Chapter Fifty Nate yawned as he staggered towards the kitchen, still half-asleep, barely dressed, and with an utterly messy head of hair. The racket outside had woken him up much earlier than usual. He would've put an end to it, but the sun was still up. Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do but grumble as he listened to the continual construction on the new stables. "I hope Anton and Bryn are awake," he muttered, as he passed Lindy at the table. "They ought to have to share in the misery, too." He poured himself a cup of the coffee she'd made, then lazily sat down in the chair across from her. Unlike him, she'd already been awake when the noise started. Returning to work had changed her schedule, and he couldn't say that he enjoyed it. Half the time he was just falling into a really deep sleep when she was waking up. Blinking to clear his groggy eyes, he glanced at Liam on the floor, playing with his toys, before looking back at Lindy over her make-up mirror. "I hope you're not going to wear any tight skirts today--no need to give those construction guys any ideas." Lindy grinned at him. "Nate, I think you only have to have two X chromosomes to give those construction guys any ideas." She yawned, a bit tired. She had to admit she was more than a tad bit jealous of Bryn getting to sleep with Anton, even if that was all they were doing. Her being awake and at work while she knew soon she'd be spending the days with her husband was driving her crazy, and making her impatient. "Alex and Walter have told them to tone it down, especially while Amanda is around." He rolled his eyes and propped his chin up on his hand, trying desperately to keep from doing a face plant on the table. He couldn't remember being so tired in a long time. He couldn't sleep when Lindy wasn't in bed with him. Not anymore. And trying to catch a nap while Liam did the same was pointless. Not only couldn't he sleep alone, but he really couldn't sleep when he was the only one home with his son. Although he was fairly sure it was safe, there were still lingering worries. Hearing a low growling sound, he glanced at Lindy again. She looked back at him, and then they both started at the sudden hissing sound under the table. Montel raced out of his hiding spot, scrambling across the floor like a blur, a yapping, tail-wagging puppy hot on his tail. Nate frowned, about to ask who'd let Petunia into the house, when he suddenly realized just what he'd seen. It was Liam, Changed into his canine form, without a murmur or hint of the metamorphosis. Lindy also stared wide-eyed in the direction Liam had scampered off in. Liam had Changed silently, and without the moon's influence. No pain, something she always experienced when she 'went wolfy' as Nate put it. There were a few annoyed hisses and a few happy yaps from the living room, but she didn't move to investigate yet. "Nate, did you just see what I think I saw?" "I'm pretty sure I did." He frowned. "Although, I don't even want to think about where his diaper is right now." He stood up and pushed his chair back, taking a step towards the room beyond. When the sudden gushy feeling squished between his toes, he shuddered and refused to look down. "Never mind. I found it." Lindy bit her lip to keep from laughing as she looked down. Luckily, he was only standing on a sodden diaper wet with urine. It could've been much worse. Unable to stop a small snicker from escaping, she walked over to the sink and wet a washcloth for him. Then she retrieved the diaper when he lifted his foot. Seconds later the playful yapping turned into fearful whining and Liam raced into the kitchen once more. Tail tucked between his legs, and a puffed-up, hissing, angry Montel quickly following to reclaim his territory. "Montel! No!" she yelled as Liam ran straight for her. She scooped him up in her arms, glaring down the cat. Frowning, she looked at her son's nose. There was a hairline scratch running down the length of it. "Poor baby," she said, rolling Liam onto his back. Paws waving in the air, Liam wagged his tail. Finished washing off his foot, Nate walked up behind her and looked at Liam over her shoulder. "Now what? He is going to be able to Change back, isn't he?" "I think so." Lindy frowned. There was a risk that he couldn't resume human form. What would they do if their son was stuck in the form a wolf from now on? "He's been a werewolf ever since he was born, unlike me being Changed when I was a child. Maybe he's got better control over it at this young age than I ever will. I wouldn't worry until it's been a full day and he's not become human again." "O-kay..." Nate said, dubiously. "You'd better take him for a walk before you go, because I can't take him out yet. I may just have to cut a hole in a diaper for his tail." He shook his head. "God, I never thought I'd hear those words come out of my mouth." She grinned at him. "Maybe I should check with Bryn if she's got some puppy chow to spare. Otherwise you're going to have to feed him like wolves do." "Um, how do wolves feed their young?" "They swallow meat and let it digest for a little bit before throwing it back up for the pup to devour." He turned a little green. "That's just nasty. Maybe I should take him over to see Grandma. I'm sure she'd love fussing all over him. Then maybe I can get some sleep on