So, I'm feverishly writing this story in an effort to honor my commitment to give you 2 chapters per week. I hope to hear from you. Encouragement is always the best form of support and without your support, I would have no reason to write this.

STRANGE ATTRACTION

04/06/2002 - So today I learned all about what it takes to create a green house in the middle of a cavern in the desert. Jeb should be a teacher. He says he never went to high school but, the technological knowledge he has is just incredible. I would love to just spend a day picking his brain.

I decided to invite these people to see how our clan lives. Jeb held a meeting and gave everyone a chance to volunteer for the trip, but he is only allowing six to go. I had a hand in the choosing. I chose Jared because he is practical and a leader. He will be accompanied by his girlfriend, Melanie, who just so happens to be the same girl who was the original host to the soul, Wanderer, that now inhabits the gorgeous body that unfortunately belongs to Ian. Every time I look at her I find it difficult to look away. She has the face of an angel and she reminds me of a porcelain doll. She is so delicate and tiny, but not like a child. Her body is proportioned perfectly from her shapely legs to her tiny waist and the curve of her breast in the halter dress she wore today…I can't stop thinking about her. It's making me crazy. She's coming to the mountain too. I requested her and she seemed eager for the adventure. Unfortunately she is bringing her fiancé with her who really didn't want to go, but he wouldn't let her go alone. The last two to join us will be Lily, a close friend to Wanda, and Brandt who is a single guy that seems kind of quiet most of the time. I would have liked to have the other soul, Sunny join us, but Jeb said she is unproven and therefore he would not allow her to leave the caverns for fear she could escape and turn us all in to the authorities. Burns seems to have a thing for her.

We leave tomorrow night after sundown.

I slept late so I missed the usual crush of the morning bathroom line. Most of the people who lived here had already finished their morning ritual. I was sitting in the crowded kitchen eating my breakfast when I spotted a pretty young thing that had caught my eye on the first night I was here. She was looking for a place to sit when she looked in my direction. I tapped my hand on the stone slab I was sitting on. "I have plenty of room here if you want to share," I said with a smile.

"Thanks. Most of the time, it's really hard finding a seat here in the morning. I usually just sleep in, but I knew they were making something special for breakfast since you guys were here. You know Maggie and Sharon are all about impressing the newcomers." She finally stopped talking and took a bite of her food.

I took the opening to introduce myself. "My name is Nate."

"I'm Lacey. You know I'm like Melanie. I had a soul implanted in me, too, but she wasn't a nice soul like Wanda. She was a seeker and she killed Wes. He used to be Lily's boyfriend. She shot Brandt too."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, you want to see my scar?"

"Sure."

She was so much prettier when she wasn't talking. She leaned forward and I lifted her curly locks to expose her neck and there was indeed a faded pink scar at the base of her skull. I ran my finger gently over the scar and she shuddered.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Yes, that felt good."

Hmmm. I decided to see how far I could take this. "You have a beautiful neck." I said softly. I gently massaged her shoulders.

"That feels good too."

"I enjoy making a woman feel good."

"Why Nate, if I didn't know any better, I'd swear you were flirting."

"I'm sure lots of men flirt with you."

"I haven't had a man in a long time."

Well if that wasn't a come on, then I'm an idiot. I spoke low. "That's too bad. If I didn't have to go home, I might have to pursue this thing."

She finally didn't have anything to say. I continued to massage her neck and shoulders for another minute. I was debating on whether I should continue with this. I was getting myself worked up. The bathing room was private. At least I could pleasure myself without being disturbed.

"Lacey, do you think you could show me to the bathroom?"

She sprang from her seat. "Perfect." She grabbed my hand and towed me through the dark tunnels to the bathing room. As soon as we entered the pitch black room she was on me. You'd think she was starving. Oh, what the hell. I need this as much as she does.

I needed to make one thing perfectly clear. "Lacey, you know this is a one time thing. I don't do relationships."

"Shut up and fuck me."

Damn! Maybe she needs this more than I do.

She reached down and opened my belt. I reciprocated by sliding my hands up under her shirt. She had large breasts for a girl of her stature. I wanted to suck on them so I lifted her shirt over her head. We kissed, but it wasn't romantic. It was more like filler in between the groping. As she pulled my pants down I remembered the condom in my wallet.

"Wait."

"What now?" she said impatiently.

Damn she's pushy.

"The condom is in my wallet."

"Oh."

Luckily, putting on a condom was something I was used to doing in the dark. I quickly pulled it from its packet and rolled it gently over my erection.

