Resident Evil : ReBirth

by Kaoz

-Third in the X-Series fics.- We are all that's left, awakened to a world that made no sense. They changed us. We were dead and now the world is dying all around us.

4. Remember Me

Title: Resident Evil : Re-Birth

Rated for: language, violence, this Chapter M

Genre: Angst, Romance, Suspense, Horror?, Adventure

Fandom/Universe: Resident Evil / Dark Angel

Characters:Alec McDowell, Leon S. K., Jill Valentine, Carlos Oliveira, Chris and Claire Redfield, Alice, OC

Pairings: Alec/Nÿx, Leon/Nÿx?

Spoilers/Warning: Mentions of events in games and movies.

Disclaimer: Resident Evil and all related characters are copyright of Capcom. No infringement intended. Dark Angel and all related characters belong to James Cameron and OC's are all ME. No infringement intended.

Summary: Takes place 15-20 years in the future. Nÿx and Alec have been cloned, Umbrella has turned the world to shit and the last of humanity is trying to survive. Takes place before Resident Evil:Extinction

Status: In-Progress

Remember Me

Case broke the surface, dragging water into his mouth in deep gulps as he tried to get some much needed air.

"Gross." Nÿx splashed her hand right in his face, retaliating for his accidental spit in her direction and it didn't allow him a breath of air. She looked towards the burning wreck sinking behind Case and remembered the PAVE they blew up years ago, the same day she killed Khaza…

"Are you trying to kill me?" Case spluttered as he managed to get a much needed breath. She made no reply, ignored him and his scowl jus like she did anytime he complained of an ache, any pain, being shot… But anybody else- Leon- and Nÿx was all concern.

"Swim." Nÿx drew a breath and slipped under the surface. Just like that and Case was left treading water.

"Fuck." He blew out some left over water knowing he'd be hard pressed to catch up, let alone cover half the length Nÿx had no doubt already swam. Treading water wasn't going to get him any closer to the shore so he did as she ordered and swam. It was second nature, always had been so he'd never questioned why he was faster than the other kids and by the time Case joined up he'd learned not to call attention and did just enough to keep him with the top of his class. It was the same with weapons, tactics- he was too damn good at puzzles for his own good and there wasn't much he forgot- unless it was to his benefit.

Case looked up, eyes straining as he searched the shore. They were all huddled at the tree line, what was left of it, then he spotted Nÿx- still in the water and she didn't look happy he was still lagging behind. He doubled his efforts, arms pulling through the water and bringing him closer to the annoyed girl submerged no more than a mile away. He'd been surprised- that first time. Leon had brought her in, they'd lost most of the team in Armstead City, survivors as well but Leon had come back with Chris … and Nÿx. She was a ghost. New team members learned quickly not to question the teenage girl in their midst, especially when she was saving their ass from a licker, zombie or some BMF… they kept their yaps shut if and when they got a good look at her eyes. That was just weird, kinda creepy and easily marked her as some kind of freak or Umbrella experiment. Nÿx said nothing, at least Case hadn't heard anything and he heard a lot but Leon was keeping her around and the higher ups weren't fussing though that was mostly due to the fact they had no clue Nÿx existed.

'Ghost.'

"Quit daydreaming, Sullivan." Nÿx glowered at the wet man slowly walking out of the water. He shook his head, flinging dark strands out of his eyes and passed a hand over his face not bothering to reply. She got to her feet, water dripping from her braid and off her clothes. "Move." She didn't wait and that was no surprise to Case. Either you hauled ass and tried to keep up, or Nÿx left you in the dust. Simple and though Case was faster than the others he was still left behind if Nÿx took off at her full speed. He was grateful she kept it slow enough he didn't have to go full out, after his impromptu swim- thanks to Nÿx- he just didn't have that much energy to expend, not if they were going to end up walking.

"Alright," Leon passed a quick glance over Case and Nÿx, who he noticed headed right for Alec, before addressing the group. "We're accounted for."

"Keep moving." Nÿx tossed over her shoulder with barely a glance as she knelt by the bag full of weapons.

"Mov- to where?" Jill demanded, hands on hips and a glare for the girls back that skipped over to land on Leon. She was still pissed at him and that was clear. Nÿx ignored the question, re-armed herself noticing Alec had already done so.

"We're going to the camp-."

"Its gone." Jill snapped at him. "The entire city and whatever men you had have all been blown up, Leon."

"Lets go." Nÿx stood, weapons in place and fresh clips strapped to her thighs beside the holsters. Her eyes passed over Jill and quickly skipped to Leon then back. Nÿx knew exactly what was bothering her. For the past six months Leon had been hers. He was the closest Nÿx could get to seeing Alec- with the blond hair and green eyes, height and build was close to what she remembered though it wasn't much- it was easy to pretend. Still, Nÿx hadn't felt as alone as she knew she was without Alec and finding him had been her sole desire, the reason she stuck around the BSAA this long, just hoping to get some hint, some clue as to where Alec might be… Now there was Jill and it was clear she and Leon had history and the woman was not pleased with him.

'Let him go. It's not Leon I've been looking for.' Nÿx threaded her fingers through Alec's as he took her hand. She felt him squeeze lightly and returned the touch turning towards him. She couldn't stop looking at him, at how fresh-young, he looked. They'd leave, both of them, with or without the others and that was entirely their choice, Nÿx didn't care- well, not much but she'd be happy just with Alec. She didn't need anything else now that they were together.

"Where?" Jill demanded. "And why the hell are we going anywhere with you?" she looked at Case then Leon and glared. "Your bird got blown out of the air."

Carlos let out a heavy breath muttering it wouldn't be the first time. Jill's glare landed on him but he shrugged it off. A crash they walked away from was always a good one, twisted as that thinking was Carlos wasn't going to complain when he was still alive.

"Different circumstances," Carlos hoped so, but they really had no idea whose bombs had been heading their way. Last time, it had been an accident- not enough time to clear the blast zone and they'd lost Alice. "They did save our lives." He pointed out.

"Because they put us in danger!" Jill exclaimed. Carlos just raised an eyebrow. The danger was all around, blaming Leon was well, if anyone had to be blamed for this fucked up world it was Umbrella.

"Still cup half empty, Jill." Leon sighed with a slight shake of his head. The sarcasm wasn't missed and Case took one more step away from Leon seeing the look on Jill's face. It was just smarter not to be near him.

"We are going." Alec stated, the bickering came to an abrupt halt at his words. The first thing Jill, Carlos and Leon noticed aside from the 'we' was the possessive hand Alec had at Nÿx' waist.

"Someone blew up Avalon City, Leon." Nÿx didn't say it was likely the survivors they'd managed to move to the camp on the outskirt and the rest of their team was blown as well. She didn't have to. Both Leon and Case knew it was impossible they'd survived. Even in the water they'd all felt the after shock of each explosion. Three massive waves that uprooted just about everything in its way. All the trees had been bent backward, more than a few had been uprooted and the more stubborn were either cracked or split in half.

"Take point." Leon sighed, nodding to Nÿx. "We'll head NE."

"Same as the bombs?" Case wondered turning towards the horizon where all he could see was an ocean of downed trees.

"Away from the city." Josh corrected and that was good enough for him. No point and nothing left to go back for anyway.

"We travel light." Alec grabbed the second duffel and tossed it at their feet. "Take what you can. We're going to be moving fast."

"Whoa," Leon shook his head, lips slightly twisted into a half assed smirk. "Lets clarify 'fast' because we-." He waved his hand encompassing the others. "Don't move like you two." Leon rested his gaze on Nÿx who hadn't moved far from Alec's side.

Alec's eyes locked on Case and nodded. "He can."

Case shifted nervously, eyes skipping from Nÿx and Alec to Leon who was sort of frowning. Then Nÿx agreed.

"He's different."

"I'm not that fast." Case protested, he'd made damn sure not to stick out like a sore thumb and here she was calling him out. "You know that. Nÿx…" Case jerked, eyes on Alec and almost asked if the kid had just sniffed him but the dark green eyes and honeyed cat irises made him clam up.

Everyone looked just a little surprised by it. Nÿx couldn't help the twitch of her lips barely hiding her amused smile especially when Alec realized he'd grabbed everyone's attention and they were staring.

"He's X-9." Alec stated.

"I wasn't sure." Nÿx'd had no memories of TerminalCity before Alec found her, no answer to why Case had felt somehow familiar or to explain his enhanced abilities. She did notice the slight frowns on the others faces, clear that they weren't happy about being out of the loop. "We knew your aunts and uncles."

"My…" Case wasn't sure he was hearing things right. He'd grown up alone with his Dad, far from any family- hell, there wasn't any so what the hell was Nÿx talking about; aunts and uncles? He scowled at her.

"I met your Mom." Alec revealed. Case snapped his attention towards him, really glaring and getting pissed. He didn't like talking about his Mom, she was dead, had been since he was four and he didn't have many memories of the woman who'd told him stories at night.

