Once Upon A Bite

Charlene Leonard

2

ONCE UPON A BITE By CHARLENE LEONARD Triskelion Publishing www.triskelionpublishing.com

Published by Triskelion Publishing www.triskelionpublishing.com 15508 W. Bell Rd. #101, PMB #502, Surprise, AZ 85374 U.S.A. First e-published by Triskelion Publishing First e-publishing May 2005 ISBN 1-933471-13-1 Copyright © Charlene Leonard 2005 All rights reserved. Cover art by Triskelion Publishing PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to persons living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

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CHAPTER ONE

Cameron Thomas closed his weary eyes. In the dim light of the dank cave he gave way to the consuming despair that had wrestled with him for weeks. He sank to the cold damp floor never even noticing the hardness of it or caring that he would die here. He would be glad to be rid of his tortuous thoughts. The mental suffering was more than he could stand. He was sure it was more than any man could abide. He opened his eyes. He didn’t need a lamp to see. He could see perfectly well in the dark. Cameron determinedly put the heavy iron clamp around his wrist. A large heavy chain secured the clamp and the chain was bolted to the rock wall in several places. Each loop was doubled for extra strength. They were very secure. He knew that because he had installed them himself. There was no turning back now. He didn’t want to. He raised the other clamp and secured it to his other wrist. He didn’t mind the noisy chains that hung loosely from his wrist. He couldn’t move far away from the wall. It was just the way he wanted it. He threw the key as far away as he could. He heard the slight clink as it hit the opposite wall and fell to the floor. He wiped the beads of sweat from his brow. He should be out there feeding now on the life giving elixir of blood. He ached. He ached badly but at least now he couldn’t harm anyone but himself. He sat there in the dark, tormented by hideous bloody memories and wondered how long it would take him to starve to death. ***** Angela knelt at the side of her bed. It was one small bed in a line of thirty other beds. There were other little girls just like her, different ages but just as orphaned. They were on their knees saying their nightly prayers. They prayed for families. They prayed for food. It seemed the nightly ritual was always the same. Angela had never prayed before now. She bent her blonde head and prayed with all of her might. She squinted her eyes closed as tightly as she could and laid her forehead against the bed. No one heard the soft pleading voice as it mixed in with so many other young voices. “Poppa God. If you are there, I need your help. This is Angela. Please save me from the flying man. He comes sometimes at night and watches me.” She couldn’t help opening one eye and looking towards the dorm window. She didn’t see anything so she closed her eyes again. “He wants to harm me in some way. I can tell. Save me please. Thank you and goodbye.” She hopped up and jumped in the bed pulling the covers up to her neck. Her huge blue eyes were open wide.

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“Lights out,” the nun called out from the doorway and all the rest of the girls jumped in their own beds. There was the sound of wooden beds creaking and of rustling covers. The nuns were never any help. They didn’t believe her. And the other girls made fun of her when she told them what she saw. She didn’t know why she was the only one who saw the man. She wished she didn’t. “No talking. Go right to sleep,” the nun instructed as she extinguished the last lamp so the room was bathed only in the moon’s soft glow. Angela didn’t close her eyes until it was nearly light outside. ***** He smelled her before he saw her. The fact that someone had walked into the isolated cave at all was quite a surprise. Cameron tried to lift his head but he couldn’t. He was too weak, another day or two and he would be dead. The possibility of someone finding him in this remote cave had not entered his mind: perhaps if he lay very still and quiet she would leave. “Cameron?” A soft sweet voice called his name. She knew his name? The lady smelled of flowers. Roses to be specific and she knew his name. “Cameron?” she called out again, sounding a little closer. “I know you can hear me.” She walked right up to him, unafraid. He could see her standing over him. She was a beautiful creature. Long red hair hung to her shoulders, unbound. Her eyes were clear green and they looked upon him with such compassion it brought stinging tears to his eyes. There was something unique about her clothes. Where was her dress? She was wearing men’s blue jeans and a tight, scandalously skimpy yellow top that showed far too much of her skin. Her arms were bare as was her neck and shoulders. Even a portion of the tops of her breasts was showing. He looked away. “Who are you?” he asked in a rough, dry voice, barely able to talk at all. His strength was all but gone. Cameron didn’t know how long he’d been chained inside the cave waiting to die. He’d lost all track of time. “Elena,” she told him simply. She squatted down then, drawing very close. “How did you know my name? How did you find me?” “I knew you were here Cameron. You are very near death.” He sighed in relief. Good. It would be over soon. Was she some sort of angel? He never thought an angel from hell would look so beautiful.

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“What were you trying to do? Starve yourself to death?” Yes. But he didn’t answer her. She reached over and with a gentle hand and stroked his forehead. She brushed away the locks of black hair that had fallen in his face. She was human. He could tell now. Her wrist was right there, near his mouth. He felt his fangs growing. Even now he had the blood lust. The evil inside him wanted to save itself. Cameron closed his eyes tightly. “Get back. Don’t touch me. Let me die,” he snarled in a deep dry voice. It didn’t even sound like his own voice. He just wanted her to get back where she would be safe from him. But she continued to stroke his face. Her hands felt warm and caring. “Oh Cameron. You must not die.” He could hear the compassion in her voice and it caused him to open his eyes once more. He looked directly in to her green eyes. “Get back,” he warned again. “Don’t you understand? I can still hurt you. I am evil.” His fangs were there now pressing on the soft tissue of his upper lip. The blood lust was strong. Good thing he didn’t have the strength to rise from the floor. She shook her pretty head at him. “You couldn’t hurt me, Cameron.” But she removed her hand from in front of his face. If his strength was still intact he could. He wouldn’t be able to stop himself. The evil would have control of him. He didn’t even have the energy to tell her. Not to mention the long explanation it would take to convince her. “Leave me.” “I cannot, Cameron. I cannot let you do this. I need you.” The key to his bonds mysteriously appeared in her small, dainty hand. Had he been asleep for a minute? Had she left his side and returned? Maybe he was more gone than he thought. “Who are you?” he asked again as she unlocked first one iron clamp and then the other. “Please, you do not understand the danger you are in. You must run for your life. I will kill you,” he begged. He did not know if the evil could find a way to hurt her even now as weak as he was. He didn’t want to take the chance. “You can’t hurt me right now, Cameron,” she told him with such conviction he almost believed her. Had he spoken his thoughts aloud? “You have got to believe me. I am not wholly human. You must leave.” Somehow he found the strength to push her away from him now that his hands were free. “You don’t know what I am.”

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She fell back on her rear. “Ouch!” she exclaimed indignantly. “Stop with the tough man tactics, okay.” There was a pause. “I know all about you Cameron,” she told him softly. “I was sent to recover you.” She moved close again. “Recover me?” he didn’t understand. “Are you here to take me to hell?” Somehow he thought the demons would be clawing through the earth and rock to get to him. He didn’t think a beautiful angel would come for him. “You were never going to hell Cameron.” His laugh sounded more like a bark. “Ha.” He must be delusional. That would explain it. She wasn’t really here, this scantily clad temptress. He didn’t smell roses. His hands were still in the clamps and he was about to die. He didn’t need any more torment. He closed his eyes. “I am here because of your daughter’s prayer,” she told him softly. He groaned. How much more torture could he take? Even his delusions tormented him. “My daughter is dead.” His sweet young daughter had been dead for two years. She was only four when she’d passed from this earth. “Your daughter is very much alive Cameron and she needs you.” He looked up at her with eyes full of hurt and pain. “I can see you don’t believe me. Let me show you.” A picture appeared in her hand as if by magic. She held it in front of his face. He’d never seen a picture so clear before and it was in color like real life. Tears sprang to his eyes again. They burned in their sockets. It certainly looked like his Angela. Only this child was a few years older. She had blonde hair like her mother’s and blue eyes like his. She looked happy because she was smiling. “Angela?” How could this be? His thoughts were fuzzy. Constance had lied to him? She had told him that Angela had died of the fever while on a trip to visit her parents. It had been so sudden and unexpected. It nearly destroyed him. Soon after, she had left with the man who ripped their lives apart. “She lives in Philadelphia, in an orphanage. Your wife took her there before the thing inside her totally consumed her. Angela is not dead. She is alive and she needs you.” Even if it was true he couldn’t help her. It would be for the best when he died. She could grow up free from the curse and the stain of his sins, of her mother’s sins. She would never know what they had become. Elena shook her head sadly. “You aren’t going to die Cameron. I won’t let you. There is much to be done.”

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“Just leave me,” he insisted again. “And leave Angela to Slade? I know you don’t really want that.” He jerked hearing the name. Slade? A silent rage began to build in him fueled by his hatred for the man. Slade was the reason for the hell his life had become–Slade and Constance. Slade Thornton had seduced his wife. Had theirs been a normal affair he might have been able to forgive his wife her infidelities. Only this went way beyond a tawdry affair. Slade Thornton had done something so horrific and unnatural that it still shocked his logical mind. He’d bitten his wife. He drank her blood. He’d made her a vampire and Constance had left. Cameron’s beloved wife of five years left him for her demonic lover. Even later when he had seen the proof of the evil that she had been infected with he still denied the possibility of it. He hadn’t run when Constance warned him to. Despite her treachery he had loved his wife. He had tried to talk her back to him. With supernatural strength she had subdued him and then she had bitten him. It was only later that he understood why she couldn’t control the evil. She couldn’t control the evil in her any more than he could control the evil in himself. Constance was dead. He knew that for a fact. He knew because he killed her weeks ago. After two years she came to him. She begged him to end her life and he did it. He killed her the only way possible with a stake through her heart before the evil grew so strong in him. It might as well have been his heart. He planned to follow her in death. He killed her in the pasture by their house so that when the sun came up the light would consume her and she was. The few seconds he could tolerate the sun to watch from the window; he saw her body burst into flame. She would not go through the ages existing as a vampire sucking the life’s blood out of innocent people. How was he to know that he couldn’t take his own life by falling on a stake? He’d tried, God how he’d tried, over and over again. He had tried every which way he could think of to impale himself. But each time something had made it impossible so that he had devised this alternate plan to starve himself to death. If he didn’t feed the evil, it would die when he did. “Cameron?” The lady’s voice interrupted his dark thoughts. “Slade will infect your daughter just as he did your wife if you don’t stop him.” The rage was there again as it beat against his soul. His sweet, innocent, beautiful daughter would go through this living hell too? Because of Slade? The weight of even the thought of it nearly crushed his soul. Was it true? Was she still alive? It must be, but how could he help her? “I can’t help her. I am beyond saving myself much less her. If I had known earlier I could have done something.”

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“We can save her Cameron. That is why I am here.” He could barely shake his head. “Let me die.” The call of the dark where he would know nothing was what appealed to him now, the endless void of nothing. “Cameron. You can’t die this way. You will only force the evil into hibernation. It only puts off the inevitable. Vampires do not die easily and certainly not this way.” “Leave me,” he said again. Even hibernation was better than having to feed off the blood of other humans or animals. ”He will take Angela to wife, just as he did Constance,” she warned. “Constance was my wife.” The rage in him nearly blinded him and he would have yelled if he could. He literally saw red before his eyes. “Slade is going to take Angela because you robbed him of Constance. She was the woman he wanted. He wants to hurt you Cameron and he intends to do it through your daughter.” She paused. “He has other reasons for wanting Angela too.” “Constance was my wife,” he said again. “She didn’t want to go on living like an animal in the dark, drawing blood from innocent people just to stay alive. The horribleness of it is more than you can imagine.” He looked at her, pleading with her to understand. “There was nothing else we could do.” “You saved your wife, Cameron. She doesn’t live in darkness any more. Now you must save Angela. You are the only one who can. I can’t do it alone. I don’t have your strength. Slade is very old and very strong.” “Angela is just a child.” “Do you think that matters to someone like him?” she reminded him softly. “Damnation.” She raised her smooth pale wrist to his mouth. “Feed Cameron,” she urged him softly. “One last time.” He shook his head and tried to turn away. “No. I will help you stop him but bring me an animal.” “An animal won’t do for you what I can do Cameron. It must be me. It will be the last time you have to feed this way. I promise.” A small slit appeared on her wrist. The bright red blood glistened. His fangs extended even while his mind rebelled at the idea of feeding off this gentle kind woman. “The hunger is too great. I won’t be able to stop. I will kill you.” He turned his face away. The wrist only followed him.

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A single drop of blood fell to his lips and he licked it hungrily. It was sweet, unlike any blood he had ever tasted before. He looked in to her compassionate green eyes. It dawned on him then that she could see in the dark as well as he could. She brought no lantern with her in to the dark cavern. What was she? “Feed Cameron,” she implored again. “I am every bit as human as you are.” She laid her wrist right upon his mouth and he laid his teeth in to her. There was no controlling the evil when the blood was right there for the taking. “Oh.” She gasped feeling the sharp puncture. She was indeed human if she could feel the pain of his bite. He tried to draw back. “Take what you need. You won’t be allowed to take enough to hurt me.” She laid her hand upon his chest and there was a momentary rush of warmth throughout his body. He greedily, hungrily sucked on her delicate wrist. The life giving blood was restoring his strength. He couldn’t get enough this way. He sat up and pulled the woman in to his arms. She was no match for his unnatural strength now. He pulled her in to his lap and laid her back over his arm. She even turned her head so that her pale slender neck was exposed to him. Cameron bit her on the neck and she gasped again. He pulled and sucked mouthfuls of her sweet blood in to his mouth again and again. She didn’t struggle. Her pretty green eyes closed. Cameron bent over the woman and drank from her. The evil made him take every greedy gulp. He sucked until he tasted vinegar and garlic. He spit it from his mouth. What was this? He pushed the woman out of his lap and groaned at what he had done. He had fed again. The very thing he swore he would rather die than do. He fed on a human being. His full strength returned with a vengeance and he jumped up and beat against the rock walls in fury. Was there no relief for him? No way to ease his way into death? “Cameron?” she was standing by his side. She touched his shoulder with her small hand. He sank to his knees again in abject misery. “You should have left me to die. Now I have infected you as well.” “Cameron,” she scolded him sternly. “Get on your feet. You have not infected me. It is I who has taken the infection from you.” He looked up. “It is the truth. You were not allowed to take any more than was needful. I was sent to recover you. See for yourself. Step outside the cave and in to the daylight. The sun is bright.”

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It was late afternoon already and Elena wanted to leave there as soon as possible. “I haven’t been able to step into any sunlight of my own free will in years.” He shook his head disbelieving what he was hearing. “This is true but you can do it now.” She took his hand and pulled him through the dark cave and to the entrance. He gasped when he realized that he could indeed see outside in to the daylight and his eyes did not hurt him. “It is okay. Truly it is.” She let go of his hand. “Step out in to the light. Do it of your own free will.” Cameron took a step closer. Nothing stopped him. His body did not freeze up. It did not betray him. He still had control over it. He took another step. The evil did not throw him back in to the darkness of the cave to save itself. Taking a deep breath of air, he stepped into the warm sunlight and immediately dropped to his knees in gratitude. He turned his face up to the warmth and the tears of happiness fell unheeded down his pale face. “It has been so long.” Daylight, it was such a beautiful thing; to see the rays of light touching living things like plants and trees. Even the ground and rocks were blessed by it. The sky was pure, azure blue. It was beautiful. He heard a horse’s whinny and looked over to see his horse there. He had turned it loose so it could wander and find food and water. He did not want Trojan to starve to death along with him but he had returned and looked healthy. He stood to his feet. His saddle was still in the bushes by the entrance to the cave. He was standing in the full sun. He wasn’t burning. He wasn’t in pain. The beautiful, beautiful sunlight! He turned to the woman and once again was struck by her beauty and her unusual manner of dress. “How is this possible? How can I ever thank you enough for what you have done?” “Thank God in heaven for answering prayers. I am only human, like you.” He walked towards her, indeed thanking God with every single step. He hadn’t thought he was real. He knew better now. Cameron looked down on the woman. She was much smaller and shorter than he was. Her face was oval shaped and she had high cheekbones. A quick glance at her neck and he saw no marks. He took her hand and turned it over. There were no marks on her wrist either. “Are you an angel?” He frowned. Was there such a thing as a redheaded green-eyed angel?

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“I’m not an angel Cameron. I told you, I am human just like you.” He didn’t believe her and started to say as much. “It is true.” He looked at her again. Her green eyes were troubled. There was something in her face. He could see it now. Uncertainty? She looked a little lost. “I am lost, Cameron.” Once again she answered his thoughts. “This isn’t my time. Your time is not my time. I have to rely on you to take care of me for a while until Slade can be stopped.” He didn’t understand but he trusted this woman. “Can we make it to your house before dark?” He nodded his dark head. They could if they didn’t dawdle. He never thought he would see his home again. He was alive and standing in the proud daylight. His daughter was alive and not dead. This wasn’t at all what he expected when he went into the cave. “I can barely grasp it all.” “It’s hard sometimes.” She agreed with him. ***** Elena rode behind Cameron on his large brown horse. He wasn’t at all what she had been anticipating. It was rare to find a vampire that still had more good in him than evil. One who was strong enough not to give himself over totally to the dark lifestyle that often characterized vampires. Yet she admitted to herself this was the first time she’d come across one still so very much alive. By this point they were usually already dead or just existing, being neither fully alive nor fully dead. It was the first time she’d been bitten, not only bitten but she gave up herself to one. She did what was required of her. “Tell me what you are now?” he spoke over his shoulder turning slightly to glance at her. They were following a streambed. The brush was dense and the trees thick. “Are you human?” she asked him. “Yes.” “So am I.” “I don’t believe that. I tasted your blood. It was sweet as if someone had mixed honey with it.” “I am human,” she insisted. “But like you I am a mix.” “You’re not of the dark. You’re not a vampire.” Cameron knew that instinctively. There was too much goodness in her. There was so much goodness in her it had overcome the evil inside of him and he knew that now he could control the evil. It could no longer control him. It was still there but it did not control him now. It was as if it was dormant.

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“Amongst my ancestors was an angel. A warring angel to be exact.” “Truly? I’ve never heard of such a thing.” “Truly. Who ever would have thought Vampires were real either?” “You have a very good point. I know I didn’t believe until Slade came in to our lives. I thought they were nothing more than folk lore.” “Slade wasn’t the first apparently.” “What?” He stopped the horse by pulling on its reins and turned so he could see her clearly. “You had a distant ancestor who was a vampire.” The horse started stepping nervously underneath him until he relaxed his hold on the reigns. She clutched at his waist tighter. “It’s true. That’s why you’re so strong. That’s why Slade could not kill you. That’s why it only took one bite to turn you instead of three like your wife.” He had wondered about that. “Your ancestor was one of the ancient ones.” “Ancient ones?” “The first of the Vampires. They came from demons that mated with humans. You had a recessed gene.” “A what?” “A recessed gene, that something that tells a persons hair to be a certain color or eyes a certain color. Which trait you are going to pick up from parents and ancestors, that sort of thing. Everyone has them. Vampirism was lurking in the background for centuries.” “Lucky me,” he quipped sardonically. “Seems to be a lot of mating going on that shouldn’t be.” She didn’t answer his comment so he kicked the horse into moving again and felt her arms tighten around his waist. He could tell from her quick adjustment that riding on the horse made her nervous. “What happens when it gets dark?” He asked curiously. “Will you be safe from me?” “You won’t have to feed again Cameron. Ever again.” He closed his eyes in relief and once again thanked God for this second chance at a normal life. “Not that way. Not ever again. You will need to eat food, normally just like you used to. Is it much farther?” “Not much. Why are you fearful of the dark?” he asked. “I do not have your strength,” she told him simply. “Are you then a Nephilim? Half human, half angel? I have read about them in lore as well as vampires but there doesn’t seem to be as much information on them.”

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“The Nephilim are descendents of fallen angels. They are not among my ancestors.” “What a pair of curiosities we are.” “Freaks,” Elena mumbled – but he heard her. “Freaks if you will.” He tried to turn so he could look at her in the growing dusk.

“Such a

vulgar word for a lady.” She surprised him, first with the word itself and then the bitterness he heard in her soft voice. “Sorry. I forget things are different here.” “How so? ‘Your time is not my time. ’ You said that earlier. Where are you from?” he asked curiously. “From?” she hesitated. “Dallas.” “Where is this Dallas that we do not have the same time?” She laid her head upon his broad back for a moment and sighed deeply. There was no getting out of having to explain it. “Cameron, this will be hard for you to accept but you’ve had to accept hard to understand things before.” “This is a fact.” He thought of everything that had happened to him and his wife. “I am from the future. This time, your time, is the distant past for me. My time is in the future. It hasn’t happened yet and wont for many years to come.” “Well and truly?” “Well and truly.” He noticed then she was looking behind them with a bit of trepidation on her beautiful face. “How did you get here then? In my time?” “Is it much further?” she asked, ignoring his question. “My house is just over the next rise,” he told her, realizing that it was getting dark and he didn’t feel the normal restlessness that usually assailed him about this time. In fact he felt great. “Can we make this horse run then?” Hearing the panic in her voice, Cameron kicked the cantering horse in to a full run. “Hang on.” He trusted this woman, this strange unusual woman. Her arms tightened around his waist. “Why are we running?” he talked louder. “I know the beasts won’t bother me with you around Cameron.” She assured him. “But I’m still nervous. I will feel much safer inside your house.” No immediate threat then. He relaxed.

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They cleared the rise and she could indeed see a square two-story house ahead of them now. “The wolves?” he asked. “They haven’t come near me since my wife bit me and left me in this awful state.” “They will come much closer now that I am here Cameron. They will be drawn to me.” “To you? Why?” “My scent draws them.” “Ah the roses. Yes, I smelled it before I saw you. Since when have wolves cared about roses?” “It is not the four legged variety I am worried about.” Elena didn’t like meeting up with those kind either if she didn’t have to. “Oh do not tell me.” He said in unbelief. “Sorry, but the werewolf is more than just a legend too.” There were many more wolves and werewolves in this time than there were in her time. She could sense them. There was an anxious feeling in the pit of her stomach. They finally arrived at the house and Elena barely had occasion to admire the wide long porch out front. Cameron jumped down off the horse with quick ease and waited for her to slide into his arms. “By all means let’s get such a tasty morsel as yourself into the shelter of the house.” “Thank you Cameron.” He took a large key from a ledge and unlocked the door. “Go inside. Make yourself at home. I will return shortly. I have many questions for you.” “Where are you going?” she asked nervously. “My horse, I must see to his needs.” Elena bit her lip and nodded. Cameron walked the horse around the back of the house. She scanned the area in front of Cameron’s house as far as she could see before she ducked inside and closed the door. She didn’t see anything suspicious. That was a good sign. Perhaps there wasn’t anything close enough to smell her. The living room was charming in a nineteenth century kind of way. The furniture was ornate and dark. The fabrics were heavy brocades. Elena noticed that Cameron had shuttered the windows from the daylight. The heavy brocade drapes would have made it even darker. She looked all around the room for a light switch when she realized there were none and sighed. There were oil lamps and candles to use. She could see in the dark but she wasn’t comfortable in it. “Braun. I need to speak to you.” Elena spoke loudly into the quiet room.

