Chapter Ninety-four Nate turned down the radio, listening to Liam babble in the backseat. He was telling his Mama all about his exciting night--how his daddy had taken him in the pool and attempted to teach him to swim; how he'd had ice cream with Manda and Grandma; and how he'd Changed, during his sleep, in the middle of an action-filled dream. Of course, those were the things he tried to tell her, but he needed more than a little of Nate's help. Pulling away from the warehouse, Nate turned on his headlights and casually placed his hand on Lindy's thigh. He was more than a little happy to be bringing her home. Liam hadn't been the only having dreams lately. And he was pretty sure he wasn't alone, either. "I was thinking we might stop somewhere on the way home," he said, during a break in Liam's 'conversation'. "But I'm pretty sure you're not going to like it." Lindy turned her head to look at Nate. She was tired from her 'day' at work, not having spent time at the warehouse for so long. She was still wading through the backlog of paperwork, as well as assaying a few items. So Nate's announcement that she wouldn't like where they were going puzzled her. "Where did you have in mind, Nate?" "I was thinking of stopping where we found your car, when you were taken by Marrok." He reached for her hand when he saw the look on her face, and the tension fill her body. "Lindy, you look ill every time we drive past there, and I don't particularly like that place, either. But I think we need to stop looking at it like a crime scene and realize that it's just a place. It's not the threat--the same way our home isn't the threat. He is." She drew in a sharp breath. Lindy didn't want to think of that night ever again. Nor any of the nights following until she was found by her husband. [But I'll have to face it sometime,] she told herself. She'd pass this spot any time she wanted to get to San Francisco. She couldn't hide from it forever. Closing her eyes, she nodded slightly. "Okay." He squeezed her hand, bringing it up to his face to kiss her palm. "If you're too scared, we'll leave. But I have a flashlight so we can see anything coming. And it's closer to morning this time, so there should be more cars on the road." Keeping her hand close, settled on his thigh this time, he said, "Why don't you tell us about your day? Since you already know what we did tonight. Or we can talk about something else. Just keep our minds off of it until we're there." Liam made a raspberry noise, not happy that Mama wasn't paying attention to him any longer. "Well, my night has been as busy as Liam's, although not as much fun." She looked back at her son and smiled. "I spent the night finishing off old paperwork. Then I worked on that big sword of Daddy's. And I also looked at this really old ceramic pot that would break if you breathed on it wrong." Her voice was light and bubbly, but it didn't reach her eyes. "If you'd worked on Daddy's big sword, he would've noticed, Mommy," Nate said, grinning. "And I bet that pot would just the right gift for Liam...since most of his other toys end up in the same state when he's done with them." Annoyed with the driver ahead of them, who couldn't seem to hear the chime indicating his blinker was still on six blocks later, Nate quickly passed on the left and sent them all flat against their seats. Liam squealed with excitement, watching buildings fly past. "Did anyone stay late, or did you end up eating lunch alone again?" "George stayed late. He didn't seem to eager to go home. I think he and his boyfriend are fighting again." She looked out the window as Nate turned onto the freeway. The traffic was a little heavier than it had been that night, but she was still reminded it too much. "And Anton called. The Council seems to be somewhat divided about Max. A few of the Elders think he's dangerous, but most of them seem willing to watch and see what happens with him." He wasn't sure what to think about George staying late. He knew Anton was suspicious of the kid, and that Lindy could be blissfully unaware of the employees' faults, but he let it slide for the moment. There were guards and cameras everywhere. Not to mention that Lindy could neatly take care of herself where a human was concerned. The Council however, was another matter. "Hell will freeze over before I understand why a baby would be considered dangerous by men over 500 years old." "You said it yourself when you found out that Bryn was pregnant, Nate. It's unheard of." She looked over at her husband. "It's not what Max is, a baby, that they're afraid of. It's what he may be when he grows up. How much of him is a vampire, how much of him is human, and how much of him is...something else. It's why humans consider us dangerous, Nate. Because we're strange to them, and therefore dangerous until proven otherwise." He sighed, once again applying pressure to the gas pedal. Although in no hurry to get to the woods, he couldn't wait to go home. "I just hope one of them doesn't do something stupid where Max is concerned, or we may all be relocating. Because you can bet I wouldn't let them go into hiding alone. I wouldn't stand by and let them fight the Council alone either." "I agree, Nate. I wouldn't let them face it alone either." She sank deeper into the seat. They were nearing the place where the lights had come on behind her and she pulled over, thinking Marrok was a cop. Her face, which had been animated before, grew still and mask-like. Checking the rearview mirror, Nate slowed the car and eased on to the shoulder of the road, managing not to kick up too much gravel in the process. He pulled as far to the right as he could, making sure the car wouldn't be hit by passing traffic. Shutting off the engine, he said, "Wait here. I'm going to get Liam out on your side of the car." With one more squeeze to her hand, he unlocked his seat belt, opened his door, and quickly ran around the back. He saw her jump slightly as he opened the back door and continued to speak softly as he unfastened Liam from his car seat. "Hey, Buddy. You want to go on a walk with me and Mama? I bet she'd be glad to do us a favor and get the flashlight out of the glove compartment. Maybe she'd even unlock her seat belt so she can be ready to go when we open her door." Picking up on Nate's hint, she undid her seat belt and opened the glove compartment. Grabbing the flashlight, she flicked it on as Nate opened the door for her. She took a look around as Nate put his arm around her. A bit stiffly, she walked towards a spot about ten feet from where they had parked. "Here. This is where I parked." Her voice was flat. "We fought here. He tried to put handcuffs on me, but I hit him and tried to get back into the car. He broke my hand, slamming the door on it." She flicked the flashlight off into the forest. "And so I ran this way." She started in the direction she pointed. He reached for her before she could get too far away. She flinched under his touch, but he held her arm firmly, and helped her down the short sloping ditch before hurrying up the other side. Liam grunted with each bounce against Nate's shoulder, holding his shirt tightly. Although he hadn't really imagined she could've had her hand broken, the image came to Nate's head with surprising clarity now, making his stomach turn with volatile intensity. He tripped over the twigs and rocks on the ground, somehow managing to keep his balance, but struggling to keep up with her rapid pace. She continued to walk rapidly, almost blindly. Until she came to the fallen log. "I tried to double back, but he was always one step behind me." Her voice was detached, as if she was talking about the possibility of rain. "No matter which way I tried to turn, he was there. I wanted to get a branch or something I could beat him with, but I never got the chance." She let her free hand rest on the log. "I was trying to jump over this when he tackled me. And even though I landed on my broken hand, I kept fighting. I didn't black out until he grabbed my hair and slammed my head against the ground." She didn't look at Nate or Liam. "The next thing I remember is waking up in the basement with a chain around my ankle." She started to shiver, and leaned against Nate, seeking warmth and comfort. Uncertain of what to say, Nate pulled her closer, resting his chin atop her head, allowing Liam to burrow deeper into their embrace. Even with the flashlight beaming, the darkness around them was consuming. It felt a little like being on stage, under a spotlight, able to see nothing beyond two feet from where you stood. Keeping his arm tight around her back, he led her closer to the log and carefully lowered them to a seated position upon it. "What would you think about trying some of what Mulder taught us?" She nodded, still leaning heavily against him. "I know I need to feel safe, Nate. I know I need to let this go. But I'm so afraid that I'm not going to be able to. I don't know if I can find that safe space out here, where it happened." She gently stroked Liam's hair. "I'm scared." "Lindy, I'd be very concerned if you weren't scared." He pressed his lips to her temple, then her cheek. "Close your eyes, baby. Close your eyes and go back to that night. I won't let go of you, I promise." He tightened his grip around her