Chapter One Hundred Four They were all sitting in the living room like a parole board when she walked in the door. She hesitated, in fact almost took a step backward, already anticipating the need to flee. Alex's body, however, stood between her and the door. Maybe if she'd been more adept at deciphering her new lupine senses, she would've recognized his lies when he told them. Across the room, sitting on the couch, Lindy was staring at her in confusion. Almost as if she'd never seen her before. Yes, they'd settled into different lives since Lindy was Transformed and no longer working the days with Chandra, but that wasn't the cause of her disbelief. And it certainly wasn't why Nate narrowed his eyes at her as he slipped his arm around his wife's shoulders. She didn't need to see the werewolves' faces. She could smell the aggression in the air. Unlike honesty, anger was a smell she recognized right away. And she didn't really need to see Anton's face to know that there would be rage, hatred, disbelief, and incredible hurt in his eyes. The closest she could get to meeting his gaze was to glance at Bryn, who was standing at his side, one arm clutching his. At first she thought maybe the woman was trying to hold him back. Yet as she focused on the hand Anton held against her hip, it became clear it was the other way around. Swallowing heavily, Chandra fought back guilty tears and simply said, "You know." "Yes," Anton answered. His voice was strangely detached given the emotions flickering across his face. It was still hard to believe, even with evidence in hand, even with her tacit admission, that she had betrayed them all. There was a strong edge to his voice. "Why?" As far as she could see, she had two options. First, to tell him the truth and admit to her huge mistake. And the second... "Does it matter? It doesn't change what I did. It's not going to change your opinion of me." She was amazed her voice wasn't shaking like her insides were. She had the strangest urge to pee her pants. "I betrayed you. And I'd do it again, if I had to do it over." "You bitch!" Bryn yelled, forgetting that wasn't completely an insult to her. The younger woman started forward, only to be tucked back by Anton's grip on the back of her pants. "I stood up for you! I told him it had to be a mistake...I hope he *does* kill you!" Lindy was grimly amused when Chandra took an involuntary step backwards, only to stop when she heard three soft growls behind her. She was still in a state of shock. While not close friends, she still didn't want to think that Chandra was capable of doing this. Anton tightened his grip when Bryn almost broke away from him. He took a step closer, looming over her, invading her space. His eyes weren't flaming, nor where his fangs extended. But he still looked lethal. "I want to know why." Chandra was shaking visibly now. She ducked her head down, slouched slightly, trying to make herself look as small as possible. "Because I hate you for still being *his* friend," she said, trying to sound tough and failing miserably. "Because you're wasting your time when you should've been loyal to me." All three werewolves' growls grew higher in pitch, a prearranged signal to indicate a lie. Not that he needed it. Her very body language told him she was being deceitful. "Loyal to you?" His voice dripped with sarcasm. "I only gave you a job, tried to convince him that he's making a horrible mistake. And you showed no loyalty to me by lying to my face when you're caught." His eyes started to flicker. "Now for the last time, tell me why." "I can't!" "Why the hell not?" Nate interrupted. "Because it's no excuse," she said, weakly. "It's worse than what I told you. Completely selfish." "We have no doubt of that!" Bryn spat out, eager to get her hands on the newest werewolf. "Tell me." The frozen sound of Anton's voice was in complete opposition to the fire in his eyes. Nostrils flaring with the effort it took to breathe, Chandra said it all in a continuous ramble. "She told me she could end this...could make it go away...I knew Natasha was powerful, because she was always being talked about...and I saw what happened with Lindy...I never wanted to be a vampire but it's much better than being this, this wolf thing...I thought she'd give me that, and all I had to do was make a few lousy phone calls, but when everything started going wrong, with the shipment and the cops everywhere...I tried to tell her no, that I wouldn't do it anymore...but it was too late." She swallowed heavily. "I just wanted it to end. But it went too far." It made sick sense that she was involved with the drug shipment. She and George had been the ones to find it. "Do you have any idea what you could have caused?" he continued in a precise voice. "Do you even comprehend the risk you took? You could have exposed both vampires and werewolves to the world. Do you think once a scientist got hold of you that he'd care that you didn't want to be a 'wolf thing' anymore?" "You don't understand! I didn't know that was what she was doing...I only agreed to make phone calls, to her, no one else...it was him, the other one...'George'...which, by the way, isn't his real name." Chandra saw Bryn cover her mouth with her hand, looking stricken. "He helped her set up the shipment. I never knew who it was she had working for her, until a few days ago. I saw the attention that blond woman was paying to him, saw her