Chapter 15

Blue managed to get Asher back on his scooter and down the sidewalk.

Just as they were about to leave the school parking lot, a voice called out, "Asher!"

Flame screeched to a halt beside them in a golf cart: a tricked-out, custom-designed golf cart. It was painted dark blue, and had both the Superman sign and the Bat Signal. The sides of the cart had flames, and on the back, the Avengers "A."

Blue laughed and Asher squealed.

"Is this my cart?" he asked, jumping up and down, running around the cart.

"Yup," Flame answered, "just for you."

"I can drive it?" he asked, looking at Flame, and then giving Blue a look out of the side of his eye, obviously hoping Flame's decision would overrule Blue's.

Flame rubbed a hand across his mouth, "Well, Asher," he explained, "maybe when you're bigger. You have to get a license."

"Oh," Asher said, nodding his head wisely. He seemed to understand that this was a rule even grown-ups had to follow.

"I came to drive you guys home," he said, "Did your mom tell you I was watching you?"

Asher shook his head, "You're watching me? Yes!" He did a little arm pump.

Asher jumped in the front seat of the cart. Blue walked by Flame, on her way to climb in back. As she walked by, she heard Flame sniff loudly. She stiffened, and met Flame's wide-eyed stare.

"Uh," he said awkwardly, "Um…"

Blue felt her face heat as she realized what he could smell: Vengeance. She met his eyes, despite the awkwardness she felt, and climbed in the back. Flame hesitated a moment, before jumping back into the cart.

Asher filled in any uncomfortable moments with endless chatter; first about the playground and the climbing wall, then about what he wanted to do with Flame.

Flame stopped abruptly when he walked into the house.

"Asher," he said, "Do you think you could go to your room for a minute and get out some toys you want to play with?"

Asher ran to his room without another word while Flame hovered in the doorway.

"Blue," he said, "Vengeance's scent is all over the place in here. He's not going to like it if I come in."

Blue looked at him confused, "I don't understand."

"You've mated with Vengeance, haven't you?" he said.

Blue felt a surge of happiness when she recalled what Vengeance had told her; he'd claimed both her and Asher.

She nodded, "I think so."
Flame cocked his head to the side, "His scent is all over you."
Blue flushed again, "It's not that," she said shyly, "I mean, he said I was his mate. But he could change his mind."
Flame threw his head back and laughed, "If he said you were his mate, he won't change his mind. Trust me."
He cleared his throat, "That being said, he won't like it when he comes back and smells me here. And I'd like to keep my head where it is."
"Oh," Blue said, "You mean he'll think that we…"
She trailed off.

"Not that," Flame said quickly, "But he could become aggressive. Your mating is very new, and he will feel very protective. So if it's alright with you, I'd like to take Asher out while you have your meeting."

Blue nodded, "That's fine. But what about lunch and…"
"I'll take him to the hotel cafeteria," Flame said, "He'll be safe there and will meet other New Species. They will enjoy him immensely."
Blue bit her lip, "I haven't left him with many people, Flame," she explained, "it's not that I don't trust you, I just want him safe."
Flame leaned down so he could look into her eyes, "He will be safe, Blue. They will not hurt him. They will love him."

Blue took a deep breath, this was the life she was building for herself. Asher would be part of the New Species community, "Okay," she said.

Flame stood up and smiled broadly, "Good," he said before calling out, "Asher! Do you have your toys?"

Asher ran up quickly to them, carrying a Dora the Explorer roller suitcase, "I'm packed," he said, "Are we going out?" He was smiling broadly and dancing around Flame, who reached forward and plucked the suitcase from his hands.

"Yes," he said, "We're going to meet some of my friends and have some lunch. Ready?"

"Bye Mommy!" Asher said, dancing over to Blue, jumping in her arms and kissing her quickly, "See you later!"

He ran out the door and jumped into the golf cart, "Let's go Flame!" he yelled.

Flame gave Blue a brief wave, "We'll be back in a couple of hours," he said and closed the door.

Blue watched them leave from the kitchen window, waving when Asher saw her. He blew her a kiss and they drove away.

