In A Ball Of Red (4/5)

[paulacas]

Title: In A Ball Of Red

Author: YanzaDracan

Word Count: 5,335/24,622

See Masterpost for the rest.

After breakfast, Sophia took Nate, Hardison, and a complaining Parker shopping-ostensibly for things the babies would need, though the wicked gleam in Sophia's eyes had them all groaning.

"If you haven't seen us by supper you'll know we died from exhaustion in the Garden District." Parker yelped as Sophia propelled her out the door.

A fresh pot of chicory coffee on the veranda, and Eliot was back reading letters.

He had to stop several times and force himself to breathe. A cattle stampede in Beaumont during a tornado, being part of a rescue team when a side wheeler's boiler exploded in Port Arthur, working himself to the point of collapse doctoring survivors. Several rank bulls that tried to kill him along with various and sundry broncs. If not for the protective nature of his horses, Eliot was sure Christian would have died several times over. The letter in which Christian tells of finding the pup on the river bank set his teeth on edge at people's cruelty, but it also gave him his first real clue since Tahlequah of where his twin was located. The letter mentioned breaking horses near Corpus Christi for the Army.

He was down to the last letter. The one Nana said she received the day they arrived. If his hands trembled as he opened the envelope, Eliot blamed it on Nana's rich New Orleans coffee. He carefully smoothed the paper, noting the excellent quality and that it was written with ink instead of pencil.

Either Christian had loosened his purse strings or he'd found a very lucrative job. A lump lodged in his throat when he read the first line.

'I think I have found a home.'

Christian glowingly described the Twin C and his job training a new breed of horses. He talked about the family he was working for, but he especially wrote about the family's son, Steven. Eliot's final clue that there was more going on than Christian was able to say was the fact that he included an address for Evangeline to answer his letters.

In all the letters he written, Christian had never included an address. He wondered if someone at the ranch had captured this brother's heart.

He carefully refolded the letter, making note of the name and address of the ranch in Texas, then carefully placed all the letters back in the casket. Pulling off his spectacles he rubbed his eyes, blaming their dampness on the strain they'd been under the last two days.

When he felt more himself he went in search of his tiny nemesis. Evangeline was just coming from the kitchen when she saw Eliot headed for her office.

"Somethin' I can help you with, Eliot?"

He set the casket of letters on the table and engulfed the small woman in hug. He kissed the top of her head with a whispered 'thank you' before handing her the casket and heading to their room for his coat. It was time to make travel plans for Corpus Christi.

Over supper, Eliot explained his plans. Alec and Parker both nodded their agreement. Alec because he was worried about Parker and Eliot was convinced Christian would be the best to care for her. Parker because she was feeling twitchy being in a city with so many shiny things to steal, and unable to fit in her clothes and harnesses.

As much as she loved her boys, and didn't want them to worry-she missed being slim enough to fit in all the places they couldn't, but they helped distract her from her burgeoning waistline by taking her to museums, banks and shops and then sat and planned jobs to keep her mind occupied. They sought out and bought the newest locks to keep her clever hands busy.

Nate and Sophia decided to stay on in New Orleans, and maybe travel the eastern states before going west. Nathan still had relations in Boston. They agreed to use the Evangeline's hotel as a place where they could communicate with each other. The three exchanged a look then looked back at the grifters.

"Try not to leave too many angry people behind ya." Eliot smirked. "Whatever you do don't let them follow you back here. We need a few cities where we can live without people wantin' to ride us out of town on a rail."

"Nana won't let them get in trouble." Parker pointed out.

"She's right about that." Hardison grinned.

Nathan rolled his eyes, but arched an eyebrow and nodded at Sophia.

"We must keep our skills sharp even though we're retired." Sophia said in a practical tone.

After dinner they all packed. Nate and Sophia to move into a regular room, the others to leave for the train station after breakfast. They said their goodbyes in the privacy of their suite, and set Christmas as the date they would be back in New Orleans.

They'd travelled and worked together for three years, so if there were tears, choked voices and growled admonishments-they were the only witnesses. Sophia took the address for the ranch and promised to contact them as soon as they got settled.

The train ride to Port Arthur was smooth, the first class accommodations allowing Parker to be as comfortable as possible.

Even with all the amenities, when the train pulled into the station twelve hours later, she was longing for solid ground without the incessant rocking that was making her slightly nauseous. Parker was glad they would have a day or two to rest while they made arrangements to travel to Corpus Christi.

