A Million Reasons

A/N: This story was completed before I started posting it here. I've just been revising it trying to tie it into the next book. So this part of the story, A million reasons, is complete. It was one of my first attempts at fanfiction and hope some ppl enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. ********************
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It was late evening by the time Elisa got up the nerve to speak with Fox.


She found the red head still working and talking into an intercom. Her head was back, eyes closed as she listened to the caller.


"We're very impressed with the X-10 laser rifle Janine, but we were wondering--" the caller cleared his throat, "--if you're still active. We have new recruits in need of your expertise," he said cryptically.


Elisa hovered in the doorway, not sure if this was something she should be hearing.


Blue eyes suddenly snapped open pinning her in place. Fox cocked her head at her, an unreadable expression on her face.


"I'm sorry General Stone I need to go. We can continue tomorrow."


Elisa couldn't tell if it was a statement or a question, but before he could respond Fox disconnected the call.


Her tired smile was warm as she walked around her desk to meet Elisa. "Hi," Fox greeted in a husky tone.


Elisa's stomach quivered at the intimate sound of her voice.


Fox leaned forward to place a kiss on Elisa's lips. Elisa turned away the kiss landing on her cheek.


"I'm sorry I didn't call first but I needed to talk to you," Elisa stated unable to keep her voice from quivering. Fox frowned.


She walked Elisa to a chair in front of her desk. Fox leaned against the desk, her hands resting on the smooth surface, waiting patiently.


Elisa had worked in law enforcement long enough to know that underneath Fox's cool exterior the red head was tense. A muscle twitched in her jaw and there was unmistakable tightness around her eyes.


"The mutants are going to let me know if they're going to accept your help," Elisa said.

Elisa looked around the office, admiring the Greek artwork and sculptures that made up the decor.


She blinked in surprise when her eyes landed on a piece of art that seemed out of place.


On one of the walls was a Hopi Indian dream catcher.


The colorful beading and feathers hanging from it made it stand out. "Where did you get that?" She asked quietly.


Fox took her eyes off of Elisa to gaze at the dream catcher for a moment. Her expression remained unreadable when she returned her focus to Elisa.


"I found it in New Mexico. I was told it would keep away negative energy." Elisa found herself unnerved by Fox's intense stare.


"I have a feeling you're about to put it to the test." Elisa looked at Fox, begging her with her eyes to understand.

"We're different people Fox. In the end, all we would do is hurt each other," she stated.


"I have unresolved feelings for Goliath and you have David and Alexander." Elisa stopped talking simply running out of words. Fox glared at her.


"Do you think you can just play with me then walk away?" Fox asked in disbelief.

"Exactly when did my husband and child become an issue?" Fox asked her voice starting to rise.


"Was it when I had my hand up your dress on Dominique's conference room table? Or was it last night when you were licking my pussy!" Fox snapped eyes, blazing.


"Because if I remember correctly, both times you were more than a willing participant." Elisa bristled at Fox's superior tone.


"You did what you do best Fox. I was lonely, confused and you took advantage of that." Fox flinched at the accusation.


"You knew exactly what you were doing when you crawled into bed with me. So don't blame me for something you obviously wanted." Fox stated.


Elisa opened her mouth to retaliate but stopped.


Elisa took a deep breath exhaling it slowly trying to calm down. She knew pointing fingers wouldn't solve anything.


"This was a mistake Fox. We should both just admit it and walk away." Elisa rose from her seat hoping to end this now.


"Maybe before we jumped into bed we should've tried being friends first. Because what's between us now is too unstable; it's like a time bomb waiting to explode. When it does, we won't be the only casualties." She said, lowering her tone to sound less confrontational.


Fox took an uncertain step towards her. "So you want to go slower. Is that what you need?" She asked.


Elisa shook her head sadly. "I told you once before, my happily ever after ends with just two people. You've got a husband and son." Elisa said gently.


"I won't spend my life as your lover and for you to expect that of me means you're the spoiled rich girl I accused you of being." Elisa concluded.


"After all you've seen you're still thinking like a human." Fox said. "This can end anyway we want but it doesn't have to end like this," Fox responded.


"You should talk to David about what he wants," Elisa said certain that if given the choice Xanatos wouldn't share his wife. Fox nodded not taking her eyes off of Elisa.


"And you shouldn't let your little brother run your life," Fox said quietly. Elisa laughed humourlessly. "Do you have surveillance cameras in the labyrinth?" She asked.


"Just because you want to help them doesn't give you a right to spy," Elisa said, unhappy that even underground she wasn't free of prying eyes.


"This isn't about money; it was never about money," Fox stated calmly.


"I can make or lose a million dollars on the stock market alone, every night while I'm sleeping. So the only people Talon would be hurting if he refuses to take the money are the mutants and homeless people he's charged himself with caring for." Fox sighed waving a hand in the air.


"Forget about the money. Forget David, Goliath, and Talon because this is about me and you." Fox pointed a finger at herself then Elisa.


She continued to watch Elisa her gaze boring into the brunettes soul. "There are a million reasons we should end this now."


She looked away releasing Elisa from her stare. "But I won't." She stated, gathering up her things and closing down her computer.


"I would never have asked you to spend your mortal life as my lover. I'm not that selfish. In time we can be together sharing a life, a home, a bed."


Fox walked slowly to Elisa. "But until that day comes you have to be patient."

She bent her head, catching Elisa off guard, pressing a hard bruising kiss to Elisa's lips.


Elisa struggled to pull away once again surprised by the other woman's strength.


Fox released her hold blue eyes glittering possesively as she stared at Elisa.


"You belong to me now. I'll kill anyone who puts their hands on you and that includes Goliath." Fox warned in an icy tone.


Elisa stepped back putting some distance between them.


Elisa shook her head trying to catch her breath. "No Fox, this ends today. You can't dictate my life. I won't let you." Elisa stated.


Fox smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. "If you think this is over Elisa, you're wrong. It's only the beginning."


Fox turned and walked out of the room. Elisa was left wondering if any of them would survive this without getting hurt.

(The End)

Cont in Book II To Catch A Killer.