A/N: This chapter contains a mature theme. Enjoy!


Chapter 51 – Just Love Me

Father Martin knelt in the dirt and began to pull out a nest of weeds that had invaded the grave of his predecessor. The afternoon sun was warm and welcoming as it shown down on his aging bones, as was the solitary moment he grasped to shift through his thoughts. So much had happen in the last forty-eight hours that he had been unable to comprehend the events fully. Even his prayers were muddled and confused. Eight of his parishioners had lost their lives in the last two nights. The demons were getting stronger and he deeply feared the balance of power was shifting for the worse.

In the past, whenever his thoughts became dark and gloomy, he had always found solace and peace here in the church graveyard. After a few hours of pulling weeds and talking to the Lord he found renewed strength to continue his life's work. It was the need for strength that ushered him to the yard today, but that wasn't the only reason for his visit, Alex had yet to report in and her absence was becoming very distressing. The visitor he had received last night did very little to sooth his increasing nervousness.

The priest shook off his dark reflections and crawled to another stone and began to yank on another patch of weeds. One patch at a time, he told himself. That is how the Lord expects us to proceed and we should not stride for more progress than that.

Alex walked through the front doors of the church and found Javier polishing the silver cross that graced the altar. As soon as he saw her approaching he flew into a battering of Spanish as he ran toward her. Alex said a thankful prayer that her Spanish was as crisp as her French.

"Hello Javier." She paused as the boy expressed his glee at seeing her and then his concern at Father Martin's distress.

"Yes, I know I should have come sooner, and I apologize for the unnecessary concern I've put you through, but there were other developments that required my attention." Alex looked about the vacant church as she noticed the absence of the priest and her reinforcements. "Where is the good Father now?"

"Out in the graveyard, Senora." He replied in English this time. "He will be so glad to see you." He gestured toward the side door of the church and even gave her a slight nudge in that direction. "There is much to discuss."

"I quite agree, Javier. Thank you. You best continue with your chores now." She nodded at the half polished cross as she made her way to find the priest.

When a small feminine shadow crossed his line of vision, Father Martin breathed a sigh of relief. "It's not nice to make an old man worry, Alexis." He lightly scolded as he struggled to his feet and brushed off his coarse monk robe.

"I'm very sorry to have caused you concern, Padre. Things have been difficult and many people required my attention. I hope you are well?"

"I have no ailments that the occasional cup of wine cannot alleviate." He looked her over with a practiced eye. "I see you are recovered from your injuries, evidence that God's miracle continues to favor you. How are the other things? Did your friends give you much heartache?"

"Some. No more than I deserved." She admitted as she followed him into the church.

Father Martin paused just inside the chapel door. "And the dentist? Was he much opposed to your identity?"

Alexis issued a heavy sigh. "At first yes, but later he seemed to have a change of heart."

Father Martin noticed immediately how she refused to meet his eyes when she spoke of Doc. "Ah… But I see you have also had a change of heart. Am I correct?"

"I judge it to be the best course of action, Father. There is too much at stake. Which brings me to the object of my visit." She looked around the chapel quickly. "Where are my brethren? Have you housed them here at the church or elsewhere?"

He quickly shook his head. "I'm sorry, Alex, but only one Guardian has arrived."

"Only one!" She cried with alarm. "Oh, God, we're so screwed." She flopped down hard on a nearby pew. "Where is he now?"

He nodded toward the back bedroom were she had also found rest. "Sleeping. He came in just a few hours ago after a very busy night."

Alex didn't wait for further explanation before she stormed toward the bedroom. Alarmed by her abrupt change in temperament the priest hurried after her. "He says that the others will be coming soon. Alex wait. Perhaps you shouldn't wake him."

"I shouldn't do a lot of things, Father." She replied as she pushed open the bedroom door without an invitation.

The dark hair man within immediately opened his eyes when she entered. Within moments he went from a sleeping state to one of alertness as he stood to receive her, belying his training and experience in the field of battle. He bowed sharply before quickly glancing at the nervous priest. In a calm voice he addressed her in Italian.

He was tall, Alex noticed, at least six foot, four inches in height and possessed that dark sensual look that she had learned to associate with all Italian men, but this man also had the fine chiseled features of a model. He possessed full lips that were made for kissing, large dark eyes and sharp hollowed cheekbones, which gave him an air of beauty. My God, tall dark and handsome, she thought. As she studied him further she saw she had definitely disturbed his rest. Underneath the quick intelligent look of his eyes were shadows that only the weary carried and from the heavy stubble of his beard it had been at least two days since he shaved.

Alex quickly gave him the appropriate reply before asking to see his identification. He nodded once and pushed up his sleeves. She glanced down at his forearms and the dark tattoos that graced them before thanking him. He chuckled warmly and asked her to show him her markings. As she pushed up her sleeves he began to shake his head back and forth. "Never in a millennium would I have believed a woman to occupy our order."

"You speak English."

"Yes." He replied. "I am Fabrizio Carducci, signora, at your service." He bowed again. "I believe we met last night in town."

"We did. Alexis Montgomery McCulloch." She extended her hand with the intention of shaking his only to find him gently grasping her hand and sensually kissing the tips of her fingers. Italians, she thought, always looking for the next female conquest.

"Your companion fought most bravely. An admirable trait."

"Thank you Signore Carducci, for helping him."

He flashed her an even set of white teeth. "If we are to be fighting and possibly dying together, then I insist you call me Fabrizio."

She returned his smile. "And you can call me Alex."

"An excellent beginning. I am honored."

"Why did they send you alone, Fabrizio? The situation here warrants twenty or more Guardians. I thought…"

He interrupted her with a wave of his hand. "Signora, I know you must be anxious. The good Father has expressed to me the magnitude of the events here in town, but I am weary and insist we break bread together while discussing the situation."

"Of course. Forgive me Fabrizio. My manners seemed to have transgressed lately. Father, may we intrude on your hospitality?"

"I would be crushed if you didn't Alexis. Come this way." He gestured. "I have a nice stew simmering and fresh bread."

