Chapter 11

Next morning Chrissy woke early and decided to venture out on her own. Gilbert must have heard her because when she entered the kitchen he had tea and toast waiting for her, “Thanks Gilbert, I’m gonna tell Braedon your worth more money,” he smiled softly and left her to eat in peace.

She placed her cup and plate in the sink when she was finished and stepped out the back door stopping on the steps to look out over the Compound before she took the steps and set off to explore. She met several people as she wandered around saying good morning to each of them. She walked past the surgery and soon found herself near the school and nursery. She wondered what it would be like to spent time with baby Were’s but shook the thought and kept walking.

It looked like it was going to be a nice day and she wanted to enjoy what little time she would have alone. All too soon she knew someone would come looking for her and for now she wanted to be alone.

Chrissy wandered down to the river and sat closing her eyes. There was a light breeze and she felt herself relax as it touched her face, she lay back on the grass and for the first time in a very long time felt at peace.

The sun was barely up but she could already feel its warmth, she smiled softly as she lay there and was soon dosing. She heard a buzzing sound in her ears and knew there were Were’s nearby. She tried to ignore it then felt a presence and as she opened her eyes she screamed in fright.

She was surrounded by hulking great Were’s and at first didn’t recognise any of them, “Chrissy are you alright?” it was Christian who knelt down and felt her forehead to see if she had a fever.

Chrissy latched onto him and got to her feet; “I’m fine, you guys scared the hell out of me,” she looked again at the men standing around her and seeing Eli moved towards him.

He rested a hand on her shoulder and scowled at her, “What were you doing wandering around alone. You should have called Christian or someone else to watch over you.”

So much for a nice quiet morning, Chrissy felt her temper rising and shoved Eli’s hand off her shoulder. “I was led to believe that ‘your’ Compound was a safe place to be Eli. If that’s not so then I should have been informed.”

She glared at him then turned to look at each of the men there before focusing on Eli again. “I don’t appreciate being treated like a child Eli, nor do I appreciate you berating me in front of them,” she indicated the men listening with her hand.

She shook her head, “You know this morning was the first time I actually felt comfortable here. I even thought I’d make a couple of friends,” she paused catching her breath, “I should have known better. If this is what my life here would be like, having no breathing space, no time to be alone then I may as well have stayed in the city.”

She turned to Christian, “Are you going to get into trouble because of this because if Nicolas starts…” she shook her head and stormed off looking like she was ready for a fight.

Chrissy only got a few feet away from them and stopped lifting a hand to her face. She felt a little light headed and… Eli was there but so was Christian and he caught her as she collapsed. She relaxed into Christian as he lifted her into his arms and carry her to the surgery with Eli following them.

“I’ll stay with you until your mate arrives,” Christian spoke softly hoping she’d alright.

“He’s not my mate and considering what just happened he’s not likely to be any time soon.”

All the men heard what she said but she didn’t care, this morning had been so nice and she’d actually thought that maybe she could stay a while and see how things panned out. But now, now she wanted her little apartment and the café and Maree and Henry.

She’d no sooner arrived at the surgery and been placed on a bed for Jaz to examine than Nicolas came barrelling into the room demanding to know what was going on. This for Chrissy at least was just too much.

“Out!” she scream, “get out all of you and not just out of the room I want you out of the building… now!” she glared at everyone and Nicolas seeing how pale she was did as she demanded.

“Leave,” he said to everyone, “I’ll remain outside until called.”

Chrissy could see the shocked expressions on everyone’s faces but was beyond caring. She wanted to go home, she wanted to hide out in her apartment and let the world slip by until she was ready to face it. The trouble was she wasn’t sure she’d ever be ready to face it so she curled up into a ball on the bed and tried desperately to get her breathing under control.

A moment later Kasey came in and sat on the bed. She took her friends hand in her own and gave it a squeeze, “Chrissy it’s going to be alright. I need you to calm down and let Jaz take a look at you okay, can you do that for me?”

Chrissy looked up at her friend and shook her head, “I’m not like you Kase I’m not that strong. All I wanted was a bit of time alone and all hell breaks loose. I want to go home, I want my life back Kase,” then she turned her face into the pillow and sobbed her heart out.

Kasey stayed with her and once she was calm enough brought her a damp cloth to wipe her face over. “Jaz needs to examine you Chrissy; we need to make sure you’re okay.”

