Charles and Rebecca

Rebecca felt tremors run down her spine as Charles’ rough scarred hands became as soft as velvet as they ran down her sides and her and ample hips.

“I love you, my mate. You are so beautiful.” he said his gold eyes flashing as his lips moved to her neck and collarbone. She shivered beneath him.

“I have missed you so.” she moaned as she rubbed her hand down his long muscular back and pulled him closer to her. He looked down into her blue eyes and growled low in his throat.

“I’ll never leave you again.” he said. She felt her heart soar at his words…..

“Mom, I can’t find my pink sweater!” Rebecca’s eyes shot open and she sat up quickly in bed at the sound of her grand daughter Kaylee’s voice coming from down the hallway.

“Honey, I didn’t do anything with your sweater. Maybe if you cleaned that room we wouldn’t have this problem every morning before school!” Raquel hollered back. Rebecca stood and smoothed out her floral cotton sleeping gown.

She cursed as she tried to force the images of her dream from her mind. It had been five long years since she had last seen her mate. Five long years since he had returned to them after twenty-one years of captivity, only to leave again.

True she had not wanted him to stay. At least not acting the way he was. In her dreams he was the man that he had been when they had met more than three hundred years before. Back then he had been different. He had been capable of love and tenderness. Years of hunting rogues and killing had changed her mate.

It had made Charles just as mean and evil as the immortals he had hunted and though Rebecca’s love for him had not nor would ever fade she could not let him stay here and spread that poison around their children and grandchildren.

“Grandma!” Kaylee shouted while banging on Rebecca’s door. Rebecca pulled on her robe, tied it tight around her waist and opened the door.

“What is it dear?” Rebecca asked her fourteen year old granddaughter.

“Have you seen my pink sweater? Aunt Jordan is pissed because we’re going to be late but I can’t find it anywhere.” she said her voice full of irritation.

“Watch your language, Kaylee! Find something else to wear it’s time to go!” Raquel shouted up the stairs from the kitchen.

“Stop eavesdropping mother and you wouldn’t hear my bad language.” Kaylee shot back.

“Don’t talk to your mother that way!” Evan’s voice chimed in from downstairs as well. Kaylee rolled her eyes and looked back at her grandma.

“I don’t know where it is, dear. Your Aunt Angela was the last one that washed laundry. Maybe she’ll know where it is.” Kaylee didn’t say another word just moved down the long hallway to Angela and Jake’s door.

Rebecca watched her knock on it loudly and then jump back with a small yelp when Jake flung the door open and growled sleepily.

“What do you want?” he demanded. Kaylee shifted her feet suddenly not looking so cocky or full of attitude as she had just moments before. Rebecca smiled to herself. Jake was definitely the most intimidating of all her children.

“Uncle Jake, um.. Sorry if I woke you up. I was hoping I could talk to Aunt Angela.” Kaylee said her voice suddenly the model of respect and politeness. Jake crossed his arms over his bare muscular chest and looked down at her.

“She’s sleeping.” he said. Kaylee nodded and was turning to walk away when Angela pushed past Jake and walked out into the hall wearing a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt.

“Jake, love, what have I told you about being so protective of me?” she said to her mate gently. He shook his head.

“That girl needs to learn respect. She can’t just walk around here demanding what she wants and waking the whole house up over some damn pink sweater! I mean she’s got an entire room full of clothes is that one sweater really such a big deal?”

Just then Bethany came down the hall on her way to the stairs. Somehow even in the morning she managed to look perfectly graceful and elegant. She waved one long slender tan arm at her brother as she walked past.

“Obviously you’ve never been a teenage girl.” she said. Jake looked down at his definite male self and then back at her.

“Obviously.” he said. Angela laid her hand on her his arm.

“Go down and get you some coffee. I’ll help Kaylee find her sweater. It should be hanging up in the laundry room.” Rebecca watched Angela take Kaylee’s arm and then the three of them walked down the stairs.

She hid her yawn behind her hand and walked down the stairs to the kitchen. She never seemed to sleep well anymore. Not in five years since she had again seen the face of the man she had once loved more than life itself and then he had walked away from them all.

The kitchen was full of laughter and talking when she walked in. Jordan was pacing the floor and kept looking at her watch.

“We are going to be late!” she yelled. Kent reached his hand to grab her arm from where he was sitting at the table.

“It’s a sweater emergency sweetheart. You can’t rush those kinds of things.” he said. Jake growled over his coffee cup as he scratched his bare stomach sleepily.

“With that girl there is a new damn crisis everyday. I’m remembering now why I stayed gone when all of you were teenage girls.”

“I’m ready now.” Kaylee said walking into the kitchen wearing the pink sweater. Angela was behind her and walked straight to Jakes waiting arms.

“Good let’s go.” Jordan said. Then she looked around “Where the hell is your brother?” Kaylee shrugged.

“He’s in the living room with Lane. They’re playing video games.” Joey said as she too walked into the kitchen. Bethany rolled her eyes.

“Lane does realize that he’s 115 years old right?” she asked. Jordan stormed into the living room.

“Kayleb, it’s time to go!” she yelled. Kayleb sat his controller down on the couch.

“Rematch tonight.” he said to Lane. Lane smiled as he turned off the game.

“Won’t do you any good kiddo. I’m unstoppable on the battlefield.”

“Yea as long as that battlefield has a pause and restart button.” Jake said with a laugh walking into the living room.

“You think you’re so tough big brother? You might be able to kick my ass in real life but on the game I’m number one.” Jake walked around the couch and sat down picking up the controller Kayleb had laid down.

“Just one more thing you’re gonna find I’m better at than you.” he said matter-of-factly. Lane turned the game on as Jordan grabbed both Kaylee and Kayleb by the arm and drug them out the door.

“We got to get going too.” Kent said as he and Evan walked out to leave for work.

“Mommy, I’m ready for school.” Laney said walking into the kitchen. Angela dropped to her knees and hugged her chubby little five year old daughter tightly.

“Go give your daddy a kiss and I’ll take you to school.” she said. Laney smiled brightly and then ran into the living room her black pigtails swinging.

“I gotta go.” Bethany said. “Joey are you ready we have to go to that art gallery in New York about your artwork.” Joey stood up and gulped down the last of her coffee. She pushed her glasses up on her nose and smiled.

“Let’s go.” she said. She and Bethany walked into the living room. Joey kissed Lane goodbye and she and Bethany walked out the door. Laney came running back into the kitchen.

“I’m ready mommy.” she said. “Daddy told me to make sure I’m a good girl and Uncle Lane told me not to be too good cuz then my teachers would get bored.”

“That sounds like your uncle Lane.” Raquel said matter-of-factly. Angela looked at her.

“Are you coming to town with me and Laney? I was going to do some shopping.” Raquel nodded.

“Yea I need to pick up some things.” she said. She looked over at Rebecca who was sitting at the table drinking tea. “Do you want to come mom?” Rebecca shook her head.

“No I have plenty to do here to keep me busy.” she replied.

“I love you, Jake. I’m leaving.” Angela yelled.

“I love you too. Be careful.” he yelled back. Just then Lane started cussing loudly.

“I didn’t even know those damned tanks could do that!” he shouted angrily. Jake chuckled.

“Yea well I think I have a slight advantage over you, little brother. I actually drove one of these things in a battle almost identical to this one.” Angela and Raquel were laughing as they led Laney out the door.

Suddenly Rebecca found herself alone. The early morning chaos was over just as quickly as it had begun as her family went about their daily lives. She took another sip of tea… She really didn’t like the way it tasted but she had been drinking it everyday for over three hundred years.

Charles had made her, her first cup of the stuff and while she had truly hated the taste he had looked so proud of himself as he’d handed it to her that she hadn’t had the heart to tell him that. And so he had continued to make it every morning and she had continued to drink it just to see the smile it brought to his face.

That had been before he started changing. Before hunting took over every second of his day and killing became the only thing he’d cared about. Still Rebecca had continued to drink the nasty tea, even though she had had to start making it herself, because it was the one thing that still reminded her of the good times she and Charles had shared.

She felt tears welling in her eyes and blinked them away. She would not cry for that horrible man. It was true that she missed the love they used to have but that love had been gone for 260 years…

She forced herself up from the table and dumped the rest of her tea down the sink. It was time she quit drinking the disgusting stuff. Without that there would be no more daily reminders of her lost mate except of course when she looked into Jake and Laney’s golden eyes.

….Later that night in a town far away…..

Charles took another swig of whiskey and looked at himself in the mirror behind the bar. He was shocked enough by his own appearance to take another swig of whiskey. He had stopped aging at the age of twenty-six but right now he could have passed for a sixty year old. He had dark bags under his eyes. His black hair was long and tangled and his face was covered in a heavy beard and mustache.

He was tired, dirty and completely alone in the bar aside from the bar tender who was wiping down tables. It was nearly midnight and most of the people in this town had long since gone home since it was a Monday night.

“Gonna have to ask you to leave sir.” the bartender said walking over to him and slapping him on the back. “I’m sure your family is missing you.” Charles growled low in his throat and fought the urge to rip the mans arm off.

He couldn’t tolerate being touched. He supposed that came from the years he’d spent locked alone in that silver cage. .And the solitary life he’d lived the last five years. He stood up, threw some money down on the bar and walked out onto the dark deserted street without a word.

He was tired but he did not want to sleep. Whenever he slept he saw her. Those auburn curls, those soft gentle curves and her blue eyes full of love as she looked up at him…. He cursed and punched the brick wall beside him hard enough to crack it and send dust flying.

He cursed again at the pain and shook his hand holding it to his chest. Rebecca’s eyes had not looked at him like that in over 260 years. He didn’t miss her either no matter how much his mind kept replaying scenes of their happy times in his head. He was better of without her. She was a distraction and a hunter could not afford to have distractions.

He didn’t miss his kids either his drunk mind reminded him. Though often he found himself wondering about Jake. Jake had always been his favorite because Jake was a hunter like him. There was not a single other person on this earth that was as good at hunting and killing as Jake. He remembered that tiny baby that Rebecca had told him was his granddaughter.

Jake must have been disappointed when his mate hadn’t given him a son to carry on in his footsteps. Charles’ head perked up when he heard the sounds of a struggle. He sniffed the air and could smell immortals that were clearly in killing mode. He could smell several mortals as well and the fear they were giving off.

He took off running and found them soon enough in a small dark alley. The mortals were already dead but Charles didn’t care. He didn’t hunt because he gave a damn about saving mortals. He hunted because he liked to prove his strength against other immortals.

“What do you want?” one of the five vampires said as Charles walked into the alley. Charles didn’t answer just kept walking toward the vampire who was starting to take steps backward.

“What do you want werewolf?” he demanded. Charles lunged for him and caught his throat in his hands. He squeezed and the vamps eyes widened just before his head was ripped from his shoulders and he fell to the ground a pile of dust.

“What the hell!” Another of the vampires shouted. The four of them leapt on Charles quickly and though he held his own at first he was weak and tired from lack of sleep. And the alcohol he’d been drinking for hours was still clouding his mind and judgment.

He killed two more vamps but then realized with clarity that he was going to die if he didn’t get away. He was beaten so badly that his body was having trouble healing itself and he felt himself growing weak from blood loss. He was backed into a corner. The remaining two vamps were closing in now. He only had one choice and that was too dash away.

Even as he lost consciousness he dashed though he had no idea where his unconscious mind was dashing him to.

888

Jake and Angela were on the couch in the living room. Everyone else had long since went to bed and they had tucked Laney into her bed hours ago. They were watching the fire roaring in the fire place and laying perfectly content and peaceful in each others arms when the air suddenly shimmered beside them.

Jake pushed Angela behind him as he stood and growled low in his throat ready for a fight. Suddenly the body of a man fell to floor. He was covered in blood and reeked of alcohol. For a second Jake’s mind flew to Lane but he knew his little brother was upstairs with his mate.

“Oh my god! Is that your dad?” Angela asked. Jake sniffed again and through the stench of alcohol picked up the distinctive scent of Charles. He nodded to Angela and then used his bare foot to turn his father’s body over.

His face was dirty and covered in a beard and blood. His clothes were ripped and tattered and Jake had to search to find a part of him that wasn’t bleeding or broken. What the hell had happened to him and what the hell had made him think he’d be welcome to come back here?

“He needs help.” Angela said. She reached for him intending to heal him but Jake grabbed her and pulled her away. “Jake, he needs help.” she said again.

“The son of a bitch will be fine.” Jake said matter-of-factly. Angela put her hands on her hips.

“Look I know he’s an asshole and you don’t like him but we can’t just let him die.” she said. He shook his head.

“He’s not gonna die. He’s immortal.” Jake assured her. Just then Rebecca came into the room. She looked at her mate lying on the floor and barely managed to keep herself from dropping to her knees at his side.

She looked at Jake not able to hide the accusation in her eyes.

“What did you do to him?” she asked. Jake shook his head and raised his hands.

“I didn’t do anything to him. He looked like that when he got here.” Before Rebecca could reply Lane and Joey walked into the living room.

“I thought I smelled….” Lanes eyes fell on his father lying on the floor and Jake standing over him. “I did smell dad. But looks like Jake got to him first.” Jake cursed and blew out an irritated breath.

“Why does everyone just assume I’m the one that beat the shit out of him. He looked like that when he got here.” Angela nodded in agreement.

“He really did. I wanted to heal him but Jake wouldn’t let me.”

“The son of a bitch is immortal he’ll be ok.” Jake assured everyone. Rebecca turned away from Charles’ beaten and bloody body. She could feel the tears coming and blinked them quickly away. Whatever had happened to Charles she was sure he had deserved it.

“Jake, get your father off the floor. He’s bleeding all over the carpet.” she said. Jake shrugged and threw Charles over his shoulder. He walked to the door and opened it allowing a gust of cold winter air into the living room.

He tossed Charles out into the snow and shut the door wiping his hands together as he turned back to face everyone. They were all looking at him with shocked expressions. Jake shrugged.

“What?” he demanded. Then he grinned sheepishly. “He’s not bleeding on the carpet now.” Lane was the only one that laughed.

“I thought it was funny.” he said. Jake nodded.

“Me too.”

“Everybody needs to get up and get to sleep. We’ll worry about what he’s doing here if he’s still here in the morning.” Rebecca said. Jake wrapped his arm around Angela and they followed Lane and Joey up the stairs.

Rebecca found herself standing in the living room alone. Only a door separating her and the man who had been occupying her dreams for years. She thought of him beaten and bloody out in that snow bank and though she understood Jake’s hostility she couldn’t stand the thought of Charles being so cold.

She grabbed a quilt off the couch and opened the door. The air was freezing and she walked over to where Charles lay in the snow. His wounds appeared to be healing. She wrapped the quilt around him and before she could stop herself she kissed his hair covered cheek.

Then she cursed under her breath and stood up wrapping her arms around herself and going quickly back into the house.

Charles cracked his eyes open in time to see Rebecca’s gown swishing around her delicate ankles as she walked in and shut the door. His skin seemed to be on fire where her lips had touched his cheek.

He managed to stand on his weak legs and wrapped the blanket tighter around herself. It had been much warmer in California and he had forgotten how cold it got here in Virginia.

Damn his oldest son for throwing him out into the snow. At least he hadn’t let that nasty mortal born mate of his touch him. Charles would have hated to have to burn his own flesh off to get the stench of her hands off of him. Charles knew he wouldn’t be welcomed if he walked back into the house just now so he walked out to the garage instead. He broke the door to get in and then curled up in the corner to try to get some rest.

Chapter Two

Charles woke up shivering on the ice cold cement of the garage floor. He could hear voices coming toward the garage and stood up.

“If you two keep making me late for work I’m going to make sure you both get detention for two weeks! I am so tired of this crap every morning.” Charles recognized his daughter Jordan’s voice.

“It’s not my fault that she can’t ever find anything to wear.” This sounded like a teenage boy but the voice was unfamiliar.

“Oh yeah and I guess it’s my fault that you and uncle Lane sit and play video games instead of getting ready to go?” This sounded like a teenage girl but her voice too was unfamiliar.

Charles heard car doors open and close and then an engine started outside and the car drove away. He heard three more vehicles start and drive away and then there was silence. He looked around the garage then. It had changed since he’d last been in it twenty six years ago.

He had used it as a training room for he and his son to keep themselves fit and ready for hunting. Now it was just like millions of other garages he’d seen mortals have. There was an old beat up Chevy truck that he didn’t recognize and Lane’s ’69 Camaro that he had blown a small fortune on. Greasy toolboxes and calendars of half naked woman were on the walls.

He walked over to one corner where he saw tiny handprints in paint on the concrete floor. He read the names written under the sets of hands. Kaylee, Kayleb and Laney. Charles didn’t recognize the names and wondered if those could be his grandchildren’s handprints. He was surprised by the emotion in his heart at that thought.

He growled and pushed the feelings away. He had turned his heart off a long time ago. It had been nearly 260 years since he had allowed himself to feel anything other then hate, rage and anger and that’s the way he liked it. It made him stronger and more deadly when he came upon the immortals he hunted. They didn’t feel things like love or tenderness and he couldn’t let them have an advantage over him.

He stepped away from the handprints and walked out the broken door to the sunshine outside. It was cold but not nearly as cold as it had been in the night and he pulled the quilt off of him and threw it in the snow. He sniffed the air to figure out who was around.

He recognized his oldest daughter Bethany’s scent. She had been the first disappointment his mate Rebecca had given him. Instead of another strong son to help him with hunting she’d birthed the first of three useless female pups.

Then there had been Lane. Charles chuckled at the thought of Lane and was shocked at the sound.. It had been a long time since he’d done something as useless as chuckling. Lane had always been capable of making Charles laugh and that was one of the reasons he had pushed his youngest son away. Laughter was another thing Charles couldn’t waste his time with.

