A/N: Here you go and it's a long one. There's a lot to take in so hang on…

Until 47 – enjoy! xox-G

Chapter Forty-six

"Preheat the oven to 350 Lynn…" Quinn called out over his shoulder. He was busy chopping vegetables. "Once it heats up you just throw the chicken in for 25 minutes. Just don't start writing anything and it'll be fine." He added with a laugh.

Lynnie squinted and bent down to do as she was told. Quinn amazed her. He was as at ease in the kitchen as a seasoned chef. If she was a different person she'd be insanely jealous of him, he was so good at so many things. "OK." She said with a smile. "Thank you so much for coming to help me."

Her brother smiled back at her as she came to stand next to him. He bent down and planted a kiss on the top of her head, barely pausing his chopping. "You're welcome. Ethan's a good guy. Can't leave him to starve."

"He's a great guy." Lynnie corrected with a sigh. "He deserves a home cooked meal every now and then. It's terrible. As hard as I try – I really can't be trusted on my own."

"I don't think he minds. I bet he'd live on take out forever as long as he got to eat it with you." He said with a grin.

"You know what? I think you're right." She said dreamily as she continued to watch him. It was clear Quinn knew his way around a kitchen. Lynnie was in awe of how he was able to take all the ingredients and make something edible. She thought of herself as an intelligent woman, but such things baffled her.

"How am I ever going to repay you?" She said as she watched him scoop up the vegetables and begin to sauté them in olive oil and garlic.

Quinn looked at her and took a deep breath. "Funny you should ask. I actually have an idea how you can." He said softly.

"Sure!" Lynnie replied completely curious. "Tell me."

"It's not for me - it's for Belinda. You probably don't know but she's…" Quinn began feeling a bit self conscious as he continued. "…she's really a great artist. She's had to give it up but she's amazing, Lynnie. She can sketch practically anything."

He thought of the sketch she had given to him – of the ball field where he coached little league. He'd had it framed almost the same day. It now hung on the wall behind his desk at the paper. "I was thinking maybe you could work with her. She could do some illustrations for you."

Lynnie smiled softly. Imagine, her usually selfish brother thinking of someone else first. She was almost speechless. "That's a great idea. Quinn…" She trailed off, blinking back tears.

"Hmm?" He replied, still concentrating on the pan in front of him.

"I didn't realize how serious this was." She said then.

"What?"

She nudged him a bit. "You…and Billie." She blinked back tears as she stared at him. "Quinn. I'm so happy for you."

"It's not…" He started to protest. She gave him a look that told him he couldn't fool her. "Thank you." He said simply. "I still can't believe it myself."

"She's very pretty. And more than that – she's very sweet." Lynnie said with a smile.

"Yeah. She is." He replied as he turned off the burner and slid the vegetables onto a platter. He covered them to keep them warm and put the plate aside. Wiping his hands on a towel he turned to face her. "Every day I realize just how crazy I am about her. Even still - I keep getting the feeling that I don't know her yet. Not really."

"How do you mean?" Lynnie asked as she climbed onto a stool at the kitchen counter and nibbled on a carrot.

"He took so much from her. It's like she's buried so much of herself trying not to get hurt again. Every time I'm with her I chip a little more away but…" He sighed as he leaned a hip against the counter and crossed his arms in front of him. "I still don't think I know everything yet."

"It's going to take some time, Quinn. She's been hurt really badly."

"I know." Anger lit his eyes as he stared at his sister. "I swear when Lia and I find him he'll have to answer for it."

"Quinn." She scolded him. "Please. Go easy."

He shook his head at her. His voice held a promise Lynnie knew he would keep. "I want to know just what he did to her. I want him to look me in the eye and answer for all the damage he's done. She's told me a lot but I know she's still holding something back."

He stared into her eyes as he spoke, and she could see how hurt he was on Billie's behalf. "She was over the other night for dinner. I wanted her to stay. She didn't have to be home, Mom and Dad were watching Ty so I thought that maybe…" He sighed, frustrated in more ways than one. "It started out fine – actually, it was amazing but then…she flinches, Lynn. Whenever I try to take things a bit further she tenses up and she actually cringes away from me."

