The resort Jaz would be staying in was on the other side of Coffs Harbour and since check in wasn't until two o'clock, she decided to take advantage of the time she had on hand by roaming around the local stores. Telling herself she was in need of a swimming costume and beach towel Jaz parked her car in preparation of beginning her search, if you could call it a search.

A smile never far from her face, Jaz couldn't quite believe she was feeling so relaxed, so at ease. After exploring several different boutiques Jaz had bought two swim suits, a beach towel and three sarongs.

The sarongs were light weight material, the patterns something she'd normally never have bought for herself and that in itself was reason enough to buy them. She would wear them while she was at the resort and find a use for them on her return home.

Home? Stop it! For the next few day there will be no thoughts of home. I am free and I want to enjoy at least a few days of freedom.

Jaz sighed, looking around for somewhere to sit and have a coffee and a bite to each before she made her way to the resort. Coming across a café by the water put a smile back on her face. Taking a seat where she could see the water Jaz checked over the menu.

A minute later a waitress came to take her order. Jaz ordered the prawn and avocado salad with some crusty bread and a sparkling mineral water. The waitress looked at her for a moment as if wanting to say something. It was then that Jaz recognised her.

"You were the young girl that idiot of a man was pretending to care about in the shopping centre parking lot the some time ago. I took him to task in regards to the way he treated a friend of mine."

The young girl blushed, "Yes. I thought he liked me at first, but he didn't. I... I didn't know how to get away from him. He didn't like it when you said no."

"He was not a nice man. I hope he didn't hurt you too badly?"

"Umm, no. He just yelled mostly. He scared me though. Thank you for what you did. I'm not sure I would have been strong enough to walk away from him."

Jaz reached out and took her hand. "I'm just glad he didn't get the chance to hurt you."

"Your friend. He... he really hurt her?"

"Unfortunately yes. She was in a great deal of pain. To be honest if she hadn't have been found when she was she would have died."

The girl gasped! Truly shocked that she'd been that close so much danger. She gave Jaz a nod and stepped back. "I'll see to your order."

Her salad soon arrived along with her mineral water. The salad was fresh and delicious. The water chilled and bubbly with a slice of lemon in it. When she'd pushed back her plate the waitress placed a slice of hummingbird cake in front of her. Jaz looked at her curiously, but didn't speak.

"I wasn't the only person you helped that day. The owner's daughter was there too. He doesn't know and we'd like to keep it that way. This is our way of thanking you. I would have brought you a coffee but I wasn't sure how you liked it?"

Jaz gave the girl a smile letting her know their secret was safe. "A cappuccino would be nice, thank you."

When Jaz went to pay for her meal she was told it was already paid in full. She looked over the cashiers shoulder at the young girl who gave her a nod. Jaz smiled softly giving her a nod back, thanked the cashier and left the café.

Jaz took her time window shopping as she made her way back to her car, even stopped at a confectionary store to buy a few things that had caught her eye. Jaz had never truly indulged in anything before, never having to time to even consider doing so. Now. Well, now she could at least attempt to do so.

It was one thirty when Jaz finally checked in at Opal Cove. Karen, the woman at reception was friendly and encouraged Jaz to look over all the resort had to offer. Jaz took a leaflet with information for their Spa and Wellness Centre fully intending to indulge herself. For now Jaz wanted to settle in and see if she could organise a booking at their restaurant for dinner.

Thankfully Karen at reception was helpful and organised a table in her name for seven that evening. After thanking her, Jaz made her way back to her car and drove down to her suit. The suit was actually a separate unit by the beach. It had had two bedrooms, which was fine with Jaz, she placed her luggage on the bed in the second room. All her luggage that is except for her precious box.

Jaz had considered leaving the box in the car, but couldn't do it. She needed to know it was safe, that it was close to her. What was in the box was all she had left of her child. Jaz had lost enough. There was no way she could survive losing any more. Jaz place the box on the chair in the corner in her room, making sure it was secure before she looked over her room.

