Facing Danger

"You are amazing."

I felt a smile touch my lips as Alcide whispered the words into my ear, my still thudding heart skipping a beat. I was still atop Alcide's body, his arms around me, my face in crook of his neck, his beard tickling the side of my face. My body still hadn't stopped tingling from the last orgasm that had rocked through me moments before and we were both covered in a sheen of sweat. After our first round in the kitchen I didn't think Alcide could top the experience, but he had multiple times, while in my bed. After two orgasm filled mind blowing hours of sex I was absolutely spent. I knew that werewolves had stamina, but I didn't realize how much. I also knew that I would be sore in the morning, but it was well worth it. It had been everything that I had hoped and imagined it would be and then some. Alcide was rough and tender all at once, just the right amount of hard and soft. He had sufficiently taken my mind off of everything else and placed it only on him. I didn't have a care in the world at the moment, I was still to lost in him.

"Thank you," I answered lifting my head and propping it up on my hand. "You aren't too shabby yourself."

He smirked cockily and moved his hands to my back beginning to massage the skin. My body perked at his touch and I had to bite my lip to stifle a moan. "I didn't hurt you did I?" he asked changing the subject, his expression suddenly serious.

"I am fine, Alcide," I replied with an eye roll. This was nearly the fifth time he had asked me this. Some of the previous times had been when he was still inside of me. "Why do you keep asking me that?"

"Because I am a werewolf and when the wolf comes out in me I tend to get a little rough," he answered reasonably. "You aren't a Were. I could really hurt you if I lost control like I almost did in that kitchen and in here a few times."

I couldn't lie and say that I wasn't going to need to take some Tylenol for my sore limbs, but it was a good hurt. "Stop worrying about me. I may not be a werewolf, but I am a lot more durable than you think."

Alcide huffed, looking at me as if he didn't believe me. "Oh really?"

I smirked. "Yes," I replied in a low husky tone. "Would you like for me to show you?"

I felt Alcide's body harden beneath me, his eyes darkening. "You are going to be the death of me woman," he growled before his mouth captured mine.

I awoke to the sounds of light snoring from behind me.

I blinked my eyes against the bright sun as my lips spread into a smile when I felt the warmth of Alcide at my back. I shifted under the weight of his arm across my hip and turned to look at the clock on my nightstand; blinking in surprise when I saw it was well after two in the afternoon. I considered going back to sleep, finding comfort in Alcide's warmth and weight, but my stomach rumbled in protest of my hunger. I reluctantly slid from Alcide's embrace, careful not to wake him, and rose from my bed slipping on my robe. I tip toed from the bedroom, closing the door quietly behind me and headed for the kitchen.

I paused in the opening of the kitchen, eyeing my toaster and dish strainer still on the floor accompanied by mine and Alcide's scattered clothing. I couldn't help the smile that appeared on my face and the blush that touched my cheeks at the memory of my back against the wall with Alcide's muscular form against me. I picked up the toaster which thankfully wasn't broken and the dish strainer and returned them to their proper place on the counter. I had to toss my clock which hadn't made it out so well and now had a nice jagged crack through the face. I gathered our clothes next and placed them in a neat pile in the hallway. I opened my fridge to see what I could find to satisfy my hunger and decided on eggs, sausage, and toast. I was in the midst of cooking and was almost done when I heard my cellphone ringing from my duffel. I turned the stove on a low heat and went for my duffel retrieving my phone from the side pocket and answering it before checking the caller ID.

"Hello?"

"Chase, hi, it's Connor…your dad…" came my biological father's voice, he chuckled lightly as if had told some joke.

"Connor-Dad- hi," I answered with a smile as I returned to finish cooking my breakfast. I was happy to hear from him. "How are you?"

"I am good," he replied. "I'm sorry that it took me so long to get back to you. I've been busy with work, but I got your message. Are you alright? Are you still in Jackson?"

"I'm fine, and no I'm home now. I am actually glad that you called."

"I'm glad I called too...I was meaning to ask you if you were still ready..."

I didn't need him to explain what he meant. I knew he was talking about unbinding my powers. My feelings on the subject hadn't changed. "Yes, nothing has changed. I'm still ready," I answered.