Blue stood for a moment in her quiet house and she realized, in the four, nearly five years since Asher had been born, she had never been alone in her house. He was always with her.

She wasn't sure if she liked it, but before she had too much time to dwell, the phone rang.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Hi."

Vengeance.

"Hi," she breathed, and immediately felt like a dork by how breathy her voice came out.

"I miss you," he said, "Things are taking longer than I wanted, so I won't be able to see you and Asher until this evening."

"I miss you," Blue answered.
"Tell Asher about we're going to have dinner together," he said, "I'll cook for you. I'm still trying to secure housing for us. It's not safe for you and Asher in the Wild Zone yet, and I haven't had a chance to talk to Justice and Tiger about moving you to the New Species section of Reservation."

"So you'll stay here?" Blue asked.

Vengeance paused, "Yes," he said, "We are a family now. We'll stay together."

Blue smiled widely. A family. She had been desperately holding her family of two together, and sometimes it felt like she was a step away from losing it. And though a small part of her wondered at her ceding control to Vengeance so easily, a larger part of her trusted that it was okay. Her family, and her heart, were safe with Vengeance.

"How is Asher?" Vengeance asked.

"He's good," Blue said, leaning her hip against the kitchen counter, "We went to the playground at the school. He met a friend. But I have to meet with Justice and Jacob in a bit, so he's with Flame."
There was a pause and silence on the other end of the line. When Vengeance spoke, his voice was low, "Is Flame there?" he asked, "Let me speak to him."
Blue's smile faltered. He was remembered what Flame had said about his head staying attached and rushed to reassure him, "No," she answered, "Flame took Asher to play. He said you wouldn't want him here."

She heard Vengeance growl, "He is right. I do not like the idea of any other males being around you, though I trust him with Asher, and I know he has formed his own attachment to a human. But I am sure he would find you desirable and I do not want him there."
"He's not," Blue answered, "but I will need to be around Justice later. Will that bother you?"
"No," Vengeance answered, "Justice is mated." He laughed quietly, "And Jessie would tear him apart for ever looking at another female."

Blue laughed with him. She remembered Jessie from when they were younger, and she had always seemed fierce, so that didn't come as a surprise.

"So I'll see you tonight?" she asked.

"Yes," Vengeance answered, "I'll be leaving here as soon as possible."

"Okay," Blue said, "I can't wait."

Vengeance growled again, this time low and sexy, "I would leave now if I could."
"I know," Blue responded, "I'll see you soon."

"Goodbye, Blue," Vengeance answered.

"Goodbye," she answered, waiting for him to disconnect before hanging up.

Blue had a little bit of time before she needed to get ready so she moved around the house, cleaning up. She jumped into the shower, and noticed that under the sink were various toiletries and items. They were nicer than her own, so she took them into the shower with her and spent longer in there than normal. She made sure to shave and wash her hair, conditioning it extra long. Then she blow-dried her hair, and put on a little makeup. She was just about to head out the door when she heard rustling from Asher's room.

Thinking that maybe he and Flame had come home for something, and she hadn't heard them over the hairdryer, she called out, "Asher?"

She went into his room and stopped short. Sal was sitting on the floor, playing with some of Asher's superhero figures, "Where's Asher?" he asked when he saw her.

Blue kneeled down on the floor next to him, "He's with Flame," she answered, "Does your mom know you're here?" she asked softly, not wanting him to think he was in trouble, but having a feeling he might be.

He didn't look at her. Blue adjusted herself so she was sitting with her legs crossed. She grabbed one of Asher's toys and made it walk over to the guy Sal was playing with, "Hey Sal," she gave the toy a low voice, "Did you forget to tell your mom you were going to Asher's house?"

Sal's head nodded.

"That's okay," she had the guy say, "What's your Mommy's name? Asher's mommy will call her. They can make a plan for you guys to play when Asher is home."

"Mommy," Sal said, looking up at Blue.

Oh... poop, Blue thought.

"What's your daddy's name?" she had the guy ask this time.

"Daddy," Sal said, this time with more confidence.

Well, damn.

"Okay," Blue said, "I'm going to give a call and try to get in touch with your mom. You can play here with Asher's toys, okay? But Sal," she said, using her teacher voice, "Just let me know before you go anywhere, especially if you leave the house."

