Disclaimer: Don't own it. Never will

A/N: This is an unbeta-ed version. I tok so long in writing this that i felt i should get it posted ASAP. When i get it back from my Beta i'll re-post it.

Greeks Bearing gifts

3rd person POV

Jack put down the papers on his desk and sighed. He knew it was useless trying to concentrate. None of the team was up to scratch at the moment and it was all because of one thing... Anna.

Jack knew they were beginning to worry about her. At first they seemed content with the story that he had finally managed to convince the stubborn red head to take a few weeks off for her exams but as time rolled on they had become suspicious. Anna had been away for almost three weeks and hadn't contacted any of them in all that time. It was strange for her not to pop in at some point to say hello or at least call one of the team but there had been complete silence. She hadn't been answering Gwen or Ianto's calls which was unusual in itself but she had even been avoiding Owen and Tosh who were, as far as she was concerned, her surrogate brother and sister. As for Jack's calls ... well he hadn't tried to contact her. He knew she really wouldn't talk to him.

Jack had known Anna found him attractive but... love? That was a big jump to take. Jack had been in love before but love came in different forms. He had loved The Doctor and Rose but that was mainly in a physical sense. He loved his team for their hard work, determination and passion for their work. Anna fell into that group but Jack had know for a while that his fondness of Anna was closer to what his love for Estelle had been than he had ever admitted to himself.

Jack ice blue eyes slid shut as remembered how well Estelle and Anna had got on with each other. His affection for Anna might have had something to do with how much she reminded him of Estelle. When they had finally met their connection had been immediate. Whereas Gwen had been sceptical from the start, Anna had been excited to work a case that involved the supernatural. Jack couldn't help but smile as he remembered Anna remark when he had been telling her and Gwen about how humans tended to make fairies all happy and smiley with cute little wings.

"Actually Jack if you look at modern day artwork there are more tales of dark, evil fairies than any other. Not everyone thinks of Tinkerbell when they think about fairies."

She had been so disappointed when she had learned the truth. One of Anna's passions was mythology and the supernatural. Estelle had even given her one of her crystals as a present when Anna had displayed her vast knowledge of crystal properties.

Jack remembered the look on Anna's face when those cannibals had revealed her secret. He couldn't convince himself the cannibals had being lying when her reaction had been so strong. He remembered how Anna had pulled away from him and wouldn't look at him. He had known she was crying and honestly didn't blame her but he wanted to hug her and tell her everything was alright. She had never been scared to touch him before and he didn't want her to start now. Due to long discussions with the rest of the team the entire incident had affected Anna greatly. He remembered the anger that had flashed through him when Ianto had described the way David had been touching her and even got word from Kieran that David had undoubtedly been planning on raping her. He shuddered at the thought of Anna going through something like that. Despite how tough she appeared to others, she was a sensitive girl and she took everything to heart.

Jack sighed and got up, walking out his office and looking at his incomplete, melancholy team. The Hub was too quiet and in the past few weeks there had only been a couple of weavils to handle so they had mostly been stuck doing paperwork. If Anna had been here she would have music floating from her work station or convinced everyone to a game of basketball or even a few childish games like hide and seek. She made the Hub that little bit more fun when there was nothing left for them to do. In a job like this you couldn't afforded to get too serious or the job would consume you.

"Jack?" called Tosh's soft voice pulling Jack out of his thought. He realized the whole team was looking at him.

"Yeah Tosh?" he asked

"We were wondering if you have any idea when Anna's coming back." It was obvious that they had elected Tosh to do the questioning as the rest of the team hung back uncertainly but desperate for any news on their second in command.

"She hasn't been in touch yet." He said shaking his head "I told to take as much time of as she needs" sometimes it frightened Jack at how easily lying to the team had become for him yet Anna would have seen straight through him. It was scary how accurately she could read people but it was handy when the time came for interrogations.

"Well..." Tosh began looking at the team for support which Gwen readily gave.

"We managed to get a copy of Anna's time table and her last exam finished today, four hours ago..." she explained when Ianto cut in

"But the tracker on her car shows she hasn't left the school yet." He said when Owen finally took over the rest of the speech.

"We were hoping we could go to the school and surprise her cause no one else will be there."

Jack looking at his team thoughtfully. They wanted to see Anna again and make sure she was alright. Tosh and Owen had a particularly determined gleam to their eyes. It wouldn't do them any harm to go and see if she was coming back any time soon. He told himself that as boss he was obligated to know what was going on with his staff...right?

"Alright, let go" he said but the rest of the team were already two steps ahead of him as they rushed out the cog door towards the SUV.

Ten minutes later the team found themselves entering the building where they had first come across their youngest team mate.

"Where do you think she'll be?" asked Ianto

"I think we should follow the music." Said Tosh

As they listened they realized that Tosh was right. There was music coming from the direction of the schools small theatre which was complete with stage and raised seating which wasn't immediately apparent as the five team members slipped into the dark room unnoticed and came across a sight none of them would have imagined seeing.

There on the stage was a 19 year old woman putting her heart and soul into the song she was singing through the microphone in front of her. The team had heard her sing before but she had never performed in front of them. Anna's powerful, trained mezzo-soprano voice emerged from the speakers around the theatre filling the room with the words of the beautiful power ballad.

I have often dreamed, of a far off place
Where a hero's welcome, would be waiting for me
Where the crowds will cheer, when they see my face
And a voice keeps saying, this is where I'm meant to be

I'll be there someday, I can go the distance
I will find my way, if I can be strong
I know ev'ry mile, will be worth my while
When I go the distance, I'll be right where I belong

Down an unknown road, to embrace my fate
Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you
And a thousand years, would be worth the wait
It might take a lifetime, but somehow I'll see it through

And I won't look back, I can go the distance
And I'll stay on track, no, I won't accept defeat
It's an uphill slope, but I won't lose hope
Till I go the distance, and my journey is complete

But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero's strength is measured by his heart

Like a shooting star, I will go the distance
I will search the world, I will face its' harms
I don't care how far, I can go the distance
Till I find my hero's welcome, waiting in your arms

I will search the world, I will face it's harms
Till I find my hero's welcome, waiting in your arms

The room was silent for a few seconds following the end of the song before Anna finally lifted her head and caught sight of the five people standing at the back of the room. The surprised look on her face said everything. She hadn't even noticed they were there and was embarrassed.

What were they going to say to her now?

Anna POV

"Alright everyone that's a wrap" I shouted and watched as everyone gathered their things and left, saying good bye to my group and trying desperately to ignore the five figures that were slowly making their way down the other side of the theatre towards the stage. Miraculously, either no-one else noticed them or they just didn't mention them either way I was grateful.

I turned to the side of the stage and began fiddling with the sound system, ejecting the disk and placing it back in the case. I heard the door close for the final time and knew that it was now just me and the team.

I turned round to see the five of them sitting in five of the front row seats, still slightly shocked.

"Hey guys" I said quietly sitting down at the edge of the stage so my legs dangled over the side.

"Where the hell did that come from Anna?" Owen asked incredulously. I couldn't help but smirk as I pointed to the sound system.

"That big thing in the corner with the speakers." I said

"Don't avoid the subject. I was talking about the singing." Owen retorted

"You guys have heard me sing before. Was it okay? What point did you guys come in at?" I asked biting my lip nervously.

"Sweetheart it was amazing." Gwen told me "We came in before you started singing. We've never heard you sing like that."

"How come you never told us?" asked Ianto

"It never came up." I shrugged "It's of no relevance to what we do at Torchwood."

"Why are you doing this?" asked Tosh motioning to the stage

"End of year show. Me and the guys in the drama and music put on a performance every year. We use different artists, make up dance routines and sing different songs. The school orchestra sometimes play a few things as well." I explained. I knew I was rambling but I didn't care.