"Once. Her name was Tinga. She was an X-5, like me." Alec almost corrected himself because he wasn't X-5 anymore, not for a very long time now. "She died protecting you and your Father, wanted you to have normal."

It's all the Transgenics and Transhumans had wanted, what everyone in TerminalCity had fought for.

"My Mom…" Case didn't recognize his own voice, cleared his throat and straightened. "Her name was Penny." No one was going to tell him different, not some freaky looking teenager-

"Smith. Yeah," Alec nodded. That day and every other was clear and fresh in his mind. From the moment he found Nÿx it all came back, all of it, everything he'd ever done, all those faces… "She wasn't the only one to change her name after the escape in 2009."

Nÿx stepped in, eyes skimming over the others barely holding back questions. "He can tell you everything later." She slipped her hand through Alec's and drew his attention. "After we get out of here. Alec…"

"He's not ready for this."

"He should know."

"When we stop, when its just us and the others aren't listening."

Alec eyed the curious faces then nodded. He grabbed the duffel, much lighter than it had been and slung it over his back. "I'll bring up the rear."

"Ok." Leon puffed out a heavy breath, annoyed and stared at Nÿx who looked just as innocent as an angel. "Move out."

Nÿx gave the barest hint of a smile before she took off, much too fast for them to keep up but she was on point and Leon trusted her to keep them from heading into trouble.

-X-

Past

Monty's hadn't changed- well, there were a couple fresh coats of paint added over the years and more booths along with an assortment of dishes added to the chips and peanuts only menu. Mole was still as gruff and grumpy as he'd ever been only older and just starting get a bit slow. It didn't make a difference in service and the large table was littered with baskets of fries, hamburgers, fish sticks, mac&cheese and onion rings. It was the biggest booth and barely accommodated the family gathered for its monthly dinner.

"She's adorable." Zable laughed as Angel wrinkled her little nose and her soft wings fluttered. She was two years old and didn't like the word 'adorable'.

"I know." Zane made no pretense of being modest especially where his daughter was concerned. He tugged on a silky lock of inky hair and got a silver eyed glare for his trouble but she snuggled into his arm a second later. He couldn't help wishing Azia would come down but being surrounded by so many people made her panic and he didn't blame her. She'd been in a cage for most of her life. He looked away from his little girl and found Nÿx sitting across from him, right next to Alec like always. He grinned at the pair, thankful Nÿx had 'stolen' Azia on that heist Alec had crashed.

"So," Yahir leaned on the table, one arm still draped over Max's shoulders as he raised a questioning eyebrow at the pair. "When are you two going to add a cub to the Pryde?" he hooked a thumb towards his sister sitting beside him. "Zable's doing her part."

She blushed, gave his arm a gentle shove and let the rest of the family in on the news she'd only just given to Krit before he'd had to leave on the mission with Kade and Syl.

"Twins."

There was a second of silence before everyone jumped in with congratulations and questions.

"That's why you're so big." Yahir chuckled. "You barely fit in the booth- ow!" he scowled at Max who smiled sweetly at him while he rubbed his aching leg.

"Two cousins!" Ceana crowed. "Are you gonna have twins, Aunt Nÿx?"

"Yeah, Aunty Nÿx." Zane echoed with amusement clearly evident.

Alec and Nÿx had been the first pair out the X-5's who'd claimed each other as family. Both had come close to being parents early on, if it weren't for the Conclave and the poison they'd dosed her with their cub would've been eight. It wasn't something the others knew, only Max and Krit who'd been there and made the decision for Nÿx- to save her life and later revealed to her with Alec overhearing.

"We've been working on it." Alec assured with his signature smirk in place. He slipped his arm around Nÿx' waist tugging her into his side though she was almost on his lap already. She sat straighter, refusing to be embarrassed by the comments flying about. They'd finally talked about it, sat down and really talked because it wasn't so easy. There had been so much to get worked out, with the government, the Conclave was still an issue and likely always would be even with Max' cure for the ordinaries available to anyone. Neither of them had taken the time to think ahead, of having kids of their own when Krit and Zable, Max and Yahir, even Zane had added to their little family.

Nÿx leaned into Alec, brushing her lips on his chin before resting her head on his shoulder. She couldn't deny him much and knowing he wanted kids… she'd do anything for him. The little smirk flitting about her lips was due to the fact Alec hadn't lied about them 'trying' because they'd been 'trying' a lot lately and neither of them was complaining.

-X-

Present

The house was abandoned. Nÿx could find no trace of human decay or zombies. She'd checked the inside before reaching out and telling Alec where she was and where to bring the others. She wasn't a telepath, couldn't talk to Leon or hear his thoughts and she'd certainly tried when she'd heard Alice in her head. Nÿx had questioned her long and hard about who she was, where she'd been, why they could talk with their minds but Alice hadn't been able to satisfy her curiosity. Nÿx hadn't been anything Alice had expected either but they hadn't killed each other and that was a plus. Both females wanted Umbrella gone and each was going about it in their own way.

With Alec, it was different. They were attuned to each other, even before she'd seen him; Nÿx had that image of Alec teasing at the edges of her mind. It wasn't until she'd seen Leon that his name had finally come to the front and she could remember the feelings; they were meant for each other.

Nÿx and Alec took first watch; they didn't need to sleep which was something Leon had ceased to question Nÿx about. With both of them around nothing was gonna come at them in the middle of the night and take a bite. They each tread silently through the old house as Nÿx led them through to the exits she'd picked for a quick escape if there was any need. The two upstairs bedrooms had windows above the 'L' shaped porch. Jill took the smaller room, the door left slightly ajar while the men bunked down in the larger room facing the west.

Case carefully pulled the door but didn't close it entirely. Nÿx looked over her shoulder at him from the open door of the third bedroom. She stood at the window, a breeze wafting in through the broken glass and then Case felt him. He turned and found Alec staring back at Nÿx, both of them silent.

"He's going to ask."

"I know." Alec drew in a breath. "I'll tell him what I know."

"Break it gently. He's -."

"I'm not going to lie, Nÿx." He frowned. "It won't do him any good and he needs to get over this hang up he has- pretending to be like the ordinaries. Trying anyway."

"Alec…"

Case didn't get what the kid was frowning at him for but he didn't like it and almost said so.

"Come on." Alec turned on his heel and headed down the stairs. Silent, with Case at his back almost able to do the same but a few of the steps creaked in protest when he put his weight on them.

"Tell me." Case ordered as they turned into the kitchen. Alec headed to the back door, checked it without saying anything then moved to the window. Case got antsy, shifted from foot to foot and grabbed at the chair left in one piece.

"331450074656."

The numbers threw off Case since he had no idea what that had to do with his Mom.

"It was her designation. 656 for short. We all had a barcode on the back of our necks. 494." Alec pointed at himself. "Courtesy of Manticore." He didn't let Case get a word in as he explained about Lydecker and the program that created them. "Manticore. Its purpose; to create the perfect soldier. A genetically enhanced human hybrid trained to kill."

"Wait, wait." Case shook his head, both hands held up for Alec to stop. "Test tube babies." Because really? How much stranger than zombies was that anyway? "You're saying you're all made up animal DNA, human…" that would make Case a freak- not as much as the teen because at least he still looked human enough.

"We are stronger, faster, smarter." Alec only stated the obvious, he didn't sound at all like a preening jack ass though Case wished he did. It would make it easier to pretend this was all some fucking joke the kid was playing. "We would sleep, eat and train together. We were together 24/7. Soldiers."

"You were fucking kids." Case breathed out harshly but he didn't meet Alec's eyes either.

"We were never just kids." Alec remembered all of it. Both he and Nÿx had all their memories back, every little piece and the details were sharper now than they had been before. Alec blamed it on whatever Umbrella did to them, whatever they changed because as far as Alec knew Nÿx was the only Transgenic he'd ever met able to produce an outward effect. Aside from thunderbolt Khaza. Yet Alec had blasted the BFM moving in on Nÿx without a second thought, not even knowing he could just that he wanted to.

"2009. Twelve X-5 units escaped. Your Mom was one of them." Alec drew Case' attention by taking a step towards him. His hand rested on the kitchen table, cat eyes on the X-9 who was having trouble taking in the information especially when Alec looked no older than a 17year old. "They scattered, went to ground. Max tried to find them a few years later… so did Manticore."

"Me…? I'm…." Case stared back at Alec, not flinching from the blank mask that kept Alec's thoughts and feelings hidden. They weren't anything alike and yet they had more in common than Case had with Leon or any other BSAA team member. Case had always felt different; like he didn't quite fit and all along his Father had known… he'd known and not once had said a word.

