1 The Inhale, More than Air

This is my first fanfic. I do not own Morganville Vampires. I write this as my imagination see's fit. I truly hope that I do not offend one of my favorite authors, Rachel Caine. This takes place after the last chapter in Last breath, so if you have not read or finished reading I advice you to finish the book first. I would regret ruining the experience and joy you all have become accustom to through her series. So in other words may contain spoilers.

Chapter1 The Bond that binds

Separating from their kiss Claire and Shane stood close together, foreheads touching breathing in one another's sent, then turning and following the others to the square. Claire had only walked a few feet before stopping and looking around as if she was searching for something or someone. Shane had walked another ten feet before he realized Claire was not longer beside him. Quickly he turned around his mind trying to think the worse. It never had a chance to go into detail. He easily spotted Claire standing in the sidewalk a few feet back and he jogged back to her. Reaching for her hand he touched it softly startling Claire, drawing her attention back to him.

"What's wrong Claire, do you see something?" Shane asked, his face full of concern.

"No, It's um..it's Myrnin, he is not with the others. He went to the lab and he needs my help." Claire said the last bit softly. Looking at Shane Claire saw a mix of emotions past across his face before smoothing out into a look of boredom.

"Claire how do you know that's where he went and that he needs you?" Shane asked not hiding the irritation in his voice. "He could have ran ahead of us and is taking care of Amelie." Shane looked at Claire lovingly, "Claire what is it ?"

Looking down at her feet Claire could feel the blush rise to her cheeks, embarrassed because she had no idea how to explain it. This is the first time she could not explain herself.

"Shane, I have this feeling a very strong feeling and I can not explain how or why, but he needs my help. If he is attempting to do what I think he is, then he is going to need your help as well." Claire looked at Shane, coming up with the most lovely idea yet, she could only try. "Shane," she said trying to sound sad and pathetic, looking at him with her best puppy-dog eyes, "will you please help, please come with me.. Please.." .

"Okay," Shane said reaching over, placing a palm on the side of Claire's face drawing her into a deep and heavy kiss and reluctantly releasing her. Smiling Claire's favorite crooked grin Shane spoke softly,

"I'll go anywhere with you, I'm not losing you again. So I guess if we are going we better run, okay?"

"Kay, said Claire, feeling a little bad for the sucker play, but she really needed Shane to be with her. Looking deep into his eyes she spoke, "I love you very much. Thank you, I really did not want to be away from you", looking down at her feet again Claire spoke even more softly, "I need you to be with me, I'm sorry."

"Hey, hey what do you have to be sorry about?" Shane asked placing a hand under Claire's chin lifting her head so she is looking at him. "Don't apologize for that, I need you too. I need you very much, so please don't feel bad for making me feel great, or making me feel needed, I love you. Shane gave Claire a quick kiss on the lips before giving her a bright smile. "You ready?"

" Yes, yes I am now." Claire replied happily smiling a big smile as well. They then took off in the direction of the Day's house and Myrnin's lab, running at a steady pace side by side.

I do not own Morganville Vampires or any of the Characters. This is only my imagination. What is written here is not relevant to the actual Morganville series, it is all a work of fanfic. May contain spoilers to Last Breath so again advise you to read the book first.. R&R, Please & Thank you.

Chapter2 Sometimes water is thicker than blood

Looking around as they ran to the lab trying to keep an eye out for anything out of the Morganville norm, Shane could not help but think of something he really wished he hadn't. Stealing sideways glance at Claire, he thought maybe it should be said out loud, but there was a tiny little whisper in his head that said no, shush, don't speak of this, but Shane didn't listen.

"You do realized that the last couple of times I went to Myrnin's lab with you bad things did happen to me. I mean first I find out my father's brain is in a jar plugged into the town, and I was shot with a crossbow by a psychotic bitch, and then I had tea with your mad-hatter, bipolar boss, who tried to kill me in an alley few hours later." Shane glanced at Claire as he spoke and seen her stumble in her stride almost falling but she managed to recover quickly, she was obviously taken back by his words. Shane continues quickly realizing that what he said sounded cruel and almost like he was blaming her.

"All I'm saying is be ready for anything, I meant what I said before I can't lose you. You are too much a part of my being so please be carful. Okay?" Shane gave Claire a small smile and gently touched her arm. Claire returned the smile hiding the fact that she felt guilty for everything that has happened to Shane since they meet. Claire didn't say anything, what could she say, so she did the only thing she thought of, she bowed her head in agreement and picked up the pace. They did not stop running for a good ten minutes until they reached Grandma Day's house and even then they both walked to the entrance of the alley.

Claire took the advantage and grabbed Shane around the waist pulling him to her, with mere inches apart she kissed him hard and deep something Shane was not expecting but enjoyed. The kiss did not last long both Claire and Shane needed to catch their breath from running and now the kissing. Once Claire managed to get her breathing back to normal and she had gained a brief moment of courage she decided to suggest an idea to Shane.

"Look maybe if you want to you can wait in the alley. I mean if it will make you feel better and if I need help I yell. Or you can wa..."

"No, no-way ain't happening, I'm not leaving you. We go in together." Shane replied with a smirk. "Besides they can't get rid of me that easily and neither can you." Shane quickly kissed Claire on the cheek, then gently tugged her arm to walk down the alley to the lab.

As they opened the door to the shack ,which housed the staircase down to Myrnin's lab, they could hear two people arguing. The voices became clearer and identifiable as Claire and Shane descended the stairs.

"How could you turn that poor girl into, into, into you.? My son must be devastated ." Frank's voice was a mix of sorrow and anger. "How did you convince him to allow this or did you do it behind his back."

"I have no time for this, I need to turn off the terminate sequence. Now! Frank I said..." Myrnin did not get to finish his sentence because Frank had interrupted with a very harsh and cynical laugh.