Over the meal that the priest provided, Alex summed up the trouble in Tombstone. When Fabrizio learned that the leader of the vampires was not only her husband but also a Guardian his face became grim. "This is bad." He mumbled as he shook his head.

"I know. I would have thought the order would have sent more than just one Guardian, Fabrizio. Where are the others?"

"They will be here soon. I was the closest one to this area and so arrived first. Until then we must do what we can. Your companion, has he friends that are equal to his bravery? Perhaps we can solicit their help?"

Alex broke off another piece of bread to mop up the gravy left behind on her plate. "I doubt very much we could deter them from becoming involved. Even as we speak they are making arrangements to keep most of the town's people in their homes and off the streets at night, by making a false announcement about a smallpox outbreak."

"Very clever." He agreed. "Who are these wonderful Americans?"

"Virgil, Wyatt and Morgan Earp. My companion is none other than Doc Holliday."

His eyes became wide with wonder as he recognized the famous names. "Three lawman and one desperado. This is an excellent beginning, indeed."

After speaking with Fabrizio for more than an hour she left the lone Guardian at the church so that he could continue resting until it was time for the evening patrol. During their discussion patrolling areas were assigned so that the best coverage of the town could be maintained until the other Guardians arrived. Alex kept Angel's and Spike's identity a secret but she did mention her companions infiltration of Malachi's camp and the their escape which resulted in several members of the vampire being slain. She felt certain that Malachi would want revenge for this intrusion, which left the Oriental still vulnerable for another attack. Fabrizio suggested she keep an eye on the center of town this evening while he would patrol the outer area. They would meet up again at the saloon before dawn.

Before she left the church she was once again shrived by Father Martin. "Did I mention your blessing the day before saved my life, Father?" She told him as he walked her to the church doors.

"No, you didn't Alex. What happened?"

"Malachi had taken Virgil's wife hostage. After an exchanged of words it was agreed he would take me instead. When he bit me he got a big surprise that he was not very happy about. Which is the main reason why he tossed me into the bar."

The priest only shook his head at her. "Alex you must be careful when gambling against the devil. He could have just as easily broken your neck."

"I know." She replied as she looked back at his worried face. "But I have a feeling killing me isn't what he wants. At least… not until all of his other options have run out."

"I pray it won't come to that." He whispered as he watched her walk back toward town.

Alex went directly to the Oriental to check on Wyatt's progress with posting the fake smallpox outbreak. She hoped to have another talk with the Earps regarding their participation in her mission. She wanted to be very clear what they should or should not do while fighting a vampire. The last thing she needed to weigh heavy on her heart would be the deaths of her new friends.

She had intended to enter the saloon through the front door but stopped short when she noticed Kate standing near one of the tables. She had her back turned toward the entrance but Alex didn't have any trouble recognizing the voluptuous redhead. At first she wondered why the whore was at the saloon and why Wyatt and Virgil hadn't tossed her out in the street, but when Kate stepped to her left Alex immediately understood. White-hot anger surged through her when she saw him sitting at the table fully engaged in a hand of cards with three other players. Her first response was to storm in there and start one hell of a catfight, but then she realized she didn't have the right to do that anymore. She was the one who had broken the affair, leaving Doc free to pursue other companionship. Still, he might have waited until after she returned home to continue his very public liaison with the whore. It's only been a couple of hours. He certainly didn't waste any time, picking up were he left off, she thought.

Wyatt and Virgil finally came into view and from the look on their faces she could tell they were not too happy about Doc and Kate's reunion. From her view on the sidewalk she could clearly see hostility venting from each man as they stood with their backs to the bar and surveyed the room.

A loud burst of laughter rang out from the couple's table followed by Kate pressing her breasts against Doc's body while she refilled his glass. When Doc laughed again, Alex's hands began to itch. She could feel a bout of violence coming, yet she still needed to enter the saloon. She didn't have the time to cool her temper, and walking away was not an option. How then should she handle the present situation? She saw Wyatt lean toward his brother and make a comment. In reply Virgil frowned more, shook his head and turned away, and that's when he noticed Alex standing by the door. In several long strides he reached the front of the saloon, pushed open the door and stepped outside.

After glancing back toward Doc he turned to observe her emotional state. "Alex, I don't know what to say."

She breathed deeply in an attempt to calm her anger. "You don't have to say anything, Virg. I refuse to let this distract me. I'm to blame for what's happening in there. This entire scenario is precisely why I shouldn't have gotten involved with Doc in the first place."

"That's no reason for him to act like a damn ass." He growled. "Wyatt told Kate to leave town but after our meeting this morning Doc went to find her and asked her to stay. He's just doing this to piss you off and to prove a point. If you want I'll throw both of them out so you can have some peace while we talk."

She had to chuckle at his big brother style of concern. "You're really sweet, Virgil to worry about me. But you know what, I'm not going to let this get in the way of my job. I have more important things to be concern with than Doc's lousy attitude. I'm anxious to hear about the progress with our fake epidemic. Let's go talk."

With her head held high she pushed past the lawman and entered the saloon. When she came within view of Doc's table he turned to look up at her. She immediately noticed he had been drinking heavily. Obviously, he wasn't taking their breakup as well as she hoped, which was perplexing considering he didn't love her. If his heart wasn't broken like hers, then what was the inducement for his binge?

What I do know is you want me as badly as I want you. Why shouldn't we both enjoy one another? Those were his words, not hers. But he had only spoken the truth. She did want him, and just as badly, perhaps more so. Was he sulking now because she refused him access to her body? Damn him, she thought. Why does he have to make this so hard for me?

Alex nodded her head in greeting. "Good afternoon, Mr. Holliday, Miss Elder." She even managed to smile sweetly at him as she continued across the room and toward the bar.

Doc's poker face never faltered, but Kate was not as composed as her drunken companion. When Alex turned away from them she clearly heard her exclaim, "What the hell is she doing here? You told me it was over between you. "

This remark was followed by, "Shut the fuck up, Kate." There was a sharp clipping sound as Doc reshuffled the cards and began to deal a new hand. "Ante up gentlemen. I feel remarkably lucky today."

His retort hit her dead center in the heart. Briefly, Alex closed her eyes against the pain that flared before she regained control.