Lane was here now, Charles could smell him and he could also smell that red haired slayer mate of his. Another mortal born mate just like Jake’s bitch. He couldn’t believe that Jake had allowed these people into the family. As the oldest male in the house it was up to Jake to keep the family in line.

Never when Charles had been in charge would he have permitted mortal women to come into their family.

Then her scent came to him. That familiar comforting alluring scent of rose petals. He wondered what she would say if he walked in the house. He decided that since Jake wasn’t here it was worth it. If nothing else he could at least get a decent meal and a change of clothes before leaving again.

He walked silent as a ghost into the house through the kitchen door. The kitchen was empty but he could hear the television playing down the hall in the living room. He was going to make himself a sandwich and then sneak up to find clothes when the sound of crying reached his ears.

The wolf in him responded instantly. His mate was crying and he would kill whoever had caused her those tears. He was on his way down the hall when he heard his middle daughter Raquel’s voice and stopped.

“Mom, you can’t let him do this to you. He’s not worth it.” she said gently.

Who was he and what had he done to his Rebecca to make her cry? Charles had always been so proud of Rebecca’s strength even though he had not been able to allow himself to truly love her he could not stand to hear her so upset.

“You don’t understand, Raquel.” Rebecca replied in a tear filled voice.

“I understand that he’s your mate mom but he’s no good for you. All he cares about is hunting and killing. He doesn’t love any of us.”

Charles’s eyes widened. They were talking about him. He was the reason that Rebecca was sobbing. He felt guilt then and then wished he could reach into his own heart and remove these stupid emotions! Being back here was making him feel things that he didn’t need to feel.

“He wasn’t always like this Raquel. A long time ago he was a good man. Seeing Jake everyday reminds me of the man your father used to be. He was strong, but kind. And he loved me. He loved me with the same intensity and passion that Jake shows for Angela.”

“What changed?” Raquel asked knowing that her mother needed to talk about this. She had never opened up about it before.

“He always hunted rogue immortals. But he did it then because he loved mortals and wanted to protect them from evil immortals. Then one night when Jake was only a newborn your father failed at his job. It wasn’t the first time that he had been unable to save the mortals he had gone to protect but it was different for him somehow that time.

“It was a family. A mother, father and young infant son. A vampire attacked them and your father tried to get there in time but when he rounded the corner of the small village the vamp had already killed the father and was draining the baby dry while the mother cried and tried desperately to yank her son away.

“Your father killed the vamp and saved the mother but it changed him. It started slowly at first but day after day it was like he was shutting down. It was like he just stopped feeling things. He quit smiling. He quit laughing. We no longer kissed, touched or made love…. He focused all his attention on hunting and killing. It was so hard to watch him sink down like that and know there was nothing I could do. No matter how much I loved him I couldn’t save him.”

Charles didn’t wait around to hear what Raquel said back. He was feeling too much all at once. His heart was hard and brittle and if it kept filling up with emotions like this it was going to completely shatter apart. He had to get away from here. Away from his family. They didn’t want him here anyway and he had no idea why his mind had brought him here last night.

He was caught up in thoughts and didn’t see Jake until he bumped into him and Charles would have fallen if Jake hadn’t grabbed his arm and held him up.

Angela saw the pain on Charles face and knew her mate was probably gripping his arm harder than was required. She nudged him with her elbow.

(Are you trying to break his arm?) she asked so only Jake could hear. Jake let go of his fathers arm and wrapped his arm protectively around his mate.

(It crossed my mind.) he replied.

“Jake, I was just leaving.” Charles said though he couldn’t get through the door because Jake and his bitch were still standing in the way.

“Hey there pops.” Lane said walking into the kitchen. Charles didn’t look at him.

“He was just leaving.” Jake said matter-of-factly.

“I don’t know what he came here for in the first place.” Lane replied.

“Stop being rude. He’s our father and he has every right to be here.” Raquel said walking in and slapping Lane on the back of the head. Lane mumbled under his breath and rubbed his head. Joey walked in then and her eyes widened when she saw Charles.

“He’s still here?” she whispered to Lane. He wrapped an arm around her waist and nodded.

“Guess he wants Jake to kick his ass.” he said. Charles was about to argue that no one in this family could kick his ass when he heard Rebecca’s voice.

“No one is kicking anyone’s ass boys. I’m sure your father would like to have a shower and a meal. Follow me Charles and I’ll find you some clothes.” she said. He didn’t look at her but kept his eyes to the floor as he followed her out of the room and up the stairs to the bedroom that they had shared together in this house.

“You need a shave.” Rebecca said as they walked in the room and he shut the door behind them. Charles didn’t reply. He just kept thinking about the conversation he had overheard between her and Raquel downstairs.

He had tried to convince himself over the last couple centuries that he had never loved Rebecca but he knew he was lying. He had once loved her with every single fiber of his being but he was no longer that same young man. He didn’t think he was capable of feeling those same feelings anymore…

“Here’s your clothes.” Rebecca said. Charles looked over at the wardrobe and saw that every thing he had owned before being captured twenty-six years ago was still here. Rebecca had not gotten rid of anything even after he had walked out on them all five years ago.

“You kept everything.” he said. She looked out the window and waved her hand at him dismissively.

“Don’t read too much into it. I’m a pack rat.” Rebecca walked for the door, she had to get out of this room and away from this man. Charles didn’t want her to leave. He grabbed her arm and their eyes locked. She saw the familiar spark in his golden eyes and he saw her blue eyes darken with passion.

He pulled her to him and lowered his mouth toward hers. Just as their lips brushed she pulled herself away from him and ran from the room.

Charles stood there feeling frustrated, angry, sad and most of all confused. Why now after all these years did his heart seem to be coming back to life? Why now after all these years of mistreating Rebecca did he suddenly wish that he could see her eyes full of love as they looked at him like they had been all those years ago.

888

Rebecca had not changed into her wolf form in ages but right now all she wanted was to feel the wind in her fur and the freedom that only being a wolf could give her. She walked into the woods and took her clothes off folding them neatly and laying them on a rock.

The cold wind burned against her skin and caused goose bumps to cover her. She thought about the wolf and felt the change happen quickly. She shook out her auburn coat and let out a howl before taking off at a run through the forest.

Charles was just stepping out of the shower when he heard Rebecca howl. The wolf in him took over and he lost all control over his body. He ran naked down the stairs, through the living room and out into the cold winter air. The fire in his veins however kept him from feeling the cold. He changed even as he ran.

In wolf form he looked almost identical to his oldest son except that his coat was streaked with silver and he wasn’t quite as big. He ran through the woods his nose quickly picking up Rebecca’s scent.

He found her at the river. Her back was to him and she was drinking from the cold water. He saw her ears perk up as she heard him coming and she turned to look at him. Their eyes locked and she ran away quickly.

The wolf in him laughed. It loved the chase. Charles’ knew he could easily catch her but he kept his pace slightly slower so that he was constantly behind her. They ran this way for miles until finally Rebecca found herself facing a sheer cliff that she couldn’t climb. She stopped and turned to face him.

She was breathing hard and so was he. She growled threateningly at him and he lowered his head submissively and took several small steps toward her. She continued to growl but he made himself even smaller and continued toward her though now he was nearly crawling along on his belly.

(What do you want from me?) she asked him and he could hear the confusion and the sadness in her voice.

(Nothing. I just want you.) he replied.

(It doesn’t work this way Charles. You can’t just show up whenever you feel like it, take what you want and leave.)

(What do you want me to do Rebecca? You’re my mate. I’m drawn to you no matter how hard I try not to be)

(Is that all? You’re drawn to me? There used to be more Charles. There used to be a lot more. Not just between you and I either. I saw the love in your eyes when Jake was born. And though you tried to hide it from me I knew you well enough to see that same love when each of your other children were born…)

(Rebecca I….)

(Shut up I’m not done yet.) she growled. (Why do you keep acting like such an asshole? You didn’t use to be a monster, Charles, but over the last 260 years that is exactly what you’ve been. A monster. You’ve mistreated me. Only touching me when you felt you had to satisfy your urges. You’ve mistreated our children. Calling our girls useless and making Lane feel he wasn’t worth the trouble. You tried to turn Jake into a monster like you but it didn’t work! He is a good man. He is the kind of man you used to be before your soul went black and you shut all of us out of your heart.)

Charles felt hurt rise in him and quickly pushed it back down replacing it with anger.. Anger he knew what to do with.

(I never loved you, Rebecca! Isn’t that what you told everyone in the kitchen five years ago. That I never treated you right? You told them I didn’t love you enough to fully mate to you and I let them go ahead and believe that because I am used to everyone hating me. Why don’t you tell them the truth? Tell them that it was you who refused to mate to me because you didn’t want your life tied to mine!) he demanded.

(Don’t you dare doubt the love that I had for you Charles! I would have done anything for you but how could I mate myself to you when you were going out every night and risking your life? I begged you to stop and you refused saying that hunting was something that was important to you and I understood and stuck by you anyway!)

(Why would you lie to the children about me?) he asked.

(I shouldn’t have done that Charles. I am sorry. But I was so angry and confused by seeing you again. I had made peace with your death and then suddenly there you were.)

(I suppose I didn’t help much when I accused you of being unfaithful.)

(No you didn’t.) she replied. (And then those horrible things you said to Jake.)

(I should not have said those things to the boy. I know that. Do you know what it was like in that cage for twenty one years? They tortured me daily. They told me they had killed you and that my family was dead. I just assumed that that was why no one came for me. Then suddenly there you all were. I was confused and angry and I have regretted the way I acted in the kitchen that day every day since then.) Rebecca could hear the emotion in his voice and it was the first emotion she had heard from him in centuries.

(It’s not too late Charles.) Rebecca said matter of factly as she lowered her head and laid it on top of his where he was still crouched at her feet. (It’s not too late to build a relationship with your grandchildren or to repair your relationship with your children… And your relationship with me.)

They lay there in silence for several long minutes before Charles replied.

(I don’t know Rebecca. I don’t know if my heart works anymore. I haven’t used it in so long.) Rebecca stood up.

(I can’t help you Charles. Only you can fix things with your children.)

(How Rebecca? How do I go about fixing the last two hundred and sixty years?)

(Why don’t you start by having dinner with the family tonight?) Charles stood up shaking his head.

(No.) he said. He still wasn’t sure he wanted to fix things with his family. Even if he did want to fix them he had no idea where to start. His heart had been locked for so long and for the life of him he didn’t know where to find the key to open it back up.

(Charles, either stay or go but if you go do not come back again. It’s not fair to our children but mostly it’s not fair to yourself.)

(What about you?) he asked. Rebecca didn’t reply just ran away back toward the house. Charles stood there trying to make sense of what she had said…

He didn’t understand why he cared. He hadn’t cared about things in such a long time…Why now after all these years of letting her down did he suddenly have such a strong urge to be the man that she saw in him. He shook his head trying to clear his thoughts away.

He would stay one night. One night to make sure his family was ok then he would leave for good. He was a hunter and a loner. These emotions of guilt and sympathy he was feeling would only get in his way during a fight.

Chapter Three

“I don’t want him here!” Jake yelled. Everyone in the kitchen except Angela took a step away from him. It was later that afternoon and Charles had told Rebecca that he did want to stay and eat dinner with the family that night. He was upstairs but the rest of the family was down in the kitchen and Rebecca was telling them about their dinner guest.

“Jake, he’s your father. You…” Rebecca started

“He is nothing to me! We don’t need him around!” Jake yelled back and then he strode outside slamming the door behind him.

“Mommy, why is daddy so mad?” Laney asked from where she was coloring pictures with her Aunt Joey. Angela managed a smile for her little girl and kissed her head.

“Sometimes grown ups get upset baby girl but it’ll be ok. You stay in here with your Aunt Joey and I’ll go talk to daddy.” Angela started for the door but Lane grabbed her arm and stopped her.

“I’m coming with you.” he said. Angela nodded and the two of them walked outside.

“Jake’s not happy about this, mom.” Raquel said.

“Thank you for that obvious understatement.” Bethany said running her fingers through her golden hair. Rebecca opened the oven and started pulling out the three steaming pans of Lasagna.

“I know he’s not.” she said as she sat them on the table.

“I don’t blame Jake for not wanting him here.” Jordan said sitting down in Kent’s lap. “Dad ignored us girls and Lane but he was constantly riding Jake.”

“I know he was.” Rebecca said as she starting mixing up the vegetables for the salad. She was fighting back tears and nerves. She wanted her mate here. She wanted him with her. But she would not sacrifice her sons happiness for her own. If Jake and his father couldn’t make it work then Charles would have to go.

“I still remember how pissed dad got every time Jake took a break from hunting and training to go serve in mortal wars. He just never could understand why Jake cared.” Jordan said.

“I don’t think Jake really cared one way or the other what the war was about. To him the shores of Normandy and the jungles of Vietnam were a happy vacay from dear old dad.” Bethany replied

“All of that is between Jake and Charles. How do you girls feel about him being here?” Rebecca asked. Jordan, Raquel and Bethany just looked at each other and shrugged. Kayleb spoke up.

“If uncle Jake doesn’t want him here than neither do I.” he said.

“Your uncle Jake and your grandpa have their own issues. You don’t need to be basing your opinion off of those. They don’t have anything to do with you.” Evan scolded his son. Kayleb rolled his eyes and went back to playing his psp.

“I don’t care who wants to stay for dinner just as long as dinner is soon because I’m starving.” Kent said matter of factly.

888

Angela and Lane found Jake pacing at the side of the house. Angela laid her hand on his shoulder and he stopped.

“I don’t want him here.” he said. “Not after what he said to you the last time.”

“Jake that was five years ago and all he called me was a bitch. I called him much worse that day if you remember.” she replied.

“Yea and if I hadn’t held onto her the old man would probably be dead right now.” Lane said remembering how hard Angela had struggled in his grasp while trying to get to Charles.

“You should have let her go.” Jake said unable to stop his grin. “He’d have learned real quick that my Angela is a hell of a woman.”

“I shouldn’t have gone at him that way. It had been a bad day and he should have known better than to speak to my mate that way.” she said smoothing out her sweatshirt. Both Lane and Jake laughed.

“That’s what she calls a bad day?.Murder, kidnapping, fighting to the death….. I would hate to see what her worst day ever would look like.” Lane said. Jake nodded.

“Total apocalypse?” he offered. Angela smiled and slapped both their arms.

“Can you try, Jake?” she asked going back to the subject of his father. Jake blew out a long breath and looked down into her dark eyes. He could see how much she wanted him to try but he didn’t know if he could.

“Charles doesn’t deserve for us to try.” Lane answered before Jake could. Angela nodded.

“You’re right. After how he treated you all growing up he doesn’t deserve it. But what about Rebecca? Doesn’t she deserve for her sons to try to make things work with their father so she can maybe have her mate back? Lane, we all saw how miserable you were when you and Joey weren’t together. And Jake I remember those two weeks without you when Draco had you locked up. Imagine how lonely your mother is after all these years.” Jake and Lane looked at each other and then back at Angela.

“Sometimes I don’t like you very much.” Lane said. “You’re always right about everything and you make me feel like a horses ass.” Angela smiled and kissed his cheek.

“That’s what little sisters are for.” she said. Jake grabbed her and pulled her to him.

“I’ll try. I’m not making any promises but I’ll try.” he said. She nodded.

“That’s all I ask.”

888

Charles looked in the mirror and shook his head. He looked old and he looked tired. Maybe he should have taken the time to shave. But what the hell did he care anyway? It wasn’t like he was worried about making a good impression on his family. But maybe he should try to look better for Rebecca….

His mind was suddenly taken back to the conversation he had overheard that morning. The story about his failure at hunting that night so long ago in that tiny village in Scotland.

He could smell the fear of the mortals and he could smell the bloodlust of the vamp. He gripped his wooden stake tighter and ran through the streets. He would not let harm come the mortals in his village. He smelled death in the air and knew he was running out of time.

Desperation powered his legs and he rounded the corner and froze. He was too late. A man was lying dead and the vamp had a….he had a baby in his arms. The babies black curls were pressed against the vamps face as he sunk his fangs into that helpless neck and drank deeply.

A woman, the child’s mother, was screaming and sobbing. She was hurt and unable to stand but she was clinging to the vamps legs swinging her arms desperately and begging for her sons life. The vamp was so caught up in drinking the innocent blood of the boy that he didn’t notice Charles approaching. Charles sunk the stake deep into his back and the vamp turned to dust…

But the damage had already been done. The boy fell lifeless to the ground next to his father. The mother crawled to the boy and to her husband and shook them both.. Then realizing they were dead she clung to them letting out howls of pain that were almost inhuman in their sound.

Charles had gone to her to check her for bites or injuries and she had turned on him swinging her fists and cursing. He had grabbed her arms to still her and she had looked at him with pure pain and hatred.

He had been shocked at her resemblance to his Rebecca and the child on the ground could have easily passed for his tiny Jake.

“ You should have let him kill me! I don’t want to live without them! My life means nothing to me without my son and my husband! Why didn’t you let me die?“ she demanded before breaking down into heart wrenching sobs and mournful tears.

Charles had gathered her in his arms and carried her to the safety of a nearby inn before going back to dispose of the bodies. He picked them up and carried them out into the hills. As the fire he set to them claimed their bodies he couldn’t help but remember the woman, who looked so much like his Rebecca, begging for her own death…

It was then that he had begun to change. How could love be such a good thing when it caused those who felt it to wish for death? He never wanted to have his Rebecca feel that kind of pain. He wanted to know that even if he was gone she would be ok.

So he had shut his heart down. He became cold and indifferent. It had been hard at first but over the years it seemed to become natural to him just like breathing. Several times his armor had dented. With the birth of each of his beautiful daughters and his carefree youngest son his heart had fought to come back out and fill with love but he had seen how weak the love of a child could make a person and so he had shoved his heart back down and hardened it more.

