Sorry for the long wait but I will try to be quicker next time, the sunshine beacons me to go outside and enjoy so I have spent little free time in front of the computer. So here is the next chapter, hope it is worth the waiting. Again I don't own any of these characters as they are Stephenies.

The rains had started late this year and they ended late as well. We were all tired of sleeping in a group with little privacy, that a few of us desired. Everybody was getting on everybody else's last nerves. So we were all ecstatic when Jeb announced two nights after my accident that it would be our last communal night in the plaza.

"Well before we all fall asleep tonight I thought I would let you know that we checked out the caves and it looks like we should be back in our own rooms by morning-" Jeb said before being interrupted by cheers from all of us. "Now that doesn't mean I don't want a good night's sleep tonight. So pipe down and lights out!"

Good nights were happily said throughout the room, some in soft whispers between pairs, other more cheerful like Jaime. Ian wrapped his arm around my waist and spun me towards him. My body giving away my excitement by succumbing to the giggles, bringing a contented sigh from Ian.

"Not that I haven't enjoyed our time together out here," Ian whispered into my ear as he placed light kisses down my neck. "But I am very much looking forward to having you alone in our room." He kissed me in that same way as our first night in this room, making me wish morning was here already.

Ian pulled away from the kiss, leaving me gasping for air. He brushed his thumb across my lips on final time before tucking me into his side with one arm wrapped around me and my head nestled into his shoulder. Even though he still managed to end up sprawled out across the rest of the mattress once he fell asleep he always made sure to keep me tucked into him, never disturbing me.

I awoke the next morning to a beautiful set of blue eyes looking down at me. I stretched my body, not leaving his arms or side and smiled up at him. "How long of you been awake?"

"Not too long," he said as he kissed my forehead. "You looked so peaceful and happy I just couldn't bring myself to wake you." I pushed myself up on my elbow to lean over Ian, which was when I took a moment to look around the room. "Are we the last ones up?" I was shocked. How late did I sleep in?

Ian laughed the look of shock on my face. "I told you that I didn't want to wake you...you look so cute when you sleep." I tried to give him my best unimpressed look. He just laughed it off. "Anyways, I wanted you to wake up to only me...the way it is going to be from now on." He used the arm that was still wrapped around me to pull the rest on the way on top of him pulling me into a tight embrace, my legs straddling over him. It felt like I had a thousand butterflies fluttering in my stomach and I could feel my face turning a bright crimson. Ian kissed me gently on the lips making the butterflies increase. "Good or bad?"

I took a deep breath in, taking in his scent. This help to settle the butterflies a bit. "Good..." I looked into those deep blue eyes and brought my lips back to his. Moving my mouth with his, I parted my lips slightly and traced my tongue lightly across his lower lip at the same time I rocked my hips ever so slightly pressing myself against him. This caused a low groan to come out of his throat. His lips became more urgent on mine, his fingers finding their way under the hem of my t-shirt and brushed them along the skin of my lower back. This sent millions of tiny electric shocks up my spine.

I was lost in this moment of pure bliss, giving into my body's natural reaction I let out a small moan. Ian more in control of his urges than myself, as usual, managed to pull away, giving my one final peck on the lips. "Are you ready for breakfast?" He asked with a satisfied grin across his face.

I could tell as we entered the kitchen by the look on Jared's face that he was planning out the next raid. Most people were clearing their plates and getting a start on their daily chores – none of which I had been allowed to do since my return. Our table remained seated and looked like they would be there for awhile. Ian must have noticed this as well as he leaned in and whispered in my ear.

"Just promise me that you won't go volunteering for anything crazy on this raid."

"I can only promise to do what is needed of me," I responded. "But I will be careful, and I will have you there to protect me." I smiled.

He wrapped his arm tightly around my shoulder. "Always."

We grabbed our cold breakfast and went to sit at our table to join the discussion about the raid. As I sat Kyle slammed his fist against the table causing both me and Sunny to yelp and jump in our seats. Ian put his hand on my shoulder to calm my nerves.

