Happy snow day to everyone who may be reading from England! It's cold and pretty horrible here, but on the plus side it's too deep to drive to work. Silver linings?!

Thank you to those who reviewed:

Twin68: I am glad you enjoyed the insight, always interesting to see what's going on their end! As for the link I guess you'll have to keep reading, wouldn't want to give too much away. Thank you for the support!

animexchick: I know! It's always daunting when they start making plans haha. But I feel like Gemma has a lot of support! Thanks so much for the review.

CrackHeadBlonde: Don't worry I have a lot planned for their future. I have always loved Leah as a character and felt like she had so much more to give. Thank you for reviewing!

LittleDarlingDahlia: That is such a good point, thank you! I do struggle sometimes, because I am English and sometimes don't recognise some words as typically 'English phrases'. Hopefully when I go back after completing the story and reedit that will get sorted. Thank you for the review and I'm so glad you like the story!

.2021: As always, thank you for your support and I am glad you liked the insight!

So on with the story...


Over the next few days everything started to loosen up a little more, people gradually returning back to their usual temperaments. Unfortunately, the Cullen's are now all back in town, having taken up their former residence in Forks.

It was this move which unsurprisingly finally tipped Quil over the edge into phasing, making him the newest member of the rapidly expanding pack.

Amusingly it didn't occur by some big event, rather he dropped half of his sandwich on the floor and that did it for him. It took both Sam and Paul to wrestle him into the trees, only just making it before he phased.

It was the closest they had been to exposing themselves in a long while, apparently.

Jacob is unhappy with the Cullen's return, even more so than the rest of us. So much so that he has shut himself away from Bella for the time being, despite her calls. I hadn't expected her to be so insistent on remaining in his company, a move of hers which surprised me, but in a good way.

We had all expected her to run back to her boyfriend and never want to speak to Jacob again, after all.

Yet the way in which she appears determined to remain friends with him, I respect her for that decision. As no doubt Edward will not be pleased with her for it.

However despite this Jacob is refusing to answer her calls. Instead, he has only informed the pack that he will see her for one reason, and that reason only – to warn the Cullen's about the consequences of violating the treaty.

Oh, and to hand the motorcycles back, which I am sure Charlie will be just thrilled about when he sees them!

Poor Bella, I almost feel guilty for the double grounding she will likely get. Charlie wasn't happy when she returned from Italy either, apparently. Grounded until further notice to be exact. Edward was also thrown out of the house and told to never come back, a fact which had Jacob cackling with glee.

Although we shall have to see how long that actually lasts. After all the Cullen's can be highly persuasive, so I have heard.

With everything slightly more under control, or at least appearing that way, Emily has decided to start wedding planning once again with a view to be married over the next month or so. A short engagement to say the least but we all saw this coming a mile off.

With a pair as in love as they are, it is little wonder they are keen to make it official.

What is exciting news however is that just yesterday she finally got round to asking me to be her bridesmaid, along with Kim and Leah. Her desire to have her cousin so directly involved in the wedding surprised everyone, especially as Leah was less than enthusiastic about the offer.

But she still has a few weeks to come to terms with it and make a decision. It isn't like Emily is forcing her to join in with the preparations, after all.

I on the other hand squealed so loudly Sam thought he had gone deaf. I make no apologies for my excitement though, simply telling him to expect me over most days to get everything organised in time. Which is why as of tomorrow we are stepping it up and really getting stuck in.

With Paul on patrol this evening I had planned to have a nice quiet evening to myself, considering this is supposed to be my time off.

Originally it had consisted of a bubble bath with a trashy book and glass of wine, followed by a rom com and dinner in front of the TV. Yet as always the best laid plans never work out in my life, with my idea of relaxation and quiet before tomorrow's hectic day going down the drain completely.

