**Quote: "Other people will call me a rebel, but I just feel like I'm living my life and doing what I want to do. Sometimes people call that rebellion, especially when you're a woman." ~~Joan Jett (Readers, please tell me you know who this chick is!!)**

Chapter 15

Nate strolls closer to us in his usual dark attire and I feel confusion set in when he walks past me and places a hand on Jasper's shoulder as if in greeting. As if they know each other. As if they are friends.

When they both finally turn back to me Jasper takes the bent cigarette out of his mouth and laughs at my befuddled expression. Nate starts to walk towards me as if to touch me but I back away and let a cold scowl slide onto my face. "Don't even think about coming near me without an explanation. He's a Fallen."

Nate sighs in frustration and turns to Jasper with a knowing look. "Did you have to freak her out? We agreed to keep you away from her until her memory comes back."

"Trust me mate, she didn't like me any better in her old lives. Besides I just couldn't stand not seeing her pretty little eyes up close any longer." Jasper flicks a red ember off the tip of his cancer stick and smiles playfully at me. But I feel far from being playful. I know Jem said just today to not let my feelings cloud my sense but I'm starting to see red.

"Marie, let's go back to my house. I can explain more to you there." Nate comes towards me as if to touch me and again I move away from him. This time I give him a threatening look to back off.

I don't care if he could just as easily rush me and throw me over his shoulder. I'm not going anywhere until he tells me why this bastard seems to be deemed worthy of his friendship. "So you tell me all these horror stories about the Fallen and then you are suddenly buddy-buddy with one!"

A sudden burst of wind whips across the empty road we are now standing on and I face two men who couldn't be any more different but seemed comfortable enough to be brothers.

Completely ignoring me the two men turn to face each other and start talking like I'm not even there. "So what was the real reason that you confronted her tonight? I had to leave a very important meeting in Europe because I could tell she felt terrified. I thought that at twelve thirty at night wasn't a good sign for her to be scared." Nate says running a hand through his dark hair.

Jasper grimaces as he flicks the stub in his fingers to the ground and stomps on it. "Sorry about that mate, she didn't recognize me and it freaked her out. So she went all G.I. Jane on me and attacked me. When she started to run I couldn't let her go off alone so I chased her down. May have ruffed her up a bit but nothing she can't handle, right sweetheart?"

So when they finally acknowledge me it's to make fun of me? I ball my hands into fists and consider kneeing him again.

"Jasper..." Nate says warningly.

"Don't worry I didn't hurt her. Wouldn't want to risk pissing you off." They both smirk at each other and I throw my hands up in disgust. Men.

"I heard from Jaz that there was going to be some Fallen patrolling the outskirts of the town tonight. They seemed to have realized you left town and where trying to see if there would be an opening to get to her. Brilliance over there decided to take a night time run so I followed her and decided that she was too close to the patrol. I intervened and she went insane." Jasper shrugs his shoulders like he's the victim here.

"What the hell are you talking about? You're the stalker here! If you truly knew me in my old lives then you should have said so immediately instead of going all purvey." I glare at him and then Nate. "We're getting off topic here. Who the hell is this jerk and why is he your friend if he's a Fallen?"

Nate shakes his head and stares at me with stern eyes. "He's a very old friend of mine and you'll not call him a Fallen in front of me."

"Damn man that was the wrong thing to say." Jasper smirks as he watches the exchange between Nate and I.

The air around me suddenly crackles with energy and I grow very still. "I'll not? Hmm, let me think about that...he's a Fallen and he's also a creep. I think I'll call him what he is."

Nate raises his eyebrow at me, not the least bit intimidated by the random sparks crackling in the air. This was so not how I imagined seeing my fiancé again. We just made up over one fight. That one was verbal; this one may cause more bodily harm than the last one did.

"Marie, you'll want to calm down before one of us does something we may regret later." Nate warns, his voice lowering an octave. His wings slowly unfold from his back.

Jasper has wisely stepped back from the exchange. That stupid grin still in place.

But I'm tired of being treated like some clueless, weak human. I'm tired of always being treated like I'm the fool for everything I do. Maybe I'm being petty. Maybe I'm being melodramatic.

And yet I love the feeling of the energy that's flowing to me from all around. The energy from the hard earth, from the swaying trees and whistling wind. Unlike the time in the parking lot I concentrate on where my energy is drawn from. I don't steal the air from Nate's lungs as I did to my friends. That doesn't stop me from letting the full force of my energy push Nate in the chest.

From the loud thunk that comes from Nate's chest I can tell if he were human I would have crushed his bones. But he's not human.