waist as she shivered. "He tricked you, didn't he? He waited until you could smell him, until you couldn't identify him, and lured you out of your car. He tried to capture you, but you were too much of a fighter. He didn't expect that." "I thought he was a cop," Lindy said. "He had a red flashing light, like a police car's mounted on his. Held a flashlight in my face the whole time. But I managed to see that he wasn't in uniform. That's what gave it away. I did manage to punch him once, and kick him." She could almost hear the thrashing and yelling that had gone on that night. "He didn't know you'd be that strong." He silently shook his head, uncertain how this was helping her. It certainly wasn't helping him--now her abduction was becoming all the more real to him. When before it had been a frightening thing to imagine, now it was something he could see, feel, and experience. His heart was beating rapidly as he scanned the ground before him. He could almost feel the heavy footfalls as the ghosts of that day raced near. She swallowed, now clearly hearing to pairs of running footsteps coming towards her. Not opening her eyes, she could see herself rounding the corner of the trail, Marrok on her heels. She watched as her double looked at the log and desperately prepared to jump, only to be knocked off her feet by Marrok. She looked down into her face, dirt streaked and scratched and hair full of pine needles. Their eyes locked, and an odd sense of peace came over her. She had survived what Marrok had tried to do. She still had her son, her husband, and her life. "It's going to be okay," she told her past self. And she thought that the message had been understood, before Marrok knocked her double unconscious. Abruptly she opened her eyes. "It is okay," she said with growing confidence. "He failed. I still have you. I still have Liam. What he did can't hurt me any more." Nate stared at her, confused as to how she'd reached that conclusion so easily. "That's true. You'll always have us. And what he did is over. But how do you know you won't still fear this place? How do you know that what happened here won't be in your nightmares, or make you cringe every time you drive past?" "Because that would be letting him win, and I'm not going to do that any more." She trailed her fingers over the log contemplatively. "There's nothing inherently evil about this place. It could have happened here, at home, in the parking lot at work. And so, I shouldn't let this place affect me." She looked up into his eyes. "And as for nightmares, you'll always be beside me to comfort me when I wake up scared. To remind me that he doesn't have any power over me that I don't give him. To remind me that he's failed." He gave her a soft smile, tugging her closer. "Yes, I will be. And I'll also remind you of how proud of you I am." He gently stroked her side, allowing Liam to crawl into her lap. "I honestly wasn't sure you'd come to that conclusion at all, let alone so quickly. Now you're going to have to teach me how to do that...because I'm not so sure I'll forget this." "I don't know how I did it, Nate." She hugged Liam tight against her. "I guess I've been working towards this conclusion for a long time, and everything just clicked." She let out a small sigh, resting her head against Nate's shoulder. "So how can I help you with this place?" "Well, for one thing, I'd be happy if we could get out of her and back to the car. I don't like leaving it by the road like that." Standing up, he pulled her to her feet, once again holding her close, and walking back towards the car. He had to admit the closer they got to the road, the better he felt. "I don't necessarily think it's this place, so much as it's the thought of you having to go through all of that alone. I know that's a stupid thing to say, because if I'd been there he never would've gotten to you...but I just wish there was some way I could've comforted you when you were locked in that room. That's--that's what really bothers me." "You were with me, Nate. You and Liam were in my thoughts the whole time. You were never more than a heartbeat away." She squeezed her arm around his waist as they climbed back up the ditch to the car. "And somehow, we did make love. You can't convince me that it was a shared hallucination." He nodded, stopping in front of the back door. As Lindy held Liam, Nate bent down and kissed her lips, cradling her face in his hands, and sweeping his thumbs over her cheekbones. He didn't even flinch when someone driving past honked their horn. Liam, however, jumped and whimpered, climbing higher in his Mama's arm, breaking their kiss. "We should go," Nate said, quietly, pulling his keys out of his pocket. "Did you want to stop somewhere for dinner? Or should we just raid the pantry at home?" "Let's go home and raid the pantry." She turned and opened the door to the car, putting Liam in the back seat. "Let's watch a movie, or even just the fireplace and hold each other. I don't want to be around anyone else but you and Liam right now." He grinned, a bit smugly. "Sounds good to me." Waiting protectively behind her as she finished buckling Liam into his seat, he followed her as she closed the door and opened her own. He leaned over the open doorway as she sat down and reached for her seat belt. "I really am proud of you, Lindy. I'd pretty much be willing to fly you to the moon right now, if you asked. So, you better be sure you don't want to take advantage of me while you have the chance." "Mmmm....sounds tempting." She teasingly ran a finger down his chest. "But I thought we weren't going to do it in front of Liam any more. And I'm not comfortable with leaving him all alone." She lightly kissed his cheek. "Raincheck until we get home and Liam goes to bed?" He chuckled softly. "That wasn't the kind of advantage-taking I was referring to, but I won't argue with you." Leaning in, he pressed his lips to hers, lingering for a moment to suck gently on her lower lip. "In that case, let's get this show on the road." Straightening up, he closed her door and hurried around to climb behind the wheel. He grinned at her as he started the engine. "So, how are you going to take advantage of me, gorgeous? Now you've got me all excited!" "I'm going to take advantage of you any way you'll let me. I'll leave the rest to your imagination." She grinned, giggling a bit at the dark look he shot her. "And if you're really lucky, I'll let you take advantage of me." Although the food was good and the view was excellent, Bryn and Anton both shifted nervously in their chairs. Across the table, Lilith sat demurely chewing her extra-rare steak, watching as Seth refilled her wine after every sip. They'd been assured that the Council had departed, that only the five of them--Seth included--remained at the exclusive hotel. Still, that didn't keep them from holding Max closely. At the moment he slept peacefully on Anton's lap, spread out like a sack of potatoes. Luckily, it was the last time he'd be in Lilith's presence for the remainder of their trip. "I do believe your son's birth will be handled best by the Asian Council," the Empress was saying, "because of their rich history of mythology and spiritualism. I could be wrong, however--there is really no way to determine what the reaction will be to a vampire child. The last time a child was created--not by birth, but by circumstance--was over two hundred years ago. In most regions, even longer." "A Transformed child?" Anton said, surprised. That went against the Code that vampires were supposed to abide by. "Does the child still exist?" "No, he was only three years old when Transformed, and never was fully cognizant of what happened to him." Lilith took another sip of wine. "It was considered a mercy killing when his existence was ended two years later." The Empress appeared to be about to expand on the topic when the phone rang. Bryn paid little attention as Seth moved off to speak on the phone. "A mercy killing?" she asked, outraged. "He was just a baby! Surely he could've been taken care of by someone? You've said yourself that many vampires would do just about anything to have a child. With that boy, they would've had that! There was nothing wrong with him, I assume. How could you possibly do that?" She looked over at Max, her eyes sorrowful. "That poor mother. She must've been devastated. And the baby--he had to die twice. In my opinion, that's unforgivable." "Would you have resigned the child to be a three year old forever? To never understand or comprehend what happened to him? The mother had been fed upon, and the vampire who Transformed the child did it out of a desire to torment it. There are reasons we do not Transform children, even if we desire to have offspring of our own. It was not a decision we came to lightly." During the last of Lilith's speech, Seth approached, somewhat hesitantly. "Empress..." "What, Seth?" Lilith snapped. "My pardon, Empress, but there is a Jessica Leahs on the phone. She is most adamant that she speak with Mrs. Rudenko right away." Still glaring at Lilith, Bryn pushed her chair back and followed Seth to the phone. [Of course I would've let him be a three-year-old forever! At least he would've lived! At least he could've had a chance to love and be loved. Not to be killed by a