"You're looking a lot better."

Elena entered the room just as Jeremy swung his legs over the side of the bed and sat upright. Glancing at her, he smiled in welcome. She was dressed casually in jeans and an oversized sweater.

"I feel much better," he agreed, wincing slightly as he felt a pull in his stitches. Despite the lingering tenderness, he could feel his body healing itself.

"Maybe you should take it easy," Elena said, sitting down on the cream coloured bedcover.

"I can't afford to. Salazar is still out there." Jeremy attempted to stand, but Elena made a move to halt him.

"And we will find him. But you need to rest and regain your strength." Her voice trembled. "We almost lost you."

He reached an arm around her and hugged her lightly to his side. "I'm going to be fine."

"Thanks to Kate."

Jeremy shifted away, suddenly uncomfortable. "Yes. I am aware that she saved my life."

Elena tensed. "Please, don't be angry that she stayed. We asked her to leave, but she flat out refused and with you bleeding on the floor, it didn't seem like the time to arg-"

"It's alright," Jeremy said, breaking her hurried explanation. "I understand."

"You do?" she asked anxiously. He nodded and she visibly relaxed. "You should have seen her, Jeremy. She was wonderful. She took control of the situation and handled it like a pro. Even Clay was impressed."

Jeremy gave her a small smile, but didn't say anything. Elena was regarding him thoughtfully.

"She likes you, you know."

"What?"

"Kate," she explained. "She likes you."

Jeremy stood, holding a hand to his injured side as he walked over to the large windows overlooking Stonehaven's vast grounds. "I'm sure she's just being polite. Don't read more into it, Elena."

He could hear the rustle of the bedcover as she stood, retracing his steps. "Other than the family, I've never seen anyone more protective of you than she was. She threatened Clay with physical harm if he didn't let her stay to care for you herself."

Jeremy's mind flashed to the particular scene and warmth flooded his insides. "Well, I'm glad it never came to that."

"That's all you're going to say?" Elena asked incredulously.

"What else is there?" he asked, attempting to mask his inner conflict. Part of him craved the affirmation of Kate's affections, the other part rebelled against it, wanting to deny its potential existence because he was afraid to examine what it might mean to him.

"Something...anything that hints at the Jeremy I know. The man who has more feeling in his little finger, than anyone else I've ever met." She stared up at him, unblinking. "But here's the thing: I've never seen you try to hide it as much as you have since you met Kate." She touched his arm gently. "Jeremy, I watched that woman sew you back together with the same care and consideration that I've only seen in one other person – you. Then she sat by your bedside for hours, just watching you, as though she was afraid you'd stop breathing if she looked away."

His chest swelled with emotion at Elena's words, his heart burning with a familiar longing that had recently become synonymous with thoughts of Kate.

"She cares about you and I know you care about her. I understand that you don't believe in the longevity of human and wolf relationships, but I want you to be happy. Why won't you allow yourself to love?"

Jeremy's voice hardened. "We don't get to love, Elena."

"You don't really believe that," she insisted, crestfallen. "Look at Clay and I-" Elena stopped, shaking her head. "Alright, perhaps that's a bad example considering that I'm a wolf too," she acknowledged. "But Logan and Rachel? They love each other. They're having a baby."

Jeremy raised an eyebrow, glancing at Elena askew. "You already know what Logan's going to have to do once his son is born."

Elena huffed. "Why are you being such a pessimist? This isn't like you at all. You were so supportive of my relationship with Phillip."

"I'm not being a pessimist, I'm being realistic," Jeremy clarified. "And I supported your relationship with Phillip because I knew that eventually you'd come back to us, that you'd realise that you belonged here at Stonehaven."

She folded her arms across her chest, clearly annoyed at him. "All I'm saying is that Kate likes you and you obviously like her."

"I didn't say that."

"Trust me, you don't have to."

Jeremy sighed. When had he become so obvious?

"Where is she now?"

"Having breakfast with Nick."

The thought of her sharing a meal and potentially flirting with the younger man made Jeremy ball his fists tightly.