As Jaz looked around she smiled at what she saw. The bedroom was upstairs it, was light and airy with lots of room. The bed was a queen and Jaz hoped it was a comfortable as it looked. The colour theme of the room was soft shades of blue over white giving a calming effect which was just what Jaz needed.

There were hints of the sea in the artwork on the wall and the ornaments on the dresser. The chair she'd left her box on had a soft blue throw rug on the back of it as well making the room feel comfortable and homey. One wall was taken up by the wardrobe with sliding mirrored doors.

Jaz stepped out onto the balcony letting the wind blow softly through her hair, the view was magnificent. There was a pathway just down from her suit leading down to the beach. It would take her minutes to make her way there. Jaz closed her eyes breathing in the salty air, "Mm, so clear and clean and not a hint of Were any were." Jaz smiled turning to take in the balcony.

There was a table with two chairs to her left and further down close to the second bedroom there was another table with two more chairs. Nice! Even if I was to stay here with family they could have their own space.

Jaz moved back to the spare room, it had two single beds and was done in the same vein as the master bedroom only in soft greens. It too faced the ocean having access to the same with balcony which explained the second table.

Jaz grabbed the bag with what she'd bought from the confectionary store and made her way down stairs. The living room was open with a couch and two easy chairs, a flat screen television and a good sized coffee table, it led into the dining area and a small kitchen giving the entire area a bigger sense of space than it actually had.

Again these rooms were in light colours that were accented in the sea. Soft blue-greens and in the kitchen and dining area but surprisingly the living room was in varying shades of rust giving a feel of warmth.

Jaz released a breath as if she'd been holding it for most of her life, metaphorically of course. After placing the bag of confectionary on the kitchen table and checking cupboards to see what she had in the way of tea and coffee making equipment she went about making a cup of tea.

Tea in hand Jaz made her way out to the front porch there wasn't a table there, but there was a bench for her to make use of. The ocean was calm, the waves coming in and out having a soothing effect on her.

Jaz sipped at her tea, I know it's only my first day here... okay, barely my first hour. I have a good feeling about being here. I'm thinking this is the right place for me to be.

When she'd finished her tea Jaz when inside to see about unpacking then decided to go for a swim. Jaz couldn't remember the last time she'd actually gone for a swim. Her life had been about caring for others for so long that she could no longer remember a time when she had taken time out for herself.

Jaz changed into one of the swim suits she'd bought then looked at herself in the mirror, she had a good figure, the suit fitted well on her, but it had been a long time since she'd been in public with so little on. Being naked to shifting was on thing, but what she was wearing was another.

Jaz almost changed... almost. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath then releasing it slowly Jaz took another look in the mirror. "I need to do this. I deserve to be able to do this. I'm going to do this. Ahh!"

Jaz grabbed the beach towel as well as a small purse with her ID and the key to the front door before slipping on a pair of scuffs and heading out towards the nearest swimming pool.

There were two at the resort, the one furthest from where Jaz was situated was shallow, and more for younger guests the one closest was bigger and much deeper. Thankfully it was no longer school holidays so the resort wouldn't be inundated with guests. Jaz was hoping to have a quiet, peaceful swim not having to share the space with too many people.

Thankfully when she got to the pool there was only one person there and it looked like he was leaving. He gave Jaz a nod and walked off. Jaz placed her things on one of the deck chairs kicked off her shoes then undid her sarong, placing it on top of her towel.

As she looked at the water a calmness came over her; moving swiftly to the edge of the pool Jaz dove into the cool clear water coming up for air midway along the pool.

Oh my, that was good.

Jaz swam to the end of the pool, turned and swam back doing laps until she could feel the muscles in her arms begin to pull tight and burn. After her final lap Jaz floated for a short time then did one more lap before getting out of the pool to settle on a deck chair and soaking up some sun.

As Jaz lay quietly her thoughts turned to home and her brothers. She'd need to call Braedon soon and let him know she'd taken some time away from the Compound and that he shouldn't try finding her. Jaz wasn't looking forward to the conversation, but realised it needed to happen as soon as possible. If she didn't call Braedon or Nicolas would start asking questions and she didn't want them harassing her family.