"Lie down," I instructed.

She pulled her shorts off and lay at my feet. I felt for her in the darkness and positioned myself over the top of her. I suckled her breast and used my free hand to part her legs and I gently teased her. She reacted immediately and squirmed with delight at my touch.

"Nate, I…"

I cut her off. "Shhhh. Don't talk." In my mind I wasn't on top of the chatterbox, Lacey. In my mind I was fingering the beautiful porcelain doll that Ian had proposed to. I pictured the tiny features of her face in the pitch blackness of the bathing room. Finally I couldn't take it anymore. I parted the folds of her sweet flower and pushed my way into her. I took a ragged breath and pushed deeper. It had been a while since this girl had sex and her body was tight.

That's it Wanda, you like that, don't you? I wondered if the creature inside Wanda's body enjoyed sex as much as I was enjoying the idea of having sex with her. I was careful not to speak because if I did I might slip up and call out Wanda's name. I tried to hold out as long as I could because I wanted to satisfy her. She was breathing erratically now and she finally cried out. "Oh shit. Don't stop."

I bit down on my lip and pounded her until she tightened her grip on my biceps and moaned deeply. That's all I needed to hear. I exploded immediately and my entire body spasmed. I collapsed on her chest and lay there trying to regain my strength and my composure.

"Thanks, I needed that," she said quietly.

I chuckled. "Glad I could be of assistance."

"If you ever come back, I'd be happy to give it another whirl."

"We'll see," I replied trying to remain as noncommittal as I could.

"I need to get back to the kitchen. I have dish duty today," she said flatly. I rolled off of her and searched around the floor for clothes. "Are you coming with?" she asked.

"Um. I think I'm going to take a bath."

"Oh, okay." I could hear her sliding her shorts on.

"Lacey?"

"Yes?"

"This is between you and me, okay?"

"Sure. I don't want people thinking I'm a whore."

"You're not a whore," I reassured her.

"Thanks." She got up and left the room without another word.

"Wow," I said out loud to myself. "I certainly wasn't expecting that." I scooted over to the tub and lowered myself over the edge. It felt cool and refreshing. I took a deep breath and blew it out. I floated motionless in the pool for several minutes in the black room. It was almost as if I was in a dream. Again the vision of the quirky soul invaded my head. What the hell is wrong with me?

I couldn't take it anymore. I climbed out of the tub and dressed. Minutes later I was in the tunnels searching for Burns and avoiding the kitchen.

Burns and I met the others in the main cavern at seven thirty. We would leave when the sun went down. Everyone was abuzz with excitement. Ian arrived without his delicate flower on his arm which was very unusual. When he joined the group we quickly found out why.

He approached Jared who was also standing alone without Melanie at his side.

"Wanda's pissed. I don't know what to do," Ian lamented to Jared.

"Yeah, she was here about ten minutes ago and she dragged Melanie away. She said something about retrieving laundry, but she looked upset. What the hell happened?"

"She wanted to know about my past. She started asking questions. I couldn't lie to her."

Lily piped up. "You told her about us?"

My head snapped in her direction. Whoa! Ian is sleeping with Lily? Oh this is getting good.

"Yes, and I told her about Heidi and Lydia too."

Jared again took control of the conversation. "Jesus, Ian. You don't propose to a girl and then tell her about your past conquests."

"I wouldn't have said anything at all if I didn't think she might find out somewhere down the line. The worst part is she flipped out and I said they put her in the body of a child."

Fool. This is why I keep my sex life private. It's no one's business but my own.

"You are really battin' a thousand bro." Kyle patted him on the shoulder.

Lily tried to comfort him. "Well, Mel is with her. Hopefully she can talk some sense into her. Just give her a little time to digest it."

"They're coming back," Kyle warned the group.

Melanie's brother Jamie stepped out of the group and rushed over to Wanda and gave her a heartfelt hug and he said something to her in private.

"Let's get a move on," Jared announced.

Those that were staying behind hugged each of their parting family members and offered words of encouragement. I saw Lacey standing on the other side of the gardens near the entrance to one of the tunnels. She gave me a half hearted wave. I smiled at her and waved back as I grabbed my bag and headed to the entrance with the group.

As we hit the desert, I noticed immediately that Ian and Wanda were still keeping their distance. I thought this might be a good time to have a little conversation with her. You know, play the role of the 'concerned' friend. I caught up to her quickly. She wasn't running very fast and she looked like she was laboring already and we hadn't gone very far.

"If you feel like you're too tired to run; let me know and I'll carry you," I offered.