"Yeah, we were all made. You," Alec looked him over- could see a lot of Tinga in the man standing on the other side of the table. The same dark hair, around his nose and shape of his face but the rest was all the ordinary Charlie Smith. Blue eyes and fair skin, but his movement- there was no mistaking the feline grace in his walk, the feral glint in his eyes right then or the slight hunch of his shoulders that was difficult for Alec to ignore; it was the threatening note- like at any moment he'd lunge across the room. "You were born."

"My Mom…"

"They found her. She called Zack but she got cornered. Then Max and Zack showed up." Alec shook his head, remembering that night- every second replaying in his head. "She was supposed to leave you both. Go to ground- Zack gave the order." A brief smile flitted over his lips at the memory. "She wouldn't do it. Then Lydecker got his hands on you."

"Me." Case straightened. His attention shifting from anger and disbelief quickly. He stopped thinking it couldn't be possible and started to listen. "But I -."

"I was there." Alec stated. "He dosed you and Tinga made a trade. Herself for you."

"She died…" Case didn't know what he was supposed to feel. Alec had given him the answers he'd been trying to find his whole life. Was he supposed to be happy she'd sacrificed herself? That she died for him and for what? He'd grown up without her, without the woman who was supposed to be there, who told him stories about princesses… He'd been angry, had every reason to be when there was nothing of his Mother to hold onto. Charlie had been unable to talk about her either, a few words at best but never anything about how she died. There was never any reason and Alec had just told him what he'd most wanted to know. Was Case supposed to feel guilty? Because he did. "Because of me. She died."

"One of our own betrayed her." Alec corrected. "Lydecker came to our side after that." He gave Case a second hand account of what happened. He didn't hide anything, didn't sugar coat what was done to his Mother, what Max told Syl, Krit and Zane about their sister. "It was Renfro and she paid for it." Little comfort as that could be it was all that was left.

"The others." Case released the harsh grip he'd had on the chair and wiped his palm on his pants, removing the chips of paint that had stuck to his skin. "Krit, Syl, Zane… what happened to them?"

-X-

Past

He didn't like being stared at. "What are they doing?" Zane frowned.

"We aren't babysitting." Nÿx growled, dark hazel eyes glaring daggers at the soldiers already strapped into the bird sitting on the tarmac.

"They're just along for the ride, baby." Alec assured. His green eyes surveyed the soldiers, picking out their weapons and calculating the odds. If it came time to fight with their supposed own, he had no doubt the X-5's would win, he just wanted to make sure they'd all make it out unscathed.

"Come on." Krit started towards the bird. "The sooner we get on, the faster we'll get home."

"I'd rather be home." Syl grumbled at his side. It was their first mission since the 'truce' though it didn't feel any different than it had before they'd met with the senator. The situation had improved slightly but ordinaries still didn't accept TerminalCity or its inhabitants. Max was forced to stay behind, everyone agreed she was too valuable to send on any missions out voting her protests that she needed to do her part as well.

And she would but only in TerminalCity.

-X-

Present

Leon finally got a moment alone with Nÿx three days later. They stood on a slight rise overlooking a small abandoned town.

"So," Leon paused, not looking at Nÿx. "You got all your memories back."

"Yes." Nÿx responded, her eyes scanning the town ahead for any trouble and easily spotting a few zombies.

"So…?" Leon turned towards her, green eyes slightly narrowed.

"I'm part feline." Nÿx said on a sigh. She'd told him as much figuring he would be asking when it was so obvious though he'd still asked her to join his team. "More than I had been before." She hated what had been done to her, the differences- having memories of a life and now stuck in a younger version of herself. It wasn't easy to accept, difficult to remember that everyone else saw a teenage girl while she felt much older and behaved like it. "Alec is my mate."

Leon emitted a grunt of acknowledgement.

Nÿx just wanted to make it clear that if it came to choosing, between the BSAA or Leon… then Alec would always win. She wouldn't hesitate, wasn't about to loose Alec.

"I'm still in command here." Leon straightened, stood at his full height and got an amused snort from her. She wasn't threatened and Leon hadn't meant it like that anyway.

"For now." She smirked. Leon frowned, watched as Nÿx started towards the town and was startled when Alec passed him, silently.

"Don't go anywhere." Alec called over his shoulder.

Leon scowled. 'Sir, yes sir.' He almost wanted to add a salute but refrained from the juvenile behavior.

"So." Jill came up beside him and stared at the quickly fading figures down the road. "How long have you had her?"

Leon turned the scowl on her. There was a definite second meaning there and he wasn't about to give details. He turned on his heel and headed back to the group.

"Six moths." Leon rubbed his palms on his pants, they were itchy with the remembered feel of smooth skin. That first week Nÿx had told him what she could, what she knew of herself and what she was. She'd been hesitant about being in close quarters with so many men. She'd feared going into heat and Leon hadn't taken it too seriously because who'd ever heard of such a ridiculous thing anyway?

-X-

Past

Leon wiped both hands over his face, heels digging into his eye sockets but it wasn't relieving his fatigue. He yawned, leaning back in his chair and it pitched further. He made a grab for the desk, fingers barely missing the edge and flailed expecting the hard floor to meet him with a painful thump. He winced, eyes closed and…nothing.

"Huh?" he cracked an eye and found the fresh faced teenager staring down at him, the back of his chair held one handed without effort. "Hi." He offered a sheepish smile and Nÿx set him back on all four legs with a thump.

"You shouldn't play with your chairs, Leon." She moved around towards the desk and leaned one hip on it, arms crossed and watched him. Those green eyes following his every move.

"Its comfortable, and I wasn't playing." Leon replied shoving away from his desk and getting up. He found her a lot closer, the move putting them almost face to face or rather face to chest considering her lack of height. He finally noticed her gaze, those disconcerting dark green eyes following his every move. It made him suddenly uncomfortable, especially when Nÿx uncrossed her arms and those small hands splayed flat on his chest. "Uhm…." Leon made to step back only Nÿx fisted his shirt in her hands and yanked.

Surprised, Leon opened his mouth and felt hers press firmly, her tongue darting to meet his. He fell forward with her onto his desk, both hands slapping on the top to keep them from flattening on the surface. He felt the sharp tug of her teeth on his lip and the answering flush of heat that flowed through him in response.

"Wait!" Leon pushed off but didn't get far. Nÿx held on, green eyes narrowed and growling softly. "Hold on-."

"Why?" Nÿx yanked on him again but Leon put up his hands, firmly pushing back on her shoulders as he straightened.

"Why?" he was incredulous. "You're- you-how old are you?" Leon frowned, huffing a breath in frustration because that wasn't his best reason for protesting but right then he couldn't think of anything else. "You look-."

"I'm not a kid." Nÿx stated shoving him away.

Leon grunted and stumbled back from her. "This isn't happening." He muttered wiping at his face. He heard the soft growl and watched as she removed the black shirt. It landed on his desk while Nÿx strode towards him. The way she moved had Leon feeling like a cornered rabbit; no where to run and then he had his arms full of her. "Nÿ-."

He stumbled back and then his legs hit the edge of his bunk. It wasn't a fluffy mattress nor very wide and his back smacked into the cement wall.

"Fuck-." Leon shifted his hold on Nÿx, one arm hooking around her waist and the other pushing off the wall until he had her pinned under him. He was surprised by the smile on her full lips.

"Much better." Because she didn't see why any man would need convincing. Granted there was a much better choice for her somewhere in the building-Nÿx wouldn't have any trouble locating Case and she was almost certain he'd come to her but… Leon was much easier for her to pretend with. She could convince herself it was another place and the green eyes staring into hers belonged to the one she needed.

"Huh? Uh-!" Leon found himself on his back, the slim girl straddling him and strong little hands yanked his shirt up over his head. He half sat, the sleeves caught in his fist before he left it go. "You're sure?" he hesitated, a hand cupped on her face as she leaned into him once again.

"Stop talking." Nÿx ordered before cutting off any protest he could think of uttering.

Leon grabbed her thigh pushing her over and barely missed hitting the cement wall. He felt her hand reach to his waist and the firm tugs on his belt. She wasn't wasting anytime and figured he could help her out of some clothes too. One hand reached under her back, tugging on the black snap that came undone with a pull. He slid the strap over her shoulder following its path with his mouth. She arched into his touch not at all shy and he had to remind himself Nÿx wasn't an innocent young girl no matter what she looked like.

Nÿx tossed his belt out of the way, managed to kick off her own unlaced boots before reaching to her belt and yanking it out of the loops. She felt Leon press into her, the heat of his touch on her bare skin and moaned at the firm pressure of his teeth. It just wasn't enough.

"Harder."

Leon bit down wondering what the hell kind of dream he was going to wake up from because this certainly could not be happening. He'd thought about it- even with the obvious…differences; the slit irises, her much sharper teeth, just a little too long… None of that made any difference to the overall package. He wasn't the only one who noticed Nÿx, wasn't the only one who followed her every move though he sure as hell pretended otherwise. She was an asset- a ghost as far as the BSAA was concerned and the last thing he wanted was to screw this up.