Jaz made her way back to her suite, showered and dressed ready for dinner. She hovered in and around the living room and kitchen. She was happily surprised to find a complimentary bottle of chardonnay in the refrigerator, grabbed an appropriate glass and was soon sampling it.

She looked guiltily at the telephone, took a deep calming breath and picked up the receiver, then put it down realising she shouldn't us the hotel phone in case he somehow discovered where she was. Pulling her mobile phone out of the handbag she'd left on the coffee table Jaz dialled her eldest brother number.

Braedon picked up on the third ring. Hello Jaz, what is it? Are you well?

I'm fine Brae, but I decided I needed some time away to sort a few things out. I needed time away from everyone... everything, before I made a decision as to what I want to do.

Jaz is it really necessary to leave the Compound? I can make sure everyone gives you the space you need to consider...

It's too late for that Brae, I've already left the Compound. I'll be back Sunday evening unless I decide to prolong my stay.

What! When? Where are you? Why didn't you speak to me before you left, we could have discussed you situation calmly before you ran off to god know where?

Braedon calm down. It's done. I need this time alone to think without the interference of well-meaning Pack members.

Jaz!

Don't Jaz me, Brae. This is my decision. You'll just have to accept it and please, don't send Enforcers out to find me. It'll only make me angry and I'm likely to stay away longer.

Braedon was silent. Jaz could hear him breathing and knew he was trying to calm himself before he spoke so she waited.

"Jaz, you know I only want what's best for you." He sighed audibly, pausing for a moment. "I promise to leave you to yourself for now so long as you keep in touch with either me or someone within your household. Deal?"

"Deal. And Brae I promise I'll have you kept in the loop when I call Cade."

Braedon laughed, "Take care Jaz." He hung up.

Jaz stared at her phone for a moment before clicking the end button then quickly sent a text message to Cade to let her know she'd arrived safely and that she'd spoken with Braedon. Duty done, Jaz was now free to relax, do as she pleased and hopefully come to some kind of decision regarding her future before returning to the Compound.

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

Jaz spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking and familiarising herself with her new home. She longed to go for a walk along the beach but decided to wait off on doing so until the next day. Although she was relaxed, it had been a long day already and she could feel weariness creeping on.

Taking her time walking up to the restaurant helped Jaz get a further feel for the place and some of the guests staying there. The restaurant was steadily utilised by the guest, giving Jaz the impression that either the food or the prices were reasonable.

After Jaz was seated she ordered a glass of house red, she for went an entrée and ordered a pepper steak cooked medium rare with chat potatoes and a garden salad. There was a small basket of crusty bread rolls on the table as well as a pat of butter to go with them.

Jaz helped herself to a freshly cooked roll as she scanned the room. Then gave herself an inner headshake, because what she'd done not so much out of habit, but because she'd been taught from an early age to be aware of her own safety.

The staff were pleasant and the food divine. Jaz was feeling so full afterwards that she decided to take a short walk along the beach to stretch her legs and walk off a little of her meal.

The evening was warm with just enough of a breeze to keep person out and about. There were several people on the beach, walking or playing and unsurprisingly when Jaz looked out to sea she spotted a couple of surfers. She smiled knowing the light wouldn't last much longer and they'd soon be coming in to shore.

By the time Jaz got back to her suite she was more than ready for bed. She washed off her feet, brushed her teeth and got changed for bed. Instead of heading straight for the bed, Jaz went out onto the balcony. It seemed to sea was calling her, that magical sound of the ocean making contact with the shore, the splash of the waves and the scent of salt in the air.

Jaz reached out taking hold of the railing, closing her eyes she sent out her senses. Breathing in deeply of salt and clean air Jaz felt herself falling deeper into a relaxed state of being. Imagine if life was like this each and every day?