Ian was behind us and had heard my offer. He sped up and flanked me. "If she gets tired, I'll carry her," Ian said in an effort to stake his claim.

I threw my hands up in the air. "Fine! I was just trying to help," I said defensively. I picked up the pace leaving the two of them behind.

A few minutes later, Jared and Melanie flew past me. It was obvious that they were comfortable with being in front.

"Nate. Wait up." It was Wanda.

I slowed my pace and let her catch up. "You okay?" I tried to keep my voice low since Ian was still following close behind us.

"I guess that depends on what you mean by okay," she replied in a jagged voice. She was having trouble catching her breath. "Can we walk a few minutes, please?" She clutched her side and bent over. She was taking deep breaths.

I stopped to wait for her and Ian did too.

"Let me carry you," Ian offered as he reached out and laid his hand on her back.

"No, Ian. I don't want you to carry me."

"Damn it, Wanda. Why do you have to be so friggin' obstinate?" His anger had finally surfaced.

I stepped between them. "Hey now! We can walk it, okay? Nobody has to carry anyone. Chill! All right?"

Ian and Wanda both looked at each other with equal amounts of venom. Wanda started walking and I stayed in step with her. Ian started to jog ahead of us.

"You okay?" This time I really was concerned.

"Yeah, I just needed to catch my breath."

"Let me know if you can run again or if you want me to carry you." I smiled at her to ease the tension.

"I can run now." She smiled back. "Nate, would you do me a favor?"

Favors. Now we're talking. The best way to get on someone's good side is to grant them a favor. I poured on the charm. "Sure, anything for a pretty lady."

"When we get to the vehicles, can I ride with you?"

"I take it you don't want to ride with Ian." It was a statement, not a question.

"No. I can't be around him right now."

"Sure, no problem. You want me to see how far I can push his buttons?" I grinned evilly at the thought of torturing the Neanderthal.

"No. That won't be necessary."

We ran the rest of the way in silence until we got to the first garage. We would drive the jeep the few miles it would take to get to the underground 'garage' where there were other vehicles to choose from. There were fourteen of us altogether so we went in groups of six, five, and five with Jared being the chauffeur. Wanda was a passenger in the first trip leaving Ian behind. Ian and I both took the second trip. It seemed neither of us wanted her to be alone with the other. I knew if he had the chance to be alone with her he might repair the rift and I had a plan formulating in my head.

When we got to the other vehicles, we needed to get to Burns's truck which was just on the other side of the wash. We crammed all fourteen of us into the van. Burns drove us to the wash since he knew where the truck was. I sat in the back of the van nearest to the door. Wanda was sitting in front of Ian and he pulled her towards him. She deliberately pulled away. Her eyes met mine briefly and she looked like she was in agony. I heard him let out a frustrated growl.

We pulled up to the wash and I pushed the back doors open. I was about to implement my plan. I was the first one out and I announced, "Wanda, you are with me. Burns is driving this vehicle and we need you to be in the other vehicle to troubleshoot any problems we might run into." I shot Ian a serious look. "You understand, right Ian? She'll be fine. I promise." I had to suppress my smile.

Instinctively, Ian wrapped his hands around her waist.

"They need me," Wanda explained.

He whispered something to her and then released her. She quickly climbed out of the van.

I helped her into the passenger seat as the others climbed into the back of the truck. For the first half hour, I was quiet. I was trying to decide how I would approach this conversation I wanted to have with her. I felt that if I pushed her to dump him, I might have the opposite effect. I decided if I sympathized with Ian she wouldn't realize that I had a hidden agenda.

Finally, I broke the silence. "So, how long are you going to make him suffer?"

"What do you mean?" She seemed a bit put off by the question.

"He's hurting you know."

"So am I."

That's good, she's on the defense.

I drove a few minutes to let her mull it over. "It's hard for some guys," I said out of the blue knowing she would demand an explanation.

"What's hard for some guys?" Bingo.

"The sex thing. Some guys are more high-strung and need it more than others."

She turned and her eyes burned into mine. "Are you defending him?"

"No. No. I'm just saying."

She didn't respond. I could only assume that she was trying wipe out the thought of Ian being with the women in the caverns from her mind. She closed her eyes. We were approaching the town that Burns and I agreed to stop at to buy food before it got too late.

"Hey! Don't fall asleep on me now. We will be stopping at the next town so you and Burns can buy some food. I'm sure some of us are hungry now and in the morning when we camp, we'll need to eat."