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It was only moments before he appeared to her. Sometimes it seemed to take forever. It all depended on what he had to fight to get to her. She had never asked what he was fighting and she did not want to know. Things unseen, she didn’t need to know specifics. The ethereal light filled the room before he appeared to her. It was a beautiful welcoming light. Her skin always felt electrified when Braun was near. “Braun.” She murmured. Every time he appeared she was amazed at the peace and love she felt. He was beautiful and handsome beyond words. He was a perfect male being. His hair was longish and very black with a bluish sheen to it. His eyes were a pale gray. This time he came to her in human size to fit inside the room. His wings were not visible. Normally he was much, much larger. His loose pants glimmered and were similar to a silky fabric almost a white and silver mix. His belt was gold, spun gold. A sword rested at his side. Elena had never seen his sword out of its sheath. She wasn’t sure she wanted to. He was without shirt as always and it was hard not to lust after him. He had muscle upon muscle. He was beautiful and attractive even if he did not seem to battle lust like she did. “Elena. You are full of questions and fears and other things you should not be.” She knew exactly what he was talking about. “You didn’t tell me much when you transported me to the entrance of that cave. How am I supposed to travel? There are wolves here. I can feel them.” “Travel with Cameron. The only way he can. There is only one you need to watch for. The others will not come near Cameron without good reason.” “Only one?” “He walks whether the moon is full or not. He is very old.” “What if we encounter him Braun?” Braun crossed his arms across his massive chest. “Lay your hand upon his chest, Elena. You will release him and the ones he has bitten. Then call for me as always.” “That’s all? That’s it? Lay my hand upon his chest. I don’t need to do anything different this time? What if he bites me?” “He won’t Elena. He will want to tear you apart.” “Gee thanks, Braun.” He smiled. That smile was something glorious to behold and as always Elena was in awe of it. Braun did not smile that often but he did have a sense of humor, warped as it was sometimes. “Cameron can take care of you Elena. Stay close to him and call if you need me.” “Braun? Why can’t you just transport us to the girl? Why do we have to travel this archaic way?”

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“It is needful,” was his simple reply as he disappeared. The light faded away slowly. What did that mean? It was needful. For whom was it needful? “As talkative as always,” Elena mumbled just as Cameron came in the door. He frowned when he looked around the room. “What was the light I saw? I thought you had put a match to the lamps.” “I don’t know where anything is Cameron.” She avoided answering his question. “You have a very nice house.” She smiled at him, very aware of how vulnerable she was and that she now had to rely on him for everything. “Thank you. It took me two years to build it. I built it for Constance before we were married.” She could tell from his smile that he was proud of it. As he should be. He shut the door and locked it. “You don’t have a deadbolt?” “A dead bolt?” he asked as he crossed the room to a lamp sitting on a table. He took off its glass globe. He lit it and the soft glow filled the room before he put the globe back on it. “Nothing. It’s a stronger lock.” She looked around. Then she looked at him. He was watching her and seemed very curious about her. That was okay she was curious about him too. “Umm Cameron. Which way to the restroom?” Elena was going to ask about food next. She was famished. “Restroom?” “Bathroom. The facilities.” “Out back.” He walked to another lamp and lit it also. “You mean outside?” “Of course.” “In the dark?” He nodded. “You’ll need to take a lamp.” He corrected himself. “I guess you don’t. I keep forgetting you can see in the dark as well as I can.” Elena stood in the middle of the floor and felt overwhelmingly frustrated. “It’s an outhouse.” “I will escort you.” Elena looked at him closely for the first time, seeing the man without the vampire. He was tall, over six feet. His hair was black and thick. He had gorgeous blue eyes that were ringed with thick dark lashes. He was quite handsome. But his wardrobe needed help; she smiled at the thought. “What are you smiling about?” he asked. “Your clothes are a little outdated.” She told him. “I haven’t exactly been able to visit any stores in town.” He led her through a large square

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kitchen to another outside door. “Not for the last two years.” He didn’t know how really outdated his clothes were, she smiled again. “For your time I am sure they are fine. I didn’t mean to insult you.” The pants he wore were of heavy brown wool. His loose shirt was dingy gray. She looked at his shoes. She didn’t even want to go there. “I didn’t take offense Elena.” They walked outside and Elena drew closer to him. “But since you mentioned clothes we are going to have to do something about yours.

They are positively

indecent.” “What?” She was the one who felt insulted. “What’s wrong with my clothes?” “For one, you show far too much skin. You wouldn’t want people to think you have loose morals would you?” Elena turned and gaped at him. “This is perfectly acceptable where I come from!” “Women here don’t wear pants.” Elena groaned. Then he came to the real truth of the matter. “I am but a man and you are a beautiful woman. It wouldn’t be wise to torment me this way.” She felt his strong attraction. He was a man who had been too long without the close intimacies of a woman’s touch—the touch of another human being for that matter. Elena was strangely moved by his honesty. “Wait for me please.” She ducked inside the small outhouse and held her nose at the smell. “Indoor plumbing, what a marvelous invention.” Elena did her business and sighed again at the scraps of paper she found. Toilet paper was still a novelty in 1859. Elena jerked when she heard Cameron’s intense thoughts. He had heard a noise. His hearing was much more acute than hers. He was going to check it out. “Cameron, don’t leave me.” She warned but he did not answer. She threw open the door and glanced around. She didn’t see him at first. Then she saw him kneeling behind a tree looking at something. She walked over to him. “I have to stay very close to you Cameron.” He looked up at her. “What is it?” He pointed to something hiding behind a rock. It wasn’t even six inches tall. “I’ve never seen such a thing.” She could feel his amazement; he wasn’t afraid. “It’s a sprite.” She told him simply and held out her hand. “I didn’t realize you would be able to see such things now.” The little sprite jumped in to her hand. She should have; he mentioned seeing the light from Braun. “A sprite?” he said the word sounding puzzled.

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“A fairy.” She clarified. “They are agile and quick. Sometimes a bit of prankster. This one is a lavender sprite. Can you smell her?” The little sprite looked up at Cameron, it was puzzled by him as well. “It has wings.” The little sprite fluttered her wings and turned so he could see them. “And it’s naked! Its female and its naked!” Elena giggled and the sprite put her hands on her hips. She talked in strange sounding noises. “What did she say?” he asked. “I think she understood me.” “I don’t speak sprite Cameron.” Elena laughed, some of the tension leaving her. “I wonder what it wants. Has it always been here and I could not see it?” “Most likely but she would not have wanted to get close to you before now. There are not that many sprites in this country.” “I see. What an amazing creature it is.” He smiled when it jumped from her hand to his shoulder. “She likes you. We probably won’t be able to get rid of it now. Let’s go in doors.” Elena looked around nervously. The sprite wouldn’t be the only thing showing up if they didn’t get indoors. Cameron frowned. He didn’t recognize the feeling at first. Then his stomach grumbled. It was the first time he had been hungry in two years. He didn’t know if there was anything in the house that was still good and able to be eaten. “I’m hungry too.” Elena told him. It was very disturbing to him to know that she knew what he was thinking. She looked at him as they reached the back porch. “Sorry. I will try not to do that to you any more.” He opened the door for her. “Can you hear all my thoughts?” “Pretty much.” She walked through the door. “The good thing is I don’t have to if I don’t want to. I’m starved. Is there anything to eat?” “You might not want to then.” He warned, watching as the sprite flew off his shoulder and started exploring his house. “I don’t always think nice thoughts.” Elena deliberately tuned his thoughts out. “I don’t either Cameron.” She assured him. “Now really, I am totally starved. Is there anything here to eat?” She could have told him that it was necessary for her own protection to hear other people’s thoughts but she didn’t. She only did it long enough to find out if she could trust a person. Normally

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she didn’t eavesdrop because it was rude and invasive. “Lets find out.” He started rummaging through cabinets and found some preserved fruit. He handed her the jars and he watched as she sat them down on the butcher-block table he had made for his wife. He started rummaging again only to be drawn back at her grunts of agitation as she tried to twist the tops off. . Cameron walked over to her and startled her as he took the jar from her hands. “Allow me.” He twisted off the top and it proved it was still good when he heard the vacuum seal break. He found forks and bowls and pumped water in to the sink to rinse them with. She watched everything he did. He dried the bowls and forks and handed her one of each. Then he began to scoop peaches in to the bowl she was holding. She smiled up at him. “Thank you.” That smile hit him right in the groin area and he felt himself tightening up. “It is just a little bit of food.” “I still appreciate it.” It was a good thing she wasn’t hearing his thoughts at that moment because he wanted to lean down and kiss her and lick the fruit juice from her sweet lips. She had pale pink generous lips. He had to look away when her tongue darted out and she licked them herself. He hadn’t been this attracted to a woman ever, not even the fair Constance. “I guess we better make plans.” She snatched his attention away from fantasy back to reality. “Now that I can walk in the daylight, we can leave first thing in the morning. It is a long ways to Philadelphia. We can go by stage coach.” “Stage coach? That might not be a good idea Cameron.” “Why not?” He frowned. “Because I attract things. Things that could put others in danger.” “Will it not be so if we go by horse?” “It will but at least it wouldn’t put others in danger.” She seemed more worried for others than she was for herself. He should have expected as much. She had come to his aid and wanted to save his daughter. “I do have a wagon. That would make it a little easier on you for the trip. What kinds of weapons will we need to fight off these ‘things’? He asked. He would take his gun and rifle as always, maybe a few knives. “Your great strength should do the trick. There are not many mortal weapons that will work. I wasn’t sent here to kill them Cameron. It is my job to recover them if at all possible.” He didn’t truly understand what she was saying. He frowned in thought.

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She smiled at him again and suddenly yawned. “Sorry. Jet lag.” She explained. “Jet lag?” Oh good grief. She would have to remember to watch what she said. He would never know what she was talking about otherwise. 1859. They were still fifty years away from the Wright Brothers’ first flight. This was her first time in the past and she was bound to make many mistakes. “It means I’m tired.” “Then I will make up a bed for you upstairs.” He told her. “Come with me.” He grabbed a lamp as they went. Good, because she was not comfortable in the dark and apparently, he wasn’t either. Elena followed him upstairs as she watched the back of his broad shoulders. He could very nearly compete with Braun in the good looks department. The little sprite flew by her and landed on Cameron’s shoulder. He didn’t seem to mind and smiled at her. Elena thought very hard until she was sure the little sprite understood what she wanted to know. It had to have a name and the sprite would have to find a way to make her understand. It was obvious the sprite understood English. Age, she thought hard again. Elena wanted to know how old the sprite was. It was very hard to communicate with sprites even though they apparently understood humans well enough. Cameron reached the top of the stairs and went left. She followed. The room he took her to was large and spacious. It had a large four-poster bed in it made of dark wood. It had been lovingly hand carved. There were flowers and leaves cut deep into the posts. “How beautiful.” She ran her hand over the dark smooth wood. It was just so breathe taking. “Thank you.” He watched her as she ran her dainty hands over the posts enjoying the feel of them. “Cameron. Did you make this yourself? With your own two hands?” “I only have two.” He smiled, enjoying her compliment. “Yes. I made all the furniture.” She was amazed and nearly speechless. She walked over to the dresser and also examined it closely. He had a ridiculous amount of talent. “Do you know how much this furniture would fetch in my time?” “It is of necessity here. Besides, I like working with my hands.” “You certainly are talented. It is absolutely gorgeous.” She enthused. He turned away and she realized that he was embarrassed by her praise. She didn’t know why. He deserved every bit of it and more.

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Cameron got out fresh bed linens and Elena helped him make the bed. The sprite didn’t seem to want to leave his shoulder. She held on to his collar. That was until she saw a writing tablet and a pen. The sprite flew to it and beckoned Elena. She struggled to pick up the pen and tried to write with it. Elena took it from her. She filled it from a small bottle and shook it to make the ink work its way down in to the head of the metal pen. Then she gave it back to her. “What is she doing?” Cameron asked as he fluffed up a feather pillow and then placed it on the bed. “Trying to communicate.” She watched as the sprite used her whole body to draw a picture. It was a picture of the man in the moon. Next she drew a feather. “Man in the moon and feather.” The sprite drew through the face of the man. “Moon and feather.” She shook her head up and down excitedly. “Your name is Moon Feather.” Elena smiled at her. “What a lovely name.” Cameron chuckled behind her and she turned to him. “It certainly is a fitting name for a sprite.” She agreed and turned back to the sprite. “Now your age.” The little sprite threw the pen down and put her hands on her hips. She fluttered her wings wildly. “A little sensitive about your age are you?” Elena laughed. “Typical female. Apparently it is the same in the sprite world.” Cameron laughed. “Your bed is ready. I will take my leave. The lantern will remain with you. I have others. “ Elena jerked when she heard a wolf howl. It was much too close. It was the four-legged variety though. “Cameron?” “What? The doors and windows are all shut. They will not come that near.” “I hope not. Please don’t leave the house without letting me know. Okay? Or go somewhere without me.” He looked in to her green eyes. It was important to her for whatever reason. “I won’t. I promise.” He assured her. “Not without informing you first.” “Thank you.” She watched as he left and shut the door. The sprite had resumed her place on his shoulder. Elena looked around the room once more. It was going to be a long night because she already

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needed the bathroom again but no way was she going back outside in the darkness. ***** Cameron heard a strange, light thumping noise on the porch. It wasn’t a noise he was familiar with. He had barely gotten to sleep when it started. He walked downstairs. He had to unlatch and pull the shutters apart to look outside the window. At first he didn’t see anything. Then he saw the eyes. They glowed reflecting the moonlight. It was a wolf. It was crouched low to the ground, watching the door. Never before had a wolf come this close to the house. The light thumping continued on the door. Then he realized the wolf was intensely focused on something ready to pounce on it. He craned his head farther and was surprised to see another sprite. It was throwing itself against the door. Cameron rushed to the door and opened it just enough for the sprite to fly inside. Then he quickly closed it again and returned the shutters to their latched position. He turned to see the sprite that had zipped through the crack in lightening speed. It was a male sprite this time. Good lord, this one was naked too! It bothered him much more to see a nude male sprite than it had the little female one. Speaking of which, Moon Feather had left his shoulder and he remembered seeing her fly upstairs. Didn’t she even want to see this other sprite? “You are on your own buddy. At least the wolf can’t get you inside the house.” Cameron started back upstairs. He was tired and it would be a long day tomorrow. He had much to think on. Once he found himself at the top of the steps, Cameron stopped at the door of Angela’s room. He hadn’t been in there in years. He opened it and glanced inside. Dust hung in the air, and everything was dusted over from neglect. A doll lay upon the bed. The old cloth doll was one of her favorites. He could hardly believe she was still alive. He went and got the doll and took it back to his room with him. She might have need of it if she could not remember him.

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CHAPTER TWO

“Cameron. You have got to be kidding.” Elena looked at him with frosty green eyes. Her stance was similar to that of the sprite when she was indignant. It was a purely feminine response. “You cannot run around the country dressed like that. Not if you accompany me.” He warned again patiently. “But a big, bulky dress?” She objected. “I will be so hot.” “You will be asking for trouble otherwise. Women do not wear pants. Farmers and ranchers occasionally on the privacy of their own properties but not while traveling.” She looked at the clothes he laid out on the bed and sighed. She picked up a blouse. Okay, maybe she could live with this item. It was a red and black plaid shirt. Then she found a black skirt. She could wear the shirt and keep the skirt close by but she would be darned if she would wear it all day long. The sprite rolled around on the clothes. “I will agree to wear the shirt.” She told him grudgingly. She didn’t want to insult him but his wife had horrible taste in clothes. “Your legs can not be bare.” “They won’t be. I will wear my jeans and keep the skirt close at hand for in case we meet up with someone or go in to a town.” She lifted her chin at him. Cameron studied her. There was a very belligerent set to her whole countenance. “You are not married are you?” “What?” she frowned at him in confusion. “Or is it just men in general you do not like taking suggestions from.” He asked quietly. She huffed out an indignant breath. “Suggestions no, orders yes.” She thought of Braun. He gave orders and made sure they were followed. He didn’t exactly give her a choice though he was never cruel. Hunting down bizarre creatures for rescue was not what she would have designated to do with her life. It had been this way since she was twenty years old. It was the day he showed up in her bedroom and scared the living crap out of her. She had always known she was different, Braun only confirmed it. “It is for your own good. I would hate to see you treated without respect, or worse.” “I know Cameron. I’m sorry.” She pulled the shirt close to her chest. She would change. She had to trust him for the duration. “You are an unmarried woman, aren’t you?” he asked softly as he stepped close to her and lifted

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her chin so he could see in to her eyes. “I’m not married.” His eyes looked deep into hers. “Without protection.” He murmured. “I will watch over you, Elena.” She thought of Braun. She had protection in that sense. Not many women could claim to have a fifty-foot, warring angel for a guardian. But then Braun never touched her or offered her comfort that was not words. She leaned into Cameron. She was going to kiss the holy snot out of him. He was an attractive man and she wanted to kiss him. He stepped back. “Even from myself if need be.” He turned on his heel and left the room. She stomped a sneaker clad foot. “Tease!” The sprite laughed. There was no mistaking what she was doing. She laughed so hard her little shoulders shook. “Shut up Moon Feather. Mind your own business.” She grumbled and the little sprite made a face and flew out the door after Cameron. ***** Elena watched as Cameron lifted a heavy bag of grain into the back of the flat bed wagon. She’d already watched as he loaded casks of water and strapped them to the outside of the wagon. He’d put in food, pots and pans, blankets; it went on and on and on. She was surprised he didn’t take the furniture! How much stuff did they need for this trip? He wore dark clothes today. A loose black linen shirt and black wool pants covered his upper and lower regions. He also wore a brown leather gun belt strapped low on his hips. The sun glinted off the pearl handled gun in the holster. Now, that was something she didn’t see every day. It was just another reminder that she was in the past. She wondered if he considered himself a cowboy or a farmer or what. She might ask him later. “Can I help?” she was anxious to get going. She brushed at the little male sprite on her shoulder. He kept pulling on her ear lobe. She didn’t care for that. She brushed hard enough to make him fly off. He acted as if he wanted to show her something in the woods beyond the house. No way would she go off in the woods. She had no trust for this sprite yet like she did Moon Feather and sprites were notorious pranksters. “I’ve got it.” She loaded her cloth bag in the back of the wagon; Cameron gave her the sack for the god-awful clothes she was supposed to wear.

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“We will need to stop in town and buy an additional horse. It will take at least two. It would be faster if we had four. Can you drive a wagon?” “You’ve got to be kidding.” “You keep saying that. I don’t kid Elena. Not usually.” She rolled her eyes at him. “I don’t know a thing about horses or wagons”, she admitted. “But I can drive a mean four wheel drive pickup.” He only looked at her. “Forget it. Never mind. Isn’t there anything I can do to help?” “I don’t think so, unless you have coin in your pockets. I am almost done here.” She shook her head. “Okay. I’ll be right back. I’m going inside the house.” In that way she could help then. She need only ask. He nodded and continued loading items in to the back of the wagon. Elena ran in to the house. She didn’t know how much time she had before Cameron would be ready to leave. “Braun?” She called out. He was there instantly in a great flash of light. “Yes Elena. You have need of me?” “Braun I need coin for this time. We need to buy horses and I don’t know what else. It will make the trip faster.” He nodded his dark head and lifted his hand. A white bag appeared in the palm of his hand. “This should do.” He disappeared the minute her hand touched the bag. Well, really! He was always abrupt like that. Would it kill him to stay and talk once in a while? She walked back outside, closing the door. Cameron was just coming on to the porch. The horse was already harnessed to the wagon. “You best visit the outhouse before we go. It will be the last convenience for a while.” “Convenience? You’ve got to be…” she halted that line of thought. “Okay, thank you for reminding me Cameron.” She went around back while he locked up the house. When she came out of the outhouse Cameron was standing about fifteen feet away. He was staring off in to the woods. “What’s the matter?” She asked of him. “I thought I heard something.” “Like what?” That was the direction the male sprite had wanted her to go.

