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Chapter 4: Surprise

I sat up bolt right with a scream. I was sure I knew what I screamed but I was hoping that it was incoherent to anyone else.

I'd had the same nightmare every time the 'sleep' wore off. Ian had been captured and they had me watch, strapped to a chair, as they put a bullet in his head. I'd wake up every time the gun went off.

A stout woman walked calmly into my room and sat on the edge of my bed, "Another nightmare?" I nodded, "That's the third time tonight, would you like me to give you more sleep or would you like to try to sleep on your own?"

I frowned. I didn't want to sleep, I wanted to be in a car with no one fallowing me so that I could go home. Home to my humans. To my Ian. "I'll try to sleep without it."

The woman patted my head and walked out of the room with a "sleep well"

I laid on my back and stared at the ceiling. There was no way that I would be able to go to sleep in this place. It was almost like I was human and I'd fooled the souls into thinking I was one of them, I was sleeping in the mouth of the enemy. But there was no reason for me to be here. I already knew all their secrets, all their tricks, what they wanted. I was just 'hanging out'.

I had gone on a walk, but a seeker fallowed behind me and it wasn't very far. I couldn't see how I could get away. And I couldn't relax, not in the clutches of the enemy. I frowned, but I was one of them. It wasn't the 'mouth of the enemy' it was where I should have been and where I should be.

Tears started to flow down my cheeks and I closed my eyes. I saw the eyes with their, now, haunting blue. The blue I'd protected from getting a silver undertone. And I saw his face. The face that I'd memorized. The face I woke up to every morning, the face that was the last thing I saw before I fell asleep in his arms.

Ian was the reason I couldn't sleep. For two reasons; One. I couldn't sleep without him next to me. When he was out on raids without me I'd sleep with Mel and I'd still hard time sleeping because Mel isn't Ian. Two; I didn't want to suffer threw another dream of seekers killing Ian. I was comforted that I knew Ian was safe. He had to be, I would have heard if they'd caught rouge humans.

I got out of bed and walked to the door. Maybe a walk would help me clear my head for sleep. Not likely I grumbled. I walked silently down the hall in my silky spaghetti strap tank top and long pants. As I turned the corner I ran into someone. I shrieked in surprise as I fell back onto my butt.

"I'm sorry." Said a male voice, "I didn't expect that anyone would be out of bed this time of night."

I got up and choked back tears. Ian would have caught me before I hit the ground. "I couldn't sleep."

"You're the human's kidnap victim aren't you?" he said turning on a flashlight.

I shielded my eyes from the light and nodded, "I suppose so." I could hear the lie in my voice but I doubted he did.

"You must have been scared." He said his voice full of concern.

I looked at the man I'd ran into. He was tall and muscular with dark skin, I wasn't sure if he was naturally dark or just really tan. His eyes were a chocolate brown and his hair was a darker brown. His face had a strong shape but it looked like his noses might have been broken multiple times.

I silently laughed in my head. His nose reminded me of Kyle. But my silent laugh turned to longing because thinking of Kyle made me think of his younger brother.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

I nodded out of reflex. I didn't really feel like talking and trying to lie, even a deaf person could have been able to hear the lie that would have come out so obviously.

"I'm sure you don't want to talk about it. It must have been horrible." I shrugged, "I hope they didn't hurt you or…. Do other things to you."

I got the hint to his hesitation and blushed. This was sad. I was talking to a man who was glad that I wasn't where I wanted to be, maybe even doing things that I wouldn't mind doing with people I can't be with. I frowned and my eyes teared up my mind running in circles. Ian. Ian. Ian. Ian

"I can walk you back to your room." He offered.

I shook my head, "I was looking for someone to give me 'sleep'." I decided. I made myself believe that it was what I was doing and it didn't sound do false on my lips. Under 'sleep' I didn't dream at all.

"I'll go get someone for you." He said turning and walking away.

I frowned and turned to go back to my room. I felt so alone, I couldn't be with my human family and I didn't feel ok in my soul family's domain.

The next morning I got a surprise that I didn't expect.

It sun was already high in the sky when I woke up from my sixth dose of sleep. They'd only dosed me enough to cover two or so hours before I'd wake up screaming. I guess they hoped that I'd be deep enough in with the two hour dose that I'd just keep sleeping through the night. Boy were they wrong.

I opened my eyes that felt heavy. Must have been the crying that I'd done yesterday. Thinking of what made me cry and what made me wake up every two hours made me want to cry again. My eyes refused, They didn't seem ready to cry again just yet.

I moved my left arm across the sheets to feel next to me, He's not there. I sobbed in my head, Ian isn't here to kiss me good morning or to lay and cuddle with me. I moaned in internal agony.

I sat up and swung my legs out of bed. I sat there stretched and rubbed my eyes. I wished that I'd have Ian to laugh at me for being like a child.

I heard a knock at the door, "Come it."

The door opened and in walked the guy from last night. He smiled at me when he saw me and walked towards me, "Good morning. I hope you slept well."

