The next day being Saturday, the Halliwell family was home. Piper and Leo slept late and Cole and Phoebe would have if kids had let them. Everyone was yawning over breakfast mostly because they had not slept much during the night. Mark had come to visit Paige and they could hear them arguing over her interests for a good part of the night. At least they had heard Paige arguing, Mark had just got quieter and quieter and not even whitelighter and demonic hearing could hear what he said, to Leo and Cole's disappointment. But every-one heard what Paige said. Phoebe whispered to Cole when unable to sleep and only able to use sex for so long to block the noise, she cuddled up to him enjoying the feel of his hand gently stroking her hair and her skin  "I think they've passed the luminance stage and really hit the reality bit.' Need to prove it's really love. Like us."

"Spite attacks will do that" Cole whispered back idly rubbing his palm on her bare shoulder.

Paige did not make an appearance for breakfast and clearly Mark had left around dawn, when the shouting had finally stopped.  Whether she was still looking at pictures or catching up on sleep no-one was game to find out.

Piper finally struggled downstairs, made a fuss of cooking pancakes for Glock, who instead of being embarrassed thanked her graciously and almost for him effusively which made Cole raise his eyebrows and Leo glare, and then swallow hard.

After breakfast on Piper's orders Phoebe was in charge of child entertainment. Phoebe not daring to argue took them into the yard while Cole pulled a pile of papers out of his briefcase and sat down in his corner in the conservatory, as close to the yard as possible, to pretend to work, but where he could rather enviously watch Phoebe and the children in the yard. Both cats were sleeping in the sun, Melinda was roaring around the yard on her bike, as a distraction to chocolate, Patsy was happily playing some form of whack the ball and magically retrieve it, which made his mother dream of a baseball career. Phoebe did her best to get Wyatt to crawl on a blanket and tried to get him to stand but he determinedly plonked on his behind and refused to move. Both Melinda and Patsy had done everything ahead of the regular baby milestones. Try as she might Phoebe could not get Wyatt to do anything ahead of schedule. He was not even that keen to crawl. He seemed to believe he was much better off being carried, letting some-one else do the work.

Glock after thanking Piper for the breakfast said he was going outside to smoke because he understood such habits were unwelcome in the realm. Phoebe, Cole and Leo waited for the explosion but instead Piper thanked him for his consideration and Leo once again frowned.

Glock seeing the children took himself as far away as he could and sat on a bench in a corner of the yard, smoking and seriously contemplating something that he did not wish to discuss.

Piper then headed upstairs to the attic where she said she had some things to do. Leo started to say she did not need to look up any strange magic creatures in the Book of Shadows.

Piper scornfully said she was planning on sewing. Phoebe and Cole exchanged glances and carefully shut up. For the rest the morning they were aware of the old sewing machine that Leo had found as a replacement for the Gram's one that Piper had once accidentally blown up, whirring away. Leo sucking his breath in hard, and went upstairs to continue fixing the plumbing in the main bathroom. The noise of the sewing machine was interspersed with bangs and crashes from the bathroom as Leo fixed the bathroom and worked out his frustrations.

As Glock smoked his pipe in the garden, Cole instead of working kept glancing at him.

"That's damned reckless" he told Phoebe when he went to the yard door.

Phoebe was sitting cross legged on the rug with Pookie stuck out in front of her played bounce baby with Wyatt

"You're complaining about some-one being reckless" Phoebe said in mock disbelief as she tried to encourage Wyatt to walk. 

Cole grinned and went back and picked up a piece of paper. He worked for about two minutes before Phoebe glanced back in the conservatory and caught him watching her intently. His expression was one of concern, irritation and contemplation

"Its magic Cole "she said picking up on his thoughts. ". Female magic. And things are going to happen. It could be worse evil and you know it. I can't help it, neither can Paige. It's what we are."

"Mark may have something to say about that "Cole said grinning.

"Well you know Mark says" Phoebe giggled then she put her head on the side. "I understand about you when it's magic with you." she told Cole.

"Yeah that's why you vanquished me" Cole pointed out in reasonable voice "And divorced me," he added a touch bitterly.

Phoebe stuck her tongue out at him and went over to try and play with Patsy who pushed her away far more interested in his ball "He only wants me when he wants me" Phoebe sniffed.