their couch." "Nasty? From the man who sucks the blood of the living for dinner?" Lindy looked at the clock and sighed. "I've got to get on the road. I'm sure Mom would love to see Liam like this. Probably distract her from bitching about when Michael will get home." He stuck his nose up in the air. "Come on, Liam. Let's go see Grandma. Your mother just doesn't appreciate vampires at all." He glared pointedly back at Lindy, before heading to the cellar stairway. "At least no one barfs up *my* dinner before I can eat it." Lindy hid her smile at Nate's wounded dignity. "Oooh... the big, bad vampire has a soft underbelly." Following, she patted her son goodbye before giving Nate a quick kiss. "I'm sorry Nate. I'll make up for my totally insensitive remarks tonight when I get home." "Hmmph. If I let you," he shot back as he headed down the stairs. She could still hear him muttering even as she closed the door behind her. Shaking her head, she hurried towards her car. The sooner she left, the sooner she could get home to soothe his hurt feelings. The next evening, Lindy made an impromptu visit to her friends' home. "Bryn, can I talk to you for a moment?" "Sure, Lindy. What's up?" Lindy looked around Bryn's living room, making sure that they were alone. She felt awkward for asking for help about this, but she didn't quite think that Nate or Anton would understand. "I've been meeting with Zenobia for the counseling, like Nate suggested. She wants to try something with me, and I'm not so sure about it." "What does she want to do?" "She wants to hypnotize me, and I don't know what to think." "Hypnotism? Wow. I wasn't even sure if that worked or not. It would be really interesting if it did, though. Are you worried that it will work, or that it won't?" "Both, actually," Lindy said with a nervous laugh. "I'm going to feel really stupid if she can't put me into a trance. But then if she does, what happens if I spontaneously Change? I can't say what I'd do. And even if I do stay human, I can't say that I'm that thrilled to give a lot of control over to someone else." "I don't think she's going to make you dance around and cluck like a chicken," Bryn said, grinning. She set down the book she'd been reading and pushed Petunia off of her feet. "Would it make you feel better if I was there, so I could make sure she didn't go too far?" "Please, Bryn. I'd really appreciate it." Lindy gave her a half smile. "Nate was really worried when Liam Changed yesterday without it being the full moon. I think he believed Liam wouldn't return to human, cause he was really relieved when he did two hours later. I don't know what he'd do if I were stuck in wolf shape." "He'd probably enjoy himself for a while. But if you were still a wolf when October rolled around, he'd have a fit." Bryn stood up, brushing off her sweats. "Well, I look like hell, but I guess you're the main attraction, not me. Shall we go?" "Lets." Lindy let out a big yawn. "I'm looking forward to October, if only for the fact that Nate and I will have to be on the same schedule. I'm not sure I could do this overlapping schedule thing for much longer." They walked to the front door, letting Petunia out as they headed towards Jess's home. Lindy hoped the neutral space would make the hypnotism a little easier. It was slightly cool outside, so they walked quickly. "I can't say I blame you about the schedules. I can't even manage to get up before five anymore. And I used to say that about 5 AM." Lindy laughed. "I know what you mean. I never thought I'd consider sleeping in until noon getting up early." Watching Petunia sniff eagerly at a nearby tree and start off into the woods, she frowned. "Wonder where she thinks she's going." "Petunia! Heel!" Bryn called. A bit reluctantly, the Bull Mastiff puppy returned to them. "She just can't seem to stay out of the woods lately." Lindy shrugged. "Probably loves chasing the squirrels." They walked up the porch of the werewolves's home. "Mom, Alex and Walter took Amanda out to dinner to give us some privacy. It's just you, me and Zen." "Where's Chandra?" Bryn asked, making sure the puppy followed them into the house. "She's out looking for a job." "Maybe she could take over your job?" Before Lindy could reply, Zenobia met them at the entrance to the great room. Even dressed in casual slacks and a T-shirt, with her hair fastened behind her head, she looked elegant. "Hello, Sabryn," she said, then arched an eyebrow at Lindy. "Has there been a change of plans?" Lindy shook her head. "I'd just feel more comfortable if she were here. No offense." "Of course. Is there anything else I can do to make you more comfortable?" Lindy took a deep breath. "Uh, I don't know. I'm just really, really uncertain about being hypnotized." "Well, unfortunately, unless you're willing to trust me completely, it's not going to work." She looked at Bryn, thinking. "Sabryn, would you be willing to help?" "How?" "If you're willing, I'd like to hypnotize you and show Lindy that there's nothing to worry about." Bryn looked a little stunned for a moment, but quickly recovered. "All right. What do I do?" "Go ahead and have a seat in the recliner. Make yourself comfortable as much as you can. You can lay back if you'd like." Heading over to the chair, Bryn gave Lindy a little smile as she walked past. She sat down and reclined