“Keeley?” Dani's voice had been soft as she touched her arm, announcing her arrival.

“Yeah?” She turned to look at her sister, surprised how quickly she’d gotten there, considering Dani had been at home when she’d been pulled aside by Kal as she left the grocery store in town.

A shiver of dread worked through her as she remembered his words. Mrs. Martin’s been hurt, she’s asking for you and Danielle. In those few moments, she knew it was time to leave. They’d been found. No way someone just up and hurt the kindest, most intelligent elderly woman Keeley had ever met. She had her store, sure, but it was a second-hand goods and antiques. No, instinct told her they’d been found. Dani stopped next to her, holding two bright yellow visitor passes in her hand.

“They said Mrs. Martin is in room 125.” Danielle handed her one of the passes. “We can go see her now. I signed us both in.”

She really must have been out of it if she’d forgotten to sign in or to check which room Mrs. Martin was in. However, it felt as if she’d only gone through the motions since Kal informed her of what happened. Already she made lists of things they’d need. Could they bring a puppy with them? Did they want another mouth to feed while on the run? Did it make her a bitch if she made Danielle leave the dog behind? Ugh, she needed to pull her head out of her ass, and quick.

“We should just leave, Dani,” she whispered as they started walking down the hallway toward Mrs. Martin’s room. The day had started so well, too. She'd met with Mr. Crane about a security system he wanted to be installed and would be willing to pay all but ten percent of her cost, with the remainder due when she finished. She couldn't wait to get home and tell Dani. Her sister had told her they were doing a good thing staying in Window Rock. Already Danielle had twice as many customers as she'd ever had, which she suspected had been due to the Raferty clan. Still, her sister slowly healed, coming out of the shell she'd built around her and Aiden…the pup changed her sister. Now she was thinking about leaving. Going on the run. “We are endangering people within the town now, they have amped it up. Why Mrs. Martin?” she whispered.

Keeley already knew that answer: they were being watched. Simon and his goons were going after those they cared about to flush them out. Kalkin would be... Nope, I am not going there. We’re getting out of here before he can use Kalkin or Caden against us.

“I don't know, but Caden and Kalkin can help us.” Though her sister’s words were spoken softly, they held such conviction. She truly believed Caden and Kalkin could help them. “I trust Caden. You should trust Kalkin.”

“Caden and Kalkin could be killed because of us.” She turned on her sister, fear pitching her voice up an octave, while she shook. No matter how many times she tried to breathe through it, nothing seemed to be quelling the tsunami of emotions rushing through her. At least with her sister, she could be herself, hysterical and a bit manic. “Is that what you want? I know you have feelings for Caden, Dani. I see it...I sense it. I feel it and it scares the hell out of me.”

“Lie to yourself, but don't lie to me. You have feelings for Kal, too. I see how you are when he shows up at the house or how you reacted to him when he showed up last night,” she snapped back at Keeley as she started walking again.

“I don't want to talk about it.” Talking about Kal would make it real. Talking about what she felt for him or what it could mean if they left didn’t change anything. Their lives weren’t normal. As much as she might care for the man, they would leave. Sure, it would be hard for her—them—but if it saved a life or two, then it was worth it. They didn’t get to experience love. They didn’t settle down and if it meant running for the rest of their lives to keep people like Kalkin or Caden or even Mrs. Martin safe, so be it. It was the price they paid for being “special.”

“You never do. It's easier to run and hide.” She couldn't help but flinch at her sister's words. However, she wasn't surprised since neither of them pulled any punches when they spoke to each other. “You realize you're about out of time with him, right?”

“Here is Mrs. Martin's room.” She reached up, knocking on the door, ignoring Dani's last question. Her sister sighed. Keeley always changed the subject when things got too deep. It had been something her sister pointed out when they’d grown older. She’d never confirmed or denied the truthfulness of her sister’s observation.