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“Nothing, apparently. Are you ready? We will have to walk this first day until we can acquire more horses.” Her spirits sagged at the thought. “Walk a whole day?” “Yes.” She looked down at her sneakers. Thank goodness she had them. “They are very different.” He remarked and escorted her back to the wagon. “Comfort is very important in my time.” He took the horse by the lead and began to pull him. The horse strained at first then got the wagon rolling. “It must be very difficult for you to come to this time then.” “I knew a little of what to expect but Braun didn’t give me much notice.” “Braun?” She hadn’t intended to tell him about Braun right away but there was no changing it now. “He’s like a…” she had to think a moment on what Cameron would understand. “He’s like a guardian angel for me. He transported me to this time. Time isn’t the same for them as it is for us.” “I see. I would like to see your time with its comforts and this angel. Perhaps you can tell me more as we travel since it isn’t possible.” “You won’t see my time but I am sure you will see Braun.” “How so?” “If I can see him, you’ll be able to see him. You already see the sprites because of the sharing of blood.” “This much is so.” He looked at Moon Feather. She was riding his shoulder as if she would never leave him. “Where did the other one go?” “He is in the back of the wagon.” She pointed behind her. “Before long there might be many sprites. My scent draws them. Try not to give them too much attention or we will never get rid of them.” He smiled at Moon Feather. It was obvious he adored her. “Can anyone else see them?” “If they can, we are in trouble.” “How so?” he frowned. “Not all angels are good like Braun.” “I see. What do we do?” She shrugged, the house was already far behind them while they talked. “Depends on the

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circumstances. I haven’t seen too many myself.” “What do angels look like?” he asked curiously. “Like us basically. Only they are surrounded with a light.” “They glow?” “Not glow exactly. The light is God’s light. It’s not a natural light, as we know it. It surrounds them and you feel it. Your skin tingles. Your whole mind and body is filled with love and peace.” “It sounds beautiful.” “It is pretty awesome.” She agreed. “Braun has dark hair even blacker than your own. It is very long. He has light gray eyes. He is a well-muscled being and he can be any size. Small enough to fit in to a room or large enough to cover a hill.” “Truly? Does he have feather-covered wings?” “Yes. He can appear with or without them.” “It will indeed be a treat to meet this Braun then.” “He will come when we have captured Slade.” She told him, unless there was a need before that and she hoped not. “When we have killed him?” “No when he is captured or subdued.” “I do not wish to capture him Elena. I only wish to get my daughter back and see him dead.” He said forcefully. “I know Cameron but that is not the way of things. I am here to recover him also. He’s a man too.” “He is evil.” Cameron insisted. “Part of him is,” she agreed “but there was once a man not unlike you Cameron. He did not ask to be bitten and infected.” “I have no pity for him.” His voice was still harsh. “The evil has overcome him but there remains the man too.” She tried to explain. “I cannot separate the two.” He insisted. Elena saw the hate blazing in his eyes. “It is hard.” She stepped away from him. His anger was palatable and she was thankful she wasn’t tuned in to his thoughts at the moment. It would be very hard for him to accept everything that was bound to happen. She had been through this many times but certainly not from his point of reference. “I am sorry.” He calmed himself easily, which let Elena know he was of strong character. It

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reassured her. “What of the other angels? The evil ones?” “Ah, now, the dark angels are a little more difficult to describe. They appear human but without the sweet light other angels have. I don’t always recognize them on sight. They hide it so well.” He lifted eyebrows at that. “I know. It’s difficult to understand. They can even mimic a good angel but usually their character gives them away. The evil finds its way out.” “Can they hurt you?” “Somewhat.” She hedged. “Usually Braun is there to ward off attacks. I only need to call him.” “So you recover dark angels as well?” “No, there is no hope for them.” “I see. You kill them.” “Not I. Braun dispatches them. Cameron, some things I have not wanted to know the answers to. Call me a coward but I just don’t care to know everything.” He stopped suddenly. It took the horse longer to stop the wagon. “I would never call you a coward Elena.” “I didn’t mean you in particular.” “I think you are very brave.” “Thank you.” He pulled on the horse again. “We can talk of other things if you like.” “Let’s do. How long will it take us to get to Philadelphia?” “A couple of weeks.” “Weeks?” She groaned. The little male sprite came and landed on her shoulder. “What is his name? Do you know yet?” “I don’t need to know it. His name is Pita.” “Pita?” “Short for pain in the ass.” The sprite flew off again. “His name will be Pita from here on out.” Cameron laughed good-naturedly. Then he asked her. “Do you still have the picture of my daughter?” “Yes.” She pulled it out of her back jeans pocket. “Might I see it?’ “I’m sorry Cameron I should have given it to you. Keep it.” She handed it to him and watched his face as he studied the picture. “She is a beautiful little girl.”

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He nodded his head. “My heart broke when Constance told me she had died. I had no reason not to believe her. I was a fool.” He slipped the picture in to his shirt pocket carefully. “It was the evil that controlled her Cameron.” “I know that now.” “She did however try to save Angela by taking her to Philadelphia.” “Why did she hide her from me? I do not understand. I have tried to understand her motives but I do not.” “Perhaps she knew that she wouldn’t be able to stop herself from infecting you or your daughter.” “This could be. She did warn me to run the night she came to me but she was my wife. I could not run and leave her.” Elena laid her hand on his arm. “You loved her.” “I did. I loved her enough to kill her and release her from her torment. How awful would that sound to someone who did not understand?” Elena realized Cameron was still grieving. He would for a while. He would also fight the guilt of his own conscience. She felt for him. “Let me know when you are tired and we will stop and rest.” He offered. “I can go a little more.” He smiled at her willingness and stamina. “Is this a road?” she realized suddenly there was two worn dirt paths like would be caused from wagon wheels. There was grass growing between the two paths. They were following it. “It is.” “Wow. We have black top roads.” “Black top?” It is a hard surface made up of oil, gravel, and asphalt. I am not sure what all. Usually wide enough for two cars.” “Cars?” Elena sighed.

She would be explaining forever.

She was going to have to watch that.

“Motorized wagons. We ride horses for fun not because we have to.” “Ah I see. Even the horses are used to comfort in your time.” She smiled and nodded. That was the truth of it. He cocked his head and listened. “A wagon comes this way.” He told her and looked directly at

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her jeans. “Okay. Okay.” Elena went behind the moving wagon and pulled out the skirt. She slipped it on over her jeans. Sure enough another wagon cleared the rise ahead of them. Two brown horses pulled it. A large white man was driving it. There was what appeared to be a family of black people following the wagon wearing very little clothing. “Cameron.” She whispered. She was shocked, and felt bile rise in her throat, that they all had their hands tied and were strung together on a long rope. One of them couldn’t have been more than ten years old, a boy. “What goes on here? Is this…?” “Say nothing.” He warned as they drew closer. He warned her not to speak but he said a hello to the man driving the wagon. The man tipped his hat but did not stop his wagon. Elena watched as they passed by them. Cameron urged his horse and wagon from off the path. It was so surreal to her but she knew it was a way of life for the slaves. She had forgotten all about the civil war and it would be starting in two years time. “Elena.” Cameron drew her attention back. “They are runaway slaves. He returns them.” “I know but it is so horrible how they are treated. You aren’t in favor of slavery are you Cameron.” She had to know. “No I am not but there is talk of secession. The northern states with their factories and advancements don’t understand how it is for the southern states. We rely on the laborers. It would mean a new way of life to do without them.” Elena tried to remember her history.

She was always lousy at history.

“South Carolina,

Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana. It doesn’t work Cameron. The United States does not let them break up the country. There will be a civil war. Many lives will be lost.” He was frowning darkly at her. “I am just repeating the facts.” She told him honestly. “The war starts in 1861 and ends in 1865. It lasts four long bloody years. I probably shouldn’t be telling you this.” “It is very disturbing.” Cameron is aghast at the very thought of the horrors of war. “I imagine it is but the good thing is we stay united. Okay I am ready to rest for a spell.” She told him and determined not to tell him much more about the future. Cameron looked for a shade tree to rest under. He unhitched the horse and let it graze. The male sprite chose to lie on the back of the horse. Elena sat down on a large rock. She slipped the skirt off. Cameron brought her a wooden ladle

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with water in it. He laughed when he saw her shed the skirt and that her jeans were underneath. “Here. Drink up.” “Thanks. Don’t mind if I do.” She watched as he went back to the wagon and started digging around. He pulled out a cowboy hat and perched it on his head. He looked damn fine in a cowboy hat. She watched as he tilted his head back and let the warm sunshine wash over him for a moment. He was enjoying the sunshine. Then he reached in the wagon and pulled out a bonnet for her. “This will keep the sun off your head.” “You’ve got to be…” Elena took it. He wasn’t kidding. She should know that by now. “Thank you Cameron.” She didn’t put it on. It was an honest to goodness bonnet, not a hat. “You don’t like it?” “It’s fine Cameron. It is just women don’t wear bonnets in my day. We don’t even wear hats that much.” It had a calico print on it she noticed with a choke of laughter. The television show, The Little House on the Prairie, came to mind. He took it from her hand and looked at it. “But it is so practical. It protects your head from the heat during the day and your dress at night.” She frowned this time. “Huh?” He unbuttoned two buttons, one on each side. He held it up for her by the ties. “An apron! It becomes an apron.” She laughed. “I didn’t know that about bonnets.” She took it back from him, delighted in learning something new. She looked up to find him studying her. She didn’t need to hear his thoughts to know what he was thinking. Cameron found her attractive. His blue eyes were deep wells of longing until he pulled them away and busied himself with the wagon again. Shortly he was back with jerky. “Here. Are you hungry? We can fix a big meal when we stop for the night.” He handed her the jerky. Elena tasted it. It wasn’t half bad but it sure was tough. “How old is this stuff?” He smiled. “Not that old, a neighbor made it for me a few weeks back. It was his way of saying thanks for getting his cow out of the muck it was stuck in. I took it but I never thought I would be eating it.” She bit in to it again and pulled off a chunk. It took a long time to chew it up. “You lifted it out.” She said knowingly. There was one thing she knew and that was a vampire’s strength. “I did and returned it the same night. Are you ready to start again?” He didn’t want to mention

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the cows blood had fed his need that night also. “Let’s do it.” She stood up and watched as he placed the horse in the harness once more. He patted its neck and whispered to it. She practically shivered when she imagined him whispering in her ear with that same deep gentle voice. They walked until nearly dark. She didn’t know how far they had come. “Cameron? Won’t we reach the town tonight?” She would feel much safer in a building and Braun had given her money. “In the morning.” He told her and led them far off the road. “We will find a safe spot.” Great! She tried not to show her disappointment. He found an area and pulled the wagon close to some big boulders. “I will take care of the horse if you don’t mind finding some kindling.” “Kindling. Okay.” She started looking around immediately. She needed the restroom anyway. When the male sprite tried to follow her she sent him off. “Beat it buster. I need privacy for this.” Moon Feather went with her. She was good company even if she was only a sprite. “You will go get Cameron if there is an emergency right?” She nodded her head and led the way in to the woods. Elena finished her business and started gathering wood. By the time she made it back to camp she had an arm full. Cameron had fed and watered the horse as evidenced by the horse grazing where he was staked out. Cameron was attempting to start a fire. “Oh good you have matches.” She dropped the firewood a couple a feet away from the fire. “Amazing invention are they not? They have solved the problem of ‘phossy jaw’.” “Phosphorus poisoning?” Oh lord, here they went again. “How long have matches been around?” She asked dropping the firewood and scraps at his side. “Not long. A few years. Three or four.” “Can I see the box?” He handed it to her. “Well match boxes haven’t changed much.” It was a wooden box with a sandpaper substance on the sides for striking the match against. “They are smaller and made of cardboard and we have matchbooks, an even smaller version. We also have lighters. They take fuel. There are small ones that can fit in your pocket. I don’t have one to show you. I don’t smoke.” He had a funny look on his face, which she interpreted easily. “Let me guess. Women don’t smoke.” “Not in public anyway.” He added the kindling to his small pile of leaves and moss. “They do in my time and they get lung cancer just like the men.” She sat down on the ground next to him. It was nearing dusk and she would stay close to him.

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He got up though and moved away. He filled a pot with some water. “How strong do you take your coffee?” “I don’t drink coffee but help yourself. I have to warn you Cameron I can’t cook. So you will have to show me what to do.” He smiled softly. “I figured as much Elena, coming from a time of great comforts like you do. I figured it would be so.” “I suppose Constance could cook like a dream.” She sighed. She felt so useless in this time. Ovens and microwaves, now there was some amazing inventions not to mention prepackaged foods. “Eventually. She was from a wealthy Boston family. When she married me we had no servants. I taught her to cook.” “Really?” She smiled. “A craftsman and a cook. You are a real renaissance man.” She had embarrassed him again and he didn’t say anything as he added the firewood and got the fire going easily. “I found a jar of pickles. We have peaches and jerky. I will make some cornbread too. It is not much dinner I know but tomorrow we will buy supplies.” “Sounds fine.” She told him. “It beats going hungry.” She watched as he mixed cornmeal and other ingredients and cooked the corn bread right in a black iron skillet. “You go hungry in your time?” he asked. “No. No. There is fast food on every corner and grocery stores everywhere.” “Lots of grocery stores?” “Lots and lots.” “What is fast food?” “Businesses that prepare the food for you. You drive up and give them your order and your money and they give you food, hamburgers, tacos, and sandwiches, Italian, Chinese food. Whatever you have a craving for.” He looked amazed. “It is truly a time of comfort.” “If you have money.” She laughed. “No money. No food. We have to work for our money Cameron. Corporations do the farming and ranching that goes on. There aren’t a whole lot of small farmers and ranchers left.” “I see. What do you do to make money?” “I am a bank teller.” “Bank tellers. We have bank tellers. This I understand.”

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“How does your employer feel about you being gone for so long from your job?” Oh. Oh. Here was another sticky subject. She looked at him at a loss for a moment. She understood she wasn’t sure he would. “When Braun calls for me, it is as if time stops even though it doesn’t. I don’t miss any work Cameron. This time I will spend with you will seem normal to us now but when I return it will be as if only a few minutes has passed.” He thought on this a long while. Then he asked. “Why do you do this thing for Braun? Recover creatures.” “Not creatures per say.” She corrected. “Men and women like you. Because it is Gods will. He is a merciful God. Before you ask, not all will be recovered, some refuse. They have free will.” “But you do not?” “I have free will Cameron. I can refuse to do this when Braun asks, but let’s face it, I’m not gonna. I don’t think I would like to see an angry angel up close.” Elena had never refused. How could she not help another human being in trouble? Especially the kind of trouble they were in. This made him smile. “I thought you were an angel.” He poured himself some coffee in to a tin cup. He was going to drink it black. Yuck. “I would make a pitiful angel.” “You don’t strike me as a bible thumper either but you have a strange calling on your life.” “I am no bible thumper.” She laughed at his outrageous comment. “I do know a little about God and his ways though.” The little male sprite flew back in to camp and dove into the back of the wagon as if he was hiding. Cameron stood up and looked towards the woods. He didn’t hear or see anything. He wondered though what had spooked the sprite. Moon Feather flew off his shoulder and went in to the wagon. He noticed Elena was fearful again. It was getting dark. “I will be right back.” He told her. She jumped up nervously. “You’re leaving me?” “Long enough to relieve myself.” She sat back down. “Sorry. Go ahead. I will be fine.” Moon Feather came and sat on Elena’s shoulder. It brought her a little comfort. Cameron left and Elena said to the sprite. “You are a little different too, aren’t you Moon Feather?” Most sprites couldn’t help getting in to a little mischief but Moon Feather didn’t seem to. She leaned over and kissed Elena on the cheek. Elena smelled the lavender scent very strongly. “Ah now I get it. Lavender relaxes doesn’t it?” Moon Feather nodded and sat down on her shoulder again. “You have your own natural

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tranquilizer.” Cameron walked out of the darkness in to their camp. He wasn’t gone long. He brought an arm full of wood back with him. “This should last the night.” Elena wondered what they would do all evening. It was growing just a bit chilly now that the sun had set. “What do you do in the evenings Cameron?” They had no television or radio. “If I were at home I would read or work on furniture or various projects. It has been different the last few years. I slept during the daytime. I had no need to plant crops.” He shrugged. He didn’t want to tell her of the evenings he spent hunting his food, his prey. Thank goodness for the abundance of animals, he had never had to bite a human being, although, he had come close a time or two. He had bitten Elena though and it shamed him even if it had been necessary. “What do you do in your time?” “Watch television, listen to the radio. I know. You don’t have those things. Don’t even ask me to explain.” She laughed. “I read books. Visit friends.” “Family?” “No family. I was a foster child.” “Foster child?” He was a very inquisitive man and he struck her as very intelligent. “Orphans, although most are not. Children raised by other families because their folks couldn’t do it or they had no one.” “I see. A lonely life.” “Pretty much.” She wasn’t alone but the loneliness was always there, the ache for a family to love. At the very least, she wanted a family that didn’t change every few years. “It must be like this for Angela. She is in an orphanage you said.” She laid her hand on his arm. “You will get her back Cameron.” “That I will, if at all possible. But will I be able to make up for all she has missed? I don’t know about that. Her mother is dead.” “She will be happy to have you Cameron. You’ll see.” “I pray you are right.” He stood up and checked on the horse. He made sure it was tied securely to the tree, fiddling around unnecessarily with the knots on the rope. She realized he did this kind of thing when he was embarrassed or was uncomfortable discussing something. He was a strong confident man with a shy streak. He walked to the wagon next and climbed in. When he jumped out he carried two bedrolls with him. “You might feel safer sleeping under the wagon.” “Where will you be sleeping?”

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“Right here by the fire. I won’t be far from you.” He handed her the bedroll. “Then I will stay here too.” “As you wish.” He spread out his bedroll and lay down on top of it. He seemed to enjoy the outdoors. Elena stretched out her bedroll and sat down on it. She wasn’t ready to sleep. She never went to bed this early. She hugged her knees to her chest. She’d never even been camping before. “Tell me more about what you do,” Cameron coaxed, “to recover.” “Well, it seems to always involve prayers. Some times it is a loved one that brings me. Like Angela, she has prayed to be rescued and since you are the only one strong enough to save her…” she left the rest unsaid. She also did not know her father still lived and that he wanted her. She thought she was abandoned. “Vampires are unusually stubborn. I arrive near the time of their death. As a warning, if you will.” “Why does God not just send Braun? An angel surely would make a person take notice.” “Believe it or not there are some people who are so stubborn they won’t believe even if they saw an angel. I have only to touch them and it releases them from whatever their curse may be.” She shrugged. That’s my gift. Then they can see more reasonably.” “It is surely a curse.” He agreed. “I never prayed. I didn’t think God was real.” “I know. You weren’t dying Cameron. You were only forcing the evil into hibernation. You are not the first vampire I found that was still alive. You were the first one to ever bite me though.” “I apologize for that. Are there others like you?” “I believe so.” “What of these werewolves you spoke of?” “Now there’s a hideous curse. I really dislike werewolves.” “Why?” “Because they’re scary! They’re also really strong and hairy and have massive teeth. They generally rip apart their prey and eat them. That is, if you’re lucky. If not, you are bitten and become a werewolf yourself. Every time there is a full moon, you would become the mindless wolf and hunt for a victim.” “And you draw these things?” She saw him frowning again and his hand unconsciously went to his gun. “Unfortunately yes. If we should see one Cameron, it would be great if you could just hold him long enough for me to lay my hand upon his chest. Don’t let him bite you, but if he should, I would lay my hand on your chest and

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you would be free of the curse.” “It will be a while before a full moon.” He seemed to relax again. “I’ll be right back.” She stood up. She would use the restroom and then crawl under the covers for the night. She didn’t see Moon Feather so she went by herself. Cameron was taking off his shirt just as she returned. He pulled it back on but left it unbuttoned and laid back down. Definitely a modest respectful man! The little she could see of his firm hair covered chest would make most men enviable. She took off her sneakers then crawled under the covers and peeled off her jeans. She was going to be comfortable this night!

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CHAPTER THREE

When Elena woke early in the morning, the smell of coffee brought her around to consciousness. She slipped back into her jeans. Cameron was standing near the wagon. He had a mirror braced upon it and was shaving. With a straight razor! “Good Morning Cameron.” She sat up and reached for her shoes. She had to dislodge two sleeping sprites as they had each claimed a soft shoe to sleep in. “Morning Elena.” She walked over to him. He had a towel thrown around his neck. His shirt was still unbuttoned but he had replaced it with a clean one. “Boy I sure could use that razor too.” He looked at her strangely. “You shave?” “Sure. My legs, armpits.” She laughed until she realized he didn’t know what she was talking about. She raised the hem of her jean and showed him smooth white calf and ankle. He looked away uncomfortably. “Cameron. I’m sorry to embarrass you but women in my time shave their legs, okay? And we certainly aren’t as prudish about our bodies as the men and women in your time obviously are.” “Obviously.” He pulled a leather strap out and began to stroke the razor back and forth on it in a smooth rhythmic motion. She gave up on the idea of shaving. She would probably cut an artery with the dangerous looking thing. The two sprites flew to them wildly and began to pull on Cameron’s shirt collar excitedly. He laid the razor down and started to walk off. The sprites made all kinds of commotion. The horse was stomping nervously. “Don’t leave me Cameron.” She warned but it was too late as he pushed in to the woods and was quickly out of her sight. Another noise to her left made her turn hurriedly in that direction. She barely had time to see the shape of the wolf as it lunged at her. This was a young one, a natural wolf. It came at her with legs outstretched to knock her to the ground. Elena picked up the straight razor and slashed for all she was worth. The momentum of the wolf was enough that he crashed into her and knocked her back against the wagon. She heard a yelp but wasn’t sure if it was her or the wolf that made it. Pain exploded in her

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head. The next thing she realized was that Cameron had her in his strong arms and was laying her on her bedroll. “Speak to me Elena. Are you okay?” “Ouch that smarted.” She raised a bloody hand to her head and stopped. “Gross. Is that my blood?” “No. It belongs to the wolf.” He ran his fingers through her hair and gently examined the back of her head. He found the large bump that she already knew would be there. “I have to wash my hands.” She told him. All she could focus on were her bloody hands. “Would you forget about your hands? Let me see if you are hurt anywhere.” He ran his hands impersonally over her body. “But it is so gross.” She held them up to him. She couldn’t stand the sight of blood. He pulled the towel from around his neck and wiped her hands with it. “Just a minute and I will get you some water to wash them with.” She looked over and saw the wolf. He lay on the ground unmoving. He looked dead. “Did I do that?” “No I did. I broke his neck. The other one ran off.” “Oh. There were two?” “But you did manage to cut him.” Cameron pulled her close suddenly and hugged her to his chest. “I am so sorry Elena. No wonder you did not want me to be out of your sight.” “It’s okay Cameron. Just don’t leave me again.” He nodded and released her. The sprites were hovering around worriedly. It didn’t feel so bad being in his arms. She wished he would hold her close a little longer. He brought her water and poured it over her hands. He let her use his shaving soap. “Mmm. This smells really nice.” She brought it up to her nose. “It is made from cherry laurel water.” “Made? You made this too?” She handed it back to him. His shirt was pulled open and she could clearly see the smattering of black hair and firm pectoral muscles. Men paid a bundle to get that look at the gym. He got it from hard honest work. “When there are no women around a man must do what he must do. Are you sure you are okay?” “I’m fine now.” She didn’t tell him she had a whopping headache already. They both stood up together. He made sure she was steady on her feet before going back to the wagon. He made quick

