Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

89. Chapter 89

Chapter 89

Ariel was sad to see Tamara leave with Ivory. He already missed his little sister, but Tamara promised she'd come back come summer so he had something to look forward to. By then, Nathan had received the picture of his children with Tamara and Ada María. He was the only one besides those in his group to look at the picture. He saw the bracelet he'd made on Ada María's wrist, plain as day in the picture even in black and white. She'd done it on purpose. He knew she had. It was her way of giving him her answer to the question he'd been prepared to ask her. His reaction to it was always different. He already knew she'd been wearing that bracelet, but seeing it in the picture seemed more 'in stone'. Initially the site of it had warmed his heart. Then he was upset because that had been his initial reaction.

He was in such a state of wanting to stay mad at her but feeling his resolve weakening with a coupling of their son, her efforts to ensure he knew and that their son be born among his people, her apparent answer to his unvoiced proposal and desperately missing her. All he could do was engross himself in work and preparation. Rumor was they were building up to something big, but they'd not received their orders just yet. They did know, however, that the President and Prime Minister of England agreed that the only way the war would end would be with an uncompromising victory over the German's and their ultimate surrender. Given the tides of war thus far and Germany's defeat at Stalingrad, that didn't seem like an insurmountable feet.

By May of 1943, the German and Italian Army were finally defeated in North Africa and Tunisia was retaken with German and Italian surrender on May 13th. Kyle had hoped with that victory there would be a calm and, in some semblance, there was. There were a number of injured men that he and several other doctors treated and with the victory, the number of wounded that came to them finally stopped and they could focus on those that were in their care completely. The victory had bolstered the men's moral at the very least. It didn't last, though. By July, they were in the process of moving the army to Sicily and the Allies began their bombing raids of Rome. The United States Army moved to Palermo Italy shortly thereafter and a peace settled. At least for Kyle. When they entered Italy, he had a strange satisfaction despite the tension of the German Army still being present. They received another victory of sorts, however, when in July 25 Mussolini was arrested and the fall of the Fascist government came by the next day, shifting power to Badoglio who began negotiations with the Allied forces. Then it was August and the Germans retreated from Sicily and in September, the Italian surrender to the Allied Forces was announced.

"The tides are in our favor," a man on base, Dr. Upton, said to Kyle when the news was brought to them. The men in the infirmary cheered at the news, a clear sign their efforts and sacrifices were baring fruit.

"So long as those tides lead to the end of the war," Kyle answered.

"I hear you, Doctor," Dr. Upton said. "We're all eager to go home. I must say, when I pictured going to Italy, this isn't exactly what I had in mind."

Kyle smiled, "It wasn't what I had in mind either. I would have loved to see Italy under better circumstances."

"I can tell," Dr. Upton said. "You've seemed in a much better mood since we've arrived in Italy. Why is that?"

"No clue," Kyle admitted. "When we arrived in Italy, something just felt….I don't know. Something just felt comforting. As though there's a brighter horizon ahead."

"I sure as shit hope you're right about that, Doc," a soldier said, having ease dropped on the conversation. Kyle smiled at the man and walked over to his bed.

"Good to see you're awake, Corporal," Kyle said and started observing the young man's wounds. "How're you feeling this morning?"

"Better with the good news," the soldier answered. "I guess I wish I could have fought a little longer."

Kyle looked down sadly at the man. He'd taken a bullet to the eye and was no blind in his right eye. No one was sure how he'd lived through the injury, but when Kyle got the man in his care and examined the wound, the bullet had gone through at the perfect angle to miss his brain. The young man was the luckiest little bastard in the army according to the man that brought him in.

"Be happy that you're going home," Kyle said reassuringly. "You fought bravely just like the others and you have a lot to be proud of. Just because you've been injured and are being sent home doesn't diminish that. You keep that in mind, Corporal."

"Sounds like something my mother would say," the soldier grumbled and Kyle chuckled.

"Well then, you listen to your mother and finish your peas, young man," Kyle teased and walked away while the soldier grumbled a little more, saying 'I hate peas' under his breath and Kyle couldn't fight another laugh to escape under his breath.

Kyle eventually received a copy of the picture taken of Ada María and Tamara with the new babies and he was of agreement that a blind man could see those were Nathan's children. He couldn't believe how much Scarlet had grown since they'd left for Basic Training. She was truly growing up to be a lovely young woman that favored her mother. Seeing Tomoeh's bracelet on Scarlet's left wrist, he'd swear he was looking at her mother. Kyle also tried putting his feelers out, so to speak, of trying to locate Amber and her family, but with no luck. All he could find out is Jews, gypsies and other unfavorable – deemed so by the Nazi Party – were being taken and no one knew where. That didn't sit well with Kyle, but he made sure to forward what he was able to find out to Kevin in England. The news didn't sit well with Kevin either and, according to Carlisle, Benjamin had still not found Amber or her parents in Palestine.

He tried speaking with some refugees to see if, perhaps, some might know where Amber and her parents where. All he found was a Jewish family from France that claimed they recalled the name Dymek but they didn't know where they'd gone. They'd claimed they'd taken refuge with a French farmer and the Dymeks had been there, but they'd parted ways after leaving that farmer's home. All the same, Benjamin forwarded the information to Carlisle, who then forwarded the information to Kevin. Carlisle tried sending to word to Gretchen, who'd confirmed she'd had no luck finding Amber or her parents in Japan or China. Although Kevin had already known that. Amber was wherever there were German soldiers. The problem laid in the fact that such a description covered a vast portion of Europe. He was still stuck in England and felt as though he was sitting on his hands doing nothing while Amber was God only knew where. And his dreams were not going away. That year in October, Kevin woke up in a cold sweat. He'd not yelled, but he was shivering and Embry overheard him and went to his side.

"Are you alright?" Embry whispered.

"They're getting worse," Kevin mumbled.

"The dreams? Did they reveal anything? Any idea where she is?"

"No," Kevin mumbled. "It's so blurry now. Like she's drifting in and out of consciousness. When she is conscious, there's…it looks like a grey hospital room. But she's not at a hospital. I don't believe for a moment she is. She's in pain, but I can only feel a dull pain all over. And….she's not herself."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know," Kevin admitted. "She's….whenever she is conscious, she's not…thinking. It's primal. I don't know how else to explain it. And she's thirsty. Desperately thirsty." Kevin shivered again.

"Kevin, we'll find her. I swear it; we'll find her."

"I don't know what's happening to her, Embry," Kevin nearly whimpered. "I don't where she is or what's happening and I'm doing nothing!"

"Kevin, calm down," Embry whispered, encouraging Kevin to keep his voice down.

"How can I? I don't know where she is. I can't save her," Kevin said.

"We will, Kevin," Embry affirmed sternly. "Don't you give up on her, Kevin. She's still alive. As long as she's still alive, we can save her. You can count on that. But you need to stay strong and sane for her."

Kevin shivered again as the images came to his mind again. They were so blurry. So vague. At times, the visions were clear as spring water, but they never lasted long. Even the pain was dulled. And all he could seem to gather from her was….thirst. She wasn't scared anymore. He couldn't feel her fear, he couldn't feel her pain, nothing. Just thirst. She was feral. Wherever she was, wherever the Nazis were keeping her, they'd pushed her to be feral and she was dangerous. He dared to hope that, perhaps, her feral state might save her life and she'd escape wherever she was. It would only be a matter of her coming to her senses. But then how would he find her after that? As time passed, Kevin became more restless and on edge, especially with his dreams.

On October 1, the Allied forces took Naples, meaning Kyle and the other doctors were moved there as well. When Kyle and the others were able to get out of the medical tents and see the city, it was truly breathtaking. Just as Sicily had been. Kyle felt a strange peace overtake him being there. It wasn't as though the war or injuries had calmed. If anything, it was becoming frequent to receive soldiers from the Air Force who'd been shot while in their planes and had somehow made it back alive or mostly alive. But there wasn't something about being in Italy that brought Kyle a sense of comfort he couldn't explain. Their efforts as well as the efforts of the Allies were proving resilient which brought some semblance of comfort to all the soldiers. There was a confidence that the war would be over soon, but Kyle wasn't so confident. Germany still had a vice grip on Europe, even if the odds were beginning to lean away from their favor. They had a long way to go yet.

December came and Kyle was still in Naples. The holiday was approaching and Kyle was happy with all the cheer that came with Christmas approaching despite the gloom of the war. Children never left their homes without their mothers even now, but there was a distinct air of happiness that wasn't there before. The soldiers that were able to with the help of the nurses started decorating the barracks and the medical facility with Christmas decorations that they'd improvised upon. One man's mother had sent him a Christmas Angel the year prior that he hung above his bed for good luck. It was a simple cheer that was in high demand. On the few times Kyle was able to step away and breath, he would go into town and just take in the city.

When he really looked at it, he knew instantly Nathan would have loved it in Naples. The houses were colorful and climbed up the mountains at the seaside just like in Salvador and the beaches were truly breathtaking. Kyle wished he could have come here without the war. Wished he could have seen the place as a tourist and not a doctor serving the military. All the roads were made of stone and the churches were breathtaking just as he remembered Notre Dame being. He felt truly humbled in their presence. But the best was when he was able to go to a bar that had become a favorite hangout for the other soldiers that were either not injured or were recovering very well from their injuries and would even be able to return to fighting. It was atop one of the massive hills and overlooked the sea and was most beautiful at sunset. He stood outside the bar looking out onto the sea taking in the view and breathing in the salty air. The smell made him think of home and it was comforting. Of course, visually, there was no comparison.

"Enjoying the view, Doc?" a young man, Pvt. Andrews, said from behind Kyle. Kyle turned to face him and smiled.

"Very much so," Kyle answered. He glanced down. "How's your leg?"

"Excellent thanks to you," Pvt. Andrews said and limped over. He still had trouble, but Kyle had managed to remove the shrapnel from the young man's leg and it was healing very nicely. He'd saved the young man's leg and for that, Pvt. Andrews was eternally grateful. He leaned against the stone wall beside Kyle. "So can I ask you something?"

