I do not own EUReKA. Enough said.

*For those who may wonder, even though we are looking back at season 3, I envision the current actor, Trevor Jackson in the role of Kevin. Just a note for when I describe certain attributes.

Blame It On The Hormones

Chapter 7 - When Plan A Fails, Move Onto Plan B

Allison awoke with a smile on her face. Though the open window a light breeze blew across the room, which was just how she liked it. She loved sleeping during those nights when the air was cool and crisp and she'd snuggle under the covers. This morning in particular was more special than the others. Last night she and Jack had made love for the very first time and it was everything she had imagined it'd be. Never before had she been made love to so tenderly, yet it still managed to be passionate, sensual and erotic. It wasn't just the sex, it was him, his entire being. It was no secret that he often found himself in precarious situations and anyone who'd just met him would assume that he was a bit clumsy and oh how wrong they would be. As she had gleefully found out, he was a master in the act of lovemaking. Everything he did set not only her body, but her mind, and senses afire. She stirred in anticipation of finding out what it would be like after she'd had the baby.

Allison rolled over onto the opposite side of the bed. His side of the bed. She knew he wasn't next to her for she'd heard him get up earlier, hit the bathroom, then head downstairs. More than likely he was busy making coffee – his one and only vice. Stretching her arm across the bare spot, she inhaled the area where he'd lain. She could smell his shampoo, his aftershave, his body wash, along with the remnants of their lovemaking. It was an enticing commingle of scents. No frou-frou fragrances for him – he was all man. Unlike Nathan who came across as pretentious and ostentatious, Jack was down to earth and easygoing. Content to lay there forever, she knew she should get up and moving. Kevin would be up soon and no doubt hungry.

Reluctantly she crawled out of bed and into the bathroom, brushed her teeth, washed her face, threw on her robe and slippers then trudged downstairs. Halfway down she paused at an unfamiliar sound. She could hear Jack talking to someone which would be odd to say the least. It was too early for company, besides she hadn't heard the doorbell ring. Continuing on, she reached the bottom stair and peered into the kitchen only to see Jack and Kevin. Kevin, who was almost as tall as him, was assisting Jack with making breakfast. Allison slowly crept toward the kitchen making her presence know.

Looking up from the eggs he was steadily whisking, Jack greeted her with a wide, bright smile.

"Good morning beautiful."

"Good morning."

Strolling over, she stood between the two of them and kissed Kevin on his cheek, "Morning baby."

Not to be left out, Jack leaned over and puckered his lips for his morning kiss.

"What are you two doing up so early?"

"We were hungry, right buddy?"

Kevin nodded his head in agreement as Allison moved around to have a seat at the breakfast bar. Jack had apparently seen the quizzical look on her face seconds before.

"What's wrong?"

Waving her had dismissively she was reticent to answer. "It's nothing. I thought...I thought you were having a conversation with someone."

"I was."

"With who?"

"Kevin." Jack turned and winked at Kevin who shyly smirked in return.

Strangely enough, this was not the first time Jack had claimed to have had a conversation with Kevin. It's not that Kevin didn't speak to anyone, he was just extremely selective of those he did and in Jack's case, he seemed to be more expressive than normal. When Jack showed up at her doorstep three years ago and claimed to have met Kevin and conversed with him, she naturally though he was making a bad joke. Little did she know that they did have a unique connection. She had never shared it with anyone, but she secretly loved that all of them, Zoë included, had this bond and soon there would be one more added to the brood.

Being it was Saturday, they were able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the patio out back, and since the day looked to be a pleasant one, decided to spend it out and about. Hand in hand they meandered down Main Street with Kevin a few paces ahead of them. They peeked in shop windows, chatted with a few of the townsfolk, walked to the park and watched Kevin as he played on the swings. Her head nestled on his shoulder, he embraced her as she closed her eyes and exhaled.

What had she done to deserve such a man? It's not that she wasn't grateful for the time spent with Nathan or Kevin's father, this was just...different. It wasn't exactly love at first sight for her – not right off anyway. Oh, she knew something was there but to quantify those feelings made her nervous. It hadn't helped that she wasn't always receptive, and could have unintentionally been giving off a negative vibe. Throughout all that time, he had never given up on the dream of them. Allison thanked her lucky stars for Jack Carter, and almost as if he could read her mind, he kissed the top of her head.