He had trained Jake hard from the moment he could walk to be a perfect hunter. He could still see that dead boy that had looked so much like his oldest son and he never wanted to have to worry that his son would find death at the hands of a bloodthirsty vamp.

Now he was back home with his family and he found his heart fighting so hard to break free of the chains he had locked it in and he was losing his will to stop it. What if he had made a mistake all those years ago? Charles had lived a long time. Nearly 400 years and he had a beautiful family full of children and grandchildren to show for it but they didn’t know him. They didn’t know the man he had been before the night that changed him. They didn’t love him. He had nothing. He was in a houseful of people who shared his blood yet he was completely alone.

He looked back in the mirror and was shocked by the tear he saw hanging desperately onto the corner of his eye and trying not to fall down his cheek. He could not remember the last time he had felt this kind of sadness or had allowed a tear to fall.

The tear hung there right on the edge for several more seconds and then gave up all at once and rolled quickly down his cheek becoming lost in his beard.

A knock came on the door to the room and Charles quickly wiped his face and hid the sadness he was feeling. He opened the door and had to lean back to look up into Greg’s face.

“Dinners ready sir. Everyone is waiting on you.” Greg said and then turned and walked away. Charles took a deep breath. He wasn’t sure what the shaky feeling was in his stomach. Surely he was too old for butterflies.

Instead of serving dinner in the kitchen where the family normally ate Rebecca moved everything to the larger table in the formal dining room. She knew that at this table there would be plenty of room for everyone to have the space they needed. However she didn’t think the table would be this divided.

The entire family was crushed down at one end of the table while Charles sat all alone at the other end. He didn’t say anything about the distance just made himself a plate and began to eat. Rebecca could see his eyes darting back and forth between the many members of his family.

Meals were usually loud affairs but tonight there was silence. Rebecca cleared her throat.

“So Kaylee, how was school today?” she asked trying to end the awkwardness at the table. Kaylee shrugged and rolled her eyes.

“It was school. It always sucks.” she replied.

“Kaylee language.” Raquel scolded. Kaylee rolled her eyes again and lifted a forkful of lasagna to her mouth.

“Sorry… It always stinks.” she corrected. Raquel shook her head but said nothing. Rebecca tried again maybe she’d get a better reaction from Kayleb.

“Kayleb, how was your day?” But Kayleb didn’t even look up from his psp.

“Ok I guess.” he said distractedly.

“Kayleb, what have I told you about bringing that video game to the table?” Raquel demanded reaching her hand out for it.

“I’m almost done with this level mom just give me a minute.” he said. Evan’s arm reached across the table and quickly yanked the game away.

“You heard your mother boy.” he said. Charles looked at his son in law. He had tried to talk him into becoming a hunter when he had first mated with Raquel but Evan had not been interested. Charles had been disappointed. Evan would have been a good hunter.

“Thanks a lot dad!” Kayleb said angrily. Evan just smiled as he sat the game down on the table.

“You’re welcome.” he said. The table fell silent again and Rebecca decided that maybe the third time would be a charm.

“Laney, what about you darling? How was your day?” Laney looked up her golden eyes shining happily.

“It was great! I got to paint a pretty picture but Mrs. Smith wouldn’t let me bring it home yet. She said it has to dry first.” she said.

“How rude.” Lane commented. Laney shook her head.

“Mrs. Smith is not rude, uncle Lane! She’s a very nice lady.” she said narrowing her eyes. Lane chuckled and Joey laughed.

“Your uncle Lane is probably just jealous. I mean have you seen his paintings?” she asked. Laney nodded and lowered her voice though her whisper could be heard around the table.

“He’s not very good.” Lane shook his head and went back to eating.

“Nice to know I have such a supportive mate and niece.” he said. Joey kissed his cheek and he blushed and wrapped his arm around her.

Charles looked around the table. They all seemed to be relaxing now. Except for Jake of course. Jake was glaring at him and keeping one arm wrapped protectively around his mate.

Charles looked hard at Angela. He didn’t like her. She was mortal born and mortal born women were weak just like that woman had been in Scotland all those years ago. He looked over at Joey then. She was another mortal born and she was so tiny she barely looked like more than a kid.

He found himself wondering about both these women. What were their stories and how had they come to accept his sons as mates? He had been around when his daughters had found their mates. And all of them were fully mated now except for Bethany and her mate Greg. He wondered why they hadn’t fully mated.

Suddenly Charles’s thoughts were interrupted when he heard Laney whispering to Angela.

“Mommy why is grandpa Charles eating down there all alone?” she asked. Angela glanced quickly down at Charles and then back at her daughter.

“I’m not sure, honey. Maybe he likes having space.” she replied. Laney looked hard at her grandpa and Charles wondered what was going on behind those golden eyes. The girl looked like her mother but she had her father and his eyes.

Seeming to come to some sort of decision Laney grabbed her plate and stood up. She started to walk toward Charles on her chubby legs but Jake caught her around the waist and stopped her.

“Where are you going baby girl?” he asked gently.

“I’m going to go sit with Grandpa Charles. He looks lonely.” she said matter of factly. Everyone at the table was silent once again. Rebecca felt tears in her eyes and quickly blinked them away. Charles just sat there in shock with his mouth hanging open.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea baby.” Jake said to his daughter. He looked into her eyes and saw a stubbornness that matched his own and Angela’s and he knew he wasn’t going to win.

“Daddy, you always tell me to treat others like I would like to be treated and I wouldn’t want to sit down there all alone.” Jake sighed in defeat. How could he argue with that? His daughter had her mothers kind and caring soul and just like he could never say no to Angela he could never say no to Laney.

He released his hold on her and she kissed his nose and then walked quickly and with purpose down the table and climbed up into the chair next to Charles. She didn’t say a word to him just sat her plate on the table and started eating.

Charles stared at her for several minutes waiting for her to speak but she didn’t. She didn’t even look at him as she went about eating her salad and lasagna. He looked over at Jake and could read the threat in his eyes. Did Jake really think Charles was a threat to this little girl?

Rebecca stood from the table quickly, grabbed her plate and left the room. She went into the kitchen, sat her plate on the counter and then gripped the sink with both hands as she broke down in sobs. She felt a gentle hand on her back and turned to see Bethany, Jordan and Joey standing behind her.

“Are you ok?” Jordan asked. Rebecca wiped her face and forced a smile.

“Of course I am. I’m just not feeling very well is all. I think I need to go lie down.”

“Do you want him to leave? I’m sure Jake would be more than happy to toss his ass back out into the snow again.” Bethany said matter of factly as she rubbed Rebecca’s arm supportively. Rebecca couldn’t help but laugh.

“I’m sure Jake would.” she said. “But that wouldn’t’ be very fair to any of you. You need your father.” Jordan snorted.

“I don’t need his ass. He’s never given a damn about me.” she said. Rebecca laid her hand on Jordan’s cheek.

“Do you remember when you were sixteen and you were going to your first coming of age dance? Do you remember the pink rose he gave you to wear in your hair?” she asked. Jordan thought back and smiled. That was the only happy memory she had of her father. That was the only time she had seen him look at her with something other then indifference.

“Mom I’m 130 years old and that’s the only good memory I have.” she said. Rebecca looked over at Bethany.

“Bethany, don’t you remember that time when you were 17 that that boy broke your heart by running off with your best friend after courting you for weeks? Do you remember that your father sat you down and told you that you were too beautiful to worry about that stupid boy and if he couldn’t see how special you were he didn’t deserve you anyway?” Bethany thought back and felt tears fill her eyes but she blinked them away.

“I think he’d had a lot to drink that day.” she said looking away from her mother.

“There is a good man in there. He just needs time and help to come out.” Rebecca said. She prayed that Charles would stick around and that he really did want to change. Based on their conversation earlier she really did think he wanted a relationship with his children. Maybe he’d even find that he wanted one with her again as well… But then again she had always been a wishful thinker when it came to her mate.

“You know what I think?” Bethany said. “I think we were all better off when we thought he was dead.” Rebecca felt pain twist in her heart at her daughters harshness but she knew that the harshness came from years of pain.

“Yea we probably we.” Jordan agreed. Rebecca noticed that Lane was standing in the doorway but no one else seemed to have noticed him.

“I can’t believe you guys.” Joey said speaking up for the first time. Her voice which was usually soft and quiet sounded angry, loud and disappointed. “I thought that this family stuck by each other and loved each other no matter what? I mean hell I stabbed your brother with a knife, bashed his head in, and tried to stake him through the heart when I mistaked him as a vampire. I tried to kill Angela and I said horrible things but still you all welcomed me and I wasn’t even blood.

“He is your father! No matter what he has done in the past he is your father and he is here now. How could you wish that he was dead again? Do you know what I would do just to get to see my father one more time. Even if it was just to have him yell at me or even ignore me! Just to get to see his face I would give almost anything! But I didn’t get lucky like the rest of you. When my father died he stayed dead. I don’t get another chance with him. Just like Angela doesn’t get another chance with hers” Joey jumped when she felt strong arms wrap around her but then relaxed against Lane’s chest.

(You ok?) he asked.

(I will be. I have you.) she replied. Lane kissed her cheek.

“Maybe my mate has a point.” Lane said to his sisters. “Did any of us turn our backs on Jake even at his lowest moments?” Bethany and Jordan both looked down at their feet and shook their heads. “And none of you ever turned your backs on me either and hell even I thought I was a lost cause. While I agree that we should keep our guards up a little we can’t turn our backs on him. We’re a family and we gotta be there for each other.”

“When did you get so damn smart?” Bethany asked Lane as she wiped a tear from her eye. Lane smiled charmingly.

“Angela keeps telling you all how great I am. Maybe you should pay attention.” he said.

“You all go back and finish dinner. I’m going to go up to bed. I really am not feeling very well.” Rebecca said and she left the room.

“That asshole better not hurt her Lane because I’ll kill him.” Bethany said as she pushed past him and back into the dining room. Jordan followed her.

“She wont’ have to kill him. I’ll do it myself.” Lane said matter-of-factly. Joey laid her head against his chest.

“Arent’ you always telling Angela to have faith in you? Why don’t you try to have a little faith in him?” she asked softly. Lane laughed and hugged her close.

“Where would I be without you my little slayer mate?” he asked. She looked up at him her green eyes teasing.

“Drunk in a bar and getting the crap beat out of you by sub demons you owed money to.”

“This is true.” Lane agreed. He kissed her curly red hair and led her back to the dining room .

Charles saw everyone return except Rebecca. He wondered where she had gone but didn’t have time to worry for long when suddenly a chubby little finger reached out and touched his beard. He jerked his head away and looked down at Laney who was grinning up at him.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Your beard is scratchy. It makes you look mean. But I don’t’ think you’re really mean. I think if you shaved it off you would look handsome. Just like my daddy and my uncle Lane.” she said. Charles didn’t’ know how to reply.

“Hey pipsqueak what about your uncles Kent, Greg and Evan?” Greg asked. Laney blew out an impatient little breath.

“You’re handsome too.” she said. Then she leaned toward Charles who found himself leaning down to meet her. She put her lips next to his ear.

“Not really, but daddy says it’s not nice to say things that hurt peoples feelings.” she whispered. As usual her whisper was loud enough to be heard clearly around the table. Lane and Jake laughed loudly. Charles’s eyes flew to Jake.

This was the first time he had heard his son laugh. Never in all their years of spending time together had Jake laughed. Lane seemed to notice the way Charles was looking at Jake and he smiled.

“Yea it surprised us the first time we heard it too but ever since Angela and then the little niece of the year over their who called her uncle handsome came into his life he does that all the time.” Jake glared at Lane who just shrugged. Charles realized he was still leaning down toward Laney and he sat up quickly.

“You don’t’ talk much do you?” Laney asked him. He shook his head. “Is it because you don’t have anything nice to say? Because mommy taught me that if you don’t have anything nice to say then you should just try not to say anything at all.”

“Laney….” Angela said then she looked at Charles. “Sorry about her. She never meets a stranger.”

“But mommy he’s not a stranger. He’s my grandpa.” Laney said matter-of-factly. Charles felt his heart constrict in his chest. This chubby little girl with golden eyes was accepting him just like that. No questions asked she loved him. It was too much for his brittle heart to take just now. He stood up quickly and with a little wave to Laney he left the room.

“Did I do something wrong mommy?” Laney asked as Angela walked over and wrapped her in a hug.

“No my baby girl. As a matter of fact you did everything just perfect. You are my sweet little angel.”

“Sweet little angel who thinks all her uncles other than Lane are ugly.” Kent said.

“I don’t think you’re ugly uncle Kent. But you’re not as handsome as daddy or uncle Lane.” This caused everyone in the room to laugh except for Kent, Greg and Evan who all looked at each other and shrugged.

Chapter Four

Rebecca tossed and turned all night. She didn’t fall asleep until it was nearly dawn and then her dreams were full of passion, love and Charles’s strong hands touching her the way she had never allowed any other man to touch her.

Charles had slept peacefully that night for the first time in longer then he could remember. He dreamed of his family. He dreamed of Rebecca. He dreamed of her welcoming him into her loving arms. He dreamed of him simply allowing her love to wash over him and letting his love wash over her at the same time. God he was a fool to ever believe he didn’t need her. To hell with love making someone weak. Having that beautiful woman in his arms was worth any price.

He was awoken by the sound of a door slamming and his granddaughter Kaylee’s angry shouts.

“He only does this to piss me off!” she screamed.

“He loves you, Kaylee. He worries about you.” Raquel said back her voice sounding tired and exasperated.

“He doesn’t love me! If he loved me he would let me wear whatever I wanted!”

“I don’t care how pissed off you are, Kaylee! You are not wearing pants that tight or a shirt that shows off your damn belly button! You are only fourteen!” Evans voice entered the conversation.

“Aunt Bethany helped me pick this outfit out at the store.” Kaylee said.

“Your Aunt Bethany doesn’t believe in buying any outfit that uses more than one yard of fabric! She is not who you need to be modeling your wardrobe after.” Evan said.

“How in the hell did I get brought into this conversation?” Bethany shouted angrily. “The girl looks fine, Evan! Let her wear what she wants”

“Stay the hell out of this, Bethany.” Evan shouted back.

“See dad she thinks I look fine!” Kaylee argued.

“Yea and she also thinks the playboy bunnies dress like nuns!” he shot back. Charles rubbed his face and walked over to the door. He glanced out in the hall and saw everyone standing down at the end of the hall in their heated argument.

“Change your clothes, Kaylee.” Raquel said. Kaylee screeched loudly.

“I hate this! I can’t wait til I turn 18 and then I can dress however I want!” she said stomping her foot. Just then Jake came bursting out of his room in nothing but a pair of sweatpants. His hair was a mess and he was scratching his head sleepily.

“Is there a reason that I have to be woken up by you all fucking screaming every morning!” he demanded. Angela walked out behind him though she was dressed and wide awake.

“Jake, this doesn’t concern you….” Raquel started.

“The hell it doesn’t! It concerns me when it wakes me up every damn morning! If we’re not arguing over pink sweaters then it’s a holey pair of blue jeans or the perfect t-shirt! I can remember a day when a woman had one damn dress that she wore everyday and half the time it was made out of a damn potato sack! This is ridiculous!” he said. Angela laid her hand on his shoulder.

“You’re showing your age, my love.” she said trying to hold back her smile. Jake rubbed his hands over his face and then looked down at her.

“Laney, better not ever act like that.” he said pointing to Kaylee who was storming back up to the stairs to the third floor where her room was.

“Oh yea you’re such a better parent than we are!” Raquel said as she too stormed past Jake and went down toward the living room with Evan on her heels.

“I didn’t mean it like that.” Jake said. Bethany patted him on the shoulder.

“Least now they aren’t worried about my slutty clothes.” she said and then walked on down the stairs.

“Ok this is a bad morning.” Jake said. Angela rubbed her fingers down his bare back.

“Laney is downstairs watching Lane and Kayleb play video games and we have thirty minutes until I have to take her to school. How about you come back to bed and I’ll see if I can make it better?” she said. Jake’s eyes flashed and he growled low in his throat. He didn’t say a word just took her by the arm and led her back into the room closing the door behind them.

“See what you’ve been missing all these years?” Rebecca asked startling Charles as she walked up behind him. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

“Is it always like this?” he asked. She smiled as she pulled her robe tighter around herself.

“Most of the time.” she said. “Someone is almost always yelling or fighting about something. And Jake and Angela are always locking themselves up in their room. I’m just counting down the days until Laney gets a baby sister or brother.”

Charles looked at her. He had forgotten how beautiful she looked in the mornings. No make up. Her hair a mess of wavy auburn curls.

“I wanted to talk to you…” he started but was interrupted when Jordan yelled up the stairs.

“Mom! I need your help! Kayleb wants gravy before school but he only likes it when you make it!” she said. Rebecca closed her eyes cursing the interruption.

“We’ll talk later.” she said and then walked away. Charles was thankful that Jordan had called her away. He had been about to beg Rebecca to take him back and he still wasn’t sure that he wanted to stay. He didn’t know if he could give up hunting and it was obvious to him that he couldn’t have both. He couldn’t have his family and his hunting.

Charles dressed in a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt and walked down to the living room. Lane, Joey, Laney and Kayleb were all crowded on the couch and Lane and Kayleb were playing a video game. Charles saw that it was something based on world war II.

“So, Lane, you were too chicken to actually serve in a war but you’ll play games about them now huh?” he asked as he sat down in the recliner chair. Joey looked at Lane and saw a muscle twitch in his jaw but he smiled.

“If I remember correctly you stayed out of this war too.” he said. Charles nodded and said nothing else. Instead he watched the game. Then he felt little hands on his legs.

“Hi, grandpa Charles. Can I sit with you?” Laney asked. Charles looked over at Joey, Lane and Kayleb but they were staring at the television. He nodded and helped his granddaughter into his lap.

Charles felt it then. The first new pure love his heart had felt in centuries and this little, chubby, black haired, golden eyed girl had pulled it out him.

