A week had gone by and Declan had been pushing herself, not just in training, but she had nearly a month of school work to catch up on in order to graduate in June. She had switched her classes to online so Dex could still work, which meant she spent most of her day in the training room. She was still having flutters of memories but nothing to really focus on, she felt pulled in all different directions, work, training, trying to remember. At night her energy was spent and she would pass out early, but she usually woke up around three with a nightmare. They weren't typically that bad, and she could usually go back to sleep. The worst one came Friday the thirteenth, she was alone in a meadow, it was a beautiful green color. She smelled the earth after the rain and looked around for Dex, when she spotted him he was tied to something. She quickly search around looking for whoever tied him up, she found Ally and Aiden tied on opposite sides. "Chose," a mythical voice said. "I can't," she panicked and shook her head. "Chose," the voice beckoned again. Declan began running to Dex, it didn't feel like he was getting any closer, so she ran harder, but it seemed to work, he was getting closer. She reached out to him and before she could touch him he burst into flames, she screamed. Declan sat up in bed, sweating, trying to catch her breath, this one felt real. There was a light knock on her door, "Declan, are you ok?" Dex's voice whispered from the other side. She clambered up and ran to the door, opening it so hard she nearly ripped it from the hinges. She threw her arms around Dexter and cried, "Shh," he hushed. "You died," she cried. Ally and Aiden stood in their doorway rubbing their eyes, "Are you ok?" Ally asked. "You all died and I was alone, I tried… I tried so hard to get to you but I couldn't," she sobbed. Dex held up a hand and helped Declan back into her room, "It's ok it was a nightmare," he tried to calm her. "It felt so real," she said looking up at him. When her eyes meet his, the pull felt stronger than every before, they stood there in each others arms starring, before Dex pulled back. "Here, I'll grab your blankets and you can sleep in my room," he said pulling the down comforter off her bed and walking her next door to his room. He left the door open and got her comfortable on one side of his bed, before he climbed in on the other side under his own blankets. He reached his arm over and found Declan's hand, she laced her fingers and fell back to sleep feeling the comfort of Dex being close.
In the morning Declan stretch, the light was to bright she sat up remembering she wasn't in her room. Dex's room had one entire wall that was just windows over looking the back yard which was mostly wooded area. His room was a white with a dark blue wall behind the bed and very modern, with exposed beams stained medium color. The rain was beating on the window which was nice as it meant to snow would soon be gone. She looked over but Dex was gone, he couldn't be far, then she heard the shower shut off. Suddenly she felt very self conscious and embarrassed, "You're awake," Dex said walking in, in jeans and a plain t-shirt. He sat on the bed to put his socks on, "I'm sorry," Declan offered. "For what?" Dex asked. "This," she said motioning to herself in his bed. "No big deal," he replied shrugging. They went down to breakfast, "Heart shaped pancakes?" Declan asked sitting down. "It's valentines day," Ally told her pouring strawberry sauce on hers. Declan rolled her eyes, "You don't like valentines day?" Aiden asked. "Not really, it's silly to have one day carved out for love," she answered. Aiden smiled at Ally who shook her head at him, "Human's celebrate it," she told him. "Oh do we have celebrate too?" Declan asked. "We should," Ally shrugged. Ally enjoyed any holiday dealing with the possibility of fiery passion. Declan finished breakfast and was going to go shower, but Pete called them into the living room. There was a breaking news story about a hurricane causing massive flooding and mudslides in California, the weather man said it was like a monsoon, which was very odd for a typically dry Southern California. "It's Sawyer, he wants to see how far Declan's progressed," Aiden said folding his arms across his chest. "Shouldn't we go?" Declan asked. This was what she had been working so hard for, moments like this, "Yes, I think we need to," Aiden said looking to Dex and then Ally. "You're sure you can do this?" Dex asked turning to Declan. "Not in my pajamas," She replied without missing a beat. Dex waited outside her door while she threw on some ripped jeans and a plain blue tshirt. She grabbed some shoes and opened the door, "I wasn't kidding do you feel like you can do this?" He asked as she slipped on some converse. "Yes," she replied a little annoyed. "Decs, I just," he began but she interrupted, "As long as you're with me, I can do this," she assured grabbing his hand. He smiled, she was just doing this so he'd relax and it was working, she smiled back at him and they headed down.
