Karen hurried through the halls and down many flights of stairs to the lab. Nobody had seemed to notice she was even gone...which was strange. She nodded to several people as she passed them on her way to Zoey's room. As she approached the door Karen saw with a shock, that the door was slightly ajar.
That isn't a good sign...the Doc ordered her door be kept shut and locked at all times...especially after she escaped last time...she would have made it to..if not for that bit----
Karen pushed the door open and walked in. She sigh in relief at the scene before her. Zoey sat in Race's lap, her head resting against is strong shoulder, as he's head was bent slightly as he read to her. Her snow white fur, even as dirty as it was, seemed to glow pure white against Race's midnight black fur. Zoey had one of her rare truly happy smiles on her young face, her green eyes shinning with a light that was usually dimmed by the life she lived. Race's expression was the closet he ever looked to being happy.
Karen let out a whispered laugh, at the sight of this big macho mercenary catling holding a small mouse child as if she was made of fragile china. Race's ear pricked forward at the sound of her laugh. He raised his head a little, not enough to attract Zoey's attention, but enough so that he could look her in the eyes. Race's gold cat eyes, dilated at the bright light that shone in behind her, catching her gray ones at the same time.
Karen felt the same aching pull she always did when she looked into his gorgeous eyes. Race's mouth curved into something that could conceivable be considered a smile. He paused his reading and nudged the girl in his arms.
"Hey, mousey, look who's here," he whispered gently, tenderly; has if the child he held was his own. You would have thought this man had been father once himself.
But then again, Karen thought, he was a father, he had a little girl. From what I understand she would have been Zoey's age had she lived.
Zoey looked up and grinned wide at Karen. "Karen, we reading Dealing Wit Dragons..." She held her arms out wide for a hug.
Karen arched an eyebrow at Race. "Dealing With Dragons? Hardly one the Doc's recommend reading list..." she said sweetly, walk towards the pair.
Karen bent and swept the child from his arms. She hugged her tight. Zoey squealed in protest, saying she was crushing her laugh happily as she said it. Race looked at the two with an anguished sorrow. They reminded him too much of anther mother and daughter. Just like my Kylie and Alora. Oh, how I miss you dear ones...
Karen noticed he didn't responded as he usually did to her playful comment and looked at him concerned.
"Are you okay, Race?" She asked softly.
He shock himself and managed to a weak smile. "Yeah, Kare...ah'm okay...." He stood. "its way past this little ones bed time though..."
Karen smiled back, but wasn't fooled. "Yes it is. Ready for bed, sugar?"
After a little pleading and a little catejoleing Zoey was finally, put to bed. As the two left Zoey's room, Karen put her hand on Race's arm as he looked back at the pretending to be sleeping child.
Race looked at her, his gold eyes shining. "Yeah, babe?"
"We need to talk, soon.." She whispered, so softly only his sensitive ears let him pick it up. She nodded her head at Zoey slightly.
Race nodded in understanding, concern now clouding his eyes. "Crossroads.." He whispered. Karen nodded and walked away.
Race watched her walk away. He suppressed the impulse to gather her and Zoey in his arms and protect them always. To take them far away from this.
What has that woman gotten into now?