“Today is the last day of school before Christmas Break! I am excited to put up a Christmas tree. You’ll be here won’t you, grandpa Charles?” she asked. Charles couldn’t help the smile that appeared on his face. He couldn’t remember the last time he had smiled.

“I don’t know, sweetheart.”

“I wish you would stay. Daddy always helps me put the angel on top of the tree but maybe this year you could help me since it’ll be your first time.” she said. Charles couldn’t seem to form words. He just smiled and nodded.

“Kayleb, it’s time to go.” Kaylee said walking up behind her brother and slapping him on the head. Kayleb threw his controller down and jumped over the couch grabbing her and messing up her hair.

“You jerk! Now I have to go back up and do my hair again!” she shrieked.

“Nope don’t think so.” Jordan said walking in and grabbing both of them by the arm. “It’s time to go.” she said. Charles could hear Kaylee carrying on about her hair until they were in the car and driving away.

“Laney, it’s time to go.” Angela said walking into the living room with Jake behind her. Charles looked up at them. Angela’s face was still flushed from lovemaking and he could smell both of their scents mingled together. Jake had a happy smile on his face and Charles was surprised by how happy that sight made him.

But Jakes smile quickly disappeared when he saw Laney sitting on Charles’s lap.

“Laney, come here and give daddy some kisses before you go.” he said. Laney jumped down off Charles’s lap and ran to Jake who was down on one knee. She jumped into his open arms and he hugged her tightly.

“I love you daddies girl. You have a good day and you make sure you be good. Daddy can’t come this morning. I have to go to California today and take care of some things.” he said.

“It’s ok daddy. I love you.” she said kissing him. He let go of her and stood back up and she ran around to Lane and Joey.

“I love you uncle Lane. Love you aunt Joey.”

“Love you too.” Joey said.

“Don’t listen to your daddy. If you’re too good your teacher will get bored.”

“Ok uncle Lane.” she said happily. Then she looked back over at Charles and seemed to think hard for a moment.

“Mommy?” she said her little voice sounding nervous.

“What baby?”

“Can grandpa Charles take me to school today?” she asked. Charles’s eyes widened and Angela stared at him unsure of what she should say.

“Uh, Laney, I think your mommy might be upset if she doesn’t get to drop you off.” Charles said. Laney stuck out her bottom lip in a master pout.

“Pleeeeeaaaaase?” she pleaded. Charles had faced every sort of were creature, vamp, demon and sub demon but never before had he faced anyone that seemed so powerful as this little girl standing in front of him with her lip stuck out and her eyes begging. He looked at her and realized he’d never felt so weak.

“How about your grandpa Charles comes with you and mommy?” Angela offered. Laney’s eyes lit up but Jake wasn’t quite so happy.

“What?” he demanded. Angela laid a hand on his arm comfortingly.

“It’ll be fine. Laney wants to spend some time with her grandpa.” she said. Charles looked at Angela feeling like maybe he had been wrong about her. Maybe she wasn’t just Jake’s bitch. She really seemed like she might be decent. For a mortal born woman.

“What do you think Charles?” Angela asked. Charles was stuck between a rock and a really hard pissed off Jake. On one hand if he said yes he would be risking an ass kicking from his oldest son but on the other hand if he said no then he would break this little girls heart. The second choice was not an option. He stood up.

“Let’s go.” he said feeling awkward. Angela and Laney both smiled warmly at him and went out the door. Lane and Jake both stood in front of Charles blocking his way.

(If you do anything to hurt my mate or my child I will kill you. I don’t give a damn if you are my father.) Jake said so Charles and Lane could hear. Lane nodded.

(Angela and Laney mean as much to me as they do to Jake. Don’t you dare lay a finger on either one of them or… uh… Jake will kill you.) he said. Jake glanced at his brother who shrugged at him. (You know I would try but he’d kick my ass before I ever got close. So you would end up being the one to actually kill him.) Charles shook his head and frowned at them both.

(I might not have always been a good father or mate but I wont’ harm your mate Jake. Or my granddaughter.) He shoved past them both and walked out to join Angela and Laney. Angela had that old chevy truck pulled out of the garage and they were sitting in it waiting on him.

“This is yours?” Charles asked after he climbed in the passenger seat. Angela started down the driveway and smiled.

“It was my dads. It was his pride and joy but Evan and Jake call it their personal… well you know.” she said looking at Laney. Charles nodded.

“Why doesn’t my daddy like you?” Laney asked looking over at her grandpa. Charles stared at her and Angela nearly choked on her shock.

“Laney, you are not supposed to ask questions like that!” she scolded. Laney frowned and looked out the windshield. An awkward silence fell over the truck.

“So what business did Jake have to take care of in California?” Charles asked.

“He made some investments out there a few years ago in some wineries. He wanted to go out and check on them.”

“Why does he make investments? I had enough money set aside that he shouldn’t have had to worry about working… For that matter why do any of them work?” Charles asked.

“Jake, has his personal reasons for not wanting to use your money unless he has to. As far as everybody else working I guess they do it because it gives them something to do everyday.” Silence fell over the truck again.

“Grandpa Charles will you pick me up from school today too?” Laney asked. Charles was saved from answering by Angela.

“Actually, baby girl, I think uncle Lane and aunt Joey were going to pick you up today and take you Christmas shopping.” Laney bounced up and down excitedly.

“Oh yea I forgot!” she said. “They said they would let me buy something for everybody! Of course now I have to make sure I get something for you grandpa Charles. What do you want?” she asked. Charles stuttered a few times unable to think of what to say.

“Don’t’ worry grandpa I’ll find you something nice.” Angela pulled the truck in front of the school. Charles opened the door and stepped out and help Laney jump down.

“Have a good day, baby girl. Mommy loves you.” Angela called. Laney waved happily at her and then wrapped her arms around Charles’s waist in a tight hug. Charles hadn’t been hugged in centuries…. Just this simple show of affection had him wanting to drop to his knees and beg for forgiveness for his stupidity over the last two and half centuries.

He awkwardly reached down and patted the back of her head.

“Have a good day.” he said finding that his throat seemed to be clogged.

“See you tonight.” she said and then ran happily up to the school. Charles watched her until he could no longer see her. Angela waited on him patiently. He finally turned around and climbed back in the truck.

“Charles I think the two of us got off on the wrong foot five years ago.” Angela said as she started the truck and pulled out. “Why don’t we go out to breakfast and we can talk?” Charles looked over at her and suddenly understood what Jake saw in her. She was kind and gentle and sweet. Of course Charles remembered her temper from five years before but she seemed to be a good woman. He just hated that Jake got mated with someone who seemed so weak.

“Sure breakfast sounds good. I’m starving.” Charles said. Angela nodded. Silence fellover them and neither spoke again until they were sitting in the booth at the restaurant and waiting on their food.

“Angela, how did you and my son meet?” Charles asked. He was suddenly eager to hear all he could about his oldest son. Angela smiled.

“It’s a long story…” she said. He looked around.

“I’m not in a hurry.” he replied. Angela told him all about Jake pretending to be a dog in order to be close to her and then finally coming to her rescue against Tyler and Abigail at the bookstore. Charles tilted his head and looked at her. The Jake he remembered would never have sunk to that level for a woman.. But then again the pull of a mate was strong and could bring even the strongest immortal to their knees…

“You said that truck was your dads. Did he die?” Charles asked. He had never been good at sensoring the questions he asked. He always just got to the point. Angela took a drink of her coffee and looked out the window at the quiet street of the small town.

“Yes. About six years ago.” she said softly. He could see the sadness on her face. At first he saw her sadness as weakness but then he remembered his tear from the night before. Maybe he shouldn’t judge her too quickly.

“What about your mother?” Charles saw her sadness replaced with anger. Her dark eyes flashed as she turned to look at him.

“She’s dead too.” she said. Charles nodded and took a drink of his own coffee.

“What happened to them?” he asked. For a moment Angela didn’t want to answer. Who was Charles to think he could just dig into her life? But then she realized that since he was Jake’s father she shared blood with this man. In a sense he was her father now.

“My mom was a pill head. An addict. Greedy, deceitful and horribly judgmental. My daddy he was a great man. I loved him so.” Angela took a moment to fight back her tears at the thought of her father.

“After Jake and I fully mated I decided I wanted my father to come for a visit. He of course brought my mother with him. Turns out she was working with my ex Tyler. He had figured out what Jake was because Jake had started to turn in front of him once with every intention of killing him…..” Charles interrupted her.

“Why would Jake do that?” he asked.

“He has a bad temper. And he’s very very protective of me. Tyler kept pushing his buttons and finally sent him over the edge when he insulted me one too many times.” Charles nodded. He understood completely. He had been ready to kill who had caused his Rebecca pain just the day before only to realize that he had been the one to cause the pain.

“Anyway Tyler convinced my mother to get me out in the woods without Jake and he would pay her a lot of money. We went out to pick flowers and Tyler wasn’t there but a young vamp named Devon was and so were five sub demons. The subs grabbed me and put me to sleep with some kind of sedative but the vamp killed my mother.”

“She deserved it. No one should ever betray their family in that way.” Charles said matter-of-factly. Angela nodded.

“My father said pretty much the same thing. He said that if the vamp hadn’t killed her he would have.” Charles didn’t reply to this just took another drink of coffee.

“How did you get away from the sub demons?” Charles asked.

“They took me back to new york to a basement where Tyler was waiting. Turns out he’d made an elaborate plan to lure Jake there and then capture him and torture both of us for making a fool out of him. He had my friend Abigail chained there as well and he had Lane locked in a cage.”

“Lane?” Charles felt anger at the thought of his carefree youngest son locked up. Angela nodded.

“He’d been there for weeks. Anyways Tyler had officially gone off the deep end. He killed Abigail so that he could hear me beg for her life. I guess he thought that would break me. So when I nearly bit his finger off it shocked him a bit.”

“You did what?” Charles asked. That didn’t sound like a mortal born woman. Mortal born women didn’t fight back when times got tough. They broke.

“He was touching me. I wanted him to stop. Anyway he had thirty subs and that vamp working for him. Jake came and killed them all within minutes.” she said and he could hear her pride in her mate. “But then Tyler shot him once in the chest with some new kind of bullet. It was a melted silver capsule and it paralyzed Jake. He fell to the floor unable to move but still conscious.”

“Did Lane break free and save you then?” Angela shook her head.

“No. Tyler untied me. He planned on raping me to torture Jake. He was shocked when I started coming onto him. He sat his gun down and that was the last mistake that bastard ever had a chance to make. I picked it up and emptied the damn clip in his chest. I got the key to Lanes’ cage from his pocket and let him out and then Lane took us all back to the house.” Charles had true shock in his eyes.

“Maybe I was wrong about you….” he said. Angela chuckled and then the waitress brought their plates to them.

“What about your father? What happened to him?” Charles asked eager to hear more about this woman sitting across from him.

“That happened about a month later. My father had gone back to his home in Kentucky. When I found out that I was pregnant with Laney, Jake and I went to go and tell him in person. When we got there we found that my father was dead after having a meeting with a were tiger that you know actually.”

“Who?” Charles asked.

“Draco. Turns out you and Jake killed his pregnant mate so he lived on without her and planned his revenge.” Angela was sure she saw Charles gag slightly.

“She was pregnant?” he asked. He wondered why he hadn’t noticed. Charles was not a good man but he was not an evil one either and he would never have killed a baby if he’d known. Angela laid her hand over his comfortingly and he was surprised when he didn’t feel the urge to pull his hand away.

“Jake had the same reaction. But yes she was. There was a vamp named Vladimir. Old vamp nearly a thousand years old. He helped Draco and together they managed to capture Jake. Lane had taken me and hidden me out to keep me safe. We didn’t realize Jake had been captured but once we figured it out we went to rescue him of course.

“Draco met us outside and Lane fought him. I was scared to death that Lane was going to die and even though he was telling me to run away I couldn’t just run and let him die so I found a silver arrow lying next to the building. Turns out it was one that Vladimir had sent into my mates chest. I picked it up and ran at Draco shoving it through his brain. He died of course. That’s about the time Jake ran out. He had escaped from his cage and killed Vladimir.”

“You’re not weak at all are you?” Charles asked. Angela wasn’t sure what to say.

“I won’t back down from a fight if that’s what you’re asking. Of course it helps when I know that a 263 year old werewolf with rock hard muscles and a talent for violence has my back.”

“I should have known you were brave. I saw you jump into the fight between Lane and Joseph in order to find the key to save your daughter. You could have died doing that.” he said.

“Yes but my daughter would have died for sure if I hadn’t.” she replied.

“When you all showed up that day you told Joseph that you had killed his brother. I thought you were lying then but now I’m not so sure.” Angela laughed.

“No I really did kill him. I found him and Joey at the motel. He was saying that he was going to kill her and that he had my daughter and Rebecca locked up. That didn’t sit well with me. Jake is slightly overprotective and a little paranoid when it comes to my safety so I always keep a revolver full of silver bullets and a wooden stake in my purse along with silver knives in my shoes.” Charles eyed her purse and she smiled.

“Yes even today.” she said. He nodded his eyes looking proud. She wondered if he realized how many of his emotions he gave away in his eyes.

“How did you do it? He was a big werewolf.”

“Six silver bullets to the back and chest. A silver knife through his heart and another silver knife to cut his head almost completely off.” Charles looked at her with disbelief. “I know that cutting his head off was probably overkill but Jake always taught me it was better to be safe than sorry. Plus the guy pissed me off because he just assumed I was weak.”

“I’m afraid I assumed the same thing. I was wrong.” Charles said. Angela knew that if he was like Jake he didn’t admit to being wrong very often.

“So far this conversation has been all about me.” Angela said taking a bite of her omelet. “Care if I turn it to you?” She could see the uncertainty in his eyes. She knew he was thinking about refusing.. Maybe he even wanted to dash away. She smiled.

“Come on now Charles. You’re supposed to be a brave warrior. Surely you’re not afraid of a few questions from a weak mortal born woman.” Charles felt the smile pulling on his lips. Two smiles in one day. All because of Jakes two special women.

“You are not weak but I am not afraid of anything. Ask away.” he said.

“I don’t think you’re a bad man.” she said. “I am not sure why you acted the way you did five years ago but I’m sure it had something to do with spending twenty one years in a cage. I’m not sure why you have acted the way you have with your family for centuries and I’m not going to ask you what your reasons are. I’m sure that you have them and that to you they seem valid. What I will ask you is are you here to stay or are you going to walk out on all of them again?” Charles was taken aback by her question. He didn’t know how to answer because he wasn’t sure what the answer was.

“I’m not sure.” he said. She sat her fork down.

“Well that’s just not good enough.” she said. “Rebecca needs you. I don’t think that you are the cold, indifferent man that you’ve been acting like all these years. I see a difference in your eyes and your face when you look at your family. You want to love them.” Charles rubbed his hand over his bearded face and the look he gave her reminded her so much of Jake she nearly laughed.

“You’re stubborn aren’t you?” he asked her. She nodded.

“Very.”

“I’m not going to tell you what happened to make me this way. Lets just say I came to the conclusion a long time ago that love makes people weak. I never wanted to see my Rebecca that weak so I did everything I could to make sure she didn’t love me anymore.”

“I don’t believe you. I don’t believe that you were only worried about Rebecca. You were worried about yourself. You shut your heart down to your family in order to save yourself the pain if something happened to them.”

“Strong, stubborn and wise. I see why my oldest son loves you. You are a lot like him.” Angela smiled proudly.

“I will take that as a compliment. Thank you.”

“You should take it as a compliment. I meant it as one.”

“I hope that you decide to stay. My daughter likes you, Rebecca loves you and your children need you.”

“I like your daughter. I realize now that I still love Rebecca. But my children don’t’ need me. They don’t want me around.” Charles said sadly.

“I can’t speak for any of the girls but I know Lane and Jake both inside out. And I know that they need you. Lane wants your approval and your love. Jake just wants you to be a father. He wants to feel like a son.”

“Jake, is the one that I am sure without a doubt wants to see me leave. Jake hates me.” Charles said. Angela was surprised at the way Charles was opening up to her but she was going to take advantage of it.

“He doesn’t hate you, Charles. He just doesn’t like what you represent about his past. He is not proud of some of the things that the two of you did together. He is not proud of the man he was for a long time. I think that he looks at you and is reminded of all he’s not proud of and he worries that you will try to pull him back into that world and he does not want to go there.”

Charles just sat there staring down into his coffee for a long time. He was a monster. He had turned his son into a man that his son was ashamed that he had been. But now Jake had Angela and he had Laney. He seemed to have a good relationship with his mother and siblings. He laughed and he smiled and didn’t always seem to be on edge like Charles remembered.

Did Charles want to bring Jake back down to the man he used to be… No definitely not. He liked seeing Jake happy. But what did Charles want from his own life? Was he ready to give up the kill or be killed life he’d been living?

He looked over at Angela who was looking out the window. She didn’t know him as anything other than a bad father and mate and yet here she sat and it was almost like she had faith in him. He thought about his Rebecca. She had always had faith in him as well. She had never given up on him until she had forced him from the home five years ago. He thought about her soft body and those blue eyes. He couldn’t remember what if felt like to kiss those lips or to run his fingers through those soft auburn waves…. God he was a fool.

Charles had not ever considered a life without hunting. Not when his hunting had been to save mortals and not even as his hunting had turned into more of a cold blooded sport with the bloodlust to kill. So why now was he wondering what it would be like to just stay with his family. To watch Laney grow up into a beautiful woman like her mother? To listen to Jake yelling and cussing every morning because Kaylee was having some sort of tantrum.

To listen to Lane’s dumb jokes and wisecracks and allow himself to laugh. To finally tell his daughters how much he truly did love them and how proud he had been the day each of them had been born. Angela could tell that he was lost in thoughts so she just let him think.

She rose from the booth and he looked at her questioningly.