"What are you saying? Do you think he actually abused her in some way?" Lynnie was horrified at the thought.

Quinn's voice was dangerously quiet and calm. "I know that he's made her think horrible things about herself. He's made her doubt how smart she is – and he's completely stolen her confidence. But if I find out he's physically hurt her – Lynnie – if I find out he has – trust me. I will kill him"

"Quinn." Lynnie's voice held a warning.

He took a deep breath and reigned in his temper. He still meant what he said, but he knew talk like that made Lynnie uneasy. "She says she's just nervous. She told me it's just because it's been a long time for her and maybe that's all it is. And I can wait. I'm not an animal for God's sake – I can wait until she's ready. I'll wait as long as it takes even though - God – it'll be tough." His blue eyes sparkled as he continued. "I can't get enough of her Lynnie." He smiled as he finally admitted the truth both to himself and his sister. "I guess this is it. It's over. I'm done. Alert the media." He said with a laugh. "Quinn Donovan's off the market."

Lynnie laughed with joy as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. "Oh my God. It is serious. I can't believe it!! You're in love with her."

Quinn was glad that Lynnie was the first to know. She was so incredibly sweet he thought as he hugged her back. "Yeah." He said with a grin. "I guess I am."

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"Are we going somewhere?" Livvie asked as she saw the image on his laptop. "Hmm." Her eyes got bright and she gave him a smile. "New Orleans?"

"I might have to go there for a few days." Caleb replied, wondering how he could get away without making her too suspicious.

"I love it there. I always feel like we sort of blend in." Livvie continued, already making plans in her mind. "When do we leave?"

He shook his head at her. "I said I might have to go. You and Rachel – I need you both to stay here."

"You want to go without us?" Livvie's voice was full of hurt and disappointment.

"I don't want to go at all." Caleb sighed, cursing himself for getting caught. "Olivia. I don't want to fight with you."

"Then don't fight with me." She said with a shrug, her eyes telling him to give her answers. "Tell me what it is you're up to. Does it have something to do with Kate?" She asked him then.

"Not exactly." He replied. He couldn't tell her. She would worry and he knew how she could get. "Olivia it's nothing. Just some business I need to take care of."

"You're lying." She said, her voice getting angrier with each word she spoke. "Don't lie to me Caleb. I want to know what's going on." She demanded.

He wouldn't tell her. How could he tell her that someone threatened their safety? She would be frantic if she knew that she and their daughter were in danger. Suddenly, he had an idea. He hated to do this but she left him no choice. Caleb stood and crossed to her and stared into her eyes. "It's nothing, my love." He promised as he bent his head to kiss her. She sighed as she melted against him, her arms involuntarily winding around his neck, her fingers spearing through his hair.

He kept his mouth fused to hers as he scooped her up and carried her towards the bed.

"Caleb…" She whispered as his hands teased her making her writhe against him. Her vision clouded and suddenly she forgot that he was hiding something from her.

He took his time making love to her, knowing that she'd be furious in the morning, once she knew what he'd done. He tried to push the thoughts aside; wanting to give her at least this much before he had to put her under and leave her. Danger awaited him and though he knew he could overcome anything there was always the possibility it wouldn't end as he planned.

His luck had run out before. There was always the chance it could again.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"You can stop looking over your shoulder." Becky said with a laugh. "My father isn't going to ambush us."

"OK." Kyle replied, still uneasy.

As they walked along the dock, her hand brushed against his again but he still didn't reach for her. God. The boy would not take a hint. She said to herself.

Kyle wanted to grab her hand but wasn't sure she wanted him to. Don't do it Kyle, he cautioned himself. Think about it. Why would she choose a guy who her father clearly didn't want hanging around her? He sighed and forced himself to think of something else besides her and the fact that he could never have her.