Elena, oblivious to his irrational reaction to her words, added, "Should I bring you something to eat?"

"No, thank you. Where are we on Salazar?"

"Clay and I went back to the alley where he attacked you last night. We found minute traces of his blood, but the rain washed most of it away, along with his scent. However, we heard talk in one of the bars about a guy that was beat up pretty badly, hanging around town. It could be him."

Jeremy nodded. "He won't risk going to a hospital so he'll likely try and treat his wounds himself. We need to stay close. He's going to trip up soon and when he does we have to be there."

"Jeremy, what happened in that alley?"

He folded his arms across his chest and gave her the full rundown.

Elena glanced at him anxiously. "So Kate, she didn't see anything she shouldn't have?"

Jeremy knew what Elena was asking. "She has questions, I'm sure, but she witnessed nothing that can't be explained away."

She exhaled, relieved. "I was scared that you'd have to…you know."

Elena had no idea how thankful Jeremy was to not have to make that choice. As things stood, he wasn't sure he'd be able to.

He leaned forward and planted a swift, reassuring kiss on Elena's forehead. "Be careful out there."

"I will."

She turned to leave when Jeremy caught her arm. "Remember, I want him alive."

Elena nodded.

"Also," Jeremy hesitated, clearing his throat. "We need to get Kate out of here. I'm healing fast. If she insists on any more examinations, she'll notice it."

Elena patted his arm sympathetically before heading towards the door. "Since we've all had a turn, I'll leave you to throw her out this time."

Refusing to examine his reasons too closely, Jeremy grabbed a black shirt from his wardrobe, hastily put it on and headed downstairs. The closer he got to the kitchen, the more distinct Kate's voice became. Mingled with her occasional words, was the sound of her laughter. The obvious source of her amusement was Nick.

"Come on Doc, you're breaking my heart here. Just dinner. Is that too much to ask?"

A stab of jealously twisted in his gut as he halted on the threshold, waiting for Kate's response.

"That's your approach? I'm disappointed. You seem like the suave type," she teased.

It didn't escape Jeremy's notice that she didn't refuse Nick's offer.

"So you have wondered about what type I am. Sounds like I might still be in with a chance."

Kate sounded amused and exasperated in equal measures when she asked, "Do women ever refuse you?"

"You're not planning on being the first, are you?"

When Kate laughed, Jeremy gritted his teeth and turned away, quietly making his way back upstairs. He'd heard enough. It was obvious that Kate and Nick enjoyed each other's company. Of course they were of a similar age, so it was to be expected. Nick was easy going, a natural charmer and women loved him. There was no reason that Kate would be any different.

Except the thought of her and Nick together, as a couple, made him want to hit something.

Back in his bedroom, he tugged his shirt off and threw it on the bed, irritated. He might as well grab a shower before getting dressed.

There was a knock at the door and Jeremy turned in time to see Kate poke her head inside. The sight of her made his gut clench, his eyes tracing the lines of her face. Even with her spectacles somewhat shielding her eyes, she looked tired.

"What on earth are you doing out of bed?" she demanded, stepping into the room.

Kate stared at Jeremy.

He was standing beside the window dressed only in blue and white pin striped pajama bottoms that hung dangerously low on his hips, his chest and feet completely bare. His torso was broad, his stomach flat and hard, a spattering of dark brown hair fanning across his chest and disappearing into his pants. His arms, roped and corded with muscle, hung loosely at his sides. While she'd suspected that he had an impressive build, recent events had made her realise just how beautifully formed he actually was. Bathed in natural light, there was something about his stance that radiated strength and virility, the large white bandage at his side doing nothing to detract from his overwhelming masculinity.

Kate swallowed, her mouth completely dry, her face growing warmer by the second. If she'd thought he was hot with his clothes on, he was even more so without them.

Sounding a little hoarse she reiterated, "You shouldn't be up."

Jeremy's tone was cool, his demeanour a little distant when he replied, "I'm not the kind who can laze about all day."