“Where are you going?” he asked. She smiled.

“I promised Rebecca that I would help her get all the Christmas decorations up around the house today. Do you want to come with me?” Charles shook his head.

“I’m going to stay in town for a while. I’ll be home later,” he said. Angela nodded and walked away. She wondered if he realized he’d just called his families house his home.

Chapter Five

Rebecca woke up the next morning and smiled when she remembered it was Christmas Eve. Rebecca had heard Charles come home last night long after everyone else had gone to bed. Rebecca wondered what was going on in his head. She hadn’t spoken to Angela about her time with Charles. Rebecca knew though that if there was anyone in this house who could get through to him and get him to open up it was Angela. Angela had that kind of open nurturing soul about her that made people want to be better.

Rebecca got up out of bed and realized how quiet the house was. Bethany, Jordan, Raquel and their mates and the kids must already have left this morning to go spend time with their mates families. Rebecca heard laughter outside and looked out the window.

A foot of fresh snow had fallen the night before and Lane, Joey, Laney, Angela and Jake were outside playing in it.

She could hear them talking and realized that Laney was pretending to be a slayer like her aunt Joey had been and she was hunting the rest of the family. Laney threw a snowball and though Jake could have easily dodged it he allowed it to hit him directly in the face. He put his hands over his face and fell to the ground laughing.

“I got daddy!” Laney shouted proudly. Angela grabbed a handful of snow and was going to dump it on Jakes head when his eyes flew open and he reached out and grabbed her legs and brought her down on top of him.

“I got mommy!” he shouted. Angela kissed him and he wrapped his arms tighter around her.

“Alright you two you’re going to make the snow melt.” Lane said matter-of-factly.

“Only two more to go.” Laney said making another snowball in her gloved hands. She let the snowball fly and it would have hit Lane but he grabbed Joey and shoved her in front of him and it splattered on her cheek. Laney broke down into fits of giggles and Lane quickly jumped away from Joey who was swinging her fist out to punch his arm.

“You jerk! You sacrificed me!” she said in disbelief. Lane grinned sheepishly and held up his hands.

“If you wanted a noble protective mate you picked the wrong brother.” he said. “I’m a selfish asshole.” Lane waited for Angela to yell at him for cussing in front of Laney but she was still busy making out with Jake in the snow.

Joey admitted defeat and fell down into the snow. Laney looked at her uncle Lane with an evil little grin on her face.

“It’s just me and you now pal.” she said. Lane started laughing so hard that he was helpless to dodge the snowball as it hit him in the chest. He grabbed his chest and with all the drama and theatrics that one would expect from Lane he fell to his knees and then down face first into the snow. Laney shrieked triumphantly and ran in circles around them all.

Rebecca smiled and moved away from the window. She dressed in jeans and a cream colored oversized sweater and started downstairs. She stopped when a scent came to her nose. It was her tea… The earthy scent of that special tea that held so many memories for her. She wondered why Angela or Joey would make it. Both of them had made it clear to her how nasty it was.

She walked into the kitchen and was overcome by a strong sense of déjà vu. There was Charles standing in the kitchen. He had shaved his face and gotten a hair cut. His hair was now cut short above his ears the way he had worn it before Jake was born. He was wearing a pair of faded jeans and a grey sweater. He looked nervous when she walked in but he offered a smile and held out a cup of tea to her.

Rebecca’s hand reached out for the cup automatically. Once it was in her hands he walked over to the table and pulled out a chair and motioned for her to sit down. She didn’t’ understand what was going on. Was she still asleep? She walked on weak legs to the chair and sat down. He walked around the table and sat down across from her.

“I didn’t know if you still drank it but I remember how much you always loved it.” he said pointing at the cup. She nodded but really she hated the tea she just loved what it had always stood for.

“I noticed there is not a Christmas tree up yet.” he said trying to make conversation. He was more nervous then he could ever remember being. He had done a lot of thinking after Angela had left the restaurant the morning before. He had walked for hours through the park and looked back on his life.

Angela had been right and had opened his eyes. He had been lying to himself all these years when he’d said he no longer cared about his family or his mate. He had just been scared of feeling love because he had seen the pain it could cause if it was suddenly gone. Better to never let anyone in then to let someone in and then wake up to find them gone… That was the way he’d been living.

He even realized that now that he was here he didn’t feel the drive or the urge to go out hunting again. He supposed that the only reason he had begun to hunt and kill so desperately was to keep his mind off of what really mattered in his life. He wanted Rebecca back. He wanted her to love him and he wanted her to see the love that he still felt for her.

He wanted to get to know his children and his grandchildren. He hoped that they would accept him in their lives because he had no intention of ever leaving again.

“Did you hear me?” Rebecca asked. Charles shook his head coming out of his thoughts and frowned.

“I’m sorry I was thinking. What did you say?” he asked.

“I said that Jake and Lane usually go out on Christmas eve during the day and find a tree and then we put it up at night once the rest of the kids come home from visiting.” Charles nodded.

“I would like to go with them.” he said. Rebecca looked down at her tea.

“Charles, I don’t’ understand what’s going on.” she said softly. He clasped his hands together on top of the table and sighed.

“I don’t understand either Rebecca. All I know is that I’m starting to see things differently. I’m starting to see things like I did before…”

Rebecca fought the urge to reach her hand across the table and rub his smooth cheek to soothe the pain she saw on his face.

Before she could reply to what he had said Angela, Joey and Laney came into the kitchen wet and cold from the snow.

“Grandma it’s time to bake cookies! Daddy and uncle Lane are going to go get the Christmas tree now.” Laney said excitedly as Angela helped her out of her wet coat and gloves.

Charles looked at the door and then back at Rebecca. Rebecca smiled even though she wasn’t sure if it reached her eyes.

“Go. You need to spend time with your sons.” she said. Charles nodded and stood up. He started for the door then stopped and walk back to her. He pressed a quick gentle kiss to her cheek and then walked back toward the door. As he passed Angela he gave her a small smile and laid his hand on her arm.

“Thank you for helping me open my eyes.” he said and then was gone. Rebecca pressed her hand to her cheek still feeling the heat from his lips and looked at Angela.

“What is he talking about?” she asked. Angela shrugged as she carried Laney’s wet clothes over to the heat vent to dry.

“I guess he just needed someone to cut through his bullshit for him.” she said.

“Mommy, you shouldn’t talk that way.” Laney scolded. Angela blushed and smiled apologetically.

“Sorry baby girl.” she said. Joey walked over to the window.

“I hope Charles really is trying to make amends because with the size of the axe that Jake’s carrying he could cut through a lot more then just his bullshit.” she said. Rebecca and Angela looked out the window in time to see Jake glaring at his father. Charles was saying something and finally Jake gave a small nod and then slung the axe over his shoulder and started off into the woods with Charles and Lane on his heels.

“Grandma let’s make cookies!” Laney pleaded. “I want to make a extra special one for grandpa Charles.” Rebecca sighed. There would be time to think about Charles later right now she just wanted to bake Christmas cookies with her granddaughter and her two daughter-in-laws.

“I think this is a good one.” Charles said looking up at the tree. Lane nodded in agreement. But Jake shook his head.

“Nope.” he said. Lane blew out an impatient breath. It was freezing cold, the snow was damn near up to their knees out here in the woods and his stomach was growling.

“What the hell is wrong with this one?” Lane asked. Jake looked at the tree trying to come up with a reason it wasn’t good enough. Really though it was a perfect tree. Just the right height and width and perfect fullness but he didn’t want to tell his father he was right. Lane looked from Charles to Jake and then laughed.

“When did you start acting like a pissed off teenager, Jake? Not even Kayleb or Kaylee throws tempers like this. There is nothing in the world wrong with this tree you just don’t want to let dad pick the tree we cut.” Jake glared over at Lane. Then without looking at Charles he raised the axe and swung it with such rage and force that it sliced cleanly through the tree with one whack and the tree fell to the forest floor.

“There’s your damn tree.” Jake said. Lane hoisted the tree over his shoulder and started back toward the house.

“Why don’t you two walk a little slower and try to work through your shit.” he said over his shoulder. “We could all do with a few less temper tantrums around here.” Charles chuckled and Jake put the axe back over his shoulder and glared at him.

“Since when do you think he’s funny?” he demanded. Charles stopped chuckling and shrugged.

“I’ve always found Lane funny. I just hated laughing so I made him stay away from me.” he replied. Jake raised his brow and then started walking. Charles matched his pace.

“Jake, what would you say if I said I want to stay around?” Charles asked. Jake’s knuckles turn white around the handle of the axe but his voice was steady and calm when he spoke.

“I would say you can do whatever you want.” he replied.

“Thank you.” Charles said. Jake glanced at him quickly before looking ahead again. As far as he knew his father had never thanked anyone for anything.

“But I will say this. You cannot stay here if you are planning on going hunting still. We have finally found peace in this family. There are no more ghosts and crazy psychos from the past that are trying to seek revenge on the family and that’s the way we want to keep it.”

Charles was impressed by the man walking beside of him. He knew his son would probably rather chop his head off with that axe than have him move back but he was giving him a chance anyway while still letting him know what the ground rules were.

“I won’t hunt anymore Jake. I don’t want to.” Charles said matter of factly. Jake grunted.

“What brought around that sudden change of heart?” he asked.

“The other night when I dashed here drunk and bloody my head was a mess. I had been stuck in such an angry and drunk fog for so long that I didn’t even recognize myself. Things happened when you were an infant Jake. Things that caused me to change and turn into a man that I didn’t like when I looked in a mirror. But it wasn’t until I came back here and sobered up that I started to feel things again.

“The last few days I’ve felt emotions that I didn’t think I could feel anymore. A lot of that is because of your mother but a lot of it is because of your beautiful little girl. My granddaughter.” Jake smiled when he thought of Laney.

“Angela and I went out to breakfast yesterday.” Charles said. Jake raised a brow.

“She didn’t say anything to me about it.” he said. Charles shrugged.

“Maybe she wanted to give me time to decide what I was going to do. Your mate is very smart and instead of telling you what you want to hear she tells you what you need to hear. Let’s just say she opened my eyes.” Jake was silent for a long time.

“I feel like I’m talking to a stranger right now dad. This isn’t the you I’ve known the last 263 years.” Charles patted his son on the back.

“I know and I know it’s going to take time for me to fix the mistakes I made. But this is the real me. This is the man I was back before I lost my mind.” Jake nodded. He wanted his dad to be telling the truth. He needed his dad to be telling the truth. He was silent for a long time and then looked over at Charles as they continued walking.

“Welcome home dad.” he said. Charles smiled and wrapped his arm around his sons broad shoulders.

“Thank you son.” They walked the rest of the way to the house in silence.

They could hear Laney yelling before they even walked into the kitchen.

“Uncle Lane stay out of the cookies! Those are for Santa!”

“I just want one! The man’s fat, he’ll be ok.” Jake walked in just in time to see Laney slap her uncle Lane in the head with a spatula.

“Ouch!” Lane exclaimed.

“Serves you right.” Jake said. “You should be ashamed of yourself taking Santa’s cookies.” Then he too reached out and grabbed one and popped the whole thing in his mouth at once.

“Daddy!” Laney said putting her hands on her hips and sticking her lip out at him. Jake smiled as best he could with his mouth full of the reindeer cookie.

“What?”

“Ok you guys get out of the kitchen this is a no man zone.” Joey said shooing them all away. Charles still wasn’t sure what to make of her. She had crazy red hair, was skinny as a rail and so short she barely came up to his chest.

He saw Jake and Lane make a run for it and decided he might as well follow suit. Maybe they knew something about her that he didn’t.

Chapter Six

The rest of the family came back home a few hours later and when Charles walked into the living room where everyone was gathered to decorate the tree Bethany, Raquel and Jordan looked at him in shock.

“Your hair looks good, dad.” Raquel said.

“It’s about time you got a cut and a shave you were starting to look like Charles Manson.” Bethany added sitting down next to Greg on the couch and stretching out her long legs.

“I acted a little like a serial killer for a while.” Charles said. “Figured I might as well look the part.” Everyone laughed at this except for Rebecca, Bethany, Jordan and Raquel.

“Did he just make a joke?” Jordan asked her pixie like voice barely above a whisper. Kent wrapped his arms around her and nodded.

“Sounded that way to me.” he said. Bethany snorted and picked a piece of lint from her tiny red dress.

“Are we supposed to be happy that he’s here?” she asked. Greg put a hand on her leg.

“Baby, he’s your dad.” he said softly. Bethany slapped his hand away.

“What do you know about it?” she demanded. She stood quickly and ran out of the room and up the stairs. Greg stood to follow her but Lane grabbed his arm.

“Let me talk to her.” he said. Everyone could tell Greg was torn but he nodded and sat back down.

“We’ll wait for you.” Joey said kissing Lane’s cheek.

“Kaylee, Kayleb, Laney lets go into the kitchen and finish decorating the last of the cookies.” Rebecca said walking out of the living room. The three kids followed, happy to be away from the tension in the living room.

Bethany tried desperately to dry the tears on her face when she heard the knock on her door.

“I want to be alone.” she said with a sniff. Lane tried to open the door but it was locked.

“Unlock the door Bethany. Your charming little brother would like to talk to you.” He heard Bethany laugh.

“Go away Lane. The day I need advice from you is the day I know I’m ready for the nuthouse.”

“Are you really going to make me go all Jake on you and break the door down?” Lane asked. Bethany smiled because she could remember several occasions when her older brother had indeed broken her door down to be able to talk to her. She stood and unlocked the door and then sat back on the bed.

“You can come in now.” she said. Lane walked in and saw her sitting on the bed. Her usually perfect face was blotchy and red.

“You look like hell.” he said sitting down next to her on the bed.

“Kiss my ass.” she shot back.

“Since I know you’re not really mad at me I’ll let that slide.” he said. “Can I ask why you jumped Greg’s ass though? He loves you. He just wants you to be happy.”

“I don’t’ want to talk to you about Greg.” she said. Lane shook his head. His sister had serious commitment issues.

“Ok… What about dad? Will you talk to me about him?” Bethany shook her head. Lane smiled.

“Global warming?” he asked.

“Poor polar bears.” she replied with a pout.

“Look Bethany, you and I are a lot alike. We hide behind our jokes and our smart ass comments. But I’m going to be serious with you for a minute.” Lane said.

“Don’t’ hurt yourself.” she replied. He shook his head but didn’t take the bait.

“I know that you don’t like dad and that’s fine. We all have issues with him that are going to have be worked out with time but mom loves him. Mom needs him. She thought he was dead for twenty one years and then when she found out he was alive she gave him up again for us. She knew it would be hard for us to have him around.”

“That was her choice.” Bethany said.

“Bull shit.” Lane snapped. “You know mom. She would sacrifice her very life if it meant making us happy. But is it right of us to ask her to? Doesn’t she deserve to have her mate here with her?” Bethany shook her head.

“He’s no good for her.”

“People can change, Bethany. He must have been a good guy once because our mother loved him.” When Bethany didn’t reply Lane took it as a good sign to continue. “Mom deserves happiness. We all have our own mates and our own happiness. Don’t you think it’s her turn?”

“This makes twice in just a few days that you’ve made me feel like shit.” Bethany said matter of factly. He reached out and dried her tears with his thumb.

“That’s what brothers are for.” he said. Greg walked in the room then and Lane stood up.

“I’ll leave you two alone. Think about what I said Bethany.” Lane said. Bethany nodded.

“Tell mom to go ahead and do the tree without us. Greg and I need to talk.” Lane patted Greg on the shoulder.

“The dreaded words ‘we need to talk.’ You’re either about to get lucky or get the kiss of death…. Good luck.” he said and walked out shutting the door behind him.

Greg walked over to the bed and sat down next to Bethany. She ran her fingers through her hair and then broke down in tears. Greg was shocked. They had been together for nearly eighty years and he had never seen her cry. He gathered her into his arms and just held her tight.

Bethany had always seemed so strong. So independent. Now she was showing him weakness for the first time. He ran his hands over her hair and back and kissed her head. After a few minutes she pulled away and wiped her face.

“Sorry about that.” she said suddenly seeming self conscious. Greg smiled.

“I’m not. It felt good to be needed. Even if it was just for a few minutes.” he said. Bethany looked at him hard for a moment and then laughed harshly.

“I bet you’re happy you got stuck with the messed up one of the family. Even my issues have issues.”

“You’re not messed up. You’re perfect. You’re strong.” he said. She shook her head.

“No I’m not. I’m a chicken. I don’t treat you very good.” Greg wasn’t sure how to respond. Bethany had never really opened up like this before. She was always either playing the sex pot or making wise cracks. He had known those things were only a front she put on and now he was seeing what was beneath for the first time.

“You’re a good woman Bethany.” he said, meaning every word. She smiled at him.

“And the fact that you can say that and mean what you’re saying shows what a great man you are. How many times have you begged me to fully mate to you and I’ve laughed in your face? How many times have you told me that you loved me and I turned away?” He didn’t know what to say so he didn’t say anything. It had been countless times for both but he didn’t think he needed to tell her that.

“I don’t have a good excuse but I do have a bad one.” she said and he couldn’t help but smile. She could always make him smile. He waited for her to continue.

“I was around early enough that I can remember seeing my moms pain as dad pulled further and further away from her. I never ever wanted to feel that pain. I never wanted to feel so weak and so helpless. I still remember one night when she begged him to stop hunting. She begged him to settle down and become her mate in everyway and he laughed at her. That was the last time she begged him for anything.

“I never wanted to love a man and give him that power over me. I never wanted a man to have the power to laugh in my face and shoot me down. But I’ve done that to you. I am definitely my fathers daughter because I have laughed in your face when you’ve begged me.. I have shot you down when you offered me love.”

Greg felt a tear run down his own cheek and quickly brushed it away.

Bethany stood then and slammed her fists onto the dresser. Greg didn’t know what to do so he stood up too. She whirled around quickly and he took a step back.