the chair, scooting around until she found a perfect position. "Okay, now what?" "Now I want you to close your eyes and completely relax. Let your muscles loosen, your breathing should be even and calm. Make sure nothing--your clothing, the chair--is poking at you. Start at your feet and work your way up. Relax your toes. If you need to take off your shoes, go ahead and do so. Rotate your ankles to loosen the muscles, your calves are becoming limber, your knees and thighs. Let your pelvis sink into the chair, like you're sitting on a cloud..." As Zenobia continued, Lindy sat quietly on the couch and watched with interest. She noticed that Zenobia wasn't rushing anything, but speaking with a slow, soft voice. By the time she'd moved on to talking about the rib cage, Lindy could see Bryn's shoulders starting to droop. Zenobia continued speaking in a slow, soothing voice, guiding her through relaxing her fingers, elbows, arms, shoulders, and neck. By the time she started talking about Bryn shutting her eyes, they were already closed and Zen began the invocation. "With every breath you breathe out, your body becomes more relaxed and comfortable. Breathe in... Breathe out... You become more and more relaxed. You lose feeling in most of your body. Breathe out... Again, your body relaxation doubles. You are very comfortable and have no desire to move. Noticing the outside world is unpleasant. Breathe out... You are very tired and comfortable." Lindy watched as Bryn seemed to sink further into the recliner. This didn't seem like some hokey stage show where she'd end up acting like a chicken or sneezing when someone said the word 'pizza.' This seemed much more relaxed, and a lot more trustworthy. Still cautious though, she watched on. From the look on Zenobia's face, Lindy knew this wasn't normal. They both listened quietly as Bryn talked, almost as if she was making up a story to entertain them. Except it wasn't any ordinary story. And it was a little too detailed and well told to be something she made up on the spot. At one point, Zen had turned to Lindy and quietly whispered, "This isn't what I thought was going to happen to you, at all. I didn't expect this with either of you." Lindy shook her head, indicating her confusion as well, then continued to listen. She almost didn't notice when Anton entered the room and leaned casually against the doorway. Bryn hadn't been in their house when he returned from feeding and work. Seeing that her car was in the garage, he stopped by Nathaniel and Lindy's. His brother said that Lindy was doing a therapy session with Zenobia at her parent's place, and no, he hadn't seen Bryn. So he went to the third house, hoping that Bryn was there. But he hadn't expected to see Bryn being hypnotized. Anton raised his hand in hello when Lindy looked up. He arched an eyebrow at Lindy, who shook her head and lifted a finger to her lips. Knowing he was being told to keep quiet, he stayed where he was listening with interest. Her voice sounded different, not her own. Even her expression looked unfamiliar. "I did not sin when he took me to his bed. We married together under the stars, speaking secrets vows no one would ever hear. No priest or witness to stain the words with unwanted presence. He laid with me beside the flames, and when he made me his I bit my lord's flesh in his stead. It burned fiercely as he pierced me, but I welcomed the pain like mine own benediction." Anton watched, fascinated. He wasn't sure what to think of the past life phenomena that had recently become popular in the western world again. But talking with Bryn had made him a bit more open minded about the unexplained, so he wasn't ready to dismiss it out of hand just yet. Listening to Bryn's slightly unfamiliar voice describe what was clearly an intense love affair with her beloved, he couldn't help but feel slightly jealous as he searched for a clue that would place when in time this was supposedly taking place. "They followed our tracks to the lair, nearly finding us the next morning. My love and I could not run with the sun high. Had it not been for the bitch with blue eyes, we surely would have perished. She risked her life, and that of her whelp to save us...even as she knew it was her own love that put our lives in danger. The sire, my love's own kin, was too much a coward to show his own face." [Can't flee with the sun high? Bitch with the blue eyes?] Anton's brow furrowed, thinking. [She speaks like the mother isn't human, but the father is. Could 'the bitch' be a female werewolf? Oh my God....] He glanced up at Lindy, who had a curious look on her face as she watched and listened to Bryn. [It has to be a coincidence! It can't be!] Still, he sought further confirmation. "We sought sanctuary in the hills, near Pecherska Lavra. My lord's mother was birthed in those hills, and grew of age to marry. When my lord was young, he took seminary in the Monastery of the Caves. We were safe, and our friend departed to birth her own child. I never saw her again. I spent the rest of my days with my exiled Count. We never took vows in a Catholic church...our secret ceremony and sealed hands were the only confirmation necessary." Anton gasped in shock. [It can't be!] But there were far too many details for it to be coincidence. He stared at Bryn, dumbfounded. A thought flit