Jaz moved towards her and Chrissy shook her head, “No. I have a doctor in Sydney; I’ll wait till I get back home and make an appointment to see him.”

“Chrissy,” began Jaz, “I won’t hurt you I know you’re afraid but there’s no need to be with me. I’m a doctor I just want to make sure you’re alright.”

Chrissy kept shaking her head, not wanting Jaz or anyone else touching her. She turned to Kasey, “How do you do it? How can you live here knowing you will never have time alone and when you finally find a space of time like I did today…” she caught her breath, “to have a heap of ‘them’ surround you and treat you like you’re an idiot with no sense at all.”

Jaz stood back and listened to Chrissy unsure of what she could say or even do to help her and hoping that Kasey could. She slipped out of the room sat on a chair outside the door to give Chrissy a sense of privacy.

“I… I, oh I’m gonna be sick,” and as she leant over the side of the bed, Kasey got the kidney dish off the bedside table and held it for Chrissy thanking her Were speed as she did so. By the time Chrissy had stopped vomiting her body was shaking uncontrollably.

Jaz ran back into the room and handed Kasey a glass of water for Chrissy to rinse her mouth out with then left the room again. When she came back in Kasey moved back letting her take control of the situation, “Chrissy I’m going to give you something to stop the shaking, Kasey will be here with you alright?”

Chrissy nodded she was beyond talking or trying to communicate what she wanted. For now she just wanted to curl up go to sleep and not wake up anytime soon. Jaz gave her an injection and sat rubbing the spot to sooth the area. Jaz looked over at Kasey and knew something was wrong when she averted her eyes.

Talk to me Kasey, tell me what you know?

I can’t Jaz; this has to play out…

“For god’s sake if you two want to talk about me just leave the room!” Jaz looked at Chrissy a little shocked, “I can’t hear the words Jaz but I know the two of you are talking to each other and at the moment its grating on my nerves.”

“I’m sorry Chrissy I didn’t know.” Jaz turned to Kasey and when she raised a brow, Kasey shook her head as if to say ‘later’.

They both sat quietly and let Chrissy rest, when she stopped shaking Jaz left and returned moments later with her medical bag, “Chrissy I need to check you over and make sure there’s nothing else wrong.”

“Can’t it wait until I get home, my doctor will know what to do?”

Kasey gave Chrissy’s hand a squeeze, “Sweetie I don’t think this can wait. Please let Jaz check you over I’ll stay with you if you want me to.”

Chrissy sat up and looked at both women, “I’m sure it’s nothing, well,” she rolled her eyes, “it’s more than likely nerves and stress and well maybe fear. Let me rest a little longer and I’ll be fine. If I’m not then you can give me a check up.”

“Chrissy,” began Kasey.

“Kase,” Chrissy returned, “please at least let me have this,” she rolled over and ignore them both.

Chrissy slipped into an uneasy sleep but Kasey stayed beside her. She knew that Chrissy was feeling confused and afraid and she knew things were only going to get worse before they got better. She wanted her friend to be happy but here she was feeling like crap and ready to leave for Sydney.

                                                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jaz went out to see how her brother was doing and wasn’t at all surprised to see him pacing back and forth in front of the surgery. He spotted her and came over, “Jaz tell me Chrissy is alright?”

“She’s resting; Nicolas she won’t let me examine her. I think she’s afraid to let me because I’m not human.”

Nicolas looked at his sister, saw the hurt in her eyes and pulled her into his arms. He was so afraid that Chrissy would end up fearing him, fearing his people. He kissed Jaz on the top of her head, “Is it necessary that you examine her?”

“It’s not imperative; she seems to believe its nerves and stress. Maybe she’s right. I should get back inside. I’ll ask again when she wakes up but I don’t like my chances.”

It was a long morning for Nicolas, he wouldn’t leave and he wouldn’t go inside because his mate didn’t want him there. He had time to think while he was there and more than anything else he was afraid that Chrissy would ask him to take her back to the city.

This was his home, he wanted it to be Chrissy’s home as well but now he wasn’t sure if it could be. If she wanted to go then he’d go with her, he’d promised her he wouldn’t stop her if she wanted to leave.

