A/N: I don't own anyone but my OC's…though I wished I owned the rest…*sighs*

A/N: I had a request or two for an Alaric centric story and well your guys' wish is granted! Jaspers-Angel 7 enjoy!

Alaric watched the sun as it broke across the water kissing his tanned skin. He loved the solitude of the beach as the only ones out at such an early hour were joggers and swimmers who would bade him a good morning before continuing on. His family owned the Alamar Sands hotel for almost 100 years and he could remember coming back year after year as a child to spend his summers here. The way the ocean seemed so vast and expansive to his small eyes and how the waves pounded the shore, edging ever so closer towards him ready to devour him with one fell swoop.

But now they were tamer in his eyes though the occasional storm or hurricane would churn the deep blue waters into an anguished froth. Alaric inhaled the salty air, letting his lungs expand the warm moisture before exhaling slowly. He always loved this place and upon graduating from Duke, returned home and taught history at the high school. While his students thrived under him and the parents and administrators adored him, it couldn't fill the void in his heart. It had been two years since Isobel died in that car wreck, destroying his world and hurling Alaric into a deep dark depression for almost a year. But now he was doing better and returned to teaching with the hope that someday he could love again.

"Hey Ricky!" Alaric's shoulders dropped as he groaned and looked behind him in time to see his older brother David charging through the sand. The fine grains of sand and shell kicked up behind him as he approached his younger brother.

"Well good morning little bro," David tousled Alaric's shorter sandy tresses. Alaric scowled and smacked away his hand as he hated being called by his childhood nickname- especially when it was his brothers who were using it.

"You're up before the sun! Wow I'm impressed," Alaric sarcastically noted then took a drink from the cup beside him.

"Aw and hello to you too!" David flopped his half clad body right beside Alaric and gazed towards the sunrise. Alaric sighed and took another drink.

"It's gonna be another hot one," he looked at Alaric, "Lots of hotties in bikinis!"

"David," Alaric rolled his eyes while his brother waggled his.

"Come on live a little would ya? At least Jenna would be on board with it!"

"Yeah well in case you forgot she's out in San Diego now and in a relationship with a guy," David shrugged and stood back up to return to the hotel.

"Well I'm gonna head back," he hitched a thumb towards the light blue building behind them. "Mom's gonna need help with the rooms and Dad needs help replacing the tub in 330."

"I'll be there," Alaric kept his back turned to his brother. "I don't leave them hanging you know that and besides where's Jake?"

"He ran up to Hampton Roads but he'll be back," David ruffled Alaric's hair one last time then sprinted off before his brother could grapple his ankles and tackle him.

"See you in a bit Ricky!" He hollered over his shoulder with a teasing laughter.

"Why wasn't I born an only child?" He wondered aloud before finishing off his coffee and taking in one last glimpse of the breaking dawn before heading in.

Brooklyn slept the entire flight from Phoenix to Norfolk, waking only Brady nudged her and whispered the flight had landed. She chose Virginia Beach for their annual vacation as she voiced her opinion over last year's disastrous trip to Miami.

"Brady, half the guys were drunk and wouldn't leave me alone! I almost wound up in jail after knocking out Mr. Touchy Feely's front teeth!"

Brady had quickly intervened explaining to Miami's finest that she had lashed out in self-defense. Her Uncle Nick had freaked out when he received the call at 2 AM from Brady who confessed what happened.

"Brady! What the hell were you thinking taking her to a place like that? Did you forget what happened the last time a guy tried that! I think he still runs the other way when he sees a red haired woman anywhere he goes!"

"The place was pretty subdued Nick and besides the Kingston Trio started it! Brook wasn't the only one who was harassed by them!"

"And lemme guess...She was the only one who acted upon her instincts. Am I right?"

"Unfortunately yes…."

When they returned from that disastrous trip, Nick was none too pleased with his niece and swore up and down she would be the death of him. But Brooklyn wasn't concerned with her uncle's deep rooted and well placed fears but humored the man and announced this year they would head to Virginia Beach which walked more on the sane side of the street than Miami ever would.

Alaric busied himself with replacing boards along the window sills and touching up the paint through the main lobby. He always felt a sense of pride when guests walked through the doors and noted how homey and comforting the atmosphere was. Alaric didn't like working the desk as much as David did but then again he liked to get an eyeful of the as he called them hotties who passed through the French doors eager to be free of the shackles of their realities and dramas.

This day was no different as he brushed the last coat of finish on the Adirondack chair. It was going to be like any other day: tourists leaving early then returning after dark with bags hanging off each arm containing trinkets and other items with names such as Yorktown and Virginia Is for Lovers. Alaric always suppressed a laugh or two at the bulging sacks with cheap tacky souvenirs but it was the thought that counted after all. He still had a few of those same tacky items stashed somewhere from his trip to Gettysburg and Antietam when he was in college.

