A/N: Might as well. Let's see if this plot bunny wants to move.

Disclaimer: *looks out window* I see no lawyers to defend me, so I'm shutting up.
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Horatio walked into the compound, amazed at the menagerie of animals before him.

Nick leaned toward Horatio. "We allow any animal to take refuge here. It's a gift to them, for helping protect us from The Huntresses." He said, leading Horatio to what looked like a large mansion.

There was a gryphon sitting next to two injured centaurs and a werewolf cub practicing transformations. Julia was brooding in what seemed to be a cave as Kyle, in his white tiger cub form, lay on his back. The small family that Horatio had seen nearing the end of the line earlier, seemed to be upset over their friend's death. A red headed woman was crying and a little brunette girl was lying in her arms, asleep most likely. A gray haired man was sitting with them, rocking them. A woman was laying near the family. She was visibly pregnant, and most likely, the mate of the black haired man walking towards the small group.

"Nick." The man bowed his head.

"Don, how is Jessica?" Nick asked.

Don raised his head, a smile covering his features. "She's good. The baby's fine too. Alexx was kind enough to check stress levels after we got back."

"Good, we need Jess to keep hers and the baby's strength up until this war is over. Although, she is due soon, we could have her back with the child under the watchful eye of Alexx?" Nick's comment seemed more phrased as a question towards Don.

"We'll see Nick." Don said, as he walked back to his mate.

"Grand. We may be down two females that will be key in this war." Nick gritted his teeth. Greg eased behind him and glanced at Horatio. The older CSI nodded slightly and moved back as Greg walked next to the Alpha.

Horatio looked towards the caves that seemed to be more for the families. A young blonde woman was being looked after by a slightly drunk looking man and woman. She was probably in her early twenties and looked quite peeved that she was being cooed over like she was a young cub. Upon seeing Nick, she hopped down the rocks after transforming into what looked like a snow leopard, although Horatio wasn't sure. She jumped off, transforming again with a slight pop, landing on the ground, falling into a heap.

"Oof! I can never get that landing down!!" She said, sitting on her butt. Her blonde hair was now, erm, not so blonde. More mud brown. She stood up and dusted herself off. "Hello. I'm Calleigh. Those two up there are my Ma and Dad, but I really don't get along with them." She held out her hand. "Nice to see two new faces."

"Likewise ma'am. Likewise." Horatio said, shaking Calleigh's hand.

She blushed. "Oh please. It's not 'Ma'am' You only call Alexx and my momma that. It's Calleigh, please." Calleigh's head lowered as Nick glared at her.

"Nick, come on. You're gonna introduce us, right?" Greg tugged at Nick's arm as Calleigh resisted the urge to flee.

Nick turned to face Greg, whose face was now in a hardened glare as well. He softened and turned to face forward, leading the group up the steps of the house.

Mac tapped Horatio on the shoulder. "We're being followed."

Horatio turned around to see all the animals following the "tour group."

"Oh my." Calleigh's breath caught in her throat. Tim was standing on the porch with a smirk playing on his lips. His eyes were hiding a sad smile.

"What's wrong?" Horatio whispered.

"Tim. He never has smiled like that." Calleigh sighed.

Horatio's eyebrow cocked. "Why would he be smiling like that now?" He asked.

"Look at his line of sight. He's staring at you." Calleigh said.
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A/N: Yup! the plot bunny came back. And I leave you mildly cliffie once more. *bows* flame policy still stands. Review please!

Kisses

~Sarah~