd see through her. "All right, I'm sorry," Drake said quickly, realizing she was irritated. "I can't help it. I want to kill the man who did this to her. I know Gabriel would never..." "No, he wouldn't," Bea agreed, scowling. "It was not one of her family. But it was someone she knew. And she's afraid of that... afraid that someone she loves and trusts will hurt her. She's afraid that you'll turn out to be the exact opposite of everything she sees in you." Bea went silent, giving him a chance for that to sink in. If he could accept that, she could move on, give him some advice on how he could help Alanna. But she would be watching him. If there was any sign that he hurt her, Bea would go to Gabriel without a second thought. She waiting patiently, watching Drake fidget and twist in his chair. High-pitched, annoying laughter cut above the rest of the noise in the café. He was looking around the café, perhaps trying to collect his thoughts, when he tensed. "That's her," Drake said quietly. "Her who?" Bea asked, puzzled. She leaned in the chair to glance around him. "The... the girl," Drake answered, his voice hoarse. "The one who said I... that I..." Bea frowned. She followed the direction of his gaze to a blonde who was making all the noise. There were a bunch of chatty blondes there, but she was the only one who didn't get her coloring from a bottle. The blonde turned slightly in the chair, raising her voice to yell at the waitress. The man has to be innocent, Bea thought, her eyes widening. Because she recognized the girl he'd pointed out: it was Melissa Hartley. ------- Chapter Nine: Innocence "There's no way he could have done it!" Alanna stared at her brother, a little stunned by the change in his attitude. Just a few minutes ago he'd been ready to tear Drake apart, but when she'd shared Bea's news, Alastair had done a complete one-eighty. Not that I blame him, she thought, watching him pace the living room. That woman is a bitch. Alanna knew Melissa had tried to come between Quinn and Alastair, and at one point, between Sada and Alastair. "We can't know anything for sure yet," Gabriel said calmly, watching his son pace. "Perhaps she was telling the truth." "Like hell!" Alastair snapped, turning to glare at his father. "You know what she did to Quinn! She probably did the same thing to Drake!" "He said the girl who accused him was hitting on him," Alanna put in quickly. "I bet when he refused her, she used the same trick she used on Quinn!" She had Alastair on her side and if she could get the rest of her family on her side as well, she would have everything she needed. Alanna knew her father would use his money and influence to reopen the case against Drake and find out what had really happened. Now, all eyes turned to Quinn, who had once ended up on the receiving end of Melissa's cruel manipulations. He was sitting on an armchair, with Xandri settled on his lap (a sight that was quickly growling familiar). "Well, I remember what happened," Quinn said. Seeing the look on Alanna's face, he added hastily, "But only vaguely. And this happened after what she did to me, so she could have used more on him." "The article in the paper makes no mention of drugs in his system," Gabriel pointed out. "And Melissa has a rich father," Alanna reminded him. "Someone with enough money to bribe someone on the inside, if he could find someone. And there's always someone who's corrupt!" Everyone went silent and she noticed that her father looked thoughtful. He'd had enough experiences with the legal system to know what it could be like. Alanna watched him hopefully. He has to do something, she thought, chewing fretfully on her lower lip. He knows how it feels to be in Drake's position. Gabriel sighed heavily and slid his arm around Aislinn, who sat next to him. He kissed her lightly on the cheek, then rose. "Call Drake and tell him to come over here. I want to talk to him," Gabriel said, looking at Alanna. He turned his gaze to Aislinn. "Let's get started, love. We've got a lot of phone calls to make." ------- Drake had been surprised when Alanna had called him and asked him to come to her parents' house. She wouldn't say what it was about, but she sounded excited. And so he founded himself knocking on the door of the Wolfe family house, feeling very apprehensive. The door swung open to reveal a scowling Alastair. Drake waited, holding his breath; the last thing he wanted was to get into a fight with Alanna's brother. "Next time," Alastair growled, grabbing him by the shoulders and hauling him inside. "Tell us who it was! Melissa Hartley! That girl is such a bitch... and a slut!" Drake listened, rather stunned, as Alastair continued to rant. He allowed himself to be shuffled into the living room, where he found the rest of the Wolfe family. Are they always all together like this? he wondered. Actually, Aislinn and Gabriel were currently absent, but everyone else, including Xandri and Sada, was there. As always, whenever he stepped in the room, Quinn began looking between him and Xandri, a puzzled expression on his face. Maybe he's paranoid or something, Drake thought, disturbed by that. He glanced over at the couch where Alanna was sitting. She smiled at him, sending a thrill through him. Despite all his caution, Drake had been unbelievably happy when she'd asked him why he couldn't be the one to love her. She still wanted him in her life. I don't understand how I got to feel this way, he thought, but it really doesn't matter much anymore. "Earth to Drake!" Alastair called. "I'm talking to you here!" "Sorry," Drake said, smiling sheepishly. "I um... what was that? Melissa... ?" "The girl you said accused you of rape," Alastair explained. "You didn't do it." Drake blinked. "What? But how... ?" Alastair sat him down and he listened as he and his brother Quinn explained what had happened with Melissa. Drugs, he thought, frowning. That... did I leave my drink somewhere that night? Drake thought back; the night was blurry and hard to remember, but if he had left his drink, it would have been with his buddy Dave. Dave was interested in that Melissa chick, wasn't he? Drake wondered. And after that time his girlfriend told him she liked me more, I imagine he wasn't too happy about another girl preferring me. Could he have helped Melissa? "Mom and dad are looking into it now," Alanna said quietly. "They know a lot of people, so they're trying to get the case re-opened." Drake looked at her. "Re-opened?" "To see if there was tampering with the evidence," Alanna explained. She smiled up at him. "She hurt my brothers and now she hurt you. If my parents can't do anything, I will. Somehow. I won't let her get away with it." I hope they're not just grasping at straws, Drake thought, resisting the urge to pull Alanna close. I don't want this to be false hope. He'd been carrying around the guilt for something he couldn't even remember for years. He'd lost friends and family because of this. If it turned out that he'd done nothing wrong... well, Drake didn't have a dragon tattooed on his back just because of his name. His fierce temper had earned him that. Gabriel and Aislinn emerged from the kitchen then. She was clutching the phone and her pale blue eyes were lit up. Gabriel's face was calm and expressionless, but Drake thought he saw something flickering in the man's dark eyes. Aislinn bounced forward, seeming easily twenty years younger than she really was, and dropped onto the couch next to Alanna. She threw her arms around her daughter. "You won't believe it!" Aislinn exclaimed. "Drake's case... Marina was on it originally! But she got mono and it was given to someone else. But she can help us to get it re-opened! She's working on another case right now that could be related, because it seems that one of the scientists there has been tampering with evidence." "So... she might be able to find something?" Drake asked, trying to keep from sounding too hopeful. "If anyone can, she can," Aislinn answered, smiling at him warmly. "Don't worry, Drake. We'll get to the bottom of this." He could barely believe it. His own family had done nothing like this for him. Granted, it was more for Alanna's sake than his, but still. Drake looked down at Alanna and found himself smiling. As long as they're making sure she's happy, that's what's important, he thought, reaching up and brushing her hair from her face. She leaned into his touch, ignoring the looks of her family. "Come on," Gabriel said suddenly, resting a hand on Drake's shoulder. "You and I need to talk." Drake nodded and stood. He followed Gabriel upstairs and into a huge master bedroom. The house didn't look that big from the outside, but it was. There was a couch in the bedroom, which was where he sat. Gabriel remained standing. He paced the room as he spoke. "You know there's a chance this might all be false hope," Gabriel said quietly. "I know," Drake told him. "And that's all right. It's enough to know that you're doing this for Alanna. Because I know that's why you're doing it." "You seem pretty crazy about her," Gabriel said, turning to look at him. Drake shrugged. "I don't really get it. It's crazy, I know, but I feel like... like I've met her before. Like we knew each other." "Well, you did," Gabriel said, his eyebrows lifting. "I mean, she is my daughter. You two were inseparable when you were here that summer." Drake stared at him. That summer... ? he thought, blinking. When I was here for that program, because of my parents. He leaned back on the couch, lifting his hands to his head. It was so simple, he couldn't believe he hadn't remembered. But now it came flooding back. The blue eyes that haunted Drake's dreams were not Melissa's; they were Alanna's. They were warm, kind eyes, not scared or cruel or accusing. "How could I not remember that!?" Drake exclaimed. "Oh man... it... so much has happened and those days got so buried..." "You were going through a hard time then," Gabriel said quietly. "And you were only six. It's not really surprising that you don't remember much. To be honest, I would have been shocked if you remembered that much." "But... I can kind of remember, when I try," Drake told him. "I didn't like her at first, did I? She used to follow me around and she drove me crazy!" Gabriel laughed. "She was so in love with you. At least, as much as a four-year-old could be. And yes, at first you couldn't stand her. But I guess she grew on you, because... well... we've got a lot of pictures of the two of your together." "Can I see?" Drake asked, suddenly feeling excited. While Gabriel headed over to shelves at the back of the room, Drake sat on the couch, his head buzzing. His memories of those days were glimpses, bits and pieces as if from a long ago dream. Really, that should have been so obvious, he thought, but Alanna didn't say anything, so maybe she didn't remember, either. After all, she'd been even younger than him. But perhaps some part of her did remember him. Gabriel brought over one big, heavy photo album. It was white, with metal encasing the edges. There were tons of photos of children in there, probably others who had been at the program. He saw a pair of dark-headed twin boys who could only be Alastair and Quinn. It was the pictures with Alanna that Drake liked. She was absolutely tiny, with huge blue eyes and her hair usually in pigtails. "Look at this one," Gabriel said, tapping a picture. It was another picture of Alanna and a kid that had to be him. Dark hair was long, as it had always been, and braided. The two of them were curled up together in a big, over-stuffed chair, arms around each other, fast asleep. Oh my god, we're so cute, Drake thought, grinning to himself. All of the pictures of them together were adorable. There was one of them in the pool, in the shallow end, with him standing and holding her up as if trying to teach her to swim. And another of them sharing the same Popsicle, something that, if he remembered correctly, had pissed Gabriel off somewhat. "Can... can I show this to Alanna?" Drake asked. "I'm assuming she hasn't seen it..." "We have so many photo albums," Gabriel explained. "I don't think she's ever gotten around to this one. I didn't realize she remembered so little, or I would have shown her. Go ahead..." Drake stood up, taking the photo album with him. "Thanks. And uh... thanks for trusting me. Even if it's only for Alanna's sake... no one has ever believed me before." ------- Alanna stared at the picture of her and Drake asleep on the chair. Oh my god, she thought, duh! Why hadn't she thought of that? Drake had said from the beginning that he'd been in her father's summer program. Well, she had only been four at the time, so she guessed it wasn't all that surprising that she hadn't remembered. It explains why I have dreams of him, Alanna thought. Some part of me has always remembered him and I've just been waiting for him to return. "I can't remember ever being that tiny," Alanna said, glancing at Drake. They were sitting in her old room, which Elijah and Sydney had kindly evacuated. "I can't really, either," Drake admitted. "But looking at these pictures helps me remember some things." Alanna nodded. "Me too. I remember... you didn't like me at first." "Because you followed me around all the time," Drake reminded her, grinning. "I can't remember why things changed but... maybe I will eventually." I get the feeling he protected me from something, Alanna thought, rising from where she sat on the floor. I can't remember what, but... it would make a lot of sense. She headed to the cedar chest at the foot of the bed and retrieved a folder from it. The whole time she could feel Drake's eyes on her. Alanna brought the folder back and sat back down, then flipped it open. "Take a look at these," she said, pushing the folder towards Drake. "I've been drawing them for quite some time now..." Feeling nervous, she watched as Drake looked through the pictures. She'd been drawing them for so long now. Her prince had always been older than her, like Drake was, although in the earliest pictures he was no more than sixteen or seventeen. It showed in the slenderness of his body and the narrowness of his face. Alanna waited, barely able to breathe, until Drake lifted his head. "That's pretty crazy," he said quietly. "I mean... for you to be able to draw someone who looks like me..." Alanna shrugged. "I guess the part of me that remembered you could, I dunno, see how you'd look as you got older. And I mean, it doesn't look exactly like you." "You have an amazing mind, Alanna," Drake told her, smiling slightly. "You're really talented. I'll never be talented like you are." "Oh, stop that," Alanna said, scowling. She reached out and rested her hand against her cheek. "You're a great dancer. Don't ruin my image of you by feeling sorry for yourself." Drake chuckled softly. His hand covered hers, cradling it against his cheek. Gazing up into his dark eyes, Alanna suddenly felt as if she couldn't breathe. When he pulled her up into his lap, she didn't protest. He didn't scare her; she was only scared if she dwelled on thoughts of the past for too long. In fact, Drake's strong arms around her made her feel safe. "Perhaps I am feeling a little sorry for myself," Drake admitted, the fingers of his free hand trailing down her cheek. "It's difficult when there's something you want but you can't have it." Alanna felt her cheeks heat. "I um... why can't you?" "You know, I was quite a jerk before this happened," Drake told her. "Arrogant and rude... I guess I'd been like that for a long time. That would have ruined your image of me even more." "That didn't answer my question," Alanna said, frowning. She reached up and wound her arm around his neck. Drake didn't stop her when she pulled his mouth down to hers. Alanna didn't know why, exactly, but she needed to feel his kiss again. His mouth was so gentle and tender on hers. She dug her fingers into his hair, hoping he wouldn't mind if she messed up his braid, and held onto him tightly. Drake shifted her in his lap, positioning her more comfortably, but he didn't take his mouth from hers. Alanna shivered as his hand slid down along her arm. There was a tenseness about his body, as if he was trying to restrain himself. Yet he couldn't seem to stop himself from coaxing her mouth open with his tongue. A soft moan escaped her. She felt him move beneath her and quite suddenly she was lying on the floor beneath him. Drake's knee slid between her thighs, pressing up against her. His hands slid along her sides, pushing up the thin camisole she was wearing. Alanna's breath caught in her throat. She wanted so badly to feel his hands on her skin, but she found herself trembling. Nerves made her stomach churn. She felt Drake tense, as if he'd sensed her sudden uncertainty. He sat back, pushing his hair away from his face, and gazed down at her. Alanna wished immediately that she could erase the look of guilt from his eyes. She sat up, reaching out and resting a hand on his arm. "Sorry," Drake said quietly. "It's not you," Alanna assured him. "I swear, Drake, it's not. I just... this is so new and different... it's a little frightening." "Look, we shouldn't even... do this," Drake said, shaking his head. "Until we find out if... if..." Alanna scowled. "Oh, stop it! Look, can't we just... I mean..." Drake lifted a hand and pressed a finger to her lips. Startled, she looked up at him. He slid an arm around her waist and leaned down, pressing his mouth to hers gently. It was such a soft kiss that she wasn't even really sure it had happened. "I'd feel so much better if I knew I was innocent," Drake told her. "But I don't want to give up so easily. So... don't worry." He bent and kissed her cheek, then released her and stood. Alanna stood too, uncertain what to feel. What if he wasn't innocent? Would she be able to forget all her fears anyway? She glanced down at the folder where it sat on the floor, open. In her dreams Drake had always been her protector. Alanna didn't believe he could be anything else. She turned to him, intending to tell him just that, but the door opened, starling them both. It was her mother. She was holding the phone and her pale blue eyes were lit with a familiar fire. "That was Marina just now," Aislinn said, grinning. "She found evidence that the report on Drake's DNA was changed. They're letting her re-open his case." ------- Chapter Ten: Vindication Alanna stretched languidly, letting the thin blanket slip down around her hips. She felt Bea's hand travel along her back. The touch was soothing. She leaned back into the red-head and opened her eyes, glad for the blinds that kept out the worst of the morning sun. Today's the day, she thought, smiling to herself. Marina is going to tell us what she found out. Alanna had been a nervous wreck since Marina had called. Bea had come to spend the night with her and ease her nerves. "Come on, sleepyhead," Bea teased. "You should get up and shower." "Mmm'know," Alanna grumbled, pushing herself up onto her elbows. "Would you put some coffee on?" "I'll do you one better," Bea said, springing out of bed and grabbing her robe. "I'll make breakfast. You go get yourself all prettied up for Drake." Laughing and rolling her eyes, Alanna slid out of bed. She grabbed a towel and headed into the bathroom. Bea had been so wonderful; she'd come over in the middle of the night and rubbed her back until she'd fallen asleep. Bea is my best friend, Alanna thought, as she climbed into the shower. But I can't help wishing that Drake had been here last night. She'd considered, very briefly, calling him, but she'd figured he wouldn't want to come over. When she'd seen the photo album, full of pictures of her and Drake, she'd been relieved and excited. Relieved because she knew she wasn't crazy, feeling the way she did, and excited because he seemed to feel the same. He was such a cute kid, Alanna thought, sighing as hot water rushed down over her. I wonder if we had kids, what would they look like? Well, no need to think about that. Until they found out if Drake was innocent, she wouldn't know if there would even be a relationship between them. ------- Drake felt a little uneasy, sitting with Marina and Alanna's family. He wasn't sure he wanted to know what Marina had found out. What if he wasn't innocent? He couldn't have what he wanted if he wasn't innocent. Because he only had to look at Alanna to know that he'd made up his mind about her. I want to help her, Drake thought, watching her from the corner of his eye. I want to protect her and... love her. Something he wasn't sure he could do without a clear conscience. He watched Marina open a manila folder and pull out a stack of paper. Despite the reassuring smile on her face, he was holding his breath. Drake felt a hand rest on his arm and he glanced over at Alanna. She turned her head, giving him a smile that spoke volumes. Feeling sorry for myself again, he thought, smiling back at her. All right, I'll stop. "So, I found something pretty interesting," Marina said, setting the papers down on the table. "A colleague of mine was put on Drake's case when I got sick. And to be quite frank with you, I couldn't believe he'd done something like that. Then this new case came up, with the evidence changed. When I started looking into it, I realized the handwriting was not that of my colleague. I was getting ready to look into some other cases when Aislinn called me. The handwriting in this report matches that of the case I'm working on now. It's only a matter of finding out who did it... and why." "Do you know who it might be?" Alanna asked, looking hopeful. Marina shook her head. "Not just yet. But we have someone working on it as we speak. And someone investigating Melissa Hartley, as well." Well, that sounds... encouraging, Drake thought, unwilling to get too excited. I wonder what they'll find. Alanna's family had talked about Melissa's father being rich and Marina didn't seem to think it was too farfetched that he had paid someone off. However, she'd said nothing concrete yet. Drake supposed that she couldn't make a decision until she had enough evidence to be certain. "How long do you think it will take?" he asked. "We're moving as fast as we can," Marina told him. "Whoever this person is, they also tampered with the evidence of a murder case. I can't tell you much, only that it's urgent that we get this solved." Drake nodded. He took a deep breath, then glanced at Alanna. How long would it take? How long before he had to make a decision? If he could, he would find a way to help