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work of his shaving while Elena just stared at the dead wolf. Its fur was thick and silver with black and browns mixed in. It was a beautiful creature. “We aren’t going to leave it there are we?” She asked. “Yes. He can feed the wildlife.” “Oh.” She hadn’t thought of that. “I don’t care for wolf meat myself.” “Ewww.” She responded at the thought. “In my time there aren’t many wolves. They were very nearly hunted to extinction. We appreciate the ones that are left. Well, except for some ranchers. They take down the livestock so they would rather not have them around.” “So the wolves are pampered and live in comfort there too.” He teased her and she smiled back at him. “What’s for breakfast?” “More of the same I am afraid. The town is still about an hour or two away.” “I don’t have to worry about getting fat here.” His eyes raked over her body. “You are on the thin side. I don’t think you have to worry about that.” Thin side? She nearly laughed. She dieted to stay the weight she was and she was not considered thin in her time! She helped herself to breakfast and groaned when she realized she needed the bathroom again. She wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea of going in the woods alone. “Cameron, I need to go in the woods. Can I have a gun?” He raised dark eyebrows. “Do you know how to use one?” She didn’t dare say no. “You point it and squeeze the trigger. How hard can it be?” He brought her a handgun. “Keep it pointed down for now, away from you and I will teach you a little as we go along.” “Okay deal.” She smiled that he trusted her. “Keep your finger off the trigger until you need to use it. Less accidents that way.” “Got-cha.” She took it gently and did as he said. “Be right back.” No darn wolf was going to sneak up on her again. She rubbed the back of her head as she went. *****

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Broken Spoke wasn’t the biggest of towns but it did have a store that sold food items and farming goods. Elena waited with the wagon while Cameron went inside the store to buy provisions. In a couple of minutes he brought out several loads and put them in the wagon. A few people looked surprised to see him and he spoke little to them. Women that passed by stared at her in open-mouthed shock. Elena tried to smile at them and be friendly because she didn’t know what they were staring at. She adjusted her skirt and checked that the shirt was buttoned up tight. Their clothes were outdated from the styles she knew but they were still people of Cameron’s time. Some men wore hats, vests, and coats. Some wore coveralls or jeans. The women wore dresses or skirts in drab colors with bonnets or hats. It was the guns strapped on the men’s hips that threw her. Guns weren’t openly worn like that. A line from the 21st century movie ‘Sixth Sense’ popped in to her head. ‘I see dead people. ’ She embellished it. “I see dead people. Long dead people.” It brought her up short. Cameron, by her time, would be one of those long dead people. The thought was terribly depressing. On his last trip out, and as he started to pull on the horses lead, she walked next to his side and asked him. “Cameron. Why are people staring at me?” “Many reasons. Just ignore them.” “No really, I want to know why?” He looked at her. “You are with me for one. I haven’t been in town in over two years Elena. You are not my wife. They remember Constance.” He waved a hand at her head. “Your hair is loose and unbound.” She touched her red hair. “I guess I should put the bonnet on.” She didn’t want to embarrass him or cause him any problems he would have to deal with once she was gone. “It doesn’t matter now. You are an unmarried woman where woman are sometimes scarce. You are also a very beautiful woman,” “Thank you.” She responded to the comment. “Welcome. Now let’s go to the stable and see if we can purchase a horse.” “Oh wait.” Elena dug in the back of the wagon for the bag that Braun gave her. “Here Cameron. For the horses and whatever else. Let’s get three horses because I don’t want to walk anymore if we can help it.” He looked in the bag. “Elena. This is gold coin.” “Is it?” She hadn’t looked but peeked into the bag. Sure enough there were several gold coins. “Are they real? Where did you get them?”

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“Of course. Braun wouldn’t have given them to me if they weren’t.” He frowned but slid the bag inside his belt and pulled on the horse again. “They will surely come in handy. We can buy more horses. Come on boy.” Elena was especially surprised to see a man walk a painted horse through the town. A woman sat on the horse, tall and straight. They were Indians, in deerskin clothes. Elena noticed that everyone avoided looking at them or frowned their displeasure at the couple. Some even crossed the road to stay far away from them. She was glad to see that Cameron did no such thing. Elena smiled at the woman. There was a look of surprise on her face before she smiled timidly back and tipped her head. In the end Cameron picked three fine sturdy horses and Elena was more than happy to ride in the seat of the wagon with Cameron as they left the town far behind them. It sure beat walking. ***** It was late afternoon and Elena was getting sleepy from the sun. It was too hard to sleep sitting up even though the slow rocking movement of the wagon was urging her to sleep. “Cameron?” She watched his strong hands on the reins. He had large hands with long fingers. “Yes.” “Tell me what Slade Thornton looks like.” He started scowling immediately. “Come on Cameron. I want to be a little bit prepared.” “His hair is the color of wheat and his eyes are brown. He is tall and slender. I guess some would say he was handsome. He is very, very strong.” “If he has not managed to kill you I would say you are evenly matched.” He nodded. “Not for lack of trying. He tried several times to end my life. I almost let him.” Elena gasped. “I did not want to go on living the way I was.” Moon Feather kissed his cheek and hugged his neck in commiseration. Even the little sprite understood his torment. She could understand that. “When was the last time you saw him?” “The night after I killed Constance. He was in a rage. I have not seen him since.” If he had been thinking clearly, he would have let him take his life that night but then he wouldn’t be here now to find his daughter either. “He can fly can’t he?” The older ones usually could. “Yes.” “But you cannot.”

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“I cannot.” She wondered why. “Since you have brought him up, you mentioned when you came for me that Slade had other reasons for wanting Angela. What are they?” “She is of your blood Cameron and you already had recessed vampire genes. A child that might result between the two of them would be very strong possibly stronger than any other vampire.” “He will not have my daughter.” Elena did not ask him any more questions. He was a determined man. He would find his daughter and he would kill Slade Thornton if she didn’t get to him first. “I think we will stop a little earlier tonight.” Cameron told her. Elena didn’t mind. Her back was killing her and she was sure her kidneys were shaken loose. They had traveled far with the four horses pulling the wagon. He found a pleasant spot near a brook. Elena stretched and found she wasn’t crippled for life. “I’ll get some firewood.” It was a good excuse to cover up the real reason. Her bladder was so full now she thought it might burst. “Do not stray far.” “I won’t.” She had the gun for protection too. The two sprites tried to accompany her. She sent them back to Cameron. She didn’t need an audience. Cameron already had the fire started and was mixing some kind of batter. She dumped the wood near the fire. Apparently it was too close. He stood up and walked over and kicked it a little bit of distance away without saying a word. “What are you making?” “Skillet Bread. We have ham and beans too.” “Yum. What can I do to help?” “You can slice up the ham.” He pointed to a knife and case that was tucked in to his belt. She hadn’t noticed that before. She barely brushed his waist with her hand and he tensed. Elena took the knife out of the sheath. She found the ham he was talking about and sliced it up. There was only enough for the one meal but it was fresh; that’s what counted. He opened a tin of beans with that same knife and added it to the ham slices. There was barely enough room for the skillet with the bread and the pot of food on the open fire but they managed. Every time she came near him Cameron would move off, not a lot but enough that she noticed he was putting space between them. By the end of the meal she was tired of it. “What’s the matter with

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you Cameron?” “Nothing Elena. Nothing is wrong.” She gathered the wooden plates and began to boil water to wash them in while she watched him. Maybe just a little peek at his thoughts wouldn’t hurt. Oh! The answer to what was bothering him was fast to come. He was in the midst of a sexual fantasy and it involved her! She turned away from him but continued to hear. She nearly burned her fingers when he imagined her nude body in front of the evening fire, stretched upon the bedroll. He thought about exactly how he would touch her and kiss her. Whew. Elena started to squirm. He had some very deliberately thought out, powerful fantasies. She started to tune him out when she heard him castigate himself for such thoughts. He was going to relieve himself when he relieved himself. Huh? Oh good grief. She quickly shut him out. She didn’t need to know that! It was only moments later when he walked past her. “Keep your gun handy. I will be right back.” It was all she could do to keep from busting out laughing. “Take your time.” He turned and looked at her and Elena schooled her features as best she could. He might really be embarrassed if he knew that she knew. He was a normal man and it was all part of the package to have fantasies. She had her own fair share of erotic fantasies when the occasion called for it. She pleasured herself too just like everyone else in the world. That would probably really surprise him. Things were so Victorian and prudish in this time. She was glad she wasn’t born here. Elena put all the dishes and tub back in the wagon. She pulled out the bedrolls. It would be dark soon. She was just wondering where to put them when Cameron walked back in to camp. “It will be a little chillier tonight. Best put them near the fire. I won’t go far but I am going to gather some extra firewood.” She did and opened them both up, one on each side of the fire so they could both be close to the heat. “How about if I help you?” She stood up and joined him. “We can get twice as much wood. I want to talk to you about something else too.” “Okay.” He looked down on her. “What?” “I want to get a bath. I thought I might use the brook. It isn’t that deep.” “It isn’t but it sure is cold. Think you can handle that?” “I am not totally spoiled.” He sighed and turned to her. “I do not mean to insult you Elena. Go ahead and get your things.

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I will walk you there and sit on a nearby rock. My back turned of course.” “Of course or you could join me.” She suggested and watched as his eyes darkened and became hooded. “You tease me.” “I am not.” “Then what is this thing you do?” “I am coming on to you Cameron…making a pass…trying to let you know I am interested in you…want me to go on?” “No. It is not necessary. Go get your things.” “Cameron?” she examined his face. It was taut and stern. She couldn’t tell what he was thinking unless she cheated and she’d done enough of that today. “Just get your things Elena.” She did, in record time. The sprites were visibly absent when she walked back to Cameron who was standing in the exact same place. She walked past him to the brook and found a nice large rock to sit on. He found another and turned his back as promised. She didn’t immerse herself in the cold water. Elena did a quick wash. One body part at a time so that she didn’t have to get completely nude. She trusted Cameron; she just wasn’t comfortable getting naked in the great outdoors like this. When she was done she felt much better. “Okay Cameron, you can turn around now.” “Right.” He stood up. “Now it’s your turn to sit here and wait on me.” Elena sat down on the rock he vacated but she didn’t turn around right away. She watched as he stripped off his shirt. He had wide strong shoulders and she was right he had considerable muscles from hard work. She tried to make herself turn away but the minute he stripped off his pants she was spell bound once again. Okay, his oversized gray boxer type shorts didn’t do a thing for her. When he slid them down his lean hips and thick muscular thighs she was ready to turn around for her own selfpreservation. The man had an ass to die for! He was braver than she because she heard splashing in the water although it didn’t last long. It was only moments before he was dressed again and telling her it was okay for her to turn around. When she did she found he had even rinsed out his hair and it was slicked back from his face. They made their way back to camp and Elena dove in to her bedroll. She was still chilled. Cameron added wood to the fire and sat down on his own bedroll. She noticed he was looking around for the sprites. They weren’t anywhere in sight and he wasn’t being very talkative either.

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“I am sorry I upset you earlier, Cameron.” “I am not upset Elena. Not in that sense. But you would be wise not to torment me that way. I am a man who has been too long without a woman.” She looked across the fire at him. She didn’t need to hear his thoughts. She could feel his longing. Not only for sexual release but the longing for the comfort that only the closeness of another human being could bring. She walked over to him and stood looking down on him. “And I am a woman who has been too long without a man.” She didn’t move and it was many moments before he took her hand and pulled her down on the blanket with him. Elena expected to get kisses and caresses. Instead he tucked her in to his bedroll and lay down next to her. He held her tightly in a comforting embrace and she realized he was not going to make love to her. There was a certain amount of disappointment but it didn’t last long as she settled in to the consolation of his warm embrace. She lay there quietly looking up at the stars. They were beautiful and intense in their display. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky to hinder her appreciation. Before long Elena drifted off to sleep feeling safe in his arms.

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CHAPTER FOUR

When Elena woke she found herself alone in Cameron’s bedroll. He was squatting next to the fire cooking something. She had a feeling he hadn’t stayed next to her all night but slept somewhere else. “What are we having?” “Bacon and eggs.” “Yum.” She sat up and stretched. It was then she noticed Cameron had gotten up and retrieved her bedroll and covered her with it. It would be another long day with plenty more to follow. “Have you seen the sprites?” “Not recently.” He answered. “Oh well it is just as well, sometimes it takes forever to get rid of them.” She did hope something hadn’t eaten them. Sprites had to be wary of predators just as any other small creature would. “They don’t bother me.” Of course they didn’t. Moon Feather had a crush on him. She sighed. Moon Feather wasn’t the only one. Cameron was a handsome, good-hearted man. She was even getting used to his gentlemanly ways. She gathered her gun and went in the woods. Porcelain toilets and four walls of privacy were among the things she missed the most. He had her plate sitting by the fire, keeping it warm for her. Elena picked up a fork, digging in hungrily. It was good other than the bacon being the saltiest thing she’d ever eaten, but she knew it was how they preserved things. She washed the dishes while Cameron readied the horses and broke camp. She watched how he carefully made sure the fire was out. He always did that. A forest fire would be a scary thought in any time. The sprites chose that minute to fly back in to camp. Moon Feather perched on Cameron’s shoulder and the male sprite went to the back of the wagon and lay down on a grain bag. Elena climbed aboard the wagon and sat down for the long bumpy ride ahead of her. It was nearly the same routine for a week. The nights were the same too. Cameron would hold her until she went to sleep. Then he would go and make another place to sleep for himself. *****

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They were resting by another brook so the horses could get their fill of water and Cameron could refill their own water casks when an uneasy feeling pricked at the back of Elena’s neck. “Cameron?” “What’s wrong?” he asked. They noticed Moon Feather was very agitated too. “I don’t know. It is just a feeling I have. As if we’re being watched.” He looked around and listened carefully. So did she. Neither of them saw anything out of the ordinary. The birds were still chirping. The creek was still running. The sun was still shining. Everything looked normal. “Moon Feather, take your friend and scout around for us.” Elena told her and the two left immediately, flying off to do so. She really did need to find out what that male sprite’s name was. “Do you still have your gun?” Cameron asked as he continued to fill the casks. “Yes.” He had even taken the time to teach her how to shoot it properly and take care of it over the last week. It was a terrible noisy thing but she felt safer with it. Elena couldn’t shake the eerie feeling and it bothered her. It bothered her so badly that she was going to wait until they stopped for the night to use the restroom. She wasn’t about to go in the woods for privacy right now. Apparently Cameron felt the same way as he urged her back on the buckboard. It wasn’t long until the sprites joined them again and they didn’t seem to have found anything amiss so Elena relaxed. She was watching the scenery as it went by slowly, very slowly when she heard Cameron humming a song. She smiled to herself and it wasn’t long until she was humming right along with him even if she didn’t have a clue what the song was. Cameron stopped the wagon only once before nightfall and that was to shoot a rabbit. The poor thing didn’t even have a chance to run off. When the bullet hit it Elena would have thought it had jumped up in the air on its own, so violent was the impact. When they did stop Elena was tired and hungry. She helped Cameron with the fire as usual but her stomach nearly turned over when she saw him skinning the rabbit. She had to look away, so she busied herself with washing out some of her clothes. She laid them over the edge of the wagon to dry. The rabbit was cooking on a stick over the open fire. It smelled good. He smiled up at her when she joined him. “Cameron I can’t eat that. You go right ahead and enjoy the whole thing.” She would make do with the jerky.

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“Why not? It is sustenance.” “I could no more eat that than I could eat Bambi.” She told him and the cartoon image of the little deer flashed through her mind. “Bambi?” “Bambi is a cute cuddly deer in children’s books. It was one of my favorite books to read when I was growing up.” He laughed. “Elena what do you think the jerky you enjoy so much is made of?” She groaned. “Deer meat?” He nodded, “Venison.” She groaned again and knelt down on her knees next to the fire. “Okay I will try it but don’t blame me if I start puking.” He only laughed and cut her a piece of meat and placed it on her plate along with some beans and bread. “It would have been better in stew but this is for convenience.” He didn’t know what convenience was but she wasn’t going to remind him. Two bites later, she loved the rabbit meat. “This isn’t too bad.” She admitted, smiling softly at her own snobbery. “I am looking forward to a bath tonight.” He nodded but looked away and finished eating his food. Elena felt just a tad frustrated with him and their whole situation. Her jaw tightened and her eyes flashed with irritation. “I suppose that is something that I shouldn’t discuss in polite company.” “It can’t be helped because of necessity, but I am not comfortable with it.” “Why not?” She confronted the subject boldly. They might as well get everything out in the open. He stood up from his squatting position and looked down on her. “I have already told you I am a man and you are a beautiful woman. It is not good that some things flirt at the edges of my mind.” She sat her plate down. “Cameron. Talking about mutual attraction or sex for that matter isn’t a dirty thing.” “I know that. I was a married man Elena.” She scratched her head. “Then what is it? Is it me? I’ve let you know I am interested in you.” “It is.” She frowned because she didn’t understand. “What kind of man would I be if I took advantage of what God saw fit to send for the saving of my daughter and myself?”

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“Oh.” It was a moral a dilemma. She hadn’t thought how it would be for him. She’d only been thinking about her own desires and getting them satisfied. “I see.” Sort of. Elena had no specific comeback and he didn’t expect one but she reminded him. “I don’t think he would mind if we took comfort where we could Cameron.” “I agree, that is why I hold you in my arms at night. We draw strength and comfort from each other.” And from the tone of his voice, he enjoyed it but that was all it was ever going to be. It wasn’t as if she didn’t have her own morals but his time was not her time and they had varying levels of morality standing between them. It gave her a lot to think about as she washed the dishes and pots. *****

Elena was finishing her business and hiking her jeans back up when she heard a rustling in the bushes nearby. “That better be you Moon Feather.” She murmured afraid to speak any louder. More rustling followed and Elena pulled her gun out to hold it in front of her. She had both hands on it and she was still shaking. The minute she saw the glowing eyes she yelled. “Cameron! Braun!” It was going to be bad. The eyes had to be on a wolf a good foot taller than her. He would be more Cameron’s size. She began stepping backwards angling for a more open space. The gun was not forgotten in her hands but she could not use it and knew it. Had it been a natural wolf she wouldn’t have thought twice about shooting it. He must have been following them for quite some time. The beast followed her out of the bushes to where she could see him clearly. Oh lord. “Braun!” she yelled again in case it took him a while to get there. His glowing eyes narrowed as he stalked her, walking upright on deformed back feet. He was incredibly hairy with thick mangy brown and gray hair. His wolfs mouth was open exposing big yellow teeth. She’d never seen one that was so ugly and distorted like this before. His big paw took a swipe at her and Elena stepped back again. His reach was much longer than hers. She was going to get hurt trying to reach his chest. It would be unavoidable. From the corner of her eye she saw Cameron. He had his rifle lifted and aimed at the beast’s heart. “Do not kill him Cameron. Do not.” She warned. “He must be taken alive.” She saw Cameron lower the rifle just as the beast turned towards him. It dropped to all fours and charged him. “Braun.” She called out again. The wolf hit Cameron at a dead run, knocking him to the ground. She saw them rolling and the

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beast snapping and trying to bite Cameron. It took Cameron’s great strength to hold it away from him. A normal man would not have been able to do that. Werewolves were strong beyond words. When the beast saw it could not bite him, it tore at his chest with his claws. Elena saw the bright red blood as she ran to them. “Hold him.” It took some contortion on her part but Elena finally managed to place her hand on the beast’s chest. He stilled immediately and his eyes closed, before long he collapsed on Cameron’s chest. “Is it dead?” “Very nearly.” She responded. “It was part of being released from the curse. They were already undead.” Cameron was breathing hard but he pushed the beast off of him. Elena knelt at the beast’s side and watched in awe as it began to transform back in to the shape and likeness of a man. Each time she saw it happen it amazed her. Cameron knelt at her side just as amazed. He had never seen such a thing. He was even more shocked when Braun appeared in the great white light. He sat down hard on the ground and stared up at him. He was a more reasonable ten-foot tall being this time. His wings did not show but Elena knew exactly what Cameron was feeling and seeing, the love, the warmth, the amazing perfect being that was Braun. “Cameron, meet Braun.” She said unnecessarily and turned her attention back to the man before her. He looked like a normal man again, naked but not scary any longer. “Hi.” She said to him simply when his green eyes opened. “Welcome back.” He had dark gray hair and was probably seventy years old in human years. He looked of English descent. She stood up and pulled at Cameron until he stood up with her. It was time now for Braun to do his job. Elena never stayed and watched; she wasn’t sure she was supposed to. Cameron still had an open-mouthed reaction showing on his handsome face as he stared at Braun.

They had been

communicating even though Elena had not heard what was said. “Let’s get you back to camp and tend your wounds.” She pulled on his arm. He finally responded and bent and picked up his rifle and followed her off. “What happens now?” He asked immediately when they were by their fire. They could still see the light that surrounded Braun through the bushes and trees. They would see it until he left. “That was just so…just so…” “Intense? Amazing? Awesome? Indescribable?” She helped out. “Words are inadequate but yes.” “Braun will talk with the man and he has a choice to make. He can go with Braun or he can go

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in to the pits of hell. It is every bit as real. I don’t stay and watch that part Cameron.” “And you. What happens to you?” “Braun usually sends me home, after the curse is lifted.” She told him simply. “Only this time there is more to do.” “Elena.” He came to her. “You are by yourself at these times? When these things come? Until Braun can get there?” She nodded. “I have to admit the first time I wet myself.” He almost smiled giving her a one sided lift of his mouth. “I nearly did when I saw the ugly thing standing before you. You are very brave.” She began looking him over. “Take off your shirt and let’s see the damage.” She took the lid off the water cask and wet down a scrap of rag then turned to him. “That has got to hurt.” The gouges were deep and freely bleeding. It would take more than stitches and she had no medical supplies. She wiped away the blood as best she could. He flinched a little. She didn’t see any bite marks but she laid her hand upon his chest just in case. Braun’s light was starting to fade away. “Braun.” She called out again. He couldn’t leave yet. He was there in an instant. “I think Cameron will need your help.” Cameron turned towards Braun. “Fear not. All is as it should be.” Then he disappeared and the light started fading. Cameron looked down at his chest and saw there were no marks, no gouges deep in his skin. He touched himself. He hadn’t felt a thing. “That too is amazing. I didn’t even get to say thank you.” “Yep.” She’d gotten patched up a few times herself. “Braun doesn’t talk much.” “He didn’t say anything but I heard him.” Cameron remarked. “Sometimes he doesn’t speak you just hear his voice inside your head.” “I guess you are used to this?” “Ha.” She laughed. “One never gets used to this Cameron.” “There is something I don’t understand. The beast came and it is not the time of the full moon. It must have been he that we felt watching us. He stalked us for a long time.” He waited until she was without Cameron to attack too but she wouldn’t remind him of that. “Oh I forgot to tell you Braun said there was one, very old that walks whether the moon is full or not.” “Is there anything else you have forgotten to mention?” “Probably.” She shrugged. “That was the one who walks whether the moon is full or not?”

