Angelina waited and made sure that Adam's father had gotten the note before heading back up into the mountains. Using accelerated speed, she ran back to where Cole had been left to graze lazily on late fall wildflowers. About a half-hour later, she rode into the wood and arrived back at her humble home. Taking time to brush out Cole's silky black coat, she patted his neck and bolted the shed door securely. The night was clear and the woods silent as she walked back to the cottage, not allowing herself to think of anything other than the crunch of her heels on the hard-packed path.

Looking up when she entered, Adam greeted her with a warm almost hopeful smile. He was sitting in the armchair by the dying fire with a paper and pencil in his hands and a blanket wrapped haphazardly around his bare shoulders. His hair was tousled and the dimples in his cheeks entranced her attention. She could feel her heart softening further to him. It was becoming nice to come home to him there...very wonderful, in fact.

"Hello there, was wondering when you would show up," he grinned, his face lighting up and the intensity was enough to illuminate the room.

She came in and closed the door."I am sorry for being so late. There were errands I needed to do. Are you hungry this morning?"

He nodded, the grin never leaving. "Like a horse but take your time. I have nothing better do but wait and I'd rather let the anticipation build. Your cooking is very good, if I haven't already told you that already."

"Thank you."

Angelina couldn't help but return the smile as she hung up her bonnet and the coat she wore for appearances' sake. Then she placed her saddlebags on the table. Moving toward him, she primly crouched by the fire to stoke some life back into the coals. She could feel his hazel eyes watching her every movement and willed her hands to stop trembling as she placed two large logs on the fire. Standing up, she opened the saddlebags and withdrew more food items such as flour, sugar, a side of bacon, apples, canned peaches, several cans of condensed milk* and then she drew forth a dark-green shirt and dark-gray pair of pants. Turning, she held the set up for him to see.

"I purchased a new change of clothes for you so that you can get rid of those old ones. You will feel better," she said, feeling rather shy as she handed them over.

He perused the garments and looked back up at her, his eyes twinkling. "Thank you very much, Reda. I will repay you for these as soon as I return home."

"No need, they are a gift." She turned away, acting busy as she continued, "I...I want to apologize for how rude I have been to you these past days, Adam. Please forgive me. I am not used to having company, you see, and when I do have someone come up this far into the mountains, they are not very respectful and..."

"You needn't explain, I understand, and there is nothing to forgive. I realize that I have been a burden and I will try to be on my way as soon as I can. My family will be worried since I've been missing for some time. Er, how long has it been exactly?"

"Almost three days since I found you," she replied, feeling at ease enough to turn and look at him. His face fell, his bottom lip protruding and she felt the need to console him for he seemed so sad. She walked over and sat in the chair opposite him, reaching out to cover his wrist. "You needn't fear for your family's state of mind. You will be home soon, I will make sure of it. I will take you back later tonight if you feel up to it."

"I don't know how to repay you for everything you have done for me, Reda," he said, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees.

She felt a blush touch her cheeks. "I cannot stand to see any wounded creature suffer. You were in so much pain and I was nearby, that is all."

"You are too humble and hold yourself in very little regard," he said, his eyes earnest. "I don't mean to intrude into something that isn't any of my business but can I ask you a personal question?"

"Certainly, as long as I have the freedom not to answer if I wish."

"Fair enough," he chuckled, his face sobering quickly. "Why are you out here all alone? Why do you choose to live in these dark woods like this when there is perfectly good land for the taking outside them?"

"That is two questions but the answer to both is the same," she smiled, resting her head on the back of the chair and staring into the fire. The flames snapped and crackled, the showers mesmerizing her into a false sense of security. Painful memories that she usually kept hidden welled up and she brought up a hand to rest against her mouth, closing her eyes to gather her thoughts. She focused on the sound of his breathing, the way his heart beat so strongly, and she began to calm, enough to look him straight in the eye. He looked concerned and she appreciated that he hadn't pushed the issue.

