Chapter Three:

“I don't think you know where you are going,” Aidan said stiffly as he looked around to make sure they weren't being followed.

Falon rolled her eyes. This was the tenth time Aidan had criticized her sense of direction in just a few minutes. “I know where I am going. I'm just making sure we are not being followed. Now, will you please stop saying that.” Falon approached a tree, placed her hand on the trunk, and leaned against it. She was tired, in pain, and this Fae was getting on her nerves. She closed her eyes to get her breathing under control.

“No one is following us,” Aidan said not noticing how pale Falon was or how tired she looked. All Aidan was thinking about was how he wished she would take her hood off again so he could see her dark red hair. Aidan shook his head anger filling him. He needed to get a grip. There was no reason for him to be this attracted to her. She was a Human. Aidan was so lost in his thoughts that it took him a minute to notice that Falon was leaning weakly against the tree with James standing next to her. “Are you all right? What happened?” He asked as he approached her.

“Yes, it's nothing. Just need to catch my breath,” Falon said, trying not to let the pain show in her voice. She was going to have to lay down soon if she wanted to regain her strength.

Aidan came to stand in front of her. It was then that he noticed the paleness of her skin and the sweat that had formed on her brow. He slowly brushed a stray piece of hair out of her face. “You're pale. Very pale.” He looked her up and down trying to find any sort of injury. The only reason for her to be this pale was that she had an injury and had lost a lot of blood. Guilt filled him as he thought about when she had saved him. He closed his eyes as he pictured it in his head. If he wasn't mistaken he had cut her on her left lower side. Aidan opened his eyes and started to push back her cloak. He needed to look at her wound so he could see how much damage he had done. Damn he felt like a complete idiot for hurting her. She had saved his life and he had repaid her by stabbing her.

“What are you doing?” Falon asked as she pushed his hand away. She was not in the mood for this Fae to try to touch her. She had enough feelings flowing through her without him manhandling her. She couldn't imagine what it would be like if he did touch her.

“Let me see,” Aidan said as he looked into her eyes. Looking into their depths made him feel like he could do anything. It made him feel like happy endings could exist. Looking into them made him want to believe in a future that couldn't exist. That would never exist.

Falon looked away breaking the spell that he seemed to hold over her, the spell that made her want to believe in something that wasn't real. She had dreamed long ago of a man who would make her world a better place, but it had all been a lie. A beautiful lie. There was no such man and there were no happily-ever-afters. Falon shook her head and tried to forget the feelings he was causing within her. It was as if he was bringing her hardened heart back to life. He was making her believe in the lies they tell you as a child. The things you want to believe will come true, but deep in your heart you know they won't.

“I am fine. Besides, I do not let men that I don't know examine me.” Falon said with a slight smirk. “Especially if I don't even know their names.” She was growing weaker. She needed to get her side dealt with properly, and she needed to get away from this Fae. Maybe it was the loss of blood that was causing her to be so confused. So drawn to him. Yes it was just the loss of blood. It wasn't anything else. Falon looked at Aidan again and when their eyes met, she knew she was in big trouble. If this was Fate's idea of a joke bringing her together with a Fae then Fate had another thing coming. She would never give into these feelings and she would never give into this Fae. “Listen, the caves are just a little further. I will be fine until then.” With what little strength she had left, she pushed herself away from the tree and continued on. As she walked she looked over her shoulder at James and Aidan. “You two coming? Or are you just going to look at me like I'm crazy?”

“Coming.” James said as he hurried after her. “I'm ready to see my family.”

“I'm sure you are. I promise they are safe. Goldy would have gotten them to safety.” Falon patted James on the shoulder then hurried ahead.

Aidan came to walk beside her. He was impressed by her strength and determination. She was unlike any woman he had ever met before. “Aidan.”

“What?” Falon asked, confused.

“My name is Aidan,” he said as he helped her over a fallen log. Aidan was stunned when she didn't pull back from him. “You really are not feeling well, are you?” It was his fault she was in pain. She had saved him and he had repaid her by attacking. True, it had only been a reflex, but that did not excuse it.

“I will be fine.” Falon walked a little more then stumbled. Aidan grabbed her arm and steadied her. She knew he was about to say something so she spoke first. “Your name. I like it.”

Aidan looked at her with his eyebrows scrunched, but he didn't say anything about her stumbling. “Thanks. I like Falon.”

Falon nodded and then looked over her shoulder at James. “You all right back there?”

“I'm fine. Just worrying. How much longer?” James asked as he caught up to them.

“Just a few more minutes. So, do you like it?”

“Like what?” James asked trying to understand what she was talking about. For most of the trip he had been lost in his own thoughts about his family and not paying attention to their conversation. Of course, most of the time all three of them had been quiet. The few times they had spoken, it was usually the Fae asking if Falon was lost.

“His name. It's Aidan. I like it. Come, we are almost there. It is just on the other side of those bushes.”

She felt herself get dizzy as she bent down and entered the entrance to the cave that was hidden behind the bushes. Her dizziness caused her to be unprepared as a hand shot out of the darkness, grabbed her by the throat, and slammed her against the cave wall. Falon felt pain shoot through her side then her weakness set in, causing everything to go black.

“Get your hands off her!” Aidan yelled as he grabbed the dark figure from behind and threw him away from Falon. He turned and saw Falon hit the ground and lie still. Anger filled him as he turned back to the figure. No one had the right to touch what was his. The thought came from nowhere, and Aidan tamped down on it immediately.

“Aidan?” Cale asked as he pushed himself up off the ground.

“Falon!” Ariana yelled out as she hurried over to her friend, who was laying motionless on the cave floor. “Falon, look at me.” She rolled Falon over so that she could see her face. As she looked at Falon, she realized how pale she was. Ariana heard Cale's friend come up behind her, but she didn't take her eyes off Falon, “Come on. Look at me.”

“Move.” Aidan grabbed Falon's friend by the waist and moved her out of the way. He then knelt next to Falon. “Wake up,” he said as he patted her face with his hand. When she didn't stir, worry filled him. He quickly pushed her cloak aside and looked down to her side. He should have forced her to let him see her wound earlier. What if he was too late? No, he thought, shaking his head. She was going to be fine as soon as he took care of her. “Cale, do you have your pack with you?” He looked down at her side and felt his blood run cold. A lot of Falon's blood had seeped through the makeshift bandage. “Cale?!”

He grabbed his pack and hurried over to Aidan. “Here,” he said as he knelt next to them. “I did not mean her harm. I was just protecting those with me.”