vindictive little bitch like you, Lilith!] Taking the phone from Seth, nearly ripping it from his hand, she held it up to her ear. "Hello, Jess?" She was aware she'd sounded bitchy and lightened her tone with her next words. "I'm sorry, what is it?" "I'm sorry to interrupt like this, Bryn. I know this is supposed to be an unlisted phone number that I'm not supposed to have, so extend my apologies to whoever is necessary. But I had to get a hold of you right away." Jess paused to take a deep breath. "Bryn, you need to call your brother right away. Caroline been a car accident. I'm afraid she didn't make it. I'm sorry, Bryn." Bryn was quiet for a moment, not quite sure she'd heard correctly. "Wh--I'm sorry, what was that?" "Your mother called here because she couldn't get a hold of you in your hotel room. She needed to tell you that there was an accident...and your sister-in-law died. I'm sorry, I don't know an easier or more appropriate way to tell you." "My mother? I don't understand." "That's right, your parents are down in Baltimore. Taking care of your niece. The car accident happened this afternoon. I'm not really sure what happened, but your mom wants you to call your brother's home as soon as possible." Bryn couldn't help the shaky smile on her face. She kept wondering when Jess was going to say she was joking. "You're saying that Caroline...is gone?" "Yes." Numbly turning on the balls of her feet, Bryn glanced back at Anton. "Where's my brother?" "He was in the accident, too. He's alive, but he's in the hospital. He's in critical condition, Bryn." She opened her mouth to say something, but only a soft breath came out. [Come on, Jess...tell me you're joking. I'm waiting for it. It's not funny anymore...] "Bryn, I wish I was joking. You need to call your brother's house right away." Realizing that Bryn was in shock, Jess switched tactics slightly. "Bryn, can I speak with Anton?" Jess waited quietly as the phone was handed over. "Anton?" "Yes, Jess," he said, eyes on Bryn. Without thinking, he stepped closer to her and put his arm around her. Something was clearly wrong. "What happened?" "Bryn's brother and sister-in-law was in a car accident. Caroline didn't survive, and John's in critical condition. Her parents have been trying to reach you for the last two hours." The werewolf sounded tired. "I'm sorry, I had to hack into some databases to get this number. I wouldn't be doing this unless it was urgent." "I understand, Jess, and I'll tender the necessary apologies. We'll give her parents a call shortly." He and Jess exchanged a few more details and then Anton hung up the phone. "I must apologize," he said, handing the phone back to Seth. "There has been a family emergency. A death in the family. We must take our leave of you now, Empress." Bryn glanced back blankly, and saw Lilith holding their son. She would've smacked Anton for that if she'd been able to think past taking her next breath. Instead, she watched the old woman in a girl's body stand up from the table. She walked across the floor with liquid movement, placing Max in Bryn's numb arms. "I'm certain we were finished here anyway," she said, with a polite smile. "Seth will be in touch about our next meeting. And you know how to contact me, if necessary." When Anton nodded, Lilith turned her attention to her assistant. "In that case, Seth, I would like something decadent for dessert. You know what I like. I'll be retiring to my room now." Seth nodded, then led Anton and Bryn towards the door. "My mistress bids you good day. You have her deepest sympathies for your loss. If there's anything I can do to ease your time of suffering, don't hesitate to say so." "Thank you, Seth," Anton murmured. He guided Bryn out of the door that Seth held open for them and towards the elevators. He hoped that he could get Bryn back to their room before either of them broke down. He was stunned. Times like these were when he was reminded the most of the fragility of most humans. How their lives could be snuffed out in an instant. And how unfair it was. Bryn could only manage to watch with Max with an absent gaze, feeling his little fingers curl into her shirt. He was such a sweet baby, who only cried when he necessary, always had a ready smile (one that so closely resembled his daddy's), and seemed to know when she needed extra cuddling. His once brilliant blue eyes were slowly growing darker, deeper, also so much like Anton's. One day they would be the color of dark roast coffee, and probably just as adept at seeing into her soul. She could feel Anton wanting to do that now, but he wouldn't find much of anything. She felt frozen inside. The elevator ride and walk back to their rooms was conducted in silence. Anton picked up the phone, with its frantically blinking message light, as Bryn put Max in the travel crib. He listened to the messages from Bryn's mother and father, choking when he heard the pain in their voices. As he hung up the hotel phone and checked his cell, he saw Bryn, still silent, head to the bathroom. Again there were messages wondering why he wasn't calling back, expressing pain and sorrow and shock. He cleared them out and then went to see what his wife was doing. The bathroom door was slightly ajar. He pushed it open to see Bryn starting to undress, the bathtub filling with water. he broke the silence, speaking for the first time since they were in Lilith's suite. "We need to call your parents." She paused in the midst of unbuttoning her pants and stared at him, her eyelids heavy. Dropping her hands to her sides, she lowered her gaze to stare at a button on his shirt, her gaze unfocused, as if looking through him. "I don't know what I'm doing. I think I know what I should be doing, but I don't want to." Her lower lip started to quiver, eyes becoming overly moist. "I just want to crawl in a hot bath or go back to sleep, and pretend like today hasn't even started yet. I--I don't...know how I'm supposed to behave." She shook her head. "I don't feel anything, Anton, and I'm so angry that the last time I saw her was almost a year ago...and I never sent her a thank you card for my wedding gifts, and I barely ever kept in touch, but she did everything for me, she always stuck up for me and made me keep painting when I didn't want to, and she made me feel loved when my family didn't...and..." She broke off with a sob, tears finally starting to fall, and clutched Anton tightly as he stepped forward to hug her. She clung to him desperately, devastated, soaking the front of his shirt. "S-She was my friend...when no one was..." Anton cradled her close, hugging her tightly as she cried. He lightly rocked her back and forth, making shushing, comforting noises. "It's okay, Bryn. Let it out," he whispered, stroking her hair. He held her like that for several minutes. When she stopped crying, only letting out the occasional sniffle, and he thought she was listening, he spoke again. "We have a decision we need to make, Bryn. It's just about dawn, and you need to get to your family as soon as possible. Can you travel alone, knowing that Max and I will follow as soon as the sun sets?" She gave a pitiful nod. "I don't want to, but I guess I have to." She pressed her face against his neck, inhaling deeply, comforted by his scent and touch. Feeling an irrational urge to climb inside his shirt, she clutched fistfuls of the fabric and held on tight. "Can we go sit down? I don't feel very...I just don't feel like standing at the moment." He nodded, not sure that she saw it. Anton bent down and scooped her up, arms under her knees and shoulders. He carried her back to the bedroom of their suite, back to their bed. Sitting down, he leaned his forehead against her temple, gently rocking her. He didn't offer any empty platitudes of comfort, but just held her tight, knowing that was the best comfort at the moment. Bryn was quiet for a long time, her fingers subtly sliding back and forth over the wet spot on his shirt. Just being with him, breathing in the same breath he'd just exhaled, feeling his chest rise and fall against her arm, gave her a sense of calm. If not relieving her grief, at least temporarily lessening it. Her voice very quiet, she said, "I love you, Anton. I want to make sure you know that, and that I always will. No matter what. And if--listen to me, before you say anything--if something should happen to me, I'd always want you to be happy. I would want you to fall in love again...because I'll always keep searching for you. I'll always, always come back to you and love you with all of my heart. I promise." He gently stroked her hair. His first reaction was to say that he didn't want to live without her. But he reminded himself that he had before, and found her again. He took her head in his hands. "I will wait for you, Bryn. I swear it. I will always love you, and if we are ever parted, I will search for you. And if, if something should happen to me, I will find you again. You and I are one. Always." She let out a soft whimper, staring into his eyes. Surging upwards, she pressed her lips against his, wrapping her arms around his neck, kissing him fiercely...and pushing him on to his back. Her legs straddled his, her body melting and boneless atop him. With him she felt more alive than ever and knew she always would, even