For the first time since entering the saloon she thought to look around at the damage the fight had caused to Milt's business. The back bar was now fully restocked but the broken mirror and missing glass shelving looked like a gaping hole in the middle of the wall. She couldn't find a speck of broken glass on the floor, but she did notice the stain of her bloody trail on the wooden floorboards. There were a few less chairs now, but all the tables were intact with the exception of Doc's Faro table, which Milt had braced on its side in an effort to repair the cracked wood. The damage could have been much worse, but she still felt responsible and concerned over the cost to return Milt's establishment to its normal state.

The bartender seemed unconcerned and greeted her with a wide smile. "Miss Alex. I'm glad to see you up and about. How are you feeling?"

She returned his smile. "Hello, Milt. I'm fine, but I can see your saloon didn't fair so well. I promise to pay for the repairs."

He waved away her concern. "It's a minor thing compared to what could have happened. I'm glad no one was killed and that you and Virgil managed to somehow heal so quickly." He jerked his thumb toward Virgil who now stood to her right. "He won't tell me how this came about, and I've been made to promise not to pressure you about it, but if you can spare a moment, I would love to hear the story."

"Milt…" Virgil threatened.

"Don't get yourself all riled up, Virgil. That's all I'm gonna say."

"Thank you Milt. I appreciate your discretion." She replied before she turned toward Wyatt.

"Let's talk in the kitchen where we won't be disturbed. I'll make us a fresh pot of coffee."

Wyatt glanced briefly at Doc and Kate before he nodded and followed her to the back of the saloon. Once they were in the kitchen and the door was safely locked she breathed a sigh of relief. Her old familiar surroundings made her feel comforted and safe. The kitchen was unmarred by the fight and the only thing she could find out of place was the pink and white apron Allie had given her to entice Doc. Why it was now sitting on top of the counter was a mystery. She retrieved it and gently smoothed the cloth between her fingers.

"Doc found it." Wyatt offered.

"Did he now. Well, perhaps I should lend it to Kate. She may get more use out of it than I will." She quickly folded it and placed it on top of the dishtowels.

"Alex, don't take what Doc says and does to heart just now. He's hurt and angry." Wyatt explained in a calm steady voice.

"And horny too, obviously." She quickly added as she began to remove her cowhide coat and underlying vest that held most of her weapons. Dressing in men's clothing was controversial but necessary if she was going to be alert and ready for any signs of trouble. Now that the Earps and Doc knew about her secret identity she didn't see any reason to continue her façade as the lost wayward girl. Striped down to a flannel shirt and dungarees, Alex now concentrated on preparing a pot of coffee. "No, it's more than that." She smoothed her hair as she tried to smooth her nerves as well. "Wyatt, I'm torn. I can't take him back with me, and I think he understands that, but at the same time I won't stay here with him. It just isn't possible."

"Well, why not Alex? He loves you. I've no doubt of that."

She shook her head slowly. "No Wyatt, he doesn't. What he feels for me is need or lust or possession. Pick one. But it isn't love. I won't give myself to another man who only wants to use me as a centerpiece in his life. I need more than that."

He approached her cautiously and gently laid a hand on her shoulder. "Are you sure you're reading him correctly? I know Doc better than anyone. I've never, and I mean never, seen him so taken with anyone like he is with you. I know he loves you, Alex. Even if he hasn't told you so."

She looked at his soft blue eyes as his words sank in. Then she shook her head again. "No offense meant, Wyatt, but I think you're wrong this time. Let him stay with Kate if he won't listen to me and go back to Georgia like I've asked him to. At least he'll be with someone who will look out for him. And… and maybe she'll make him happy for a little while."

He frowned. "Kate's no damn good for him. The only thing that can come out of that relationship is grief. He's only using her to get back at you and she's using him for a meal ticket and her own sick amusement. Personally, I would rather you make him happy. Both of you are in a tough position and looking at both sides there's no easy fix. But I'll tell you the same thing I told him the night of the fight. Try to have faith that things will work out."

She swallowed the lump of emotion that seemed a constant companion lately and nodded her head. "I'll try, Wyatt."

Once the coffee had boiled she poured each of them a cup. "Well, let's get to the business at hand. I have good news and bad news. I went to see Father Martin and found only one Guardian has arrived."

"Just one!" Both Wyatt and Virgil exclaimed.

"But Alex you said…" Virgil continued.

She held up her hand in an attempt to calm them. "Yeah, I know what I said. It was explained to me that more Guardians are on the way. They just aren't here yet. We have to be patient, Virgil and try to hold out until help arrives."

"Well, what did this guy say?"

"He's only been here for a day but he agrees we have an extreme situation on hand. The other Guardians will be here soon. Until then we've decided to patrol separately. Fabrizio will stay on the outskirts of town and I'll patrol in the center. Angel and Spike will stay close to the Clanton ranch to cut off any vampires that try to come to town."

"Fabrizio? Is he Italian?" Wyatt asked.

"Born and bred in Italy, but he speaks very good English. You'll have no trouble recognizing this guy. He's very tall, with dark hair and eyes. Extremely good looking…"

"Are you planning on giving Doc some competition?" Virgil quickly asked as he blew softly across his hot cup of coffee.

"Heavens no. Virgil why would you even think of such a thing?"

"Because it's a damn good idea, that's why. Might wake that son of a bitch up."

She had to laugh at his coarse but caring attitude. "No more fooling around for me. It's all business from here on out. Tell me how you made out with our phantom epidemic."

"The Epitaph will run a late edition today with the article on the first page." Wyatt replied "Simply stating that the Mayor, John Clum, had been notified of a smallpox outbreak in Prescott and as a precaution he is advising all citizens to stay close to home and limit their trips into town over the next several weeks."

"Excellent. Did the Mayor question your reasons for wanting the article posted?"

"We told him we were investigating Mattie's murder and suspected a group of outlaws spotted in the area and thought it was a good idea for the citizens to stick close to home for a spell. He didn't question what we told him. He also printed a couple of hundred notices for us to post around town. Clum's no idiot, he's aware there's something strange happening in the town lately. I suspect he's glad Virgil, Morgan and I are looking into things. Don't worry, he won't make any trouble for us."