It was no use. He hated that it was so awkward being with her now. Since he met her father he was sure they were on 24 hour surveillance. Even so, what he hated even more than that was being away from her. He couldn't explain it, but he was lonely whenever she wasn't right by his side.

Kyle took a deep breath and forced himself to make conversation. The scent of popcorn wafted in the air and suddenly he heard the sounds of a carnival. It was the opening he was looking for.

He nudged her elbow and nodded towards the lights up ahead. "Want to go? I'll win you a prize." He said as he flashed her a grin.

Her face fell as she stared into his eyes. "No." She said softly, moving to sit on a nearby bench. "Thanks but I really don't."

Kyle knew that when she slayed Marcus it had been at a carnival like the one that was they were coming up on now. But he didn't understand why she always seemed so upset when he brought it up.

"I'm sorry. It's just that I don't like carnivals." Becky apologized.

"It's OK. We don't have to go if you don't want." He replied, kicking himself. Way to go Kyle.

He didn't need to worry. Becky didn't hold it against him.

"Kyle? Can I ask you something?" She said then.

"Sure." He said with a smile. "Go ahead."

She looked up at him thoughtfully. "Why do you want to be a slayer?" She asked in a whisper.

Her question surprised him, making him wonder why she had to ask him. She should know herself. "You know how it is Becky. It's just this feeling. It's not that I want to be a slayer. It's just that I am."

She sighed and stared down at her lap, twisting the bracelet she wore nervously. She had never said the words aloud before. "I've never felt that way. I know I'm supposed to – I know that I have these powers but I don't have that sort of feeling in me. It would kill my dad if he knew but honestly Kyle. I really don't think that I'm cut out for this."

Was she crazy? She was a natural. "Becky. Of course you are…" He began.

She shook her head at him and tried to explain herself. "I know I can do it – Kyle. And I know how that impresses you but I don't want to. I really don't. It's not that I think vampires should roam all over the place and cause the destruction they do. They need to be stopped and we're here to stop them. I know that. But sometimes it's not that easy. It's not just black and white. Colin is one of the best people I know and his father is my father's worst enemy. But they've been at peace for years now – and Katie and Colin – they are so much in love. That's got to count for something."

Kyle had wanted to fulfill his destiny for so long it was hard for him to understand not wanting to be a slayer. But he understood one thing for sure. He knew that Grant was right. It was clear Becky's heart was as big as the world and as pure as an angel's. Her eyes were so open and honest he could hardy believe she was real. He gazed at her and it seemed to him that her face was surrounded by light. She was absolutely breathtaking. Kyle stared into her eyes and fell more in love each second.

In the next breath he couldn't stop himself. He reached out and ran a finger across her cheek. "It does count for something." He said softly.

Becky bit her lip nervously as she gazed over at him. She sighed and moved closer, her heart beating wildly.

"Becky…" Kyle whispered. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure." She replied, a bit breathless. Her eyes were still locked with his. "Go ahead."

He leaned even closer - until his lips were a fraction away from hers. He blushed as he fought to get the words out. "Would you mind – I mean – would it be OK if I kissed you?"

He moved to do just that before he heard her answer. As his lips sought hers she smiled as she murmured, "I thought you'd never ask."

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"A get well fruit basket wasn't really necessary Lucy." Rafe said with a sigh. "I'm fine."

She set down the basket full of bananas, pineapples and every other kind of fruit known to man. It was nearly the size of the table she put it on. Leave it to Lucy to make such a grand gesture. She had come to the house from the hospital – not having gotten the word that Alison relented and sprang him early.

Nervously she faced him and forced a smile. "Maybe I should have brought liquor instead." She said softly.

"Something bothering you cousin?" Rafe asked as he watched her face. Lucy could never hide her feelings. They just seemed to bubble out of her. "If it's my health you can relax. I've gotten a clean bill from both Thornharts."

"I…" She began, still not meeting his eyes.

"Lucy?" He asked concerned. "Are you OK?"

"Have you seen Kate lately?" She asked as she tried to sound casual.