When she finally woke up Chrissy found both Kasey and Jaz sitting by the bed. She wasn’t sure what to say to them so didn’t try. She sat up and when she didn’t feel dizzy she tried to stand. Kasey immediately moved towards her but Chrissy indicated she didn’t need any help.

She stood and looked around for her shoes thankful that they were slip on’s so she wouldn’t have to bend down to do them up. She took a step towards the door and found Jaz standing in the doorway.

“I’m fine Jaz I’m going back to the main house I’ll have Gilbert make me some herbal tea then I’m going to lock myself in my room so I can be alone. Alone without anyone standing over me or making me feel like…” she shook her head, “I’ll be fine!” then  she moved past Jaz and walked towards the front door.

Kasey came after her, “Chrissy Nicolas is out there, he left when you told him too but he’s been out here the entire time waiting to see if you’re okay.”

Chrissy shrugged her shoulders not caring and continued up the hall and out the door. She ignored Nicolas and kept walking until she got to the main house and thinking better of going to the kitchen went straight to her room. She closed the door and even though she knew it wouldn’t do any good she locked it. It was a symbolic gesture, one she hoped everyone would respect.

Chrissy sat on the bed kicked her shoes off and pulled her toy wolf into her arms for a moment then threw it into the corner of the room near the window. She lay down and pulled a pillow into her arms needing to hold something. She didn’t want to cry again but could feel tears coming and in the end let them.

When her tears were spent she lay quietly trying not to think about anything then she heard a light tap, tap, tap in her mind. There were only two people who could touch her mind like that and she was pretty sure it wasn’t Nicolas.

Kase?

I know you want some time alone but I asked Gilbert to bring you some tea if that’s okay?

It’s okay Kase thanks.

Chrissy got off the bed and unlocked the door when Gilbert knocked. He brought in a tray with tea and a sandwich in case she was hungry. “Thanks Gilbert,” he nodded and she locked the door behind him.

Chrissy stayed in her room the rest of the day, she slept off and on but never felt like she’d rested. When she was awake she paced her room and more than a few times she kicked her poor wolf as she past it. He was a wolf too and it was Wolves that were turning her life upside down. Well one Wolf in particular!

She was hungry but she didn’t feel like eating. In fact the thought of food made her squeamish. She put it down to nerves, it couldn’t be anything else. She just needed a bit of space and to rest then she’d be fine. But no matter how much rest she had that day or that night she wasn’t fine and wondered if she ever would be again.

Chrissy sensed Nicolas hovering nearby but the last thing she wanted was to deal with him. Part of her wanted to pack her things and leave but if she did that Nicolas would only follow her.

Next morning Chrissy got up, showered and dressed but couldn’t bring herself to go down stairs. She didn’t want to face anyone, least of all Nicolas. She felt bad for Christian and hoped he hadn’t gotten into trouble because she’d gone for a walk ‘alone’. Life had become so complicated and she was so tired of it all.

She was sitting at the window watching the trees sway in the breeze and jumped when she heard a knock on the door, “Chrissy it’s Nicolas can I come in?” she ignored it and hoped when he realised the door was still locked that he’d go away but he didn’t.

“Chrissy I’m not going away. You haven’t eaten since yesterday please come down and have breakfast with me,” he paused, “or I could bring something to you we need to talk about what happened yesterday.”

Again she ignored him, he tried the door knob and when he realised it was still locked he started knocking again. She finally realised he wasn’t going to give up, “Go away Nicolas I’m not hungry and I don’t want to talk. Just please leave me alone.”

Chrissy heard him as he finally gave up and went down stairs. She breathed a sigh of relief and leaned her head against the window pane wondering what the hell she was supposed to do. She swiped at stray tears and tried to think of something positive but she couldn’t seem to think of a damn thing.

There was another knock on the door but before she could tell whoever it was to go away, “Chrissy its Braedon will you let me in so we can talk?”

Chrissy sighed ran both hands through her hair then got up to open the door. She stood aside so he could come in then shut the door behind them. She moved back to her seat by the window and indicated the bed to him.

Braedon looked at her as if not understanding what she meant then she sighed, “What, he’s gonna know you were sitting on my bed?”

Braedon sat on the bed and looked her over, “Chrissy we are all worried about you,” he sighed, “Kasey is worried about you,” then he smiled, “I am worried about you too.”

“I’m fine Braedon.”