"What's that?" Kyle asked.

"I've been thinking of asking Bernice to go on a date with me," Pvt. Andrews said. Bernice McCarthy, or Bernice McCarthy RN, was one of the nurses that had helped Kyle in treating Pvt. Andrews when he'd first come in. The two spoke frequently and it was clear Pvt. Andrews was smitten. While she'd remained professional, Bernice was smitten too.

"Have you now?" Kyle asked.

"Do you think she'd say yes?" Pvt. Andrews asked.

"Rest assured if she said no, it would strictly be due to remaining professional," Kyle said. "She's from South Carolina, so you two can at least exchange information and start a romance when you return home."

"But I'm going back to Missouri," Pvt. Andrews grumbled.

"Hey," Kyle shrugged, "if she's worth it, you'll hop a few states to see her."

"Do you think she likes me?" Pvt. Andrews asked.

"She does," Kyle answered bluntly. "Like I said, she might not agree to go on a date due to rules and professionalism, but there's nothing in the rules that say you can't give her a little Christmas present and maybe a kiss under the Mistletoe Dr. Roger hung."

Pvt. Andrews chuckled, "Now there's an idea. What do you think I should get her?"

"You'll have to decide that one for yourself," Kyle said. "I can't do everything for you." Kyle chuckled and so did Pvt. Andrews.

"Are you planning to come inside?" Pvt. Andrews asked after their laugh subsided.

"Maybe later," Kyle said. "I just want to enjoy the view a little longer."

"You're from Washington are you? An ocean view like this must be a far cry from what you get at home."

"This is a sea view, but you're right," Kyle teased.

"Know-it-all," Pvt. Andrews smiled.

"I get that a lot," Kyle smiled and patted Pvt. Andrews' shoulder. "You get back inside, kid. Have yourself a glass of wine and a shot of espresso."

"I don't like espresso," Pvt. Andrews said.

"An Americano, then," Kyle chuckled. "Honestly, don't you know it's rude to turn your nose up to the local cuisine?"

"I didn't turn my nose up at pizza now did I?"

"No person in their right mind would turn their nose up at that," Kyle grinned, remembering when he first tried a pizza. He never thought flat bread with tomato sauce, basil and thin slices of mozzarella cheese could be so delectable. "Go on and go inside for a drink."

"I can see about bringing you something," Pvt. Andrews said.

"Don't worry about it," Kyle said. "I'll have something when I come in."

"Not even the tiramisu?" Pvt. Andrews asked with an almost sinful smile and Kyle smiled back.

"Perhaps you could bring that to me," Kyle said and reached into his back pocket for his wallet, pulling out some cash. "And you know what, bring me a shot of espresso while you're at it. I'm going to be working into the night when I get back I suspect."

"Yes Doc," Pvt. Andrews smiled and took the cash, walking inside to get Kyle what he'd requested.

He waited a few minutes before Pvt. Andrews came outside with a glass of wine for himself and the shot of espresso and tiramisu Kyle had asked for and the two of them enjoyed their treats outside staring onto the sea. When they finished, the two of them went inside to return the dishes to the bartender and, just because he was in the mood, Kyle requested one glass of wine that he made quick work of since all the other soldiers were leaving for the night. He joined the soldiers, staying near Pvt. Andrews who was trying to plan how he'd approach Bernice, and they started their walk back to the base. They were walking down a set of stone steps when they happened upon another platform, but there was something different here. Beside the black statue of a satyr playing a flute was a woman sitting on the stone looking out onto the ocean. She had long, flowing brown hair with tints of black and even hints of gold, but they were hard to see. Anyone looking at her would probably assume she was just a dark brunette, but Kyle could tell otherwise. Her skin was a sun kissed tan, but she was paler than other people he'd seen in the region. From his vantage point, he could see beautiful brown eyes with long lashes, slender cheeks with a strong jaw, slender features and full lips. Her hair curled a little and she was in a dressy button down shirt that was cream and a brown A-line skirt. While Kyle stared at her, he felt something he'd really never felt save for through the eyes of his brothers and other members of the pack. He felt the world shift around him and was drawn to her immediately.

"You see a ghost or something, Doc?" Pvt. Andrews teased Kyle, placing his hand on his shoulder.

"Not a ghost," Kyle mumbled a little as he kept looking at the woman.

"She's a looker," Pvt. Andrews said. "Go for it, Doc. All you do is work. You deserve to have a little fun with a local girl." Pvt. Andrews winked and started walking away. "Good luck, Doc."

Kyle turned to face Pvt. Andrews as he walked away, but immediately returned his attention to the woman on the ledge. He saw her shoulders slump in a sigh. He refused to read her mind, though. He wouldn't do it. He wanted to get to know her naturally. So Kyle cleared his throat, took a second to straighten out his uniform and finally walked over to her. She didn't appear keen by his presence until she looked at him. When she looked at him, her attitude appeared to change in an instant and she appeared as intrigued by him as he was of her. Sadly, Kyle's Italian was still leaving much to be desired, but he knew enough now to break the ice so to speak.

"Buonasera signorina," Kyle said and the woman seemed to blush a little.

"Good evening to you too," the woman answered with a gentle smile and a thick Italian accent. "Though you may want to warn your friend against being so presumptuous."

"Oh," he said. Now it was Kyle's turn to blush. "You heard all that?"

"Understood it too," the woman answered. They smiled at one another and even laughed a little. Once they were no longer laughing, Kyle extended his hand to her.

"Well, good evening all the same. I'm Kyle Black, MD."

"MD?"

"It's a title for a Doctor. I'm a medic for the American Military."

"I see," the woman said. "I'm Evalina Dimitrovna. No title in particular."

"Dimitrovna? Isn't that a Soviet name?"

"Russian," Evalina corrected sweetly. "My grandpa detests the term 'Soviet'. He complains that Russian was good enough when he was young; it should be good enough now."

"So you're Russian?"

"A quarter," Evalina answered. "My father is Russian and Italian and my mother is Italian and Scottish."

"That's quite a diverse combination," Kyle chuckled. "My mother's half Scottish actually. So tell me: how many languages do you speak? Italian and English obviously. Do you speak anything else?"

"I speak several languages," Evalina said. "I speak Spanish, Basque, Catalan, German, French and Russian."

"Oh wow," Kyle chuckled. "And here I only speak three languages fluently."

"Italian, English, German and Russian are the only languages I speak fluently," Evalina said. "Everything else I know enough to get by. What about you?"

"I speak English, French and Quileute."

"I'm afraid I'm not familiar with Quileute," Evalina said.

"It's a Native American language. My father is Quileute. My mother is English and Scottish."

"By Native American, I assume you mean 'Indian'?"

"That's how most would refer to us, though I should mention it's a slightly offensive term," Kyle said. "Indian refers to someone from India. We're only called that because Columbus swore up and down he'd found Asia. He didn't of course."

"Columbus?"

"He was the Italian explorer that went to the new world with the support of the Spanish Crown," Kyle said.

"Oh! You mean Cristoforo Colombo. I know who you mean, now."

"I forgot that's his real name for a moment," Kyle chuckled. "Well, anyway, that's how the term stuck as far as I'm aware."

"I see," Evalina said. "Well, my apologies if I offended you."

"Not at all," Kyle said with a gentle smile. She reciprocated and her eyes seemed to sparkle. "So do you come here often? Do you ever go up the hill to the bar or do you stay here?"

"I don't drink," Evalina said. "I usually just find a little perch to sit and just enjoy the view. I'm actually not from here. I'm usually more inland. I'm actually from the Pisa Province."

Kyle rose a brow, "Isn't that in Northern Italy?"

"It is," Evalina said. "German soldiers are still there. I like to escape whenever I can. You guys tend to be a little nicer."

Kyle blushed a little, "I'm glad to hear we're nicer than the Nazis." There was a brief silence between them before Kyle continued. "So are you here with anyone?"

"No, it's just me," Evalina said. "Before the war, my parents and brother and I would spend Christmas in Rome. My parents love it there, but we've just not been able to the last few years. I got so tired of it so I started going myself. Since the German army wasn't here anymore, I thought I'd come to Naples for Christmas instead."

"I've always wanted to go to Rome," Kyle said. "We'll get there eventually I'm sure. I just wish it were under peaceful circumstances."

"Rome is beautiful," Evalina smiled. "It broke my heart to stop going for Christmas. Although, if your troops make it to Rome, maybe next Christmas I can be in Rome again."

"I'll see what I can do," Kyle said and Evalina giggled.

"I thought you were a doctor. What can you do besides keep the American war machine running?"

"I heal the parts of the war machine that have been injured," Kyle said. "Most of my patients end up going home, even if they aren't permanently disabled. It really depends on a soldier's injury. That man you overheard me talking to for instance is going home, but he'll heal. He has a limp right now, but I was able to get the shrapnel out of his leg and save the limb."

"I'll bet he's grateful for that," Evalina smiled.

"He is," Kyle said, but he looked a little sad. "I just wish I could do more. There are some men I just can't save. It weighs heavily on my conscience if I'm honest."

"I would think that comes with the work you do," Evalina said.

"Especially during war," Kyle said. "There was a man in North Africa who'd lost his arm and he'd begged me to save his arm and reattach it."

"Is that possible?" Evalina asked.

"It's possible," Kyle said. "But it required time I didn't have. If a doctor were to reattach a limb, it would require perfectly reconnecting the bone, the nerves, the muscle and ensuring he restores blood flow. That's crucial. It would take hours." Kyle looked out at the sea. "I tried. I really did."

"Has a doctor ever successfully done such a thing?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Kyle said. "I would love nothing more than to be able to do that for someone, but it's not possible now. It's hard enough to be a soldier in all this. Being a doctor in all this can be emotionally draining. So many of my colleagues have fallen back on thinking of these men as machines if only for their sanity. I can't do it."

"How long have you been a doctor?"