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“I guess so. It must have been.” She realized Braun had not said if it was or not. “If it was, many people were released from their curse this night.” “These things live in our world virtually undetected. We think they are only legend and make believe. ” He frowned. “Vampires. Werewolves. I do not know how it can be.” “True enough but Cameron they don’t want to be known for the beasts they have become any more than you did.” “That I can understand. What of the sprites and the like?” “They are more magical. Most people do not see them or would believe they saw what they had. Speaking of which, where are those sprites?” Cameron pulled on a different shirt. The other one was ruined. Good thing because she was going to be lusting after him soon if he didn’t cover up and he’d already made it clear nothing was going to happen. “I don’t believe I will be able to sleep tonight having seen and experienced all that I have.” “I know the feeling.” She commiserated. “I have another question for you. My wife was the one who bit me. When she died why was I not released from the curse?” “I have no answer for that.” She admitted softly. “Usually that is the way of things. I don’t know if it was because of your recessed genes or because of providence. You just saw how handy your great strength was to us. That beast might have ripped me apart before Braun could get here.” He frowned very darkly at hearing that. “What took him so long?” “Again I don’t have much of an answer. He fights things in a spiritual realm to get here that we do not see.” “Ah, between heaven and hell there is time and space, us and them.” He surmised. “Your guess is as good as mine.” She grabbed her bedroll out of the wagon. “I’m really tired.” “I am sorry, by all means take your rest. You deserve it. I will hold my questions until tomorrow.” She yawned. “Thank you.” For her it was always like this, the let down after the storm. Elena stretched out on her bedroll and promptly fell asleep. Cameron studied her as she slept by the firelight. He had so many questions but the first thing he would ask her in the morning was if she could get out of this calling on her life. She might have been killed. The very thought of her death sent cold chills all over him. He was getting much too attached to Elena. He realized at that moment, he didn’t even know her last name. He pulled out the picture of his daughter. He looked at it every night before he slept. Soon they

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would be together. She was smiling happily and he traced her smile with his finger. He wondered about the strange plain looking bookcase in the background. It held many books and a dark square object that he didn’t know what was. He could have done a much better job on that bookcase. He finally drifted off to sleep anticipating having Angela with him again. ***** Cameron woke suddenly and realized there was something in the camp with them. He relaxed when he saw it was but a tiny dog. It had short white and brown hair and couldn’t have weighed over five pounds. It sniffed him and then around their campfire. He walked past him on tiny nervous feet and sniffed Elena. He didn’t look like a threat. Cameron watched as it licked her face and lay down next to her to sleep or for warmth he wasn’t sure. The sprites were sleeping in her shoes. He smelled roses. It must be her scent. He wondered if it was the same for the sprites and the dog. Not long after that he fell back asleep. ***** Elena was the first to wake. It might have been because of the tiny dog licking her face so enthusiastically. She pushed him away until she could get a good look at him. “Well aren’t you a cute little thing. Where did you come from?” She petted the little Chihuahua and it crawled in to her lap when she sat up. Cameron was across the fire in his own bedroll. She wondered why he hadn’t slept next to her last night. She got up and tossed the sleeping sprites from her shoes. Once her sneakers were on her feet she stood up holding the little dog and got a piece of jerky for it. She had to tear off such a small piece. The little dog’s mouth wouldn’t be able to chew such a large piece of meat. She wondered what he had been doing for food. Maybe he belonged to someone nearby. She got a jar lid and filled it with water for him. He seemed to appreciate it and didn’t even mind when the sprites tried to ride upon his back. Now that was a sight and it made her smile. Elena started the fire and even cut the strips of bacon and set them to cooking before Cameron woke up. She looked over at him and found he was watching her. “Good morning. How do you feel?” “Morning. Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” “I wasn’t the one who tangled with a werewolf last night.” She reminded him. “I feel fine.” He did but he wasn’t going to mention the sore muscles. “I feel fine too.” She smiled at him. “Look what found us.” She pointed to the little dog that was chasing his tail because the male sprite was pulling on it. “Isn’t he cute?” “He came in to camp early this morning. I have never seen a dog this small. He looks like an

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overgrown rat.” Cameron sat up. “Chihuahua.” She told him the name of the breed. “They originated in Mexico.” She couldn’t remember when they were introduced to the United States but in her mind it seemed a little early to find one in this year and especially in the wild. “Saucy little thing.” Cameron smiled at the dog as it played with the sprites. He stood up and stretched those sore muscles. Then he rolled up his bedroll. “Me, or the dog?” Elena joked and watched Cameron smile. He needed to do more of that. She enjoyed the little crinkle lines at the sides of his blue eyes. Less than a half a mile away laid the bodies of a man and a wife who had tangled the night before with the same werewolf. They had been ripped in a rage and left uneaten. A small baby had been mauled as well. The dog must have followed the scent of the creature that finally led him to Cameron and Elena. They were unaware of the little dog’s plight only that he had found them. They ate their breakfast and Cameron had many questions for her. Some she couldn’t answer. Their talking made the miles pass faster as they bumped their way down the long dirt road. She held the little dog in her lap and petted him. He seemed to eat up the attention and was very well behaved. “What is your last name?” He asked her out of the blue switching subjects from recoveries to her. She cocked her head to the side. “Smith.” She liked that he showed an interest in her. “Elena Smith.” He said her name. “Elena Marie Smith.” She quoted her full name. “What’s your middle name Cameron?” “I don’t have a middle name.” “None at all?” She watched his hands as he flicked the reins. He did that periodically whenever the horses slowed their pace. “No. It is Cameron Thomas after my father.” “What about Angela? Does she have a middle name?” “Angela Constance Thomas. Her mother was Constance Angela Davis before I married her.” “You were married for five years before…” She didn’t know how to finish her own sentence. “Before Slade happened. Yes for five years. I thought happily but apparently not as Slade led her away from me.” Angela placed her hand on his. “Wait Cameron. There is something you don’t understand.” “What is that?” “The things you have heard about Vampires….”

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“I was a vampire.” He reminded her stonily. “I guess I am still part vampire.” He didn’t feel the overwhelming need to drink blood anymore but he still had his great strength. “Yes but you had not given yourself fully over to the evil. You fought it. You did not reach the same depth of despair or depravity.” She watched as he considered this. “Slade is totally controlled by evil, and he has been for a long time. Anyway, as I was trying to explain, it is not like you might have heard. The really strong Vampires do not lure away their victims, seduce them or hypnotize them against their will.” He frowned and looked at her. She wanted so badly to help him understand but this might not be easy for him to hear. His wife’s memory deserved the truth and she could not go on letting him think badly of her. It was time he heard it. She reached behind her and put the little dog on a bedroll. “Slade took her by force the first time.” “What?” “She did not offer up her neck or her body to him Cameron. The vampires rape their victims. They take them by force then they bite them. It is only after they have bitten them that they can control the person. She could not have stopped him with his great strength.” He pulled hard on the reins and stopped the horses. “My God, the things I thought of Constance and the things I said to her. She did not tell me this.” He saw his wife’s face in his mind’s eye, the pain and humiliation she had tried to hide from him. “I don’t know why she didn’t unless she was ashamed Cameron, or was trying to protect you.” Elena just confirmed his thoughts. “I would have killed him.” “Or thought you could. He would have killed you Cameron. You did not have your strength yet because you had not been bitten. He would have been too strong for you and you already know a bullet or knife cannot kill him.” He handed her the reins suddenly and jumped from the wagon. “I will be over there for a few minutes. I won’t go far.” He didn’t, he went and stood under a tree and Elena knew he was crying. His heart must be breaking for all that had happened to his wife, his daughter and himself. She tied off the reins and went to him. She laid her hand on his back. “Cameron. I’m so sorry but I wanted you to know the truth so you wouldn’t think so badly of your wife.” He nodded and turned suddenly and gathered her in his arms. She hugged him tightly offering the little comfort she could. “I think she must have loved me more than I even knew.” He choked out but got himself under

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control quickly. “I think so too.” She assured him. They stood hugging each other for quite a while before he told her he was all right and that they should get going once more. The rest of the day was long as they did very little more talking. Cameron was brooding and Elena knew that when the time came to confront Slade it was going to be bad without Braun to sort things out. ***** The next day at noon Cameron told her that they would be nearing Philadelphia the next day at about the same time. They continued on and Elena could feel his restlessness to get there and claim his daughter. She couldn’t blame him. The sprites, being sprites, were coming and going and getting into who knew what kind of trouble. While Cameron set up camp she stole away to see if she could talk to Braun. Cameron would think she was doing her business. She took along her gun and of course the little dog followed right along on her heels. He had to walk very fast to keep up with her. “Braun.” She called out when she thought she was far enough away. Cameron’s hearing was better than hers. He was there instantly this time. “Elena. You called.” She wrapped herself in the peaceful feeling that came with him. “Why are you fearful?” “Braun I am worried Cameron will kill Slade before…” “He will not.” The little dog sat down and rolled over on his back, twitching his feet up at Braun comically. Braun smiled and Elena watched as he picked up the little dog and stroked him. She had never ever tried to touch Braun. She didn’t even know if she could or should. “Cameron will do what is right when the time comes Elena. I would not have you worry about this.” “Okay Braun. All of this is just so hard on him.” He looked at her knowingly and she wondered what he was not saying. Then he answered her. “I can feel your love for him.” “Love him?” She asked dumbly. Oh good grief, Braun was right. She had fallen in love with Cameron Thomas. He handed her the little dog, who was practically limp with the peace and love he had absorbed from being near Braun. “His name is Samson. Everything will be all right Elena. Fear

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not. Things must run their course.” He disappeared so fast she hadn’t asked him any of the other things she wanted to know. “Samson huh?” She smiled at the tiny dog. “Let’s go Samson.” She carried him and walked back to camp slowly. What was she supposed to do? She was in love with a man from another time. By all rights, one who was already dead. Could things get any more complicated?

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CHAPTER FIVE

Elena rubbed Samson’s belly, he really seemed to love that as he kept nudging her hand to get her to keep stroking him. She was on her bed pallet watching Cameron as he stoked the fire, hopefully for the last time that night. Moon Feather was hanging on his shoulder as he went about his work. Cameron made his bed on the other side of the fire from her. He was putting distance between them on purpose. She wondered if it was because she saw him as his heart was breaking. “Are you okay Cameron?” she asked quietly. “I am fine.” He brushed his black hair back that had fallen down on his forehead. He sat down on his bedroll. Elena got up and sent the pup in his direction. She was going to wash her hair while they had a full cask of water. She bent over and poured some water on her hair letting it soak in then she used the cherry laurel scented soap and tried to wash it as best she could. She was surprised at the amount of lather it made. Then she poured water over her head twice until it was rinsed clean. Elena went and sat back down on her bedroll. She started to brush it out. Her hair was long enough it was a chore without crème rinse. Cameron came to her and took the brush from her hand. “Here, let me help.” He sat down behind her and began at the bottom to work out the tangles. “I used to do this for my wife. It will be dry in no time once the tangles are out and you turn towards the fire.” “Thank you Cameron.” He picked up a few strands and she lifted it to his nose. “You still smell like roses.” “I do? I don’t smell it. I smell the cherry laurel water.” She had never smelled the rose scent on herself but people were forever mentioning it. “You have beautiful hair.” He began brushing it and she remembered people used to think you needed to brush your hair for a hundred strokes. “Thank you. You have a gentle touch.” He laughed. “Can we think of more compliments for each other?” “I can if you can.” She smiled and turned towards him. His blue eyes were hooded. She felt the most overwhelming urge to kiss him. She leaned towards him and looked directly at his lips. She saw them tighten just a little in thought. He reached for her and pulled her in to his arms and laid his lips softly against hers. The contact wasn’t nearly enough. She kissed him back with passion. His lips were warm and

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coaxing. He pulled her even tighter against him, even in his lap, as he slanted his lips across hers again and again. When she finally felt the touch of his tongue asking for entrance to her mouth, she gave it gladly. Elena wrapped her arms around his neck but it wasn’t long until she started undoing the buttons on his cotton shirt. She slipped her hand inside and touched his chest with the palm of her hand. She nearly groaned with relief, she’d wanted to touch him so badly. His skin was warm and supple. She ran her fingers through his chest hair. “Cameron.” She whispered his name. “You taste sweet.” He whispered back as his tongue once more slipped in to her mouth to explore. “Elena, Elena, Elena.” Mindlessly she melted against him, wanting him, needing him. His big hand came up and carefully rested against her cheek. Blue eyes looked deeply in to green ones. “You are so lovely.” “Make love to me Cameron.” She whispered and felt him tense immediately at her words. It wasn’t until she looked in to his eyes again that she could see him fighting the desire that was raging between them. “Don’t think about it.” She warned and tried to kiss him again. He pulled away. “I cannot do this thing.” Very gently he pushed her away. “As much as I want to, I cannot.” He started to stand up and she pulled on his sleeve stopping him. “Cameron, please. At least lay with me as we have been doing. I miss you when you are not here.” “Alright. Let me get my bedroll, but Elena when my daughter is with us…” “I understand Cameron. At least until then please.” He returned and lay down next to her. She wiggled close to him and he put his arm over her. Samson curled up against her stomach in a tight little ball. The sprites had disappeared yet again. Elena was beginning to wonder if they weren’t having their own secret trysts. “I have only been with one woman and that was my wife.” Cameron admitted. “I suppose in your time, the men are more experienced.” “Maybe somewhat but quantity doesn’t replace quality in any time. I didn’t notice you were lacking in the experience department in any way. I was enjoying myself.” She felt him chuckle. “As was I.” It didn’t take Elena any time at all to fall asleep. Cameron stared at the back of her head. He was growing so very fond of Elena. He didn’t know if that was bad or good. He did know however that the sexual frustration was getting to be more than he could bear.

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***** They were cleaning up from breakfast when Cameron took the dishcloth from her hand. “I wish to speak to you.” “Okay. What’s up?” “Up?” “What did you want to speak to me about?” She smiled, it was amazing the amount of slang she used without being aware of it. He didn’t respond right away and she looked at him. His jaw clenched a little tighter than normal but he was still the most handsome man she’d seen in forever. “Elena. I know our times are different.” “Yes?” “And I know this will be real for me and not so real for you because when you return to your own time it will be as if it never happened.” “What?” She was getting really curious now. He looked so serious. She waited because his answer was long in coming. “I want to marry you when we reach Philadelphia.” She blinked several times as if that would clear her head. “You want to get married?” “Yes. To you.” “This isn’t about a piece of paper is it? Just so we can have sex? Because I’ve already told you I don’t need that sort of thing. I am good to go.” He frowned. “I have strong feelings for you. Yes, because I want you, and for propriety’s sake. There are many reasons.” “A marriage would tie it all up in a nice neat morally acceptable bundle, huh?” He frowned again trying to understand her. He was honest if nothing else. “Okay Cameron. Let’s get married.” She did love him and would accept even the small amount of time they would have together. “Forgive me for needing you so.” The man could so easily touch the depths of her heart. She stretched up and kissed him on the cheek. “There is nothing to forgive. I need you too. I will finish this, you get the horses ready.” He nodded his head and started to turn away but turned back and grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close. Elena gasped at the suddenness of it. He gave her a quick but deep fervent kiss on the lips before releasing her and walking over to the horses.

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“Oh yeah.” She smiled to herself and whispered. Forget the wedding. She could hardly wait for the honeymoon! It started raining and it slowed down their arrival in Philadelphia until late afternoon. The wagon bogged down in the mud several times. Cameron’s great strength came in handy once again. Twice they stopped to help other wagons out of the same kind of predicament. Elena finally left the wet heavy skirt on because they were seeing lots of people on the road. Cameron had given her an oilcloth to cover up with and she and Samson pretty much remained huddled together for warmth. The sprites had hidden under an upturned wooden tub. It kept them out of sight too. When he stopped the wagon in front of a tall brick church building Elena was relieved. He jumped down and went inside. Elena could see a hotel further down the street. Surely they had enough coin left for a room. In moments he was back. “Let me help you down. We barely got here in time to catch the preacher.” She started singing the lyrics from the song “Get me to the church on time” by Alan J. Lerner and Frederick Loewe from ‘My Fair Lady’. She even used a cockney accent. She loved musicals! “What?” He put his strong hands around her waist and lifted her down looking at her with a puzzled expression. “Nothing. Just a minute.” She reached back and put Samson under the tub with the sprites so he wouldn’t run off. She would bet her last dollar they would hate the smell of wet dog. “I’m ready.” She turned to Cameron still smiling holding the oilcloth over her as best she could. He was soaked to the skin and his hair plastered to his head. It was the eyes that captivated her. “You look beautiful Elena. I am sorry I couldn’t have made this better for you.” She had tried to put on the prettiest blouse and skirt in the bag. They were way too baggy. She had even tucked her hair up in a French knot. “I’m fine Cameron. Let’s get married!” She was proud to take his arm as they went in to the church. ***** They located a nearby livery for the horses and wagon. Then they found a room because it was too late in the day to hunt down the three orphanages there. They left the dog and the sprites and went to eat at an honest to goodness restaurant, which Elena was very happy about. It was very sedate and the couples there all-unsmiling. Elena didn’t care. She didn’t even care that the women cast sly glances at Cameron. She already knew how handsome he was. The lamp

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lighting was low. The meal was excellent and Cameron had even requested a bottle of wine. They both opted out of cake for dessert. When Cameron lingered over the last glass of wine Elena had all the waiting she could take. “Cameron. If you don’t take me upstairs to our room right this minute and make love to me I’m going to scream.” She warned him with a smile. He very deliberately sat down his glass. “I was being a gentleman and letting you get acquainted with the idea.” She could see it pleased him that she was more or less taking the upper hand and letting him know she was ready. “In my mind we’ve stripped naked and done it a hundred different ways already.” She answered with a hint of exasperation. He laughed as he threw down his money on the table and stood up. “By all means, let’s return to the privacy of our room, wife.” Wife? Oh lord she loved hearing that. He stuck his hand out and she took it. He tucked her hand under his arm and they walked out of the restaurant together. The minute they hit the room, Elena petted the dog and promptly placed him under the wooden tub she had carried him up to the room in. “In. Now.” She directed the sprites impatiently so they too were under the tub. When she turned she nearly collided with Cameron. He was standing right behind her. She couldn’t help but smile up at him in anticipation. Finally, they were going to make love. “I believe every man in the restaurant was envious of me.” “No more flattery. Let’s get naked.” She lifted her arms around his neck and stretched up for a kiss. “There are times you do shock me with the things you say but I couldn’t agree more.” He chuckled. It was one of those bone melting, toe curling kisses that every woman dreamed of and Elena loved it. Her hands went impatiently to his shirt and she unbuttoned it quickly. Then, she peeled it off his shoulders and down his arms. She kissed his cheek, his neck, his shoulders and his chest. There wasn’t an area that she didn’t adore with her lips. He had smooth skin and hard muscles to entice her on her tactile journey. He had made his own quick work of her shirt and the shirts fell to the floor together in a pile. “I don’t dare touch you yet,” he whispered.