his mind that it could be an elaborate practical joke by Nathaniel, but there was no way he would know certain facts. Lindy silently got up and passed by Zenobia to stand behind him. "Amazing, isn't it?" she whispered. "And isn't the only person she's claimed to be." "Lindy," he whispered urgently. "Has she said her name? Do you know what it is?" "Not this time...but the three before this." She glanced at him oddly, before walking over to Zenobia. She whispered something to her, and the woman handed over the pad of paper in her hand. "Zen's been taking some notes. The first one was named Maria, then Stephana something-or-other, and then Rebecca." Lindy shrugged, shaking her head. "Zen doesn't know where any of this is coming from. She'd just barely gotten Bryn relaxed when she started talking, and she hasn't stopped since. The only way we knew we were talking to someone new was that her voice changed." He grabbed the molding of the doorway, almost pulling a piece of it away from the wall. Rebecca Bryn knew about. But Maria and Stephana she didn't. Nor did she know about... "Her name. Can we get her name?" Overhearing them, Zenobia quietly asked Bryn the question. It took a moment or two for her to stop her speech, but once she did she became very quiet. "I was christened Brinley of Arndell, in the year of our Lord, 1074." He gripped the door frame tighter, his legs almost giving way under him. If Lindy hadn't been standing beside him, he would have collapsed to the floor. She gripped him by his upper arms, propping him upright. "Anton! What's wrong?" It took him several deep breaths before he could speak. "She just said the name of my first wife." Lindy started, glancing back at Bryn. "Did you tell her about--" "No." As if breaking the surface of water, Bryn gasped for air suddenly. "My lord, I hear you!" He didn't even feel himself move, and yet suddenly he was standing directly in front of her, and Zenobia was trying to block his path. "You can't, you'll break the trance!" Zen whispered urgently. "You'll shock her body out of it instantaneously. You can't do that." "Then what do I do?" Anton whispered back. "What do you want, Anton?" He closed his eyes and swallowed. "I want...no, I need to hear more. It's not that I don't believe who she is. I just want to hear her...them, for a little while longer." She nodded, motioning for him to take a seat on the couch. Since Sabryn was clearly too agitated as Brinley, Zenobia asked if there was anyone else willing to talk. It wasn't long before a new voice spilled from her lips, this one richer and heavily accented, almost playful in nature, and Anton shuddered as he realized they were talking to Annaliese. She spoke of pristine fields stretching as far as the eye could see, dotted with wildflowers of every color. The grass so fresh and green beneath her feet, the carpet so thick she could run barefoot for miles. Hills thick with trees, forests so dense they were like night itself. And she talked of making love on a bed of meadow grass, sticking flowers in her lover's hair and giggling like children, watching the moonlight dance over his skin, reflected off the nearby lake. Picnics she'd made herself, where they fed each other, drank expensive wine, and gorged until their clothes barely fit. Only to work off the meal by making love all over again. He had taken a seat on the couch, listening with his eyes shut and his head bowed. He could remember the night that she spoke of as if it were yesterday. The thought that somehow, Bryn was tapping into those memories shook him to his core. So far five names had been mentioned, and he wondered.... "Zenobia, is there a way to find out how many others there are?" She looked at him helplessly for a moment, before turning back to Bryn. "Can you tell us how many more wish to speak?" Bryn, or Annaliese, was silent for several long minutes. Finally, she said, "There are nine of us present." "Nine?" Anton frowned. [There can't be. Bryn is my seventh wife. She's already spoken as Stephana, and three others. Natasha doesn't count...] "Who else?" he asked Zen. "Who else is present?" Again, more silence. Then finally, "Diane Rudenko, Alexandra Hewitt...and the Countess Katerina of Novgorod." He had half expected to hear Diane's and Alexandra's names. But the last one totally shocked him. He never would have expected to hear her name. His voice was quiet and subdued, a young boy's voice. "Mother?" "Mother?" Lindy echoed, disbelieving. Her eyes grew even wider as a rush of what sounded like Russian gibberish spilled out of Sabryn's mouth. Only, it wasn't gibberish to Anton. He clearly understood every word she said. "I hear you, my precious son. I can't see you right now, but I hear you. And I watch over you every day. You make me so proud, Antosha. I'm eager to see the birth of my grandchildren. Both of them. But I don't want to meet any of you for a very long time. Eternities. So trust what your new countess tells you, Anton. You do have divine purpose, that you must believe." And without thinking, he replied in the same language. The reference to her grandchildren he recognized. 