"All my life, honestly," Kyle said with a soft smile, grateful that Evalina had shifted the conversation. "My mother is a Healer for our tribe. She's the first woman to be a Medicine Man for our tribe and I've been her apprentice since I could walk. I was able to go to school thanks to my brother, Kevin. He and his friend had fought in the Great War. Kevin saved the life of two men and one of them was son to the Dean of Yale University, so Kevin was able to earn a spot to study law. I was jealous of him. Really jealous if you want the truth. So one year, he pulled a few strings and earned me a spot at the University so I could study Medicine. That was around 1921 when I started at Yale. I graduated with my degree in 1929. Just before the Crash no less." He looked up at Evalina and she looked as though she was thinking. Kyle chuckled. "I'm 39," he answered the question he assumed she wanted to ask.

"Are you really?" Evalina looked a little surprised.

"Yes, I'm 39. Just turned 39 in fact," Kyle chuckled.

"You don't look 39 at all," she said.

"That's sweet of you to say," Kyle smiled. Seeing as I've told you my age, might I ask yours?"

"I'm 27," Evalina answered. "My brother is a little older than you, actually. He turned 45 this year."

"Oh my," Kyle said. "What's your brother's name?"

"Alphonse," Evalina said.

"My brother's business partner's name is Alphonse," Kyle said. "He's originally from Austria."

"Is he? When did he come to America?"

"I'm not certain," Kyle said. "I know it was before the Great War. He'd come to America to study at Yale and after the end of the war, he just stayed. He and my brother opened their own law firm and he's pretty much been looking after it while Kevin's away."

"So your brother isn't a career soldier? Why would he rejoin the army when he's over forty?"

"He's only 40," Kyle chuckled. "The truth is we've been trying to find his fiancé. She's a French woman that was adopted by a German family. She's Jewish."

"Oh," Evalina appeared slightly surprised a moment and then a sadness seemed to fall on her.

"I don't suppose you might know where we might find her?"

"I wouldn't know," Evalina said honestly. "I just know the German's have been reprimanding Jews, Gypsies, religious leaders that kick up opposition, political rivals and so on. The rule of thumb with the Nazis is if you stay out of their face and aren't Jewish or a gypsy, you'll probably be fine."

"But you don't know where they're being taken?" Kyle asked.

"Not specifically," Evalina said. "I just know they're being taken somewhere. Most soldiers I've spoken to don't really know. They're only concerned with the perpetuation of the Master Race as they call it. Anyone that really knows anything keeps pretty tight lipped about what goes on."

"Hmm," Kyle answered, becoming thoughtful. They were being taken somewhere? Toward what purpose exactly? "That seems to be all the more anyone really knows."

"I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help," Evalina said. She turned on the ledge so she could stand on the stone of the platform and patted down her skirt. "I had best be off for the night. It's getting late."

"I suppose it is," Kyle said, suddenly out of his trance and now desperate to either make her not leave or find a time when they could meet again. "How long will you be in Naples? Perhaps I could treat you to dinner."

"Oh, that's alright, Dr. Black. I wouldn't want to impose on you," Evalina said respectfully.

"Kyle, please," Kyle requested kindly. "And it's no trouble at all. I think I could get away this Friday evening if you're available for dinner."

"Really Dr.- I mean, Kyle. You don't have to, but that's very sweet of you to offer."

"What about lunch then? Or maybe I can treat you to coffee? I'm proud to say I'm one of the few American soldiers that really likes espresso just the way it is. No watering it down."

Evalina giggled, "No Americano for the American?"

"No, ma'am, just straight espresso," Kyle said with a smile.

"If I'm to address you as Kyle, then you're to address me as Evalina," she responded in a teasing tone. "Nothing makes a woman feel old like being called 'ma'am'."

"Forgive my mistake, Evalina," Kyle said and even bowed his head a little. "Please allow me to make it up to you by buying you coffee one morning. I can get away on a Sunday morning."

She appeared as though she might say no, but they looked into each other's eyes a moment and she blushed before looking away. "I suppose there's no harm in you buying me coffee one morning."

Kyle nearly jumped up and down, but managed to contain himself. "This Sunday, then? After church if need be."

"I'm afraid I'm not the practicing Catholic girl that I should be," Evalina giggled. "I can count the number of times I go to church in one year on just this hand." Evalina lifted her right hand a moment.

"I can count the number of times I've been to church my whole life on one hand," Kyle said and Evalina giggled. "I'm baptized Catholic, but I can't say as I'm a very good Catholic."

"Well, I suppose us sinners can have coffee together on a Sunday morning," Evalina giggled.

"So where shall I pick you up?" Kyle asked.

"You don't need to pick me up," Evalina said. "I'll just meet you there. Just tell me where you'd like to meet and I'll be there. Say…10?"

"So late?" Kyle teased.

"9 then," Evalina smiled.

"I look forward to it," Kyle said and took Evalina's hand in his and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. Immediately, he noticed her body heat. She felt as though she were running a temperature, but she was the picture of perfect health. "It was a pleasure to meet you tonight, Evalina. I look forward to seeing you again Sunday. How about Caffè Gambrinus? I hear good things about it from the other soldiers. I also hear it's a place Oscar Wilde used to love."

"That sounds lovely," Evalina smiled. "Caffè Gambrinus at 9."

"I'll count the days until Sunday," Kyle said charmingly, trying his best to summon his brother's natural charm for his own. Evalina giggled and even curtsied.

"Until Sunday, Kyle," Evalina said before the two finally parted ways. She even looked over her shoulder at him and waved with a smile before walking away.

Kyle couldn't help the silly grin on his face. After all these years of Renesmee wanting Kyle to find love, telling him to find a nice girl, trying to set him up at times, and wanting him to be happy, he'd found his imprint on a ledge in Naples amid a war. It was a story Kyle had become rather familiar with: soldiers falling in love with a local woman. Their love stories, sadly, didn't usually last very long either due to tragic death or parting ways. Kyle would not allow that, though. He'd joked once with Kevin that his imprint was probably in some far away land he'd never go to. Turns out he'd not been far from the truth. He wasn't sure how long she would be in Naples. She'd said she was there for Christmas, so he at least had until the end of December. He'd make sure they had a way to keep in touch. Finally, after a few minutes of standing on those stone stairs just staring after her even after she'd long since walked away, Kyle finally started making his way back to the base. It was a little late when he returned, so he'd not anticipated anyone really being awake. In fact he'd thought he might be yelled at for his tardiness. However, he was met by a Pvt. Andrews laying in his bed reading a magazine provided to the soldiers.

"So?" he asked when Kyle walked into the medical tent.

"So what?" Kyle asked.

"No 'so what'," Pvt. Andrews smiled. "How was your date?"

"Doc was on a date?" another soldier asked.

"It wasn't necessarily a date," Kyle said, starting to blush.

"Careful, Doc," Pvt. Andrews teased. "You're red enough as it is without making it worse." A few men laughed and, despite himself, Kyle chuckled too. "So what's her name?"

"Evalina," Kyle said.

"She was the pretty girl that was on the stairs, right?" one soldier asked Pvt. Andrews.

"One and the same," he answered and then looked at Kyle again. "So when are you seeing her again? You asked her out didn't you?"

"I'm taking her to have coffee at Caffè Gambrinus this Sunday," Kyle said and a few of the men nodded approvingly.

"I took a girl there," one soldier said. "Very romantic. You made a good pick, Doc. Their cookies are spectacular and if you ask, the Barista will even give you a shot of espresso with milk."

"Straight espresso's just fine," Kyle said. "I just want to sit down with her and talk. Get to know her a little."

"Aw, isn't that cute? Doc is smitten," another soldier said and the room laughed a little. "Well, good for you, Doc. You deserve a little time to relax and have fun with a good looking girl. Lord knows we all do and you just stay here or stare out at sea outside the bar."

"I'm meeting her at 9," Kyle said after a light smile. "So none of you are allowed to get yourselves in trouble while I'm gone. You hear?"

"Yes, sir!" a bunch of the men agreed and started to laugh and Kyle laughed a little too before getting to the doctor's quarters and getting to bed.

As Kyle had promised he would, he eagerly looked forward to Sunday. He was teased endlessly but he didn't care. Kyle was just excited. Pvt. Andrews and the others tried making suggestions for his date. Pvt. Andrews suggested he bring flowers and another suggested chocolates or some other item like that. Kyle knew chocolates would have been a waste. She'd not eat them. But flowers was an idea. Bernice, apparently, had given Pvt. Andrews the idea of giving Evalina flowers. As Kyle figured she would, Bernice turned down Pvt. Andrews' attempt t asking her on a date, but she certainly wasn't above going to his bed and adjusting his pillow for him or checking his bandages and so on. When Sunday finally came, Kyle left early and went to a little flower shop he'd seen before, but they were closed for Sunday and he grumbled a little, that plan going out the window. Not wanting to give up, though, Kyle walked the streets until he found a house with a little flowerbed. He found a little orange dahlia and snagged it from the flower bed before walking on to the café.

He was there early. Unsettlingly early in fact. He got there at 8:30. Regardless, Kyle found a little table outside and waited for Evalina to arrive. The longer he waited, he started getting really nervous. He'd never been this anxious over a woman before, but, then, no girl had ever been his imprint. A waitress came out to greet him and asked if he'd like anything and he let her know he was waiting for someone and would order once she'd arrived. Kyle did his best to keep himself calm but his foot shook rigorously as he waited. He started wishing he'd brought something to read so he wouldn't look so out of place, but he'd not. So he waited. Soon it was finally 9 and Kyle sat up straighter the moment the clock showed that time. To his relief, Evalina was certainly punctual and she walked up behind him and approached the table. Kyle stood from the table, trying not to appear overly eager, though it was a chore to do so, and smiled at her.

"Good morning, Evalina," Kyle said and showed her the flower. "The flower shops were all closed, but I found this and thought it was pretty."

