Disclaimer: gargoyles aren't mine. Wheaties aren't mine either. You know
it. I have no money... Please don't sue. Stone Security, Sable, Sheba,
Cheyenne, Dakota, and any new characters you don't know are mine. A no
prize will be awarded to the reader who can tell what movie the Clan is
watching ;)  This is the third of my Stone Security Files stories. Flames,
praise, idea's and requests to borrow my creations can be sent to me at
waffle@micrord.com 

          Sable's Gift part 3: Cheyenne's Heart  
by Montanna of Moonsong

  Cheyenne Stone, or Chey as friends knew her, strolled to Central Park.
She had arrived from Tokyo the day before and still suffered from jet lag.
She had worked out with Sheba earlier and hoped a walk would help; she
headed for the park. 
  She rounded a secluded corner when the gang member struck. He grabbed
her bag and knocked Chey to the side. She let the bag go since a tank top,
boxer shorts, and running shoes weren't worth dying for. The punk made it
about ten feet, then ran into a man in a wheel chair. He tossed the youth
over his chair and caught the bag. His voice had a Scottish burr that Chey
could hear from her seat on the grass. "I don't think this belongs to you." 
  The boy didn't waste time and bolted. Chey watched as her savior wheeled
himself to her side. 
  Chey swallowed and said, "Thank you for your help Mr. ..." 
  "Canmore, Jason Canmore, and you are?" 
  "Cheyenne Stone. As I was saying Mr. Canmore, thank you for your help.
Can I treat you to a cup of coffee? It's the least I can do for the man who
saved my gym clothes." She said this with a wicked grin. 
  "Gym clothes?! Ha, he would have been disappointed to know that no
doubt." 
  "That's why I didn't put up a fight." 
  They made their way to a small coffee shop. Chey lost track of time, and
was startled to see that they had talked for 3 hours! 
  "I have to go. It was nice to meet you Jason. Maybe we could do this
again sometime?" 
  "Yes, I'd like that. May I have your phone number? We could have dinner
sometime..." 
  "Of course." She handed him a slip of paper and said, "Just ask for Chey.
I'll get your message." 
  With that she darted off into the night. Chey skipped up the steps of the
castle and greeted Goliath. Because of her natural empathics she knew he
was her half brother, something neither had spoken about. The fact that
their mother took a human form 99% of the time didn't seem to bother him. 
Elisa grinned at the bouncy hybrid; "You're in a good mood." 
  "Got mugged." 
  Elisa winced and waited for the explosion, It wasn't long in coming... 
  "WHAT!!!!! Are you all right Cheyenne?" 
  "I'm fine. The nicest man stopped to help me and we had coffee and
talked, that's why I'm so late. I need to get to the office before Mom fires
my butt." She trotted off, still smiling. Goliath shook his head. His
sisters seemed to be out to give him gray hair. Chey was a bouncy,
effervescent young woman. She had  gargoyle strength in a human body,
as well as the wings and the drive to protect. He chuckled at the thought
of what Sable would say when Chey told her the reason for her
tardiness. Still grinning, Goliath picked Elisa up and glided off to patrol.
  Sable looked up as Chey barreled into the office. "Sorry I'm late mom.
I lost track of time, I met the nicest guy. He's cute too." Hudson looked
over at the happy hybrid and smiled.
  "What's this lad's name Cheyenne?"
  She grinned, "Now Hudson, if I told you, Xanatos or mom find out
everything about him down to the fillings in his teeth." Chey ruffled his
hair as she gathered the reports and strolled out of the room.
  Later that evening Chey retired to her apartments and Sable, Elisa,
Goliath, and Hudson settled in for coffee and a late movie. Sable and
Elisa were soon rolling on the floor at the antics of the frat boys on
screen, while Goliath and Hudson tried to understand the humor in road
trips and toga parties.
  Meanwhile Jason Canmore was trying to explain, over the phone, to
his sister Robin why he was late calling her.
  "Robin, I met a young woman and we had coffee. I lost track of time."
His frustration at her over-protectiveness began to creep into his voice.
Since that mess at St. Damiens Cathedral, she worried more about him
than ever.
  "I just worry about you Jason." There was a moment of silence and
Jason knew what was coming. "Have you heard from Jon?"
  "No. I haven't seen or heard from him." Jason felt Robin's  fear through
the phone lines. They had long since hung up their Hunter uniforms.
Robin had served a year in jail and was out on parole. He had a 10 year 
suspended sentence for his part in the Clock Tower bombing. By the
time he had been released from the hospital, Jon's Quarrymen had
become a severe threat to the gargoyles. Jason felt shame at his actions
and those of his brother. Hate just bred more hate. It took him so long
to understand. He wondered if Elisa would ever forgive him for
attacking her friends.