“No Chrissy you’re not. Kasey is your best friend, she knows you better than anyone and as I just said she’s worried about you. Please Chrissy talk to me, how are you feeling really?”

Chrissy wiped at a stray tear, “I feel nervous about everyone and everything, I… I feel overwhelmed Braedon and afraid,” she shook her head and wiped at her tears again, “and I feel so humiliated,” then she burst into tears.

Her words, her tears were tearing him apart so he went to her pulling her into his arms and held her while she cried. He stroked her hair and murmured soft words until she was calm and her tears had stopped. Then he led her to the bathroom so she could clean herself up.

He was sitting on the bed waiting when she came back out, “I’m sorry Braedon I’m not usually so emotional.”

“Come sit and talk, Jaz is concerned and would like to give you a check up but she told me you wouldn’t let her. I thought you and Jaz were getting along, or is it something else?”

Chrissy folded her hands in front of her, “I have a doctor back in Sydney if I decide I need to see him I will, my decision, my doctor.”

He nodded not wanting to upset her again, “You said you were afraid has Nicolas shown you his Wolf yet? It can be a little unsettling but Kasey thought it was an amazing experience the first time she saw me shift.”

Chrissy laughed softly, “I’ve only seen him naked once and I have to tell you shifting was the furthest thing from our minds,” she blushed at the memory. “We’ve never talked about his Wolf except when he told me the toy he bought me looked like him. Look Braedon the whole Were Shifter thing still freaks me out. I know what you are all capable of, I’ve known since Kasey got shot.

I felt what happened to her but what I didn’t tell you was that I felt your fear, your anger and I felt the violence inside you. I know what you wanted to do to that guy, I felt it Braedon and I’ve been able to pick up on every other Were’s inner self.”

“Chrissy I won’t deny that we have the capacity to kill its part of our other self but that doesn’t mean we’re going to act on it. I’ll admit I wanted to kill that man for what he did to Kasey, that’s instinctive to most people though not just Were’s. We learn control very early Chrissy we have no choice in that. Losing control is to become Rouge and that’s a death sentence.”

Chrissy shivered not wanting to consider what could have happened if Nicolas had lost control the night Warwick Drew had come after her.  She blinked her eyes trying to prevent more tears then realised something Braedon hadn’t said, “Nicolas and the other Enforcers, they’re the ones that would have to kill a Rouge aren’t they?”

“Yes Chrissy it’s not something they like to speak of but it is something they have to deal with at times, although thankfully it rarely happens.” Braedon watched her carefully for a minute before asking her his next question, “Chrissy you said you felt humiliated; please tell me what happened that made you feel that way?”

Chrissy looked at him and anger started to rise within her, not at Braedon but at his men. She took a deep breath then began, “Where I come from friends treat you a certain way. They’re there when you need them and they don’t berate you in front of others.”

She saw confusing on his face, “I was told that the Compound was safe. No one told me it wasn’t safe enough for me to take a walk on my own. I needed some space; I’ve barely had a minute to myself since everyone hit Sydney.

It was such a nice morning and I sat by the river and I was so relaxed, so at peace for the first time since I got here. I lay down and was dosing when…” she shuddered.

“I heard a heap of buzzing in my head; remember that’s how I know you guys are talking to each other right. I opened my eyes and I was surrounded by Were’s, I screamed because it scared the hell out of me.

Christian was there he helped me get up and asked if I was alright,” she lowered her face for a moment as if trying to gain control of herself, “I saw Eli and when I reached out to him he told me off in front of everyone. He humiliated me in front of everyone there and I don’t think I’ll ever forgive him for that.”

Braedon moved to comfort her but she tensed up and he pulled back, “No one told me there were rules I had to follow. I thought at least here I’d be able to have some space and Eli made it clear that I have no rights, not anymore.”

“Chrissy it’s not that you don’t have any rights we would protect you, keep you safe.”

“Whether I want it or not right?” she laughed and came to her feet, “and every single one of you expect me to give up what little there is left of myself… unbelievable.”

“Chrissy it isn’t like that you and Nicolas will need to compromise but that happens with every relationship. Kasey had difficulty at first…”

“Kasey wanted you Braedon. She might have fought it at first but when she knew she stopped fighting because she saw what could be with you.”

She turned to face him, “Do you want to know what I see for me. I see an empty shell, someone who isn’t me anymore because I’ve had to do what I’m told when I’m told and not have a god damned life of my own. That’s what I see.”