There was a brief pause from Connor on the other end. "Okay. If that is what you really want. I have a few more meetings today. I can be there in the morning?"

I was surprised at how quickly he planned to do this. I hesitated, but stuttered out a response. "That sounds perfect."

"How is everything else? Did you wrap up all that werewolf and vampire business in Jackson?" he asked sounding concerned. I knew what he was probing for; he wanted to know if I was still in danger.

"It's not quite finished yet, but don't worry about me. I will be alright," I said trying to keep my voice sounding light.

I could tell just from his tone of voice that he didn't believe me. "Alright, Chase. I will be there first thing in morning. Stay out of trouble okay?" he added hopefully.

I can't make any promises. "I will. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay, bye."

I muttered a goodbye and hung up the phone turning to find Alcide standing in the opening of my kitchen. I jumped, feeling my heart skip a beat before it started pounding like a drum; I hadn't even heard him coming down the hallway. He had put his jeans back on, but was shirtless. His hair was all over the place, but he looked amazing as usual. He smirked at me and leaned against the door jamb as I tried to calm my erratic heartbeat. His eyes were dark, looking just the same as they did the night before and I felt my inside tingle in response. I swallowed hard.

"Jesus, Alcide, you scared me," I said with a chuckle trying to take my mind off the sensations that he was causing within me just from a mere look. "Don't sneak up on me like that."

"Sorry," he apologized. "I heard you on the phone and didn't want to interrupt."

"Yeah, that was my biological father Connor," I answered waving my arm absently and turning back to the stove, trying to ignore Alcide's penetrating gaze. I turned my attention back to my eggs. My stomach rumbled in hunger again reminding me that I was starving.

I felt Alcide move deeper into the kitchen, coming to stand behind me, his warmth overwhelmingly inviting. My grip on the spatula tightened as I felt him press himself into my back, his face dipping into the crook of my neck sending sparks of electricity shooting through me. I pressed my lips together tightly to stop the moan that had welled up in my throat at his touch.

"Is everything alright? With your dad I mean," he asked in a low voice, his lips brushing the skin of my neck.

I swallowed hard, trying to find the ability to speak as his arms slid around my waist. "Yes, everything is fine," my voice was cracking. "He was just checking on me."

His lips were fully against my skin now, kissing a trail of fire up to my ear lobe, I was almost panting with lust. I knew what was about to happen, I was going to be up against that kitchen wall again, if I didn't stop him and as much as I would have enjoyed that I was starving. I needed to eat. And I wasn't sure that my kitchen appliances could survive another tumble to the floor. After last night how could he possibly want more? I thought to myself.

"Alcide, I made breakfast," I blurted quickly trying to distract him with the thought of food. He had to be hungry too.

His fingers were untying the knot to my robe. "I can see that."

"It's going to get cold."

"You have a microwave," he answered between kisses; his fingers slid the material covering my shoulder away, his teeth nipped at the skin.

I moaned in response, not helping my case at all. "I'm hungry," I whimpered, my resolve was crumbling as his hand slid down my bare stomach.

"So am I," he whispered huskily, his other hand reaching over and turning off the stove. "But not for food."

The thought of food left my mind completely as he turned my body away from the stove making me drop the spatula. His mouth came over mine, tongue sliding inside, dueling with mine for control. I felt my body being lifted before I felt the coldness of the counter on my bare bottom. My legs encircled his waist as he slid into the space between them, the rough material of his jeans brushing against my sensitive area, sending tingles through me. Alcide pushed the robe down my arms and off my body completely, his mouth finding its way to my breasts to close on a peaked nipple. I arched my back into him, throwing my head back and letting the enjoyment of the pleasure out in a heated cry. His hand dipped between us, fingers slipping past my folds and right into my core. Alcide growled against my breast as my walls gripped his fingers tight, my hips rolling involuntarily, needing more friction, trying desperately to set the pace I needed. He kissed me again, his tongue delving deep into my mouth. Alcide's free hand dipped between as well, undoing the button to his pants and the zipper, freeing himself. His fingers withdrew from me making me whimper in protest and I felt him press against my entrance, making me grit my teeth in anticipation.

A knock on the door halted Alcide's entrance.

