Love's True Path

Caleb laid in his hospital bed, now human, staring blankly at the ceiling. He'd yet to say a word or make another sort of noise. He had yet to respond to anything that the hospital staff had said. He just... stared.

Jason snuck past the hospital staff. He entered Caleb's room. "Hey." He touched Caleb's hair.

He blinked, his eyes narrowing slightly but otherwise didn't react.

Jason kissed his forehead. "I'm sorry. I should have been there for you."

A tear slid down Caleb's face, and he swallowed, looking at the wolf. "I... I should have died..."

"Oh God, Caleb. No, you shouldn't have. You alive and with me. I don't know what I would have done if you had died."

Caleb closed his eyes and shook his head. "No... I hurt you... I should die..."

"No Caleb. I love you. I want you to live and to be with me."

The leopard took a shaky breath. "I can't... I'll hurt you... I'm worthless... I hurt everything I touch..." He looked at Jason, his eyes bruised and sad. "I want to die."

"No, Caleb. I'm the one who deserves to die. I don't deserve to be with you." Jason looked away from him. His heart was breaking.

Caleb, however, had turned away, thinking that Jason could no longer stand the sight of him. "Be happy with Lucian."

Jason began to cry. "I don't wan Lucian. I want you, Caleb. I love you." He sank down to his knees, face buried in his hands.

"Lucian..." Caleb forced himself to say the words. "He won't hurt you like I would. You should be with someone who can... can be strong and protect you... Who won't say something stupid and make you doubt their love..."

"I love you Caleb. Don't leave me. You had reason to doubt me. I'm the one who's weak. I ran at the first sign of trouble instead of working it out with you."

He closed his eyes, swallowing. "I'm tired..." He coughed slightly, moaning in pain.

"I'm sorry. I've kept you awake. I'll be in the waiting room, sleeping if you need me." Jason wiped his eyes.

Caleb's breath caught, and he looked as if he were about to start panicking. "No! No, please, please don't go! I'm sorry! I'll do anything! Just don't leave me alone!" His heart was racing, and he pushed himself up a bit, one of the IVs ripping from his arm.

"Caleb, calm down. I'll stay in here. I won't leave you. Not now, not ever." He squeezed Caleb's hand. "Let me get someone to fix your IV, ok?"

"No!" Caleb gripped Jason's hand. "I don't want to be alone, please..."

"Ok." He looked around and found Caleb's pager. He paged a nurse. It'll be ok, Caleb. I'm here for you."

The leopard's face crumpled, and sobs started to shake his entire body, the sound coming from him not entirely human.

"Caleb, what's wrong?" He began to panic. "Did I say something to upset you?"

"What's going on in here?" Lillian asked from the door. "Jason, you're not allowed in here!" She moved quickly to Caleb's side, trying to help calm the were, who moved away from her, closer to Jason.

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to see him." He tried to move out of her way, but Caleb wouldn't let go out of his hand. "Caleb, Lillian needs to fix your IV."

"And this was exactly why I didn't allow you to." Lillian sighed. "Caleb, if you don't calm down, I'm going to have to sedate you..."

Caleb squeezed his eyes shut as he stilled, trying to suppress his sobs.

Jason whimpered. He hadn't meant to cause all this. He squeezed Caleb's hand.

Lillian put the IV in and looked at the couple with pinched lips. "I'll have Susan bring in a cot for you, Jason."

Jason didn't meet her eyes. "Thank you."

The doctor strode from the room, her manner agitated as Caleb swallowed. "I'm sorry..."

"It's not your fault. Lillian said we should wait to see you." Jason kissed him. He felt dirty. Caleb wanted him but he didn't know that he'd slept with Lucian.

He shook his head. "Everything is my fault..."

"No, it's not." Jason pressed Caleb's hand against his face.

"Don't leave me, Jason..." Caleb said softly as his eyes drifted shut, worn out from everything.

"I'm here for you, Caleb. I'm not leaving." Jason kissed his forehead.

"Mmm..." He slipped into slumber, his fingers going lax in Jason's hand.

A nurse brought him a cot. Jason laid down next to Caleb's bed, wondering what their future would hold.

/////////////////

Elias looked at his teacher as he pulled out of the driveway. "Thanks for the ride... I can't believe I missed the bus..."

"It's okay." Richard said. "Not like I'm going out of my way or anything."

"Yeah..." The teen bit his lip. "Are you going to marry my aunt? Or just sleep with her... cause that's not cool."

Richard nearly hit another car. "Don't spring that kind of questions on me while I'm driving."

"So... now that I asked that, you might as well answer it..." Elias persisted. "Cause my aunt's not the most experienced. Heck, I don't even think she's ever had sex!"

Richard just stared at the road. "Elias...Your aunt and I are dating. If we choose to get married you'll be the first to know."