“I know you don’t want to hear this but you and Nicolas need to talk and I mean seriously talk. In the mean time there is something I’d like you to see but first I think you need to eat. Nicolas has already left for the day and Kasey has gone ahead so it will just be the two of us. What do you say?”

Chrissy breathed a sigh of relief that Nicolas had already gone, “Okay,” then she put on a pair of shoes and they went down to the dining room.

She didn’t eat a great deal but she did eat and both Braedon and Gilbert were grateful for that. They had to tread lightly with Chrissy, she was more vulnerable than she knew and they wanted her well fed and healthy.

When they’d finished eating Braedon led her out the front door and headed towards the surgery, “Are we going to the surgery because I already told you I don’t want to see a doctor?”

He smiled and kept walking past the surgery and she relaxed a little. She had no idea why she didn’t want Jaz to give her a check up but it didn’t feel right and she baulked at the thought of it.

As they neared the school Chrissy found herself smiling but Braedon steered her to another building adjacent to the school. She looked up at him hoping he’d say something but he didn’t so she followed after him.

Braedon stopped at the door and moved aside as he opened it so Chrissy could enter. She heard crying inside and moved inside quickly to find where it was coming from. What she saw amazed her. This was the nursery the place where babies and toddlers were watched over and cared for while their parents worked.

Chrissy found a baby no more than two or three months old lying in a crib crying. She looked at Braedon questioningly and when he nodded she picked the baby up and nestled her into her shoulder. She patted her back and murmured soothing words to her; she rocked her gently and soon had the child resting quietly against her.

“Why did you bring me here?”

“You are afraid of who and what we are Chrissy; I wanted you to see us from the outset. These are our children; they are no different to any human child. They don’t shift until they are at least a year old and remain at the Compound until they are capable of controlling themselves. We have a school and all our children are educated there.

They move on to be schooled in the general population when they are old enough to enter high school. This ensures they have people around them at all times that can help them gain control of their other selves.”

Chrissy looked at the room, it was a good size with cribs at intervals and a desk area where she saw Kasey and another woman talking. She noticed several others rooms as well and a large play area outside that was fenced off so the little ones wouldn’t wander off.

The baby was now sleeping but Chrissy didn’t want to put her back in the crib, she felt comforted holding her.  Her? How do I know she’s a she?

She turned to Braedon, “How do I know this is a little girl?”

Braedon looked around the room then back to Chrissy, “You have Kasey’s blood in your veins and as such have certain gifts. You felt what happened to Kasey, you also felt my reaction and what I wanted to do. I would say you are something of an empath; other gifts may develop Chrissy not strong perhaps but gifts none the less.”

“You mean I can sense who’s a girl and who’s a boy because of Kasey’s blood?” He nodded. “And that’s why I can talk to Kasey with my mind and why I hear buzzing when any Were near me is doing the same.”

She laughed softly, “I can spot a Were a mile off, well maybe not a mile but you know what I mean?” he did indeed know what she meant.

Chrissy looked down at the baby; she was so sweet, so innocent. She breathed in her scent, “Mmm I love the smell of baby so new and fresh they’re like a new story aren’t they. I mean their lives are just beginning. How they grow, who they become will depend on how they’re brought up.”

She looked up at Braedon and shook her head, “You play dirty Braedon,” then she turned back to the baby, “Tara, her names Tara isn’t it?”

Braedon grinned, “She hasn’t been named as yet her parents have been undecided they had two names chosen Andria and Tara.”

Chrissy’s eyes widened, “Are you going to tell them what I said?”

He turned to where Kasey and the other woman were and they moved towards them. They were both smiling and Chrissy was a little surprised when the woman reached out to take the baby from her.

“My little Tara come to mama!” she turned to Chrissy, “Thank you, we couldn’t decide and were going to hyphenate the names, but now she will be our little Tara,” she moved to the crib and placed little Tara there with care before coming back to Chrissy.

“I’m Elena I’m in charge of the nursery, please take a look around. You seem to have a feel for the young, if you have the time maybe you could help out now and then? Please drop in anytime.” Then she went back to her duties.

Kasey touched her arm, “Go take a look around, I love it here Chrissy and the kids love having someone else to play with.”