"His mother's son" Cole shrugged. "Always wants it his way, regardless of what anyone else says." He smiled as he said it.

"I thought you said you would forgive me anything" she said avoiding admitting it. "I guess you were lying. I guess you don't love me "she added." If a man really loved a woman, he would care about her and not make her feel guilty from things out of her control, he would fuss her and tell her she is beautiful and he is so lucky to have her it does not matter what she does."

Cole groaned "We've had this conversation before" he told her "I'm only the real one."

"Nothing wrong with women having fantasies "Phoebe said chin up and cuddling Wyatt because her own son, clearly feeling no emotions from his parents that made his world vulnerable, much preferred to hit his ball. "No-more than any guy who looks at playboy" Phoebe sniffed at him "'or watches porn or sneaks looks at pictures of girls with big boobs and g strings.

Cole stood up and went out the door into the yard. He glanced down at her boobs "I don't do that "he said

Phoebe back on the rug with Wyatt in her lap looked up at him and almost shuddered with relief as she recognised the smile, the one that was hers. She swallowed and a shiver went through her body. She looked at him big brown eyes becoming moist Pookie thrust between them.

Cole bent down to clutch her arms, "Do you know what could have happened to you? He could have been a god damn demon. You could have been killed or raped or...." Phoebe just stared at him "Do you know ho lucky you were that guy was just an oversexed egotistical Neanderthal?" Cole demanded.

"But he had a great butt" Phoebe whispered and tears started to form. "I'm a witch Cole" she said "I can look after myself."

"He didn't know that" Cole muttered.

"If you were so concerned I needed protection why did you leave me alone with him" Phoebe demanded "Naked, well nearly naked." She put her head on the side, and smiled a little too smugly, knowing she had him. "What ever else I am, I am not a helpless female" she added.

"No" Cole sighed, shook his head and hauled her to his feet still clutching Wyatt and half shook her. Big eyes, softly taking in every part of his face, struggling to find her breath Phoebe burst into big sobs as she mouthed "I love you."

Cole would have answered but the sound of a shimmer stopped him and the demon guardian Therold, still in his scribe's robes, anxiously pulling at the collar, appeared. He was clearly agitated and coming out of the shimmer seeing Phoebe in tears and Cole ready to shake her, he came very near exploding in outrage.

Cole, seeing Therold and his peevish expression, tightened his grip on Phoebe's arms making her yelp as well as cry.

"You bruised me" she sobbed accusingly as Therold half lifted his hand, his face flushed with anger and then as Cole let his hands go on Phoebe's shoulders, fought to gain control of himself . In his high sing song voice Therold told Cole they needed to talk.

"Mrs Rinaldi" roared Cole coming into the conservatory. "What do you want?" he asked Therold bluntly.

"Francesca" hissed Therold in his high voice.

Glock at the far end of the yard, came up to the door and stood there, his yellow eyes narrowed, his expression enquiring.

Phoebe managed to swallow her sobs and politely introduced Glock to Therold earning a shuddering emotional smile from the guardian.

"Mrs Rinaldi" yelled Cole.

Patsy seeing some-one new and no-one immediately vanquishing them, pulled himself to his feet and toddled over to Therold, squeezing around Glock still standing in the doorway.

"Hello" Patsy said.

Therold did not notice him.

Patsy caught the front of Therold's robe and pulled hard. "Hello" he said determinedly.

Therold looked down and was caught between the effort of being nice to Cole's son and the pleasure at being recognised by the son of his beloved Phoebe. Cole, fearing his son was about to be ignored and hurt, narrowed his eyes and came close to raising his hand when Therold bent over and seriously shook Patsy's hand.

"Well met young man" Therold told Patsy who seemed satisfied because he toddled back to the yard and picked up his ball.  Then he stopped and toddled back to his father clearly feeling the tension. Cole picked him up and Patsy startled to blow discontented raspberries.

"What do you want?" snarled Cole to Therold. "Mrs Rinaldi" he called exasperation in his voice.

Glock's nose twitched.

Therold reluctantly turned to Cole. "It is necessary to discuss Burvjara" he said "Francesca" he called.