"Good. Where is Morgan now?"

"He's finishing putting up the posters. After about an hour Doc quit helping and took up with Kate instead, leaving Morgan with most of the work."

"Oh." She exclaimed quietly. What the hell are you thinking Doc? Alex wondered.

Out in the main area of the saloon, Doc was wondering the same thing. Kate had only been in his company for the afternoon and already he was sick of her. Every time he looked at her all he could think was her hair was too dark and her laugh never seemed to be very sincere, nor was her smile. And God help him, her breath sank and she smelled. Once you've slept on satin sheets it's hard to go back to homespun, he thought as he watched her blatantly expose a goodly portion of her breasts to the other men at the table. During the last half hour his attention to Kate had greatly waned. Now that he knew Alex was in the next room he couldn't seem to muster the enthusiasm to enjoy her company and Kate had noticed the change in his attitude. He was in a bad mood and it showed.

When Alex had breeze in the saloon and greeted him like he was a common acquaintance he felt like exploding then and there. How dare she treat him with the same calm and courteous manner she showed to everyday customers. Didn't she care that he was keeping company with another woman? He looked down at the high royal flush he held in his hand and found he didn't care. "Fuck her." He mumbled under his breath.

"Did you say something Doc, darlin?"

When Kate sat on his lap the sour odor of her sweat made his stomach turn. At this precise moment he could have cried from wanting Alex and the fresh aroma of her clean skin. "I said, FUCK HER!" He yelled directly to her face and loud enough for Alex to have heard.

Annoyed by his drastic change of temperament, Kate's manicured brows formed a sharp crease above her nose as she prepared to issue a harsh retort. "Why you, son of a…"

He cut her off by tossing his hand of cards onto the table. "Gentlemen, I'm out." When he stood abruptly, Kate almost tumbled to the floor. There was a general outcry from the other three players and Kate, but he ignored them all as he grabbed his hat and coat. He gave one slight tip of his head toward his companions, "I bid you all a good afternoon," before turning to walk out the door.

Kate rushed to catch up, and once outside she freely vented her anger. She grabbed his arm to hold him still but he refused to look at her. "It's her, isn't it?"

When he didn't immediately answer she pressed him further. "Just what is so fucking special about this cook, Doc that has you biting the bit? What does she have that I don't? It can't be sexual experience, because you and I both know I service you better than most whores in the state."

When he finally turned to meet her gaze what she saw hidden in the depths of his eyes took her breath away. As usual he presented a neutral facade. For anyone who didn't know Doc Holliday personally they would see a man who looked like he was watching paint dry. But if you looked closer, experience and patience would reveal the hidden feelings buried deep within the layers of his soul. Kate was a practiced observer with five long years of familiarity. What she saw was raw naked longing combined with heartbreak and sorrow. Suddenly all the anger she felt toward him melted away. Her hand flew to her face as the shock of what she witnessed vibrated through her. "Dear God, I thought I'd never see that look on you. Not you of all people."

Doc grimaced with irritation. "What look? What the hell are you talking about, Kate?"

She chuckled softly. "You love this girl, don't you?" He abruptly turned his back on her but Kate was not easily put off. She rounded to face him and forced him to look at her by placing her hand under his chin. "John, why didn't you tell me how you felt?"

"What for?"

Again she smiled at his naïveté. Doc Holliday might be skilled at drinking, gambling and provoking the lower forms of humanity, but love and romance were talents that he had always shunned. Kate was experienced enough in the ways of the world to know that a man's lust was one way to capture and hold his attention, love, however, was not something she had ever sought, especially from Doc Holliday, but now that he had given his heart to this mysterious new cook, no manner of sexual persuasion would hold him spellbound. He was a man in love, and when compared to that a good toss in the hay paled considerably. "Because no woman, not even a whore, wants to play second best when her man's in love with someone else."

From the kitchen Alex clearly heard Doc curse. She didn't have to wonder who he was yelling at. She looked toward Wyatt for any suggestion he might have, but he only shrugged and looked away. Virgil had other ideas.

"I'll go ask him to leave, Alex. Maybe then we can have a few moments of peace." He started to rise but Alex stopped him.

"Never mind, Virgil." She replied with determination. "I'll take care of this."

Doc's playing partners were in an agitated state when Alex stepped out into the saloon. She looked around for Doc and Kate but found they had left. As she walked passed the player's table she heard one man declare, "Looky here!" He fanned out five cards for his friend to see. "Doc must have been loused. He tossed a high royal and walked away from eight-hundred dollars."

That statement made her stomach queasy with unease. If Doc was walking away from a good poker hand and a large till, then his mental state must be more disturbed then she had previously realized. For the very first time she wondered if Doc was in love with her as Wyatt suggested. But if that is how he feels then why doesn't he say so?

She hurried passed the broken poker game as she made her way toward the front door and then outside. She found him two stores down standing on the sidewalk talking to Kate. Alex almost didn't come up to them, afraid of making things harder for Doc and for his friend, but as she started to turn back he saw her.

Reluctantly, Alex took a deep breath and approached them. She was a little surprised that Kate wasn't as hostile as she anticipated. The redhead even greeted her with a slight smile and a nod of her chin.

"Even I know when to stop fighting," Kate announced, "and this is one battle I can't win. Like it or not, he's yours now, honey. Take good care of him for me." At the end of her declaration she turned back to the man who had been her companion for the past five years. "Goodbye, Doc." She slipped her hand around his neck and kissed him briefly before she turned and walked off.

"Kate." Doc called out.

Alex watched them both in stunned silence. He's mine? She thought, as a small stir of happiness bloomed deep in her heart. He's mine! But on the heels of that elevated feeling her world quickly crashed when Doc called out after Kate and then went after her. With butterflies swarming in her stomach Alex watched him reach into his jacket and pull out a hand full of bills and give them to her. Kate nodded with gratitude and then walked away.