They were silent for a long time just staring at me. Normally I would have found it uncomfortable but the looks on their faces was just too comical and I started giggling. This seemed to pull Ianto out of his 'trance'.

"So why didn't you tell us?" he asked

"I told you" I replied "It never came up."

"Well that and the fact that if we knew we could make you do some really embarrassing things when we play truth or dare." Interjected Owen.

I bit my lip as Owen hit the nail right on the head. I had learn very early on that for a top secret organisation they were all very fond of games the truth or dare and spin the bottle and I quickly learned why.

In this job if you got too serious it could consume you and play havoc with your head. You could lose all sense of reality and become paranoid about everything. Watching the street and jumping at anything that could be even slightly alien. So it was good to kick back and have a giggle with each other after a really long tiring day. Let's just put it this way, when I first joined Torchwood, Suzie was the only one who wouldn't play... and look how that turned out.

That's what I loved most about this group. They could be the picture of professionals one second...and be acting like seven year olds the next. Jack was the worst for it...

I stopped smiling at the thought of Jack. Since they arrived I had kept my eyes studiously away from him and he had done nothing to draw attention to himself. But I couldn't do that anymore, not after what he had seen. When I sang I tended to put my heart on my sleeve. I had an overwhelming need to see Jack reaction to my singing.

I had told myself that if I spent time away from him then my infatuation with him would diminish. I had felt guilty about ignoring the others and there was no doubt in my mind that that was why they were there now. They had been worried about me.

I let my eyes move slowly to my left until they landed on him... and my theory went totally out the window. He was still sitting in the front row seat; his body was relaxed and yet at the same time had that tense aura that made it clear he would be ready to react at any given moment. His maddeningly perfect hair fell softly into his amused and calculating ice blue eyes while that sexy half smirk decorated his handsome features. That smirk fell away when our eyes connected and I could almost feel his amused mood fall into something a little more serious.

I was aware that none of the rest of the team was paying attention as they fell into animated chatter about the performance. That left Jack and I to have silent conversation. I was begging for the assurance that he had not told the team anything about the real reason I had been away. I wanted to feel safe about coming back to work and be near him. I wanted to know if he would be willing to just sweep everything under the rug and continue like nothing had ever happened.

The look in his eyes almost convinced me but not totally... because I knew the expression which now decorated his features. It was his best 'Are you ready to talk to me now?' look. I lowered my eyes and sighed.

It was official. I was doomed.

I heard Tosh's beeper go and looked around in interest. She pulled it out and scanned over what the screen was telling her.

"They've found a skeleton in the new building sight across town. There's an odd piece of machinery buried with it that make them think it is our kind of thing." She informed us.

"Alright let's go." I felt the goose bumps rising on my arms as I felt Jack's accent roll around me. I'd forgotten how much his voice affected me.

"Anna? You coming with us?" I heard Owen ask. I turned to look at him with a smile and realised they were all looking at me. I had missed them all so much.

"Of course." I grinned grabbing my bag and leaping off the stage. "Were you guys that lost without me?" I joked when I saw how delighted they were.

However, when they didn't laugh I realised maybe they had felt my absence more than I had anticipated. I immediately felt guilty and smiled tentatively

"I missed you guys too." I said quietly. I realised I had to quickly get a shower and get changed before I left... I was glad they hadn't come in during one of the dancing performances.

"You guys go ahead I'll catch you up at the building sight. I just need to have a shower and get changed."

They nodded and left.

As I exited the school in a fresh outfit I couldn't help but smile. There may still be some tension but I was finally back with the group I fully belonged with. It was with that thought I sped out the car park towards the building sight and our newest assignment.

"Is it alien?" I heard Gwen ask as I entered the tent to see Owen examining the skeleton that had been uncovered, Tosh pacing about with her scanner and Gwen hovering nearby. Jack was knelt over the strange device that had been uncovered which prompted everyone to call us, he was staring at the readouts of the screen with a frown.

"And how. I'm picking up traces of ilmenite, pyroxene, and even Dark Matter." He told Gwen

"Any idea what it is?" she asked

"Not a clue. Could be a weapon, or a really big stapler." Said Jack "How's our friend there?" he turned to Owen

"She's dead." Said Owen flatly

"Yeah, thanks, Quincy. She?" asked Jack. I had to stifle a giggle. I loved it when they started to wind each other up. You could practically smell the testosterone. Who needs TV when you work at Torchwood? We have enough drama to satisfy anyone.

"Judging by the size of her skull." Owen told Jack

"How long have they been here, Tosh?" Jack asked.

"From the depth they found them ... 196 years, 11 to 11.5 months. The earth's been disturbed so I'm afraid I can't be more accurate." She told us

"That's okay it's not like we were looking for hours and minutes Tosh." I said announcing my arrival.

"Good you're here." Said Jack "So what do you think it is?"

"If you don't know Jack how am I supposed to?" I asked realising what he was doing. We were to act normal around the others. It wouldn't do anyone any good if Jack and I weren't speaking to each other.

"What killed her? The stapler?" Asked Gwen

"Nah. See those shattered ribs? I reckon she was shot." Owen said pointing to a large hole that had punctured the skeletons ribs and what presumably killed her.

"Well, let's get her back to the Hub and find out." Jack said jumping to his feet and moving out of the tent and in the process moving past me. I tried to stifle the sudden hitch in breath as his scent wafted by my nose. I bit my lip and followed him out silently kicking myself.

I was supposed to be mature and responsible so why was I acting like a lovesick fifteen year old? This was going to be harder than I thought.

Still, as I entered the Hub half an hour later I couldn't help but let a grin spread over my face.

I was home.

"You're kidding. What happened?" I heard Tosh's slightly hysterical voice ring out across the hub. I looked up from updating my profile due to the new developments in my life and looked over towards Tosh's station.

Tosh was tapping furiously at her keyboard whilst Gwen and Owen looked guiltily at her.

"Okay, so she said I was no good at sport ... Hello? So I said, "Throw something to me and ... " Owen began. What the hell was he talking about?

"What happened to the computer?" Tosh demanded. This was going to be bad.

"Oh. I kicked out the plug." Owen admitted. Yep very bad.

"What? It was running a translation program I'd written." Tosh babbled getting very worked up "I'd collated every scrap of alien language we've got, and broken it down into binary threads to see if there was a common derivation." She was genuinely upset about it.

"That's a bit of a mouthful." I heard Owen mutter and Gwen giggled before stopping at Tosh glare. I felt a frown passing over my features. What the hell was going on with those two? They were acting like children.

"Sorry. Private joke. Um, stupid joke." Gwen explain once they got over their laughing fit.

"We're supposed to be professionals. We've got a job to do." Tosh cried in frustration.

"She's right. You're right, Tosh, I'm sorry." She mumbled as she moved away to her desk. She at least seemed truly ashamed... Owen on the other hand...

"Do you know what, Tosh? Sometimes I think even that stick up your arse has got a stick up its arse."

That Jerk!

I watched as Owen took his football and walked away from Tosh's station. Tosh turned back to her computer and began trying to rescue whatever she could from the lost data.

My heart went out to her. She was totally besotted with Owen and he kept on treating her like crap, taking small digs wherever he could. Granted he treated everyone like that but Tosh was in love with him.

I waited till Owen was walking by my desk before I hissed at him.

"Owen! Get over here now!"

He wandered over arrogantly.

"Listen, I don't care whatever little bet you had going with Gwen but don't you ever let me hear you talk to Tosh like that again, you got that?"