Kate was confused. Was he still annoyed about their last encounter? Be professional, Shaw, she coached herself as she moved towards him.

She deliberately kept her tone light. "Usually when someone is mauled by a dangerous animal, they tend to deserve a few days of lazing."

"You sound like Elena."

Kate smiled. She liked the other woman. "You two seem really close."

She noted, not for the first time, that the room was huge. A dark wood vintage four poster bed dominated the space with a plush cream and red carpet surrounding the base. The walls were red, the same deep maroon colour as the living room, the floor solid wood. Directly opposite the bed was a fireplace, currently empty, with a comfortable looking brown leather armchair and ottoman positioned in front of it. On the one side of the room, beside the door leading to the en-suite bathroom, was a tall chest of drawers and matching cupboard, both very masculine, and clearly antique. To the other was Jeremy, casually standing in front of the large window, the heavy cream drapes parted to allow the weak morning sunshine to penetrate into the depths of his manly sanctuary.

"We are. She is as close to me as Clay is."

Her curiosity piqued, Kate asked, "Clay…he's not your biological son, is he?"

Gingerly, Jeremy walked towards his bed. Jerking the black shirt lying on top of the covers towards him, he shrugged into it. Kate wasn't sure whether she was relieved or disappointed to see his beautiful body disappear from view.

"No. I brought him to Stonehaven when he was eight."

Well, that explained the fact that Jeremy didn't look old enough to be Clay's father.

"He's very protective of you."

"We are all protective of each other."

There was something about the way he spoke that made Kate think that there was more to his statement than the obvious.

"You sound as though there's reason to be," she stated, watching him closely.

Aware of her scrutiny, Jeremy shook his head slowly, seemingly unfazed. "No more than any other family would be."

Kate couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something was off about the Danvers' clan. Their crazy aversion to hospitals aside, she was starting to wonder if there was some validity to the townsfolk's assertions that there was more to them than what met the eye. It didn't escape her notice that she'd been closely observed since bringing Jeremy to Stonehaven. Apart from the few hours of sleep she'd managed to get, she'd never been alone. They weren't overt in their regard, but she'd noted the fact that they tried to confine her movements within the house. Not that she had any inking as to what they'd have to hide.

"Mind if I take a look?" Kate gestured towards his injury.

"I'm fine, really," he stated dismissively.

Kate couldn't understand why he was acting so indifferently. Granted, he'd never been overly solicitous, but then again, he'd never been discourteous either.

"Well, that's for me to decide," she said, stepping closer. Was she going to have to argue with him again?

"How was breakfast?" Jeremy asked suddenly.

Kate frowned. Breakfast? "Delicious. Why?"

"And the company?" he pressed, his eyes unfathomable.

"Engaging," she replied, nonplussed. What was this about? "Stop attempting to distract me. It won't work." She was standing in front of him now. "I want to check your wound and then I want you to get back into bed and rest."

"Like I said, I'm fine, so that's really not necessary."

She huffed, exasperated with him. "Why are being so difficult? I'm merely looking out for your best interests. You're supposed to be thanking me. Instead you're displaying an irrational level of reluctance. Or perhaps you're just being stubborn-"

"Kate," he warned.

She poked a finger at his chest, her voice rising. "All I'm doing is trying to help you. There is no need to be so aggravat-"

With a curse, Jeremy stepped forward and tugged her against him. Her gasp of surprise was swallowed by his mouth as his lips swooped down onto hers, their pressure hot and insistent. Kate's mind went blank as she melted against him, her eyes falling shut, blindly responding to the urgency of his kiss. His beard chafed against her skin, but she didn't care, her mouth opening to permit his tongue entry into the moist cavern within.

Through the haze of pleasure, she heard Jeremy moan, or it might have been her, she couldn't be sure. All she knew was that she wanted this, had craved this from the moment she'd met him. She couldn't help her attraction to him; it had been instantaneous, unstoppable. It was as though something inside of her had recognised something within him that called to her very soul. Kate had never felt this way before, this all-consuming need, had never wanted anyone as much as she did Jeremy Danvers. Despite all the mystery that surrounded him, the questions and the intrigue, she wouldn't trade this moment with him for anything in the world.