“I’m tired of this!” she said. “I love you, dammit. I have loved you for almost eighty years. I want to be able to be weak with you Greg. I want to have what Lane and Joey have. What Jake and Angela have. What Kent and Jordan have. I mean hell Kent and Jordan hated each other for years and now look at them? They love each other so much it’s sickening.

“It’s not fair that they have that and we don’t because I have been too damn blind or stupid or stubborn or whatever you want to call me! I want you Greg. I want us!” she took a break to breath and Greg was to her in seconds. He lowered his lips to hers and kissed with so much passion and tenderness that it nearly made her cry.

“I love you Bethany. I have always loved you.” he said. She smiled.

“Beg me again.” she said. He frowned.

“Beg you for what?” he asked. She blew out an impatient breath.

“Sometimes men can be so stupid.” she said. He smiled.

“So help me out.”

“Remember earlier when I said you always begged me for something but I would laugh in your face?” she asked rolling her eyes and waving her hand.

Greg felt his stomach twist in knots. Was she really going to do this with him? Was she really going to bond her life to his?

“Why do I have to beg?” he asked. She crossed her arms over her chest causing her breasts to push up and nearly out of her tiny red dress. Greg felt his mouth go dry.

“It’s good for my ego.” she replied. He dropped to his knee in front of her and grabbed her hands.

“Bethany, you are my one and my only. I love you with everything I have. We have been together for a long time and I am sure without a doubt that you are not only my mate you are the love of my life. I want to commit to you for the rest of my life in the truest sense of the words. I want you to be my mate in every way. I’m begging.” he said saying the last words just to get her to laugh. She did laugh but this time he knew it wasn’t at him.

She dropped to her knees and kissed him lightly.

“I would be honored to bind my life to yours, Greg. You are my soul mate.” she said. He took her in his arms then and loved her like he had never loved her before.

888

“Ok, Laney, it’s time for the angel.” Rebecca said handing the angel to Jake. Laney looked over at Charles who had been standing in the corner of the room out of everyone’s way while they’d decorated the tree.

She grabbed Jake’s shirt sleeve and he came down to his knees so that he was on her level.

“What is it baby girl?” he asked. She bit her lip and laid her little hand on his cheek.

“Would it be ok if grandpa Charles helps me put the angel on this year?” Jake looked in those innocent little eyes and blew out a long breath. He looked over at his dad who looked just as shocked as Jake felt. But he was proud of his daughters kindness and he nodded.

“Of course.” he replied. He kissed her cheek and stood up. He held the angel out to Charles who took it in one hand and lifted Laney up into his arms with the other.

Charles thought back to the last time he had held a child in his arms. Not since Lane had been born. One hundred and fifteen long years since he had last wrapped his arms around a peaceful, innocent child. He carried her over to the tree and lifted her high so she could place the angel on the top of the it.

“Ok Laney it’s time to go up and get to sleep. Santa can’t come if you are awake.” Angela said. Laney kissed Charles’s cheek and then ran to Angela. Angela and Jake each grabbed one of Laney’s hands and took her upstairs.

“You guys need to be getting up to bed too.” Raquel said at Kaylee and Kayleb. Kaylee rolled her eyes.

“Oh come on.. It’s not like I really believe a fat guy in a red suit is going to come down the chimney. Why do I have to go to bed?” she asked. Kayleb nodded in agreement.

“Because your mother said so.” Evan replied wrapping an arm around both of their shoulders and guiding them up the stairs. Raquel hugged Rebecca and gave Charles a small nervous smile.

“Goodnight dad.” she said. He smiled back awkwardly and lifted his hand in a wave.

“Goodnight Raquel. I love you.” Raquel was so startled by his words that she tripped on the stairs and barely managed to grab the banister before her face hit the carpet. She gave him an odd look and then ran the rest of the way up the stairs.

“Graceful that one.” Lane said. Charles chuckled. Lane looked over at him.

“Since when do you think I’m funny?” he asked. Charles shrugged.

“I’ve always thought you were funny. That’s one reason why I always pushed you away.” Lane nodded.

“I had the same problem with Jake. It’s so hard to be the only man in the family with charms.” he replied. He patted his dad on the back. “If this family can deal with Jakes grouchy ass then you’ll be no problem. Welcome home dad.” Then Lane picked Joey up into his arms and she laughed as he carried her up the stairs.

“What are you doing?” she asked. Lane smiled.

“Being charming.” he replied. She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. Jordan and Kent stood up off the couch.

“We’ll be going up to bed now too.” Jordan said. Charles nodded.

“Goodnight both of you. I love you, Jordan.” he said. Jordan looked at him for several long moments. She stared at him like he was a puzzle she was trying to figure out.

“That’s easy for you to say, dad. But will you actually stick around to prove it?” Then she quickly pulled Kent up the stairs.

Charles and Rebecca found themselves alone in the living room. Charles looked at Rebecca and saw that she was looking at him the same way Jordan had. Like he was the most complicated puzzle she had ever seen.

He offered her a nervous smile and gestured to the couch. She sat down and he sat next to her. They were silent for a long time listening to the sounds of the family upstairs all settling into their beds and watching the flames dance in the fireplace. Finally Rebecca spoke.

“What’s going on with you, Charles?” she asked softly. He looked over at her and felt his breath catch in his throat. The firelight was dancing off her smooth porcelain skin. Her auburn hair seemed full of light and fire as the light reflected off of it. Her blue eyes looked confused as she stared into the dancing flames.

“Rebecca, it’s been a long time since I’ve felt anything. At least since I’ve felt anything that I couldn’t just shove aside and ignore. I heard you the other day when you were in the living room talking to Raquel. I was in the kitchen and heard you crying. I was ready to burst into this living room and kill whoever had caused you pain. Whoever had caused those tears.

“So imagine my shock when I realized I was the one responsible. I caused your pain. I caused your tears.”

“I didn’t realize you could hear me.” she said, feeling embarrassed.

“I’m glad I heard you. I had never felt worse about anything in my entire life then I felt about making you cry.”

“Oh Charles…”

“Don’t Rebecca… The point is, love, that I felt something . I felt guilt. And it was strong and I couldn’t just shove it away and forget about it. I looked in the mirror that night and realized that I truly hated the man I saw looking back at me. He was a cold, cruel monster. He had turned off his heart and turned his back to his family in order to save himself the pain of losing them and the idiot didn’t realize that by doing that, he lost them anyway.”

“Damn it all to hell Rebecca I don’t want to be that man anymore. I want to be the man you fell in love with three centuries ago. I want to be the man that gets to run his fingers through your hair and kiss your lips. I want to be the father whose kids know they can come to him about anything. I want to be a grandfather who is able to spoil his incredible grandchildren.

“I love you, Rebecca. Please tell me I’m not too late.” he said. Rebecca looked away from the fire finally and up into his golden eyes. She could see the desperation in them. But there was something else in them that caused the tears to begin to fall silently down her face….

How many times in the last two and a half centuries had she dreamt of seeing love in his eyes as he looked at her…. And now here it was.

“I need you, Charles. I have needed you for so long. Not the man you have been but the man that you used to be. The man whose heart and soul were in this thing when it began. But I need more than just that. I need all of you Charles. I won’t share you with hunting again.”

“I’m done hunting. I swear that to you. I just want to be with you and our family.” Rebecca felt like her head was spinning. This all just seemed surreal. She had dreamed of this moment for so long but she had never in a million years actually thought it would come.

“I need time. I need time to think about all this. It is all happening so fast.” she said. He felt his heart break a little but nodded. He had hoped that she would just fall into his arms but he should have known it wouldn’t’ be that easy.

“I’ll wait on you forever, Beccs.” he said. He grabbed her hand and pressed it to his lips and then stood and went up to the spare room where he’d been sleeping.

Rebecca pressed her own lips to the spot on her hands where his lips had been. She could still feel the heat and moisture from his kiss and imagined it was his lips she was pressing hers against. She didn’t know how long she sat there just staring into the fire when she heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

She turned and saw Jake and Evan, there arms full of presents.

“Ho! Ho! Ho!” Jake said as they sat their loads down. Evan stretched out his back and grimaced when it cracked.

“Santa is either getting old or Mrs. Claus is getting a little too happy with his credit card when she goes to the elf shop.”

“Just think soon Laney will be old enough to know the truth about Santa and then none of you will have to worry about it anymore.” Rebecca said. Jake shook his head.

“Based on the yuletide carols coming out of Jordan, Lanes and Bethany’s rooms.. It will only be a matter of time before we’ve got three more babies running around here.”

’Well then if you guys will excuse me I’m going to get on upstairs and maybe sing a little jingle bells myself.“ Evan said. Jake and Rebecca both laughed and watched him run back up the stairs. Then Jake turned to his mom.

“What are you doing up so late?” he asked. “You ok?” She smiled and nodded. Her oldest son had always worried too much about her and his sisters and Lane. He had always been forced to take care of everyone.

“I’m just fine. I guess I just got so comfortable down here that I lost track of time.” Jake nodded and kissed her cheek.

“Get some rest, mom. I got some cookies to eat.” he said and headed toward the kitchen to eat the milk and cookies Laney had set out. Rebecca stood and walked upstairs. She paused at the door to Charles’s room. She had never wanted anything worse than she wanted his kiss right now.

But then she remembered all the years of loneliness and pain he had caused her. She couldn’t let herself forget that too quickly. She needed to take the time to see if he truly meant the things he had said downstairs. She sighed and walked on down the hall to her room.

Chapter Seven

“Santa was here! Santa was here! Everybody wake up!” Laney’s voice carried through the entire house from the living room. Rebecca sat up and rubbed her face sleepily. She pulled on her worn out robe and tied it tight around her before stepping out into the hallway.

“I love Christmas!” Kaylee said happily as she skipped down the hall and down the stairs. Jake and Angela both walked out of their room in their pajamas.

“Suddenly she’s in a great mood when there are gifts downstairs waiting for her.” Jake said rubbing his face. Angela smiled and laid her head on his chest. Rebecca walked past Charles’s room and saw that his door was open and he wasn’t there.

She walked down to the kitchen and found him there. He was wearing only a pair of flannel pants and he had red lines on his face from his pillow. Rebecca felt her mouth go dry and her pulse speed up at the sight of his naked chest and torso. He was still just as hard and muscular as she remembered. Thick dark hair covered his chest and a trail led down to the waistband of his pants. He smiled sleepily and handed her a cup of tea.

“Thank you.” she said realizing he must have gotten up early just to make it for her. He nodded and then walked out into the living room where the rest of the family was sitting sleepily except for the kids who were busy putting their own gifts into piles.

Rebecca stood against the wall and smiled as she watched the kids open all their gifts. She could feel Charles’s eyes on her from across the room and her body was feeling things that it hadn’t felt in centuries except for in her dreams.

Finally when all the kids gifts were open and they had all wandered off to play, Rebecca cleared her throat.

“I’ll go get the turkey in the oven.” she said. She turned to walk out of the room and stopped when she walked past Bethany and caught her scent.

“Oh my….” she stared down at the scar on her oldest daughters shoulder that was visible beneath the tiny strap of her tank top.

“Yea I can forget about going back to modeling any time soon.” Bethany said running her finger over the mark. Greg smiled proudly and wrapped his arms tighter around Bethany in his lap. Everyone in the living room laughed happily and congratulated the two of them.

“It’s about time.” Jake said from where he was sitting on the floor trying to remove Laney’s new dolls from their packages. Suddenly he let out an irritated growl.

“What the hell!? Are they really that afraid that the damn doll is going to get up and walk off! I mean there has got to be five hundred of these damn twisty ties on this one freaking toy!” Angela laughed and reached her hand out.

“Give it to me, love. I’ll undo the twisty ties if you’ll put the dollhouse together.” she said. Jake nodded and handed her the doll. He picked up the box to the dollhouse.

“How hard could it be. It just says some assembly required.” Evan chuckled over on the couch but said nothing. Jake opened the box and poured out the contents onto the floor. He looked at all ten thousands pieces and started cussing again.

“These damn toy companies want me to come kill them.. They must!” he exclaimed.

“Show him a room full of pissed off bloodthirsty sub demons and he gets excited as hell at the challenge but show him a doll house with some assembly required and watch him break.” Lane said matter-of-factly. Jake looked at him and growled.

“Get your butt down here uncle Lane and you figure it out.” he said. Lane shook his head.

“Nope, that kind of fun is for the daddy.” Charles walked over and knelt down next Jake.

“I’ll help you out. I put a few of these things together when your sisters were young.” he said.

“You did?” Jordan asked with disbelief.

“Of course I did. You guys just didn’t know about it.” he said. Rebecca left the room and then and went to start the turkey.

888

“Oh daddy! Grandpa Charles I love it!” Laney said happily as she hugged them both and ran to her finished dollhouse. Jordan came running out of the kitchen and went straight up to the bathroom her face a sickly shade of green.

“What was wrong with her?” Jake asked walking into the kitchen and wrapping his arms around Angela who was mixing up the ingredients for a peanut butter pie. Bethany smiled over at him.

“Can’t you smell it?” she asked. He sniffed and then his eyes widened.

“Where’s Kent?” he asked. Rebecca pointed outside to where Lane, Kent, Greg, Kayleb and Evan were busy trying to plow the driveway and shovel the sidewalk while a heavy blanket of snow continued to fall.

(Kent! Jordan is sick ,you better get in here!) Jake yelled so everyone could here. Kent quickly dropped his shovel and came running into the house tracking snow all through the kitchen from his boots.

“What’s wrong with her?” he asked ,looking worried.

“She’s upstairs in the bathroom. She really doesn’t seem to feel good.” Jake said in his most serious voice. Kent took off running.

“Take your boots off! You’re tracking snow everywhere!” Rebecca yelled but Kent ignored her.

“How long do you think it will take?” Bethany asked.

“How long before what?” Kaylee asked as she and Charles walked into the kitchen. Before anyone could respond a happy shout came from upstairs. Kent came barreling into the kitchen nearly trampling Laney before Charles scooped her up off the floor.

“I’m gonna be a daddy!” Kent shouted. “Hot damn I finally did it! It took me sixty years but I’m finally gonna be a daddy!”

“Congratulations.” Jake said patting him on the back.

“I’m gonna go out and rub it in Lane’s face!” Kent shouted heading toward the door. “Let that jackass call me a midget all he wants but by god I got the job done before he did!”

“Ok that was funny but should I kick his ass for talking that way about getting the job done with my sister?” Jake asked Rebecca. She just shrugged and laughed and went back to gravy she was making.

“Grandpa, would you play with me?” Laney asked Charles who was still holding her. He smiled happily and nodded. Without a word to anyone he and Laney walked back into the living room and Kaylee followed them.

Rebecca blinked back her tears and smiled. Charles was truly acting like a changed man. He was acting like the man he’d been so long ago.

888

A few hours later the family was again gathered in the formal dining room for the big Christmas day meal. This time however the table was not as divided as it had been before. Everyone was spread out and Laney and Angela sat beside of Charles. Rebecca sat across the table and while she tried to focus on the conversations taking place among her family her attention kept becoming focused on her mate sitting across from her.

He looked so happy and he looked so handsome. Just like he had been when she had met him so long ago. She still remembered that day they had met. She had been young, only twenty. Her parents had both been dead. Like Charles parents they had been hunted down and killed by mortals because of what they were.

She’d been living in a castle in Scotland that had been her parents and she found him one night when she had gone out for some fresh air. He had been a hunter even then and though he had been much older than Rebecca, already nearly one hundred she had known he was her mate instantly. He had been hurt badly enough from his hunt that his body was having trouble healing. He had been lying in a beaten and battered heap in a ditch and she had picked him up and carried him back to the castle.

He had been unconscious but she had made him as comfortable as she could and had removed several silver tipped arrowheads from his back. She had sat by his bed for hours just waiting on him to wake up. When he did their love and attraction to one another was instant.

He had taken her in his arms and called her his auburn haired savior. Right now he was looking at her like he had during those first years together and she felt her heart filling with so much hope and love she thought for sure it might burst.

After everyone was done eating Laney told everyone to go into the living room so she could give them their gifts from her. Jordan who was still feeling a little green was still smiling happily wrapped up in Kent’s arms on the couch. Rebecca sat down in the little recliner chair and felt little shivers run through her when Charles stood behind her and laid his hands on her shoulders.

Joey told Laney the name on each of the presents and she delivered them happily to each person. Rebecca wrapped her new scarf around her neck and smiled warmly at her granddaughter. Charles raised the sleeve of his blue sweater and slipped his new watch onto his wrist.

After Laney had given everyone their gifts they all bundled up in their warm clothes and went outside to play in the snow. All except for Rebecca who stayed inside to start cleaning the kitchen.

She was almost done loading the dishwasher when Charles came in laughing. She hadn’t heard him laugh in so long that she had forgotten what it sounded like. It was deep and good natured and it made Rebecca feel a warmth from her head to her toes.

She looked at him and she too found herself laughing. He was covered in snow.

“What happened to you?” she asked. He laughed again.

“Let’s just say our kids got out a lot of their anger with me today. I’m just glad it was with snowballs or else I would really be hurting about now.” Rebecca smiled and went back to loading the dishwasher as he took off his snow covered boots, coat and gloves.

“Are you the only one who didn’t want to brave the cold anymore?” she asked. He walked over to the sink and began handing her what was left to put in to wash.

“My bones are a few years older than theirs.” he replied. She shut the dishwasher door and turned the knob to start it. She turned and found her nose brushing against his solid chest. She leaned her head back and there was no mistaking the desire in his eyes as he looked back down at her.

“Charles….” she said breathlessly.

“I need you, Rebecca. My heart is beating again.” he said. He grabbed her hand and laid it over his chest. She could feel the steady beat beneath her hand.

“It never stopped beating, Charles.” she said matter of factly. He smiled down at her.