"Piss off Anna!" Owen snapped. I felt my eyes widen in surprise. Owen had never talked to me like that. "You fucked off for three weeks and didn't even bother contacting us. What right do you have to just swan in and start ordering us around again?"

I was silent for a while as I let his words sink in. He stood there with a smug smirk on his face... like he had won. I glared at him.

"My right is that I am still your second-in-command. I don't have to justify my time off to you. And besides all that Tosh is like a sister to me and I will not have you disrespecting her. That program sounded really important. If you want to play football go out to the parking lot or down to the shooting range. I don't know what's going on between you and Gwen but right now you are both acting like children."

I may have imagined it but I could have sworn that when I mentioned Gwen's name a look a slight panic crossed his features. Was there something going on between those two?

"Look, think whatever you want Anna but right now I'm going to do some work." Sighed Owen, heavily. He turned and began to walk away.

"I just want my brother back" I said softly looking at the floor. I heard his footsteps falter slightly as he paused then continued without another word.

BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG.

I felt a sense of satisfaction as each of the bullet met their targets. Owens voice chased itself around in my head.

"You fucked off for three weeks and didn't even bother contacting us."

I hadn't meant to abandon them. So many times these past three weeks I had battled with myself over wither or not to pop in to say hi to them but I could never bring myself to do it. I had sat in a small coffee shop across the road watching the water tower, occasionally seeing one or two of the team appear or disappear on the lift. There had been that one time Ianto had headed straight for the shop I had been sitting in... I had hidden in the toilets till he left clutching a bag of cakes and biscuits for the rest of the team.

I just... I couldn't stand facing any of them. They would sense something was wrong with me and I really wasn't keen for them to find out what it was. It was better if they didn't know... of course then there was Jack, the source of my troubles.

Why the hell did he have to be the one to know everything? I wasn't ready for him to know... I didn't think I would ever be ready for him to realise my true feelings. Sure we had flirted with each other but this was Jack! He flirted with everything that could walk.

I sighed in frustration and released another round of clips in rapid succession.

"You know those bullets aren't cheap right?"

I froze as I heard his voice from behind me. Had I really been so out of it I hadn't noticed him entering the shooting range? I turned around to face him. He was leaning against the end of the booths that marked the safe area where people could stand without the risk of beings shot, watching me with calculated eyes.

Why on earth had I stayed? Everyone else had gone home. I had assumed he would have made his way up onto the roof of a building by now. But no... Here he was... with me... in the hub... alone.

Shit.

I composed my thought and told myself I couldn't stay silent forever.

"I thought I'd better make sure I was still up to scratch. I've been out of practise recently. The only thing I've kept constant is my bow."

I was true. I hadn't been practising in the full three weeks. The neighbours would probably get freaked if they heard gunfire going off in the garage.

"Yeah they've missed you around here" Jack nodded.

I noticed he had said "They've missed you around here" instead of "we've missed you around here."

I had been around Jack long enough to know how he worked. If there was something bothering any one of us then he would to his best to get us to confront it. With Owen and Gwen he could be more direct because they were shy about telling people why they were upset. With Tosh and Ianto a gentle approach was usually best... but with me, well... I could usually dodge the subject so Jack usually resorted into tricking me into telling him what wrong. The problem was with this situation was that... he already knew what was wrong. He just wanted me to talk about it... he wanted me to ask if he had missed me in my absence.

Sorry Jack.

"Come on it can't have been that bad." I said, forcing my voice to be light.

"Are you kidding? Without you around who else was meant to keep Owen in check?" He chuckled moving further into the shooting area.

"I thought that as boss that was your job." I retorted smartly.

"I did." He said lightly "But he tends to listen to you with a bit more grace"

At that sentence I turned and swiftly drew my three knives from my back, throwing them at a single weevil target.

Left knee, stomach, Shoulder

Then drawing my Opal Dagger I went in for the killing stroke...the side of the neck.

"What is it?" Jack asked.

"I'm not so sure that he's as fond of me as he was before" I said in a hopeless voice.

"Don't worry about what he said this afternoon. He's just a bit scared by the fact that you seem to be catching on to what's going on between him and Gwen a lot sooner than he would have liked."

"WHAT?" my voice ripped through two octaves "How could Gwen do that to Rhys? I thought she had better sense than that!"

Although it would explain a lot of their behaviour I couldn't believe that Gwen would risk her relationship with Rhys over a fling with Owen. Don't get me wrong I love my surrogate big brother but... he is a womanizer... worse than Jack. Jack flirted with people but it rarely went anywhere. Owen deliberately flirted knowing that he could get women into his bed.

"Why would she do that? Why would she choose Owen?" I murmured looking to the floor trying to work it out in my head.

"That last mission messed with everybody's head I think." Jack offered softly

Why that little...! He found a way to bring the conversation back around to the last mission.

That bastard!

I refused to answer. I just glared and turned away to collect my knives.

"So you say you're out of practise?" I heard him asked.

I turn slightly to see him unbuttoning his deep blue over shirt. I quickly spun back around and ripped the daggers out of the target. I couldn't bring myself to look at him doing that when my fingers had been itching to do it for months. I berated myself as I felt a red stain spread across my cheeks.

I eventually worked up the courage to turn back around. I saw Jack and now removed his boots as well. I frowned in confusion until I saw him dragging two of the training mats to the middle of the floor and line them up together. Suddenly it all made sense... Hand to hand combat.

God kill me now!

Jack stood on the mats and looked at me expectantly. I wasn't getting out of this.

I sighed heavily and toed off my shoes. I moved onto the mats as well, assuming defensive stance. Jack copied my position and watched me closely.

I don't know who delivered the first blow but soon enough we were ducking, weaving and dodging blows from the other.

Jack and I sparring was nothing new. Neither Gwen nor Tosh were very keen on the hand to hand combat so usually Jack or Owen would be my sparring partner. I could normally put up a good enough fight but this time it didn't take long for Jack to start to get the upper hand. His mind was actually on the fight... mine wasn't.

As I ducked a blow from Jack I suddenly had a realisation. I knew why Jack wanted me to fight him... It was a form of contact. Physically violent or otherwise it forced us closer... closer than he knew I was comfortable with at this moment and time... He had forced me to confront it. Just like I suspected he would... And I fell for it. He used his position of power as my boss, knowing I wouldn't disobey an almost direct order from him.

Just as I had managed to process this I felt Jack grab my arm, spin me round and pin it against my back. His knee connected with the small of my back and I went crashing to the floor. He let go of my arm and I managed to brace my weight before my face hit the floor. As I caught my breath I realised that Jack was still standing behind me. In a last desperate attempt to win I kicked out with my right leg and successfully connected with his shins.

As he came crashing to the floor beside me I scrabbled to get up but he was too quick. His hand shot out and grabbed my wrist pulling me back down. I struggled against him and we grappled for control of the fight. I tried as hard as I could but eventually Jack gained the advantage and subdued my attacks.

I gasped as my back hit the mat and Jack's weight fell on top of me pinning me down so I couldn't move. All at once I was completely aware of everything. I felt his muscled weight on top on me, his heart beating against mine, his ragged breathing. His body, like mine, was covered in sweat making his addicting scent even more potent. All this was making me light headed until his ice blue eyes connected with mine and gave me a look that made me feel like electricity was coursing through me.

Some small part in the back of my mind registered the fact that if anyone were to walk into the training room at this particular point then it would look very bad from their point of view. I was flat on my back with Jack lying on top of me. Both of us were sweating and panting, our faces were dangerously close.

I turned my head to the side, trying to ignore the feel of him against me. I prayed to god that he couldn't feel me trembling underneath him. He probably could though considering his current helpful position.

"Okay, you win." I said, not looking at him "Now can you get off me please?"

