"Oh I'm so happy! I'm going to be a grandmother again!" Rebecca said hugging Angela tightly.

"I'm impressed." Evan said coming up and slapping Jake on the back. "It took me over forty years to knock your sister up. You managed to get Angela in just a few months." Rebecca slapped her son-in-law on the back of the head.

"Don't talk like that around me!" she scolded. Then she leaned in and whispered to Angela.

"Is is impressive though.. It took his father almost fifty years."

"I'm going to call my dad and let him know." Angela said happily.

"Better yet why don't we go tell him in person?" Jake asked. Angela nearly hopped up and down with excitement.

"Let's go!" she said. Jake wrapped his arms around her and dashed her to the woods next to her dads house. Angela took off toward the house but Jake grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him.

"Something isn't right." he said. He sniffed the air again and Angela's hair stood on end as he growled low in his throat.

"There are police at the house." he said. "I'm going to change and see what I can find out. You stay here."

"Is my dad ok?" she asked. Jake shrugged.

"I don't know yet. I'm going to find out." Angela nodded. Jake pulled his clothes off and handed them to Angela and then he quickly changed into a wolf before walking out of the woods and toward the house.

There was a single cop car in the driveway and a big van with coroner written across the back of it. Jake crept around the back of the house and jumped inside through an open window. He could smell death in the house. He was standing in the kitchen and could hear voices coming from the living room.

"Time of death appears to be around two days ago." a man said. "Without an autopsy I cannot be sure but I believe heart failure is the cause of death. Foul play is not suspected." Jake had heard all he needed to hear. The police didn't suspect foul play but he could smell the scent of an immortal in the house. The scent was a coupld of days old but it was there.

The scent seemed familiar but he could not remember why or from where. He jumped back out the window and crept back to the woods. He found Angela looking pale and scared where he had left her. He changed back and quickly dressed.

"What's going on?" she demanded. "Is my dad ok?" Jake couldn't meet her eyes and she knew. She let out a broken sob and fell to her knees.

"Love, I'm so sorry." he said falling to his knees beside her and holding her close.

"What happened?" she asked. He kissed her hair. He hated to lie to her but he didn't want to scare her unnecessarily.

"I heard the police and coroner talking. They said it was heart failure." he replied.

"My poor daddy." she moaned. Just then Jake began to growl and he stood up quickly standing guard over her as the air shimmered around them. Vladimir appeared in the shadows.

"Calm down, wolf pup." he said his voice sophisticated and calm. "I need to speak with you."

"What do you need to say?" Jake asked.

(I think it would be better if your mate did not hear. I can tell her condition is delicate.) Jake looked down at Angela and back at Vladimir and nodded.

(Yea she is carrying our child.)

(Congratulations.) Vladimir said then his violet eyes turned deadly serious. (Two nights ago an immortal was here. He was a were creature. A cat of some sort though I am not sure what exactly. He spoke to Angela's father just before his heart failed him.)

(I thought it was your life's mission to protect mortals around here.) Jake demanded.

(Yes it is. And if the werecat had attacked her father I would have stopped him. However they were simply having a conversation. I'm afraid that the stress of that conversation was too much for her fathers heart.)

(What kind of conversation?)

(Eavesdropping is not something a gentleman does.)

(You're not a gentleman. You're a leech. What was the conversation?) Vladimir's eyes narrowed.

(There is no need to be rude, wolf pup.) Jake growled low in his throat. (I like the girl. That is the only reason I am trying to help you. This werecat never said his name but from the conversation it was easy to tell that he has a definite problem with you. He told Max that you had once taken everything from him and that he was going to repay the favor.) Jakes blood seemed to freeze in his veins.

(What else did he say?)

(That he knew all about your mate. He told her father that he had met her once and she seemed like a lovely girl. He said he almost regretted the fact that he was going to have to kill her to show you the pain you caused him.)

"Son of a bitch!" Jake snarled out loud. Angela jumped to her feet.

