Chapter 3

Beckett's killer. The person who shot him was Beckett's killer. A chill ran down his spine, and he grimaced.

"Kate. I, I don't know what to say".

"Say nothing Castle. All we know is he was after me, not you. And I guess you saved my life, again. "

"I've saved your life way more times. Like the time when I used that wine bottle, and the time when-"

"No Castle. You saved me from a killer who wanted something from someone else. We were just in the way. This time you saved 'Me'. It was me in the line of fire, and you saved me. "

"Kate. I can't imagine how you're feeling. Him being after you after all this time again-"

"How I'm feeling? Castle, you just got shot. At this moment in time, I'm more worried about you."

"I guess we both have it pretty bad. "

"And now we need to get through this. Together. "

She looked down at the new ring that paraded her sleek finger, and Castle did too. They smiled together. At least they had something.

"So what's the plan of action. Are Ryan and Espisito hitting the streets in a search? Is-"

"Castle. Enough with the hasty decisions. But more to the point, what about Alexis, and Martha?"

"Oh yeah. I guess with you being here, I forgot. You were all that was on my mind when I was layed there, on the ground. You were what I was holding on to, your thought, your memory, your love.

Kate felt something she'd never felt before. She couldn't explain the new emotion, but it flooded her veins. She was happy he was awake, hell she was elated. But she was worried about his health. She was worried about her killer.

Her killer. He was after her again. After her 'little conversation' with Bracken, she thought all was over.

Thought. Now everything they had worked to overcome had come back to haunt them. They obviously had something new, and fresh that meant the hunt could go back on.

And they were determined.

"Look Kate. I know you're worried about me, but look at you. You found out you're being hunted. Again. You've met death several times, yet you've survived. I have you now. I'm not letting you get away. So no matter what you say, I'm looking after you. You're staying with me, and I'm not leaving your side until you're killer has been caught. And I mean business now. "

A furrowed brow lined Castles ruggedly handsome face, and Kate chuckled. He meant business. He couldn't even do harm to a small cat, let alone a grown man.

This was her battle. She had to fight it, but she had a feeling that Castle was right. They weren't going to stop until they had what they wanted.

For once, she admitted it. She stepped down and decided to keep out of harms way, and keep castle by her side.

He obviously wouldn't be back in the precinct for a while. His weak nature suggested he would be out of action for at least a month.

This wouldn't stop him though, after a week she knew he would be back in the precinct. Making sure everything in their power was done to take this man down.

She was his now. His partner, his girlfriend, his fiancé.

"Castle. It's not going to be that easy. You will need physio, you will need therapy. You can't ride your hero's mobile back to the precinct tomorrow. For a while you will be at home. "

He pulled a face, protesting. It did nothing but make Kate chuckle.

"At home with me. I'm not rejoining the case until you are by my side. And I'm sure Gates will give me some time off. Speaking of which, she seemed very concerned about you earlier. Maybe her soft spot it coming through. "

He smiled, though this situation was dire, he had to make the most of the smallest things that made him smile. It was what always got him through life. And now he was teaching Kate to do the same.

"So hero, the surgeon said that you would be better at home. Imagine that, not being in hospital bed, but being at home with some special woman at home who knows just what you want. "

She licked her lips and he was powerless to resist.

He pulled her towards him and he kissed her. He felt warmth running through his body, and for once since he awoke, he could feel again. He could feel his surroundings, the presence, and the heat of Kate's lips.

"I know one thing. That concerned look on your face makes you look so sexy. And those lips. I know what they need."

And he drew her in for another passionate kiss.