after he turned her into the walking dead. "You're not going anywhere and neither am I. I won't let that happen! I'm not ever going to leave you again. Even if you sadistically murder millions of people, or if you sleep with every woman on the continent, I'll never stop loving you. And if you remain faithful to me for eternity, I'll worship you like you could never possibly imagine. I'd follow you into the depths of hell if you asked me to, Anton. I'm never going to let you go." He held her tight against his chest. "I would follow you into the sun if you wished it. I will always be here for you, Bryn. I will never let you go." He pressed a kiss to her forehead, hand sliding down her back. Momentarily he thought they should call Bryn's parents. But Bryn needed to be centered and reassured when she did. Needed to know that he would be there for her, that he wouldn't be disappearing in a blink of an eye, that she was loved and held priceless. And to be honest, he needed the same thing. he couldn't help smiling at the feel of his lips upon her. Taking a deep breath, she sat up and climbed off of him. "I guess I should make that phone call now." Starting to feel a bit emotional again, she bit her lip as she reached for the phone. After dialing the long-distance number, she reached for Anton's hand, lacing their fingers together as she waited for someone to pick up the extension at her brother's home. "Hello?" The male voice was so unexpected, she almost thought they'd been wrong and John was at home...but the slightly more gravelly rasp told her it was her father. "Hi, Dad..." "Where've you been? Your mother is going frantic trying to reach you." "I-I know...I'm sorry, we were at dinner--" "How much have you been told, Sabryn?" "Everything, I think. John's in the hospital and Caroline is...gone." Steven cleared his throat, his smoker's cough sounding thicker than usual. "And you know about Chris?" She felt a sickening sense of dread from the emotion in his voice. "No." "U-Uh, Christopher was hurt badly. I think, well, I guess your mother was going to wait to tell you until you got here. He isn't in pain...he'd been unconscious ever since they brought him in to the Emergency Room. They said he probably went out on impact, so he doesn't know what happened--" She didn't hear the rest of his words as the phone dropped into her lap. Anton gently picked up the phone. "Bryn?" Worried he picked up the phone. "Hello?" "Anton, this is Steven," came Bryn's father's voice. Anton looked over at Bryn, who was still staring straight ahead in shock. "What happened? I know that there was a car accident and that John is injured and Caroline is dead..." "And Christopher is in a coma." "No," Anton whispered. He couldn't help but look at Max, remembering the little boy Bryn had delighted in introducing him to. Not the little boy who would look up at him with awe in his eyes. "Listen, how soon can you guys get out here?" Anton glanced back at Bryn, who was softly crying, but seemed all right for the moment. "I won't be able to make it until this evening, but we can get Bryn the soonest possible flight. Max will need to stay with me until then." "Oh. Oh yeah, I forgot." Steven paused. "Well, I 'spect not a whole lot is going to change here, if she wants to wait and come with you. But her mother and I sure would like to see her. Bennie's at the hospital now, with John. He's been moved to a private room now. I'm staying here with Jolie for now, while she tries to take a nap. Poor kid is miserable." "We'll call and make arrangements. We'll call back when our flights are confirmed." He gently rubbed Bryn's back, hugging her tight against his body. "We'll be praying for you, and we'll be there soon." He wished he had better words of comfort. Even after a thousand years, he didn't know a way to ease the pain. He looked over to Bryn, putting down the phone for a moment. "Do you want to speak to your father again, Bryn?" She nodded, taking the phone from him. "Dad? Does John know, about Carly and Chris?" "Yeah, honey, he does. He's taking it pretty hard. He's pretty angry at himself, because he was driving...but there was nothing he could've done. I just hope he realizes that." "Yeah," she said, her heart breaking for her brother. "Um, if you talk to Mom, will you let her know that I'll be there soon and send my love to John?" "I sure will. I'll let you go now, so you can call the airline for tickets." "Okay. Bye." "Bye." Settling the phone receiver back into its cradle, she reached for Anton and crawled into his lap once more. "I don't know how much more of this I can take." "Neither do I." Anton leaned over until they were both on their sides on the bed, legs tangled together. "I can't imagine how John must be feeling right now. I mean, to lose your wife and nearly lose your son at once..." He tightened his arms around her. "It's something I don't want to contemplate." Tucking her head under his chin, she pulled herself as tightly against him as she could get. Then, having second thoughts, she quickly got up and eased Max out of his travel crib, rocking him gently as he started to cry, and crawled back on the bed. She settled close to Anton, this time with her back to his belly, cradling Max in front of her. Letting out a soft sigh as Anton wrapped his arms around her, she snuggled in with both of her men. "I know I should be calling to get tickets, but I just want a few more minutes with both of you. I love you so much." "I love you too, both of you." One hand rested on Max's back, the other slowly wandering up and down Bryn's arm. He started to plant feather light kisses on top of her head. With her body pressed against his, he started having the predictable results. Part of him, though, chided himself. Sex was probably the last thing on Bryn's mind right now. They should be calling the airline. But instead, he snuggled a little closer to her, knowing that she'd realize he was turned on sooner or later anyway. His touch on her arm was comforting to her, his warmth behind her like snuggling in a sleeping bag. It was exactly what she needed. But then she felt his erection nudging her and she suddenly needed more. She needed his body, reaffirming life...and his seed, giving life. She'd once heard that many people had sex after attending funerals, and she never understood why until now. The need to be with someone, especially someone as special to her as Anton, was pressing when you were reminded of what you've lost--and what has spared. And the pressing urge to get pregnant again was stronger than ever. Reaching her arm back, she grabbed the back of his thigh and pulled him closer, subtly rubbing her hips back and forth, to let him know what she wanted. The hand rubbing her arm slowly edged forward until his fingers were brushing against her breast. Slowly he rubbed in soft circles around her nipple as she rubbed back against him. Quietly as to not disturb Max, Anton lifted up on one elbow so he could nip at her neck. Softly kissing and sucking, he worked his way up to her ear, taking her lobe between his lips. His tongue traced along the outside shell of her ear. He needed to feel her moving beneath him, to be reassured that she was still here with him. Her hand tightened on his thigh, squeezing, before gently rubbing up and down. She curled her hand as far around his leg as she could, tracing the inseam of his slacks, tickling his inner thighs. The hand on her breast felt wonderful, as did his arms around her. Like she'd told him before, she always felt safe in his embrace. Sheltered. And so loved it brought tears to her eyes. He rumbled, softly nipping at her ear as his hand curled around to cup her breast and squeezed her. His hips started rubbing harder against her back, sliding her leg between his more firmly. "How do you want me, Bryn?" he whispered in her ear. She whimpered softly, her voice just as quiet as she said, "I want you on top of me, just like the first time we made love." She felt him start to move and rolled flat on to her back beneath him, letting out a whisper-soft moan as his weight settled on to her. They both still had their clothes on, but it didn't matter for the moment. All she cared about was the intensity of his kiss, his tongue sliding against her, the feeling of his erection against her pelvis, and strength of his body pressing hers into the mattress. His hands lifted up to caress her head, stroking his fingers through her hair. He kissed her mouth ravenously, hungry for her. Lifting up slightly, he pulled his jacket and shirt off. He rubbed his hand against the cashmere of her sweater, purring at the sensation. But it there was something that felt better to him. He peeled off her sweater and leaned down to nip at the fullness of her breasts as his hands slipped around to undo her bra. She arched her back to give his hands more room to move, shivering lightly as his face pressed more firmly against her breasts. Mindful of Max lying so close by, Bryn bit her lip to stifle a moan. Sliding her hands around him, she spread them over his now bare back, relishing the heat in his smooth skin, feeling his muscles moving just below the surface. She moved on to squeezing his ass through his slacks, pressing him tighter between her legs. "I don't want to be in Baltimore without