Chapter Ten

Kate ran and ran. She was half searching for Garrett, and half just running to get away. She hated fighting with Tanya, and yet, she couldn't, no she wouldn't deal with Tanya's jealousy, especially when it was so hypocritical. She was barely aware of the greens and browns of the forest as she flew by. It was a huge testament to what was on her mind that she didn't see him until his arms reached out with blinding speed and caught her around the waist before she could pass him by. Kate shrieked and the current ran over her body before calming down enough to realize it was Garrett.

Garrett dropped to his knees, letting go of her. When he got up a few moments later he pulled her into his arms to face him, smoothing loose strands of hair away from her face. "Katie, what's wrong? You didn't see, or even sense me there. Didn't it go well with Tanya?"

At his words, Kate collapsed against his chest, burying her face in soft fabric of his shirt. She inhaled the distinct scent of him and let her thoughts run amok. She didn't speak for awhile, and he didn't push her. He gently stroked her hair, and ran his hands down her back while she clasped him around the waist as if he were the only thing tying her to this life. "She's jealous, Garrett, so jealous. She's hurting, and she's jealous, and she makes me feel absolutely horrid for trying to feel happy with you!"

Garrett sighed and continued to run his hands soothingly over her back and hair. "I understand your feelings Kate. I know you want to move on, but you feel like a horrible person for wanting to try and put Irina's murder behind you."

Kate nodded miserably. Finally she looked up, amber eyes meeting red ones. She brushed her hand lightly down his cheek and he drew in a sharp breath at the electricity that tinged the air. "I feel so bad for not wanting to feel miserable. Does that make sense?"

Garrett nodded. "I think I understand. I can't say I've felt that way, but I understand what you are saying." He reached up and cupped her cheek with his hand, softly running his thumb over her bottom lip. "I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I wish I could make it better. If it would help, I could leave..." he trailed off at the utter look of horror on Kate's face.

"You don't have to leave, and if you did... well it would definitely make me more miserable. Perhaps enough to Tanya's liking," she said bitterly. "Tanya said she was leaving. I heard her throwing things around up in her room. It sounded like she was packing."

Garrett's eyes were sad. "Do you want me to talk to her?" He didn't relish the idea of trying to convince Tanya to stay, but he'd do it for Kate.

He was saved from worrying about that by Kate's vehement shake of her head. "NO! I mean... no, I think it may do us all some good if she goes away for awhile. Maybe we need to deal with is on our own, in our own ways. There are some things you just can't share with your family sometimes."

Garrett nodded slowly. He wasn't sure he agreed with it, but then what had he done after Anna's death? Thrown himself in the line of fire, maybe hoping that he'd get hit by a bullet and join her. He sighed. "This is between you and Tanya. I'll support you, no matter what you decide."

Kate smiled up at him, and it was the first genuine smile she had given him since arriving in Denali. "Thank you Garrett." She stood on tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. It was all the encouragement he needed, and he lifted her easily, holding her to him, while she wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.

-

Tanya was storming back and forth across the spacious room she called hers. She was tossing things on the bed, clothing, CDs, toiletries, books. In the space of a few minutes, the room looked as if a tornado had ripped through as Tanya had bolted between the closet, the bathroom and the rest of the room. Finally she paused in front of the mirror and was shocked to see her reflection staring back at her.

Dirt matted the strawberry blond curls, and twigs and leaves stuck out at odd angles, making her look like some strange scarecrow. Dirt was smudged across her flawless pale cheeks and forehead, and her normally happy, amber eyes were darkened to nearly black and purple bruises appeared under her eyes.

Her eyes drifted further down her body to see the t-shirt she was wearing was practically non-existent, shredded by the sharp rocks and trees as she had flown by. One sleeve was torn, hanging askew from her shoulder, and it looked as if she had deliberately fringed the bottom half of her shirt, it hung in tattered rags from her form.

Her jeans were in no better condition, with holes in the knees, and the bottom hem gone. There were mud stains all over her jeans, and also what was left of her shirt. Her shoes seemed okay,except for the fact they were soaked through and also caked in mud. Tanya shuddered looking at her reflection. A split second decision was made. She had heard Kate leave the house, so she had a few minutes to herself. In a moment, her clothes were off, and in another moment, she was standing under the warm water of a shower.

Tanya spent the shower thinking, as she worked the mattes out of her hair. Kate was right, of course. She was jealous beyond belief that even though Irina had died, Kate had found happiness. The question now was, what would she do about it? She could run away, as she had before. She could stay and try to work it out with Kate and Garrett. Both options offered their own painful cons, but both also offered tempting pros. She couldn't remember the last time she was so conflicted.

She must have spent a half hour in the shower, thinking over what she could and what she should do. She got out, and dried herself off, still thinking. Finally, she made her decision, and she went to her closet, pulling out one of the few outfits she had left, and dressed herself at human pace. Turning to face her reflection in the mirror, she started combing her hair.

-

Kate lay on the hard ground, her head cradled on Garrett's bare shoulder, and sighed contentedly. Her small hand lay on his chest, and he ran a hand lazily up her side, sending shivers up her spine. "I suppose we should head back to the house," she sat up, looking down at herself and then him, letting her gaze linger, before pulling it up to his eyes. He smiled widely at her. "I think we could use a shower...." she raised a brow and then winked as she reached over to pull her shirt over her head.

Garrett nodded. As much as he hated to get up right now, it wasn't exactly the most comfortable place to lay for an extended time. And if they went in and took a shower, there was her big, comfy bed... He tried to pull his thoughts from that as he quickly dressed, and by the time he pulled his boots back on, Kate had stood up and was waiting for him. Damn, she was quick. He took her outstretched hand, and together they walked toward the big house waiting for them.

-

They hadn't spoken on the way back, but really they didn't need to. The little sparks of electricity weren't coming from Kate's gift, and both could feel it crackling in the air. It was like that cheesy line from Jerry Maguire: "you... complete.... me." About 300 yards from the lawn, Kate glanced over at him, challenge in her eyes. "I'll race you. First one back gets to stand under the water first!" and without waiting for an answer, she took off, giggling.

Garrett let out a whoop and a laugh and was after her in half a second. She was ahead of him, and had just about reached the edge of the backyard when he dove for her and sent them both sprawling in a heap after they had rolled over a small tree.

They were both laughing hysterically when Kate leaned over, kissed his lips quickly and jumped up running to the door. She turned triumphantly to him and grinned sweetly. "I get the water first!" she announced and walked inside.

Garrett was with her in a second, and they both stopped short when they walked into the kitchen to find Tanya sitting there, waiting for them.