Aidan grabbed the bag and spoke with out looking at Cale. “I know. It isn't you that hurt her. You just added to the problem,” he said as he pulled out some medical supplies. He quickly cut away Falon's corset so he could get to her wound before pushing up her shirt and tending to her wound. It only took him a few minutes, but he knew it would take much longer for her to regain her strength. She had lost a lot of blood, but not as much as he had first thought. The bandage and the corset had kept her from losing too much. “We need to get her somewhere dry and safe. She needs rest,” Aidan said as he pulled her shirt back down and wrapped her more securely in her cloak. He didn't want her to get a chill on top of everything else.

“Will she be all right?” Ariana asked as she knelt down next to her friend. She brushed a lock of hair out of her face. “She's so pale.” She shook her head as Falon's words from earlier entered her mind. Falon had said that she always seemed to get hurt when Ariana had visions. Ariana thought about it for a moment and she realized that Falon was right. Ariana sighed sadly and looked down at her friend. Why couldn't she be a seer like the ones from the past? Why were her visions always so confusing.

“She will be fine with rest,” Aidan said as he looked at the blond woman next to him. “Who are you?”

“Ariana,” she answered with a small smile. She knew that her vision may have gotten Falon hurt, but she also knew without a doubt that the Fae looking at her was Falon's mate. He was the only one who could ever truly get to Falon's heart.

“I'm Aidan. You are a Witch?”

“Yes.” She stood, watching as Aidan lifted Falon gently into his arms.

“How did a Witch and Human become friends?” Aidan asked as he looked around the cave. He noticed that James had been reunited with his family.

“It's a long story,” Ariana said with a small smile.

“Very well. Listen, she needs somewhere safe to rest.” He looked down at Falon. For some reason, he really enjoyed having her in his arms. It just felt right and familiar. It felt like a dream he had held onto for so long.

“This way,” Ariana said as she headed deeper into the cave.

“It will be too cold for her in there. We must go somewhere else,” Aidan said as his grip tightened on Falon. He kept telling himself that the only reason he was worried about her was because he was the one who had hurt her. It was a very logical response. Yeah keep telling yourself that, Aidan thought with a grimace.

“Trust me. I would not do anything to make her worse. She is my best friend,” Ariana said sweetly. “We must go further in the cave.”

Aidan nodded, then followed Cale and his mate. Ariana. He needed to remember that name. It would be rude to just call her Cale's mate. Aidan saw Cale look over at Ariana as she gave his friend the most loving and charming smile he had ever seen. His heart suddenly tightened as he thought about Falon looking at him like that. For some reason, he longed for that, or for just a smile from her that would break the walls around his heart. “Damn fool,” Aidan said under his breath. He cleared his mind from such silly daydreams. He was a Fae bounty hunter who had given up on finding a mate years ago. He was not about to start having stupid feelings for a Human woman who couldn't stay out of trouble.

“Pardon?” Ariana asked as she heard Aidan mumble. This Fae was very different from Cale. Cale was more open and light while Aidan seemed to hide a dark side. Maybe he wasn't the best one to have around her friend. Falon needed some light in her life, not more darkness.

“He mumbles to himself. You will get used to it,” Cale said as he came up and put his arm around Ariana's shoulders.

“Falon does that as well. Usually when she is aggravated.” Ariana's smile faded, “She will be fine, won't she?”

“Yes.” Aidan said as they went deeper into the caves. After a while they came to a dead end. “I thought you said you knew where you were going!” he yelled.

Falon woke up to realize two things: one, she was in Aidan's arms and two, he was extremely angry. Funnily enough it was the first fact that bothered her the most. Just the feel of his arms holding her body against his was sending pulses of electricity throughout her whole body. “Can you put me down?” Falon asked, her voice not much more than a whisper.

Aidan looked down, frowning when he saw how pale Falon was. “No. You need to rest.”

Falon tilted her head at him in confusion. She was about to say something when Aidan's friend spoke up.

Cale stepped in front of Ariana, “You will not raise your voice at her,” he said his jaw clenched. Cale knew that Aidan was angry, but he didn't understand why. They had been in similar situations before and Aidan had never acted like this, especially not toward a female. So why was he acting so weird now?

“Why are you yelling at my friend?” Falon asked with a frown, looking up at Aidan. No one had a right to yell at her friend but her. Falon almost chuckled at the logic of that thought, but she contained herself.

“Because she is incompetent,” Aidan said not looking away from Cale and Ariana. How could she had led them further into the cave with nowhere else for them to go? Was she really that stupid of a Witch?

“You should not have said that.” Ariana said softly as she looked at Aidan with a grimace. This was not good.

“Why no-” Before Aidan could finish his question he was flying backward across the cave and hit the wall. What the hell had just happened? Aidan thought as he shook his head and looked up from where he had landed after hitting the wall.

Falon hit the floor as Aidan flew backwards. She hissed and grabbed her side. “That was a bad idea,” she winced as the pain engulfed her. It took everything in her not to give into the darkness that wanted to claim her.

“Falon, you need to think before you act,” Ariana said as she came to her friend's side.

“Yeah, yeah,” Falon muttered through clenched teeth. “Help me up.” She was finally able to regain her breath and push the darkness aside and with Ariana's help, she stood on shaky legs. Falon looked to where Cale was helping Aidan off the floor. She smirked as she saw the bewildered look on Aidan's face. Maybe now he would be more hesitant about yelling at Ariana and calling her names. She would never let anyone talk to Ariana like Aidan had.

“What was that?” Aidan asked as Cale helped him up. He shook his head trying to clear it. He hadn't felt that much power in a long time.

“That was you angering the wrong woman,” Cale said trying not to laugh. His friend looked truly confused.

“Falon?” Aidan asked as they walked over to the girls. Why would Falon have thrown him across the room when she had been in his arms? Was she that stupid? “Falon!”

“What?” she snapped. She squared her shoulders and gave Aidan a look that dared him to continue his conversation, as Aidan spoke, Falon knew that she apparently needed to work on that look some more.

“What were you thinking?!” he yelled as he got in Falon's face. He was surprised when she didn't flinch or back down. It had been a long time since someone had stood up to him like this. He had a habit of even making Cale back down from time to time and Cale was his friend. Why was this Human woman not scared of him? What made her so special? Did she not fear anything? Maybe it was that she was to dumb to fear him. Yeah that made him feel better. Maybe this stupid attraction would soon disappear.