"I don't really give a shit what you said you need to do. I'm not going to let you diffuse the bomb that will end this nightmare of a town. Honestly did you really think I would let any of you

leeches live once you had decided to use me as the detonator. Ha ha, oh that's good that's actually funny, you know for a genius you are a real dumb ass!"

Myrnin did not respond to Frank's outburst, instead he seemed more focused on trying to get the electronic lock open to the door to Frank's underground cavern that is now his brain's current

address. Unfortunately Frank was capable of changing the code faster than Myrnin, (a vampire) could type..It also did not help that Frank kept sending high volts of electricity in to Myrnin every-

time his fingers touched the keypad. Frank's laughter filled the lab every-time Myrnin got shocked. Myrnin on the other hand, swore and cursed loudly in thirty-two languages, shaking his hands like they were on fire.

"Jesu! I swear Frank, if you do not let me stop the bomb, I will make sure your son suffers.

I will teach him to be subservient to all vampires. I'm sure with the help of Claire he would become a very good blood whore. Now let me in!"

"So just how are you going to that when I make sure this town burns to the ground taken every-thing with it. All that's going to be left as a reminder is a very radioactive smoking crater. So now what? You don't have shit, bitch so shut your hole, and kiss your ass good-b...

"No!" Both Claire and Shane yelled at the same-time as they ran down the last few steps into the lab stopping a few feet inside the large room. Shane instinctively surveyed the room while sub- consciously pulling Claire behind him for protection.

" Oh, now I've seen it all, my own son protecting a leech." Frank roared seeing Shane try to guard Claire.

"I never thought you.." Frank's voice though coming through some old speakers still sounded sad and hurt carried through the lab. Taking an unneeded breath, Frank's two-d image shimmered and appeared in front of Shane only about three feet away.

Frank's image looked sever, well more so now, his pixel image seemed to hum with anger. He glared at Shane, his eyes or rather his image's eyes seemed to shine. Shane took a slow cautious step backward. Holding his father s' stare he felt Claire take a slight step to her left, coming out from behind Shane.

"Frank, dad, what are you talking about? You are willing to let me die? You were just going to blow up this town with me in it?" Shane asked his father his voice faltering a little."Why?"

"Why ,why?" Bellowed Frank, his voice sending loud screeching static through the speakers. "Why the hell not? My only surviving member of my family is a no good fang-banger! That's why, you disgusting leech lover."

I guess you could say, I'm testing the water!

Please R&R. NO NEED TO USE HARSH OR HATEFUL WORDS, but please be honest. Please and Thank you :)

I do not own Morganville Vampires nor any of the characters. This is the work of my imagination. I repeat this is the work of my imagination. So I hope in the upcoming chapters (some which could be classified as smut) which will contain adult content and continuing harsh language will not offend any readers. Please R&R and Thank you

Chapter 3 Myrnin had a little lamb,

Myrnin had a little lamb, her heart as pure as snow. And wherever Myrnin went, he would follow her shine and glow....

"What are you talking about, Frank?" Shane asked not bothering to hide the anger in the tone. Why should he care his dad just said he would kill him.

"Her !" Frank roared pointing an accusing finger at Claire. "That bloodsucking whore right there. I can't believe you let this happen."

Frank's focus was on Shane and Myrnin now, leaving Claire an opportunity to slowly sneak across the lab to the electronic lock to Frank's cavern. Frank continued his yelling completely unaware that Claire was more than half way to the lock. Myrnin, feeling that she may need a distraction walked closer to the father and son. Which only caused Frank to want to strike out more, seeing that thing, the leech that is making him kill off the last of his family.

Yelling at Myrnin now, "Did you tell my son why you did it? You didn't did you? Ha, ha, ha," Frank laughed while turning towards Shane. Giving his son the most evil grin speaking loudly, though he is no longer yelling. "This blood-sucking, crazy-ass, freak", Frank said jerking his thumb in Myrnin's direction, "is so in love with your girl that the only reason he turned her into a vampire was so you would dump her and he could have her. Forever. Did you think he did this out the kindness of his cold death beating heart?"

Shane did not even respond to the comment about Myrnin, instead he focused on trying to explain to his computer generated father that Claire is alive.

"Dad please listen to me. Please you owe me that much." Shane pleaded to his father, not waiting for a response Shane continued. "Claire is human, can't you sense her body temp, or her heart beat, or even her movements? Dad I'm telling you, she's human,!"

"Bullshit,!" Frank roared. "Don't you dare lie to me bo..." Frank's image flickered and disappeared before he could finish his rant, leaving Shane and Myrnin looking at each other

confused. That is just for a few seconds, before Myrnin busted out giggling and hopping around clapping his hands like a child getting the best gift ever at Christmas. Shane backed away from Myrnin slowly looking at him as if he lost his mind...again. Myrnin could not help his happiness, the relief and joy he felt knowing that Claire had shut down Frank and diffused the bomb and the detonator.

Then his mood quickly changed when he found himself pondering on how he knew it was Claire. Of course she helped build Frank and she is very, very intelligent, but she was not here when he had built and hid the detonator and bomb. How did she find them and diffused them both so quickly. She is one very unique human, hell she's amazing!

Coming up from the hatch in the floor from Frank's chamber, Claire slowly made her way up the ladder while carrying a circuit board in one hand and a cylinder with wires dangling from it in the other. Climbing all the way out smiling, Claire held up the circuit board and said,

"I'm sorry Myrnin, but I would like to give Frank a little attitude adjustment before we bring him back on line. Is that okay? Oh, and you might want to put this somewhere, we really don't want to leave a detonator just laying around."

