Title: Their New Life

Summary: This takes place right after the book. Gabriel and Vivian are on their way to Vermont. Honestly though, I have NO clue where I'm going with this. So bear with me. I think I have an idea, but who knows?

Disclaimer: All characters belong to Annette Curtis Klause

Author's Note: I'm so glad that so many of you have been continuing to read my story. I know, I've been hard pressed to keep up with even the tiniest chapter, but now I think I know where I'm going. Once again, I'd like to honor BreakingDawn17 and Dreamer1986. Both of you provided much needed encouragement.

Chapter 10

Aiden Teague couldn't sleep … again. Since meeting up with the stranger in the forest, he was constantly on edge. How was he supposed to find Vivian if the guy never told him where she was? Aiden would never admit to it, but that man terrified him. He was afraid to cross him and more importantly, he was afraid for Vivian's sake. If he didn't help the man, then he'd die and Vivian would die. But if he did help the stranger, then he'd at least see Vivian and maybe be able to convince the guy not to kill her. He didn't give a rat's ass about Gabriel. One less rival for her affections was good enough for him. But it was time for him to make his choice.

"I'll go back to the reserve tomorrow night. If he shows up, I'll tell him that I'll help." With that thought, Aiden finally fell into a fitful sleep.

...

The next evening, Aiden waited in the small clearing where the shaman had been. He paced across the grass, hoping that the man would show up. It wasn't like the guy had given him his phone number. He sat down on the ground and wrapped a wool blanket around his shoulders to keep off the Fall chill. He yawned, but he shook that feeling off. The last thing that he needed was for him to fall asleep out there and catch pnumonia. His father wouldn't care that he was sick; he'd still be sent to school. His eyes began to droop and he struggled to keep them open. Aiden reached into his bag and pulled out a candy bar and a bottle of soda. He had made sure to come prepared in case it was a long wait for the mystery guy to show up. He pictured Vivian's face when he'd show up to rescue her from her pack. Sure, she'd be horrified at Gabriel's death, but what better way to make her feel better than to offer his own shoulder to cry on? And if the stranger killed off not only Gabriel, but her pack as well, it would leave her with no choice but to return with him. Picking up the soda, he put it to his lips and let the sugar-addled beverage run through his system. If it wasn't for his temper, maybe he wouldn't have chased Vivian away into the arms of another man.

"I wasn't even sure that you were man enough to show up," a gruff voice said from behind Aiden. He whipped around so fast that he dropped his candy bar and his remaining soda fizzed and spilled all over the dewy grass. The stranger from the night before approached him silently. How could a guy that huge be so quiet?

"In fact, I would have bet money that you had skipped town completely," the burly man continued.

"Then you would have lost the bet," Aiden said in a callous tone. "I want Vivian."

"Well now; you're starting to sound tough," the man replied with a grin. "But I can see you shaking. I can hear your heart pounding, and I can smell your fear. You're no match for me, boy. Hell, I don't even think you're strong enough to handle the female."

"Then why did you want my help?" Aiden asked. "If you just wanted to kill me, you should have done it by now. Where do I come in?"

"The female trusts you. You're going to draw her out of hiding. It will force Gabriel to follow. It's an even trade, I think. You get the female that you desire so badly and I get him."

"Her name is Vivian," Aiden said. "Why are you calling her that?"

"What do I care about a lowly bitch who'd roll over for any male? I just want that pack. But I can't do that as long as the current Alpha is in the way. Once Gabriel is out of the picture, then I can be Alpha." The man grinned wickedly again. "I'll even let you have the killing blow if you want. He did steal your mate, didn't he?"

"I'm not a werewolf."

"Doesn't matter. You claimed a loup garoux as your own. That entitles you to some rights, in my opinion."

"When do we leave?" Aiden asked, ignoring the man's comments. He didn't even know the guy's name and already, he knew that if he followed him, he'd get Vivian back. Nothing else seemed to matter. The monstrous man came closer to him. Before Aiden could react, one of his club-like fists came down on his skull and Aiden passed out.

"Right now," the stranger replied.

…

Vivian opened her eyes as the first rays of sunlight began to stream into her new bedroom. It was large and spacious. There was a dresser and a mirror on the wall, a walk-in closet, and it had its own bathroom, which she had taken full advantage of upon arrival. The man lying next to her, sound asleep, had made it all possible. Gabriel had known what he was doing when he'd bought the property for the pack. It was open and isolated from passersby. They'd be running the business in the area, so they'd have customers, but no one would be disturbed by the sight of a wolf in the distance anymore. Humans would think it was a wonder of nature and consider themselves lucky to have seen the wild creatures of Vermont.

They had arrived early yesterday morning and Vivian could see why the former owner would have been such a stickler about selling this property to just anyone. It was beautiful. Wildflowers bloomed in an array of color all over the grounds and the woods were so close by that any of the pack could go for a run in the night without having to drive for an hour to get there. She got up quietly, so as not to disturb her new husband and got into the dresser. She rummaged around for some clothes and dressed quickly so she could explore her new home.

It was called 'Rustic Lodge' but there was more than just one 'lodge' on the premises. They were beautifully designed cabins that ranged from small one-bedroom lodgings all the way up to a couple that could hold over twenty people. During the Fall, they would start to fill up with people coming for hunting season and then in the spring, the tourist season would begin, and they'd be busy running the business again. Her mother and Tomas had permanently settled a cozy little one that overlooked the river. Of course, they'd be paying a monthly fee so that there'd be a reason for it constantly being in use. After all, it was still a business. Not that Vivian minded. It'd be nice to have her mom nearby. The rest of the pack had settled down in the town that was about a twenty minute drive away from the place. And the whole town was surrounded by forest too. It was perfect.

…

Aiden came too in the front seat of an old suburban. His head was aching, his ears were ringing, and his vision was blurry. From what he could tell, they were on a deserted highway. His 'companion' was driving calmly, but Aiden could see the fever in his eyes. He was determined to get to … well … wherever it was they were going.

"What time is it?" Aiden asked hoarsely. "Since I was so rudely kidnapped, I'd kind of like to know your name too."

"Name's not important. It's 8:00am though. Also, there's a bottle of water in the glove compartment for you." Aiden reached in and and took a swig of the tepid water.

"Thanks. Do you know where we are, at least?"

"Entered New Hampshire about an hour ago."

"Is that where the pack is?"

"No," the man replied.

"Then why don't you tell me where they are?" Aiden pressed.

"Vermont."

"Well then, why the hell didn't you just go into Vermont? Why are we in New Hampshire then?" Aiden couldn't believe this guy. "Do you know how to read a map?"

"Shut up. I have my reasons for being here." He sighed. "I don't want to alert the pack that we're coming. If Gabriel catches wind that someone is following them, he'll take off and this whole trip will be for nothing. Does that answer your stupid questions?" Aiden fell silent. "Good. Now shut up so I can concentrate on the road."

Author's Note: Well, there you have it! Another insightful chapter that just goes to show that I do have some idea of what I'm doing right now. Things have been rough on my end right now, but you should know that for those who stick with me, it's not in vain. This story will be finished.