“I was thinking I don't like people insulting my friend. Now if you would have given her an opportunity she would have shown you the way out.” Falon moved away from them all slowly and placed her hand on the wall. With a few words the wall opened up to reveal a hidden room.

Falon turned and glared at Aidan not saying anything, but her eyes told him how angry she was and how stupid she thought he was. Great now she thought he was an idiot. Aidan rubbed the back of his neck in frustration.

Cale watched as James, his family, Falon, and Ariana went into the room, “I think you have met you match.” Cale said with a laugh.

“Stubborn woman,” Aidan said to himself as he followed the group in. He was amazed when he stepped into a large room. Aidan looked around and saw that off to the side were open doors leading to more rooms. Why was there a place like this in a cave? “Why is this here?” He asked as he watched James light a fire. “What is this place?”

“It's a place to rest and hide,” Falon said as she slowly sat down in a chair. She felt the tiredness and pain all the way to her bones. She leaned her head back. She could use a good nap, but she knew she needed to get defenses up. After that she would be able to rest. Falon was about to stand up when Aidan came over to her. Falon let out an annoyed sigh. She was really not in the mood for him right now. A part of her wanted his comfort, but the other part wanted to snap his head off and she knew the snappy part would win out.

Aidan's anger left and concern replaced it as he saw Falon wince, “Let me see if you did anymore damage to yourself,” he said.

“I have had enough of your help. Thank you very much.” Her voice showed her anger. She refused to open her eyes and give Aidan the satisfaction of seeing the pain. Why couldn't he just leave her alone? Why had Fate brought him into her life? Stupid Fate.

“I'm not the one who hurt herself because she didn't use the brain in her head. Now let me look!” He said getting aggravated. What was her problem? He was just trying to help her. Aidan stopped for a moment and thought about how he would be reacting if someone had insulted his best friend. Aidan's eyebrows scrunched together as he realized that Falon was actually not behaving too awful considering the circumstances.

Falon stood up, ignoring the pain and the dizziness that was causing her to lose her balance. “Push through this,” she thought as she got in Aidan's face. “I don't have many friends and I don't allow anyone to insult them. I protect what is mine,” Falon said.

Aidan could not help it when his lips curved at the edges in a ghost of a smile. He admired her spunk and fire. He also loved it when her brown eyes seemed to take on a red tint. “You don't fear me. Do you?” Aidan's smile faded and shock took it's place as he realized that this mere Human woman didn't fear him, when some of the most powerful beings of this world did.

Falon scoffed, “No. Should I?” She asked with a sarcastic tone.

“Possibly,” he said as he got even closer. It would do her some good to fear him. He watched as her lips quirked up in a quick smile, but it was soon gone, as her face grew ghost white and her eyes closed.

Falon couldn't help the small smile that spread across her face, but she knew it faded quickly. As she stood there she thought about commenting, but the the room began to sway and the darkness again tried to claim her.

Aidan watched as Falon swayed and her knees gave out. He quickly scooped her up in his arms. “Cale!” Aidan yelled as he hurried her into another room.

“Do you always shout?” Falon asked with a smile before everything went black.

Aidan looked down as Falon went limp in his arms. His heart tightened as he saw the color leave her face. She looked like a ghost, she was so white. “Cale!” Aidan hurried over to one of the beds and gently laid her down. He brushed a piece of hair out of her face. He felt her forehead and knew that she was suffering from a fever. She was going to need some medicine to stop the spread of any kind of infection. Aidan cursed himself as he realized he hadn't even thought of that earlier. She was probably going to need a new bandage considering she was bleeding again. Aidan lifted her shirt and looked at the bandage. He was about to remove it when Cale came into the room with his bag.

“I am here. Let me look at her,” Cale said as he tried to get to Falon.

“No, I'll do it,” Aidan said not wanting anyone else to look at Falon. He couldn't explain his jealousy and right now he did not care. All he cared about was making sure Falon was all right.

“Aidan, I have more experience with healing. Let me help her,” Cale said softly. Aidan had met his mate. Cale wondered what Aidan would do once he came to the realization that Falon was his mate. He would probably have a heart attack considering his mate was a Human and one that seemed to get into a lot of trouble.

Aidan finally relented and moved away from Falon. In his mind he knew that Cale was a much better healer but he still had trouble moving away from her. As Aidan looked around the room, he saw Ariana's worried face peeking in through the door. He couldn't help but smile when Ariana spoke.

“She always has been stubborn. She doesn't think before she acts. She also hates getting help, as much as, she hates showing any kind of weakness.” Ariana wrapped her arms around her waist as she watched Cale work on Falon. “I'll fix every one something to eat.”

“Cale is a good healer. She will be fine.” Aidan cleared his throat, “And I apologize for earlier. I should...”

Ariana held up her hand to stop him, “Don't worry over it. Just look after Falon for me.” Ariana walked out of the room. Instead of focusing and worrying about Falon, he listened as Ariana and James' wife spoke to one another. He was shocked when she let her and Falon take the blame for what happened in the bar, but not as shocked as he was when she offered James and his family a new home. Aidan had been wondering what he was going to do with them, but had not come up with any ideas. Aidan continued to listen hoping for anything of value to hold onto. He didn't know where Falon's home was or what it was. If a Witch was living with Humans peacefully than it was definitely an odd place. In most places Humans were seen as dirt scum, but Ariana treated them as her equals. She had definitely been raised differently or maybe it was having a Human for a best friend. Maybe it had been Falon who had changed her way of thinking. She was definitely screwing up his way of thinking. Aidan lost himself in his thoughts as he stared at Falon. He stopped listening to Ariana. Why did this Human have such a pull on him? Aidan stared at Falon until Cale came over to him.

“She will be fine with some rest. She is one tough Human,” Cale said as he looked at his friend. “I'm going to go get something to eat. Would you like me to bring you something?”

Aidan nodded yes and went over to Falon's side. He sat down in the chair that Cale had brought over. He didn't know how long he sat there just staring at her when Ariana entered the room and brought him back to reality.

Ariana entered the room and she smiled as she saw Aidan sitting next to her friend. “I brought you something to eat.”

Aidan looked at Ariana and took the bowl out of her hand, “Thank you.”

“You do have manners.” A soft voice said from the bed.

Ariana looked over at Falon. “He is not the only one who has forgotten about manners,” she said with a small smile, “I will go get you something to eat.”

“Not right now, but thank you,” Falon said weakly.

Ariana looked over at her and nodded. Falon watched as her friend disappeared into the other room, “she is right, I have been rude.” Falon closed her eyes and sighed.

