Here is Chapter 6 once again LOL. Some of you already got to read it when I accidently posted it prematurely.

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Enjoy, Birgitta

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6. Guardian Beast.

On my way home to my flat, my mind keeps rushing and spinning from what just took place. Breathing, the most natural of physical acts, feels like a struggle and my chest has an odd heaviness to it. All these emotions are coming at me: joy, excitement, anxiety, impatience…

I nearly pull over and turn around several times; going back to Vincent, back to his arms, and back to his bed. If JT hadn't walked in, I don't know what might have happened. I laugh, loudly and hysterically like a madwoman, when I catch myself lying. I know exactly what would have happened. Neither of us would have been able to control ourselves and right now… right now, I would be making love to Vincent.

My thoughts cause a tingle and a buzz in the very spot that aches the most. "Damn, JT," I curse out loud. "Annoying nosy meddling… faithful."

I can't be angry with JT anymore than Vincent can. JT is trustworthy and goodhearted. All these years, he has sheltered Vincent. If it wasn't for JT's overprotective nature, Vincent might be have been found by Muirfield and he probably would be dead.

"Dead…" my mind echoes and I go instantly cold. Vincent dead is a notion I don't even want to brush up against. Vincent has become my everyday constant. He is my friend, my ally, my partner, my confidant, my protector, my… lover. Without Vincent, I would be lost, alone, and unsheltered. Sure, I have my sister, my dad, friends, and colleagues but Vincent is… he is Vincent… he is my Vincent.

I don't think he understands this, all the roles he fills. I don't think that he grips how much he means to me. This is why he objected at first tonight. If only he would have read the darn letter. The letter spelled it out perfectly. Once he reads the letter, there should be no doubt in his mind.

Although, I suppose I can't blame him for he did start out as a project. He was someone to study and help. But, this is who I am. I am a detective and it is not a 9-5 job. It's a calling, a passion, and a mission. I guess it has to do with my mom. When my mom died, I swore I would do my outmost to protect others from experiencing the same hurt and to bring justice to as many as I could. The night my mom was killed, I was saved by someone or something, and I wanted to pay that forward. Not knowing better, I had called my savior a Beast in the press. And yes, Vincent is a Beast but he is also so much more… especially to me.

"Hi," someone says and I jump, startled at the sound of a soft voice greeting me. A giggle escapes from my sweet little sister as she eyes me with a deep frown. "Why are you so jumpy? Are you alright?" Heather asks concerned and I exhale slowly, getting myself prepared. Eyes widening tells me that she has seen and comprehends. "Your forehead and your neck… what happened? Another work injury?"

I walk up to her and give her a hug, reassuring her that all is well. "Don't worry. I'm fine. You should see the guy who jumped me."

My words remind of my assailant. I still don't know what Vincent did to him. I'm assuming he is dead. In Beast mode, Vincent is upstoppable and ruthless… especially if the person has caused me harm. This shouldn't please me, it shouldn't bring a smile to my face, because I am a cop and my duty is to protect. Yet, I suppose that is exactly what Vincent did; he protected me… like he always does… and I can't be mad at him for that. Besides, the guy was trying to kill me!

I beam at my sister, thoughts of Vincent has that effect on me, as I continue to reassure her. "You don't need to worry because… I sort of have a Guardian Beast."

My sister raises an eyebrow high, making her smooth forehead wrinkle. "Beast?" She questions and then laughs. "Don't you mean Guardian Angel?"

"Yes. Angel. Sorry. Must be the blow," I dismiss my choice of words and touch my hand to my bandage.

But, my words were not a miss-say. I have a Beast for a Guardian Angel. I have a Guardian Beast. Who can say that, other than me?

No matter my sister's laughter, I need to watch it. I am revealing something I really should not. Vincent's existence is a secret I have been entrusted with, to JT's irritation, and I don't take this confidence lightly. I have seen and felt what Muirfield are capable of. They are killers and they would do horrible things to Vincent if they were ever to find him. I can't let them find him. Still, I do want my sister to know. With every passing day, Vincent is claiming a bigger part of my life so eventually, the two of them will have to meet. JT will object, of course.

"So, who is it? This Guardian?"My sister pries, notoriously curious.

Slow shake of the head, knowing that I must have Vincent's permission. "I can't really talk about him."

"Him?" My sister giggles, insinuatingly, like a young girl would. Perhaps, there is something in my voice or in my expression that is giving me away. "Why not? Is he under witness protection or something like that?"

My sister has just given me a great escape hatch and I jump through it with gratitude. "Yeah, something like that," I agree as I retrieve a bottle of water from the fridge. Wanting and needing to be alone with my thoughts, I yawn, pretending to be exhausted. "Hey, I'm going to take a shower and go to bed. Tomorrow, sushi is on me. Deal?"

My sister gives me no grief and I sneak off. Once in the shower, the hot water feels great against my skin. Without moving, I stand under the hot rain and let the steam enclose me. I let my eyelids drop and images of the two of us come at me. When it all changed, I do not know. Perhaps it was a slow process; one save, one smile, one accidental touch… Or perhaps, it was overnight where one day all I saw him as was a friend and the next day just the sight of him caused me to burn. Cause that is what it is like now, just the thought of him quickens my pulse and the need sets in. It doesn't help that I haven't had sex in months, not since Mr. Doucebag.

Even though I don't want to, I turn off the water. Tomorrow won't come fast enough unless I go to sleep. And, tomorrow I will get to see him. This, I am certain of. There was no need to wait for an answer. Vincent is always there, watching and guarding from the shadows. I love his stalking, it makes me feel safe, but I hate that he has to hide. Muirfield is to blame. They experimented on him and if they were to find out that he is still alive, they will try to eliminate him. Everyone who knows of Vincent and the experiment is in danger. This is why my mother was killed 9 years ago. I don't have all the details, but I know that much and this is why my life is at risk as well.

Sleep proves to be hard to come by. The pillow feels too lumpy, the air too stuffy, the night too full of noises, and my head too full of thoughts, fantasizes, and images. How could I have thought that I would just fall asleep? The plain truth is that my body is no longer mine. It is Vincent's. He governs it, whether close or far. Whatever he wants and needs, I'll give it to him.

'Go to sleep, Catherine. Maybe tomorrow… hopefully tomorrow… read the letter, Vincent… read…'

My thoughts blur into one as my eyelids drops and slumber finally comes. I drift into a dream world where a Beast saves my life and a gorgeous Doctor patches me up. What girl, other than me, can say that their real life is just like their most wonderful dream?

I fall asleep completely unaware that right outside my window, my Guarding Beast sits alert and shielding. On the fire escape, Vincent has perched himself with my letter in one hand. He is ready to read, ready to face his fear, and ready to finally know.