I felt his chest heave as he sighed in exasperation and his warm breath brushed over my face and neck causing goosebumps to rise over my skin. He deliberately rolled his body upwards so his lower body brushed against me as he stood up and I had to bite my lip in order to stop myself from either whimpering or hitting him... I wasn't quite sure which.

I rolled on to my side and quickly stood up. Walking quickly to the other side I gathered my thing and walked as quickly as I could towards the door without breaking into a sprint.

"By the way Anna" I heard him call "I expect you in at 8.30 tomorrow morning."

I turned to face him... and immediately wished I hadn't.

There he was, cool as a cucumber, leaning against the wall, arms crossed and eyes watching me. His white t-shirt was almost see through because it was drenched in sweat. His biceps bulged due to his crossed arm and his chest still heaved slightly due to the exercise.

The worst thing of all though was the arrogant, self satisfied smirk that had spread its way across his lips. He knew what that encounter had affected me and he was gloating about it in his head.

JERK!

I chased the thoughts of Jack sweating and panting for a different reason out of my head and spun around, walking out the door and leaving a very smug Captain Jack Harkness behind me.

I walked in the hub at 8:26 exactly the next day. I tried to ignore the piercing alarms that announced my arrival as I removed my coat and scarf and hung them up.

"Hey guys. Anyone in?" I called after the siren had been silenced.

I barely had enough time to register the frantic footsteps behind me and turn round before a frenzied Gwen flung herself on me in a tight hug saying things like.

"You poor thing, I'm so sorry. You should have told us..."

As Gwen rambled in my ear I looked over her shoulder for some help and found the rest of the team looking at me with what looked like pity in their expressions.

"Um Gwen?" I cut through her words and she pulled back to look at me. "Not to seem rude or anything but... what are you talking about?"

She looked at me like I was crazy before finally answering me.

"Your grandmother" she said.

Oh right that. I guess they had checked my profile and found out. Now I understood why they were acting like this.

Two weeks ago my grandmother who lived in Scotland had passed away. She had been my only living grandparent left but honestly I didn't feel the loss.

"Oh that, It's fine Gwen really" I pushed past her and the team and gently hopped up the stairs to go and sit on the sofa. They all followed me and Gwen sat down beside me.

"You don't have to be brave now Anna. We're here for you" she said, adopting her motherly role in the group.

"Gwen I'm really okay. I appreciate your support but I don't really feel the loss."

"But she was your grandmother Anna" Gwen protested

"I know that Gwen and I'm sad sure but... I never really knew her. The last time I saw her I was nine years old. For some reason my parents didn't want me talking to her."

"How are your parents coping with her death?" Asked Tosh who was sitting at her desk. I briefly thought about how strange it was that Tosh was keeping her distance from me but pushed it to the back of my mind.

"Well she was my mum's mum so she's pretty cut up about it other than that I'm not sure. The family are all up in Scotland, that's where the funeral is going to be."

"Will you and your parents be going?" asked Gwen. I bit my lip. They really weren't going to like the next bit of information I had to give them.

"My parents have been there for a week"

"What?" Gwen exclaimed as the other's had various looks of shock on their face "Do you mean to tell us you've been alone in that house for a week and didn't bother to contact any of us?"

I nodded guiltily.

"Why aren't you with them Anna?" Asked Owen.

I couldn't help but still feel sore at his attitude the day before so I couldn't help but be a bit snappish with him.

"Because believe it or not Owen I was planning on coming back to work." I snapped. Owen looked a bit surprised but then I softened my tone "And besides they don't want me there."

"What do you mean they didn't want you there" asked Ianto coming over with my favourite mug filled with hot chocolate. I smiled in thanks and let the heat warm my hands. I couldn't help but notice a small moment in the corner of my eye. I watched as Tosh turn to her desk and fiddled with something around her neck. When she turned back to face us I saw it was actually a very pretty green necklace.

"Apparently there's some trouble with the will. They won't tell me what it is but it's big enough for them to be gone for the next two to four months." I answered

"That's a long time" commented Owen.

"I guess but it means I should have more time for work." I said hoping that would appease him.

"Sweetheart are you sure you're okay about everything" asked Gwen.

"Yes I'm sure" I said, perhaps a bit too sharply. I was thankful that they were concerned but I really just wanted to get to work. They were making too big a deal over it. I really wasn't that bothered. "Please guys can we just get back to work. I'm okay really." I pleaded making sure to keep my voice soft.

"She's right, we should really do some work." Tosh piped up. She must have caught onto how much I didn't want to talk about it.

"Alright then." Said Jack decisively. I jumped slightly at the sound of his voice. He'd been so silent I had almost forgotten he was there. "Tosh I want you to start working on that list for UNIT. Gwen, go down to the station and see if you have any more luck in convincing you're old friend into co-operating face-to-face. Owen, get working on those samples from the sixteen victims and Anna... My office."

I took breath and gripped the edge of the sofa with one hand.

'Why did he does he need to talk to me in his office? Why can't he give me my orders with everyone else... please don't let it be about last night... surely he wouldn't bring that up, would he? Not now... o god.'

I spotted Tosh looking at me strangely and interrupted my mental rant.

"You okay Tosh?" I asked

"Uh... yeah" She said slowly. I noticed she was fingering her necklace nervously.

"You don't look fine." I pressed

"I am, don't worry about me... you should go Jack'll be waiting for you."

The feeling of slight dread settled in the pit of my stomach again. I nodded slowly and got up, clutching my mug in my hands and walked to his office door. It was left lying ajar as a clear invitation to come in without knocking so I did so.

Jack was scanning some papers on his desk. His shoulders were tense and his hair fell into his hard, stormy blue eyes and his mouth was drawn into a line disapproving line. Evidently the information in the file wasn't good.

"What is it Jack?" I asked, sitting down on the chair opposite and taking a sip of the now slightly cooled hot chocolate, smiling a little as I tasted the small hint of cinnamon that Ianto had added.

Jack looked up at me and passed the file over to me. I placed down the mug and took it, scanning the contents.

There was a list of sixteen names and a note that said they had all dies of the same unknown injury within the last month. Sixteen names... sixteen people dead.

I now knew why Jack was so uptight. Evidently these attacks had been going on for a month and the police had only now just informed us. That meant that they would rather let innocent people get hurt by something they know should be turned over to Torchwood than admit they need Torchwood's help. They probably cheeked every option for turning to use... pride has a lot to answer for.

"Such a waste." I sighed.

"Well they've told us now so now we can do something." Jack said knowing why I had commented

"So what do you want me to do?" I asked.

"I want you to do some scouting around. Try and pick up its tracks. Talk to your friends. Students tend to know people, who know people who knows something if you get my meaning." He said and I nodded.

"I'll do my best."

"I'm sure you will." He said. Something about his tone made me look up. He was smirking again and the glint in his eye told me he had answered my "what do you want me to do?" question very differently in his head.

I glared at him and stood up gripping my now empty mug and went to walk out the smug bastards office however...

"Anna. I'm not finished with you yet." He called bringing a halt to my dramatic exit. I shook my head rid of the thought of how he wasn't finished with me and turned round to face him.

"Yes Captain?" I asked flatly. He raised his eyebrows at my formal use of his title but walked over never the less and nodded for me to follow him. He led me down through the hub, past the cells and that shooting range till we reached...

"What are we doing in the cold storage?" I asked looking at the rows upon rows of cold, grey doors behind which lay frozen bodies of victim, aliens and torchwood staff alike. The place had always given me the creeps. I felt it was weird working next to the place I knew I would eventually end up in one day.