"NO!" Kyle bellowed. "I will not allow it."

"We need to do this," Jared said, his voice even as he tried to reason with Kyle.

"Why do we need to do this?" Kyle asked his voice still raised. "We still have Wanda." He pointed at me and I choked on my food a little bit. Ian perked up at his comment.

"Excuse me?" Ian said.

"We were trying to explain to Kyle that we need to test Sunny on a raid," Mel said. "We can't depend on Wanda for everything... it is not fair of us to ask."

"But I don't mind." I really didn't. I liked being able to help with something at least.

Mel and Ian rolled their eyes. "Of course you wouldn't mind."

"What they are trying to say Wanda," Jared said. "Is that we need to have a backup plan in case something happens to you…again." It was a logical solution.

"That makes sense," I said. "Are you okay with that Sunny?"

Sunny opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by Kyle. "No she is not okay with that!"

"So it is okay for Wanda to risk her neck every time we go out, even Melanie, but not Sunny?" Ian said, his voice rising.

"It's not my fault you can't stand up to – or for – her."

Ian stood up from his chair, his fists clenched at his side. I wrapped my hands around one of his and tried to pull him back down.

"We respect their choices and support them," Jared interrupted the brothers argument. "Do you think either one of us wants them out there? I don't think so. Maybe you should try letting Sunny speak for herself every once in a while."

"Hell we could even ask Burns." Kyle boomed again. Ignoring Jared's comments.

"He has all the other groups to worry about," Ian answered. "We can't drag him back here every time we need something." I knew why he didn't want Burns here. Not that he would admit anything to me, but there was still a twinge of jealousy there.

Kyle opened his mouth to speak but closed it quickly. Ian still stood leering over the table at Kyle, his eyes burning with rage.

"So this is what is going to happen," Jeb spoke up. I hadn't even noticed how quiet he had been during the whole discussion. I almost forgot he was still in the room. "Wanda and Sunny are going on the next raid together. Wanda will teach Sunny the routine that we have..."

Jeb looked and us both and we nodded. Sunny looked nervous so I smiled at her in reassurance.

"But-" Kyle interjected, but Jeb continued on.

"Ian and Kyle will be going as well, as I am sure if they stayed I would end up having to shoot someone," Jeb continued. "Jared will go as usual, so I assume Mel that includes you too?" Mel nodded.

We all sat in silence for a moment, waiting for him to continue.

Jeb rose from his seat and made his was out of the room. Before going completely out of sight he turned back and said. "Okay now that it is settled, you guys can get a list going of what everyone needs. I would like you to go tonight as Doc is in some pretty desperate need of more soul medication. If you leave just after midnight it should give you enough cover to get to the next town." I blushed at the mention of medication, knowing that was my fault. Jeb didn't wait for a response but turned and walked out of the room.

"This is Bullshit!" Kyle exclaimed in his boisterous voice.

"I heard that O'Shea." Jeb voice called from the dark hall.

"I meant for you to." Kyle yelled back.

He stood up and took Sunny's hand, leading her out the door. I assume to try to convince Jeb to change his mind. Knowing that it was very unlikely that was going to happen, the rest of us divided up taking inventory. Mel and Jared took the food while Ian signed us up for checking the medicine levels with Doc. I am sure it was more because he wanted an excuse to have Doc check up on me again. A quick 'while we are here' and he would get the reassurances he needed from Doc, possibly even an excuse not to take me on the raid at all.

Once we had a list of everything Doc needed, and I was declared to be in perfect health, we headed to the storage room – my first bedroom in the caves – to find Mel and Jared. We talked loudly as we approached the room, knowing from past experience that it was not a good idea to sneak up on them when they were alone.

We entered the room to find Mel busying herself with some boxes and Jared fighting with the buttons on his shirt. He seemed to give up with it and left it hanging open and looked up to greet us.