Nate's eyes darken as they meet mine and his powerful wings widen to stop him from being slammed backward by my force. I suddenly know why so many Fallen would not even dare to approach Nate. His powerful legs start to slowly carry him to me, his dark wings pushing him forward. Even though the energy that's swirling around us, entrapping the both of us in a circle, is pushing against his chest he stills moves closer to me. His strength is unbelievable.

I notice two shapes moving outside my circle of power but I can barely concentrate on them as my power slips from me. I can feel myself weaken from my hold on the energy and as it starts to die down I hear two voices screaming mine and Nate's name.

He's only a foot away from me when I see the cuts on every inch of his exposed skin. My energy whirling around us is whipping his flesh to cause shallow gashes and with a terrified gasp I realize what I'm doing.

Nate seems to be struggling to get closer to me and I do the same. But I can't seem to move and a deep setting panic has me breathing faster and harder. I try to concentrate on the energy around me to push it away from us but that just seems to set it into a frenzy. It whips around Nate faster than before. As quick as his wounds are healing the energy is dealing them twice as fast.

Something inside me tears with the need to stop and to heal Nate. Just as Nate gives one final push of his wings I let out a scream that sounds far more like a broken animal than a human. When his finger brushes my forehead he says one word that sends my world into darkness.

"Sleep."

I awake to pale sunlight coming in through a window. Since the light is so weak I can only guess that this is sunrise.

Shifting slightly I wince at a stabbing pain inside my ribs. Trying to swallow is harder than I thought since my mouth and throat feels like someone glued cotton balls and sandpaper to the soft flesh.

I open my eyes and take a deep breath. First I move all my toes and fingers and when they move easily I sigh in relief. And then I get the most terrible sensation of all. I have the overpowering need to cry. I think of how angry I felt with Nate. It was unnatural, like I wanted to hurt him.

I can't tell whether it's the human me or the Healer me but I let the salty tears fall as shame and guilt burn strong in me. I did hurt Nate and I couldn't stop it. I cry harder at the thought of not being able to stop the rush of energy and ending up actually killing Nate. I hated feeling out of control and it only made it worse in the knowledge that I had lost control over a stupid fight.

I could have killed Nate just because he made me angry when he wouldn't answer me.

My crying is interrupted by my terror. Nate! Is he okay? Was I able to stop before I hurt him any worse?

I bolt up and frantically look around me. I'm in the same room that I woke up in after the Theater blew up. That means I'm in Nate's house and I start to worry that he just left me here and disappeared back to Europe, too disgusted with me to see me when I awoke.

Jumping out of the soft, silken bed I look down and realize I am wearing an oversized blue T-shirt that reaches halfway to my thigh. When the woodsy smell drifts up from the soft fabric I immediately know whose shirt this is. I can only pray the owner of this shirt isn't the one who put it on me.

Deciding I can't go charging out of this room half naked I frantically search the room and thankfully find a pair of jeans, which seem to have come out of my closet, hanging on the back of the black chair by the fireplace.

Quickly wiggling into the jeans I rush out of the comfortable room and into the hall. The pain in my side has me lurching into the wall and I grip it for support. Gasping for breath I use my shaking hand to pull up the hem of the blue shirt to look at my pale side.

The skin doesn't have one blemish and when I run my finger over it I feel only smoothness. Another pang has me biting my lip to keep from making any noise.

I know I should try to calm down so I can concentrate on healing my wound but just these last few minutes has winded me, making sweat bead across my brow.

Right when I feel my knees about to buckle large, warm hands wrap around my waist and hold me up. I lean against the muscled chest behind me and let the familiar scent of trees envelope me as the warm hands press against the bare skin of my sides.

"You should be lying in bed. You're still too weak. The healing process hasn't finished yet." A soft voice whispers across the nape of my neck and I relax into the arms holding me up.

When another pang, sharper than the last, has me tensing up the strong arms whip me up and in the next second I'm being gently placed back into the silk wrapped bed.

My mind starts to blur as the blankets wrap around me and a hand brushes my hair back.

The pain in my side starts to grow and I writhe in the bed as my muscles twitch. I want to slip back into the comforting darkness but I force myself to stay awake. I deserve this pain. For what I did to someone I love.

A hand grips onto my fingers tightly and another holds down my shoulder so I can't move. The gentle voice floats to my ears as if yelled across a wide cavern. It takes a moment for my pain riddled mind to process the words.

"Concentrate, Marie. Concentrate on the pain and let yourself heal it. Let it be soothed away." Nate's voice makes me even more determined to keep the discomfort.

I hurt him and I must pay for it. Something that's stronger than my own pain is the guilt I feel. It hurts more than the ache in my ribs.