Alex found herself alone on the sidewalk with Doc. He stood silent and still as he watched her from several feet away. He's waiting, she thought. Waiting for me to decide. She had two options. She could turn away from him and let this newly found bliss die on the dirty streets of Tombstone. Or, she could snatch it quickly, hold it as tightly as she could and hope for the best as Wyatt had suggested. Alex looked down at her two empty hands, smiled and walked toward Doc.

"Well, this is certainly one outcome I bet you didn't count on." She remarked with a dry tone. "How ironic, considering how eager you were to rub salt in my wounds."

His eyes narrowed at her impertinent attitude. "I wasn't the one who ended our affair, Alex. By my calculations that leaves me free to pursue other interests."

"So you disrespect me by blatantly taking up where you left off, and while patronizing the Oriental no less. You might have waited until after I went home, John." She couldn't suppress the tremble of pain and anger that peppered her tone.

Doc turned away from the wounded look on her face. "I was angry and hurt."

She issued a bitter laugh. "You have very good friends, Doc. Wyatt made the exact same statement in your defense not twenty minutes ago." She bit her lower lip and turned away. Wisely, she halted any further comments afraid that she would say something she would regret later. Several uncomfortable moments passed in silence. Doc continued to avoid her gaze while Alex took deep breaths and tried to calm her nerves.

"During our first night together, I told you that I would stay with you for as long as I could. Do you remember?" She began again as she held back from touching him.

He sighed loudly. "Yes, I remember."

"I can't offer you a future. Can you understand that? I can only offer you a short-term proposition. If you accept, it would have to be under the condition that once my mission is over, whether it ends with my death or Malachi's, our relationship can go no further than it already has. Emotionally, John, I can't handle fighting with you anymore."

"Fighting with you, Alex, has never been my intention." He stepped forward and took her hand in his, noting how cold her fingers felt.

She threaded her fingers through his eager for the warmth of his touch "I know that, but this emotional struggle between us is distracting. Being distracted can get you killed in my business."

His free hand came up to catch a stray lock of hair and held it as he tested the softness. "Alex, I don't want you to leave."

The sincerity in his eyes was more painful then if he had struck her in the face. Of course he didn't want her to leave, but wasn't there more he wanted to confess? Say it, damn it. Say you love me and I'll stay. But his admission ended and he only continued to stare at her as he waited for her to continue. Tears threatened to come when she realized her feelings would never be reciprocated and she swallowed hard to push past the lump of pain in her chest. "Can you give me a reason why I should stay?"

He flashed her an irritated look. "Am I not reason enough for you to want to stay?"

The words she longed to scream at him were stuck within her chest. If they ever got out her pride would never withstand the blow. She abruptly turned away from him and tried to compose her emotions. By accident the first thing her eyes focused on was a young couple, walking arm in arm on the opposite side of the street. Slowly they strolled and held a quiet intimate conversation. The woman beamed up at the man with a joyful expression and he acknowledged her affection with a loving gaze. He enforced his feelings by occasionally patting her hand that was wrapped tightly around his arm. As Alex stared the man suddenly stopped their stroll and kissed her gently but passionately. Obviously, they were very fond of one another, but is it love? Does he tell her how he feels?

Doc looked on with confusion. He assumed she turned away to think about her feelings for him but as he followed her line of vision he saw what held her attention – Rob Turner and the new schoolteacher. As Doc watched he couldn't help but wonder if wedding bells would toll for the adoring couple. For them maybe, but I don't think I'm going to be that lucky.

Finally, Alex turned back around and Doc noticed a fresh sheen of tears in her eyes. "Are there any other reasons?"

"I've offered myself and marriage. What more do you want, Alexis? What more is there?" What was she after? He hadn't a clue. "Damn you, Alex, I don't understand."

She nodded as if that obtuse statement enlightened her. "Do you accept my conditions or not?"

Doc blinked slowly as he stared at her before looking away to an imaginary location over her shoulder. Alex watched the muscles in his jaw work back and forth as he thought until he finally heaved a loud sigh, met her gaze and nodded his consent. "I accept, but with one stipulation. If the circumstances should change, would you reconsider your decision?"

His condition was vague at best, but it gave her hope that he still might realize his feelings. "Of course."

Virgil and Wyatt were still drinking coffee in her kitchen when she returned with Doc in tow. Wyatt took one look at the two of them together and nodded his approval. "Good. Now that you two have settled your differences, can we get back to the problem at hand?"

They talked for the next hour but nothing was resolved nor was a viable plan developed. Malachi was protected while inside his fortress of rock and there was no sure way to kill the vampires when they remained inside. If they blew up the mountain with dynamite, there was a strong chance the vampire would still survive the explosion. If they tried to enter the caverns, they would be trapped within and quickly outnumbered and outmatched. Until Malachi made his move on the town there was nothing they could do but wait for the Guardians to arrive.

Wyatt frowned heavily as he mauled over the situation. "Alex there's something I don't understand. What prompted Malachi to sabotage your mission in the jungle? After reading your journal, Doc explained that your husband had been actively accepting one mission after another without consulting you. But I find it odd that he didn't want to spend more time alone with you, being newly married and all. His reason couldn't have been the money. You said yourself that you were financially established."

He paused as Alex nodded her confirmation. "Pardon me for asking this but… did you have a fight? Was there some infidelity involved?" Wyatt saw a brief flash of anger on her face before she quickly recovered and shook her head no. Frustrated by the lack of clues he passed his hand through his hair and sighed. "I can't help but feel we're missing something. Didn't your husband's journal hold any other clues regarding his motives for betraying you like he did?"

She avoided his gaze while wiping up an imaginary spill on the table with a dishtowel. "I don't see how the details of his fiendish plan will help us, Wyatt. Why must we talk of such painful things?"

He leaned toward her to press the matter. "Because if we can understand what motivates him maybe we can use that against him. There has to be a reason for what Malachi did to you and the other members of your unit. No man puts something he values in the path of danger without a good reason. The whole idea stinks of desperation."

