"The way I care about you."

Alice swallowed hard as Uncas stared at her, his brown eyes unwavering, shimmering with raw sincerity. She opened her mouth to reply but no words materialised. I care about you, too. She wanted to say those words, to let him know she was not oblivious to his feelings for her, but her tongue and voice stubbornly refused to cooperate. That, and a sinking feeling in her stomach that... she was not good enough for him. Chingachcook wanted a respectable woman for his son - Alice was far from that. She had forgotten that when he had kissed her earlier. Nothing about her status in life had changed just because she was physically more comfortable with him now.

Uncas observed Alice. Her gaze clouded as she continued to look into his eyes. One of her hands rose up tentatively as if to cup his cheek but something flitted across her eyes and her hand fell limply to her side. Fear. Insecurity. Shame. Uncas saw all those emotions swirling in those grey, troubled depths. His heart lurched at the shadowed pain that lined her features. She thought she was not good enough for him.

Aware that there was nothing he could do to alter her mood and misgivings at the moment, Uncas swept her up in his arms without warning and carried her into the bedroom. He deposited her on the bed and tugged a blanket up to her chin. She remained silent and wary, letting him have his way with her. He ruffled her hair, leaned down to brush a soft kiss on her forehead and whispered, "To me, you are still you." With that, he departed. Alice lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, warm tears trickling unchecked down her cheeks. "To me, you are still you."

Neither of them revisited the conversation again over the next few days. Uncas did not attempt to kiss or hug her again, too. They settled into a daily routine: Uncas prepared breakfast while Alice was in charge of supper. Their mid-day meal was usually quick and light. Laundry was done by both of them together in the mornings while afternoons were mostly spent doing their own things individually.

Uncas either went hunting, crafted more items from wood, or mended broken parts around the cabin. Alice slowly got accustomed to be being alone in the cabin though Uncas never stayed away from her for more than a few hours. He taught her how to protect herself with a knife and was considering teaching her how to shoot with a musket. He went trading one day and came back with a swath of rich fur for Alice. She thanked him happily and promptly used part of it to line a cape she was sewing for herself.

Alice practised her knitting, sewing and cooking, tended the garden, explored the area around clearing to learn more about edible fruits and herbs. Uncas taught her how to wax hides to make them waterproof and she worked on that too. She idled in the study, reading books and tried her hand at sketching. She failed dismally at the latter - when she eagerly asked Uncas to identify what she had drawn, he confidently replied it was a dog. He then chuckled when she forlornly informed him that it was supposed to be a horse. Uncas added kindly that her picture did somewhat resembled a foal, to which Alice rolled her eyes at his belated attempt at diplomacy.

One afternoon, Uncas called Alice out to the clearing. She came out of the cabin eagerly but when she saw the horse next to him, she shook her head immediately, "No." She spun around to return back to the cabin but Uncas loped up to her, caught her by the waist and gently dragged her back towards the horse. "It's not going to hurt you." he assured her. " I am going to hurt when it throws me onto the ground and stomps on my head." Alice scoffed.

Uncas grinned and Alice's heart did a series of somersaults. She had never seen him smile so much as she had over the last few days. When he did laugh, it was not boisterous and hearty; just quiet, almost soundless chuckles and his rare smiles were heartbreaking. His dark eyes would light up and a deep dimple would indent his right cheek. He would look at her in the eye when he did so, as if he to tell her she was the reason for his smiles and laughter. He was happy because of her. Alice realised with a pang. She made him happy.

Her thoughts were rudely interrupted by a loud neigh. Before she knew it, Uncas had hefted her on top of the horse and swung himself up behind her. "If I fall, you are not getting any supper until we head for Albany." Alice warned as she clutched the thick nape of the beast. Uncas shifted her closer to him and murmured into her ear, "I don't mind making supper everyday." Alice shivered at the contact and at his words. She sighed resigndly, "Fine. I do not think I have a choice." "Let's go." Uncas replied amicably.

It was almost dusk when they headed back to the cabin on horseback. They had practised a little around the clearing before Uncas decided to take Alice for a slow ride out in the forest. As the horse trotted back into the clearing, Alice felt Uncas stiffen behind her and reach for his tomahawk on his belt. "Is anything wrong?" she squeaked, gripping his left arm which was around her waist. "Visitor." he answered shortly. He whistled and the horse stopped in its tracks instantly. Uncas leapt off and helped Alice disembark. "Stay here." he ordered as he yanked out the knife strapped at his ankle.

