Taren felt something settle inside him as he realised he no longer needed to worry about having to 'claim' Siobhan as his own. The words, though left unspoken, were now there between them and soon she would be his. Of that he was certain. Smiling he went in search of Owen.

He would place his precious gift in a frame to hang with pride of place in the main living room. In the place where he hoped one day there would hang a portrait of him with his mate.

Half an hour later he placed the frame on the wall and stepped back, a smile playing on his lips. He turned to Owen who had given him the frame. "I wonder?"

"What was that?" asked Owen.

"Just thinking out loud for now. I have a couple of errand I need to attend to in town. I'll be back in a couple of hours."

"Of course." Replied Owen as he looked up at the likeness of Taren on the wall. It was as good a sketch as any he'd seen done by a professional artist. Shivey was proving to be talented indeed.

                                                                                             ***

The next few days went by calmly, Taren met each of the local men being recruited at the Barbeque and seemed satisfied with what Thomas and Rhys had said about them. Two of them, Henry Jenkins and John Tanner had asked for a quiet word with him.

They reported that they'd had lunch with both Siobhan and Coral. Explaining that they'd stayed with them in case Siobhan's mother tried to cause a problem. They went on to describe what had taken place at the café. Taren had been impressed with what they had to say and thanked them for stepping up.

Taren was proud of Siobhan for what she'd done. Not for standing up to her mother, but for telling her to speak to him and walking away. He was however disappointed that she hadn't spoken to him about it. He decided to wait, hoped she'd bring it up. If not he'd let her know that it had been brought to his attention.

He was about to walk away when he noticed that there was something more the men had to say. "Spit it out." He said.

"We followed the women home, to make sure they got there safe and wouldn't be followed." Said Henry.

Then John spoke up, "Shivey showed us around, you know, showed us what she does and when we saw the window boxes, I asked if she'd mind dressing one for my mother. Henry's father runs a saw mill and we could buy the wood cheap or even get off cuts for nothing. I'm good with my hands." He shrugged.

"So you are both going into business with Siobhan?" asked Taren.

"Not exactly," said Henry, "we thought we'd make a couple for our mothers, smaller than the ones Shivey has and if they like them... maybe make a few more and put them in the local florists or set up a stall at the market and see what happens."

Taren thought on the idea, mulling it over. "This would mean you'd be spending a fair bit of time with Siobhan and Coral. You'd be able to keep an eye on them, make sure they were safe."

"Of course. And she's also invited her brother to come visit. He was supposed to have come to the barbeque this weekend, but said he couldn't make it." Taren nodded realising that he had Rhys doing other things that day.

"It's good to know you'll both be close by if she is in need of support. Is this going to end up a huge..."

"No!" interrupted John. "This is more a fun hobby type thing. And if we make a few dollars in the bargain." He shrugged, a grin on his face.

"Okay then. But as far as Siobhan and Coral know you didn't ask me if it was okay."

"No sir!" they answered as one.

Then John jokingly stated, "I like my head right where it is.

Taren tried not to laugh, "I take it you are two of the boys that helped out when Rhys trained Siobhan to fight?" they nodded in the affirmative.

                                                                         ***

"Coral!" called Shivey. "What the hell am I gonna do about this lunch date with Taren?"

Coral poked her head into the living room from the kitchen, "You're going to act like a well brought up young lady, order lunch and eat."

"Ha, ha, ha! You know what I mean? I'll be lucky if I'll be able to get two words out now."

"Shivey he's still your friend. Just go with that, okay? Oh and have you told him about what happened with your mother yet?"

"Huh?"

"Lunch the other day? I'm sure he'd appreciate you telling him rather than someone else."

"Shit! That's another thing that's going to drive me..." she looked at Coral. "Okay you're right. He's gone out of his way to make sure we're both safe. The least I can do is let him know what happened. Or didn't happen."

"And tell him that Henry and John watched out after us. That'll make them look good." Added Coral.

"Be right back."

Shivey made her way out to the front porch taking a seat on the top step and looked out onto the front yard. It took several calming breathes before dialling. Shivey was surprised when Taren answered on the second ring.

"Siobhan, it's lovely to hear from you. I was actually about to call. How has your day been so far?"

Shivey couldn't help but smile. The man had an effect on her. "I'm okay and my day has been fine so far, how about you?"

"It's been full of paperwork, so I'm glad you called. What can I do for you?"

"Well I wanted to let you know what happened the other day when Coral and I were out. We, umm... that is." She sighed. "Shit! Taren I feel like a kid having to report to her father. Or at least an Uncle."

"What is it Siobhan?"

Shivey rolled her eyes. "It's what or rather who it always is. My mother! Coral and I called into a local café for a late lunch and she was there. I swear I didn't know she'd be there or I wouldn't have gone in."

"I believe you Siobhan, now please tell me what happened."

"It was crowded, but we spotted an empty booth and were headed towards it when she stepped right out in front of me. Then she asked me if I was satisfied, carrying on like everything was all my fault. So I told her if she had something to say, she should speak to her Alpha. And Taren."