'I'm about to do that now.'

This close, Leon picked up the sweet vanilla scent on her skin. It was soft, just a hint mixed with woodsy notes and lightly musky. There'd be no more wondering about what was under the black suit she wore- not that it didn't show off her curves. He'd have first hand knowledge from now on and he wasn't about to waste time on thinking of it now.

"I just-." Leon drew in a breath. "You're for real-."

"Shut. Up." Nÿx growled softly. He felt her legs hook behind his thighs and pull, one more reminder that she was stronger and Leon wasn't fighting it. He kissed her, those soft curves pressing up against him… Leon's hand trailed up her arm, fingers threading into the inky locks to cup on her face. He deepened their kiss, tongue sliding against hers and Nÿx thrust her hips against his impatiently.

"I hear you." Leon grumbled against her mouth.

"Doesn't look like it." She leaned up, following as he drew back.

Nÿx shoved him over ignoring the flailing arm as Leon grabbed for anything to keep him from hitting the floor. The bunched lump of black material sailed past his shoulder and Leon knew her pants were no longer in the way. Then Nÿx had his wrist in a firm grip: she gave a light tug and Leon rolled over her, his back flat on the cold cement wall.

"Son of a- cold." Leon gasped pushing off while Nÿx pulled him towards her again. He felt the sting of her teeth on his chest and drew back; he took her hands in one of his and held them over her head. She tugged once and he squeezed harder to keep his grip knowing there was nothing he could do to keep her down if it wasn't what she wanted. She settled and Leon slowly trailed his fingers over her smooth skin feeling the warmth. There was a slight flush to her cheeks, the full lips were parted… She didn't stay still for long and he felt the tug of her legs but he wasn't done. He still had a lot of bare skin to touch, to feel beneath his hands, to taste and Leon took a full breast in his hand watching as Nÿx pressed up while Leon pinched the rosy nipple to a hard little nub.

She moaned, eyes half closed as his tongue flicked at her hot skin. She could feel the ache, a soft throbbing that pulsed with its own life and Leon was taking too long. Her low growl got a sharp thrust of Leon's hips against her own. His heavy weight settling on her felt good but even better was the hard bulge rubbing against the thin material of her panties that made Nÿx wish she'd pulled those off too.

Leon felt her grinding against him, soft little growls and moans filled his ears with her impatience. He dragged his fingers down her side to hook on the stretchy band of black cloth tugging it down past her hip. He half rose on his arm, her wrists still caught in his big hand though she wasn't still Nÿx hadn't pulled herself free, yet. Leon was almost sure that was going to change in the next few seconds and instead of slipping his hand between her thighs he cupped her ass in one hand. Nÿx growled, dark eyes narrowing and sharp teeth grinding together. The smug grin on Leon's face faltered seeing the expression and the hazel eyes…

'Aww, krap on a … fuck.'

He could've ignored it- hell; it's what he wanted to do but… The girl in his bed was ready, willing and absolutely….….. 'In heat.'

Leon just couldn't believe his luck. The pit in his stomach became a heavy weight and even blind he wouldn't be able to ignore the feral glint in her eyes. He was disappointed it wasn't real and instead of mourning his bad luck focused on what he had to do- what Nÿx had trusted him to do if this ever came up.

"Here." The pen-like cylinder was cold as she placed it in hand. "Use it all." Leon just hadn't expected to ever have to use it, she'd been screwing with him, that's all. But…

He kissed her hard, releasing her wrists. Nÿx slid her tongue along his, teeth nipping at his lip even as Leon ran his hands down her thigh. He moaned into her mouth wishing badly he didn't have to knock her out but this wasn't her.

'It's the cat, all the cat, and she can hurt me, yeah, she can really hurt me once she's back to her normal self…' Leon told himself but he was hurting right then too.

Nÿx ran her nails down his back, hard enough to leave a mark and got a hissed grunt for her effort. Her smile faded at the sharp prick on her thigh where Leon's hand held her.

"Sorry, Nÿx." Leon looked down on her, apologetic and that confused her. "You're in heat."

Nÿx snarled at him, sharp teeth bared and shoved him off. She sent him over the side and sat up, angry at him. Nÿx got up while Leon scrambled back from her on the floor.

"It's for your own good, Nÿx!" he didn't think doing what she'd asked him for would get him hurt and right then was wishing he'd ignored the voice in his head telling him this was the right thing to do.

Nÿx stumbled, her sight blurring in and out. She blinked, trying to focus and then found herself kneeling on the cold floor.

"Nÿx?" Leon hesitated getting near her but as she swayed precariously he edged closer. He took her arm carefully, heard the soft snarl of warning and then she went limp. "Nÿx?" he called once more, careful to keep his hands on her arms and eyes on her face. She didn't respond, didn't move at all and that had Leon wondering what the hell kind of tranq had been in the little pen he'd been carrying in his pocket since the day she handed it over and made him promise to use it.

He blew out a heavy breath, strands of blond hair falling back into his eyes and ignored as he carefully slipped his arm around her waist and stood. He did his best to ignore the soft skin rubbing against his-. They'd made it halfway across the room before she went down and Leon picked her up, cradling her in his arms easily. She weighed practically nothing-strange when he thought about the monsters bigger than her she'd taken down barehanded. At his bunk, he leaned down and grabbed at the rumpled blanket, pulling it out of the way before laying her down. She barely stirred, tried opening her eyes and failed while Leon held still, his arm still cradling her head.

"Great. I'm not only acting like a horny teenager but I'm flinching, thinking you're gonna break my face, too." He grumbled, easing his arm from under her head and drawing the rough blanket over her. He tucked it under her shoulders, covering every inch of bare skin possible then sat on the edge of his bed just staring at her.

Disappointed.

Yeah, he certainly was. Nÿx didn't say much; where she came from, what she was…

'Alec.' Leon frowned, because she'd said it and he'd thought maybe she was confusing him with someone else but it had kept her from snapping his neck. Now he sat there staring down at the sleeping girl wondering if maybe there wasn't more to what she didn't want to say.

-X-

Present

The road was devoid of any traffic. Alec drove the SUV Nÿx had picked out of the lot; a charcoal grey beast that had more than enough room for the group. He spared a glance into the rearview mirror; Carlos, Jill and Josh had fallen asleep. Case had kept awake longer than Leon, wanting to ask more questions that Alec had left for Nÿx to answer. She'd spent more time with Syl, Krit and Zane- just the four of them on that ranch. He'd heard the stories and instead focused on what they had managed to scavenge; water, canned food- nothing fresh but at least no one would starve. They'd even grabbed some radio equipment for Leon to try and contact the BSAA with. So far, they'd had no luck. And Alec was the last one awake now since Nÿx had finally given in while he drove them towards BSAA headquarters.

Alec glanced at Nÿx, her face exactly as he remembered and yet so much younger.

'We're kids.'

Fresh faced teens no more than sixteen or seventeen and wasn't that a bitch? Neither of them knew exactly how old they were now and yet they were both much older than they looked. They had an entire lifetime of memories; missions, kills, training, losses… friends and family dead- maybe all of them now, who knew.

Alec curled his fingers on her back slowly dragging them up to thread in her loose hair. He always liked the silky feel of her hair, remembered all those other times he'd do exactly that. In her sleep, Nÿx slowly stretched, back arching under his touch purring softly, content.

'Exactly like before.'

So what if they weren't the same? No longer X-5 or Chimera … it shouldn't matter when what was important hadn't changed. They were together now, he had his mate and nothing could make him let go. She'd fight like crazy-he knew that, she did before and he'd die for her.

-X-

"Piece of shit." Leon winced but refrained from cradling his aching hand. He ignored the piece now dangling from the radio Case had put together from the parts Alec and Nÿx commandeered. It wasn't giving them anything other than static, no BSAA, no nothing and that was getting more than a bit worrisome. Everyone else was worried as well even if none said so out loud.

"A little harder." Jill snarked as he walked past. "Don't think it's quite learned its place."

Leon ignored the sarcasm, made no comment though he really wanted to. Apologizing hadn't gotten him anywhere with Jill and she was right. He'd moved on to something bigger and better, left her holding the bag and she'd paid for it with her career. She was right to be pissed off but seeing as how they were living in ZombieLand, Leon sort of figured being pissed would take a back seat to surviving.

'Women.'

"Running low on everything. Again." Josh finished with a sigh holding out the empty gallon of water. That wasn't the only thing that was worrying everyone but it was the one thing they could fix.

"We'll forage." Carlos took in the expressions of the group. "Next town."

"We'll have to find a police station." Nÿx tossed the duffel with what was left of their ammo on the ground. "Or a store we can replenish what we've used." And by 'we' she meant them. Because Nÿx and Alec had managed to kill what stragglers they came by sans bullets. They were silent and efficient which is why they liked going into towns alone, without the gun happy soldiers because gunshots tended to draw the zombies like flies on shit.