Just as I'm about to scream at the next stabbing in my side I feel strong fingers grip my chin and pull it sideways. "I can feel your guilt, Marie but it's not your fault for what happened. You couldn't control yourself. I know. Just look at me, I am fine now." I shake my head and I try to breathe as my lungs constrict. "Open your eyes damn it! Stop being so stubborn."

When I don't hear anger but desperation in his voice I open watery eyes and stare at the handsome face that had been riddled with gashes during our fight. Now his skin is as smooth and tan as ever and the only thing that seems to be wrong is the worry lines that etch his face.

"See, I'm fine. But you're not going to be if you don't heal yourself." He lets go of my chin and goes back to stroking my face. "Now, please concentrate."

Only when I see the worry and fear in his eyes do I realize it just pains him even more to see me this way. The stabbing sensation is coming faster and the small intervals when it would stop are quickly disappearing.

Soon I can't bear to keep my eyes open but I imagine Nate's caring dark eyes and I concentrate on the burning pain in my side. I concentrate and think of the soothing power within me, the power that would relieve me of my torture.

I feel it softly start to grow inside me and spread to not just my side but my whole body. I let the soothing power flow over myself and Nate. Immediately the agony is trampled by the setting peace inside me and I can feel Nate relax as well.

When I open my eyes I can see the intricate designs on my skin glow a soft green. Its glow gently caresses over the room and I breathe a sigh of relief.

Nate smiles widely, the worry and fear washed away by the healing glow that I'm emitting. He raises my hand to his mouth and kisses it lightly over the top of my knuckles. "Good job. Now I think you should go to sleep."

He starts to reach for my forehead and in a panic I quickly grab his hand and pull it away. "Wait! I'm sorry!" This time it's not hard for me to say. Actually it doesn't feel like enough and I open my mouth to say it again when he smiles. Standing up Nate moves closer to me so he's leaning over me. "You were already forgiving. You must know that by now, Marie. You'll always be forgiving." He gently kisses my forehead and instead of setting me at ease I start to panic.

Grabbing onto the front of his shirt with what little strength I have I keep him hovering over me. "You're not going to leave are you? Please, please don't leave again." My voice cracks and I can feel the burning tears again. I can act like a bad ass later. Right now I need to know I'm not going to wake up and find him gone. I need my best friend.

He looks at me for a second and I can tell that he doesn't want to say anything because he can't promise me something like that. Just by seeing the conflict on his face I know he's being pulled in three different directions. His responsibility as the leader of a great army. His need to protect me as my Guardian. And his desire to stay with me as my mate.

I guess he caved in to my pleas because he lifts the blankets on me and slides in next to me. Wrapping one arm under my shoulders he pulls me to him so I'm half lying on his chest. With his other hand he gently strokes my arm, lulling me into sleep.

I can tell that he doesn't use his gift of power over the mind to make me fall asleep, like he did when I couldn't stop the energy flow, because this time when I drift off into an unconscious state I can hear the slow rhythmic beating of his heart.

The second time I wake up I am much more lucid than I was in the morning. Darkness blackens the room so I can only see vague outlines of the furniture scattered around the room. But with the moon high in the sky it shoots a pale ray of moonlight across the bed.

When I shift slightly the long arms encircling me tighten. Gentle breath feathers across the top of my head and the warm chest beneath me expands and then sinks back down with the sigh.

As little movement as I can make I turn slightly to stare into Nate's face. His eyes are closed and his brow relaxed. He looks exhausted and I can tell he hasn't had a decent night's sleep since he left for Europe. Smiling slightly I take the chance I have and study him in the dim moonlight. His dark hair is tossed sloppily across his forehead and dark stubble has started to grow across his jaw and cheeks. Since he was normally clean shaven I can tell he must not have much time to groom. He looks like he belongs in some spy movie with that sexy five o'clock shadow he's got going on.

Letting my eyes scan from his chin down to his neck I notice a faded scar that travels to his collarbone. It's thin and perfectly straight so it must have been a clean swipe that just missed killing him.

Gently I trail my finger from the top of the scar all the way to the collarbone. It must have been pretty bad if I healed it and the wound still left a scar. I'm not sure how I know that it was me who healed him but it's just a feeling that this was my work.

I frown slightly as guilt creeps into the back of my mind. If I'm some big shot Healer then how come I can't even fix a gash?

The sudden impulse to make the scar go away has me shifting so I'm closer to his neck. But when I search for the warm gentle power, that always begs to be released, all I feel a cold emptiness. I'm too weak after everything that I've done.

With a defeated sigh I slump against his chest but the guilt is still hovering inside me and so I come up with something else to ease the feeling. Leaning forward I put a whisper of a kiss on the scar. Feeling more satisfied I start shifting back to the position I woke up in when his right hand comes up and threads its way into my hair.