Cole waved his hand in the direction of the living room. Phoebe was still clutching Wyatt and Melinda who had found both cats and was hugging them to her, pushed shyly against her. She smiled at Therold. Cole sucked his lip and caught his breath and Therold positively preened.

"You look beautiful' Therold breathed and Phoebe positively radiated approval at him.

Cole stalked into the living room followed by Glock.

Phoebe smiled at Therold, beautiful, tragically, tearfully and Therold seemed to have trouble breathing as the emotion caught him.

"Francesca "roared Cole

"I'm not going" Glock intervened crossing his arms as Therold stood watching Phoebe.

"Don't you dare" Cole told him "You may need to stop me tearing him apart."

Glock frowned at Phoebe.

"You're not seeing her at her best" Cole told him.

"I am glad" said Glock. He considered "I will do my best to stop you tearing him apart. If only because I need you to get me back to Burvjara."

Cole shook his head and glowered impatiently as Therold stood about a step from Phoebe staring into her eyes

"We've got some teabags" Cole called to Therold his voice nasty "Can Phoebe make you some tea? I'll tell her" he offered and watched with pleasure as Therold clearly struggled with the choice between teabags and Phoebe doing something for him.

Therold caught Cole's smirk and whined "Francesca" and reluctantly left Phoebe to follow Cole into the living room. Patsy wiggled and cried, not happy with the tension in the room, and Cole let him down to follow mom.

"Aren't you going to tell me I should not have brought Ashina Glock here? Cole asked petulantly.

"The guardian Belthezor understands his business" Therold replied in high sing song voice leaving Cole to swallow the biting retort he had on his lips. "And it appears his business has lead to the imminent danger of Burvjara becoming an open battle ground between Good and Evil."

Cole was left regretting he had lost the retort.

"How imminent?" demanded Glock.

"I have things to discuss with the guardian Belthezor "said Therold carefully to Glock but waved his hands as if shooing the tall Burvjarian from the room.

"I am not going" said Glock firmly.

"No" Cole agreed as Therold, accepting Glock's determination, nodded and Cole decided he disliked Therold more when he saw the best of him than when he saw the worst of him.

Cole sat on the edge of a table as Therold wandered around the room.

"I have been to the underworld" Therold said prissily.

Cole nodded.

"As you suspect the evil in Burvjara is not random," Therold said.

Cole nodded.

Glock uncrossed his arms and recrossed.

"Nothing unusual" Therold said. 'They want control of the pole and are perplexed that their alliance with Ashina Glock did not achieve it."

Glock stood upright. "If they had fought as I have fought," Glock said "they would know that allies are far more dangerous than enemies."

"I do not believe that the concept of fighting as you fight; of leading into battle and engaging, has occurred to the Geztalt" Therold said with sarcastic humour "In fact they feel such actions are the height of stupidity. They feel that war is a much more productive activity if it involves sacrificing minions, and does not endanger the progenitors.'

Glock, a leader who had faced the realities of combat as daily fact of life, just grunted.

Cole snorted loudly deciding he really dislike Therold when he was at his best. "Mrs Rinaldi" he roared and wandered around the room, needing to move.

Therold frowned at Cole rubbing his hands. "And Belthezor's intervention several cycles ago, "Therold explained "has caused no end of consternation. They have concluded that ogres do not exist so Friend Belthezor's intervention was declaration of open warfare by Good." He squeaked severely eyeing Cole who glowered back. "Francesca" whined Therold.

"The Geztalt believe they can control the Burvjarians if they defeat Good comprehensively no matter the cost" Therold added

"They misunderstood their Burvjarian if they thought that "Cole said as Glock 's face twisted.

"My experience of war is that unless you can annihilate an enemy in battle" Glock said "such victories simply expand the terms of conflict. Do not Good have resources outside Burvjara? A loss in battle there will simply make them choose another battleground, and fight more ferociously. At least that is what the history of Burvjara has taught me" his said his skin going a darker orange.

"I bow to your wisdom, Ashina Glock" Therold said bowed slightly.

Cole decided he hated Therold when he was at his best.

"So Friend Belthezor must find a way to stop this battle" Therold said in his high squeak.

"Mrs Rinaldi" roared Cole. When no orbs sounded, he took a deep breath "Are you really sure the Geztalt will turn this into a bloody confrontation between all of Good and Evil. Tempus may have something to say about them leading the battle.'