  Chey picked up the phone as it's musical tones filled her room. "You've
reached the Eyrie Building Funny Farm, Head Fruit-Loop speaking."
There was a moment of silence and then a tentative, "Cheyenne?" could
be heard.
  Chey grinned and propped her feet up on her desk. She tossed her
auburn brown hair over her shoulder. "Hi Jason. Didn't think you'd call
me tonight. What's up?"
  "I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me tomorrow
night."
  "I'd love to. What time should I be ready and where do I meet you." 
  "At my apartment. Is 7pm a good time? I'm making Italian food."
"Spaghetti?"
  There was a quiet chuckle, "Of course."
  "7 it is. I'll see you tomorrow night."
  "Good night Cheyenne."
  "Good night Jason."
  After hanging up, Chey flopped onto her bed and kicked her feet in the
air. A handsome, intelligent man wanted to date her! She jumped up and
did what Dakota called her 'Happy Lil Dance'. She shot out of her room
to catch Elisa before she left for the day. She reached the battlements in
time to see her Clan succumb to stone sleep. 
  "Elisa! Can I talk to you for a minute? I have a date tomorrow night
and I need help picking out something to wear. I'd ask Mom, but she
still thinks I'm a pup."
  "Sure I'll help. Where are you going?"
  "He's making me dinner at his apartment."
  Elisa frowned. Chey was pretty trusting.  "Maybe I should check this
guy out. You can't be too careful. What's his name?"
  Chey rolled her eyes. "Oh hell, I suppose I'll have to tell one of you.
His name is Jason... Jason Canmore."
  Elisa felt the blood drain from her face. Goliath's little sister dating a
former hunter? The same Hunter who nearly killed Angela? This was
not good. "How much do you know about him Chey?"
  "Why do I get the feeling I'm not gonna like what you're gonna tell
me?"
  "Chey, 16 months ago Jason, his sister Robin and his brother Jon blew
up the clock tower. Goliath fought him. They were Hunters. They
hunted gargoyles. Jason and Robin reformed; Jon created the
Quarrymen. I have no idea what he will do if he finds out you're a
hybrid. Not to mention what the clan will think."
  Chey felt her throat close up. This was gonna be tough. Mom would
blow a gasket if she found out Chey was seeing a Hunter. It wouldn't
matter whether or not Jason no longer hunted gargoyles.
  Elisa placed a gentle hand on Chey's shoulder. She could only imagine
what was going through her head. 
  "Elisa? Don't say anything to the clan, 'Kay? I don't want a battle royal
over this date. I can read anybody, and if Jason was a threat to me I'd
know. I'll be at his apartment. If there's trouble I'll let you know."
  "Alright Chey, I'll keep a lid on it. But if you get in trouble, I'll have
to tell Sable and the others."
  Jason checked the sauce for the 12th time in as many minutes. He
hadn't been this nervous since the first time he had asked a girl to dance.
His gaze traveled over his apartment, making sure everything was in its
place. He wanted Chey to be pleased... He cut the thought short and
shook his head. You just met her you fool, He thought. He looked up at
the clock on the wall, five till seven. He sighed and set the table.
  Chey took a deep breath and knocked on the door. She hoped she
wasn't biting off more than she could chew, dating a hunter. She
smoothed the flirty skirt of her rose patterned sundress. 
  Jason jumped a little when he heard the knock at his door. He wheeled
over and opened the door with a smile.
  "Hi Jason."
  "Good evening Chey."
  She wandered the living area as Jason set the food on the table. Jason
came to her side as she picked up one of the few family photos that he
had. It was a portrait of Jon, Robin, his father, and him, taken about two
weeks prior to the elder Canmore's death. The only other picture was of
Robin, Jon, and him standing next to a fountain in Paris. 
  "Your family?"
  "Yes."
  They sat down at the table, talking quietly as they ate dinner.
Afterwards, they sat in the living room and watched a movie. Chey had
curled up next to him, her head on his shoulder, when a knock sounded
from the door. Grumbling slightly, Jason eased himself into his chair and
made his way to the door. He sucked in his breath when Jon filled the
doorway.
  "Hello Jason. How are you brother?"
  "Jon, where the hell have you been? Robin and I have been worried
sick!"
  "I have been hunting the demon."
  "Damn it Jon, let it go. Gargoyles aren't our enemies. All you're going
to do is get killed."
