The boat rocked with the evening waves and the soft music from the water slid through the quiet cabin. Aine stared at the ceiling and listened to the man holding her as he slept. His arm rested comfortably over her stomach and she looked at him. In sleep, he looked peaceful and all the years spent in jail and in isolation slid away. She looked back up at the ceiling and took a deep breath. The evening dinner had gone by without a problem. Harm took his black eye in strides and she kept Aedan away from him. Lisa had been the perfect host and the food was amazing. Belenus had been worn out by the girls and now rested by the stairs to the deck. After they had bid farewell, they had retreated back here and she had lost herself in the fiery passion Aedan always stirred in her. He had comforted her without needed words and she had rested peacefully in his arms until now. All the glamor and fun the night had held had slowly disappeared with the water. Now her mind rested on her next mission. Whenever she tried closing her eyes, she saw those golden eyes and felt her blood stir. Frowning, she sat up carefully and slid out of bed. She caught up the discarded clothes and dropped them into her hamper. She grabbed a pair of jeans and a thick sweatshirt. Dressing in warmer clothes, she pulled her hair out of her face and grabbed her boots from the corner. Belenus watched her gather things and begin packing her hunting bag. She walked to the door and the wolf silently rose. She climbed up to the deck and waited on her companion. He trotted over to the controls and she took a seat. Silently she pulled out a map and located the town. Her eyes ran over the data until she had the information imprinted permanently into her mind. Rolling up the map, she put it away and started the engine. Quietly the boat came to life and she hopped over the side wall. Landing on the dock, she untied the anchoring ropes and tossed them onto the deck. She climbed back onto the deck and returned to the controls. She backed the boat out into the deeper water and turned the bow to her new destination. Belenus rested silently by her feet and she let her enhanced vision guide her stealthily into the night. Slowly the sun rose in the horizon and she slid her sunglasses into place. Her skin basked in the warm rays and she took a deep breath. She scanned the distant islands and saw the high cliffs on the last island. She turned the engine down and slowly approached the island. A small alcove came into view and she brought the boat in out of the warm waters. Grabbing her bag, she slid it over her shoulders and jumped overboard. Water splashed around her boots and she looked for an anchoring spot. Nothing strong enough came in sight and she sighed. She looked back at the boat and found Belenus watching. "Stay here until I get back." The wolf's eyes flashed and she waded her way onto the beach. She shifted her pack and made her way into a dense forest. Her ears honed in on distant voices and she used them as a guide. The sun reached noon in the sky when she wandered upon the first town. Remaining in the shadows of the forest, she found the townspeople wandering about ignorant to anything bad and spotted the black tinted window vehicle. Her eyes narrowed and she shoved her shades closer to her face. Taking a deep breath, she left the forest and walked cautiously into the town. People glanced at her but overall ignored her as they went on their merry way. She walked down the main road to the parked car and found the empty plate on the rear. Her nerves jump and her blood began stirring. She looked over her shoulder and found two men wearing shades and dark clothing studying her. She turned away and caught their hushed conversation. "That her?" "I doubt it. She wouldn't be stupid enough." "I'll send word." "I'll get a better look." Her ears began throbbing as the conversation died and she let her hearing relax. It had been weeks since she had needed to use the enhanced senses and now they were rusty. She glanced around the road and saw a rundown pub. Hearing one guy approaching, she crossed the street and ducked into the dark pub. The smell of alcohol almost made her sick but she walked over to the bar and took a seat. "What can I get ya?" She slid her shades off and studied the brunette woman in front of her. The woman had a strained smile on her face and seemed hesitant to take her order. "Just a glass of water." The woman's eyes widened slightly but she filled the order. Aine took a deep breath as she waited and looked around the place. "Not many customers during the day. You must be new." Her drink was handed to her and she said "Yeah." The woman stepped back and asked "You got a reason for coming here?" Taking a drink, she let the water slip through her and calm her pounding nerves. "Looking for an old friend." "Doubt you'll find that person here. You're the first visitor in months." She finished her drink and the woman took the empty glass. Aine watched her stare back quizzically and study her. "What's your name?" She stood up and laid some money on the counter. The woman took it and stared back at her. "You really shouldn't be carrying this stuff around." She adjusted her pack and turned away. The woman caught her arm