Keeley had tried to prepare herself for what Mrs. Martin would look like as she stepped into the room, yet the first glimpse of the sweet older lady completely took her back. Mrs. Martin was lying against the pure white sheets of the hospital bed. Her lip was split, puffy and swollen, twice its normal size. She had a couple of stitches where the skin had broken open above her lip, under her nose. Her right eye was completely swollen shut, surrounded by dark purple and blue bruising. She noticed Mrs. Martin held an ice pack in her right hand since her left arm was in a cast. Kalkin told her it had been broken and might even require surgery to fix it. Reaching out with her abilities, she could sense Mrs. Martin’s pain. It didn't surprise her when Dani rushed past her to the side of the elderly woman's bed and took her hand in hers. Her sister would ease her, whether the elderly woman wanted it or not.

Do you need my help? She used the link they shared so as not to surprise the woman convalescing.

Yes, she heard her sister's voice clear as day in her head.

“Good morning, Mrs. Martin.” Keeley smiled as she moved over to the bed, keeping the link open with her sister.

She was backup. A failsafe in case her sister needed her strength. Dani would be doing most of the work to help ease her pain. The best part, Mrs. Martin wouldn't even have a clue they were assisting in removing her pain or helping her heal. Don't get slick and try to aid in her healing. It will bring up questions neither of us can answer. The pinched look of pain began to leave Mrs. Martin’s face, and the color returned to her cheeks. Finally, Keeley could breathe.

“How are you feeling, Mrs. Martin?” Yes, as much as she said she could walk away, she’d found herself growing more and more attached to the woman sitting in front of her. Keeley had to admit, hearing about the assault had left her shattered. “Is there anything we can get you or anything you need?”

“Oh, no. Please don't make a fuss.” Mrs. Martin smiled at first Danielle, then Keeley. “Caden and Kalkin, and Royce and Jace stopped by a little while ago. You all are going to spoil me!” Her hand rose to her chest as if she was embarrassed. “Pain medication is a wonderful thing!”

“I am sure it is!” Danielle said softly, rubbing her hand.

Don't push it, Dani, you are going to raise her suspicion. She is much better now, back out, Keeley demanded. Slowly, her sister removed herself from Mrs. Martin's subconscious and sighed.

“You gave us all a scare, we were worried about you.” And I feel horribly guilty because I think you are here because of us. She sat down in the chair beside the bed while Dani stayed right where she was. “Did they give you an idea of how long you will be in the hospital?”

“Another day. It seems being old has its privileges. I am here for observation.” The older woman gave her a knowing look.

Keeley gave a little laugh as she pointed to the casted arm. “What about that? Kal mentioned you might need surgery?”

“No.” She shook her head. “Compound fracture. They knocked me for a loop and fixed it all up. Six weeks for this and some shiny metal on the inside.”

She glanced at Dani who shrugged. You told me to get out, remember? I didn't have a chance to look. If they knocked her out, though, I think they did the surgery. She frowned. She probably won’t remember any of it. There is more, too. I…I’ll tell you later, at home. Where it’s safe.

“He was just worried, I'm sure.”

“Pfft, I’m more upset I’m going to miss the festival. The doctor informed me I will be on rest once I am released.” She frowned. “First time in over fifty years my stand won't be serving my special lemonade and pastries. It's tradition to have one of my sweet cakes. A very important tradition.” She moved on the bed, getting comfortable. “You girls going?”

“Caden asked me to go,” Danielle replied, while completely distracted by something on her pants.

Surprised, Keeley gaped at her sister. Dani hadn't said a word to her about going, let alone being interested or the fact Kal’s brother invited her to the festivities. “I wasn't planning on going.” Her head jerked around when Mrs. Martin snorted.

“It isn't normal for two pretty young girls not to go. It's a fun festival. The entire town comes out, and being you are new to town, it is the perfect opportunity to get out and meet people.” A smile, mostly just the corner of Mrs. Martin's mouth, appeared more as a grimace. “I’ve got an idea, why don't you girls work my stand for me! Keeley, you can use it as a chance to drum up some business.” She gestured with her good hand. “What do they call it...networking.” She snapped her fingers.

“Mrs. Martin,” she pleaded, knowing she wouldn't be able to refuse anything this woman asked her to do.

“Keeley.” Mrs. Martin’s tone was a perfect match to her own. “All you have to do is hand out cups of lemonade and the pastries. A chimp could do it. But it is a tradition.”

Keeley understood in those moments, with the elderly woman’s pathetic puppy eyes, yet hopeful wistfulness, she wouldn’t be begging her. “What time do we have to be there?” She was a sucker for this woman.