Chrissy nodded and did as suggested and wandered around the room. There were eight babies all now sleeping peacefully but when she went into one of the adjoining rooms she found a group of toddlers playing and a carer watching over them. All seemed content with what they were doing; there was no fuss and no tears.

As Chrissy moved further into the room she felt someone tug on her hand. When she looked down she found a little boy looking up at her hopefully holding a book out to her with his free hand. She looked around the room and headed towards a bean bag and sat down pulling the child onto her lap.

Chrissy closed her eyes for a moment then looked down at the little boy, “Okay Henry how about I read you that story?” Henry wasn’t in the least surprised that she knew his name, he grinned at her with all the innocence of a child and handed her the book.

Chrissy looked at the book and grinned, “Wombat Stew! I read this when I was a kid,” she snuggled down into the bean bag and started reading, she looked up a minute or so later to find she had an audience. Two little girls had sat down close by and several others were standing nearby watching.

She beckoned them to sit down and when they did she began the story again. At times Chrissy would change her voice to match a character or become slightly animated and the children laughed and clapped their little hands.

Chrissy was in heaven! She’d been taking night classes to finish her childcare course and when she went back to Sydney she was going to put out feelers and see if she could get a job in one of the many childcare centres in and around the city. This would be good practice.

When she finished the story she was handed another book and then another. All too soon Chrissy looked up and the children had fallen asleep even little Henry. Elena came over then and took Henry from her placing him next to the others.

“I guess I bored them,” Chrissy laughed, and helped Elena as she placed a light blanket over each of the children.

“I’ve never seen them go down so quickly. You truly have a knack with the little ones. How would you like to spend some time here, working I mean?”

“Umm I’m not sure Elena; I don’t know how long I’ll be here. How about I come in when I can? It’ll surprise the kids and help you out as well?”

“That would be wonderful Chrissy and thank you again for helping name Tara.”

Kasey and Braedon had left at least two books ago and as she walked to the entrance she wondered if she was supposed to wait for someone or if maybe Christian was there already. She closed her eyes and pictured him in her mind, she couldn’t speak to him like she did with Kasey, but she was able to sense him and it was enough.

She opened her eyes just as he came into view and wasn’t sure how to be with him now, not after Eli had humiliated her. As he stopped beside her she lowered her face wishing she could feel him out more. She looked up to see him smiling softly.

“Are you ready to go back to the house, or would you like to go for a walk?”

Chrissy appreciated what he’d said and they were soon walking back towards the river where they’d found her the day before. Chrissy tried to send a message to Christian hoping that their friendship would let it work, but it didn’t.

She pondered things for a minute and when they got to the river they sat down and an idea came to her, “Can I have your knife for a minute Christian?”

He looked at her curiously and the corner of his mouth quirked up, “You aren’t going to try and stab me are you? I mean that would hurt more than you punching me in the face and it would take longer to heal…”

“Ha, ha, ha,” she held out her hand as he offered it to her and she moved quickly so she wouldn’t chicken out. She swiped the blade across the palm of her hand then did the same to Christian’s ignoring the shocked expression on his face. Then she grasped his cut hand against her own so their blood would meld.

“Chrissy what are you doing?” he tried to pull his hand away without hurting her but she held on too tight and he had no other option but to leave his hand where it was.

“Ever had a blood brother or sister? Kase and I are blood sisters and since she came of age and her gifts started to kick in I’m kind of getting something similar. So,” she said in as innocent a way as she could, “I was thinking if her blood can do that, then maybe this,” she indicated their hands, “will give me the ability to speak to you the way you do with other Were’s.

“I hope your right Chrissy, because Nicolas will not be happy when he finds out I let you do this.”

“You let me? I like that,” she laughed, “I had us exchanging body fluids before you even realised what I was up to.”

Chrissy let go his hand and moved down to the river to wash it off. When she took her hand out of the water she was stunned! “Holy crap!” she waved her hand in front of Christian who had come up behind her, “there’s no cut, it’s healed completely!”

She heard a growling sound and at first thought it was Nicolas, but looked at Christian and realised it was him. Don’t growl at me Christian I think it worked.

He looked at her in surprise, Chrissy?

Yep! Then she grinned from ear to ear.

He washed off his hand also and wiped it on the seat of his jeans, “We need to discuss what we have done with Jaz and also with Braedon and Nicolas.”

“Why?”