"I want you to see the end result of these attacks" he said, leading me over to one of the containment units. He pulled open the metal door and I felt the blast of icy sharpness caress the bare skin of my arm that my t-shirt didn't cover.

Jack pulled the sliding tray open and un-zipping the bag.

Inside the white plastic sheet was the body of a young girl. She didn't look that much older than me. I could tell she was pretty. Shoulder length blonde hair, an attractive figure and delicate facial features. She was the kind of girl that you could tell would be the pretty girl next door type. Her whole life ahead of her. A girl like that could have gotten any guy she wanted, grown up and had a happy life. But instead her life was cut short and it was clear what had caused it.

Scattered across the icy white shin were tiny little puncture marks like needle mark. I shivered at the thought. Her body was littered with them. The marks were in circles of about ten... tiny circles of vivid red showing up against snow white.

Suddenly something caught my eye and I leaned in closer to look at it.

"What's wrong?" Jack asked

I had spotted a mark similar to the others on her skin but slightly different. This mark was raised and vivid whereas the others had receded to nothing more than red dots on her skin these ones looked almost like they were infected. I vaguely recognised it.

"That's the point where Owen suspects the first attack was. He thinks there might be a kind of poison in the first bite that paralyzes the victim while the creature feeds." I heard Jack speaking but for once I wasn't listening.

"Oh god." I breathed staring in horror at the mark. I now remembered where I had seen it before.

"What is it?" Jack asked. I looked up at him and for once was not affected by the piercing look in his sharp blue eyes. I was too worried to even notice.

"My best friend has a mark like this."

I knocked on Hinodes door almost wishing she wasn't going to answer. After I had explained to Jack about Hinode's mark he had insisted that I go to get a sample from her. I did make sense to check it out. As far as we were aware Hinode was the only surviving victim. There was only one problem I was having. I needed to get a sample of her blood... and Hinode was scared of needles. I knew I was going to leave here feeling like the worst best friend in the world.

I had almost turned away when the door opened and Hinode looked out.

Hinode wasn't a lot older than me. 21 years old with mid length poker straight black Hinode didn't look any different from any other 21 year old. However, Hinode had been studying medicine and had graduated her Master's Degree as the youngest in the course. She currently worked in the hospital. I briefly wondered, as I often did how many times she had treated a case that had turned out to be connected with Torchwood.

"Hey Anna." Hinode greeted with slight surprise. I couldn't blame her...Jack and the others weren't the only ones I had been avoiding these last few weeks.

"Hi Hinode, can I come in?" I asked.

"Well...I'm just about to head off to work" She said apologetically. I felt so guilty.

"Um...I actually am working. This will just take a second I promise you." I said.

Hinode's hazelnut brown eyes suddenly became guarded, the flecks of green flashing slightly with fear. Hinode had never questioned me about my work but I was pretty sure having worked at the hospital she had heard stories. Torchwood wasn't really popular with the police and they tending to blame injuries on Torchwoods doings. She had never mentioned this to me and never treated me any differently than when we first met but whenever I mentioned work her eyes became alight with curiosity and suspicion. Now there was a slight tinge of fear to them. She knew by the tone of my voice that I was here for a very good reason... but it probably was a reason I knew she wasn't going to like.

"What is it about?" she asked. Her left hand moved to her right arm and started rubbing at her tan coloured skin. Hinode was Japanese by birth which meant that her colouring was similar to Tosh's.

"The bite mark you got a month ago." I said and she tensed.

"What about it? It doesn't hurt anymore" she insisted rapidly.

"I know. But we've just been handed a case file from the police. There are sixteen other victims...and they're all dead. You're the only survivor."

The fear in her eyes increased but I saw the decision in her face.

"Come in then." she stood aside and I stepped through her door making my way into her living room. Sitting on the coffee table was a slice of toast and butter and a cup of green tea. Evidently I had interrupted her breakfast.

She sat down on the brown leather couch that occupied the room and clasped her hand on her lap.

"So what do you need?" she asked. Being in medicine I figured she'd already guessed I needed a blood sample from her.

"Well..." I began softly. "I need a blood sample." She stiffened but I carried on talking "and I need you to give me an exact account of what happened."

"...Okay" She agreed after a long pause.

"Would it be okay if I recorded your account of it?" I asked holding up a Dictaphone.

She nodded mutely. I switched on the recorder and placed it on the table.

"Alright just take your time." I told her. She took a deep breath.

"I was walking home from work... It was dark... really dark...about two in the morning. I took a short cut through the park to get to my house."

I didn't bother asking her to elaborate on which park. I knew this area like the back of my hand. There was only one park she could have been talking about.

"I heard a noise in the bushes... like twigs breaking... like someone was following me" Her voice was getting panicky and her breathing began to get faster. I reached over and held her hand for support as she remembered.

"I ran...I could hear whoever it was behind me... They... They jumped on me... tackled me to the ground... I felt the pain in my shoulder ...Don't ask me how the bite turned out like this. I don't know" She broke off to wipe a tear from her cheek. I felt my gut clench, I shouldn't have put her through this. I should've gotten Jack to send Owen or Gwen.

"What happened then?" I prompted softly

"He...He left." She paused. It was obvious this had confused her for some time. "He just sprang up off me with an inhuman howl and ran away. I finally got back to my apartment and locked the door. It hurt like a bitch for the next few days but...other than that it hasn't bothered Me." she finished.

I switched off the voice recorder. I dreaded the next bit and looked at her apologetically. Hinode didn't say anything she just turned her back to me, indicating that I was to get it over and done with.

I reached into my coat and took out the needle gingerly, I didn't like holding needles never mind being subjected to them. Taking off the cap I reached gently pulled down the back of Hinode's neckline till the mark was revealed. My rubbing an antiseptic wipe on her skin warned her that I was about to put the needle in and she tensed. I didn't bother to tell her not to. She was handling it a lot better than I usually handled needles.

We didn't speak as the vial filled up with the red substance but I heard her starting to mutter some long and complicated science equation... at least I thought that's what it was. I gathered it was her way of coping.

I quickly put the vial away and the Dictaphone before standing up.

"I'm sorry Hinode." I said hoping she would hear the sincerity in my voice.

She nodded quietly not looking at me. I didn't expect her to. She was probably calming down from the shock. When I was doing that I was usually a sobbing wreck holding on to the first person I felt safe with.

The last time it had been Jack.

I pulled away from that thought. Saying a quick unanswered goodbye to my best friend I made my retreat.

Sitting in my car I took a deep breath. My mind flashed back to something Hinode has said.

"He just sprang up off me with an inhuman howl"

I hoped desperately I wouldn't have a reason to admit to her that her attacker in fact wasn't human.

I stormed back into the hub. I really wasn't happy.

"Hey Anna." Owen greeted me coming up from the autopsy room "Did you get it?"

"Yes Owen. I went to my best friend of five years and stuck a needle in her when I know for a fact the she is just as scared of needles as I am. Yeah I took her blood and left with barely goodbye. That makes me the greatest friend in the world." I ranted going into my coat pocket and retrieving the vial of Hinode's blood sample.

"Anna calm down. The sooner I get these samples run the sooner we can determine if she's in danger okay?" He asked and I nodded.

"You're worried about her. What you've just done could possibly save her life." I turned to see Jack standing at his office door.

"I suppose" I conceded. Jack had a point. If this things venom is in the first bite then Hinode could die. My only worry was... why hadn't the bite affected her before?

"So what do we do now?" I asked. I had to keep busy because if I didn't I would be obsessing about this constantly.

"Owen is going to start running the sample and you are going to help Tosh. She's in the conference room."

"Why? Tosh never needs my help. If she's working on that UNIT list she'll probably prefer to be left alone." I told him.

"Just do it Anna." Jack ordered disappearing into his office.