her. To be with her, even. Listening to what Bea had said, he'd decided that he needed to show Alanna that she could trust him. Drake had the idea; now all he needed was the assurance that he could go through with it. ------- Gabriel didn't want to move. The morning sun was spilling through the window, telling him it was past time to get out of bed, but he didn't want to. Aislinn was curled up next to him, her head resting on his chest. He ran his fingers through his hair, enjoying the peace and quiet of the house. No doubt Elijah and Sydney were still sleeping. So much for our lives together after children, Gabriel thought wryly. I guess I'll have to settle for this, for now. Aislinn stirred. He could feel her breath, warm against his skin. Time had done nothing to diminish the beauty he saw in her. And both of them kept in shape; aside from some smile lines and a few gray hairs, neither of them had changed much. Sometimes Gabriel found it hard to believe that more than twenty years had passed. He sighed as her fingertips ran lightly down his chest and looked down to see her smiling up at him. "Those must be some deep thoughts," Aislinn said quietly, her fingers running up along his neck and to his mouth. "Your forehead is all crinkled." "Quiet, you," Gabriel said, nipping at her fingers. Aislinn giggled. "Or else what? Gonna do something about it?" She squeaked in surprise as he moved, slipping out from underneath her and tumbling her down onto the bed. He pressed his mouth to hers, at the same time catching her wrists and pinning them to the bed. Aislinn laughed softly, squirming beneath him. Gabriel dropped his mouth to her neck, kissing his way down over her shoulders. He heard her moan softly as his lips brushed the curve of her breast. The phone rang. Gabriel groaned and pressed his face between her breasts, trying to ignore the ringing. Aislinn sighed and reached for the phone. Her fingers ran through his hair as she spoke; it was Marina on the phone, apparently. Unconcerned about what they might be speaking about, Gabriel lifted his head and continued his teasing. He nipped and licked until Aislinn covered the mouthpiece of the phone and glared at him. "Knock it off," she hissed. "This is serious!" Sighing, Gabriel slipped out of bed and headed for the bathroom. While Aislinn was on the phone he took a shower and got dressed. Somehow he had the feeling they weren't going to have a peaceful morning. As soon as he stepped out of the bathroom and saw the look on Aislinn's face, Gabriel knew his feeling had been right. "Did they find out who did it?" he asked. "More than that," Aislinn replied, grabbing her robe and pulling it on. "They got a confession. They're bringing both Melissa and her father in for questioning." Gabriel flashed her a crooked grin. I've been waiting to go head to head with this guy for years, he thought, bending down to kiss Aislinn's cheek, then leaving her to take her shower. Rich men like Melissa's father had no respect for him. After all, it was his wife that made the bulk of their fortune. And Benjamin Hartley had made it a point to poke fun at Gabriel for years. Time for Mr. Hartley to find out what the Wolfe family is all about, he thought. He was pouring coffee into two travel mugs when Aislinn came downstairs. She made a beeline for him and threw her arms around him, snuggling close. Surprised, Gabriel set down the coffee pot and put his arms around her. "Sorry for snapping at you," Aislinn said quietly. Gabriel chuckled. "Is that what this is about? Hey, I was misbehaving, I got what I deserved." He lowered his mouth to her neck and nipped gently. Aislinn squeaked. She laughed softly, pressing her face against his chest. Gabriel nibbled on her earlobe, wishing he had the time to do more than play around a little. Reluctantly he pulled away from her. They left the house arm in arm. Aislinn drove, since Gabriel didn't like driving the mini-van if he could avoid it. Although I must admit, he thought, setting down his coffee mug. It's awfully nice having cup-holders. "So, what do you think?" Aislinn asked, glancing at him briefly. Gabriel shrugged. "Not sure. Did she mention who did the forgery?" "No," Aislinn replied, shaking her head. "I don't think she's allowed to name too many names just yet. We know Melissa is involved and through her, probably her father, but I imagine we can't know who else is involved yet." Gabriel nodded. It had been a long time since he'd been involved with this sort of thing. He'd helped Quinn a little with his restraining order on Melanie, but other than that, he hadn't been involved with the legal system since their long ago run-in with Eddie Montard. And I really don't miss it, Gabriel thought, sighing. At least I'll finally get to do something about this bitch and her father. Marina was waiting for them at the police station. Drake and Alanna weren't there yet, but that was probably better. "I'm glad you're here," Marina said, leading them up the stairs and into the station. "We've got Benjamin Hartley here and we're questioning him. So far he's refused to talk, but I think we can make him change his mind." "Ooo, is he in one of those rooms with the one-way windows?" Gabriel asked. "I've always wanted to see what it was like on other side of those things." Marina grinned. "Well, you'll enjoy this, then." He'd always been fascinated by those windows when he was younger. Now Gabriel slid an arm around Aislinn's waist and held onto her as they paused by the window. He studied Benjamin Hartley; the man was older than him by at least ten years, with thinning, graying hair, beady eyes, and a weak chin. He'll take the fall for her, Gabriel thought, frowning. He thinks she's a perfect angel and he'll make sure she doesn't get punished for this. He wasn't sure how he knew that, but it was just a feeling he had. "I'll ask you again, Mr. Hartley... who did you hire to change the evidence?" Gabriel recognized the officer interrogating Hartley. Marina had dated him briefly. The man was tall, built like a linebacker, and he'd reminded him rather distinctly of Eddie. Gabriel had realized, when he'd met the man, that Marina had once been in love with Eddie. I guess he had some good points, he thought, but none that I ever saw. "Listen up," the officer said, slamming his hands down on the table. "We have proof that your daughter drugged and raped Drake Saint-Angelus. If you don't-" "Ridiculous!" Mr. Hartley shouted, jumping up from his chair. "She's a woman! She couldn't have!" "I have to give him that," Gabriel murmured, leaning his head against Aislinn's. "I know it's possible, but it just sounds... odd." "Rape isn't all about force, Gabriel," Aislinn said quietly. "Sometimes..." Gabriel sighed. "I know, love. I know." They continued to listen as Hartley and the officer went back and forth. This is going to be a long day, Gabriel thought. He was glad Drake and Alanna weren't here yet. There was no need for them to sit through this. ------- Drake pulled his helmet off, shook his braid back over his shoulder, and looked up at the police station. Never wanted to see one of these again, he thought, strapping his helmet to the back of his bike. He'd been surprised when he'd been woken up at noon by the phone ringing. It was unlike Drake to sleep in like that, but he hadn't been able to sleep last night. And he would have expected to hear from Gabriel earlier than that, as well. "Hey! Drake!" Surprised, he turned in the direction of the voice. Alanna, of course. He smiled at the sight of her. A light breeze lifted her hair off her neck. It's so good to see her, Drake thought, pausing and waiting for her to catch up. Her eyes lit up and she smiled, the way she always seemed to do when she saw him. Well, it's official, he thought, shaking his head and smiling ruefully. I have completely lose my mind. "How are you?" Alanna asked, as she halted in front of him. "I've been better," Drake admitted. "This whole thing is kind of... nerve-wracking." "No kidding," Alanna agreed, walking beside him as they headed towards the police station. "But... I'm glad. Because I think you're innocent, and the rest of the world should know it, too." Drake smiled. He was just starting up the steps of the police station when the doors opened and Gabriel walked out, followed closely by Aislinn. He dropped down on the top of the steps, wearing an exasperated expression. Alanna trotted up the stairs to her father; Drake followed at a more sedate pace. If the news was bad, he wasn't sure he wanted to know. "I'm ready to strangle the man," Gabriel was saying. "He refuses to believe his precious daughter did anything wrong. And damnit! If Quinn had only agreed to press charged when she did this to him..." "But... but what's going on with Drake?" Alanna asked, frowning. "Isn't he innocent?" "Oh, he is," Gabriel replied, sighing. "No doubt about that now. His name is being taken off the list of registered sex offenders, and I imagine a rather large... apology isn't far behind." Drake sat down heavily. He was innocent. Alanna sat down next to him and rest a hand on his arm. His head was buzzing, making it difficult to think. If I'm innocent, he wondered, then what really happened? He looked up at Gabriel, who must have sensed what he was thinking, because he flashed a lopsided grin. Beside him, Aislinn giggled and pressed her face against her husband's shoulder. "I'm afraid I can't tell you that you didn't sleep with her," Gabriel said. "But I can tell you that she wasn't the one who was raped." Drake blinked. "What?" "It's a long story," Gabriel told him. "Melissa drugged you and... well, I'd much rather not think about the finer details. Suffice it to say that you are innocent, but she and her father are not." "Are they going to be charged?" Alanna asked, perking up. "Her father will," Gabriel replied, frowning. "He's taken responsibility for everything he possibly can. She... well..." Drake studied Gabriel's face. I have a bad feeling about this, he thought. Fingers slipped around his. Startled, he glanced over at Alanna; she must have had the same feeling he was having. And why didn't they call us sooner? Drake wondered, frowning. Did they think we couldn't handle this? Well, Gabriel seemed to be a man who knew what he was doing, but he wished he'd been part of all this. "Her bail was set this morning," Gabriel said quietly. "And paid just a short while ago, although we don't know by who. Or where she is. She'll be charged, but they've got her father. He's the bigger fish, so I won't be surprised if she doesn't serve any time." "But that isn't fair!" Alanna protested. Gabriel stood up. His expression was grim. "I know it isn't fair. So much in life isn't fair. But at least Drake's name will be cleared." Drake watched as Gabriel made his way down the stairs. Aislinn flashed him an apologetic smile, then followed her husband. What the hell is going on? he wondered, watching them. He stood up, intending to follow them, but a tug on his jeans stopped him. Alanna rose from the steps and looked up at him. All of the worries faded from Drake's mind. He reached down, cupping her face gently with his hands. "What are we going to do?" Alanna asked quietly. "Right now we're not even going to think about it," Drake replied, smiling. "We will do something. She won't get away with it. But right now..." He lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her gently. Right now all he wanted was to savor this moment. Alanna stepped into him, her arms winding around his neck. Drake closed his arms around her waist and lifted her, startling her into laughter. At the moment he was so happy, he didn't care about Melissa. And Alanna's soft, joyful laughter filled him with excitement. "Thank you, Alanna," Drake said softly, as he set her back on her feet. "If it weren't for you..." His hands cupped her face gently. She looked up at him, her blue eyes wide and bright. "You've helped me so much," he said. "Now I want to help you." ------- Gabriel rested against the mini-van, holding onto Aislinn. His head ached and his throat was raw. And he was absolutely furious. Benjamin Hartley had eventually admitted to paying another man to change the records of the evidence. And Melissa had admitted to drugging Drake. Both of them should be sitting behind bars, awaiting trial, but someone had paid Melissa's bail. Marina said they'd press charges, Gabriel thought, burying his fingers in Aislinn's hair. But will it make a difference? He didn't believe the world was ready to accept this sort of situation. "We will get her somehow," Aislinn said quietly. She reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. "She hurt Quinn and Drake. She's done nothing but harm our children." "I'm not sure there's anything we can really do," Gabriel told her. "And in a couple of months we'll be in up to ears with Elijah and Sydney." "Well, then we won't worry," Aislinn said simply, shrugging. When he stared at her, she smiled. "Alanna is my daughter. And yours. If Melissa tries anything again, if she tries to get at Drake, Alanna won't stand for it." "Alanna won't get the chance to do anything before I snap that bitch in two," Gabriel growled. Aislinn wrapped her arms around him, resting her head against his chest. Gabriel watched Drake and Alanna, and he felt a small bit of relief. He had a feeling that the battle wasn't over for the two of them, but this would give them a bit of a respite. And while they could, he and Aislinn would work on making certain that Melissa got what she deserved. A moment later Drake released Alanna, said something to her, then turned and headed down the stairs. Gabriel released Aislinn, giving her a push towards their daughter. He could see from here that the younger man had something he wanted to say. Leaning back against the mini-van, he folded his arms and waited. I hope he isn't going to start on me about Melissa, Gabriel thought, frowning. We've done all we can for today. "I need your help," Drake said, without preamble, when he reached him. Gabriel's eyebrows rose. "With?" "I need a new place," Drake explained. "One suited for two people." "You and Alanna?" Gabriel asked. "Of course," Drake replied. "Alastair was the one who referred me to Tifo. I get the feeling that you'd be able to refer me to someone who can help me for this." The boy has balls of steel, Gabriel thought, fighting a grin. I get the feeling we'll be seeing a whole new side of Drake Saint-Angelus now. Someday soon he would have to sit down with him and talk. There had been so many things he had been wary to ask, and since this whole thing had started, he hadn't had the chance, anyway. "What does Alanna have to say about this?" Gabriel wanted to know. Drake grinned. "She doesn't know yet. Which is why I need your help." Oh yes, the boy definitely had balls. Or, perhaps, a keener perception than he at first showed. Gabriel knew he had been backed into a corner. On the one hand, he was the father of a young woman who had been raped. On the other, he was the father of a young woman who had already invested her heart in Drake Saint-Angelus. One way or another, Gabriel thought, I'm going to protect her, like I couldn't do for Mary. ------- Melissa watched from a small café across the street as Drake, Alanna, and her family parted ways to leave the police station. She glared as Drake and Alanna lingered for long moments, simply looking at one another. They make me sick, she thought, scowling. I'm so much prettier than her, and yet that bastard wouldn't give me the time of day. Melissa sniffed, tossing her hair back from her face. She'd punished him for refusing her; now Alanna and her damn family had undone all of that. "Well?" Melissa jumped. She turned to look at her mysterious benefactress. All she knew about the woman was that she was blonde and getting to be past her prime; she hadn't taken off her sunglasses. Well, that and she's at least as rich as daddy, she thought, frowning. But she must have some reason for paying my bail. The woman had told her only that she, too, had been unfairly persecuted by the Wolfe family. "What can you possibly do for me?" Melissa demanded. "You haven't even told me your name!" "I can help you get back at them," the woman said, smiling wickedly. She removed her sunglasses; that smile was cold, and it didn't touch her large brown eyes. "And my name is Melanie Rockwell." ------- Chapter Eleven: Moving In At first, Alanna had been a little uncertain about moving in with Drake. It had been awhile since she'd lived with someone else, for one thing. Although their new apartment had two bedrooms and plenty of space for both of them, she hadn't been sure it would be enough. And then there'd been the fact that she had plenty of furniture and he didn't. When Alanna had complained about the lack, Drake had told her she could do something about it if she liked, as long as she didn't go crazy. Decorating was something she enjoyed, so she'd finally agreed. Now Alanna lounged on the couch, staring over the back of it into Drake's room. He'd offered to let her have that one, with its low bed built right into a platform with steps leading up to it. But after imagining (and later drawing) him stretched out on that bed, she'd decided it suited him better than her. Dad must have gotten him quite a deal on this place, Alanna thought, dropping back onto the couch. I don't think Drake was planning for something so... expensive looking. Trust her father to put his best efforts into finding them an affordable 'palace', as it were. The living room was huge and had a false fire place that looked really convincing. The kitchen area was separated, so that one half could be used as a dining room. Her room, and Drake's, were both fairly large. And the bathroom! Alanna suspected that these apartments belonged to the same man who owned the hotel her family used sometimes, because the bathtub was sunken into the floor just like in those hotel rooms, and the shower was a separate stall. And speaking of the shower... as it turned off, she sat up. Drake had offered to take her to dinner tonight, to celebrate moving in; Tifo had even let him off early today. She had showered earlier while he was at work, and now... now Alanna waited, holding her breath. She jumped when the bathroom door came open. Must he do that? she thought, her eyes widening. Like that time in his apartment, Drake came out of the bathroom dripping wet and completely naked. He must have heard her squeak of surprise, because he turned towards her, grinning. "Old habits die hard," Drake said, his dark blue eyes alight with mischief. "Troublemaker," Alanna grumbled, slipping off the couch. "You did that on purpose!" Moving as gracefully as a wildcat, Drake tossed his hair back from his face. Alanna watched, her mouth going dry, as he crossed the room and halted before her. She squeaked in surprise as he grabbed hold of her, drawing her close. Her hands braced against his chest and she stared up at him, her blue eyes wide. Drake bent, brushing his mouth lightly against hers. "W-wait..." Alanna stammered, pulling back. "You... you're gonna get me all wet. I mean... oh damn!" Drake grinned. "That's the whole point, Lonnie." She shivered as his mouth covered hers. Drake's arms closed around her, making it impossible to escape even if she'd wanted to, which she didn't. Alanna had never seen this side of him before. His hands wandered up her back, tugging her shirt up and bunching it around her ribs. She sighed as his mouth trailed down along her neck, his teeth occasionally giving her a light nip. Alanna relaxed in his hold, sliding her arms around him and holding him tight. His skin was wet beneath her fingers. As he lifted his head, she lowered hers to his shoulder, timidly licking away a drop of water. Drake's soft, sharp intake of breath thrilled her. She braced her hands on his shoulders as she traced the line of his collarbone with her mouth, savoring the warmth and texture of his skin. His fingers tunneled in her hair. Alanna could feel him pressed against her belly, hard and ready. It was that that made her pause, panic rising in her throat. This was all happening way too fast. She released her hold on him and stumbled back, chewing nervously at her lower lip. Drake watched her, his dark eyes concerned. Alanna forced a smile to her face, not wanting him to get the wrong idea. "I uh... I mean, this is so... so new and uh..." Alanna stammered. "Come here, Lonnie," Drake said softly, crooking his finger and beckoning her closer. She stepped forward hesitantly. When she was within his reach, Drake caught hold of her and lifted her up. Alanna shrieked, startled, and grabbed hold of his shoulders, clinging to him tightly. He carried her into his bedroom and deposited her carefully on the bed. She watched him as he grabbed a pair of jeans from one of the suitcases he still hadn't unpack and pulled them on. What is he going to do? Alanna wondered, biting her lip. I hope I didn't make him angry... Drake shuffled against through his suitcase. As soon as he found what he was looking for he came back to the bed and settled onto it. Massage oil, she realized, taking note of the bottle in his hand. "I'll turn around if you like," Drake said. Alanna blinked. "Turn around?" "While you get undressed," he explained, grinning and holding up the bottle. "If you're more comfortable, just take off your shirt." She stared at him, her cheeks burning. That sexy grin did not relent. If I'd have known he would become so confident when we proved him innocent... she thought, frowning. Well, she would have done it anyway. Sighing, Alanna nodded, beckoning for him to turn around. I shouldn't be bothered by him seeing me naked, she thought, as she pulled off her shirt and tossed it aside. But I feel so... shy. Her bra followed her shirt, then she settled on her stomach on the bed, her heart pounding loudly in her throat. A hand rested on her back, making her jump. Alanna sighed, shivering a bit as the cool massage oil dripped over her skin. Drake's hands started at her shoulders, his strong fingers kneading the tension from her muscles. He's good at this, she thought, closing her eyes and relaxing. This feels good... If she'd been a cat, she would have been purring. Bea had given her massages from time to time, but the red-head simply did not have Drake's knack. "You know," Alanna murmured, "You could make a good living, doing this." "That would mean I'd be touching other women," Drake reminded her. "You know," Alanna said, "Don't even think about trying to