spying on me, on us. If I had known who her other contact was, I never would've let that happen...whether you believe me or not." The growls dropped in pitch. But Anton's stance didn't alter one bit. If anything he stepped forward again, and Chandra shrank back. "I'm not going to harm you Chandra," he said in a measured voice. "I want you gone. You have until sunset tomorrow to leave. I don't care where you go, as long as it is away from here. And if I ever, ever hear of you even thinking of coming near my family again, I will kill you." Chandra began to nod submissively, only to hear, "I want her gone now!" Her gaze flew up to meet Bryn's, whose eyes were every bit as fierce as her husband's. "Fuck tomorrow. You stay away from that warehouse, you get off this property, and don't you dare come back! Don't stop to get your clothes, don't make a bunch of phone calls, just get in your car and go. We'll send you your crap. And don't dare going to Mack, either, because he's going to hear all about this the minute you walk out that door." Hands clenched, Bryn looked like she wanted to strangle her. "Hand over your keys now. We're having the gate combination changed. I can't believe I let you anywhere near Max. I can't believe I thought I was your friend! You lying little whore! Get out of my house!" Anton didn't look about to override what Bryn had just said. Nor did Lindy or Nate seem inclined to do so. As Chandra started to back out of the room, the werewolves opened a path. Jess and Walter started to follow her, Alex remaining behind to stand guard. An arm around Bryn's waist, Anton looked down at his wife. "Was I too easy on her, Bryn?" Trembling with emotion, Bryn looked up at him and swallowed. She'd seen the tears in Chandra's eyes as she left the room. The look of utter defeat and a bit of hurt. [Good], she thought. When once she might've sympathized with someone who'd lost all their friends, now she could only feel disgust. "She brought it on herself. She knew what she was getting into." [But did she? Can you really say you would've have done something similar, if you had hated yourself so much?] "I have hated myself like that...but I never punished anyone else for it." [She's all alone now.] Lip quivering, Bryn started to cry. "Why did she have to do that to us? To herself?" "I don't know, my dear." He turned so he could cradle Bryn against his chest. "She must have been very, very unhappy being a werewolf." He knew she was still upset over what had happened to her, but he hadn't thought that she would be so desperate as to betray her friends. He looked over at Nathaniel, who had sat quietly observing throughout the whole time. "Do you have anything to say?" Nate shook his head, chewing on his lip. "I'm still trying to wake up. I can't even begin to comprehend this. I would back you up, whatever decision you had made. But it's not so much Chandra I'm worried about...I mean, yes, I'm pissed off she did that." He scratched his head, letting out his breath in a gust. "The real problem here is Natasha. As always. She just never gives up. I don't think she'll rest until we're all cremated." He sniffed. "I thought she couldn't do this kind of shit anymore. The empress told us it was over. So what the hell happened?" "Either Natasha is much cleverer than the Empress gives her credit for, or Lilith isn't as strong as she would have us believe. Both ideas are disturbing," Anton said. At that point Jess returned alone to the house. "Chandra got into her car and left. Walter's following up to the gate to make sure she doesn't try to come back." Wiping her face dry, Bryn looked up at Anton. "You need to call the security guards and tell them not to let her anywhere near the warehouse." She turned, her attention shifting to Jess. "Did she give back her keys? She had access to too many things." Before Jess could answer, Bryn turned back to her husband. "God, it scares me to think that all that time she was working with the books and had access to your safe--Anton, are you sure everything is still there?" Jess handed Anton a key ring. "I'm having an outside auditor go over our books just to be certain. I'll check the safe when I get into the office." He hugged Bryn tight. "I'm more worried about what she might have done here." He didn't mention that he was worried about what Natasha's next move might be. Bryn pressed her face to his chest, hugging him just as tightly. "I'm sorry, sugar. I wish we could've found out before the investigation happened. And I feel so foolish for not knowing what she was up to...what 'George' was up to." Suddenly alarmed, she met his gaze. "You have to call the detectives about the case. If Chandra tells George we're on to him, he might run before they can catch him." "Vandala is watching George right now. If he tries to make a run for it, she's been told to deal with him. And as for the police, I'm not sure I want them involved. I'd much rather see George face vampiric justice than human." He gently stroked her back. "Whose? Yours? I don't like that idea, Anton. If he turns up missing or dead, there's always a chance the detectives will look in your direction. And we're only just getting past that." Looking over at Lindy, Bryn rested her head against Anton's chest. "What are you thinking, Lindy? I don't think you've even said a word since we told you." Lindy sighed. "I'm still trying to absorb everything. I mean, it seems so unreal