"I love you."

She tightened her grip around his waist. "I love you too, and I always will."

Allison hadn't remembered the last time she'd been so relaxed and had such a great time. After the park, they had lunch, saw a movie, then met Zoë for dinner. Allison could see eyes sporadically upon them which was always accompanied by a pleasant smile. She thought she knew what the looks were about. They behaved like a family and as Allison was entering her last weeks of pregnancy, she became increasingly excited at the prospect of life with him, the kids and a new baby.

Allison entered that work week with a renewed energy. She didn't move as swiftly as she had before as her time was nearing, but she felt rejuvenated nonetheless. After the weekend she'd had, nothing could spoil her day now.

Last week she and Jack had the pleasure of not having Tess's company. Allison really did feel awful that she felt that way. She and Tess had been long time friends, and Allison didn't have many of those. Sure she had friends in town, and she'd hung out with a few of them on occasion, but to have a female friend she trust and confide in was hard to come by. Her position didn't afford her the chance to mingle like she wanted to. The closest female friend she had was Jo, and they'd only become close since Jack came to town. If she did have a best friend, it surely was him.

Allison began her workday as she usually did. A briefing from Larry on current projects, her schedule of meetings, conference calls, reports due, and the list went on. Allison loved her job dearly but she couldn't lie, even though she would miss the routine, some time off was much needed. Working for GD was the main reason she came to Eureka. The chance to be on the forefront of new and innovative scientific technology was a dream. The fact that they also had to make weapons was an unfortunate but necessary consequence. She did have one problem though – who would she leave in charge while she was out on maternity leave.

Her obvious choice was Henry, but he still hadn't earned the complete trust from the powers that be after several poor judgement calls. While Fargo was clearly bright enough, he was a walking, talking, button pushing, accident-prone klutz. Zane could have been an option if he wasn't so reckless and actively bucked any authority figure. Of all the other scientists left in the facility, only a few possessed the characteristics she was looking for. She wanted someone who had leadership ability, was strong willed and could think outside the box. There was no question that she had a talented pool of brainiacs she could pick from, but that didn't mean they had any common sense. Above all, she wanted someone she could trust. The selection was not hers alone to make, but she knew whomever she chose, General Mansfield would abide by her decision. Allison leaned forward at her desk and placed her head in hands. She knew what she had to do, but it was the last request she ever wanted to make.

Those few short months ago when Tess first arrived, Allison kept the idea in the back of her mind that she would be the undeniable choice as a temporary replacement. Allison knew her extremely well, she was brilliant, she proved she could take the right course of action and made fair rulings. Most importantly, she trusted Tess.

Well, she used to anyway.

Allison had quite the dilemma on her hands. With less than a month to go before she would conceive, her stand-in needed to be brought on board now in order to learn as much as possible or they would most certainly be lost.

Allison pressed the intercom button between her and Larry's desk.

"Larry?"

"Yes, Dr. Blake."

"Set up an appointment with Dr. Fontana today at three."

"Right away Dr. Blake."

Allison closed her eyes in exasperation. She hated the fact that she even had to ask Tess anything at this point, but she had to think of what was best for GD. Right now she needed what she never had before – reassurance. She needed to hear his voice.

Jack picked up on the first ring and immediately sensed the distress in her voice. Allison informed him of her decision and the subsequent meeting scheduled for this afternoon. The thing that worried her most was the inevitable discourse and tense feelings that would emerge. She knew Tess could do the job, but would she accept it because it was coming from her? Jack voiced his concerns and wondered aloud if Tess was really the only viable option. He too said he was sure she could do the job, but didn't trust her ability not to sabotage Allison. Allison scoffed, saying she thought he knew her better than that. Yes, she would pick Tess, but no, she wasn't a fool. Allison had placed protocols and safeguards in place in the event she tried to pull coup. In addition, she had the loyalty of the staff, Henry, Fargo, Zane and believe it or not Larry, to make sure any shady business didn't go down. They'd keep an eye on the operation in her absence.

Just speaking to him made her feel better about meeting Tess later. Before they said their goodbyes, Jack promised to come by after she spoke with her to make sure she was okay.