Sal nodded with his eyes on Blue. She worried another human would see Sal. If she didn't know there were New Species children, she knew other humans didn't either. She had a feeling that New Species weren't ready for the world to know about this.

People, especially the horrible anti-Species groups, would try to kill or kidnap these children. Even worse, if there were any Mercile labs left out there, they would do anything to get to them. If they knew it was possible to create New Species children… Blue couldn't even finish the thought.

She called the first person she could think of: Vengeance; but the person who answered told her that he was unavailable. She tried Flame next, and finally, Justice. No one was available, but she left messages for them to call her anyway.

Breeze drummed her fingers on the table. She would take Sal home herself, but she didn't want the other humans to see him. It wasn't safe in this area for him. She decided to call "0" and go from there.

"Reservation," the voice answered, politely.

"Hi," Blue said nervously, twirling her finger in the cord, "I'm sorry, I know this is a really weird question, but am I speaking to a New Species?"

There was a pause, then, "Yes," the voice said, slightly less politely.

"Um," Blue said, "okay. I need… well… I have this child at my house."

"I'm sorry?" the voice said confused, "A child?"

"Yes," Blue answered, taking a deep breath, "I have a New Species child at my house and…"

The line was silent, "Hello?" Blue said, "Hello?"

No one answered. She hung the phone up, and looked at the clock. She twirled a strand of her hair around her finger nervously, not sure what to do next.

She went back in to Sal, who was rummaging through another bag of toys. He had Asher's cars lined up, and was searching for more. She sat down next to him. She wasn't going anywhere for a while, "Can I play?" she asked.

Sal handed her a car and they played together happily, before Sal lifted his head up.

"Somebody's here," he said.

Blue cocked her head to the side, trying to listen, "I didn't hear anyone."

Sal smiled at her, "I have really good ears."
Blue smiled, "I bet you do. I'll go check. Do you want a snack when I get back?"

Sal nodded enthusiastically, "Do you have rice krispy treats?"

Blue thought about it, "I'm not sure. I'll check."

She left Sal with the cars, and made her way to the front door. She peeked out the windows by the side of the door, not seeing anything or anyone. She opened the door and looked out, not seeing anyone there either.

She mentally shrugged, and closed the door, turning away. As she turned, a body slammed into hers, pushing her hard against the wall.

"Don't move!" a man's voice yelled at her, pulling her back and slamming her hard into the wall a second time.

Blue was instantly transported back to her life with Tom, and her first thought was, he's found me!

She felt hands roughly traveling over her body, and she cried out, "No!"

She began to fight, throwing her elbows back and pushing against the wall, trying to get leverage. She stomped down with her foot, but she could feel the person was wearing boots and she didn't even have shoes on.

"Don't move!" the voice said again louder, and grasped her arm. He pushed her shoulder forward and moved her elbow back, moving her fists toward the middle of her back. She hadn't had her shoulder dislocated since being married, but she remembered the familiar pain. She heard the distinctive pop, and then the excruciating burn and tear.

She cried out at the same time the air rushed from her body. She felt her body shaking and shivering. Her old friend shock had arrived.

The world seemed to be spinning and swirling. She could make out another man in the house. He wore black with a bulky vest. He had on a helmet and his face was covered. She saw his weapon, realized they were military, and panicked.

They were after Sal!

She couldn't let them take him. They must have the phones tapped, this was her fault. They were going to take him away. She started fighting harder, not feeling the pain anymore. More hands held her. She threw her head back and felt it connect with something. She heard a grunt, and then her head was slammed into the wall.

Black dots peppered her vision, but she kept moving, though drunkenly. The man turned her around, pinning her to the wall, laying his arm against her windpipe.

"Where is he?" she heard him ask someone, and then "Keep him out of here."

No! Blue thought, she couldn't lose consciousness. She had to stay awake. She had to protect Sal...

She heard small growls and the man cried out.

"No! Stop it!" she heard Sal's small voice and saw him claw and bite at the man holding her.

He leapt at her, but her arms weren't working right, but she tried to hold him and move him behind her.

"Don't touch him," she gasped out.