that Natasha managed to plant someone so close to us. And when I think about what she could have done..." She shivered. Anton walked over to the phone and picked it up. As he dialed the security company about getting the front gate reprogrammed, Alex pulled out his cellphone and called the warehouse, instructing the guards not to let Chandra back in the building. Both he and Anton finished at roughly the same time, but Anton immediately dialed another number. Just as Lindy was about to ask who he was calling when he started to talk. "It didn't work." Bryn tilted her head, wondering who he was talking to, but was distracted when Amanda walked back in the room with the children. She thanked the teenager, and took Max from her as Liam hurried across the room, falling more often than not, to his Mommy and Daddy. Following, Bryn sat down on the couch next to Lindy. "Anton," purred the voice on the other end of the extension, her words at once like velvet and strychnine to his ears. "What have I done to deserve the honor of your call, at last?" Anton's voice was cold as steel. "I know about them, Natasha." Her name was pronounced like a curse. "And don't think for a moment I won't go to Lilith. And before you point out that I broke the Council's judgment of no contact, you shattered it first by placing spies in my household." "You're in no position to threaten me, darling. This was merely a sample of what I can do when 'not in the country.' You'd be surprised to know how many people are loyal to me, human and vampire...and werewolf." "And you'd be surprised what I'm capable of when threatened, Natasha. This is your last warning. Leave us alone, or face the wrath of the Council, as well as mine." He hung up the phone before she could spew any more venom. Without hesitation he started to dial another number. "Seth, I need to speak to Lilith now." "Hold please," came Seth's sleepy and audibly annoyed voice. The connection horrible, a continued droning buzz in the background. It was easy to discern that he hadn't caught Lilith at home. Any of her homes. And because it took several minutes for Lilith to come to the phone, Anton held the speaker of the phone away from his ear. "Mr. Rudenko...I've been told it is after dawn in your corner of the world," Lilith said, as she answered the phone. "You were on my list of contacts to make today, however I thought you might be sleeping at this hour. It is fortunate that you have called." "I fear that you will feel otherwise when I inform you of why I called, Empress." Anton took a deep breath. "I am certain that Vandala has forwarded you her report. She has discovered two spies working for her, one in my own home." He didn't say the obvious - that Natasha was obviously disregarding the Council's ruling and would continue hounding him. "Which is precisely why I meant to call you today. At the moment, I am in the skies above China...we should be landing in Beijing within the hour to avoid sunrise. When night has fallen again, my pilot has been directed to fly to San Francisco." She sighed heavily, an unusual gesture for the eldest of vampires. "Vandala informed me several hours ago of her findings. I was dismayed to hear that your suspicions are true. However, I was far more disturbed by the message I received from Australia...apparently a week too late. Natasha is missing, and none of my guards seem to know how she disappeared." "Missing," he repeated, his jaw clenching. If this had been any other vampire, Anton would have given her a severe dressing down, asking how she could have been so stupid. But he couldn't very well say that to Lilith. "Is there any indication of where she is?" The phone number Natasha was using would probably be disconnected shortly, and most likely was a relay to another location. She was silent for a moment. "No, there is not. I owe you my sincerest apologies, Anton. I was led to believe that my hired staff could be trusted. It seems I have been misled as well. I can assure you, however, that every measure is being taken to locate her, and your security presence is aware of everything that is happening. I've been receiving timely reports from them ever since I was first notified. When I arrive this coming evening, we will meet to discuss any further actions to be taken." Lilith cleared her throat before adding, "It might be wise to keep your family close at this time. Although you are being well guarded, my people cannot possibly watch your every movement." "My safety isn't my primary concern. Sabryn's and Maxim's is." He couldn't help but be snippy. Lilith was safe in her jet, while he now had to wonder where Natasha was. "I will speak to you when you arrive, Empress." He was already thinking ahead. Such as how he would tell Bryn. And how he would keep Bryn from strangling Lilith when she arrived. "I understand. My assistant will be in touch with any changes the moment they occur. Good day, Mr. Rudenko." She didn't wait for him to reply before the connection went dead. She was no doubt anticipating an angry response. Before Anton could put down the receiver, Bryn was already asking questions. "Why are you worried about our safety? Who disappeared?" She stood up, cradling Max closer to her chest, as if the enemy were in reach. "Please tell me you're talking about Chandra." "I wish I were." He walked over to Bryn, and put his arms around her, cradling both his wife and his son. Anton took a