Allison milled throughout the rest of the day, trying to focus on the current tasks at hand. She had been so engrossed in what she was doing, she hadn't realized the time had come until Larry informed her that Dr. Fontana was here.

Allison stood as Tess walked in and gestured for her to have a seat. With no intention of offering any pleasantries, Allison began.

"Tess, I'd like to talk to you about something."

"Really. I wonder what it could be now? Are you two moving in together, or getting married. No wait I know, the baby's his, isn't it."

Allison was not in the mood for any sarcasm. She only wanted to get this done and over with.

Allison continued, attempting to keep the terseness from her voice. "Tess, I asked you here on official business."

"Am I being redacted?" The fear more than evident in her voice, Tess sat up straight from the slouched position she had taken.

"No, it's nothing like that." Allison hesitated momentarily. She knew this was her only chance to back out.

"Well, my projects are on time, we've been producing positive results without any setbacks, so I don't know what the problem could be?"

"There is no problem. As you know, I will be going out on maternity leave in a few short weeks. I'm going to be in need of a temporary replacement and I would like you to step in and fill the void."

Allison waited patiently while Tess absorbed her request.

"If this some kind of attempt at making amends, because believe me, I don't want any favors from you."

Her jaw clenched tight, Allison tried to maintain her cool. "I would never insult your intelligence that way and believe me I am not doing you any favors."

"So what is this all about?"

"Exactly what I said. Regardless of what's going on between us, I know that you have the capability to run this place in my absence."

Allison watched as Tess viewed her suspiciously, her arms folded across her chest.

"How long would I be required to work in this position?"

"The way I figure, about eight weeks, give or take."

"Can I think about it?"

"You can. I just ask that you give me an answer by the end of the week. If you don't accept, I'll need to begin a review process for other possible candidates."

In an effort to smooth things over, Allison pandered to Tess' sense of self-importance, which she should have know was a big mistake.

"Tess, I have complete confidence that you can do the job. That's why you were at the top of my list."

"You have confidence in me to do the job. Ha! Well, thank you o' fearless leader. You know, I think all this power has gone to your head and it's not as if you didn't have a big enough ego to begin with."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means you don't need appeal to my sense of self-importance. I know I'm capable of stepping in."

"Wow Tess. I thought that maybe we could put our personal feelings aside for the sake of operations but I see there is no appeasing you. What happened to you?"

"What happened to me? Are you serious? You steal my man and dare to ask what happened to me? You are one cold bitch."

Allison stood to full height, one hand on each hip. "I didn't steal your man Tess. We're not thirteen years old. You and Jack were dating but it wasn't serious. I'm sorry that you're hurt and can't get over the fact that he loves me and has always loved me, but at some point you're going have to let it go."

"You know what, you're right. Why am I even letting this bother me. Obviously Jack and I wouldn't have worked out anyway. So, as of this moment, I wash my hands of the whole situation."

Tess stood and as she began to walk out, her back to Allison, she blurted out, "Besides, it's not the first time you've had my sloppy seconds."

Allison froze in place, momentarily forgetting where she was. "What the fuck did you just say?"

Turing on her, Tess continued using her best Scarlett O'Hara impression. "Now, now Dr. Blake, such language from you is most unbecoming."

"Don't toy with me Tess. What the hell did you mean by that remark?"

"Gee Al, I thought you knew? Come on, you're a smart women. Think about it."

Allison could fell her blood pressure rise. She could barely get the words out of her mouth as the bile rose in her throat.

Allison emitted an incredulous gasp. "You slept with Nathan?"

Her answer was smug to say the least. "I did know him first."

"You're lying. I knew you could be low-down, but to accuse Nathan of cheating on me knowing he can't defend himself. That is sad and pitiful."

"I didn't say he cheated on you. It wasn't like we had some torrid affair. What I said was that I knew him first."

"I don't believe you."

Tess shrugged unconcerned. "You don't have to, but as you know, his personality wasn't the only thing that was rigid. I distinctly remember how he growled in my ear, you know that low intense growl that seemed to come from deep inside. Oh, and I loved that cute little birthmark he had on his upper inner thigh. I should know. I spent many hours tending to that particular region, exploring and enjoying all of it's delights."

Allison's mouth fell open in shock. It couldn't be true, it just couldn't.