"Hey," he said. "Did you guys get everything you needed from Doc?"

"Yes we did." I told him.

"What happened to your shirt?" Ian asked with a raised eyebrow.

Jared shot a look at Mel and rolled his eyes. "I must have caught it on a box."

Mel covered her mouth with a hand and stifled a laugh. Ian didn't bother to disguise his. I looked at them confused for a moment before a memory of Mel's came back to my mind. One of her at the cabin with Jared and her impatience with buttons. I, of course, felt the blush rush to my face.

"Maybe we can get you a new one," Ian suggested. That gave me an idea.

"Can we get everyone some new clothes?" I asked excitedly.

"Would you be able to?" Mel asked.

"I think that if it is me and Sunny we can get away with it," I said. "Just need to say we are doing some shopping for our families. I think we can do it. We just need their sizes or approximate ones."

"I am sure we can figure it out without asking them."

"Great! Then it could be a surprise!" I was practically bouncing now.

Ian put his arm around my shoulder and kissed the top of my head. "Always thinking of everyone else."

We helped Mel and Jared finish with the food count and then headed back to our rooms early so we could get some rest before leaving. I was anxious as I entered mine and Ian's room for the first time – officially. The mattresses were pushed together in the centre of the room with our few items of clothing piled on the shelves on either side of the tiny room. The butterflies started to flutter in my stomach as I looked over my clothes, trying to figure out what to wear.

Ian handed a shirt over my shoulder. "You could use this... if you wanted..."

I turned around to thank him and my eyes fell onto his bare chest. I automatically felt the heat of the blush rushing to my face. Looking down at the shirt in my hand I realized it was the one he was wearing a moment ago.

"Thank you."

Ian turned around to give me some privacy as I slipped out of my clothes and pulled his shirt over my head. I didn't have to worry about it covering everything as it fell nearly to my knees. I grabbed the fabric in my hands and brought the cotton to my nose, inhaling deeply while the smell of Ian washed over me. I closed my eyes.

"Sorry about that."

My eyes snapped open and I dropped the shirt from my face. Ian was standing a few feet away from me, facing me. "Sorry about what?" I asked.

"I wore that most of the day... it probably smells. I could try to find you a cleaner one." He turned and started rummaging through the few articles of clothing he had.

"I like the smell," I said, somewhat embarrassed and still blushing. "It smells like you."

He looked back at me and smiled. "You know what else smells like me." He said as he took the two strides across the room, stopping in front of me. "Me." He wrapped his arms around me. I nuzzled against his chest feeling the contours of his muscles with my hands. "I must say though," He looked down at me. "I have never seen my shirt look so good."

His comment made me giggle but that was quickly cut off by a kiss. Our first kiss in our room – technically our first kiss in Pet's body in this room. I stretched up on the tips of my toes and wrapped my hands behind his neck pulling him closer to me. His lips parted granting me the access I wanted. My senses were overwhelmed with Ian. I could smell him, feel his warm body wrapped around mine and I could taste him.

Without breaking contact Ian swept me up in his arms and lowered us down to the mattress. We lay on our sides facing each other, one hand in each other's hair holding our faces together. My free hand was running up the side of his arm tracing the curves of his bicep. Our legs twisted together with my leg on top. I lifted my knee up his leg, my bare skin against the cotton of his sweat pants, resting my thigh on his hip. Ian groaned in response, his free hand reaching for my bare ankle. His lips broke from mine and I let out a whimper of protest.

Ian let out a throaty chuckle, his lips moving to my neck, his hot breath against my skin. "Do I frustrate you?"

Before I could response his lips were at my neck, gently sucking and nibbling at my skin. I squeezed his shoulder with my hand and arched my neck back in response. Ian's lips traveled to every inch of my neck and collarbone before coming back to my lips, his kiss deeper than I had ever felt. There was a deep burning in the centre of my body but where he touched me felt like it was bursting into flames. His hand that had once been gripping my ankle was now slowly moving its way up my leg, fingers lightly tracing their route, barely touching my skin but the contact was enough to continue the burn. It was like someone had lit a match to a trail of gasoline that went the length of my leg. His hand paused at the bottom of his t-shirt which was now resting at the top of my thigh.

