Disclaimer: I DO NOT own any of the Covenant.

I do however own Rae, Rome, Peyton, Tristan, Cameron and any other unfamiliar

So sorry for the late update! Lots going on these past few weeks. First day of classes start tomorrow! AH! Still can't believe I'm in my Junior year of college! Crazy! But anyways... I wanted to say THANK YOU to Chipmunk87, Luli Cullen, Ravvy B, J-21Way, gxaxbxbxy, and Angel of the Night Watchers for reviewing the last chapter! Also thank you to those who favorited, story alerted, etc. =) You guys keep me going, for real!


Chapter 7

Nightmare of an Enemy

Caleb's chest rose and fell in a shallow rhythm, his breath coming out in a fog before him. It was crisp and chilly, unusual weather for the end of August. Beneath his feet, fallen branches snapped, the sound deafening against the silence of the darkened forest that surrounded him. With steps that were hesitant, he made his way toward the red-orange glow that peaked out between the trees up ahead.

He didn't know how long he'd been walking. It could have been five minutes or it could have been an hour, but however long it was, it seemed like forever until he reached the clearing.

As he stepped through it and into the field he averted his eyes downward. The once wheat colored grass was now charred black. Fear pricked his mind, replacing the curiosity he felt as his gaze landed once more on the glow of the red fire that still called to him.

A sense of recognition swirled in his mind.

It was the old Putnam Barn. Well, what remained of it. It looked just as it had the night Chase disappeared, boards broken and charred laid on the ground beneath the orange fire. With unknown dread, Caleb took a step toward what remained of the once historical place, his eyes never leaving the flames. That was when he saw it, a movement within the fire. Caleb sucked in a quick breath, realizing someone was in there.

His first instinct was to run toward them, to rescue them, but he stopped when the flames suddenly dropped, rising no higher then two feet. The person made no move to leave the fiery pit. The flames danced wildly around the stranger. They licked and curled around him but did not scorch him. Something about this stranger made Caleb anxious, he could feel the fear turn to cold dread. His heart thudded against his chest and couldn't suppress the involuntary shiver that ran down his spin, racking his body.

"Who are you?" Caleb called, disobeying the warning that his mind was shouting, telling him to stay back though his feet still carried him forward. The man was cloaked in a black robe that touched the ground, a pale hand reached from the black fabric. Caleb's heart dropped to the pit of his stomach as the cloaked man lowered his hood, revealing his identity.

The man's voice was cold and thick with hatred that matched his hard blue eyes as he said, "Hello…Brother."

A gasp that was near a yell sprang from Caleb's mouth as he lurched from his sleep, standing quickly off the bed. His breathing was hard and labored, he could feel sweat dripping onto his chest from his face.

"Caleb?" His wife said in a sleepy voice. The lamp on the bedside table flickered on, sending a soft light across the large furnished room. River's eyes landed on her husband, taking in his appearance. He was extremely pale, looking almost as if he'd seen a ghost. The glow of the lamp reflected off his sweat dampened body.

River tugged the blankets off herself and walked around the bed to stand in front of her husband. She placed a warm hand on him and felt him shaking under her touch. "Caleb, what's wrong?"

He turned his gaze to hers and met worried eyes. His dream felt so real. He opened his mouth to tell her but stopped. His gut warned him not to tell her…not yet at least. "Bad dream. I'm sorry I woke you." Caleb kissed her forehead tenderly. "Go back to bed."

River smiled before climbing into the bed, curling under the blankets. He stood as he was for a few moments trying to even out his breathing.

All that crossed his mind was the face from his dreams, highlighted by the fiery orange flames. Caleb's heart jumped at the thought. It couldn't be, it can't be, he tried to reason with himself but he couldn't ignore the knowing dread that stirred his insides uncomfortably.

He's back. Chase Collins is back, and if he knew his old enemy, he was back for one thing and one thing only. Revenge.


The next morning, River woke up to gray skies and misty rain. A groan escaped her at the sight of seeing typical weather that usually settled over Ipswich this time of year. They had been lucky up until today, getting warm summer days with endless rays of sun, but now it seemed like the rain and clouds were back, welcoming the coming Fall season. She rolled over on her side, intending to sleep a little longer but sat up when she noticed the spot next to her was empty. With sleepy eyes, she looked around the her room expecting to find her husband but he was no where to be seen.