I barely feel like I have started my official holiday, yet I already need to go back to work, having discovered I left the binder full of Emily's wedding plans under my desk. I had taken it from Emily's the last time I was over with the promise I would look after it, given that it is nearly her entire wedding tucked into one binder. She has been working on that thing since she got engaged, even throughout having the flu.

I had only wanted to have a proper look through, so she had loaned it to me. With the distinct threat that if anything were to happen to it, she may just kill me.

And if I turn up at hers tomorrow without that folder, I may as well accept my fate. Not even Sam would be able to protect me from her wrath.

I mean come on Gemma, pretty much the only thing you really needed to remember and you've left it exactly where it shouldn't have been in the first place. In the office.

Sometimes I really can't believe my life, I am so convinced I have everything together, then realise that actually I am completely useless at adulting. With everything that has been going on, Harry passing away and the Cullen's returning, wedding planning has taken a backseat.

Still, thankfully I have now been working at the office for long enough that my card grants me constant access at whatever day or time, meaning it is no real issue. After all what is a trip to Forks out of hours? It's not like I have anything better to do this evening, with Paul on patrol.

Plus this way Emily never had to know that her best friend is careless and forgetful.

It had hit half six by the time I made it to Forks, having decided that it would be better to get it out of the way now, rather than rushing around trying to get it sorted tomorrow morning. Plus, the idea of having to exchange pleasantries with all my work colleagues just isn't doing it for me. As awful as it is I would rather be in and out when the place is deserted, then home in time for dinner.

Hopping out of my car with a sigh, I quickly made my way over to the door and scanned my card, relieved that it actually did let me in. I just can't believe how dumb I have been leaving it here. I brought a similar looking folder home obviously thinking it was the correct one, but it turns out the blue folder I had picked up was full of legal documents.

But never mind, once again Emily never has to know. This shall remain a secret until at least after the wedding.

Stepping into the office I jumped as the door slammed behind me, faster than anticipated due to the wind. Despite now nearing April it's still pretty chilly this evening, even for the English. I seriously can't wait for some heat during Summer…

I made quick work of crossing the office to my desk. Reaching down I scooped up the blue folder, double checking that it is actually the right one this time – as in it is full of dress ideas and flower arrangements as opposed to witness statements and court orders, before nodding to myself.

Correct folder, in and out in no time.

Especially as being in the office when it's dark and empty is actually rather creepy.

I have never had any reason to be here alone before, and I don't want one again. I think next time I may drag one of the boys along with me as well, however much they complain. During the day this office is a bright and lively place. Right now it is dark, silent and not to mention cold.

Decision made. I won't be coming back here again unless it's for my usual working hours.

I crossed back through the office again in record time, shoving my shoulder into the heavy door to finally get it shifting. They really did go heavy duty on that thing. I mean if I thought the one I got installed at Paul's shop was heavy, this is in a whole different category!

But having said that it does usually open automatically, so that may have an impact. Once again I have never been here out of hours! How am I supposed to know about the mechanics of the door? All I know is that it is making my life pretty inconvenient, especially with the size of this folder.

The wind sent my hair flying across my face as I pushed it open, sending my head shaking in an attempt to get it out of my eyes. Oh yeah, next time I am definitely bringing a man with enough muscle to open this door. Plus knew I should have tied my hair back, at least only for when -

Oh my god.

My muscles seized up as I finally cleared my vision, dropping the folder to the floor in my shock. All the air in my body abandoned me with a heavy gasp as my brain finally caught up with what I saw. As there, stood not twenty meters away and staring at me with a smirk stuck all over his face, is the man who attacked me.

No matter how many months pass, I will never forget his face.

I couldn't breathe as I reversed back into the office, slamming the door shut and locking it with fumbling hands. It's like I can feel his clammy fingers wrapping around my throat once more, the way he had slammed me into that wall, forcing himself onto me violently.

The way I had struggled feebly against him, praying over and over for someone to help me. Those feelings are coming back too fast and feeling far too real, one ugly thought rearing up in the very forefront of my mind.