"This isn't working." Alec eyed the group, even Nÿx who knew exactly why their situation had to change but hadn't put voice to it. Because they couldn't keep driving from town to town, scavenging what they need and could carry and drive off once more. The cities weren't safe, the towns far between and Alec did not want to go to the BSAA. Hell, they weren't getting a response from Leon's people so why the hell keep heading towards an unknown?

There was a quiet settling, one he didn't like and the rest of them had to be feeling it as well.

"You got a plan?" Carlos questioned.

"Find a place to fortify and hole up." Alec answered slowly standing to his full height. "A couple of days so we can figure our next move, make a plan, have a destination, what to do. Driving like this, it won't get us anywhere." He spared Leon a glance, didn't miss the clenched jaw or twitching vein and Alec didn't care if the ordinary was pissed. Alec was well aware that in their group, he and Nÿx had the most experience. They had a lifetime of military training and the ordinaries were the ones who'd need them because Alec and Nÿx could survive in a zombie infested world on their own. Hell, it certainly would make it easier but Nÿx wasn't in any hurry to leave the ordinaries.

"Yup," Jill got up from her rock and dusted her hands. "I'm full up on the tight quarters and the BO." She eyed Nÿx and wondered how the hell either of them managed to stay well groomed.

'Groomed?' Jill shook her head, eyes rolling at the thought. She spared the teen a glance and although wrinkled he was just as clean as the girl.

"Stop where?" Leon demanded moving back towards the group. "You see a Holiday Inn?"

"Not secure." Nÿx chimed in straight-faced though Leon would bet his life she was making fun of him. "We need a place stocked with necessities; food, water- a store, medium sized at least."

"WalMart." Josh grimed. "24/7, baby."

No one laughed.

Case spread out the map and quickly found them a destination. "Swan'sCross is the closest town big enough we could find something."

"Pack up." Alec moved to help gather the radio equipment while everyone else picked up what little they'd brought out of the SUV.

Leon watched them move, the "For now." echoing in his head and his eyes easily found Nÿx who hadn't moved. He couldn't fault Alec's plan, it was smart but he didn't have to like being told what to do.

"Alec, you're stepping on toes."

Alec scowled, a rough growl rumbling through his chest as he looked over towards Nÿx.

"Why are you so concerned for his toes?" he spared Leon a glance, watching him shove the radio equipment into the back of the SUV. Alec didn't miss her mental sigh and then Nÿx was looking at him.

"You're my mate." She wanted it clear, she'd thought it was. "You." He's all she ever wanted and now he was there. "Leon is frustrated. No contact with the BSAA isn't god and he's worried about his men. You can understand that."

He certainly could. It didn't change the fact Alec didn't like her taking up for the ordinary. Nÿx had been with Leon for months…

"Let him lead, Alec." She knew he didn't like the 'request' so she walked towards him closing the distance. She calmed him with a kiss and Alec drew her flush against him. He made it clear he wanted more, being so close and always surrounded was getting on his last nerve. He was about ready to drag her into one of those abandoned houses they always found in the towns and barricade them inside a room just so he could be alone with her.

Josh turned back to grab the duffle on the floor and raised an eyebrow grinning at the pair squashed to each other. He chuckled at the warning growl Alec gave him for gawking but the kids weren't even trying to spare anyone the show.

-X-

Leon pulled up to the small plaza. It was quiet, cars still sitting where their owners had parked who knew how long ago. All along the highway they'd seen empty cars, a couple car accidents and the zombies. Walking corpses, each one redirecting towards the slow moving SUV as it wove through the abandoned cars. Josh had wanted to do some target practice and thankfully Nÿx had reminded him of their low ammunition. The muttered 'kill joy' had earned a snarled growl from Alec but surprisingly Josh hadn't paid it any attention and Alec hadn't attacked the big man.

"Ok." Leon drew his 9mm watching the rest of the group standing in the parking lot and draw their own weapons, aside from Nÿx and Alec. "Lets split up." He watched Jill head off with Carlos towards the sporting goods store. He hoped there was ammo in there but if there wasn't at least there was a police station a few blocks over. Case gave a slight nod before heading off with Josh towards the electronics store. Leon took a step towards the grocery store surprised to see Nÿx move away from Alec. The soft growl from the kid was enough to pull her back to his side and Leon gave a derisive snort as she kissed him. Again. "Gimme a break." He grumbled. Leon just couldn't keep his mouth shut and rolled his eyes. It wasn't any of his business anyway.

The sliding door was still working. It opened for him but before he could step inside Nÿx moved in front of him.

"Whoa, where's your shadow?" Leon frowned and glanced over his shoulder to where he'd last seen the teens but Alec wasn't there. Leon walked in after her, he'd assumed she was gonna stick with the teen considering they'd been glued to each other-

"At the furniture store." Nÿx replied ignoring him in favor of sniffing out the decaying zombies.

"So what are you doing here?" because neither of them ever went far from the other.

"Keeping you alive." Nÿx said with a smile before she took off down the aisle marked baking goods and cereal.

"Shit." Leon grumbled following after her at a much slower pace. He found the first zombie halfway down and moved past the unmoving body with his gun aimed ahead. He couldn't hear her and right then it was annoying because the next thing coming at him from a blind corner was gonna get a bullet and he didn't want to shoot Nÿx. "Make some noise." He called in a low voice as he turned into the next aisle. It was empty so he moved quickly looking left as he came out the other end. It was the smell, that stomach churning stench of decaying flesh at his back-

Leon turned, yanking his arms up and out of the way as Nÿx grabbed the zombie.

"Save the ammo." Nÿx scrunched her nose in distaste but then Leon would too if he was left holding an oozing head. "That is the grossest…" she chucked it into the rotting vegetables looking for someplace to wipe her hands clean and trying all the while not to breathe deeply.

"Yup, right up there with the lickers you blew up." Leon agreed handing her a pack of napkins he opened from the shelf.

"Thanks." She took them, turning towards the front of the store with Leon walking beside her.

"We clear?" he asked still looking around as he reached for an empty cart.

"Yes, there was one behind the meat counter. The clerks in the aisles and that last one, not easy to pick out with all the rotting food." Nÿx grabbed another cart and headed towards the canned food.

"You used me." Leon stopped behind her, green eyes narrowed as he realized what she'd done. He didn't like it.

"You make a lot of noise." Nÿx replied quickly grabbing cans from the shelves and lining them up in her cart.

"Wha- I- where were you?" Leon demanded moving up towards her cart which he noted was already a third full. She was fast.

"Behind you, up on the shelves." She answered looking up at him. Nÿx paused, hands reaching for more cans and stared at Leon. "You're upset."

"Upset?" Leon echoed because uh, hell yeah! She used him as bait! Why wouldn't he be upset? And by the blank expression on her face Leon could see Nÿx didn't get why it as a big deal. He shook his head and moved back to his cart. "Forget it." He grabbed whatever was in front of him and started loading it. "We good?" he questioned, not bothering to look at her.

"You're jealous." Nÿx said. She knew he was asking if there were any other zombies in the store but she'd already given him that answer. She hadn't missed the looks, that slight tick that started in his jaw anytime Alec asserted command…

Leon stared at her. He was. Jealous. He really had no reason to be but he'd gotten so used to Nÿx being his shadow that now, well, he didn't like being replaced.

"Am not." Leon frowned. He'd sounded like such a friggin five year old and Nÿx, he didn't like that little smirk playing about her lips. "Hey-."

"Thank you."

'Huh?' Leon had no clue what the hell she was thanking him for. He was the one being replaced, relegated to bait status…

Nÿx remembered what he did, the fact he'd knocked her out when she was in heat- she was glad it had been Leon and in that he'd reminded her more of Alec because Alec had tried hard not to give in to her feline, only they hadn't had tranqs that time. And after, when Nÿx woke up in Leon's quarters she'd been alone, her clothes neatly folded on the end of the bunk. Leon had made no comments, not once mentioned what had almost happened, nor had he tried to make a move on her. She'd kept to his side because of the slight resemblance to Alec that made it easy for her to pretend she wasn't alone. Nÿx had kept to his side even more after that, he deserved her loyalty and she protected him as much as she was able. Nÿx knew Leon had noticed her staring, that sometimes it made him uncomfortable… more so in certain areas.

"Uh…" Leon had that slightly alarmed feeling again as Nÿx walked around her cart towards him. He was surprised to feel her press up against him though he didn't resist the soft tug of her hands on his vest. She closed her eyes, full lips slightly parted as they met his and Leon didn't hesitate to run his tongue along hers. She was soft and warm and that woodsy vanilla scent filled his head again. He held her close, arms slipping around her waist as he deepened their kiss.