A side wheeler took them on an uneventful trip from Port Arthur to Corpus Christi. They ran into their first trouble at their hotel, the desk clerk starting to say something snide about Hardison. Glares and growls from Parker and Eliot had the clerk quivering in his spats and keeping his thoughts behind his teeth when he was made to understand Alec was a rich businessman from New Orleans.

Their first stop the next morning was the mercantile sans post office to inquire about directions to the Twin C. The couple behind the counter stared almost open mouthed when they saw Eliot. The silence was broken by someone on the other side of the store calling out.

"Hey Kane! Somebody die or ya gittin' hitched?"

Eliot turned to the speaker.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Well shit, ya ain't Kane. Didn't think he'd go 'round all dandified and without his guns." The man chuckled.

"Be about yer bizness, Caleb." The woman scolded.

"I'm sorry, mister, but ya look like ya could be Kane, 'cept we don't expect the crew from the Twin C or the Rocking M to be in town 'til next week."

"As a matter of fact," Eliot let his Oklahoma drawl creep in his voice, "I was about to ask if ya could direct us to the Twin C. I'm lookin' for my twin brother, with whom you seem to have a passin' acquaintance."

The proprietress eyed the odd trio.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I seemed to have forgotten my manners. I'm Eliot Kane--this is Parker and Alec Hardison."

"If y'all have the notion, it'd be best if you waited for them to come to town. It's practically a two day trip to the Twin C. It'd be easier on the missus with her breedin' an all if ya travel with a group."

The woman stopped to draw a breath, but before she could continue the man helping chastised her. "Martha!"

"Hush William. This here's Kane's brother. He's wantin' information on Kane." She shot back with a snap. "Kane's pretty fair at doctorin' people so waitin' for him to come to town would be your best bet." She eyed the way the three were dressed. "Might wanna let me outfit ya with proper clothes. Y'all wanna pack them fine clothes away 'til ya git back to the city."

"We appreciate your help. Though I'm from Oklahoma, it's been a lotta years since I've been back." Eliot turned on the charm.

Parker and Hardison were already poking through the store. Eliot rolled his eyes before wrapping an arm around Parker and grabbing Alec by the nape.

"Do you have what we need for say two weeks' worth of clothing or do we need to purchase material and find a seamstress when we get to the ranch?" Eliot was all business as he kept his lovers corralled.

"I can have everything ready by the time the ranch crews git here. Miz Carlson always travels with 'em so there'll be some female company for ya."

Parker just stared at the woman, her eyes wide. Eliot seemed to know every time Parker was about to say something because he'd squeeze her around the waist. So Parker just gave Martha the fake smile Sophia had taught her and kept quiet. Not that Martha was deterred by her silence.

Alec just rolled his eyes as he continued to investigate the contents of the store.

They had measurements taken, picked out materials, and purchased necessities. Parker was pleased to trade her long skirts for the divided riding skirt and boots. At least she could move better, but she was hungry and tired and though her new boots were more comfortable than her shoes she really wanted to curl up with the boys and sleep.

Eliot had several other stops he wanted to make, but seeing how wilted Parker was looking, they went back to the hotel for lunch. He left Parker and Hardison curled on their bed while he went to see about the few things the mercantile didn't carry.

His next stop was the hardest. He hadn't carried a gun since the Russian Baroness had shot Christian. The sweat trickling down his spine had nothing to do with the Texas heat everything to do with his loathing for the weapons. He grabbed hold of his emotions and walked into the shop. The proprietor had the best and the brightest in the display case. The bell over door brought a middle aged woman from the back of the shop.

"Help you?"

Eliot was so hyperaware he could smell the gun oil she was wiping from her hands. Taking a deep, steadying breath he got down to business.

"I need three Winchesters and three pistols plus ammo for all, one pistol for a woman."

The gunsmith's no nonsense attitude soon settled Eliot's nerves as he competently handled the weapons she suggested. It wasn't long before he was leaving the shop wearing his new rig and carrying everything else.

The minute the hotel room door was closed behind him the gunbelt was stripped off and put away. Eliot had learned all other manner of fighting with and without weapons, even kept up on the latest innovations in weapons, but avoided guns like an anathema.

Parker and Alec had watched him with wide eyes when he came in the room wearing a gun. Parker held her excitement until after Eliot had put his gun away.

