Midnight Shadows
Chapter Thirteen: Home Sweet Home
BY: Tammy

Disclaimer: Anita, Dolph, Jean-Claude, Jason, Asher, Zerbrowski, and any other recognizable characters belong to Laurell K. Hamilton. I’m borrowing them. This was written purely for entertainment and not monetary gain. Cara, Calin, Tanon, the Queen, and Dr. Zimmerman belong to me.

Author’s Note: This story is told from Anita’s and Cara’s view points. They alternate back and forth from chapter to chapter.

Anita's P.O.V.

“I want to leave this place.” Cara said. Her voice was quiet, almost disconnected.

I took a good look at her. She was pale and her eyes were on the wild side. She looked completely shell shocked.

“I want to leave this place,” she repeated. She began to repeat the phrase over and over in a chant while her voice became quieter and her eyes more distant.

Her mind was withdrawing the way it does when you’ve seen something truly horrible and you just can’t deal with it anymore. I didn’t know Cara and had no idea what she could handle. She’d obviously reached her limit. Unfortunately none of us were equipped to deal with someone who was having a mental break down, so we’d just have to wing it. Lucky us.

I didn’t really know what to do, but it seemed like a good idea to do as she asked. “I think it’s time for us to leave,” I said to Jean-Claude. My tone warned him not to argue, but he didn’t heed it. Big surprise there.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea, ma petite? We can protect her here.” he said.

“Yeah, but who’s going to protect you from her?” I couldn’t resist that flippant remark. “Besides, look at her. She’s in shock. I’m not sure she’s entirely stable at this point. Being around a bunch of vampires probably is not what she needs after what she heard tonight.”

He gave Cara an appraising glance. I could almost see the wheels turning in his head. “Perhaps you are right.”

Such quick agreement. He was up to something. Like all vampires, Jean-Claude was attracted to power. I was betting he was trying to come up with a way to use Cara’s abilities to his advantage. Given enough time, the bloodsucker would too. Me? Illusions? Naw.

I pulled Cara up from the couch. “Come on. I’m going to take you home. I think you need some time to absorb what we’ve said. If you have questions I’ll try to answer them later.” As I was talking, I led her toward the door and the stairs. She stopped mumbling about leaving, and just followed me like a child. With her height, I felt like she should be leading with me following like the child.

The ride to my house passed in silence. Dusk was falling as we pulled into my driveway. I noted Micah’s truck was gone. I needed to hurry or I would be late for my first raising. That would just thrill Bert to no end. Maybe I’d be a little late just to yank his chain.

The lights were on so I knew someone was home. Who, I wasn’t quite sure. It could be any of the pard. They pretty much came and went as they liked these days. Cara and I went in the front door. Nathaniel and Zane were sitting on the couch watching reruns of sitcoms. Then I remembered that it was Nathaniel’s night off from Guilty Pleasures and Zane didn’t ever seem to have a job.

“Hi, guys. I want to you to meet someone,” I said to them.

They looked at Cara and stood in surprise. Her hair was pushed behind her ear so it was hard to miss the upswept tip. I couldn’t blame them for their surprise. It’s not everyday you meet an elf right out of Tolkien. They were so surprised they almost forgot to greet me as Nimir-Ra. They didn’t though, so I stood patiently while they took my left had in turn and greeted me.

After the greeting ritual ended Nathaniel turned to Cara and said, “Hi.” His voice was quiet and cautious. He lived with me so he knew how unusual it was for me to bring anyone home. I gave him a reassuring nod.

“Hey,” Zane echoed him with a smile.

Cara didn’t answer either greeting. She looked right through them. Her withdrawal was getting deeper. I knew she could tell the boys were weres, but she didn’t even look at them twice. I hoped a good night’s sleep would cure her upset.

“Listen, this is Cara. She’s new to town. I’ve got to change and head for work. Nathaniel, show her the guest room and see if you can scrounge up something she can wear to bed. I’ll take her shopping tomorrow.” Shopping, that’d be a riot.

Cara still didn’t say a word as Nathaniel led her up the stairs toward the extra bedroom. She really was in shock.

I zipped into my room and changed into black slacks and a light blue blouse that was professional enough to satisfy Bert, but not dressy enough to be uncomfortable. I put the shoulder harness back on and my black blazer over it. A quick glance in the mirror told me I was as presentable as I was going to get without a shower.

When I got back to the living room Nathaniel had returned. I motioned for them to follow me into the kitchen. I wanted a cup of coffee while I explained the situation.

“Do you know when Micah or Cherry will be back?” I asked. I would have liked them to hear the explanations first hand.

“No, Cherry’s working at the clinic with Dr. Lillian tonight and Micah’s out riding herd on Violet. Cherry won’t be back before morning and who knows when Micah’ll be back with Violet,” Zane said calmly. He was a far cry from the crazed wereleopard I’d shot in the emergency room a while back. He’d really settled down a lot.

“Alright, here’s the deal,” I said. I quickly explained Cara’s circumstances. “I want you both to keep an eye out tonight. Don’t let her leave and don’t invite any unknown vampires in. As long as you do that she should be safe. Call me on my cell phone if there’s a problem. Nathaniel, you know how to use the Firestar if necessary.”

I had been teaching Nathaniel how to use my guns. I had too many around for him to be untrained. I’d even seen him pick up a gun during a gunfight. Even though he was completely submissive, I was pretty sure he’d shoot to defend the house.

A quick glance at my watch told me I didn’t have any more time to talk. I said goodbye and ran out the door. If I sped a little, I’d just make it to my appointment with the Millers.

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