We both froze at the sound, Alcide uttering a curse as his mouth pulled away from mine. "You expecting someone?" he asked unable to hide the irritation from his voice as the unknown guest knocked again.

I shook my head, still panting. "No."

He pulled away from me, zipping up his pants. "I'll get it," he growled.

He stormed out of the kitchen as I tried to regain my composure, closing my robe and retying it as I hopped off the counter. I stepped out of the kitchen just in time to see Alcide ushering Sookie in. She was eyeing him curiously, obviously taking in his lack of a shirt, before finally seeing me. I shifted nervously in my robe, using one hand to close the lapels tighter. I could tell she knew immediately what had happened as a small sly smile spread across her face. I imagined she was poking around inside Alcide's head right now.

"Hey Sookie," I said walking towards them. "Are you here for your duffel? I could have brought it over-."

"Oh no, it's alright," she said waving my statement away. "I was in the neighborhood and thought I would stop by and pick it up... and check on you…I hope I am not interrupting anything," she added, her knowing smile widening.

I felt my cheeks flame in a blush. "No, we were just having breakfast," I lied glancing at Alcide, who smirked. "Want some?"

"No," Sookie said shaking her head. "But I was hoping that we could talk for a minute…"

"Yeah sure," I said motioning to the kitchen table. "Have a seat."

Sookie headed for the table as Alcide stepped towards me. "I am going to go take a cold shower while you two girls chat," he said softly so that Sookie could not hear. "We are going to continue where we left off later," he added as his arm slid around my waist and his lips pressed against my temple.

I felt a thrill rush through me at his words and my cheeks flamed again. I nodded bashfully and watched him saunter down my hallway before turning to find Sookie smirking at me. I rolled my eyes at her, trying to suppress the giddy school girl feelings that had erupted within me.

"I see you two had a good night," she teased as I approached the table.

"You could say that..." I was blushing again.

"I bet," she added with a small laugh. "You're redder than a red hot candy. And I clearly interrupted something because his thoughts were raging with annoyance while he let me in."

"There may have been some action about to happen in the kitchen…"

"I am glad that you guys are finally acting on your feelings, after everything you both have been through you guys deserve to be happy."

"It is nice to not have to wonder how he feels about me and what it is that we are doing," I said with a contented sigh. "He's straight forward and honest and I really like that about him." I paused when I noticed Sookie staring off in thought, probably thinking about Bill, and cleared my throat. "What did you want to talk about?" I asked changing the subject.

Sookie sighed and pulled her purse from her shoulder and set it down on the kitchen table. "Tara went off on me about Bill. It's like she just doesn't get it. It's like she is mad at me for loving him, but I can't help it. But I think this is about something else besides Bill. Something happened to her and she won't tell me what, but it has really changed her outlook on vampires. I mean she never really liked them, but…" she trailed off and shook her head. "If she really was my friend she would accept me the way I am and not criticize me for who I love."

I hesitated, unsure of what to say and settled for: "I'm sorry, Sookie. Where is she now?"

"She stormed off as usual. I was home alone and with the possibility of the wolves knocking at my door any minute wanting to take me back to Russell's I felt like I needed to be around other people."

"Yeah, Alcide said we shouldn't be alone," I said with a sigh. "And Russell doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who will just let us go."

"Honestly Chase, I don't give a rats ass. I am tired of running and being scared. If he wants to send his wolves after me then go right ahead, but I plan to put up a fight," she replied determinedly, sitting up straight.

I couldn't think of anything to say. I knew that I should warn her against it, that I should tell her to be careful, but what would be the point? If Russell was coming then there was no stopping him and the only thing she could do was put up a fight. There was no escaping a three thousand year old vampire with a hard on for you. I chewed my lip as I still found nothing to say. She must have mistaken my lip biting for worrying.

"Don't worry about me, Chase," she said sitting up straight in her chair. She paused for a moment and then rose to her feet surprising me. "I should let you get back to Alcide. I am sorry for interrupting. I am going to go home and face whatever else it is that my crazy life plans to throw my way."

"Are you sure? You can stay for awhile-."

She shook her head, cutting me off and walking to my front door. "No, no, no, you guys are finally getting what you both have wanted and you don't need me here being the third wheel to your honeymoon phase of the new relationship. I know what it's like," she said offering me a smile.