Shane stood there his mouth hanging open slightly, in awe of knowing his woman diffused a bomb. He couldn't help think, Damn that's hot. He did not realize he had a shit-eating grin on his

face when his thoughts took a dirtier path. Claire seeing Shane's grin, returned a dazzling smile back at him and winked then placed the circuit board and detonator down on a lab table before walking over to Shane and wrapping her arms around his waist.

As Shane leaned down to give Claire a deep and passionate kiss, Myrnin who hasn't taken his eyes off Claire since she emerged from the cavern, quickly averted his gaze. He did not want to see him kissing her, hell he did not want him touching her. Why is this effecting him so much, any other time he could easily ignore the boy. Feeling a wave of jealousy wash over him, Myrnin quite

loudly cleared his throat, causing Claire and Shane to separate and stand next to each other without touching.

"Hmmh, Yes okay now that, that's taken care of, we can move on. I think first we need to inform Oliver as to the situation with er.. Frank and of course the bomb. We also need to find a way to save Amelie. We also need to find a way to kill Magnus, and we ..."

"Myrnin, calm down we can do this." Claire said, walking over and placing a hand on his forearm, soothingly. Claire, feeling overwhelmed, letting her instincts take over, her brain went into overdrive. Looking at each problem individually, breaking it down, and looking at all the pro's and cons of each idea. Starting with being out of contact with Oliver, she know what they had to do.

Taking a deep breath she started with her first idea. " We need to get emergency two-way radios again, then we need to give one to Oliver, and one to Michael, and one each to Richard and Hanna, as well as one for me and one for Myrnin."

"So let me guess," Shane spoke calmly, "you decided to be the delivery girl." He knew her, she will always go out on a limb for someone. He was actually happy she's that kind of person. She did it for him so many times. It still amazed him how pure she is. "Well, lets go. I told you, your not getting rid of me that easily." Smiling again Shane took her hand.

"Okay, so now that is worked out, next Myrnin, you will try and find Doctor Mills and Doctor Goldman. We will need their help if we are going to save Amelie and kill Magnus." Claire had not realized that both Shane and Myrnin were staring at her, shocked at her new take- charge attitude. Myrnin quickly closes his mouth looking into Claire's eyes as she speaks to him. "We will need to bring Amelie to Grandma Day's house, so she is closer to us. I think it would be more comfortable than here in the lab. We will also need to get some medical equipment and machines. So, what do you think? Will it work?"

"Myrnin quickly answered Claire, "Brilliant! Yes, I think it's a start. We can try at-least. So, you two go hurry get the radios and deliver them to everyone and tell Oliver about the bomb and Frank then meet me back here in two hours. Okay?"

"Okay, let's go Claire. We need to get some wheels if we only have two hours." Shane said giving Claire a flash of her favorite smile and tugging her hand gently. Smiling at Shane, Claire followed him to the stairs, stopping just before heading up, and turned to speak to Myrnin.

"We can do this. We have to try. I'll be back in two hours." She then turned back to Shane and both of them ran up the stairs and out of the shack.

" So do you have any idea where we are going to get two-way radios from?" Shane asked, as they begin to walk out of the alley. Glancing sideways at Claire, he noticed she was blushing and chewing on her bottom lip.

"Well," she began hesitantly, "I ..ah, sort of have some back at the house. I ordered them on line about two months ago." Claire was actually nervous, she did not like bringing up how she could

order more things that are normally prohibited for any other resident of Morganville. She had more freedoms and liberties than any human and even some of the vampires, even though she had earned it she still felt uncomfortable. "So I guess we should head home then and we could borrowMichael's

car." Claire quickly tacked that last bit on thinking it would be easier and faster instead of running all over.

" I just hope Myrnin can find the doctors. We could really use their help." Claire started to feel the sensation of being overwhelmed once again, worry begun to etch a crease across Claire's

forehead. Shane saw her face and gently reached over and pulled her into a hug, standing in the middle of the street he rubbed her back soothingly trying to comfort her.

"Hey, come on this your idea, so we already know it's a great one and that it will work. Don't worry, we just need to do one thing at a time." Shane smiling down at Claire, he kissed her quickly

and stepped back from her. Looking at her with dreamy eyes Shane spoke seductively to her. "We do kind of need to hurry though, because you are so hot and sexy and I really would like to rip your clothes off right now, but we need to do this first. So come on let's get this done, the sooner the, well you'll see." Shane kissed her again, only this time it was more lustful more passionate and he did not break the kiss. It was Claire, who broke apart breathing heavily her eyes half closed. She licked her bottom lip tasting Shane, looking into his eyes she saw the deep love and desire he had for her. Blushing deeper, she tried to speak, but found she had no voice. Which of course set Shane up for a perfect jab.

"So, I see a left you a little speechless. That's okay I understand. I have that effect on the ladies." He smiled and winked at Claire, who in return punched him in his arm. She didn't even wait for his retort she took off jogging to their house. Shane quickly caught up to Claire and grinned at her

when he realized she wasn't angry. Looking up at the sky and the morning sun he couldn't help but think this was going to be a bright sun shinny day, and he smiled.

I do not own Morganville Vampires nor any of the characters. Rachel Caine Please forgive me! I hope I do not offend anyone who reads this because the smut is on the way! I am a willing victim to my imagination. I am truely sorry but I am a Vampire Junkie. Please R&R and Thank you.

Chapter 4 Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These

Once they arrived home they both set out with a determined frame of mind. Shane began the search, for all weapon bags and gathered them together in the livingroom. He then proceeded to dig through them all restocking on silver powder and cross bows and silver coated bolts and stakes. Once he felt that every bag was sufficiently restocked and re-packed, he carried three bags to the front door and placed the other two in the kitchen and the living room. He then grabbed Michael's extra set of car keys out of a drawer in the entryway. Stuffing them into his pockets he went upstairs to help Claire.