Looking up I see his eyes are still closed but he has a sleepy smile on. Which let me just say is seriously hot. I mean I seriously recommend this to all girls. Wake up in the arms of your handsome fiancé and make him smile. It's worth waking up in the middle of the night.

"Nice way to wake up." He says his voice husky with sleep.

A nervous flutter in my stomach has me wondering if he just read my mind. Better check and see. "What is?"

He opens his eyes slowly and their dark irises practically glow in the dark. "Waking up to a beautiful woman kissing your scars and having the knowledge that you get to wake up to her lovely face every morning after."

Gulp. That was probably the sweetest thing someone had ever said to me in my entire (human) life. And I have no idea how to respond. So yeah...I'm just lying there with my mouth slightly open in disbelief and a burning blush traveling across my face as Nate stares back at me with open honesty written across his eyes.

"Nate," so like a dork I ruin the moment. "Who is Jasper?"

He tilts his head and doesn't answer me for a minute. Now that I know what being his mate means I know he can sense my awkwardness at the situation and I can tell he's slightly disappointed. I guess I can't blame him if he's spent many lifetimes with a woman he loves who probably had no problem with compliments. But I'm not that woman anymore. I'm eighteen years old and I've just started this life with him. Which means I have no experience to work with in any area.

Before I can open my mouth to tell him as much he answers me. "Jasper was my friend in my first life as a human. As little boys we learned how to survive on the streets. We stayed together and it made stealing easier. He looked so innocent as a young boy with his red hair and wide eyes, and so he was usually the distracter. I was mostly the thief." He smiles at a distant memory.

"We grew up together and once we were older, and a lot less innocent looking, we made money by pick pocketing and fighting. He collected the coin while I fought the matches. We'd split the money and buy alcohol and get dead drunk. The next day we would always meet up and do the same thing over again. We were always having the time of our lives. Well until I was murdered of course." I can't help the harsh flinch that overcomes me at the thought of his death. Nate kisses my head and hugs me closer to his warm body.

"I was getting too cocky after winning fights and these fights had no rules. One match I killed the opponent I was facing and I insulted him in front of his older brother. The older brother knew of my connection to Jasper and he killed him. A brother for a brother. Jasper had a twin sister, Jazmine. She was always the pretty face that turned eyes when Jasper's innocents didn't work. The man went after her as well but I got to her first. I was killed in my attempt to save her though. She was murdered right after me." He stops for a minute and stares me straight in the eyes.

"Jasper came into this world as an angel only a day before I did. He still holds that over my head." Nate chuckles softly but it holds no humor as he waits for my question that he can tell is coming.

"If he came down as an angel then what did he do to become a Fallen?"

"He killed his Guardian angel. She had been formally kidnapped by Fallen and tortured to insanity. Jasper thought he could help her regain her sense of mind but she murdered their Healer and so Jasper in turn killed her. The Archangels found no mercy for him and so they cursed him to be a Fallen. But his ties with me are still strong and so after some deal making with the Archangels I was able to guarantee him salvation if he survives to judgment day. Of course he has to provide information to me about the Fallen. He secured an airtight position in the Fallen army." His voice holds a certain amount of pride about his friend.

I can't help but to ask, "Do you trust him?"

"With my life." He doesn't even hesitate.

"Do you trust him with my life? Because he knows who I am." I try not to let accusation creep into my voice but I don't trust Jasper with the old familiarity like Nate so easily does.

"He would never betray me." The certainty in his voice doesn't convince me and he seems to sense that. "And if he ever betrayed me I'd hunt him down and kill him without any mercy."

I think about the story he just told me and something nags at me. "What happened to Jazmine?"

Nate hesitates just a little too long. But if she is Jasper's twin and if she looks anything like him...

"She came down as angel of course but here heart had very been very pure to begin with and she was soon deemed unworthy and she became a Fallen. But we grew up together as well so she has always been loyal to me." He finally says but I can just tell that there is something more missing from that story.

"What does she look like?" I ask suddenly tense. She can't be!

Nate winces and then sits up a little straighter. "She has long red hair and blue eyes like Jasper."

I yank away from him and put a hand to my mouth. No flipping way! I close my eyes and try to breathe calmly. "Please tell me she wasn't the prostitute from our second life in that tavern. I remember a woman of that description in the tavern and you looked totally into her."

"Jaz is just a friend." Nate pleads but this is so the wrong time to say her nickname.

"Oh I'm sure Jaz thinks so!" Okay even I will admit I have a major jealousy problem but I remember that chick. She was completely beautiful and curvy and confident.

"Marie, this is the twelfth century we're talking about. I was gone, her brother was gone, and she was just murdered and then brought back as an angel only to become a Fallen. She had no money and it wasn't that uncommon for a woman to be a prostitute in that time." He is desperately trying to explain that image away but my jealousy is at a full simmer now. I needed to calm down before is boiled over and I freaked.