“Four o'clock.” She patted Keeley’s hand, then winked at Danielle. “The town sets up the tables, the pastries are already ordered and will be delivered to my shop. Kalkin will let you in and the space will be available to use for the weekend. The cafe makes the lemonade for me, they’ll also deliver it. All you need to do is serve it and take the money for it. We donate the money to the local food bank.”

“Okay, we would love to help you out.” They would get there early and make sure everything was taken care of. Once the festivities started, it would be easy—she hoped.

“Thank you, girls. You are done by nine. So, if you want to participate in the festivities, you’ll still have time.”

“Yeah, about the festival…” Keeley leaned forward in her chair. “What exactly happens?” It seemed kind of odd the festival didn't end until sun up and then didn't begin again until sunset. Any carnivals or fairs they'd attended all closed down by midnight.

“Oh dear, don't be so apprehensive. What do you think happens after nine? A wild orgy? Oh wait, I know, a bunch of men and woman run off into the woods to have sex. Not hardly. It is a festival to celebrate the beginning of summer. We get tons of touristy people which helps us make money so we can sustain ourselves. It’s a way for us to celebrate new life, remember our roots and welcome the newest members of our community. Like the both of you for instance.”

Made sense she supposed, yet a niggle at the back of her neck said there was more to it. However, she didn't press. Mrs. Martin had a trying day as it was and they didn't want to overstay their welcome. Danielle took the elderly woman's hand and Mrs. Martin's body sagged into the bed. Her eyes closed then opened, before closing once more.

Keeley glanced at her sister and motioned to the door. “Mrs. Martin, we're going to go. Get some rest and we'll come back later to see you.” She didn't wait for the woman to answer; instead, she stood and headed for the exit.

Once she closed the door behind them, they went out the way they came. Dani had been excited about going to the festival. She, however, ignored her sister for the most part, while trying to wrap around how she’d allowed herself to agree to watch Mrs. Martin's shop and run her stand.

How did Mrs. Martin do it? I walked into this hospital with the mindset of leaving, and now she has me staying to help out for this festival? I must be out of my damn mind.

“Caden and Kalkin are here.”

Her head jerked up, catching Kalkin's gaze as he stood at the entrance of the hospital. He was dressed in his sheriff's uniform, which fit him like a glove, enhancing his large, muscular frame. He stood a few inches taller than his brother and had a good ten to twenty pounds on Caden as well. Although she had yet to see him naked, she would bet there wasn’t a single ounce of fat on the man's body. One look at his face, though, told Keeley the entire story: Kalkin was pissed. Since he was staring directly at her, she'd done something to piss him off.

He stared at her, ensnaring her with his gaze. The urge to run and hide overwhelmed her, but by the stance of his body—tense and spring loaded—she knew he would chase her. The man intimidated the hell out of her.

“Hey, Keeley.” Caden smiled at her as he approached, reaching for Dani's hand.

“Is everything okay with Aiden?” Caden had been watching the pup so the girls could come visit Mrs. Martin.

“Yeah, Royce has him right now, they were outside playing when I left with Kal.” He placed an arm around Danielle's shoulder, then leaned down to whisper something in her ear.

“Keeley.”

“Yeah, Dani?”

“Can I please have the truck keys?” Dani held out her hand, waiting patiently for the keys.

Without thinking, she dug into the front of her jeans pocket, pulling out the key fob for the truck and the house. She placed them in her sister's hand. She couldn’t take her eyes off the man who had the ability to knock her on her ass with one look. “I'm going to take Caden home.”

“Wait, what?” She stared at her sister, killing the connection between her and Kalkin. Confusion filled her. Why the hell would Caden come all the way out there to see them, only to have Danielle take him home? Never mind, I don’t want to know.

“Exactly how am I supposed to get home then?” she questioned her sister, who had already started to walk away. “Dani?” She huffed when her sister ignored her. “Danielle!” Her tone turned a bit more insistent. “Can you tell me how I am supposed to get home?”

With slow, precise movements, Dani turned around and faced Keeley. “It's time to pay the piper, Keeley. Kal will bring you home.”

“I would rather fucking walk,” she smarted off without thinking, forgetting Kal could hear everything they were saying.