Her feet hit the cold wood floor causing a shiver to run up her small frame. Slowly, she made her way down the long winding stairs and to the kitchen where she found Caleb sitting at the breakfast bar. A cup sat in front of him, steam rising from the contents within it. He jumped when River's arms wrapped around his neck from behind.

"I'm sorry," River apologized as she sat down next to him. She noticed that he was still a little pale from the previous night. "You don't look so well. Are you feeling okay?"

Caleb gave her a small smile and nodded. "Yeah I'm fine," He said, without looking at her. "Just didn't sleep much, that's all."

River stared at the side of his face feeling as if he wasn't telling the truth. Caleb doesn't keep anything from her anymore, so maybe he was fine. "Okay," was all she said, before standing and making her own cup of coffee. "Is Cameron up yet?"

"Actually he left an hour ago." Caleb answered, happy to get the conversation off himself. "He said he was meeting Rae and Peyton for breakfast before heading back to school. He also told me to tell you that he loved you."

River smiled as she thought of her son. He was a good boy who had his priorities straight…though maybe they weren't exactly in the same order as she would have put them, but friends and family were definitely at the top of the list.

"He sure is growing up too fast for my liking," River took a sip from her drink and leaned against the counter. "It feels like we just brought him home yesterday."

Caleb looked up and smiled at his wife. She wore no make-up and was dressed in a gray sweatshirt and shorts but she never looked more beautiful. He wouldn't know what to do without her. A twinge of fear pulled at his heart as his mind found its way back to the nightmare from last night. He needed to figure out what was happening and he needed to figure it out now.

Quickly, he stood and nearly knocked over the cup in front of him. "I have to go," He said, receiving a look from River, her dark eyes questioning his strange behavior. He offered a smile, with which he hoped that she wouldn't get suspicious of why he was acting the way he was. "I told Ty I'd meet him for a bit to eat."

The feeling came back. He was keeping something from her. But instead of pursuing her questioning, she just nodded her head. "Okay," she said as she took a sip of her coffee. "I love you."

"I love you too, River." Caleb replied as he kissed her lips softly, letting it linger before pulling away. "I'll be back soon."

Caleb's mind raced as he hopped in his car and drove, reviewing the nightmare that haunted him ever since he'd dreamt it. The misty rain outside the window turned to a hard drizzle as he pulled the car to a stop ten minutes later. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as he opened the door and stepped out into the ugly weather that seemed to match his mood.

The sky was gray and bleak, sending a shadow over the field that folded out before him. He could see the broken remains of the Old Putnam Barn, the boards laying in a pile where it once stood proud and strong. To his left sat a thick line of trees that seemed to have fallen right out from his dream, the only thing that seemed to be missing was the fire…and Chase.

"I know you're here," Caleb called out into the open, scanning the area slowly, taking in everything. "I know you're back, Chase…I don't know how you came back but I do know why," he paused, his fists clenched in tightly at his sides. "And if you think you will win this time around you're wrong."

The wind picked up speed at that moment. It whipped his shirt around his body as if responding to him. Caleb turned on the spot, taking a few steps into the center of the field.

"You lost last time and you'll lose this time!" He continued, yelling over the noise of the wind and the creaking tree branches. He planted his feet as the wind sent debris and dust flying, hitting his bare arms painfully, causing him to only yell louder in anger. "You're revenge will be short lived if you show your face. Do you hear me? I'll kill you this time if you come near my friends or family!"

The wind stopped in an instant, the trees and grass no longer moved. Thick drops of rain still poured but seemed to make no sound as the hit the ground. Caleb's breathing was hard and his throat was raw with emotion. "I'll kill you." He whispered as his narrowed eyes swept over the remains of the Putnam Barn and the woods once more while his chest rose and fell quickly.

With tensed muscles and a tight jaw he turned on his heels and walked heavily back to his car. He hoped his threat would be heeded and he wouldn't see his enemy's face anytime soon. But if he knew Chase, as he thought he did, he would take his words as an invitation rather than threat.

Caleb hung his head, wishing he'd never let his anger take over. But as he thought further, he would rather know for sure that his enemy was back and let Chase know that he was ready for whatever was thrown at him instead of sitting blindly, waiting for him to appear.

Chase was back, he was sure of it, and if he wanted a final battle, Caleb was ready. A flood of determination flowed within his body. He was ready. Caleb would fight Chase Collins and this time he would get rid of him for good.


