A/N: Awians - whoops - look at that! I lied. LOL! I have to tell you - I've been working on this chapter for a while. I thought it would take longer - but tonight - something just clicked. I love the way it turned out. I hope you'll agree. Until 46! xox - G

Chapter Forty-five

Rafe woke from a sound peaceful sleep and reached for her. As he did, he realized the space beside him was empty. Knowing where she must be, he slipped from the bed and walked softly to the nursery, expecting to see her sitting there - gently rocking Kate. Instead, the sight before him was the last he wanted to see.

"Ah. There you are - just like old times." Caleb said with a sinister grin as he turned to face him, holding Katrina in his arms.

Rafe's blood began to boil and it took all he had not to lunge right at him. Caleb's vile bloodsucking hands were on his daughter - his flesh and blood. "I am going to say this just once - and once only." Rafe fought to keep his voice steady. "Get your hands off her. NOW."

"Now is that any way to greet me? I thought I'd at least get a 'How've you been?'"

As he spoke, Kate began to cry.

"I don't think she likes me." Caleb remarked.

Rafe's heart beat frantically, trying to find a way to get her away from him. All the while his mind was racing. Where was Alison?

Caleb chuckled. "I can see that excuse for a mind working now - Slayer. Where's Alison - you're asking yourself."

"Where is she!?" Rafe demanded.

"Good question. Well. Let's see. You and I - we've known each other for a while and yeah, yeah - I know the deal. We can't kill each other per se - but see - I'm pretty creative. I figure - even if you continue to walk this earth - I can still take your life." He held Kate closer and grinned wider. "Maybe I already have."

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She searched aimlessly through the woods, desperate, tired and cold. She wanted to rest - but couldn't - not until she found what she was looking for.

Moonlight led the way until she came to the catacombs and walked inside. "Caleb?" She called out softly. "Where are you?" She looked around frantically. "Please? I know you're here. But I can't find you. Why can't I find you?"

Livvie sat down, clutching a flashlight tightly. She pulled her jacket closer around her. "You'll find me. I know you will."

*******************

"Vampire. I'm warning you. Let her go and tell me - NOW. What have you done to Alison?"

"She's not here." Caleb said with a shrug. He looked down at Kate - who was still howling.

"Shh. Princess. It'll be OK." Rafe called out in a whisper. Even though he knew he was near to helpless, he was desperate to comfort the baby.

"Aw. You call her Princess. That's sweet - Rafe. It's heartwarming actually. I'm sure you do treat her like royalty."

Rafe's eyes darted around, more desperate by the second. There had to be something he could do.

"Such a pretty thing, but it's clear you're a slayer - just like your dad." Caleb said as he gazed at Katrina. "Always wailing about something."

"Where is Alison?" Rafe said again, his voice dangerous as he moved in closer. If he could just distract him for a moment - he'd have a chance.

"She's indisposed." Caleb said offhandedly. "Perhaps permanently."

Rafe's voice shook with rage, "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying I win - Slayer. I took your life. She is your life right? She is the one you'd give your own life for is she not? The one you sold your soul to save?"

"No." Rafe shook his head. "NO!"

"Ah - but yes. You and her sister and that other slayer wannabe she's married to. And let's not forget your dear father. All of you. So arrogant. You think you're so smart? You think you've got it all figured out? Guess again. Let's see you all deal with the realization that you've caused her death. She's gone Rafe. She's not coming back."

Caleb placed Kate back in her crib. "Shh. Little slayer. Don't you cry. You've still got your dad." Caleb began to laugh again. "I'm sure he'll protect you." He said as he disappeared into thin air.

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Livvie was exhausted. It was so cold. She knew she couldn't stay here much longer.

"Caleb - please. I need you." She said as she pulled herself up. She flicked on the flashlight and walked back out into the night. She thought she'd retraced the path - but she realized too late that she'd made a wrong turn. Her heart began to pound.