Alexis unexpectedly jumped up from the table to stand by the sink, keeping her back to the group of men as she rinsed off a few dishes. Wyatt patiently watched her gather her thoughts. When Doc started to interrupt, Wyatt quickly silenced him. "Alex, we've only known each other for a few weeks, but in that short time I can tell you're a good, kind woman with very solid morals and values. Now I'm going to suppose you would marry a man with ideals equal to your own, so I can only assume Malachi didn't set out to become a vampire. What happened to him had to have been an accident. Please, tell us what happened, it's important that we know." He gently pushed.

"The spell book was there." She replied before turning around. "Malachi had been looking for the spell book for almost a year. The book was the key he needed to travel back through time. That was why he accepted so many missions. He couldn't investigate these areas alone and he didn't want me to catch wind of what he was doing, so every time there was a mission in an area he wanted to explore he would make a request for our team to handle the situation." She returned to the table to sit down, but her hands were busy folding and unfolding the towel. Patiently, the men waited for her to finish the story.

"Finally after several failed attempts, he heard about a old vampire in the jungles of the Amazon. This vampire was rumored to have an extensive library of forbidden books and spells. But there was a price to pay for the one book Malachi wanted, and that price was the blood of five warriors. I was to be excluded from the deal. Mal would lead our team into a trap and when the attack came he would usher me to safety, but the ambush didn't go as plan when I moved to help another member of my unit in the fight." She laughed softly. "It's funny, but now that I look back on that night, I thought it was strange that he kept telling me to fall back even though I was in the position to help my comrades. The vampires that were attacking us were outraged when I slew several of their members, so they grabbed Malachi intending to get revenge."

"And you got lucky when you fell down that embankment, indirectly saving your life." Doc continued.

"Yes," she replied in a sarcastic tone, "I got lucky."

"That night he attacked us at the Oriental he said 'if only you had listened'. That's why he blames you for being turned."

Alex could only manage to nod yes, being too choked with emotion to answer him directly. Doc didn't have to be a genius to understand what she was feeling right now. He leaned in and took her hand in his. "It's not your fault."

She issued a short sarcastic laugh before removing her hand from his. "Of course it's my fault, Doc. He was my husband. I should have understood him. I should have sensed what he was going through, but I didn't. I was as clueless as a perfect stranger. Here we were, man and wife, sleeping in the same bed night after night, eating at the same table, sharing a living space and I didn't know him any better than the accountant who did our taxes."

The emotions she was reliving surrounded her making it very hard to maintain control. She suddenly sprang to her feet and walked to the back door, keeping her back turned to the men as she looked outside. "What a perfect fool I was. I so totally engrossed in my own drama I wasn't able to see how my husband was struggling with his personal demons. And now that I know the truth, what good does it do me? I'm left with the guilt of my own failure and to top it off, I have to end this horrid existence that has befallen him." She turned around to face them. "How the hell am I suppose to kill him knowing what I know?"

Wyatt was the first to answer, but the grim expression on his face gave her little comfort. "You'll find a way, Alex, because it's the right thing to do."

She scowled at his statement. "Yes, I suppose I will, although the thought brings me no comfort." She sat back down at the table and turned her attention to Doc. "I know all about doing the right thing. Weren't we talking about this very concept last night?"

Doc grunted with irritation and looked away.

Wyatt leaned in to continue his line of questioning. "All right, so he trades his unit for a spell book and travels back through time, but what for? What is in Tombstone in our era that was that damn important?"

Alex avoided his gaze while sipping her coffee. Finally after several more minutes of uninterrupted silence, Wyatt pushed the issue. "Alex, answer me. What was he after?"

She looked him straight in the face and gave him the only answer she could. "I'm sorry Wyatt, but that information is classified."

It's not pleasant when three men yell at you all at once. Alex tried to maintain a calm exterior but when Wyatt suddenly pounded on the table and then jumped up from his chair, she buckled under the pressure.

"Damn you, Alex, uncover your ears and look at me." Doc snapped. He quickly reached for her wrists to yank her hands away from her head. "Explain yourself!"

"If I told you the complete story it would only alter the timeline again. I'm sorry but I can't … I won't corrupt this era anymore than it is."

Doc's lips thinned into a tight line as he leaned back into the chair. His eyes flared angrily as he glanced at Wyatt and Virgil for their reaction. Wyatt tossed up his hands with frustration and proceeded to look out the backdoor. Virgil only rubbed his mustache and grumbled under his breath. Doc didn't hear all of what Virgil said but he was pretty sure most of the words were very colorful and not fit to repeat in mix company.

Finally after taking several deep breaths to calm down, Wyatt turned to confront Alex again. "Are you telling me that after everything that has happened and all that you've revealed to us that you have now decided to withhold information?"

"Its not entirely up to me, Wyatt. I've been… pressured to reserve my knowledge so as to not alter the future anymore than I have. I'm sorry."

"Angel?" Doc growled and then uttered a string of curses when Alex silently nodded her head.

It was several minutes later before the tension in the room subsided. Wyatt sighed loudly after he returned to the table and proceeded to continue their conversation. "All right, I can understand the tight spot you're in Alex. It's got to be hard on you trying to follow your heart and at the same time abide by the rules of your organization. But doesn't Malachi's plans affect us?"

"No, not directly. What drove my husband to look for a way to travel back through time has nothing to do with what the demon is doing to Tombstone. My main objective is to protect the innocent citizens and defend this town. Frankly, I don't care about what Malachi was after."

"To protect and defend." Doc echoed. "It has an heroic ring to it. I'm quite inspired to lend a hand."

"Did this Fabrizio character have any idea when the others would arrive?" Virgil asked as he sipped his hot coffee.

"He said it should be soon. In a day or two." She held back from telling them that Fabrizio also wanted to know if the Earps would be able to recruit some additional men from town but she had a funny that her new friends would be a part of the coming battle no matter how she felt. It was this realization that prompted Alex to explain to them in great detail how to kill a vampire. Doc had already perfected his technique, but Alex still warned him not to get too cocky. "If they get their hands on you its over. They're stronger then we are and extremely fast. Keep your distance as much as you can."