My breath caught as his hand crept under the shirt and slowly up my hip, fingers grazing the side seam on my panties before inching up my side. Ian's lips broke from mine so I could take a breath. I opened my eyes and found his sapphire ones staring back at me, so close the tips of our noses brushed against each other. They were burning. His hand had come to a stop at my ribs, his thumb was rubbing small circles, careful not to touch any vital spots but teasing at its closeness. I closed my eyes trying to focus my thoughts but was unable to think of anything but his hand. Our lips were brought together again. It was the slow burn kiss. The one that slowly took over my body. His hand moved between my shoulder blades and pressed my body against his, only the thin material of his shirt separating us.

Ian pulled his lips back once more, I leaned forward to bring them back but was met with soft pecks instead. He kissed my lips, my cheeks and even my eyelids before resting his forehead against mine. He took a deep breath, held it for a moment and let it out.

"You need to get some sleep," Ian whispered, his voice heavy. "We have a very early day."

I looked at him confused. Not expecting even his self control to be able stop what we were doing. Maybe it was only me that felt that way though. I pulled my leg off his body to rest at my side and I broke my gaze from his.

"Did… Did I do something wrong?" It was barely a whisper. I was not sure he even heard me at first.

His hand moved down my spine, stopping as it reached the top of my panties, following the seam to my hip, grabbing the material in his fist. He pulled my hips against his body so I could feel him. I looked back up at him, his eyes half closed.

"Trust me Wanderer," he said. "You did everything just right."

He kissed me lightly and released his grip.

"I don't want to rush anything. It may be corny… but I want it to be special." He said.

"Of course it will be special. It will be with you."

There was a glint in his eye now. "I also need more time to do what I want to do with you… more time than we have tonight."

"Ohhh…" I blushed profusely.

"I love you Wanderer."

"I love you Ian."

Ian rolled onto his back and I curled up onto his side, resting my head on his chest. I listened to his steady heart beat wondering how long it would take for me to fall asleep, still worked up from our activities. I closed my eyes and focused on the beats.

Something grabbed my foot. I shot up in bed my eyes trying to focus in the dark, realizing I must have fallen asleep. My sudden movement didn't go unnoticed by Ian who shot up seconds after I did. He lunged forward grabbing what had been attached to my ankle.

"Whoa Ian. It's just me…Mel."

My eyes were able to focus as I made out Mel's silhouette leaning through our door way, her wrist in Ian's grip. I put my hand on his arm and he shook his head trying to wake himself up.

"You gonna let go of my arm anytime soon?" Mel asked.

He let go. "Ever heard of knocking?"

"I did knock, but short of banging on the door loud enough to wake the whole caves it wasn't working."

"What do you want?" Ian said, still trying to get the sleep out of his eyes.

"It's time to get up. We are leaving in ten."

I yawned and stretched my arms over my head. "Thanks Mel."

"No problem Wanda." She backed out of the room and gave us privacy to get dressed.

I started to get up from the mattress but Ian's arms were wrapped around me pulling me back down to the mattress. I squirmed around in his embrace but his arms were not giving me up. He kissed the top of my head through my mess of curls. I stopped squirming and decided to enjoy a few minutes to ourselves.

We quietly made our way to the cave entrance not wanting to wake everyone up. Jeb of course was waiting to send us off. He gave us the usual 'be safe' instructions and a few last minute things he had thought we could get. Then with a tip of his imaginary hat he retreated back into the caves and we were off. We started a slow jog to the Jeep, Sunny and me forcing the others to take it slow.

"At least with both Wanda and Sunny, we can get two hotel rooms." Jared said.