Before Therold could continue they were interrupted by Phoebe coming in with a tray and tea pot complete with Grams best tea cosy and followed by Leo still wearing a tool belt.

"What?" said Cole irritably.

"I thought you should return Therold's hospitality" Phoebe smiled all good wife. "Not that I could make tea anything like you can" she told Therold, "but I can do my best "she said sweetly.

Therold blushed red, his balding scalp going as red as his face.

"What are you doing here?" Cole hissed at Leo.

"Even I could feel the spirit winds getting a force 10 gale" Leo whispered. "Thought some guide had better be here."

Cole rolled his eyes while Therold all but shook as he accepted tea from Phoebe.

"If I vanquished you for those thoughts there are many that would call it justice" muttered Cole and Therold flushed.

"Cole" said Leo.

"Cole" said Phoebe who offered tea to Glock who shook his head. "Help yourself to tea "she told Cole who ground his teeth.

"Francesca" called Leo as Phoebe with a smug grin at Cole took the tray away.

"Geztalt do not care what the cost is in blood" Therold said. "Always more minions" he quoted. "And they need to assert themselves to eliminate the Brotherhood influence of Tempus. War is always good for business. This is why they invade the financial institutions of the realms, to ensure the Brotherhood do not gain from the Geztalt wars."

"Brotherhood?" asked Glock

"Demon opposition" Cole explained. "Burvjara is not the only place that has clan warfare and unholy alliances."

Glock almost smiled "I have never been approached by these demons. Brotherhood are they lesser demons?'"

"Brotherhood don't know how to win Burvjara, so wont try" Cole explained a touch defensively "The Brotherhood fight with ... warriors not fodder and Burvjara is a war that requires numbers dead. The Brotherhood survive on their cleverness. They are not willing to fight such battles, to be vanquished so their masters can be rewarded."

"Cole used to be part of the Brotherhood" Leo explained and Glock's nose twitched.

"I do not see how this will end without an open confrontation between Good and Evil" Therold said.

"Didn't you say there was a prediction it does end" Cole asked touchily "something I do ends it."

"Then do it," ordered Therold.

"As your colleague says" Glock told Cole dryly his skin going more orange. "And take me back."

"Not yet" insisted Cole. "I cannot, I must not."

Glock drew a tight breath and his skin became very dark orange.

"Why not?" demanded Therold his high voice almost a whine. "Why do you refuse to do anything. Belthezor you have the responsibility, the call on the winds."

"Cole isn't refusing to do what he must do to end the war" Leo interrupted. "He was talking about taking Glock back to Burvjara.

"Belthezor is not offering any evidence of doing anything," Therold pointed out, flexing his fingers as if he regretted not being able to sue them

"Cole needs to think what he is going to do" Leo explained.

"Francesca" called Cole pushed.

"Francesca" called Therold loudly.

"Francesca" called Leo.

Glock's nose twitched.

Leo looking concerned, Therold peeved and Cole pissed stood in triangle, neither guardian was prepared to give ground, while Glock observed with interest the ebb and flow of the battle.

"Francesca" called Leo.

Therold and Cole eyed his each other off.

"This needs to end" Leo finally said stepping between them. Both guardians eyed him dangerously, as Leo determinedly stood his ground.

Then they all jumped as orbs sounded and a very annoyed looking Francesca appeared. Her whitelighter robe was crooked around her as if she had just dragged it on and her pepper and salt  pony tail was falling out of its band as if she pulled her hair into ponytail without combing her it or looking in a mirror.

"That damned ringing is as annoying as hell" Francesca told them. "Impossible to ignore."

Leo and Cole exchanged bemused glances

"I think it's meant to be" Leo replied as Cole and Therold moved to opposite corners of the room.

"Thank you Leo" Francesca said pointedly. She pondered Therold and Cole standing opposite each other, confrontation seething out of them.

Leo shrugged awkwardly "They won't listen to me" he said nodding his head toward them.

"Then it is unlikely they will listen to me either " Francesca told Leo. " Which means don't waste your advice on them. What's the problem?" she asked hands on hips as Therold pressed his lips and crossed his hands defensively and Cole swung his arms fingers curling.

"The balance is out in Burvjara and Belthezor procrastinates" said Therold.