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She undid his belt and the buttons on his woolen pants while he continued to kiss her into a mindless frenzy. Her skirt drifted to the floor around her ankles and she kicked it away impatiently. She kicked off her sneakers. He kicked off his shoes. “What is this thing?” he asked having undone the snap on her jeans. “What thing?” She couldn’t concentrate on what he was saying because she was pulling his pants down and those ridiculous boxer shorts she hated so much. The man was substantial in size and he was already huge for her. He stepped out of them. “This…thing.” He tapped the metal zipper on her jeans. Before she could answer he knelt down to look at it. “What? The zipper.” She grasped the tab. “It just pulls down. See.” “Amazing.” He looked at it closely and pulled it up and down several times. “I’ve never seen anything like it. What a remarkable fastener.” Oh lord! She was about to go crazy with need and he was fascinated by her zipper? She pushed her jeans down her hips and heard his very loud gasp. “What now?” She looked down to see that he was spellbound, staring at her panties. They were pink bikini panties. They used to be pink; washing them in stream water had dulled the color considerably. “This thing you wear. It is a bit of nothing. What is it called?” “Panties. Bikini panties.” The women probably still wore pantaloons in this day and age. . He touched them with the lightest of touches. “Very smooth and soft.” “Silk.” His hands moved to grasp her hips as he studied them. “I find them very seductive Elena.” “Thank you. Now, take them off of me Cameron. Please.” He was exquisitely slow, pulling them down her legs. He touched her legs and ran his hands over them. “You too are smooth and soft. I like this look of legs without hair.” He stood up and picked her up in his arms. “I am well pleased with everything about you.” She kissed his neck and shoulders while he carried her to the bed and gently laid her down on it. She sank in to it deeply. A feather mattress! How sinfully luxurious! Elena pulled on his shoulders. She wanted to feel the weight of him on top of her. He lay down at her side instead. “In your time are men and women in a hurry to consummate their joining?” “Sometimes. Like now Cameron.” She tried to grasp his manhood but he warned her softly. “Do not touch me yet Elena. Let me do for you.” He kissed her with the sweetest of kisses

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letting her know he meant what he said. “The first time only comes but once. It should be savored and cherished.” He ran his big hand from her neck all the way down to her ankles and back up again. “Your body should be cherished. You are very beautiful Elena.” She tried to dampen the need she was feeling and found it very hard. She didn’t know how he could have so much control. He touched her breasts and used a single finger to circle her rosy nipple again and again. She was so sensitive there it aroused her and made her ache in delicious places. Finally he laid his whole hand upon her breast and began to take notice of its shape and size. His mouth came down and he whispered words she couldn’t hear before he claimed that nipple with his warm mouth. He sucked and pulled on it tenderly. She was already about to burst in to flame. Couldn’t he see that? Cameron’s hand slid down from her breast over her stomach to caress her between her legs. He looked down only momentarily. “Red hair. That is quite a sight.” Then his tongue kept lavishing his attentions on her breasts, first one and then other while his hand worked its own magic on her. Elena tried to concentrate on touching him but it didn’t do any good all she could do was feel what he was doing to her. So she willingly gave herself over to him and let him do what he wanted, how he wanted. He slipped a finger inside her, then two and began to mimic the motions to come once he was the one inside her. She lifted her hips to press closer. “I need you so bad Cameron.” She admitted hoarsely. “As I you. It delights me to see you want me so.” “Oh I do, believe me I do.” She spread her legs further apart. “Please Cameron. Come in to me now.” She sighed in relief when he finally covered her body with his own and settled in to the cradle of her hips. She felt how huge he was as he adjusted himself. “I am ready. Hurry.” She adored the feel of his muscular hair covered thighs between her legs. At the first probing of his strength she moaned loudly in delight. He was going to fill her so exquisitely. He robbed her of the moment and pulled back quickly. “Am I hurting you?” He frowned and looked down on her. “I am sorry.” She pulled down on his shoulders again but he did not move a muscle. He kept himself lifted away from her. “Of course not. Hurry up Cameron.” “You screamed out.” He pushed her hair away from the side of her face with his hand so he

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could look on her more completely. “I am not ashamed to let you know how you affect me and how good you make me feel Cameron.” She told him, a little bit of confusion on her part at his reluctance to join them completely. He smiled as if he was completely thrilled with her confession and she realized that women probably weren’t as vocal about sex yet as she was being. At least not the well brought up ladies of the time. He kissed her with a great hunger then and slid himself in to her depths without any further reluctance. Elena screamed. The feelings were overwhelming in their intensity. She could feel every long wide inch of him as he began to move in and out of her. “Yes.” She encouraged him. He felt so good. He felt so very good in fact she lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist. She felt his slight jerk as it caused him to lose his rhythm momentarily in surprise. There were many surprises in store for him this night then because simply laying there in missionary position just wasn’t in her. “I can feel you so good this way Cameron.” He kissed her again and she lifted her hips to him. Cameron was a quick study because he began to move in and out of her harder and faster. “Oh yes.” She moaned. “That’s the way I like it, deep and hard.” She was already beginning to feel the first sensations of her orgasm and was beginning to clench around him. He groaned softly and she knew he was going to reach his own any time. Her hands fluttered over the damp slick skin of his back. “Cameron.” She said his name, loving him, loving the way he was making her feel as her orgasm washed over her in wave after wave of undulating sensation. “Cameron!” “Sweet heaven.” He groaned out and pushed in hard against her for his own release. He collapsed in a boneless heap on her. She didn’t mind his weight either as she clutched him tightly. When their breathing was finally restored to normal, Cameron slid to her side again lying on his stomach. He pushed the hair away from her face to look upon her. Elena could only smile in satisfaction. “I believe you enjoyed that.” He smiled back at her. “Really?” She laughed and teased him. “How could you tell?” She saw the funny look in his eyes before he tried to hide it and she didn’t have to hear his thoughts. “I am not your wife Cameron.”

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He smiled softly. “You are my wife Elena but no you are not Constance. I know this. You are nothing alike. It pleases me greatly to see you enjoy what we did together.” “Oh I enjoyed it, for sure.” She pushed on him, making him turn over, and leaned over him. “Now it’s my turn.” She ignored the startled look in his eyes and began to kiss him passionately. Elena didn’t want him thinking about Constance. She wanted him to think about her and what she was going to do to him. Elena sat up and straddled his hips with her legs. She leaned down and kissed him again until she thought their lips were going to fuse together. Then she moved down and kissed his neck. She even nipped at it just a little. She ran her hands over his hairy chest and teased his nipples until they stood up in tiny peaks. Then she kissed each one. She ran her hands over the muscles in his arms; appreciating what good shape he was in. His stomach muscles jerked when she kissed him there and ran her tongue over the smooth skin. She could feel his restlessness. Finally she took his dick in her hands and began to work it. It was already getting hard and she just helped it along. When she slid down further to put her mouth to him, he gasped in surprise and his hands came to the sides of her head to stop her. His head came up off the pillow. “It is okay.” She told him. “Let me.” “Elena?” She could hear the wonderment in his voice also the uncertainty. “It's okay.” She told him again. “Let me do this for you Cameron. I want to.” She would bet her last dollar it was the first blowjob he’d ever had. His hands released her and she kissed him there and opened her mouth to receive him. “Sweet heaven!” She looked up to watch as he laid his head back down on the pillow and gave himself up to her ministrations. “That’s it. Just relax and enjoy.” Elena ran her tongue in circles around the head and even probed the tiny opening with the tip of her tongue. Then she grasped him firmly and took him fully in to her mouth. She worked her mouth up and down on him until he was good and restless with the need to release. Then she used her hand to grasp and gently work his balls. When he jerked it only confirmed to her how close he was getting. Cameron lifted his head once more and watched what she was doing to him. She smiled up at him with her eyes and sucked on him even harder. When he tried to pull her off of him she shook her head and said “Nuh uh.” She wanted to taste

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him. She wanted him to get the full enjoyment of this. He did. He finally came with nearly violent spasms. Elena lifted herself up and moved up his body once more. She was in awe of the total look of shock on his face. “That was…that was…” “Awesome? Remarkable? Wonderful?” She helped him a little. “Exactly.” He pulled her in to his arms and held on to her tightly. He kissed the top of her head. “In my time, women are comfortable with sex Cameron. We enjoy it as much as men. Let’s get under the covers.” Elena was starting to feel the slight chill to the room. Once they were under the covers and cuddled together they fell soundly asleep in each other’s arms. Elena woke several times that night as Cameron apparently had a healthy sexual appetite. He made love to her with gentleness and confidence each time. She couldn’t help but wonder if Constance just lay there and accepted it like a duty as so many women did in this time. That was too bad for her. She missed out.

Elena wasn’t going to.

She had a wonderfully responsive man who enjoyed

lovemaking and even better, he took his time over it to stretch out their mutual pleasure. When it was light outside and Elena woke again she found Cameron still sleeping next to her. She ran her hand over the black stubble on his chin. Then she moved her hand down his chest and over his stomach. She was moving it in a direct line with the destination of touching his manhood. His hand came up and he captured her hand. He didn’t open his eyes but said with a smile. “I am tired. I don’t think I can satisfy you again so soon.” She pulled her hand out from under his. “Okay.” She laughed. “Then you just lay there and let me satisfy myself.” She grasped his dick and it grew immediately with her touch. She lifted herself up and straddled his hips. Then she guided him inside her with a few easy pushes. When he was fully hard and she was seated on him she looked up. Cameron’s face was a testament to how much he was enjoying her freedom to take and receive pleasure. Elena watched his blue eyes as she started to lift up and seat herself on him again and again. Before long he grasped her around the waist and helped her move up and down at a faster pace. “You just thought you were tired.” He laughed. “I will be walking funny all day but it will be well worth it.” “Good. I am glad you think so.” She smiled and kept moving on him. She even used her own hands to touch her breasts seductively just to see his reaction. It came immediately as his eyes enlarged and he began to lift her at an even faster pace. She

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leaned down to kiss him and then she was the one surprised as he flipped them over and bore her down in to the soft bed. He began to move against her with a hunger and assurance that made her orgasm quickly because he was so huge. He followed her. It wasn’t until they heard the knocking of the sprites on the wooden bucket and the whining of the dog that they came back to the real world.

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CHAPTER SIX

It was the second orphanage and early afternoon when Cameron finally located his daughter in a catholic run orphanage. Elena worried they would have red tape and problem after problem to convince the nuns that he was her father. They didn’t. Cameron stood nervously in the Mother Superiors study waiting for them to bring Angela to him. There was tension in every line of his body. He couldn’t sit. Elena did. “I can see the worry and the anticipation on your face.” “It had been two long years since I last saw her.” Elena knew he was concerned she wouldn’t recognize him and she didn’t know what to say to put his heart at ease. The dark heavy wooden door opened and the matronly nun returned with a little girl. She held her by the hand. It was definitely Angela. She looked exactly like the picture Braun gave her.

In

person she could see the strong resemblance between father and daughter even though their hair color was different. “Papa?” Her frown was chased away by a look of glee. “It is you! Papa! It is you!” Cameron knelt down and she ran right in to his arms. Elena tried not to cry but she was just so happy for them both. He hugged her and hugged her. He kissed her face. “Angela. I have missed you so.” He stood up and held her in his arms. She kissed his face. He kissed her face some more. It was a joyous occasion. Elena insisted they leave a gold coin with the nuns, it only seemed fair after all the care they had given Angela over the years. Within the hour they were ready to depart the orphanage. There were many children to wave goodbye and a few nuns. They were happy for Angela. She sat between them on the seat of the wagon. She had already made acquaintance with Samson and they were fast friends. It was the first time they had actually been alone with her since they got there and Elena needed to speak with her. She knew Cameron would have much to say to her too. When they were out of earshot, the first thing Elena did was to ask her about Slade. She knew the urgency even if Cameron did not. “Angela. When was the last time you saw Slade?” “Slade?” She looked up at Elena with confusion. Did she just say it? The vampire? She didn’t want to scare her and she wasn’t sure she knew what was going on. She was only six years old.

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“Has there been a stranger around? A man?” “Elena.” Cameron warned softly. “It’s important Cameron. Don’t you see? She is no longer on hallowed ground. If we are to take care of her we need to know everything.” He silently nodded his head in agreement but Elena could tell he wasn’t happy about broaching this subject so soon. Angela looked up at Elena and her bottom lip quivered just a little. “There is a man, a flying man.” “A flying man,” she repeated. He wouldn’t be able to walk on the hallowed grounds of the orphanage. He would fly. “That’s him. When did you see him last?” “Nobody believed me.” She started crying and Cameron stopped the horses and pulled her into his arms. He looked over her head to Elena. “We believe you Angela.” He assured her quickly. “We sure do.” Elena confirmed the truth of it too. She could see the slight shaking to her small body. She was deathly afraid. Rightly so. Elena’s heart went out to her. To be tormented at such a young age by something you didn’t understand had to be so awful. When her crying ceased, Elena asked her again. “When did you see him last?” She had been here in this time for nearly a month now. “The night before last. He doesn’t come every night. He comes to the window and watches me. I never know when he will come. I hate him. I hate him! I know he wants to hurt me.” She turned to Cameron again and he hugged her close. Samson squeaked just a little at being sandwiched between the two. “You are safe now Angela. We will take care of you. I promise you that.” He made a silent vow to himself that he would give up his own life to save her if it was necessary. She looked up at him with her shiny little face alight. “I prayed real hard that God would make him go away. The nuns said he hears our prayers.” “He does,” Cameron assured her. “He answers them too. He helped me to find you again.” “Momma never came back. She said she would but she didn’t come. I waited and waited. Where is momma?” “She couldn’t come back for you or she would have.” Cameron didn’t know what else to say and Elena could see the struggle he was experiencing. “Your momma loved you very much Angela.” Elena answered for him because it had already

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been a very emotional day for him. “But she lives in heaven now with God.” Elena saw the thanks in his blue eyes. “I thought so.” Angela answered with a child’s simplicity. “I knew she wouldn’t have left me on purpose. Can we go home now?” “We sure can.” He smiled at her and ran his hand over her blonde hair. “Do you remember home? It will take us a long time to get there. Many days.” “I remember the porch. I played with my dolls on the porch.” “That reminds me.” Cameron jumped off the wagon and dug around in the back until he located the doll he brought along. “I believe this is yours.” He handed the cloth doll to Angela. She squealed and they knew she remembered the doll as she hugged it to her chest. Samson jumped in to Elena’s lap nervously. Cameron got back in to the wagon. His eyes spoke volumes of relief as he looked at Elena. He had his daughter back. She smiled at him. It was up to them to keep her safe now. ***** They went long after dark before they stopped, trying to put as much distance between them and the orphanage as they could. They didn’t want Slade finding them too soon. He would eventually. Elena knew it was only a matter of time. Angela played by the fire with the sprites and Samson. She accepted the sprites as if they were something she saw every day. Pita and Moon Feather answered to their names whenever she called for them. Talk about action figures! Angela had a pair of live ones. What child of the 21st century could claim the same? Elena took her gun and accompanied Angela to the woods before bedtime. Cameron warned them not to go too far. When they came back he had the bedrolls spread out before the fire, all three in a nice, orderly row. Elena placed Angela on the middle one. She would be between them and would be safer that way. Samson buried himself right next to her. The sprites flew into her sneakers the minute she took them off her feet and Elena laughed. They must want to enjoy the warmth from her body. Angela hadn’t said a word about them being naked but Cameron sure had. He had insisted Pita was at least covered up. Elena slipped a gown she made over his head that reached his tiny knees. The sprite was not happy. But Moon Feather didn’t seem to mind the matching gown Elena had made for her as well. Angela saw them as a pair of dress up dolls. Angela shocked her with an unexpected question. “Are you an angel?”

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She smiled at her. “No I am not an angel. Why would you think that?” “You glow like an angel.” “Glow? I do?” She smiled at the delightful child. Angela got up on her knees and used her hand to trace around her like she was outlining her. “You glow the pretty colors all the way out to here.” Cameron was frowning but Elena knew what she was seeing. “It is called an aura. Can you see your daddy’s?” She looked at Cameron as he came to sit on his bedroll. “No. He doesn’t have one.” She looked at her own small hand. “I don’t either.” “He has one and so do you. We all do. It is not usual to see them though. I am surprised you can see mine.” She shrugged her delicate shoulders. “The angels have them too.” “You’ve seen angels?” Cameron asked. He wondered if it was Braun she had seen. “Just one. She came when one of the old nuns died. She was beautiful but she didn’t stay long. We weren’t allowed to go in that part of the building. I think I was the only who saw her.” Angela yawned. “It has been a big day for you. Go to sleep now.” Cameron urged her and even stroked her forehead until she was fast asleep. Elena could see his love for his daughter. She could feel it flowing from him to her. It was a tangible thing. It was so strong that if she reached out her hand she might have felt it physically. “I am so happy you are back with your daughter.” Elena whispered. He reached across Angela and took her hand and squeezed it. “Come here wife and lay next to me.” “This is the happiest I have been in ages.” He admitted. She moved her bedroll over and he held her in his arms. “When Slade is dispatched there will only be one thing to mar my happiness.” “What is that?” She settled her head in the crook of his arm. “If you should leave me.” His sincerity touched her. Elena didn’t know what to tell him. She had to go back. Braun would send her. She didn’t belong in this time. And even though Cameron had tried to make things easier on her, this time was not her time. “I don’t belong here.” She reminded him. “I don’t fit in. My time is a time of comfort. We don’t have to struggle quite so hard for our daily existence like you do here.” “You belong with me.” He argued quietly and kissed her on the top of the head.

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The thought of going back to her one bedroom apartment and being alone certainly didn’t hold the appeal it once did. ***** The fourth day out of Philadelphia was when their easy peace and quiet was shattered. Dusk was nearing and the horses quit walking and tried to rear up. Cameron did manage to keep them under control because they would have run had he not kept such a heavy hand on them. “What’s the matter?” Elena asked. She reached a hand back in the wagon to where Angela was riding with the puppy. She had been taking a nap but was now wide-awake from being tossed about. He stood up on his feet keeping his balance easily. “I don’t know.” Cameron answered as his eyes scanned the horizon. “They sense something.” “It can’t be Slade. It isn’t dark yet.” They both looked all around the area. Cameron finally pointed at something in the distance. “There.” He pointed ahead and to the left of them. “A wolf, no several wolves. A pack.” It suddenly hit Elena like a ton of bricks. How had she forgotten? “The full moon starts tonight. Already they smell me and these are only the natural wolves.” Elena grabbed her gun and got out of the wagon. She nearly tripped on the skirt so she unfastened it and stepped out of it. “Get back in the wagon.” Cameron yelled at her angrily. “What do you think you are doing?” “No. I might put Angela in danger. Go on. Leave me.” “Elena!” Angela called out in a panic. “I am not leaving you Elena. I could never do that.” Cameron told her earnestly. “Now get back on the wagon. I have an idea.” She looked at him and willed him to understand. “Cameron. She cannot see this.” She could not bear the thought of Angela getting hurt. He would not be able to watch over them both and she did not want Angela seeing any of what was bound to happen. “Get on the wagon.” He said again tightly, his anger barely restrained. “Or I will put you on it. That is a promise.” He meant it. She tossed the hated skirt in the back and climbed back up on the wagon. “I hope you know what you’re doing?” There was strength and confidence in his voice. “I do. Now hang on.” He slapped the reins and turned the horses around the way they had already come. It took several anxious minutes. Then he yelled, “Yaw!” He slapped the reins and made them run. “Yaw!”

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Cameron sat down in the seat while Elena tried to hold on for dear life. It was one wild bumpy ride. “I saw a cave a ways back,” he yelled. “We will go there for safety.” She nodded over the noise that she heard him and tried to comfort Angela who was clutching Samson to her chest. His little bug eyes looked ready to pop out of his round, apple shaped head. Cameron looked over his shoulder. The pack was far off but they were following them. He slapped the reins with more vigor. Elena noticed that it was with ease he kept a hold of the reins and pulled his rifle from its case at the same time. He laid it across his lap. The ride got even bumpier as they left the road and moved towards the hill they still saw in the distance. Cameron was right. Ahead of them there was a cave. At least it looked like a cave. When they finally reached it he yelled before even stopping the wagon. “Take Angela in the cave and I will bring the horses.” Elena jumped down when they stopped. She still had her gun. Angela practically fell in to her arms when she slipped it in to the back of her waistband. She lifted her down, still holding Samson and pulled her along with her to the cave. “Thank God, it is a big entrance!” The thought of crawling into a small one was distasteful in such a hurry like they were. They could enter on foot. Angela balked at the opening of the cave. “I don’t want to go in there. It is dark and I can’t see.” “I can sweetie. Just hold on to my hand and hold on to Samson. Don’t let him down.” “Okay.” She said in a frightened voice. She didn’t have to urge the sprites. They flew in the cave without hesitation. Cameron pulled the wagon as close to the entrance as he could. He dismounted and unhooked the nervous horses. It was only because of his great strength that he managed to pull them inside the cave at all. They didn’t want to go in as they stomped their feet noisily. Cameron stroked their necks and talked gently to them to get them to calm down. He didn’t lead them in far. He tied them together. They would keep themselves stationary. Then he went back and gathered the bedrolls, wood, food, bucket and his rifle. It was things he thought that they would need from the back of the wagon. It was just on the edge of dark now. Cameron was as quiet as possible, trying to listen for any clue as to the wolves’ whereabouts. He didn’t hear anything or see anything but he knew the wolves would come. Elena held on to Angela’s hand tightly. Cameron walked back over to where they stood huddled

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and dropped his rifle on the ground. He bent down and pulled the matches out of the pile first. “Here, make a fire.” He tossed her the matches and picked up his rifle. Then as if he realized how gruff he sounded he added. “A fire will keep the wolves away and make light for Angela.” She gave him a reassuring smile before he left. “Okay sweetie. Sit right here and I will start the fire. Keep a hold of Samson.” She was shaking so hard Elena couldn’t fail to notice it. “I will.” “You are being very brave and cooperative.” Elena appreciated it; she could very well be in hysterics. Elena started the fire, which was no easy feat for her. Cameron had always done most of the fire building but she was glad for the light and the warmth once it took off. She laid out a bedroll for Angela to sit on. “Okay, come here. Be careful the floor isn’t level.” Angela sat down still holding onto Samson. “Want me to take him?” She shook her head no. “Okay.” Elena brought her the wooden tub. “When you do put him down, put the tub over him so he doesn’t run off.” Elena looked at Angela. It was better to just say things straight out. She was a brave little girl; Elena just hoped she would be able to understand what she was going to tell her. “Angela. You may see some things tonight. It might be pretty scary. I am sorry for that, but the thing to remember is that everything will be okay. Nothing will happen to you. Okay? I promise.” “What kinds of things?” “Wolves. Even bigger wolves that walk on two legs instead of four.” “Okay… I will try not to be scared.” Elena hugged her. “Elena? Where is daddy?” “Right out front.” “Why doesn’t he come in here with us?” She couldn’t blame her for wanting her daddy. She wanted Cameron next to her too. “He will when he can.” They both jumped when they heard Cameron’s rifle fire. It echoed sharp and loud inside the cave. Once. Twice. Three times. There was a pause and then a fourth time. Samson yapped excitedly. Elena sat down next to Angela and put her arm around her. The sprites came and landed on their

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shoulders, Moon Feather on Angela’s, and Pita, too nervous to settle down, hovered right above Elena’s. When Cameron finally came inside the cave they were both very much relieved. “I think that’s it.” “For now.” She reminded him. “For now.” He nodded. “The horses will let us know if something gets too close.” He stretched out his hand to Angela. “Are you okay?” She stood up and handed the pup to Elena, going to her father’s arms for comfort. “I was scared.” “You know what I am?” he asked sitting down on the bedroll holding her close. “What?” “Hungry.” He growled teasingly and she laughed when he tickled her tummy. Elena laughed too. She sighed. She was even in love with the soft sensitive side of this man. They all pitched in organizing and fixing the dinner. When Angela was busy playing with Samson, Elena pulled on Cameron’s arm so she could whisper to him. “If worse comes to worst you do what you have to do to save Angela, okay Cameron? We are agreed on this right? Angela first. You second. Me last.” He looked at her as if the weight of the world was on him. “I cannot agree to that Elena.” “You must. Don’t forget I have Braun and I only need to call out to him.” One of the horses whinnied nervously and Cameron didn’t have time to answer as he picked up his rifle and went to the front of the cave. He might not be able to say it but she knew he would do what he had to do. “Let’s get you to bed.” Elena called to Angela. They put Samson under the tub but he ran out on shaky little legs before they had it down and dived in to Angela’s bedroll. “I guess he would rather sleep with you tonight.” She giggled and clutched him close. Angela loved the little dog. “‘Night, little angel.” Elena kissed her on the forehead. She thought Angela was such a sweet child. Cameron was a very lucky man. “Are you my new mother?” Elena chewed her lip. She didn’t know how to answer her. How was she supposed to tell her that she would only be with them for a little while? “I am married to your father. Now go to sleep.” She touched her on the nose affectionately. Elena sat with Angela until she fell asleep. Her words came back to haunt her. ‘I am married to your father. ’ It was true and it felt right. She was married to Cameron Thomas and he was a noble,

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caring man. She didn’t know what she was going to do without him when the time came. He filled her thoughts. He was lodged firmly in her heart. When Cameron hadn’t come back for thirty minutes Elena went looking for him. He was standing just in side the entrance near the wall watching the landscape in front of him. “Everything okay?” she asked. He didn’t turn towards her but he grasped her hand in his comfortingly. “Something is out there. It stays just out of sight.” He pointed with his other hand and she followed the direction of his finger. “I don’t see anything. The horses aren’t making any noise. You are going to stay here all night aren’t you?” Elena realized he took his job of protecting them very seriously. She admired him for that. “Yes.” “Call me if you need me?” “Certainly.” He still did not look towards her. His concentration was intense and intent on watching the ‘something’ that he was sure was there. “Try and get some sleep.” Elena went back to stay with Angela secure in the knowledge that Cameron would not let them down. ***** It seemed to Elena that she had only been asleep for five minutes when she heard a great commotion. Cameron’s rifle went off first. The blast was nearly deafening as it reverberated around the cave. Then the horses started whinnying and stomping the floor. Samson started yapping. Elena grabbed him and tossed him under the tub to keep him quiet. There was enough chaos as it was. She leaned up and grabbed a hold of Angela who was sitting up. She heard Cameron’s deep voice. “Elena, call for Braun. Now!” “Braun. I need you!” she called out then told Angela not to be scared she was about to see a real honest to goodness angel. “Braun!” She saw Cameron first as he backed his way carefully in to the cave. Then she saw the creature. A werewolf, smaller than some she had seen but a werewolf nonetheless with the big ugly teeth and snarling temperament. Angela screamed at the sight. Such an evil looking thing coming out of the dark like that would scare anyone. “Everything will be okay Angela. Hide your eyes until Braun gets here.” She was quick to do as Elena asked. Braun still wasn’t here and the beast was closing on Cameron. He stepped back and tripped on the uneven floor when the beast took a swipe at him. Elena jumped up.