Mel gave him a wink. "First one to the Jeep gets the room to themselves first!"

The words were barely out of her mouth when she took off. I remembered how good it felt to run in Mel's body. Kyle and Ian exchanged a quick glance before running after her, playfully trying to push each other back. I looked at Jared who was jogging alongside Sunny and me. He shrugged his shoulders.

"Mel's faster than me," he said. "She has a better chance of winning that race."

By the time the three of us reached the Jeep, the race was long over. We arrived to Kyle who was laying spread out in the dirt, Ian crouched over with his hands on his knees breathing heavily and Mel leaning against the Jeep with a smile on her face. Sunny went straight to Kyle's side to see if he was okay while Jared sauntered towards Mel with a huge smile on his face.

"That's my girl!" He said as he swung her up into a big hug before giving her a kiss. My eyes stayed on them for a moment remembering the fire that Mel's body felt when Jared's lips – and only his - touched hers. I blushed as I thought of the fire that I felt with Ian last night and how Jared could never compare to that.

I looked over at Ian and saw him watching me, his face strained. I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. He leaned down to my ear and asked me if I still thought about Jared and my memories from Mel and that it was okay if I did. I shook my head and squeezed him a little tighter. "Only you."

We all crammed into the Jeep – which involved a lot of shuffling around. Jared took the driver's seat as usual but trying to fit the two O'Sheas in the back with both Sunny and me was next to impossible. We finally gave up and Ian went to sit in the front while Mel sat with me in the back. I was forced to sit in her lap and the three guys seemed to find that funny. As usual, they were met with a glare from Mel and blushing from me. It's not like we haven't been closer than this before – I had spent almost a year inside her.

The drive seemed to take longer than usual, but that probably had to do with my constant squirming trying to take as much of my weight off of Mel as possible. When we finally arrived we got out and had a good stretch, I apologized for squishing Mel she just laughed at me commenting on how small I am. We split up for the drive deciding that the smartest thing would be to have a soul in each vehicle in case we got pulled over. As Sunny was a few inches taller than I was, her and Kyle took the truck while the four of us took the van. We each changed into the clean clothes we had stashed in the cache so we would look less suspicious to any seekers. It was still dark so Kyle and Jared drove.

Knowing it was going to be a long day, Ian lay down in the back of the van and pulled me into his side so I could rest my head on his chest. He stroked my hair and whispered random stories to me until I relaxed enough to fall asleep.

I was in a hotel room. I didn't remember getting there from the van but I was sure Ian must have just carried me here. I turned over in the bed and saw that I was alone in the room so they must be in the room Sunny got. I dragged myself out of the soft bed and made my way to the door. As I opened the door and stepped out in the hall I was pushed back into the doorway by someone. I looked up expecting it to be Ian trying to protect me but instead I was met with reflective silver eyes.

"Sorry miss but we have humans on the premises. You should stay safe in your room." The man said to me. He was carrying a gun and I then realized that I was face to face with a seeker.

Three more men ran by my door calling to the seeker. "They have them in custody downstairs. Let's go."

The seeker at my door joined the other men and took off down the stairwell to the left of my room. I stood there in shock for a moment. Could there be more humans at this hotel? I knew that was a slim possibility, but unless I saw it with my family being taken away with my own eyes I was going to hold on to that possibility.

I forced my feet to move forward. One step at a time. Slowly making my way to the balcony.

As I reached the railing I pushed up on my tip toes and looked over. In that moment all hope left me. I was looking down on a large van surrounded by souls. Being lead through the group in handcuffs, was my family. Heads turned down to the ground with their shoulders slumped in defeat. My heart dropped to stomach like a brick and my breath stopped. I knew there was nothing I could do.

I watched the tops of their heads as they were loaded into the van. First Mel and Sunny, followed by Jared being held by two seekers. The next head with dark hair brought tears to my eyes, but I realized it did not belong to the person I thought when they turned their head to the side and I saw the crooked shape of the nose. Kyle was the next one forced into the waiting van. There was no more movement for a moment and that small hope came back to me. Maybe they didn't get him. He could be hiding from them.