make a living doing this." Drake laughed. She really loved the sound of his laughter. Why is this so hard? she wondered, sighing. I'm not afraid of having sex with him... well, not really. Alanna wasn't exactly certain what she was afraid of. She decided she needed to talk to Bea; often the red-head knew her better than she knew herself. I don't really know myself very well, she realized. I never got the chance. ------- Bea had been grateful when Drake had agreed readily to come talk to her. He must realize that Alanna's having trouble, she thought, staring down at the menu on the table without really seeing it. So he probably also realized that she would come talk to me. And she had. Bea had sat quietly through Alanna's torrent of worries and fears; she thought they were moving too fast, she wasn't sure if she and Drake had anything in common, she was afraid things would become uncomfortable if they had sex. Such normal feminine woes, although a little later in life than most women suffered them. Bea had been thrilled, although Alanna hadn't been able to understand why. Now she waited for Drake in the same café they had met in the first time. Somehow she doubted she'd have to worry about Melissa showing up here again. The bitch may have gotten out of jail time, but she hadn't dared show her face since. And a good thing, too, Bea thought, I think Drake and all of Alanna's family would have no problem going to jail for her murder. The door of the café opened again and Drake entered at last. He spotted Bea immediately and made a beeline for the table at which she sat. I hope something didn't happen, she thought, concerned by the expression on his face. "She's afraid of me, isn't she?" Drake asked, as soon as he sat down. Bea's eyebrows shot up. "Not big on hello, are you?" Drake scowled. Sighing, Bea went on, "No, she isn't afraid of you. But she is afraid. Look, you have to understand, Alanna had never had this kind of relationship before." "Then what do I do?" Drake wanted to know. He sighed heavily and pushed stray hair out of his eyes. "You two just need time," Bea told him, keeping her voice low and soothing. "You've definitely connected on some level, but it needs to go deeper than that. Spend some time with her, get to know each other a little better." Drake sat back, his expression thoughtful. Oh, good god, Bea thought, fighting an exasperated sigh. He hasn't been involved in this kind of relationship in... well, maybe he never has, either. It was like dealing with two twelve-year-olds who were freaked out about moving from hair-pulling and name-calling to holding hands and going to movies. It would have been cute if it wasn't so frustrating. "So, what do you recommend?" Drake asked at last. Bea shook her head. "No way. You have to come up with this on your own. If I tell you what she likes, how will you be able to see what you have in common?" "Oh, come on," Drake complained, rolling his eyes. "Not even a little hint?" "Just be yourself," Bea said, grinning. "Trust me. Think of what you would like to do. Something that would relax you." Despite his obvious trepidation, there was a faint smile touching the corners of his mouth. Bea got the feeling that she and him could become good friends eventually. She leaned over, reaching into the messenger-style bag she'd brought with her and pulling a box from it. She pushed the box over to him and waited while he opened it, his brows furrowed curiously. Drake's eyes widened when he saw the first photo in the box and he quickly slammed the top down. Bea laughed. Perhaps I should have warned him, she thought, but he's cute when he's caught off guard. Last night she'd gone through her stash of 'private' pictures and filled a box with photos of Alanna. Actually, most of the photos in there were normal, but the top one and a handful of the ones beneath it were nude shots. Drake fiddled with the box, glaring at her, but she noticed that his cheeks were lightly flushed. "I'll tell you what," Bea said, hoping to distract him from the pictures for a moment, before he started thinking too much on where they'd come from. "I can give you a few little hints. But after that, you're on your own." ------- Drake shifted the bags he was holding so he could get the apartment door open. He should be feeling good right now; he was proven innocent now, and that bitch Melissa had left him alone. But he was nervous about his new relationship with Alanna and there was always the creeping worry that Melissa or her father might strike out at him again. From everything Drake had heard from Alanna's family, he was expecting it. The apartment was relatively quiet. Music drifted from the bathroom, though. Alanna had mentioned that she was going to take a very long soak. Smiling to himself, Drake set the bags down on the kitchen table and headed into his bedroom. Alanna should be done soon, anyway, he thought, as he began unwinding his braid. And then we'll find out if this idea of mine is good or not. He settled on his bed and began brushing out his hair, waiting for her to be finished. "Hey, let me do that!" Startled, he glanced up. Alanna stood in the doorway, wrapped in an oversized towel. A few rivulets of water traveled down her bare legs. Drake swallowed hard, watching as she climbed up onto the bed. She took the brush from him, her face set in an expression that brooked no refusal. So he sat, enjoying the feeling of her fingers running through his hair as she brushed it. I suppose I could get used to this, Drake thought, closing his eyes. "So what are we doing tonight?" Alanna asked, as she brushed. "You said you had a surprise." Drake turned his head slightly to look at her. "Well, um... well, you'll see. It's nothing big... I mean... Get dressed and then meet me in the living room, okay." As Alanna bounced of the bed and darted into her room, he headed back into the living room, leaving his hair to hang free. He grabbed two cans of soda from the refridgerator and a couple of plates. When Drake turned back towards the table where he'd left the bags Alanna was already there, rummaging through them curiously. She'd changed into pajama bottoms and a t-shirt, and her wet hair hung loose down her back. She's so cute, he thought, approaching her and setting down the plates. Which is good, cause she's nosy, too. "Ooo," Alanna cooed, pulling a DVD case from one of the bags. "I love this movie!" "I had a feeling you would," Drake said, grinning. "It's one of my favorites." The grin she flashed him clearly said that she was not surprised by that. Dragonheart had been his favorite movie for years and he'd had a feeling that it would be the sort of thing she liked. Drake watched as she rummaged through a bag full of candy. Alanna looked up at him, her dark blue eyes alight. "Are you aiming for a tummy ache?" she asked, grinning. Drake shrugged. "Not if you help me eat it." "Oh, so then you're aiming for two tummy aches," Alanna said, her eyes twinkling in delight. Drake laughed, watching her as she rummaged through the third bag. Not knowing what else to do, he'd gone to his favorite barbecue place and ordered a rack of babyback ribs, buffalo wings, and various side dishes including mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and string beans. Alanna's smile widened and she groaned softly, throwing her head back. "Ohh, I'm going to be chugging Pepto Bismal in the morning," she moaned. She lowered her head and grinned at him. "At least you'll be chugging with me!" Together they spread a blanket out on the floor in front of the T.V. and set up a picnic area there. Drake put the movie in the DVD player, then curled up next to Alanna on the blanket. They leaned against each other as they ate; it was a messy dinner, but fun. He fought back laughter as she huffed and puffed, then drank a long gulp of soda, trying to ease the burning from the buffalo wings. Drake was used to hot food, because many of his Navajo relatives had quite a taste for it and he'd spent so much time with them. He simply blinked at her when she glared at him. "I love these things," Alanna said mournfully, "But god, do they burn!" She tried to be dainty with the messy food and ended up getting some on the tip of her nose. Chuckling softly, Drake wiped it off, nearly getting his fingers nipped in the process. This is wonderful, he thought, resting his head against hers. I wouldn't have thought we would like so many of the same things. But in a way, it wasn't all that surprising. Even though he hadn't had much chance to see it yet, he could tell Alanna had the same whimsical sort of imagination that he did. Hard not to be whimsical, Drake thought, when you consider my relatives. Later, when they'd finished eating, and the movie was nearing the end, he realized that she was sniffling. When he'd been a little boy, he had cried over the ending, but not since then. Drake slid an arm around her, pulling her up against him tightly and laying gentle kisses against her neck. Alanna turned in his arms and lifted her head, flashing a watery smile. She swiped at the tears running down her cheeks. "Sorry," Alanna said quietly. "Guess I'm a bit of a baby over movies like this..." Drake bent his head and kissed the tears gently away. He felt her fingers curl in his hair and sighed softly. Forgetting about the movie completely, he lowered his mouth to hers. Alanna shifted beneath him, rolling onto her back so that he was resting over her. He coaxed her mouth opened gently and ran his tongue along the inside of her lip, listening attentively to the little moans she made. Drake could spend his whole night simply kissing her like this and be satisfied, he thought. He rested a hand lightly on her stomach. Alanna shivered a bit at his touch, but she didn't pull away from him. He kissed her until both of them were breathless, then pulled back and looked down at her. Despite the desire in her eyes and the tempting parting of her lips, he could tell she was tired. The two of them had gone through a lot in the last few weeks. Drake rose and scooped her up into his arms. He carried her into his room and set her down on the bed. "I'm going to go clean up," Drake murmured, tucking the covers around her. "Then I'll be back. Okay?" Alanna smiled sleepily up at him, then rolled onto her side. At least things have finally quieted down for us, Drake thought, as he cleaned up the mess they'd left on the living room floor. Now we can get to know each other again. He was looking forward to it; he wondered if he wasn't already half in love with her. Maybe tomorrow we'll go out, he thought, dumping the plates they'd used in the sink. Staying in was nice, but I'd like to go out. Bea had been right about him relaxing and being himself, and Drake wanted to see what other things he and Alanna had in common. The phone rang then, startling him. Who would call at this hour? he wondered, turning to glance over at the phone. Ah, hell, I'll let the answering machine get it. It was so nice having an answering machine. Drake was content to simply ignore the phone. He gathered up the candy, which was mostly uneaten, when the voice coming through the answering machine made him freeze. "Drake, this is your father. We have to talk. Call me as soon as you get this message." ------- Chapter Twelve: Overcoming the Fear Drake settled down in the seat across from Bea. She must be feeling like Ask Anne, by now, he thought, smiling ruefully to himself. Or perhaps Bug Bea? But she was the only person he could turn to. She knew Alanna better than most, especially when it came to situations of intimacy. While their relationship had been improving since the night they'd spent on the floor, watching Dragonheart, she was still shy of kissing and touching. And it was difficult for Drake to think of what to do, especially when he was working so hard to ignore his father's continued attempts to get in touch with him. "Sorry to bother you again," Drake said, smiling sheepishly at Bea. Bea shook her head. "Don't worry. Anything for Lonnie, you know that." Yes, he did. Bea may have stopped being Alanna's lover, but she was still a loyal, steadfast friend. I feel kinda bad, Drake thought, studying her. I took her lover away from her. A woman like Bea could probably have any lover she wanted, but from what he understood, she hadn't been with anyone but Alanna for awhile now. Alanna had explained that the red-head seemed to have some commitment issues or something, but even she didn't know the whole story. "So what's the problem this time?" Bea asked, folding her hands beneath her chin. Drake sighed. "Maybe I'm just impatient. I just feel like... like she lets me kiss her less than she did two weeks ago!" "You're not impatient," Bea assured him, smiling gently. "No doubt you're right. The closer you get, the more nervous she gets." "Maybe I should just give her more time..." Drake mused. "I mean, it hasn't been that long..." Bea shook her head. "Absolutely not! Look... how can I explain this?" He looked up at her, his eyebrows lifting. And here I thought it was a good idea, Drake thought, frowning. I mean, I'm sure no one can blame me for being a little impatient, it's only been six years... And Alanna was so amazingly beautiful, it was hard to resist her. Every night she crawled into his bed in the middle of the night and snuggled up against him, making it difficult to sleep. "You can't let this drag out too long," Bea explained. "The longer it goes on, the more she'll withdraw. With Alanna, you have to... well, you can't give her the chance to have second thoughts." "I won't force her," Drake said, his voice soft and severe. "You won't have to," Bea said, rolling her eyes. "All I'm saying is make sure she doesn't have a chance to get nervous. When you appeared a few months ago, I made her go on birth control." Drake's eyebrows shot up. "Why?" "Because she'll freak out if you have to take the time to put on a condom," Bea replied, in a tone of voice that made him feel as if the answer should have been obvious. "Look, you'll know what to do when the time is right, believe me. I'm sure of it." Drake eyed her skeptically. Oh, he knew there were some things the body never forgot, but he was having his doubts that he really would know what to do. It had been so long. And how does she think I feel, he thought, not being certain if I'll be able to... to... perform good? The thought practically made him blush. Drake felt like he was fourteen again, sitting naked on the bed with the girl from next door, who had been three years older than him and far more experienced. Hard to believe I used to be an arrogant ass who was so full of myself, he thought, rolling his eyes. "Just relax," Bea told him. "Okay? When was the last time you whacked off, anyway? Bet you're all full of tension." He glowered at her. "Is that any of your business?" "Ohh, come on, you can tell me," Bea teased, grinning. "Hey, you have those pictures I gave you, if you need material." "Shut up," Drake growled, shaking his hair back from his face. "Or I won't pay for lunch." Bea laughed, her eyes sparkling with delight. Even though she teased him unmercifully, he was grateful for her help. Drake was beginning to feel like she was his friend; in fact, she was almost like an older, wiser sister, except she was younger than him. He enjoyed his lunch with her and when he left the café, he was feeling somewhat better. If nothing else, talking to Bea always reminded him that he and Alanna were on the same footing in this. It was nearing the end of September now, and Drake enjoyed the ride back to their apartment, enjoyed the cool wind against his face and through his hair. He knew that Alanna wouldn't be at the apartment when he got back, although she would probably be home soon. She was finishing up her last year of art school now, and she worked hard. Maybe I'll give her a massage later, Drake thought, that might make her feel better. Home once more, he went through the same ritual as always; checking the answering machine, deleting any messages from his father, and calling back anyone important. Drake had been so grateful to have the day off from dancing, but there was a message from Tifo asking him if he could work tonight. Damnit, he thought, eyeing the phone. Hell, I'll call him later. He wandered into his room, tugging off his t-shirt as he went. Maybe he would take a shower, even though he'd had one late last night. Drake dropped down onto his bed with a heavy sigh, not certain what to do while he waited for Alanna. He paused for a moment, glancing around as though he thought someone might be watching him, then reached beneath the bed for the box of photos Bea had given him. Only a few were nudes, and all of them were fantastic, but Drake loved the side of Alanna Bea had caught in the nude photographs. She has so much fire in her, he thought, laying back on his bed and staring at one of the pictures. And so much strength, to deal with what she did. The more time he spent with her, the more he enjoyed her company. And the more her saw her personality emerging. Just the other day they had gone out for ice cream and she had ordered peanut butter ice cream with butterscotch and gummy bears. The way she'd cooed over it (a concoction Drake would never have even thought of, let along tried) had reminded him that she was an artist and therefore weird. He found out that aside from her usual work, she loved to do paintings of brightly colored butterflies. That she liked gargoyle figures and had a huge collection of them, including many with their tongues stuck out, their eyes crossed, or other silly expressions on their faces. Drake had found that Alanna loved spicy food and weird food, like Hawaiian pizza and steak tartar. It was fascinating, watching her unfold before his eyes. I hope I'm not a disappointment, he thought, with a heavy sigh. Maybe I just don't have enough personality for peanut butter, butterscotch, and gummy bear sundaes... ------- "Hey, Alanna!" Alanna set her portfolio into the backseat of her car, followed it with her bag, then turned to see who had called to her. She wasn't all that surprised to see her brother's girlfriend, Xandri, coming towards her. As always Xandri had her precious Nikon camera around her neck and a warm, if slightly timid smile on her face. I hope he asks her to marry him soon, Alanna thought, smiling and waving back. I know they haven't known each other that long, but Sada and Alastair were engaged by this point. "What's up?" Alanna asked, when Xandri reached her. "Just figured I'd say hello," Xandri replied cheerfully. "Did you know Quinn is taking me away for the weekend?" Alanna's eyebrows rose. "For what?" "He wouldn't say," Xandri told her. Her lips curled into a pout. "Don't suppose he mentioned anything to you, did he?" Laughing, Alanna shook her head. Her brother Quinn had always been the quiet, mysterious type and although he was much happier and more playful now, his enigmatic ways had changed very little. She left Xandri with to speculate over the trip by herself; she wanted to get home to Drake. Spending time with him was proving to be a delight. Alanna found the contrasts in his personality to be fascinating. Drake was a man who rode a massive motorcycle but had a tender spot for kittens. He enjoyed a lot of high energy things, like rock-climbing, horseback riding, and even surfing, but he also loved to spend some afternoons lounging around in pajamas, watching movies. And he'd promised Alanna to introduce her to his Navajo relatives as soon as he got the chance. Drake had told her quite a few stories of them; her favorites were the one of his exploits with this cousin Hawk. At last she was back at the apartment. It's good to be home, Alanna thought, as she stepped inside. She glanced first at the answering machine and saw that Drake had already cleared it. He didn't know that she knew about his father. She wanted to talk to him about it, but she wasn't sure how to approach it. Alanna couldn't imagine her own family disowning her, but she could understand why it had Drake so upset. She crept quietly towards his room and peeked in through the opening door. Drake lay spread out on the bed and he didn't notice her. Oh, my, he's yummy, Alanna thought, biting her lip. He wasn't wearing a shirt. One hand rested lightly on his stomach and the other held up a photograph of some sort. She didn't even wonder what the photograph was of; she was much too busy studying him. Nerves fluttered in her stomach. Alanna turned away and escaped into her room, dropping onto the bed. What am I going to do? she wondered miserably. This is getting stupid. She hated being so nervous. Reaching over to the night table, she grabbed her sketchpad and a pencil. This was what she always did when she was unsettled. Alanna began a sketch of Drake, wondering what she was going to do about this impasse in their relationship. ------- Drake put the pictures back in the box and rose from his bed. Alanna should be home by now, he thought, walking out into the living room. He saw that her bedroom door was open. Odd, he thought, heading towards her room. I didn't hear her come in... and she didn't say anything to me. Moving silently, Drake slipped into her room and approached the bed, where she lay, sketching something. Curious, he glanced over her shoulder. A picture of him, as the mysterious Dragon Prince she loved to draw. Smiling, Drake reached down and gently placed his hand over hers. Alanna jumped, lifting her head to look up at him. The smile that lit her eyes made his heart pound. Without thinking he reached for her, lowering his mouth to hers as he pulled her close. She let out one soft, startled shriek that faded quickly away to a moan as he kissed her. She held onto him tightly and Drake couldn't stop himself from scooping her up off the bed. Alanna wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers digging into his hair, messing up his braid. He pulled his mouth away from hers and gazed down at her questioningly. Her lips were parted temptingly and her eyes were alight with desire. Drake had seen only hints of this in the past couple of weeks. He gave in to it now, lowering his mouth to hers once more. He carried her into his room, moving carefully so he didn't stumble. Drake lowered her down onto his bed and settled next to her, keeping his mouth on hers. Alanna wriggled beneath him, her fingers winding tighter in his hair. He reached back, pulling it free of its braid and allowing her to bury her hands in it. If he could have, he would have purred. Drake remembered