Evalina giggled and accepted the flower, "Good morning to you too, Kyle. And thank you. It is very pretty. I hope the lady who's flowerbed you stole this from didn't catch you."

"I was very sneaky about it," Kyle joked and pulled out a chair for Evalina. When she was seated, Kyle sat beside her. "I haven't ordered anything yet. I wanted to wait for you to arrive."

"How long were you waiting for me?" Evalina asked.

"About a half hour," Kyle admitted with a blush. "I'd thought to ensure I had enough time to buy you flowers, but when I saw the shops were closed for Sunday, I had to improvise and that didn't take as long as I thought it would." Evalina giggled lightly and as she did, the waitress came to take their orders. Kyle requested a plate of fruit and bread and espresso while Evalina requested just lemon water. When the waitress walked away, Kyle smiled at her. "I take it you don't care much for coffee?"

"I don't care much for most things I admit," Evalina said. For a brief moment, Kyle debated if he should just admit to knowing. Though he spoke before he could really think of whether or not it was a good idea.

"Just blood for you then?" Kyle asked. Evalina looked at him stunned and Kyle became nervous again, fearing he'd overstepped or offended her. He knew he wasn't wrong, but he feared perhaps he'd revealed too soon that he'd figured it out.

"I beg your pardon?" Evalina said, but it wasn't convincing. It had taken her a moment to even muster the comment as though she had to think what a normal person might say to that.

"When I'd held your hand the other night, I noticed you were hot to the touch. Like you were running a fever," Kyle elaborated, hoping to salvage their conversation. "You're not sick, though."

"How do you…." Evalina began but couldn't finish. She seemed to still doubt she should admit to Kyle being right.

"My mother's like you," Kyle said. "She'll only drink blood."

"Your mother's a half breed?" Evalina said, looking surprised but no longer alarmed or appearing offended.

"Yeah," Kyle smiled reassuringly. "My grandfather is a vampire and my grandma was human when she had my mom. Grandpa saved grandma's life just in time too. Made her a vampire so she'd live to raise their daughter with him. So I know what to look for. With regards to half breeds I mean."

"So do you prefer blood?" Evalina asked.

"No," Kyle shook his head gently. "We're human enough that we like regular food. Prefer it even." The waitress arrived with their order, thankfully hearing nothing of what they'd said, and walked away.

"I guess I didn't realize there were so many half breeds as there are," Evalina said. "Aside from my parents, our coven, my brother and myself, I was under the impression the only other half breed in the world was Renesmee Cullen."

"That's my mother," Kyle said and Evalina looked shocked again.

"Your mother is?"

Kyle nodded, "You know my mother?"

"I've heard of her," Evalina said. "She's the one that got Aro so interested in making half breeds in the first place."

"Aro?" Kyle asked, but he realized who she meant. Then he remembered her saying she was from the Pisa region near Florence. "You mean the Volturi?" Evalina nodded. "So you're part of the Volturi coven?" Evalina nodded again. She seemed to become more comfortable and yet simultaneously apprehensive. Kyle was dying to know what she was thinking, but he wouldn't let himself do it.

"Dimitri and Afton are my grandfathers," Evalina said. "I don't know how familiar you are with the coven. But Aro had ordered some members of the guards to have half breeds hoping he'd obtain some powerful gifts. In my father, he obtained a gift to defend against trackers. Become impossible to locate. My father in the only person my grandpa Dimitri can't find. In my mother, he obtained a physical shield. Quite literally in fact. She can form a barrier around herself and anyone she can get under that shield. It's invisible to the eye, but it's impenetrable once it's up. Corin's twins can alter time to a limited capacity. They can only undo something if they're dealing with an inanimate object. So if I were to drop and break this espresso cup, they could repair it by undoing what I'd done. But if I were to break my arm or something, they can't undo that. And Lia. She's Felix's daughter and she's Aro's pride and joy so to speak."

"Why's that?" Kyle asked.

"She can turn you human," Evalina said. "She can choose whether she does it or not, but she is able to change a vampire back to human with a single touch. She's brought many to their knees and Aro's quite fond of her."

"Do you or your brother have gifts?"

"No," Evalina said. "Aro's very disappointed about that." Evalina and Kyle looked at one another a moment. "Your mother had a power did she not?"

"She can push her thoughts into someone's mind with just a touch," Kyle said. "My oldest brother Kevin can do so without needing to touch you, but he's limited on how far away he can be from you. Usually, though, if he can see you, he can tell you what he's thinking. I inherited my Grandpa Edward's gift. I can read minds, but I can choose whether I do it or not."

"I assume you've not read my mind?" Evalina asked, almost nervously.

"No," Kyle said. "I refused to. I want to get to know you naturally." Evalina was pleased with that answer and smiled a little. Kyle smiled right back. "Besides, it seemed rude to read your mind without your consent. My grandpa can't help it, but I can. I don't read people's minds most of the time as a general rule. Given that I can control it, I consider it rude not to. I've made an exception with some of the soldiers, but that's only to ensure I treat them with the utmost care."

"I'll bet they appreciate that," Evalina finally smiled genuinely. "I suppose this all explains why you still look too young to be 40."

Kyle laughed a little and Evalina joined. "I'm only 39."

"39, excuse me," Evalina corrected herself still giggling.

"So are you actually 27?"

"Yes, I'm actually 27," Evalina smiled, "and my brother Alphonse is actually 45. My parents were born…..1876 I think was the year they were born. Aro had most of his half breeds born that year."

"He certainly waited a while before making half breeds if it was my mom that initiated the interest," Kyle said.

"I'm not sure what the delay was about or what prompted him to move forward with the plan," Evalina said. "I just know he decided he wanted the guards to have kids and they complied."

"Is…dare I ask if they're good to you? All of you I mean?"

"Aro's as good as anyone can be when they're really just a benefactor," Evalina shrugged. "I think he was surprised when he found out how much my grandparents grew to love their children. Alec was the first of the guards to be forced to have a child. His son had inherited the opposite of his gift, so the boy was effectively stillborn. He couldn't control or fight off his gift and Alec couldn't save him, so the boy starved to death. Alec was never the same after that, or so I'm told. He was always rather quiet and was Jane's shadow, but after his son died, he was truly crushed. Were a human to happen upon him, most times they would mistake him for a statue."

"I'm sorry," Kyle said. "I can't imagine what that must be like to lose a son that way. Or any way really."

"Aro had far better luck with my grandparents and Corin and Felix." Evalina smiled just a little. "My grandpa Dimitri is the one that was born in Russia, but it was centuries ago. Grandpa Afton is Scottish and he mated with my grandma Chelsea. She's Roman born. My grandpa Dimitri mated with Grandma Heidi. She's the one that taught me German. She was born to a clan of Barbarians in the Rhinelands and she remembers the vampires that changed her were Greek."

"That explains the American quality of ethnic diversity," Kyle managed to tease and Evalina giggled. "Are your parents the only ones to have had children?"

"Yes," Evalina nodded. "They fell in love with one another so they were lucky, but we don't often get to leave the castle or really meet people, so it tends to be lonely."

"I'm sorry," Kyle said. "I'm happy I could meet you, though."

"Indeed," Evalina smiled and even blushed a little. "So how long have you been a doctor? I actually can't remember if I asked you that or not."

"I'll gladly answer again," Kyle said. "I earned my degree in 1929, but I've been training since I was a little boy. I'm well versed in aroma therapy. I've been learning that since before I could walk. It's also my personal favorite method of treating my patients. It's the most natural form of medicine. I delivered a baby by myself for the first time when I was only 12."

"12? And the mother let you?" Evalina giggled.

"She didn't really have much option," Kyle said and rubbed the back of his head. "My mom and uncle were occupied with a woman that we'd found out was delivering twins and I was the only other person that could deliver for the woman. She wasn't too pleased with that at the time."

"I can't imagine a 12 year old delivering a baby," Evalina said. "How did it go?"

"As one might expect," Kyle said with a chuckle, remembering the event as though it was yesterday. "We'd been told by the woman's husband a few hours before that his wife was experiencing pain. My mom went to check on her, but she had a long while to go so my mom told her to get some rest and that she'd check on her again in an hour. Later, one woman in the tribe who'd been carrying twins went into labor. Twins is no easy task to deal with and my mom and uncle needed to be with her to make sure she and the babies would live through the labor. So mom told me to check on the other woman."

"And how did she react?"

"She asked where my mom and uncle were," Kyle chuckled. "I explained they were helping a woman with twins and that I'd help her. What followed was what I can only describe as a comedy of errors. I'd check to see how far along she was and I'd have to explain she wasn't dilated enough. Every time I had to say that, she seemed to become more irritable."

"It's not as though you can hurry it along," Evalina said.

"Exactly!" Kyle laughed. "So I left so she could progress and went back to my mom and uncle. An hour later, the woman with twins was still not done, so mom told me I needed to stay with the other woman and that she or Sokajili, that was my uncle's name, would be along as soon as possible. Well, I returned to the woman and she wasn't happy to see me at all. I checked her again to see how far along she was but she still hadn't progressed enough. I spent hours with this woman waiting as she lost more and more of her patience with me. I tried checking again and her water broke all over me."

Evalina burst into laughter, "Oh that's terrible."

"Eh," Kyle shrugged, laughing with her. "It certainly wasn't the last time that happened. I was so stunned though that I just stood there until she started screaming at me. She still wasn't dilated when I finally remembered I was trying to check how far along she was. So I sat in that tent with them for another hour, still soaked in water, blood and mucus, until her contractions were closer together and I could finally tell her she was dilated enough and could start pushing. By the time she'd delivered her son, I was shaking so much I nearly dropped him. I cleaned him up and handed the baby over."

"Sounds traumatizing," Evalina giggled.

"I'm sure some might consider it so," Kyle said. "I was surprised that she'd praised how I'd done to my mother later. She told my mom that I'd been very patient and attentive and she was pleased with how well I'd handled myself."

"Well that was sweet of her to say," Evalina smiled.