you. It's one thing for you to be away at work all day, but something else entirely when you're several states away. Especially today. I don't want to be alone today." "I know, Bryn. I know." He started undoing her slacks, letting his fingers brush her hips. "I don't want to let you out of my sight ether." He wasn't going say that Bryn's parents needed her there. He needed her as well. Slowly he peeled her pants and panties down her legs. And once her legs were bare, he guided her hands to his waist. She wanted to rip open his pants like a nymphomaniac in serious withdrawal, but she forced herself to move a little slower. Gently rubbing his stomach with one hand, she unbuttoned and unzipped his slacks. She could feel his breath shuddering in and out of him as she gently cupped his ball, lightly scraping her fingernails over the fabric covering them. Meeting his gaze, she wasn't able to wait any longer. Shoving his slacks and boxers down his legs, she gasped softly as his cock bounced free from his waistband. He looked like he wanted to devour her--and she was more than willing to let him. "I don't think I'm going to leave during the day. I want to stay and go with you." He laid back down on top of her, nuzzling her cheek and neck, licking and nipping at her soft skin. He rubbed his erection against the inside of her thighs. He was too concerned at the moment with rubbing against her body, kissing her, reassuring that she was alive and with him. Pulling his body further up against hers, he started to press his cock into her wet sex, kissing and pulling on her lips the whole time. Bryn opened her legs wider and pushed with her hips, hoping to ease his entry. She wasn't as wet as she usually was, not as readily accepting of his width, and the extra effort it took to push him deep inside her was exquisite pain for both of them. She whimpered against his mouth, her sex gripping him tightly, contracting to adjust to his invasion, and she stroked his back to let him know she didn't want him to stop. Didn't ever want him to stop. It felt so good to be so fiercely bound to him, body and soul, and she didn't think she'd let him go all day. "Ohh...it hurts..." She licked her lips. "And it feels so damned good." He groaned at the pleasure/pain of her grip on him. "You're so tight, Bryn, I don't think I can move." He held still, just feeling himself surrounded by her heat and wetness. His hand strayed back down to her breast, thumb rubbing over her nipple. "I may not let you go without me," he whispered. She arched into the hand teasing her nipple, her eyelids heavy, panting at the sensations he was creating. She knew it wouldn't be long until he got her quite wet...yet it never had taken him long. "I don't want to...go without you." Squeezing his ass, she pushed him even deeper inside her. It felt so good she moan and began to gently rock her hips, not really moving him in and out so much as shifting him up and down inside her. "Ohh, oh Anton...I wish we could just stay like this forever. We feel so perfect together." He continued to nip at her mouth, sliding his tongue into her mouth, showing her how perfect they felt together. One of his hands slid down her side down to her thigh, catching it and wrapping it up and over his waist so he could get slightly deeper inside of her. Her sex relaxed slightly around him, enough so he could start thrusting into her. She kissed him back eagerly, threading her fingers into his hair. His thrusts still weren't quite the smooth glide they were used to, but it was getting closer. The hand she kept on his ass slid down further, riding the clenches of his muscles, before teasing the cleft with feathery touches. The little jump he gave made her smile, a somewhat amazing feat at the moment. Kissing him again, repeatedly, she murmured, "I love you...love you so much!" "Love you, Bryn," he murmured back to her. He continued to kiss her, seemingly wanting to devour her whole. His thrusts became smoother, almost to how they were normally. He started kissing and nipping at her neck, ignoring the impulse to bite down, to Transform her to keep her by his side forever. [Now is not the time,] he told himself sternly. [She wants to give you another baby. Wait until she's ready.] She arched her head back, lifting both legs to push her sex higher against his thrusts. The slick drive of his cock filling her was good she felt blissed out, her whole body filled with tingles. Wanting to make him feel just as good, she squeezed him as he withdrew, pulling on his cock, sucking on him. She wedged her hand between them, gently brushing her clit. "Push up, sugar...I want to watch." With a growl he tore his mouth away from her neck. He pushed up on his arms, sliding his knees forward so they were under her thighs. Sitting up, he batted away her hand and took over stroking her clit. Gripping her hand that had been at her crotch, he lifted her slick fingers to his mouth, snaking his tongue out to lap at them. Her breath caught as she watched him and she shuddered at the touch of his tongue. Lifting her free hand, she braced it on the headboard above her, pushing herself up and into his thrusts, watching intently between her legs as he played with her clit. She could clearly see how much his cock was pushing her open, how he filled and stretched her. Using her feet to rock herself back and forth, she tossed her head back, abandoning herself to the moment, feeling her breasts bounce with every thrust he gave. Anton moaned, wishing he had another set of hands so he could be caressing her breast. Instead he concentrated on sucking each of her fingers, determined to get every last taste of her off of them. His fingers sped up on her clit, rubbing back and forth in a slightly irregular patterns so she couldn't be sure if he was gong to let her cum right away or draw it out slowly. Tracing her saliva-wet fingers over his lips, she let herself go limp against him, her ass cradled by his thighs, her hand lowering from the headboard to squeeze and rub her breasts. She watched his eyes dilate, realizing, as if for the first time, her ability to turn him on. And relishing his ability to make her feel like a beautiful, powerful woman...a veritable feast for the eyes, a temptress and sex goddess. All because she loved him, and he loved her just as much. She suddenly lifted up to a seated position, watching his expression shift from disappointment, as his cock slipped out of her, to wonder as she knelt before him, a surge of confidence and the need to consume him filling her. Prowling her way up his body with her hands, from his thighs to his chest, she grabbed his head and pulled him to her, kissing him ferociously, wantonly, like the adored and assured woman he made her. His hands went around her back, slowly sliding down to cup and grab her ass. As he kissed her back, tongues dueling, his hips lunged against hers, rubbing his cock against her belly. He let out a low growl, frustrated he couldn't get back inside of her easily. Lowering himself slightly, he lunged upwards, lifting her off her knees momentarily as he stabbed his cock back inside her sex. Bryn cried out in surprise, her arms wrapping tightly around his shoulders. The way he impaled her made her eyes roll back and fingernails bite into his skin. She pressed herself as tightly to him as she could, wanting almost to climb up his body and ride him like a rodeo queen. She squeezed him tightly inside of her, panting, as she leaned forward and licked his earlobe, nipping at it, before finally sucking it into her mouth. He let out a loud yelp, surging upwards in her. He thrust upwards, pumping his hips rapidly into her, lifting her body higher so he could get deeper into her. One hand was on her ass, one hand between her shoudlerblades, and his supported her weight, letting gravity pull her down on him. "Oh God!" She couldn't keep quiet to save her life, moaning with every thrust, the sounds become more pleading by the second. Returning her mouth to his, she kissed him fiercely, biting his lips, sucking his tongue. She squealed, clenching around his cock, and held on tight as her whole body trembled. He continued to pump into her, his hand sliding from her ass over her hip. Working it between their bodies, he rubbed her clit. All the while exploring her mouth with his tongue and nipping at her lips. His breathing was getting heavier and more rapid as the tingles in his groin started to build. Bryn whimpered, her thighs shaking against his. His touch on her clit made her feel like she was touching a live wire, sending arcs of shocking electricity through her sex. Gripping his shoulders even tighter, her hands white-knuckled and the muscles in her arms straining, she shuddered around him again. A less powerful, but no less appreciable climax that made her feel a bit tipsy and lightheaded. She gave him an exhausted smile, caressing his face as she whispered, "I love you so much, my angel, and I want you to cum for me." Her words were enough to push him over the edge. Grabbing her hips, he pulled her down firmly against his groin, letting out a drawn out moan as he came. He rested his head in the crook of her neck as he waited for the aftershocks to subside. Giving a deep, contented sigh, he tilted forwards, laying her down on her back