Uncas edged closer to the cabin, his movements predatory. There was someone behind the cabin. He was wondering who it was when the person stepped around the side and greeted cordially, "Uncas." Uncas hooked his tomahawk back onto his belt. It was Chapa - the scout he hired to hunt Magua down. If he came all the way to the cabin, there could be only one reason - he knew where Magua was. Uncas was one step closer to killing the Huron - but he did not plan on sharing that with Alice. It would the first time he was going to be dishonest with her. He would find out more from the scout and instruct him to continue to follow Magua's trail. He wanted Alice to be in Albany, with his family and her sister, when he set off after the Huron.

He twisted around to face Alice, "It's all right. I know him." She nearly collapsed in relief at his words. She stumbled forward, nearly tripping over her skirts in her haste. She nodded her head politely at Chapa in greeting and he smiled back kindly. Uncas refrained from telling her that this was the same scout who tracked her down to the Ottawa camp.

"Is he staying for supper?" Alice asked. Uncas shrugged, "He could." He turned back to the other man and fired off a question which Alice assumed was an invitation to supper. The man replied and Uncas ushered him into the cabin. Alice washed her hands quickly and started preparing dinner. Uncas had caught some fish in the morning so she would make do with that. She was flustered - this was her first time hosting someone for a meal prepared with her own hands. Uncas glanced at her. "Will you be all right?" his eyes inquired. She threw him a brave smile and nodded reassuringly.

"She is your woman." Uncas looked up from his grilled fish. Chapa was eyeing him keenly as he took a bite of his fish. Supper was grilled fish and roasted potatoes, which was a rather unusual combination to Uncas but Alice seemed proud of her creation. Maybe it was a dish she was familiar with back home in England. "No. She is under my care." Uncas responded coolly and the scout knew better to probe further.

Alice insisted on doing the dishes by herself and beseeched Uncas to entertain their guest. Uncas wondered bleakly whether she would be as hospitable if she knew why Chapa was looking for him. "Where is he?" Uncas queried mildly. Chapa was not fooled by the Mohican's nonchalance - the warrior was out for blood. When Chapa furnished the details, Uncas pursed his lips thoughtfully. Magua was about two days away from Albany. Chapa was pretty sure that he would not be breaking camp anytime soon and predicted he would be wintering there. Uncas let his gaze travel to Alice, who was humming softly as she scrubbed a plate. He had a feeling she would not be too pleased at the plan forming in his head.

Chapa took his leave after supper, and promised Uncas he would look him up again in Albany. While Alice bathed in the living room, Uncas paced in the study. He treasured their time in the cabin - even more so since Alice genuinely seemed to like being here and occupied herself very well. He distractedly traced her sketch of the supposed horse, which he had pinned on the wall. Uncas hated to leave her in Albany, but it was the best - and safest - option.

Alice sat in front of the hearth, brushing her hair methodically as she recalled their guest at supper. Uncas had introduced him as an old friend, but Alice suspected there was more than met the eye. Uncas' mood had altered subtly, and that unsettled her. She was startled when Uncas dropped on the floor in front of her. He seemed content to sit across her, watching her without saying a word. Alice would have felt self-conscious even it was anyone else.

She regarded him curiously when he reached out to finger the sleeve of her gown absently. "Is something wrong? Did your friend bring bad news?" she asked meekly. His eyes narrowed but his tone was flippant when he answered, "No. He had good news." "What about?" Alice pursued. There was a long pause before Uncas articulated evenly," He found something that I've been looking for."

He skated his fingers down her arm to her hand and his thumb started to rub circles on her palm. "You like it here?" Alice stared past his shoulder. Do I like it here? The warmth of Uncas' touch was seeping deliciously into her skin. Or do I like being with him more? "It's nice and quiet here." she deflected hastily. Uncas appeared a little disappointed by her reply but he continued caressing her palm. "We leave for Albany at the end of next week." he informed, sounding regretful. "I see." she mumbled, confused that she felt as regretful as he sounded.

Alice's memory was jolted by Chingachcook's remark about she going back to England. Uncas had been there and he had not commented. Was he not bothered by the probability of she leaving America? Alice suddenly felt lost. When Uncas began to retract his hand, she reacted instinctively, wrapping her fingers around his. "Don't go."

Uncas wondered for a second whether Alice had somehow guessed they would be apart once they were in Albany. She could not have, he surmised practically. Something else was bugging her. "Not going anywhere." he replied calmly, squeezing her hand. He noted the shadows under eyes - it had been a long day. "You're tired. Sleep early." He tugged her to her feet and urged her towards the room.

Alice waited as Uncas arranged the blankets. When he gestured for her to get under the covers, she stood her ground. He flicked her a quelling look. "Is something wrong?" she repeated quietly, locking her gaze on him. "No." he uttered in a tone laced with finality. Alice was too exhausted to press further and climbed into bed. Uncas hovered at her side, seeming uncertain whether to leave or stay. Since she started sleeping on the bed, he would sit on the rickety chair in the room until she fell asleep. "You don't need to stay." Alice muttered churlishly. Something was definitely bothering him and she was perturbed he was not telling her.