"Indeed it was," Kyle said. "That still feels like it happened yesterday."

"What's the strangest thing you've ever experienced as a doctor?" Evalina asked.

"Oh, let's see," Kyle said. "I sat through a lecture at one point during my schooling in which we had a – I loathe to call him a scholar, so we'll just call him a quack – that presented a speech in one of my classes trying to explain the dangers of masturbation."

"Pardon?" Evalina asked.

"It became a rather…..avid fixation in the United States for lack of a better word. I'm not certain what specifically brought about this fixation, but masturbation is considered a taboo. It's the reason it's become standard practice to circumcise boys when they're born."

"Circumcise? You mean that thing Jews and Muslims do?"

Kyle chuckled, "I guess that's one way to put it. But yes, that's become rather mainstream in the United States." Evalina scrunched her nose. "I for one won't perform the procedure, but that's a matter of principle. Anyway, the logic is that if a man is circumcised, he won't masturbate."

"Does that work?"

"God, no," Kyle laughed and shook his head. "But anyway, the man giving the lecture showed a picture of a man with sores all over and said he'd suffered the ailment due to masturbating and I rose my hand in class and said, 'Doctor, I think the man is suffering from syphilis'."

"I didn't realize you could.."

"You can't," Kyle said. "Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. You don't get it from masturbating. Anyway, what was supposed to be a simple observation turned into me forces every man in that lecture hall to admit they masturbate. One of the students swore he didn't and I just said, 'I'm sure your pillow disagrees with you, Ted'."

Evalina laughed and started rubbing her eyes a moment. "And how did he respond to that?"

"I'm told Kevin had to convince the men in my class not to lynch me as a witch," Kyle said and the two laughed again. "So that's the strangest thing that's ever happened to me as a doctor."

"Is being a doctor for the army different than back home?" Evalina asked.

"Yeah," Kyle said, feeling slightly uncomfortable. "I had a professor years ago that had said every doctor will be faced with something they can't fix and need to learn to deal with it. I can't say I've become any better at that since I was young."

"You're only human," Evalina said, but shrugged. "Well, mostly human."

"Still, any time I'm faced with something I can't fix, I feel like a failure. My youngest brother Nathan was married before and his wife developed cancer of the ovaries. There was nothing I could do but keep her comfortable. I hated that."

"I'm sorry," Evalina said.

"I'm afraid the war hasn't really helped," Kyle said. "Remember that man I told you about? The one that begged me to reattach his arm?" Evalina nodded. "When I couldn't do it, I felt so ashamed. He'd said he understood and thanked me for trying, but he wasn't the same. He has a little boy at home and he'd wanted to be able to play ball with his son and so many other things. Now he won't be able to. That killed him a little and there was nothing I could do about it. There was another man from England that was a Rugby player. He'd wanted to make a career out of it, but he'd had an arm and leg blown off. I was able to save his life, but he couldn't get over the injury. So he committed suicide."

"You shouldn't blame yourself for something like that," Evalina said.

"I know I shouldn't but I can't help but do it," Kyle said. "It was the fact that I'd become well known as being a doctor that does whatever he can to save a man's limb rather than amputate and the man in greatest need of my help I couldn't help." Kyle was surprised when Evalina placed her hand on Kyle's in an effort to be comforting.

"I can't begin to understand what you're going through, but I can empathize. I know this must be hard for you, but from the sounds of it, you're a rather remarkable doctor."

"I wouldn't call myself remarkable," Kyle answered with a blush. "Just stubborn."

"Is there a difference?" Evalina asked. The two looked into one another's eyes again and Evalina smiled at him reassuringly. It was perhaps the most comforting thing he'd seen before. Her brown eyes were penetrating, kind and sweet. And they called to him.

"You have beautiful eyes," Kyle blurted out and Evalina giggled.

"Why thank you," she said. "So do you." They smiled at one another and Kyle turned his hand upward so he could lace his fingers through hers in an intimate moment. "So tell me, American. Where's home for you?"

"I'm from Washington State," Kyle answered, smiling in relief. "My father is the chief apparent of the Quileute tribe."

"Oh," Evalina giggled, "so you're a prince?"

"We've been called that," Kyle chuckled.

"And what is Washington like?"

"Rainy," Kyle answered and earned another giggle from Evalina.

"Is that all?"

"Green and rainy," Kyle answered hoping to make her laugh again. She did. "We have mountains and evergreens and moss, lots of frogs, wolves, bears, mountain lions."

"Any tigers?" she joked.

"No, we don't have those," Kyle said. "We have wolverines though."

"What's a wolverine?"

"It's a giant badger," Kyle said. "And a mean one at that. They'll usually leave you alone if you leave them alone, but we've had one or two instances where a male that's trying to find his own territory wanders into the village and my dad and other members of the pack have had to help the wolverine out of the tribe. It never appreciates the manhandling," Kyle laughed.

"The pack?" Evalina giggled and Kyle realized he'd spoke without thinking. "Is that a little nickname your father has for him and his friends?"

"It's more than a nickname," Kyle admitted. "I could tell you the story, but I'm scared you won't believe me."

"Are you werewolves or something?" Evalina asked as a joke but Kyle didn't immediately refute the statement and she stopped giggling. "Wait, you're a werewolf?"

"No, no, it's…we're shape shifters. That's the right word. Long ago, the Quileute had the gift to lift their souls from their bodies and we could influence nature that way. We could also hear each other's thoughts in that state. We'd had a chief called Taha Aki that was betrayed by a member of the tribe. Utlapa was his name. Utlapa stole Chief Taha Aki's body, committed suicide on his own body and Chief Taha Aki was forced to wander without a body while Utlapa ran the tribe disguised as the chief. Taha Aki soon took over the body of a wolf and tried to warn his people. Utlapa murdered the man that he'd told and that was about to warn everyone and in a fury, Taha Aki regained a human form with the soul of a wolf within him. Ever since then, descendants of Taha Aki can become wolves."

"And you can?" Evalina asked, a little surprised. Kyle only nodded. "Huh," was all she said and it made Kyle laugh a little.

"Wasn't the reaction I was expecting, but I guess it works," Kyle said.

"I'm sorry," Evalina giggled, "I'm just not sure what to say to that."

"You don't have to say anything," Kyle answered. "I should mention it's a family secret, so you can't tell anyone I told you that."

"Why're you telling me if it's supposed to be a family secret?" Evalina asked.

After a very brief silence, Kyle smiled, "I know I can trust you to keep my secret is all." Evalina blushed and sipped her lemon water.

"So how do you like your coffee and cookies?"

"Very good," Kyle said. "My mom never really makes cookies. Once or twice a year she'll make cinnamon rolls and every fall we'll all make apple butter as a family. The tribe helps out too and everyone gets their jar of Apple Butter."

"That sounds like a nice family activity," Evalina said. "So what is your mother like?"

"Oh wow," Kyle said, trying to think how to adequately describe Renesmee. "Highly educated for starters. She was a nurse for at least 34 years before she came to be with my dad and took apprenticeship as a Healer under my Uncle Sokajili. My grandparents saw to it she knew French, had learned mathematics and science. Cousin Carlisle saw to it she was well educated in medicine. He brags that she was smarter and better trained than most of the doctors he'd known, but then, that was during the Civil War. Men that had no prior medical training or any knowledge of it were becoming military doctors."

"Was your mother a nurse during the war?"

"No," Kyle said. "She was too young at the time, but she learned a lot from Carlisle during those years. She never really got over that I'm afraid. She still remembers the sounds of men screaming for mercy and begging the doctors not to amputate their limbs. I knew I'd see something similar coming into this, but knowing and actually experiencing are very different things."

"I'm sure," Evalina said.

"After the war, my mother and her family traveled all over the Midwest and east coast. When she was 40, she decided to become a mail order bride and was shipped off to Washington to marry a pig farmer in Olympia. That's how she met my dad. He'd been chasing after a vampire and their eyes met and he loved her instantly."

"So she ran off with your father after just a look?"

"No, not quite," Kyle chuckled. "Mom went on to Olympia and married Mr. Wallis. While he was away, my dad came onto the property and kidnapped her."

"Oh," Evalina said, a little surprised. "That must have been alarming for her."

"To say the least," Kyle said. "My dad loved her from the start, but he wasn't sure how to approach her. At the time, my dad didn't speak any English so it wasn't as though he could just appear from time to time and talk to her, so he did something drastic. It all worked out for the best in the end, though. My mom and dad have been happily married for forty years now."

"Have they?"

"Yeah," Kyle said. "They got married in January 1903 and had my brother together later that same year. I came the following year. The twins were born in 1908."

"That sounds awfully romantic the way you've worded it," Evalina smiled. "Is your Uncle still alive? The one she'd apprenticed under?"

"No," Kyle answered sadly. "He died when I was about 17. He'd suffered from Alzheimer's and he wasn't eating properly anymore. He died a very old man, but it was still hard. He was like a second father to me."

"I'm so sorry," Evalina said.

"It's alright," Kyle said. "It was so long ago now. He's still dearly missed. I only hope my Grandpa William will remain alive at least under the war is over and we can come home. But he's getting rather old as well. He's in excellent health, especially for his age, but my grandmother…she's been showing her age for some time. She's plenty healthy, especially for her age, but she's over 70 by now. Save for Chief Taha Aki, my grandparents have been one of our longest reigning couples. Although, if I'm being honest, my grandfather's been Chief in name only for quite some time. My father's pretty much taken over."

"I often forget such things occur," Evalina admitted. "I haven't the vaguest idea how old my grandparents really are, but they appear as young as when they changed. They've never changed a bit since as far back as I can remember. When I was really little, my Grandpa Dimitri and Grandpa Afton used to take me to the Opera, especially if my father was playing."

"Your father plays in an Orchestra?" Kyle asked.

"He did for a time," Evalina said. "About 15 years before Aro insisted he retire to avoid suspicion. He played for an Orchestra in Florence and he was very well liked. Ended up becoming the 1st Violinist for about seven years before he retired."