"What?" she asked.

"Nothing..." Jake said running his hand through his hair. He had to get Angela somewhere safe.

"Vladimir, if he comes back I want you to find a way to let me know." Jake said. Vladimir nodded.

"Of course. However I doubt that he will come back here. He is only interested in one thing." Vladimir turned his violet eyes to Angela and she felt a shiver run down her spine.

She grabbed Jake's arm and tried to yank him around to face her but it was like trying to move a stone pillar. He laid his hand on hers and gripped it tightly.

"Who is after me, Jake, and what did he do to my father? And why are you so scared of him?"

"Let me get you home and then I'll explain everything." Jake replied. Without another word he dashed them back to the living room at the house.

(Everyone in the living room now!) he growled harshly. It only took a couple minutes for everyone to crowd into the living room.

"What's going on?" Lane asked. "I was two seconds away from getting to know a very gorgeous woman."

"Kids in the room." Raquel scolded pulling the twins up against her.

"Jake, what is wrong?" Rebecca asked. "Why is Angela crying?"

"I have a problem and I need your help." Jake replied. Jake remembered where he had smelled that immortal scent from Max's house now. It had been a long time since he'd smelled it and he had thought that the were tiger who carried it was dead. Rebecca knew the situation must be serious. Jake never asked for help.

"What do you need?" she asked.

"Angela's father is dead. He died of heart failure after having a visit from a WereTiger named Draco." Bethany hugged Angela tight.

"I'm so sorry Angela." she said. Angela didn't hear her though. She was too busy staring at her mate and trying to figure out what had him so scared.

"I know the name is not familiar to any of you but he is a rogue. He hunts down mortals for sport. Dad and I had a run in with him about 100 years ago. He had a mate at that time and she was just as evil as he was. Dad and I chased them all over the country and finally had them cornered. Draco dashed but his mate Regina was not fast enough. We killed her."

"But if she's dead then why isn't he?" Angela asked trying to make sense of what Jake was saying.

"Oh my god..." Raquel gasped. Angela looked around and everyone wore matching horrified expressions. She looked at Jake and saw that he looked pale and ashen. His eyes were sad and she could feel nausea rolling off of him in waves.

"Can someone fill me in?" she asked feeling irritated at her own ignorance.

"She was pregnant." Rebecca said quietly. Angela still didn't understand. Evan explained it to her.

"You already know that when two immortals are fully mated their lives are bonded together but when the woman is pregnant their life bond is temporarily broken in order to protect the unborn baby. Since she was pregnant he kept on living even after her death." Angela turned back to Jake.

"And now he's after you for taking his mate and child away from him." she said. Jake shook his head.

"No he's not after Jake, little sister." Lane said. "He's after you." Jake growled.

"Don't worry, Angela, I would never let him hurt you." Suddenly an image of the man who had frightened her in Pizza Shack flashed through her mind. He had warned her about Jake's enemies. Jake saw the look on her face.

"What?" he demanded.

"What does this Draco look like?" she asked.

"Long pale blond hair, he's tall and skinny and almost as pale as a vampire...."

"Oh my god I've met him." Jake grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to him.

"Where?"

"Almost a month ago. I was in Pizza Shack and had left Bethany out in the truck. I was sitting at a table waiting on my order to be ready and that's when he walked up to me. I thought he was trying to flirt at first with the way he was looking at me so I told him that I was taken. He saw my scar," Angela said her hand going to her shoulder. "He asked where I was staying and I was so frightened of him that I thought if I mentioned Jake's name it would scare him away...."

"That usually works." Lane cut in.

"What did he say when you mentioned my name?" Jake asked.

"Naturally he put two and two together and realized that you were my mate. He warned me then. He told me to be careful because you had made a lot of enemies in your life."

The air in the room began to shimmer and Angela found herself shoved inside a protective circle of snarling werewolves ready to change at any second. Jake took a deep breath and calmed the creature within him when he saw Vladimir.