Christian gave her a look of exasperation, “Because my little friend this may affect you more than it does me!”

                                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~

“My body! My choice!” Chrissy stated rather angrily, “And before anyone gets any ideas I’m not letting Jaz or anyone else touch me. If I need a doctor I’ll go home and see my own.” then she dared them to say otherwise.

“Chrissy…”

“No Kase this might be your life, your world but it’s not mine. I know you believe you’re only doing what’s best for me but you’re not me and your no longer looking threw human eyes.”

Chrissy saw the pained look in her friends eyes, “You’re a Were now Kase and no matter how much you believe it, as one of the Alpha’s you have no choice but to see from their perspective.” she sighed.

“I’m here for a visit,” she spoke as calmly as she could and looked at each person there, “when I go home I’m still going to need someone to shadow me, I know Christian and I trust him. Hell he let me break my hand on his face for god’s sake! So if what I’ve done helps me stay in contact with Christian who is ‘my’ chosen shadow then it’ll save us both a hell of a lot in phone calls.”

She looked at each person again first Kasey, then Braedon, Nicolas, Christian and Jaz. No one spoke and this was making Chrissy edgy, “If I start growing fur or growling I’ll let Jaz know. Until then it’s no one’s business but mine and Christian’s. Oh and don’t go blaming him either this was all my doing!” then she stormed out of the room and slammed the door leaving a room full of stunned Were’s behind her.

Chrissy stood in the living room for a moment seething. She took several calming breaths then stepped outside and sat on the porch railing. She knew they were talking about her and wondered what they were saying, because she didn’t want Christian to be blamed for something she’d done.

Chrissy pushed her mind out to Christian’s and when it connected she let it rest there. She concentrated on him, being in his presence and suddenly she was seeing and hearing as if she were him.

“Nicolas calm down,” Braedon spoke as calmly as he could, “you know she’s still afraid of what we are. She needs time to learn more about us and hopefully she’ll learn to accept us… accept you.”

Nicolas growled audibly, “If any harm comes to her Christian I’ll have your heart in my hand and you will see its final beat before you die!”

Chrissy was shocked, so shocked she reacted without thinking. If you so much as touch him Nicolas I swear to god I’ll never forgive you! I told you all this was my doing, my choice!

She turned to the front door and saw Nicolas and Christian rushing towards her, “Crap!” she said and slid off the railing to get away from them both but she was trapped, one either side of her and the railing behind her.

“How did you do that?” Nicolas asked.

“You… you heard me huh?”

“Chrissy we both heard you. You heard what Nicolas said to me didn’t you?”

She nodded having suddenly lost the use of her voice. Yeah I heard him! Then she glared at Nicolas ignoring the shocked expression.

“At least now it’ll be easier for Christian and I to stay in contact. It’ll help his stalking me no end!” then she mustered all the confidence she could and pushed past them both.

“Chrissy where are you going now?” asked Nicolas

“I’m hungry, I’m going to see if Gilbert’s got any cookies,” and she kept walking hoping they’d leave her be. They didn’t.

They followed her into the kitchen and Gilbert more than likely having heard their conversation, was placing a plate of cookies on the table. “There’s chocolate cake if you’d rather,”  he said to Chrissy and when she nodded he moved to slice her a piece and even added a scoop of ice cream to it before handing it to her.

“Oh yum Gilbert you are the best cook ever!” she sat at the kitchen table and a few minutes later all three were sitting and drinking tea. The men ate cookies as Gilbert didn’t offer them cake. This gave Chrissy a tiny bit of satisfaction and she grinned internally.

When she finished her cake and tea she turned to Nicolas, “Elena asked me if I’d like to help out at the nursery. She said I’m good with kids, that I’ve got a knack for them and I’m also qualified. It’s nice there I don’t feel like I’m suffocating or overwhelmed and I don’t have to worry about some idiot Enforcer humiliating me.”

She paused for a moment letting her words sink in, “So if she wants me there on a regular basis at least until I go home then that’s what I’m going to do. Christian can walk me there and now I’ll be able to let him know when I’m ready to leave.”

Chrissy stood up taking her cup and plate to the sink, gave Gilbert a kiss on the cheek and thanked him before she went back to the living room. She turned on the television and looked through the DVD’s on the self before putting one on.