deep breath before looking at Nate and Lindy. "Natasha isn't at Lilith's home in Australia. In fact, Lilith is on her way here to discuss the fact that she's not sure where Natasha is." Bryn let out a huffed breath, followed by muttering 'fuck' under her breath. Standing up, Nate shoved his hands in his pockets. "At this rate, we should have a visit from Marrok sometime before nightfall." "Nate, that's so not funny." "Sorry, Lind, but it just feels like all of this crap comes in waves." He paced the length of the living room, wishing he could go to the window and look outside. Damned daylight. Turning back to face Jess, he said, "You didn't smell anything unusual out there, did you?" Jess shook her head. "Nothing. No other werewolf around." She was curios why Anton and Alex exchanged slightly concerned glances. Anton continued to hold Bryn close. All he wanted to do was take her and Max upstairs and crawl into bed with them. But he had to go to the warehouse and deal with George, as well as quash the inevitable rumors about Chandra not reporting to work. Sabryn also had to go to her office as well. And even when that was done, they wouldn't have time alone - Lilith would be landing at the airport. Scraping his hand over his growing stubble, Nate looked at Lindy. "Let's go home, baby. I can't think about this here. Besides, we're both going to need some sleep." He held out his hand to help her stand up. Directing his attention to Anton, he added, "If it's okay with the boss, I'd like my wife to stay home today. She can go back tomorrow night, after we've spoken with Lilith." He had hoped to have her support when he went in, but he could handle it on his own. "I don't think the boss will have any problems with it. Go on home. I'll talk to you later on." "Thanks," Lindy said softly, scooping Liam up. "Let us know when Lilith arrives." Alex looked over at Jess. "We should get going too. We'll start packing up Chandra's stuff." Anton nodded, making a slight face. He needed also to tell Mack, another thing he'd wasn't looking forward to. Handing Max over to Anton, Bryn hugged Jess and Lindy--who both still looked shell-shocked by the morning's events. They all headed to the library, and the bookcase that hid the entrance to the tunnel. "I would appreciate it if you could check the fourth entrance to the tunnel, Jess," Bryn said, referring to the hidden emergency entrance inside the stables. I just want to make sure everything is locked up tight." "Of course," Jess said as she swung the bookcase open. "Call us if you even think anything is wrong." Anton watched as they all trooped down the tunnel. He pulled Bryn close to his body, leaning against her. Giving support as much as taking it. "I don't want to leave you today, Bryn, he said softly. She jolted with a soundless laugh. "I'm getting to be a veteran at this, Anton. I'll be just fine. In fact, I was going to suggest that I go to the warehouse this afternoon and try to keep Chandra's work from falling behind. At least until you have a chance to tell your employees what's going on." She turned to face him, smiling as Max met her gaze. Grabbing his hand, she continued. "Then, I'll go to my office for a while and do whatever needs to be done. And...if you need support when you go to talk to the employees, I can always go back to the warehouse when I'm done." Anton softly squeezed her hand. "You're too good to me, Bryn. You spoil me rotten." He bent down and softly kissed her. "I don't want you to overwork yourself, my dear. But I appreciate it. Just one thing. I want Alex there onsite when you are there without me. I doubt George will do anything, but I'm not taking any chances." She nodded. "I wouldn't have suggested otherwise. Just because I'm getting used to her antics, that doesn't mean I got reckless." Grabbing his hand, she tugged him along behind her as she walked out to the hall and toward the stairs. "I'm not sure how much I'll be able to get done while I'm there, but hopefully Michelle will explain whatever I don't understand. First, however, I need to take a shower," she said, looking at him over her shoulder with a raised eyebrow. "Maybe you can help me with that. Oh, and don't worry about me overworking myself--I'll just sleep while Lilith is here." He gave her a small smile. "I'll be more than happy to help you with the shower, my dear. And hopefully Lilith won't stay too long." Anton looked down at his son in his arms. Max, oblivious to all the worry going on around him, smiled. "Let's go put him down for the day. And then let's go take that shower." Squeezing her husband's hand affectionately, Bryn hoped he didn't realize how close she was to a complete foot-stomping, loud-yelling, glass-breaking, fit-pitching meltdown. They hugged their family good bye in the tunnels. Nate and Lindy pulled themselves into the wine cellar, still in shock over what they had just learned. Lindy held Liam, who was squirming in an effort to get down and run, tight against her chest. She wasn't ready to let go. Their once safe and inviting home now looked threatening, as if another of Natasha's spies would jump out of the woodwork the moment their back was turned. Following Lindy up the stairs to their house, Nate kept his hand on her back. The were both tired and on-edge, but he had a feeling they wouldn't be getting any sleep soon. He knew he wouldn't for sure. Just when he thought his life was great and