Shane quietly climbed the stairs to the second floor and continued down the hall to Claire's bedroom. He opened her door to a view he thought was arousing. Claire was on the floor on her hands and knees half way in her closet, her rear-end sticking up and wiggling as she struggled to get something heavy out of her closet. He glanced up from Claire's hot tight little tush, only to notice the sexy school-girl out-fit Claire bought at the sex store in Dallas. She had worn it for him a few times, but it never stayed on for very long. Then Shane started thinking about the time Claire had made Eve and Michael leave for a few hours so she could give him a special birthday gift. She wore the school-girl out-fit, but underneath she was wearing black stockings and garter-belt, and black crotch-less panties with matching black cup-less bra. Shane was growing exceedingly hard as his thoughts wondered.

Finally pulling himself back to the present, he still found himself aroused and he acted on his impulse. He quietly walked up to Claire and knelt down behind her, quickly reaching out and grabbing her by the hips he begin to grind himself against her startling her at first until he started whispering.

"We so need to hurry, seeing you in this position and that out-fit up there has given me some very interesting ideas." Shane then nibbled on Claire's earlobe, she began to relax and straighten up her body. Shane feeling her loosen up, sat back on his hunches pulling Claire on to his thighs, she leaned back into him. Her back against his chest, her head tilted back resting on his shoulder, her eyes shut, her right hand rested on the back of his head as he nibbled and kissed her earlobe and neck. His one hand began to slide up under her shirt working it's way up to her breast. He began to massage one than the other through her bra, but he soon pulled her straps down her shoulders and gently lifting her breast out of the cups so he could touch them better.

Claire let out a small whimper when Shane pinched one of her nipples slightly while his other hand started unbuttoning her pants. His hand slipped under her pants and panties and sliding a finger gently across her clit Claire moaned and her whole body shivered, which only made Shane smile and his

cock throb. Claire was rocking against Shane's hand, sensing she was wanting more he inserted a finger into her as he continued to massage her clit. She moaned loudly and he could no longer wait, he had to

be in her. He wanted her around his cock, so using the hand that was massaging her breast, he managed to get his pants undone and his underwear pulled down and gently began to ease Claire's pants down. Doing this without losing contact with Claire's hot silky wetness his fingers still fueling Claire's desire, her hand tangling in his hair, her muscles contracting against his fingers, her moaning get louder until

without much warning Claire screamed. Her body going rigid as her orgasm hits, her muscles locked tight around Shane's fingers as she cums, which surprisingly sets Shane's orgasm off, shooting his load on Claire's back and shirt. Claire not enjoying the fact that she is wearing Shane's cum quickly gets up and takes off her shirt, startling Shane at first until he see's her taking off her clothes. Speaking without thinking Shane blurts out.

"What again? You will have to give me a minute." Then he notices her just standing there looking at him with shock, her cheeks still flushed from the excitement darkened more and then she

gave a little smile gathering up clean clothes to wear she headed for the door. Stopping just outside she turned back to him and said,

"Oh I know, believe me I know. That's why I'm taking a quick shower and you are going to get that bag out of there", Claire pointed to her closet, "and take it down stairs and put a radio and a extra

battery pack in each of the weapon bags. Then I'm going to make sandwiches while you take a shower that way we can head out as soon as your done putting your make-up on." Claire blew Shane a kiss and ran to the bathroom giggling. Shane had to come up some kind of burn so he used the only one he could think of.

"Don't hate the player baby, hate the game." Smiling, Shane listened for Claire's retort which came back quickly with a laugh first followed by her yelling over the shower.

"Okay, princess McStabby, whatever helps feel you feel pretty." Finishing up her shower quickly taking a total of eight minutes, she ran down the stairs completely dressed into the kitchen. Shane was leaning against the counter drinking a coke and texting when Claire came in. Noticing Shane feverishly taping away at his phones pad she curiously asked, "What's going on?"

"Looks like we have some communication so I was able to get a hold of Michael. I told him we are on our way with weapons and some food and that we will fill everyone in when we get there. Michel says that Amelie is in one of her offices and that there is no change in her condition, Eve's looking after her." Shane finally looked up from texting and handed the phone over to her, "here, Michael wants to

ask you something. I'm going to go take a shower." Shane ran upstairs first to his room than back to the bathroom slamming the door and turning on the water.

Claire looked down at the screen, and what she read both shocked and scared her, but deeper down there something else and she did not know what it was, but it wanted this, the challenge the pressure. Reading the message again, "CB, Ollie wants 2 know what to do before dusk. Apparently you are in charge with this. Ollie won't tell me why. He is not happy. Get here soon. Like now!"

Take-charge Claire stepped up, texting back with fierce determination and managing to get the leadership and wisdom into it.

"We will be coming to you to discuss all that is required shortly. Until then inform Oliver that I am well aware of the dusk meeting in town square and I plan on attending this affair with bells on." Although Claire was texting she realized she was speaking out loud as well. "We will be arriving in fifteen minutes, be ready to move Amelie. She will be going somewhere safe. See you soon .CB xx"

Claire closed the phone placing it on the kitchen counter she began making sandwiches and pulling a few cold cokes out of the fridge. Realizing she hasn't eaten since she returned from the dead, Claire started scarfing down the first sandwich, nearly swallowing it whole, she was starving. She then continued making sandwiches, letting her mind wonder.

It lingered on Shane and her brief in-counter upstairs and she realized she was lift unsatisfied. Yes, she did have an orgasm, but it still felt like the others, empty. She still felt a strange yearning, like there is something missing. She tried spicing it up, what with buying the outfits and sexy langerie, but always ended up twenty minutes of work for her to getting in to it all, and five minutes of him taking most of it off, and him climbing on top of her missionary. She was more than willing to suck his cock, but he never returned the favor. She wanted to try more things, but Shane wasn't willing.

