Not long after she'd left Madison, Norah headed back to the Montoya's, stopping in at her house on the way. Everything had been cleaned, the furniture had been replaced, save for two of the kitchen chairs, but they weren't necessary.

Norah wasn't sure what Rylan had in mind for a date, but she didn't think it would be anything to elaborate, so she grabbed a clean pair of jeans and a light cardigan to wear with a singlet she had at their house.

Walking up the long road, she felt a bit nervous being out on her own again. Normally she enjoyed her time alone, but after everything that had happened, she was feeling nervous of walking around so close to the forest. The trees loomed to her right, and unconsciously she moved to the other side of the road. Her cell phone started ringing, giving her a fright.

"Hello?"

"Norah!" Alice's familiar voice eased the tension from her shoulders.

"Hey Alice, how's everything?"

"The same, but what about you? We haven't seen Daniel in a few days - I think it might be safe to come home -"

"No..." She started to say more but kept her mouth shut. If Alice knew that Daniel had found her, she would freak out and drive down to drag her home. "I haven't heard from him, but I think it's a bit early to head back yet." I suppose," Alice said uncertainly. "How's the boy you're hiding from me?"

She rolled her eyes. "He's fine, I'm heading to his house right now."

"So things are getting serious?" Alice demanded. "Are you wearing appropriate underwear?"

"I'm wearing comfortable underwear if that's what you mean."

"No! God, you are the un-sexiest woman ever."

"Thank you?" They spoke about proper dating attire and Norah tried to remain evasive. Alice had a bad habit of getting too involved whenever Norah started dating. She would try to primp her into a girly girl with lace underwear and dresses which did nothing to cover her modesty.

The Montoya's driveway came into view and the brown fallen leaves crunched under feet as she hit the dirt. "I have to go Alice, it's been good catching up."

"It has, you better come home soon, I miss your face. Also..." her voice grew quiet. "Adam got in touch with me and I gave him your email address."

"I know, he sent me an email a couple of days ago."

"You're not mad?"

"Yes and no. I haven't read his email yet. I'm not in the mood to be listen to his excuses."

"I know you Norah," she could hear Alice's smile. "You're angry now but you one day you'll realise that you still love that stupid head and you'll be ready to listen."

"I hate when you're right," Norah muttered. They hung up as the house came into view and Norah hesitated at the front door, wondering if she should knock first or just walk in.

"Come in," Holden's voice sounded from the sitting room to her left and she jumped. Pushing the door open, she met Holden in the entrance way. His face was grey and for the first time, he looked closer to his actual age. His eyes were sunken, dark circles under them and he leaned against the door.

"Are you all right, Holden? Should you be out of bed?"

"Never better," he growled. "Damn women trying to keep me in bed all day, I'll go mad."

"It's only because we're worried about you." Norah looked around for Cassie or Aston. "Where is everyone else?"

"Cassie is in the kitchen, and everyone else is out."

"I think you should sit down," Norah said suddenly as Holden slouched more. She could see the white of a bandage beneath the collar of his shirt. He started to argue, but Norah, feeling brave, grabbed his arm and started dragging him back to the armchair placed near the window. "I know you're a big tough creature of myth, but even they need to rest to recover...I think."

Holden sat down, glancing at her wryly. "You remind me of Jenna."

"Your wife?" Norah remembered.

He nodded, letting Norah adjust the pillow behind his back. "You have the same temperament. Quiet and polite, but deep down you have a hidden strength that surfaces when those around you need protecting."

"Um, thank you," Norah replied.

"Rylan better not stuff this up with you. First decent girl he's bloody brought home."

Norah burst into laughter. "I hope not either."

After extracting a weak promise from Holden to rest, Norah headed into the kitchen. The door was closed and she opened it cautiously. Cassie stood near the sink, scrubbing a large pot. "Hey Norah," she didn't look up. "Take a seat."

Norah was already heading towards her and she grabbed a tea towel and started drying the dishes.

"Oh you don't have to do that," Cassie tried to pull the tea towel away from her but Norah jumped back.

"I want to. You are letting me stay and I need to feel like I'm pulling my weight somehow or I'll feel guilty."

Cassie let go of the tea towel, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Okay then. After this I need to shell some peas for dinner, would you mind helping?"

"Of course." Norah explained that she may have to leave early with Rylan, but Cassie was delighted.

"Do you know where he's taking you?"

"No clue, his note was very abrupt this morning."

"I'm sure it will be lovely, he's a good boy."

Norah placed another dry plate in her growing pile. "Rylan's lucky you were all took him in."

Cassie paused, hands in the sink. "His mother's actions were wrong, but in a strange way," she lowered her voice, "I'm glad she left him here. Rylan is my child, now and forever and if his birth mother ever tried to come back and lay some sort of claim over him, I'd send her packing."

"You talk as though he's still a child."

"To me, he always will be. It doesn't matter how old our children get, Norah, we always see them as our children who need protecting. One day, when you have children you'll come to understand that. And I agree with Holden too," Cassie added. "Rylan better not stuff this up."

Norah grinned. "You were listening?"

"Just a little bit," she admitted. "I'm more keeping an ear out in case Holden tries to make a break for it." She spoke the last part louder, so Holden would hear clearly and Norah laughed. She heard a door shut down the hall and Cassie grinned.

"Are you okay, after this morning?" Norah asked uncertainly.

"Yes, I'll be fine." Cassie brushed the matter aside and Norah could see the tension in her shoulders. They worked in silence for a little while, each asking a question every now and then. Norah found herself telling Cassie about her home and Alice and Ray. They started unshelling peas, and Cassie told Norah a few embarrassing stories about Rylan when he was younger. She made sure to tuck them away should she need them for future teasing.

The tension around Cassie's eyes hadn't faded though, and Norah spoke up one last time. "Cassie, I know I may be out of line here, but if you ever need to talk about anything, I'm happy to listen. I know everything that is going on can't be easy for you."

Her smile faded, and she played with the green shell in her hands. "I'm just being silly, I know, but I'm worried about the Gathering coming up."

"Gathering?"

"It's like an anniversary of our creation. A few packs get together and we just have a party, before doing a midnight run. It's a yearly tradition...one Liam has never missed."

"Are you afraid, something's going to happen?"

She nodded. "What if he tries coming and starts another fight? I won't know what to do, I couldn't bear to watch -"

Norah grabbed her hands. "I don't know Liam that well, but he sounds like he has some common sense," Norah spoke carefully, not wanting to upset Cassie further. "I doubt he'll do anything with so many people - err, werewolves in one place. It isn't logical."

Cassie nodded. "You're probably right." She brushed the unshed tears away and sat taller. "Rylan's home. You should go and get ready."

Norah hesitated, not wanting to leave Cassie in such a vulnerable state. Cassie saw her concern and smiled. "I'll be fine, dear. Even better when you come back and tell me if that son has a romantic bone in that body of his."

Leaning over, she gave Cassie a kiss on the cheek and headed out. She met Rylan in the entranceway and he grinned. "How's your day been?"

"Interesting." She smiled, feeling more at ease in his presence.

"You ready to head out?"

"What should I wear?"

He looked at her. "Less, you should wear less."

Rolling her eyes, she hit him. "Be serious."

He chuckled. "What you're wearing is fine, though wear some sturdy shoes."

She went and grabbed her runners while Rylan checked in Holden and Cassie. She waited outside, enjoying the quiet of the surrounding forest. There was no wind, and she closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth from the sun. If there wasn't some slightly power crazed werewolves running around beyond the trees, she might actually like to live here; away from civilisation and the worries of the world.

Gravel crunched beside her and she opened her eyes to Rylan's lips on hers. "Finished day dreaming?"

"No, you interrupted."

"Oh well, you don't have to dream about me anymore, the real deal is here."

"Oh god," she groaned. He grabbed her hand, pulling her past the motorbike and she frowned. "I thought we were going somewhere?"

"We are." They headed towards the forest and Norah dug in her heels.

"We're going in there? B-but there's..." She didn't say anymore, worried Cassie might be listening and Rylan stepped closer.

"You're safe with me, and there won't be any danger where we are going." Norah knew he meant Liam's little pack and frowned.

"Are you sure?" He kissed the tip of her nose. "Positive."

She let him drag her into the forest, the temperature cooling slightly in the trees and she pulled her jacket closer around her. "So, where are you taking me?"

"Somewhere nice and secluded."

"To kill me?"

"Damn," he grinned. "Figured me out already, huh?"

"If you're going to kill me, at least bury me somewhere pretty, like...under that tree." She pointed to a large oak with bright green leaves.

He groaned. "That sounds like work, I was just going to drop you over the cliff."

Norah flinched, memories of her fight with Daniel resurfacing and Rylan paused, realising his error. "Shit, always saying the wrong bloody thing."

"It's okay, I know. So, Cassie was telling me about this Gathering coming up."

He cleared his throat. "Yeah, it's basically an excuse to get drunk and party. You're invited of course."

"Ah, already trying to get me drunk?"

He grinned, climbing on top of a fallen tree. "Nothing wrong with loosening up every now and then."

"Especially if it means making it easier to get my clothes off?"

Rylan crouched down and lifted her up as though she weighed nothing more than a baby. They stood on top of the trunk, Rylan smirking. "I do like you better when you're naked."

Annoyed, she pushed him and he fell to the ground. "Hey!"

"You'll be fine," she muttered. She tried to get down herself, but the tree was large and she slipped. Rylan moved fast, grabbing her before she hit the ground.

"Should I just carry you the rest of the way?"

"No thanks, you'd enjoy that too much. I can't have you too over stimulated, I won't be able to handle it."

Rylan put her down, reclaiming her hand. "Just being with you is overstimulating."

"Oh come on!" She laughed, hiding her face with her free hand. "That is so cheesy, I can't bear it!"

"Come on, girls love all that cheesy stuff." He protested.

"What sort of girls do you date that enjoy that?"

"The normal kind."

She frowned. "So, I'm not normal?" She tried to pull her hand away in mock indignation, but Rylan pulled her closer, gripping her hand tighter.

"You're better than normal. You're part crazy, part weird and part frustrating. My type of girl. How's that for cheesy?"

Norah couldn't help but grin. "I'll allow the cheesiness, for now."

They walked on, Norah told him about seeing Madison and visiting the Hope Wall. She asked him if he'd put something up there. "My last day of school, Luke and I added our own words to the wall."

"What did you write?"

"Family."

"The Montoya's?" Rylan nodded, they moved to single file as the gap between the trees narrowed.

"Have you heard anything about my past?"

"Yes, bits and pieces."

"The story going around town is relatively true," he explained, "with a few important factors taken out." His voice became hard. "My mother was addicted to a substance called Pixaine. What's that? It's a supernatural drug, though most people know it as Euphoria. It's basically a concentrated dose of Pixie dust and morning dew. To the supernatural, it gives you a little kick, kind of like Speed. To humans, it's more like crystal meth. Your sense of reality fades and everything supernatural is suddenly more clear. I don't know how my mother got hooked on it, but it slowly ate away at her. She could barely look after herself, let alone me. Eventually, her supplier came searching for her when she failed to pay and things started getting out of control. We jumped on a train and ended up in Bellvale.

"I had no idea my mother planned on abandoning me," he stopped walking. "I knew we were running from bad people, but I always believed I was the one thing she couldn't live without. She told me to hide in the woods and that she'd be back soon. I was there all night."

Rylan still held her hand, and his grip tightened. "The Montoya's found me early in the morning. I didn't know anything about werewolves or the supernatural back then, only bits and pieces I picked up from my mum, so when two wolves suddenly turned into two naked men, I freaked out. Ironically, that turned out to be the best day of my life. Cassie has been the best mother I could ever ask for."

"Do you ever wonder what happened to your real mother?"

"Sometimes."

The density of the forest thinned out and Norah grabbed Rylan's arm. They stood in a small clearing, near the cliffs and the sound of the waves became more prominent once they were out of the trees.

"You really weren't joking about throwing me off a cliff," she said weakly.

Rylan chuckled and pulled her forward a bit more before sitting down. "Don't worry, I would never do something foolish like that - not while I still have use of your body, anyway."

"Ha ha," she smacked his arm but didn't let go, still nervous.

Rylan pried his arm free and wrapped it around her shoulder. "I used to come here all the time growing up."

"Really?" Norah glanced across at him.

"Yeah, back then, I struggled to fit in with the others and I still missed my mother. I found this place one day and I would keep coming back, whenever I felt alone."

"And you wanted to share it with me?" Rylan coughed, muttering under his breath in agreement and Norah smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "Apart from the proximity to the cliffs, I love it here. Not bad for a first date."

"What's my reward?"

She elbowed him. "Is not my lovely presence enough?"

"I guess it will do," he muttered dejectedly.

Norah grinned and turned her head, kissing his jaw line. "Better?"

He kissed her forehead in return. "It will do for now. My feelings may need more appeasing soon though so you better pick up your game."

Rylan started talking about having to go on watch that night, and Norah picked at a hole in her pants, wanting to ask something that she'd been curious about. "Can I ask...when you change into a werewolf, does it hurt?"

"Not as much as it used to. When I first changed I thought my body was being torn to shreds, now it's a...familiar pain, I guess. Nothing I can't handle. I'll show you."

He stood up and Norah reached for him. "What are you doing? Now?"

He started taking his clothes off and Norah covered her eyes. "Rylan put your clothes back on!"

"You've seen me naked, Norah. More times than I've seen you naked, which I'm not too happy about by the way."

"You'll get over it," she snapped.

"Just open your eyes." Moving her hands away, she stared at his face, though her eyes were demanding their attention was needed lower. He crouched down and she jumped when she heard a large snap.

"What - ?"

"Don't freak out," was all he said. He looked down and she watched, mesmerised as his body seemed to ripple, the muscles twisting and white fur appearing everywhere. Bones cracked, making her curl inward and then she blinked, and a white wolf sat in front of her.

"Holy crackers, that looked awful," she whispered. He crawled forward, touched his nose to her own and then hung his tongue out like a fool.

She snorted, looking at him. "Does it feel weird, being like that?" He shook his head and she laughed. "Oh god, this feels so weird, talking to a wolf."

He touched her hand with his paw and then nuzzled his head against it. Hesitantly, she reached up and touched his fur. Under his neck, it was soft but on his back it was coarser. She traced the outline of his muzzle, finding it all fascinating, when Rylan pounced and she fell backwards. She heard the bones cracking and then a very naked Rylan lay on top of her.

"Was jumping on me really necessary?" she complained.

He nodded, eyes hazy. "Can't have you running away after seducing me like that."

"What?" she laughed.

"Groping my body like that, there's only so much a man can take, you know."

"Oh come on, I was not groping you, and you wanted me too! I think."

"Of course I wanted you to, what man doesn't want his woman to grope them, why should the man do all the work? Now, no more talking, it's my turn."

He kissed her, silencing her argument and it wasn't long before they were both naked and the sun had set before they had any thought of putting them back on.