The man took a surprised step back, and looked around. One of the men who had been holding her arms moved forward.

"Step away," he said, "You will just make it worse. Don't do this in front of him."

She heard Sal growling and making noises that showed how upset he was.

"You won't take him out of Reservation," she said breathlessly.

"Are you threatening us?" the man moved toward her, and pushed at her shoulder. Just that little tap, and Blue was nearly undone.

"They'll never let you leave," she said, knowing that this little boy was precious, and New Species would do whatever it took to find him, "They'll find you."

"Salvation," the man said, "come here."

Blue had just enough time to realize they knew Sal's name, before a fist slammed into her head, and she fell to the ground.

Chapter 16

Vengeance jumped off his cart and headed toward Justice's office, hoping he could catch Blue before she left. He was striding toward the building, when Justice came rushing out.

"Is Blue inside?" he called to Justice, "or has she left already?"

Justice stopped, "Why?"

He moved closer to Vengeance, "You mated with her?"

Vengeance smiled, "Yes," he said, "she's my mate. Is she here?" He looked around Justice toward the building, hoping to see her.

"Come with me," Justice said, "I'm going to see her now."

Something about the tone of his voice sent warning bells off in Vengeance's head, "Where is she?" he said warningly, something like panic beginning to gather in his chest.

Justice looked at Vengeance seriously, "You must remain in control," he said. Vengeance noticed Tiger running to catch up to him with Shadow and Wrath close behind.

Vengeance stepped closer to Justice, hands fisting at his side as he fought not to grab him and force him to answer faster.

"Where. Is. She?" he said.

"She's in medical," Justice answered.

Vengeance roared. He started running toward the Medical center, aware of the males running next to him, but was unconcerned with their presence.

He burst into the building, "Where is she?!" he sounded out of control.

Justice pointed, "Third floor. We're going with you."

Vengeance didn't care. He slammed through the doors and took the stairs, three and four at a time. He came out of the stairway at a dead run, and skidded to a stop.

He could smell her here; it was overwhelming: pain, fear. He saw Tim Oberto, from the human/New Species task force. He had on a tactical gear. He stood with two other New Species males, ones he didn't know. He could smell Blue on them. Smell her fear. He saw blood on the hands of one. The control he held onto, the rage he kept just barely at bay, unleashed.

"BLUE!" he roared, and charged down the hall, following the scent, until he found a door knew was to her room.

He threw the door open and stopped short.

Blue lay in the bed, the white sheet tucked around her waist. Her brown hair was tangled on either side of her head, her face a mess of bruises.

Vengeance balled his fists tightly and stepped closer. He looked at the machines hooked up to her. An IV ran into her arm. A heart monitor was stuck to her chest and a blood oxygen monitor was clipped to her finger.

And her face.

He saw tracks of mascara running down her cheeks. The entire side of her face, from her temple to her chin was bruised, a nasty blue bruise that would takes weeks to fade.

Her free arm was in a sling, and the knuckles on that hand were cut and red with newly healing scabs.

He felt his shoulders heaving as he tried to breathe. An uncomfortable pinching sensation built in his chest, until he felt like he was going to explode. His legs got him to the bed, but then they wouldn't hold him anymore. He grasped her hand, right before they gave out and he ended up kneeling by her side.

Vengeance buried his face in Blue's body, taking in her scent.

He heard the door open behind him and whipped around, growling warningly.

"It's just me," Justice said.

"What happened to her?" he managed to choke out.

He heard Justice sigh, and saw the male run his hands through his hair, as he took in Blue.

"God, Vengeance," Justice said, "I'm so fucking sorry."
"Just tell me," Vengeance ground out.

"Blue…" he trailed off, "She tried to call us. She called Breeze, and Flame, and me, left us all messages."
"What?" Vengeance could feel himself start to slip.

"Sal," Justice said, meeting his eyes unflinchingly, "Sal showed up at Blue's house. He met Asher at the park. Wanted to play. Followed them home."

Vengeance stood, still holding Blue's hands, breathing rapidly, "Who hurt her, Justice?"