on their bed. Breath returning to normal, he laid limply on her, eyes shut. "I love you, Sabryn, so much." She carefully straightened her legs and tucked her feet over his calves. She couldn't stop smiling as she held him close and repeatedly stroked his hair, threading her fingers through the silky tresses. Absently, she wondered how blond his hair would be if he could safely go into sunlight...but she pushed those thoughts away. Wishing for that was as pointless as wishing Natasha had never been born. "You're so warm. I could fall asleep just like this. And I guess I can, now that I've decided to wait until you can come with me." He pushed up enough so he could look into her eyes. "You're positive about that, Bryn?" His hand stroked her hair, tangling the ends between his fingers. "We don't know how seriously hurt your brother is. I wouldn't want something to happen, and you not be there because of me." "Dad said they'd moved John into a private room, so I think he must be doing at least a little bit better. Anton...I don't want to be leaving you behind just because you can't be in sunlight. I chose to share my life with you, and that means everything. If my husband and my son can't go somewhere, then I can't either. I love my brother very much and I want to be there for him...but if this had happened after I were transformed, I wouldn't be able to go until night time. And I wouldn't be able to do anything to change that. My family can't go, and I can't change that either. So I'm staying here." Anton gently stroked her cheek. "Thank you, my dear." He gently kissed her forehead before laying on top of her again. "We should call and make some flight reservations before we fall asleep." But he didn't reach for the phone. He just wanted to stay here where it was warm and hold his wife and son, who was laying on the bed next to them, watching with wide eyes. She let out a soft laugh, reaching out pat Max's padded butt. "Well, unless this little guy learns how to both crawl and talk right away, I think you're going to have to do that yourself, sugar." Smiling at Max, she watched him roll on to his side to face them, his balance a bit shaky. "Have you noticed that his eyes are getting darker? They're going to be just like yours, Daddy." Her hand swept slowly, sensuously up Anton's back. "I bet he's going to be just a gorgeous, too, with those long eyelashes and pouty lips. Maybe we should get him in to acting, or even modeling." "Maybe we should." Anton gently kissed her lips, and then reached over for the phone, pulling it onto the bed. But he didn't pick up the receiver or dial it. The next few days were going to be difficult. He was all too aware of that fact. But right now he just wanted to snatch some comfort while it was offered. Nate watched Lindy spread out the picnic blanket on the grass, while trying to keep a firm grasp on the squirming bundle in his arms. The moon was full and bright, even if it was partially obscured by clouds, and Liam was already running, even four feet off the ground. About an acre to the west, they heard a chorus of howls begin, signaling that the werewolves were out in full regalia. It wouldn't be long before they made their way over to this shallow valley amidst the trees. Lindy looked up, smiling, as Liam sent out his own high-pitched puppy howl, reminded her so much of the younger Copper in The Fox and the Hound. Nate shook his head. "He's ready to go. I'm surprised he hasn't peed on me in excitement." "Give him time," Lindy said, smoothing out the blanket. She pulled her jacket a little tighter around her as she plopped down on top of it. It was cold out in the mountains, but at least it wasn't raining. "Why don't you put him down? He won't go far, not until the other's arrive." Lindy patted the spot on the blanket. Crouching down, Nate set their son on the ground, watching as he took off running, his nose low to the ground all the way. Plopping down on the blanket, his knees bent, he laid flat on his back and looked for the stars beyond the spotted clouds. "So how was your workday, babe? What little there was of it. Although, I must say I'm glad you were able to come home early." "It was okay. Spent most of the day pushing papers. And doing the scheduling since Anton and Bryn probably won't be back when they thought they would." She watched as Liam circled the blanket, ears perked and sniffing loudly. She reclined back on her elbows, staring up on the sky. "I can't imagine how Bryn must feel right now. If anything happened to Manda, or any of my family..." Nate laced his fingers together over his stomach, wincing as Liam licked his face. Waiting until the puppy moved on to Lindy, he said, "It does make you wonder, though. If given the chance, would your family choose vampirism over death? I could easily see your mother being resistant...Amanda however, I'm not so sure of. Likewise with Alex. Walter would probably refuse." He looked over at her. "What do you think?" "I think you're right. Mom and Walter wouldn't, but Alex might. Manda, maybe if she fell in love with a handsome vampire, you know sorta like her sister did?" She picked up Liam and flipped him over on his back, rubbing his belly and watching his legs wave in the air. "Hmm...I can't say I know any young vampires who might be her type, but I'll keep looking." Rolling over on to his side, Nate propped his head up and watched her. "Do you miss it, Lind? Being able to run with your family, hear their thoughts, feel the wildness within you?" She continued looking up at the sky as she answered him. "Yeah, some. It still feels weird to me that I'm not running with them. That I don't have to worry about the phase of the moon anymore. But it's also strange not to be able to smell if Mom's been by five minute ago. Or tell what mood Manda is in even if she's not in the room." She rolled over onto her side, Liam sliding to the ground. "But if I was offered the choice to go back to what I was, or make the decision over again, even knowing what was to come, I'd stay on this path we're taking together." He smiled at her, reaching over to tuck a stray hair behind her ear and taking the opportunity to touch her. "If I would change anything, it would only be to take my time and let you experience things, rather than having them thrust upon you. Although, I did like the part where *I* got to thrust upon you." He wiggled his eyebrows, grinning. "Yeah, that part was enjoyable." She winced as Liam clambered over her, kicking his hind legs into her stomach for traction. She heard a soft whine from behind her and rolled over, scanning the darkness. Just at the tree line, she could see Walter sitting, waiting. Liam started forward, but paused, looking back at his parents. "Go on," Lindy said, running her hand down his back and then giving his rear a little push towards the other werewolf. "Go play with your grandparents." Lindy couldn't help but smile as Liam bounded off. "He's going to make an awesome alpha wolf some day." Nate rolled over on to his stomach as well, watching Liam's furry butt as he raced across the grass. The only thing he could discern was that their son was a big fuzzy fur ball. "What makes you think that? I honestly can't imagine having another Alpha around here. You and your mother are bossy enough already." He laughed, dodging the slap she aimed at the back of his head. "Seriously, what makes you think he'll be an Alpha?" She watched Liam sniff noses with Walter, running her hand up and down Nate's spine lazily as she spoke. "It's something about how he walks, how he holds his head. It's a look in his eyes..." She shook her head. "I can't really explain it." "Huh...I thought maybe you were going to say the way he likes to pee all over me." He gave her a small, albeit annoyed smile. "If he tries that as a teenager, I'm going to take a rolled up newspaper to his ass." Lindy giggled. "I'd be more worried about him peeing outside the door to his room if I were you. Marking his territory." He shook his head, propping it up on his folded hands. "I dread his teenage years. Actually, I dread his terrible twos. It's fairly easy to take care of a baby. Once he gets those feet working really well, he's going to be a holy terror. At least our home is a little more child-friendly than Anton and Bryn's. Can you imagine a kid growing up with all of those antiques?" "Oh man, I dread thinking about that. It'd be like growing up in a museum. Look but don't touch. But at least they don't have to worry about teeth marks on their furniture." She watched Walter lead Liam back into the trees. Once he was out of sight, Lindy rolled onto her side to look at Nate. "Are you going out feeding any time soon? And I don't mean feeding from the cows. I mean hunting humans." His brow wrinkled. "I hadn't planned on it. Why?" She chewed her lip for a moment. "I think I'd like to give it another try." "Really? You think you can handle that?" "Yes." "Well...if your parents or Chandra can watch Liam, we could go out tomorrow night. I'd like to avoid San Francisco for now, since Anton and I did the majority of our hunting there before. But yeah, other than that, we can go anywhere you'd like. And if you change your mind, we can always come back here." He reached over to stroke the back of his finger down her