"But you're trying to have sex with her and you just met. That's not good. Especially if you're not serious about her." Elias shifted his backpack in his lap. "Aunt Mika's not exactly the most experienced person with men..."

"I know that Elias, but our love life is none of your business. I am serious about being with her." He was relieved when he pulled into his parking spot.

Elias got out of the car, giving Richard a serious look over the roof of it. "It is when you might hurt my aunt. Then, bowling league or not, you'd better start praying. No one hurts my aunt." The teen turned, walking towards the building.

Richard sighed loudly. He still had to see him in third period. He shook his head and walked to his classroom.



~~~~~~~~~~

Mika rubbed the back of her neck as she lead Jase into the quiet house. "I'm sorry, it's a bit messy. The kids are pretty neat for kids, but..."

"It's okay." She said softly. She'd agreed to watch Mika's niece and nephew. She needed something to keep her mind occupied and writing was doing it for her.

"They're really very well behaved- Elias mouths off sometimes, but never anything serious..." Mika smiled slightly as she set her purse on the kitchen table. "The worst he's done since he's lived with me is try smoking... and the only reason he did that was so he'd get in trouble with Richard and we'd have to meet!"

Jase laughed. "He sounds like a good kid." She looked around. Mika had a nice house. "So where's Rissa?"

"She's at school right now, but her bus will be here in about ten minutes." She sat in a kitchen chair and let her head fall back with a moan. "Those kids are going to be the death of me, good or not..."

Jase put her arm around Mika. "That's why I'm here Mika." She grinned at the other woman.

Mika let her head rest on Jase's shoulder. "I swear, they have like radar or something that says 'Aunt Mika's going to have sex! We must interrupt!' And Richard seems amused about it!"

"Oh, well...can't really help you there." Jase said as she gave her an one arm hug.

The Lupa hugged her back. "Mm. I suppose not, unless I get you and Nathaniel to watch them and I sneak over to Richard's..." She paused, thinking.

She laughed. "We can take them a few times if you want. It'll be an honor to help you get laid."

Mika blushed, smacking the other woman lightly on the arm. "Behave!"

"Yes, mother." Jase stuck her tongue out at Mika.

She paused. "Jase? What would you do if you wanted to surprise your lover with something that would just make him... Oh, never mind." Her flush darkened. "I could never pull anything like that off."

Jase grinned at her. "When Rissa gets here, we're going shopping, Just tell me what size underwear and bra you wear."

She blinked. "Why?"

"So I can pick some lingerie out for you, hun."

Her eyes widened. "Oh! Lingerie? really? Do you think that'd do anything?"

"Do anything..." Jase stared at her. "Nothing except drive any man with a sex drive crazy."

Mika bit her lip. "I really don't know much about men... I'll admit it. I mean, up until the last full moon, I was a virgin... so..."

"Wait you slept with Richard... in the lupanar?" She asked. When Mika nodded she exclaimed, "That's so kick ass. I hear sex outside is such a rush, knowing you can get caught at any minute."

"I wasn't exactly um... thinking that at the time..." She considered for a moment, then grinned wryly. "I don't think I was actually thinking at all!"

"Well that's good. The guy's not doing his job if you can still think." Jase grinned at her.

"Well, I can barely think around him anyway. It's just like... this burning need to touch him, even if it's just holding hands, all the time. He just needs to walk in the room and my day's great, you know?" Mika stood, looking out the window for the school bus.

"I feel the same way about Nathaniel. It's like I don't feel right until I've seen him. He makes getting up in the morning exciting."

"You mean exciting sexually or the other way?" She blinked.

She laughed. "Exiting because I know that he'll do something to make my day special."

Mika blushed. "Sorry. I don't know why I thought that... Is he as nice as he seemed when I met him?"

"He's wonderful. He would have made a great father." She suddenly look so very sad

Moving, Mika cupped the other woman's face. "He still will be. And you'll be a wonderful mother."

Jase looked away from her. "I can't even think about having children right now."

Hearing the bus pull up out front, Mika hugged Jase before heading to the door. "They have to make sure that there's someone here to get the kids off the bus because of all of the sicko's out there. Personally, I approve of the system." She said over her shoulder.

"Me too." Jase as softly. She followed Mika outside.

Mika grinned as her niece rushed off the bus, carrying a large finger painting along with her backpack. "Hey sweetie!"

Jase smiled a little as she saw the happy little girl. "Aunt Mika, look what I did. It's our family." She saw Jase. "Who's that lady?" She asked, trying to be quiet so as not to be rude.

"I love it." Mika kissed her on the top of her head. "And this is Ms. Jase. She's going to be your baby sitter. She's one of my friends."

"Hello, Ms. Jase. Are you on her bowling league?" Rissa asked her.