"So Peyton had some unfinished homework she needed to tend to, did she?" Cameron asked as he and Rae strolled down an empty hallway of Spenser's classroom building. The whole building was empty for a matter of fact, Cameron made sure of that. Before they trespassed, he let his eyes fall to a glowing green as he listened intently with the gift he inherited from his mother; the advanced hearing of a wolf. He waited for any sound of movement, whispering or footsteps, any sign that the building was occupied. It was empty, not even the janitor was in the building.

Now, as they walked hand in hand, they were able to be with each other freely without the fear of being caught, over heard or showing too much affection. Rae took advantage of it at every moment possible. She stopped him suddenly and bounced in front of him where she stood on her tiptoes to place a kiss on his lips.

Cameron grinned into the kiss and wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her feet off the floor as he pulled her closer. She giggled as their lips parted.

"This is nice," She smiled as their eyes met. "I just wish we didn't have to hide it."

Cameron grabbed her face in his hands and with a smirk said, "It's okay. I kinda like the thrill of sneaking around."

Rae laughed out loud, the sound echoing around the empty hallways. "It is kind of exciting isn't it? Kind of like Romeo and Juliet. Well, minus the who dying thing at the end."

"Cameron and Rae, the new modern remake of Romeo and Juliet with happy alternate ending." He chuckled, leaning down once more to capture his girlfriends lips for a second time. Her lips were soft against his as they moved from his mouth to his jaw line then back up. Cameron's hands found her lower back and lifted her shirt a few inches, exposing her skin.

"Easy there, Tiger," Rae pulled away, breathing heavily with a smile on her face. She felt her stomach flip as she gazed up at him, seeing a look in his eyes that made her feel fuzzy and warm and slightly dizzy. She never really noticed how when he smiled one corner of his mouth dimpled adorably.

"Sorry," he apologized as he rested his hand on her neck, laughing. His eyes grew wide as an idea crossed his mind. "I just need to be cooled off a little."

Rae's eyebrows pulled together in confusion as the dark haired boy stepped away from her and walked past her down the hallway.

"You coming?" He called over his shoulder and smiled as her footsteps sounded behind him. From several yards behind, she followed him down two hallways then turned the corner of a third to find he wasn't there.

"Cameron?" She called out, looking up and down the hallway for any sign of her boyfriend. "Where are you?"

"In here," Came a muffled voice from behind two double doors. Rae's eyes landed on the two signs that hung above them. One said: Pool Area; the second said: Off Limits, Permission Needed. She grinned as she opened both doors without hesitation, the smell of chlorine hit her nostrils just as the sound of a single splash reached her ears.

Cameron grinned up at her from the water, his shirt left on the edge of the pool with his shoes and socks.

"Cam," Rae laughed as she squatted down near the edge but far enough away so she wouldn't get pulled in. "You're crazy, you know that right?"

"Why don't you join me?" He wiggled his eyebrows as he wadded the water effortlessly, his heavy wet jeans no bother for him. Rae shook her head and laughed. "Babe, I want to kiss you…and I know you want to kiss me. I mean, look at me." He said cockily as he gestured to his tanned torso and six pack abs.

Rae snorted in laughter and rolled her eyes but she couldn't deny that he was right. She wanted to kiss him, very, very badly. This was the first time they'd been able to really be alone in a week and it killed her. She felt a bubbly giggle in her throat and the urge to throw herself into the pool at that moment. But instead she stood, her hands reached for the bottom of her shirt before pulling it over her head leaving her in a nude colored bra.

She stepped to the edge and dipped her toe in the water, her eyes never leaving her boyfriend's face. He watched her with a smirk on his face as she tested the water then take a step back, preparing to jump. Just then the doors to the pool area burst open and the couple turned to see her best friend running through them.

"Rome's here!" Peyton warned in a loud whisper so both Rae and Cameron would hear. She continued her run and leapt into the pool fully clothed, the splash sending water onto Rae. Nearly fifteen seconds later, Rome strolled in, his eyes immediately landing on Rae and her shirt in her hands. The blonde's heart stopped beating, her mind was telling her she'd been figured out as her brothers eyes glanced between her and Cameron. "What's going on here?"

Rae stood and stared at her brother, unable to find words or an excuse as to why she was standing with her shirt off and Cameron in the pool looking just as guilty as she felt.

"What do you think, dumbass?" Peyton said as she swam to the edge of the pool and looked up at Rome. "We wanted a swim! So get your ass in here!" It was then that Rae noticed Peyton swam in only her purple bra and jeans, her black shirt tossed on the side. Rae felt a wave of gratitude toward her best friend.