''He has been known to do that" Francesca agreed.

Therold glared at Cole. "Open confrontation between the powers is probable" he said. "Whatever the cost to Burvjara." he said. "Thanks to Belthezor."

Glock's nose twitched and his skin became deep, deep orange.

"Why are you here? "Francesca asked choosing not to answer Therold.

Leo looked at Francesca "They need some-one between them." he told her. "This was getting out of hand."

Francesca cocked her head. "Just once would it be unreasonable to expect one or both of them to behave as…. Guardians, to act without a referee." Francesca glowered at Cole and Therold who were to busy staring each other down

"They need some balance between them." Leo said "And I don't think I have that sort of wisdom. I'm not you."

Francesca drew a deep breath "They should be able to manage their affairs without you, me any-one moderating.

"They clearly cannot " said Leo "And if spite magic can keep you away and lead  to this sort of estrangement, maybe they are more dangerous than Geztalt and Brotherhood and all the higher level demons."

Francesca flicked her crooked pony tail then put her hand up to straighten it "Point taken Leo" she said finally. "I will listen to the bells from now on." She turned to Cole and Therold "What happens to Burvjara in all this?"

"Better Burvjara controls its own destiny" said Glock who had been watching this exchange.

"That would be the best option "Therold agreed "But some-one will pay the cost and he squarely met Glock's eyes.

Glock nodded slightly then turned away.

Cole decided he truly hated Therold when he was being wise.

"Why is open confrontation probable?" asked Francesca.

"Because since Ashina Glock's absence the Burvjarians seem unwilling to go into combat and both sides seem to believe the reason is an alliance with the other."

"Could some-one suggest to Good and Evil this is not the case?" Francesca asked.

"You could" said Cole "You could try with Good. Unless something better comes along to take your fantasy." He added taking out his displeasure with Therold on her.

"You're a nasty little boy aren't you Cole?" Francesca said severely. "And we have previously discussed why Good won't listen to me."

Cole swallowed as she gave him the evil eye.

"Want me to try "Leo offered and his voice quavered at his audacity.

"Thank you Leo" Francesca said genuinely. Leo flushed.

"Will they listen to Durand's guide and a failed whitelighter?" Therold asked and Leo flushed.

Cole glowered at Therold and curled his fingers.

"Probably not" Francesca said bluntly before Cole could say anything. "Any more than they will listen to me. But we need the moral high ground of having asked. When more direct responses are necessary."

"What direct responses?" asked Glock and frowned as both Cole and Therold shrugged.

"I will contact evil" Therold said, "But I doubt they will listen. My brother Belthezor "and he struggled with the words "needs to go to Burvjara and assess the situation and what it requires to end this battle."

"I'll go in the morning" Cole said firmly.

Glock bit his lip and Therold glared,

"I know my business "Cole said "There is no place for the guardian Belthezor in Burvjara at his minute. I know it" he added refusing to give ground, legs apart feet braced as he squared off against Cole.

"You may stop the changes if you go now" Therold told him petulantly.

"I am not certain that is a good thing" Cole replied seriously while Therold fidgeted, rocking from foot to foot, his hand curled.

"The balance is out and Cole must put it back at his choosing. Its his business Therold "Francesca said schoolmarm while Therold pursed his lips

"Hi Francesca" said Phoebe coming back, "You want more tea" she asked Therold.

"By the way Belthezor there is something you must know," Therold started to say, his expression one of some-one who hated himself for speaking. "We need to speak alone."

"No" snapped Francesca and Leo together.

Therold rubbed his hands and glanced toward Phoebe.

"You can threaten me in front of Phoebe" Cole drawled.

"Cole" said Phoebe and Francesca

Therold made his decision. "Phoebe I don't want to alarm you" he said and to her surprise gently reached for her hand, causing Phoebe to blush and preen. And Cole to glower.

"You can tell me" Phoebe said fluttering big brown eyes at him.

Therold swallowed and summoned his courage. "You are in great danger from the Geztalt" he announced and put an arm near her as if he thought she might faint.

"Cole" said Francesca as Cole stepped forward.

Cole caught his breath then managed a good imitation of a careless shrug "She's always in danger from some demon.'" he said.