  Chey heard Jason's raised voice and walked into the foyer. She stopped
dead as she came face to face with the greatest threat to the gargoyle
race. Jon Canmore, a.k.a. Jon Castaway. Oh boy, she thought, this
would send Goliath into orbit. She took a deep breath and pasted a
pleasant smile on her face.

  "Hello, you must be Jason's younger brother Jon, I'm Cheyenne."
  Jason noted that she didn't invite Jon to use the shortened version of
her name. She looked a little strained in fact. He made the proper
introductions
  Jon angrily asked if Cheyenne minded that he and Jason spoke in
private, and Jason's normally pleasant temper frayed. By the time Jon
left Jason was totally out of humor. 
  Chey placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and leaned over to kiss his
cheek. Startled out of his irritation, Jason smiled. 
  "Everyone has a relative that annoys them." She said. "I have to go
now, maybe I'll see you again?"
  "I'll call," Jason promised. He made her wait until the cab he called had
arrived. Then he kissed her goodnight. This was the best night he had
had in a long time.
  Chey was trembling as she got into the cab and gave the cabby the
address of the Eyrie Building. She caught Elisa alone and said, "Jon
Canmore is in Manhattan. We need to warn the clan, Jason kept him
from getting near me, but he is a danger to the Clan."
  Elisa wasn't surprised by Jason's chivalrous actions; he had an Old
World protective streak when it came to women.
  Once the Clan had been alerted to Jon's presence in Manhattan, they
were more cautious in their patrols.
  During the next two weeks Chey spent nearly every evening with
Jason. The Clan teased her about her mystery man, but didn't push for
details. For his part, Jason just enjoyed knowing that he was in the
company of a beautiful, graceful woman who saw him as excellent
company. Neither knew that the next night would bring about a drastic
change in their budding romance. 
  Jon watched the surveillance tapes time and again. Who was this
woman? Why was she involved with his brother? It never crossed his
mind that Chey saw Jason for who he truly was rather than what he
looked like. 
  Jason and Chey had decided to stroll through the park one evening,
only to be attacked by a group of thugs. Chey knew that Goliath and
Brooklyn would be patrolling the area soon and she tried to peacefully
end the confrontation, right up to the moment that the gang's leader
decided that he wanted her. Jason exploded, grabbing the punk nearest
to him and throwing him into the other three punks. The leader grabbed
Chey, and it sealed his fate. Just as Chey was about to throw him into
the next state, she heard the unique roar of her furious older brother.
She murmured a quick prayer for the thug holding her arm and prepared
to duck. Goliath hit the punk with enough momentum to send Chey
flying right into Jason. Jason's frayed temper detonated and he snapped,
"Watch what you're doing!"
  Goliath finished with the criminal and glared at Jason. He opened his
mouth to give the former Hunter a sharp set-down only to hear Chey
say, "Enough you two! I really don't need my brother and my boyfriend
fighting, got it?!"
  Goliath felt his blood freeze, his baby sister was dating a Canmore? He
opened his mouth only to be told, "Not another word if you wanna wake
up tomorrow night brother, you have no idea what I'm capable of
Goliath." She turned to Jason and said, "I think it's time to go home." 
  Jason waited until they were safely ensconced in his apartment before
he began to question her.
  "How... Chey I don't understand. How can he be your brother?"
  "I suppose I should start at the beginning. Momma is a gargoyle
warrior who during the 980's was charged with protecting Titania,
Queen of the Third Race. Queen Titania made Momma immortal and
gave her the ability to shape shift at will. Momma left behind her mate
and her son. She was bound by her honor to guard Titania with her life,
and that was no situation to raise a child in. So she asked Lord Oberon
to protect her clan and set off with the queen. Around 994, the gargoyle
you call The Demon betrayed the clan, the castle, and her mate, My
brother. The clan was nearly destroyed. All that were left were the trio,
momma's mate, the eggs in the rookery, and my brother. Demona
survived and forged an alliance with MacBeth, then betrayed him. Their
war has been going on for 1000 years. During this time the eggs were
taken to Oberon's enchanted isle of Avalon and the clan was under a
spell of stone sleep until 'the castle rose above the clouds.' So Momma
'dealt with Oberon's failure' and waited for The Gathering. Once Titania
was safely back on Avalon, Momma returned to the states to be with
what remained of the clan. Demona lives in terror of Momma by the
way. Goliath is my half-brother. We have different fathers. My father
was a human warrior, he died in Vietnam. Momma was heart-broken. I
think knowing that her first mate and her first born were safe restored
her faith. She smiles more. Hudson and Momma don't know that Sheba,
Goliath, Dakota, and I know the truth. Sheba was adopted when she
was 14. Dakota is my foster brother. We were always a tight knit group. 