everything was going his way, Natasha popped up again like a bad nightmare. [When am I ever going to get rid of her, for good?] Lindy walked a sleepy Liam up the stairs. He didn't protest being put to bed like he normally did. They'd only be waking him up in a few hours, but she thought he needed the sleep. Making sure that the baby monitor was turned on, she kissed Liam good night and watched as Nate did the same. Then they tiptoed out of the room and quietly shut the door. She waited until they got to their bedroom. Slipping her shoes off, she let out her pent up emotions by flinging them across the room, letting out a shriek. "Why the hell can't we have more than a few weeks of peace in our life?" she yelled. "If it's not fricking Marrok, it's fucking Natasha!" Nate winced. "I could've done without that mental image." Closing the door behind him, he walked to the bed and sat down. He looked up at Lindy who was surprisingly frazzled--yet maybe it was only surprising because he felt so unnaturally calm. He had to chalk it up to fatigue, because he was certainly concerned. "She does have 'convenient' timing. Although, she never really goes away so it's probably not a timing matter. Meeting her reflection in the mirror above the dresser, he said, "I find it interesting that she could sway Chandra so easily. That she could get to someone so close to us. It really makes you wonder about the faces you see every day. I'm not all that sure I'll be able to truly trust anyone but you." Lindy walked over and plopped down on the bed beside him. She didn't stop but let herself fall onto her back, eyes closed. "I know. That's what scares me." She thought for a moment. "Chandra's never accepted becoming a werewolf, so the temptation to not be one was probably impossible to resist." She gave a deep sigh. "I just wonder if we could be tempted." "I think I could be tempted not to be a werewolf." He grinned as Lindy slapped his arm. "The problem with Natasha is that she's a walking temptation. And not necessarily a beautiful one. She always had so many men, and women, ready to do anything for her. I don't even know what it is about her. Maybe some form of hypnosis. The one thing I do know is that she doesn't like to lose." He propped his head up with one hand. "And the only way to get rid of her is to get as far away as possible." "There is another way," Lindy said, rolling on her side to look at him. "Someone could stake the bitch. The Council won't like it, but I think we could argue extenuating circumstances." She reached out and rested a hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat. He wasn't sure if it was excitement or dread that sped up his pulse. Covering her hand with his, he held her gaze. "She's a definite troublemaker, Lind, but I'm not sure the vampire clan as a whole would accept a staking so easily. Riots and wars have broken out in the past--which was part of the reason the Council was formed. Some of us can get bloodthirsty in the extreme. Possibly enough to expose us all. Unfortunately, Natasha may end up being preferable to hundreds of her angry followers." Lindy gave a big sigh. "So what are we supposed to do? Just let her do whatever the hell she wants to?" There wasn't so much anger as tiredness in her voice. "What is it going to take to make the Council see that she's a menace to us all? What she might do if she thought it would hurt us." She suddenly looked very concerned. "You don't think she'd do something that would reveal us to humanity, do you?" "I don't think she's that stupid. She thrives on scaring us, though, so it might look like she would. And I honestly don't know what we're supposed to do about her." He yawned. "I'd been hoping that with Anton in the council, we'd have a slight sway in our favor. But he hasn't had much of a chance to make the necessary connections. I think part of the problem is that when he goes away to a meeting, he's either busy daydreaming about Bryn or spending time with her when she gets to go along. If he could keep his mind on the problem, there's no telling what we might accomplish." "True," Lindy said with a sigh. "But be honest. If the situation were reversed, and you were on the Council, you'd be thinking just as much of me." She gently rubbed her hand back and forth across his chest. She was tired, and didn't really want to think about Natasha any more. She leaned her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. "No, actually, I wouldn't," he said, leaning close to murmur in her ear. "Because I never would've made it out the door in the first place. They'd have to have the meeting without me." Nate pressed his lips to her ear, wrapping both arms around her. "So...are we gonna lay like this all day? Because I don't think I'll be getting any sleep with my legs hanging off the bed." Lindy only snuggled closer to him. "Funny, I'm perfectly comfortable here." She smiled as he lightly swatted her arm. "Okay, okay," she said, sitting up and tugging him with her. Lindy crawled further up the bed and then flopped back down. "Liam will probably be waking up soon." He groaned, eyes closed, as he toed his shoes off. Both hit the floor with a solid clunk, then his hands went to his fly. Although not exactly sexually aroused, the bulge in his underwear seemed to pop up once the zipper was down. He shoved his jeans down and kicked them to the floor, shortly followed by his t-shirt. "Let's hope