This story will mostly be tame, except for chapter three, that is STRONG M = Mature! You have been warned!

How It Happened…

Prologue

As I sat nursing a hot cup of tea, I heard Ivy ask me what had happened and how it had all gone so wrong. At first I couldn't even think about it, it hurt too much. That's when I realized how it had gone all wrong, and I had lost the only happily ever after I was going to get. I thought back to a few days ago when it all started...

Chapter One

I looked around the room while I bounced Lucy on my knee. I'd been spending a lot of time with Trent at his apartments the last few months. We both wouldn't admit it, but we were both lonely. Trent missed Ceri, and Lucy spent a lot of time with her mother on the other side of the country. I was lonely because Ivy was spending all her time with Nina and Jenks was busy training his kids to be able to care for their own gardens, considering they are all almost old enough to leave home soon. I just couldn't stand being in the church without the sound of pixy wings, maybe I'll give it to Ivy and Nina and I'll find a place to stay. Maybe Jenks will come with me, or maybe he'll move on too.

Maybe I'll stay here with Trent and the girls, he's always complaining about needing help with them. Since both he and Quen work a lot, and Ceri being no longer around to watch them, it's hard on them. I practically live here now; Trent even gave me my own room, okay, more like my own wing. But, I only use my room. I probably spend more time there then in the church.

Things had been blissfully quiet the last few months. Having stopped the Ever After from shrinking for now, and stopping Ku'Sox from killing all the demons, I was the new favorite. And everything bad I had done was forgiven, well, past bad things. You can imagine it was sort of weird spending so much time with Trent, and his kids. It almost felt like we were a family at times, but then I kicked myself mentally. Trent is with Ellasbeth, they are a family, I'm just… a friend? Anyways, I don't want to be a family with Trent, do I?

"Rachel?" A hand touched my shoulder gently.

I jumped then made sure I still had Lucy on my lap. I looked up and saw Trent smiling at me. "Sorry, I guess I zoned out." I handed him Lucy, who squealed and hugged him.

"That's okay. I do that sometimes myself, get so deep in thought I forget where I am or what I was doing." He shrugged and put Lucy down, who toddled off to play with Ray.

"I really want to thank you Rachel for all you help these past few months." He said and reached over and grabbed my hand.

I looked at his hand and felt a funny tickle in my stomach, I always got it when he touched me, and it was quite annoying. "Well, it beats staying in the church alone and bored. I never thought I'd miss Ivy just sitting at her computer typing away. Or making a plan to get me out of some trouble I'd gotten into." I smiled and shrugged. Trent laughed and squeezed my hand before letting go, my hand felt weird now that he wasn't holding it.

"Yeah. You've been a good little demon lately haven't you?" He just smiled at me and that tickling feeling got stronger.

"Yeah, well, I've spent all my time taking care of your kids. Leaves no time to piss of demons or witch cults…" I tried not to laugh but I couldn't help it. "The things I get into… how did you people ever put up with me?" I shook my head embarrassed.

"It's because we are your friends, and we love you." He smiled and glanced at the girls to make sure they were okay.

"Yeah, guess so. I just keep wondering how I got such good friends…" I didn't even realize I was staring at him until he turned back to me. I felt a blush creep up. Crap! I thought and looked away quickly, which of course just made me look even worse.

"Remember that night in my hut when you gave me back my fingers?" He asked randomly.

I looked at him shocked, he had a weird look on his face, and I couldn't quite place it. "With Al drunk in the bed?"

He nods and continues to stare at me; the tickling feeling was back, crap. "What about it?" I asked confused.

"I just… I've been…" He scoots closer to me, as Lucy climbs up onto the couch and plays with a book. "Nothing…it's nothing." He said a little sadly.

Or was it me who was sad? I didn't know I was so confused these days. Such thoughts, feelings going through me and my head. Maybe I just need a break from Trent for a while?

I got up suddenly. "I just remembered… I have…something to do." I nodded and headed for the exit.

Trent just sat there shocked and blinked a few times. "Rachel wait!" He jumped up and grabbed my hand before I could reach the door. "Did I say something wrong?" He sounded hurt and confused.

I mentally kicked myself and sighed, I turned back to him. He was still holding my hand, damn that tickling feeling. "No, I'm sorry. I just need… some air." I nodded, probably looked like a doggy on a dash board.

"Was it me talking about that night with Al?" He asked.

I shook my head, but I knew he knew I was lying.

"Because, if it's upset you, I want to know. Last thing I want to do is hurt you Rachel, you know that right?" He held my hand a little tighter and moved in closer to me.

I could hardly breath, he was so close, and all I wanted to do was get out of there, I needed some serious air. "Yeah… I know…" Was all I could muster.

"Good. Because I care about you, and hurting you would devastate me, even if it was unintentional." He stepped closer to me, so close I could see how deep his eyes truly looked up close. And how his hair was golden in the sunlight coming from the skylight above us, I just wanted to run my fingers through it. Good thing he was still holding my hand.