'Countess' he thought referred to Bryn. But the 'divine purpose' made no sense to him. "Divine purpose? Mother, I don't understand." "Vampires are not what you once thought, my son. They are not blood-sucking bats as some would have us believe, but they are winged creatures in their soul. Earthly guardians of good and evil, with the power to gift or destroy. You were born of spirit the night your flesh died, and your spirit determines whom you bow before...Lucifer and his realm of darkness, or a God of beauty and light. It is your choice. Be a servant of light and live forever. Be a servant of darkness and spend your days in hell for certain. Hell is not a bottomless pit. It exists here on earth. And you must avoid it if you do not wish to embrace it." He still did not understand what she was talking about. How could a vampire be a servant of light when that very light was death to him? "Mother, I still don't understand." He was reaching the limits of what he could emotionally handle, but needed to hear her voice again, if only for a little while. "You are a creature of the night, rushing headlong where angels fear to tread. It is this that is a blessing, not a curse. You are judge, friend, and protector to mankind. In your hands, they find death quick and painless...not at Satan's will. Maybe for some, but not for you. You work in God's will, Anton. You are His messenger, every bit as an angel...only you are more equipped to fight His harsh battles." Her voice was beginning to grow quieter, slower, as if she was growing tired. "You will come to know more, as the lesson is taught to all of your kind. You will learn your purpose, a fraction every day. But the true understanding may take an immortal lifetime." "Mother, I --" "Anton, no!" Zen whispered urgently, interrupting him. "She's tiring, and she's been in this state far longer than I normally allow for a first time. I need to bring her out of it." Anton glared at her. How dare she say that it must end so soon, when he hadn't spoken to his mother in almost a millennium. She wasn't the one who had believed his loves to be gone, only to find out they were literally under his nose the whole time. But he wouldn't risk Bryn's health. He nodded, acquiescing. Zenobia immediately began bringing Bryn back to normal consciousness. "I am going to bring you out of the trance now, Bryn. When I finish counting down and you open your eyes, you will be Sabryn again. "Three. You are starting to waken. You are becoming aware of your body and surroundings. Two. The trance is weakening. Your body is starting to become alive. One. Your eyes are able to move. You are able to move your body. Open your eyes, Sabryn. You are awake, and the trance is broken." Bryn opened her eyes, then immediately winced, blinking rapidly, and closed her eyes again. She bent forward slightly, rubbing her closed eyes. She lowered the footrest on the recliner by touch, sniffling a bit. Then, standing up, she reached for Anton and stepped forward into his embrace, squeezing her wet eyes shut as she pressed her face to his chest. He held her close, one arm around her shoulder, one cradling her head. He was shaken to the core. He thought he'd never hear his mother's voice again, or Brinley's. For once he didn't question what happened, didn't seek to rationalize or explain it away. He accepted it for the amazing gift it was. A lone tear slid down his cheek as he pressed his lips to her hair. She kept her arms wrapped tightly around his waist. She didn't know what to make of the experience, and felt a bit like she was going insane. For a long time, she'd thought she wasn't really hypnotized...that she was somehow making these things up as she went along. But that was until she realized she couldn't open her eyes, or move her arms. And the details--although they seemingly came out of nowhere inside her head, they were too numerous to invent on the spot. [God...if I just made up his mother in my mind, I'm a very sick person.] He continued to stroke Bryn's short hair. He didn't know quite how to react to what he had just witnessed. He looked at Lindy and Zenobia, clearly confused as to what to do next. Zenobia glanced at her watch, deciding to take the focus off of Bryn for a while. "Well, that wasn't exactly what I had in mind for our session, Lindy. What are your thoughts, exactly? Would you like to give it a try? It's getting a bit late, but I'm sure we could work out something." Lindy shook her head. "Um, I think maybe we should wait until next time, Zenobia. It'd probably be a bit anticlimactic after what Bryn just did. Maybe try again tomorrow?" "All right." Turning her attention back to Bryn, she said, "Sabryn, you might want to go home and rest for a while. If you feel like coming back tomorrow, you're more than welcome." Bryn gave her a weak smile, then plucked Petunia off the floor. Carrying the oversized puppy, she made sure Anton was with her as she walked towards the door. Anton followed, calling goodnight to the two women in the house as he exited. Walking beside Bryn, he put his arm around her. "Are you feeling okay, Bryn?" She looked up at him, then laughed. "Compared to what? An escaped mental patient?" She shook her head. "It's not every day I start telling strange tales while under 'hypnosis'. You all must think I'm a total freak by now." "No, Bryn." He stopped walking, halting her so he could look into her eyes. "You knew things that only Brinley and Annaliese could have known, that I haven't told you. And I know you don't speak Russian, Bryn. Especially