"Close your mouth Allison, this shouldn't come as a surprise. We had a tryst at a conference in Phoenix, no big deal. I thought it might go somewhere, but he wasn't interested. I hadn't seen him in a few months until the conference you and I attended. I thought I had been given a second chance with him, then he saw you and that was all she wrote. As always when you're around I get lost in the shadows. I thought this one time I had finally beaten you at something. I'm not an idiot, I saw the attraction between you and Jack even though neither of you wanted to admit it. So, I went after him, but I should have known. You always win in the end."

"I don't understand you Tess. I am not in competition with you. You're accomplished, smart, beautiful, but you can be downright mean. This isn't the first time either. You've done things over the years that I've looked past but, no more. I thought because they didn't affect me directly I never had anything to worry about. But this is the first time you've truly hurt me. What did you think you'd gain from telling me this? It isn't going to change anything. No...I'm wrong, it does. I thought maybe we could find a middle ground, salvage some of what we'd had, but you insist on being negative. I'm done."

"It's not like you to give up so easily, Al. never know you to quit anything."

"I'm not giving up Tess, I just refuse to play this game any longer. I'm recommending your termination from this project and requesting your transfer back to D.C."

"You can't do that Allison, I worked to hard to get here."

"Actually, I can. Tess you're a cancer that I should have cut out a long time ago."

"Allison, I won't take this laying down."

"I don't see why not. It appears to be one of your better talents."

Allison watched as Tess stormed out of her office. Slowly she descended into her chair, the waves of nausea cresting over her. Her shoulders began to shake as the tears fell. Allison cried for many reasons. It was for not knowing about Nathan and Tess, it was for stooping to her level and losing her cool. But the most bitter pill of all was that a friendship was lost.

As the tears shed, her lament was interrupted by Jack and Jo who had seemingly found something humorous as their laughter carried into the room. Even though she quickly tried to wipe her tears away, when she spun in her chair, her sorrow was unmistakeable. She immediately ran to Jack, his arms comforting as he hugged her tightly. Neither he nor Jo needed to ask what was wrong as they had passed Tess in the corridor on their way to her office. Jack knew she didn't need words right now. He just allowed her to grieve for what was.

Unnoticed by the two, Jo quietly backed out of the room, the rage on her face clear for anyone to see. Needless to say, no one dared obstruct her path. Heading directly to Tess' lab, Jo entered, thankful that she was alone. It was nearing the end of the workday so she'd more than likely told her staff to head on out.

She looked up at Jo with a welcoming smile. "Hey Jo, what's up?"

"I don't know. You tell me?"

Until that point, she and Tess had managed a cordial acquaintance. Jo tolerated Tess more for Carter's sake than anything else. They didn't really have anything in common and frankly she didn't see what he saw in her. She knew it did help to have him attempt some sort of relationship after all the time he'd invested in the dream of he and Allison. Yes, it was unfortunate the circumstances in which they came together, but to Jo, it was inevitable. She would never tell anyone, but even if Stark had survived, she could unequivocally say that it would not have lasted and Carter would have won out in the end.

"What are you talking about?"

If she was pretending to be clueless, Jo had to admit, she was doing a great job.

"Allison. She's crying."

Rolling her eyes at Jo, she added snarkily, "Oh please, the Queen Bee is fine. She was unprepared to handle some new information is all."

Jo closed the distance between them and glared at Tess, her stance unwavering. "What did you say to her?"

"Jo, I really think you should stay out of this. It doesn't concern you."

"See, that's where you're wrong. Anything that happens in this town concerns me and when it comes to Carter and Allison, you'd better believe what happens to them is my business."

Tess moved from around the lab table so that she stood toe to toe with Jo.

Jo smirked, the adrenaline in her system pumping. Obviously Tess didn't know who she was dealing with.

"I know women like you Jo. Playing the tough girl role, pretending she doesn't need anyone, so you live your life vicariously through others. I'm sure Allison and Jack don't need your protection. They're big kids, they can handle themselves."

Jo crossed her arms in open defiance.