"That should do it," he said aloud and stood up to admire the smooth colonial oak coating what was once stripped wood. With a smile he gathered his tools and headed around to the shed just as the silver Charger swung into the parking lot.

Brooklyn stepped out stretched while giving the modest building a quick look over. Light blue was splashed across brick and wood creating the illusion of gentle rolling waves. To the right was a small but well kept playground for children to play and beyond that was the beach. Brooklyn couldn't wait to get out on the sand and crack open the worn but well loved copy of The Wheel of Darkness.

She turned to Brady who was head first in the trunk gathering his bags. He wasn't a light traveler by any means where she learned to pack the basics with a few luxury items to spare. Her Uncle Nick had taught her that. Such was the life of being a former Marine and cop's niece.

"Brady did you pack the damn apartment?" She raised an eyebrow from beneath the rim of her black Red Wings hat.

"NO!" He pouted and dragged the oversized bag along the sidewalk and up the ramp to the front. Brooklyn snickered at her friend's misfortune and slung her own bag across her shoulder and strolled up the steps with ease.

Alaric was at the front desk reviewing the day's cleaning list when a shadow danced across his line of sight. He lifted his stare and felt his heart stop at the woman standing before him. Brooklyn didn't let her face betray the fact her heart was racing as she looked Alaric up and down finding she liked what she saw.

"Uh hi," she smiled nervously and swallowed back the lump in her throat.

"Uh…hi…." Alaric sputtered. His stomach was turning in knots and hands trembling as he stood inches from the fullest softest lips he had ever laid eyes on. Her eyes were a striking shade of grey that were dotted with specks of amber. Her skin was lightly tanned which brought out the richness in her beautiful depths as a black Red Wings cap sat atop her head but Alaric spotted the shoulder length coppery locks hiding behind her neck. The lighting played upon her tresses causing him to do a double take as he swore strands of gold were woven between rich scarlet.

They gazed into one another's eyes then quickly darted away reminding Brady of two awkward teens. He cleared his throat in an obvious show of impatience snapping the two from their wayward trance.

"Oh I do apologize," Alaric waved his hand and focused his attention to the computer but only for a brief moment then returned his eyes to Brooklyn. He flashed a sweet but apologetic smile towards her and felt his heart race at the flush tints brightening her cheeks.

"Uh what was the name?"

"Ravenwood," Brooklyn's voice was like that of an angel's. It was a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. Alaric darted his eyes back toward the screen and pulled up the reservation in record time. He couldn't but help to keep his eyes turned on Brooklyn as hers bathed over him.

"Um yeah here it is- Ravenwood, Brooklyn. Two rooms for two weeks," Alaric battled to suppress the smile that was struggling to form at this bit of news. Brooklyn looked over at Brady who had dropped his bags and was looking at the old photos hanging proudly on the walls. Images of the city's history also revealed the history of Alamar Sands and Brady couldn't but help to notice how happy the people were in the photos. He glanced over his shoulder and shook his head at his best friend. It was nice to see Brooklyn smiling again but had reservations given they were there for only two weeks. He hoped she wouldn't become too involved with anyone as it would only wind up in heartbreak.

Brooklyn nodded but never let the smile falter as he busied himself with entering the information. She spotted a ring on his right hand and felt compelled to ask him about it "Beautiful ring," she complimented.

Alaric paused and looked down at it then back at her.

"Thanks…It's an heirloom," he said with a trace of pride. "Alright you both are set. Rooms 210 and 208 are at the far end facing the beach. Ice machine is next to 208, breakfast is 5:30 to 10:00 and there is a welcome reception in the parlor," Alaric pointed at the set of double doors to the right, "It starts at 7:30 and it would be great if you both came."

Brooklyn looked at Brady who shrugged with indifference as he knew if she wanted to do something it would happen regardless of what his opinion was. Alaric slid the key across the counter letting his fingers rest on the ends. Brooklyn grinned and slid her hand across the desk, resting her hands but briefly on top of his surprised at the warmth they shared. Alaric didn't feel skin but silk wherever she touched. His heart pounded furiously at the brief exchange and didn't protest when she pulled back taking the keys with her.

"Okay," she grinned and bit her lower lip, hesitant to say anything further. "Seven thirty right?"

"Yeah," Alaric nodded and smiled back.

Damn...He has a beautiful smile…..

Brooklyn kept that thought to herself as she helped Brady lug his bags up the stairs finding she was thinking about the sandy haired man.

Quick note - Nick is the same Nick from SPN...I thought he would be perfect! Also this is going to get a bit smutty hence the M rating!