'Just do it Anna' I mocked in my head, as I started to ascend the stairs leading to the conference room. 'I just asked simple question. God you'd think he would know by now that I don't take an order I don't understand till it's explained, but oh no, Captain Jack Harkness must be obeyed at all time with no questions asked.'

I ran into Ianto on the walkway and he offered me a cup of Jack's industrial strength coffee which I politely declined.

'Of course only the best for Captain Jack Harkness. Never mind the regular coffee that normal people drink Mr. Immortal has to have the best. I swear Ianto spoils him rotten.'

I had reached conference room where Tosh was working.

"Hey Tosh, Jack said I was to come and help you" I said, sliding into the chair across from her.

"That's okay Anna I don't need help. And I won't make you do the calculations that make your head explode"

'oh I don't know Tosh' I answered in my head. 'It might distract me from my current train of thought. That bloody captain with his ice blue eyes boring into me as he pins me down with the weight of his body. The gorgeous smell of him made all the more sexy by the sweat of our workout, the...'

"Are you okay Anna" Tosh cut through my line of thought "you seem...preoccupied"

"I'm fine Tosh" I said smiling slightly in reassurance

'Oh that's right Jack send me up to Tosh and I'll spill my heart out to her and you'll have a good laugh about it on the CCTV because you know what'll happen. Tosh asks, I tell, I cry, tosh comforts because that's the one thing you can count on... Tosh will always be there... always the one to pick up the pieces and lean on.'

"I'm just worried about Hinode..." I started to come up with an excuse but Tosh suddenly ripped her pendant off her neck and flung it down on the table. Had I said something wrong?

"Tosh?" I tried tentatively.

"I'm really busy Anna, I don't need your help. You'll be more useful somewhere else." She said, but what struck me was her tone. Her words were as cold as ice. Something was bothering her.

"Tosh" I tried "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine Anna I just need some peace to work." She said sharply.

I blinked in surprise. Tosh had never spoken to me like that. I took the clear dismissal and walked out frowning. Tosh was a polite, quiet young woman who rarely snapped at anyone. I always thought she had the patience of a saint. For her to snap like that meant something was seriously wrong with her.

I came to halt on the stairs as the truth hit me like a ton of bricks. Jack hadn't sent me to Tosh to get me out of his way... he sent me to see if I thought there was something wrong with her... to see if I thought the same thing he did. He hired me because f my instincts and my ability to read people... he didn't want me out of his way... he wanted me to do my job.

I bolted down the stairs, over the walkway past the desks and into Jack's office. He had left the door open which indicated that he had expected me to figure it out quickly. I skidded to a halt just inside the door and turned to close it. Turning to look at Jack I saw he had a small smirk on his face but he still didn't look up from his work. Evidently he'd been right about how long it would take me to figure it out.

I waited until he looked up at me before I actually spoke. When his blue eyes did eventually meet mine I had only three words ready.

"What the hell?"

"She's been like that all day" he said, indicating for me to sit down. "More withdrawn than usual an, jumping at everything and spacing out a lot."

"Jack she just basically told me to fuck off." I told him as I sat down. I could hear my Scottish accent becoming more distinctive as I started to get worked up.

"Like I said she's not acting normal." He answered.

"What's wrong with her?" I asked

"If I knew that I wouldn't be giving you your next task." He said.

"You want me to follow her?" I asked.

"Not exactly. I'm not expecting you to go on stakeout. Just keep an eye on her." He said.

I nodded in agreement. I couldn't help but feel a sense of defeat creep over me. My best friend and surrogate sister could have alien poison slowly killing her, my other surrogate sister was clearly upset about something she wasn't telling anyone about and to top it all off the guy I've been in love with for months was now fully aware of it and. But he wasn't doing anything about it...and while a part of me was relieved by that ... I couldn't suppress the other part of me that screamed at him to say something about it.

But he didn't.

I left his office was barely a word left to say and went to help Owen in the autopsy room.

Two hours later I was sitting in my car five building down from Tosh's front door. I knew Jack wasn't expecting me to go on stakeout but something was bothering Tosh and I wasn't going to figure out by watching her at the hub. Evidently from the timeline that this started it wasn't at the hub so evidently it must have been her personal life.

I looked down as my phone rang. It was Keith, one of the people I had put on the case about the mysterious attacker.

"Hey Keith." I answered "Did you find anything?"

"Not much but it could be something." He answered with a distinctive welsh lilt to his accent.

"I'm all ears" I said.

"You know that area of the woods all the popular kids go to make out and do drugs?" he asked.

"Yeah by the burn, what about it?" I asked not bothering to get the dig on the new info that those guys really did use drugs as well.

"Well apparently a group of them were up there two nights ago... you know doing their thing but they got disturbed...one of the girl swore she saw something and got spooked. It was getting dark so the rest of them were pretty spooked as well and they all scarpered. Next day they went back cause they had ran without their booze and drugs. Their little camp was completely trashed." He explained. This was the point you knew he was a drama student cause he could help using a spooky voice when telling the story.

"Keith that could have been anything. It is the woods after all there are creatures that live there." I pointed out.

"Yes however, how many of those creatures have three sharp claws. Andrew Montgomery swears it was like Wolverine had paid them a visit." Argued Keith.

"Yeah well he would say something like that." I muttered picturing the dumb jock in my head. "All right Keith thanks a lot I'll have a look into it." I said.

"Okay take care of yourself, Anna." He warned.

"Will do." I assured him hanging up the phone.

Although I was never inclined to believe what the popular group said I had to think that ever they wouldn't go as far as to make something like that up. It was too easy to trace.

I glanced back over to Tosh's and scanned my gaze long the street when something caught my eye. Tosh was walking down the street but she didn't look happy to see the woman who appeared to be waiting for her.

I had been watching her for some time. She had short, dark blond hair, heavy, dark eye makeup. She was wearing a dark purple top and a short black studded skirt, her legs wear encased in purple tights and black, high heeled boots that covered her calves.

I watched as Tosh stopped next to her and started speaking. It was clear that although I could hear her voice it was full of resentment. The blond woman spoke and then Tosh gave a short answer and walked away. As the woman spun round and jumped down from her perch on a stone wall and began walking across the street I grabbed the high tech camera sitting on my passenger's seat and snapped a few pictures. I watched as Tosh entered her house, leaving the door open for her companion to follow her. Once they got inside and closed the door I couldn't see what was going on because Tosh had her blinds closed blocking the view into the house. I reached for my phone pressing speed dial number 1. It was only a few rings before I heard the familiar voice answer.

"Hey Anna, what have you got?" asked Jack.

"A lead on the creature that attacked Hinode and some information about Tosh." I answered, still watching the house for any signs of movement.

"Okay, start with Tosh." He said.

"Well I was watching for her coming home. She eventually got here but someone was waiting for her. Someone I haven't seen before." I started.

"You don't know who she is? That's strange" Jack commented. It was true, Tosh didn't have many friends and the few she did have I had either heard about or seen a picture of. Same went for me with Tosh. She knew all about my friends.

"I know it is. I've never seen this girl and Tosh never mentioned anyone like her to me. Quite frankly Tosh did not seem pleased to see her however; she did leave her door open for the other woman to go into the apartment." I explained.

"What are you thinking?" asked Jack.

"I'm thinking we should be careful. Something about this girl isn't right. Tosh is... afraid of her. She couldn't look at her, kept her eyes averted and body turned away. This girl has some kind of hold over Tosh... and I can't think of anything that is incriminating enough for Tosh not to tell us...unless..." I trailed off as my thought process created another idea.

"Unless..?" Jack prompted.

"... unless it's about ... Torchwood...Maybe this girl knows something about Torchwood."