She heard him sigh deeply before he walked out of the room. It was the first night in days that he was not within reach while she attempted to fall asleep. His presence never failed to comfort her. "The way I care about you." "To me, you are still you." Alice burrowed her face into the worn pillow and screwed her eyes shut. She began counting subconsciously.

Uncas took another swig of whiskey. He was sprawled in front of the hearth, brooding. Alice suspected something was up and she was annoyed he was not confiding in her. He detested making her unhappy but this time, it was really for her good. As far as Alice was concerned, her ordeal was over. As far as Uncas was concerned, his ordeal lacked closure - it was only over for him the moment he killed Magua with his own hands.

"You don't need to stay." Though he was aware she had voiced that in pettiness, the statement still pricked. He grimaced. If Alice was going to remain suspicious, it could be a better idea to head to Albany earlier. He glanced out of the window. It had been over an hour since Alice had gone to bed. He figured he should check on her before he turned into for the night.

The Huron had drugged her. Alice struggled to stand up, but she was groggy and her feet were chained. The Huron ventured closer, one hand shot out to grab a chunk of her hair to tug her nearer to him. Alice continued to struggle but she refused to cry or scream, knowing the Huron would take pleasure if she exhibited her fear...

Uncas stepped into the bedroom. Alice was twisting and turning on the bed, her forehead glistened with sweat, her hands clawing the blankets. Her lips were pressed together as if to prevent herself from screaming. She was having a nightmare. Uncas leapt onto the bed, picked her up into his arms, and shook her hard. "Alice, wake up." He shook her again with more force. Her eyes snapped open, her gaze disoriented and panicked. " It's Uncas. You are with me in the cabin." he stated in a steely tone, gripping her chin firmly so that he was able to look straight into her eyes.

Uncas. Alice gulped in a breath of air. It was not the Huron who had stolen her innocence. It was Uncas who now had her folded in his strong arms, cradling her against his warm, solid chest. She stared into his eyes and saw no censure, no disgust. Just pain and regret. "Too me, you are still you." Alice slid one hand up his chest to his jaw. "Am I really still me, to you?" she questioned. His eyes darkened and became heavy-lidded, "Yes."

Uncas crushed Alice to him and slanted his mouth over hers in a tender, hungry kiss. Alice snaked her arms around his broad back and returned his kiss with equal ardour. Make me good, Uncas. Make me good. Alice chanted in her mind desperately as she drowned in the smothering passion that was brewing between them. Make all my filthiness go away. Make me good. She ran her hands inside his shirt, over his shoulders, down his back, and felt him shudder.

Alice. Her soft hands were caressing him all over, driving him to madness. His brain felt hazy and his hands gripped her waist tightly as she broke away from his mouth and kissed his bare shoulder with sweet innocence. "This feels...nice." she commented with naïve wonder, which caused a strangled chuckle to escape Uncas' lips. "Nice" was not exactly how Uncas would describe his current state. He kept them upright in a sitting position - only honour and self-control was preventing him from lowering them on the bed.

Alice garbled something against his shoulder but Uncas could not make out what her words. He dropped a kiss on top of her head, "What did you say?" She arched her head backwards, her eyes glittering brightly in the moonlit room. "Make me good." she enunciated clearly. She pressed a light kiss in the hollow of his throat, "Make me forget. Make me good again."

Uncas's heart thudded painfully at her words. "Make me good." He gathered her closer to him, "You won't ever forget, Alice." He could literally feel her wilt in his arms. He added achingly, "Don't have to make you good. You are good. " Alice let his words wash over her like a powerful balm. He thought her good - good enough for him.

She exhaled shakily and made up her mind in that instant. "Take me. Please." she whispered. Uncas froze. She sounded nervous, but determined. His nerve endings and body were screaming to succumb to the proposed pleasure but his heart was stubbornly holding back. Not like this. Not now.

"I can't. I won't. " he growled, burying his face into her hair. Hurt glazed her eyes and she started pulling back from him. Uncas yanked her back into his arms, "We can't. Not like this. Not when you are feeling like this." Alice bit her lip in frustration and bewilderment, "When then?"

Uncas stroked her hair away from her face and gazed at her with fierce affection.

"When you want me as much as I want you."

Alice's heart splintered at the immeasurable yearning in his fathomless eyes. "I-" she started, but he hushed her with a hard kiss.

He lifted his mouth from hers, gravity etched in his features.

"When you decide you want no other but me."

Alice's throat worked as her eyelids burned.

"When you realise how much I want you and why... if you feel the same..." he trailed off, while Alice stared at him with rapt attention.

"When that happens... I'm yours for the taking, Alice."