Attempting to deepen the kiss, Jeremy's nose bumped against her spectacles. Abruptly, he tore his lips from hers. Kate's eyes opened just in time to see him pluck them off the bridge of her nose and throw them onto his bed before his lips meshed with hers again.

Instinctively grasping his shoulders to maintain her balance, Kate felt his muscles bunch beneath her fingers. Jeremy's hands moved up the sides of her body, the searing trail of his fingers making her shiver against him. His palms lifted higher still, touching the sides of her face, cupping her cheeks gently. It was then that the kiss changed, gentled, his lips becoming softer and more persuasive, coaxing a moan from deep within her throat. Of their own accord her arms wrapped around his neck, bringing their bodies into even closer proximity. The contact was electric, her heart beating so rapidly she was sure it could be heard all the way from town.

Her hands moved, her fingers sinking into the softness of his hair, holding his head against hers. All the while, the kiss continued, Jeremy's tongue stroking deliciously against hers, the fire scorching through her veins sure to set them both alight.

Kate lost track of time and place when his lips abandoned hers to trail a fiery path down the side of her cheek towards her neck. Her breathing was ragged, matching the irregularity of his as desire, thick and potent pooled deep within her belly.

"Jere-oh shit!" Nick's startled voice filtered through the fog of pleasure surrounding her.

Jeremy stiffened before raising his head to look beyond her shoulder while Kate stood frozen, unable to move.

"What is it?" Jeremy asked, sounding so normal that she might almost have doubted that he'd just kissed her senseless had her lips not still been tingling as undeniable proof.

"Uh, Logan's here. He wanted to come up but I think I'll, uh, tell him to wait downstairs since you're…occupied."

Kate closed her eyes, mortified. Nick's voice sounded like a cross between embarrassment and astonishment. She heard the door close and she tentatively raised her eyes to meet Jeremy's. The smouldering intensity of his made her breath catch, her heart still pounding a furious tattoo against her ribs. His hair was tousled from her fingers, his lips a little stung from their passionate kisses.

He took a step back.

"Jeremy," she began, unsure of what to say, but reaching for him nonetheless.

He turned his back to her. "Don't," he said, raking his hair off his forehead. "I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry."

Her hand dropped to her side. "You regret it?"

She saw his shoulders tense. "Yes."

Kate felt her throat burn, but she swallowed, refusing to cry in front of this man. "Why?"

Jeremy faced her, his gaze impassive. "I should get dressed."

"And I should leave," Kate whispered, unable to look at him for fear that she might throw something at him. "I'll pack my things."

Her cheeks burning, she reached across the bed to retrieve her spectacles. Mustering all her dignity, she lifted her chin and marched towards the door, ignoring him completely when he called after her. She knew it was juvenile, but she slammed the door behind her anyway, annoyed when it didn't make her feel any better.

He was insufferable! He kisses her like a man possessed and then tells her that he regretted it? Walking down the corridor, she stomped into the room she'd slept in. Fine. He wanted to be all deep, dark and mysterious, holed up in his ivory tower where no one could touch him, who was she to stop him?

Kate slumped down onto the edge of the bed, staring out through the small square windows in front of her. It was starting to rain again.

The room was small but not cramped, the wooden ceiling sloping towards the dormer window. Everything was white; the ceiling, the walls, the antique distressed furniture, even the bedcover. But there was a decidedly feminine feel to the room, the battered dress form, pink stool and vintage two seater couch with pastel pillows hinting that it was a woman's domain.

Sighing, Kate fell backward onto the bed, her fingers tentatively lifting to touch her lips. They felt swollen and sensitive. She stared at the ceiling. Why was she constantly falling for the wrong guys? Why was she always a magnet for unavailable men, always finding herself attracted to the ones who refused to settle down, who made her feel as though she wasn't good enough or perhaps just preferred their solitude to whatever she might have to offer. She didn't know which category Jeremy fell into, but regardless, his rejection hurt. A lot.