There was dead silence over the line for several seconds and in the end Taren wasn't sure if she was still there. "Siobhan, are you there?"

"Yes. Sorry. Umm... Taren, I turned my back on her and walked away." She shook her head, running a hand through her hair. "Taren I would never have had the guts to do something like that before...you." She whispered at the end.

"I believe you have always had a great deal of inner strength, if you didn't you would have crumbled a long time ago."

She smiled. "Thank you Taren. Umm, there's more. Two friends of my brothers, Henry and John were there. They had lunch with us and made sure we got home safe. I mean we told them we'd be fine, but they wanted to make sure. And now it looks like we're going to be spending a bit of time together on a small project."

"A project?"

"Yeah," she laughed. "They both saw the window boxes and wanted one for their mothers. Smaller ones and we got talking and we figured why not, we might even make a couple extra and see if we can sell them."

"Sounds like fun. And these two men?"

"Yeah, I think Rhys and Thomas just recruited them. It was actually fun having them around. Kinda almost like having my brother back... you know?"

"Yes I think I do know. Will your brother be joining you?"

"I'd like him to. I mean he wants to make amends, I should at least let him try, right?"

Taren was smiling, he seemed to be doing a great deal more of that lately. "You don't need to ask my permission Siobhan. He only needed to show he was worthy of being your brother and he's done that as far as I'm concerned. But!"

"Don't worry, if he screws up again. I'll beat the crap outa him!" they both laughed.

"Siobhan. There is something I'd like to speak to you about."

Oh God. Oh God! He sounds so serious. Breathe Shivey, breathe!

"Sure Taren, what is it?" she hoped her voice didn't sound as shakey as she felt.

"Our lunch."

Shivey was grateful she was already sitting. She was fairly certain she would have collapsed otherwise. "Umm, go on?"

"I told you I'd never lie to you and I mean it. I think we should put our lunch on hold until such time as we are both completely ready to be seen in public as a couple." He heard an exhale of breathe over the phone and waited.

"Are you sure?"

"More than anything I want to be with you Siobhan, but I don't want you to feel uncomfortable or ill at ease. When the time is right for our community to know, we will show them that we are together in no uncertain terms."

"Oh. My. God."

"Siobhan, this isn't a slight. I..."

"No. Taren, you don't understand. That has to be the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me. Ever! I think if I was standing in front of you right now I'd kiss you."

"Damn it!" Taren grinned. "I knew I should have come over to tell you." He laughed. "So we're good?"

"Yes Taren, we're good. And thank you for understanding that I'm not quite ready yet."

"Siobhan, I found the gift you left me. Thank you. It's in a frame and sitting on the wall waiting for a replacement portrait of the both of us."

Her voice caught and for a moment she couldn't speak. "You think it's that good?"

"Siobhan, you have no idea how talented you are. Please let me know the next time you'll be coming over, I have something I'd like to show you."

"Okay."

"So, no more stressing out. Friends?"

Shivey breathed a sigh of relief, "Friends! I promise I'll let you know when I'll be visiting again. Maybe Owen can even cook up a roast for lunch." She laughed thinking of the first roast she'd had there.

                                                                                       ***

Shivey was still sitting on the front porch smiling when Coral came out looking for her. One look at her told her that the call to Taren had gone well. "Okay so if you two love-birds are okay can we please focus on what the hell I'm going to wear on Friday night?"

The sound of Coral's voice along with the expression on her face brought Shivey back down to earth. After one more thought Taren's way she focused her thoughts on her friend. Getting to her feet, reaching out to take her arm she said, "I'm gonna need coffee first." And dragged Coral back to the kitchen.

Once they both had a mug in front of them, they headed to the stairs and Coral's room. At first they sat and talked about where Thomas might be taking her. She had no idea but she still wanted to dress nicely anyway.

Coffee drunk, they started going through her wardrobe. Dresses, skirts, shirts and top as well as slack, jeans, skirts and even a jump-suit until the finally settled on the perfect outfit. Then it was what shoes, accessories and jewellery to wear.

They had fun and by the time they'd finished they were ready for an easy dinner, so had grilled ham, cheese and tomato sandwiches. They ate and both opted for an early night. Coral listening to music until she was ready to sleep and Shivey sitting up in bed with her sketch pad and pencils.

Now that she had discovered she could draw portraits, Shivey was pulling out her sketch pad whenever she could. She'd made one of Coral, Seth, Owen and even one of Katnip. What she'd really like to do is try her hand at painting, but hadn't quite gotten the guts to go there yet.

Friday evening came all too soon for Coral and Shivey did her best to help keep her calm while she got herself organised, ready for Thomas to pick her up.

Sitting in the living room trying to make small talk was not working. Coral got to her feet and began pacing around the room. After several turns around the room, Shivey finally got to her feet stopping Coral by taking hold of her arms.

"Enough!" she softened her smile, "You're getting all worked up for nothing. He's a great guy and he seems to really like you. What's more, I think he's the real deal Coral."