"My Grandma Bella plays the violin actually," Kyle smiled.

"Her father was a fiddler when he lived in Scotland and he passed the love of the violin on to my grandma. My mother far preferred the Piano, though. That's what my Grandpa Edward taught us to play. Kevin's the one that's a gifted Pianist. I'm alright, but I always focused more on sciences than music."

"Your brother seems to be a bit of a renaissance man," Evalina giggled.

"That's one way to put it," Kyle said. "He plays the Piano, he earned the rank of Sergeant in the army by age 14, he was a Medal of Honor recipient around that same age, he was top of his class when he attended Yale, he's never lost a bet in a Horse Race the few times he's played, he's a coveted Lawyer in his field. He's charming, he's handsome, and everything he touches seems to turn to gold." Kyle laughed a little. "I'll admit to being very jealous of him."

"You're plenty charming and handsome," Evalina smiled. "You're certainly a good Doctor from what I'm being told."

"Well, thank you for saying," Kyle answered. "Still, Kevin is the more alluring of the two of us. I can say with complete sincerity that the man could easily convince a snake to give him its skin by explaining he needs it to make a belt or something."

"Surely you exaggerate," Evalina giggled.

"Perhaps only a bit," Kyle said.

"You have two brothers, no?"

"Yes, Nathan's the youngest of the boys," Kyle said. "He's the black sheep we like to call him. He hated the violin and the piano and refused to learn to play either. He finally found love in the guitar, though. He preferred history and mathematics growing up and he's a free spirit. He wanted to go travel the world. He married his wife Tomoeh and they had a daughter together, so his travel plans went to the side. But then Tomoeh became ill and passed away. She'd made him promise he'd follow his dream and travel. So he took Scarlet with him and didn't stop until he reached Brazil. Ended up spending a few years in Brazil. He fell in love with a woman there. They have a son together now and everything."

"Oh my," Evalina smiled. "You and your brothers certainly sound as though you've already led rather full lives."

"By brothers, yes, but I wouldn't say the same for myself. What I really want to do is open a hospital for the tribe. It's been a project of mine for years now. My mom wants to open a formal school for the tribe that she keeps putting off until she can abdicate to me as Healer and can focus on the school. We were so close to making that a reality, but…well, the war put a halt to all that. At least for now."

"I think that's a wonderful life goal to have," Evalina said. "It's certainly more of a goal than I have."

"What goal do you have?"

"I don't," Evalina giggled. "Therein lies the problem. Though I've heard no complaints of it from anyone. I tend to prefer traveling."

"I assume when you were young, you have an envious education?"

"Indeed," Evalina said. "We all did. We're all fluent in at least 3 languages for starters. I never took to an instrument either, I'm afraid. My father plays the violin as I mentioned and my mother is fond of the harp. She tried to engage me in the instrument, but I never cared for it. My brother developed a fondness for the violin, but it's a passing fancy at best. Certainly not the passion my father has for it. He says learning to play the violin got him through a lot of hard times."

"Do you have hobbies?"

"I enjoy sculpting," Evalina shrugged. "I'll sell them sometimes, but only when Aro insists I need to get rid of them to make room for other things. Most of my free time before the war was spent traveling around Pisa. My brother and I used to do that a lot to fill the empty years."

"Have you ever left Italy?"

"Several times," Evalina said. "Aro allowed us all to travel to have a trip together to Germany, to Scotland and to Russia. Those were the happiest days of my life." Evalina smiled fondly from the memories. "We felt like a normal family back then."

"I guess being part of the Volturi Guard prevents much from being normal," Kyle said.

"It does I'm afraid," Evalina agreed. "So how long have you been working on building that hospital?"

"Years," Kyle grumbled a little. "Well over ten or fifteen. When the Crash of 29 hit, it put a huge roadblock on me. I was determined to pay for it myself and I'd thought I would be able to. Carlisle helps here and there, but I'll only let him be a partial partner. I want to do it myself."

"That's good," Evalina said. "It's good for a man to want to stand on his own two feet."

"So to speak," Kyle said. "I want to build a house for myself that's right near the hospital I'll build. Otherwise, I still stay with my parents. It sounds so vile to be my age and still living at home with them."

"We're all no one to talk, so you'll hear no judgment from me," she said reassuringly. "My father is well into his sixties and still lives at home."

"I would argue the circumstances are a touch different, though I see your point," Kyle chuckled and finished his espresso and another cookie.

"So are you married? Children?" Evalina asked.

"No," Kyle said. "My mom wishes I'd settle down, but I kept putting it off. I have things I want to accomplish. She always told me I could do those things and still start a family, but I was too focused."

"Is there a woman back home that you might share your life with someday?"

"No," Kyle answered bluntly. "I had affairs when I was young, but that's all the more they ever were. When I turned my focus to being the tribe's doctor and building a hospital, I had no time for myself."

"That sounds dreadful to be sure," Evalina said.

"You know," Kyle smiled a little and looked at Evalina. "I'd not realized it until now, but it really is dreadful. I've thought of nothing but work for so many years."

"Well, I'm happy I could make you see that," Evalina said and sipped her water again. "It's not healthy to only work and have no time to yourself."

"That's true," Kyle said. "I of all people should know that," he managed to joke.

"Indeed you should," Evalina smiled. "Perhaps after this war is finally over, you can start taking time for yourself."

"I'm taking time for myself right now," Kyle pointed out. "I'd say that's a good start." Evalina smiled at him and Kyle squeezed her hand he still held just a little tighter. He heard her heart rate increase just a little. Or perhaps it was his heart rate he heard accelerating. He certainly heard his heart pounding in his ears.

"I recall you mentioning," Evalina started, breaking the moment a little, "that this Café was a place Oscar Wilde apparently favored. I assume you're a fan then?"

It took a moment for Kyle to regain his senses when she spoke. "I enjoy Picture of Dorian Grey, yes," Kyle finally said. "I'm fond of Frankenstein, Dracula, my little brother Nathan introduced me to H.P. Lovecraft who's a very good horror author."

"I've read all those except H.P. Lovecraft. I'm afraid I've never heard of him."

"He's actually a rather new author, although I think he died back in 1938. He wrote short stories that centered around the principle that man's greatest fear in fear of the unknown. I think Call of Cthulu is what he's most famous for but he's written several short stories. All his narrators in his stories are losing their minds because they were exposed to a strange fish like god of chaos, like Cthulu."

"So you're a horror fan?"

"I like most genres," Kyle said. "My mother's favorites are by Jane Austen and I'm fond of her books as well. She loves Wuthering Heights, but I could never enjoy it. Catherine and Heathcliff were such terrible people that I had a hard time feeling anything for them or their love."

"I actually like Wuthering Heights," Evalina smiled. "But I much preferred Anna Karenina. The Brothers Karamanov, War and Peace, Hunchback of Notre Dame. Those were my favorites."

"I really liked Hunchback of Notre Dame too," Kyle said. "Did you ever read Les Miserables?"

"I have, but I didn't like it as much."

"I admit I tried reading Anna Karenina when I'd found it in the library at Yale, but I couldn't finish it."

"For heaven's sake, why not? It's so good!"

"My studies got in the way and eventually I had to return it to the library and I never picked it up again," Kyle admitted. "I know it's about a woman that falls in love with a soldier and doesn't love her husband anymore, but that's as far as I got."

"How is your Italian?"

"Abysmal, why?" Kyle laughed.

"Oh," Evalina looked mildly discouraged. "I was going to say if you can ready Italian, then I could lend you my copy and make your read it. But if you don't speak Italian, you'll not be able to. The only other copy we have is in Russian and I doubt you can read that."

"No, I'm afraid I don't know a word of Russian," Kyle admitted.

"Well, that's a terrible shame," Evalina said. "You should still read it. When you return home, try to find a copy of Anna Karenina and read it. It's a personal favorite of mine."

"I'll make a point to," Kyle said with a grin and squeezed her hand again.

"What about you? What is your favorite book?"

"Promise not to laugh?" Kyle asked. Evalina fought a laugh that very moment and nodded. "Pride and Prejudice," he said.

"Why ever would I laugh at that? That's a good book."

"It really is," Kyle said. "I've just had several have a small laugh at my expense when I admit that's my favorite book. I'm often told it's a 'woman's novel'. I'm sure you'd never think it, but I'm fond of romances like that."

"I am too," Evalina said. "Out of her novels, I'm very fond of Emma and Sense and Sensibility. That last book is my mother's favorite."

"Same for my mother," Kyle smiled. "She ensured we were all very well read when growing up."

"She certainly did very well with that," Evalina said. In that moment, Evalina seemed to realize that Kyle was still holding her hand. She blushed and pulled her hand away. Kyle released her hand but continued to smile at her. "When are you expected back at the base?"

"By nightfall," Kyle said. "I was able to get the whole day to myself barring incident."

"Are you sure that's alright?" Evalina said.

"We don't have anything going on that would warrant concern for an influx of injured," Kyle said. "If an air raid was planned, then no I wouldn't be able to spend the day with you I'm afraid."

"You planned to spend the whole day with me?"

"If that's alright with you," Kyle said hopefully. "I finished my coffee and those cookies, so perhaps I can pay for our tab and we can take a walk around the city? I'm ashamed to admit I've never really taken in the sites and I'm eager for a tour guide."

Evalina smiled and her cheeks reddened yet again and her lashes batted shyly over her cheeks before she finally answered. "I'm sure I could be of assistance."

"I'll pay for our food then," Kyle said and stepped away to pay so they could leave. When they started walking down the stone streets, Kyle wanted to hold her hand, but he resisted the urge. "So how long will you be in Naples?"

"Until after Christmas," Evalina said. I'll return after New Year's."

"So it'll really be just you for Christmas?"

"Just me," Evalina said.

"Perhaps I could join you? For one of those days at least? I can always work around a schedule."

"That's very sweet, but you don't have to," Evalina said. "I wanted to have a Christmas to myself honestly. I've been cooped up at home because of this war and I was desperate to get away."