"Yeah…" I muttered. I was too focused on his eyes and how beautiful they were.

"Your hair is beautiful in this sunlight, looks like fire." He however did not resists and reached up to run his fingers through my hair.

I shivered and tried to pull away, but his grip on my hand tightened and I froze in place.

"It's like you, firey and dangerous, yet beautiful at the same time." He took his eyes off my hair and looked at me, he smiled.

I felt my breath catch in my chest, as he took the remaining step between us and placed his lips upon mine. I closed my eyes and breathed him in, his lips tasted like elven wine. Kind of like the last time he kissed me. I felt him let go of my hand and place the arm around my waist, pulling me to him. I didn't fight him; I wanted this just as much as he did. So I parted my lips and kissed him back. It started out soft and romantic, but in time it became hot and passionate. His grip around my waist tightened, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, and laced my fingers through his golden hair, it was as soft. He wrapped his other arm around my waist and pulled me as close as possible; I tightened my grip around his neck, and continued to explore his lips and mouth.

I'd have to say it was the most passionate kiss I had ever experienced. But, before I could find out how far it would go, I felt him loosen his grip on me and pull away all together. We parted and looked into my eyes; I saw the hunger, the passion, the need in them. But, I also saw fear and confusion, like he has no idea why he wants me so badly.

"I…I… have to…go." I detangled myself from him and backed away slowly. I must have been closer to the steps then I realized, because the next thing I knew I was in his arms again. The steps right behind me, before I could say thank you or a joke, he was kissing me again. I wasn't complaining. I dropped my bag and wrapped my arms around his neck once more and kissed him with as much passion as I felt.

I expected him to pull away again, but it seems that he had overcome his fear, and was willing to go as far as we would allow. I was all for all the way, but I heard a woman's voice in the next room and realized it was Ellsbeth.

Reluctantly, he pulled away from me. All he did was stare into my eyes trying to convey the passion he felt without saying a single word.

"I know…" I grabbed my bag and on my way out passed Ellsbeth, I hoped it wasn't obvious. "Ellsbeth."

"Rachel…" Was all she said as she walked into the living room.

I paused at the door and looked at Trent who was focused on Ellsbeth, but when she looked away he looked up to see me still, he smiled at me with that smile it seems he only reserves for me. I sighed and walked out, I did however catch the disappointment look that crossed his face before he turns back to Ellsbeth.

I don't know how long I sat in my car before I started it and pulled out. I could have just gone to my rooms, but after what just happened with Trent. I didn't want the man to get any funny ideas, especially with Ellsbeth around. Not that he would, but then again… that kiss, or should I say those kisses. I could feel the heat coming from him, the waves of passion; it was enough to push me over the edge. He wanted to rip my clothes off and throws me onto the couch, even if the girls were watching. Though I think he forgot…

"I don't need this right now, I got my first run in months. Wonder if I should take Ivy and Jenks. Right, then listen to Jenks talk about I'm never home and off banging Trent. Close... I thought and smiled then shook my head. Trent belonged to that ice queen bitch, not to me. I am nothing more than a friend, colleague, whatever… never lover. "No matter how badly I want him…" I muttered to myself.

I pulled up to the church thirty minutes early, guess I'd been speeding… good thing no one caught me, then again I'm friends with the FIB… or at least I was. IS would take any chance to lock me away and throw the key down the garbage disposal. I took a deep breath and got out of the car, I was immediately surrounded by Pixies, when I should I bared no gifts they all darted away disappointed.

"Rache, tinks titties, you reek of Elf. Being banging hips again?" He smiled, I just glared at him.

"Only one I'm banging is you, and not in a good way." I hissed as I slipped past him, he just laughed and followed me.

"He must be rusty for you to be this cranky." Jenks laughed at a high pitched tone which made my ears hurt, I couldn't imagine how Ivy felt.

"Hey, Ivy. Trent didn't do a good job this time, she's P'O…" Jenks started, that was it, three months of this was enough. Not realizing how fast I had gotten, I pulled an Ivy and just snatched him out of the air while he hung there laughing, distracted. Both Ivy and Jenks jumped, well he would have but I was holding the little bugger. Even his kids has stopped playing to watch.

Good, I have everyones attention. I smiled wickedly at Jenks as he tried to struggle, but it was no use. "Listen to me, you annoying garden sprite, one more snipe or joke about me and Trent and I will set your stump on fire…" I saw Ivy in the corner my eye, just blink then open the back door and windows for air. That's right, the witch/demon is ticked off, you'd better air out the room, I'm not done yet. I turned my attention back to a horrified Jenks in my hand, I didn't feel one bit bad for him, he'd been riding my ass for three months about Trent, time I ended it.