throat. "I'm proud of you, that you want to try again. But I was proud of you even when you didn't. I always will be." She smiled, caching his hand in hers. "I don't know why, Nate, but I feel I need to give it another try. I don't know if the 'don't hunt humans' was a stage I needed to go through, or if this has something to do with me healing from what Marrok did, or what. I just need to give it another try." "You don't have to explain it to me. I think you'll find that you'll switch back and forth several times when you're just starting out. Or at least I did. I wanted to understand what the attraction was--why most vampires prefer hunting humans over animals. I think it has to do with a basic predatory instinct in all humans, that went back to the cave men...we were meant to be hunters, to be strong, vicious, and score the best meal to feed ourselves and our families. Yet, things changed over time and we all became 'civilized'. Maybe it's barbaric to feed from human beings, but I understand the urge now. I feel it myself. I don't like to feed on the innocent any more than I would feed on a baby animal. That's why I take my time and watch the person first. It's not about going in and bagging the first piece of meat that comes walking your way. You have to be more cunning, choose a worthy adversary. It's in our nature." "I think I understand what you mean. Survival of the fittest thrown together with a bit of rough justice." She snuggled closer to him. "I've done some of that before, hunting as a werewolf. But i think it's going to be harder this time. You're going to have to teach me, or help me relearn it." He chuckled softly, wrapping his arm around her waist and stroking her back. "I don't think I'm going to have to teach you a thing. Your innocent, naive act doesn't work on me, Lind. I've seen you in action. You could outhunt me any time." He pressed a kiss to her hair, lingering to breath in the clean scent. "Although it is sweet for you try to please an old man like me." She giggled a little bit, tickled by his breath in her ear. "You didn't seem like an old man in bed this morning." She nuzzled his cheek. "Do you ever feel your age, Nate? I see glimpses of it every so often, but for the most part you seem to act like any other twenty-something." "Ahh..." His hand on her back paused, settling warmly on her lower spine. "Since I met you, no, I don't feel my age. Well, unless we're talking about when you were kidnapped, or whenever we worry about something happening to Liam. But, before this last year, I used to feel it every day. There would be little glimpses of feeling younger, but not often. Being with you reminds me of the things I missed out on, after Lindara left. I want those things now. I want my life back. You make me feel human again, only smarter, stronger...and sexier." She gently stroked the back of her fingers over his cheek. "You sure about that? Cause I think that you've always been sexy. I have a hard time thinking that you ever weren't." She snuggled closer to his body, her hands moving to rest on his chest. "Sometimes I forget to breathe just when I'm looking you." "Well, I did say sexiER. Of course I've always been sexy." He grinned at her, leaning closer to softly kiss her lips. He let out a pleased groan as he pulled her tight against his body, his arms wrapped around her and cradling her head. It was wonderful to share her body heat with the chill in the air, and he slipped a thigh between hers to tangle their legs together. The soft sucking sound of their kisses was music to his ears. "You think this...is such a good idea?" he asked, between pulling at her lips. "Your family could be back at any minute." "They've only been...out an hour." She returned his kisses while trying to answer his question. "They'll be running...for at least...another two." She rolled onto her back, pulling Nate on top of her body. She let her hands roam over his well muscled back. "C'mon...it's cold out...let's share some heat." Giving up on talking, she concentrated instead on the feel of his lips against her skin. "I think you should be on top...then if they spot us, I can say you forced me." Her giggling was stifled by his mouth on hers. Sliding his hands down her sides, he pushed them under her ass and down her thighs, pulling them widely apart, and settling between them. He rocked his body against hers, thrusting with his hips, grinding them together through their clothes. Pushing up on his forearms, he watched her face as she whimpered and held on tight. "You like that, baby?" "Yeah," she half whispered, half moaned. She tightened her arms around his back, lifting one leg to toss it over his waist. She nuzzled his cheek. Perhaps all the wildness hadn't disappeared from her. She unzipped his jacket, running her hands over his body, enjoying the warmth trapped between his stomach and the flannel lining. "How about you? You like this?" He purred against her lips, nipping lightly at the soft flesh. "I'd like it a lot better with my shirt off." Lowering his mouth to the base of her throat, he licked a long patch up her neck to her chin, pausing to nibble at her jaw, before kissing her passionately. His rocking hips stopped at the highest point, right where their groins were pressed so tightly together. "You think you could take it off me, or would you rather we kept our clothes on while I fuck you silly?" "Mmmm..." she said, pressing her hips up tighter against his. "You sure it's not too cold out here for you?" she said, pulling his jacket off. "I'd better be sure that you stay very active, so you stay warm. Make you work up a sweat." Kissing the base of his neck, she pulled back long enough to work his shirt over his head. He shuddered lightly as the cold air touched his already sweaty back. As long as he was leaning over her, he took the opportunity to unbutton her sweater, nipping at her skin as it was exposed, burying his nose in her cleavage to breath in her sweet scent. His lips and tongue traveled over the pliant surface of her breast, his nose pushing the cup of her bra aside, and he swirled his tongue around her nipple before sucking it into his mouth. He couldn't help but smile as she gasped and arched beneath him. "Would you be offended if I told you that you have the most perfect tits I've ever seen?" "Nooooo..." she moaned as he resumed sucking on her nipple. Her eyes shut and her hand cradled the back of his head as Nate resumed sucking on her breast. Her hand gently combed through his hair, lightly scratching his scalp. "Would you be offended if I've said that you've got the most perfect cock I've ever seen?" Like a cat, he lapped at her nipple, continuously, his mouth curved in a smile. Pausing for moment, he murmured, "Definitely not. Especially if it's even better than Anton's." The words were said without malice, and he pushed up to kiss her mouth in silent apology. He really didn't care that she'd had sex with his brother in the past...but he knew he shouldn't have brought it up now. She couldn't help but tense underneath him. She know it wasn't an accusation, but still, she felt guilty. Nate had told her that he didn't look down on her for what she did on that night, that he understood the desperation that had lead her into it. But that didn't mean that he necessarily like it. She looked up to his eyes, gently stroking the side of his face. "Does it bother you that I know what Anton's cock looks like?" He stared down at her for a moment, seriously contemplating it. "Well, not any more than you're bothered by me knowing what Natasha's cunt looks like." He gave her a small smile. "Although, I'm sure that bothers you quite a bit. Let's put it this way...I'm bothered on a purely jealous possessive-male-jerk kind of level. But I'm certainly not upset with you. I'm glad that it happened, because it brought us together. I'm not angry that he's seen you naked. You're so beautiful I'd buy a life-size nude portrait of you and put it in our living room if I thought you'd let me. And I'm all too aware about mixed emotions and sexual experimentation, because I've had experience with that myself. So, if I'm at all bothered, it's only because he had you before I did. She stroked his shoulders, nodding. "I understand what you mean, Nate." She pressed her lips to his forehead. "I wish that I had been stronger, but maybe it was for the best. Otherwise, it would have been longer before we found each other again. But when you get bothered that he's had me before you, remember that you had me much longer before he did." She slowly slid her hand down his back, gently scratching until she reached his ass. He purred, his hips giving a small thrust against hers. "You were strong, Lind. I've never thought otherwise." Rubbing his thumb over the fabric covering her other nipple, he worried the hard bud back and forth. "There is a distinct line between learning and being weak. You were lucky to learn what you did so young. It took me centuries to come to the same conclusion." Unclasping the front closure of her bra, he sucked one of her nipples into his mouth while pinch and lightly tugging at the other. She closed her eyes again, slowly sinking into the sensations. She arched up beneath him, rubbing her hands over his ass. "God, Nate, your mouth is so hot," she whispered, feeling