Jack was silent for a long while as he processed the thought.

"It's a possibility... one question." He eventually spoke.

"What?" I asked

"Do you feel she's in danger?" he asked.

"...Yes." I said going with my instincts. "But we can't help her until we know what that danger is. We don't have enough information to take action yet. "

"Alright so we wait. What was the lead on the creature?" He asked

"Something trashed the spot where the local jocks and popular girls go to drink, make out and drug up. Something spooked them two nights ago and they bolted but they had to go back the next day and clean up the mess in case the cops down a sweep of the woods and found their stuff. When they got their apparently it was a mess, completely trashed. I pointed out it could be any kind of animal but apparently this one had three sharp claws. One of the jock's said it was like Wolverine had paid them a visit."

"Mmmm... do you know where this spot is?" Asked Jack.

"Yeah it's at a bit of the woods near the stream. I was going to head there after I'd finished watching Tosh." I said

"I'll meet you at the road side next to the woods. We'll go together." He said.

"No Jack that's not necessary ..." I started to protest but Jack cut me off.

"Yes it is Anna. If that thing is still around then you won't be able to take it on alone." He said sternly.

"We've never seen it before how do you know I won't be able to take it?" I argued.

"Meet me at the roadside. That's an order." Jack snapped and hung up.

I took my phone away from my ear and looked down at it. I want to be mad at him but instead I found myself feeling suitably sheepish.

It was standard protocol that two agents were sent to an unknown alien dwelling. There shouldn't have been a need to argue but I could help it. I didn't want to be near him... and he knew it. He knew too much for me to be comfortable around him.

Had things been normal there would have no need for him to directly order me. We would have checked out the sight and had a laugh about it. The working relationship between Jack and I had been good from the beginning. I questioned his authority but he quickly found out if he explained the reason for my order I would do it quite happily. And if I wasn't comfortable about I would still do it but he would definitely know over the period of the next few days that I was extremely unhappy about it.

I sighed and took one last look at Tosh's front door before starting the car and driving off towards the woods.

When I pulled up behind the SUV Jack was already out and leaning against the side of the vehicle studying his wristband intently. As I approached him he didn't even look up before he started speaking.

"Well something's been around here but the signal faint. I expect it will get stronger once we reach the sight." He looked up once he finished speaking.

"Right then, follow me, it's a bit of a walk." I said stepping onto the path that led down into the shaded area under the trees.

We walked in an uncomfortable silence for about five minutes before Jack spoke up.

"What I don't get is why they picked a spot so far inside the wood that it takes this long to get to. Don't they just want to have fun?" he asked.

"Yes Jack but they learned quite quickly that the police do quick sweeps of the woods to check that there is no-body is around here doing drink and drugs. However they don't tend to go far into the woods mainly because they can't be bothered. Occasionally they do a full sweep but it's not often." I explained turning off the marked path and working through the trees and bushes that grew thickly on either. I could hear Jack following closely.

"I thought kids like this didn't care about getting caught by the police." He commented.

"Only some of them don't but most of these kids are from the rich part of town. If they're caught by the police and brought home by the police then mummy and daddy won't buy them that brand new expensive car for their twenty first. You know the type. Seemingly perfect? Thin girls and well built boys. Good at sports or cheerleading but when you actually try and speak to them they're as thick as two short planks and do nothing but point out about how they're better than you." I ranted.

"Ah, the joys of secondary school." He said sarcastically.

"Please I can't wait to be shot of that place. Although technically now I don't have to go back except for rehearsals" I said thoughtfully.

"When's the show?" Jack asked.

"Please like I'm telling you or anyone else on the team." I said dryly.

"Aww why not?" he whined playfully.

"You know perfectly well why not." I said.

"We wouldn't do much to embarrass you" he promised.

"I'm not taking the chance." I said as we finally came to the clearing. "This is it."

"No kidding." Jack commented ,drawing level with me.

Keith had been right. The whole area had been completely trashed. The logs which had created the seating circle had been flung about the place. Some were smashed in two while others hung precariously out of the overhanging trees. Glass bottle were smashed all over the place and various syringes littered the group sparsely.

What was most worrying of all was the claw marks scattered across the trees surrounding the area.

"Oh my god" I whispered moving into the circle.

"Be careful" Jack said indicating the glass scattered around us.

I moved over to one of the trees and ran my fingers over the deep markings that ran across the bark. They were very thin but evidently whatever made them was strong enough to cut through the resistance of the bark.

I took my camera and began photographing the chaotic scene in front of us. As I was taking a shot of one of the logs something caught my eye.

"Jack, come here. I think I've got something." I called out.

I heard Jack turn round then was startled when he yelled.

"Anna, behind you!"

I spun around just in time to see a pale green mass heading straight for me. I caught a glimpse of razor sharp teeth and long sharp claws before the thing collided with me. I went tumbling over the log and I felt a sharp pain penetrating both my back and stomach. As lay on the ground I heard three shots and whatever it was on top of me rolled off and disappeared.

As I lay on the ground panting in agony I was aware of Jack running past me trying to follow the thing or at least make sure it was away for now. I tried to focus my mind and analyse my injuries. I arched my back ever so slightly and was rewarded by a fresh wave of pain that made me gasp sharply. Apparently when I tumbled over the log I had landed on a pile of broken glass. I could feel few shards piercing through the skin of my back. As the muscles in my stomach contracted with my rapid breaths I became aware of another pain. Moving my forearm gently I ran my hand across my stomach. I was dismayed to feel torn skin and I felt a damp moisture coating my palm and fingers. I screwed my eyes up afraid of what I would see as I slowly raised my hand into my line of vision.

A felt the terror rising in my heart as the red liquid dripped from my fingertips out of my line of vision but I felt the small splash of the red liquid as it hit the pale skin exposed by my torn t-shirt. I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths trying to calm and clear my mind. The wounds were painful but they didn't feel deep. I tried to move but the glass surrounding me put a stop to that plan as I felt more shards pressing threateningly against my skin.

After a few minutes I heard Jack returning.

"Dammit." I heard him curse as he moved next to me.

"There's ...there's glass in my back." I gasped out. "I...I can't...I can't move."

"Okay I'll get you to the SUV. We'll call Owen and have him meet us at the hub." Jack said as he moved to lift me.

"Wait!" I exclaimed and he paused. "The log... There's a liquid on it...i think...it's the creatures...venom. Get a ...sample for Owen."

"Anna you're bleeding. We need to get you to the hub." He argued.

"I've been...bleeding for the last few...minutes...I can last a few more seconds."

I saw the brief battle going on in his head before he made his decision. He knew I was talking sense. Owen could run experiments which could potentially tell us if the venom was poisonous to Hinode... or me. If the venom was also somehow injected through the claws then I could potentially be infected. A sample of the venom could provide us with an antidote. Failing that Tosh could use the venom to try and get a fix on the species or at least be able to tell roughly where it was from.

As Jack spent as little time as possible I took time to mentally prepare myself for more pain. I was totally aware that in order for me to get back to the SUV Jack would have to carry me. That meant move my body...which meant a lot more pain.

Within a minute Jack was by my side again, placing the vial of venom in his pocket as he did so.

"Anna I'm going to lift you now." He warned.

"Just...keep away...from the centre of my back." I pleaded grimacing in pain. My eyes were already glazed over with water as I tried not to cry from the agony.

Jack leant down over me and hooked his right arm under my knees while his left arm gently lifted my head and neck to slip under my shoulders. I raised my arms to hold onto his strong shoulders and took a deep breath to brace myself for the renewed shot of pain. Jack maintained eye contact with me and silently counted to three. As he lifted me into arms I let out a cry of pain which faded to a whimper as the tears finally broke loose of their encasement and trickled down my cheek.