Turning away from the ocean and needing her bed and rest Jaz couldn't help but hope it would be calm and restful, not full of dreams or worse. Nightmares. Jaz lay her head on the pillow, pulled the covers up and within moments was in a deep dreamless sleep.

Waking to the sound of the surf and gulls cawing brought a smile to Jaz's face. Stretching her limbs out in the bed, she lay with her eyes closed calmly listening to her surroundings. It was nice. Relaxing. Calming. At the moment her stomach grumbled making her laugh.

"A quick wash then breakfast!" it took Jaz all of then minutes to ready herself to make her way up to the restaurant to order breakfast. The pathways were busier than last night, it seemed a good many of the guest were up and about. Jaz couldn't help wondering how many were heading to the same place she was.

As it turned out, a good many were on their way to the restaurant, but people were also on their way out as well so there would be no problem getting a table. After being seated Jaz ordered a glass of pineapple juice, the big breakfast which included bacon and eggs, sausage, mushroom, grilled tomato, a hash brown and toast then finished it off with a cup of coffee.

The food was fresh, plentiful and tasty. Jaz sat back in her chair relaxing as she sipped her coffee. She had the entire day ahead of her, for once she didn't have to consider anyone else. All she had to think about was what she wanted to do... what her needs for the day might be. It was a strange feeling, one Jaz decided she might want to get used to, at least for the time being.

When the waitress came by Jaz asked if there was a fruit market nearby, "I'd like to get some fruit maybe even some cheese and few bread rolls to have on hand."

"You'd need to go into town for that, but the kitchen can put together a fruit platter with cheese and even some cold meats like ham, salami or prosciutto with either rolls or slices of crusty bread."

Jaz was pleasantly surprised. "That sounds perfect."

"The single size platters are big enough for lunch and to pick on throughout the afternoon. I can have someone organise it and have it placed in your refrigerator before lunch if you'd like?"

Jaz grinned. "I'd like. Thank you that would be wonderful and if it's as good as I'm hoping I'm likely to have you organise it a few more times while I'm here."

"No problem."

Jaz had her breakfast charged against her suite, then left to decide what to do with her day. It was too soon after eating to go for a swim nor did she want to sit around reading or watching television. Jaz was feeling restless, needing to move so decided a walk along the beach was in order.

Grabbing a canvas bag Jaz put a bottle of water, the keys to the suite and a small bag of nuts in it in case she needed a snack then headed out. The beach was totally bare of people, the sand looking as pristine as if no human had ever set foot on it. It in a sense that was true, no one had set foot on it, not since the change of the tide had washed away any trace of man's recent contact.

Jaz set out at an easy pace there was no rush, she had all day to explore and she wanted to enjoy herself, take her time and learn every nook and cranny of her surroundings if possible.

She collected a few shell that she found interesting, paddled in the shallows of the water and when she needed to rest, simply sat on wherever she pleased looking out to sea, or searching the sky for gulls or eagle hawks.

Jaz must have spent hours exploring; by the time she made her way back to her suite she was tired, hot, ready for a swim and hungry. Not necessarily in that order.

When she opened the refrigerator the platter was there, the chef had out done himself putting together a platter of mixed fruits, cheeses and deli meats. There was also a container with mixed olives - green and black. On the counter she also found a small loaf of crusty bread with a note stating, 'Enjoy', which would just as soon as she had a quick shower to cool off.

After lunch Jaz called Cade, "How are you and Cord?"

"We're fine Mum and don't worry about Braedon or Nicolas." She sighed. "They've only asked me where you are half a dozen times before they finally realised I either didn't know where you are or I wasn't telling."

"But you're okay?"

"Yeah mum. I'm okay. Relax, have fun. Take as much time as you need. Emma's been here to make sure we're okay. We'll be fine. Please don't worry so much. Now go have fun. I love you."

"I love you too. Talk soon."

Jaz relaxed for a while by reading, drifted off to sleep waking a short time later ready for a dip in the pool. There were more people about this time so she didn't stay long, but just being able to go for a swim when she wanted without having to worry whether or not she'd be needed to was a novelty that Jaz didn't want to miss out on.