"Did you get me one?" Parker bounced on her toes.

"I got everybody one." There's too many things need shootin' out there to not carry one." Eliot growled as he secured the rifles and ammunition.

He picked up his valise and feeling for the hidden latch opened the compartment between the walls to retrieve a bundle of bills.

"I'm going to see about buying a team and three saddle horses along with a wagon if you want to come along."

"I guess I'll have to ride the wagon." Parker pouted.

"Only if you want to, sweetheart. You should be okay to ride for a little while longer-IF you take it easy. No crazy stuff." Eliot cajoled.

"I got the wagon." Alec offered.

Eliot watched Alec for several minutes before nodding. Hardison rode as well as any of them, but always chose to take care of their luggage and equipment.

Alec grinned at Eliot's frown. He knew he sometimes confused the man. That was good in Alec's world, kept Eliot from getting complacent. Though with Parker in the mix complacent wasn't even in their vocabulary.

He handled their luggage and gear because he didn't trust anyone else to do it right. It also freed up Parker and Eliot to do what they did best. Besides, people tended to overlook him and talk about things they ought not. That's what made Alec so good at gathering information.

They were looking over the horses in the corral when a shout caught their attention.

"Where's those nags you promised me, Kane. You weren't supposed to be here 'til next week!" A tall wiry man with a full graying moustache and a knee high yellow cur came out of the livery.

"Damn, you ain't Kane, but yer not far from it." He grumbled before he spit tobacco juice into the dirt.

"Kane is my brother. I was hoping to meet up with him when he came into town." He extended his hand. "Name's Eliot. This is Parker and Alec Hardison."

"Tom McIntyre." He shook Eliot's hand while eyeing Parker and Hardison. "Lookin' for somethin' in particular, Eliot?"

"I'm hopin' to spend some time with my brother, and I understand the Twin C is a ways from here-so probably need three saddle horses with tack plus a team, harness and wagon."

McIntyre nodded. "Think we can fix ya up. Y'all riders or city folk?"

"We're all decent on a horse." Eliot confirmed. "We can all handle a team."

"Got a few head. Have a better selection if Kane was comin' in this week." He pointed to three horses standing together in the shade. "Sorrel mare, bay gelding with the star, and that black paint gelding were all trained by Kane. Good animals. Mare be good for the little lady." He grinned unrepentant at Parker's glare. "Them two chestnut geldings are a pretty good team. Treat 'em right and I'll buy 'em back when ya leave town."

"May I?" Eliot indicated the gate.

"Wouldn't 'spect nothin' less." The two men crossed the corral to the horses.

The paint placed himself between the bay and sorrel. Eliot rolled his eyes when he heard Parker and Alec snicker.

"Look!" Parker yelled. "It's Eliot with four legs."

"Feisty little gal." Tom chuckled.

"You have no idea." He growled.

"The other fella?"

"None of your concern." Ice dripped off Eliot's words.

"Gotcha." He spit again.

Thirty minutes later, an agreement had been reached.

Buying horses his twin had trained made Eliot feel a step closer, proud of his brother's reputation with these people. He was curious as to why they called him Kane and not Christian, but decided to ask his brother that question when they met.

They passed the time getting used to the new horses, picking up the last of their order from the mercantile, enjoying the luxury of having the suite to themselves.

They stopped in the mercantile to get Parker a bag of penny candy. There were no customers in the store, but the level of activity was high.

"Martha, has something happened?" Alec asked as he paid for the candy.

"No just getting the orders ready for the Rocking M and Twin C. Good thing y'all already got your supplies."

"Are they here?"

"Not yet. Sent one of my boys out a while ago-lookin'. They're close enough they'll camp by the river and bring the cattle and horses to town in the morning." She continued to work as she talked. "They'll load the wagons and be back to camp 'bout dusk."

"They don't stay in town?" Eliot asked.

"Some of the cowboys will, but more often than not they keep to themselves."

The three exchanged a look. They needed to pack tonight.

"Here tell they're havin' some big doin's 'round New Year's to show off them new fangled horses the Carlsons' breed. Invitin' folks from all over the country."

"Thank you for everything, Martha. You and William have been a godsend."

Eliot herded the other two out the door. They had a lot to prepare.