"Perhaps you would care to explain to me why you willing walked into the arms of that demon, Alex and didn't bother to put up a fight." Doc asked while pouring himself a fresh cup of coffee. The liquor he consumed earlier was wearing off and the first pulses of a hangover were starting to make their presence known. He would need all the coffee he could get if he was going to fight the ill affects. "I've been trying to work that out but haven't had any luck. The only conclusion I have come to was your eagerness to scare me half to death. Was it because you missed your husband, darlin?"

She thought about his observation. "I do miss my husband, Doc. I'm hurt and angry over the way our marriage played out. I'm trying hard to understand why he made me a widow instead of a wife and mother, but trust me when I tell you I didn't just walk into his arms unarmed. I went to see Father Martin earlier and had been shrived. He also did a blessing, hence my blood was pure and I gambled on Malachi wanting to take me alive."

"You'd make a fine opponent, Alex if ever we two should play cards. But don't you ever do anything like that again, or I'll kill you myself. He could have just as easily snapped your neck."

She chuckled softly and laid a calming hand over his arm. "Father Martin made the same observation earlier today."

"He seems like a wise and sane man." He mumbled while reaching into his pocket for his tobacco and papers and proceeded to roll a smoke.

"What's next on your agenda for the day, Alex." Virgil asked.

"I'm going to head back to the hotel, put on my customary black attire and get ready to patrol. The rest of the evening I'll spend out on the streets."

"And you won't be alone either. I intend on patrolling with you." Doc struck a match and pulled heavily on his smoke.

"No." She replied with conviction.

He met her stare with a straight face as he blew smoke in the air above her head. "Wyatt, Virgil, I wonder if you wouldn't mind giving Alex and I a moment alone."

Both men chuckled softly and quickly left the room. Alex remained seated and prepared for battle. "This conversation is getting very tiresome."

"That's precisely why we're not going to have it again. I'm not asking you Alexis, I'm telling you. You are not patrolling alone anymore. One of us will be with you at all times."

"Us? Do you mean, Wyatt and Virgil?"

"And Morgan too. If you want to have a fit about our decision, then by all means go ahead." He smirked at her as he brought the cigarette to his lips, inhaled deeply and blew smoke at her again. "I love a good show."

She could only stare at him. Words seemed to have escaped her. "You…grrrh." She growled. Exasperated at his caveman like attitude, she grabbed the empty coffee cups, pushed back her chair and went to the sink. Her intent was to busy her hands by washing the cups and coffee pot but John quickly came from behind her and stopped her.

He pressed hard against her back while wrapping his arms tight around her body. "I'm inclined to remember a time when I tried to seduce you in this kitchen. Do you remember, Alexis?"

Alex not only remembered the incident, but also found that a certain part of anatomy was eager for him to do it again. Her breath hitched in her throat as the heat from his body began to melt her irritation. "John, maybe we shouldn't."

"Why not." He cooed. "It's the only thing we do together that doesn't cause an argument." His lips sought the perfect spot on her neck by slowly, carefully, trailing his wet tongue across her skin. When he found the right location he sucked firmly on her hot skin while he pressed his groin hard against her ass.

Before she could help herself, a soft cry escaped her. If she was going to stop him, she needed to do it now before things got too carried away. She started to turn around in an attempt to break his hold but John had anticipated her maneuver and effectively neutralized her escape by sliding his free hand down the front of her body to cup her between the legs. He smiled when Alex cried out again.

"Why is it that we join together so well? Have you ever thought about it?" He asked again as he began to rock against her.

"Yes." She gasped.

"I've thought about it too."

He began to time the rocking sensation of his hips with the rhythm of his hand and the combination of the two sensations was slowly melting her resistance. She had never been held like this before, captivated and surrounded by two sources of sensation, and she found she lacked the strength and drive to break free.

"Let us go upstairs and explore this mystery together." He whispered. When she didn't immediately answer he added, "Please Alex, be with me. I've missed you so."

She chuckled warmly at his romantic plea. "How could a girl say no to such a sweet invitation."

He kissed her once and quickly locked the kitchen door before ushering her up the stairs. Then he turned to lock her bedroom door as well. Alex heard him mumble a challenge for Virgil to try and disturb them now before returning to his previous seduction.

His approach was more eager than any she had previously experienced. Before she knew what was happening, he had lifted her off her feet and pinned her to wall. Impatient to touch her he pulled violently against the bottom of her shirt until he was able to slip his hand underneath to cup her breast. When his palm made contact with her warm skin he groaned loudly before taking her mouth with a potent kiss.

She responded by rapping her leg around his thigh, holding him tight against her aching flesh while her hands worked at a furious pace to unfasten his gun holster and unbutton his vest and shirt. The silk material seemed to have a mind of it's own, each button, each seam she tugged refused to yield. The task was compounded by Doc working to remove her clothing at the same time.

A few more tugs and he had managed to open her blouse completely. Long, smooth, fingers slipped under the camisole she wore so that he could circle her waist, tickling the soft skin he found there with the tips of his nails. She ceased her struggle with his clothing and glanced up to find him staring back at her. For just a moment time was still as they looked at one another. There were things she wanted to tell him, things he needed to understand, but the heartache she held deep inside flared brightly making it hard to find the right words. Her fingers traced the bones in his face as she tried to think of what to say. "John…" She began but he stopped her with a shake of his head.

"Don't, Alex… don't say anything. Just love me." Again he leaned in to kiss her, slowly, deeply, taking his time to enjoy the taste and feel of her mouth. His hands skimmed up her stomach, lifting her underwear high over her breasts exposing them to the cool air of the unheated room. John dipped his head and blew his warm breath across the tips making her peaked nipples more pronounced.

The contact was almost more than she could bear. Alex let her head fall back against the wall as she bit her lower lip to stifle the cry that was slowly building inside her. What little control she held over her emotions was slipping from her grasp. Once again she felt his breath only this time her response was involuntary.

He lifted her arms high over her head arching her breasts upward. Just the tip of his tongue glided ever so lightly over one nipple, making her cry out right before he claimed her, sucking gently at first before pulling her flesh hard into his mouth.