"Yeah, Ro," Rae said stepping onto the edge where Peyton was and slipped into the lukewarm water. "We just wanted a swim."

Rome seemed to contemplate their words for a few seconds, then looked at Rae. "Okay, but can you at least put your shirt back on?" He chuckled as he lifted his gray graphic t-shirt over his head and joined the others in the water.

Thank you, Rae's voice sounded in Peyton's head clearly, the sense of gratitude and love flowed with the words. Peyton smiled.

You owe me.


"I think you're over-thinking this, River," Paige said as she carried two empty plates into her kitchen sink then turned to her best friend. "I'm sure Caleb will be back to normal soon. Reid gets in strange moods all the time."

River sighed as she took a seat at small table and looked out the window. It had been four days since Caleb had started acting strange. Different, in a way. He was too quiet, too captivated by his own thoughts. She'd noticed that his eyes would flicker to her and would see a look in his eyes…she thought she recognized it as fear. And every time she would ask him what was wrong or if he was okay, the dark eyed man would smile weakly and say, 'I'm fine.'

"I don't know, Paige," She turned her gaze back on the blonde before her. "Something's wrong, I know it. Caleb's not like Reid, he doesn't get in weird moods like this. He usually tells me if something is wrong right away." River paused to take a breath as she ran a hand through her dark hair. "But whatever it is this time, he's keeping it to himself."

Paige gave River a sympathetic look and at the same time telling herself that he had noticed a change in her childhood friend's behavior. She bit her lip. "I'll talk to Reid and see if he can find out what's the matter with Caleb. But I think you should talk to him once more first. I'm sure it's nothing big though. He's probably just in a funk. We all have our moments, River."

River gave a small smile. Paige was right, everyone had their moments, even Caleb. Maybe I am thinking into it too much… She told herself as the sound of the front door opening and closing reached her.

Seconds later, Rome strolled into the kitchen with Tristan and Cameron behind him.

"Hey, mom." Cameron greeted his mother with a kiss on the cheek. "You okay?"

"Yeah, honey," River responded. "I'm great."

Paige eyed her son as he hugged her. "What are you three doing here during school hours?" She stressed the word school, her eyebrow raised.

Rome leaned back on the counter after snagging a sugar cookie from the plate next to the stove and plopped it into his mouth. "Who needs school?" He said with a mouthful of cookie causing Rae to narrow her eyes.

"Rome Parker Garwin do not chew with your mouth open," She scolded her son. "Why aren't you in school?"

Rome only smirked and stared at his mom playfully. That was when River turned to her son.

"Cameron can you explain why you boys aren't at school in class like you should be?"

"Free period," Cameron answered as he rolled his eyes at Rome who liked to pretend he was skipping class instead.

"Coach let us go off campus until our next class." Tristan chimed in, sitting down next to his Aunt River.

Paige pulled her lips to the side of her mouth as her eyes narrowed slightly. "I think that Coach of yours favors you three too much…"

Rome rubbed his mom's head, mussing her hair out of place. "And I think he favors us because, well, we are the Sons of Ipswich."

"Get back to school," River said sternly to the three teenage boys. After snatching the plate of cookies, Rome jogged from the room, yelling goodbye over his shoulder as he went. Tristan and Cameron followed, both laughing as Paige raced from the room after her son.

"God, he is so much like his father," Paige laughed as she returned to the kitchen with an empty plate of cookies. She ran a hand through her blonde hair and sighed. It was true. Everything from Rome's piercing blue eyes to you-know-you-love-me smirk were exactly like Reid Garwin. And then there was Rae, sweet and kind but not a pushover. Blonde hair and blue eyes, more like her mother.

"I think I'm going to head back to the house, see if my husband is ready to talk." River stood, stretching her arms over her head. "Thanks for talking to me Paige, it helped."

Paige waved off the thanks with her hand. "That's what I'm here for. If you need anything else just give me a call…" She paused then smile and pointed to her temple. "Or you can reach me here."

River burst into laughter, feeling better then when she first arrived at the Garwin house. She called goodbye again as she made her way out of the front door where she took a deep breath of fresh air.

The weather had been the same for the past four days; dark clouds lingered in the sky, the sun hid behind them, fighting to show it's bright rays, and it hadn't stopped raining either. It was drizzling right now, the soft mist clung to River's hair and skin as she walked toward her house a few houses down.