Now she is engaged to him, and how is this suppose to work if she is unsatisfied after sex. Not making love, but sex, it hasn't felt right in months. Why did she have to think about that. Claire loves Shane, it's the stress.

"Yea, and if I keep telling myself that it's the stress, it all will work out." Claire spoke out loud to herself sarcastically.

Shane strutted down the stairs fully clothed, hair dripping wet from his shower, and walked over to Claire giving her a quick kiss on her forehead before grabbing three sandwiches and a coke a sitting

down at the table stuffing his mouth. Claire decided this is a good time as any to tell Shane about the next phase of her plan.

"So, you do know the town was suppose to blow up and kill everyone left in it, right?" Claire was watching Shane closely, waiting to see if he caught up to what she is trying to say. By the quizzical look he was giving her he had no clue where she was heading with this so she continued as he stuffed another sandwich in his mouth. "Well, I took care of the bomb so no explosion but those who choose to stay will be waiting to get their freedom and this town. That's why Richard and Hanna have to know what is going on. They can tell people there is another up raising like with Bishop, but it will be someone we all know, not Magnus.

"Oh, I get it we will tell them it is Oliver, Right? I mean why not, everyone already thinks he has been trying to gain control. He's the perfect scapegoat. Haha ha, ha." Shane was actually liking this idea to much. Claire felt bad for Shane, he is not going to enjoy the next, half of her plan.

"Oliver and I are going to have to work this out first, but if he agrees, that means you will have to stay with him while the doctors, and Myrnin, and I work on a cure and a way to kill Magnus. She spoke with such authority that Shane had stopped chewing and was staring at her as if she is a completely different Claire than what he was used to.

Shane quickly swallowed what was in his mouth and gulping down some soda, placing the last sandwich on a plate and putting it in the refrigerator, he turned around and walked around the table to Claire. Wrapping his arms around her waist pulling her to him. He stared deeply into her eyes a small smile on his lips.

"I don't know how I earned you, You are like the first place prize in a contest. You are so smart, and kind, and beautiful, and you choose to be with me. I don't know how I could ever deserve you. Claire I trust you, if you need me to do something for you ,anything for you I will. Even if it means we have to be apart for a little while, I will do it." Pausing to catch his breath and with a smirk on his face he continued. " I will bitch, gripe, and moan until you are back in my arms again. Don't misunderstand, I'm being honest if we don't get back to one another quickly I will make everyone around me miserable. His smirk opening in to a huge smile, he squeezed Claire closer, her arms already trying to hold him tightly, pushing her face into his shoulder. Claire clung on to Shane as if her life depended on it. She felt he was her anchor, her was her world, he was her first everything, he was her...

Shocked at her own thoughts, she had placed them all in past tense. Her body stiffened at her revelation, but she slowly relaxed into Shane's hold and then slowly tilted her head up and standing on her toes she kissed Shane softly before pulling away and speaking softly.

"Thank you, for doing this for me. Shane I love you. Please know that I truly love you, and I understand that this is hard on you. I would rather you be with me. I can't bare thought if I lose you. I'm

sorry, when it comes to you..." Pausing, Claire wiped her face not realizing that she was crying, her heart ached more, feeling the pain in her chest she sobbed out loud.

Grabbing her face gently with both his hands, Shane tilted it up towards his own. He used his thumbs to wipe away he tears and kissed her softly on the lips repeatedly until she quit crying. Then he whispered softly to her in her ear.

"You are my heart, you are my life, I will always come back to you." Shane then kissed Claire on the lips, slowly he broke the kiss, and gently wiped the last stray tear from Claire's cheek before speaking. "I guess we should be going." Then stopping in med turn, he looked at Claire and said with a

devilish smile, "So we can continue where we left off in your bedroom." Then he winked at her and gently tugged her hand to follow him out in to the entryway.

Claire couldn't help but smile at what Shane said. Maybe everything will work out, maybe she will get her happily ever after with Shane. Claire bent down and picked up one the duffle bags as Shane

did the same with the other two duffel bags with his free hand he dug Michael's spare car keys out of his pocket. Looking over his shoulder he asked Claire, "Are you ready?"

Smiling brightly at Shane, Claire nodded in response. He opened the door and Claire ran out first heading to Michael's car, Shane following close behind Claire. Taking off to the founder's square at a

high rate of speed considering it is a human driving a vampire's car. Shane had experience in this type of thing, and yet, Claire was still afraid.

Arriving at the Historical Society building with four minutes to spare, Claire and Shane had only realized that they were coming here, when they saw Eve on the steps pacing. Shane parked on the sidewalk and quickly got out of the car carrying two of the bags, trying to catch up to Claire, who had bolted out of the car before it stopped moving. Claire ran to Eve giving her a huge hug, and Eve returned the gesture whole heartedly, tears running down her face. They spoke briefly before turning and running inside the building to talk to Oliver, and get this plan into motion.

After each Shane, Eve, and Michael agreed to stay with Ameille, Claire and Oliver went down to the basement to discuss the plan in detail. Oliver opened the thick iron door without any signs of effort and Claire walked into the dark room without any hesitation, showing no signs of fear when he closed the door behind him, before turning on the light. Turning to face him, she held her head high and her shoulders back. Her confidence and courage, and her energy rippled off her, washing over Oliver like a tidal wave. He was struck dumb for a few seconds until Claire started to speak. She told him her plan and he had to admit it sounded like a good one. In fact he still stands by the fact that Claire would make a great asset to the vampire community. Her innocense, her looks and her brains would make her a very deadly vampire. He would know, being a warrior and a leader in his human as well as in his unhuman life. He could see her as a worthy ally or a very deadly enemy

"Claire, I still believe you would be one hell of a vampire. If you ever change your mind...? I think we might have a chance with your plan. I'm willing to help in any way needed, but only if you find a cure for Ameille. If she dies I will kill you, but not before you watch me torture and kill your friends. Deal?" Shaking hands their agreement sealed, Claire walked out of the basement knowing her plan will work. They will win.