Nÿx threaded her fingers in his hair, felt him lift her off her feet and smiled, teeth nipping at his lip before she pulled back. He followed her and Nÿx laughed softly though she did kiss him again. She could feel him respond, his body heat rose, breathing increased just a little and knew it was time to bring him back to reality.

"Leon?" Nÿx drew back, lightly tugged on his hair when he kissed her again. "Leon."

"Mmm." He felt her soft lips press on his once more, and again, each time drawing further away from him until she had both hands on his shoulders and pushed against him.

"Set me down?" Nÿx murmured with a slightly arched eyebrow and a little smile on her full lips.

Leon finally realized he was holding her and set her back on her feet though he really didn't want to. He took a step back from her, confused and cleared his throat not at all sure what the hell Nÿx was doing.

"Uh…you're welcome?" he didn't appreciate her soft chuckle. "Why...?"

"There's a difference, Leon." Nÿx moved back to her cart- practically full and reached to the shelf again. "I was in heat before." She gave a little shrug, lips pulling up at the corner and Leon could swear there was a slight flush to her cheeks. "Just thought you should know the difference."

"So…" Leon watched her toss the cans on the full cart and then she was pushing it towards the front of the store.

"I'm with Alec." Nÿx said over her shoulder.

"What the hell…" Leon was even more confused now. Because she had kissed him.

'Twice. Yeah, it was all her…'

"You don't want to mention I kissed you." She warned from the end of the aisle. "He won't like it."

That easy and Leon figured mentioning how Nÿx went into heat and picked him to satisfy the itch was also a non-mentionable if he wanted to stay in one piece and breathing. So he'd shut up, because Nÿx had been clear.

'She's with Alec.'

"Yup," he grabbed a couple more cans and tossed them in before pushing the cart to the front of the store. "Loud and clear."

-X-

Past

Max didn't drop his eyes, both of them silent now. She'd heard what he'd had to say, listened to what he planned on doing- it was a workable plan. All she had to do was decide even if he hadn't outright asked her to help.

"Has Nÿx said anything?" because Max had come to appreciate the warnings Nÿx would give them anytime there was a mission planned. Like her siblings, Max had learned to listen and scrap the ops. The two times she'd ignored the warnings had been painful… for Nÿx and then Krit.

"No." Alec replied though he was sure Nÿx wouldn't voice any concerns if she had considering who they were going after and what had been done. "She wants the kid."

"If Cilenti has another x-series… Nÿx is right." Max agreed and that was saying something considering they hadn't been friendly to each other in the beginning. "With the intel Lydecker has- if she's making more… We're in."

"We?" Alec questioned sitting forward in his seat, green eyes narrowed as he looked at Max.

"TerminalCity, all of us here are threatened by Cilenti and whatever she has planned. We're not sitting back and letting Nÿx take her on-."

"No." Alec stood. "I told you this because we are leaving. Me and Nÿx. No one else is coming, Max. This isn't a TerminalCity thing, alright?"

Max was pissed, he could see it but Alec didn't care. He'd gone over it- what Nÿx wanted to do and he was certainly up for it but they couldn't do it from TerminalCity.

"I get we're super soldiers and Nÿx is special but even you two can't hope to take on Cilenti and this company by yourselves." Max pointed out. "You guys are gonna need help-."

"And it's not coming from TerminalCity." Alec cut her off. "What Nÿx and I are doing, its gonna piss off the government. The last thing this place needs is to be back where we started so no. We are leaving and you and everyone in TerminalCity will disavow any knowledge of us."

Another silence stretched out while they stared at each other, neither willing to back down though Max had to think of everyone else before putting Alec and Nÿx above TerminalCity's wellbeing. There were kids- X-9's… her own children to think of before she put them all in danger to help two of their own. But both had put all of themselves into helping TerminalCity get to where they were; peace.

"You know its gotta be this way, Max." Alec could see her waver and knew there was no way she'd insist on bringing in everyone else on this crazy op. Hell, if it weren't because he knew Nÿx would take off on her own he wouldn't agree to leaving their home. But Nÿx would go off alone, likely get herself caught if not dead and that was just….

'I'm not loosing her.'

"I want regular reports, Alec." Max warned in her toughest ball-busting tone. "Wherever you two are, I don't care if it's in the middle of a desert you let us know what the hell is going on."

Alec smirked, green eyes alight with the feline they couldn't hide.

"Yes, ma'am." He even gave her a jaunty salute she didn't find amusing.

-X-

Present

It took three trips for Leon and Nÿx to reach the limit- or to fill the back seat. Carlos and Jill had filled the trunk space with weapons and what ammo they could find in the sporting goods store. Josh and Case fit their boxes in the front seat so it was a good thing Jill didn't need to worry about backing up or using her mirrors as she drove into the furniture store through the wide loading dock.

Alec kept an eye on the parking lot but so far there hadn't been any other zombies other than the four he'd found in the store. Those had been taken out and dropped a good three blocks from their doors while everyone else had been gathering necessities. He pulled the heavy metal door down wincing as it screeched loudly then clanged shut. He locked it from inside, using the metal bars and the locks he'd found hanging from the chain. He moved towards the SUV, opening the back as Jill came around to lend a hand.

"You leave the front door open?" Jill questioned as she grabbed the big duffel and followed him into the show floor.

"Yes." He'd also used some plywood sheets to block the big display windows, nailing them in place and putting at least one heavy piece of furniture against them. On their second trip inside Alec could see the shadows at the front door and hear their weapons. He gave a little growl of annoyance, frustrated by their inability to be silent but even he and Nÿx couldn't manage total silence. Only the dead were capable of that.

Nÿx came in first, scanning the show room once before moving towards the back where Alec was unloading their supplies. The building was big, the furniture a mix of modern and bulky fake antiques. She walked past the appliances, where Jill was hooking up a large stainless steel refrigerator. It was a two story building with more glass front windows upstairs. Alec had already secured the roof access where one of their zombies had been shuffling from one end of the building to the other.

"How was it?"

Nÿx gave a light shrug of her shoulder and grabbed the boxes in the front seat.

"Stinky."

Alec smiled at the face she made, remembering other times he'd seen her wrinkle her nose at some awful smell.

"You could have held your breath."

"Ha, ha," Nÿx thought at him, rolling her eyes before heading back to where Josh and Case were shoving more furniture towards the barricaded windows and Leon nailed another piece of plywood on the door. Their only exit would be through the loading dock. Alec and Nÿx knew it would up to them to give ample warning in case of a swarming zombie mob.

She set the electronics in the cleared space where a heavy couch had been and headed for another load. Carlos had already started sorting through the weapons he and Jill had pilfered. There was plenty more in the SUV and Nÿx was pleased they were learning. They'd grabbed a compound bow for each of them- silent weapons that wouldn't attract more zombies than they'd be dealing with. Of course, they'd picked up what ammo was in the store, along with a couple shotguns and rifles that didn't make Nÿx happy considering the noise they'd make.

"Hey," Josh called from the door just in the hallway off the main show room. "There's a shower in here." He whooped and turned back, everyone heard the running water in the shower. "It works!"

"Shut up, you big ape." Nÿx warned looking after Leon and Jill who went to get a look at the office.

"We got a break room." Jill noted turning the corner and stopping. "With a stove." Her surprise was evident from the tone of her voice and when she turned it on found that it actually worked. "What the hell kind of furniture store is this?" she frowned.

They had working appliances, she had already stocked the fridge with their water and the cart full of soft drinks Leon had rolled out of the grocery store. They had plenty of canned goods to feed themselves for a while and more than enough beds to pick from, not to mention living room sets and easy chairs… there was more krap than Jill seen in a while and all of a sudden she missed having her place.

"If you want to shower, now is the time." Leon said from the corner. "Josh looks like he'd jump in fully clothed."

Jill snorted a laugh.

"He will." She hurried past him and towards the SUV where she'd tossed in a bag full of clothes from the sporting store. She was looking forward to being clean and out of the tactical gear.

-X-

Alec took first watch, heading to the roof where he had a perfect view of the streets around their 'fortress'. Josh had grumbled about having to take the second watch since he'd been sitting comfortably in the game chair in front of the huge flat screen. There was nothing on it but that didn't matter to Josh. Alec hadn't cared and threatened to get him if he didn't come up when it was time. Jill had snickered, eyeing them both but keeping her comments to herself. She was freshly showered and wearing a t-shirt and comfy workout pants. Everyone was out of their tactical gear, freshly showered and picking fruit out of their cans. Leon and Case were busy setting up their radio while Nÿx took to wiring the new security cameras into the existing system to cover what blind corners there had been.

Everyone was settling in… Still, the silence was eerie. The whole town was dead- not counting the zombies he could see. The past couple of weeks, before finally finding Nÿx, Alec had felt it. Each town was worse than the last, there hadn't been any people and they'd stopped checking the places with signs pointing to survivors. There hadn't been any alive, just more zombies.