“I noticed you didn't apologize,” Aidan said with a smirk. He had not expected one, but it was fun to tease her. Again Aidan wondered what was wrong with himself. He had never been the teasing or playful sort, but something about her changed that. He wanted to bring a smile to her face, a smile that would light up those dark brown eyes.

Falon opened her eyes and looked at Aidan with a small smile. “I don't apologize, but I'll try to do better.” Falon went to push herself up, but Aidan stopped her.

“You should rest,” Aidan said. Most people, let alone, a woman would not stand up to him. “You lost a lot of blood.”

Falon chuckled, “I have been hurt worse than this.” She slowly sat up. She closed her eyes pushing the pain out of her mind. When she opened her eyes she could see the worry on Aidan's face. “It has been a long time since some one has worried about me,” Falon said not knowing if she liked him worrying about her or not.

Aidan frowned as her words penetrated his brain. Worried. Was he worried about her? No, he wasn't worried. Because if he was worried, it would mean that he cared for her, even if it was just a little. “I am not worried. If you want to injure yourself further than that is your business,” he said his voice harsh and cold. He wasn't worried about her, some Human. Why would he be? Aidan hardly ever worried about Cale so he wasn't going to worry about this stupid woman who didn't know how to take care of herself. Some woman that in a few days he would never see again. Aidan's gut tightened at that thought. He didn't like the idea of never seeing her again.

Falon looked at Aidan and wondered what was going through his head. “I'm glad you aren't worried.” Falon slowly stood up, but with the loss of blood she swayed a little. “Push it aside,” she thought. She would rest once she knew everyone was safe for the night.

“You are being an idiot. You must be out of your mind if you are already trying to get up,” Aidan said harshly as he grabbed her arm and steadied her.

“Possibly, but there's much that needs to be done. I'll rest once I know everyone is safe for the night.” Falon closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Once she knew she was steady she pulled her arm away from Aidan, “Thank you for your assistance.” She left the room leaving Aidan staring after her.

“I don't care if she bleeds to death. I don't care. Stupid woman,” Aidan said to himself, but even as the words left his mouth he knew they were a lie. He was worried about this woman and he didn't know why. In his mind images of her kept invading his thoughts, so he put his bowl down and hurried after her. “Let me at least help you,” he said as he came over to her leaning against the wall.

“Thank you, but no. I have to push through it. I'm stronger than this,” Falon said closing her eyes. She imagined herself healing if only just a little. She normally could not heal herself like she could heal others, but she was able to give herself more strength. After a few minutes she felt strength go through her body. It would only last a few hours, but that would be enough time to set up the defenses, then she would rest. Of course it would leave her more tired than if she just regained her strength naturally.

“You have grown very pale,” Aidan said as he brushed a piece of hair out of her face. “You should lay back down.” Maybe a new approach on it would help. Maybe if he suggested, instead of demanding it would help.

“I will, once I have the defenses up.” Falon opened her eyes and gave him a small smile. “Go eat. I'll be back shortly.”

“Of course it didn't work,” Aidan said as he threw up his hands and watched as Falon walked through yet another secret door. Before he could follow Ariana came up behind him. “She is stubborn but she knows her own strength. She also takes her job of protection very seriously.”

“How will she put up defenses? She is a Human not a Witch or Fae,” Aidan asked as he turned towards Cale's mate. She really was pretty, but not as pretty as Falon. Plus she did not have as much fire. Aidan shook his head in aggravation. This was ridiculous. He should not be thinking of Falon like this. Nothing could ever happen between them. Fae could only ever be with their mates and his mate was long gone.

Ariana tilted her head and looked at Aidan. “She has a Witch's stone that she wears around her neck.”

“A Witch's stone?!” Aidan asked in a shout, “Where did she get one of those? All of those were suppose to have been destroyed a thousand years ago.”

“Where she got it is her business,” Ariana said with a raised eyebrow. “and there is no reason to yell. If you have something you wish to take up with Falon then do it with her not me. I was just answering your question.” Ariana then walked off holding back her smile until her back was to Aidan. She wondered how much longer Aidan was going to fight the inevitable.

Aidan clenched his jaw and fists then walked out of the secret door. He was going to have a lot to say to Falon once he saw her. Aidan swore under his breath as he thought about Falon using a Witch's stone. They were stones that contained the power of dying Witches. Any wearer could call on that power and use it but they were made for Witches not Humans. Aidan hurried through the tunnel that had been behind the door. He just knew that he was going to find Falon passed out or dead. Witch's Stones took a lot of strength and they weren't meant for Humans. “I can't believe Falon has one of those? And that she is using it to put up the defenses!” Aidan though as he finally came to the end of the tunnel.

Aidan stepped out into the open air and looked around for Falon. Finally his eyes fell on her sitting on the ground, her back to a tree, her breathing labored. “Are you all right?” Aidan asked as he came closer to her.

“Fine,” Falon said not opening her eyes.

Aidan knelt in front of her and pulled out her necklace. It was an orange stone on a sliver necklace. “This could kill you!” He yelled.

Falon took a deep breath trying not to lose her temper, “there is no need to shout, I am not deaf.”

“No, but you are lacking in intelligence. Those stones should not be used by a Human. Especially one who is in your condition. These things were made for Witches,” he said with a growl as he grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her.

Falon opened her eyes and tilted her head to look at Aidan. “I don't understand you. You get angry over the silliest things. I have had this necklace for as long as I can remember and I handle the power just fine. Maybe you should not underestimate me or lump me into the typical Human group.” Falon shook her head and chuckled. She went to stand up, but Aidan stopped her.

“You'll be weak after using that stone.” Aidan said slowly as if she was a child. Why could she not see how weak she was?

“I am not a child so do not speak to me as if I'm one,” Falon said the anger in her growing. “And just because I am a woman and a...Human does not mean that I am weak.” Falon shoved Aidan backwards, but before he fell to far he grabbed her wrist and pulled her down on top of him. He quickly rolled her on her back and secured her hands above her head.

“It is a known fact that woman are weaker than men,” Aidan said as he stared down at her. Every sense he had was alert to the fact that he was pressed against Falon so intimately. Man she was beautiful. Did he really think that he had seen a woman more beautiful than her? What had he been thinking?

Falon narrowed her eyes and before Aidan knew what was happening she brought her leg up and wrapped it around his. She used it to push him over onto his back. Once she had him on his back she put a knife to his throat, “I have been taking care of myself since I was five. I don't need a man or anyone else to look after me.”