what Bea said, about not giving Alanna the chance to think about it. He moved his mouth to her neck, kissing and nipping lightly, hoping to keep her caught up in the feeling. Drake slid his hands beneath her shirt, relishing the feeling of her skin, like heated silk beneath his fingertips. He felt her shiver, heard the soft little sounds she made, and was encouraged. It had been a long time, but he hadn't forgotten how to savor the female body. His hands dragged slowly upward, pulling her shirt with them, while his mouth moved down, seeking out sensitive places on neck and shoulder. Alanna's hands slid along his back, her fingertips trailing lightly along his spine, making him shiver as well. Sliding an arm around her, Drake lifted her up so he could pull off her shirt. He tossed it aside and quickly lowered his mouth to her breasts, trailing kisses along her skin just above the line of her bra. His body ached, but he was patient, enjoying the soft moans he could tease from her lips. When he unlatched her bra and let it fall away, Drake glanced up at her. A pink flush lit Alanna's cheeks as his mouth moved restlessly against the side of her breast. She gasped softly as his tongue flicked across the tip of one painfully taut nipple. Drake's hands trailed down along her sides, to her hips. He caught hold of the waistband of her jeans, unfastening them and pulling them down. Her soft exclamation of surprise was drowned out as his mouth settled on hers again. Alanna's continued to stroke his back, moving steadily downward. She trembled beneath him, but if she was afraid at all, she didn't try to push him away. In fact, Drake was a little startled, but ultimately pleased, when her hands slid down to the top of his jeans and unfastened them. He knew he shouldn't give in this way, but he couldn't help himself. Drake pulled her jeans off, then her panties. He wanted more than anything to savor the sight of her, but when he pulled away just a little, he could see in her eyes the uncertainties that started to flood in. For a moment he considered backing off, but then her fingers flexed against his side, her fingertips digging into his skin. Watching desire war with nervousness in her eyes, Drake knew he couldn't back off now. He lowered his mouth to hers, teasing her lips tenderly with his until they parted, allowing him to dip his tongue inside and taste her. Alanna's hands ran along his chest, over his belly, then pushed his jeans down off his hips. Drake's heart pounded loudly and he wondered if he wasn't just as nervous as she was, if not more so. He pulled back long enough to pull his jeans the rest of the way off, then repositioned himself over her, gently nudging her thighs apart with his knees. Drake kissed her again, his lips tugging at her bottom lip. His hands found hers and he entwined his fingers with hers, lifting them to rest on the pillow above her head. He stroked her palms and wrists gently with his fingertips, hoping to soothe her some. Alanna still trembled, but she didn't struggle and she showed no other signs of fear. Drake murmured soothing nonsense to her as he slid inside with one quick stroke. Both of them gasped in surprise. Drake squeezed his eyes closed, focusing his mind on anything but the wonderful sensation of her body warm and tight around him. In a moment he managed to regain his composure. He pressed his mouth to hers, simply kissing her for a few long moments, allowing her time to relax. When Alanna's fingers closed around his, Drake began to move at last. The first stroke made him moan softly. He began slowly, withdrawing and sliding back inside with care. When Alanna lifted her hips to meet him for the first time, he chuckled softly and nuzzled the tip of his nose against hers. She met his slow rhythm, her eyes wide the whole time, watching him. Drake focused on those eyes, falling into their blue depths and allowing himself to drown. The more she relaxed beneath him, moaning softly, the more he picked up the pace. It was torturous and his body ached for release, but he held himself back even as the sweet friction between them grew nearly unbearable. Drake lowered his mouth to her breasts, suckling gently as he thrust into her. Alanna arched beneath him, lifting up against his mouth. She freed her hands from his to bury her fingers in his hair once more, holding his mouth to her breasts. Before long a thin sheen of sweat had broken out on them both with the effort of their lovemaking and Drake's breathing had grown ragged. When he felt her body tighten around him and heard her soft cries as she came, he let go of his control. He pressed his face against her neck, groaning softly as he came inside her. His arms shook, barely holding him up, but he held himself braced above her as his body quaked. Drake could feel sweat dripping down his back, and he was exhausted, but he waited until Alanna had stopped shuddering before he slid out of her and settled on the bed beside her. ------- He had to be going to Bea for advice, Alanna thought, as she curled up against Drake's side. There's no other way he could have known to overwhelm me like that. She closed her eyes and rested her head on his chest, sighing in contentment as his fingers ran through her hair. Desire had taken her completely today. Alanna had been nervous about their first time together, but everything about him made her want him. They had only been together a short time, but he'd shown more patience than he probably gave himself credit for. No doubt it was torture when she crawled into bed with him at night, barely half-dressed. Yet Drake would simply close his arms around her, kissed her forehead gently, and allow her to drift off to sleep. Alanna had almost been disappointed when he hadn't tried to do anything more than give her light kisses. I suppose it's partially my fault, she thought, since I've been so shy about kissing him most of the rest of the time. "Are you all right?" Drake asked, his voice soft and anxious. "Mmm," Alanna murmured, tilting her head to look up at him. "That was nice." Drake chuckled. "Sorry... it's been a long time. I'll try to be better next time." "But it really was nice!" Alanna protested, shifting against him. "I mean... it was... special..." Alanna winced; that sounded lame. But she wasn't sure exactly how to explain it to him. She'd known their first time together probably couldn't be some long, slow, drawn out session. If she was given too much time to think, she would have panicked, and he hadn't had sex in so long that she had, admittedly, been amazed at his endurance. Guess he really is a dragon, Alanna thought, stifling a giggle. She closed her eyes and was getting comfortable when the phone rang. The sound of Drake's father's voice drifting through the answering machine a moment later made him stiffen. "You should go see him, you know," Alanna said quietly. Drake sighed. "I'm not sure I want to..." "You have to," Alanna insisted, propping herself up on her elbows. "Drake, you'll need all the support you can get when we go to court against Mr. Hartley. And... well... I think he wants to apologize. I do. Because he's your father." "That didn't seem to matter six years ago," Drake said bitterly. Alanna shifted so that she could reach out and touch his face gently. He looked down at her, his dark eyes sad and uncertain, like a lost child. She rose enough to kiss his cheek gently. "Parents make mistakes too," Alanna said softly. "I imagine it was hard for him, thinking his son would hurt someone like that. Shouldn't you at least try to patch things up?" Drake sighed softly. He reached out and trailed his fingers along her cheek, mirroring her own movements. Alanna settled down on the bed again, letting her head come to rest once more on his chest. She felt his fingers in her hair again and closed her eyes, sinking into contentment. "Okay," Drake said softly, after long moments of silence. "I'll go see him tomorrow. I promise." ------- Chapter Thirteen: Drake's Father Aislinn sat at the kitchen table, picking idly at a croissant as she watched Gabriel move around the kitchen. He has just come from the shower; his hair was wet and he wore no shirt, only a towel draped around his shoulders. It amazes me sometimes, she thought, nibbling on a corner of her croissant, that he doesn't look any less delicious now than he did twenty years ago. Aislinn hadn't always understood Gabriel's obsession with staying in shape, but she appreciated it. It seemed a little odd at first, but it also helped him with the delinquents he taught. A middle-aged man who kept in shape and rode a motorcycle was apparently much cooler than one who had gone to seed, and therefore more worthy of respect. I'll never understand teenagers, Aislinn thought, shaking her head. Even when I was one, I didn't understand them. She herself was not as perfectly slender as she had once been, but she wasn't at all overweight. I like to think I look good for a woman who had three kids, Aislinn thought, two of them at the same time! Because her job required her to stay home and sit around drawing and painting, she spent a fair amount of time working out with Gabriel. He was always insistent upon eating healthily and exercise. She had a feeling it was in part because of an incidence in school, nearly fifteen years ago. One of his young students had had a severely overweight father, who had ended up passing away due to a heart attack, leaving his family to fend for themselves. He'd put himself through hell to protect his family, Aislinn thought, smiling to herself. "Is something amusing?" Gabriel asked, his eyebrows lifting curiously. Aislinn shook her head. "Nothing, love. Just thinking." "Ahh, thinking," Gabriel groaned. "The bane of my existence, these days. I wish I could make the world stop for a few days." Laughing softly, Aislinn rose from her chair and put her arms around him. She knew he was stressed out, what with dealing with the Hartleys, and the constant flow of letters from Ethan Wolfe's lawyer. And then there was his worry for Alanna. I wonder how she's doing, Aislinn thought. As if someone somewhere was reading her mind, the front door opened, and her daughter came bounding through the living room, heading for the stairs. "Lonnie," Aislinn called, catching her attention. "Where's the fire?" Alanna paused, flashing a brilliant smile that lit her face. "Just grabbing something, then I'm off. Bea's taking me lingerie shopping!" "Lingerie shopping?" Gabriel stared after his daughter, who had already disappeared. He wore a "I really don't want to deal with this" expression. Aislinn giggled and drew him close, gently kissing his cheek. I'm not sure if Alanna is bold, she thought, or really doesn't realize the things she says sometimes. A moment later her daughter came racing back down the stairs, a duffle bag slung over her shoulder. If she could have flown, she probably would have. Aislinn couldn't remember the last time she'd seen her daughter this happy. Alanna barely took the time for brief good-byes before disappearing out the front door. "What's gotten into her?" Gabriel wondered, staring after her. "Well, I'm not one-hundred percent sure," Aislinn said, touching his cheek and turning his face to hers. "But I imagine I acted something like that right after the first time we uh... you know..." Gabriel's eyes widened slightly. "I'm not sure I needed to know that." Aislinn giggled. "It's okay, baby," she murmured, standing on her toes to press the tip of her nose against his. "You knew she had to grow up eventually." Gabriel chuckled softly, tilting his head to press his mouth to hers. She squeaked in surprise as his arms closed around her, drawing her up against him suddenly. Aislinn threw her arms around his neck, laughing as he picked her up. She closed her legs around his hips, clinging to him as he carried her up the stairs and into their bedroom. "You must be so thrilled that Sydney and Elijah are out," Aislinn teased, grinning. "Hush," Gabriel grumped, nipping at her lower lip. She laughed as he tumbled her down to the bed, and she buried her fingers in his hair. Gabriel's trailed kisses along her neck, making her shiver and moan softly. His hands slide beneath the light, thin camisole she was wearing, pushing it up. Aislinn pressed into his touch as his hands cupped her breasts. She sighed, enjoying the gentle caress of work-roughened fingertips. Gabriel's mouth traveled slowly downward, until his lips closed around one painfully stiff nipple. Her hands tightened in his hair. His hands moved down along her sides, down to the top of her jeans, to unfasten them. Aislinn lifted her hips as his fingers hooked around jeans and panties and allowed him to pull them down. Gabriel slid a hand between her legs, his fingertips brushing against her lightly. She let go of his hair and trailed her hands down his back, to his jeans. Years had not changed how much she wanted him, and right now she wanted him bad. Gabriel's mouth covered hers, and his hands left her long enough to push his jeans out of the way. Aislinn wound her arms around his neck, her fingers burying in his hair again, and lifted her hips to meet him. His soft groan as he sank inside her sent thrills through her. She shuddered, her body clenching around him. Gabriel's hands held him braced above her as he moved inside her, and his hair tickled her neck and breasts. "I love you, Aislinn," Gabriel murmured. His breath was warm against her ear. Hers. She had to be the luckiest woman in the world, because he was all hers. Aislinn tightened her arms around him as she lifted her hips to meet each deep thrust. As the friction built between them, she lifted her mouth to press it against his ear. Gabriel pressed against her lips, leaning into her. She waited, savoring the long moments of pleasure between them. Before Aislinn let herself slide into release, she spoke. "I love you, Gabriel. With all my heart." ------- Drake supposed that, in retrospect, jeans and a t-shirt were probably not the best attire for seeing his father. As soon as he stepped through the revolving doors of the giant office building, security was on him, ready to escort him out the building. Okay, it had been six years, and he did look like something of a delinquent, but he wished they could have asked first. Drake drew himself up and looked down his nose at him the way he had seen his father do a thousand times before. "I'm here to speak with Mr. Saint-Angelus," he said, eyes narrowed on the guards. "He's my father." One of the guards blinked. "This is junior?" "He is supposedly expected," the other guard said, shrugging. And so it was a bit of wait through a security check, but eventually Drake was allowed to take the elevator up to the top floor. The very, very top floor, sixty-two stories up, to be precise. The elevator opened up right into his father's office, if you could call the whole floor an audience. Drake walked through the wide, spacious outer room without hesitation and stepped into a somewhat smaller room, where his father sat behind his desk. Wade Saint-Angelus stood up as soon as he saw Drake. The family resemblance was obvious in some ways; they had the same dark blue eyes, the same nose and cheekbones, although his father's hair was lighter, and cropped businessman short. Wade also wore glasses and there was a lot of gray in his hair. He wasn't as muscular as his son, but he was nearly as tall. Drake thought he looked a good deal older than he had last time he'd seen him, but it was the smile that lit his father's face that surprised him. "Ah, Drake," Wade said, sighing softly. He ran his fingers through his hair. "Can you forgive an old man his foolishness?" Drake's answer was hesitant. "I... don't know..." "Sit, please," Wade said, gesturing towards a chair that had been set next to his desk, rather than in front of it. "We won't get anywhere, staring each other down." For some reason Drake had really not been expecting this. He remembered his father as strong, in command, always right. As he settled down in the chair, watching his father, he realized what he hadn't been able to when he'd been barely more than a child; Wade Saint-Angelus was only human. Alanna was right, Drake thought, allowing himself to relax just a little. "I suppose I have a lot to thank this Gabriel Wolfe for," Wade said quietly, studying his hands. "I should have been the one who questioned your case." Drake shrugged uneasily. "You couldn't have known. I mean... you didn't have the experience with that woman, the way the Wolfe family does. I uh..." "You were... are my pride and joy, Drake," his father told him, speaking softly. "I couldn't help... I wondered what I'd done wrong." He paused, shaking his head. "No, I know what I did. I had hoped that program, all those years ago, would undo some of the damage but..." "I didn't even understand back then," Drake said. "I still don't. I thought you loved me and mom." "I did!" Wade protested, lifting his head. "I... you're my son, of course I love you. But your mother... I never loved her as much as..." As the woman he'd had an affair with. Drake looked away, looked at anything but his father... and saw the picture sitting on the desk. For a moment he was confused, then he realized; the same full, soft mouth, same chestnut hair, almost the exact same face, but this woman was a bit older, and her eyes were green. She even had Xandri's spattering of strawberry freckles across her nose and cheekbones. His father followed his gaze and sighed. "Yes, that's her. I loved her... still do, I suppose. But one day she'd had enough. She disappeared for a year, maybe more... and then she came back and told me that I at least owed her something." "What did you do?" Drake wanted to know. "Bought her a house out in Washington, in the middle of nowhere," Wade answered, shrugging lightly. "And she's been there ever since. We don't speak much..." "What was her name?" Drake asked. He could barely breathe, waiting for the answer. "Susan. Susan Thomas." ------- Alanna stretched out on the couch, using the remote to flip through the channels. Oh, how bored she was. She knew she'd told Drake he should go see his father, but she was beginning to regret it a little. After what they'd shared, she felt like they should be together. Shopping with Bea had been fun, true, and although Alanna had found no actual lingerie, she now lounged in a light robe of dark blue that was nearly see-through. Comfortable, actually. But she missed Drake. The door swung open. She bolted upward, her eyes going straight to the door. Drake paused in the doorway, studying her, and a slow smile touched the corners of his mouth. But he was distracted, Alanna could tell. She slipped off the couch and followed him as he went for the phone. What happened with his father? she wondered, sliding her arms around him. "What's your brother's phone number?" Drake asked. Alanna's eyebrows rose. "Which one?" "Oh, right," Drake said, smiling sheepishly. "Quinn. I uh... need to ask him something." "Well, unfortunately, he's out of town," Alanna told him. "Or something. I'm not sure exactly where he is. All I know is he took Xandri somewhere and since he didn't tell anyone but her about it, chances are he doesn't want to be disturbed. Why?" Drake shook his head. "No reason. I mean... it's not important right now." Alanna frowned. Something was definitely bothering him, and she didn't want them to be keeping secrets from each other already. Drake must have realized that she was unsettled, because he smiled suddenly and put his arms around her, drawing her close. She yelped as he lifted her, grabbing onto his arms to balance herself. He is not going to make it all better by carrying me off to the bedroom and ravishing me, she thought, as he carried her into the bedroom. Okay, maybe temporarily better. "I will tell you," Drake said quietly, nuzzling his lips against her ear. "I promise. There's just a few things I have to sort out first." "It isn't bad, is it?" Alanna asked, apprehensive. Drake smiled, a bright smile that made her heart pound. "Not at all. In fact, it could be something very, very good." Maybe she shouldn't have allowed that to reassure her so easily, but it did. Something about the look in his eyes made her realize that he wasn't distracted in a bad way. She giggled softly as he lowered her to the bed, his lips tickling along the side of her neck. Drake stretched out next to her. He tugged open her robe with one quick motion, and began lazily stroking her belly. "How was shopping?" Drake asked, leaning his head against her shoulder. "I like the robe..." Alanna grinned. "We had fun. Bea is a blast to shop with, once you get over the initial embarrassment. She talks real loud and stuff..." "Remind me never to shop with Bea," Drake grumbled. His hand continued its slow, idle caress. "No way," Alanna said, shaking her head. "You'd drive her crazy... she needs to be able to pick out more than jeans and t-shirts." Drake's light touch suddenly turned into tickling. Alanna shrieked, grabbing for his wrists, but she couldn't pull his hands away. She squirmed beneath him as he tickled, laughing and gasping for breath. When she couldn't get his hands away, she reached for his hair instead. Alanna pulled it loose, letting the braid unravel, and buried her fingers in it. That stopped him. Drake sank down on top of her, moaning softly as her fingers ran through his hair. "I do believe we've found the enemy's weakness," Alanna teased. Drake pushed her robe aside and laid his head between her breasts. "Mmmhmmm... ooo, that feels niiice..." She loved it when he reacted like that. Alanna expected him to purr at any minute. Instead he turned his head, suddenly laying kisses on her breasts. She sighed, shivering at the feeling of his tongue over her nipples. It was so easy to sink into the wonderful sensations his mouth sent zinging along her nerves. Alanna loosened her hold on his hair and instead trailed her hands down along his back. Drake lifted her up off the bed, surprising her a little when he shifted her so that her back as to him. His hands rested on her shoulders, kneading very gently as he slowly pushed the robe off. Alanna sank back to the bed, closing her eyes as his fingers massaged her shoulders and back. It wasn't like the first time Drake had given her a massage. His touch was different this time, purposefully sliding low on her back, then down to her thighs. "Lonnie..." Drake murmured. She felt warm breath on her back, followed by gentle kisses over her shoulder blades. Her