he sleeps longer than usual, given that he was awakened early. Either that or he goes back to sleep when we bring him in here." Yawning again, he pulled her close, wrapped his arm around her waist, and threw a thigh over hers. "Go to sleep, baby. We need all the rest we can get." She snuggled against him, feeling exhausted although they really hadn't done anything. She let her hand wander over the broad expanse of his back. She felt safe in his arms, and it was hard to think of the threats they were facing. She leaned over and kissed him lightly. "I love you so much, Nate." "Mmm..." He returned her kiss, sucking softly on her lower lip. "I love you, too, gorgeous." There was something wrong with one of his employees. He may not have known her long, but Justin prided himself on his ability to read people. And her body language screamed that she was under some sort of stress the moment she stepped into the building. He watched her through her open office door before knocking on it. "May I come in, Mrs. Rudenko?" Bryn jumped slightly, then blushed as if she'd been caught doing something naughty. Quite the contrary, she'd been working hard all afternoon to make up for the hours she'd be missing that night. As she met Justin Steel's gaze, it occurred to her that his appearance was more than just a little bit unexpected. "Yes, please, come in. I didn't expect to see you here so early, Mr. Steel." "Please, call me Justin." "Okay," she said, uncertain she'd remember. "I have a confession to make. I fell asleep in my office last night. Fortunately, I had the carpenters build in a private bathroom and closet in the event this ever happened." "Thinking ahead," she said, running her fingers lightly over the keys on her keyboard. "My husband had about the same idea...except that he has a whole apartment above his office. Comes in handy when I'm visiting and our son gets cranky." [Why did I tell him that? Did he really need to know?] She cleared her throat. "Um, what can I help you with...Justin?" "Actually Sabryn, may I call you Sabryn?" He waited for her nod to continue. "I was wondering if there was something I could help you with. You seem to be somewhat distracted and ill at ease." He took a seat in one of the leather chairs opposite her desk. "Is there a problem? Something not right about your position here?" "Oh, no. No, of course not. It's just a problem with a friend. I'm sorry. I hadn't realized it was so obvious. I don't believe it's affecting my work, but I'll definitely be sure to keep my worries at home from now on." It was the most he'd said to her since she was hired, but Bryn couldn't help but wish he'd come to her office for a different reason. Something like Employee of the Month. [Dream on.] "Things are a little hectic today. I covered for an employee at my husband's business today, which is why I'm here early. I hope that's okay. I don't anticipate that it will happen often." "It's all right, Sabryn. I'm sorry to hear that your husband's business is having difficulties. I was just worried that I would be losing a good employee because she was bored or had problems with her job." Hands clasped together, he leaned forward slightly. "If you need to take some time off, do let me know and we can come to an arrangement." It was weird to hear her name rolling off another man's tongue like that. Especially when he was being so friendly. She gave him a small smile. "Thank you. I'll keep that in mind. I'm not bored here. I have a lot to do, and we're not even open yet." She swallowed, still playing with her keyboard. "I hate to ask, but are we going to make our opening date? It seems like there's so much carpentry and decorating left to do." "Assuming that everything remains on schedule, we should be ready to open next week as planned. I know some people will question opening a gallery when the economy is so weak, but there are times when I enjoy flying in the face of convention." With a friendly nod, he stood up. "I'll leave you to your work now, Sabryn. Do not hesitate to ask if there is anything that I can assist you with." "There is one thing--I was going to bring in some of my paintings on Monday. Is there anything you're specifically looking for, such as size, subject matter...?" He paused, half way to the door. "I would like you to bring in the paintings that you feel best express your talents. Take this one on the wall behind you. There is great emotion and intensity in it, although there is little movement. I'm assuming that you would not be willing to part with it?" "No. That one has a lot of sentimental value for me. I suppose my family can help me pick out the best ones. Actually, I had an idea...although it might take up too much time. I was thinking that I could set up an easel here, and work whenever I have a chance. I think missing my son will help my creativity. I always seemed to work best when I wasn't a hundred-percent happy." She licked her lips, hesitant in what she was about to say. "I don't know if I'd be bold enough to try it, but maybe I could even paint in the gallery eventually, as sort of a demonstration for visitors." "Setting up an easel here is no difficulty," Justin said. "Let me consider your idea of demonstrations for visitors. I had intended to profile a few of the artists about their creative process, but I do like having someone actually creating art in the gallery for all to see." He glanced at his watch. "I'm