"Well, you be careful and if anything happens you call me and Alcide and I will come over."

"Sure," she said with a nod. "And I know you have Alcide here to protect you and all, but you call me if you need anything."

"I will," I assured.

She gave me a weak nod and headed out of the door. I watched her walk to her car and then shut the door, leaning against it for a moment. After the amazing night that I had had with Alcide I could have almost forgotten about that fact that Russell Edgington wanted me and Debbie wanted my head on spike for shooting Coot (and Alcide having feelings for me). My powers weren't going to be unbound till the next day and even then I would have no control over them. I wouldn't stand a chance against Russell and his werewolves and neither would Alcide, despite him being a werewolf. I should really buy a gun, I thought.

"Hey," I heard Alcide call, looking down the hallway to find him walking towards me clad in jeans and a button down, his hair still dripping wet. His fingers were in the midst of buttoning up his shirt. Had he showered that fast? How long had my mind been wondering. "Sookie gone?"

"Yeah," I answered, stepping away from the door.

"Is she alright?" he asked meeting me halfway in the hallway.

I sighed. "She's…Sookie."

"She gonna get herself into some trouble?" he asked leaning against the hallway wall with a frown.

"Probably, she knows that Russell is after her and she is going to be home alone to 'face it'," I said using air quotes. "It just reminded me of how much danger I am going to be in. Once the sun goes down there's nothing to stop Russell from coming to get me."

Alcide stepped closer to me, his hand cupping my cheek. "There's me," he said softly making me look up at him. "I may not be a vamper, but Weres are pretty strong and fast and I will do everything I can to protect you."

I believed his words with every ounce of my being and almost felt at ease, but there was still the chance that Alcide would be hurt in the process of protecting me. And that was something that I couldn't live with. I knew he cared about me, but I couldn't ask that of him. Which was the main reason that I had asked Connor to come and unbind my powers. I needed to defend myself so that no one was getting hurt for me. I didn't want any more blood on my hands.

"Alcide, I can't ask you to put yourself at risk for me," I said shaking my head. "If something happened to you because of me-."

"You aren't asking me to do anything, Chase," he said pulling me closer. "I'm doing it because I care about you and if something happened to you then I wouldn't be able to live with myself."

"Well after tomorrow I wont need you to be my bodyguard. I'm gonna have my powers unbound," I admitted. "That's why I was on the phone with Connor. He's coming tomorrow to do it. After that I won't be so vulnerable."

Alcide blinked. "Are you sure that's what you want? I thought you wanted…normal."

"I do want normal," I replied with a shrug. "But that's not in the cards for me and I need to get over it and accept it. Atleast not complete normal. With vampires, werewolves, shifters, and witches and whatever else is out there running around I need to be able to protect myself, so I don't put the people I care about at risk."

"Chase, whatever you want to do I support you a hundred percent. I got your back," he assured.

I felt a little relieved that for once no one was fighting me about the decisions I made, but I still felt uneasy at the thought of him putting himself at risk. "I know you want to be here Alcide, but-."

"Chase," he cut me off again, his voice stern. "I'm not going anywhere. I know what I am getting myself into."

I sighed in defeat, but a smile spread across my face. "You are one stubborn werewolf."

Alcide huffed. "You are one to talk Ms. Morgan."

"Should we talk about last night?" I asked hesitantly, feeling as if I was stepping on unsure territory. "We didn't do much talking before everything…" I trailed off and felt a blush touching my cheeks as I held his gaze. I didn't know where we stood now. I knew he had feelings for me and I had feelings for him, but it didn't mean that he and I were on the same page as far as a relationship went.

"Sure," he said with a slight shrug, his grip on me loosening a bit. "What do you want to talk about?"

My eyes dropped again, my nerves tingling with anxiety. I had unintentionally put myself on the spot. "Well…is this going to be a frequent thing?" I asked softly, still unable to look him in the eye.

He bent at the knee a little, catching my gaze. "Do you want it to be?" he countered.

"Do you?" I retorted quickly.

Alcide chuckled, straightening. "Chase, are you asking me if I want to go steady?"