Both men waited in the doorway watching her, they figured she’d put a girly flick on and were both surprised when they realised she’d put on Blade. She knew they were there, knew they were watching, she sighed and turned to them.

“This is a trilogy, which means at least six solid hours of blood, guts and death. Just what I need right now! You’re both welcome to join me, or not. Just don’t expect conversation because I’m tapped out.”

Both men silently sat on lounge chairs either side of the couch Chrissy stretched out on. Thankfully they both remained silent and she relaxed and got into the movie. Blood and guts wasn’t always her thing but there were times like now that it suited well.

Gilbert brought in sandwiches for lunch and they thanked him before digging in. He also brought in a platter with cheese and fruit for them to share. Chrissy almost made it to the end of the movie before she drifted off. She felt so tired and although she struggled to stay awake she finally gave up.

Nicolas and Christian sat in silence and watched the rest of the movie. When Chrissy didn’t stir after it ended Nicolas indicated that Christian should turn the television and DVD player off and he covered Chrissy with the throw over at the end of the couch. Christian headed out and Nicolas lingered needing to be near his mate if only for a short time.

Nicolas knelt by Chrissy and brushed her hair off her face. She looked so sweet, so innocent in sleep and as he looked he noticed how pale she also looked. He’d noticed she’d been fussy with her food the last few days but put it down to who knew what.

She was female and he had little if any experience with them or their eating habits. But now as he knelt beside her he recalled Kasey and even Gilbert urging her to eat more. He’d have to speak to them; he didn’t want Chrissy getting sick. Nicolas left rather reluctantly returning to the training centre when he’d have much rather stayed with his mate.

Chrissy woke in time for dinner but didn’t eat much; Nicolas pressed her to eat and even suggested he get something else that was more to her liking. She knew he was trying to be nice and in the end let him make her some toast. So while everyone had a full roast dinner, Chrissy had a cup of tea and some lightly buttered toast.

After dinner everyone retired to the living room, “Would you like to watch the second movie Chrissy?” Nicolas asked. She shook her head no and she curled up on the couch and let someone else decide what to watch.

Nicolas sat beside her and pulled her to him, she looked up and seeing the need in his eyes complied. She lay with her head on his lap and he alternated between stroking and playing with her hair and rubbing her back. This relaxed her immensely and she soon found herself drifting again.

“Chrissy,” Nicolas said softly, “Chrissy I’m going to take you up to your room alright?” he lifted her knowing she was probably unaware of what he was doing but not wanting to leave her on the couch.

He carried her up and placed her on the bed; he caught Braedon’s scent in the room and growled. Chrissy was his mate and he wanted her in his life, in his bed and although they had made love once, they’d never even gotten close enough to kiss since then.

“Nicky,” Chrissy said sleepily, “why are you growling?” she opened her eyes and realising they were in her room sighed. “You can smell Braedon in here can’t you? He came in to talk to me; I was sitting over in the corner and told him to sit on the bed. Nicky he’s your brother, your Alpha. He’s also Kasey’s mate, he’d never do anything to jeopardise that.”

He turned away from her ashamed at what he’d been thinking, “I can’t stop who or what I am Chrissy. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to see others with you.” He sighed and turned to leave.

“Nicolas I’d like you to sit on my bed,” she smiled softly, “actually I’d like you to lie on it with me. That way you’ll know I’ll not only be surrounded by your scent I’ll be covered in it while I sleep. Can you do that for me Nicky?”

Chrissy grabbed her night dress and went into the bathroom to change. When she came back out Nicolas had pulled the bed covers down, taken off his shoes and socks and was sitting on the side of the bed waiting for her.

Chrissy walked over to him standing in front of him so his legs were either side of her, “I know I haven’t been the easiest person to be with lately and I know this is hard on you but I’m trying Nicolas,” then she moved forward and let him pull her onto his lap and hold her.

“I’ve missed touching you Chrissy, holding you and caressing your hair,” he moved back onto the bed and placed her head on the pillows before lying down with her. She snuggled up close to him and reaching up gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“I’m sorry Nicolas; I’ve been so agro lately… well more than usual. It seems like everything gets under my skin lately.”

Nicolas kissed her softly and pulled her closer still. They stayed silent not needing any more words. Chrissy felt comforted in his arms and Nicolas had his mate in his, for now that had to be enough. They settled in to each other and soon drifted off to sleep.