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“Here!” She yelled when it looked as if it was going to bend over Cameron and attack him. “I am here!” She moved away from Angela just to be safe. It tracked her movements with its eyes and sniffed the air realizing this is where the scent came from. Cameron stood back up on his feet. “Stay back Elena. Wait for Braun.” She started walking towards it instead. “I am just going to touch you.” She put out her hand a little to distract it so Cameron could capture it from behind. He seemed to know what she wanted him to do because he did just that. He wrapped his long arms around it and held its arms to its side. It made hideous screaming noises as it fought to get away. Cameron resisted its struggles and held on tightly. Elena moved very fast then. She ran up to it and laid her hand upon its hairy chest. It stilled immediately and began to slump towards the floor. Cameron let it down gently. There was sweat on his brow and his shirt was dirty now. She felt Angela at her side. “What is it?” They all watched, as the werewolf became a person again. This time it was a young woman. No wonder its size had not been that great. Elena finally removed her hand. “Angela, bring me a bedroll.” She instructed her and Elena covered the nude body. There were horrible bloody marks upon her shoulder and arm. Her stomach was likewise clawed open. She felt so awful for the poor woman. Braun was still not there. “She wasn’t bitten that long ago.” Elena looked up at Cameron, he was comforting Angela as best he could. “There could very well be another close by. This looks almost recent.” The girl opened her hazel eyes. “Hello. Welcome back.” Elena said softly. She always said that because she didn’t know what else to say. The victims never remembered everything that had happened to them and it was probably a good thing they didn’t. “Where am I?” They didn’t need to answer because Braun was there, filling the cavern with his great light. He smiled kindly at the young woman and then Angela. He stretched out his hand and lifted the young woman to her feet. “Fear not. All is well.” He spoke to Elena’s mind so that only she heard the warning. “There is another one over the next hill coming this way. I will be back.” They watched as his wings folded in and wrapped around the young woman and they disappeared together. “He was beautiful.” Angela said reverently.

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Elena looked at Cameron. She saw the anger he was trying to suppress. “Cameron?” “I had a few words with Braun. It wasn’t satisfying.” “You did?” Apparently Braun could hold several conversations at once. She was always learning new things. “Will you tell me later? There is another one coming this way. There must be many more werewolves in this time than in my time.” She never saw this many so close together, maybe one a year, in her time. Two was stretching it. The vampires were more plentiful. Cameron grabbed up his rifle. “Angela I want you to stay on that pallet no matter what. Got that?” He instructed her sharply. “Yes daddy.” She returned to the bedroll and pulled it up to her eyes so that she could sit up and still watch what was happening. Braun was back before Cameron could even get to the front of the cave. The horses calmed instantly at his presence. “Come outside Elena.” Braun instructed her. Then he turned to Cameron. “Stay with your daughter, I will keep Elena safe. Worry not.” Cameron chaffed but did as he was told while Elena went outside the cave. Braun enlarged in size to about twelve feet in height. He pointed to her feet. “Touch that one last.” She frowned but looked down. There at her feet was a very small werewolf. “Oh!” It had to be a baby. Her heart ached for it even as it had its tiny teeth bared and was standing on three shaky feet. One limb was missing. She stepped back a little. A much bigger one came at her in a run on all fours. It was huge and as always the only thing Elena could see at first was the humongous teeth and jaws. It must have seen the baby because it forgot about her and came up sniffing at the smaller one. Elena saw her chance and quickly reached down and around so that she could reach the werewolf’s chest. It fell over immediately. Then she reached with her other hand and touched the smaller one by flipping it over belly up. There were tears in her eyes by the time the father and baby were back to normal. It dawned on her that the mother must have been the woman who came in to the cave. “Oh Braun.” She looked up at him. There was compassion in his eyes as well. “This is Samson’s family.” He told her just as the man’s eyes opened and he reached for his small son. The poor little boy was missing an arm. The father was a mangled mess and Elena knew he had battled the werewolf till his last breath to protect his family. “Step back, Elena. Go to Cameron.” Braun instructed and she did as he bid watching him kneel

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to cover the man and babe. They disappeared in a flash and she was left alone standing outside under the brilliant stars. Everything seemed peaceful now when only moments before it had been chaotic and stressful. Elena was still tearful when she entered the cave. Cameron came to her. He had been watching for her. “Elena. What is wrong? Are you hurt in any way? What do I do to help you?” She shook her head no. “My heart hurts a little for that family’s plight. There was a father and a baby. The mother you saw.” She couldn’t help blubbering one more time over the injustices done that poor family. Cameron pulled her close and held her against his warm chest. “I am sorry Elena. Words are so inadequate at a time like this.” His understanding presence did more for her than she could even say. “It’s okay Cameron. They are together now and at peace. No more harm can come to them.” “Let’s go further inside the cave and stay with Angela. She is sleeping and it will be light out soon. I don’t think we will have any more trouble.” “Thank goodness the exact fullness of the moon only lasts for one night.” She smiled at him shakily. “I wish you didn’t have to go through it at all.” He said stonily. “I hate that you are exposed to the danger and horror of these things. I told Braun I wasn’t happy about that. He didn’t seem to think my complaint warranted any consideration. Is he always so stubborn? ” Elena loved him for his concern. He wanted to protect her but he didn’t quite understand Braun’s role in all of this. “He is a warring angel, Cameron. Think of him as a warrior. What would you expect from a warrior of old?” “I guess I would expect him to use any resource available to him in the battle he was engaged in and… you are that resource.” Cameron admitted reluctantly. “Exactly.” She knew he was a smart man. “I still don’t like it.” ***** The next day Cameron really pushed the horses hard. He was determined to get them all to safety as soon as possible. It was the same for the next week of days. Cameron pushed the animals from sun up to sun down. They had no more problems and reached the house just as the sun tiptoed completely out of sight. “What about Broken Spoke?” Elena asked when they neared the house and she realized where

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they were. They would have a real bed tonight! “I passed around the town.” was his short answer. It wasn’t that she wanted to see the place again. She was just curious why he didn’t want to go through it. “Why?” “Everyone there thinks my daughter is dead Elena. I have not decided what I will tell them yet. Besides I will feel safer with you two in the house. I will be more able to protect you both.” “Oh.” Those were some pretty good reasons. Cameron hadn’t been getting much sleep. Neither had she. They took turns staying awake at night and napping in the back of the wagon during the day. So far they hadn’t seen Slade but he must know that Angela was not at the orphanage any more if he had been checking on her every so often. Elena wished that Slade would never show up because it gave her more time with Cameron and Angela but she knew that was a pipe dream. She was here for that very reason. “I remember. I remember!” Angela squealed. Cameron jumped down and lifted her out of the wagon. Elena jumped down by herself. She was sick of that wagon. The sprites flew off in the woods appearing happy to be back too. Samson, once he was lifted down, ran around Angela’s feet excitedly. Cameron found the huge key where he had left it under a flowerpot and unlocked the door for them. “Welcome home Angela.” She ran inside excitedly. Elena started to follow her inside. “Welcome home wife.” Cameron surprised her by lifting her up in his strong arms and carrying her inside. He kissed her soundly before he put her on her feet again. “It is good to be home is it not? Light the lamps.” He whispered. “I will take care of the horses and be right back.” Home? This was his home. Not hers. She was happy for him though and he was right; they were safer here inside the house than out in open country. Elena wondered if she could get an honest to goodness bath. A shower would have been a dream.

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CHAPTER SEVEN

Cameron put Angela to bed. He checked that the windows were nailed shut and the shutters locked tight. He didn’t close the door to her room. He wanted to hear if she needed anything. Samson was curled up in bed with her. He would bark if there were troubles. Moon Feather slept next to her on her pillow. She too could alert him if there was trouble. Pita was downstairs performing guard duty of his own. Cameron went to his room. Elena was sitting on the edge of his bed. She looked a little lost or unhappy, he wasn’t sure which. She held a hairbrush in her hand. He wanted her to feel welcome in his home. He wasn’t convinced she knew how much he loved her and knew he could lay the fault at his own feet. He probably hadn’t told her enough. She looked lovely in the white linen sleeping gown. “What can I get you?” he asked her worriedly. He intended to spend the night awake, on guard for Slade. He already knew how sneaky the vampire was but he hesitated to leave her. She gave him a funny half smile. “Nothing, I am fine Cameron.” “What is wrong then?” It was important he understand what his wife was feeling. She was his responsibility and he meant to take as good a care of her as he could. She put the brush on the night table. “The waiting is hard sometimes.” “Waiting for Slade?” “Waiting in general. I don’t usually have this much time when Braun calls me. It usually happens very fast. Like when he transported me to your cave. There you were. If that had been all I was there to do I would have been long gone by now.” He sat down next to her understanding a little more of what was bothering her now. “Is it so hard for you being here in this time?” “A little but it isn’t just that. I don’t know what to do with myself. You have had to practically do everything for me Cameron. I am usually a lot more independent than this.” “Only because you are not used to the ways things are done here. You will get used to things.” He tried to encourage her. He wanted to make everything as easy on her as possible. She smiled at him sadly. “Cameron I won’t be here that long. I guess that is what is making me sad. I will miss you so much, and Angela. I am just starting to get to know her.” He pulled her in to his arms. He had much sadness when he thought of Elena being gone from his life. In fact he could not see his future without her. Didn’t she know that? “Make love to me.” She pulled back a little and looked in to his eyes. Her pretty, green eyes

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sparkled with the hint of tears. She was a red headed temptress and just the thought of making love to her made his pants suddenly feel way too tight. “I dare not tonight. Wait until morning before Angela awakes and we don’t have to worry about Slade.” No matter how badly he wanted her he had to think of their safety first and foremost. She nodded her head and sighed heavily. “You’re right. I’m sorry for being so selfish.” He lifted her delicate chin with his finger. “You are the most unselfish person I know.” He kissed her gently, a comforting kiss, one not meant to stir her passion or his own. “Sleep while you can.” Reluctantly Cameron left her after tucking her in the bed and went downstairs. He wanted to check the doors and windows one more time. Cameron deliberately strapped on his gun belt. Despite what Elena wanted he would kill Slade if he got the chance. He knew that bullets would not stop him. If he could distract him long enough, Slade would feel the sting of the wooden stake he had hidden under his shirt. Pita was hanging on to the wooden shutters and looking out the window through a crack in the wood. He too, was watching for any sign of danger. Cameron had new respect for the little sprite. Maybe he wasn’t as flighty as he seemed. Cameron went back upstairs and sat down in a chair in his daughter’s room. He spent the remainder of the night there watching her sleep, watching for trouble. Slade would come and he only hoped he was ready. Only when Cameron knew it was light outside did he leave Angela’s room and go into his own room. He quietly shut the door and went to look down on Elena. She was sound asleep in the bed. She looked exquisite. He stripped off his clothes and lifted the covers to join her. He would surprise her awake. He was the one to smile in surprise because when he lifted the covers he saw that she was completely naked. When had she shed the gown? Her boldness and her self-confidence were only a few of the many things he loved about her. He admired the gentle curve of her back and the roundness of her hips. Cameron slid in the bed and wrapped his arm around her. He lifted her hair and kissed the back of her neck. She smelled of roses. The scent never left her. He kissed her shoulders and knew when she came fully awake because she practically purred. “Mmmm.” He gave her a perceptible squeeze and she turned in his arms. He kissed her and immediately succumbed to the heady desire he felt whenever he touched her. He loved the fact she was so responsive

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to his lightest touch as he explored her body with his hand and followed the trail with his lips. When she was writhing in anticipation and pushing her hips towards him, he gently pushed her so that she was lying on her back and moved over her. He wanted to give her everything she desired. Just before he slid in to her damp welcoming womanliness, he kissed her. He would love for her to scream out like she usually did but he did not want them to accidentally wake Angela. He had great need of being close with Elena and spending this time with her. He could show her with his body how precious she was to him. She arched her hips upwards and he indeed caught that scream in his mouth when he kissed her. He couldn’t help smiling. Cameron made love to her twice before he slept. He never saw her leave the bed or the huge satisfied grin she had on her face as she covered him and left the room. ***** Elena and Angela set about making cookies the next afternoon. They mashed peanuts for peanut butter ones since Angela said they were her favorite kind. It had taken them all afternoon to get the recipe just right. Elena had never made any kind of cookies from scratch before. They had opened all the shutters on the downstairs windows and opened all the drapes letting in the sunlight. They could easily be closed again before dark. She didn’t think screens had been invented yet. Once more Elena admired the house that Cameron had built. It was well made and full of beautiful furniture. He was a remarkable craftsman. After Angela’s third cookie Elena put them up out of her reach. “You will spoil your supper and we want to save some for your daddy.” She was still nursing her burned hand. The big iron stove used wood to cook by and it was when she put wood in that she burned herself. “Save what for daddy?” Cameron came in the kitchen. Elena noticed his deep voice was raspy from just waking up. She found it sexy and attractive. “Peanut butter cookies!” Angela answered jumping up and down. “I helped make them.” “Well let me try one.” He laughed and Elena let him take his own from the platter full. He took two. With the very first bite he proclaimed. “They are marvelous.” “Did you get enough sleep?” Elena wanted to know. He had freely given of his time to make love with her when he should have been sleeping and resting. He was always putting her first. “That I did. I need to feed the horses.” He glanced at the open windows and she realized he was

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appreciative of the sunlight too. “I may be gone for a while so stay inside the house.” “Where are you going?” “Hunting, for fresh meat.” Elena nodded in understanding then. Cameron always had to think ahead. It was natural for this time. “We will stay the fort.” She gave him a jaunty salute. “Close up before dark if I am not back in time.” “Right.” She saluted him again even clicking her heels together this time. “Saucy!” He smiled and left out the kitchen door. Elena knew he wasn’t talking about Samson this time. *****

Elena had just finished washing Angela’s hair and combed the tangles out when Cameron was back with rabbit in hand. He had thoughtfully skinned it outside where she didn’t have to watch. “Rabbit stew!” “Yum!” Angela spoke up her blue eyes shining. “Yeah, yum.” Elena said a little less enthusiastically. Cameron laughed. “I will start this if you will secure the house.” “But it isn’t dark yet.” Elena protested quickly. “Why wait until the last minute?” “Okay.” Elena stood up and handed Angela the brush. Samson followed her around the downstairs as she closed and locked the windows. “I guess we better put you out one more time.” Samson excitedly wagged his tail. She hollered in to the other room. “I am taking the dog outside. Angela do you need to go to the outhouse?” She checked to make sure she had her gun. “Coming.” Angela joined her and they walked out the front door to go around to the back of the house. She waited on Angela and watched, as Samson had to find the exact spot to relieve himself on. He turned and turned in circles. He was such a funny little dog and she loved watching his antics. The weather was going to be turning cool soon. The fall would presently be here. She saw the stacks and stacks of firewood Cameron had cut and split in preparation.

This time was much harder

than her time. The chicken coop stood empty where once it housed chickens for meat and eggs. Every little necessity had to be thought out in advance. Cameron had mentioned crops. He probably grew

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most of the food they ate too. “All done.” Angela announced as she slammed the wooden door back on the outhouse. “Wait right here on me.” Elena warned her just to be cautious. “Don’t go off.” “I won’t.” Elena hurried to do her business and touched on Angela’s thoughts just in case because she was being very quiet. She hadn’t moved. She was petting Samson and loving him. They walked back to the house hand in hand and saw Cameron standing in the back kitchen doorway watching. He was waiting on them. He was so much a part of this house, this land, this time. It made her heart ache. How was she ever going to leave him? Angela? What would they do when she was gone? They would have each other but they would be alone. Probably not for long, she mused to herself. Cameron could go in to town now. He was a good man, a handsome man he would be snapped up in no time. He would find another woman to love. That too made her heart ache, to think of him loving another woman and sharing his life with her. She would want him to because she wouldn’t want him to be alone but the thought hurt. He held the door open for them. “Why do you look so pensive? Are you worried about Slade? We are home. He will have a hard time getting to you here Elena. I will do all that I can to protect you.” She wasn’t worried about Slade. She kissed him because she couldn’t stand not to. Her heart was full to overflowing with love for this brave, simple man. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back. “Elena you make the blood sing in my veins when you kiss me like that.” She laughingly replied. “I bet it isn’t the only thing I can make sing.” “We both know the truth of that now don’t we?” It seemed to Elena his eyes darkened at the thought and she knew he was thinking of how they would spend the morning in just a few short hours. “Go get your work done.” She pushed him away playfully. “I will turn the horses loose in the pasture and be right back. Will you watch the stew and bread?” He grabbed his rifle up. “You know I will. Hurry back.” She would do anything for him. Elena finished closing the windows and shutters. She locked the front door. That only left the back door for Cameron to come in. She lit the lamps and set the table. She was relieved when he came in the house and locked the door behind him. It was on the edge

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of darkness now. They had a nice meal together. Now Elena knew where the expression ‘home and hearth’ had come from. Things were much more relaxed in this time. She could get used to this. It was only as they were finishing up that Angela got awfully quiet and started crying. Elena was at a loss as to what caused it. Angela was usually easy going. Cameron went to her and knelt in front of her chair. “Angela darling. What is wrong?” He brushed the tears from her eyes. “I am just so happy.” She blubbered and then Elena understood. “Happy to be home and that you aren’t dead.” She hugged her daddy. “I never thought I would be happy ever again.” He hugged her tightly and lifted her up in to his arms. “I know what you mean Angela. I love you too”. He smiled at her. “I wouldn’t have you cry though.” He walked out of the kitchen and took Angela in the front room. Samson followed them his tiny feet moving in quick time to keep up. Elena busied herself with the clean up. They needed their private time together and she didn’t want to interfere. There was a soft desperate thumping on the back door. Elena frowned. Then she realized it had to be the sprites because she hadn’t seen them in a while. “Silly things. You better learn to get back before dark.” She opened the door just a crack and let them in. They flew in excitedly. She latched it back and continued to scrape the dishes so she could wash them. Oh yeah, she missed the dishwasher too! So many inventions were not yet around. Elena and Angela played checkers while Cameron read. He was looking at an old bible. She noticed he squinted and held the book very far from his face. He was near sighted! He finally put down the book in frustration. “What are you looking for?” she asked. She realized, even if he didn’t, that he was returning more and more back to normal. She wondered if his great strength was affected yet. She hoped not. They would need that. “Information on angels.” He shrugged as if he was embarrassed. “I wouldn’t know where to tell you to start,” she smiled. “There is a lot of reading in that book.” “Any information on werewolves and vampires?” “Not that I know of. The things I have learned about angels I learned from knowing Braun. Come take my place and play checkers with Angela.” He did and Elena moved to the chair he vacated so she could watch them. Samson jumped up in her lap wanting attention. He licked at her face making her laugh. “You are the goofiest little dog.” It wasn’t long afterwards they heard a single wolf howl, or at least she thought it was.