What am I doing? It was more than obvious that Jeremy and his family were incredibly private people. They were all polite, Elena and Nick friendly even, but she felt as though there was some barrier between them. Like they knew something that she didn't and whatever it was, it made her an outsider because they wouldn't be sharing. No matter how curious she might be about Stonehaven or its owner, ultimately, it was none of her business. She'd set out to save Jeremy's life and she'd accomplished that. He was clearly on the mend. Her stomach fluttered when she remembered how he'd held her against him, his hands raking feverishly over her curves.

Definitely on the mend, she thought a little breathlessly.

Shaking her head, she pushed the memory aside. It was time to go home. She'd spend the rest of her Saturday catching up on some much needed sleep. Changing back into her clothes which Elena had laundered overnight, she grabbed her coat and purse and pulled out her cellphone.

Downstairs, she found Elena, Nick and Clay sitting in the living room quietly talking to a handsome, dark skinned man dressed in beige slacks and a white shirt. He looked to be around her age. When she entered, the men stood up.

"You're leaving?" Elena asked, unable to mask her disappointment and it made Kate feel marginally better.

"Yes, I think I've done all that I can here."

"Are you sure? There may be a thing or two yet." Kate heard the teasing tone in Nick's voice and her cheeks flushed. She avoided his gaze.

Elena reached for her hand, drawing her further into the room.

"This is our…cousin, Logan," said Clay, sitting down on the arm of one of the chesterfields.

Kate smiled at the newcomer who extended his hand in greeting. "I hear we have you to thank for Jeremy's recovery."

"I had some excellent help," she replied, gesturing to everyone else in the room.

Logan grinned, his face open and friendly and Kate liked him immediately. There was something calming about him.

Nick clapped Logan on the back. "This guy is our resident shrink." He grinned at Kate, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "If you ever need to…unburden yourself, look no further."

Logan rolled his eyes. "If I need you to market my practice, I'll let you know. Until then, shut up." He turned at Kate apologetically. "Ignore this fool."

Nick smirked. "Sticks and stones, my friend."

Despite her mood, Kate laughed. There was a camaraderie and ease between these people that spoke of a deep connection, a familiarity and understanding that she envied. Family. It still baffled her, how they all fit together, but it didn't really matter in the grand scheme. There was love between them. That much was obvious.

"Do you live in town?" Kate asked Logan.

"No, Toronto actually. I'm just visiting for the weekend."

That explained the air of sophistication about him. He was clearly a city guy.

"Logan."

Kate stiffened when she heard Jeremy's voice. He slowly walked into the room and straight into Logan's affectionate embrace. Again she was struck by the apparent warmth between them. But there was more than just that, there was also a deep respect that while admirable, was also fascinating. Jeremy obviously meant a great deal to everyone in the room. The younger man clasped Jeremy tightly before slowly easing back.

"You really okay?"

Jeremy nodded. He was dressed in jeans and a grey shawl collar sweater. His hair was still damp from the shower. It wasn't fair that he looked so incredibly sexy.

"You shouldn't be up," said Clay.

"I'll be fine."

Kate felt like an interloper. She caught Elena's eye. "I should go."

Jeremy turned those blue eyes in her direction and her belly fluttered in response. "Clay will drive you into town."

At his father's words, Clay made to stand, but Kate held up a hand. "Thank you, but that's not necessary."

"But how will you get home? Your car isn't here," Elena said.

Off to the side Kate could hear Nick whistling a familiar tune. Heat crept up her neck when she realised what it was. On the wings of love. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Clay frown at Nick, but he didn't say anything. Jeremy was still watching her, his regard unsettling.

"I called a cab a while ago," she explained. As if on cue, she heard the honk of a horn. Kate smiled at Logan. "It was nice meeting you."

"Likewise."

Much to her surprise, Clay piped up, "Thanks."

