Butterfly and Flame - Alina and Evan

Do you trust me ?

She had never told the boys that Elliot was their grandfather and now was not the time. It seemed the most illogical coincidence that Evan's work would have brought him all the way to Ash to work with a novice author and that the publisher would be none other than Elliot. Christian had left her a brief message explaining that he had gone to meet up with Christian to discuss "legacies" and what not. He had such a dry sense of humor but she got his point. She was more than surprised when he had said his destination was Ash, California because that's where Evan was. She had known Evan had a job in California and that it was working on a book project. He had never mentioned he would be working with Elliot. But then again they hadn't spoken about his jobs in years. They had worked together once before and she had had a hand in it but that was in New York and she had warned Elliot about not telling Evan anything about their past. It was not the time. Now her worst nightmare had come out of nowhere and she needed to find out exactly what was going on and why Elliot had not contacted her when he had known he would be working with Evan. He didn't owe her anything, she would be the first to recognize that, but they had an unspoken promise. He had failed to keep it.

Ashley hung up the phone with Elliot and stood still thinking through what he had told her. Now they were both going to be there and she couldn't guess what or who they might encounter. Elliot had mentioned something about Evan using the cabin and a snowstorm but wasn't clear other than to say that Christian was with him and that the boys were taking some time off. Ashely felt he was omitting something but although she pressed he said nothing further. She would just have to wait until Christian or Evan had cellular service and contacted her.

Leo got a call from Christians satelite phone and was relieved to hear that they had arrived and Alina was safe. He spoke to Miranda next as He was told Alina was given a mild sedative to sleep. Lastly he spoke with Evan. Both men agreed that leaving the cabin in the morning hours would be the best course of action. When Evan told Leo that they would not be returning to Ash the younger man was silent and did not immediately comment one way or another. Evan was silent as well not intending to change his mind even for Alina's brother. "Evan what intentions do you have with my sister?". He understood Leo and his respect for him grew in that moment. Without a second thought he said. "I love your sister. I'm in love with you sister. If she'll have me I intend to make her my wife".

Leo hung up the phone with a half smile on his face while Sophie on the other hand looked as if though she was ready to toss him out of his chair. "What is happening? When are they coming back. Why didn't you speak to Alina?.....Christian I swear I'm going to drive up there myself if you .... "They're not coming back for now Soph. She's safe and well talk to her soon. "What are you talking about? How is she not gonna come back? Leo explain now!!!" He looked at his sister and at Elliot who had just walked into the room and with the same quirky smile said "They're flying to New York and will be in touch soon. Evan said that.....He said that they're in love and right now he's the best one to take care of her. So I agreed". Sophie stared at her brother as if though he had a horn growing out of the center of his head. "Just like that. They're in love and my sister is flying to New York without even talking to us!. Why is she not the one telling us? Leo why?" Elliot stepped next to Sophie and put an arm around the young woman trying to comfort her as she was clearly angry and anxious for Alina's safety. Christians face became serious and he answered "Michael showed up before Evan could explain and before Christian could get there. She saw Michael and passed out. Thank goodness Miranda was there to piece things together for her and give her some meds she took from Alina's room before she left with Christian". Sophie and Elliot turned to look at Leo with worried expressions that turned into focused stares. "She's in good hands. I know we've only known him a short time but I feel we can trust Evan with Alina". Elliot stared at Leo and nodded his head quickly saying "yes he's a fine young man and I have had the pleasure of knowing some members of his family over the years. She will be in very good hands. What we need to do now is figure out where Kyle is and push the authorities into providing more resources to apprehend him. He is still dangerous and as long as he is out there Alina will not be safe".

Evan had fallen asleep briefly while holding Alina in her bed. She had awoken to see him curled around her like a large guard dog. She put her hand on his face and traced his beard and then his lips. He woke up and the warmest eyes looked at her with so much tenderness she almost allowed herself a momentary lapse in control as tears threatened to spill once again. He gathered her to himself and whispered in her ear. "You are safe with me. I will not allow anyone to hurt you ever again. Do you trust me?." Her face lay on his chest and she heard his heart beating steadily and strongly and she felt comforted by his presence and his confidence. "I trust you". Evan held her tighter as the sun shone through the window and brought a new day with it. He kissed her forehead and ran his fingers through her long hair and said "I love you. I'm in love with you and I will protect you with my life if need be. Alina, we are together in this from now on. You will never be alone again". She held him tightly as she closed her eyes and took his words into her heart and her soul. "I love you Evan and I will protect you with all of me forever". He stared down at the top of her head and every word she said was like a balm to his soul. She belonged to him now. Besides his brother she was the only thing he had that was truly all his and he would never let her go. His mother had shone them great love and affection. Their father was his inspiration and had given him the career he had now. He would always be grateful for those memories but learning that he was not Christian Maleck's true born son had crushed him and had taken away his place in the family. He had grown up believing himself an outsider in their family and the more his grand pushed the family buisness on him the more he rejected what he knew was not his inheritance as it was truly Christian's. Alina had changed all of that. For the first time since his parents death he belonged to someone completely and fully and she belonged to him. Nothing and no one would take that away from him. He would make sure of it.

Kyle lay on the bed of his hotel room. He had driven to San Francisco and in the middle of the Tenderloin District found a middle of the road hotel and checked in. He had learned a lot from Michaels secretary. Of course he had impersonated his brother yet again and had found out enough details to piece together some of the information that he had been missing. Alina had not returned home because she had gone to work with her illustrator for a new book. She had headed up in to the mountains which was why several people had gone to look for her. The snowstorm that had gone through the mountains had prevented them from calling her. By now she would know the truth about him and it would make their reunion that much more difficult but not impossible. He felt sure he could make her see how much she meant to him and forgive him from getting a bit carried away the last time. This time would be different. He needed to cool things down a little and he needed to sell of the jewelry he had take from their parents safety deposit box he had stolen the key to when he went to Michaels home. No one asked anything when he walked in other that to say hello. It had been so easy. Once everyone had settled into a routine and had forgotten about him a little he would track her down and this time he would make sure that she came with him. She was his and the sooner they were together the happier he would be.

After getting in the helicopter Alina asked if Michael had left. Miranda answered telling her that he had left just before the sun came up. He told Miranda that he hope to one day talk to Alina and express his deepest apologies and hoped that one day she might forgive him. He had promised to not rest until he found his brother and this time he would see to it that he never left an institution again. Alina listened carefully to all Miranda said as she held Evans hand in hers. When she had finished she thanked her friend for the details and asked her to please tell Michael thank you for alerting her family to what Kyle was planning but she wanted him also to know that she never wanted to see him or talk to him again. She hoped to forgive him one day but she was not there yet and didn't know if she would ever be.