Claire went back up the stairs to join her friends, who were in one of the many offices. Ameille was in the joining room lying on a large sofa. Two of her guards were standing at the open door and two more were standing at the ends of the sofa. Claire walked over to Shane and hugged him as well as Eve and Michael.

"Claire what are we going to do, I mean what's the plan?" Michael asked as soon as they broke from the hug. His face completely serious it made him look older than his youthful eighteen years. Fear shined in all their eyes, all but Claire's. Motioning for everyone to sit down at the little lounge area in

between the office and the room Amelie was in. Claire walked in front of everyone's view when they all sat down on the large sofa. She stood with her back to everyone, yawning a couple of times and then she went to retrieve two of the bags her and Shane had brought with them. Returning quickly she placed one down at Eve's feet and carried one with her putting it down at her feet when she taken up the position standing in front of all of them.

Opening her bag Claire pulled out a bottle of water and opened it draining it in three large swallows. Throwing the empty bottle in to a little trash bin, she took a breath and proceeded to tell Eve and Michael her plan.

"Oliver is going to stage a revolution against Amelie, while Richard and Hanna and Shane make sure it dose not get out of hand. Dr. Mills, Dr. Goldman, Myrnin, and I will work on a cure and a way to kill Magnus and get frank on-line again. Eve, you and Michael will look after Amelie at Grandma Day's house. Your bag has food for both of you, clothes and weapons. The other bag is for Hanna and Richard. Eve, Oliver, myself, Shane, Hanna, and Richard will have radios to stay in contact even after I bring Frank on-line. Does everyone understand what they need to do?" Claire knew her friends would never let her down, they understood. As if to prove her point they all answered strong and proudly,

"Yes." everyone spoke at once, standing up and gathering up all their stuff, Clair walked over to Amelie's guards and spoke respectfully but firmly.

"I would like to speak to my founder, please." The guard said nothing looking at Claire as if she was speaking an unknown language, but then he motioned her to enter. Claire smiled a little at him, "Thank you." Claire swiftly crossed the room before getting down on her knees beside Amelie' s

shoulder and spoke softly. "Ma'am, I'm sorry but I can't let you die and I can't let the town die. Please don't hold anyone else responsible for my idea, I am the one who stopped your plan. I am sorry, but Magnus needs to die and Morganville needs you. Forgive me." Claire wiped her eyes from the tears she let slide out as she spoke. She stood up and was shocked to see all of Amelie's guards staring at her.

The looks on their faces were of astonishment and respect. She blushed slightly when she realized, vampire guards have really good hearing and well they could also kill her on the spot for treason. They all knew the stories of Claire the brave human female child, Claire the beautiful mad scientist's assistant. Claire the human vampire savior. She just proved to them with her words to their Princess that Claire is all of those things and much more. Claire on the other hand, thought that all the vampires with a small few excluded, seen her as just another walking snack. The guards turned back to their formal positions, and Claire headed out of the room. The guard who let her in stopped her. Stepping in front of her before she could leave he held up his hands in a non-threatening gesture.

Speaking with an authoritative tone, he looked Claire in the eyes, and she held his gaze with a will of her own.

"What do you need us to do? How can we help? We will do what you ask, that is our orders from our Princess."

"What? I mean how, when, what?" Claire was completely shocked. Was she hearing this correctly? "If your serious, then I'm going to need you to help move the Princess to Grandma Day's house. We need to this quietly, and we can not take the tunnels, and Michael and Eve will be there to help. Are you up for this? Can you handle working with the cattle with out eating them?" Claire asked sternly placing her hands on her hips, holding the vampire's eyes. She did not waiver when they changed dark red and he snarled a little. Glaring back she calmly replied. "Please, I work for a bloodthirsty, bi-polar, schizophrenic, vain, egotistical, stark-raving mad genius vampire, you don't scare

me all that much." Then she flashed the most innocent smile at him, which got him to chuckle softly and replied.

"Let us know when you are ready. We will honor your request. We will do what is needed."

"Good to know because we head out in five minutes." Take charge Claire was back again. She walked to her friends with a little more confidence in her step. Looking at her friends she smiled, and then told both Eve and Michael to head to the car, Amelie and her guards will follow in another vehicle. She sending them down first so her and Shane could have a moment alone. Eve gave Shane a hug and walked to the door, surprisingly she was not crying. Michael and Shane did the whole fist bump macho thing, Michael picked up the duffle bag and walked to the car with Eve.

Shane and Claire locked eyes, staring deeply they slowly leaned in for a very long kiss. Breaking apart but not separating, they held each other tightly. Shane spoke light heartedly to Claire.

"You know that sexy school girl outfit you have, and those sexy langerie things. How about the next time we are alone you ware that for me?" Shane chuckled softly and kissed Claire's forehead. Claire giggled a little and looked up at she replying softly.

"Yea, I will put on a show for you. So you better come back to me." Then Claire kissed him hard and lustful, full of desire which only made it that much harder to be apart. Stepping back from each other , Claire spoke first. "I want you to be careful and find Richard and Hanna, and..." Shane kissed her briefly, stopping her from speaking so he could speak.

"I know what to do. Don't worry about me, you just do what you do best. Save us all. I promise I'll be home soon. I'll come back to you. Okay?"

"I love you, Shane I'll see you soon." Claire looked at the Guards nodding to them she turned and picked up her bag and ran to the car. Ameille's guards ran past her and had Ameille loaded up in

their car before Clair was outside. Claire ran to the car hopping in the back seat and slamming the door as Michael pulled away. Ameille's guards following closely behind.

They arrived at Grandma Day's house a few minutes later, Clair happily jumping out of the car and running up walk to the porch. Sitting on her swing Grandma Day smile d and greeted Claire.