Dinner that night was similar to the night before. The food was good as was the atmosphere. The staff were attentive and by the time she got back to her suite she was smiling again. Yes she'd done the right thing in getting away. She was calm. Calmer than she could ever remember being. Never before had she had so much time to herself and with no one to answer to but herself... it was a little daunting, but also somewhat freeing.

The next two days passed in the same way, Jaz was relaxed and spent time by the pool or walking the beach. She'd fully intended to take advantage of the wellness centre by having an aroma therapy massage, facial and perhaps even a manicure and pedicure, but the last thing she wanted was physical contact with anyone.

Jaz needed this time alone, to well... be alone. Besides she had a good sized bath tub which had spa settings on it. She could either have a nice long soak in a bubble bath or have a spa in the privacy of her own suite. Besides she had some serious thinking and decision making to do and that was not about to happen if she was in a wellness centre getting a massage, facial and what not.

Jaz sighed. That last thing she wanted was to do and serious deep and meaningful thinking or decision making. Tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll start thinking of home and what I'm going to do. With that Jaz shook off all feelings of home and responsibility determined to enjoy what was left of the day.

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

The next morning the sky was a blanket of soft grey, there was a light chill in the air as well giving Jaz an almost foreboding feeling. Hurriedly getting dressed and up to the restaurant for breakfast and letting them know she'd like be coming in for lunch rather than getting a platter. If the day stayed the way I was, she'd be wanting something warm inside her come lunchtime.

Jaz considered leaving the resort going for a drive, she was beginning to feel somewhat closed in, but looking at the sky in distance decided against it. It looked like rain, possibly even a storm, it was best not to be caught out in it when she had no real plan of where she was going.

It was time she realised; time to finally consider her options. Time to think about what she wanted to do, to think about Cade and Cord and yes even Emma and Eli because they too were her family now.

Within the mess that was her life there was also Nate and Phia and their child. She'd lived with her hurt, her pain and her loss for so many years. She'd kept it bottled up, locked away where no on not even she could access it. It was her way of surviving; the only way she could go on after losing her son. The pain of betrayal no only by her brothers, but by the man she had believed loved her had almost broken her. But she'd had something more important to focus on, to worry about - her child.

The loss of her son had brought Jaz so close to the edge that had she been given a choice she may well have chosen to end it all. If not for Jacob and the strength he'd given her, she may well have done so. He stayed by her side letting her lean on him taking whatever strength she needed. And all these years he'd kept her secret. He was as a brother should be and she would always keep him in her heart.

From what Jaz could see there were a few options. If she stayed and demanded Nate leave the rest of the Pack would be unhappy. They wouldn't understand and her brothers would be within their rights to tell her it wasn't going to happen, which would just make the situation even worse.

If they did leave Phia would be welcomed into the Pack they'd gotten her from and he'd gladly taken a trained Enforcer like Nate in. But the place, the area help bad memories for Phia so she may not want to go back there.

Jaz had only briefly considered leaving, stopped when she realised the implications. She knew if she left she wouldn't leave without Cord. He was her son and she would take him with her. This meant that Cade would also come with her. So would Eli. And god help her she was not about to leave Emma behind.

Jaz wandered throughout her suite, from kitchen to living room and onto the porch and back. She was feeling edgy, couldn't settle, and couldn't sit still. If she left it would mean the loss of five Pack members. Worse still it would mean the loss of two Enforcers and a Healer. On top of this was the fact that Cade was a Sacred Guardian, the first in known history. Her brothers would not be pleased about that loss.

Jaz sighed. Perhaps she could just slip away? Disappear and not return. Her family all knew she was away, she could do it now - just go and never go back? Tears ran down her face and before she realised it she was sobbing. Jaz sat on the couch, face in her hands elbows on her knees and let go.

Wiping away tears with the back of her hands, Jaz took several deep calming breathes. She was no coward, never had been. Somehow she needed come to a decision, she just had no idea what it would be.