“Oh but it did, my auburn haired savior. But now it’s beating again stronger than ever and every time it beats it beats for you.” He laid his hand on her cheek and he saw her blue eyes darken with passion. “I know I told you I would wait forever, Beccs, but please don’t make me wait that long to hold you again.. Please save me again just like you did all those years ago when you healed my broken and battered body with your touch.”

She stood on her toes and time seemed to stand still as their lips drew closer. He seemed scared that she would pull away as their lips brushed together and she pressed her lips firmly to his to reassure him.

They didn’t touch with any other part of themselves. Just lips and tongues joining and remembering. A spark that had long since burned down suddenly sparked into an all consuming flame as their kiss grew more passionate and desperate all at the same time.

He lifted her up into his arms, never breaking their kiss, and carried her up the stairs to the room they used to share. He laid her down on the bed and stood at her feet. He removed his clothes and she watched him and her eyes worshiped every inch of his warriors body.

He felt nervous as his mate looked at him for the first time in so long. He held up his hands and looked down into her blue eyes.

“I’ve made so many mistakes. I have hurt you. I have hurt our children. I was not the man that I should have been. But now I stand here changed and begging your forgiveness. Am I worth being saved, my auburn haired savior? Please tell me that I’m still worth saving.”

She held her arms out to him and he came to her on the bed. She felt tremors run down her as Charles’s rough scarred hands became as soft as velvet as they reached under her sweater and caressed her soft waist and hips.

“You are so beautiful my mate. I love you.” he said as he lowered his lips to her neck. She shivered beneath him.

“I love you Charles. I have missed you so.” she said. He looked into her blue eyes and he could see the love shining back out just as she could see the love in his for her.

“I will never leave you again.” he vowed. She suddenly became still beneath him and he looked at her with concern.

“What is it?” he asked. She bit her lip and looked up at him. She had begged him so many times to give up hunting. To bond his life to hers and live only for her and their family. He had laughed at her in the past. She didn’t know if she could stand it if he laughed again tonight.

But nothing would be gained if she was a coward so she took a deep breath and met his eyes.

“I want more than this, Charles.” He tilted his head his eyes questioning. “Are you telling me what’s truly in your heart when you say you want to give up hunting and stay with us?” He nodded.

“Yes. I don’t want to live that kind of life anymore. I don’t want to kill anyone else. I want to be the kind of mate and father that my family can be proud of.” She laid her hand on his cheek but he could see the fear still in her eyes.

“Then, Charles, I’m begging you to bind your life to mine. I never want to have to live without you again. Now that I have felt your touch and tasted your kiss again I don’t think I could bare to never feel it again.” Charles suddenly understood why she looked afraid. He remembered her begging him long ago to give up hunting and mate to her. He cursed himself when he remembered that he had laughed at her.

He had laughed then because he had been so afraid at the urge he had had to do what she was asking. He had laughed to hurt her enough that she would never ask him to do that again because he hadn’t been sure he could refuse her twice… He was again shocked by just how much of a monster he had been..

Yet here she was. Lying beneath him her eyes full of fear and love as she begged him yet again to give her the ultimate commitment. He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her tenderly.

“I don’t deserve you, Rebecca. But I know that I don’t ever want to live without you. So if you’ll have me I want to take that step with you.” She threw her arms around him and sent out a thousand silent thank yous that her kind, loving man had finally come back home.

Chapter Eight

“Mom, I’m going to be late! I need to find my black shoes!” Kaylee shouted angrily in the hall rousing Charles from his sleep. He wrapped his arm tighter around Rebecca’s soft, sleeping body and kissed her head where it lay on his chest.

She woke up and looked up at him her face red where it been pressed against his chest.

“You’re still here. It wasn’t a dream.” she said softly. He traced the light scar on her shoulder where he had marked her and smiled.

“No it wasn’t a dream.”

“Mom! Help me find my shoes!” Kaylee shouted again as she stomped past their room.

“I don’t know where your shoes are, Kaylee! Why don’t’ you clean your room and you’ll find them.” Raquel shot back. Kaylee shrieked angrily.

“Oh my.. She’s just like Bethany was at that age.” Charles said remembering the many times he had heard Bethany throw similar tempers. Rebecca laughed softly .

“Yes she is. Raquel and Evan definitely have their hands full.”

“Where are you going anyway?” They heard Evan ask.

“Dad you are always so clueless! I have a lunch date with Thomas today.” Charles looked over at the clock and saw that it was indeed getting close to lunch time. He heard Rebecca gasp when she realized what time it was too.

“Oh my gosh what are the kids going to think.” she said her face turning red.

“That their mom and dad are finally back where they both belong.” he said giving her a squeeze. She kissed his cheek, stood up and pulled on a pair of black leggings and a white sweater. Charles growled and stood up as well and pulled on a clean pair of pants and a t-shirt.

“Why exactly can’t we just stay in bed?” he asked.

“Where did you say you were going?” Evan’s voice came from the hallway.

“On a lunch date with Thomas.” Kaylee repeated with annoyance.

“Not dressed like that you’re not! Go back upstairs and change into a shirt that didn’t fit you when you were five!” he bellowed. Kaylee could be heard stomping up the stairs.

“It doesn’t matter if I can’t find my black shoes!” she yelled. Just then a door slammed open down the hall.

“That’s it! I’m moving out!” Jake yelled. Charles and Rebecca stepped out into the hall in time to see Evan and Jake walking down the stairs.

“I know where her shoes are.. I’ll go get them before Jake blows the house up.” Rebecca said. Charles chuckled and kissed her cheek.

“Still just as hot headed as he always was?” he asked. Rebecca smiled and nodded.

“Hottest head you’ll ever find.. But the amazing thing is that no matter what Angela says to him he always just takes a deep breath, nods and says yes ma’am.”

“Smart man.” Charles replied.

“Where are my shoes!” Kaylee yelled.

“That girl is driving me crazy!” Jake declared from down in the kitchen. Rebecca gave Charles’s hand a squeeze and then walked away up the stairs to the third floor where Kaylee could be heard throwing things around her room.

Charles walked downstairs to the living room and found Kayleb and Lane sitting on the couch playing video games. He sat down on the couch as well and watched them for a while.

“Kayleb, did you know that your uncle Jake actually fought in that war?” Charles asked. Kayleb rolled his eyes.

“Duh.” he said. Charles flinched a little at the harshness in the boys voice and was silent again. Lane wanted to try to ease the tension but wasn’t sure what to say so he just decided to jump ship and get the hell out of the way. He laid his controller down after letting a Nazi blow his brains out and stood up off the couch.

“I’m thirsty.” he said. “I’ll be back.” And he made a quick escape to the kitchen. Kayleb ignored Charles sitting beside him and continued playing the game.

“So, Kayleb are you and your uncle Jake close? I noticed you like to hang out around him a lot.” Kayleb kept his eyes glued to the television but nodded.

“Yea. I’m gonna be like him when I get older.” Charles smiled slightly and nodded. He could think of a lot worse people for the boy to imitate.

“Most boys want to be like their dads.” he said. Kayleb shrugged.

“My dads ok but uncle Jake is a warrior. I want to be dangerous like that.” Charles nodded.

“Yea your uncle is dangerous. I’ve fought side by side with him and he’s very good at what he does.”

“Yes he is. He could kick your ass.” Kayleb said his words making him sound every bit like a pissed off teenage boy with a chip on his shoulder. Lane walked back in the room just in time to hear this and then quickly turned on his heel and walked back out. Jake looked at him when he walked back in the kitchen but Lane wouldn’t look at him. He decided to go out into the living room and find out what was going on.

He walked in but neither Kayleb or Charles noticed him so he stood in the doorway and listened to them.

“I won’t argue with that.” Charles said trying to figure out someway to break through this boys protective shell. “You’re uncle Jake is very tough.”

“Why the hell are you here?” Kayleb demanded while still not looking away from the game he was playing. “I don’t care if Kaylee says she thinks your all right I think you’re an ass.” Charles’s eyes widened. If any of his kids had talked to him this way as teenagers he would have backhanded them but he reminded himself that he had made a lot of mistakes with his family and those mistakes were bound to have consequences. And one of those consequences was a pissed off teenage boy.

“I’m sorry you feel that way.” Charles said.

“I’ve heard about the way you treated uncle Jake. If I were him I’d kick your ass right back out of here. You are nothing but…..” Kayleb’s words were cut off when Jake’s hand whacked him on the back of the head. Kayleb quickly raised a hand to cover his head.

“Ow!” he said. Jake walked around the couch and sat down in the recliner chair across from them.

“That’s your grandfather, boy. You don’t talk to him that way.” Jake scolded. Charles saw shame color his grandsons face red.

“It’s ok, Jake. He’s allowed to have his own opinion about me.” Charles said quickly. Jake shook his head.

“Kayleb doesn’t even know you. He’s just basing his opinion off of how he thinks I feel.” he said. “Kayleb you need to understand that everybody makes mistakes. I know you think I’m perfect but trust me when I tell you that I’m not… I’ve made my fair share of bad decisions just like everyone else. Your grandpa may have made some bad choices but he’s here now. He’s trying to get to know you and are acting like a spoiled brat.

“A warrior has to know when to shut his mouth, open his ears and really listen to people. A warrior has to know when to let past mistakes go and just focus on the future because you can’t ever overcome the past if you are constantly trying to go back and replay it.” Charles was shocked and proud by how smart his son sounded. Charles had practically raised Jake by himself. Keeping him locked away from the rest of the family and occupying all his time with hunting and fighting…. He was happy to see that he hadn’t done that bad of a job.. Somehow despite all of Charles’s faults Jake had turned out to be a good man. He must have had enough of his mothers goodness in him to override Charles’s badness.

“Sorry, uncle Jake.” Kayleb said. Then he turned his game off and stood up. He looked down at Charles who was still sitting on the couch.

“Sorry grandpa. I shouldn’t have acted like that.” he said. Charles nodded and offered him a small smile.

“Truth be told I deserve to be treated that way but thank you for your apology.” he said. Kayleb nodded and then walked up the stairs toward his room. Jake leaned back in the chair stretching his long lean legs out in front of him and crossing his arms over his chest. Lane walked in the room then and sat down on the couch.

“You chicken shit.” Jake said with a grin. “You ran outta here like a damn rat trying to escape a sinking ship.” Lane shrugged.

“When you fight as bad as I do you learn how to avoid conflict pretty damn good.” he said. Charles chuckled.

“Actually you could prove useful in a battle.” he said. Lane and Jake both looked at him as if he’d lost his mind.

“How?” Jake asked.

“Well everybody would be so busy laughing at him they wouldn’t pay any attention to us.” Charles replied. Lane laughed.

“They wouldn’t pay any attention to your ugly grouchy asses anyway.. Not when you got somebody as charming and good looking as me with you.” he said. Jake just shook his head. Joey came into the room. She sat down on Lanes lap, easily folding her tiny body against his chest.

“I love him because he’s so modest and humble.” she said in her quiet, shy voice. Charles looked at her again and wondered what her story was.

“You know how I met this one pops?” Lane asked. Charles shook his head. “Well let’s just say I was slightly intoxicated…”

“Just slightly.” Joey cut in. Lane bit her nose.

“Hush I’m trying to talk.” he said. She laughed and covered her nose with her hand as he continued.

“I had a big boobied, long legged brunette on my arm getting ready to work my charms when these fifteen sub demons showed up….”

“There were only five.” Joey cut in again. Lane pinched her side causing her to squeal with surprise and laughter.

“Stop interrupting dear.” he said. Charles looked over at Jake but Jake was just shaking his head and watching the two of them, looking quite entertained.

“Ok so these five sub demons came at me… I of course bravely held them off and told the girl to make a run for it.” Joey laughed but said nothing and Lane kissed her red flyaway curls.

“I put up a pretty good fight but being that I was slightly intoxicated they got the upper hand. They were knocking me around pretty good when suddenly this skinny little slayer bitch with crazy red hair and giant glasses comes bursting into the alley and kills them all. I’ll give you three guesses on who that skinny little slayer bitch was.” Charles motioned toward Joey and Lane smiled.

“You’re right but you really shouldn’t call her a bitch.” he said. Jake shook his head and rolled his eyes.

“She saved my ass and then once she figured out what I was she called me a freak and stabbed me…. The wolf in me was telling me to chase after her as she ran away because she was my mate and I told the wolf in me he’d had a few too many shots of ol’ Jack. Then about a week later I saw her again. In an alley getting her ass kicked by a couple of vamps…..” Joey raised her head up and glared at him.

“I was not getting my ass kicked! I killed one of them!” she said. Lane patted her on the head like she was a mad little child.

“I know little one. But then the other one stuck a knife through your chest if you remember. I used my many talents as a skilled warrior and killed him then brought her back here to Angela who healed her. Then Joey preceded to try to kill Angela which didn’t win her any votes from anyone in the family except of course from Angela.. I love that woman but sometimes she does things that make no sense…” Lane paused for a moment and Charles thought back to how Angela was the only one in the family that had welcomed him no questions asked other then Laney. Angela was definitely a special type of woman.

“Joey had Angela take her back to town to buy a bus ticket to go home and I joined them… That was when Joey decided it would be a good idea to bash my head in with a ratchet.” Charles eyes widened while Jake laughed and Joey raised her head up again and stared at Lane wide eyed.

“You make me sound like a monster! I thought you were attacking me so I protected myself!” she said defensively.

“Yea you protected yourself all right.” Lane said raising his hand to his head and the small scar that was still hidden in his hair.

“Yea well after you left Angela told me not to worry about it because you needed a good hit to the head every now and then.” Joey said. Lane looked at her with disbelief.

“She wouldn’t say that about me.” Joey nodded.

“Oh yes she did.” Jake started to laugh really hard.. He was laughing so hard that he was holding his stomach and tears were flowing down his face. He finally calmed down and caught his breath and noticed that everyone was staring at him as if he’d lost his mind.

“I love that woman.” Was all he said in response to their looks.

“I’m glad because you’re stuck with me.” Angela said as she walked in and kissed Jake’s cheek.

“Are you leaving?” he asked. She nodded.

“Charles I’m stealing Rebecca away from you today. All us girls are going to go out shopping.” Charles smiled and nodded.

“Have fun.” he said. Joey stood up off of Lane. He held her hand tightly.

“You’re leaving too?” he asked. Joey laughed.

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I’m one of the girls.” she said. He looked her up and down and smiled wickedly.

“Oh, I noticed.” he said. She blushed and looked at Charles.

“Lane, you shouldn’t say things like that around your dad.” she said. Lane looked over at Charles who was chuckling.

“Dad are you a virgin?” Lane asked. Charles shook his head. “Dad, were you under the impression that I was a virgin?” Charles laughed loudly at this and shook his head. Lane looked back at Joey.

“See baby it’s all good… He knows.” Joey was still blushing brightly as she leaned down and kissed him goodbye. Angela kissed Jake gave Charles a wave and laid a kiss to Lanes cheek before she and Joey walked out the door.

Bethany, Raquel and Jordan came through the living room next.

“Goodbye all. We will be back later after all of you are thoroughly broke and our arms are so full of new clothes we couldn’t’ possibly hold anymore.” Raquel said.

“Except for Angela. Her arms will be full of new books because she’s weird.” Bethany added then the three of them left. Rebecca came into the living room finally and Charles stood when she entered the room.

“Did you find the shoes?” he asked. Rebecca nodded and Jake growled.

“I am so damn tired of hearing about clothing crisis I could kill something.” he said. Lane snorted.

“You’re always ready to kill something, what the hell are you talking about?” Jake shrugged but said nothing.

“Have a good time today, Beccs.” Charles said wrapping both his arms around her and looking down into her eyes. Jake and Lane both gave each a look of oh my god our parents are disgusting and then looked back over at them.

“I’ll see you tonight.” she said. He lifted his hand and smoothed a wave of her auburn hair from her face.

“I love you.” he said softly. She smiled up at him and rose on her toes to press a quick kiss to his lips.

“I love you too.” she said. He let go of her and she walked toward the door.

“Where’s Laney?” Jake asked quickly.

“Up in her room playing with her dolls.” she replied and walked out the door.

When Kaylee walked into the living room a short time later she found Jake, Lane and Charles all playing video games. She cleared her throat to get their attention. Lane reached over and grabbed his cola and held it out to her. She cocked her hip to the side and crossed her arms.

“I don’t want that.” she said. He shrugged, took a drink and grinned.

“You sounded like your throat was bothering you. I thought a drink might help.” he said. She shook her head and glared at him.

“I need a ride.” she said.

“Need a ride where?” Jake asked.

“I have a lunch date. I was going to ask either uncle Greg or uncle Kent to take me but they are gone somewhere. There is no way I’m letting dad take me so that leaves me stuck with one of you.”

“Well golly gee, my little neicy pie! I’d just be happier than a lark to take you to go eat lunch with your little lover boy!” Lane said giving her a goofy grin. She rolled her eyes.

“No I don’t think so.” she said. He shrugged.

“I offered.” he said. Kaylee looked at Jake and he gave her an evil grin.

“Sure I’ll take you.” he said setting his controller down and cracking his knuckles. Kaylee shook her head forcefully.

“No I don’t’ think that would be a good idea. I actually was kind of hoping that Grandpa would take me.” she said. She figured he would be a safe choice since he didn’t seem to have a temper like her uncle Jake or be as goofy as her uncle Lane and he definitely wouldn’t be as annoyingly over protective as her father.

Charles looked at his sons questioningly but they both shrugged. He stood up awkwardly and nodded at her.

“Sure I’ll take you.” he said. “Whose car am I using?” he asked. Jake reached in his pocket and pulled out his truck keys throwing them to his dad.

“Take my truck. The blue Silverado.” he said. Charles nodded and then followed Kaylee out the door.

The trip into town was silent and when Charles pulled into the parking lot of the small café he saw the boy standing by the entrance. He was a cocky little mortal who was eying his granddaughter like she was a piece of candy.

“Thanks for the ride, grandpa. Grandpa what are you doing? Stay in the car….” But Kaylee’s words were ignored as Charles stepped out and shut the door behind him. He walked around to Kaylee’s door and held it shut, though she was trying desperately to open it.

The boy, Thomas, walked over, his step full of attitude and Charles looked down his nose at him.

“Hey man what are you doing? Let my girl out of the truck.” Thomas said. Charles looked the boy up and down and wondered if the boy realized he’d forgotten to wear a belt or that his underwear were hanging out of the waistband of his pants.

“I assumed that since you were taking my gr….uh niece out on a date you would want to be a gentleman and open her door yourself.” Charles said. He had almost slipped and called Kaylee his granddaughter and though Charles may be able to pass off as a man in his thirties he certainly could not pass himself off as the grandfather of a teenage girl.

The boy stood up a little straighter and puffed his chest out.

“Of course.” he said as he strutted up to the door. Charles moved aside and Thomas opened the door. Kaylee jumped down to the ground throwing Charles a dirty look.

“Thanks for the ride uncle Charles.” she said pulling her tiny leather jacket tighter around her. Charles nodded in a very gentlemanly type fashion.

“You are very welcome.” Charles crossed his arms over his chest and looked at Thomas. “You two have fun today.” Thomas shifted his feet uncomfortably. He suddenly didn’t look so cocky with Charles standing next to him and towering over him by nearly a foot.

“Yes sir.” he said.

“We’re going now.” Kaylee said grabbing Thomas’s hand and trying to pull him toward the café. Charles cleared his throat and Thomas planted his feet firmly not wanting to anger the big man.

“Kaylee, what time do I need to be here to pick you up?” Charles asked looking down at his golden watch from Laney.

“Don’t worry about it uncle Charles. Mom is picking me up in a few hours.” she said matter of factly. Charles decided to ask Raquel just to make sure.

(Raquel…) It took several seconds for Raquel to answer and Thomas just kept looking at Charles waiting for him to speak and wondering why the man was just standing there staring at him.

(What is it dad?) Raquel finally asked.

(I am just dropping Kaylee off with Thomas and she told me that you are picking her up. I wanted to make sure that was the plan.)

(Yea I’m picking her up. Dad….. Be nice to the boy.)

(I’m always nice.. Well the old me was always nice and since I’m the old me again I’m always nice.) Before Raquel could respond Charles closed the link.

“Ok then kids have fun. I have to get home and help out your dad and your uncle Jake. Jake is wanting to clean his gun collection today and well we all know he has quite a few of them. I hear that your aunt Angela is actually a better shot than even your uncle Jake. I didn’t think that was possible since I’ve seen him shoot an acorn out of a tree from two hundred yards.. Might get her to show me.” Charles said as he walked away from them and back around the truck. Kaylee rolled her eyes and looked at Thomas who was literally shaking in his shoes and seemed to be having trouble swallowing around his trembling adam’s apple.

“Uh.. Is he for real? I mean.. is he just trying to scare me with all the talk about guns and acorns and shooting aunts?” Thomas asked. Kaylee glared at her grandfather who gave her a little wave as he drove away.

“Of course.” she lied. “My family is harmless.”

Chapter Nine

The next few days were the happiest Charles or Rebecca could ever remember. Charles could not believe that he had wasted so long not being a part of this family.

The day dawned bright and blue and Charles wrapped his arms tighter around Rebecca’s sleeping body. He kissed her hair and she woke up and looked up at him with a sleepy smile.

“Good morning.” he said. She curled up closer to him, wrapping her leg over his.

“Very good morning.” she said.

“I can’t help but notice that there is no one yelling this morning.” Charles said. Rebecca listened for a moment and smiled.

“Bethany, Greg, Jordan and Kent all are gone to Rome I think. Jordan said she wanted to take a romantic trip before she starts waddling.” Charles shook his head but smiled a happy smile.

“I missed out on so much with Kaylee, Kayleb and Laney but I’m going to make up for it with this one.” he said. Rebecca kissed him gently.

“I know you will. Sometimes I still feel like I’m dreaming when I wake up in your arms. I never thought this would happen for us.” Charles kissed her passionately.

“You’re not dreaming.” he assured her.

“Prove it.” she said. “Make love to me again.” Charles growled and happily accepted the challenge.

888

They walked downstairs an hour later and found Raquel, Evan, Joey, Lane, Angela and Jake in the kitchen.

“Where are the kids?” Rebecca asked as she watched Charles walk over and fill the tea pot with water and set it on to boil.

“Laney, was dying to go out and play so Kaylee and Kayleb took her for a walk in the woods.” Angela said taking a sip of her coffee.

“Jake, I was thinking the other day about how long you all have been living in this house.. When do you plan on moving somewhere new? Aren’t the mortals starting to get suspicious about everyone’s agelessness?” Charles asked sitting down across from his son. Jake wrapped his arms tighter around Angela in his lap.

“If anyone has noticed they haven’t said anything.” he said. Lane winked.

“That’s the beauty of this day and time. Plastic surgery and botox are the new big thing. People don’t expect you to get old. We would stand out more if we starting getting wrinkles and gray hair.” he said.

“Besides I figure since the twins are already in high school we might as well stay long enough for them to finish and then we’ll figure out where we want to go.” Jake added. Charles nodded.

“I wasn’t trying to question your judgment. I can see that you’ve done a good job keeping the family together. I will admit at first I questioned the wisdom of letting Angela and Joey into the family. Two mortal born women…” Charles paused at the sound of Jakes low growl. “But I was wrong.” he added quickly. “You have done a good job.”

“Jake hasn’t had to work nearly as hard to keep us safe the last few years. Now that no one is out making enemies on a daily basis we all have much more peaceful lives.” Raquel said and Charles could see the warning in her eyes. He sighed.

“I have already promised everyone that the man I used to be is gone. I won’t hunt anymore and I won’t put my family in danger.” Rebecca wrapped her arm around his shoulders and kissed his cheek.

“I’m sure Raquel knows that. She just worries about her kids.” she said gently.

“I wonder how long they are going to be gone.” Lane said looking out the window at the gathering storm clouds.. “It’s starting to look pretty nasty out there.”

(Kids it’s time to start heading back this way.) Evan said even though he knew they couldn’t respond. Not until an immortal turned sixteen did they gain the full strength of their immortal powers. They couldn’t telecommunicate over long distances or change to wolves but they would be able to hear him.

The adults waited and made small talk for a while. Angela stood and began pacing the kitchen. Jake stood and grabbed her shoulders to hold her still.

“Do you want me to go look for them?” he asked. She shook her head.

“No, I’m just worrying too much. You know how I am.” Just then Lane cursed out loud and ran out the door. Everyone followed him out into the driving snow and howling icy wind.

Kayleb had Kaylee in his arms as he stumbled bloody and beaten out of the woods. Evan took Kaylee from his arms and everyone followed him into the house.

“What happened and where is Laney?” Jake demanded.

“There was a vamp. He attacked us. He took Laney. I tried to stop him uncle Jake but he was just too strong.” Kayleb said his shame at his failure clearly visible on his face.

Evan laid Kaylee on the table. She was unconscious and bleeding freely from a wound in her stomach. She was too young for her body to be able to heal itself quickly. Her body was barely capable of healing any better than a mortal would be.

“Angela help her…..” Raquel said clinging to Kaylee’s arm as desperate tears ran down her face. Angela forced her own fears for Laney from her mind and laid her hands on Kaylee’s stomach. She focused all her energy and the wound healed beneath her palms. She pulled away and Charles saw she looked pale and scared to death but strong.

“Kayleb, where is my daughter?” Angela demanded. Kayleb shrugged as tears ran down his cheeks.

“I don’t know! He grabbed her and ran off. I knew Kaylee would die if I didn’t get her back here.” Jake cursed and grabbed Kayleb’s arm roughly.

“Ran off? Not dashed?” he asked.

“No he ran. He said something about getting revenge on grandpa for killing three of his friends recently….” Charles was certain that fire filled Jakes’ eyes as he turned on him.

“Do you know what he’s talking about?” Jake demanded. Charles thought back to the night that seemed so much longer than two weeks ago. He nodded. Jake growled.

“If my daughter dies because you led that blood sucking son of a bitch here I’ll….” Angela slapped Jakes arm to shut him up and he looked at her with shock.

“Fight with him later!” she shouted. “Bring my daughter back to me!” Jake turned without saying a word and went down the hall to the door that led to the basement where he and his father had kept their office. Charles and Lane followed him down into the dusty room. Jake grabbed several wooden stakes and put them in his pants and then tossed some to Lane and Charles.

“Son, I’m sorry….” Charles said. Jake held up his hand.

“Not as sorry as you’ll be if something happens to my daughter.” he said and ran back up the steps.

“Let us go with you.” Angela and Joey said at the same time as three of them came back into the kitchen. Jake growled and shook his head.

“Hell no. I am not going to have to worry about whether or not you’re safe! You stay here!” Jake said grabbing Angela’s arm and forcing her to sit in a chair at the table. Angela nodded. She had never seen Jake this angry before and she didn’t want to distract him from what he needed to do.

“Well I’m coming.” Joey said. Lane shook his head.

“Nope.”

“Why not?” she asked. Lane growled then and forced her into the chair next to Angela.

“Because I love you dammit and I want you to be here safe.” Joey blew out an impatient breath but nodded.

“I’ll come.” Evan said stepping away from his mate and kids. Jake shook his head.

“Stay with your family, Evan.” he said. And then he was out the door with Charles and Lane on his heels.

888

Rebecca was inside with Evan, Raquel and the kids while Joey and Angela were outside in the cold wind and snow and watching desperately for any sign of the men or Laney.

“I wonder if they’ve found her yet?” Angela said as she paced back and forth holding tightly to her wooden stake.

“Do you want me to contact Lane?” Joey asked. She had her arms crossed tightly over her small chest her wooden stake sticking out of the waistband of her pants.

“No we don’t want to distract them.” Angela replied.

“Oh shit. Angela, we have company.” Joey said as a vampire stepped out of the woods and began walking toward them.

888

“I can smell the bloodsucking son of a bitch. We have to be getting close.” Jake said quietly. He could smell his daughter as well. He could smell her fear and her pain but at least she still seemed to be alive.

(Daddies coming for you Laney.) he said so only his beautiful daughter would be able to hear him.. He hoped that hearing his voice would help to soothe her.

“Vamps… Ugh I hate vamps! No better than nasty ass leaches.” Lane said matter of factly.

“I can smell him.” Charles said. “He’s an old vamp. Might be a challenge.”

“What possessed you to mess with this guy and his buddies anyway?” Lane asked. Charles shrugged.

“I was slightly intoxicated.” he replied.

“That’s usually my line.” Lane said but there was no humor in his voice and no one laughed. Charles kept thinking about Laney. Her innocence and the way she liked to throw her arms around his neck, covering his face with her black curls. If something happened to her he would never forgive himself and he wouldn’t fight back when Jake came gunning for revenge.

“There they are.” Jake said stopping suddenly. The three men looked ahead. There was a small clearing and the vamp was crouched next to Laney who was lying curled up in the snow.

“There is your family now, my sweet. I’ll have to deal with them before I get back to you.” the vamp said standing up and looking at them. The three of them walked into the clearing.

“You won’t live long enough to get back to my daughter.” Jake said matter-of-factly .The vamp laughed.

“You should have left me and my friends alone.” he said looking at Charles. Jake didn’t wait to hear more. He lunged at the vamp who rolled out of the way.

“Not fast enough, dog.” the vamp said. Jake swung his fist and caught the vamp hard on the jaw. The vamps head whipped back and he hissed as he spit out a mouthful of blood. He lunged at Jake who caught him in mid air and the two of them fell to the ground becoming a tangle of fists as they wrestled around.

Charles pulled a stake from his pants and jumped forward but the vamp freed himself from Jake and jumped out of the way of Charles. Lane saw him making a move for Laney and quickly jumped over the top of his niece.

“Don’t even think about it you damn overgrown tick.” Lane said.

“Tick?” the vamp asked tilting his head to the side. “That’s not very nice.”

“If you think I’m rude then you’ll really hate my brother.” Lane said. The vamp turned just in time to feel Jake’s hand close around his throat.

“Any last words before I kill you?” Jake asked.

“Ask your father how many of us he left alive that night.” the vamp said. Jake growled and then twisted his hands and ripped the vamps head from his shoulders. As all that was left of the vamp blew away on the wind, Lane took off his coat and wrapped it around Laney, lifting her into his arms.

“Uncle Lane?” she asked in a scared little voice.

“I’m right here, gorgeous.” Lane said kissing her tiny forehead.

“Is my daddy ok?” she asked.

“Daddy is right here baby girl.” Jake replied then he turned to Charles.

“What the hell was that vamp talking about? How many of them were there?”

“Two. Jake there were two.” Charles said. All three men looked at each other with different degrees of horror.

“Oh shit, the women!” Lane said. Without a word they dashed back to the woods next to the house and found Angela and Joey battling the second vamp.

Angela’s fist plowed hard into the vamps face and his head snapped back.

“Stupid bitch.” he yelled as he started for her. Charles was about to run to help but Jake stopped him.

“She can take care of herself.” he said. Charles looked over at Jake but he didn’t seem worried at all niether did Lane.

“Poor vamp…. “ Lane said with a shake of his head.

Angela ducked and the vamp missed her. She caught him around the waist and tossed him over her shoulder. He landed on his back on the ground.

Joey kicked him hard in the face with her combat boot and then planted her foot firmly on his chest as he tried to sit up Angela picked her wooden stake up out of the snow where the vamp had thrown it earlier and walked toward him.

Charles was surprised to see the panic on the vamps face as Angela and Joey both stood over him and he wondered how Joey was holding down the vamp with only her foot.

“Where the hell is my daughter, you fucking, blood sucking, son of a bitch.” Angela demanded. Charles looked over at Jake.

“Quite a potty mouth your mate has got.” he said. Jake just smiled proudly.

“My brother has her.” the vamp replied. “She’s probably already dead.”

“For your brothers sake I hope you’re wrong.” Angela said and then before the vamp could fight back or reply she came down on him and drove the stake deep into his heart.

Angela saw Lane carrying Laney and ran to him. She took Laney into her arms as tears began to run down her face.

“Oh my baby girl are you ok?” she asked. Laney nodded and kissed her cheek.

“He was mean.” she said. Angela saw the bruise on her daughters cheek and knew the vamp must have punched her. She touched the wound and willed it to heal.

“Let’s get in out of this cold.” Jake said wrapping his arms tight around Angela and breathing in her scent.

888

“Why didn’t you call for help?” Rebecca demanded of Angela and Joey. Laney, Kayleb and Kaylee were all upstairs in their rooms. Evan and Raquel were upstairs keeping vigil by Kaylee’s bed and waiting for her to wake up, though Angela had assured them that she would be fine she just needed to rest.

“It wasn’t anything we couldn’t handle.” Joey said matter of factly as she buried herself in Lanes’ chest.

“How did you manage to hold that vamp down?” Charles asked Joey.

“Angela got healing and I got strength.” she replied. Charles looked over at Angela and Jake. Jake was holding ice against her bruised and swollen knuckles and kissing the cuts on her cheek where the vamp had scratched her before the men had shown up.

“Doesn’t seem fair you can’t heal yourself.” Charles said to her. She nodded.

“I know.” she said. “But I’ll be ok.. I’m feeling better already.”

“You’d be fine by now if you hadn’t used so much energy to get rid of all of our bumps and bruises.” Jake scolded her. She just smiled and laid her head on his chest.

“Dad is that all of them? Are you sure there were only two?” Lane asked. Charles nodded and buried his face in his hands. Rebecca ran her fingers through his hair and kissed his shoulder.

“I’m sorry.” he said. Jake shook his head.

“No I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have acted the way I did with you. It could have just as easily been someone I’d pissed off in the past coming back after us. As a matter of fact it has been several times.” he said.

“All that matters is that everyone is ok.” Rebecca said.

“Are you all sure you still want me around? I can’t promise there aren’t more crazy people like that out there wanting revenge on me.” Charles said looking at both his sons. Jake and Lane looked at each other and then back at their father.

“You are our father. Of course we want you here.” Jake said. “This is your home.”

“Besides.” Lane added. “It does Jake good to have a good fight every now and then. Keeps him young and helps him relieve stress.”

“This family is the reason I have stress.” Jake said. Lane smiled.

“And I find it incredibly sexy to watch my mate and my sister in law kick ass…..” Lane said. Jake growled and pulled Angela tight against him.

“My mate has kicked entirely too much ass the last few years. I think that if she has to do too much more of it my damn heart will give out.”

“You forget, Jake, that I can pick up on what you’re feeling and you found it to be damn sexy too.” Angela said matter-of-factly. Jake chuckled and kissed her hair.

“That doesn’t mean I ever want to see it again.” he said.

“Should we call the rest of the kids back home?” Charles asked Rebecca. She shook her head.

“No. Let them have a good time. We’re all fine.” she said. Charles stood then and walked out into the living room. Everyone looked at Rebecca but she just shrugged and followed her mate.

“Are you ok?” she asked him. He turned to face her and shook his head.

“What if Laney had died, Rebecca? What if Kaylee or Kayleb had died? What if I’d been responsible for something like that?” Rebecca laid her hand on his cheek.

“Charles, everyone is going to be fine.” she said. He nodded.

“This time….”

“This time is all that matters.” Rebecca said. “We can’t worry about what’s going to happen in the future because we can’t predict it and we can’t worry about what’s happened in the past because we can’t change it.” she said. He wrapped his arms tight around her.

“I love you, Beccs. I’m lucky to have you.” he said. She nodded.

“Yes you are. Maybe this time you won’t forget it.” she said. He kissed her nose and smiled down at her.

“Never again, Beccs… Never again.”