"I was hurt one too many times. I moved to Nevada for a new life but found that I could not deal with the pressure of people and their petty ways any better than when I was back East."

"Is that where you were born?" His face was passive and she couldn't read it but felt comfortable enough to soldier on.

"No, I am originally from Morocco but immigrated here many years ago. My mother was a talented seamstress and taught me her trade so I could make a living wherever I moved. I lived in Boston for a time and then began hopping around to other towns, gradually moving my way West. I have a small shop in Genoa now and am making enough to get by. Enough money, to feed my horse and provide me with this cottage, is all I ask for. I am contented and more importantly left alone as I am here."

Adam sat back and regarded her, the fingers of his right hand rubbing together restlessly. At length, she grew uncomfortable and shifted in her seat. He must have realized that he had been staring because he roused and shook his head. "But you have no one to care for you or to tend you if you would be injured or sick. Don't you want a family or...a husband? Living in town could give you those things if you were open to them."

"I was in love not so long ago, although ten years might be considered a long time, I suppose. His name was Marcus...Marcus Dillon. He was the son of a governor and I was flattered that he would even notice me. One thing led to another and I was led to believe that he loved me. One night, I felt so safe with him that I confided something about my past that I should not of. A deformity of sorts, you could say. He said that he accepted me for who I was but as I accepted his kiss, I saw him raise a knife out of the corner of my eye. He would have plunged it into my back if I hadn't shoved him away and ran him through with his own weapon."

When she found the courage to look at Adam, his face registered unadulterated shock and his eyes glistened. He raised a hand to cup his nose and slip it down over his mouth, sighing into his long fingers. Dropping his hand, he shook his head hard. "I don't know what to say. That is the most despicable thing I have ever heard. I am outraged that any man would harm a beautiful woman like you in any way, much less trying to commit murder! There has to be an explanation to make a man commit such an atrocity toward you. He had to be mad!"

If he only knew what "deformity" I refer to, it wouldn't be such a mystery. Angelina thought as she stiffened, tears coming to her eyes. Rising, she fought to gain her self-control as she turned her back. She wrapped her arms about herself, not feeling cold but still exceedingly vulnerable. She tried to respond but found her throat had closed up. Giving up, she allowed the tears to fall. So engrossed was she in her pain that Adam startled her when he drew near, his hands finding her arms.

"I am so sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you, Reda. It wasn't any of my business."

She could sense the warm blood flowing in his veins, smell his natural scent and hear the gentle flow of his breathing...and a longing swept over her, to be held and protected. The threat be damned, she turned into his bare chest. He gasped momentarily but then opened his blanket around her frame, pulling her close against his skin.

"You are so cold! You shouldn't be out riding so long, you will be ill in no time," he admonished quietly in her ear, drawing her down to sit on his lap.

Her heart was overcome, so much so that she was struck speechless. Sheltered against his shoulder, she felt more safe than ever before, even with Marcus. That villain was nowhere near as much of a man as Adam Cartwright, nor as caring. Adam was so accepting and so kind that she knew herself to be lost to him. She was so tired of running and so tired of being alone. Perhaps there was a chance this time, a chance for true happiness. Her fingers began to fidget slightly and intertwine in the soft curls adorning his muscled chest and she marveled at that beautiful phenomenon. Though she couldn't tell the difference between warmth or cold, she had a heightened sense of touch and the small hairs fascinated her senses, tickling the deepest reaches of her body.

"Reda? Are you alright?"

His rich, deep voice broke through her reverie and she drew back to look into his face. The fire highlighted his raven hair and cast a golden glow on the right side of his face, darkening his eyes until they appeared to be sparkling black diamonds. She tried to speak but found herself lost in the slack set of his mouth. She stared into his curious eyes and then back to his lips, flicking back and forth between them as she reached up. Her hand touched the back of his neck and drew him near. She softly rested her lips against his. There was no response and she drew away, confused as he had seemed willing before. He looked uncertain and a bit confused.