"Oh my God." She arched her back and pushed her breast hard against him. Doc bit her soundly before soothing the sting with the velvet tip of his tongue drawing another cry from her. Hot tears filled the back of her eyes from the pleasure he was pulling from her body, leaving her to wonder how much more she could take before she turned into a mass of quivering flesh. But he was showing her no mercy today and his seduction was far from finished. When her other breast received the same attention, Alex felt legs let go, too weak from passion to support her weight any longer.

Doc held her upright by rocking his hips against the wet flesh between her legs as he released her arms and slid his hands across the smooth skin on her back to hug her firmly against his body. A groan escaped him as he held her and then he suddenly picked her up and placed her on the bed.

Never in her three years of marriage had Malachi affected like this. She felt like a part of her soul was no long under her control; it was now under Doc's dominion. Was it the fighting that made the sex so damn hot, or was it the man? Not that she cared to unravel this mystery at the moment. No, at this precise place in time nothing else mattered.

From the bar of the Oriental, Wyatt and Virgil talked quietly over a couple of beers as they waited for Doc and Alex.

"You didn't say whether you got an answer to your wire." Virgil asked.

Wyatt looked back at his brother with an expression of determination. "Yeah. Their coming."

"How long till they get here?"

"Two days."

"Wish it was sooner."

"Yeah, Virg, me too." He took a sip of his beer as he surveyed the room. Milt had been busy repairing the damaged the fight had caused, but the place still needed work. Not that there was any hurry. Since the fight business had been piss-poor. He glanced at the faro table as it sat broken with the top half removed and tilted on its side. Milt was in the process of repairing the split and adding extra support to the bottom with new boards. "Alex is not going be pleased when Luke and the others show up."

Virgil snorted loudly before replying, "Doc may have to worry about her feelings. I don't. There's no denying we need the extra manpower. Wiring to Dodge for help was the smart thing to do." Virgil looked toward the kitchen door with irritation before pulling his pocket watch free. "It's been fifteen minutes." He announced as he snapped the watch closed. "How long does it take to tell a woman what she is or isn't going to do."

A floorboard suddenly squeaked overhead. Wyatt glanced up at the ceiling and smiled. "I don't think they're actually talking at the moment." There was a thump as if something solid and heavy was dropped to the floor. "There goes Doc's gun." Wyatt surmised.

"Jesus Christ." Virgil mumbled as his hand smoothed his moustache in an attempt to hide his smile. "Doc's going to be inconsolable if she returns to her home, Wyatt. You know that don't you?"

"Yeah." Wyatt replied thoughtfully. "But I'm not going to start to worry just yet, Virg. I still have hope that things will work out and you should too."

"Allie's been praying hard everyday. If Alex leaves I'm going to have my hands full calming my wife down. You're going to have to handle Doc on your own."

"I'll get Morgan to pitch in." He swallowed another sip of his drink. "Where is Morgan anyway? He should have been here by now."


When they finally caught their breath, Doc took her in his arms as he stretched out on the bed. "Alex, do you suppose other couples have as much fun as we do?"

She lay with her head on his shoulder and was slowly caressing his naked chest. "I would hope so." She replied languidly. Right now she would like nothing more than to drift off to sleep and have a long peaceful nap with the man she loved. Yeah, right. Like that's gonna happen. She blinked back her fatigue and made a conscious effort to stay awake. "Should we ask Wyatt how he fares with Josie?"

He snickered softly. "I'd be afraid he would be inclined to answer and in great detail I don't care to hear."

Alex grinned against his shoulder. "Why not? You might pick up a few pointers."

He snorted with irritation. "Are you implying I need them?"

"I will speak with Josie later and let you know."

"Very funny." He replied before quickly kissing her to stop any further comments she might have. "I suppose we should go downstairs now."

"Yes, I suppose." She echoed as she straddled his hips and began to kiss him harder.

Doc slid his hands down her back and cupped her bare ass. "Perhaps, I am too hasty." He murmured in between her kisses. Alex's soft, husky laughter sounding in his ear was all the encouragement he needed. "Yes. I believe the situation calls for some long, hard reassessment."

Forty-five minutes later, Vigil snapped opened his pocket watch again as he glared at the two lovers walking into the saloon. He took in Alex's glowing expression, her disheveled hair, and the unfastened buttons on Doc's shirt and vest. "That must have been one hell of a conversation." He announced. "I thought time was of the essence. A dire situation. A matter of life or death."

"Is that three questions or one?" Alex inquired with a grin.

"Three." He growled.

Alex held up her hand and extended her index finger as she prepared to answer his allegations. "One: we made excellent use of our time. Two: Doc explained to me how dire the situation was and I agreed with him." She heard Doc chuckle warmly and place an affectionate hand against her back as she ticked of her examples one by one. "Three: the French call the orgasm la petite mort, or in English the little death."

Virgil rolled his eyes at her. "Alex, this is not the time to joke around." He explained as if she had no idea what was at stake.

She had prepared a smart comeback but Doc interrupted. "Here comes Morgan." He nodded toward the front door.

They all turned to seek out Morgan. He was still crossing the street and had noticed them watching and raised his hand in a friendly wave. A horse and carriage crossed in front of him turning up a cloud of dust. Morgan cursed loudly at the driver and ripped off his hat to knock the dust loose from the rim. The sun shone brightly still and Alex noticed his hair was a lighter shade of brown then his two brothers. Virgil, being the oldest, was already showing wisps of gray and Wyatt's had darkened to a mature brown, but Morgan's hair was almost blonde. Not as blonde as Doc's or her own hair coloring but close.

"He must have had golden blonde hair as a child." She remarked not realizing she had voiced her thoughts out loud.

She heard Wyatt laugh softly. "White blond. Ma used to call him her little cotton head."

Morgan had almost reached the wooden sidewalk in front of the saloon. "He'll have blonde haired chil…" She never finished her sentence. On the opposite side of the street a man emerged from the shadow of the building wearing a large brimmed hat and poncho that hung down to his knees. In his hands was a rifle and as he raised the weapon to his shoulder his hands and face burst into flames.

Not one of them got a chance to shout a warning. In a second's time the rifle fired. Morgan was pitched forward from the force of the bullet as it entered his back and the man who had wielded the rifle exploded into a human fireball, laughed loudly once before turning into a pile of ash.