"She called Reservation's information center, trying to find out where Sal belonged. Made sure she was speaking to a New Species, and then told him that Sal was at her house."
Vengeance shook his head, confused.

He took another deep breath and stopped mid inhalation. He leaned down and sniffed Blue. He could smell the male from outside. He lifted her hand up to his nose; he could smell the male there. He leaned to Blue's face, breathing in deeply. He could smell Tim all over Blue's face.

Vengeance roared; insane with anger, "They did this! I'll kill them!"

Justice rushed to Vengeance as he got to the door; wrapping his arms around Vengeance, pinning his arms to his sides. Vengeance roared, his rage giving him strength, and easily broke free. He got to the door when Justice tackled him from behind. He heard the door open and saw feet running in. He felt them pile onto him, all of the males pinning him to the floor. He thrashed wildly, roaring and snarling.

"Stop it! Stop it!" a raspy voice screamed.

Blue.

"Get off of me!" Vengeance ground out, "BLUE!"

"Ven!" he heard her gasp and then heard the machines going off wildly. He twisted desperately to see what was happening, but the males held him tight. He smelled her a moment later and her face came into view. She laid her body on the floor next to him and reached out a hand, "Let him up!" she cried out hoarsely, looking up at the males.

"Stay calm," Justice said in his ear, "she needs you."
"Let me up," he said again, not making any promises.

He felt the shift of weight and then he was free. He gathered Blue to him, cradling her in his arms. The machines had gone off because she had torn free of them. He saw the wires hanging next to the bed. He could smell her blood where she'd pulled the IV out.

"Are you okay?" her poor ruined voice asked brokenly.

Vengeance didn't answer, pulling her closer while backing up, keeping an eye on the males. He heard Blue suddenly gasp, and he looked down at her, "Vengeance!" she said, "They took Sal!"

He could see her pulse hammering in her throat, and her face was dripping in sweat. A moment later her eyes rolled back in her head and her body went limp.

"BLUE!" he pulled her closer to his face.

"Get out of my way," he heard a voice say, "Justice, move it! Get these males out of here. I need space."

Trisha.

He looked up at her, feeling his lip raise and growled warningly. He was acting purely on instinct now, desperate to protect Blue.

Trisha moved toward him slowly, her hands held out, "I just want to help her Ven," she said, "Put her on the bed so I can examine her."

Vengeance growled again and moved backwards.

Trisha sighed heavily and put both of her hands on her hips, "Dammit Ven, knock it off! You know I won't hurt her. Put her on the damn bed and get the hell out of my way."
Something in Trisha's tone got through to Vengeance and he followed her directions, but he didn't move away. He hovered around Blue and watched every move Trisha made.

Trisha shined a light in Blue's eyes, checked her pulse, and finally looked up at Vengeance, "I need one of my nurses," she said, "Can you handle that?"

Vengeance nodded warily and Trisha called out, "Midnight! I need you in here."

The New Species female worked her way through the doorway that was crowded with males, "Damn males everywhere, can't take a god-damn step without them in my way," she grumbled. She gave Vengeance a friendly smile, completely at odds with the situation, "Hey Vengeance, congratulations on mating! That's great! Now can you move the fuck away so I can help?"

Vengeance took a step back, feeling relief at Midnight's tone. Blue must not be hurt too badly if Midnight was acting the same as she always did.

"She's dislocated her shoulder again," Trisha said, "I need to reset it. Then I need you to insert the IV again, and the monitors."

Midnight nodded shortly, getting to work. Vengeance couldn't look away, he wanted to ask questions, but for some reason, he couldn't formulate them.

"She's got a concussion, bruising along her face. The tissue along her larynx is swollen, so she's going to be hoarse for a while. Her shoulder is dislocated and she's not going to be able to lift much. She'll stay here overnight for observation and to manage pain, but then she can go home," Trisha enumerated Blue's injuries in a matter of fact, but still sensitive, way.

Vengeance nodded. He wanted to rip the males to pieces, but he couldn't have Blue upset again. Seeing her like that, knowing she'd pulled out her IV and re-dislocated her shoulder in order to get to him made him afraid. She was trying to protect him, but it was his job to protect her. He could wait, he would kill the males later.