Aiden was playing with a locked door when they reached the training room. "Why are we down here?" She asked. "We can get anywhere quickly threw this door," Aiden said finally snapping the lock. He opened the double doors and a landscape appeared. It was the pouring rain wind wiped Southern California, "It always shows where the center of the problem is," Ally explained. "But I don't see anyone," Declan said. "They don't always hang around once their hand work has started," Aiden told her. They walked threw the door and stepped into the wind and rain, Aiden went quick into the air trying to calm the wind, he seemed to almost be hushing it. No one had to say anything to Declan she leaped in the air and began to slow the droplets, it took her some time to get them all under control. She let them drop and went farther to stop the clouds and make them disperse. Once she had done that Dex could get the mudslides under control, it all seemed too easy. They met back where they had started, "Did you see anyone?" Aiden asked Ally, who shook her head. "This was too easy," Declan said skeptical. Aiden nodded in agreement, that's when hey heard a maniacal laugh, and a chill went through Declan. That was the laugh from her dream, she reached for Dex, he pushed her behind him, as the laugh got louder. Finally a man appeared his deep set almond shaped eyes were completely blacked out, a few pieces of his greasy black hair with red tips hung in his face. "Well done Declan," his voice bellowed still laughing. Declan stayed behind Dex, holding his hand as tight as she could. "Judging by her reaction, I'm guessing she doesn't know, Dexter," He continued. "Her memories are coming back," Dex yelled. "Coming back, haven't come back in full force yet," the demon mocked. "These stupid weather games are above you aren't they Sawyer," Aiden shot back. Sawyer bounced his head from side to side, "They are, but I wanted to see how my sister was getting on," he said with a smile. Declan's mouth opened in shock and Sawyer threw his head back laughing, "I would say that hurts me sister, but you don't even remember your mate," he howled with laughter. Sawyer took a step closer and ground thundered, he roared with laughter, "Does that hurt you Dexter, to know you caused her to forget you and all you had," Sawyer spat like venom. With every laugh Declan could see his razor point teeth and his snake like tongue, licking around his mouth like it had a mind of it's own. "I'll see you soon, sister," Sawyer called and disappeared. "Let's get home," Aiden said.
They returned home, Aiden shut the door and everyone headed upstairs, for lunch, "So you probably have some questions," Ally began first. "Oh you mean about my brother being a demon," Declan said with a smile. "He wasn't always a demon," Ally offered. "You and he were actually quite close," Aiden added. "He was blinded by the thought of power," Ally defended. "When you get your memories back, you'll probably begin to remember him," Dex assured her. Declan hated this, everything depending on her getting her memories back. Seeing the change of expressions on her face, "Come on Declan, we need to get ready for this evening," Ally said. Declan looked at her confused, "I told you it's valentines day," Ally reminded.
Ally grabbed Declan and they went upstairs, "I don't have anything to wear, I don't have a present," Declan complained. "Oh no presents, we don't do presents, and I'm sure I have a dress you can borrow," Ally assured. "Ok I'm gonna take a shower," Declan said and went into the bathroom. When she got out Ally had laid some different dress options on her bed, for her to choose from. Declan picked up a wine-colored satin dress with lace overlay and lace long sleeves, "That would be perfect," Ally said leaning against the door. "I've never gone out before," Declan confessed. "You haven't?" Ally asked. "Not even prom?" She added. Declan shook her head, "My parents were afraid I would cause problems," Declan explained. Ally nodded, "Well let's do hair, then make up, then you get dressed," she explained. "You're not using the bathroom," Dex said going in. "I'll grab my curling iron, one sec," Ally told her disappearing. She reappeared and shut the door, "He can't see you till your done," she giggled.