"Gee Tess, since you know me so well, let me tell you what I think. You're a cock-tease. Bouncing around with your tits on display, how you manage to be a genius and still act like the dumb blonde is beyond me. You and Allison are best friends. No, scratch that, you were best friends. Well, I don't think you ever were a friend. Not from my prospective anyway. How could a friend act the way you have? Something tells me that this isn't the first glimpse she's seen of your bullshit. You're a frenemy. You have no real desire to see her happy, you think about you first. Let me tell you, it was brave of them to take this chance. With all the obstacles, apprehension, and grief they've gone through, it's a miracle that they were able to find each other. I will not allow you to mess that up."

"Really, and what are you gonna do about it?"

Those noses almost touching, Jo told Tess exactly what she had in mind.

"Let's just say that I have a particular set of skills of which I will not hesitate to use because when it comes to the people I care about most, I am not one to be screwed with."

Silence enveloped the room as they stood staring at each other. Jo ever resilient, held her ground, unmoving, unflinching until Tess backed off. With that Jo left out, confident she'd gotten her point across.

They sat quietly for quite some time on the couch before Jack took her to bed. He gathered her up in his arms and carried her up the flight of stairs. She felt weightless as he cradled her and at that moment, he never wanted to let her go. He didn't know if this was the right time, but he wanted to please her, make her feel good, ease her fears. As he lay her down on the bed, he settled next to her. He didn't know how to ask – he didn't want to sound selfish. She was going through an emotional crisis and all he could think of right now was making love to her.

Jack reached out and ran his fingers through her silken hair. Though he was filled with trepidation, he bravely ventured on.

"Allie..."

She placed a finger to his lips and smiled. The twinkle in her eye plain to see, Jack knew he had received her approval. With an ear to ear grin on his face he ventured on.

Jack wanted to take his time as he undressed her. Unhurriedly he slid her skirt down, kissing a path from her hips, to thighs, to calves, to her ankles as he eased the material down her legs. Gradually he journeyed back up, examining every inch. Tonight, he was deliberate with his foreplay. Once he reached her neither regions, he skimmed over her but never made direct contact. Delicate pecks over her expectant belly, he unbuttoned her blouse then unfastened the front clasp of her bra, sliding them both off in one fluid motion.

Left with only her underwear on, Allison waited with bated breath for him to make his next move. When she looped her fingers through the sides of her panties in an attempt to take them off, he halted her. He told her tonight she wouldn't have to do anything. He was catering to her and all he wanted was her to do is lay back and relax. Stripping off his shirt and tee so that his bare chest was exposed, he positioned her so that she was turned horizontally on the bed, her bottom near the edge. Kneeling before her, he at last peeled off her panties then threw her legs over his shoulders.

Initially he paid the most attention to the area surrounding her center. He pressed his lips against her hot thighs, placing gentle but firm kisses in small circular patterns. Every so often he would teasingly swish his tongue in-between the space where her leg and center met. Seductively he breathed her in, the faint traces of her lavender body wash still permeating her skin. His nose brushed against the small soft brown strip of pubic hair, tickling the tip. Jack didn't take her immediately for he knew if she was able to endure, he held the ability to bring her to the height of ecstasy. She was already wet as small trickles of juices flowed from within. His first stroke was long and fluid, climbing from the base to the top of her mons. From the moment his mouth connected with her, she became unhinged. He parted her folds with his thumbs and eagerly lapped at her. Every now and than, he would suckle her rigid swollen nub, causing her to shiver uncontrollably, her impassioned moans growing louder and louder. His tongue deep inside, darting in and out, almost as if it were searching.

Allison grabbed the bedsheets in her hand, twisting them until they were taut. She was beside herself. It seemed he was intent on not only making the experience last, but having it be the most pleasurable of her , it was all about her.

She couldn't help but squirm when he inserted two fingers and with great care massaged her walls. Allison rolled her hips with reckless abandon, her mind a blur of images – all of them related to him. She bit at her lower lip, whimpering at the thought of him inside of her. As much as she loved being pregnant, she knew that once the baby was born and she was back in full form, he would receive the treat of his life. She had often imagined what it would be like and if it was any indication of what sex was like with him now, she vowed that when they finally got together the way she wanted to, it was going to be explosive.