"Yes thank you." I said. I guess I was going to do a lot of lying while I was here at least to spare the feelings of the souls around me.

I looked at the man before me. Now that it was light I could see him better. He was tan not dark skinned and there was something very familiar in his face, in his smile. It only made my heart ache for the caves more. I wanted to be in Jeb's caves.

"I'm here to escort you to the lobby. Apparently they have located your mother."

My eyes stared blankly at him while my empty stomach did a summersault. It had to be Cloud Spinner, they had contacted Cloud Spinner and she'd driven down to Arizona to collect me?

"Alright. Please leave while I get dressed."

"Oh of course." He said getting a little pink and stopped at the door, "I'll just wait outside to door for you. Take as much time as you need."

I nodded and he closed the door while I walked over to the dresser where a outfit was laid out. It was a dress and I gave a little groan internally. I'd only every worn a dress once and it was uncomfortable. I seemed to have re-gained my usage of my tear ducts. Tears welled up in my eyes as I remembered that day.

Mel and I were in a girls' clothing store looking for clothes that would last we had planted Ian and Jared on a bench by the dressing room and pointedly and loud enough for the staff to hear that they weren't to talk to anyone and to stop pouting.

I was picking out jeans in the list of sizes that I had when Mel came running towards me.

"Wanda, I want you to do something for me."

I smiled "Of course."

My smile faded a bit when I realized she was hiding something behind her back, "I need you to try this on." She pushed me towards the dressing rooms. And, gently, pushed me into a stall with the article of clothing.

I gave a slight but audible groan and I heard Mel laugh from the other side of the door.

Mel had given me a light blue and black dress. The top half looked like a spaghetti strap tank top with sequins strategically placed around the bust and it ended in a attached tight black skirt.

I had agreed so I stripped off my clothes and slipped the dress on trying to smooth it out while I listened to Mel talking to the boys on the other side.

"Trust me Ian and keep your mouth shut. You'll like it." There was a pause and I imagined Ian crossing his arms in annoyance. "Hey Jared, give me the phone. When she comes out I have to get a picture of her in this for the girls."

I groaned, they had asked for this and I knew that had to be a fact. For weeks the other girls in the caves had been groaning that they wished we could all go on a shopping spree and they continually debated on what kind of dresses that would look amazing on me.

I looked in the mirror and I had to admit that Mel had made a good choice. The light blue complemented my light skin tone and worked well with my blonde curls. The black skirt was tight yet stretchy and brought the whole thing together. I had to admit that I liked the way I looked but after a, however short, lifetime of wearing jeans or some sort of pants it felt uncomfortable and revealing. From both ends. It felt too low in the front and too high at the bottom. Pet had worn dresses before me but I still felt uncomfortable even through the memory. But I had to admit, Mel was right, Ian would love it.

I took a deep breath and stepped out of the dressing room. There were at least five sets of gasps and after a moment Mel squilled, very un Mel-ish. She raised the camera phone and started to take pictures of me. "You're so cute."

"Are you kidding Mel? She looks hot." Jared said behind her.

I smiled at the complement and looked at Ian. He looked like 'a fish out of water' he was moving his mouth but nothing was coming out while his eyes were bulged.

"What d'you think Ian?" I asked trying to give him permission to speak.

He stood up and walked over to me, his back to Mel's camera. He leaned his head down to whisper in my ear, "You look amazing Wonderer. More than that, you look very sexy."

I closed my eyes with a smile on my face as I felt his warm breath on my ear and felt his hand slip behind my neck. I tried to ignore the multiple clicking of camera buttons as Ian brought his lips down onto mine.

His kiss confirmed in my mind what he'd said, he really, really liked my outfit.

I heard Jared clear his throat bringing the other people in the shop back into existence. One of the stores employee's was walking away with a professional looking camera. She whispered something to her co-worker and the other one nodded.

I got a bit nervous as I looked at Mel's evil grin. "You can change now."

I sighed and I tried to step back but Ian held me there. He moved his lips to my ear again and I could hear the smile in his voice, "Want some company?"

I blushed and put a peck on his cheek, "I think I can manage."

He straightened up and backed up grinned widely at me. His eyes sparkling like sun reflecting on ice. I backed into the stall almost wishing I'd taken him up on his offer.

When we went to check out with the boys carrying our mountains of jeans and shirts. The girls across the counter made little comments like "You four look like very close friends" and "You two are partners? You must love each other very much." After they had packed the jeans into bags Mel, Jared and Ian started to walk to the door.

"Um, miss. I have something for you." The girl who had taken the pictures said sliding a big envelope towards me. It was the envelope that closed with a clip that you fold together to lift the flap and once the flap is down you can fold them down and seal it again.

"Thank you, what is it?" I asked a bit apprehensive.

"Well while your friend was taking pictures of you and your partner I took a few myself. I hope you don't mind. But I thought that you might want them. I gave you the originals and then I did some editing on them and I gave you copies of those as well. They're pretty if I do say so myself, I'm rather good, I'm aspiring to be a professional photographer."