Therold looked like he could not believe it . "I said she was in danger, GRAVE danger" he said his voice getting squeaky from concern "the Geztalt have plan to stop her. They BLAME her, hold HER responsible for the failures against the Brotherhood holdings."

"Well from experience I guess whatever they do will'll fail "Cole said disinterested "Unless it involves sex?" he asked nastily and as Phoebe stamped her foot added "Then it just might work at the moment."

"Cole" said Francesca and Leo as Therold nearly exploded.

"That's not very fair to Paige and Piper" Leo commented. 'Maybe some-one should explain to the demons about the Power of Three."

"Leo" said Francesca.

Phoebe gently touched Therold's arm "I know how to fight demons" she said "And I'm lucky."

"You don't understand the gravity "Therold told her flushing red again.

"Demons are always bitching about Phoebe and Charmed Sisters "Leo explained. It comes with the territory of being the most powerful witches in the realm. It's easier to focus on a specific enemy than look to themselves to find their failures."

Phoebe smiled 'Leo's right." she said

"Francesca" appealed Therold, clearly unable to accept his beloved in any danger "the Geztalt have targeted Phoebe, specifically."

"Then god help the Geztalt "said Francesca firmly and Phoebe smiled a trifle smugly.

"I do understand " Phoebe said gently  to Therold her hand on his arm while Cole snorted "but I'm beholden to you for your concern" and reached up to kiss Therold's cheek.

As Cole took another deep breath, Francesca interrupted "Go Therold" she ordered. '"Go now" she ordered as Therold started to hiss.

Therold hesitated again, clearly torn about defending his beloved and confronting an angry husband in front of Francesca.

"I will be fine" Phoebe assured him "I now how to defeat demons." And she smiled, her eyes big and brown and warm

"So beautiful" murmured Therold

"Go" said Francesca and Cole.

Therold finally shimmered as Phoebe watched the space he had been in with something like a very smug smile.

Cole started to step toward her his hand out

"Go and get ready for Burvjara" Francesca ordered him.

"I have to finish up some law stuff" Cole muttered but put his hand down.

"Then do it "said Francesca, head on the side, not taking her eyes of him.

Cole stood his ground for abut five seconds, before conceding with a shrug.

"And don't take any of my stuff you Burvjara" Leo ordered as Cole sauntered back to the conservatory.

Cole smirked and Glock, shaking his head but finding nothing to say, returned to the yard banging his pockets for his pipe, his expression dark.

Phoebe watched Cole seat himself in his corner and pick up a piece of paper, enjoying herself.

"And you Miss Phoebe "Francesca said turning to her "You need a hobby, a passion  that does not involve sex."

"What? said Phoebe.

"Knitting, tapestry, reading, pottery, children's theatre "Francesca told her firmly. "Anything that takes your mind of sex." 

Only as she said it her attention was distracted and she walked past Phoebe into the conservatory to stop at the bookcase and concentrate on the more lurid titles there.

Phoebe stood and watched her as Francesca finally orbed clutching five more of Phoebe's books.

"Back at you" Phoebe muttered.

The manor settled down for the rest of the day, with Phoebe playing with kids, Paige locked in her room until she against all orders not to, went the Charley's gymnastics contest and  Piper sewed in the attic and Leo continued banging in the upstairs bathroom. Cole worked all day, resisting pushing from Glock and said he was going to Burvjara in the morning because he felt strongly that time was something they needed.

Glock finally nodded and spent the rest of the morning sitting in the yard smoking and watching his green surroundings with an expression of helplessness that being lost in an alien realm could cause.  After lunch he offered to help Leo fix the bathroom, and between them they managed to replace the main pipes, because Glock could see a way of loosening the connections without destroying the wall supports.

"I have had time to consider the problem" he explained to Leo.

At three o'clock in the morning, Phoebe lay on her back in bed. Pookie was a bit of a weight lying on her back, and pressing on her bladder but she did not want to move. For the last couple of nights, ever since what she called her little misadventure with John Cotton, Cole had been quite determinedly possessive and if she moved he was instantly awake asking her what she was doing. He was sleeping on his side with his arm lying heavily across her breasts as if he was keeping a firm hold on her.