"What the hell is a vamp doing in our living room?" Lane asked. Vladimir looked down his nose at Lane.

"Trust me I no more like the smell in this house then you like the look of me being here." he said and then looked at Jake.

"I hope you don't mind that I traced you here but your 'friend' made an appearance just after you left. Unfortunately your mate's scent was still very strong."

"He knows." Jake said feeling as if there was a hand around his throat that just kept squeezing tighter. Vladimir nodded.

"If you come with me wolf pup I can help you find him." Jake nodded.

"Let's go." Angela said. Jake looked at her as if she'd lost her mind.

"You are staying here." he said. She shook her head.

"No I'm not." she argued. Jake growled and turned back to Vladimir.

"Can you give me just a moment." he asked. Vladimir nodded and sat down in the recliner. Jake picked Angela up into his arms despite her fighting against him and carried her up to their room.

"You are not going with me." he assured her as he tossed her gently down into the bed.

"What exactly do you plan on doing?" she demanded, scrambling to her feet.

"You know what I plan on doing."

"Did you know his mate was pregnant when you killed her?" Angela regretted the question the second she asked it. Jakes face turned hard as stone and he looked away from her.

"Is that the kind of man you think I am?" he demanded his voice cold. But Angela could feel his pain and it broke her heart.

"I'm sorry, Jake. It's just that this is crazy.... My dad is dead and now there is immortal were tiger that wants to kill me and our baby because you killed his mate and child accidentally 100 years ago.It's just a lot to take in. I know you would never have killed an innocent baby if you had known and I'm so sorry I questioned that."

Jake took her into his arms and breathed in her scent knowing it would be the last time he would for a while, maybe even forever.

"I love you, Angela. I have to go after him love. I have to protect you and our baby." Angela hugged him and held back her tears.

"I know. I'm scared for you though."

"Don't be scared for me, Angela. This is what I do. For hundreds of years I hunted rogue immortals. I won't die and I won't allow him to harm you."

"What am I supposed to do while you're gone?"

(Lane!) Jake said. Lane came running into the room seconds later.

"At your service big brother." Lane said.

"I need your help." Lane looked surprised.

"What do you need?" he asked.

"Keep Angela safe. I want you to take her somewhere once I'm gone. Do not tell me where you are taking her because I don't' know just how powerful Draco has become or who he has working for him." Lane didn't know what to say. His brother had never asked him for anything. Had never trusted him enough to depend on him and now he was leaving his mate's life in his hands.

"Wouldn't I be safer here?" Angela asked.

"No. Draco is familiar with this house and he has certain talents that most immortals don't. He can pick up on things that most don't notice. Lane is better at hiding from people than anyone I know given how often he gets into trouble....."

"Thanks," Lane muttered at the backhanded compliment.

"It will be harder for Draco to locate you if it's just the two of you."

"How long will we have to hide?" Angela asked. Jake shook his head.

"I don't know. It shouldn't take long. Once I kill him I will contact you. Do not... This is very important for both of you... Do not try to contact me. Do not try to feel for me. If I am around Draco he will be able to hear you and feel you and that will tell him where you are..."

"Lane you lied to me!" Angela said turning on Lane. Lane put his hands up defensively.

"About what?" he asked.

"You told me that Jake was the most powerful were creature in the world but this guy...."

"You told her that?" Jake asked. Lane shrugged a small smile playing on his lips.

"Well you know... I was just trying to make her feel better."

"Angela, please don't worry. Draco cannot kill me. He is no match for me physically. He has mental abilities that are not common but that's all. Please just stay with Lane. Do not try to contact me and I will be back as soon as I can."

Angela kissed him, trying to pour as much passion and love into that kiss as she could.

"You better come back to me, Jake. You promised me eternity." she said looking deep into his golden eyes.

"I'm coming back, Angela. I always keep my word." he promised. He pulled away from her quickly and headed for the door. Without looking back he said.