Declan sat at the vanity while Ally plugged in the curling iron, and Declan suddenly had a memory of her and Ally, they were sitting on the shore of a river laughing. "We've been friends a long time," Declan said. Ally looked at her in the mirror, "We have," she replied with a sweet smile. "I had a memory of us on a river bank laughing," Declan told her. "How much are you getting in these memories?" Ally asked picking up a section of hair and wrapping it around the curling wand. "Right now they are just flashes, like snippets of time," Declan explained. "I wish I knew how to get them all back to you," Ally sympathized. "It's frustrating, I know we've shared a lifetime together, I feel it there, but I can't remember all of it," Declan said looking down. After curling Declan's hair Ally pulled the top half back and tied a red ribbon in it. Ally did Declan's make up and Declan curled Ally's hair while she did her own make up. It was about four o'clock when they finally got their dresses on, "Here," Ally said bringing Declan a pair of red pumps and sliding them through a crack in the door. Dex came out of his room in a black suit, black shirt with a red tie, "Nice try," Ally scolded him trying to peek, "Down stairs," she added. Dex put his hands up and headed down the stairs to the living room. "Ally come on, I made early reservations," Aiden called from the bottom of the stairs. Ally knocked on Declan's door, "Have fun," she called. Declan opened the door, "You're not coming with us?" She asked. "No, Aiden likes to have an early night. You look beautiful," Ally assured, she gave Declan a hug and headed down.
Declan put on the string of pearls her mother gave her and put a few essentials in a purse, she looked around for anything else she might need. Perfume she almost for got Ally had told her to spritz with perfume, she grabbed the bottle Ally lent her and gave herself a few spritzes and took one last look in the mirror. She let out a breath and headed down the stairs, Dex was sitting in the kitchen at the island when she came down the hall. He stood, "Wow," he stammered. Declan smiled, her cheeks blushing, she looked down a little embarrassed. Dex walked to her, "Don't look down," he whisper putting a knuckle under her chin and lifting her head. Dex offered his arm and they walked out to the car, he opened her door, helped her in and ran around to the drivers side. They started driving into the city, "We're going into Pittsburgh?" Declan asked. "Yeah, I made reservations at Altius," he told her. Delcan's eyes widened, Dex glanced over at her then back at the road. "Is that ok? Do you not like their food?" He asked a little panicked. "I've never been to a restaurant that nice before," Declan answered. Declan was getting excited, her parents never took her to the nice places since they were never sure when she would create a storm. They parked and walked in, "Two for Morgan," Dex told the hostess. A few minutes later a host came and took them to a table, walking through the restaurant Declan was amazed, it was beautiful. From the artwork to the view, the host pulled out Declan's seat. They were seated by the window and the city lights looked like Christmas below. "So what did your parents let you do?" Dex asked. Declan took a breath in and looked down, "I read a lot of books and studied a lot," Declan answered. "What about for fun?" Dex asked. Declan thought for a few minutes, "I learned the violin," Declan shrugged. Dex smiled, "Did you like it?" asked. "No, my teacher was very cruel and constantly accused me of never practicing," Declan answered with a smirk. "What about you?" Declan added taking a sip of water. "Aiden made sure we had well rounded activities," he replied with a chuckle. "Sounds like Aiden," Declan said shaking her head. Dex cocked his head to the side with his water glass in his hand. "Sorry, sometimes I remember certain things, like personality traits," she replied self conscious. "You always had fun picking at him," Dex told her to ease her.