I frowned. He was mocking me, but there was some seriousness in his tone as well. Either way the mocking wasn't funny. I hit him in the arm making him recoil from me and start laughing. "Go steady?" I grumbled. "Really?"

Alcide hadn't stopped laughing as he took me into his arms again and leaned down to kiss me. "I want this to be 'frequent', Chase, if that's the wording you feel comfortable using."

I smiled, feeling my cheeks flame.

"Now go eat your breakfast," he ordered. "I'm gonna do some work on your porch."

"Right now?" I asked with an arched eyebrow.

"Have we got anything better to do?"

He did have a point there. Aside waiting for Russell and his wolves or Debbie to show up I really did have nothing to do. "Touche, Mr. Herveaux."

While Alcide worked on my porch I spent my time cleaning and doing laundry. I had really been neglecting my home lately with traveling to Jackson and all the drama going on. I couldn't remember the last time that I had done laundry. By the time that I had finished the last load; folded and put it away Alcide had made a big dent in the porch making the front of my house look ten times better.

"It's looking great," I commented as I stepped off the porch and admired the view from the lawn.

Alcide wiped the sweat from his brow and nodded. "It's coming along," he said with a smirk.

"It's almost 5," I said checking the time on my phone. "Want to grab some dinner?"

Alcide beamed at the idea. I heard his stomach growl in response. "Sounds great."

I wasn't ready to show my face in Merlotte's, especially when I wasn't sure if I still worked there or not; so Alcide found a small hole in the wall to eat at. I had never been there, but they had large steaks and decent burgers at reasonable prices, which is exactly what Alcide and I wanted. We avoided talk of the danger I was in and what I planned to do tomorrow while we ate and enjoyed normal conversation for once. It was nice laughing and joking with him and pretending that we did not have a care in the world. It was almost like I was in a normal relationship.

The sky was a beautiful mirage of orange and purple when we stepped out of the diner, hand in hand. We were nearing Alcide's work van when his phone rang in his pocket. "It's Janice," he said, checking the caller ID. "Hello?"

I heard Janice's panicked voice talking hurriedly, making Alcide halt in his footsteps and release my hand. He plugged his other ear with his pointer finger. "Janice wait, slow down!" he said loudly. He paused, listening, anger washing over his features. "Janice, listen to me! Stay there; Look just call Dad, I'm on my way." He hung up the phone and turned to me looking exasperated.

"Is everything alright?" I asked concerned.

"Debbie and her pack of Were trash burned down my sister's hair salon. It's one thing coming after me, it's a whole other thing going after my family," he said heatedly, his fists clenching.

I felt my stomach drop, feeling guilty. "Oh my god Alcide. If you hadn't of-."

"Don't start that okay? Debbie was crazy long before you came into my life," he said interrupting me, placing his hands on his hips with another sigh. I could see he was contemplating something and I gave him the answer.

"Go Alcide. It's okay. She's your sister. I completely understand."

Alcide hesitated, looking as if he was caught between a rock and hard place. "You don't expect me to just leave you, with Russell and everything-."

I cut him off again. "I will be fine, Alcide. Don't worry about me okay?"

He huffed. "You don't know that…just come with me."

I shook my head again. If Alcide was gone when Russell and his wolves showed up I didn't have to worry about him getting hurt or worse killed. It was actually a good thing he was leaving. Like Sookie, I could face whatever was coming my way on my own and not worry about anyone that I cared about getting hurt.

"I can't. Connor is coming tomorrow to unbind my powers and I need to do this."

He growled softly, his brown eyes full of frustration and apprehension. I knew he didn't want to leave me, but he had an obligation to his family, which was more important than what was going on with me right then.

"You can't stay alone till the morning; promise me you will go to Sookie's."

"Alcide-."

"I can't leave knowing that you will be alone okay?" he cut me off again, taking my face in my hands. "I don't want to leave you period and knowing Russell is probably coming after you-," he paused shaking his head. "Just don't be alone. Don't go home at all. Stay with Sookie alright? I know you both got something about you guys, powers and whatever, you will protect each other."

I sighed and nodded. "I will go to Sookie's. You go and check on Janice okay?"

"Well I am gonna at least take you home first," Alcide said looking at his work van.