Phoebe had been awake since two o'clock when she had heard both Wyatt and Patsy whimpering. She immediately thought of teething, praying right in the middle of all this Patsy was not getting another tooth through. As she moved Cole had woken up and caught her arm

"Where are you going?" he asked wide awake, and she guessed ready for action.

Phoebe explained about the noise and Cole had nodded and let her go but was sitting back against the pillows waiting when she returned.

"Teething" she explained.

Cole half groaned.

"Wyatt" she said "Patsy was just doing the empathy bit. Wyatt's not too bad. I put some soothers on it."

"Good "Cole had said still sitting up. Phoebe shook her head and went into the bathroom and he was still watching when she returned and only went to sleep again when she was securely in bed, his arm across her. It was not a particularly warm night, some sea mist was about but Pookie was keeping her so warm, she only had one light blanket over her, which Cole tucked tightly over her. Phoebe got the distinct impression that if he could have Cole would have swaddled her down so she couldn’t move without him letting her.

Phoebe cursed herself and cursed the spites and cursed demons, and none of it made her feel any better. Hormones were doing horrible things to her. They were also adding to the heat and she carefully pushed the one light blanket off her but still felt Cole tighten his arm over her.

Lying awake, hot and uncomfortable, Phoebe decided it wasn't fair, bloody demons making her sweat on any arse but the one that was legally and morally available to her. And it did not help the number of times that she had noticed in the last couple of days, females of all ages and descriptions sweating over that arse,  when it was not available to anyone but her.

Pookie was putting pressure on her bladder again so she ever so slowly moved to the edge of the bed. She only just swung her legs over the edge when Cole caught her arm.

"Where are you going?" he murmured sleepily

Phoebe ground her teeth and all she got from him was a deep chuckle. She snatched her arm away from him and went into the ensuite, deliberately taking her time, examining her face in the mirror and even checking to see whether her legs needed waxing before she finally redid her face with special night cream, and finally a little more greasy than before, went back to bed. Cole was lying on his back completely awake again and she stuck her tongue out at him.

"How long is his going to last?" she demanded.

"Quite a while" Cole told her calmly and she knew he wasn't lying.

"You're not jealous" she said and it was a statement not a question.

"No" he agreed. "Pissed. Don't like other… males poaching on my property. I'm a male" he added.

"One day you will have to worry about some-one who is really competition" she told him primly and then as his face contorted, she caught her hand over her mouth.

"I was just being bitchy" she said contrite "I didn't mean that."

"No "he agreed. "You never do mean it when the truth comes out. It just comes out."

"Well it's not the truth" she told him "because there isn't any-one like you."

He laughed

"But" she continued "You know you could get a bit jealous, instead of just being possessive."

''You don't want me jealous" Cole told her "You really don’t want that. Trust me."

She was silent.

"I know how to protect my own," he told her. "That's a promise."

"Well watching everything I do at night, keeping track of wherever I am, isn't the way to protect your own" she answered bluntly.

'"That's just to piss you off" he conceded. And Phoebe knew he wasn't lying this time either.

"So I'm yours no matter what?" she asked.

"Mm" Cole muttered getting sleepy. "Turn over" he ordered her.

Phoebe contrarily lay on her back so Cole rolled her on her side and cuddled against her, his arm across her breasts and Pookie. She thought of resisting but gave up the idea because she suspected he might enjoy it. A few minutes later from his even breathing she realised he was asleep and sighed not sure whether to be annoyed or pleased he was so possessive, refusing to give her an inch.

Cole breathed softly against her shoulder and she put her hand behind her head to touch his face. Then she shut her eyes and snuggled trying to sleep and safe in his arms, assured she would never lose Cole, she began to fanaticise about a man who had all the best of Cole. But one who did everything she wanted, agreed with everything she said, assured her she was perfect, never criticised her, and was clearly besotted with her. She pondered whether Therold's devotion would make him the perfect fantasy\, but she suspected that Therold would not easily deal with his idol having feet of clay, and beside her fantasy man had to be at least physically attractive.

Her thoughts turned to the Gorgeous George, and she smiled to herself as her hormones went into action and her body tingled. Locked in a delicious fantasy about a man who was a perfect lover, gave her everything she wanted, never argued and was as attractive as hell , Phoebe finally fell asleep, a vision of Gorgeous blond sexy George the last thing she remembered.