"I was wondering when you be getting here. Bring her in here, take her upstairs to the door at the in of the hall." Grandma didn't raise her voice when she spoke, but she lived in Morganville all her life she knew they could here her. Ameille's guards wasted no time at all getting Ameille in the house. Claire was stunned she was prepared to beg, plead, whatever it took for Grandma Day to help. She was not expecting this. Grandma Day laughed at Claire's expression. "Come now child, did you really think I would turn you or the White Queen away? You come on in," she then motioned for Michael and Eve to following along in to the house, "all of you. We can get set up and get you to your own rooms. I will not be having any hanky panky in my house. So you two may be engaged but your not married yet", Grandma Day looked a Claire giving her a wink and a smile, and headed up the stairs to show them their rooms.

Taking only ten minutes to get situated Eve and Michael walked down to the kitchen to join Grandma Day and Claire, who were already talking over a glass of ice cold sweet tea . Grandma Day seemed to already know Claire's plan, so they did not have to repeat everything and of course Grandma Day set down some more rules for her two new houseguest. She does all the cooking they do all the cleaning, no loud rude music and no fowl language. After talking and drinking two glasses of tea in ten minutes, Claire walked down the alley to the lab carrying a plate with two large slices of double layered

chocolate cake with milk chocolate frosting, all old-school homemade, a quart of whole milk, and her duffel bag.

Claire sighed once she entered the lab, to her it felt like her haven, her refuge. She dropped her bag by the sofa and took the milk and cake to the little kitchen, placing it in the refrigerator, before

heading back to the middle of the lab. Claire looked at the clock on the wall and realized that she was twenty minutes early. She decided to get started on Frank, and she knew just how to adjust his attitude. She set to work designing and building a microchip, and on this microchip was a program that over-rides Frank's normal way of thinking. Basically, Claire can control Frank anytime now, she also made a program that makes him yell out looney-toon phrases instead of curse words when he is angry. She is going to enjoy that. Finishing up on the final touches to the remote Claire attached the chip to the circuit board and installed it back into Frank's computer brain.

Claire would turn Frank on when she was back up in the lab. Claire was half way up the stairs when she felt Myrnin entering the lab. She thought it was odd, but quickly dismissed thought and smiled. She could show him what she did to Frank. She climbed the rest of the stairs quickly, as her head popped up from the hatch she saw Myrnin was not alone.

"Hello, Dr. Mills, Dr. Goldman, Myrnin." Myrnin, had been smiling at Claire since she popped her head up from the Frank's hatch. No doubt she was down there fixing Frank, he thought as she walked closer to the men. Claire once again became that strong, willful, magnificent, beautiful creature. Claire spoke up front and bluntly to all three gentlemen. "We are going to need your help if we want to save Ameille and survive this war. Please I ask you to help me I can not do this without any of you. If we do this it will take a few days just to set up in here. So are you in?"

"Yes, I will help any way I can." Dr. Goldman nodded his head in agreement before speaking up. Taking a look around the lab first before saying a word.

"I guess we are going to be needing a few things. So let's start from there, what do we need? We may want to make a list. Do you have pen and paper?"

"No need I've already made a list of everything we need. Sorry, I had already thought about what we need while working on other things. I also wrote down names of a few books that Myrnin does not have, the will help in the research on Magnus and draugs, oh and we will need lots of live leeches. I know it sounds odd but it might work." Claire paused, taking in the look of awe the three men were giving her and she blushed. Which the men noticed and quickly recovered their composer. Dr. Goldman cleared his throat and reached for the list Claire had produced, as he spoke.

"I see," Dr. Goldman looked over the list then closed his eyes tapping his chin in deep thought, "you have been doing a lot of thinking. I believe I know what you want to try with Amelie. Not a bad

idea, not a bad idea at all, Claire." Opening his eyes, he smiled at Claire excitedly. Dr. Mills was reading the list when he started smiling.

"I can pretty much get all of the equipment and medical supplies, but not the books or the leeches." Dr. Mills seemed genuinely happy to help, which was great to Claire.

"I can get the leeches," Dr. Goldman said continuing, speaking for Myrnin."I know Myrnin can find the books. So I say let's get started."

With that being said the two Dr.'s left the lab to gather the supplies. Dr. Mills had to get a few large medical machines and many other medical supplies and equipment. His part in the plan was to

move all the stuff at the hospital into a empty closet, until Claire and Myrnin could help bring it all to the lab. As soon as the Dr.'s left the lab Myrnin and Claire stared at each other few a moments before Claire looked away blushing. Looking down at her feet and Claire licked her bottom lip before taking a breath and just blurted out.

"I fixed Frank! Well, I mean I kind of gave him an attitude adjustment." Claire said sheepishly to Myrnin. Looking at him through her eyelashes Claire was afraid Myrnin would be mad at her for working on Frank without him. "I ..ah, made a few improvements to were if he acts out of line we can push a button and he would be a puppet so to speak. I'm sorry if you think it was wrong for me to

create a brain control device, it's just that Frank's an ass, and he really pissed me of..." Claire's rambling was cut short by Myrnin laughing and clapping his hands. He was actually pleased with Claire and she felt that, she was soon giggling at her boss's excitement. "Your not mad at me for messing with Frank?" Claire asked between giggles.

"Mad? No dear I'm not angry with you. I am very proud of you my apprentice, it seems once again you will be teaching me something new. So show me your improvements !" Myrnin was twitching with excitement. He could not wait to see what his apprentice has created. She will make a fine mad genius. He could not help the feelings that washed over him when he thought of Claire. She is perfect.