"Did you have a relationship with her?" Wait, I don't want to know the answer to that question! Actually I do. No...oh, shut up.

"Yes I did. While I was protecting you I would meet up with her along the way. This was in our first three lives. Afterwards I told her it was off because I couldn't betray my friendship to you any longer. I knew how you felt about the Fallen. Royce had also joined us by then and he hated the Fallen just as much as you did."

There's one more question I had to ask but it was burning the back of my throat and I was starting to feel claustrophobic being so near him and so I hop out of the bed and start to pace. I don't know when the hell or who the hell took off my jeans but I was back in just Nate's shirt again with only a tank top and underwear underneath. I tugged on the hem of the shirt to try and cover more thigh as I continue to pace.

Taking a breath of encouragement I turn to look at Nate who had gotten out of the bed as well to stand at the foot. "Did...did you love her?" The question actually has me feeling queasy but I don't want him steading me until I get an answer.

A relieved smile actually crosses his face. "No. I've never loved anyone but you in my entire existence." I look at him for a minute to try and gauge his honesty.

With difficulty I shove aside my petty jealousy and think about what I have remembered and what I've been told. Nate wasn't the greatest person or angel when we first met. He's changed into an entirely different person since then. If I want to believe that then I need to just let go of what happened. It won't do us any good if we reminisce on old grudges.

Like how I kicked him in his ribs the morning after I saw him with Jazmine. Smiling at the memory I look up at Nate. "Well if she's a spy like Jasper is then she won't be around here-" Oh please don't give me that look. "What?"

Nate is grimacing and rubbing his neck as he looks back at me with troubled eyes. "Since I had to leave Europe before my business was finished I had Eliza and Royce stay back. But I need an update on the situation and the only insider I have close to Europe is Jaz. So she's here temporarily to keep me informed."

My eyes widen to saucers and I take a step forward. "She's staying here?"

Nate scoffed at that. "Yes, Marie of course she's staying in my room with me. I thought it'd be fun to have a sleepover." He scowls at me. "Don't sound so scandalized. She will be staying here some nights when she comes to inform me. In a different room."

I open my mouth to argue more when my random thought track catches something. "Did you just say scandalized?" my mouth twitches in my attempt to not laugh.

He blinks at the sudden topic changes. "Yeah...too old fashioned for you?" A slow smirk curls his lips as he takes a step closer.

I start to fan my face and try to look flushed. "I'm not sure at the moment. I may need to sit down a moment before I swoon! Oh my, where are my clothes! This is simply improper-" I don't get to finish as he swoops me up into his arms and buries his face into my hair. Gripping the back of his neck I wrap my legs around his waist and hold onto him tight.

"Are you angry at me?"

He asks me, looking into my eyes. With those dark eyes I have no choice but to give in. With a sigh I rest my forehead to his. "No, I'm not angry at you. I trust you, Nate." My tone is dead serious as I thread my fingers into his hair. "But if you cheat on me I will gladly rip her head off and then sic Eliza on you." I shake my head with pity as if I can already imagine the fight. "Poor little thief, you wouldn't stand a chance."

Since Nate and I couldn't get back to sleep, I slipped my jeans back on, and together we went into the kitchen and brewed some coffee at two in the morning. Apparently I had slept through a full twenty four hours.

Nate told me that after he used his Professor X powers on me to put me asleep the energy had immediately gone back to its rightful place and he had easily healed. Before Nate had flown all the way back to me from Europe he had called and left a message for Jem to come find us. She must have been the shadow, coupled with Jasper's that I had seen.

But Nate said that those two didn't like being around each other. When I asked why he just said that Jem despised the Fallen because of what they did to her Healer and Messenger but I can tell that there is more to that story. I'd have to ask Jem later.

It was the best late night talk I had had in a long while. Nate had pulled two chairs into the middle of the kitchen. He sat in one and I sat in the other with my feet propped up into his lap.

When it got to be around five and the sun had started to peek through the windows he got up and stretched. "I need to go and do my mornings run."

After I finished choking on my coffee I asked, "You run at five in the morning...like every morning?"

He smirked and just like that tugged off his shirt as he started to walk to his room to change into sports shorts. It must have been the three cups of caffeine I ingested but seeing him walk back to his room with his visible back muscles outlined by the florescent kitchen lights made my heart skip a few beats.

Once he came back out in some sports shorts, no shirt, he told me that the sportswear I had on when I had my insane fit had been cleaned and dried and was waiting for me back in his room. That of course brought back to mind who had changed my clothes that night, which led to a deep setting blush.