Aidan felt the blade at his throat and was impressed, “Not many people get the better of me.”

Falon scoffed, shoved off of him, and stood up. “Listen I am sure you and Cale have somewhere else to be. Why don't you leave?” Falon asked knowing that Ariana would never let Cale go but she could hope. “Come on Fate for once be on my side,” Falon thought to herself.

Aidan stood up, dusted his leather pants off, and Falon couldn't help but admire him. He really was quite attractive. Falon shook her head and began to walk away. She didn't have the time or the inclination to get involved with any one. Her life was way too complicated to involve anyone else in it. Before Falon got to far Aidan had grabbed her, turned her around, and pinned to a tree. “Never turn your back on an enemy unless you know they will not get back up again,” he said his face just mere inches from Falon's. His eyes locked with hers then slowly they moved down until they were staring intently at her mouth. Suddenly the urge to kiss her was overwhelming him.

Falon swallowed trying not to let the closeness of his body affect her, “Are you an enemy?” She asked her voice coming out sounding a little breathless. She wanted him to say yes, but she also wanted him to say no. What was wrong with her? She didn't even know her own mind anymore.

“No,” Aidan said quietly then his eyes locked once again with hers. Falon felt her heart race as Aidan leaned closer to her. She knew he was going to kiss her and she couldn't let it happen. Before she could make up her mind or become even more confused she pushed at him with her powers knocking him to the ground. She laughed as she saw the look on his face, “Sorry,” Falon said with a mock innocence, “I don't know how that could have possibly happened. Especially since I am so weak.” She then smiled sweetly at him and walked back into the cave.

Aidan waited until she was gone then burst out laughing. Cale was right, he had finally met his match. “Well let the game begin,” Aidan thought as he wondered what their next confrontation was going to be like. Aidan smiled, looking forward to the challenge.

Chapter Two

Chapter Two:

“You promise we will find him?” Ariana asked for what seemed like the hundredth time in an hour as they walked in the shadows of the buildings.

“Yes. I believe I have already said that, unless you were thinking I was going to change my mind since the last time you asked me. Which was when? Oh yes, three minutes ago,” Falon said, frustrated with this whole thing. “Stupid man. Side bleeding. Always getting hurt because of her visions. Doesn't believe me,” she mumbled to herself as they continued to walk down the street. Ariana had patched up Falon a little, but they really did not have the supplies they needed to do a good job.

Ariana listened as her friend mumbled and she couldn't help but chuckle. “I thought everything went quite well. Also the Fae you were with was quite attractive, was he not?”

Falon stopped suddenly and turned to face Ariana. “He bloody stabbed me! I saved his life and he stabbed me. How's that for gratitude?” She then turned back around and started walking again. “Stupid man. Bloody visions. I Couldn't have a normal best friend, oh no. Fate and its sense of humor.”

Ariana chuckled again. “I should be offended, but I cannot be. When you mumble like that you sound like a little child. If it helps, I will not ask you again.”

Falon looked over her shoulder, but she did not say anything else as they continued through the shadows to their destination. Finally they made it to the house the council had told her about. Falon was getting ready to climb up the tree that was next to the house when Ariana placed her hand on her shoulder.

“Are you sure you are up to this?” Ariana asked as she watched her friend getting ready to climb up the tree onto the second story roof. It had only been an hour since Falon had gotten hurt and Ariana was afraid that she would be too weak.

Falon looked over her shoulder at Ariana and narrowed her eyes. “What do you think?” Falon asked snapped, and Ariana raised her hands in surrender. “Just keep a look out.” She began to climb the tree. Ariana shook her head at her friend's stubbornness, but did what she was told.

After climbing up the tree and making her way across the second story roof to the open window, she slowly and quietly crawled in. As she came into the office she quickly looked around. She knew what she was after, but she didn't know where it was. “If I was a stack of papers where would I be?” Falon mumbled to herself. After a few more minutes of searching, she smirked as she pushed aside a bookcase to reveal a hidden nook behind it. In the nook were the papers she was looking for. “No one is creative with their hiding places anymore.” She quickly put them in her bag and pushed the bookcase back.

As Falon was getting ready to climb out the window, her eye caught sight of something on the desk. She smiled to herself and headed back into the room, grabbing up the bag of gold with a chuckle. What kind of thief would she be if she didn't take something a little more valuable than papers?

Falon smiled as she thought about how many mouths this gold would feed. After putting the gold in her bag she quickly left the room through the window. As she made her way across the roof and down the tree, she remembered the pain in her side. She gritted her teeth as she hit a limb and pain shot through her. Finally, after what seemed like forever, her feet touched the ground. Once she had regained her balance, she and Ariana hurried away from the house and headed out of town.

They were about half way out of the town when Fate decided to interfere with their lives yet again. Falon swore under her breath as she saw James, the bartender, being dragged toward the prison by the Witch guards.

“Great,” Falon muttered as she stared after them.

“Falon, why do they have James?” Ariana asked in confusion. It wasn't like James to get into trouble. Actually, most Humans stayed out of trouble because of how harsh the Witches and Fae were to them.

“Probably because of the fight. They will want information, especially the names of us and the Fae that fought the Witches. Once they realize that he doesn't know they will kill him because it happened in his bar.” Falon put her back to the wall that she was standing beside and took a deep breath. “Go get his family and meet me in Thief's Cave. I will meet you there as soon as I have James,” Falon said, knowing that if she left James with the Witches then his blood would be on her hands. She also knew that when he didn't-or rather, couldn't-give up any names, they would use his family against him. James would die, but not before watching his entire family tortured and killed.

Falon shook her head knowing that she just could not let that happen. She did not want to have anymore blood on her hands, she had enough already.

“Good luck, my friend,” Ariana said as she clasped Falon's arm. “And be careful.”

“You as well.” Falon went to leave, but then she stopped. Without turning around she spoke to Ariana. “If I am not there by dawn, go home.”

“I do not think so,” Ariana replied before she disappeared.

Falon sighed deeply, knowing that her friend would come after her if she didn't show up to the caves by dawn. She shook her head again and hurried toward the prison. She needed to focus on retrieving James and getting out safely. It seemed to take a lifetime for Falon to arrive at the prison but finally she made her way into an office window. Slowly, she made her way through the halls. This was not the first time she had been in a prison, nor was it the first time she had broken into one, with each time she wished it was her last. With ever step she felt like the walls were closing in on her, trying to keep her a prisoner. A shiver went down her spine as memories slowly and painfully went through her mind from a time when she wasn't someone breaking into the prison, but a prisoner herself. Falon shook her head trying to clear it of the dread and fear that always accompanied those memories. She needed to stay focused. Staying focused was the difference between success and failure. As she hid in the shadows and waited for a guard to pass, she took control of the fear trying to take root in her mind and continued on through the dark hallways that reminded her of a never ending abyss.