not with a flawless 11th century accent. "I'm not going to pretend that I understood what happened while you were hypnotized, Bryn. But I do know it was real. I don't doubt your sanity at all." She closed her eyes for a moment. "So what does it mean? I'm possessed? I channeled these people? I'm starting to feel a little like Whoopi Goldberg in Ghost." "Bryn, I don't know." His arm around her tightened. "But you're not crazy. I don't know if you were channeling of them or not, but you're not possessed. You've never acted like any of my other wives before." He frowned. "Other than that night in England, that is." She took a deep breath, then kept walking. Looking up at him, she said, "That wasn't the only time, Anton. I saw Diane in France. I spoke Russian at my birthday party." She let her head fall onto his shoulder. "Maybe it's silly, but I wish it meant I was all of them. Like in another life. Just so I could have you all to myself." Anton found himself saying something that he never thought he would. "Maybe you were, Bryn. After all, you were the one who said maybe you've been around longer than I have." He let out a little laugh. "Although I'm not sure I'm entirely comfortable with the thought that you were my mother." She giggled, letting Petunia down as they reached the house. Waiting while Anton unlocked the door, she watched him carefully. It had always seemed as if part of her had known him before. And although she'd feel like a fool for being jealous of a former self, it would also be intensely satisfying to know that she was his only love. In over one thousand years. Suddenly, she ached to touch him, to be touched in return, and she stepped closer to him as the door swung open. "Make love to me, Anton." "Of course, Bryn," he said softly. He watched with soft eyes as she walked in ahead of him. Following her up the stairs, he stopped her just outside of their bedroom, trapping her between the door and his body. Pressing against her, he stooped down to kiss her. "I love you so much, Bryn. Not because you may have been my wives in past lives, but because of who you are now." He gently nuzzled her cheek before sealing his lips to hers. She moaned against his lips, standing up on tiptoes to better reach him. She wrapped her arms around his back, lightly scraping her fingernails against him through the fabric of his shirt. Wondering if he could feel her trembling, she sucked at his lip for a moment before pulling back to meet his eyes. "I love you, enough for every lifetime," she said, tracing a finger over his lips. "Especially this one." He caught her hand, trapping that finger against his lips. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, Bryn." He turned her hand so he could kiss the back of it before pressing it to his cheek. "I'm not going to pretend I understand what happened tonight, or why I believe what I do so firmly and unquestioningly. All I know is that you and I were meant to be, Bryn. Past, present and future." She closed her eyes for a moment, then reopened them glistening with unshed tears. She hugged him tightly, pressing her cheek against his chest, gripping his shirt in her fists, letting out a little whimper as his arms closed around her just as tightly. In a very quiet voice, she said, "I told you I would follow you anywhere, Anton." He felt his chest swell. Gently he kissed her forehead. "I believe you have, Bryn." After reaching out to open the door, he scooped her up in his arms. Anton carried her to the bed and placed her gently in the center of it. He pulled off her shoes, kicked off his own, and climbed on the bed to settle on his side next to her. Leaning over her slightly, he reached out to stroke the contours of her face, fingers lingering on her lips. She smiled under his fingers, then pursed her lips to kiss the tips. She let her hands slide down his back, feeling the warmth of him even through the fabric. He smelled intensely delicious, from the lingering shampoo scent in his hair, to the aftershave on his smooth cheeks. She loved the way his face felt after he'd just shaved, so soft and smooth, so utterly kissable. "You shaved for me, didn't you?" He nodded, smiling. "Would you ever let me shave you, before you go to work?" "Yes," he whispered, leaning over to kiss her ear. His hand slid down her neck, slowly starting to unbutton yet another one of his shirts she was wearing. "Would you let me bathe you, Bryn? Let me pamper you in that big marble bath tub?" Pulling the shirt to one side, he circled the hard nipple of her breast, rubbing his thumb over the lace of her bra. She nodded enthusiastically. "Yes," she said, with a kiss. "I'd let you do it every day if you wanted to." Grinning, she combed the fingers of her left hand through his hair, rubbing the silky strands between her thumb and forefinger, gently massaging his scalp. "It's only fair if I get to reciprocate. I want to wash your hair, and scrub your back...suck on your toes, and other select body parts." He grinned, smiling wide as he pushed the shirt off of her shoulders. "I think we can come to an arrangement." He pulled her bra off, trying to suppress a moan at the sight her peaked nipples. "Although there are a few select body parts I'd like to suck on right now." He opened his mouth wide and completely engulfed her nipple, sucking and drawing