"I know what you're thinking," Trisha said, "I can see it. But you can't harm them. It was a mistake, a horrible mistake, but a mistake nonetheless. You need to get past it."

"Never," Vengeance said, low and terrible.

"Yes!" Trisha snapped, "Blue needs you. You mated her, right?"

Vengeance nodded.

"Then you have a responsibility to her," Trisha said without sympathy, "You have a family now. You don't get to go around, exacting revenge for slights. Your family needs you. Blue needs you. Get over it."

Vengeance growled, thinking about letting the males live.

"Oh grrr yourself," Trisha said, "you know I'm right."

"She's going to be alright?" Vengeance asked, changing the subject.

"Yes," Trisha said, much softer, "She'll be fine. But she'll need time to recover. You'll need to help."

"She won't do anything," Vengeance said, "She will rest, and I will take care of her and Asher."

"Asher!" Vengeance said suddenly, "Where is he? Is he okay? Did they hurt him?"

He saw red thinking about that possibility.

"Asher is fine," Justice's voice came from the doorway, "He's playing with Sal at Ellie and Fury's house. Sal needed a distraction, and Flame wanted to see Blue."

"Flame is here?" Vengeance asked, not having seen him.

"Not anymore," Justice answered, "He had to work, but he was worried."

"She's my mate," Vengeance said.

"I know," he said, reassuringly, "Flame sees Asher and Blue as friends. Would you like me to send mating papers to you?"

"Yes," Vengeance answered, "I want them as soon as possible."

Justice nodded, but continued to stand next to the door.

"I'm in control," Vengeance told him, "You can go and please take the males and Tim with you. I want to break them into pieces and their presence is making it difficult for me to remain calm."

"Okay, Vengeance," he said, "But I want to stay. I want to explain everything to Blue when she wakes."

"Fine," Vengeance replied, "But please go away. I don't want any males near my mate." Vengeance's instincts were bubbling near the surface and he didn't know how much longer he would be in control with all of these distractions around him.

Chapter 17

Blue surfaced slowly back to consciousness. If felt as if her head was pulsing, it hurt so badly. She tried to remember what she had done, had she had too much to drink? She didn't think so. Maybe she was getting the flu. Then it all came to her in a sickening rush. Sal, the men taking him away, getting knocked unconscious. She could feel herself starting to panic, desperate to get to Sal, to let someone know he'd been taken.

"Sal!" she cried out, opening her eyes and glancing around.

"It's okay, Blue," she heard, "He's safe."

Blue focused on the voice, her vision clearing until she could make out Vengeance staring at her intently, "He's okay, Blue," he reassured her, "He's with his family."

Blue looked around confused. She was in a hospital. She lifted her hand to her face and flinched when she made contact.

"He's okay?" she rasped out, her lips were painfully chapped and she had trouble forcing the words from her throat. She sounded like a two-pack-a-day smoker.

Blue concentrated on breathing, trying to push back the panic as flashes of what had happened bombarded her, along with memories of other times she'd ended up in emergency rooms.

Vengeance sat up and moved his face closer to hers until all she could see were his blue eyes, "You are safe," he said, "Sal is safe. Asher is safe. No one will hurt you. I am here and I am not leaving."
Blue could feel tears start to well up in her eyes, and they spilled over. Vengeance pulled back to look at her horrified, before his face became angry, "I will kill them for making you cry," he said, "I told Justice I would not, but I have changed my mind. Where do you hurt, Blue?"
Blue shook her head, she wanted to explain, but her throat hurt too much, "Water?" she asked.

Vengeance reached out a hand, his gaze never wavering from Blue's as he picked up a straw and placed it gently near her lips. Blue took a swallow of cold water and felt the damaged tissues soaking up the moisture. She took another grateful swallow before she allowed her head to sink back into the pillows on the bed.

"It's not that," she said, "It's just a relief. I thought that they were from Mercile or something, and that they were going to steal Sal away from Reservation."

Vengeance pushed his anger way down, in order to reassure Blue, "He is fine."