For the remainder Jaz's moon fell deeper into almost despair. No matter how much she thought, considered and tried to work out what to do she couldn't come up with a solution that everyone would be happy with. Hell in the end she'd have to be happy with it too and at the moment she was far from happy. She was miserable, lonesome for company and seriously in need of someone to lean on.

Her thoughts turned to Jacob and how much she had depended on him over the years. He had been her strength, her friend and as close as a brother to her. But she knew this time she couldn't call on him. This time she had to sort it out herself. He'd be there to support whatever decision she made, but the decision had to be hers alone, she couldn't ask him to be a part of this, it would cause too many problems between him and her brothers.

Next day Jaz woke to a clear blue sky and hoped it would help improve her mood. She took her time making her way to breakfast deciding not to push herself, not to hurry... in short she wanted to time to slow down so she'd have more time to consider things. A stupid idea really, but grasping at straws sometimes seems logical... especially when you didn't like any of the options you'd come up with.

Jaz came to a halt as something or perhaps someone came barrelling into her. Looking down she found what seemed to be a runaway toddler looking up at her wide innocent eyes and a look of wonder on her face.

Jaz couldn't remember ever having that look on her own face. As she looked at the child her bottom lip began to tremble telling Jaz tear weren't far off. She knelt down smiling, offering her hand to her. "Hello little one, I'm Jaz. What's your name?"

"Kody."

"Kody huh? I think that's a really nice name." Jaz could see a man struggling to make his way to where they were. He was carrying a baby and holding on to another child. There didn't appear to be anyone else with him and the poor man looked someone overwhelmed.

As he approached Jaz could see the apologetic expression he was wearing and thought it best to rescue the situation. "Kody is that your daddy?" the child nodded bringing Jaz into action.

Coming to a standing position she took Kody's hand before turning to her father. "Good morning, I'm Jaz Romanoff. Your daughter introduced herself to me. I hope you don't mind?" Before he could answer Jaz turned to the other child, "And what's your name?"

The boy looked up at his father questioningly, when he was given a nod he turned back a Jaz. "I'm Liam and this," he pointed at his father, "is my daddy and Riley."

"It's very nice to meet you all." Jaz smiled. "I was just on my way to breakfast. Would you like to join me?"

Both Kody and Liam nodded their heads; Jaz looked to their father doing her best not to laugh. The poor man sighed. "It seems the votes in favour of joining you."

Both children jumped up and down cheering; this time Jaz did laugh! Liam took hold of Jaz's free hand and they began walking towards breakfast. Once they were finally seated the father turned to Jaz. "Thank you, I'm Matthew Hogan. Matt to my friends. This is our first trip together and... we're a little disorganised."

Jaz laughed, "You're doing fine. Three kids on your own, that's a lot to handle, but they're clean, in one piece and not running around wild and feral."

Matt burst out laughing. "I really needed to hear that."

"Then I'm glad I could say it for you." Jaz saw him struggling with the baby and held out her arms. "May I?"

For a moment Matt looked unsure, wary even, but smiled and handed the baby to her. Riley looked to be about six or seven month's old, bright blue eyes, blonde hair and soft golden skin. He looked nothing like his father or his siblings. Perhaps Jaz thought he looked like his mother.

Both Kody and Liam had a bowl of cereal and a small cup of juice, then toast with vegemite. They were well behaved and ate quietly surprising Matt. Jaz fed Riley scrambled eggs then let him munch on a piece of toast while she one handed tried to eat her own meal of bacon and eggs. Matt seemed a great deal calmer and hoed into his own meal like he hadn't eaten in a while.

Riley wriggled in her arms making gurgling baby noises. Jaz couldn't help but smile at him at the same time sending a silent thought to her own son. She didn't get to have this with him.

Focusing on the here and now, Jaz noticed Matt watching her. "He's a good baby." She handed him back to Matt; felt the emptiness in her arms like an ache in her heart. It shocked Jaz that she could feel this way by holding someone else's baby, a human baby at that.