She sat up straight and opened her eyes. I could see that she was trying to focus on the road. She had obviously nodded off. It was a good time to go on a fact finding mission. "So, Doc tells me that he took you out of Melanie's body and then put you into this body."

"Yes."

I looked over at her and smiled. "I approve of the change." I paused hoping for a witty response. She didn't answer so I continued. I was curious about her as a soul beyond the porcelain doll body. "Doc said that Ian actually held you in his hands. He wasn't creeped out by that?"

"No," she said curtly.

"I've never seen a soul in its true form before." I paused and than added, "What did Ian say to you about it?" I thought she would answer, but she seemed to drift off into a daze. "Wanda?" I was leaning forward in an effort to make eye contact.

"I'm sorry. What was the question?"

"Ian's reaction to seeing you in your natural form?"

"Right, no. He wasn't freaked out. He thought I was…beautiful."

"Huh…" My interest was peaked. I wanted to see her, too.

She pulled the bag up from the floor and started rummaging through it.

"Looking for something?" I asked.

"No Pain." she answered.

"Not feeling well?"

"Headache," she responded.

I immediately thought of Ian and the frustration he must have felt being stuck in the other vehicle. "I bet you aren't the only one with a headache."

"What's that supposed to mean?" She seemed irritated.

I looked straight ahead and shrugged my shoulders. "Nothing. I'm just saying."

We pulled up to the Super K at nine o'clock. There weren't many cars in the parking lot. I pulled the truck into a space away from the other cars and cut the engine.

"Okay, pretty lady. Go do what women do best."

I watched Wanda in the side view mirror. She opened the door to the van and obviously had some sort of conversation with Ian. It lasted only a few minutes and then she closed the door. She and Burns entered the store. I settled into my seat to wait. I decided it was a good time to call Carl, who I had left in charge at the mountain. We left Burns's cell phone with him. I told him all about our adventures and the fact that we were headed home with six visitors when all of a sudden I heard what sounded like a party in the parking lot. The raucous was coming from Wanda and Burns who had returned and were laughing and joking loudly. I wondered if she and Burns were getting along a little too well. I admit in the beginning I thought Wanda would make a good mate for Burns, but now I was so drawn to her. I was aggravated. I hung up with Carl, folded my arms tightly over my chest and closed my eyes so I could listen to the happy chatter between them.

I opened my eyes and glared at Wanda when she opened the door and climbed in.

"I didn't wake you did I?"

"Wake me? No. It was those people in the parking lot making all that racket!"

"Sorry," she said quietly.

"Nothing like bringing attention to yourself with two vehicles loaded with humans in your midst," I scolded.

"I said I was sorry!" She sounded like a kid apologizing for staying out late. "What is up with you anyway?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, first you are Mr. Nice Guy and then you are championing Ian and now you are like my Dad."

"That's a good question." I didn't have an answer. I started the truck and pulled out of the parking space still staring at her trying to figure her out. It sounded to me like she was flirting with Burns. I turned my attention to the road.

If she's in love, then why is she flirting? Should I have flirted instead of trying the friend approach? "Tell me something."

"What?"

"Do you love Ian?"

"I did. I mean I do," she stammered.

"Really? You don't sound convinced."

"Why are you doing this? Are you his spy?"

I tightened my hands on the steering wheel. I was deliberating on exactly what to say. I sighed. I tapped my finger on my lips. I had to change my strategy. I would tell her the truth. "Wanda, you are one of a kind. You know that? You have the face of an angel, the heart of a lion, and the body of a goddess." I paused then continued. "Any man would probably walk through fire for you, myself included. You want to know something?"

"What?"

"I have known Burns for four years and I have never seen him laugh like I did tonight. I can understand how Ian can be a complete mess when it comes to you. It's like you grab people and you put them under your spell, especially the men. It's no wonder you were able to stay alive." There I said it. I only hope it worked.

"I…I don't know what to say," she seemed flustered.

I reached out and squeezed her hand. "You don't have to say anything."

Silence ensued. Wanda slumped against the door and fell asleep. For the first time I actually felt sorry for the Neanderthal. She had this crazy power at least it seemed over me and Ian. I suppose if the shoe was on the other foot I would be just as possessive. I turned the radio on in an effort to help my mind think about something other than her.

We pulled into the campground just before daybreak. I jumped out of the truck, but I didn't slam my door. I went around to the other side and opened the passenger side door so I could wake the sleeping Wanda. Her full body weight was up against the door and I caught her before she hit the ground. She was cradled in my arms. My heart sped up as she opened her eyes and looked up at me. I turned and Ian blocked my path. He wasn't angry and when he spoke he was almost begging.