Now he wondered what had happened to TerminalCity. Had they survived? Max and the others… He'd promised to keep in touch, regular communication but-. How did you do that when you were caged?

Nÿx had wondered the same thing. Had any of them risked looking for her and Alec? She hoped not and Alec had agreed. Nothing good would have come of it, no rescue attempt… no. If there wasn't anyone at the BSAA headquarters then they'd head towards Seattle. And even if they did find Leon's people Nÿx had already decided to go with Alec. They'd go home and find out what happened to their family. All of them.

"Yo," Josh called from the open hatch. "See anything I can shoot?" he climbed onto the roof, feet crunching on the pebbles. It was a clear night with a full moon still high in the sky.

"Yeah," Alec nodded over his shoulder. "But don't."

Josh gave a long suffering sigh as Alec moved past. As long as they kept from making too much noise the zombies wouldn't bother them for a bit. Hard as it was for Josh not to shoot or blow something up, he had to be tired of sitting in the truck and sleeping upright.

Alec didn't bother climbing down the last steps on the ladder; he just dropped quietly to the wooden floor and glanced out the huge windows. There was street light a few feet away and that provided enough light for the second floor. They'd set up a few lamps downstairs, enough to keep anybody from smacking into furniture on their way to the restroom while everyone else was asleep. Jill had claimed the big King size on the opposite end of the show floor and that hadn't gone over well with Josh but he was on sentry duty anyway. Alec smirked, moving towards the dark corner where the big four poster bed was cast in shadows. Nÿx had come up, unwilling to sleep in the same space with everyone else. He moved on silent feet, easily making out her small form curled on her side in the middle of the bed. She had fallen asleep and though Alec wanted to wake her, he wouldn't. Sleep wasn't gong to be easy to come by and he'd rather one of them was fully rested. Alec set his weapons on the dresser lined up against the wall; he let his clothes fall on the floor and stretched feeling his back ease. He'd spent too much time sitting in the damn SUV. He pulled the covers back from Nÿx and she didn't stir. Had it been anyone else, Alec had no doubts she would have been up and reaching for her weapon but with him… He slid in beside her, the covers drawn over them and curled himself around Nÿx pulling her into his chest where he could feel the steady beat of her heart and buried his face in her hair.

Alec didn't know how long he'd slept, only that there wasn't any need for it.

"We aren't alone." He warned mentally since he didn't want to break their kiss. He rolled on top of Nÿx, her arms finally able to drape around his shoulders.

"We just have to be quiet."

Alec didn't miss the teasing tone and drew back to see the smile on her face. Again, he couldn't help seeing their differences and missing what they'd been before. He trailed a gentle hand down the side of her face, fingers touching the corner of her mouth.

"You aren't in heat this time." Because their first time had been one hell of a beginning, stuck in a tiny room with no way out and she had been all cat. "I love you."

Nÿx drew in a sharp breath. He'd said it before, plenty of times and meant it. She knew he loved her, that he felt just as strongly for her as she did him but this was the first time Alec had said it since they'd found each other again.

He felt her hands thread through his hair, she pulled him, her soft lips pressed against his and everything she'd wanted to say wasn't necessary anymore. She reached down, yanking on the hem of her tank to pull it over her head until Alec tossed it aside. He didn't care that Josh was walking on the roof, or that everyone else was asleep below them because for once it was just him and Nÿx.

"Quiet." Alec ordered nipping her shoulder when she moaned again. He felt her hands clench on his back, short nails digging into his skin as he trailed his tongue along her collar while he kneaded her breast in his hand.

"…you're fault…" she breathed past another moan. She was right but Alec wasn't going to stop making love to her, not when he'd been forced to 'keep it in his pants' since he'd found her.

"Nÿx." He growled softly but her hands kept on the southbound journey until she could grab his ass. She'd always said it was one of his best attributes though he'd scoffed at it saying all of him was his best attribute. She didn't deny it and was pleased he'd gotten rid of all his clothes before coming to bed.

"We're supposed to be quiet." Nÿx shushed him and quickly bit back a gasp as Alec slipped his hand between her thighs for the teasing reprimand.

"Now," he breathed past her ear. "Don't make any noise." He challenged and flashed a quick grin before dropping a kiss on her lips. The covers fell aside, Alec slowly making his way down her body leaving his mark. She gasped feeling the stroke of his fingers along her inner thigh. She arched into his touch biting back another moan and opened for him. He slid his finger in, pleased by her reaction. She was almost quiet but before long he'd have to cover her mouth if he didn't want her waking everyone up and Josh to come snooping.

She felt his tongue flick at her hip and then both hands pulling until he tore the thin fabric in his way. Nÿx didn't care, even less when his tongue stroked her. She wanted him closer, lifted her hips to meet his mouth and felt the tender scrape of his teeth. She shuddered moaning his name, her hand tugging on his hair, the other clawing at his shoulder.

"Alec, please!" she thrust her hips at him, a desperate moan urging him.

Alec drove his tongue inside her, savoring the shudders coursing through her. He held her thighs spread for him knowing she was close and fighting with the need to draw it out, make this moment last longer and his need to have her right fucking now. Nÿx took the choice from him, her orgasm catching them both by surprise, his name on her lips as she tried to get her breath.

He lapped at her, picking up the gentle flow of her juices while the aftershocks coursed through her. She gave an insistent tug on his hair and Alec finally crawled his way over her.

"I need you." Nÿx whispered drawing him towards her. There was longing in her kiss, a little desperation as well and echoed by Alec. She hooked her legs behind his thighs, tugging lightly though Alec didn't need the encouragement. He could feel her, the tip of his head sliding into place perfectly, everything just right. He pushed in slowly, a soft growl rumbling in his chest at the feel of her opening for him. There was a thin pressure that gave with a quick thrust of his hips and then the full sensation of her enveloped him.

Nÿx hooked her legs higher on his wais hissing at the sharp pain, one more thing she had never expected to feel again. Alec paused, waiting until Nÿx was comfortable and she felt the rigid set of his muscles, his body tightly coiled and still. He felt her hands curl in his sides, her nails digging into his skin as she pulled him deeper. She groaned into his mouth, her tongue twisting with his while Alec slowly pulled out then filled her again. In then out and again in a slow pace that was torture for them both and each time feeling the snug fit of her close around him.

Nÿx wrapped her arms around Alec, nails digging into his back. She tried keeping quiet, tried hard not to make a sound but it became more difficult. He knew what he was doing to her, the tender places he could bite down as he did on her neck. Nÿx jerked under him, hips rising to meet his thrusts and keeping her shouts to a hoarse whisper. He didn't bother shushing her again and Nÿx only got louder as Alec scraped his teeth down her chest, his tongue darting to tease at her breast before taking the pert bud into his mouth.

He felt the sting of her nails on the back of his neck where she held him, the half sobbed plea as she said his name, how she held on to him wanting desperately to keep him close, afraid to let go for fear of loosing him. Alec sensed her need, the slight change in her that communicated fear and he drew back enough to look at her face. Her eyes- new eyes, dark green and molten gold… He knew what the luminescent shine meant, why her tears gathered and felt that same vice clamp in his chest that made it difficult to breathe.

"Mine." Because nothing and no one was going to separate them again.

Nÿx felt it, that little shift in Alec that called her feline forward in response to his claim. She didn't fight it, just gave in shivering at the feel of his teeth scratching at her throat and moving towards her shoulder. The rough growl of his voice claiming her once more as his burned through what fears she'd clung to.

"Yes!" Nÿx threw her head back, her throat exposed to him, completely surrendered to Alec.

He rose above her, fisted a handful of her hair and pulled. The gush of warm wetness preceded her cry of pleasure and Alec cut her off, her moan flowing into him. He thrust harder, faster, needing to push her past the first wave of pleasure. He could feel her, the pull from her inner walls only fueling the coil of lust spiking through him. He didn't miss the frizzon of electricity she couldn't hold back and that was their catalyst.

Alec blinked past the haze of his release, breathing just as raggedly as Nÿx who lay limp beneath him. He felt the lazy warmth spread through his muscles and rolled onto his side, one arm pulling Nÿx to lie half on his chest. Neither spoke and Alec stared at the ceiling unaware of the smug grin he wore.

'She's all mine.'

Back in Seattle, when they'd been locked in for her heat cycle Nÿx had fought her desire, she'd struggled with the feline in her but that last time… He'd been oblivious to the change in her, the lack of urgency in her touch though he'd reacted to it. Alec hadn't expected the small jolts of electricity but neither had she though after that Nÿx had always been careful not to fully relax, afraid of hurting him…

'They changed a lot of things.'

Alec could finally put one check in the positive column in regards to their new bodies. Her silence finally got his attention and he stopped the light cares of his fingers along her back.

"Nÿx?" he tugged on an inky lock of hair. She purred arching and almost immediately froze. "What's wrong?"