After camp and the animals were settled, he grabbed his saddle bags and headed for the river. It'd be an hour or two before Cookie had supper ready, and he intended to put the time to good use. Two days of trail dirt was starting to make him itch. The cottonwoods deepened the evening shadows affording him privacy.

His dogs came up beside him-attention on sounds coming from the river. He gestured for them to be quiet so they flopped with a huff down beside the saddle bags already there. A grin broke over the handsome face at their antics.

Three months after he'd settled at the Twin C, River had disappeared. He resigned himself to the idea that coyotes had ganged up on the black dog and killed him. Two weeks later River had shown up with a gyp that looked exactly like him-black with blue eyes.

It had taken a few days for her to accept the no one was going to hurt her, while she was affectionate with him, she LOVED Steven.

Steven named her Spirit, complaining she and Christian were always disappearing only to reappear where you least expected.

He quickly stripped and left River and Spirit on watch as he slipped silently into the black water. Coming up on the blond from behind, he grabbed the soap covered torso and toppled the man backwards into the water. He started to fight until he recognized the callused hands that held him.

"Dammit, Christian!" Steven hissed. "That's a good way to catch a rock 'long side the head."

"Come here and let me make it up to ya, darlin'." Christian purred.

He caught the frowning lips in a kiss that held everything he'd been repressing since they left the safety of the Twin C. When they separated to breathe, Steven tried to push away.

"Supper…" He started.

"Hour maybe two." Christian started working his way down the tanned neck then further down to the paler torso.

"Need more sun." Christian teased.

"Not all of us are exhibitionists." Steven chided.

"My own shy little…"

"You really do not want to finish that statement, Christian, especially in light of our present activities." Steven's growl turned to a groan as Christian's mouth closed over the head of his cock.

When had he moved onto this rock with an indentation perfect for what they were doing? Then he didn't think at all.

An hour later, Steven stowed his saddle bags by his bedroll. He grabbed a cup of coffee and joined his parents by the fire. They gave him an indulgent smile at his relaxed demeanor.

"Nice swim?" His mother looked at him over the rim of her cup.

"Very." Steven blushed hotly when his father chuckled.

Cookie had just called everyone to eat when Christian appeared out of the dark, long hair looking sleek as an otter's pelt.

"Everything settled?" Chris asked.

Christian gave a curt nod. He laid his saddle bags next to his saddle as they moved toward the chuck wagon. Jensen and Jeff from the Rocking M joined them after their own dip in the river.

After supper, Christian, Jensen, and the dogs walked the camp perimeter. They set the guards for the night before going back. Spirit went to Steve and sat pressed against his leg. Concerned, Steven looked at the two men.

"Spirits are whispering." Jensen stated.

"Danger?" Chris asked.

Christian closed his eyes. "No. I think it has something to do with me." He answered in a detached voice.

Goose flesh rose on Steven's arms.

"Spirit boy's right about that. It's all about him." Jensen tried to lighten the mood. "Hell, I was only raised by the Comanche, and I can tell how much the spirits love your breed ass."

It was an old joke left over from when they'd first met, and it brought a smile to everyone's face.

"Ruggedly handsome wins over pretty every time."

Christian shoved the younger man out of his way. Everyone relaxed and enjoyed the evening by the fire listening to Jensen, Steven, and Christian play their guitars and sing.

When Christian made his last perimeter check, Steven went along. After checking the last guard, Steven pulled Christian to a stop before they got to their bedrolls.

"Christian…?" Steven's voice was soft, but his tone was firm.

He heaved a sigh at the lengths he would go to for this man…voicing his feelings out loud was not on the list of favorite things.

"It's something I haven't felt in five years." He closed his eyes. "It feels like Eliot."

Steven gasped. "You think he's close?"

Afraid to give voice to his hope, Christian shrugged. "We'll find out soon enough."

Eliot dozed fitfully. He woke at every sound as though Christian would magically appear at his bedside. He tried to roll away from Parker and Alec, but the thief kept a tight grip on the arm across her waist, not letting go until he relaxed.

He finally buried his nose in her hair hoping her scent would quiet the clamor in his brain.

Around three, Christian gave up trying to sleep. His body twitched to wrap around Steven so he could sleep, but that path led to probable death at the most-a horrific beating at the least--with him and Steven chased from the Twin C if for no other reason than to protect Chris and Sandra. Instead he kicked up the fire and started a fresh pot of coffee.