He is back to finish the job.

Looking back through the glass I could see he still hadn't moved. No, he's just standing there expectantly…as though waiting for something?

Or someone. To perform as backup, or something of the like.

That further intrusive thought had me wanting to hurl, scuttling further back into the office as I ran for the nearest desk, making sure it was one a fair distance from the window. Immediately reaching into my pockets, I cursed as I remembered I had left my phone in my car. This was supposed to be a quick dash in and out, after all. I mean why would I need it?

And yet now, trapped in the office with that monster outside; I have never needed it more.

Shifting my now stiff and shaking legs under me I slowly rose onto my knees, reaching out blindly for the phone which I knew sat on each individual desk. Ironically I now recognise that this desk is Samantha's, the familiarity of her possessions doing nothing to calm me as I finally wrapped my hand around the office phone, bringing it under the desk with me.

Oh god oh god oh god. That's all I could chant in my brain as I shakily dialled the number for Emily's house, the only number I have memorised other than Paul's. Yet I know for a fact he's on shift right now and there is no way of getting in contact with him.

But Emily will find someone. Emily will definitely find someone.

Listening to the dial tone I squeezed the phone so hard the plastic creaked, closing my eyes as the thundering of my heart made it all the way to my eardrums. Please pick up, please pick up, please-

"Hello?"

"Emily!" my voice sounded horrendously caught between pure fear and relief.

"Gem?" she immediately sounded concerned "what's wrong?"

"Get one of the guys" I got out in a rush "please! Any of the guys, I need help!"

"Oh god, one sec" she practically screeched before I heard her drop the receiver, followed by her panicked cries as she ran out of the house and presumably into the garden, screaming at the top of her lungs.

Keeping the phone pressed to my ear I let my curiosity get the better of me as I slowly peeked my head up, looking out of the window to the location where the man previously stood.

Only this time, he had moved.

And to my horror he came striding in the direction of the office, dead eyes staring straight ahead as he approached with the same self-confident smirk sat on his face. I watched wide-eyed as he stopped a few metres away from the window before slowly, deliberately, raising one hand and giving me a mock wave.

Whether he could see me from my current position or not doesn't matter. That is enough to confirm my suspicions that he knows who I am, and that I am alone inside this office.

That puts me in more danger than I care to think about.

Immediately I crouched onto the floor again, sitting under the desk as I fearfully clutched the phone to my ear, willing myself to remain silent. The wait for someone to help me on the other end was probably only seconds, yet each one seems to last an eternity. Dragging by with each painful, dull tick of the large clock on the wall.

I have never felt more alone.

"Gemma" Sam's voice barked into the phone, making me jump despite his intention to help me. The intensity of his voice made it clear to us both that he was worried, no scared, for my safety. I would never call sounding this dramatic otherwise after all "where are you?"

"At work. He's here Sam" I whispered "he's coming for me. The man who attacked me"

Sam didn't say anything more. Instead I can only assume he bolted out of the house as fast as his legs could take him, considering the next person to speak down that phone was once again Emily.

"Okay honey" she tried to say soothingly, forcing my attention back onto her voice "you're okay, Sam is already on his way. They will all be phased and running to you now. Just keep breathing."

"Em" my own voice broke "I'm scared"

"I know but you need to listen to me" Emily suddenly sounded so deadly calm, as if she knew that she needed to be strong enough to support us both despite the horror of the situation "did you lock the door?"

"Yes" my voice had become little more than a whisper as I sat against the back of the desk, pulling my knees up to my chest as I clutched the receiver.

"Good" she continued "now you just need to stay quiet, okay? Do you know if he is still outside?"

"I- I don't know…one sec" I murmured, steeling myself for the inevitable. I need to know the lay of the land after all. If Sam doesn't get here in time I at least need a plan. I need a way of getting out, of protecting myself.

If it really comes down to it I refuse to let him take me without a fight.