upwards until the very tip was barely between his lips. Bryn let out a soft gasp, cradling the back of his head in her palm as he pulled at her. She felt Petunia jump up on the bed, but didn't acknowledge her otherwise. Too busy lost in sensation to care. His mouth was hot and wet, his teeth rasping lightly over her sensitive skin. His sucking made her toes curl, sent currents of electricity straight to her groin. "God, I love it when you suck on me. I love being inside you." He pulled away from her breast to answer her. "I love being inside of you too, Bryn." One hand slid down her belly, sliding under the elastic waistband of her jeans. "You always grip me so tightly, almost as tight as the first time we made love." He leaned further over her to give her other breast the same, loving treatment he had the first. But as he suckled on her, he started to unbutton her jeans. "Which first time?" she whispered, smiling softly as his eyes met hers. "All of them," he said, equally quietly, then went back to suckling at her. She lifted her hips, giving him easier access to her fly, making the pressure of his hand harder. She spread her legs slightly, moaning as the inside seam of her jeans rubbed against her clit. Growing a bit impatient, she opened the top three buttons on his shirt, then slid her hands inside to caress his nipples as well. He moaned softly, arching into her touch. Pushing up he so he was now kneeling between her legs, he started pulling off her jeans. Once they were off her legs, he worked his off as well, leaving his tented boxers on. Unbuttoning his shirt, but leaving it on, he leaned over her swollen belly, gently kissing and swirling his tongue around her navel. She made a soft purring sound in contentment, watching the muscles of his back contract and release as he moved. She loved his smooth back, its golden coloring even without sunlight to tan it, the light sprinkling of freckles on his shoulders. She traced her fingers over the back of his neck, careful not to make the move a ticklish one, sliding her fingertips over the outer shell of his ear. She wanted to learn--or relearn--every texture, shape, and curve of his body, to memorize every little hair and freckle. Reaching down under him, she felt for the scar just below his collarbone, the tiny, almost figure-8 shaped imprint in his skin. She'd known it was there for quite some time, but had never thought to ask. "Sugar, where did this scar come from?" "Scar?" He looked up at her, and then realized where she was touching. "Oh, that." He sounded hesitant to talk about it. "I, uh, had that long before I was Transformed. I was a child, and had just started to learn how to handle a sword, and was bragging to some of Father's guards. One of newer recruits decided that I needed to be taught a lesson." That was close enough to the truth for him. "So you beat him in a sword fight?" "Not exactly," Anton said. He didn't want to tell her what happened, but knew that unless he told her something, she'd continue to question him. "He had me disarmed within a minute. He claimed he didn't mean to stab me with the point, but sometimes I wonder if he did it to check if I was vampire, even at that young age. I'm not certain who Father was more furious with, me for fighting, or the guard for hurting me." She traced her thumb over the scar once again, frowning slightly. If it were a bit more pronounced, and turned on its side, it might've looked like an infinity symbol. It certainly didn't look like something caused by a sword. "Are you sure that's what it's from?" "Not one hundred percent, but pretty close." He hated lying to her, but he didn't want to get into explaining what really happened. Not now, not ever. "Well, I know who I would've been mad at. Luckily, I think you've learned your lesson since then." He smirked at her, scooting further down her body. "Al-th-though," she said, reacting to the touch of his fingers on the crotch of her panties, "it might be nice...to see you with a sword. We c-could go to a Renaissance faire, or something like that. I bet you could show them a thing or two." He was more than a bit relieved that she changed the subject. "Yes, I probably could." He gently ran his fingers over her crotch, moaning a bit at how soaked her panties were. "I would love to see you dressed up in a medieval costume, my dear. Or more accurately," he winked at her as he pulled her panties down her legs. "I'd love to undress you after seeing you in a medieval costume." He spread her legs wider. "So beautiful," he whispered before leaning in to taste her. Lifting her hips, she cried out at the touch of his tongue. She could feel herself getting wetter still, her arousal spilling out of her and into his mouth. Dampening his chin as he nipped at her clit. She whimpered and spread her legs even wider, resisting the urge to clamp her thighs around his head. She couldn't seem to keep still, anywhere. Thrashing her head and twisting her hips, she grabbed fists full of the comforter. Biting her lip to keep from screaming loud enough for neighbors to hear. He gave her one last lick, tip of his tongue just barely flicking inside of her, before he scrambled up her body. Giving his cock a stroke or two for her benefit, he pressed into her. He let out a moan when her legs wrapped around him, locking him into