heart was pounding wildly, but there was no fear. Alanna felt him shift, heard the soft rustling as he removed his jeans. She felt his hair along her back as he leaned over her, pressing his lips to her neck. Drake's hands slid beneath her, and she lifted her hips, gasping softly as he pressed against her. After a long moment, Alanna realized he was waiting for her, still uncertain if she'd gotten past her fears. She shifted her hips and moaned softly as she felt him slide inside her. His soft gasp was stifled against her neck. She got her hands beneath her and pushed up, so that her back pressed against his chest. Alanna savored that close contact as he began to move inside her. She could feel Drake's struggle. His body remembered well the movements, but it would take time before sinking into her wouldn't erode his control so much. Alanna hoped he always desired her this much. She tilted her head, moaning softly as his lips teased her neck and tugged at her earlobe. Her body shuddered, clenching around him. It wasn't long before his breathing was ragged and she could feel the sweat on his skin. It didn't matter. Each long stroke was more than enough to build the tension in her body to the breaking point. Alanna pressed her face against the pillow, stifling a cry as she climaxed. She heard his soft groan, quieted somewhat by burying his face in her hair, and felt him come inside her. Her arms quivered too much, and she let herself sink to the bed, feeling him slide out of her as she did. Drake waited until he had caught his breath, than sank down to the side of her, resting his head on her back. His fingers found her hair, stroking gently through it. Alanna propped her chin up on her arms and closed her eyes, simply enjoying their closeness. "I'm sorry," Drake said suddenly, quietly. Alanna blinked. "For what?" "That wasn't exactly romantic," Drake explained. "Drake, love," Alanna said, "if all sex was romantic, it would get terribly trite and dull." Drake laughed softly, tugging gently at her hair. "You sound like a certain feisty red-head." "You'd best hope not," Alanna murmured, snuggling down on the mattress. "She's insatiable." There was a long moment of silence, when she felt him shifting around. Blankets were pulled up around them, before he snuggled up to her again. Drake's fingers went back to slowly stroking her hair. He chuckled softly, and when he spoke, his voice was husky and teasing. "In that case, I hope she's been a strong influence on you." ------- Chapter Fourteen: Good News Drake hadn't known to make of Xandri. When he'd come to pick her up, she'd been in such a good mood that she was bouncing around the apartment she shared with Quinn. Quinn had not been at all happy about this, but he had conceded in the end. He couldn't tell them why, because he wanted Xandri and his father to be on the same grounds. But Drake had assured Quinn that it was something that would make Xandri very happy and so he had agreed, albeit grudgingly. He also found out that Xandri had never been on a motorcycle. Apparently only Alastair had really taken to them as much as his father had, although Xandri told him that she thought Quinn had a secret desire to ride. She was a little wobbly by the time they reached his father's office building. Well, here we go, Drake thought, taking a deep breath. I can't believe I might actually have a sister! Xandri seemed rather uncertain about the whole thing. She kept looking around the lobby of the building, then turning her heard to stare at him in puzzlement. Drake didn't say anything, just let her wonder. He watched her, though, fighting back laughter as she marveled at the amount of buttons in the elevator. Xandri had a cute, childish manner in a lot of things, but that was all he'd seen of her. Drake realized that he knew very little about her over all. "So why are we here?" Xandri asked, leaning against the wall of the elevator. "Seems like... I dunno, I think I feel really out of place here." Drake grinned. "Believe me, so do I," he said. "But just wait a couple more minutes, and you'll see." Xandri shrugged lightly. She was silent for the rest of the ride up to the top of the building. Drake politely allowed her to exit the elevator first; it was the least he could do, considering the surprise she was about to get. To be honest, he wasn't entirely certain this would make her happy. All he knew about Xandri is that she had been orphaned. Her mother abandoned her, I guess, Drake thought, frowning. But... my father couldn't have possibly known. He would never have let her be given away. They walked together into his father's office. Wade Saint-Angelus had his back to them, but he turned the moment they walked in. He was not prepared for Xandri, and it showed. The color drained from his face and the mug he was holding feel from limp fingers, crashing down on the top of the desk and spilling coffee everywhere. Wade hardly seemed to notice; he sank down into his chair, staring open-mouthed at Xandri. Drake walked forward, wincing at the mess of coffee. "Sorry about that, dad. I wanted you to meet someone." "This is your father, Drake?" Xandri asked, glancing from him to Wade and back again. "My goodness," Wade said quietly. "You look just like your mother." Xandri simply blinked at him, no doubt puzzled. Drake took hold of her elbow and led her to one of the chairs in front of his father's desk. As she sat down, he turned to go for the bathroom and get some paper towels, but his father beckoned him to sit. I hope those papers aren't too important, he thought, watching the coffee soak them. Drake shifted his gaze to his father, who had rescued the picture of Susan Thomas from the coffee and handed into to Xandri. Her face was so pale that her freckles stood out in stark contrast. Drake began to wonder if perhaps he should have warned her. But honestly, he hadn't had a clue how he was supposed to do that. Xandri stared at the picture for long moments, then finally looked up at Wade. Her eyes were large and uncertain. "Why do you have this?" she asked. "Who is she?" "Her name is Susan Thomas," Drake told her. "I think she's your mother." Wade frowned. "You mean you don't know her?" Xandri shook her head. There was a sad expression in her eyes, and his father must have realized what it meant. Drake watched as anger filled his father's eyes. He knew from seeing it that his temper had come from his father, not his mother. But Wade was gentle when he reached out and took the picture from Xandri. He smiled at her when she looked up, and his voice was soft and kind when he spoke. "What's your name, young lady?" he asked. "Xandri," she replied, flashing a watery smile. "Alexandria uh... Thomas. My um... my mom left me at a convent. When I was a baby. So I... so I don't know that woman..." Drake was glad he'd be able to take her home to Quinn when this is over. Seeing her so upset was nearly as bad as seeing Alanna upset. He reached over and took her hand, which was trembling slightly. Xandri looked up at him, confusion and uncertainty in her large, dark blue eyes. That's why Quinn kept staring like that, Drake realized. He's an artist, I bet it was easy for him to see similarities in us. He wondered if Alanna had seen it too. "I don't understand," Xandri said quietly. "What does this mean?" "Well, it could mean nothing," Wade said, frowning. "But... well, if you're truly Susan's daughter... it means you're probably mine, as well." "And therefore my sister," Drake added, grinning. Xandri's eyes widened and her expression brightened a bit. "Really?" Wade pushed aside the coffee covered papers on his desk, wrinkling his nose. Drake stood to help him get rid of them; they ended up throwing them all in the trash. He sat back down and watched his father pick up the phone. Wade hit the button that would call his secretary. "Viv," Wade said into the phone. "I want you to get a blood test set up. Now. No, I want it done A.S.A.P, and I want the results right away. No, I don't care how much it costs..." Xandri giggled softly. Drake simply winced. It wasn't that he was bothered by his father's bossy attitude; he just saw far too much of himself in it. Good thing I'll probably never be rich, he thought, sighing inwardly. It would be too easy, using it to get what I wanted quickly. Drake watched his father and he realized that maybe there was some use to having all that money, after all. Wade was smiling broadly when he got off the phone. "Hope you're not too scared of needles," Wade said. His voice was teasing but gentle. Xandri wrinkled her nose. "I hate needles." "Don't worry," Drake assured her, reaching over and playfully tugging on her hair. "Big brother will protect you." ------- Alanna paced in front of the window, feeling anxious. Not far from her Quinn leaned against the wall, his arms folded over his chest, looking like his usual sulky self. She couldn't bring herself to join in on the happy chatter of her family, not while she didn't know what was going on with Drake. The living room was very full, with both her brothers, her parents, Sada, Bea, and the twins. And yet Alanna had an odd feeling of solitude, as if she was completely alone. The sound of a motorcycle made her jump. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Quinn come off the wall to join her by the window. It was indeed Drake's motorcycle. She watched, chewing on her lower lip, as he and Xandri clambered off the bike. The friendly way the walked, arms around each other, talking and laughing, made Alanna's heart nearly stop. Stop that, she thought, giving herself a mental shake. There's no reason to be a jumpy, jealous girlfriend. Quinn made no such effort; he simply sat in his usual armchair and sulked. The door opened. Alanna watched Drake and Xandri, wondering if she'd ever seen either of them look this happy. But Xandri broke away from Drake, making a beeline for Quinn and dropping unceremoniously into his lap. She buried her face against his neck, holding onto him tightly. Quinn looked perplexed for a moment, then he put his arms around her. His eyes remained on Drake, however, and his gaze was hostile. "Okay, someone care to explain?" Gabriel asked. He was sitting on the couch, helping Sydney with her homework, but at the moment his attention was also on Drake. Alanna watched as Drake pulled a packet of papers from his coat. He walked over to the couch and handed them to Gabriel. She watched her father as he studied them, his expression changing rapidly. His eyebrows rose in a familiar expression, then an also familiar grin curved his lips. He looked up at Drake, handing the papers back and shaking his head. "What is it?" Alanna asked. Everyone was staring at Drake expectantly, except for Xandri, who was still clinging to Quinn. Alastair looked nearly as hostile as Quinn, but Sada and Aislinn, who had accepted Drake as family, looked concerned. Damnit, Alanna thought. She grabbed Drake's arm. He smiled down at her, passing the papers to her, allowing her to inspect them as he spoke. "They're the results of a DNA test," Drake explained. "Gabriel, you know something about the affair my father had, right?" Gabriel nodded slowly. "That was why they brought you in the first place." "Well, as it turns out, the woman he had an affair with, Susan Thomas... she got pregnant," Drake said. He was trying hard not to smile, because it wasn't really something one smiled about. "She never told my father about it, though, because apparently she didn't keep the baby." Alanna's eyes widened as she studied the paper. "Wait a minute... these are DNA results for Alexandria Thomas and Wade Saint-Angelus! That would make Xandri your sister!" Drake nodded, his dark blue eyes bright with joy. On Quinn's lap, Xandri made a soft, happy noise into his neck and squirmed, causing his eyes to widen slightly. It was probably a good thing that the male portion of her family had the ability to be fairly stoic, Alanna thought, as she was squeezed between Drake and her mother. Sada, Bea and Sydney, and then Xandri when she finally peeled herself off of Quinn, made a rather stifling group hug. "Geez," Aislinn said, when she finally wriggled out of the pile. She dropped down onto Gabriel's lap and he wrapped his arms around her. "Looks like Xandri has two families, now." "As if you didn't already have more than your fair share," Sada added, grinning at Xandri. "Get adopted into this family and you've got more than you know what to do with." They managed to finish untangling themselves. It was a trick, finding somewhere for everyone to sit. Sada and Alastair ended up sitting on the bottom step of the stair case, and Alanna found herself sandwiched between Bea and Drake on the floor. It's a good thing we don't all try to speak at once, she thought, glancing around the room. And there's four cousins coming... Sada's right, I've got more family than I know what to do with! And it seemed as though Alanna's family was ever growing, but she didn't mind too much. She expected her mother to start going on about having a celebration of some sort, but Aislinn never got the chance. Quinn let out a loud groan suddenly and scrunched down on the chair, cowering beneath Xandri, who was back on his lap. She blinked at him a moment, then started to giggle. What's with them? Alanna wondered. "We should probably tell," Xandri said, lifting Quinn's chin with both hands. "Now that we've got two families to tell instead of one?" "Tell us what?" Gabriel asked, his eyes narrowing. There was a heartbeat of silence, then several voices-Aislinn, Sada, and Bea-in unison saying, "You're engaged!" No way, Alanna thought, watching the way Quinn sank down into the chair. It's more than that, isn't it? She knew her brother too well. If he were engaged, he would have spilled the beans already. Or actually, allowed Xandri to. But this was something they had obviously intended to keep secret. Alanna huddled against Drake, clinging to his arm, hoping he wouldn't react to this news like her own brothers probably would, in this situation. He looked down at her, but he didn't seem bothered by her hold. "Well?" Gabriel demanded. He must have realized there was more to it, too. "Sort of," Xandri hedged, fiddling with a lock of Quinn's hair. "Um..." "Tell them," Quinn grumbled, his voice muffled against her body. Xandri grinned brightly, flashing a convincingly innocent expression all around "We uh... we got married..." Alanna hunkered down, covering her ears at the sudden clamor. Nearly everyone was on their feet, except for herself, and the twins, who were wisely staying out of the thick of things. I'm with them, she thought, scrambling up onto the couch next to Sydney to avoid the ruckus. Despite the shock, she noticed that her parents stayed mad for about five seconds. Well, Alanna thought, grinning to herself, mom isn't mad anymore, but I think dad's going to be secretly pissed for awhile yet. The twins were watching her with wide eyes. "You'd think we'd be used to this by now," Sydney said, leaning close to Elijah. Alanna laughed. "Don't worry. Usually, unless upon special request, we try not to gather this many of us in one room at one time." "I wonder why," Elijah muttered, rolling his eyes. As much as she liked the twins, Alanna was glad her other cousins would be old enough to get places of their own. Especially now that it turned out that Xandri was Drake's sister, and Xandri and Quinn were married, and... Ooo, my head hurts, she thought, rubbing her forehead. She couldn't even begin to get in on celebrating. Even Bea had gotten right in the middle of it all. Alanna recognized the red-head's voice teasing Xandri. "You didn't get yourself pregnant, did you?" Bea teased. "And then you had to have an emergency wedding?" Xandri's eyes widened and she shook her head. "No! No, no, no, I'm not pregnant!" There was a lot of laughter at her reaction, but more at Quinn's. He looked stunned at the very thought. It was odd to see that much expression on his face. Alanna found herself laughing too. Poor Quinn, she thought, grinning to herself. I don't think he could handle any more news today, good or not. It turned out that it wasn't Quinn she needed to worry about. As the laughter died out, a soft, timid voice spoke into the silence. "But I am." ------- Sada winced as every person in the room turned to stare at her. She rested a hand protectively on her belly, a gesture that was quickly becoming instinctive. Okay, so maybe I was wrong, she thought, maybe that wasn't a good time to break the news. She dropped into an armchair and huddled there, feeling sick. Alastair approached the chair, dropping into a crouch in front of her. Sada couldn't read the expression on his face, and that had her worried. "Are you really?" Alastair asked, his voice softly. Sada nodded. She waited for him to yell at her or something, but he didn't. Those pale blue eyes she loved so much lit up brightly. Alastair let out a howl of joy and leapt to his feet, scooping her up into his arms. Startled, she threw her arms around him, clinging tightly to him. Sada was already breathless when he began kissing her. Of all the things she'd been expecting, this wasn't one of them. She would have told him sooner if she'd known he would react like this. "This is great," Alastair murmured, as he set her down on her feet. She felt his hand on her belly, almost tentative. "I didn't hurt you, did I?" "No," Sada said, shaking her head. "No, I'm... I'm only about a month along so we don't have to worry too much yet if you shake me up a little." "Alastair Edward Wolfe!" Alastair winced and turned to face his parents. "Yes, mom?" Oh, my, she looks mad, Sada thought, huddling against Alastair's side. Aislinn was silent as she strode forward and grabbed her arm, steering her towards the kitchen. Alastair tried to follow, but Gabriel caught his arm. Soon they were divided, with the girls in the kitchen and the guys out in the living room. Sada leaned against the counter, peering through into the living room. She watched Alastair who was bouncing around like a kid in a candy store. "Haven't you ever heard of protection?" Gabriel demanded. Alastair was too busy being joyful to be cowed. "Well, yeah. But, I mean... sometimes you just sorta forget... you know. I mean... aw, c'mon dad, stop looking at me like that." Oh lord, Sada thought, for a moment starting to panic. I'm having a kid with a kid! But the responsibility was hers, too. And she knew that Alastair was responsible when he needed to be; he'd take good care of her and a baby, she was sure. She jumped as a hand came down lightly on her shoulder. Turning, Sada found herself the focus of everyone in the kitchen. She allowed Aislinn to shuffle her into a chair at the kitchen table and was surprised by how gentle she was. "Are you sure you're ready for this?" Aislinn asked, settling down in the chair next to her. "I uh... I wasn't, at first," Sada said quietly. "But then I thought about it. It's not like I ever wanted to be a world famous ballerina, so it won't bother me that I can't." Alanna, who was on her other side, nodded. "You've said you like being Alastair's partner with his dance troupe and stuff. Which you can still do, even if you're pregnant." The phone rang then, startling them all. Aislinn began to get up, but Sydney, who was closest to it, grabbed it first. The light in her eyes when she found out who it was indicated that it had to be one of her siblings. She left the kitchen with the phone and disappeared upstairs. Polite kid, Sada thought, smiling to herself. I've met a lot of girls her age who would just stand around and talk over our conversation. She turned her attention back to the conversation at hand, since everyone was watching her intently. "And well, Alastair is getting older," Sada went on. "He's got so much energy, he'd have no problem taking care of a kid but he's also gotten more responsible now..." Xandri, who sat across from her, giggled softly. "And because it's made him so happy, you couldn't possibly take it away now." "I guess Quinn looked at you the same way Alastair looked at me," Sada said, grinning, "when he suggested you two elope." "Ah, I know that look," Aislinn said, leaning back in her chair. "Once a Wolfe man hits you with that look, it's all over." They all laughed at that, even Bea. It felt good to sit here with all of them, talking like this. Sada had been afraid that Alastair's family would be angry, but they were taking it well. It's not like we're just kids, she thought. I mean, I'm twenty-three and he's twenty-seven. A loud whoop interrupted her thoughts. She heard the pounding of feet coming down the stairs. All of them rose to see what the commotion was. Sydney was down in the living room, hugging Elijah tightly. "Ethan!" she exclaimed, pulling back from her brother. "He's going to be here on Friday!" Sada smiled, happy for both of them. But a glance at Gabriel's face made her heart sink. Oh no, she thought, frowning. Damnit, I think he was starting to forget that they aren't his kids. Sydney and Elijah had been warming up so much lately, they'd all forgotten. Sada glanced over at Aislinn and Alanna, who wore similar expressions to Gabriel. All that good news, she thought, sighing inwardly. We should have realized that something bad had to happen. ------- Chapter Fifteen: Ethan Gabriel found himself in the airport once more, although this time only Aislinn, Sydney, and Elijah were with him. Drake and Xandri had taken Alanna and Quinn to meet their father. Alastair and Sada were spending the day arranging an emergency wedding. It would be a small affair until after the baby was born, and then both they and Quinn and Xandri would have a larger ceremony. The Wolfe family had too many friends that didn't want to be excluded. Today they would meet the rest of the family; Ethan, Gavin, Chase, and Bailey. Gabriel was looking forward to meeting most of them, but not Ethan; he was coming to take the twins away. I could fight it somehow, he thought, frowning, but they really seem to want to go with him. He'd known better than to start thinking of them as his, but he'd done it anyway. And once they'd begun going to school, and coming home complaining of typical high school woes, Gabriel had forgotten to keep his distance from them. "Oh, oh, look!" Aislinn said suddenly, interrupting his thoughts. He would have expected Ethan to come first, but it was Bailey who emerged from the crowd, followed closely by two others, two men who towered over her. One of them reminded him of Quinn, with his