While it brewed, he walked the perimeter, River and Spirit at his heels. Every cowboy on duty cursed the cat footed horse trainer as he appeared out of the dark like a haint. Cookie nearly toppled over when he came out of his bedroll to start breakfast.

"Sweet Jesus, Kane, make some fuckin' noise-warn a feller, somethin'." He continued to grumble about ungrateful cowboys slinkin' around like thieves as he started breakfast preparations.

Christian simply smirked and continued running his hand over the dogs' heads-soothing both man and dogs.

When Steven opened his eyes he expected to see Christian's blue eyes looking back. The empty ground beside him almost had him jumping to his feet and waking the camp with a shout.

The first blush of dawn was lightening the sky so when his eyes moved over the camp he saw Christian's bedroll leaning against his saddle before seeing the man himself sitting by the cook fire nursing a cup of coffee. Releasing a deep sigh of relief, he shook any unwelcome visitors out of his boots and started his morning ablutions.

He was irritated at not having his morning private time with Christian. Taking a few minutes to work out his mood, Steven greeted Christian with a soft smile after tweaking the braid that hung to the middle of the broad back before reaching for the cup of coffee Christian offered.

"How'd you?..." Steven sputtered.

"Always know where you are, darlin'." Christian pitched his voice low to keep it from carrying. "The rest of you reprobates are on your own." His voice lifted to include the others stumbling into the firelight.

He grinned at everyone else's morning grumbles and Jensen's growled opinion of his parentage.

Since only the livestock and supply wagons were going to town, it didn't take long for everyone to be hitched and saddled up, ready to go.

First stop, the cattle pens. Christian, Sandra and Jeff continued on with the horses and wagons.

Christian made sure everyone was situated at the mercantile before he continued to the livery.

Stormy eyes, hungry for the sight of his twin had Eliot watching from the hotel balcony. White knuckled hands gripped the rail as the string of a dozen well behaved horses and a black dog trailed behind his brother toward the livery. When Christian disappeared from sight, Eliot was finally able to move back into their room where he was met by the sight of his lovers-his family dressed and waiting, not patiently, but quietly, took his breath with the feelings that were clogging his heart and mind with their intensity. They engulfed him in a hug, chiding him to breathe and teasing him about tarnishing his Mr. Control persona.

When he could breathe properly, he pulled away.

"Is this where we have sex for comfort?" Parker asked brightly.

Alec sputtered for words as Eliot chuckled and pulled Parker back into a hug. "Ya ain't right, girl, but don't ever change."

"Why would I change?" She asked, puzzled.

She pulled out of his arms and adjusted her hat. "Are we going to steal Christian, now?" She smoothed her skirt over her rounding belly.

"Let's find out how he feels about us dropping into his life then decide if we need to steal him." Alec suggested. "Maybe he has somebody. This is the longest he's ever been in one place."

"Speculating won't solve anything." Eliot growled. "Let's get this done."

He spun on his heel and was out the door so fast the other two had to scramble to follow.

Christian was tucking away his payment for his string of horses when the air stilled and the hair on the back of his neck rose. River pressed hard against his leg, but gave no indication there was a threat.

Tom had started to prattle about needing the new string because he'd sold the last of his horses to some guy that was looking for him and how he bore an uncanny resemblance to Kane when Christian turned to see what leeched all the air and sound away.

He actually shook his head thinking he needed to clear his vision at what he saw. River stood planting himself directly between the brothers only understanding his human was upset and the three people in front of them were the cause.

"Di-na-da-nv-tli." Christian breathed out.

"Brother." Eliot's voice was just as breathy.

They moved as one embracing each other whispering in multitude of languages that no one could follow. Tom stood slacked jawed as he watched the always calm and collected Kane with his brother.

"It's been awhile." Parker poked the livery owner.

"I'd say." Tom agreed with stream of tobacco juice for emphasis.

"Think we'll be needin' everything saddled and hitched." Alec added.

"Say you're right 'bout that, too." He moved off to gather their horses.

They turned back to the twins in time to see Eliot land a punch to Christian's deeply tanned cheek. Christian stepped back, eyes narrowed. River growled low in his chest.

"That's for sneakin' out in the middle of the night." Eliot growled low.

"You were better off." Christian turned away.

Only to bump into Parker who leaped into his arms and gave him a wet, smacking kiss on the lips. "Glad to see us?"