"Lane, I want you to leave with her as soon as I'm gone."

"Can do."

"And Lane... Please for once in your life don't let me down. My mate and my child are in your hands. Please keep them both safe." With that Jake left shutting the door behind him.

"Is he going to be ok?" she asked Lane. Lane looked into her eyes and realized that for once in his life he didn't know what to say... He could see the desperation in her eyes. She was counting on him and he didn't want to let her down.

"Yea, little sister. He'll be fine. It's good for him to have a good fight once in a while. Could you imagine how bad that temper would be if he didn't burn off some steam?" Angela tried to laugh but it came out as more of a choked sob.

"Pack a suitcase Angela. I've gotta get you and the bambino out of here."

888

"Lane is taking care of Angela." Jake told his family once he was back in the living room.

"Lane... Are you sure?" Greg asked crossing his arms over his chest. "Isn't he better at getting into trouble than getting out of trouble?"

"Lane and Angela have a bond." Jake replied. "I don't understand it but it is there. He will take care of her. Even if I don't come back he'll take care of her."

"Don't talk that way!" Rebecca scolded.

"You are going to be fine." Raquel added.

"Yes and I'm going to make sure of that because I'm coming with you." Rebecca said.

"No mom you are not. I want all of you to go somewhere different. Mom you stay with Raquel and Evan to help them with the kids. Jordan and Kent you go somewhere and Greg and Bethany you go somewhere. I don't want anyone staying in this house and I don't want everyone in the same place."

"Is this really necessary? Is Draco really that dangerous?" Kent asked. Jake simply nodded.

"I am going with you son." Rebecca said again. Jake grabbed his mother and placed her in Evans strong arms.

"I can't let you come with me mom. I am better at doing things alone." he managed a small smile. "Besides if you come along and something happened to you, dad would come back from the dead and kill me himself."

"Are you ready wolf pup we don't' want the trail to get too cold." Vladimir said standing up from the chair.

"Yea I'm ready." Jake replied. He looked back at his family. "No one contact me and everyone do what I said." he warned then he and Vladimir disappeared.

888

"So where are we?" Angela asked holding on the Lane's arm for support. Her head was swimming. After leaving the house Lane had dashed her to so many different places in a row she had lost count and now they were standing next to what appeared to be a tiny cabin in the middle of the woods.

"Canada." Lane replied. "Middle of nowhere Canada to be exact."

"Are we going to be safe here?" Angela asked as she looked the rickety cabin. It was more of a shack than a cabin

"Sure. I hide out here sometimes when.... Well when I need to get away." Angela raised a brow but didn't say anything. She suddenly felt too weak to stand. She was emotionally and physically exhausted and felt her knees buckle beneath her. She would fallen had Lane not caught her in his arms. He picked her up and carried her into the cabin.

Angela fell asleep in his arms before he even got her to the bed. He laid her down and covered her up with a tattered quilt. He smiled down at her. When he had first met Angela he had wished that she could have been his mate. She was kind, sweet, beautiful, but feisty and strong at the same time.

Now he was just thankful that she had found Jake and that Jake had found her. She had brought out a side of his brother that even he hadn't known existed. Sure Jake was a temperamental, hot headed asshole but he had lived a hard life. He had never had a chance to laugh or live for the moment because their father had been grooming him from almost the day he was born to be a rogue killer. A fighter. A drifter.

Then there had been their sisters. Their father had never been close to any of his girls. He didn't see them as warriors and therefore they were no use to him. Lane had been the last child that Charles and Rebecca had had. Charles had tried to mold Lane the same way he had molded Jake but Lane had rebelled. He liked to laugh and joke and pull pranks on his sisters. Charles had soon given up on his youngest son.

With no direction and no one to drive him Lane had turned to gambling and drinking to kill time. Over the years he'd gotten used to being the family failure. But he would not fail this time. His brother had trusted him with Angela and he would not let him down. No matter what Lane had to do he would keep Angela safe.