"Oh," Kyle said a little sadly. "I guess I put a bit of a damper on that didn't I?"

"Not at all," Evalina said. "It's nice to talk to someone that isn't part of the coven. Especially if he's offering to treat me to coffee and dinner."

"It's my pleasure," Kyle said. "You said you've been to Germany, Scotland and Russia? Which was your favorite?"

"Scotland," Evalina smiled. "Grandpa Afton showed me where he used to live. Where his clan still lives. He was a highlander and said he wished he'd thought to teach me or my mother Gaelic. That's his first language. The highlands are breathtaking. So much open space and hills as far as the eye can see and castles of old clan leaders."

"I always pictured the Volturi Guards as being vicious," Kyle admitted. "It's strange to hear you describe them as being so….family oriented for lack of a better word."

"I'm sure to the rest of the world they're monsters," Evalina said. "But to me, they're Grandpa Dimitri and Grandpa Afton. They're the men that I could always run to if I was in trouble with mom or daddy and wanted protection," she giggled. "I remember one time as a girl, I'd stolen a little statue from the Cathedral near the castle. It was made of gold and it was so shiny and pretty so I took it. I didn't even think about it being stealing until daddy yelled at me and ordered me to go back and return it. He dragged me there practically by my ear and made me give it back and apologize. When we returned, I went crying to Grandpa Afton telling him daddy and tugged on my ear. He told daddy 'how dare you pull on my poor granddaughter's ear?' Daddy didn't like that the least bit," she giggled.

"So you're not a daddy's girl but a grandpa's girl?"

"Oh no, I'm a daddy's girl," Evalina said. "Mom complains daddy and my grandpa's spoiled me rotten. When we were in Russia, there was this doll I fell in love with and really wanted. Mom said I had enough dolls, so I looked at daddy, pouted, and 30 minutes later we walking down the street with two new dolls in my arms." Evalina giggled. "Mom was rather grumpy with daddy for the rest of the day."

"You sound like my little sister," Kyle muttered humorously. "I don't think my dad's so much as yelled at Natalie her whole life. My brothers and I? That's a different story. Although I got it a lot less than my brothers. I was very well behaved compared to them. Any time I did misbehave, all my mother had to do was hit my knee, tell me to stop, and I didn't do what I'd been doing again."

"You tease me for being a daddy's girl when you're clearly a mamma's boy," Evalina giggled.

"I never denied it," Kyle laughed with her. "She'd never admit it, but I'm mom's favorite. Don't tell my brothers, though. But I'm her favorite."

"My aren't we certain of ourselves," Evalina giggled. "But then, you are a mind reader."

"Exactly," Kyle said, "but even without that, I'd know I'm her favorite. I've always been her little apprentice. When I was a baby, she'd always have me on her lap while she made essential oils and treated people that needed help. I think I knew how to make an anti-cold tea before I knew how to walk. My brothers have always been more outdoorsy and liked playing with their friends. They'd include me sometimes but most of the time I was with my mother."

"No wonder you never found a wife," Evalina joked and Kyle laughed out loud.

"I can assure you it wasn't for lack of effort on my mother's part," Kyle said. "When I was young, I almost married a woman from another tribe. Jjigae's her name. She's my little brother's late wife's sister. One of many of her sisters. I'd said I'd marry her, but in retrospect I'm glad we never did. We were friendly, but we certainly didn't like each other enough to marry. Mom didn't start getting on my case until I was about 30 and still wasn't married or even seeing anyone. She started telling women in our tribe to introduce their daughters to me hoping one might catch my eye, but they never did. I had better things to do."

"'I have better things to do'? You gave your mother a better answer than that I hope," Evalina teased.

"No, that's basically what I told her," Kyle chuckled. "She's stopped being as insistent as she was, but I know she really wishes I'd settle down."

"I guess once you return home, you'll have to get to work on that," Evalina giggled. Kyle looked at her and smiled lovingly. She looked up to meet his gaze and lost her smile, appearing to see the tenderness in his eyes. It seemed like she wanted to look away but couldn't manage it. He was so tempted to hear what she was thinking and yet he was scared to. Eventually she did manage to pull her eyes away and started walking again. He briefly feared he'd overstepped but then she said, "So what has been your favorite thing about being a doctor?"

Kyle smiled and followed after her, continuing their conversation as they walked along. She showed him around the city but he barely remembered any of what he saw. He was focused entirely on her. He was captivated by her. She'd put more effort into her curls that day Kyle noticed. They were tighter and framed her face stunningly. She wore a deep colored lipstick. A wine color and wore a dress of the same color. Her selection of jewelry was scarce. She only wore tiny ruby earrings and a single gold ring on her right middle finger. Her eyes. Those delicate and expressive brown eyes were what caught his greatest attention. On the chances he could really look, he'd see hints of green in her eyes. Hazel.

She would often catch Kyle staring at her intently and it always made her blush. She was still fairer than other people that lived in the region or in Sicily. She had a sun kissed glow, but she was still rather pale and the hint of pink to her cheeks was always easy to see. Her slender and delicate hands moved often whenever she'd speak and he could see her nails were perfectly trimmed and manicured. She was clearly a woman that prized looking her best at all times Kyle could tell. He frequently returned their topic of conversation to her grandparents since speaking of them never failed to make her smile. He loved her smile. Bright and charming that would always make her eyes sparkle and the tint of green in her eyes seem more apparent. While they walked around the city, they came across a shop she clearly liked that sold little trinkets such as decorative pieces and sashes. He saw one piece in particular had caught her eye: a broach made from gold shaped into a rose. The petals of the rose were tinted pink and the steam and leaves tinted green, but it was clearly gold at its core.

Eventually they reached one of the seaside ledges that had stone steps ascending one of the hills and they walked together as the sun began to set over the sea. He'd not realized it was what they were doing, but they eventually reached a home with a spectacular view of the sea. It was a very light brown and seemed as though it were a single piece with a large wooden door reinforced with black iron. The windows were covered with the same black iron in vine-like designs and floral curtains.

"This is where you're staying?" Kyle asked when they approached.

"Aro and the others have homes all over the country," Evalina said. "This is just the house in Naples. They have another in Rome, one in Florence and so on. They have a beach house in Sicily and Cyprus too, but we haven't been there in a long time."

"It's spectacular," Kyle said, getting a good look at the place. "I hadn't realized you were leading me back here."

"You'd said you're expected back by nightfall, so I figured I should get home and let be on your way," Evalina said.

"It doesn't have to be exactly by nightfall," Kyle said, not ready for the day to end just yet. "I admit the walk around the city has tuckered me out and I could use some coffee to keep me awake long enough to get back to the base."

"I'm afraid we don't carry any food or perishables," Evalina admitted with a light blush.

"That's alright," Kyle said reluctantly but smiled. She smiled too.

"I had a wonderful time today, Kyle," she said.

"Me too," Kyle said. "May I see you again?"

"I think I would like that," Evalina said.

"I know you won't want dinner, but what about dancing? I know this place some of the nurses and soldiers like to go to dance."

"I'm embarrassed to admit I can't dance to save my life," Evalina blushed.

"It's okay, I can't either," Kyle reassured. "My version of dancing is swaying back and forth."

Evalina giggled, "When did you wish to take me dancing?"

"How about Tuesday evening? That's when the others usually go. Or we can go when it's just the two of us."

"Just the two of us," Evalina said.

"Wednesday then? They usually go to the bar on Wednesdays. Most of those men are as predictable as death and taxes I'm afraid."

Evalina smiled, "Wednesday sounds lovely."

"I'll pick you up here at 7, then?" Kyle asked.

"7 it is," Evalina agreed. She turned to the door and unlocked it so she could let herself inside. Once she was, she turned to face him. "Good evening to you, Doctor. And thank you for a wonderful day. I look forward to Wednesday."

"Good night, Evalina," Kyle reciprocated. "Until Wednesday."

She smiled again and waved gently while she closed the door. Once closed, Kyle stepped away and made the walk back to the base with a silly grin on his face and feeling as though he were walking on clouds. It was well after dark by the time Kyle returned to the base, but no one gave him grief. Or if they had, he'd not heard them or paid any attention. He returned to the Doctor's quarters and was met by Dr. Davis who was still up and reading. They didn't speak and instead Kyle went straight to bed with a smile on his face. The following day, he made his rounds until he eventually reached Pvt. Andrews who was not one to be left out.

"So how'd it go?" Pvt. Andrews asked. "Given you were gone all day, I'm left to assume it went well."

"That smile's proof it went well," one of the nurses teased. Kyle hadn't realized he was still grinning and the others laughed. "She must be lovely to have gotten your head in the clouds."

"We had a good time," Kyle finally answered. "I'm taking her dancing Wednesday evening."

"Oh, a second date?" one soldier said with a whistle.

"Why Wednesday?" Pvt. Andrews said. "We always go on Tuesday. You know that."

"She asked it just be the two of us," Kyle said and the whole room laughed just a bit.

"I see how it is," Pvt. Andrews said and winked. "Well, good luck to you, you Red Devil you," he teased.

"Arthur," Bernice said to Pvt. Andrews and swatted his arm disapprovingly.

"It's alright, Bernice," Kyle said with a shy smile. "I'll want that luck even as delivered."

"You won't need any luck, Doc," one soldier said. "I'm sure you have her falling over herself over you."

"If so, then she certainly handles herself very well," Kyle said. "But enough about me. How are all of you today?"

Kyle managed to keep the men from teasing him for the remainder of the morning while he checked their injuries. A few were set to be shipped back home while a handful would be sent back into battle as their injuries were well healed and no longer prevented them from fighting. Pvt. Andrews was among the men being sent back soon and he made Bernice swear to write him, especially when the war was over and they returned home. He gave her his home address and she accepted it with a deep blush. Kyle snuck away halfway through the day going straight to the little shop that he and Evalina had passed while they walked together. The little rose broach was still there and he purchased it as a Christmas present for Evalina. The shop keep was kind enough to wrap the box that held the broach tastefully and praised that his 'lady friend was sure to love it'. At least, that's what Kyle thought he'd said. Kyle had barely managed to communicate with the man.