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“Coyote.” Cameron told her when he saw her fretting. “How about some more of those delicious cookies?” “Sure. I will get them.” Once snacks were done, it wasn’t long before Cameron put Angela to bed. Elena turned out the lamps and went upstairs. She knew Cameron would not leave her there alone. She took Samson into Angela’s room and lifted him up on her bed so he could sleep with her. She thought she heard a bump at the window. “What was that?” It was covered with shutters so she couldn’t look out. There was another bump on the roof. Cameron heard it too. “I don’t know.” He kissed Angela and retrieved his rifle that was leaning against the wall. He felt and touched the stake he had hidden against his chest just to make sure it was still there. A loud crashing sound startled her and Elena watched helplessly as the window and shutters all burst in to the room, splintering in to many pieces. A dark shape followed it in. It happened so fast that Elena barely registered that the shape was of a man and he had slammed into Cameron knocking him back against the wall and to the floor. Then there was another shape. It was leaning over the bed. Elena moved then. “Hey!” It had to be Slade. He was after Angela. Her heart was beating so rapidly she could hear her pulse in her ears. Cameron wrestled the figure that was trying to pin him to the ground. Another vampire. There were two! So much for the notion vampires had to be invited into your home. “Angela.” She screamed as Slade picked her up in his arms and pulled her close to his chest. “No!” She threw herself at him. She could not let him bite Angela or take her from them. It was foolhardy at best. He grabbed her around the throat, closing off her air and lifted her off her feet. She couldn’t even call out for Braun. She did in her mind though. She screamed his name over and over. Cameron managed to pin the man to the floor who had attacked him after a great struggle. Angela was crying hysterically while Elena was helplessly caught in Slade’s tight grip. “Cameron.” Slade warned in a rough sounding voice. “Release my minion or I will snap their necks.” “Slade.” Cameron growled menacingly and stood up releasing the other man. That man went and stood by the open window. His lips were dark and his eyes ringed with black. This man was a lost soul Elena realized, he wasn’t a full vampire. He was half-dead to even the undead. There was no life in his eyes or expression on his face. Slade controlled him totally. Eternal damnation was his for

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thinking he could mess around with witchcraft and that there would be no consequences. Elena squirmed, and used her hands to grip his. It was the only way she could get the minimum amount of air. She couldn’t see Slade clearly because she couldn’t turn towards him but she could feel the evil rolling off him in waves. She could hear Angela’s terrified crying. She thought she would black out soon and fought against it. “Let them go.” Cameron said at once. “You knew I would come.” “I knew. Let them go, your quarrel is with me.” He stood there and lifted his arms up and to his sides. “Come on. I am here. Take me if you can.” He taunted him. “Do you think I am a fool? Your strength is as great as my own. You robbed me of my wife.” “She was not yours. Constance was my wife!” Cameron argued hotly. Slade pulled Elena around where he could look upon her. “You have a new woman.” He indeed had wheat colored hair and was thin and handsome despite the evil that consumed him. Elena looked into his brown eyes. There was no goodness or mercy there. She would have cussed him if she could. Where was Braun? “She looks like a cathouse whore. I don’t want this one. She even has a sickly sweet smell about her.” He held her away from him at arms length as if she repulsed him. Elena kicked out and managed to connect with his privates. He felt it but it hardly bothered him. He shook her hard for her effort but did not release her. Her teeth rattled together with the force of it. “Your daughter however will suffice for my needs.” Angela’s crying got louder. “I have plans for her. She will come with me.” Cameron stepped forward. His rage barely contained. “Slade you bastard. Leave them alone.” He laughed gruffly. “You love them both don’t you? I shall let you pick. Which one dies Cameron and which one will go with me?” Cameron pulled the stake out of his shirt. He was going to try and stab Slade with it. Elena stuck out her hand to try to and reach Slade’s chest. That was all that was needed. If she could only reach his chest but he held her too far away from him. “You will never make it in time to save one of them.” Slade threatened when he saw the stake and realized Cameron’s intentions. Braun appeared in a flash of light and a great thunderous clap of noise. Slade dropped them both and flew out the window. The vampire apprentice followed and Slade grabbed him up in his arms. So he couldn’t fly on his own! It only confirmed Elena’s suspicions.

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Elena fell to her knees and choked in as much air as she could. She crawled to Angela. She looked unhurt. Cameron had gone to the window to see where the vampire went. Then he ran to comfort Angela and gathered her up in his arms. “Braun.” Elena choked out. She felt the healing without his even having to touch her. “Thank God you came.” It was then she noticed Braun’s body. He was healing a great gash across his own chest too. It must have been some battle for him to get there. Braun fought against powers and principalities of the darkness of the world. He fought evil spirits and demons unseen by man that wanted to rule and torment. It was the age-old battle of good versus evil. He left as suddenly as he came to return to the battle. Elena felt Cameron’s hand on her back. Angela was still crying. Cameron was trying to comfort them both. It had happened so fast and without warning. Cameron’s handsome face was covered in anger. “Let’s go in the other bedroom.” She reminded him, just in case. He lifted Angela in his arms and took her in the other bedroom. Elena found Samson hiding under the bed. She closed the door and felt totally helpless. There wasn’t even any way to lock the door from this side. Not that doors and windows could stop Slade. She doubted they would be back tonight, thanks to Braun. He had surely frightened the heck out of them. If it was just her she would leave so Cameron and Angela would be safe but it wasn’t about her, it was about Angela. Slade wanted Angela to make a whole new stronger breed of Vampire. She couldn’t let that happen. She couldn’t let him hurt Angela either. It dawned on her in that moment there was a better way. All the silly vampire movies she had watched as a child came back to her memory in an instant. How come she didn’t think of it sooner? The ridiculous thought, ‘Elena Smith, Vampire hunter,’ ran through her mind making her groan. This wasn’t a movie. This was real life and they had to deal with it. Cameron was sitting on the bed rocking Angela in his arms. Her pretty blue eyes were open wide in shock. It would be a long time before she slept. There was too much fear and anxiety after what had happened. Elena still had some anxiety herself. “Cameron. I need to talk to you.” “Not now.” He shook his head determinedly. “If you can’t say it in front of Angela it will have to wait. I will not leave her side.” He still had the stake clutched tightly in his hand. “Okay.” She could understand where he was coming from. She put Samson on the bed and he

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dove under the covers to hide. “Just answer me one thing.” He looked at her. She could see the helpless frustrated feelings he was experiencing in his face. Hadn’t she just felt them herself? “Do you know where Slade lives?” “Yes, not too far from here, about two hours ride. I haven’t been there but Constance told me where he was located. Why?” Elena sat down on the edge of the bed next to them to wait. She rubbed Angela’s shoulder. “Everything is okay now, sweetie.” “It’s not. It’s not!” Angela cried pitifully. “He will be back. He always comes back.” “It will be.” Elena reassured her. She would make sure of it. Even if it meant she had to go back to her own time sooner. Angela’s safety had to come first and Elena could not let the Vampire torment the child any longer. “We don’t have to sit here and wait for Slade to attack again. We know where he lives and rests during the day.” Cameron seemed to read her mind. He gave her a determined look and nodded his head yes. They would hunt down Slade tomorrow together. He reached out a hand and she took it.

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CHAPTER EIGHT

At first light Cameron harnessed the horses. He kept the supplies at a minimum so they could travel faster. Samson was locked inside the house with the sprites. Angela unfortunately had to go with them. They had no way to keep her safe if they left her behind. She brought her doll for comfort. He hoped he had thought of everything. It was too important not to have. “Ready?” he asked Elena with the hint of steel in his voice. He would protect them both with his life if he had to but one way or the other they’d settle this today. “Ready as I can be.” She assured him. “Let’s do this.” “There is just one thing Elena.” Cameron put his hand on her arm when she would have climbed in to the wagon. She looked at him inquisitively. “If things do not turn out as we hope. Call for Braun and ask him, beg him if need be to take Angela to your time with you. If he can bring you here then surely he can take Angela there for safety as well.” Elena didn’t even have to think about it. “I will Cameron, have no doubt about that but nothing is going to happen to you. Nothing is going to happen to any of us. We have the advantage now over Slade.” “I love you wife.” He lifted Elena into the wagon so she could sit on the seat. “Let us be off then. It will be a relief to get this over with.” Cameron called for Angela and lifted her in to the back of the wagon as well. The ride seemed to take forever but when they finally located Slade’s residence Elena was surprised to see he had a nice house. A big two story. It looked harmless and innocent sitting in the daylight. The only thing that made her take notice was that it had thick shutters on all the windows. Not unlike Cameron’s house. Slade’s house was also cradled in a dark thick forest with tall trees helping to block the light from the actual house. Other than that it looked like any other farmhouse. They stared at the house off in the distance each with their own thoughts. They couldn’t see any movement or activity from where they were. Cameron tied the horses to a tree but gave them enough lead that they could graze. He didn’t even unhook them from the wagon. “We will walk from here. Will Slade know we are coming?” “I don’t know Cameron. I have never had to confront a vampire in this way before. One thing for sure,” she reached in the wagon and got the lamp out they had brought along. “We will use the lamp

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and open windows and doors as we go along. He won’t be able to stand the sunlight. Hopefully it will help contain him.” Elena knew he still had the stake. She hadn’t asked him to leave it behind. She just prayed that Braun was right and Cameron would do the correct thing when it was called for. “He may sleep in some kind of box.” She warned him, thinking of the movies she’d seen with Vampires sleeping in coffins. In all of this time she had never encountered a vampire while he was sleeping. She didn’t know what to expect. Cameron didn’t say anything about that as he lifted Angela out of the wagon. She guessed anything Slade did, as a vampire wouldn’t surprise him. He had been through so much already. Cameron warned Angela to be as quiet as she possibly could and told her what a brave girl she was. He gave her a quick hard hug. It was a solemn group that walked up to the house. Everything looked peaceful and normal. It was hard to imagine that it held such evil. The door was locked solidly but it was nothing for Cameron to knock it open. Elena stopped him when he intended to do just that. “We don’t want to make noise.” They began to look around for a key. Cameron kept his outside, maybe everyone did. They found a skeleton key under an empty planter. Cameron unlocked the door. “Stand back.” He opened it and they all saw something scurry away from the sunlight as it flooded the interior. Elena gasped at the unexpectedness of it. There was no telling what they might find. Her palms began to sweat. She had never been in a vampire’s lair before either. Cameron stepped in first. It was a short noisy struggle until he captured the man who was hiding behind the door. It was the man from last night with the black eyes and lips. Slade had called him a minion. “Hold him.” Elena stepped up to him. She held Angela’s hand in one hand and the lamp in the other. She handed it to Angela to hold. The lamp was for Angela because she and Cameron did not need it. It helped with her fear. She reached out with her hand and lightly touched his chest. She pulled her hand back when he burst into flame. Cameron released him quickly too and stepped back. The man disappeared before their eyes consumed in the fire in an instant. “Where is Braun?” Cameron asked curiously. Elena had not even called for him. “That man was lost.” She told Cameron seriously. “Braun would not come for him. He already

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rejected God. That is why he burst in to flame. It is the judgment that awaits him now.” She let Angela keep the lamp as she began to open shutters. They needed as much light as they could get. Cameron started scouting around in the other rooms. She heard shutters being thrown open, even if quietly. If they weren’t more careful they would alert Slade to their presence. “There is no one else down here.” He informed her calmly after his search did not divulge any vampires. Elena nodded and held Angela close to her side. Cameron smiled trying to comfort his daughter. “I will lead the way upstairs.” They found a window at the end of the hall. Cameron moved the thick curtains away and opened those shutters. Every bit of light helped because Angela was very fearful but she was trying to be brave. Her little body was shaking with it. “You are doing fine little angel.” Elena whispered softly to reassure her. She only wished she could keep Angela from knowing about the whole ordeal. That would have been best. The first door they opened revealed three naked women sleeping in a bed together. Elena shut the door before Angela could see anything. “Don’t worry about them. Slade first. It will release them from the curse as well.” There was no telling what went on in this house during the nighttime. She saw the strain on Cameron’s face. He had to be realizing his wife had been part of this debauchery as well. The next room was empty and the next. “Where could he be?” Elena wondered out loud. He had to be here somewhere. “There is still one more door.” Cameron reminded her. The last door opened and had stairs leading up to an attic room. Cameron led the way with the lamp. When they got to the top of the stairs there was a huge four-poster bed and it was wrapped in thick velvet curtains. There was only one tiny window but Elena carefully opened the shutters on it but it wasn’t much help at all. She touched Cameron’s thoughts. He was fighting the temptation to stab Slade with the stake for revenge for what he had done to his wife and wanted to do with his daughter. When he finally decided Slade was best left to God’s judgment Elena knew it would be okay. She put Angela’s hand in Cameron’s and then turned to the bed. She pulled back the drapes just enough to see inside. Slade was there. His brown eyes were open in surprise. He expected to see Cameron and found her instead. Elena didn’t know if he could move or not as it was daytime so she quickly reached in and tried to slam her hand down on his chest. He was too quick for her as he lunged at her and knocked her to the floor. The wind got knocked out of her. Elena was startled at his

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extremely fast movements. “Oh!” He pinned her efficiently and effectively with his great strength. She blinked as she saw him begin to lower his mouth to her neck. His teeth were extending and growing before her eyes. He was going to bite her! His hands were painfully tight on her shoulders. “Who do you think you are woman, to try and take me on in my own home? I will kill you for this.” “Nooo.” Cameron bellowed in outrage and jumped on top of Slade. The extra weight nearly drove her last breath from her lungs. Then Cameron managed to pull Slade off of her. They wrestled and struggled. Elena heard Angela’s cries and crawled over to her. She pulled her down in to her lap. “Braun! Braun!” Elena called out and shielded Angela’s eyes. She didn’t want her seeing this even though she could still hear everything going on as the men struggled on. The sound of their grunts and groans filled the air and only emphasized the violent fight. The sound of flesh hitting flesh was horrible. It seemed forever before Cameron finally managed to pin Slade to the floor. He was out of breath and sweating profusely. Elena hurried over to them and she slapped her hand down on his chest. Slade quit struggling and his eyes closed. Instantly the soothing ethereal light filled the room and Braun was there. Elena removed her hand and stood back up. She gave Cameron a hand up and then went to Angela. She had quieted at Braun’s presence and wasn’t crying any more. “Are you okay Cameron?” He had bruises forming on his handsome face and that was only what she could see. “I am now.” He gritted his jaw together and pulled her to his side. “Let’s go downstairs.” Elena agreed because she knew Braun might be a while. Slade had a decision to make. “Those women will be wondering what is going on too.” Cameron squeezed her hand. “I will take Angela to the wagon and bring it up to the house. I don’t want her seeing any more than she has.” “Okay Cameron.” Elena wiped the blood from his lip. She knew he didn’t realize that she would be leaving soon. She wanted to spend every second with him but he was right; Angela shouldn’t be exposed to any more. It would take a lot of explaining as it was. The women were distraught and crying but Elena explained as best she could that they were free to go now. They were free of the vampire and his deviant ways. At least they had dressed in some clothes. She reminded them they could start over with fresh new lives if they could forget what happened to them. One of them left immediately. She didn’t live far away. She had family she was

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anxious to get back to. The other two had been with Slade longer. He must have used them for his sexual appetites because none of them were made full vampires. She didn’t know what to tell them except one thing and it made sense to her. Slade owed them. “The house is yours now and whatever you can find in it to get a new start in life. You are free.” “Thank you. Thank you.” They both enthused and began to talk to each other of what they would do now that Slade was out of the picture. Elena knew that things could have been so much worse for them even if they didn’t. Slade could have killed them and made them vampires. Braun was gone when she went back upstairs so Elena went down stairs again to the front room. She could see Cameron and Angela sitting on the wagon. The front door was wide open. They appeared to be waiting on her. Braun reappeared again. “Elena.” “Braun.” She knew what was coming and dreaded it. “All is well. Take a moment to say goodbye.” “I don’t want to leave them Braun.” She told him honestly, looking at his handsome face and right in to his gray eyes. “I love them.” They had been through so much together. She wanted a chance at happily ever after with them. She wanted to live to a ripe old age with Cameron at her side. “You must.” He said simply but Elena saw the compassion in his eyes. “I cannot change this for you.” Elena knew there was no arguing. She fought back the tears and straightened her shoulders. She felt almost sick to her stomach but it was really her heart that was aching. Cameron was watching the door and he watched Elena walk out of the house. He knew immediately something was wrong as she walked up to the side of the wagon. He jumped down to lift her up in to the wagon so she could sit by him. ”I am most anxious to get you home wife and put all this behind us.” She hated to hurt him but there was no help for it. Braun couldn’t change things and she couldn’t either. “Cameron. It is time for me to go back to my own time. My job here is done.” “You cannot go”, he frowned in confusion. “You are my wife now.” “We knew this time would come.” Elena saw him look at the house where Braun stood in the doorway. They were probably holding a conversation as well. “I just wanted to say thank you before I left and I wanted you to know.” She choked up a little. “How much you mean to me. You and Angela both.” Elena didn’t tell him that she loved him. Why hurt him with the words? It wouldn’t change things and it would only make things harder on him in the long run. He would have to forget about her

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and go on with his life, just as she was going to have to do. She stepped back and waved to Angela. “Take care of each other always.” “Elena!” Cameron said in a stunned voice. She knew what he was seeing. He was seeing her fade away before his eyes. No whiz-bang. No fan fare but it was happening and it was happening fast. Cameron reached out his arms towards her as if he could keep her from leaving. “ELENA!” She closed her eyes unable to stand the pain and anguish on his face. It had to be reflected on hers too. “Braun, nooo.” Cameron’s voice rang in her ears, he shouted so loud. “Don’t take her from me.” *****

When she opened her eyes again, Elena found herself in her living room. She was home. It wasn’t a comforting discovery. She immediately burst in to tears. How could she ever call a small apartment home again? It had no warmth. It had no character. I didn’t have Cameron in it, or Angela. She was even going to miss the goofy looking dog Samson and the silly sprites. She wished she had at least asked for Angela’s picture back to help remember them by. If only she had one of Cameron too. She fell on the couch like a boneless heap and clutched a throw pillow to her chest. She was never going to see them again. They were already dead, long dead, even piles of dust by now. It was more than her heart could bear as she let the tears fall freely. She had never been so miserable in her entire life. ***** That night Elena pulled up her computer. She searched the Internet for Cameron Thomas but found no reference to anyone in that era that could possibly be her Cameron. She looked at every Ancestor site she could find. Still, no Cameron Thomas ever seemed to have existed. The town of Broken Spoke was gone. It had disappeared from the scene by 1890. The last reference stated it was a fallen down ghost town. It was with a heavy heart she went to bed. At least she could nurse her wounded heart tomorrow. It would be Sunday and she didn’t have to work at the bank until Monday. She didn’t feel like doing anything and knew she wouldn’t for quite some time. Sunday morning Elena didn’t get out of bed until late. She just didn’t have any motivation. She pulled her arms in to her favorite faded old robe and stuffed her feet in to her slippers. She was going to make herself some big fat peanut butter cookies today, even if she didn’t have to smash her own

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peanuts. The she was going to cry until she couldn’t cry any more. She heard a commotion and noise. There was a bright light spilling out of the living room. Braun wasn’t usually that noisy but for once she was going to be brave and tell him no. She didn’t feel like doing anything for anyone today. She deserved some time to heal her broken heart. When she rounded the corner she was not surprised to see Braun. He was however smiling as big as she had ever seen him smile. What surprised her was to see that he held Angela in his arms. “Angela!” Elena ran to her and Braun let her take her from his arms. “How…what…where is your daddy? Braun what is going on? Has something happened to Cameron?” She didn’t know if there was a problem or what. She hugged Angela and started crying all over again. She was so happy to see her. “Elena! Elena! Guess what?” Braun disappeared without saying anything. The infuriating angel! “What sugar?” “We are coming to live with you!” “You are?” She still couldn’t quit crying. Braun appeared again and this time he had Cameron with him. They were both smiling. Cameron held Samson in his arms and had a sprite on each shoulder. “Cameron!” Elena ran to him and hugged them both squishing Samson between them so that he squeaked. “I am so happy to see you.” She turned to Braun. “Is it true? They are staying here with me?” “It is true Elena.” “Thank you Braun. But how?” She set Angela down. “You can thank Cameron and Angela, Elena. They prevailed with God. I must go now. I will not see you again until you come to the realm of the blest. Stay happy, live well and love much.” He disappeared just like that. The light faded away slowly. She wouldn’t be seeing him again? “Braun?” She didn’t even get to give him a proper goodbye. It was just like him to leave without giving her the chance. Cameron was staring at her bookcase. “Cameron?” She was so confused and needed him to tell her what was going on. He turned to her and kissed her soundly. “It was the picture, Elena.” He pulled it out and showed it to her. “Look.” “What?” She saw Angela.

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“Look close Elena.” “Oh my God. How could I have missed that? But how?” Behind Angela was Elena’s bookcase. The picture was taken in her living room. The bookcase was visible as was the television sitting on top of it. Cameron was so busy looking around and studying things he didn’t hear Elena at first. “But how?” She said again. He smiled at her sweetly. “Simple. We prayed Elena and we already knew the prayer would be answered because of the picture. It was proof. You said your time was a time of convenience. Look at all the books. That square object.” He came and held her close. “It is a television.” She mumbled inanely, still unable to grasp that they were really here in her time, with her. “I have missed you so, Elena. I didn’t know what to do without you.” “Look what Braun gave us.” Angela pointed to a white cloth sack at her feet. “For our future, he said.” Elena looked inside; it was too heavy for her to lift and she was surprised to see many gold coins. She knew exactly what it was for. It was for a home. They could purchase a real home in the country. Perhaps there was even enough for Cameron to start a carpentry business. “Oh Cameron.” There was so much to say and she didn’t know where to begin. “We wanted to be with you, Elena.” Cameron said softly. “I love you. It didn’t matter whose time we were in as long as we could be together. You are my wife and the other half of my heart.” She threw her arms around his neck. “I love you too Cameron. I was missing you so bad. I thought my heart was breaking. But you left your beautiful house and everything you have ever known to come here.” He smiled at her tenderly. “I can build another one. One just for you, exactly the way you want it. The thing I cannot do is live without you, Elena. Do you not realize that?” Moon Feather and Pita landed on her shoulders. They had already explored her small apartment. “And I prayed you wouldn’t have to see any more scary monsters ever again.” Angela added excitedly. Elena knelt down and hugged her. “What is this box again and what is it for?” Cameron asked her, looking at the television. Oh boy did she have a lot of explaining to do! They had over a hundred and fifty years to catch up on.

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EPILOGUE

“Momma!” Angela called out exasperatedly. “Braun is not listening to me.” Cameron snatched up his young son and held him in his arms. He had a thatch of red hair and blue eyes. He tickled his stomach and made him giggle then put him back in this playpen. “You stay put.” Braun was eighteen months old and he was already climbing out of his pen on his own. They were currently visiting the new house. Cameron almost had it done and they would be able to move in before Christmas. It was a lovely modern but old looking Victorian with high-pitched roofs and a generous porch. Angela played in the yard with Samson. They were running through the fallen leaves. Elena had put Braun in his playpen to keep him out of trouble and to keep him from running off. He just didn’t want to stay in it. He would rather chase the sprites around. Elena looked up from her place on the porch. She just wanted to get this last rail painted before they quit for the day. Cameron was unloading wood from the truck that he loved to drive and as always Elena admired what a fine specimen of man he was. It was amazing how well he and Angela had adapted to her time. Her heart was full of happiness. Her life was full of love. Things couldn’t get any better than that.