dark hair pulled back into a neat, straight ponytail and a pair of reading glasses perched on his nose, but he wasn't as tall. The other was taller, more muscular, with hair that was shorter but also wilder and shaggier. The taller one he recognized as Chase, so the other must be Gavin. "What's with the hair?" Aislinn asked him, leaning towards him so he could hear her. Gabriel shrugged. "Not sure. I can only speak for myself, and I've had maybe two good haircuts in my entire life. Although it might have been grandpa..." "Grandpa?" Aislinn's eyebrows rose. "Gramps is a total hippy," Gabriel explained. "Hair down to his ass, still wearing tye-dye. Tells the best stories... that was why I started growing my hair long." Aislinn smiled. "I thought you didn't know most of your family." Gabriel looked down at her. Huh, he thought, frowning slightly. I guess gramps was so different from the rest of the family, I forgot he was part of it. His grandfather had always been so laidback, and he was an atheist to boot, so he'd felt more like the crazy old man down the street. Actually, now that he thought about it, Gabriel had told Aislinn about him, but he hadn't mentioned it in a lot of years now. That's what happened, when two people were busy raising three children. Three children with a knack for drawing a lot of trouble. And when you live with someone so long, he thought, you start to feel like they know everything about you, and always have. Aislinn tugged on his sleeve suddenly. He looked up in time to see Ethan-it had to be Ethan-step out of the crowd behind his siblings. He was taller than the rest of them, even Chase, although only by about an inch. Ethan's hair was long, too, down over his shoulders. The picture hadn't really done him justice; he had a look of being strong, graceful, and fierce. Definitely a Wolfe, Gabriel thought. And you know, he looks a lot like... "Gabriel," Aislinn said, interrupting his thoughts again. "Did you have an affair with your cousin's wife that I never knew about?" "If I had an affair with my cousin's wife," Gabriel replied dryly, "I didn't know about it either." But Ethan certainly looked a lot like him. His face was more masculine, stronger boned, but similar. And his eyes were the same dark, almost black shade of brown. He moved to walk in front of his brothers and sister as they approached and he radiated fierce protectiveness. Gabriel really wished they were meeting under different circumstances, because he had a feeling that they had quite a bit in common. Ethan came to a stop in front of him and the others spread out behind him. "Ethan!" Before he got a chance to speak, he was tackled by Sydney. That hard, cold expression slipped just a bit as he hugged his sister. It was that that made Gabriel decide that he would do his best to get along with Ethan. He wanted to be able to convince him that this was a good place for the twins, but he would respect their wishes to go back home. He offered his hand to Ethan when Sydney finally let him go. And Ethan took his hand, but Gabriel was unsettled by the look on his face. Something tells me we're not going to start off as best friends, he thought, sighing inwardly. ------- Elijah was glad that Gabriel had requested for almost everyone else to be absent for dinner. With his brothers and sister here, the table was just as full as it usually was; he couldn't imagine what it would be like if they were all here. Although he wouldn't have minded the presence of Alastair and Drake, because they would be strong enough to hold Ethan back if he decided to go after Gabriel. Usually his brother was so level-headed and laid back. Elijah had never seen him so angry before. And we're just going to make him angrier, he thought, glancing over at Sydney. He and his sister really liked living with the Wolfes. They both had friends here now, too. Elijah didn't like the thought of telling any of this to Ethan, but he had to. Ethan would never believe it, coming from Gabriel. I wish he would be a bit nicer, he thought, eyeing his brother. He certainly isn't making a good first impression. Eventually he would have to meet the rest of the family, too; Elijah wanted some of them to like his brother. "I've been dancing with Alastair's troupe, actually," Sydney was saying. She was picking agitatedly at her string beans with her fork. Ethan frowned. "What about your ballet lessons?" "I don't like ballet," Sydney said. "I never have!" "Still, I don't think you should be dancing with Alastair and his... friends," Ethan said. Elijah sighed. Geez, he sounds just like dad, he thought, rolling his eyes. I know it's only 'cause he cares, but really, whose side is he on!? Maybe this would have been easier of Alastair, Quinn and Alanna had been here, instead of their parents. He wondered if Ethan might relate better to someone closer to his age. Anything, Elijah thought, to get him to stop sounding like an anal retentive parent. "I'm sure Sydney has nothing to worry about," Gabriel said, his voice calm and quiet. "Alastair would never do anything to hurt her. Nor would any of his friends." "Ethan," Bailey spoke up from the end of the table. "Perhaps we should be meet Alastair's friends first, hmm?" Elijah let out his breath in relief as Ethan gave a faint nod. It was going to be slow going with his brother; they would have to introduce him to all the others bit by bit. Alanna and Drake, he thought, frowning to himself. They're the only ones not currently jumping headlong into giant life decisions. Ethan was something of a prude these days, so he'd probably react best to them. I should have Alanna bring Bea, Elijah thought, grinning to himself. She always adds something interesting to the mix... "Still," Ethan went on, "there isn't that much point. It isn't as if we're staying here." "But I want to stay!" Sydney protested, without really thinking about it. The room became oddly silent at that. Elijah huddled close to his sister, aware of how she must have felt with everyone staring at her. Neither of them had expected the desire to stay with the Wolfe family when they'd first arrived. There's always so much going on around them, he thought, glancing around the table. It's much more interesting than back home. And there were so many bad memories from back home, as well. Elijah grabbed Sydney's hand and held it, watching Ethan's face. "Ethan, please," Sydney said quietly. She shook of Elijah's hand and rose, going over to her older brother. "At least get to know these people before you make a judgment. They've taken really good care of us. And we're happy here." Elijah heard that sigh, the exasperated one that he knew so well. His brother simply couldn't say no when one of their sisters looked like that. They really know how to make a man feel like a total jerk, he thought, sighing himself. He watched as Ethan smiled and reached up, ruffling Sydney's short hair. Across the table, Bailey giggled, and Chase and Gavin were smirking. His family had always been like this; close, warm, and sometimes a little silly. "Finish your dinner, Syn," Ethan said, sighing. "We'll continue to discuss this, but I won't make any decisions yet." Across the table, Gabriel chuckled. "And I was beginning to think no one else in the world knew what it was like to have a pile of pouting, demanding pups to deal with all the time." Ethan glanced over at him, and a faint smile touched the corners of his mouth. Elijah let out a breath. Thank you, Ethan, he thought, smiling at his brother. Thank you for understanding. Sydney sat back down and, much to his surprise, the conversation that started up was pleasant. They were able to talk to Ethan about school and their friends. Sydney talked about Alastair's dance troupe. Elijah avoided telling him about the love of motorcycles that was rubbing off on him from spending time with Gabriel. He talked about drawing and painting with Aislinn, instead. ------- Drake watched Alanna pace the living room anxiously. She hadn't been very happy when she'd learned that she (not to mention him, and her siblings) were not invited to dinner the first night Ethan and the others arrived. He could understand why she was upset, but he wished she would calm down. Drake had even invited Bea over. The red-head was standing on the other side of the living room, trying to soothe Alanna. "We are going to meet them, Lonnie," Bea was saying. "And it's really best if the whole family isn't there tonight." "It is a rather large family," Drake agreed, grinning. "And ever expanding. I'm beginning to feel like I'm Italian." "You eat like it," Bea teased, causing Alanna to laugh just a little. Drake grinned. He leaned back on the couch, smiling to himself. Although sometimes it made him a bit nervous, overall he was happy that Bea was able to cheer Alanna up. Even I wish I knew what was going on, he thought, rising from the couch. After all, they're my family now, too. It was a little more twisted and complicated than he liked, but Drake was happy to have a sister. He hadn't spent much time with Xandri just yet, but he was looking forward to it. "Come on, Lonnie, enough," Bea said, stepping into Alanna's path. "Let's go out somewhere, have some fun. Wanna go to the arcade? We haven't been in ages." Alanna sighed. "Bea, this is serious," she said, leaning against the red-head. "Please stop teasing me..." "Uh... Lonnie..." Bea said softly, resting her hands on her shoulders. "Listen, you... you shouldn't... look at me, Lonnie..." Alanna lifted her head. Drake couldn't help feeling as if he was invading their privacy. He realized, then, that they had never quite closed off their relationship. The sad look in Bea's eyes made him feel bad, as well. The red-head leaned down, brushing her lips lightly against Alanna's. When she pulled back, Alanna grabbed her wrist. Drake didn't really make it a point to get in the middle of this sort of thing, but he could see where this was going. "You have Drake," Bea reminded her, pulling away. "But you're my friend, Bea," Alanna said, frowning. "I'm not... I wasn't..." She paused and turned to look at Drake. "I don't know how to do this part!" Drake laughed. "All right... come here, both of you." When they hesitated, he gestured, then patted the couch on either side of him. Alanna was a little quicker about it, perching on the couch on his left side. After a long moment Bea joined them, sitting on his right. Drake put his arms around their shoulders and huddled down, pulling them close like mischievous siblings, hiding beneath a blanket so their parents wouldn't realize they were still awake. Both of them laughed a little bit. "Bea, understand that Alanna is just finding comfort in a friend," Drake said quietly. "And Lonnie, sweetheart... don't be afraid to feel like she's more than a friend." "But..." Alanna protested. Drake released his hold on Bea and turned to Alanna. He caught her hands in his, lifting them to his mouth. The look in her pale blue eyes became soft and warm as he kissed her knuckles. She crawled up into his lap, wrapping her arms around his waist. If Bea hadn't been sitting right next to them, he wasn't sure he'd be able to control himself. Drake reached up, touching her cheek gently. He cupped her face, lost in those pale blue eyes. "Bea was an important part of your life for a long time," Drake said quietly. "You stopped your relationship with her for me. But I don't expect you to simply shove aside years of feelings, Lonnie." He lifted his head, bringing his mouth close to hers. "I'm not going to be angry if you're a little confused, sweetheart. Part of what I love about you is that you feel so strongly for your loved ones." Forgetting that Bea was there, he kissed her. Drake sighed as her soft, tempting lips parted beneath his, allowing him to slip his tongue inside her mouth and taste her. Alanna made a soft sound in her throat and tightened her grip on him. He tangled his fingers in her hair, leaning back on the couch, forcing her down on his lap. Her teeth nibbled at his lower lip, causing Drake to groan softly. Suddenly he wanted to pick her up and carry her into the bedroom. Bea cleared her throat, making them both jump. Alanna squeaked and buried her head against his chest, horrified. Drake didn't blush often, but he was now, and smiling sheepishly. The red-head stood up. She was grinning broadly, the look in her eyes somewhat mischievous, but he noticed, a little sad, too. "As much as I'd probably enjoy watching you," Bea said, "I really should get going." "Wait a minute," Drake said, grabbing her wrist. "Hold on... I thought the arcade thing sounded like a good idea." Alanna lifted her head. Her cheeks were still red, but her eyes were sparkling. "I haven't been in ages," she said, "like you said." "But um... don't you two want to uh... you know?" Bea stammered, staring down at the floor. "We have all the time in the world to do that," Alanna said, bouncing to her feet. "Besides, it's still early! We can do that later." Now it was Drake who was blushing. He laughed softly as Alanna darted into her room to change into something more suitable to going out. Glancing at Bea, he saw the red-head watching him, her eyes thoughtful. He turned to her and bent down, keeping his voice low as he spoke. Drake had a feeling Bea didn't want Alanna hearing this. "That was really insightful of you," Bea said softly. Drake smiled. "You don't fool me, Bea," he told her. "You love her, more than you think." "I will get over it, you know," Bea said, lifting her chin stubbornly. "Yeah," Drake agreed, grinning. "I know." Alanna came racing out of her room a moment later. Together they left, taking Alanna's car to the arcade. Perhaps it was a little bit childish, but they deserved some fun. Drake hadn't had the opportunity to really enjoy anyone's company in a very long time. ------- It was almost two o'clock in the morning when they arrived back at Drake and Alanna's apartment. I wonder if they'll let me crash on the couch, Bea wondered, stifling a yawn. She was holding a large stuffed dragon, bright red, in the style of a Chinese dragon, except it was kind of goofy looking. Alanna had one, too, in dark blue. Drake had won most of the tickets they'd used to get the stuffed animals. The man plays a mean game of ski-ball, Bea thought, smiling to herself. "I'm still full," Alanna complained, leaning heavily against Drake. "In fact, I think I'm getting a tummy ache." "Too many peanut butter and gummi bear sundaes, love," Drake teased, putting an arm around her shoulders. "Mmm," Alanna murmured. Bea grinned. She was still pretty full herself. They'd had pizza at the arcade; the horribly greasy kind that was only good in that sort of situation. They'd had spicy French fries, and later, ice cream sundaes. I feel like a kid again, she thought, grabbing Drake's sleeve and clinging to him as they made their way up the stairs. This feels great, thought. He didn't seem to mind her tugging on him, either. Bea was beginning to think he could feel very much like a brother. "I'll pull the couch bed out for you, Bea," Drake told her, as he unlocked the apartment door. Not an easy task, with Alanna hanging on him. Bea grinned. "You mind reader, you." Drake laughed. He paused a moment later, frowning, and jangled the keys in the lock. Bea watched him, puzzled. Looking closer, she realized that the apartment door was open just a fraction. Drake pushed them both behind him, motioning for them to stay near the door as he pushed it open and stepped inside. The light was off, and when he turned it on, she heard him gasp. Bea and Alanna both pushed forward at the same time. The apartment was trashed. The furniture was torn apart, cushions thrown all around the room, the upholstery slashed, blankets sliced to bits. Papers were everywhere, torn and crumpled. Only the overhead lights were working; the lamps had all been smashed. Bea caught Alanna as she fell back, shocked. I can't believe this, she thought, staring around the apartment in stunned horror. Oh my... it's going to be a very, very long night... ------- Chapter Sixteen: Tabloids Alanna leaned against Drake as they stumbled through the door of her parents' house. There was no point in going back to their apartment; the police were still combing it for evidence. It was almost nine o'clock in the morning and neither of them had gotten a chance to sleep. Drake led her over to the couch, helped her lay down, and tucked a blanket around her. He had just settled down in the arm chair near by when her father and mother came down the stairs. "You two look like hell," Gabriel said, flashing them a crooked grin. "I told you I should have gone to help you." "There was nothing you could have done," Drake told him, slumping down in the chair. "It's not like we don't know who did it. It's just a matter of finding the proof." "Well, I know what I can do," Aislinn said, perking up. "I'll make breakfast. That should help." Yes, Alanna thought, her eyes opening. That will help. Out loud she said, "Make pancakes! The ones with banana in them! And bacon!" Her mother's laughter drifted out of the kitchen. Food sounded like such a good idea right now; almost as good as sleep. She knew her mom would put on a pot of coffee, so she didn't ask for that. Her father took a seat in one of the other armchairs, content to leave Aislinn to her business. Gabriel could cook, and did, but breakfast time was Aislinn's turf, and he stayed out of her way. Alanna had heard her father say once that he would never cook his own breakfast, anyway, when what Aislinn made was a thousand times better. Alanna closed her eyes again, listening to the sounds coming from the kitchen. Drake was relating everything to her father, and she wasn't in the mood to hear it all again. Soon she could smell coffee, pancakes, and bacon. I hope mom made eggs, too, she thought, I feel like I could eat enough food to feed an army. Probably Aislinn would cook that much, too. They had dropped Bea off at her place, but no doubt at least one of her brothers would show up soon. And the twins were bound to be awakened by the smell of cooking bacon. She was struggling into a sitting position when her mother came out of the kitchen. "Stay right there," Aislinn told her. "We'll bring breakfast out here. Come on, Gabriel." Her father's eyebrows rose. He was grinning when he stood up and followed her mother into the kitchen. They still act like newlyweds, Alanna thought, grinning. Drake came to sit with her on the couch, and they leaned on one another while they ate. Sydney and Elijah did eventually come downstairs, bleary-eyed and still in pajamas, but they ate in the kitchen. Alanna was beginning to feel better, and optimistic, when the front door came flying open and Alastair stormed in, followed by a frantic Sada. "What the hell is this?" Alastair demanded, tossing a stack of papers down on the coffee table. Not papers, Alanna realized, staring in horror. Tabloids! Nothing ran through the press faster than a juicy story. Still, she was stunned that it was so fast. And there were at least five different ones, proclaiming to have details on her sordid love life or her lesbian affair or--and this was the most absurd of all--her decision to pose for an issue of Playboy. They even had pictures to prove it. Alanna recognized some of the pictures Bea had taken of her. How the hell did they get those? she wondered, enraged and embarrassed. "Oh no," Drake groaned. Alastair's eyes narrowed on him. "You know something about this?" "Alastair," Gabriel warned. He looked at Alanna and Drake. "Would you two care to explain?" She hadn't known that Bea had given Drake the pictures. They must have been stolen from our apartment, Alanna realized. They were looking for dirt, and they got it. Oh, she didn't blame Drake; he couldn't have known. She was dead positive that Melissa was to blame for this. Except that Melissa didn't know about my relationship with Bea, she thought, frowning as she read the paragraph citing an affair with her best friend. Who could have possibly told... ? The twins were in the doorway of the kitchen, listening, both of them wide-eyed. She hoped that this wouldn't cause a problem with Ethan; that was the last thing they needed right now. I have to be in shock, Alanna thought, to be so calm. In shock, and exhausted, or she would have thrown a fit by now. Her mother and her brother were busy doing that for her, although at least Alastair was no longer throwing accusatory glances at her or Drake. "We can't let her get away with this," Alastair said. He'd finally calmed when Sada had managed to get her arms around him. "More than one person had to be involved in this," Gabriel put in. "And I have a feeling who, but I'll need to have a nice long talk with Quinn, first." Alanna's eyes widened. "You don't think... ?" "I do," Gabriel said, his expression grim. He looked at Alanna and Drake, and sighed. "I want you two to go to the hotel, use our suite, and get some sleep. No arguing. You are both too tired to deal with this right now." Alanna considered arguing anyway, but her mother wasn't about to hear it. Aislinn ended up making sandwiches for them and sending them off with a brown paper bag like children on their first day of school. I don't know how I could possibly sleep, with this hanging over my head, Alanna thought. Even as she thought it, her mind wandered to a warm, comfortable bed. She might not be able to sleep, yet she desperately needed to lay down for awhile. Drake drove to the hotel. Alanna would have preferred surroundings she was more comfortable with, but at this point any bed was good. God, I hate that bitch, she thought, gritting her teeth. She wasn't usually the type to hate anyone, but this was the straw that broke the camel's back. Alanna had been furious with Melissa for the things she'd done to her brothers, and then to Drake. That the woman had the gall to go after her too, after everything she'd done, was more than Alanna could take. Drake made quite a scene in the hotel lobby until she agreed to let him carry her the rest of the way. She appreciated his concern, so she simply snuggled up against his chest as he held her. Alanna had the cardkey, and she was the one to actually unlock the door to the suite. Only once they were inside did Drake finally set her down. She really did love the Wolfe family suite; once she'd come here with Bea, just to get away from the world for a weekend. "I know your father wanted us to sleep," Drake said, "but why don't I run a nice hot bath, hmm? You look like you could use a good soak." Alanna grinned. "Now you're sounding like my mother." Drake reached out and ruffled her hair, and she gave him an indignant huff. Still, she was grateful. Somehow he always knew how to make her feel better. Oh, he wasn't always perfect at it, but the fact that he tried was enough. Alanna sat on the couch, her eyes closed, listening to the water run. She found she was able to relax a little, knowing that her family was no doubt in the midst of planning what to do. Her father had seen right away that, upset and exhausted, she wasn't going to be of any use at the moment. That's why he really sent me away, Alanna thought, smiling inwardly. To get me out from underfoot. She must have dozed off, because the next thing she knew, Drake was lifting her off the couch and carrying her into the bathroom. He was just as exhausted as she was, she realized. They helped each other undress, and Alanna pulled his hair loose from its braid. I love his hair, she thought, sinking her fingers into the thick, dark strands. She leaned against him, swaying slightly, and Drake chuckled. "Come on, Lonnie," he said. "In the tub with you." "You first," Alanna said, giving him a teasing smile. Drake stepped into the tub and lowered himself into the water. She followed, tucking herself up against his side. The water felt so good, and he'd thrown in some of the bath salts that her family kept in the suite. The soothing sent of lavender surrounded them, easing the ache in her head. Alanna rested her head on Drake's chest, running her fingertip over his skin in the whorls. She couldn't help wondering what was going on back at home, what her family was plotting. "I know what you're thinking of," Drake said, rubbing the curve of her ear with the tip of his finger. "Sweetheart, you know your dad won't put up with this. And neither will mine. Between the two of them, they'll have the tabloids running for cover." Alanna laughed softly. "Or desperately trying to defend their bank accounts," she said. "It's just... how could this have happened? Why can't people leave us alone?" "I don't know," Drake admitted. "People like Melissa... they never quit. But I won't let that hurt our relationship, Alanna." He brushed a damp strand of hair from her cheek, tucking it behind her ear. His dark blue eyes were deadly serious. "One way or another, she's going to regret this." "The sleeping dragon wakes," Alanna said softly, sliding against him in the water to bring her lips close to his. "I'm not afraid of anything when I'm with you. I know my dragon will protect me." Her exhaustion seemed to wash away at the touch of his lips. It seemed they never had enough time to savor their relationship, and she decided she would use the time they'd been given now. Alanna slid a leg over his hips, pulling her body up onto hers. Drake groaned softly, pressed up against her belly. He was already semi-hard. She kissed him, little kisses over and over again, until he was nearly gasping for breath. "Alanna..." Drake murmured, his hands resting ever so lightly on her hips. "It's been a long night, sweetheart..." "Are you too tired?" Alanna asked, her lips brushing against his. "Never," Drake answered, his voice a soft, husky growl. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again, long and deep. Alanna could feel him against the softness of her belly, now hard and ready. Drake got his hands between them, so he could slide them up and cup her breasts. She leaned into his hands, moaning softly as he fondled her. Alanna tilted her head back, baring her throat to his mouth, to his tongue and the soft nipping of his teeth. Drake was good at finding the right spots, she'd discovered. She squirmed in his lap when his lips closed on her earlobe, sucking gently. They were picking up where they left off last night, it seemed. Alanna sat back, raising out of the water. Drake's mouth traveled down her neck and over her breasts, his tongue licking droplets from her skin. She wound her fingers tight in his hair, closing her eyes and making soft mewling sounds as his mouth sucked at her nipple. Alanna found one of his hands, which had again dropped to her hips, and lifted it to her other breast. Drake feathered his thumb lightly over her other nipple, teasing it into near painful hardness. Not nearly satisfied, she found his other hand, drawing it down between her thighs. She heard his sharp intake of breath, but it was drowned out by her own as he touched her. Alanna made a soft, breathless sound, a wordless plea, and Drake slid a finger inside her. His thumb rubbed up against her clit, teasing it until she was writhing in his lap. His finger moved in and out, until her body was clenching tightly around it. She pushed her hips into his hand, her head thrown back and her lips parted, eager for that sweet release. His name was on her lips as she came. A thin sheet of sweat covered Alanna's skin, and she was breathing heavily, but she wasn't quite ready for this to be over. Drake was leaning back in the tub, watching her with those sexy blue eyes. She leaned down and kissed him, sliding her tongue between his lips to taste his mouth. Alanna braced her hands on the side of the tub and pushed herself upwards. I want to see his face, she thought, and she pulled back from him. She gasped softly as the tip of him brushed against her. Alanna lowered herself carefully, slowly, watching and savoring the way his eyelashes fluttered as her body closed around him. Drake's hands rested on the tub near hers. He pushed up into her suddenly, drawing a soft cry from her lips. Alanna let herself slide down the rest of the way, straddling his hips with her thighs. She didn't want to wait. As she lowered her mouth to his again, she pushed herself up with hands and knees, beginning a rhythm of rise and fall. Drake had the strong body of a dancer, and he used that strength to push into her. It wasn't long before he had control of their pace, prolonging the drive of his body into hers. Alanna bit her lip, trying to stifle her building cries. She threw her arms around his neck, burying her fingers in his damp hair and clutching it tight. Her body shuddered, and she pressed her face against his neck, quieting the sounds that accompanied her climax. Drake groaned softly, letting himself slide down in the tub, and holding her. Alanna could feel him shuddering beneath her. It was an effort to get themselves out of the tub. They made a cursory job of drying themselves off, then stumbled to the bed. Her mind, which had been buzzing before, felt like mush now. Alanna had just enough strength to curl up against Drake's side beneath the blankets. Well, if I'm going to be exhausted, she thought, stifling a yawn, might as well be from good sex. "Get some sleep, Lonnie," Drake murmured, kissing her gently on the forehead. Her eyelids were already closing. "I promise you, she'll regret this." ------- Drake was feeling better, at least physically. Sleep had most certainly helped. The sex had helped too, but he didn't really feel that those were appropriate thoughts at the moment, while he sat in the living room with Alanna's family. They were waiting for Quinn and Xandri (which was nothing new, apparently). From what Drake understood, Quinn had freaked out even more than Alastair. None of them knew why, because he wouldn't say, but they all presumed he'd tell them when he arrived. When the door came flying open, most of them jumped. Quinn stomped in, followed by a wide-eyed Xandri. Usually he didn't look terribly threatening, but watching him now, Drake didn't think he'd want to be on his bad side. Quinn Wolfe was the type of man who took his revenge in ways that left a more lasting mark than physical violence. He stopped in front of the coffee table, where the tabloids were still laying. "Melanie," he said simply, his voice a soft growl. "There's no way Melissa could have thought of this on her own. She doesn't have enough brain-power." Gabriel's eyebrows rose. "Are you sure? They don't seem like the type to work together..." "Melanie has the money for a stunt like this," Quinn said, taking a seat on a free armchair. He pulled Xandri into his lap. "Plus, she's done something similar before, to an actress who was stealing her limelight." Drake scowled. He'd had a feeling Melissa was involved, but he was hoping she would have a male accomplice, someone he could hit. Although a glance at Alanna's face told him she was more than ready to hit someone, namely Melissa, or this Melanie, who he'd never met before. This family really has a knack for making enemies, Drake thought, glancing around at them. Mean, vindictive enemies. He supposed he was going to have to get used to it. "Have they found fingerprints or anything in the apartment?" Alanna asked, looking at her father. Gabriel shook his head. "Not so far. Marina thinks they did a pretty thorough job covering their tracks." "She thinks they hired someone," Aislinn added. "So even if they do find anything, it probably won't be from Melissa or Melanie." "I'm so sick of this," Alanna grumbled, leaning back. "Isn't there anything we can do? Something that means we don't have to wait for all the legal crap?" "We do have our hands full as it is," Gabriel admitted, running his fingers through his hair. "Ethan just about had a fit when he found out." Drake hadn't called his father yet, but he imagined he'd had a fit, too. If Gabriel had called him, he didn't mention it. There was probably too much on his mind, anyway. What could we possibly do about this? he wondered. Well, aside from take legal action. Not that they hadn't. When he and Alanna had walked in today, it had been to Gabriel yelling into the phone. Drake almost felt bad for the man on the other end... almost. Xandri, who was huddled on Quinn's lap, was whispering something in his ear. Drake's sister wasn't terribly shy about speaking, he'd found, but when she was uncertain about something, she shared it with Quinn first. Quinn listened intently--he always did, Drake was happy to see--a smile slowly curving the corners of his mouth. When Xandri pulled back, looking at him curiously, he broke into a wicked grin. "I didn't know you had it in you," Quinn said, reaching up and tweaking her nose. He glanced around at his family. "Little Xandri had an idea." Gabriel frowned. "I don't like that tone of voice, Quinn. It sounds like an idea you like far too much." "True," Quinn agreed, his pale blue eyes lit wickedly. He slid an arm around Xandri's waist, his expression one of a sort of twisted pride. "But it is ever so fitting..." ------- Chapter Seventeen: Payback Drake was not too happy about his part in all this. He'd agreed to it to help Alanna, and because he thought it was a fitting punishment for Melissa, but it still made him uneasy. He was pretty certain that what they were going to do wasn't legal, but then, neither was breaking into someone's home and stealing pictures to sell to the press. Still, I don't see how this is going to stop her, Drake thought, frowning. Quinn and Xandri must have something else up their sleeves. The beach was almost dark and it was chilly, too. He rested his feet on the cooler he'd brought with him, starting to feel impatient. She will show up, Drake thought. There's no way she'd resist. And because Quinn had called Melanie, requesting her presence, the two of them would not be together... yet. He glanced down the length of the beach, but it was too dark, and Quinn would be too far away to see. Drake wouldn't be able to see Alanna, either, but he glanced back over his shoulder to the rocks she and Bea were hiding behind. When he glanced back up the beach, he saw someone walking towards him. Dying light glinted off blonde hair. Straight from the bottle, Drake thought, leaning back and fighting a smirk. Quinn was right. He forced a more pleasant smile to his face as Melissa approached. The note he'd left for her had mentioned making a deal to get the pictures back from her. Drake would have thought she'd be wary, but she hadn't come dressed that way. She had to be cold, in that short little wisp of a dress. It was blue, nearly the same shade as the blue Alanna usually wore, but it just looked trashy on Melissa. Her hair was done up in curls and she was wearing more make-up than was necessary. Ugh, Drake thought, struggling to keep the smile on his face. At least she isn't wearing heels in this sand. Melissa stopped a few feet away from him, folding her arms beneath her breasts, no doubt trying to look like she had the situation in control. "Well?" she asked, raising her eyebrows at him. "No need to be hostile," Drake soothed. He dropped his feet off the cooler and opened it, leaning down to pull out a couple of wine coolers. "Have a drink with me." "I thought you wanted those pictures back," Melissa said, eyeing him warily. "And I do," Drake assured her. He made a show of opening the wine coolers, although one of them was already opened. Strawberry; Quinn had told him that she liked strawberry. His own was black cherry... and not drugged, either. He set the strawberry wine cooler on the wall next to him and smiled sweetly at her. "I can't imagine you're going to just give them to me." "Not for free," Melissa agreed, taking a step closer. She was watching him and her eyes were eager. Dumb bitch, Drake thought, even as he smiled at her. She's so convinced that every man on the planet wants her, she doesn't realize when someone's faking. Melissa finally stepped up to the wall and slid up onto it. She crossed her legs, letting the short skirt ride up. Drake took a sip from his wine cooler and smiled at her encouragingly, and finally she picked it up and took a sip herself. "There must be something you want in return," Drake said, lowering his voice to a husky purr. He hated speaking this way to someone who wasn't Alanna, but it had the effect he wanted. Melissa shivered and took a large gulp of her wine cooler. "Make me an offer," she said at last. "Some sort of arrangement, perhaps... ?" Drake suggested. "What kind of arrangement?" Melissa asked, leaning closer. The way she smiled at him made him want to scream. Instead he tilted his head back and drank, downing half the wine cooler. She continued to sip as she waited for his response, but it wasn't quite enough. How long will this take? Drake wondered, sipping again to drag it out. Quinn said it wouldn't take long. He almost let out a sigh of relief when he saw her eyes getting cloudy and her lids getting heavy. "What kind of arrangement?" Melissa asked again, and her voice was slightly slurred. She leaned against him, pressing her breasts against his arm. I don't hit women, Drake reminded himself, gritting his teeth. Out loud he said, "I think you know what kind of arrangement..." He pulled his head back a bit, so that she had to struggle to reach him. She never got the chance to actually kiss him before passing out. Drake sighed in relief as she slumped against him. He grabbed her hair, pulling her away before she could fall into his lap. He pushed her away, then finished his wine cooler, although the low alcohol content wasn't enough to make him feel better. Drake heard voices as Alanna and Bea emerged from behind the rocks and came towards him. Alanna crouched behind him when she reached him, and put her arms around him. Drake turned, sliding an arm around her waist, and pulled her mouth down to his. She squeaked in surprise, then quieted to a soft moan as he kissed her. He pressed against her, rubbing against her like a cat, as if he could get her scent on his skin. I didn't really do anything, Drake thought, but I feel unclean. "Wow," Alanna panted, when he finally released her. "Are you sure you didn't get some of that in your drink, too?" "Quite positive," Drake told her. He leaned forward, pressing his lips to her ear. "But I'll be doing some more of that later," he murmured, feeling her shiver. "I've still got to carry her, after all." Alanna's eyes were wide. "What does that have to do with you rubbing on me?" "You'll understand later," Drake assured her, as he rose from the wall. Drake picked up Melissa, tossing her carelessly over his shoulder. He started down the beach, with Alanna and Bea on his heels. Quinn had better be finished, he thought, or we're screwed. It was a fairly short walk down to the beach to where Quinn and Xandri would be waiting. She's heavier than she looks, Drake thought, shifting uncomfortably. Something tells me she's going to be one of those women who gets really fat as she gets older. Quinn and Xandri were indeed waiting for them... well, sort of. Xandri was perched in his lap, and they were kissing, completely unconcerned by the blonde passed out on the beach blanket next to them. Drake came to a halt and cleared his throat, which sent Xandri scrambled from Quinn's lap, blushing and clutching her camera like a teddy bear. Quinn seemed completely unabashed. "I kinda wish I could have seen this," Alanna said, peering around Drake at Melanie. "No you don't," Quinn assured her, smiling wickedly. "Drake might have been nice about it... I just shoved the damn things down her throat." "You did not," Drake said, as he dumped Melissa onto the blanket next to Melanie. Xandri, her eyes wide, shook her head. "He did... I saw him." And I thought I had a violent temper, Drake thought, eyeing Quinn warily. He'd never been anything but good to Xandri, from what he'd seen, but it still made him uneasy. It was Alanna, Bea, and Xandri who stripped Melissa and Melanie. By the time they were done, the two blondes were laying together as though they'd passed out after rowdy sex, and their clothing was strewn artfully around the beach blanket. Xandri pulled the camera from around her neck, then paused. "Would you like the honors, Bea?" she asked, holding the camera out. Bea took it from her, grinning. "Oh, hell yeah!" ------- Alanna dropped her shirt in the hamper and let the lid thump shut. That felt kind of petty, she thought, as she stripped out of her jeans. Good, but still kind of petty. What would Melissa and Melanie think, when they woke up like that? They'd been drugged enough that they weren't likely to remember what had happened. I still can't believe Quinn told Melanie about me and Bea, Alanna thought, scowling. I know it was years ago, but still. She turned the water up until it was nice and hot, then stepped into the shower. That feels nice, she thought, closing her eyes as hot water sluiced over her back. Alanna nearly jumped out of her skin when the shower door opened. She laughed, grabbing onto Drake as he pinned her against the wall. Opening her eyes, she stared up at him. His hair was down and already partially wet, and his dark blue eyes were alive with heat. Oh my, Alanna thought, her eyes widening. "What are you doing?" Alanna asked, as he pressed against her. "Picking up where we left off," Drake answered, as he lowered his mouth to her breasts. "I want to feel clean again..." "That... that's what the shower's for..." Alanna stammered, as his tongue lapped drops of water from her skin. "Drake... ahhn..." His mouth closed around her nipple, sucking until it was stiff. She wound her fingers in his hair and tilted her head back, closing her eyes to enjoy this. Drake's hands wandered down her body, over the curve of her hips and down to her thighs. His fingers slid between her legs to touch her, the lightest brush of his fingertips. Alanna parted her thighs, welcoming his touch, sighing soft as he slid a finger inside her. She tightened her hold on Drake's hair, keeping his mouth against her breast. Slowly, licking and nipping along the way, his mouth traveled down over her stomach. His finger slid out of her, to be replaced by his tongue. She didn't even try to stifle her cries as he teased her clit with the tip of his tongue. Drake's gentle teasing had her squirming against the wall, pressing her hips against his mouth, but it wasn't enough to make her come. He was teasing her, she knew it. "Drake..." Alanna panted. "Please..." When he stopped, she bit back a whimper of disappointment. Drake rose, pushing wet hair back from his face. He leaned against her, and she could feel him, hard and ready against her belly. His teeth nipped lightly at her lower lip. Alanna's mouth sought his, her lips parting for his tongue to slide into her mouth. Drake caught hold of her thigh, pulling her leg up and brushing against her. "My Alanna," Drake murmured, his lips brushing hers. "Do you know how much I love you?" She opened her mouth to reply, but all that came out was a gasp as he slid inside her. Alanna threw her arms around his shoulders, clinging to him as he thrust into her. Drake's mouth traveled over her neck, laying warm kisses on her skin. She locked her leg around his. With his hands freed up, he buried his fingers in her hair, cradling her head as he lifted his mouth to hers again. Alanna shivered, moaning against his lips as he pushed into her again and again. The sweet friction that built between them made her shudder. His teasing had left her sensitive, so that each stroke drew a soft mewl from her lips. The sounds grew to cries. Alanna pressed her hips into his to feel him deep inside her, and threw her head back against his hands, letting her lips part. Drake had lowered his head to her breasts again, his tongue lapping water from her skin and brushing over the tips of her nipples. The warmth of his mouth on her breasts was enough to send her over the edge, shuddering and crying out loudly. She tightened around him and heard him gasp as his body reacted, spilling come inside her. Drake's fingers tightened in her hair, and the movement of his hips eased, but his mouth didn't stop. Alanna sighed as he pulled her nipple into his mouth, sucking gently. She rested against the wall, running her fingers through his hair. She had no desire to make him stop, either. When Drake did pull his mouth away at last, she let out a small whimper of disappointment. Drake chuckled softly. "We should finish our shower before the water gets cold." "I know," Alanna sighed. She released him, groaning softly as he slid out of her. "Don't worry, Lonnie," Drake murmured, reaching for her as she moved to stand beneath the spray once more. "I'm not done with you..." His teeth nipped at her earlobe, and his hands traveled up to cradle her breasts. Finishing their shower was easier said than done. She'd never seen him like this before; he simply had to be touching her or kissing her. Not that Drake ever lacked passion, because he certainly didn't, but he seemed insatiable tonight. Alanna