He kept the broach under lock and key at the base. He had a tiny nightstand that had a key so he kept the broach there so nothing would happen to it. Wednesday couldn't come soon enough. He felt himself getting giddy and impatient again, but he focused on his work all the same. When it was Wednesday, he wore his nicest uniform yet again and received his words of encouragement from some of the men before he left. He was early again, so he walked up the hill to the house at a leisurely pace. He managed to catch a flower shop on his way there that was kind enough to let him buy a bouquet of flowers even though they were closed. He bought a bouquet of red and yellow roses that he hoped Evalina would like. When he arrived in front of the house, it was 7 sharp. He knocked on the door, suddenly feeling very nervous again as he waited for her to open the door. Eventually she did and she took his breath away.

"Oh, Kyle, are those for me?" she said with a deep blush as Kyle handed her the flowers. She accepted them and took a deep breath, inhaling their fragrance. "Come inside while I find a vase for these."

She let Kyle in while she went to locate a proper vase. He followed her to the unused but lovely kitchen and watched her get the roses prepped to be put in a vase. She'd dressed in a vibrant red dress that went just below her knees. The bold fabric stopped just above her breasts while the rest of the dress was a red hued lace that reached up to her neck and covered her arms down to her wrists. Her hair was up in a loose French twist and her curls remained prominent while she wore black kitten heeled shoes appropriate for dancing as well as nude colored stockings. Her lips bore the same wine colored lipstick from before and she was a vision of sophistication. Kyle momentarily thought of how Alice would adore her. Once the flowers were arranged to her satisfaction in the vase, she took a moment to smell them again.

"I adore roses," Evalina said.

"I'm pleased I got them then," Kyle chuckled.

"Surely you cheated and read my mind and that's how you knew I love roses," Evalina teased.

"I promise you it was just a hunch," Kyle defended and walked over to her. She kept her attention on the flowers but could feel his presence as he approached her. He didn't get too close, but she still trembled a little. "You look stunning."

"Do I really?" Evalina blushed. "I simply couldn't get my hair quite right."

"I think it looks beautiful," Kyle said. Kyle reached out his hand and Evalina glanced at it, then at him, before accepting it and allowing Kyle to lead her out of the house and walk to the place Kyle was taking her for dancing. When they arrived, there were very few soldiers there and most of the patrons were locals. It was perfect and cozy. "I don't suppose you would like something to drink would you?"

"He smells tasty," Evalina said, pointing at a man seated at the bar conversing with another patron. Kyle managed a small laugh.

"I'd meant something more akin to wine, but I'll agree to keep my mouth shut if you go hunting later," Kyle said and Evalina smiled.

"I was only kidding," she said. "I'll be fine for a while yet. Though if you'd like some wine, you're welcome to get some."

"I'll be alright," Kyle said. "Since we're alright on drinks, let's start dancing."

Kyle brought Evalina with him to the dance floor and they started dancing together. They swayed to the music as best they could, but they remained rather tame, especially compared to the more jazz savvy dancers in the restaurant. They didn't concern themselves with the other dancers, though.

"You said you speak French, right?" Evalina asked.

"Yes," Kyle said. "Can't say as it's done me much good in Northern Africa and Italy, but it's a useful language to know."

Evalina smiled, "There are countries in Africa that speak French, but I can't remember which they are. Have you considered learning Italian?"

"If you're offering to teach me, I'd certainly consider it worthwhile," Kyle said and chuckled.

"I would love to teach you Italian," Evalina grinned. "Seeing as you know French, you already know the grammar more or less. Now it's just correct words, spelling, conjugation and pronunciation."

"I'm all ears," Kyle said with a grin and made Evalina blush.

"Siete pronti a imparare l'italiano?"

"Yes?" Kyle asked, unsure. "Something about seven?"

Evalina giggled, "Siete is 'you are' in Italian. It's seven in Spanish. That's called a 'false friend'. Some words translate directly but others don't. Emberasado for example. In Italian, that does in fact mean embarrassed, but in Spanish, it means pregnant."

"Oh," Kyle said. "Well I feel silly."

"Don't feel silly," Evalina giggled again. "Italian and Spanish are mutually intelligible, but it's easy to get confused."

"I see I'm off to a grand start," Kyle joked.

"You'll get the hang of it," Evalina grinned reassuringly.

For the remainder of the night, Evalina would periodically teach Kyle some Italian here and there, but most of their time together was spent just talking to one another, barely dancing at all despite staying on the floor. Eventually Evalina led Kyle outside so they could look out onto the sea together and breath in the fresh air.

"This part is what reminds me of home," Kyle said after taking in a deep breath. "I live right on the Pacific coast and every morning, I would breath in the salty air. I miss starting my day like that."

"I would too," Evalina smiled. "I miss it whenever I'm back inland. Do not be mistaken, I adore Rome, but I always wish Rome were nearer the sea. It would be perfect if it were. It is still my favorite city."

"I can't wait to see Rome," Kyle said. "Even if it won't be under the best circumstances."

"That is assuming the Allies can get to Rome."

"We will," Kyle said confidently, but it was with no joy or pride. "Germany's starting to reach the end of their rope. It's just going to keep getting worse unless they can pull a miracle out of thin air."

"Do you ever fight? You wouldn't, right? Being a medic?"

"Yeah, I don't fight," Kyle said. "There are medics that go on the field, but they're for immediate attention. My job is as a surgeon and they can't really risk us on the front lines. That's not to say they won't send us if we're needed of course."

"Where will you go after this?"

"I don't know yet," Kyle said. "Although I'd not be allowed to say if I did."

"I suppose you're right," Evalina said.

"Can I ask you a question?" Kyle asked and Evalina nodded. "What has it been like for you? Since Mussolini took power I mean."

"From our end, it's not much different," Evalina said. "For our Coven I should say. Aro and the others have enough money on tap that any trials the Fascist government threw our way was easily deflected. I guess you could say we're usually kept in our own little bubble. Although as I mentioned, it definitely impacted myself and my family traveling like we used to. Since the thirties, we've been cooped up in that castle trying to avoid the conflicts and, to quote Aro, 'Letting the humans do as they would and staying out of it'. Of course, outside of the bubble, Mussolini has wreaked havoc on Italy."

"I'm relieved to know you were largely untouched by his reign," Kyle said. "It will be over soon. That much I can promise you."

"What happens next, though?"

"I don't know," Kyle admitted. "Something better I hope. For all of us."

"Is that why you chose to join the war? To fight for something better?"

"It was more than that," Kyle said. "You recall my telling you about my brother's fiancé? She's the reason I joined. I want to help my brother look for her, but I fear I've been less than helpful. All I've been able to do is ask around and see what I can find out. Last I received word from Kevin he was convinced Amber and her family must be in Germany."

"I think she may very well be," Evalina said. "That's where I hear they're being taken, but I can't imagine why. I can only assume imprisonment but I don't see how that helps Germany in any way."

"It isn't about helping Germany," Kyle said. "It's about the purity of the German Race. There are no place for Jews in Hitler's 'perfect' Germany. As to what that means for anyone caught in the fray, I shudder to think."

"I suppose I'll just be happy when this is all over and things can return to normal. I miss that a great deal."

"Coming to Naples was a small step in that direction was it not?" Kyle asked.

"Yes," Evalina said. "I didn't receive normalcy, but I at least received good company." They looked at each other again and the air of tension finally lifted as they smiled at one another. Her smile was sweet and genuine.

"Can I kiss you?" Kyle blurted out, feeling silly and childish the moment he'd uttered the question. Evalina's smile brightened in humor and, rather than answer, she leaned over going on her tiptoes so she could place her lips gently against Kyle's.

When he felt her lips, Kyle closed his eyes and pressed his own against her. He could smell her clean scent coupled with the smell of her lipstick and it's taste on his lips. Her lips were slightly sticky from the lipstick, but underneath, he could tell her lips were soft. He couldn't wait to kiss her without the lipstick covering her lips. For now, he enjoyed their kiss in the moonlight their only light. The kiss was brief. More so than Kyle would have liked. But Evalina pulled away and looked up at him only to giggle at the sight of her lipstick smeared on his lips. She licked her thumb and reached up to his mouth, cleaning away the paint of her lipstick. Once she'd gotten it all, Kyle wetted his own thumb and straightened out her lipstick, getting what was smeared off her skin so it was only on her lips.

"Thank you," she smiled after he got the smeared lipstick off from just below her lip.

"You did the same for me," Kyle said.

"For the record, that's a lovely color on you," Evalina teased and made Kyle laughed a little.

"I'll keep that in mind next I'm shopping for make up," Kyle answered. Evalina smiled and leaned up to give him one more quick kiss. When she began to pull away, he leaned forward and kissed her again. She smiled when Kyle pressed his lips to hers and when they parted again, they shared another look into each other's eyes. "Did you want to go back inside?"

"Not particularly," Evalina said.

"How about we go for a walk?" Kyle asked. Evalina nodded and let Kyle take her hand in his as they walked together. They took the long way back to the house she was staying at, talking and trying to make the night last longer. Eventually, however, they made it back to her house and Kyle walked her to her door as he had that past Sunday. "Thanks for going dancing with me, Evalina."

"Thank you for taking me," Evalina smiled. "I had a wonderful time."

"I don't suppose you're free this Sunday again are you?"

"I'll make sure I'm free," Evalina smiled. "Espresso and cookies at Gambrinus?"

"9?"

"I look forward to it," Evalina answered. Kyle walked a little closer and pressed another kiss to her lips.

"Until Sunday," he said. Evalina smiled up at him and blushed as she stepped inside the house. She waved goodbye to him while closing the door. Once the door was closed, Kyle stepped away and made the trip back to the base. And just as before, he felt as though he were walking on cloud nine.