First, I need to know where he is.

Every so slowly I pushed myself onto all fours, being careful to say below desk level as I inched my way around, barely poking my head out enough to view the large window to one side of the office. It offers the best views out into the now empty carpark and beyond. Usually a great vantage point for assessing approaching clients throughout the day.

Yet I had never prepared myself to see him so close.

He had moved once again and now stood against the glass. He stood so close that his nose nearly touched the pane, one palm pressed against the window as he stared at me. It was only upon seeing this did the awful thought occur to me.

He has been watching my position all along. Knowing exactly where I am.

He has been mocking my every movement.

We locked eyes and for a moment time stood still. I felt like my lungs caved in on themselves as his eyes pierced into my soul, the colour so similar to my boyfriend's yet instead screaming danger. Then just as I thought it couldn't be worse, he slowly curved his mouth up into a smile.

A smile which could have been friendly, if it didn't take me straight back to that night at the bar.

This is the smile of a man who is about to take everything from me. Of a man who tried to choke the life out of me, and very nearly succeeded. I couldn't breathe as he once again moved his hand, so leisurely it was like he didn't have a care in the world. Yet his hand formed into a fist, as he rapped against the window.

Once. Twice. Three times.

I didn't so much as move, cutting off my own air supply as I refused to make a sound. Refuse to even twitch a muscle. This seemed to offend him though, as if my lack of response should be taken as a personal attack.

So in the seconds that followed he released a deep shout and slammed both of his fists against the glass, sending it shuddering upon impact.

That was all it took for a tortured scream to leave my lungs, my pent-up anxiety and nightmares over the months since my attack forcing their way to the surface all at once. I had done so well moving on, trying to pretend that I am okay and that he would never come for me again.

And yet here he is now, stood not ten metres from me, that same smile sat on his altogether terrifying face.

I moved out of reflex, dropping the phone and scrambling backwards as I tried to put distance between myself and the man in front of me, who still only stood and stared.

He still made no effort to get to me, no effort to even open the door. Instead he seems to just be content watching me, his head tilting to the side as he licked his lips, appreciating my noises of terror.

And then suddenly, in the time it took for me to blink, he was gone.

My world swayed violently as I curled into myself, wrapping my arms around my stomach protectively as my head hit the floor. Air came in short supply as I attempted to sort out the mess that all my emotions have become. How is he here? Why is he back?

Where has he disappeared to?

Is he still coming for me?

The sudden slamming open of the door had me screaming all over again, refusing to so much as look up as heavy footsteps crossed over to me. Instead I acted completely on instinct, lashing out as two hands settled on me, trying to increase the distance between myself and that monster, pushing myself into the wall desperately.

And then a voice broke through my frazzled consciousness. Low and smooth and familiar. Yes, this voice isn't one to be afraid of.

I know who this person is, don't I?

"Gemma! Gemma it's me, it's Sam. You're okay. I've got you!"

Gradually the horrendous, wailing scream subsided, that being the only indication that I was the one making the noises. Coming back into myself I realised that I am still on the floor in the office, only this time warm arms surround me, the familiar woodsy scent of my best friend sparking the recognition I needed to finally start getting myself back under control.

Opening my eyes, I came face to face with Sam as he rocked me sympathetically. Without me noticing he has somehow shifted us so that I basically sat in his lap, his calloused hand rubbing my back as I sobbed into his shoulder, my entire body shaking as I attempted to calm down.

"I've got you" he murmured once again "you're safe, we will protect you."

"He's here Sam" I grabbed hold of his shoulders forcefully, my eyes widening as I tried to convey to my friend just how much danger we are in "he is going to kill me. He's coming for me"

"Not anymore" Sam's voice remained completely calm, his hand instead moving up to smooth back my hair "all the wolves are here, and we are protecting you. He won't get anywhere near you, I promise."