Rafe shook his head at her. "No. Not since we've been back from vacation. But Alison and I are going there to see her tonight." He narrowed his eyes as he added. "Why do you ask?"

"How's she been feeling?" Lucy asked as she titled her head at him.

"She seems OK. Still on bed rest but she and Alison keep assuring me that's not all that uncommon." He watched as Lucy's brow wrinkled. "Luce. Do you know something?"

"I just that when I was at the hospital I thought overheard something but you know – maybe I heard wrong." She quickly decided she should leave before she spilled too much. She moved to grab her purse. "You know what? I must have heard wrong. I should get my ears checked. I'm not as young as I used to be you know and maybe I'm hard of hearing. That's what it must be." She tried to get to the door but Rafe stopped her in her tracks. He reached for her and grabbed her elbow, pulling her around to face him.

"LUCY. Your hearing is perfectly fine." Rafe said, now completely on guard. "And you are not leaving here until you tell me what it is that your perfect hearing has heard."

Resigned she let him lead her to the couch. He stared into her eyes and said softly. "Tell me."

"OK." She said, taking a deep breath. "It's something I never even thought of – and I could be totally wrong." She gestured with her arms, waving them out in front of her. "I could be completely – you know – out in left field in the end zone waiting for a free throw."

The mangled sports reference was lost on Rafe. "TELL ME." He demanded, getting more impatient by the second.

She finally met his eyes and reached for one of his hands holding it tightly in hers. "Chris Ramsey is treating Katie. Did you know that?" She said, knowing that as horrible as her fears were he needed to know.

Rafe's eyes flew open in shock. "No." He said, his voice dangerously calm.

Lucy's mouth went dry. She cleared her throat and continued. "I heard him talking about her and again – Rafe. I might be completely off – but you know he was helping me way back when…"

"Oh my God." Rafe's face fell as he stood and walked across the room. "I can't believe I didn't see this myself."

"Rafe?" Lucy stood and moved to stand behind him.

He ignored her and tried to will his head from spinning. He placed a hand over his heart as he felt a pain there that he was sure was a real attack. "It all makes sense now. Alison and I have had our suspicions for weeks but now that you say it I know that it must be true."

He looked so lost, tears sprung to Lucy's eyes as she watched him. "She's sick. She's as sick as you were. It's not that she's having a rough pregnancy…"

"Rafe." Lucy said again, trying to reach him.

"Why hasn't she told me?" He said as he turned to stare into his cousin's eyes.

"She probably doesn't want you to worry." She replied softly, placing a hand on his arm to try and calm him.

"I knew nothing good would come from this." He said as his voice rose in anger. "I knew that something would go wrong. I KNEW IT!"

"Rafe?" Alison asked as she walked in from the kitchen. "Why are you yelling? What's the matter?"

Thoughts he'd buried began to swirl in Rafe's head. Red haze clouded his vision as his instincts took over, readying him for what he knew would be the fight of his life.

"He waited and he plotted." He said softly, his eyes wild. They searched the room and he slowly walked over to a side table grabbing a small figurine that rested there. Without another word he hurled it towards the mantle, making both Alison and Lucy jump as it shattered there.

Still stunned and more than a bit frightened neither one of them spoke. They watched as Rafe moved towards the door, almost as if in a trance. "That bastard. I don't believe it. He's never going to rest until he destroys us. I can't believe he tricked me. I honestly began to think it was over but I should have known better. Now it's happening." Rafe's hand trembled as he reached for the doorknob. "He will not get away with this. I promise you."

Alison didn't have to ask who he was talking about. There was only one person in the world that could make Rafe react this way. She didn't know what had happened but knew there was no way she could stop him. She had never seen him so furious or so determined. Still she had to try. She pleaded at him with her eyes. "Rafe? You're scaring me. Please. Where are you going?"

"She's going to be fine." Rafe said, willing with every word he spoke for it to be true. He looked into her eyes his voice shaking as he went on. "I don't want you to worry. I'll find out a way to stop this - Alison. I promise you." He vowed to her just before he ripped the door open and slammed it behind him.