Falon swore under her breath as she looked around the corner that lead to the prison cells. Her eyes fell on two guards hitting James the last of the blows sending him to the hard ground, gasping for breath. Falon leaned back and put her head against the wall. This is going to be fun, she thought sarcastically as she pulled out two throwing knives. She hated to kill, but she had no choice. If she left these two guards alive they would raise the alarm before she even had a chance to get James to safety. Falon quietly came around the corner and threw her knives at the two Witch guards. They stuck in their chests before they even had a chance to react.

“Good throw,” James rasped out as he looked up and saw the hooded figure coming towards him. He didn't know who it was and he really didn't care. If it wasn't for this stranger he would be in a lot worse condition.

Falon came over to James and helped him to his feet. When James saw her face, he was in complete shock, “Red?” This could not be the woman he had seen at his bar for the past three years. She was a Human. Humans did not go around killing Witches. Humans kept their heads down and hoped that they avoided trouble. There was just no reason to fight against a group of beings that had power when you didn't.

“Were you expecting someone else?” Falon asked giving him a small smile. “Come on, let's get out of here.”

“My family. They will go after them,” James said, his face and voice showing his pain.

“Goldy is getting them. They are going to meet us somewhere safe.” Falon looped his arm around her neck and put her's around his waist, “They really hurt you didn't they?” James was a good man and a Human. He had no power to fight against the Witches or their abuse. Falon shook her head as she thought about the fact that so many Humans had lost their lives just because a Witch or Fae hadn't liked them. It had gotten to the point that there were very few Humans left at all.

“I will be fine,” James said, “Let's get out of here. I have spent enough time in this place to last me a life time.” As they neared the door, two more Witches appeared blocking their path. “This is not good.”

“This is just not my day.” Falon said under her breath. She slowly moved her hand to her bag hoping that she had something left after the bar, but she knew she it was a false hope. Falon rolled her eyes as she wished that Fate would give her a break just once.

“Remove your hand from that bag,” one of the Witches said in a booming voice.

Falon did as he asked, thinking of a way to buy more time. If she had been alone she would not worry about it, but she could not risk James getting hurt.

“Now remove that hood,” the Witch ordered.

Falon closed her eyes, knowing that if this particular guard saw her face she would be in big trouble. “I think not,” she said, trying to disguise her voice. Really, Fate, can you not give me a break just this once? Falon asked in her head as she tried to figure a way out of this situation.

As the two guards started to draw their power, Falon could see it building in their hands. “Now!” The Witch yelled at Falon as he sent a burst of power flying past Falon and James' head. She saw James flinch out of the corner of her eye, but she didn't move. “Or do you want to be responsible for his death?” he asked pointing at James.

Falon sighed deeply, knowing that she was out of options. Slowly she moved her hand to her hood and pulled it back. Her dark red hair spilled around her shoulders.

“Well, well. I haven't seen you in a long time, Falon,” the Witch said with disgust.

“Amos.” This was one Witch she could have gone her entire life without ever seeing again. Fate, you suck. Falon thought as she stared the Witch down. If she didn't figure a way out of this then her life was going to end very shortly, especially if Amos handed her over to Damien as he had done before.

“It has been a long time. I believe the price on your head has gone up since last we met.” Amos said as he sauntered toward Falon and James.

Falon raised an eyebrow at him and tried to not laugh. Though Amos was aiming for a menacing swagger, his walk was more of a priss. Falon couldn't help it when a laugh escaped from her. It was hard for her to take this man seriously. “So I see you still haven't mastered how to walk like a man. Is that why you always use so much power? Are you trying to compensate for something?” Falon asked, her voice dripping with disdain. She knew she shouldn't have said it, but sometimes she just couldn't stop what came out of her mouth. She knew she had pushed him too far when he threw a bolt of power at her. “Move!” she yelled as she shoved James out of the way trying to dodge the blow. She closed her eyes, knowing that there was not enough time. She said an incantation to put up a shield, but she did know if it was enough.

---

Aidan looked down at the bartender and the mysterious woman from the bar. He had come to rescue the man, but it looked like the woman had beat him to it. She was really doing a number on his ego, saving him and beating him to the rescue. However, Aidan couldn't help but smirk at her courage. He had never met a Human as brave as her before. Aidan stilled as he saw the two guards approach the woman. As he watched the first blast go past her head, he felt something in him start to build. It felt like his insides were all tied up and he really wasn't sure he liked it.

Aidan looked at the woman and felt a protectiveness come over him like nothing he had ever felt before. Actually, if he were honest with himself, he would admit that he had never felt a protectiveness for anyone. He heard the guard tell her to take off her hood for the second time, and he felt his chest grow tight as the woman pulled her hood back to reveal beautiful, dark red hair. As he looked at her hair he was reminded of the embers of a fire. He shook his head, pulled his eyes away from the woman, and listened as the Witch called the woman Falon. Aidan lalmost laughed as Falon unmanned the Witch with her sharp wit. It had been a long time since he had enjoyed a conversation as much as he was enjoying this one. Aidan had to admit she had a quick mind and her courage knew no bounds. Of course, the woman probably could use a bit of fear in her to keep her alive longer.

As Aidan watched he knew his time was up. He quickly jumped down and put a shield up as a blast came towards Falon. He held the shield with everything in him, knowing that he had to protect this woman even if it was just to yell at her later about her own stupidity.

---

Falon looked in shock at the Fae standing in front of her. What was he doing? Was he trying to protect her? “What are you doing here?” she demanded. It had been a long time since someone had tried to protect her and she wasn't for sure if she liked it.

“Saving your life,” Aidan said as he pushed the power back toward the Witch, knocking him down. He was about to do the same thing to the other when a knife flew past his shoulder and stuck in the Witch's chest. Aidan turned around and raised an eyebrow at the woman. A ghost of a smile appeared on his face as she shrugged her shoulders and turned away from him.

“I do not need saving,” Falon said as she hurried over to James. She was about to help him up when the Fae grabbed her by the waist, picked her up, and set her back on her feet away from James. “What are you doing?

“That was not what it looked like from where I was, and I was moving you so I could help this man,” Aidan said as he helped the man up and headed for the door.