Jack made gentle soothing noises to try and calm my nerves as he stood and began hurrying away from the site trying not to jostle me too much. My hands slid up to wrap around his neck as I tensed against the pain. I was aware that my bloodied hand was marking the skin on his neck and the blood slowly dripping from my back and stomach were doing nothing for his coat and shirt.

Ten minutes later we emerged from the trees and Jack hurried to the SUV opening it and laying me down in the back seat so I could lie on my side without needing to aggravate my back or stomach. Jack then got in the driver seat and sped off. I could hear him trying to contact Owen through the headsets it took him a couple of tries before he finally got an answer.

"Owen get out of whatever shady bar you're currently in and get back to the hub. Anna's been injured. She's got glass in her back and claw marks on her stomach." Jack continued to talk but I stopped listening. All I could manage to stop was stay completely still. I tool some deep breaths and tried to clear my mind. It was a method I used to calm down. It helped me go to sleep most night or distract me from any events I didn't want to think about... like the searing pain in my back.

I opened my eyes again when I felt the vehicle judder to a halt. Jack got out and scooped me up again trying to be careful of my injuries but I couldn't help but whimper again at the movements. Jack carried my through the garage which led directly onto the weapons room and through the hub.

"How is she?" I heard Owen's voice from across the room.

I looked to see him waiting for us in the autopsy room. Evidently he had been close by.

"There's not a lot of bleeding so they shouldn't be too deep but the glass still has to be removed." Jack informed him as he carried me down to the operating table and placed me on it gently.

"Alright Anna drink this."Owen instructed holding a glass of water to my lips.

I tilted my head up and drank deeply until all the fluid had gone. I listened as Owen examined my injuries and Jack began explaining what had happened until five minutes later I felt my eyelids begin to flutter shut. It then didn't take me long to realise the Owen had put sleeping powered in the water. I didn't bother trying to fight it as I felt darkness take me over and pull me into a dreamless slumber.

I jolted awake with a start, looking around wildly.

I was in my room at home. The curtains were drawn and it was pitch black outside. A sideways glace to my bedside clock told me it was 1 o'clock in the morning.

Gradually I became aware of the dull ache in my back and stomach. Painfully sitting up I lifted the hem of my top. Wrapped all around my midriff was a long pristine white bandage. Underneath it I could feel the cotton pad meant to soak up the blood.

"Owen says you extremely lucky." Jack spoke from the shadows making me jump.

I looked around at him as he got up from his position seated at my desk and made his way over to the edge of the bed. How could I not have noticed him? Now I was aware of his presence I became aware of his smell penetrating every inch of my room. He had obviously been there a while.

"You'll be fine in a few days. There's some painkillers beside you." He said indicating my bedside table again. He waited patiently while I took them gratefully. Owen, as the doctor of Torchwood, always managed to get the best painkillers around.

"How are you feeling?" asked Jack.

"Stiff and tired." I croaked then I remembered something. "The water was drugged."

"Owen suspected he may have to use a needle."Jack explained. "He thought it would be best sending you to sleep rather than scaring you which could cause you to further damage your injuries."

I paused.

"Makes sense." I said finally. I was never happy about being drugged without my knowing which is why the team had never tried anything like that on me. However, when weighing the options of being put to sleep and being awake knowing I was about to have a needle stuck in me... I probably would have preferred sleep.

It suddenly dawned on me that Jack was alone with me in my bedroom. Moreover, it was the first time he had seen my bedroom. I couldn't help but feel a little self conscious. In the corner of the room was a pile of laundry I hadn't got around to putting in the basket. The walls contain pictures I had drawn of my favourite animals or characters from Disney films or anime's. My bookshelf consisted of romance, fantasy and even some erotic novels and my desk and dresser displayed more of my hopeless romantic traits. A pile of CD's of all kinds of music stood stacked against my stereo.

"Um..." I started gnawing my lip. "How long have... you been in here?" I asked. I didn't want to seem rude but for Jack of all people to see my room was a bit embarrassing for me.

"5 hours." Replied Jack simply.

"You waited all that time?" I asked quietly.

"I didn't want you waking up not knowing what happened." He replied.

"Thanks Jack" I replied in no more than a whisper.

I was honestly grateful. It was an embarrassing secret of mine. I could face down aliens. I could go down dark sewers where I knew a weevil could be waiting around the corner ready to tear my throat out. But the one thing that terrified me... was sleeping alone in an empty house.

I never knew what it was but something about it scared the life out of me. I slept with my opal dagger under my pillow usually but even since my parents left for Scotland I had been sleeping with my gun near me as well. Call me paranoid but I couldn't help it. I was terrified of being alone. It was a character flaw of mine I knew. I had a clingy personality. I got attached to people way too easily and that was dangerous in this job. I needed people around me to feel safe. I could get by on my own if I had to but it was easy in the day.

Night was a different story.

Night was silent...cold...deadly.

I shivered.

Jack still kept silent as I got my head together. Eventually I spoke.

"So what did Owen say about the injuries?" I asked

"Well, he said you were lucky. Despite how much blood you lost the damage was minimal. You must have moved just on time when you saw it coming towards you. It brought you away from its first calculated attack. As for the glass, Owen managed to get all out. None of it penetrated any vitals. Mostly it's all just flesh wounds. You should heal up in a few days." He explained as he sat down on the edge of the bed.

I stiffly brought my legs up to my chest and curled my arms around my knees.

"You were right then." I murmured.

"What about?" He asked. At first I thought he was pulling one of his "I know what you're talking about but I want to hear you say it" things but when I looked at him there was a genuine question in his eyes.

"I needed you." I explained quietly. "I probably would have been killed if I had gone alone."

Jack was quiet. I couldn't bring myself to look at him. I knew my sentence had been loaded with an under lying meaning. I did need Jack. Ever since I had found Torchwood I had run to Jack whenever I felt I needed help. Whenever I felt alone or threatened it was always him I felt safe with. Unfortunately that was when I could be in the same room as Jack without feeling uncomfortable... I was before he knew about my feelings for him... before everything changed.

After a few minutes of extremely uncomfortable silence Jack spoke. A part of me was dismayed to hear him assume his professional voice...the other part was grateful.

"Owen says you've to take the next few days off until you've healed." He ordered.

"But I've just come back" I protested.

"Tough luck. You're banned from the hub until you're healed." He said. I could tell from his face he wasn't going to give up on this.

"Aright but promise me one thing." I said in resignation.

"What is it?" he asked and I was ashamed of my surprise at the softening of his voice.

"Promise me you'll get that thing for me." I asked.

Normally I would have liked to get it myself but there was no way I would be in any fit state to hunt it for a few days. I didn't want that thing running around any longer than it had to be. Jack smiled a bit.

"I promise. Now get some sleep." He said.

I don't know how I did it but I managed not to call him back and beg him to stay with me until I fell asleep. I sat quietly on my bed until I heard the front door click shut and the purr of the SUV as it drove away.

I slipped out of bed once Jack had gone. Movement was painful but bearable. I slowly went downstairs and made myself a hot chocolate, taking it up to the bathroom with me. After an hour soaking in the warm water the eased my tired body I felt ready to sleep again.

As I slipped under my covers in my sky blue boy shorts and a black tank top I began thinking. I sure as hell wasn't going to subject myself to staying indoors again. I could still do surveillance on Tosh and I could still ask around for information on the creature.

I fell asleep in a happier mood then I had been in all day.

I might be banned from the hub... but I sure as hell wasn't banned from the streets.

Do me a favour people. Please review and i'll love you all forever. xxxxxxxx