"Now, I am the one who is shamed. I should not have been so forward," she whispered, slipping her hands down and off his shoulders. Thoroughly humiliated, she went to move off his lap but felt his arms tighten. His face had softened, desire passing over his features. He smiled, a sad shadow seen in the set of his mouth.

"I'm just not used to only taking affection from a woman instead of giving it," he said, his rich tone giving her chills. "And as much as I may want to, I can't do this now. You are vulnerable and in pain at this moment. I will not take advantage of you." He kissed her forehead and reached up to caress her cheek. "Let us take our time and learn more of one another. You may not wish to strike up a relationship with me anyway after you discover a few of my quirks. I can't expect you to make a choice until then."

His smile was infectious and calmed the fresh fear rising in her throat. He pulled her close again and sighed deeply, his hand lightly stroking her hair. His words had brought rejection to her heart but he had softened the blow with great skill. She was surprised that she didn't feel hurt, only disappointed. A warm feeling filled her heart because she felt cherished in a special way. He had shown endless respect in not wanting to take advantage, even though she had offered herself to him. He could have easily done whatever he wanted and she wouldn't have complained but...he hadn't. He had considered her feelings and her heart, knowing that regret would have followed if they had continued.

Avoiding Adam's eyes, she rose from his lap and moved to start breakfast. Quick enough, she had placed plates of bacon and biscuits on the table along with a bowl of peaches. They didn't speak for a time as they sat at the table across from each other. He quietly ate while she moved the food around on her plate, pretending not to be hungry. Afterward, she washed the few dishes while he changed into the fresh change of clothes and then settled back down into the chair. She glanced at him every so often but still he didn't speak again, remaining focused on whatever he was drawing. Finally, her curiosity got the better of her and she went over to peer over his shoulder.

"What are you doing?"

"An idea I had while you were gone. What do you think of renovating your cottage to provide more room and comfort?"

She knelt next to him and leaned on the arm of the chair so to see his face better. "I have never thought of such a thing and wouldn't be able to do it by myself. I don't have very much money to work with either."

He nodded, bringing her attention to the drawings. "I understand and I took all of that into account while making these plans. As you are seeing, I could build on two more rooms off of the south wall there and a storage shed off of the west here. Then I would enlarge the small barn out back for your horse and make that more roomy too. After putting together a proper privy for you and clearing a few trees, you will have a proper place to call home. Maybe I'll even fashion a couple window boxes for flowers or whatever you wish. What do you think?"

Angelina said nothing as she took the papers and traced the drawings with a finger. She was overwhelmed but also excited by his ideas. "I don't know what to say, Adam. I have no knowledge of such things. I found this abandoned cottage and took up residence. A little love has gone a long way towards making it a home but this...would be wonderful. I thank you but...I can't do this."

Adam frowned as he took the papers back that she held out to him. "Why?"

She shrugged helplessly as she settled on the floor, pulling her knees up and wrapping her arms around her legs before she answered. "I wouldn't know where to start and I couldn't afford that many materials, not to mention the labor. I wouldn't want anyone up here and to know where I live. You do understand, don't you?"

Adam surprised her by looking relieved. "Oh, but you wouldn't have to worry about any of that. My family has a lot of scrap wood lying around at our mill that isn't of any use to anyone so I could bring some of that up here. And I'll do all of the labor so you don't have to worry about intruders." He smiled, a look of mischief shining from his eyes. "Unless you consider me to still be one, that is."

She shook her head and couldn't help smiling in return. "Of course not but...you would do that for me? I don't know what to say."

"Say yes." He leaned close and she could feel his breath as he grinned.

Thoughts of all kinds whirled but she couldn't focus on any one of them when his hazel eyes were staring her so intensely, a desperate plea clear in their depths. In that moment, she let herself give up control. Rising to her knees, she cupped his cheek and smiled fully at him. "I accept your help wholeheartedly. Thank you, most kind sir, this means more than you could ever know. "

Before she could react, he leaned down and gave her a peck on the cheek. A grin returning to his face, he spoke softly, "I'm glad you approve. When are we leaving tonight to head down the mountain? The sooner I can get back, the sooner I can begin preparations to return."