Jase looked at Mika, who nodded. "Uh, yes...I am."

"Cool. Wanna color with me?"

"Sure." Jase said as the little girl dragged her into the house.

"How about you two color in the car, Rissa?" Mika asked as they went into the house. "I was thinking about going shopping."

"Ok, but Jase has to ride in the back with me." The girl threw her backpack on the couch.

Jase smiled. "It's a deal."

"Get your crayons and coloring book while I get my purse and keys, alright? You could show Jase your bedroom while you do that." Mika suggested.

"OKAY!" Rissa grabbed Jase's hand and pulled her upstairs.

Twenty minutes later, Mika went upstairs. "You two going shopping or not?" She grinned as she saw Rissa showing Jase her dolls and telling her about each of them.

"Yes, Auntie Mika." Rissa had a coloring book and some crayons. They all headed out to the car. Jase got into the backseat with Rissa.

"Where to, Jase?" Mika glanced over her should at them as her niece started explaining what they would color.

"The mall." She began to color a picture of a horse.

The Lupa smiled wryly as she drove. Jase and Rissa were getting along perfectly, though it was rare for Rissa to dislike anyone. "Do you think Nathaniel would like to join us for dinner tonight?"

"He's working tonight. I was going, to uh, watch him work." She blushed.

"Where does he work?" Mika turned into the mall, and began looking for a place to park.

"Do you know where Jason works?" She asked. She couldn't said the name in front of Rissa. Too many questions would be asked.

"The- Oh!" Mika blushed as she parked the car. "Um, he works there..."

"Yeah." She and Rissa got out of the car. "I wanted to see him at it.

"I... bet." Mika held out her hand to her niece. "Wanna help me find something for Elias, sweetie? And a Barbie for you?"

"Okay." She took her aunt's hand.

"I'll be shopping else where." Jase said as she headed to Victoria's Secret.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elias stretched and yawned as he entered the house. He'd stayed a bit after school, trying out for the school play. Geeky, yes, but it was fun... and maybe it'd get Aunt Mika off his back about making friends... though SHE certainly wasn't having problems with that. He grinned evilly as he thought of the line of questioning he'd sprung on Richard in the car. Mr. Z was SO screwed.

Jase had borrowed one of Mika's bathing suits because Rissa wanted to go swimming. She laughed as the little girl splashed her. It was springtime so it wasn't too hot or cold. "I'm going to go get something to drink." She called to Mika as she got out and headed into the house. She ran into Elias in the kitchen. "Oh, hello. You must be Elias."

The teenager's mouth dropped open as he stared at the awesome babe wearing Aunt Mika's bikini- the one she'd bought for when she lost weight. And this woman so didn't need to lose weight. Wet blonde hair trailed over smooth shoulders, the wet top clinging to full breasts... nicely curved hips that no doubt had a great ass attached and long legs... fuck. Elias gulped, holding his backpack in front of him. "I... hi." Damn squeaky voice!

Jase smiled at him. "I'm Jase, the new babysitter. It's nice to meet you." She offered him her hand to shake.

Oh God! She wanted him to touch her! For her to touch him! He made a tiny noise in the back of his throat as he took her hand. "Oh. I... you don't look like one. I mean, a babysitter..."

Jase shook his hand. "Well, actually, I'm a writer. I'm doing this to help out your Aunt Mika." She grinned at him. "So I hear Richard is your teacher."

"Um... yeah. He's uh... nice." He nodded, biting his lower lip. "I don't think he cares for me though..."

"Why not?" She asked.

Elias smirked a bit. "Well... I asked him this morning if he was serious about Aunt Mika or if he was just going to have sex with her. Next time I see him is the whole 'You're not going to get her pregnant' conversation... not that she can get pregnant... but..."

She laughed. "Oh, that's great. I have to tell Nathaniel that one. No wonder he doesn't like you. You're not being very nice to him."

"Who's Nathaniel?" Elias frowned a bit, tilting his head.

"Oh he's my mate." She grabbed a cup and got some water.

"Oh." He rubbed the toe of his sneaker along the tile floor.

"Yeah, he's such a great guy. He's a great cook too."

"That's cool." Elias bit his lip, hearing Mika and Rissa come in from out back.

"Oh, hey honey!" Mika grinned at her nephew, noting exactly where his gaze was.

Rissa ran over to Jase. "Can we color some more?"

"Sure, but let me change first. It was nice to meet you Elias." Jase said as she headed upstairs with Rissa.

Mika smirked at her nephew, leaning against the counter. "How was school, dear?"

"It was okay." He managed to catch a glance at Jase's wonderful backside.

"Did you like Richard driving you to school?"

"It was okay. He's cool and all, but I'd rather take the bus."

"Oh really? Why?" Mika bent and began looking through the cupboards.

"Would you want to show up to school with a teacher of yours?" He asked. "So Aunt Mika, are you going to marry Richard?"

"Um... I don't know. Why?" She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, shifting her weight to her other foot as she reached for the sugar in the back of the cupboard to make her iced tea.