Sam is here. He is here, I am safe. But if the pack are here now, where are they all? Are they in danger? Oh my god, where is Paul?

"Where's Paul?" I gasped, mirroring my erratic thoughts "I need Paul!"

"He's running to try and catch up with them" Sam practically spat "we also detected another scent which surprised us. Did you see anyone else?"

I couldn't reply to his question, barely aware that he repeated it again as I tried to force air through my tight lungs, fighting the sensation that I couldn't breathe. No matter how much air I take in, it's not enough. I can't breathe. I need Paul.

"I don't recognise the bloodsucker" Jared supplied from where he suddenly appeared. How long has he been here? "Paul will be coming back soon. Believe me Gem you are his main priority, but he saw red when he caught scent of the guy who hurt you. He wanted blood."

I couldn't help the tears that fell once again upon the mention that Paul may be in danger. He could be out there right now, fighting for his life! My entire soul screamed out for him as I shut back down into myself, squeezing my eyes shut tightly.

For the first time in a long while I deliberately sought out the bond which exists between us, trying to visualise it as the thread running between our hearts, pulling on it hard.

Please. I need you. Please.

I don't know whether what came next was real or a figure of my imagination to make me feel better, but I felt him respond to me. Within an instant he came barrelling back in my direction, the subtle shift from his wolf to human self ringing in my very soul. With every step he took I could breathe a little easier, could feel each one of my muscles come back to life from where they had tensed beyond recognition, locked onto Sam's frame.

And then he came for me.

I still didn't have it in me to so much as move, instead remaining curled up in Sam's lap, eyes squeezed shut painfully as I focused on my imprint. He is here with me now; I know that much. But he is afraid.

"Gemma?" I finally heard his voice, calling to me "Gem are you okay? Please say something! Jesus Sam, what's happened to her? Gem?"

Hands settled on my arms, a different set to the ones currently holding me but familiar hands all the same. The touch of the person I trust most in the world.

"I think she's in shock" the chest beneath me rumbled as the words were spoken "she had no idea it was me at first, but the second she did she refused to let go – she's stayed like this since. I can't get much sense out of her; she just keeps repeating your name."

My once stiff body felt like jelly as Paul finally lifted me into his arms, physically exhausted as I completely collapsed. My limbs may as well be made from lead and my head packed with concrete from the way it lolled backwards, suddenly too heavy for my body.

"Careful Paul" I could hear Sam speak but no longer had any awareness of his position, my head being repositioned more comfortably onto Paul's shoulder being the only indicator he had moved me "she'll be fine but we need to get her to Sue."

"I've got you baby, you're okay" his voice sounded just by my ear, breath hot against me as he jogged out of the office "Jared, will you drive us?"

"He's already waiting out front" I heard Sam reply "we will put the office back together and replace the door. I had to break it down to get in. You get Gemma to safety and I will be there as soon as I can."

Paul didn't reply, from what I heard. Instead I felt myself be lifted into a car, his arms refusing to let me go as I instead sat huddled on his lap.

"Is she talking yet?" the driver, Jared I now realise, asked.

"No" Paul sounded pained "she's conscious but it's just like she's ignoring everything."

"Fuck. It was him, Paul" Jared cleared his throat "the guy that-"

I flinched and in the same second Paul growled.

"Stop. Not in front of Gemma" I felt my boyfriend bury his nose into my hair as his arms tightened around me. Yet even his best attempts at comfort didn't help in that moment, my eyes remaining fixated straight ahead.

"Sorry" Jared apologised "I will get you to Sue's but then I need to go and check on Kim. I need to know she's okay."

"Yeah" Paul murmured "will you check on Em too? I know Sam will appreciate it. Let her know what happened and that Sam is coming to Sue's so we can try and sort it all out."

"Sure thing" Jared replied, before they lapsed into silence once more.