I smiled and picked up the envelope and opened it. They were beautiful. There were several of My eyes closed while Ian bent down to whisper in my ear. Then there were several of our kiss. Tears filled my eyes, "They're beautiful. Thank you very much."

She beamed "You're so very welcome." I waved at them as I walked out of the shop with my pictures, "Have a wonderful day." They called.

When I got in the van Ian looked at me with his eye brow's raised, "What's that?"

I smiled at him, "Special pictures I'll treasure forever."

When we got back to the caves I showed Ian the pictures and he promised to get frames for them next time we went out.

A black and white one of us kissing was framed sitting right next to our bed on my side where I could gaze at it fondly.

Tears rolled down my cheeks while I looked at the dress in front of me. No wonder it reminded me of that dress, it was the same light blue but it was just that color. It was a spaghetti strap light blue dress and I could tell that it would be very loose. But it was short.

I wiped my tears away and I lifted it up and laid it on the bed. Underneath was a pair of underwear, a bra, flip flops and, I sighed in relief, a pair of jean shorts. I undressed and dressed quickly. The dress was actually quite comfortable. It covered the jean shorts but just barely. I was right it was loose but I had the suspicion that it was loose on purpose. I girlishly swayed side to side watching the dress catching a bit of air and lifting up. I gave a small smile. I walked over and I picked up the brush on my bed-side table and ran it threw my hair.

What was I going to do when I went with Cloud Spinner? How would Mel and Ian know I was there in Washington instead of here in Arizona? Tears threatened to overflow again. I really would never see them again if I went with her. The only thing that comforted me was that Mel and Jared knew where Pet had lived before.

I took the brush and the pair of pajama's and opened the door to the hall. The seeker, I guessed, was waiting leaning against the opposite wall. When he saw that I was done he starred at me for a minute before turning, "Shall we?"

I nodded. I wasn't sure if he had starred at me because he thought I was pretty. This body was very pretty. Of course I wasn't use to being beautiful to any other man besides Ian. My heart gave a emotionally painful throb; Ian. He must be so worried right now. He must be so hurt that I'd done this. I was sure he was probably planning some sort of grand rescue mission to get me back.

"You look very pretty." The man next to me said.

"Thank you. You know I don't think I know your name." I said looking at him.

He was looking at me with a smile, "Landon. I took my human name. My name is Landon Stryder."

I stopped in my tracks. What?

"What's yours?" He had walked a few steps before noticing I wasn't with him. "Is there something wrong?"

"Your last name is Stryder?" I asked. How could this be possible? Melanie and Jamie didn't have any other siblings and Maggie hadn't had any other children than the one's I'd heard about, none of which were names Landon.

"Yes. That was my father's sir name."

I blinked…. No…. No…. He would have told me or someone at least…. And I would have heard…. "Who was your father?"

He scrunched up his nose making a face, thinking "I think his name was some old sounding name…. But I know my mother called him Jeb. Why do you ask?"

Jeb had a SON? I tried to keep my breath steady to not hyperventilate.

"Are you alright?"

I looked up at him and knew why I recognized him a bit. I couldn't be sure but I could have sworn his eyes were identical to Jeb's. And I remembered his smile; it was just like Jeb's. I shook my head to clear it. Get a grip Wanda. I reprimanded myself he'll know something is wrong if you don't get a hold of yourself.

"Yes. I'm sorry." I said starting to walk again, "My name is Pedals Open To The Moon. But my friends call me Pet."

He smiled again but it wasn't a full smile. "It's nice to meet you Pet."

"So Landon will you just be escorting me to the lobby or will you go with me to Washington?" I really hoped that he could stay with me. Maybe when I left he could come with me, maybe meet his father.

"I was just assigned to take you to the lobby but maybe I could ask to be assigned to a protection detail. Or something."

I smiled, "I'd like that. You seem nice and…." I trailed off. And you remind me of home.

When we got to the lobby I immediately saw Cloud Spinner and Roman sitting on a couch in the waiting area. Cloud Spinner stood and ran to me, "Oh Pet it's really you. I was so worried. Worried out of my mind."

"She's very lucky." Roman said.

"Excuse me sir, I was just wondering if a protection detail has been arranged? They might come after her again." Landon said putting a hand on my shoulder.

"Humans? Come after her again?" Cloud Spinner said frightened holding me close.

"I'm sure we should. I suppose we don't know what these humans will do. Though I doubt that too many seekers are required. Are you volunteering?" Roman said looking at Landon with a curious expression.

"Yes sir. We became friends and I'd like to help protect her." He said nodding then looking at me.

I smiled at him. Us? Friends? Sure, I should be friends with Jeb's son. In fact I almost felt like a daughter to Jeb. So technically that would make Landon my brother.

"Protection or not I'd like to take Pet home. We have quite a journey home ahead of us." Cloud Spinner said turning, with me in her arms, toward Roman.

"Of course. Let me call someone and then Landon here can escort you to your car."

I nodded as Cloud Spinner did. This was it. I was going back to Washington today. And Ian wouldn't be able to save me.