The waiter came and took their order and brought over a bottle of wine, pouring a Chardonnay. They took a sip and set the glasses back down, "So, how are you doing with all of this?" Dex asked. "You mean my life being completely turned upside down in twenty four hours and in a month I've learned my brother is a demon, I'm a water angel and I have no memory of my mate or friends," she recounted sarcastically. "Well, when you put it that way it sounds crazy," he replied. She smiled, "I'm frustrated, I just wish everything would come back at once instead of snippets," she answered honestly. "Like what?" He asked. "Like I remember things about Ally, just moments of us laughing or her reaching for me," Declan explained. Before Dex could say anything a couple walked by, "Declan?" A familiar voice called. She turned, "Mom, Dad," she said surprised. "What are you doing here?" Her mother asked more accusatory. "I uh, I'm," she stammered. "Liv, she's on a date," Trevor told her not whispering at all. Dex stood up and held out his hand to shake, "Dexter Morgan," he introduced himself. "Morgan?" Trevor questioned. "As in Morgan Financial?" He asked. Dex smiled, "Yes, though truth be told I'm the younger brother. Aiden does far more than I do," he joked.
Declan felt a little more at ease as Dex charmed her parents, "How did you two meet?" Olivia asked. "My sister in law, she's a RN at the hospital Declan interviewed at," Dex answered. "Well, Declan didn't mention she was seeing anyone," Olivia added. Declan tried to fake a smile, "You two will have to come over for dinner," Trevor offered. "That would be great," Dex replied. The waiter brought their food, "We'll let you get to you food, have fun," they said and quickly left. "Thank you," Declan smiled as the waiter set their plates down. "Your mom seems nice," Dex joked. Declan looked at her food, "Are you ok?" He asked. She nodded and placed her napkin in her lap. Dex could see her mom's comment made her uncomfortable, never mind her could feel it, it was all over her face.
They ate in silence, but Dex couldn't take it anymore when they got back into the car. "So I heard you and Ally had a talk," he broke the silence as he started the car. Declan tensed, "She didn't tell me what it was about. I just wondered if maybe you had any questions for me?" He asked glancing over at her, then back at the road. Declan pondered a moment, "What were we like?" She asked looking over at him. The question caught him off guard, he cleared his throat, "We um," he stopped. He sighed, "You had a lot of patience," he began again. "I did a lot of stupid things, looking back but you were always there with patience and kindness, almost like you knew my idea was going to go wrong," he explained. "There was this time I had an idea to make Harper a giant four-tier birthday cake, you told me not to, that she didn't need a large cake. I should've listened, I dropped the cake carrying it over and nearly set the house on fire, she cried," he reminisced. "You were there to save the day, you had made cupcakes, Harper quit crying and the party was saved," Dex joked. "Who's Harper?" Declan asked. Dex tensed, "A friend" he offered. Declan could feel he was hiding something. Suddenly a memory flashed of she and Dex sitting at a table, "I don't want to leave her here alone," she told him concerned. "It's not a good idea to bring her, she's safer here anyway," he urged her. Declan grabbed Dex arm as the memory faded, "What?" He asked glancing over at her. "Just a flash of a memory," she replied shaking her head. Declan didn't know who she was talking about in the memory, but she didn't want to tell Dex. She didn't like that she had to check with him about every memory, it wasn't fair, and he wasn't forthcoming, with how this happened in the first place.
They got home and Declan went to her room, she shut the door and sat on the bed with her arms around her knees, that were pull to her chest. "Declan," Dex called from outside the door. "What happened?" She heard Ally ask. "I don't know," Dex answered. Declan waited for him to quit knocking before she changed and snuck down to the training room. She shut the door and stood facing the far wall from the door, she took a deep breath and let all of her frustration out concentrating on forming ice into different shapes and throwing it as hard as she could at the wall. Dex was hiding things for some reason and no one wanted to tell her how she lost her memory or why her brother was a demon but they wanted her to just remember. It was so maddening, the stresses from school and attempting to get a job and the pressure she felt to accept Dex as a mate was all coming out. She was expected to slip into this balancing act of angel and human.
After two hours she finally collapsed in an emotional heap, crying. That was when Declan did something she had done many times in her mind but never out loud, she prayed. She never wanted her parents to know, they weren't religious and she had heard her mother on numerous occasions make fun of people who were. She prayed for her memory, for her frustrations, for her anger, and her relationships with these people she knew, but were essentially complete strangers. Declan picked herself up and went to the bedroom and fell asleep instantly.