That hope faded quickly as two seekers brought forward one more person. Another head of dark hair passed below me and this time I knew there was no mistaking it. They lead him to the van doors but before he disappeared he looked up from the ground. His sapphire eyes locking with mine.

"No!" I screamed.

"Wanda!" Ian was shaking my shoulders. I opened my eyes and I was back in the van. Mel and Jared were looking over the front seats at me. I blushed.

"It was just a dream," I said to Ian. "I'm okay."

He wrapped me in his arms and told me it would be okay. I relaxed in his arms as Jared started to drive once again. I reassured myself that it was a dream and not real. The only problem was that I could not shake the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.

We all stopped just outside of town as the sun started to rise so Sunny and I could take over the driving. Ian took the passenger seat beside me while Mel and Jared lay together in the back. We had time before we would be able to hit the stores so Sunny and I drove slowly through town, making notes on where the stores were located. Having both of us on this raid meant it would go much quicker as it would be less conspicuous taking larger quantities from the stores.

As we walked into the first store – a bulk supply store – I could sense Sunny's nervousness. I put my hand on her arm and gave her a smile. "Trust me. It'll be easy."

As soon as we entered the store we were greeted by a soul. I smiled back at her and wished her a good day. Sunny seemed to relax a little and by the time we had completed our purchase she was comfortably talking to the cashier like it was nothing. She had quickly realized, like I did when I was taken to the hospital when Jaime was injured, that it was easy talking to fellow souls. That we didn't need to worry about them being suspicious of other souls. We took our supplies to the back corner we had parked our vehicles in and I breathed a sigh of relief. I knew my family would be okay if anything was to take me away from them. Sunny could take care of them.

We stopped at a few more stores including a clothing store to surprise everyone back at the caves with some new and clean clothes. We had fallen into a good rhythm and were laughing and enjoying ourselves. Sunny was a natural shopper and I quickly was flooded with Pet's memories of the pretty things she had always wanted. Things I never thought I would be able to appreciate again. We must have gotten caught up in the shopping not realizing how long we were in there because when we got back to the vehicles Ian looked panicked and Kyle practically burst out of the van.

"Sunny!" Sunny froze, staring at Kyle wide eyed. Jared came up behind Kyle and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Let's not call any attention to ourselves Kyle," he said calmly. "Why don't you get in the front seat with Sunny and we will load up the cars."

The four of us loaded up the truck while Sunny calmed Kyle down. Ian had his one arm wrapped around me the whole time, although nobody argued it was slowing down the unloading. It seemed to have a calming effect on him. Jared decided once we were done that it would be a good idea to check into the hotel early. We had gotten a lot more done than excepted and –although he never actually said it – he didn't think that the O'Sheas could handle any more stress today.

I spend the drive to the hotel profusely apologizing to everyone for making them worry. I had let them down and I felt horrible about it, especially for worrying Ian so much. He held my hand tightly between the seats in the front as I drove with the other one. He smiled at me and told me it was okay but I could still see the signs of stress on his face. It upset me to see him that was and I felt that feeling come back to the pit of my stomach, the feeling that something was wrong.

We pulled into the hotel and Sunny and I got out to get our rooms. I took the lead, showing Sunny the routine once again. I gave a name from the Fire Planet, Burning Petals, and introduced Sunny as a soul from the Singing Planet, Sings A Beautiful Song. We got the keys to the rooms and started to make our way out to the vehicles. That was when I noticed the small shop in the lobby and decided to get everyone a surprise.

So I don't really have many comments to make about this one, it was originally just the lead in to what happens in the next chapter but then it just kept growing so I had to use it as it's own chapter. The next one starts the main event I was leading to so I want it to be right, but I will try to get it completed within the week.

R & R

Mel