They seemed to be psychically linked as she settled herself on her elbows, Jack peered up at her, a salacious grin on his face. Lowering back down, Jack resumed with his mission. He was in no rush. He just wanted to revel in her sweetness. He wanted her to succumb when she was ready and every so often he would back off, allowing her clit to shrink in size. Jack knew she was near surrendering as sharp gasps escaped her lips. With one arm he secured a firm hold around her thigh, placing three fingers of his other hand inside, tending to her g-spot first with light pressure, then hard and steady. He repeatedly dipped in and out, her shaky thighs compressing his head. Flicking his tongue back and forth he knew she was at the precipice if her pleasured cries were any indication.

Allison called out his name as she came, her creamy milk spilling as she pulsated, Jack greedily drank it up. Her juices dribbling down his chin, Jack wished this was the one time he had a mustache – something to savor for later.

As her breathing slowed, he stood to full height and removed his wet fingers from her, immediately licking the juices from his fingers. A look of awe on her face, Allison lay there listlessly, but managed to fling her arms open wide, encouraging him to fall into her embrace.

Jack simpered, obviously pleased with himself. Rolling onto his back, Allison placed her head on his chest.

"Jack..."

As he kissed her forehead, a feeling of peace settled over him. "Yes, baby."

"I love you so much. Don't ever leave me."

Jack tightened his grip around her shoulders, "Allison, I love you and I will forever be by your side."

They rested for a while, holding each other close. Sadly, it was nearing ten o'clock and Allison knew he needed to get going so, she reluctantly got up and moving. As she dressed, he lay in bed, hands behind his neck, one leg bent, a wide grin on his face.

Standing at the bureau, she could feel his eyes upon her. Craning her neck over her shoulder, she asked. "What are cheesing at?"

He pointed his chin in her direction. "You."

"What about me?"

"I was just wondering if you realized A sexy you look right now?"

She had to chuckle. "You're kidding right?"

"Never."

After pulling on a nightgown, Allison crossed over and sat next to him.

"Jack...I appreciate what you do for me. Being there when I needed you most. It means a lot."

Reaching up he cradled her cheek, his thumb tracing the outline of her succulent lips. "Allison, I'll always be there for you."

They sat in silence, intuitively sharing thoughts of their past, present and future. Jack didn't want to leave her, but it was time for him to go so, he kissed her goodnight and headed home.

Allison slept restfully that night, the recollection of the days events concerning Tess now a fleeting memory.

Alas, that joyous feeling wouldn't last long. When she arrived at work that morning, Larry informed her of an urgent message to contact General Mansfield. Allison gritted her teeth and set up the teleconference, crossing her fingers in hopes that whatever it was, they would be able to handle it quickly, quietly and with minimal damage.

"Good morning, General Mansfield."

"Morning, Dr. Blake. I received a call from Dr. Fontana late last evening regarding her interest in stepping in for you during your maternity leave."

Allison stuttered, which was certainly out of character for her. "General Mansfield, I...I did want to speak to you regarding Tess...Dr. Fontana as a viable candidate. Sir, I don't think she's the right fit."

"Nonsense, Dr. Blake. Dr. Fontana has gained a wealth of experience from her time in Eurkea and has been indispensable in defusing many of the issues and mishaps we've had. Also, as I recall, you were the one who recommended bringing her aboard in the initially."

"I understand that General, but there are some new developments that you were not made aware of."

"Has Dr. Fontana done anything illegal or what would be considered treasonous? Has her research faltered or has she become irresponsible in any way that jeopardizes her employment at GD"

"No, she hasn't..."

"So what you're saying is that there is no real problem. Would she be someone you would chose under normal conditions?"

Allison couldn't lie. "Yes, but..."

"Then make it happen Dr. Blake. This is not a request."

"Yes, Sir."

Allison noiselessly closed the laptop lid shut. "Shit."

Despite her reserve, she would have to work with Tess anyway. With all that had been going on, Allison never really considered Tess a threat when it came to her job. Even though her ploys to tempt Jack had no effect, it was apparent that it had not dissuaded her from attacking at a different angle.

Allison knew she had to step up her game. As she sat there contemplating the situation, a sense of calmness fell over her. No longer would she allow Tess to have any control over her emotional being. Reciting to herself, not as a mantra but more like asserting a fact, she repeated...

"She will not break me. She will not break me. She will not break me."

Next: Chapter 8 - A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing