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Rafe knew Naomi would find her way back into his life after she had followed the less than subtle hints he had made sure were dropped for her along her journeys. He didn’t know when the actual reconnect would happen when she arrived in Greenbrooke but he had kept a loose tab on her, waiting. It was almost amusing how fate worked for him when Aislin ran into Naomi on her own doing and while he had been surprised at her message that she was with the feline, Rafe wasn’t surprised at her asking to bring Naomi home. If she hadn’t done it that night, it would have happened within days of their encounter at his arrangement.

Still, he purposely didn’t see her that night, nor the following night. After that, he had to go out of town for three days, and then he waited one more. It was now the seventh night Naomi had been in the mansion and Rafe deemed her ready and settled in enough to meet once more. Aislin had only been told to tend to their guest and make sure she was comfortable and had a friend while the rest of the Family had their usual order of keeping their eyes and ears open for anything noteworthy.

Not much had been brought to his attention, just some of the little habits and routines Naomi had already fallen into and that it seemed she had fully given in and accepted the invitation to stay as long as she needed. It was thanks to that intel that Rafe knew he would find Naomi sitting with a glass of wine on the back veranda, enjoying the peace and small slice of wilderness on the edge of the city. The massive amount of trees on and surrounding his property was a large draw to the purchase of the estate as it helped keep nosy neighbours away and made putting up wards and sentries easier.

It wasn’t long after sunset as Rafe stood silently in the open doorway with his own glass of wine, leaning against the frame as he took in woman. There was a chance she could sense him as he knew there was more to her than just being a shifter that might heighten her senses even more. But if he was truly worried about that, he could easily meld into the shadows and mask his presence entirely. It was unnecessary, however, as Rafe only intended a moment’s glance to take in the scene, learning what he could, before approaching on too silent steps.

“Kitten,” Rafe used the nickname to properly announce his presence as he came to a stop two feet away from where Naomi sat, though he stared out at the yard instead of looking at her. He opted for the old name instead of her given name as a reminder of their past; their intimacy. She had certainly been a wild cat back in the days they partied together but she was a youngling still both in her own age of barely over a century and being nearly five hundred years his junior. Hence her being his Kitten. She was then and he would slowly show her that she still was the longer she stayed in Greenbrooke and under his influence and protection.

Golden hues with various shades of purple and pink had lit up the sky as the sun descended upon the horizon. Slowly the sun had disappeared behind the tall canopy of trees that outlined the property. The birds chirped as the flew in formation to their destinations and the insects clicked in the background. Wildlife had created a melody, one the feline understood too well as she peacefully listened to what wisdom had to share. Time seemed to have passed as she allowed herself to be present in the moment. Such things that often came far and few between, but since she had been at the mansion there had been a calming of her mind. The nightmares still had a hold on her, causing the leopardess to wake in cold sweats which left her in sobs. The flashbacks still plagued her waking hours, leaving her confused and exhausted, but she gradually had been learning her triggers. She had not been set free from the shackled that held her, but for small moments there had been freedom.


A glass of red wine dangled from her hand as she sat crossed-legged in the comfortable chair on the veranda. She had been left to her own vices since arriving with Aislin by her side. Naomi had been grateful to her friend for being then when the feline had been determined to push her away. There had been gratitude to have been able to stay at the mansion, though she had been reluctant. The feline had been content with being in her second skin in the wild, but admittedly had grown tired of the dinky hotel that even she felt had been beneath her.


As the sun continued to descend the glass had been brought to her lips as she took a generous sip. That had been when she felt a familiar presence that had sent a shiver down her spine. The hairs on the back of her neck rose as the feline froze in mid-sip. Roughly, she had swallowed as her heart beat started to quicken. The leopardess had not needed to hear his voice to have known it was Rafe. He had been last person she had wanted to see as Naomi had tried hard to avoid. She had been very aware since arriving at the mansion that the vampire had been distantly watching. If it had not been him directly, than others had been. It had mildly kept her on edge, knowing she would have to speak with him. A part of Naomi knew it had been silly to avoid someone that had been a good friend, but she knew there had been no hiding with him. That factor made the feline wanting to hide.


The glass slowly had been lowered from her lips as her arm had returned to the arm of the chair. Her nickname had been called as her brown irises had bled into its emerald hues of her animal form. All of her senses had been more heightened than usual as pupils dilated. She grimaced, not wanting to hear her nickname that had gotten her attention. The feline hadn’t wanted the reminder, but maybe she had needed that. He had not been the enemy, though a part of him had wanted to believe he had been. Naomi had remained silent as her heart continued to thud in her chest as she stared beyond yonder at the trees. Every fiber of her had been aware that Rafe had blocked the door entrance which had left woods. She had wanted to run, but knew she would probably get caught.


Naomi knew she couldn’t avoid the vampire forever, though it had sounded like a wonderful idea. After what had seemed almost like forever, she spoke. “I could run pass the trees…” It had not been the most pleasant thing to say, but had been on her mind. “I could leave Greenbrooke, continue to head farther into Canada…” That had been a possibility, though she had grown tired of traveling in such a short period. “….since you are still positioned near the door.” The feline could sense exactly where he had been stationed. “You know I don’t want to see you.” Her voice had gone softer as there had been a touch of pain laced in her words. Naomi still didn’t turn to look at him, she couldn’t get herself to.

“You could try,” Rafe replied calmly and sipped his wine, gaze still out on the trees. In leopard form Naomi would give him a good chase but he only had to force a command on her mind to make her stop if he felt inclined to end things quickly. But he wouldn’t give chase that night as he knew she wouldn’t leave and said as much. “You knew you would have to see me eventually as nights continued to stack up with you under this roof.” Naomi could have left after that first night, silently slipping out while he and Aislin slept and made her escape from the city as well. But she hadn’t. A part of the woman beside him wanted a place to rest, needed the safety, and needed people to fill the void she now had in her.

“You’re a guest, Kitten. I won’t force you to stay nor make you speak with me. I merely felt it was time to greet you and offer you my full hospitality for as long as you need it.” Another drink of wine, another moment passing without moving from where he stood or looking at his guest. There was no need to make her look at him, knowing she would do so when ready whether it was that night or three weeks from now. Rafe could be patient when he knew he would get what he wanted in the end.

There was also no need to point out the details of his hospitality as the shifter would know enough from their past time together. Lodging, protection, and a place in his bed if the mood struck them again and she hadn’t suddenly become clingy. He could also soothe her pain for a night with a simple touch or build walls within her mind to fully block out the worst of her memories of her lost pack. Rafe wouldn’t offer any of that but wait to be approached when his wounded leopardess was ready for help in healing.

In true stubborn fashion, her mind entertained the thought of running. Every cell in her body had wanted to, but her heart knew that had not been what she truly desired. She had been safe, though her mind couldn’t fully comprehend what that had meant. The feline had expected to be attacked, though she knew there was no real danger. She had been in fight or flight mode, her nervous system on edge, and paranoia often stirred within her mind. The leopardess needed an escape as she felt trapped and the only outlet in the situation had been beyond the heavy wooded area. Though she sat there and physically looked relaxed while holding a glass of wine, that had been far from the truth.


Everything Rafe had spoken had been the truth. One she had not wanted to hear. How long she thought the avoidance game would have continued? Unrealistically, until she had been mentally strong enough. She knew this moment would fall upon them, but not thought it would have been so soon. In truth, she knew a week had been more than enough time, but the feline had liked to believe otherwise. Deep within, Naomi knew she had no reason to be hostile to her old friend. He had never done anything to wrong her and if anything, he had always proven he would be in her corner. Primal instincts had played a heavy role as she fought to withdraw, to hiss, and bare claws.


Silence had fallen between them as she had not responded to the last words the vampire spoke. She sat there, the feline’s gaze still fixated beyond yonder. Mentally, she had battled with herself on what action to take. Time had continued to pass and the leopardess had not stirred. Stubbornness had not allowed her to make the first move for she felt like she could not trust Rafe with her vulnerability which had been far from the truth. She struggled with logic and irrational mental talk before Naomi finally gave.


The once dilated pupils had returned to normal size as the feline started to shift in her seat. The legs that was once beneath her had un-folded as her bare feet had been planted on the cool wood beneath. She had rose from her perched position and turned to face Rafe; the first time she had laid eyes on him since arriving at Greenbrooke. The glass still dangled in her hand as she gripped the thin neck of the glass for dear life. She had scanned over his taller frame, memories had been brought to the surface as her eyes had softened. Still in its brilliant emerald hue as she slowly blinked. “Thank you..” Had been the words that slipped passed her lips.


Naomi stood there, not closing the gap between them as she still had been wary. “This is not how I envisioned meeting again.” Her voice had been soft, shy over a whisper as she bore into his eyes. The walls around the feline still had been tightly pressed against her form, but underneath had been emotions that waited to be released.

Rafe was confident that Naomi wouldn’t leave but when she got to her feet he had to admit he had a moment of fearing he had been wrong and that wasn’t something he enjoyed being. But when she stayed put and thanked him, he only gave the slightest of nods, one little dip of his chin, to acknowledge the words. Clarification wasn’t needed as to what she was grateful for and Rafe wasn’t the sort to make her say it again and tease her about it. Those two little words and her feet staying planted on his property were all that he needed.

Naomi’s intense gaze on him didn’t bother him and Rafe held it with his usual cool expression, not giving her anything. Emotions weren’t necessarily a sign of weakness but they could be used as such in the right hands; he should know given how many people he had manipulated over the centuries through them and with them. Rafe didn’t need to use such tactics on the feline, at least not that night.

He took another drink of wine and wondered in what other way they might have reconnected. If he hadn’t kept tabs on her then they very well would never have met again. There had been little need for him to visit the locations she was known to frequent even with knowing she was special. Perhaps Naomi simply meant with less pain in her heart. That seemed the most likely answer and while it would have been easy enough to prod her mind or even ask, Rafe didn’t need the confirmation and left it alone.

“Perhaps this is the reunion we were always meant to have, Kitten. One that was needed whether it was wanted or not.” Without taking his eyes from Naomi, Rafe finished his wine and set the glass down on a nearby ledge. “I welcome it and hope you do, or will, as well.”

”Perhaps.” Her word had been clipped, but not rude. “The Universe has a way of throwing curve balls.” The feline had believed in fate and she had never been blinded that their paths would cross once again. She had simply wished it hadn’t been in her current state and more on a joyous occasion. Deep down Naomi realized that maybe it had to be this way, though she hadn’t wanted to accept that realization. Her stubbornness had been rearing its ugly head as she had seemed to have fought everything, including herself and the aid that had been in front of her.


As Naomi stood, she had been hyper focused on the slightest moment the vampire made. Her eyes had still been fixated upon his own, but she had been keenly aware of the wine glass that had been finished and placed on the ledge. The thought of shifting and running still lingered in her mind, but it had not been as prominent has it once had been. It would have been foolish, especially since she had been facing him. With her front side of the body open to him, it had left her in a vulnerable position.


The last words Rafe had spoken, the leopardess had not responded. The wine glass had been lifted to her lips as she finished the rest of it, her eyes still piercing. It had not been a means of intimidation, but more so of watching. The empty glass had been placed on the ledge as well as she thought about his words. There had been another moment of silence has her once emerald eyes had returned to its brown hue. She knew her old friend had not been there to cause harm, but her mind and body had battled logic. “I accept it.” The feline had been careful with her words for she could not guarantee that she wouldn’t fight. However, she had accepted for all it would turn out to be.


“I welcome it.” It took all of her mind to allow herself to state those few words. She had taken the first steps forward as her gait had been slow, but fluid. The eye contact had not been severed as the leopardess closed the gap between them, her arms had wrapped around his waist as she leaned into his chest.

Rafe never doubted that he would get the feline to stay but he hadn't realised how successful he would be at it. He saw the moment her acceptance hit as the vivid green eyes faded back to brown. That would have been a marker for deciding if he should leave or push just a touch more in solidifying their connection but Naomi had truly found her footing and stepped into his space.

He gazed down into her eyes, once again struck by her boldness like he had been so long ago. It was dangerous to hold a vampire's gaze but she did so with him without fear. In fact, there was usually a challenge hidden within their depths. Sometimes he had welcomed that challenge and where it led them but tonight's had been more a battle with herself as he stood there to be a quiet temptation.

"What else are you in need of, Kitten?" Rafe asked as he softly ran a knuckle down Naomi's cheek and across her jawbone. Even the slightest brush against her mind showed the turmoil that Naomi was stuck in. She was broken and needed to find herself once more. That could take several different forms but Rafe knew one way that was certain to give her some release; a way to let go of some of the pain and emotions bottled up within. Naomi merely had to ask for it, if she was ready.

There had been times where Naomi had been a challenge, but she had never been a threat. As daring as she might have been, the feline had not been a fool. Even as dominant as she could have been, she knew when to step down. This was not a battle with Rafe, rather than on with herself. Though she had been wary facing him because that meant dealing with her wounds she had not wanted to acknowledge, she had been grateful for his hospitality. Even if it had not outwardly had shown other than thanks. He was not the enemy, never had been and she had to remind herself of that. Especially, when it seemed like there had been a threat in every angle of her life, paranoia at its best.


The vampire had not given up on her which had spoken volume to his character. If Rafe had walked away, she would have not chased nor been upset. Though the leopardess had appreciated that he hadn’t. She had opened up enough to stand down and even stepped into his energy field to allow touch had been a milestone. The feline took in the scent of his body, inhaling deeply as she pressed her body against his. For a moment it had brought comfort in the smallest of ways. The feel of his flesh against her cheek had stirred emotions within. Tears welled up in her eyes as they threatened to fall, but she would not allow.


Naomi shook her head against his chest, knowing exactly what her friend meant. She wasn’t ready for that. The mere thought of exposing her burns and gashes had caused her heart to race. The thought of being that vulnerable even in hands that she knew were safe had terrified her. Suddenly, the leopardess felt herself coil within. She had felt small within that moment, but had been unable to move. Stricken with fear, her breathing became shallow. Images of being chained with silver shackles flooded her memory. Her eyes quickly had been taken over by its emerald hue as her emotions had been hiked. Quickly, she had taken a step back as a growl escaped her throat. At that moment she had not been seeing Rafe, but someone else. She kept backing up until the feline had hit the ledge. That thud had shook her soul as the leopardess blinked. Confused, Naomi had looked around as her brow furred.


That instant, Naomi had realized something wasn’t right. Heat rushed to her cheeks knowing she had made a fool of herself. “I...need help..” Her voice had been rough as she felt as if something had been in her throat. Claws had started to replace her nails as she had started the process of shifting.

It didn’t happen often but Rafe could admit when he miss-stepped. He knew the basics of what happened to her pack but no one had been able to give him specifics, especially when it came to Naomi. He was glad now that he hadn’t gone too deep into her mind to see for himself as she clearly wasn’t mentally ready for even his unobtrusive touch. But given his implying he could give her relief through their old play of binding and whipping, Rafe could easily surmise some of what happened.

He gave Naomi the needed moment to find herself once more, to recall where she was and who she was with, before two steps brought him back into her space. “Kitten,” he spoke softly and laid his hand on her shoulder and running it up and down her upper arm in a soothing gesture. Rafe focused on her emotions, giving them a subtle nudge back to where she was moments before memories overtook her. His intent wasn’t a drastic change but a simple one that would seem natural as he encouraged the feelings of friendship and knowing she was safe with him.

“Whatever you need, when you need it,” Rafe promised. He wasn’t going to push Naomi to open up to him now. The only goal of that meeting was to put himself back on her radar properly, reminding her he was there. While Naomi was as free-spirited as Aislin, she was as stubborn and tight-lipped as he was and Rafe knew from experience that she could hold out for quite a while when determined. Although Rafe did hope that when Naomi shared everything, there were some names to be given so he could exact some proper revenge and sate one of his urges he did his best not to feed too regularly.

“Perhaps you will join me for a walk around the property and dinner afterward? A roast is being prepared tonight.” It didn’t matter if they walked and dined in silence. Rafe’s only goal was to keep Naomi in his presence, reminding her that being near him meant safety and a chance to start relaxing and eventually letting down her guards once more. It wouldn’t happen that night but it would start it off.

Run was the first word that came to mind. As claws replaced her nails, she had wanted nothing but to rid herself of what had been taken place. The feline couldn’t fully comprehend what had happened, but it had left her disorientated. Even through her own embarrassment, Naomi had the realization that something hadn’t been right. The first time she had acknowledged this since all had happened. That realization sunk deep in her soul as the leopardess felt like she had been hit by a freight train. She had shuffled backwards a bit more, her heels bit into the banister. Claws had dug into the ledge as her lips had quivered. Naomi hadn’t known what was going on, but she needed to be free from it.


As Rafe had taken steps forward, she had been hyper focused on his moments. The feline heard her name spoken, but she had not responded nor held his gaze. As soon as the vampire had entered her energy field, Naomi had wanted nothing but to retract. The gentle touch had now allowed the feline to as a warm sensation had spread across her body. The soothing motion of the caress of her arm had caused her racing heart to calm. The rhythmic beat of her heart had not been as intense as her muscles started to release tense. The frantic need to run had started to subsided as it had been pushed into the back of the leopardess’s mind. Claws had retracted as her palms had loosened grip on the ledge. The once glowing orbs had returned to its brown hue as she slowly blinked.


Naomi had heard her friend’s words, but had not comment. The feline wasn’t sure if she could get herself to speak at the moment as her mind had seemed to calm in the smallest of ways. She had basked in the moment, allowing his touch to provide some comfort. The leopardess knew Rafe had been sincere with his words and would provide what she needed without hesitation. She could not think about what had been needed at that moment for her mind had been too clouded. Prefers this moment was exactly what had been needed.


Brown eyes had lifted from the spot she had once stared and settled on Rafe. She searched his face, her own gaze had been more of a lazy one for she suddenly realized how tired she had been due to sudden bursts of energy and emotions. “I….would like that…,” her voice had been soft with a hint of hesitancy, but Naomi still agreed. Hands finally had released the ledge as arms had fallen by her sides. Naomi finally had taken a step forward, leaving her perch against the rail. Had this been the right decision, she wasn’t sure but went through it anyways. Naomi had not held the vampire’s gaze, she had been too worn down. She had moved into him then moved off to the side so he could lead the way.