"I say, I say what in tar nation is going on?" Frank's image shimmered in to view in the center of the lab, but instead of his voice it was Foghorn Leghorn's. Claire and Myrnin both busted out laughing at Frank. Frank did not find this amusing at all, instead he started getting more angry. His pixel face was furious and his eyes were shooting daggers at Claire and Myrnin. "Why you long eared varment, I'm going to..." Frank didn't try to finish his threat sounding like Simmeny Sam it would be pointless, since Claire and Myrnin were laughing so hard at him.

"Oh, Claire that is just too funny, and to think every time he gets angry he will sound like that. What else can it do?" Myrnin was actually interested in Claire's work. Frank on the other hand was not he decided to vanish, but Claire used his leaving as the next example to show Myrnin her program. Pushing a button Frank's image reappeared and little more solid than usual and when he tried to move he found he could not.

Claire smiling widely, looked at Frank's image and back to Myrnin, watching the amused look on his face. "We can actually control him, more. If we want him to stay in one spot, or if we want him to not be in a visual form, or if we just want to we can mute him, but best of all he can not refuse to do

what we ask, and he can still retain his sunny personality that we all love so much, all with a push of a button. So do you like it?" Claire was waiting for Myrnin's approval. Myrnin picked Claire up in big hug swinging her around in circle. He kissed her on the cheek lightly and placed her on her feet, before stepping back from her, and bowing his head ashamed for doing that.

"I'm sorry Claire I should not have done that. I am just amazed with your project. I think you did a great job. I do enjoy the looney-tunes, so this might be interesting at the least." Myrnin was looking at Claire now with a small smile on his face.

It's okay Myrnin. I really did not mind the hug and the kiss. I am glad that you liked my project." Becoming the assertive, take-charge Claire, she spoke with authority, " Now I think we need to start working on the cure for Amelie.. Frank, please bring all systems on-line. Thank you." Claire actually give Frank's image a genuine smile. Frank did as he was asked with no backtalk at all. "Myrnin, I need you to find those books and I will stay here and clean and prepare for our work ahead.."

Myrnin did not hear Claire at first, he was staring at her off in his on little world. Claire begain to blush, she cleared her throat which brought Myrnin back to the here and now. Jostled out of a day dream, Myrnin spoke with too much energy.

"What? Oh, ...um yes. Yes I shall leave and get the books, unless there is something else you will be needing, my dear?" Myrnin asked.

"No, no I brought food and things to drink I should be fine. Thank you, Myrnin. Claire said softly. "Myrnin, please be careful." Claire said the last bit with worry.

"Yes, my dear I shall return shortly." Chuckling lightly Myrnin replied. "Though I think I shall pop in on Dr. Mills and see if he has some things ready." Myrnin gave a wave of his hand and opened a portal to the library and stepping through closing it behind him.

Claire walked over to her duffel bag, and dug through it until she found her mp3 player. She plugged it in to her laptop and downloaded her new favorite play list. She did not start shelving all the books lying around till the first song started. Claire sang with all the songs perfectly some of them she muted the lead vocals and sang lead herself. She was nearly done doing the last minute check on everything when Frank interrupted her groove by pausing the music at the end of Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd.

"Claire?" Frank stopped speaking and cleared his non-existent throat and spoke again, while Claire plugged in a high powered microscope sitting on a four and a half foot tall and seven foot long lab table. Then dragged a step stool long enough to be called a bench across the lab to the lab table. Frank addressed her again, his voice calm. "Clair, I'm sorry for my outburst. I'm sorry for the things I have said about you. I know now that you are not a leech, and I should have trusted my son and believed you, but I do stand by what I said about you not being human."

"What!" Claire shouted. "What are you talking about Frank?" Taking an unneeded breath, Frank spoke, well...,frankly to Claire.

"Look, there is something off about you. I can't explain it very easily. When I look at beings rather they are human or vampire I get a brief bio-scan of their genetic make-up. You do not fit any data base I have excess to." Frank looked at Claire, clearly concerned with how she was taking the information. "I'm sorry sweet-heart but you are not human."

"Yea, I kind of figured that out about ten hours ago. Frank don't say anything to anyone please" Claire looked at Frank's pixel image with pleading eyes, silently begging him.

"Yea, if you do something for me. Don't leave my remote with psycho. Deal?" Frank asked sticking his hand out for a handshake. Claire shook her head and smiled replying softly.

"Hold on, you got to see what else I managed to do to you." She walked over to the remote and pushed a button, Frank became semi-sold, like a jell-o. Then Claire gave him a soft hug and backed up. "I know it is a work in progress. Just think what I can do if given more time." Frank gave Claire a huge smile and spoke softly to her.

" My wife would have loved you Claire, I mean you are very kind hearted. Thank you for being there for my son. I will try to help you if I can."

"Sounds good to me." Claire replied with a smile. "So why don't you search for all the information you can on Magnus and the draug. Oh, and can you please turn my mp3 player on to play my last two Nine Inch Nails songs, with no lead vocals and no interruptions. Please."

I want to Fuck you like an Animal started playing a few seconds later and Claire performed and sang it very well. She did not realize that Myrnin had returned in the middle of the song because she sang with her eyes closed, focused on the music. Myrnin realized quickly however, that she was unaware of his presence and moved to the sofa and sat down quietly and watched the show. When that song finished Claire stood still in the room, eyes closed and waited for Hurt to begin.

When the song ended Myrnin jumped up clapping his hands and wiping the tears from his eyes. Claire had sang with such emotion it effected him as well. Claire jumped at the clapping and blushed deeply, embarrassed that someone witnessed her doing that.

"Dear, that was wonderful, delightful, you were amazing." Myrnin was standing close to Claire and she could feel some sort of energy pass between them. Noticing Claire's awkward stare, Myrnin started looking around the lab. He noticed that she had gotten a lot done. "I see you have done quite a bit around here." Myrnin tried not to stare at his remarkable and captivating assistant.