An hour later I still sat at Sue's house in her living room, Sam and Paul hovering nervously nearby as the older woman handed me a cup of tea. I took it with shaking hands, not entirely sure how caffeine is going to help my already frazzled nerves, but grateful for the warmth all the same.

At least I am now able to recognise that my strange behaviour is only a product of my battered emotions. For a time there was nothing I could do but sit and stare, trying to sort out my own mind. I have never gone into shock before. Into such a state where even the most basic of movements seemed impossible.

I am determined to never put anyone through it again, considering Sam's frayed nerves and Paul's inability to so much as sit down.

"It's decaf" was all Sue said, as though she could read my mind "but I thought you could do with something warm, you have gone very pale."

"Thank you" I just about managed to force the words out of my mouth, once again blinking back the tears "I am sorry for imposing on your evening."

"Oh Gemma" she rolled her eyes as she took a seat next to me "it is no imposition you silly girl. Now be quiet and let me take your blood pressure."

I nodded and dutifully stuck out my arm, allowing her to put the cuff on me gently. No one so much as breathed, Paul continuing to pace the length of the room as he remained incapable of sitting still.

Since arriving at Sue's he has already taken his anger out on a wall, dried blood now crusting his knuckles from where he punched it with such force I am sure his hand broke.

Once again he sees not catching the man as a personal failure. To escape him once was an insult, but twice? To Paul that is unforgiveable. Nothing anyone can say to him right now will get him to change his mind either.

"Well your blood pressure seems okay and your heartrate is nearly back to normal" Sue nodded once she had taken the reading, glancing up as the wolves let out a simultaneous sigh of relief "both a little on the high side, but that is understandable given your shock. Has someone informed Chief Swan?"

"No" it was Sam who responded, only expanding on his answer under the heat of Sue's glare "there were two scents, only one of whom we recognised. Informing the Chief is no longer a possibility if we want to keep him safe."

He didn't need to expand on which scent they recognised, flashbacks from that awful night at the bar once again assaulting my mind. I quickly took another gulp of tea, not caring that it scalded the inside of my mouth. Heat is good…heat means that I am alive.

"The other" he continued gravely "was unmistakably bloodsucker."

"What?" Sue sounded aghast "how can that be? One of the Cullen's, perhaps?"

"No" Sam shook his head as Paul growled lowly "an unknown scent."

"They took him" All heads snapped to me at the sound of my voice. Taking a breath I continued, my stomach rolling "I remember now. One second he was banging against the window of the office. The next second he was gone."

"You didn't say this before baby" Paul didn't hesitate in dropping to his knees in front of me "do you remember seeing anyone? Know what they looked like, perhaps?"

Slowly I shook my head, looking between the two wolves apologetically. I hadn't seen anything after all, with how quickly the vampires move. I guess I had never believed any of the wolves before, when they tried to explain just how fast they can run. Yet now I know.

Within the blink of an eye whatever vampire it was had picked up a fully grown man and whisked him away.

"Why didn't it just kill me?" I asked quietly. The question had been rolling around my head ever since the attack. It seems strange that an impossibly fast and strong vampire would leave me alive and unharmed – especially when I was completely alone.

"That is what I want to know" Sam conceded. Paul meanwhile shut his eyes as if in physical pain and dropped his forehead onto my knee. My hand immediately laced itself into his black hair, rubbing the short strands between my fingers "Sorry Paul but Gem has a point. Why leave her alive?"

"Maybe the vampire realised you were coming?" Sue asked curiously "Do they know about the existence of wolves?"

"I doubt it" Sam shrugged "the Cullen's only know because of the treaty, to anyone else we are a mystery. Plus by then we were all back in human form."

"We will have a meeting about this" Pauls voice left no room for argument. In that moment the power shifted onto him entirely, as though he were the alpha of the group "but for now I want to take Gemma home. Her safety is my priority and I need to know she is somewhere I can protect her."