Of course he knew exactly why my face was suddenly beet red. "Jem thought you'd be more comfortable in something clean. She changed you into my shirt and put your clothes in the wash. She stayed awake long enough to put them in the dryer and to make sure you were okay." I nodded my head with an odd mixture of relief and disappointment inside me. Until of course he continued to talk as I walked into his room to change. "Of course it's nothing I haven't already seen."

So that's what we are doing now. Running down dirt roads and through little patches of trees.

After thirty minutes of a constant jog I want to sprint back to his house and tackle Jem with a hug. I want to apologize for every time I ever cursed her for making me run the perimeter of that stupid dungeon every day. I would have collapsed long before if she hadn't been so strict.

Nate isn't even breaking a sweat. It kinda makes me want to clock him. I can tell that he would usually go much faster but he patiently keeps pace beside me and doesn't say a word about my heavy breathing.

I try taking slower breaths by counting like Pepper taught me to but it doesn't seem to be helping.

When I start to slow down Nate looks at me and smirks. "Getting tired?" There's confidence in his voice and I smirk back at him.

Forcing air to slowly come in and out of my lungs I try putting a fair amount of confidence into my voice. "How about we race to the next bend in the road." I point ahead to where I know a large bend curves the dirt road at our feet. "You can't use your special angel speed though."

The glint of a challenge flashes in Nate's eyes as he stares down at me, breathing nice and easy. "What happens when one of us wins?"

"The loser has to cook the winner whatever breakfast they want." I smile at him imagining a huge pile of chocolate chip pancakes and scrambled eggs. Oh! And bacon.

"Deal." He holds out his hand and I shake it.

As soon as we let go we're off. Our feet pound the hard earth. I'm fast in short distances and so I use my old cross country skills and I push my muscles to the limit. But his long legs take two to my one and even though he's not going all super speed on me he's still ahead and winning.

Suddenly I go down hard and grab my ankle with a yelp. Nate's at my side in an instant. "Where are you hurt?" His eyes are drawn to the ankle I'm gripping.

He leans over to look closer and I suddenly grab his shoulders and with a kiss to his cheek I bolt ahead of him

Some call it cheating, I call it hunger.

Laughter booms behind me as he races after me, but it's too late. I knew exactly when to fall. I'm already around the bend.

He still followed the rule of not using his super angel speed and that's the only reason I still won.

When he reaches me we are both laughing uncontrollably and it only gets worse when he grabs me from behind, lifting my feet off the ground, and hugs me tightly to his chest.

"You're a cheater." His voice rumbles with humor as he sets me back onto the ground. Turning to him I try and look at least a little bit guilty, but with the prospect of food just around the corner I only feel satisfied.

Moving closer to him I feel an idea come to mind. "Tell you what; I will help make breakfast if you can manage to carry me all the way back to the house, without stopping." I am really a terrible cook but if helping make some breakfast meant I didn't have to run all the way back then I'd make him whatever he wanted.

Nate isn't an idiot of course. He knows that the deal doesn't really benefit him but I can tell that asking this of him is appealing to his challenge seeking side. He leans forward so that we are only inches apart and I can literally feel the power and heat radiate from him. An emotion so foreign to me, I'm not even sure what it is, unfurls in the pit of my stomach and I stop smiling.

The look Nate has right now could only be described as wolfish as a slow smirk curls his lips and his dark eyes spark with mischief. The arrogance practically screaming from his expression reminds me that he knows exactly what I'm feeling and I look anywhere but in his eyes. The man knows exactly how he affects me.

When he tilts my chin up with his hand I know I'm done for as I stare at those dark eyes. "It's called desire."

Blinking out of my daze I stare at him with clearer eyes. "I'm sorry?"

That stupid grin looks even hotter with that stupid five o'clock shadow. "That swooping feeling inside your stomach right now, that's called desire." His hand gently moves to my waist so we're pressed together. I'm pretty sure breathing is an essential part of life but at the moment I can't seem to find its importance.

Trying to regain control over my own body I raise an eyebrow. "Well how would you know that's what I'm feeling? I'm pretty sure this whole 'I can sense what you're feeling' thing doesn't come with a labeler."

His smile grows as he leans down and places a whisper of a kiss on my collarbone just like I did last night with his scar. Slowly moving his mouth to my ear he answers my question. "Because I have that same feeling every time I see you smile but I can't kiss you. Or every time I see you tuck your hair behind your ear and I can't run my fingers through the silken, golden strands. Or every time I see those bright green eyes looking so sad and I can't hold you. It's a desire to make you mine and make you stay at my side every minute of every day. But most of the time that desire goes unsatisfied and it drives me insane. There was a time when you and I couldn't stand to even look at each other. But you stuck with me no matter what I did or how many times I hurt you. And I promise to pay you back for that every day for the rest of my existence."

