Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own the Pretender, because if I did, things wouldn't have ended with an almost kiss! The point is, no profit is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.

A/N: Sorry for the extremely long absence folks. Real life doesn't not play kindly to writing about my favorite characters. It's my birthday and I finally have a day off. My choice is to spend it writing! I hope you like! Let me know.

The Evolution of Things

Chapter 10

By M. Rose


Leaning against the large wooden door for support, she closed her eyes and sighed. Relieved at finally arriving home after what felt like the longest morning in her history of working at the Centre.

The lethargic feeling she woke up with worsened as the day wore on. Concentrating became difficult to say the least, but her history of work induced migraines taught her how deal with it … that was until Raines suddenly appeared out of nowhere for an unscheduled meeting. Not that a clear head was necessary when dealing with the grim reaper incarnate, she could do that in her sleep, but she was definitely off her game today.

Her carefully placed iron shield made life at the Centre bearable and without it, dealing with both Raines and Lyle was nothing but pure torture.

She pressed her hand to her forehead and even though she didn't appear to have a fever, her hands felt clammy. She went over to the mirror to see that indeed she was covered with a thin sheen of sweat. She was definitely coming down with something, which was probably why she was more than happy to adhere to Sydney's suggestion about going home for the day.

Damn it, she hated being sick.

With a heavy sigh she pulled away from the door and immediately headed toward the bedroom to change into more comfortable clothing. Wearing an old pair of jeans and her favorite cream sweater, she felt like she was swimming in syrup as she headed towards the kitchen for a much-needed drink. She heard Jarod's voice whisper in ear, chastising her as pulled out the bottle from the cabinet. She quickly turned and cursed for him to go away and then half-laughed when she realized he was not there … no one was.

She shook her head and then resumed the task of pouring a generous amount of Scotch in her glass. She knew that alcohol was no quick fix, it had become a hard habit to break. She was about to take a sip when she heard a knock. With a groan she put her untouched glass back on the counter and headed towards the door.

"What the hell do you want?" she growled as she swung open the door.

"Tisk, tisk, tisk, Sis." Lyle strolled past Parker and into her home.

"Did I say you could come in?" She really didn't have the strength to deal with his bullshit right now.

"Can't a brother be concerned for his sister's health?"

"A normal brother, sure. A demented psychopath such as you are, I don't think so."

"Whether, you believe it or not, I care Parker."

"Not." She walked passed him, picked up the drink she had poured herself and took a sip. "Tell me what you came to say and get out."

"I wish you wouldn't fight me so much you know."

"And where is all this sudden brotherly love coming from?" She took another sip and suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. She held on to the counter until it passed. What the hell?

"Something wrong, sis?" There was something about the tone of his voice that sent shivers down her spine. She looked into his eyes, but there was nothing but coldness there.

"WHAT DID YOU DO?" She demanded.

"Oh," looking at his nails, "just a little Centre experiment we've been looking for a reason to use and your betrayal was the perfect opportunity test it out."

"What the hell are you talking about, Lyle?" Her words came out slow and slurred. Oh, God!

In shock from Lyle's revelation, she stumbled backwards towards her bedroom, but with every step back, he took a step forward. "You've been a bad girl, Parker. We can't have you aligning with the enemy now, can we?"

The room started to spin as darkness closed in on her.

- - - - -

She sat straight up in her bed with her hand over her heart, panting. She tried inhaling and exhaling several times to control her emotions, but nothing could calm the acute sensations buried deep in the middle of her chest. Hastily pushing the mound of warm blankets away from her body, she slid off the bed and into her robe and slippers.

Quietly opening the door, she entered the hallway and noticed it was quiet, too quiet.

As she slowly approached the living room, she heard none of the popping and crackle sounds usually emanating from the fireplace. No warm golden-orange hues saturating every crevice of the cabin. Instead, the room was cold and dark.

She could feel her heart beat and mentally cursed herself for not having her gun or any weapon for that matter with her.

"Hello, Sis."

She jumped at the sound the voice echoing from behind her, but gained her composure at Olympic speed as she turned in the dark and demanded, "Where is he, Lyle?" Not knowing whether he had captured both Jarod and his father, she didn't want to let him know Charles was there too, in case he got away.

Suddenly the room was alit and her eyes widened in shock at the scene that unfolded before her; both Jarod and Charles in the middle of the room bound and gagged to their chairs.

Her heart sank.

"You've been a very bad girl, Miss Parker." She turned to see Lyle wearing a white suit and leaning against the wall with his arms folded. "Did you really think you could sever all ties with the Centre and runaway with our property?"

"Jarod's not property. He's a human being."

"Awww, that's sweet." A chill ran down her spine as his face contorted into clown-like smile. "But as touching as your sentiments are, Miss Parker, a little too late."

"What are you…"

A blood-curdling scream came out of her as Lyle whipped out his gun and shot Charles in the forehead, then Jarod in the chest.

Parker ran to Jarod's side and with tears streaming down her face, placed her hand on the wound as if that alone would stop the crimson blood from spreading his chest. "Jarod, I'm so sorry. I …"

Jarod managed to place his bloodied hand on top of hers as his breaths became shallower. "Parker," he was slipping away.

"NOOOOOO! YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME!"

"Parker."

"Parker."

"Parker, wake up!"

Her eyes snapped open and before her was a very concerned Jarod.

"It's okay. It was just a dream, Parker."

She engulfed him in a crushing hug. She had never been so grateful to see him in her life. However, she could feel his hesitation in returning the hug, but before she could pull away, Jarod tightened his hold. Normally, she would have pushed him away and blame her reaction as a "moment of weakness" or some other cold-hearted comment to push him and her own feelings away from the situation.

Maybe it was his deep and reassuring baritone, promising her that everything would be okay, that it was all just a nightmare.

Maybe it was the way he stroked her hair in long soothing motions.

Or maybe it was the warmth radiating from him.

It felt like nothing she had ever experienced before. Her best description at that moment was that it felt safe … it… he … felt like home.

And then it hit her at full force.

JAROD WAS HER HOME!

That realization sparked a sudden clarity and understanding at the horrific dream-within-a-dream she just experienced. As much as she wanted to stay enveloped in that bubble of warmth and caring, all of them were in serious danger.

She felt his reluctance to let go as she pull away from him, but he let her. However, as they separated and he was able to get a clear view of her features, he unpredictably cradled her face in his hands as he wiped tears she didn't realize she had away.

She was crying in her sleep.

"Bad one?"

"Jarod," she gravelly whispered as she placed her hand over his.

"Yes," he responded in an equally raspy tone.

She didn't know he moved closer or if it was her, but there they were, inches apart, staring into each other's eyes confirming what they've always known was there. And as much as she craved feeling his lips on hers, she knew it would lead to more and right now simply wasn't the right time to pursue this highly intoxicating avenue.

"We … we have to leave." Eyes that were full of desire just a moment ago; were now filled with a mixture of concern and disappointment, breaking the spell they were in. Jarod slid his hands away from her face and she realized she had to clarify her meaning. "We're in danger. We have to leave right now. Jarod, it wasn't a dream, I'm pretty sure it was a premonition and if we don't leave immediately …" she could feel tears sting her eyes, damn, she hated being emotional, which by her definition equaled weakness, but she couldn't control herself when she knew what the outcome would be if they stayed.

She would never forgive herself if Jarod died. Not when she had the power to prevent it.

Jarod nodded in understanding. "Okay, I'll go wake dad."