Richard came into the house. He heard them in the kitchen so he headed that way. He froze as he caught site of her. Stretching that way....made her butt look very nice. "I want to know if he's just with you for the sex or really loves you." Elias said, unaware that Richard was there.

Mika froze. "Elias... I don't think that's any of your business..." She blushed, stretching further to reach the sugar. Stupid thing for being that far back...

Richard took a deep breath as she stretched more.

"It is my business because if he hurts you Rissa and I will feel bad."

"Elias... hun, I sincerely doubt he's going to hurt me... not on purpose. He's... great. Sweet... charming... good-looking... And he's smart. He also likes you kids. He's not pressuring me into anything I don't want..." Mika sighed, getting down on her knees to grab the sugar.

"Fine, but are you at least using protection?" Elias asked her.

Richard bit back a groan at his comment, but he couldn't keep his eyes off of her butt.

Mika squeaked, banging her head on the top of the cupboard. "Ow! Fuck me!" She grabbed the back of her head. "Elias, that is NOT a proper question! Besides... my sex life doesn't concern you."

"It does if you get pregnant. Were's can't carry to full-term. It would devastate you." Elias noticed Richard, but said nothing.

Moaning, both in pain physically and mentally, Mika reached for the sugar again. "Who says Richard and I have even progressed to that stage? We just met."

"Have you slept with him?" Elias asked her directly.

She whimpered, grabbing the sugar and standing, though she didn't turn. "That is none of your business, Elias Darien O'Sullivan, and I've had about enough of your... probing questions. My sex life with Richard is just that- with Richard. It isn't any of your business. I am a grown woman."

"I agree." Richard walked into the kitchen. He'd had enough of Elias. "He was asking me the same questions this morning."

Mika squeaked, turning to face Richard. "How long have you been there?!" Oh God... and her butt in the air! It looked huge in this suit!

"Long enough." He glared at Elias, who just turned around and left the room.

She blushed darkly. "I'm sorry... I... don't know what's gotten into him." She looked around for something to cover herself with.

Richard wrapped his arms around her. "You look good enough to eat."

Biting her lip, Mika peered up at him, trying to ignore the quivering in her belly. "I do?"

Richard nibbled on her neck. "Very much so."

She shivered, resting her head on his should. "Oh... I thought..." 'Thought... it's a good thing when conversing, Mika! Fine. YOU try to think of something to say! How about...' She moaned as he nibbled at her pulse.

"You thought what, Mika?" He licked a line down her throat. "Hmm?"

Her hands fisted in his shirt. "That... I.... I don't care for how I look in this..." Oh God. Was it possible to die of sexual frustration?

"I think you look hot in that. Why don't you ask Jase to watch the kids and we go over to my place..."

Mika kissed him, making a soft sound in the back of her throat. "I... think she said she was doing something..."

"What was she doing?" He pulled back so he could look at her. God, he wanted her so much.

"Figures that you want me to think now..." She pushed her hair back. "I think she was going to visit Nathaniel at work..."

"Damn. Maybe tomorrow then." He let go of her. He needed to do something soon or he might explode.

She traced his lower lip with her index finger. "You could come over for some late night swimming..."

"Mm...sounds like fun. Are we going skinny dipping?" He kissed her finger.

She bit her lower lip. "What ever you want..." Oh God... the pantry! They could have sex in the pantry!

"Well, it sounds like a lot of fun." They broke apart as Jase came back downstairs. "Sorry to interrupt, but I'm heading out. I'll take the kids tomorrow night." She winked at Mika. "Bye." She called out as she left.

Mika grinned up at Richard. "So... wanna go out tomorrow?"

"Sure. We can go out to dinner and maybe a movie." He kissed her hand.

She leaned up, tracing his jaw with her tongue. "Mmm... and make out in the back of the theater?"

"Oh, we might get kicked out." He brushed his lips over hers.

"Well... we could rent movies..." She nibbled at his lower lip.

"Mmm...or just have hours of hot, crazy sex." He bit her lip gently.

She whimpered, pressing closer to him. "Uh huh..." Real intelligent, Mika. Great job.

He smiled down at her. "I need to go. I have some school papers that need to be corrected."

Mika pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth, then stepped back, looking utterly calm. "Of course. Any time I should expect you?"She pushed her hair back, praying to God he'd think that the reason for her hardened nipples was the cold and not arousal.

"Sometime after six. Wear something nice. I want to go eat at some fancy restaurant. We shall wine and dine like kings." He kissed her once last time before he headed out. "Bye."

She stared after him, biting her lip. Oh goodness... Her eyes fell to his ass, and her mouth dried. Wasn't she supposed to protest when the big bad wolf, came to get her? Nah- she'd rather gift wrap herself. She grinned and bounced in happiness. YAY!