I'll understand if you don't want see me anymore. I know half-breeds
aren't exactly everyone's favorite people."
  Jason felt a lump in his throat. He felt that he had no right to make a
judgment on Chey, she had accepted him, and Jason could do no less.
He wrapped his arms around her and said, "You're not goin anywhere
lass." For the first time he felt the wings she hid from the world. He
drew back and asked, "May I see your wings?"
  She swallowed and removed her over-shirt. She dropped it to the floor
and flexed her tan wings. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear,
smiling at the six golden hoops that adorned the shell of her ear. She
was a flamboyant little thing. 
  Her gray sport top was modified to fit around her wing joints
comfortably. He ran a gentle finger down her wing talon, then he
embraced her. Then he kissed her. Chey felt passion explode into her
being. She felt his callused hands gently rub her wing joints. She gasped
as his warm hands smoothed up and down her back. She deepened the
kiss, running her fingers through his hair. They fell back on the couch
just as the door burst open. 
  It was Jon. 
  "Jason..." He froze as he saw Chey's wings. Rage exploded in his brain,
his brother was involved with a... a freak! He  leveled a laser at the two,
but Chey was quicker. She lashed out with her right leg, knocking the
laser away.  Jon was screaming about Jason being a traitor. 
  Chey knew an irrational man when she saw one. She scooped Jason up
in her arms and dived out the window. She said, "Straighten my top
would you? Mom and the Clan is gonna be cranky enough as is." 
  They arrived at the castle with three minutes to spare. She landed in
the courtyard and yelled, "WE GOT COMPANY!" Elisa and the clan
came out of the castle at a dead run. The clan skidded to a stop at the
sight of the former hunter in the arms of the little hybrid. 
  "Jon Canmore is a couple minutes behind us and he's PISSED! I need
to get Jason inside and the security systems online. Goliath, take Jason
inside, Lex you're with me. Brooklyn, Angela, Broadway, you guys
secure the castle. Elisa, call for backup." 
  Sheba and Matt arrived soon after. Within two minutes the building
was locked down. Jason was transferred to a wheel chair and made his
way to Chey's side. He knew the clan was upset with Chey for being
involved with him, but he was damned if he would give her up. 
  Jon hit the castle with all the firepower he had. The building rocked
with each impact. Goliath and the clan were in the courtyard, battling
the quarrymen. Jason and Elisa had taken defensive positions and were
helping the clan where they could. Out of the corner of his eye, Jason
saw Jon take aim at Goliath. He didn't pause to think, he just fired. The
blast knocked the weapon from Jon's hand. 
  The quarrymen were soon arrested, but Jon escaped. The clan
retreated to their various amusements. 
  Goliath caught Jason alone and said, "Thank you, for helping me."
  "You're Chey's brother, it would kill her to lose you."
  "It seems that that's twice I owe you my life."
  "After what I did, it's little enough to do."
  The two parted ways, Goliath going to find Elisa and Jason searching
for Chey. Jason and Chey retired to her suite while the clan met in
Sable's office to talk.
  "Why didn't she tell us she was seeing him?" Sable was confused. Her
daughter had always trusted her before, why hadn't she confided in her?
  "Chey was afraid of the clan's reaction to him, and that you would be
angry with her." Elisa's voice cut through the sounds of speculation. 
  "He cleaned up his act, and he cares about Chey. I think we can accept
their relationship." Sable's words put paid on the clan's opinion of the
couple's involvement. 
  Meanwhile the two in question were currently cuddled up on the couch
in her living room. Chey was seated on his lap with her wings folded
around him. He found the embrace comforting. He stroked the space
between her wings and heard her quiet growl of pleasure. She lifted her
fingers to the side of his face.
  "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever met."
  He meant it too, and that knowledge touched her deeply. She felt him
gently remove her shirt, and she shifted to ease his way. She had been
raised with high morals, but there was no doubt in her mind that Jason
was the one.  Jason groaned and crushed her lips under his. They fell
back and she showered his face with kisses. She sprawled on his chest.
He stroked her wings enjoying the shiver of pleasure that rippled
through her body. He ran his palms down her back and lifted her against
him. He tunneled his fingers through her hair, marveling at its length. He
carefully undressed her, and she returned the favor. Sharing kisses, she
caressed hi face, his throat, and his chest. He lay under her loving care.
Then he sent his hands over her body, eliciting a startled gasp. He
reached out and turned down the lights.
  Two hours later, Chey stirred long enough to turn the lamp completely
off. She drowsily stroked his damp chest and murmured, "Spinach?"
  Chuckling, he whispered, "Wheaties."