"Please, Nate, let me take her?"

I whispered in her ear, "walking through fire" before I handed her off to Ian.

"Ian, put me down!" she whined.

She was obviously still angry with him. I took that as a good sign…for me, at least.

As the sleeping bags were lined up, I chose the bag to the left of Wanda. I just wanted to be near her even if Ian was wrapped around her like a boa constrictor. When I woke Wanda was still lying next to me and Ian was no longer holding her. She was lying with her back to me. I stretched long and hard and then I went for broke. I wrapped myself around her. She giggled. She was obviously awake. I scooted closer and buried my face in the back of her hair. I had morning wood and I wanted so desperately to become one with her.

"Ahhh, this is the life."

She placed her arm over mine and twisted her head in my direction as she spoke. "You're silly. You know that?"

"Hey, a man can dream can't he?" I lifted my head and rested my cheek on hers. "Mmmmmm, I could get used to this."

"In your dreams, dude!" She giggled again. She was so damned adorable.
I tickled her and she squealed. She flipped to face me and our eyes met as she attempted to tickle me back.

Her squeal woke Ian. He saw us playing around. "What the hell are you doing? Get your paws off of her!" He scrambled to his feet ready to fight.

I scooted away from her. "Hey, it was just in good fun. I didn't mean any harm."

I scrambled to my feet. He was bigger than me, but I wasn't going down without a fight. Suddenly, Wanda sprang to her feet and she got between us. She pushed Ian in his chest as hard as she could, but he didn't budge. She pushed him again as she screamed at him.

"Ian, back off!" She pushed him again. Ian took a step back, but he didn't take his eyes off of me.

"I'll kill you," Ian said as he waved his fist at me.

Wanda slapped Ian in the face. "You have no right to threaten anyone else's life. Do you hear me, Ian O'Shea?" She had his attention now. He looked wounded. His eyes went blank. They were cold. He finally turned and walked away. Jared ran to the van, grabbed a gun, and followed Ian into the woods.

I thought it best if I made myself scarce. Burns caught up with me as I headed for the bathroom.

"What the hell happened back there?"

"We were just having a little fun," I said flatly.

"Nate, do you have a thing for her?"

"What? No! She's just a kid." I said it like I was trying to convince him, but in reality I was trying to convince myself.

When Burns and I returned, I immediately scanned the campsite in search of Wanda. She was sitting with Melanie on the perimeter and eating lunch.

I sat on the other side of the campsite where I could keep an eye on her and I called Carl. He told me that he informed the others of the impending visitors and Maria was already in an uproar over the food situation. If she had seen the way these people lived she wouldn't be so exasperated. We lived like kings next to them. I told Carl to let Maria know that we would remedy the food situation once we got there. I hung up the phone and looked at my watch.

"People, we leave in two hours!" I called out.

I couldn't help but notice when Wanda got up from her perch and rolled up the sleeping bags that she and Ian had slept in. Lily intercepted her at the back of the truck and they both disappeared inside the front of the van. After about ten minutes she exited the van and she headed straight for me.

"Can you take me to the river so I can wash up?"

"Sure." I went to the van and started stacking some of the cups that needed washing. Wanda went to the truck and grabbed her bag out of the front seat.

"Here. You might need this." I handed her a container that held a bar of soap.

"Thanks."

I cradled the shotgun in my left arm and extended my right elbow out to her and said "Shall we, pardner?"

She put her arm through mine and said. "Let's go pardner. I'm tired of grime. This girl needs to look fresh." She smirked and off we went to the river.

When we got to river Wanda took off her sneakers and waded in. "AHHHHHHHH! This is freaking cold!"

I laughed at her. "You're not in the desert anymore Dorothy!" I put down the shotgun and spread my arms out wide and looked at the treetops. "This here's the mountains. The river flows down from way up yonder and it's fed by the rain in the summer and the snow in the winter."

"Thanks for the science lesson Mister, hey what is your last name?"

"Downey, Nathan Downey, ma'am!" I pretended to tip my hat as a gentleman would when he was in the presence of a lady."

Wanda squatted in the ankle deep water and dipped her washcloth in and squeezed it out. I laid the gun at the edge of the river bed and squatted at the water's edge about fifteen feet away from her. I began washing the cups I had gathered. All of a sudden a movement from behind Wanda caught my eye. I looked up just as the bear reared up on his hind legs and let out a warning cry. The sound was frightening and I focused on Wanda who stood frozen in the river. I prayed she wouldn't bolt or he would kill her before I had a chance to do anything about it.