"Caleb?" She ran down a path she thought she'd recognized - but much to her dismay - it turned into a dead end. She turned around and ran the other way - only to be eventually stopped by overgrown trees and branches. Everywhere she went - there was no place else to go.

"Caleb? Where are you?" Livvie began to sob. "I can't find you. I don't know where to go."

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Rafe woke with a start. His breath was ragged, his heart beating so hard he thought it would come straight through his chest. He reached for her - and found she was gone.

He was sure it had been a dream. But now - now he knew better. The pain hit him like a slap to the face, so strong and so fierce, he was sure he wouldn't survive.

Beside himself and more than ready to fight, he ran to the door of the bedroom, flinging it nearly off it's hinges, but instead of finding his enemy, he ran straight into her.

"Rafe? Shh." Alison said with a smile. "You'll wake her."

"Alison…" He breathed, unable to believe she was standing in front of him. Alison's eyes were heavy with sleep and her hair tousled. He was so afraid she wasn't real.

Her hand touched lightly on his arm. Rafe still didn't believe it was true - even as he felt her touch him. "Yes?" She asked. As her gaze ran over his face, she became worried. She was stunned to realize that he was shaking. Her grip got tighter. "Rafe? What's wrong? Are you OK?"

When his eyes had opened moments before - when he had realized she wasn't there - he felt it. Rafe knew at that precise moment what it would be like if she had really been gone. It was more intense than anything he'd ever felt - it was infinitely more terrifying than watching her fight Joshua. His blood rushed to his head, roaring in his ears. He could see she was talking but he couldn't hear a word. All he could see was her face - and all he wanted was her.

In one swift movement, he pulled her towards him, crushing his mouth to hers.

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Livvie almost jumped out of her skin, her breath coming out in frantic pants as she woke. "Caleb…" She whispered but no one was there to hear.

It was a nightmare - she realized, but it was all too true. Caleb still wasn't here and if he ever did come back - just where would that leave them? Would he ever choose her and their child over the life he'd lost? She could see clearly now - they'd run in circles. It was like her dream. Just a maze of dead ends with no way out. Was there anyway they could both have what they wanted? Until she could figure that out - she was sure she'd be lost forever.

**********************

When Alison could finally tear her mouth away from his for a second she tried to speak. "Rafe?"

It was useless. He still couldn't hear. His fingers threaded through her hair, tugging at it and holding her still. His lips claimed hers, over and over making her dizzy. She knew there was something wrong, but she couldn't catch her breath long enough to ask him.

He dragged her into the room, almost too roughly, his mouth never leaving hers as he pulled her back into bed with him. Alison didn't know what to do or how to react. It wasn't that she didn't want him, she could barely breathe without wanting him but in all their time together - it had never been like this. It was like Rafe was possessed. It was like he needed to prove something.

His hands ran over her, as if to memorize her - as if this would be the last time he'd ever be with her again. Alison knew he was worried, but this was something more. The way he kissed her, the way he touched her, it was complete and utter desperation.

It was all happening so fast, she could barely see. And then, as quick as it started, it seemed it was over. Rafe fought to regain control as he stared into her eyes, tears brimming in his own.

"Rafe?" Alison whispered again, her hand touching on his cheek. "What's the matter? What happened?"

It pained him to even say the words aloud. He smoothed her hair off her face and then drew his hand away sharply - suddenly realizing how he'd just acted. He didn't blame her for being scared and confused. He'd never treated her so carelessly before. "I'm sorry - Alison. I just - I thought - he told me he killed you."

"What?" Alison didn't understand.

Rafe sat up and ran a hand through his hair. "He had Kate. I couldn't get to her. He had her and he told me you were gone. He said he killed you to punish us for tricking him into wishing on the ring."


Alison shifted to sit beside him, taking his trembling hand in hers. That explained everything. Tears threatened to fall from her own eyes as she promised him, "Rafe - it was just a bad dream. I'm right here. Kate and I - we're both fine." She kissed him sweetly, trying to calm him. "We're right here with you."

"For how long - Alison?" He asked, still not convinced as he pulled her close. "For how long?"