I didn't bother telling him off for speaking about me as though I wasn't even there. Or worse, as though I am some weak-willed individual who can't protect herself. Because as much as I hate to admit it I value and need that protection more than anything else right now.

"Seth and Leah have offered to provide extra protection on patrol tonight" Sam informed us "they will take the usual circuit. Jake and Embry will run a loop between the imprint's houses. Nothing gets through."

"Thank you Sam" Paul sounded nothing short of exhausted at this point. Yet still he pulled his shoulders back and held himself tall as we rose to our feet "and thank you Sue."

"Nothing to thank me for" the pack elder replied before fixing him with a look "you look after her tonight. As for you Gemma, plenty of rest!"

"Yes ma'am" I muttered as we made our way to the front door, accepting her comforting hug.

"Want a lift back?" Paul looked to Sam, who climbed into the back of my jeep in response.

"I'm going to check in on the pack but will see you two home safe" his tone was decisive, despite knowing that Paul is more than capable of getting the job done. However we both appreciated the effort all the same, especially with the lengths he went to getting to me today.

I feel that Paul will feel indebted to his Alpha for a while.

A few minutes later the three of us finally made it back to our house, Paul leaving with me Sam for just a few seconds as he scouted the rooms upon my request. I very much doubt anything has been here but I feel better this way.

There is no way I will be able to rest tonight without knowing for sure.

"We will catch him" was Sam's final vow as he kissed my forehead before stepping outside "I swear. We love you Gem."

"Love you too, please let Emily know I am okay" I called after him, before shutting the front door. Immediately I locked it with shaking hands, trying to steady them as I fumbled on the final bolt.

Thankfully before I had to try too hard tanned hands shot out and easily finished the job, before scooping me up and sitting us down on the sofa.

"I am sorry that your vacation has been the worst so far" Paul's voice soothed my nerves as he rocked me gently "I haven't been there for you like I should have been."

"What are you on about?" I couldn't hide my shock "you've been at work and on patrol! I don't expect you to be with me every second of the day."

"But I could have been with you today, to protect you-"

"Paul" I shifted to straddle his lap, relieved to finally have regained fully use of my limbs again. Already I am starting to feel far more like myself "It was unfortunate and scary, yes. But other women who go through similar things don't have an entire pack of wolves to protect them. I couldn't be in better hands. Plus I get to spend the entire evening with you"

"All I care about is keeping you safe and happy" he said firmly as he pressed his forehead against my own "With that in mind, I suppose there is no harm in telling you now. After everything that is going on you deserve to know."

"Know what?" I asked suspiciously.

"Emily only asked you to be ready to plan her wedding tomorrow as a cover story. I have something planned that I wanted to keep secret. But I want to tell you that now, so that you can go to sleep thinking of happier things."

"Really?" I asked in shock "you don't have to do that; I know you're really busy with work-"

"Work can wait" he cut me off gently "I wanted to spend the day with my girlfriend and I have had this planned for a while. It just so happens you have had a rough week. I am making it my mission to undo all of that for you."

I pulled back to consider the weight of his words, ignoring my stomach which grumbled in protest. After everything which has gone on I completely forgot about eating dinner. Yet I suppose it is a good sign, being able to think of food without wanting to hurl.

His words have a bigger impact on me than he knows.

"You're right" I leant my head on his shoulder with a smile "and I suppose whilst I commend you on your sneakiness, knowing that I have something to look forward to is making this easier for me. I can focus on knowing I have tomorrow to spend with you."

"You have me for as long as you need" he corrected as he stood, wrapping my legs around his waist. I clung to him with a squeak as he strode towards the kitchen "now Miss Mitchell, what shall we make for dinner today?"

I finally managed a small, genuine smile as we fell back into our easy routine. I can do this if I take it one step at a time. For tonight I am completely safe, the pack are guarding us and they are on full alert.

I will leave the worrying about every other night for a later time. For now, I will just look forward to whatever is in store tomorrow.

One step at a time.