"No, I'm fine. I will call a cab and go straight to Sookie's," I said waving him off.

"Jesus Christ woman you are stubborn," he said with a shake of his head, a smile playing at his lips.

I smirked. "Call me after you get everything taken care of?"

Alcide nodded, wrapping his arms around me and drawing me into his body. I placed my head on his warm chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, sighing contentedly. I felt a pang in my heart as I realized that he was leaving and I would be alone. I felt like I was missing him already. His face dipped into the crook of my neck and he breathed in deeply, taking in my scent before he let it out with a big sigh.

"You be careful," he whispered against my skin. "I will be back as soon as I can okay?"

I nodded, turning my head so that his lips could find mine. My fingers went into his soft hair as he deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding against mine. I pressed my body into his and relished in the feeling of him for a few precious seconds before we finally broke apart. The distance between us created an ache within me.

"You be careful too okay?" I said.

Alcide nodded. "I am coming right back as soon as this mess is taken care of."

"Take your time. Help your sister. She needs you," I said trying to keep my voice straight.

I watched him nod again for the third time as he took a reluctant step backward from me. I clasped my hands together, resisting the urge to stop him. He hesitated before he actually climbed into the car and I felt my stomach turn. I put a smile on and offered a wave as he started the engine and looked at me one last time before pulling out of the parking spot. I watched him breathlessly, driving off down the road until he was out of sight. I sighed deeply and pulled out my cellphone calling myself a cab as I looked at the setting sun. After I made another phone call remembering my promise to Alcide. Sookie answered on the second ring.

"Hey, Sookie, it's Chase."

"Hey, Chase," Sookie replied. Her voice sounded weird, as if I was interrupting something.

"Is this a bad time?" I asked cautiously.

"Kinda, my cousin who I haven't seen in ages is here," she answered.

"Oh… I can call you later then."

"No, what's going on? Are you alright?"

I sighed. "Alcide had to go back to Jackson to deal with some family stuff and I don't need to be alone considering everything going on…"

"Come on over," she said without hesitation. "You can stay with me tonight and we can face whatever comes together."

I felt a little relieved and was nodding even though she couldn't see me. "Okay, I am just going to stop by my house and grab a change of clothes. Then I will be right over."

"Okay see you then."

I waited for the cab to arrive in the diner enjoying some warm tea. I felt anxious suddenly without Alcide around to distract me from my real situation. Despite my anxiousness I was ready to get the situation over with, even though I had no idea how I would deal with it, I just wanted to get back to what I considered normal. If I could just make it through this mess with Russell and Debbie, maybe Alcide and I would stand a chance at a semi normal relationship and my life could go back to some semblance of what I imagined was normal.

The cab arrived just a little after the sky completely darkened and after twenty minutes the cab finally came to a stop in front of my home. I paid the cabbie and climbed from the car, pulling out my keys, and feeling an odd sense of hesitation as I stared at my empty house. I hadn't been home alone in so long and with the threat of danger imminent I felt a sense of uneasiness setting in. I suddenly wasn't ready to face whatever was coming. I was terrified. I jumped as the cabbie took off down the street, leaving me alone standing at the end of my drive way. I watched it leave, resisting the urge to run after it and swallowed hard, trying to call up some courage as Alcide's voice echoed in my mind.

Don't go home. Go straight to Sookie's.

I hadn't listened of course. I was terrible at that apparently.

Stop it Chase, Jackson is hours away it would take Russell a long time to get here and Debbie as well. You have time, I reasoned to myself. Stop standing on the walkway like an idiot, get clothes, and get over to Sookie's.

I clenched my fist and listened to myself, walking quickly up to my porch and unlocking my front door, ignoring the fear that was steadily creeping up my spine. I closed the door behind me and locked it, practically running to my bedroom, flicking on any light that I saw on the way. I reached my bedroom and searched in my closet, finding an old backpack to put some clothes in. I grabbed a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and undergarments from my dresser before heading to my bathroom to grab my toiletries. I stuffed everything into the backpack and zipped it close turning on my heels quickly, retrieving my keys and heading for the front door.

I had my hand on the door knob when I heard the unmistakable sound of a wolf howl coming from the other side of the door.