him lapping at her breast. Her right leg arched up and over his hips, drawing him deeper between her legs. Head turning to one side, she opened her eyes, and almost shrieked in surprise at the canine form she saw sitting over by the tree line, watching them with a curiously tilted head. "Amanda!" Nate looked up, Lindy's nipple popping out of her mouth. He stared at the wolf, dumbfounded, swallowing heavily. As she continued to stare back, he gave her a little smirk and returned to what he was doing. If she wanted to watch, so be it. It wasn't as if it hadn't happened to him before. Lindy however, wasn't nearly as relaxed about it. She locked eyes with Amanda, staring hard until the young werewolf dropped her gaze and slunk back into the woods. Lindy dropped her head back to the blanket. "She'd better not tell Mom about this," she grumbled. He chuckled softly, working his way down her stomach with openmouthed kisses. As he paused to unbutton her pants, he murmured, "She's just a curious kid. Besides, it can be hard for a teenager to look away from such a gorgeous guy." He grinned at her, tugging her jeans down her hips. Stopping there, he lapped at the skin just above her bikini-cut panties, deliberately teasing her, going no further. "You think we've got time for a little playing, gorgeous, or did you just want to get on with it?" She took a deep breath, quivering under his mouth. She was relaxing again, concentrating on his touch. Sitting up on one elbow, she could reach down and stroke his shoulders and head, running her fingers through his hair, wishing she could touch more of him. "Maybe. What kind of games do you have in mind?" "No games," he whispered, tugging her pants down further. He pulled them down entirely, taking her shoes with them, and tossed the bundle on the blanket next to them. With a little rise of his eyebrow, he grabbed her ankles and pushed them back toward her, lifting her thighs up and towards her chest, bending her at his whim. Once her legs were bent and held to her torso, he pushed them apart a bit and lowered his face to her panties. Breathing in her scent, moaning softly. Nate opened his mouth and began nipping at her sex through the damp fabric, nibbling at her clit continuously, holding on as she wiggled desperately beneath him. She squealed, grasping the blanket in handfuls. Little shocks of pleasure tingled around where his mouth was. The scrape of the fabric being manipulated by his tongue was heavenly, and she whimpered under his skillful touch. Nipples aching, she squeezed her breast. She wanted to push up into his mouth, but couldn't with her legs off the ground. "I need more, Nate," she moaned. "Please, give me more." Sliding his hands under her ass, he grabbed the waistband of her panties with his fingers and tugged them down. He worked the fabric around the bends and curves of her legs, finally pulling them free. Returning his mouth to her, he pushed the lips of her sex open with this tongue, lapping at her in long strokes with his tongue flattened. He growled deep in his throat at the taste of her, once again paying special attention to her clit, nibbling and sucking, quickly fluttering his tongue over the sensitive spot. She let out another loud squeal, undulating beneath him. The tingling centered between her legs grew until she couldn't hold still, couldn't keep quiet. An almost continuous moan escaped her lips as she thrashed her head back and forth. Trembling, shaking and then finally vibrating, she let out a sharp cry, cumming beneath his tongue. Determined not to relent, he kept up the same pace, kept her contractions going, but added pressure to her perineum with his thumb, threatening to slide the digit in either orifice there. He watched her twitch and writhe, getting so turned on he could barely keep himself still. Slicking his other thumb with her juices, he took over teasing her clit as his tongue moved to lap at her quivering opening, drinking in every drop of cum that escaped her, teasing her urethra with the tip of his tongue. He felt her climax peak again, and said, "Push out, Lind...push out against my tongue." She did as told, as he was rewarded with a small squirt of hot fluid bursting on to his tongue. She squealed again, her breathing ragged. It amazed her how he was able to do this - when she thought she had nothing more to give, he was able to coax another orgasm from her. And he hadn't even gotten his cock inside of her yet. Opening her eyes for a moment, she watched Nate's head bob between her legs, feeling a new surge of arousal. "Oh God Nate...." Looking up to meet her gaze, he smiled. Climbing up her body, he pushed his cock inside her and settled firmly on top of her, kissing her mouth, his hands threading through her hair. He was sure she could taste herself on his tongue. If he hadn't been so aroused himself, he could've kept lapping at her all night. Instead, he pressed deeper inside her, grunting with pleasure, his arms hooking beneath her knees to keep her legs up high. Still kissing her mouth, he began to slowly thrust. Amazed at good she felt, and at the same time not surprised at all. "Mmmmm..." He felt so good covering her, touching her, loving her. Slowly she began running her hands over his back, lightly scratching his spine. Tasting herself on his tongue, she pushed hers further into his mouth, tickling the ridges of his palate. "You taste so wonderful," she said when she was forced to break off the kiss for air. "Of course...I taste like you." He pushed his jeans down a bit further, making his thrusts smoother, giving himself room to swivel his hips, to vary the depth and speed of his movements. Extending his arms, he looked down to watch himself move in and out of her, watching her breasts bounce, and the subtle shaking of her thighs. "Uhh...God, you feel good, Lind. I want to fuck you 'til you scream." "That's not going to take much, Nate." She reached up to touch his chest this time, tracing the contours of his muscles. "You can make me cum screaming just from how you look at me." She started rubbing her thumb over his nipple. He was practically glowing in the full moon light, and she couldn't take her eyes off of him. "So handsome..." He let his head fall back, he body moving at an even quicker pace against hers. "Mmm, that feels so good, baby. Keep doing that." He grinned down at her, leaning forward to brace his hands on her breasts, lightly squeezing, kneading in time to his thrusts. She felt so incredible wrapped around him and he wasn't far from orgasm himself. "You ready to cum again, baby? Will you do that for me?" "Yes," she whispered, letting her eyes drift shut. The better to concentrate on the sensations he was creating. "Yes..." He was corkscrewing his hips now, rubbing the head of his cock against her G-spot. Pinpoints of light burst behind her eyelids. "Yes!" she shrieked, contracting powerfully around his cock. The pinpoints became fireworks as she arched up, pulling herself as close to his body as she could get. "Uhhh!" Groaning, he pushed even harder, grinding his cock against her as he felt her spasm around him, and with a hard shudder came deep inside her. He continued to thrust eagerly, drawing out her contractions, panting rapidly as he came down from his high. "Jesus, Lindy..." His hips began to slow, yet he still sank deep within her, clenching his ass to get as far inside as he could. "Mmm...if I thought I could actually do that again, I wouldn't stop all night." "Mmmm...and I'd let you." She slowly lowered her legs to the ground, keeping them widespread. Her arms tightened around his back. She felt like she was floating on a cloud of pleasure. "You are so amazing, Nathaniel. I don't know how you're able to keep bringing me to complete bliss like this." He settled down completely on top of her, stretching and groaning with pleasure. Going limp, he murmured in her ear, "Must just be a gift I have." He grinned as she swatted him playfully on the butt. Shivering as the sweat on his back met the cold air, he settled even more comfortably against her, sharing her body heat, and hoping to keep her warm by shielding her from the cold. "I love you, baby. My gorgeous girl." She grabbed one edge of the blanket and pulled it over him, trying to tuck it in under their sides. "I love you too, my big, handsome man." If they didn't have to worry about her parents finding them like this, or the sun rising, she could have stayed like this all night, wrapped up in his arms. But she didn't make him get up, not yet. Instead she kissed his forehead. "Love you so much, Nate." He squeezed her tightly, resting his head beside hers with his nose in her hair. "I have an idea. After we lay here for a while longer, I say we go find your parents and ask them to take Liam home with them when they're done. Then you and I will have the house to ourselves and we can pick up again where we left off." He nuzzled her ear, pulling at her earlobe with his lips. "Doesn't that sound nice?" She smiled lazily at him, even though he couldn't see it. "Yeah that does sound nice." She rubbed her hand in small circles on his back. "Although just about everything you suggest does." She pressed a kiss to his temple, lazily content. End Chapter Ninety-four <- Previous Chapter | Home | Next Chapter ->