She blinked, embarrassed by her feline reaction to such a simple touch. It bothered her, more now that she could remember what they'd been before.

"Does…" she drew in a breath, eyes closing as she whispered her question. "Does it creep you out?" because she wasn't sure how else she felt about the changes, they certainly creeped her out, scared her a little- not knowing what else she was capable of, how badly she could hurt any of them but especially Alec.

"No." Alec replied. He tugged on her hair making her look at him. "Not when I'm with you." He cupped his hand on her cheek, staring into her eyes; strange new eyes he'd have to get used to. He missed the familiar dark hazel flecked with gold- unusual even among their kind…

"I'm afraid." Nÿx whispered honestly. She couldn't hold his eyes and dropped her gaze to his mouth. She traced it with her finger unable to ignore how his canines slightly peeked through.

'Like me.'

Because her teeth were just as sharp as his…

"This, its all my fault." Nÿx hadn't listened, she wanted and so she did, simple as that and the consequences for her actions were reflected in them both. "I don't want to loose you Alec. I can't- that's all I keep thinking about. Of what she did- what they both did and I can't-." she lay her forehead on his chest trying to breathe past the sudden vice in her chest but all Nÿx could see was Ray- that bloody scalpel in hand while she lay helpless, unable to stop them.

"You're not." Alec promised. He tugged on her arms bringing her up and kissed her. "I'm not letting anything happen to us." He said against her lips. She went still at his words, the rough tone of his voice- the Alpha. He wouldn't make the same mistake again because this time around Nÿx would submit; there'd be no more risks where they were concerned, not like before. He wouldn't give in to her demands, at least not as easy as he'd done in the past, if he gave in at all.

Nÿx felt his hand at the nape of her neck, the firm tug held a promise and she let her eyes drift shut holding still for him. Anticipation filled her as Alec shifted position so he lay on top of her while Nÿx rested face down on the bed. He nudged his knee between her thighs pleased she didn't hesitate to make room for him.

"You already know what to do." The Col. had told Alec that back when he'd been playing Rep for TerminalCity. The ordinary had been right even if Alec had been pissed at having his animal thrown in his face yet again.

'We are animals. Both of us…'

They were new and improved but some things didn't change. The girl he loved was still impulsive, strong willed… and Alec wasn't going to let anything take her away from him. He ran his hand over the curve of her ass, leaning down to scratch at her shoulder with his teeth. He drew in a breath; their scents mixed and gave a sharp smack to her ass. Nÿx bit back the tail end of her squeal as Alec ran his hand down her thigh, his fingers digging into her flesh and up again over the imprint his hand had left. He didn't tease anymore and Nÿx gasped at the sudden thrust. He didn't pause and pulled out only to thrust into her again. The roughness only heightened what she'd begun to feel just with the tone of his voice in her ear.

Alec gave a sharp tug on her hair when Nÿx rose onto her arms. She stilled immediately, compliant aside from the growl caught in her throat. He bit at her shoulder, pressing her flat on the bed. He didn't have to tell her what he wanted from her, Nÿx knew and turned her head so she faced him. Alec threaded both hands with hers, the hot whisper of his breath in her ear with each touch of his lips.

"Mine." Its wasn't more than a rough growl and then she felt his teeth clamp down on her shoulder close to her neck. She hissed in pain, hands clenching on his. They couldn't look away from each other, caught in the moment and the feel of Alec on her, in her, filling her… it could only ever be him, there was no one else that could claim her.

"Yours!" Nÿx cried. She pushed back, meeting his thrusts and feeling the fiery shocks flow through her in waves. They both felt it and Alec plunged into her once more, biting down hard enough he broke the skin. Nÿx tore the pillow beneath her cheek, Alec curled their arms under it both panting and trying to get a breath as the last ripples of pleasure left them sated.

Alec didn't care that there wasn't the crunch of pebbles over head, that he was pretty certain the ordinary on sentry duty got an ear full be all he cared about was the slowing heart beat of his mate. He licked gently at the broken skin of Nÿx' shoulder and rose up on his elbows reluctantly easing out of her. She moaned in protest but he pulled her flush against him as he rolled onto his side. His mouth kissing up her neck towards her ear as he brought their entwined hands down and held her.

"You're mine." Alec said as Nÿx turned her face towards him. She blinked up at him, that lazy content expression a match for his. "Only mine." He kissed her forehead, her nose, her cheek. "Always." He said against her lips.

Nÿx felt the tender touch of his hands mimic the soft pressure of his lips on hers. The slow kiss said more than either could think to speak, Alec's touch just as she had remembered.

"All mine." He sighed as he drew back to rest against her back.

"I love you." She breathed, small hands clasped on his arms where he held her.

-X-

"What the hell is that?" Carlos grumbled as he rolled over and squinted. Light spilled in from the craks in the plywood covering the windows and the front door. To the far left of the main floor, Jill sat up in her King sized bed and glared at them. She didn't see why she needed to suffer through any of them snoring.

"What…?" Case yawned, legs already hanging over the side of his bed and wiping at his eyes.

"Josh!" Jill snapped. She grabbed the fat faux book and tossed it as hard as she could towards the figure sitting in the big game chair. It smacked into his head with a hollow thunk. Josh jerked out of the chair as though someone had pulled on the invisible marionette strings. One hand rubbed at the stinging bump on his head while the other grabbed his weapon.

"What the fuck!" he scowled looking at each of them when they heard it again. "What…?"

"Ok so its not you." Jill grumbled as they all heard the soft rumble she'd thought had been snoring. It was evident that no one on the first floor had made the sound.

"That's not a snore." Leon scowled as he headed towards the stairs.

"You think…?" Case looked up at the ceiling not sure what to think. He'd been told his Mom was part animal and Nÿx certainly had those traits but… He followed after the others already halfway up the stairs. Sure enough the sound got louder on the second floor.

No one said anything, surprised to feel the gentle vibration in the floor under their bare feet as the sound came again. The sun streamed in through the window, they'd all slept well into the day. To the back in the shadowed corner they saw the big canopied bed. Strips of cream colored material hung off each post and a lump in the middle of the bed.

"Are they…purring?" Jill wondered in a hushed whisper. Neither Carlos nor Josh had ever heard Alec purr that loudly. He'd hardly made a sound the times he did sleep.

Leon moved forward, jaw clenched. Six months Nÿx'd been his shadow-

"Wait!" Case hissed. He had a grip on Leon's in four strides but the sleeping teens snapped awake as one.

Alec took in the frozen ordinaries from his half crouched position over Nÿx.

"Whoa." Josh let out a low whistle at the sight of the naked pair. He wasn't surprised considering he'd gotten an earful towards the end of his watch- at least what he'd considered the end since no one had been sent to relieve him.

"I'm guessing he got lucky." Carlos shook his head ignoring the snarled growl from Alec. Nÿx placed a restraining hand on his chest, her arm coming around his waist. Only her eyes peeked over his shoulder.

"Downstairs." Leon snapped. He turned his back on the teens, moving Case ahead and waved his arms as everyone started down the stairs.

"What the hell were you doing sleeping?" Jill demanded of Josh. He stumbled a step at her shove.

"I was-."

"Supposed to be keeping watch." Jill cut him off.

Leon tuned them out. He had trouble moving past what he'd seen; Nÿx not at all embarrassed at being found with Alec, inky hair mussed up, cheeks rosy and those full lips…. he had first hand knowledge of what they were like.

'Well, she wasn't kidding.'

-X-

Alec frowned, eyes narrowed on Nÿx but she just 'giggled'.

Again.

"Funny?" Alec growled and quickly pinned her down. He didn't see anything funny about four males sneaking up on them, especially when Nÿx had only a sheet to cover up with.

"Did you see their faces?" Nÿx giggled again. The sound strange to Alec's ears when he'd known her to always laugh. "We'll be lucky not to suffer their version of 'parental speeches'." She made air quotes and Alec snorted.

"They can save it." He relaxed, laying beside her. "We're not kids."

"No," Nÿx agreed turning towards him. "But that's what they see."

Alec touched her face, fingers lightly moving up her cheek.

"There's something new…every time I look at you." Nÿx murmured. "There's something else I notice that's familiar and yet it isn't."

"I miss your eyes." Alec hadn't meant to say it. He could see it bothered her, the sad droop to her full lips when she looked away from him.

"Me too." Nÿx replied thinking of the beautiful gold-green eyes. Like her, Alec's had changed to a golden brown the shade of whiskey bathed in sunlight and the iris retained the familiar shade of green his eyes had been before.

"Breakfast!" Carlos' voice drifted up to them from the bottom of the stairs.

-X-

AN: I'm taking a page from deanstheman and posting this chapter before I somehow end up loosing it yet AGAIN. Yeah, really. So any typos or erros will get fixed...oh sometime in the future. AFTER I finish the fic and let it rest for at least a year.