Doing the only thing he could do, he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Yes." His expression was confused then cleared. "How pregnant are you, little sister?"

"Three months." She beamed. "We didn't think we could it's been so long." She glared at Alec and Eliot over Christian's shoulder. "Big surprise-Eliot thinks it's twins." After another kiss she let go of his neck and slid to her feet.

Alec grabbed the shorter man in a tight hug. "Eliot FEELS it's twins." He took a step back. "Missed you. Nana says you better come visit soon."

Christian blushed and ducked his head. "Nana's an exceptional woman." He checked to see where Tom was lurking before pulling the trio closer to the corral fence and telling River to keep watch. "Why are you here? You're not exactly safe here."

"We're aware." Eliot replied. "We want you to deliver Parker."

Shocked Christian gaped at the three of them. "But…they're better equipped and trained in Europe…I…" He turned away struck by the enormity of what they were asking. "If something goes wrong…"

"You'll save me."

The surety in Parker's eyes nearly drove Christian to his knees. When he looked at the two men he saw the same conviction in their eyes.

"I'll have to talk it over with the Carlsons'." He rubbed his hands over his face. "Get yer gear, come back to camp with us. Sandra's not the type of woman to turn anyone away, and Chris loves his wife too much to deny her anything. Female company-even if she's a little bent-would be a change, throw in babies and we're all pretty much putty in those nimble little fingers." He slanted a look at Parker, who was fussing over her horse.

He gave Eliot a sly look. "No stealing."

"She'll put it back. Says she needs to stay in practice."

Christian moved in close enough to breathe in his twin. "This is MY home." He emphasized the word.

Eliot nodded his understanding. When Christian bent to touch his dog Eliot noticed the bracelet of braided dark blond hair around his wrist. If Christian had someone special in his life why wouldn't he simply tell them?

His thoughts were broken when Christian swung up on his buckskin.

"We need to git a move on."

Eliot tied Alec's horse to the back of the wagon before climbing on his own paint. Christian smirked at his twin.

"That one's a lot like the man that bought him. Hard headed about doin' what he's told 'til he figured out I was the boss."

He was jogging out of the stable yard toward the hotel before Eliot could form a reply. A giggling Parker followed close behind.

Christian left the luggage to Eliot and Alec while he rode ahead to the mercantile, Parker quietly nervous next to him.

Chris, Steven and Jensen had concluded their business at the cattle pens and were helping load the wagons. Jensen was the first to spot him.

"Kane, 'bout time ya showed. Tom give ya…" His words trailed off when he saw the obviously pregnant Parker. His face shuttered, and his speech became clipped. "Ma'am." His polite tone was cool.

Christian looked stricken at Jensen's actions. The assumption that Christian would step out on Steven with a woman cut him to the quick. He covered quickly with a bland expression that chilled the Carlsons. Steven groaned silently. The silence was broken when the blonde woman laughed.

"Was he kicked in the head?" She asked Christian seriously.

Christian shrugged indifferently then turned toward the Carlsons, which made Jensen cringe. He was so screwed.

"I'd like you to meet Parker, a member of my brother, Eliot's family. They would like me to deliver their babies. I don't wish to impose on your hospitality, but could you put them up at the big house until her time? I know it's as bit much…I can make other arrangements…." Christian trailed off, still smarting from Jensen's actions.

Parker reached across their horses to squeeze his hand.

Sandra glared at Jensen before turning to Christian. "Christian Kane, you're as much my son as Steven. If any more of that drivel passes from your lips, I'll kick your behind from here to the Twin C. Your family is always welcome for as long as need be."

Christian ducked his head. "Yes ma'am."

Steve breathed easier when he saw the shy smile Christian gave his mother.

Sandra whirled on Jensen. "Jensen Ackles, pull your boot out of your mouth and apologize to Christian and Parker for your poor manners." She scolded.

Jensen blushed deeply, but grabbed his hat off his head. "Parker, ma'am, I apologize for being a loutish oaf. I don't often jump to such conclusions, but you acted so familiar with Kane that I assumed…"

Parker stared at the sun streaked reddish brown hair, freckles, and green eyes. She slanted a look to Christian.

"He's pretty. Think Eliot and Alec would let me steal him?" She asked innocently.

"There's someone that might git to missin' him, darlin'." He drawled nonchalantly.

"I'd put him back…eventually." Parker's eyes lit with a slightly off kilter expression.