Morning sun rays broke through the tree canopy and slid over along the brush. Feeling its warmth on his face, he took a deep breath and opened his eyes. Meeting the morning light, he looked at the woman curled up in his side and ran his hand through her blonde hair. She leaned into his touch and slowly opened her green eyes. Joseph felt her burrow closer to his warmth and wrapped an arm around his waist.

"Good morning."

Kara smiled and breathed him into her. She listened to his heart beat and savored the warmth his skin possessed. These mornings were far and few in between. Her responsibilites and his recovery left their time together so limited it was a wonder when they got time to themselves like this.

"Breakfast?"

She shook her head and said "I do not want to move just yet."

He smirked and felt her breath teasing his skin. The spike in his blood was strong and he took a deep breath. She did not hold back the laugh as he rolled away with a low growl. The fire was there and she wanted to enjoy it but he was not that healed. He might protest but she was still in the back of his mind and felt the strain his body was holding off.

Her blood had sped up his healing but now his body was accomodating the other DNA strands found in that small transfusion. He sat up and looked back at her.

"Are you finished?"

"You're getting better at finding me."

He stood up and said "I always feel you."

"The intrusion does not hurt anymore?"

"Like bricks but I will not make you stop."

He held his hand down and she pulled herself up beside him. His eyes scanned their surroudings and she felt his grip turn into steel. His instincts to keep her safe were stronger than ever and she had to bite back the annoyance they churned inside her. She had been taking care of everyone while he mended and knew how to protect herself but it was his job. That protectiveness was stamped into every inch of him and she knew regardless of her thoughts he was not backing off.

"How far are we?"

Kara swept the area with her gaze and then risked closing them. She had to release her security fully to him when she reached out like this. Slowly she felt all the thoughts and distractions slipping away and caught the trail in the back of her mind. Her father had not disappeared but he was not making it easy locating him. He knew someone was coming for him and was keeping them on their heels.

She felt the distant hesitation and cloudy mind trying to pull out of her grasp. Her mother's warning had not been off. The man's thoughts were not always clear and sane but his drive to find her was still pulling at her.

"Kara."

She released the hold and opened her eyes with a deep breath. Slowly she looked up at Joseph and then turned her gaze forward.

"It's not much further. He's stopped at the moment."

"He's waiting for us to get moving."

She glanced around the area again and said "You should eat and then we will get going."

He shot her a hard look and she sighed in defeat. He had not let up her small appetite since their trip started but she let him have his way. It got him to eat and he was not leary of his food if she ate with him. She knew he was preventing her from slipping more blood into his system and kept quiet. She felt his hold on her hand slip away and watched him shift into his black form.

He shot her another black look and she sighed before taking to the sky in eagle form. His distaste for the air born form was clear but he kept silent as he took off in a run. She kept above the tree tops to survey the area and watched him gain speed. His gait stopped instantly and his ears went up. Kara watched Joseph lower into a pouncing form before bursting through the brush after his prey.

He brought down a large buck and she perched in a tree until he finished with his fill. He stepped back and glanced upward. Shifting her wings, she glided down next to the carcas and shifted into her wolf form. The first bite was empowering and she let the hunger settle over her. Slowly she filled her stomach and settled down in the grass.

Joseph cleaned her muzzle and she returned the gesture. He let her stand and they walked quietly through the brush. She felt the pressure increasing in her head and slowed her pace. Coming to a stop, she took a deep breath and felt Joseph return to her side.

"He's coming. '

Joseph pushed in front of her and watched the surrounding brush. Kara felt the power coming straight at them and shoved Joseph aside. The wave of fire engulfed her and she stumbled backwards.

"Kara!"

"Stay back!"

He watched the fire close her off and dug his paws into the dirt. The need to get to her was threatening his sanity and then he felt the change in her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, drawing the fire inside her. Slowly the flames disappeared and she released a sigh. He shifted from the wolf and ran his hands over her.

"I'm fine."

She tried to slow his hands down and keep him from losing control. Catching his hands and bringing them to a stop, she watched his eyes settle on the man emerging from the shadows. Michael stared at them with no signs of recognition.

"Stay behind me."

She stared back at her father and said "I can handle him."

Joseph shot her a look and felt her release his hands. She was waiting for the next move and wanted to be prepared this time. Michael settled his gaze on her and began to pace. He flicked his hand towards them and she waved the fire off.

"You're learning."

"Finished?"

He stepped back and she felt his mind settle down. The chaotic pressure was a low ember now and she glanced back at Joseph. His eyes were cold and pure black. Slowly she took one of his hands and he tightened his hold around hers.

Michael's eyes narrowed and he growled "Release her."

Kara entertwined their fingers and said "You wanted to see me."