Getting to her feet Jaz smiled at the children before speaking to Matt, "I should be going. It was nice to meet you all."

As she stepped away from the table there was a chorus of no and stay and I wanna be with Jaz, from both children. Jaz looked aghast at Matt, unsure what to say.

Matt quietened the children, "Hush, Jaz probably has things to do. Now be good and we'll go for a swim a little later on today." That seemed to do the trick and they settled down. Matt came to his feet, "Thanks for your help Jaz, I really appreciate it."

Jaz gave him a nod then moved towards to exit and her morning walk along the beach. It was strange Jaz couldn't seem to get the baby out of her mind. The other two children were cute and she enjoyed spending what little time had with them, but it was the baby that had drawn her... was still drawing her.

Jaz sat on a small rise of sand, her hands sifting sand as she looked out to sea. A light breeze lifted her hair and caressed her face. What is wrong with me, why am I feeling this way? Tears wet her cheeks and she let them, there was no one to see and sadly no one to comfort her.

Shaking her head Jaz realised there had rarely been anyone to comfort her. Not really. Not since she was a child, after that there was only Jacob to lean but that had been so long ago. Unsure how long she remained sitting there Jaz finally came to her feet to make her way back to her suite.

Jaz looked around her living space, she'd made it her own, felt comfortable here but for some reason she was restless, unable to settle. Wandering through each room Jaz decided to spend some time by the pool.

After changing she grabbed a beach towel a book and her sun glasses and headed out. If she was lucky she'd get a deck chair under one of the many umbrellas so she wouldn't be in direct sunlight.

Jaz found a chair and sat back determined to relax. She'd only just closed her eyes when she hear someone calling out her name. "Jaz, Jaz!" in a high pitched voice. She sat up pulling her glasses off to take a see who it was and found herself engulfed by children. "Jaz! Jaz! Do you wanna come swimming with us?"

She looked up to see Matt with a rather pained expression on his face. "Jaz I'm sorry, I... Kids..."

"It's okay Matt, they just want to play." She smiled. "Besides you look like you could use a break."

Matt release a huge sigh. "I look that bad huh?"

Jaz laughed. "Of cause not. Just a little rough around the edges is all."

She felt a soft patting on her leg, then, "Can we go for a swim now?" asked Kody.

"Please?" Pleaded Liam.

Matt sat on the chair next to Jaz, "Now how can I possibly say no to that. That is of course if it's all right with Jaz?"

Two pair of pleading eyes were on Jaz. "Of course it's all right, but you have to promise to stay close and do exactly as I say." They both nodded, big grins on their faces. "Come on," Jaz laughed, and they dropped their towels, kicked off their shoes and moved towards the shallow kiddies' pool.

They were almost there when she stopped, turning back to Matt, "Sunscreen?"

"I covered them before we came outside. Their good." She nodded and led the way to the pool.

They had a wonderful time splashing and attempting to swim and float. There was much laughter. Matt got into the water with Riley to cool them both off but didn't stay in long not wanting to expose the baby to too much sun.

After a while Jaz waved Matt back over, "How about you get in and have a bit of a swim and I'll hold the baby. Then you can play with these two," she indicated the two beside her.

"Sounds like a plan." Matt handed Riley to her before going for a swim the larger nearby pool then coming back and playing with Kody and Liam.

Jaz had taken advantage of the time she had with all three children letting them all sit together in the shallowest part of the pool so they could watch as Riley splashed at the water. When Matt came back Jaz got out of the water and sat on the deck chair with Riley.

Jaz grabbed the bag that Matt had brought with him and pulled out a nappy and a set of dry clothes for the baby. She stripped of what he had on and dried him off before dressing him. When she was finished and she'd put his wet things on the end of the chair to dry she snuggled up to the little boy and couldn't help but breathe him in.

Jaz froze! Her heart actually stopped beating for several beats before picking up again. She look another careful breath then another deeper one. There was no mistaking what she had scented. Riley wasn't human he was a Were.