place. She held him still, not allowing him to thrust yet. Pushing her hips up against his, she moved him even deeper inside of her. Her muscles flexed around him, squeezing him rhythmically, adjusting to his girth. Even though he couldn't lay on top of her, it felt good to have him leaning over her, pressing all the spots she needed him to touch, holding her gaze with his eyes. Loosening her grip a bit, she said, "Slowly...I don't want it to end." He nodded. Closing his eyes to concentrate, he pulled back, leaving the head of his cock in her. Gently he pushed back into her, until his balls were flush with her ass. Breathing deeply, he repeated the motion, setting a slow, steady pace. Supporting his weight on one arm, he gently stroked his fingers over her right breast. She moaned softly, moving with him, her hands gently squeezing his ass. He felt wonderful, and, as much as she wanted it to last, she feared it wouldn't take long at all for her to cum. She whimpered, moving her hands up to his shoulders, turning her head to kiss his arm. "You're too good at this, Anton..." He trembled from both the strain on his arm, and the touch of her lips. "You're pretty good at this yourself, Bryn." His free hand slid back and forth between her breasts, fingers flicking at the nipples as his hips kept up the slow rhythm. "Touch me, Bryn." She slid her hands down to his ass again, squeezing and caressing his flesh, before dipping lower, gently rubbing the tip of her finger back and forth across the wrinkled skin of his anus. She felt him buck against the sensation, his rhythm lost momentarily. "Mmm...I want to suck your cock, Anton. I want to taste both of us. My cum and yours." He groaned, pulling out of her. "Roll onto your side," he whispered in husky tone. As she repositioned herself, he switched around so his feet were where his head had been. Offering his cock to her, he dipped his head, nibbling along the inside of her thigh before lapping at her sex. She thrust her hips forward, then placed her hand on his stomach and leaned closer to delicately bathe his cock with her tongue. She moaned at the taste, the smell of his delicious sex. She inhaled deeply, sucking him into her mouth, moaning with every inch of him she took. She could feel his belly fluttering under her fingers, just as her sex seemed to be fluttering under his. He moaned, pressing his lips to her clit so she could feel the vibrations. He gently lapped at her sex, eagerly licking up her juices. Pulling her closer, he thrust his tongue into her, rubbing her clit with his fingers. Bryn pulled her mouth off of him, then licked up each side of him, lapping him clean, savoring the taste of their lovemaking. She loved the way he made her feel, so sexy and alluring one minute, so wanton and horny the next. She whimpered with each movement of his tongue inside her, stroking his cock with her fist. He was leaking precum almost continuously now, and she sucked at the head to drink it all in. Tapering her tongue, she pushed it into the slit at the end of his cock, wiggling it slightly, enjoying the way she made him squirm. Anton stroked her clit harder, pushing his tongue into her faster. He wanted her to cum before he did, wanted to feel her scream around his cock. But as her fingers lightly traced over his tight balls to rub his anus, it wasn't an option any more. He pulled away long enough to yell 'Sabryn!' before stabbing his tongue back into her. She rocked her hips against him, swallowing quickly as he came in her mouth. She loved when he screamed her name, loved when he touched her, and strove to please her. And it wasn't long before she was quivering with her own climax, her thighs shuddering, her sex squeezing tight around his tongue. She let him slip out of her mouth as she cried out, "A-Ah-Ahh-Anton!" He continued to push against her until her tremors subsided. Pulling his oversensitive cock away from her hand, he let his head be cradled on her thighs. He lay there panting for a moment until he sat up and twisted around. He lay back down, his head slightly above hers, and pulled the comforter up over their bodies. Propping himself up on one elbow, he gently cupped her head, running his thumb along her jaw. "I love you so much, Bryn." She turned her head to kiss his palm, then scooted closer to kiss his mouth. "I love you, too." She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, rubbing her cheek against his chest. "I've always loved you, and I always will." She looked up into his eyes. "I think it's true, Anton. I think I've been with you forever. In every life I've ever lived, and every life of yours, too." "Bryn, I know it's true. I can't explain how. I just know it. Maybe there is something in your soul that mine recognizes, and searches for until I find you again." He gently leaned down and kissed her forehead. "But this time, you're going to stay with me, not leave me and force me to find you again. We will be together for all time." She smiled, stroking his cheek and kissing his mouth again. "I'm not going anywhere. I promise. This time we're going to do everything right." She pulled him closer, coaxing him to rest his head on her chest. Wrapping her arms around his shoulders, she kissed the top of his head. "I love you, my angel." End Chapter Fifty <- Previous Chapter | Home | Next Chapter ->