leaned into him, letting him touch and tease as much as he wanted. That's what he meant earlier, she realized. He was upset about what he had to do. "You're my salvation, Alanna," Drake whispered, as they stepped out of the shower together. "I couldn't stand to be alive, until you came back into my life..." She turned in his arms and pressed against him. "You know, Drake," she said, reaching up to brush his hair from his face. "I was scared of loving someone again. I was afraid to trust... If I'm you're salvation, than you're mine." Alanna cradled his face in her hands, pulling his mouth down against hers. "And I love you so..." ------- Quinn held Xandri in his lap, studying the pictures she held. Bea is talented, too, he thought, grinning to himself. Although I can't imagine her putting these in her portfolio. Personally he thought they should be hung up in a museum for anyone and everyone to see. Xandri shifted in his lap, finally tucking the photos into a manila envelope. Quinn tightened his hold on her until she squeaked softly, drawing the attention of Alanna and Drake, and Alastair and Sada. "Bea should be here, too," Alanna said, frowning. "Maybe she doesn't want to be involved," Alastair said, rolling his eyes. "Mom and dad refused to come, too." Quinn laughed. "Ah, but you'll notice they didn't try very hard to stop us, either." It was true, they hadn't. Even though it was illegal, his parents had let them; they must have also felt it was a deserving punishment. Maybe I enjoyed it a bit too much, Quinn thought, frowning. He'd frightened Xandri with his anger and violence, but he hadn't had the patience to deal with Melanie. When they'd gone home afterward, he'd held Xandri and kissed her gently until her fear went away. She loved him and trusted him, and it had relieved him that she didn't stay afraid. They were all waiting on the front lawn of his parents' house. His mother and father were inside, trying to talk Ethan around into letting the twins stay until the end of the school year (by which time they would be eighteen anyway, and able to make their own choices). Sydney and Elijah probably should have been helping, but when Quinn looked over his shoulder, he saw them with their faces pressed against the window. Yeah, they fit in rather nicely, he thought, grinning. "There's the limo," Alanna said, straightening up. "And I take it that's Melissa's car?" "Pink convertible, like some sort of disgusting Barbie car come to life?" Quinn asked. Alanna nodded. "Yep. Must be her." It was like two Barbie dolls, if Melanie was Over-the-Hill Barbie. Both of them looked perfect, not a hair out of place, but he knew they were upset. Their heels clacked on the pavement as they came forward. Xandri picked up the envelope, and another, one holding a contract. She held the other envelope and a pen out to Melanie, who snatched them away with a scowl. "What is this?" she demanded. "It's a contract," Drake explained, flashing a boyishly sweet smile which had no doubt been Melissa's undoing. "You sign it, saying that not only will you henceforth leave myself, Alanna, our family members, and our friends alone, but you will also pay eighty-thousand dollars in damages, for the property you've destroyed and the emotional distress you've caused." He paused a moment, letting that all sink in, then added, "And we give you the pictures." "Does it say that in the contract?" Melanie asked, eyeing him with dislike and uncertainty. "It does," Drake assured her. "Xandri has the pictures, and she'll give them to you as soon as you sign the contract." "This is blackmail!" Melissa complained. Quinn chuckled. "I rather prefer the word 'extortion', myself." He paused a moment, waiting until Melanie's attention was all on him, then he smiled. "Of course, if you don't want to sign the contract, we can send out the pictures... and I have a certain tape the press would find very interesting..." Melanie's eyes widened. She knew him well enough now to know he wasn't bluffing. Stupid bitch, Quinn thought, smiling in triumph. If you're going to seduce a twelve-year-old, you shouldn't tape it. He watched her pull the contract from the envelope and sign it, her panic obvious in the way her hand shook. Melanie than shoved the contract at Melissa, growling at her until she signed it too. I'll destroy you, Quinn thought, as Melanie glanced at him again. I won't hesitate, and you know it. "Now give me those pictures," Melanie said, her voice shaking slightly. "Here you go," Xandri said, handing the manila envelope over with one hand and taking the contract with the other. "You know, this sort of relationship is much more accepted in this day and age," Alanna put in, grinning. "But since you're too shy, we'll take a check. Okay?" Melanie glowered, but she nodded. Quinn didn't care about the money; Alanna and Drake could have it, to replace all the things that had been destroyed. They probably wouldn't get any money until they pressed charged, though; they weren't going to simply let the breaking and entering go unpunished. What pleased him was Melanie and Melissa walking away. Melissa might, just might, be stupid enough to try something again, but she'd get no help from Melanie. "Aw, hell, I enjoyed that too much," Alastair said, standing as the limo drove off. "You don't think they'll try to sue us?" "Melanie won't," Quinn assured him. "And we found prints in our apartment," Alanna added, as she rose as well. "The men they belong to will testify against Melanie and Melissa. That D.A. will probably want to press charges whether we do or not." And that will keep both of them busy for a good long while, Quinn thought, smugly satisfied. He leaned his head against Xandri's shoulder, not ready to get up just yet, even though everyone else was leaving. She seemed perfectly content to just sit, waving to Alanna and Drake as they drove off. Alastair and Sada went inside; his mother had gotten to the attic and all their old baby things, so the two of them were in for a long afternoon. "Should we have told them about the copies we kept to send to the tabloids if Melissa and Melanie try anything?" Quinn asked, when there was no one there to hear. "Naaaah," Xandri said, grinning. "After all, the contract didn't say anything about doubles or negatives." "Wicked," Quinn purred, nipping at her neck. "I like this side of you, little Xandri... it turns me on." Giggling, Xandri twisted in his lap, shifting so that her thighs straddled his hips. She wound her arms around his neck and leaned her forehead against his. "Quinn, I have yet to see a side of me that doesn't turn you on," she teased. "Very true," Quinn agreed. He tightened one arm around her waist and used the other to push himself up off the stairs. Xandri shrieked, tightening her legs around his hips. Her laughter was sweet and musical, and it made her eyes light up. "Let's go home and consummate our marriage," Quinn said, as he carried her towards the car. Xandri grinned. "Haven't we done that already? At least once a night, in fact?" "Yes," Quinn said, nodding. "So one more time isn't going to hurt, now is it?" His laughter, although softer, was just as joyous as it mingled with hers. ------- Chapter Eighteen: At Last It was a white Christmas. Or at least, in the process of becoming one. Alanna dusted snow from her hair as she stepped through the door into her parents' house. Drake was just behind her, wrinkling his nose as he flicked snowflakes from the end of his braid. It was warm inside the house, and she could smell coffee, pancakes, sausage and bacon. I love Christmas, Alanna thought, as she slipped out of her heavy winter coat. And this one is going to be absolutely perfect. And absolutely noisy! They really had become a wolf pack now, having added the cousins to their numbers. At least they won't be over until the afternoon, Alanna thought, but it's still going to be a very rowdy Christmas, for the most part. Actually, it usually was. She paused in the living room and smiled; Quinn and Xandri were in their usual spot, and Alastair and Sada were cuddled together on the couch. Alastair's hand rested on her tummy, which was beginning to show, if just barely. "What a bunch of lazy slugabeds!" Alanna exclaimed, planting her hands on her hips and grinning around at them. "Technically it's more like sluga-chair," Quinn responded, stifling a yawn. "And I'm pregnant," Sada added in a sleepy voice. "I don't have to do anything. Just ask Alastair." Uh oh, Alanna thought, her eyebrows raising. Alastair took it as teasing and simply nodded in agreement. Give it a few months and that's gonna piss him off, she thought, sighing inwardly. Ah, those two really put an odd twist on the term 'wedded bliss'. At least they were going to behave today, which was good. Not that Alanna hadn't foreseen this problem; most of them had. She heard a soft, muffled sound behind her and turned around to see Drake fighting a knowing smile. "There you two are," Aislinn said, as she stepped out of the kitchen. She was bright-eyed and cheery, even so early in the morning. "Just in time for breakfast, too. Well, since you showed up last, you can help set the table." "Aw, moooom," Alanna groaned, dragging her feet as she headed for the kitchen. "Don't talk back to your mother," Gabriel said. He slipped past Aislinn, pausing long enough to ruffle Alanna's hair before making his way to the couch. She and Drake got silverware, plates, bowls, and cups from the kitchen to set the dining room table. There were just too many of them to sit at the kitchen table today. Together they got it finished quickly, and it wasn't long before they were sitting around the table, eating and slowly beginning a conversation. It took a while, because her brothers were rather grumpy in the morning. Even Gabriel didn't perk up until he'd had his coffee. Alanna loved breakfast on Christmas. She had a particular affinity for sausage, even though it didn't always agree with her stomach. Her mother had always made her famous cinnamon pancakes, and her father had made hash browns. It was a typical tradition in their family. "Who wants some eggnog?" Aislinn asked, as she cleared her plate from the table. Alastair perked up. "Is it the alcoholic kind?" "No," Aislinn answered, wrinkling her nose. "You shouldn't be drinking, Alastair, you have a baby on the way!" "It isn't in my stomach!" Alastair protested. "Set a good example for you wife," Aislinn said, turning away with a huff. "Technically, it isn't in mine, either," Sada teased. "Haven't you been paying any attention to all that reading we've been doing?" Alastair grumbled something incoherent, but his eyes were lit with good humor. In the end they all brought cups of eggnog into the living room as they gathered around the Christmas tree. At least my brothers are easier to shop for this year, Alanna thought, as she settled down in Drake's lap. Alastair and Sada had found a small house, bigger than their apartment but not too big. Sada had been complaining about a lack of nice furniture, so Alanna had found a nice set of matching throw pillows and blankets (something Alastair had no head for choosing, anyway). Furniture was generally out for Quinn and Xandri; Quinn did his own decorating, thank you very much. They'd gone for small things, like some candy, a few CDs, films for Xandri and pencils from Quinn. There were a lot of those things, with only a few small sentimental gifts. It was Alastair who was happiest, in the end. Sada disappeared for a few minutes and came back downstairs, her arms full of a squirming yellow puppy with a big red ribbon tied around its neck. "You got me a puppy!?" Alastair sprang to his feet, grinning like a little boy. "You've only been going on about how we could have a dog, now that we have a yard, for several months," Sada said, rolling her eyes. She was smiling, though, as she shifted the puppy into his arms. "He's a Golden Retriever. The guy at the pet store insisted they were good dogs for people with kids." Alastair laughed as the puppy licked his face. "He's such a friendly little guy... I'm sure we won't have to worry about the baby." "Who said I was talking about the baby?" Sada teased. Smiling to herself, Alanna watched her family playing with the puppy. She reached beneath the tree, grabbing a small package which she had been saving until last. Her mother had given her the idea, and she thought it was a good one, but she was still nervous. She watched Drake intently as he opened. Alanna had found the bracelet--sterling silver, shaped like dragons entwined at neck and tail--at the same place she usually bought her gargoyles. "You know," Drake said quietly, as he held the bracelet up, "I always wondered about that bracelet your father wears. I think I understand now..." He smiled at her. "Help me with it?" Alanna let out a sigh of relief as she helped him get the bracelet on. She watched him, feeling pleased, as he ran his fingertips over it, studying it with a heavy-lidded, content expression. Drake leaned over her, reaching beneath the tree for a larger package. It's heavy, she thought, as she took it from him. Least I know it isn't jewelry. Alanna pulled the wrapping off, then laughed in delight. It was the gargoyle she'd been eyeing for the last few months. It was larger than most of the ones she currently owned. Its wings flared out, its eyes were scrunched up, its tongue flopped out of its mouth, and its thumb was pressed against its nose, its clawed fingers wiggling tauntingly. I love a man who pays attention! Alanna thought, throwing her arms around Drake and nearly dragging him to the floor. "Mine's cuter," Alastair joked, from across the room. "Mine doesn't poop," Alanna shot back, laughing. It felt so good to laugh. It had been more than a month, a wonderful month, of peace and quiet. Even if the contract hadn't been enough to keep Melanie and Melissa quiet, the lawsuit had. Melanie had pleaded guilty and paid a hefty fine, then fled to Europe, leaving Melissa high and dry. With her father in prison, there was no one to ride to her rescue, and she'd ended up landing herself in jail when she hadn't shown up for court--three times. Bea had made a joke about her finding a girlfriend while she was in jail and maybe softening up a little. It was unlikely, but they'd shared a good laugh over it nonetheless. Alanna hadn't found out about the negatives until later; they were mixed in amid Xandri's other negatives, mundane as you please. Only time would tell if they would ever need to be used. ------- I'm late! Bea thought, as she trotted up the steps to the Wolfe family house. Why am I always late on Christmas? It wasn't like she had family she had to pry herself from or anything. The Wolfes were the closest thing to family she had now. This year she'd declined to come to breakfast; there were too many people there already. But Bea had agreed to visit after lunch, when the cousins would also be there. Good thing they seem to love having a big family, she thought, as she pushed the front door open. It was toasty warm inside, and noisy. Bea stepped around a pile of brightly colored wrapping paper. She set down the plastic bag she was carrying, with the few presents she'd been able to afford, and straightened just in time to get pounced on my Alanna. Laughing, Bea stepped back, pulling off her cap and shaking her hair free. "It feels like a furnace in here!" she exclaimed, as she peeled off her coat. "Ooo, but it smells good..." "Hot chocolate," Alanna explained, sliding an arm around her shoulders. "Come into the kitchen. Dad and Ethan are arguing about Sydney standing in for Sada while she's pregnant." Bea sighed. "It's only dancing, for crying out loud. It isn't like she's asking to star in a porno!" She laughed as Alanna pinched her arm. Outwardly she might have been calm, even joking, but Bea's heart was racing when she stepped into the kitchen. Gabriel was bad enough; she'd suffered from hero worship ever since she'd met him. He'd always been kind to her, and he never judged her, the way a lot of people did. I think he sees the truth, Bea thought, biting her lip. And then there was Ethan. He was taller, a bit more muscular, but he looked like Gabriel, and he had the same alpha wolf attitude. Well, maybe not the same... Ethan was strict and something of a prude. He didn't approve of the kind of dancing that Alastair and his troupe did. This is stupid, Bea thought, scowling. He's so stuck up, there's no reason for me to even like him, never mind this annoying girlhood crush type thing! Hell, she couldn't remember the last time she'd had this problem. "Well, look who's finally here," Aislinn teased, giving Bea a quick, one-armed hug. "Gabriel, dear, I hate to interrupt you, but..." Gabriel sighed, then chuckled softly. "Right, right. You'll have to excuse me a moment, Ethan." He rose from his chair, pausing long enough to ruffle Bea's hair, then disappeared up the stairs. Ethan turned to face them and he actually smiled, a small, tight-lipped smile. Alanna bounced to her cousin's side, attempting to cheer him up. He was only twenty-five; Bea couldn't imagine what had made him so stern. She knew he took care of all his younger siblings, especially since their parents passed away, but that didn't seem like enough to make him so stiff and cold. "Hear anything from the blondes lately?" Bea asked. She accepted a mug of hot chocolate from Aislinn, using it to warm her hands. "Not since Melissa landed herself in prison," Alanna replied, grinning. "Melanie has pretty much disappeared. I thought it looked suspicious... but Quinn assures me there's nothing to worry about." She paused, frowning, then added, "I don't like it when he's certain of things like that. It means he has something up his sleeve." "I'm sure he won't do anything unless they give him a reason..." Bea said hesitantly. She wasn't really sure. Gabriel came back into the kitchen, holding another present. He handed it to Bea, who blinked at him. She looked down at the tag; it had her name at it. Alanna frowned, though, as if she didn't know what it was. Feeling her cheeks heating, Bea set the box down on the table and began picking at the wrapping uncertainly. Gabriel chuckled, taking his seat once more. "It's from Aislinn and myself," he explained. "Heck, even I don't know what it is," Alanna added. "Mom and dad didn't mention this. I sure hope you guys didn't outdo us." Bea pulled away the wrapping paper and bit her lip to stifle a squeal of delight. Her fingers shook as she opened the box and carefully pulled out the camcorder. She had one, a very old, broken down thing that she'd been wanting to replace for years. This thing had to have cost a thousand dollars, easy, Bea thought, as she lifted it. She'd wanted one like this for ages. "We got the Sony," Gabriel said, leaning back in his chair and grinning. "But if you don't like it, we have the receipt." He paused for a minute, his smile changing to a frown. "Is something wrong?" Bea shook her head. "No... I just..." She let out a shaky laugh. "Thank you..." "Come on, Bea," Alanna said, tugging at the back of her shirt. "We can go try it out. Alastair's in the backyard with his new puppy." Bea's eyes widened. "Someone gave him a puppy?" Laughing, Alanna led the way to the sliding glass door that opened up onto the back porch. Alastair floundered in the snow with a little yellow puppy. Sydney and Elijah were playing as well, laughing and shrieking and throwing snowballs back and forth. Alanna ran to get her coat, and came back, dragging a rather reluctant Drake. Bea stepped out of the way, letting them rush past her and outside. She hovered in the doorway, inspecting her new camcorder. Her desire to go back into the cold and snow was pretty much nil. "That was a very generous gift..." That was Ethan's voice, drifting from the kitchen. "Bea's been a good friend to Alanna for years," Gabriel responded. Bea recognized the warning tone in his voice. "I guess so," Ethan said. There was a soft creak as he rose from his chair. "I've got to get going. I promised I'd stop by and see the children today." Bea let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Even Christmas doesn't keep him away, she thought. Ethan was a physical therapist and he worked mostly with disabled children. One of his charges lived at a group home and he spent a lot of time there; he was good with children, so she was told. That was another way he was like Gabriel, although Gabriel worked with children from broken homes, generally, who got into too much trouble. "Going to turn that thing on or what?" Bea nearly jumped out of her skin. She looked up at Gabriel and smiled. "Yeah... I was just thinking..." "You know what I think? I think you should show an old man how to use this thing," Gabriel said. "I'm thinking of getting one myself." "You aren't old," Bea told him. She paused, raising her eyebrows at him. "You don't have a camcorder?" "Oh, I do," Gabriel assured her. "I've had it since Alastair and Quinn were born, and it's about as big as my head." Laughing, Bea lifted the camcorder. She was familiar with it to some extent, having spent a lot of time mooning over it in the store. Using Alastair, Alanna, and Drake as her first subjects, she demonstrated the camcorder to Gabriel. It's good to see them so happy, Bea thought, as she watched Drake and Alanna toss snowballs at each other. Now if only life was a fairytale, because then it would be my turn next. But she wasn't really unhappy, anyway. "Ah, there's the redhead." Bea lowered the camera and turned. Quinn had stepped into the kitchen and he was holding a piece of paper. "This is for you," Quinn said, holding it out to her. "Actually, Xandri and I made these for nearly everyone in the family..." It was a tabloid cover; a made up one of course. The picture plastered on the front was a censored shot of Melanie and Melissa, and the big red letters declared "A Famous Actress' Sordid Lesbian Affair!". Bea dropped down into one of the chairs at the kitchen table, shaking with laughter. God, those two are just too much, she thought, wiping tears of mirth from her eyes. Now that's a merry Christmas! ------- End Notes: As this story went on, I struggled more and more with writers' block... which is why I've decided to end it where I have. At least it has an ending, right? There are some loose threads here, I know. But... well, there's a method to my madness, that's all I'll say. ------- The End ------- Posted: 2005-02-25 Last Modified: 2005-05-10 / 10:37:14 am ------- http://storiesonline.net/ -------