She was humming to herself as she walked down the dark pavement of her driveway when she suddenly stopped, feeling as if she were being watched. It tickled her scalp and caused her heart to skip. She caught a slight movement out the corner of her eye from the woods behind the house. Something was in there…or someone. Squinting her eyes, she took a few cautious steps toward to woods to get a better look. Still unable to see anything, River let her eyelids fall as the power seeping through her veins rose to the surface as she called her wolf senses forward.

With the sight, smell and hearing of a wolf, she opened her eyes. Glowing green irises scanned the trees, her body tense, her ears rang as she listened intently for any noise. A swift thought raced through her mind, telling her that there was danger. But as she stared, she saw nothing, heard nothing, and smelled nothing.

"River?"

River whirled around her hand flying to her mouth to suppress a scream. "Caleb," She sighed in relief, bringing her hand down over her racing heart at the sight of her husband. He stood next to his car with the door open and the engine still running, a look of worry was set on his handsome face.

"What's wrong?" Caleb asked as he walked to her, stopped in front of her and placed his arms steadily on her shoulders. "Are you okay?"

"I just…I thought I-," She stopped and took a deep breath then started over. "I thought I saw something in the woods. I felt like I was being watched but I didn't see or hear anything…" She bit her lip and stared at him. This was the first time he'd actually spoken to her in days, so hesitantly she asked, "Are you okay?"

Caleb shifted his gaze to his feet then looked back up at his wife. "Yeah. I've been…detached lately and I'm sorry. That dream I had really got to me but I know that's not an excuse, I shouldn't have kept you at a distance. Will you forgive me?"

River felt like a weight had been lifted from their relationship. She'd been so worried that his strange mood would continue and last much longer, so she was relieved that he had finally opened up. "Of course I forgive you." She kissed his lips and huddled against his chest, realizing at that moment that the rain started to come down harder. "What was your dream about?"

"It doesn't matter anymore. It was just a dream." Caleb kissed his wife's forehead, telling himself that the words he spoke were right. It had been four days since his nightmare about Chase. Four days since he warned his old enemy that if he came around, he'd kill him. Caleb prayed that he took the threat and wouldn't show his face. So for now, he'd believe his words. "I love you, Mrs. Danvers. I don't know what I would do without you and Cameron."

A large smile graced River's face as she looked up at her husband of nearly 18 years. "I love you, too."


"Good girl," A man said to himself, grinning as he stood between two thick trees that sheltered him from the misty rain.

Chase Collins moved slightly to his left, gaining a better view of the dark haired woman who took uncertain steps in his direction. She was staring right at him but of course she couldn't see him. He was too far away for regular human eyes. Even if the girl had perfect vision, she still wouldn't be able to see him.

She stopped suddenly, her eyes closed. He felt a cold jolt of surprise rush through him when the woman's eyes opened back up. Glowing orbs, the color of bright green, found their way across the yard and to the woods he hid himself in.

Quickly ducking behind one of the thick trees, Chase stood in shock. Her eyes had changed colors. One minute they were dark then the next they were a brilliant green, almost luminous.

She has Powers. Not like the ones he had, but magic pumped through her veins just as the addictive Power pumped through his. Curiosity and intrigue caused his mind to wander. How could he think that the Sons of Ipswich were the only people on Earth with Powers?

His original plan was to just snatch her, maybe leave a ransom note for the perfect, All-American Danvers. But now the possibilities were endless. What if he could get her powers too? He came back for revenge on Caleb, but the possibility of gaining even more power was too tempting to pass by. He grinned as his brilliant plan twisted with new ideas.

He chanced a peek around the tree and saw that his new target, the beautiful magical girl, was no longer alone. A menacing smile fixed itself on his lips as he recognized the dark haired man. It had been twenty years since he'd last seen Caleb Danvers but the hate that welled within him hadn't changed.

"Hello, brother." Chase Collins whispered through his teeth in a growl. As he backed away into the shadows, deeper in the trees he kept his eyes on the couple. Thanks to Quinn, he would soon have the Parry girl in his clutches, another one of his plans to be back at Caleb and his friends. And when that time came he would use her to get to Caleb and the others.

If all went well, he would have Caleb, his little wife and most importantly the one he wanted most, the most powerful of all…the first born female of the Covenant.

If all went well, Chase Collins would end up with more power then he would have ever expected.