“It can be arranged,” Kalkin growled from his position across the room. He pushed off the pillar and headed straight for her.

She couldn't stop the involuntary step back and it pissed her off. Damn him. Kalkin didn’t stop until he stood right in front of her, reminding her yet again of just how imposing he could be. Wearing her favorite wedge sandals like she did, the top of her head barely reached his chest. When his hand wrapped around her upper arm, she felt a bolt of electricity shoot directly through her body.

“You're coming with me. We are not going to be having this conversation here.” His tone left no room for argument as he turned, heading toward the revolving glass door.

She tried to jerk her arm from his grasp, but he got in her face and growled at her, causing her to immediately stop fighting him. How the hell did he do that? He growled at her, and she bowed down or stopped whatever she was doing like some weak-kneed miss. The control he had over her drove her nuts.

He dragged her to the small, empty patient alcove, made for private moments and reflection and prayer. She scurried away from him, giving them space when he released her arm. The only way in and out of the area was currently block by the pissed off sheriff. Great, just perfect. Of all the days for this…

“We are about to have a way overdue talk, Keeley.” His voice vibrated with suppressed anger.

“And you picked a hospital to have this discussion?” If she thought her caustic tone would cause him to back off, it didn’t. Instead, she faced off with the beast of a man. She crossed her arms, giving him her best stone face.

“You picked the fucking arena, Keeley, not me. Every single time I have made a damn attempt to speak with you, you fucking run and hide.” He took a step closer to her. “You can't run and hide here.”

“Don't, Kal, just don't.” She stepped away from him, heading over to the bench near the far wall. She sat down, trying to steady the riotous emotion cascading through her system. This wouldn’t work. She buried her face in her hands and leaned forward.

“I can't help you or Dani,” Kal stated as he approached her. “If you don't open up and trust me.”

“Even if my trusting you will get you killed?” She raised her head to look up at him. He truly took her breath away each time she saw him. He was so strikingly handsome. So him. It didn’t make sense to her.

“Sweet cheeks,” he crouched down in front of her, “I can't protect you if I don't know what you are running from.” He reached out to caress her face.

He didn't sound so angry now, more determined than anything else. She closed her eyes, moving closer to his touch as he caressed her cheek. She wanted to trust him, to open up to him and tell him everything. If there was anyone she could ever turn to in life for help, it would be him.

“I-I-I can't betray Dani, Kal,” she murmured. “Please understand, I just can't betray her.” Her sister’s story wasn’t hers to tell and her own…it still gave her nightmares.

“Then don't. Tell me about you.” He shifted from in front of her to beside her on the bench. “You’re not betraying your sister if you tell me about you.” His voice was so gentle now, like he realized if he pushed her she would run and hide.

She looked up at the skylight: the bright blue sky shone above them, as little white wisps of clouds floated on the breeze. Funny how it was so calm out there, while her emotions were a whirlwind inside of her. She reached up, pushing a piece of her long blonde hair behind her ear. “I am not normal.” She gulped, staring straight ahead, unable to look at the man who filled her nights with erotic dreams. Gave her hopes of what could be, when she didn’t deserve to have any.

“None of us are, sweet cheeks.”

She stood up abruptly, suddenly terrified how he would react to what she was about to tell him. Like everyone else in her life, he’d be afraid of her. Turn her away, and she knew with him she’d be unable to handle the soul piercing rejection. She felt his hands on her shoulders, stopping her from pacing. He turned her to him then tucked his warm fingers under her chin to tilt her face up to him. His gaze softened, and she wanted to hate him for the pity she saw there, but there was also a silent strength as well.

“Tell me, Keeley. Trust me enough to tell me,” he cooed.

The soft command reached deep within her soul, giving her the ability to finally give over some of her truths she’d been holding onto for so long. “I have special gifts. Powers to be exact.” She waited for him to freak out. To rail against her. Instead, he waited patiently for her to continue. “It might be easier to show you than tell you.”

She took a deep breath in, then let it out, sending the tendrils of her mind toward him. Keeley frowned, pressing harder still, only to be stopped by an unbreakable wall ten times stronger than she’d ever witnessed. She attempted to find the weakness, only there was none.