“Maybe you should have moved so you could have gotten a better view,” Falon said, her voice showing her annoyance. She hadn't needed saving in a long time. How could she have been so off today? She didn't even realize those two Witches were near until it was too late.

Aidan chuckled. “You are annoyed that I saved you.” Most women would be falling at his feet thanking him. Aidan imagined that she was the type of woman who would fall at his feet to thank him, but then he shook his head. This woman in front of him would never be that type, and he was glad of it he had enough of those kind around him to last a lifetime.

Falon stopped and looked at the Fae. “Yes. I...” She ran her hand through her hair in frustration. “Sorry. I should have said thank you. Besides, I am not the only one who has trouble being saved,” she said, her voice tinged with anger.

“I do not understand,” Aidan said with confusion as they came to the door that lead to the outside. He did not know what she was talking about. When had he not handled being saved by her well? Although his ego had taken a beating, he thought he had handled it very well.

“Did you forget that when I saved you, you stabbed me? Listen, not that I'm not enjoying this conversation, but we need to focus.” Falon saw two more Witch guards a little further ahead. Normally she would avoid them, but they were near the gate that she needed to go through to get to Thief's Cave. They could go through another gate, but it would take them several hours out of their way. Falon sighed, knowing that if they did not get to the caves by dawn then Ariana would be coming after them. She had to make it to the caves. She would not risk Ariana getting caught because of two measly guards.

“We will continue this conversation later,” Aidan said. He did not enjoy being reminded of the grave mistake he had made earlier. It wasn't as if she was wounded too bad, considering she was out running about rescuing people. If he had hurt her too bad she wouldn't have been able to do the things she was doing. Aidan frowned as he thought about the effect this woman was having on him. He didn't like it one bit. He also did not enjoy the way she spoke to him. Aidan was determined to have a word with her later about the patronizing tone she was using towards him. He was definitely going to have to put her in her place. No woman had ever talked to him in such a manner and he wasn't going to let this one.

Aidan narrowed his eyes at her, but he noticed that she wasn't paying him any attention. He looked out the door to see what she was looking at and saw two Witch guards standing near the gate. “We need to go that way.” Aidan said point to the left. He needed to get Falon and the man as far away from the guards as possible. It was only logical that they go through another gate, one that wasn't guarded.

“You do that,” Falon said as she dug in her bag. She sighed knowing that if she wasn't being physically drawn to him she wouldn't be so annoyed. What was wrong with her? She had never noticed the color of a man's eyes before, but she noticed this Fae's-green with flecks of gray in them. As she looked into them, she felt drawn to him. She felt her heart skip a beat every time he stood near and she swore he was the best-smelling man she had ever smelled before. Falon cursed in her head. Maybe the injury was causing brain damage. She shook her head to get the silly thoughts out of her mind. She did not have time for all of this nonsense. She needed to get to Thief's Cave before it was too late. The effects of losing too much blood was starting to get to her.

Aidan grabbed Falon by the arm and jerked her so she was looking at him. Anger filled him as he thought about her going toward those two guards. The only reason she had done so well in the bar was because of those devices. He knew that some Witches made devices that Humans could use with just a few words. It wasn't the Human that held the power, but the device itself. He also knew that she could throw a knife, but he was positive that it was only timing and luck that had given her victory on both accounts. Aidan knew that if he hadn't intervened in the prison, she would now be captured or dead. With her sassy mouth he would lean more towards dead.

“I do not have time for your insolence. We are going the way I said. I will not have you die because you do not know how to use your head.”

Falon felt her eyes turn red as his grip on her tightened. She tried to let the anger go so that her eyes would not change, but she could not. She didn't know if it was because he dared to touch her, or that the idea of him being angry at her was upsetting to her. She had never cared if someone was angry at her, and she wasn't going to start now... no matter how beautiful his eyes were or how much she longed to feel his arms around her. Oh, where the hell did that come from?! Falon thought her anger rising to another level. She forgot all about control as she spoke to Aidan. “Get your hand off me.”

Aidan had never seen eyes like Falon's before. They intrigued him. All the Humans he had known in the past had one set eye color. Even Witches' and Fae's eyes did not change. “Your eyes are turning red.”

“That means I am angry. Now. Let. Me. Go.” Falon said, speaking to him through clenched teeth.

Aidan let go of Falon's arm and stared at her. He tilted his head, trying to figure out exactly what had happened. As he watched her take deep breaths, he saw her eyes turn back to their normal deep brown. Although Aidan like the warm brown color of her eyes, he had really like the red, though he didn't understand why.

Aidan cleared his throat and cleared his mind. “You need to come with me. I will get you safely out of the city.”

“No, my friend is going to meet us with James' family in Thief's Cave.” Falon pointed to the gates. “I need to go that way to get to the caves. If we go out any other gates it will take too long. I only have until dawn before my friend comes after me.”

“Listen, my friend went to help James' family as well. He will take her to the most logical choice. He will also make sure she does not leave until I get there.” If he let her go at all Aidan thought. He pictured Cale's face when he had noticed that the women had disappeared. When Cale got the woman back he was not going to be letting her out of his sight. “Besides, there are two guards that way. How do you suggest we get rid of them? Do you have any more tricks in that bag? If I use my magic we will have more guards on top of us before we can even finish off those two. Plus, I am the only one here with magic, and I am not risking over-taxing myself because you want to have a shorter walk.”

Falon raised an eyebrow at him, taking off her cloak and bag. Aidan felt his mouth fall open as he took in her tight black leather pants, and black corset that she wore over white shirt. He eyed the laces that held her shirt closed at her chest. He had never seen a woman dressed the way she was. If a woman did not wear a dress then she wore men's clothing, but not in this manner. Aidan licked his lips as he noticed her figure. She really was a beautiful woman. As he looked her up and down, he wondered how many other men had seen her dressed in such attire. For some reason the thought made his blood boil.

Aidan's anger-and for lack of a better word, desire turned into pure shock as he watched her begin to untie the laces to the top of her shirt. “What...what are you doing?” He felt his mouth go dry as the laces gave way and most of her chest was exposed for him to see. What the hell was she thinking showing that much of herself?! “You...You...” Aidan stumbled over his words not knowing what to say. It was as if his tongue had forgotten how to work. That, or his brain. He quickly grabbed her cloak and tried to wrap it around her shoulders to cover her up. He realized that he was not the only one seeing her chest. He gave a quick glare at James, who actually didn't look too interested before turning back to Falon, who was looking at him with an annoyed look on her face.