Blue nodded and swiped at the tears running down her face with her good hand. She glanced down at herself and laughed brokenly, "I'm a mess, aren't I?" she said, "I wish you hadn't seen me like this."
Vengeance took a cloth from bedside table and used it to wipe her face, "I wish I had never seen you like this either. I never wished to see my mate bruised or battered again."

Blue stopped his hand and pulled it to her face, kissing his fingertips lightly, "I'm so sorry, Vengeance."

Vengeance couldn't stop from growling, "There is no reason for you to apologize," he said, "None of this is your fault."

He stood abruptly and ran his fingers back and forth through his hair, "I am trying very hard to not eviscerate the males who did this to you," he explained, "It is very hard for me not to track them down."

Blue gave him a wobbly smile, "Can you tell me what happened? Will it make you too mad?"

Vengeance sighed, gathering his thoughts, "The New Species you called panicked when he heard you say a New Species child was at your home. He was afraid you had taken Sal. You must know the lengths that New Species will go to in order to keep these children safe."

Blue met his eyes and nodded her head, "That was my worry, too. I was afraid if I brought Sal out of the house, one of the humans in the neighborhood would see him."

"I assumed as much," Vengeance replied, "The men who stormed your home are from the human/New Species task force. They are the men who find and rescue our Gift females. They are the fastest responding group we have here."
Blue nodded, showing she understood, but, "I wish Sal hadn't seen that," she said, "I didn't know who they were. I tried to hurt them. He must be so upset." Tears started to leak out of her eyes again, "His family must be so upset. I would never want Asher to witness something like that."
"Sal is fine," Vengeance spoke quickly to reassure her, "He's mad. I checked in with Ellie and Fury, and while he didn't really understand what was happening, he was very mad that they had hurt you. They explained to him that it was a mistake, that you were okay, that they were okay, and he was better."
"Really?" Blue asked.

Vengeance wiped her face again, "Really. And Ellie and Fury are actually grateful to you. They know you were acting to protect Sal."

Blue let out a shuddering breath, "Is Asher still with Flame?" she asked finally.

Vengeance shook his head, "He's actually with Sal right now. Ellie and Fury wanted to keep Sal busy and distracted. Asher is very busy and very distracting."

Blue laughed a little, "Can we go get him now? I want to get out of here."
"I am sorry," Vengeance said seriously, "You need to stay here overnight to be monitored."

Blue shook her head, "No! I can't stay here overnight, away from Asher. This is only our second day here! I need to go home!" The heart monitor next to Blue started beeping wildly and a moment later, Midnight walked in.

"Calm down," she said, while walking toward Blue, "You are setting off your alarms."

"I want to go home," she told Midnight, pushing herself up with one arm.

"No." Vengeance said firmly, "The doctor said you needed to stay overnight. You will stay overnight."

"No," Blue said, "Asher…"

Vengeance sighed, "I will get Asher," he said, "I will stay with him tonight."

"You will?" Relief was evident in Blue's voice.

Vengeance ran his hand back in forth across his head, "Yes," he said, "I will stay with him, but you must promise me to stay here and rest. And you," he pointed at Midnight who raised an eyebrow at him, "You will promise to watch her. To keep her safe while I am with our son."

Blue felt a million fireworks go off in her heart with Vengeance's statement: our son. The way it had just slipped from Vengeance's lips was as if he had said it a hundred times before.

"She's perfectly safe, Vengeance," Midnight said, "Doc Trisha is working, so Slade is skulking around here somewhere. I will make sure she rests until she's ready for release tomorrow."

"Good," Vengeance replied. He turned to Blue, "I will go get Asher and we will spend the night in your home. You will stay here and rest until Asher and I can collect you tomorrow."

Blue nodded, relieved and exhilarated, "All right."

Vengeance leaned over, placing his hands on either side of Blue's pillow until they were nose to nose. Blue's eyes closed and she felt him press a gentle kiss to her lips, and then one on the corners of her mouth, and finally one on the tip of her nose. Her eyes opened and she stared into his eyes.

"This is not how I saw this evening," Vengeance said.

Blue gave him a half-smile, "Me either," she replied, "It's a good thing we have all the evenings for the rest of our life," she added.

Vengeance smiled in spite of himself, "Yes it is," he said and gave her one more lingering kiss on her lips before leaving.