and the shades slid over her eyes. She pulled them down and her eyes flashed blood red. The woman released her arm and backed away pale white. "You!" She slid the shades in place and said "Thanks for the drink." Walking to the door, she pushed it open and stepped outside. She checked the street and headed back to the forest. As she left the town, she heard the man following and stopped just outside the forest line. "Can I help you?" The man stopped walking and asked "What do you want?" She closed her eyes and sighed "Just looking for an old friend." "You're looking for a kill." Her lip twitched and she walked into the forest. Quietly she retraced her steps back towards the boat. The sun finally disappeared when she stepped onto the beach. Belenus gave a single bark from the boat deck and she watched Aedan silently join the wolf. She could read his eyes clearly and silently waded out to the boat. He helped her up without a word and she walked down into the cabin. The pack landed on the bed and she walked over to her dresser. Aedan stood in the doorway and watched her pull out hunting clothes. She changed into a pair of thick dark denim jeans and a black t-shirt. She fixed her hair and pinned it to keep it from coming loose. Silently she slid into a pair of work boots and laced them firmly. Standing up, she slid her shades back into place and grabbed her leather jacket. He watched her grab her pack and allowed her to pass. She walked to the stern side wall and looked back at him. "This is going to take a while." "I'm coming." She felt Belenus press his head against her leg and rubbed his ear. "I don't want to risk it." "Too late." He joined her at the wall and she silently gave in. Jumping into the water, she waded onto the beach and the two joined her. She opened her pack and handed him a sharpened stake and gun. "Only shoot if necessary." "What about you?" She smirked and said "I'll be fine." He followed her into the forest and watched Belenus take the lead. The wolf silently wandered through the dark and they crept up upon the town. Kneeling down, she studied the activities and looked back at him. "They'll be expecting me. Be careful." He caught her chin firmly and pressed his lips to hers. She closed her eyes and felt his pulse under her hand. Steady and confident as always. Slowly he pulled away and she stood up. She slid her shades into her pack and allowed Belenus to head into the town. The wolf walked at her side and Aedan followed a few feet back. Her nerves began racing again and she felt her blood stirring. She could feel the upcoming fight and found it hard to keep her mind clear of adrenaline. They made their way down the dark street and stopped in the middle of the town. All the townspeople were inside for the night but the pub was lit up like a star in a black night sky. She could feel the power from inside the place but walked further away. Checking the alleys, she heard the hushed engine and stopped. Belenus's ears went up and his fangs stood out against his black body. Aedan took her other side and she watched the car slowly come to a stop. Four men climbed out and their doors shut simultaneously. Their eyes focused on her and she watched the red enter their stares. Belenus released a low growl and Aedan tightened his hand on his gun. One man stepped forward and tossed a gun at her feet. "We were sent to bring you to him." Her eyes narrowed and the man raised one brown eyebrow. She took a deep breath and studied his buddies. They began spreading out and forming a box around them. "We're not going anywhere." The leader sighed and his fangs flashed in the night. Her pulse jumped and she felt her blood quicken beneath her skin. The vampire lunged for her and she threw the stake into his chest. He skidded to a hault and looked down. "You idiot. You'll die." Her lip curled up slightly and she watched him turn to dust. His companions jumped for them and she rushed to her right. Meeting the vampire, she ducked his attack and sent a blow to his head. He backed up a few steps and let out a howl. She watched him come at her again and pulled loose another stake. He raised a knife and it flashed in the dark. His approach was quick and she spun just as he came upon her. Her stake landed in his chest and she kicked him away, stealing his blade. He hit the ground with a scream and dusted. Looking up, she saw the remaining two vampires creeping up on Aedan and Belenus. The wolf stood against his leg and she watched the first vampire reach for him. She ran to Belenus and prevented the first blow. The wolf grabbed the vampire's leg and snapped the bone. The beast fell onto the ground howling and reached for Belenus's neck. She chopped the hand off and then beheaded the vampire. Dust hit her eyes and she shook her vision clear. She found Aedan removing his stake and coughing against the new dust. A small trail of blood ran down the side of his face. She approached him and checked the small cut above his right brow. "That was impressive." Her pulse stilled at the dark voice. She slowly turned around and felt Belenus grow still beside her. Aedan's hand rested on her wrist and his grip tightened. Slowly she met burning gold eyes and felt her blood grow cold. "You look good, Aine."