Considering his borderline hostility towards her, his acknowledgement meant a lot. Giving him a small smile, Kate turned and accepted Elena's hug, reciprocating. She was genuinely pleased to have made a friend.

"Thank you for everything," the blonde woman whispered.

When they broke apart, she caught Nick grinning at her, giving a two-finger salute. Unable to resist, she smiled back. He was incorrigible, but she liked him.

Jeremy approached her and she was forced to look at him. His eyes gave nothing away, but the sight of those lips that had not so long ago danced expertly across her own, made her stomach erupt in a riot of butterflies.

"I'll walk you out."

She would have preferred that he didn't, but she couldn't very well say that, so she allowed him to steer her towards the door, his hand at her elbow.

Once outside, she said, "Well…I doubt we'll be seeing much of one another, so good luck. Make sure to clean and dress the wound regularly," she rambled, looking everywhere but at him. "In a couple of days you should be able to remove the bandage completely."

Jeremy nodded, his eyes searching her face. "I appreciate everything you've done for me."

"I would also recommend a course of antibiotics, just to be safe, but considering that you have a mini hospital in there, somehow I think you already have that covered." She laughed, but there was no humour in the sound.

"Kate, about what happened-" Jeremy started.

She waved a hand dismissively. "I know. You're extremely private and would prefer that no one knows about the incident in the alley. I won't say a word."

Jeremy frowned. "That's not what-" he protested as the driver honked again, cutting off his words.

"I have to go," she said, finally looking at him. He looked torn, like a man caught between two opposing desires, unsure of himself. The indecision on his face made her yearn to step closer, to wrap her arms around him, to offer some comfort. Though for what reason he'd be uncertain about anything, she couldn't know. Also, she doubted he'd appreciate the gesture. Balling her hands into fists, she felt the crescents of her nails dig into her palms.

"Kate, I-"

"Goodbye, Jeremy," she whispered, before hopping into the cab and rattling off her destination. It was best that she knew that he had no interest in her. Best that she accepted it before she went and did something stupid like fall in love with him.

Jeremy watched the cab as it progressed down the driveway, his heart heavy. He hadn't intended to hurt her, in truth, he hadn't even intended to kiss her. He'd only meant to derail her, to distract her, to make her think about something other than inspecting his wounds. The joke though had been on him. The second he'd touched her, he'd gone up in flames. It hadn't helped matters that she'd been so soft and pliable in his arms, so responsive.

He couldn't remember the last time he'd wanted a woman as much as he wanted Kate. If Nick hadn't interrupted them… Jeremy exhaled sharply. It wasn't outside the realm of possibility that he might, at that very moment, have had Kate sprawled across his bed. His mind conjured an image of her naked beneath him, her dark hair fanned out across his pillows. The mere thought made his mouth water.

Someone approached from behind.

"That's one heck of a woman," Nick said softly, sitting down on the front steps.

Jeremy took a seat beside him, one hand supporting his stitches. "About what you saw-"

"Do you remember what you told me about that time you met my Mom?" Nick interrupted.

"Yes, I do," Jeremy replied, wondering where this was going.

Nick stared out across the grounds and into the trees beyond, resting his elbows on his knees. "You told me that Antonio didn't want anyone to know that he was in love, that he acted like it meant nothing," he said, sounding wistful. "But that you knew it was more than that when you saw them together. That it was love. You said that my dad couldn't take his eyes off her, not even for a second."

Jeremy remembered the conversation well. It had been the time he'd shown Nick the secret passageway out of Stonehaven, right before the battle with Malcolm.

He smiled at the memory. "It was a beautiful thing to behold."

Nick glanced at him. "I always wondered what that was like. Seeing two people who were clearly so different, fall in love."

"Perhaps someday you will."

"I have. Today, I saw it. When you were kissing Kate and then just now when you heard her say she was leaving. The look on your face."

Jeremy's heart slammed against his ribs. "Nick-"

"Like you once told me, Jeremy, there are some things you just can't hide."

Gently Nick placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. Then he stood and walked inside, leaving Jeremy alone to ponder his words in solitude.