Coral gasped for air and moved to the couch before she collapsed onto the floor. "Seriously Shivey that was not the best way to calm a person down." She shook her head, glanced up at her friend. "Do you really think...? I mean do you think it's possible he could really be my...?"

Coral rested her head on the back of the couch before she could speak again. "Shit, Shivey. I didn't even think that was possible. I mean for real... you know? I thought it was all just stories our parents told us so we'd want to get mated."

Shivey snorted. "Your parent's maybe. Not mine."

Coral let out a huge sigh. "Okay I'm calm now. I just wish I could bring you with me."

Shivey tried not to laugh, she understood where Coral was coming from. "You'll be fine and you will have a wonderful evening once you get over your nerves. I promise."

Coral was about to say something when there was a knock on the front door. They both froze, realising they'd been so distracted they hadn't even heard Thomas' car pull up.

"Holy bucket loads of crap!" began Coral.

Shivey hearing what she said, burst out laughing.

"What... what's so funny?"

"So very angelic and ladylike of you Coral. 'Holy bucket loads of crap.'" She did her best not to laugh, but snorted causing her to laugh again anyway. It was thankfully a good thing, because Coral realised there really wasn't anything holy about crap and shook her head as she too laughed.

Another knock on the door, this one louder.

"I'll get the door. You take a couple of calming breathes before we get back." Called Shivey as she moved towards the front door. Coral headed to the kitchen taking calming breathes as she went.

She stood with her hands holding the counter by the sink as she listened to Shivey and Thomas make their way into the living room. One more deep calming breath! In and out. Okay, I'm as ready as I'm ever gonna me.

Letting go of the counter and planting a smile on her face Coral turned, walking back into the living room. Her smile wasn't exactly fake, but it was forced, melting into something real as soon as she saw the man in front of her.

"You look lovely Coral." Thomas said as he handed her a bunch of wild flowers.

"Thank you Thomas," Coral lowered her face to the flowers taking in the different scents, "they're beautiful, and they smell wonderful!" Handing the flowers off to Shivey, Coral took his hand. Minutes later they were out the door, moving towards his car.

Shivey couldn't stop grinning. Coral, who was always in control, always the one who knew what to do or say and here she was acting like a teenager going on her first date.

Shivey waited at the front door until the car was out of sight then made her way back to the kitchen to put the flowers in a vase. Once done she place them on the dining room table knowing Coral would love that they were on display for anyone who visited to see.

She spent the evening looking through several gardening journals and magazines, taking note of what she liked and might like to try at some stage. Shivey also listed the names of several plants and the suppliers so she could access them when she needed them, sketching each plant next to the information so she'd remember each one.

Shivey drifted off to sleep in the middle of sketching an idea she had for a garden, sketch pad in her lap, pencil still in her hand.

Coral made her way into the house quietly figuring Shivey would already be in bed, but wasn't in the least surprise to find her asleep on the couch. "Shivey!" she shook her shoulder, "Shivey! Wake up."

Shivey opened her eyes slowly. Realising it was Coral was immediately wide awake, a smile on her face. "How did it go?"

Coral actually blushed. "It was really nice. Thomas was the perfect gentleman Shiv. He listened when I spoke, like he actually was interested in what I had to say." She smiled softly. "It was nice. You know?"

"Yeah," Shivey began, "I know. Taren's the same with me. Is it weird that I found that strange?" They both laughed.

Coral shook her head, "Nope, I don't think it's weird at all. I mean look at us. Our lives haven't exactly been normal, right? I'd say weird is the new norm and I kind like it."

"Yeah, me to." Agreed Shivey. So when are you gonna see him again?"

"Umm, Saturday night. He's taking me to dinner and a movie."

Shivey grinned at her friend. "Wonderful! So did you feel anything between you both?"

Coral's face went bright red telling Shivey all she needed to know. She jumped grabbing Coral with her and squealed with joy for her friend. Coral laughing at the excitement Shivey was showing.

"Okay, okay Shivey lets slow it down okay. He hasn't exactly said anything yet."

"But does he realise? Did you see any indication that he knows?" asked Shivey.

Coral nodded her head. "I think he doesn't want to freak me out. We didn't hit it off when we first met and I'm thinking he wants to go slow." She sighed relief written across her face. "I'm okay with nice and slow Shivey. It'll give us time to get to know each other... you know?"

"Yeah, I know. That's pretty much what Taren is doing. We talked and he cancelled our dinner." Coral looked shocked that he'd cancelled.

Shivey held out a hand to stop her from speaking, "I think he realised I was feeling a little overwhelmed, so he wants us to be together in public when and only when I'm ready to let everyone see us together in that way.

"You know... as a couple."

"Holy bucket loads of crap! I can't believe we both found our umm..." she cleared her throat not quite ready to use the 'M' word yet. "Our significant others, virtually at the same time."

They sat back on the couch chatting for a while longer before heading up to bed. Both had smiles on their faces and thoughts of a promising in not interesting future.