“Let me in, please,” she whispered. Moments later, the walls slipped down, allowing her to tether them together. The fragile psychic link would strengthen over time as they used it. For now, she had to concentrate. I am telepathic.

And? he replied. I am able to communicate with Caden this way.

Are you able to communicate with others, though? She continued to speak with him through the link.

No, only Caden, he answered. We have been able to do it since we were babies, we figured it was a twin thing.

I can do it with anyone, Kal. She felt an immediate loss as she backed out of his mind, even though she had only been connected with him for such a short time. It had never happened to her before, not even with Dani. It had felt like she belonged there within his head and he had belonged in hers.

“You have shields in place, pretty strong ones actually. Most are weak and easily penetrable.” She shrugged. “Chances are, if I really wanted to, I could have gotten into your head without you even realizing it.” She bit her lip while continuing to study his face. “I don't, though, because I consider it rude to just jump in and out of people's minds.” She reached up, placing a hand on the wide expanse of his chest. “Just so you know, I’d never attempt to jump into your mind without your permission first.”

She started with the easy ability, the one he would understand and accept readily—now came the hard part. She looked around the alcove, searching for something, anything that she could use to demonstrate her next abilities. “Don’t disappoint me, Kal.” When she spotted the book across the room on a pew, she concentrated on it. The item levitated off the plush cushion and started floating toward them.

She focused all her energy on the book, willing it with her mind to hover above her hand, then land with a graceful ease. “I am also a telekinetic.”

Kal never said a word as she grew more daring, even perhaps whimsical, allowing the book to float and then fly around him. She knew what she was doing, delaying the inevitable, because she understood when he witnessed the full extent of what she could do, he’d turn her in. It was his duty as the sheriff. All psychic beings had to be registered and she and Dani weren’t.

Here goes nothing.

She stopped the book in front of Kal, bringing it up to eye level. With a blink, it burst into flames, cracking and popping as the flame burned red. It had to be an odd sight for sure, a book burning in midair. She released it, allowing it to fall to the ground, and watched as Kal stepped forward, stamping out the remaining flames from the pages within.

“Say something. Say anything.” She couldn't handle the silence stretching out between them. Her stomach knotted as she feared the worst.

“Come here,” he demanded.

An invisible line tugged at her middle, urging her to close the distance between them. She bowed her head as a wave of shame rolled over her. Why did this have to be so difficult for her? Why did she feel so like a freak? Like she didn’t have a place in the world?

“Look at me.” When she didn't, his fingers curled under her chin, forcing her head up, so that their eyes met. “I said look at me. What the fuck did you expect me to say, Keeley? Are you expecting me to scream and holler? Run around the room like a chicken without its head?” He sighed. “I can’t protect what I don’t know. Now, I can.”

She shook her head. “No, Kal, it's too dangerous. I am too dangerous.”

He grinned at her. “Sweet cheeks, you haven't even seen dangerous. I’m fucking dangerous, baby. This…this doesn't scare me off. Nor do you scare me.”

She didn't know what she found sexier: when he called her sweet cheeks or baby. Both turned her on.

“People are coming for us, Kal, because of who we are and what we can do. Don't you get that?” She reached out to place a hand on his arm. “They won't stop, they never stop. Several times they have almost gotten either Dani or myself. They are getting desperate now, hurting those around us. Next, they are going to start hurting those we care about.” She stopped speaking before she gave more of herself away. “You should turn us in. It’s what you’re supposed to do.”

He ran his thumb across her bottom lip. “You're mine, and come Saturday, you’ll realize what it entails to be claimed by me. Until then, I will protect what is mine. No one is ever going to hurt you ever again or take you away. Do you understand me?”

He had no idea the type of people they were dealing with. People who came in the middle of the night and stole men, women, and children from their beds, then locked them away in a dark room for hours on end while they ran endless tests on them. She had escaped once; she knew if caught again she wouldn't be as lucky. She couldn't risk him. She had feelings for the man standing in front of her. What they were or how deep they ran, she didn’t want to dissect.

“Keeley, do you understand me?” The dominant male was back and in control. “You're mine, from now until the last day I spend on this Earth. It's my job, my duty, today, tomorrow and forever to protect you and I take this shit seriously.”

“Kal...”