His playful smirk had disappeared in the seriousness of his words and I don't doubt one word he just said. I believe his desire to keep me near him no matter the cost because I was starting to feel the same way.

Letting my hold on him go I reach for the ring he had placed on my thumb only a few days ago. Sliding my hand down his arm I grip his ring finger and gently slide the golden band on. Embarrassingly I can feel tears burn my eyes but I blink them away as I grip the thin chain around his neck and I lift it over his head. The breathtaking ring glints at the end of the chain and I put it into his hand. "We both know that our desires are always going to have to take a backseat to this war. I know you'll be leaving again soon because the angels need you. You're their leader. So let me pay you back for what you've done for me. You've waited hundreds of years for me and you never once doubted your love for me. So I will wait as many lives as I have to for this war to end and I will pray for the day that you can come home to me. A home where there is no more fighting or killing."

Surprise coupled with a content happiness swirls inside me at my own promise. A single tear, much like the night I remember him first giving it to me, burns its way down my cheek as he takes the glittering ring off the chain and slips it onto my ring finger.

The diamond and little emeralds entrance me as they show me a promise of a future beyond this everlasting war. Looking back up at him I let a smile slide onto my face as he gentle wipes the tear from my cheek. Leaning into his palm I keep my eyes solely on him. "Now our promises are official. No backing out."

"Wouldn't dream of it." When the last of my tears are dried he leans down and places the softest kiss on my lips and then that playful smile comes back onto his handsome face.

"Come on, I'm starving and I also have a challenge to accomplish." I throw my head back and laugh as he spins around. Grabbing my arms he helps me hop onto his back and after making sure I wasn't going to fall off he sets off at a fast jog.

He never falters or struggles with my weight as he jogs back to his house. Knowing that going back would mean meeting Jazmine I hang onto him tighter and I lay my head on his muscular back.

When a sudden thought breaks into my buzzing mind I lean my head closer to his ear so he can hear me. "I don't have to go to school today do I?"

His house comes into view and he slows down as we head across the lawn. His laugh rumbles through his chest and vibrates through me. "No, you're playing hooky today."

The stress of going back to school so soon washes away as he carries me up his porch and across the front door. Sliding off his back I feel suddenly chilly without his overheated skin touching mine.

Turning to me with a victorious smile he grabs my hand and starts to pull me into the kitchen. "I believe I won that challenge. How about you start on the scrambled eggs and I'll make..."

"Chocolate chip pancakes!" I blurt a little too enthusiastic. I just sounded like a twelve year old boy enthusiastic over something as simple as pancakes.

Shaking his head he leans down and kisses my forehead. "You're adorable when you're hungry." Well that's one way to put it. If I don't eat as soon as I get hungry I get really crabby.

My smile dies when we walk into the kitchen to find two red heads, and one brunette. It's not actually the two red heads that sets me off, I was prepared for them, but it's the amount of tension that practically has the room crackling with electricity is what gets to me.

Jem stands by the oven with her arms crossed, and her glare pointed at one of the redheads. I found out how scary and intimidating Jem can be the first time I met her. She could make a full grown man cower from her glare.

But the red head she's staring down isn't the least bit intimidating. She sits on a stool by the dark counter top, with her feet propped up. Her red hair practically glows as it falls down one shoulder in waves. The electric blue eyes that stare back at Jem are framed by dark eyelashes that stand out in contrast to her porcelain skin. Thin red lips curl in a cruel smile that holds no warmth.

She's tall, with long limbs just like her twin but her figure is accented with full curves that would give any girl a healthy dose of jealousy. I expected to see the slutty prostitute that had been hanging on Nate in my memory but what I get is a tall, elegant woman. She seems to be around Nate's age. Her clothing is in shades of grey and black. From her grey tank top, layered in a dark leather jacket, to her black skin tight pants and the tall laced boots. In her hand is a long battle axe that almost touches the floor from her seated position. Her pale fingers move gracefully as she shines the edge of the blade.

Strangely enough Jasper seems to be uncomfortable in the kitchen as he leans against a wall and cast little glances in the direction of Jem.

"Jem..." My voice sounds oddly loud in the quiet kitchen and I flinch when all heads turn towards me.

Not meeting the twin's gaze I walk over to where Jem is standing and I smile as casually as I can. "Thanks for helping yesterday."

She finally breaks away from her death stare at Jazmine to look at me. Her expression softens when her gaze lands on my face. "No problem. It was the least I could do." The quiet resumes again so I turn to Nate for help. I am completely clueless on what transpired between these three and I don't think it would be wise to bring it up now.