sorry, Sabryn, but I have a conference call I must attend. If you will excuse me?" "Yes. I'm sorry I kept you. I'll be sure to say good-bye before I head home." He nodded, smiling, as he stood up and headed for the door. As he passed out of sight, Bryn slouched a bit and let out a puff of air. She wasn't sure if she'd ever get used to the idea of having a boss. It was hard for her to speak when he was around, because she was so worried about saying the wrong thing. Glancing over at her phone, she swiveled her chair in that direction and picked up the receiver. Dialing the memorized number, she called Anton's pager. She hoped to keep from waking him, like the phone most assuredly would. Waiting as the extension was picked up and his message played, she smiled at the sound of his voice. At the beep she left her own message. "Hi Sugar. Just wanted you to know I miss you and love you. Give Max a kiss for me. Can't wait to see you. Soon, my love. Bye." Part of him wasn't surprised to see two police cars parked in front of the entrance of the warehouse. Nor was he surprised when he saw two police officers exiting the building, a handcuffed George between him. Before going inside, he spoke with one of the officers, and was told that George had been arrested on drug charges having been tipped off by an anonymous caller. Anton had a good idea who that was. Natasha was cleaning house, erasing her tracks, and not letting him have any chances to track her whereabouts. He then went into the warehouse, only to be confronted by a gaggle of anxious employees. "I'll explain everything. Let everyone know there will be an all hands meeting in five minutes over in the delivery bay." Although they hurried to spread the word, one or two still gave him an anxious stare over their shoulders. Intercepting Anton on his way to the security office, Vandala stopped squarely and held his gaze. "I apologize, sir. We tried to hold off the policemen until you could have a chance to speak with the employee, but they wouldn't be deterred. Nevertheless, there is the matter of his desk--which still holds his belongings. Perhaps a search of the locked drawers would be permissible?" Anton nodded. "After the meeting, when most of the employees have left. I want to squelch the inevitable rumors as quickly as possible. And I want you at the meeting as well." Not having a chance to talk to George was disappointing to say the least. He wanted to watch the man squirm as he confronted him. "Do you know if Bryn has arrived?" "I believe she is in your office, sir." "Thank you." Heading towards the elevator, he thought it curious that Vandala hadn't mentioned speaking to her. Perhaps they hadn't been introduced yet. He forgot all about it as he arrived on the second floor and walked determinedly towards his office. The door was open, he could see, but it wasn't until he was in the doorway that he saw Bryn...sitting in his chair, head slumped against her shoulder, softly snoring. He smiled tenderly and quietly walking across the floor so he was next to her. Anton leaned over and softly kissed her temple. "Wake up, my dear." He gently put his hand on her shoulders, soothing her as she jumped. "Hey there. Have you been here long?" She let out a soft moan, blinking in the brightness of the overhead lights. Scratching behind her ear, she looked down at her watch. "About an hour and a half. I thought I'd come up here and sleep on Lindy's couch, but her office is locked...and I didn't bother asking security to open it." Sucking in a deep breath, she gave him a sleepy smile. "Did you sleep at all today? Or did Max keep you up?" "I managed to lay down for a while." Sleep was an entirely different thing. He had been too concerned about Natasha's next move, and how Mack would react when he found out about Chandra. "I got your page too, my dear. Thank you. I really appreciated it" He kissed her temple again. Standing up, Bryn wrapped her arms around him and squeezed. "I wish I could've been there with you. Maybe we'll get lucky and find out I have some alien clones somewhere. Then I could be in three or four places at once." She arched an eyebrow. "Or all of us with you at the same time." Anton chuckled, squeezing her tight around his waist. "I have a hard enough time keeping up with one of you, my dear." He leaned against her, his cheek resting against her head. "There's going to be an all hands meeting in about five minutes, Bryn. I'd like for you to sit in on it. Specifically on my lap if I thought we could get away with it." She laughed, looping her arms around his neck instead. "Well, you *are* the boss. You can do whatever you want to. Although it might be a little awkward if we just start doing it right there in the middle of the meeting." Standing up on tiptoes, she generously kissed his mouth and whispered against his lips, "Five minutes might be just enough time, though. For a quickie." Anton gave a frustrated groan. He gestured to the security camera pointing at his desk. "I don't think we want to, unless we want to give Alex and Vandala a show. The camera's now wired directly to the security desk downstairs." He gave a slight sigh as he brushed his thumb across her lips. "How did your day go here? And at your job? " Pouting slightly, she leaned back against his desk. "Everything went fine. I got more done here than I thought I would. Then again, half the time I didn't know what I was signing, so