She intended to protest his claiming, but instead, he pulled her into his arms, one hand buried in her hair, while another wrapped around her back, preventing her from moving or running. The next moment his lips were on hers and he was kissing her.

His tongue swept against the seam of her lips, demanding entrance. She moaned, giving him the access he sought, while burying her fingers in his thick locks, holding him to her. He sipped from her lips, nibbled and made love to her mouth. Her nipples hardened, becoming pinpoints as they pushed across her shirt, creating arcs of pleasure as she shifted against him. The length of his erection pressed against her belly. A thrill of anticipation rushed through her. She wasn't exactly sure how long they stood there kissing, nor did she care. He could strip her bare and take her to the ground, fucking her with a wild abandon and she wouldn’t care. My god, the man can kiss!

“You're mine, Keeley, and don't you fucking forget it,” he growled, chest heaving as a wild gleam entered his eyes.

“Kal?”

“Shut up, Keeley, before you just say something that ends up pissing me the fuck off.” He snarled at her.

“You're an ass.”

“You're just realizing this?” He rubbed the back of his neck. “We aren't done talking, by a fucking long shot, but I think we’re done for now, so I am going to take you home.” He kept his hands on her shoulders to steady her. “My patrol car is parked out front.”

“I can get a ride home. Dani can come back and get me, I’m sure of it.” She jutted her chin out, a hint of defiance reflected in her tone. “There is no reason to put yourself out.” In all honesty, she needed some time away from him, to process how he reacted to the news of her abilities. Unlike everyone else who seemed to back off, or even run away terrified, he stood there taking it all in, never leaving her side.

Again, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and directed her back through the hospital and out toward his waiting car. She hesitated, feeling the need to reassert herself to remind him she wasn’t an invalid who couldn’t take care of herself. Wait, whoa...future?

“If you don't get your ass in my SUV, I am going to spank it.” He backed her up against the vehicle. “Am I making myself clear?”

“Excuse me?” She gave an indignant snort. No way in hell he’d make the sexiest sound in the world, and it turn her on.

“You fucking heard me. I think a nice shade of pink to start with, but if pushed I will go to a cherry red.” He cocked a brow at her.

“Don't you threaten to spank me!”

“Don't fucking act like you're not aroused by the thought of it either. Now get in the fucking truck.” He pulled open the door, then gestured for her to get in.

She stared at him, lifting her chin in defiance. She placed one hand on the door as she started to get into the truck.

“Let's get one thing straight. I am only going because I need the ride, not because you threatened to spank me” She slipped into the SUV, slamming the door a little harder than she needed to, then buckled her seatbelt. She watched as he walked in front of the vehicle, then over to the driver’s side. His strides were filled with purpose, power and not for the first time she wondered what it would be like to have him fuck her.

He got in beside her. “You can tell yourself whatever the fuck you want, I don't really give a shit, but I was driving you home even if I had to follow you. Spanking your ass would have been an added bonus.” He gave her a wicked smile before he started the SUV then pulled out of the parking lot.

She was silent as they drove, unsure how to respond to his last comment, or how to even speak to him. She was a hot mess and she knew it.

“Kal?” She winced, hearing the uncertainty in her own voice and she hated it.

“Yes?”

“D-do you think I am weird?” Since he hadn’t said one way or the other about her abilities, it had been eating at her. She didn't know why his opinion should matter, but somehow it did.

“No, baby, I don't.” He reached out, wrapping her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I think it makes you someone who is extraordinary, special and downright amazing. You are anything but weird.” He looked at her, then back at the road. “I see much more than just your abilities; they are a part of who you are, but they don't define you. They are not anything to be feared and quite honestly, anyone who knows you or understands you would know you’d never hurt someone you loved or cared about with your gifts.”

Finally, someone other than Dani who seemed to understand her predicament when it came to her talents. His words were a balm to her soul, able to soothe her tattered pieces as no one else could.

She returned his squeeze. “Thank you.” She gazed out the passenger window and watched the scenery as it passed by.

“We are not done talking. There is more you need to tell me, and you will, and there are things I have to explain as well. But it’s a start, so close your eyes and rest. I got you.”

I got you. Three simple little words, yet they said so much. She closed her eyes for the short drive back home, confident and secure for the first time in a long time, someone she trusted protected her.