“I took my cloak off for a reason. Now will you hold on to this for me?” she asked, handing him her bag and then taking off the cloak again.

Aidan growled as he saw her exposed flesh again. It wasn't as if he wasn't enjoying the view, but he did not like the idea of other men enjoying the view. He shook his head. He had never been a possessive man and he wasn't going to start with some Human woman. He needed to figure out what was wrong with himself and get over it. He had things to do and they did not involve getting tangled up with this stubborn, annoying woman. “Put that back on. You are not decent,” he snapped as he once again tried to cover her up.

“Just hold it, will you? Listen, I will put it back on in a moment. Just wait here. I will be right back.” Falon gave him a sassy smile then walked off.

“Get back here!” he hissed. He felt his gut tighten as he watched her walk towards the two Witches. What was she doing? She was going to get herself killed. Aidan didn't know what to do. If he called out to her any louder he would be heard and if he went after her they would be caught.

Falon walked towards the Witches, her hips swaying as she did. She needed to make herself look drunk and easy. With her tight leather pants and unlaced top she was definitely pulling it off. All she had to do now was be convincing. Of course that was going to be difficult because the idea of getting anywhere close enough to pull off what she had to do was already making her sick to her stomach. “You can do this,” she said under her breath as she continued towards the Witches. It would only take a moment and then she would re-lace her shirt and put her cloak back on. She tried to look as confident as possible. Well, as confident as a drunk woman could look.

“Lookie what we have here,” one of the men said as Falon stumbled into him. She smiled up at him sweetly.

“I seem to be lost,” she said slurring her words together. “Can you take me home?” She looked at him coyly batting her eyelashes. She had seen some women do these things at home, but she had never tried them herself. To be honest, she really did not understand the whole process of getting a man. She had not bothered with it, considering no man would ever want to be with her full time anyway. Of course, there were always those looking for a one night stand, but she wasn't interested in that.

“I can do better than that. I'll take you home with me,” the other Witch said as he pulled her by the waist into his arms.

Falon felt like she was going to be sick as he leaned down, kissed her neck, and cupped her butt with his hands. “I think you should sleep,” Falon said fighting panic as she felt his hand inch up her body. She said a quick incantation and watched as both Witches fell asleep at her feet. She hoped that hurt like hell.

Aidan felt an anger and jealousy rise in him like he had never felt before as he watched that Witch put his hands on Falon's butt. He was thinking about heading over there and ripping the man's hands off when James grabbed his arm.

“She said to stay here.” He could tell by the look on his face that he was not happy with what Falon was doing. He wasn't happy about it much either, but he also knew that the girl could take care of herself. He had seen plenty of proof of that.

Aidan glared at James and was about to use his power to push him away when he saw the Witches drop to the ground, unconscious. He turned his head to see Falon re-lacing her shirt and walking towards him. “What were you thinking?!”

“I was thinking that the guards needed to be taken care of, so I took care of them. Listen, I am on a time frame.” Falon grabbed her cloak that had fallen to the ground and put it back on. She then grabbed her bag from the Fae. “Are we just going to stand here or are we going to go?”

“Do you know what they could have done to you?” He took her by the shoulders giving a small shake. Why was it that this Human took so many risks? Did she not think about her own safety?

Falon shrugged his hands off and looked up into his eyes. “I can take care of myself. I have been doing it for some time now.” She turned and headed the direction of the gates. It was still going to be a couple of hours before they arrived at Thief's Cave and she wasn't for sure if she had the energy to make it. She closed her eyes as she tried to block out the pain.

Aidan watched her leave in annoyance. He wondered if she was worth looking after, but in the end he just sighed and started walking.

“Cale, I'm going to kill you when I see you again.” His mood lightened as he thought about all the different ways he could kill Cale once they were back together.

A little tease..

Falon was drunk. Dead drunk. She had never been a drinker before, but a couple of hours ago it had sounded like a good idea. For the past three weeks she had tried to forget everything and everyone. Especially Aidan. It was better this way. She thought grimly as she took another swig of the bottle she was carrying in her hand. She thought about the last three weeks and cringed. She had run into one fight after another and yet she was still alive. If she hadn't been trying to get herself killed then she would have been killed. Wasn't Fate a fickle thing. When she was trying to stay alive she almost died and when she wanted to die she couldn't. Fate sucked. Falon shook her head trying to get those thoughts out of her head. As she continued to walk or rather stumble down the street she came face to face with three or was it six Witches. Falon thought to herself as she squinted her eyes trying to get them to stop moving. “Move out of the way you, idiots.” Falon said with a slur. Hey maybe this was her lucky day. Maybe Fate was back to working right.

“Well you have either gotten braver or dumber, Falon.” One of the Witches said with a sneer.

“I...would...go...with dumber, Amos.” Falon said as she swayed on her feet. “Now will you six stop moving so I can kill you.” Falon said her vision blurring and wavering making the three Witches turn into six moving ones again. Man she wished they would stop moving. It was starting to make her really sick.

“She is drunk. This should be easy.” One of the others said with a laugh.

“Knowing my luck lately....” Falon said and then stopped and closed her eyes to keep herself from throwing up, “Probably not.” As Falon faced off with the Witches she waited for them to send a blast her way, but before they could a masked figure appeared behind them.

“I want this one.” The figure said with a growl.

Falon watched as the figure took care of the three/six Witches with little problem then advanced on her. Great Fate was really getting on her nerves. Falon thought about stopping this figure just on the principle alone, but she didn't. She didn't fight as the figured neared. She just stood there. As he got closer she backed herself up until her back was pressed against the stone wall that surrounded the town she was outside of. It was the town she had met Aidan in. A pain shot through her as her mind went to Aidan. She wondered if he had even noticed she was missing. A part of her told her that yes he would have noticed and that he would be worried, but the other part told her that he wouldn't notice or care. Falon shook her head and tried to focus on the figure coming closer to her. She wasn't shocked when the figure grabbed her roughly and slammed her against the wall. She didn't even flinch or cringe when he put a knife to her throat. Yeah she was really proud of that and the fact that she hadn't even tried to fight. This time her instincts and Fate were going to lose. This guy would definitely get the job done. “Is this what you want?!” The figured yelled out at her. “Do you want me to kill you?”

Falon squinted at him and wondered why his voice sounded so familiar. She knew that in the deep part of her mind she knew that voice, but as drunk as she was she just could not recognize it. “Yes. This is what I want.” Falon said softly as a tear slide down her face.