Speechless after such a tender gesture, Angelina fought to regain her voice. "I think that you need to take a nap for a couple more hours of rest and then we can go later this afternoon. It is a long ride and not one to take on without proper rest, especially for you who have been gravely ill only recently."

"Then I will do as you suggest, ma'am," Adam chuckled, rising to his feet. He swayed dangerously and grasped the back of the chair to steady himself. Angelina was at his side immediately.

"Let's get you into bed now. Come, I'll help you."

Once Adam was back in bed, he quickly fell asleep but she stayed by his side. Worry filled her mind as she wondered if perhaps she should keep him longer. His breathing had worsened a bit and he seemed more pale than was natural. If he returned home so soon, he wouldn't be ingesting her blood and that healing aid would be gone. She tucked the covers about his large frame and fussed over the blankets before taking his right hand in her grasp. His fingers jerked and tightened about hers, of their own accord as he slumbered but still brought a tearful smile to her face. She wished that she could call him her own but that was not to be. She wanted to protect him and thought she knew how.

Her brief knowledge of vampire abilities came from experience over her decades and nothing more. She had never met any others like her and so wasn't ever able to ask questions that any young newborn would ask of a trusted friend. She knew that she could hypnotize prey into a drugged state to ease their death and could even erase the event of her feeding if she wanted a taste of blood without leaving knowledge of her identity. But could she erase memory permanently? She didn't know. Never before had she been in this heartbreaking position. She realized that this man was becoming more dear to her and he seemed to also be inclined towards her as well. What to do and where to go now? She knew that a decision was at hand. She could await his imminent return, if he did return, and grant herself the pleasure of discovering his mysteries OR she could deny herself that chance of happiness and try to erase any trace of her influence on his life.

Her attention focused on his sleeping face again, regarding the gentle beauty that she felt herself fortunate to witness. But she knew him to be in constant danger and not just from his ill health. Even now, she could feel the pull of his blood, the sweetness of it begging to be sampled. Her restraint and willpower was great but the hunger seemed close by at all times. Though the thought was horrifying to her, a desperate wish to pull his head back and sink her fangs in his neck as deeply they would go was a constant fear. If he was working around her cottage every day, she wasn't certain that she could control herself for that long. Her choice was clear but the pain of it drove her to lean forward and kiss his forehead gently.

For the next hour, she stayed with him, waiting until his breathing eased and he had fallen into a deeper sleep. She left his side then and left the cottage to hunt. By the time that she had satisfied her hunger with the blood of an injured deer, its leg having been broken by a fall, her resolve was stronger. She would accept his help, at least for now, and see where the relationship would go. For the first time in as many days, she didn't feel the pressure of juggling what she needed and what he needed. She felt that there was time to make a final decision and would take advantage of that time to get to know him better. If he proved to be as trustworthy as she suspected him to be, she would tell him of her "deformity". Then, he would be given a choice. Accept her or take her life. Without him and his presence by her side, she knew that her lonely existence would be unbearable.

*Sweetened condensed milk was invented in 1857 by Gary Borden and quickly grew in popularity during the Civil War. In 1861, the Union Army purchased the innovative product for use in field rations. This proved to be a massive advertising slingshot into stardom for the humble can of condensed milk. The Eagle Brand, created by Borden, was heralded as a safe way to get the benefits of milk while avoiding common milk sicknesses that had plagued the populace. Having easily spoiled for centuries past, milk now had a longer shelf life and was able to provide much needed nutrients to the starved soldiers. As the years wore on, condensed milk caught on and was picked up by grocery stores who valued the promising future of this soon-to-be household staple. Gary Borden added unsweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk to the selection of choices for the everyday consumer and by the early 1900s, the amount of condensed milk being consumed by children was greater than actual milk, due to the ease of storage and availability.