Nate strolls into the kitchen and points to the fridge. "A deals a deal. The eggs and cheese on the top shelf." Getting pancake mix from the cabinet he starts to grab what's required to make pancakes. And I can't help myself as I stare at Nate a little too long. I don't know about most girls but a guy who can cook is immediately much sexier.

Snapping out of my daze I race to the refrigerator and let the cool air brush across my face. Jem shows up at my elbow and nudges me aside. "Here let me help. You're just going to burn the whole pan if you can't concentrate." With the eggs, cream cheese and cheese in hand she moves to the stove. Acutely aware of Jasper, Jazmine, and Nate talking as Nate takes out the griddle, I scoot next to Jem.

"Well I'm glad you and Nate reconnected." I give her a quizzical look as I start to whisk the yoke. "Last night I saw Nate help you into your room and now I'm just seeing you two again. After a whole night." Her voice holds an insinuation that is finally clear to me.

"Jem! It wasn't like that. We just fell asleep, talked, and then went for a run." That was it." I say with as much believability as I can.

"Mmmhmmm." Jem points to my bowl. "You don't have to take your frustration out on the eggs; they didn't do anything to you."

Staring down at the whisk that I'm gripping painfully hard I let it go and pour the yoke into a hot pan, already on the stove.

Deciding to change our focus from me to her I ask, "What happened between you and the flame twins over there? When I walked into the kitchen I was afraid I'd have to break up a fight."

Jem snorts and continues to stir the egg as I add cream cheese, and shredded cheese to the mix. "If there was a fight between Jaz and me you'd be looking for a body bag big enough to fit her body and dead ego in." We snicker together as the scrambled egg starts to slowly cook.

"Do I have to talk to her?" I know I sound like a pathetic little girl whining to her mommy but I can't help it. After a morning spent with Nate I didn't want it ruined by Ms. Sophisticated Slut over there.

Jem gives me a sympathetic look as she stirs the egg. "So you know who she was? With Nate, I mean."

"Yeah, I had a memory of them together and then when I realized she would look exactly like Jasper I connected the dots. But I'm not worried about Nate and her. I'm more worried about me attacking her randomly. I haven't said one word to her and I already hate her." The bitterness creeps back into my voice as I pull the pan off the hot burner.

Jem nods gravely and starts to pull plates down from the cabinet. "She has that effect on everyone. Well everyone except weak kneed men. But you'll want to be careful Marie. She despises you almost more than you despise her. She's wicked with an axe and ruthless. She may not kill you with red stone but she has no problem chopping your head off with a regular axe."

Great, so she's an amazing fighter and she has every man with a pulse at her beck and call. Good thing I don't have to worry about Nate. I feel a goofy smile curve my lips as I stare at the beautiful ring on my left hand. A promise.

My train of thought it destroyed when I hear Jasper's voice in the background. Propping my hip on the counter I point an accusing finger at Jem. "You distracted me! I want to know what happened between you and Jasper."

Jem shrugs a shoulder and starts to spoon helpings of scrambled egg onto plates. "It's not that hard to do. You're like a dog seeing a squirrel."

"Well I see no fury creatures right now so spill." I know I should be gentler with asking Jem since experience has taught me she doesn't like giving out information on her life, but I am getting really impatient with not knowing.

"Later." I open my mouth to urge her some more but something in her eyes has me shutting up. Her chocolate eyes plead with me to not push her and I have to look away from the emotion I see there. Jem isn't one of those 'pleading' types either. There is something way more serious about this story than I first thought.

Both of us grab two plates and set them on the table that the flame twins and Nate are crowded around. Jazmine is laughing at something Nate said as he flips pancakes on the griddle and Jasper smirks along with them.

I sit down next to Nate and glance up to find Jasper staring at me. "Feeling better Phoenix?" His condescending voice makes it sound like he's talking to a four year old after their nap.

Trying to control my temper I shovel scrambled egg into my mouth and immediately regret the decision. It is hot!

I must look like a fish out of water with my cheeks all blown out and my mouth slightly open to let the scolding food cool down. The first real smile, since I walked into this kitchen, seems to light up Jem's face as she cover her own mouth in an attempt not to laugh. Nate doesn't hold back as he throws his head back and laughs loudly. Jasper winks at me and says, "You look cute like that, Phoenix."

Jazmine looks disgusted though as she pokes at her egg like she thinks we poisoned it. Ignoring her I swallow with difficulty and smile sheepishly as I offer my plate to Nate for a chocolate chip pancake.

When the laughter dies down, Jem and Jasper are back to avoiding each other, Jazmine is smiling prettily at Nate as he dishes her a pancake and I feel my sense of calm start to crumble.

This ought to be an interesting day.

**Quote: "Lord give me the coffee to change the things I can change, and wine to accept the things I can't." ~~Unknown**