"Also, if I ever decide to "bang" Trent, that is my business and none of yours, understand?!" I snapped, he just stared at me in shock and slowly nodded. I snarled as added effect and released him. He didn't waste time in flying out the back window and to his stump. Probably to sulk! I thought bitterly, I turned to Ivy daring her to say a word, but she just held up her hands in pacification and backed away to her computer.

"You must be ticked… you've never caught Jenks before." She said, now that she was at a safe distance from me, or at least she thinks she is.

"I've never tried to before, also he was distracted laughing at me. Figured I'd teach him a lesson." I smiled and poured myself some coffee.

"That you did, nice work. I was about to do the same myself. But, I wouldn't have been as nice." Ivy took a marker and started on a map. The map, reminded me of my run.

"Hey partner, I need your help on a ru- " I started but Ivy waved me off.

"Jenks told me…" Was all she said as she finished her outline.

"That lil pest, doesn't he have anything better to do then bother me?" I said and then looked closer to the map Ivy had. It was a map of the run I needed to do. Ok, this time I'd forgive him.

"What's your analysis boss?" I sat on the center island and sipped my coffee. I randomly sniffed myself to see if I did smell like Trent, but I couldn't smell anything.

"Yes…" Was all she said, without looking up from her maps.

I blinked and looked at her over my coffee mug. "Yes, what?"

"Yes, you do stink like Trent. Also your lipstick is smeared and your hair is a mess. I know you didn't sleep with him, so much has been a quick snog or two…" Ivy finished as if she was reading me my horoscope, not revealing my deep dark secret. Okay, so maybe not that deep and dark, but still.

I jumped when my hot coffee spilled into my lap, I was so shocked I let my arm holding the mug go limp, hence the burned lap. "Shit!" I jumped up and grabbed the towel and started dabbing. No good, I'll have to change. "How the hell…" I began, but again she waved me off, that was getting old.

"I told you, your lipstick is smeared, not just smudged, but smeared. Your hair looks like someone ran their fingers through it; it wasn't you as your hands are clean of red hair. But, they do have blonde hair in them, so my guess was that you just kissed Trent, quite passionately, at least twice. Not much hair groping in sex, there are better places to grope." At that she looked up at me and flashed her fangs with a smile, I felt my blood run cold, I shook myself out of it.

"You are freaking Sherlock Holmes!" I shouted and threw the towel down, then checked to see if Jenks heard, he was still pouting.

"No, just a vampire. I have been studying you these last three months. Well, when you are here that is." She added with a smile, I was about to snap a rebuke, about her never being home, but she but me off… again. Probably for the best, never good to piss of a vampire. "I've been waiting to see when you two would finally kiss, and it's happened. Now, you can move on."

First of all she has been studying me? I didn't notice… also? Move on? Move on?! "Wait, move on?!" I snapped.

She just smiled and nodded, I didn't care if she was a vampire, I wanted to bash her laptop over her head, my face must of said so, for she shut it and leaned on it. If I hadn't been so angry, I'd have chuckled.

"I don't want to move on!" I snapped as I strode forward and placed a hand on the center island.

"And why not? You've had him, time to find game you can actually capture and keep." She smiled at her hunter metaphor, but I wanted to metaphor her in the face. I know, it didn't make sense, but I was angry. So Angry I strode right up to her, she stood in one slow move. Normally that would scare me, but right now I was too steamed.

Move on?! Uhh… how dare she! "I'll tell you why, I don't want to move on because… because…" I froze as I couldn't think of why I didn't wanted to move on, I just didn't.

"I see, you haven't slept with him yet, that's why. Rachel I never knew you could be so slutty." She smiled, the next thing I knew she was holding my wrist, apparently I had tried to slap her. Her eyes turned black, but I still didn't care.

"I don't want to move on because… because…" I stuttered, but just smiled.

"Yes?" She smiled at my silence and let go off my wrist. "See you have no reason, just move on already."

That was when I exploded. I found myself in my kitchen, yelling at a vampire who could break me in two easily, how did I live for so long. "I'll tell you why I won't move on!" I shouted, she just smiled.

"I'm all ears…" She smiled, but again I was silent. "As I thought… he will marry Ellsbeth and you can find a guy who wants yo-" She started but I cut her off this time.

"Because I love him, that's why!" I found myself screaming, Ivy looked shocked then happy and victorious.

That bitch, she had baited me into admitting I was in love with Trent. Wait, what? I'm in love with Trent?! I must have lost my balance because Ivy was helping me into a chair.

"There you finally said it, feel better?" She was still smiling, except this time I didn't have the energy to yell or hurt her.

"Yes… actually… but, it doesn't matter. Like you said he will marry Ellsbeth and I, I will move on. No, not another man… no man will want me, being a demon and all. And the only ones who do, either I don't want them or I can't have them." I sighed, instead of feeling better, I actually felt worse. And from the look on Ivys face, she felt the same way. "But, thank you for making me admit it. Now, I can face it, and move on." This time it was my turn to smile, I patted her hand then left for my room, leaving a stunned Ivy in my wake.