I spoke in a very gentle voice. "Don't move. Don't scream." I remained calm. "If you move he will charge. Let him keep his focus on me." I started to back up slowly towards the gun. The bear exploded with a roar and rose up on his hind legs. Wanda jumped and let out a weak yelp. I was beside the gun now. I was lowering my center of gravity closer and closer the gun. Wanda was whimpering now. Suddenly, I heard Ian's voice. He was shouting at the bear. "Heahhhh, heahhhhh."

It was the distraction that I needed. I quickly grabbed the gun and yelled "Wanda run!" She started to run and the bear charged. I didn't want to kill him so I shot the gun in the air, but I continued to aim in the direction of the bear if he didn't stop. The bear stopped in his tracks, turned and ran off into the woods. I exhaled sharply and dropped my head. Thank you.

I rose to my feet and turned to see Wanda wrapped around Ian. He was trying to console her, but she was in hysterics. "It's okay. You're okay now. Nate scared him off. Shhhhhhh. Wanda, it's okay. Shhhh." This continued for several minutes. Ian kissed the top of her head and stroked her hair as he spoke to her.

Just as I had given up all hope of ever having any chance with her, the strangest thing happened. Ian guided her towards me.

"Please take care of her," he muttered and he turned away quickly.

Wanda raced to get in front of him. "Ian?" He was marching towards the van. "Ian? What are you doing?" She was walking backwards trying to keep pace with him. "I'm right here." He didn't slow. She put her arms around him in an effort to stop him.

He stopped walking. He broke her grasp from his waist and growled, "Wanda STOP IT!"

She was pleading. "Noooo, noooo."

He released her wrists and continued to walk. She collapsed on the ground and sobbed. It was heartbreaking. I wanted to run to her, but Jared was there quickly and he picked her up off the ground and carried her to the van. I was right behind him. I didn't want to let her out of my sight. Jared turned abruptly to me and said "I'm driving the van. Burns can ride with you. Let's go."

He snapped me back to my senses. I turned to the rest of the crowd and bellowed, "You heard the man, let's go!"

Everyone immediately did as they were told and we were quickly on the road. It was dangerous having Jared drive, but Wanda was such a mess. We had only been on the road a few miles when suddenly we pulled over. I was in the back of the truck so I didn't have a clue as to why. Shit! Please tell me we are not in trouble here. The back door of the truck opened and Burns was standing there. He knew I would be freaking out.

"It's okay. Wanda is sick. She's tossing her cookies in the grass."

"Jesus, is she all right?" I was ready to jump out of the truck, but Burns stopped me.

"Ian's got her. I'm getting back on the road. They'll catch up." Burns slammed the door shut before I could say another word. What the hell? Is she pregnant? I couldn't wrap my mind around it. She seemed so much like a child herself, so innocent.

We arrived back at the mountain late. Burns pulled open the back door and immediately went inside the house. I walked around to the back of the van and opened the door. Our guests slowly climbed out and stood in a circle in the cool spring night air. The lights inside the house went on and everyone looked towards the back porch.

"Wanda, I don't think it would be a good idea to bring you to the cave right now. The family probably wouldn't approve of a parasite sleeping so close to them." I wanted to take back the parasite remark as soon as I said it. "You'll sleep in the house with Burns."

"Ian. Can Ian stay with me?" she implored.

"It's okay," Ian offered. "I can stay with the others."

"No!" She grabbed his arm tightly.

Burns came out of the house grinning. "Everything still looks the same." He turned to Wanda who was shivering in her light jacket. "Wanda, let me show you to your room."

"Ian is coming with me," she announced.

Burns didn't look pleased. "They should be all right for tonight. Keep the shades down so he can't be seen just in case," I said trying to appease both parties.

"Thank you, Nate."

"I told you before, anything for a pretty lady," I smirked and shot a look at Ian for good measure. "Okay gang, let's get a move on." I herded the rest of the visitors to the cave. Carl had set up the mattresses in the main room. "I'm sorry we don't have individual rooms like you do. But the temperature is always a comfortable sixty degrees in this room."

"This is fine," Melanie replied graciously. "Is there a bathroom?"

"Well the good bathroom is in the house, but if you need to go in the night there is an outhouse just outside the cave about thirty feet to the left of the entrance. I can bring you to it if you want."

"No, I'm good. I was just curious."

"Okay, good night everyone. I'll see you in the morning."