I really hope you trust your secretary. Then I went to my office and did some research, ordered some things, read...oh, and I was talking to Justin about what paintings I should bring in on Monday. He asked if I would consider selling my silhouette of you on the beach. I told him hell no, but I was flattered he thought it good enough to ask." "That's wonderful, my dear, that he thinks your paintings are so good." He leaned down and kissed her lips. "Everyone's probably gathered at the dock by now." As if to confirm his words, there was a knock on the door and it opened slightly. Michelle then stuck her head through the door. "Everyone's down there, except Lindy, boss. She doesn't seem to be here." "She's not, Michelle. Bryn and I will be there in a few minutes." He waited until Michelle had closed the door to sigh. "Shall we go downstairs and get this over with, my dear?" She nodded, turning towards the door and wrapping her arm around his waist. "Let's do this thing." They walked together down the hall to the elevator, Bryn quickly grabbing a drink from the vending machine along the way. She leaned against him as they waited for the elevator car to return to the second floor. She wasn't sure she'd ever be able to stay awake for Lilith's arrival--she was having a hard time keeping her eyes open already. On the descent, she squeezed Anton's hand in hers, letting him know he had her full support. This wouldn't be easy for him, with or without Lindy's presence. He slipped his arm around her as the elevator door opened. Silently they rode down to the first floor together. He took a moment to hold her close and hug her tight before the doors opened. Then quietly taking her hand, he led her to the loading dock. The quiet murmur of voices silenced when everyone caught sight of them. The employees were sitting on folding chairs brought out, or leaning against the roll up door. Both Alex and Vandala were lurking at the back of the crowd. Without letting go of his wife's hand, Anton took his place leaning against the desk used by the person on duty to receive shipments. He didn't need to call for anyone's attention. It had already been focused on him. For once, being a part of the center of attention didn't scare Bryn. Perhaps because her focus was on Anton instead of them. She didn't want him to have to do this. To admit to errors in judgment. But she would defend him wholeheartedly if the employees chose to take George and Chandra's side. Most importantly, she wanted to be there as a steadfast supporter, like a squire might have for a medieval knight. Before he stood up to speak, she quietly whispered for his ears only, "Y lyublya teba." Anton smiled at her and squeezed her hand before addressing his employees. "As you all know, things have been a little rocky here for the last few weeks between the economy and the drugs found in one of our shipments. I want to thank you for your patience and support during this tough time." "Many have you noticed two people who were added to the staff, Alex Krycek, the head of our newly formed security department, and Ms. Vandala, who is consulting with Mr. Krycek. They have been running an independent investigation into various incidents that have been happening here." "Unfortunately, their investigations turned up the fact that two employees have been involved in less than ethical transactions. Chandra Bailey was terminated earlier today due to a conflict in interest. And as you have seen, George Smith has just been arrested on drug trafficking charges. If either of them are spotted on the premises, please inform myself, Lindy, Mr. Krycek, or Ms. Vandala right away." "I want you all to know that I have no further plans for any terminations. We will not be shutting down the warehouse. The authorities have cleared the company as a whole from any wrongdoing. And although sales are down, I have no intentions of letting anyone else go. Your jobs are all safe, and will be for the foreseeable future. My wife Sabryn will be stepping in to help out until Chandra's position is filled." "I also want you all to know I'm proud of how you've all pulled together during this time. Hang in there, because there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not an oncoming train." He waited for the laughter to die down before continuing. "Does anyone have any questions?" Bryn watched as one young woman raised her hand and Anton pointed to her. "Are we going to have a pay cut?" "No, not at all. And your benefits will not change, either." Carlos raised his hand after the girl sat back down. "I understand the added security and all that, but--uh, no offense--your wife is going to be our new day boss? I'm kinda worried about that. I once watched her take a hammer to a 19th century armoire!" Bryn blushed slightly, and Anton shot her an amused look. "No. Like Chandra did, Bryn will be dealing with the paperwork while Lindy still oversees the restorations and refurbishments themselves during her night shift. There will be no need to lock up the tools when you see my wife coming." He waited for the giggles to die down. "Are there any more questions? Okay, then," he said when no more hands were raised. "Anyone interested in taking over Chandra's or George's position please see me or Lindy. Everyone who was supposed to be off half an hour ago please remember to mark this as overtime on your timecards. We're done, and everyone's dismissed." Anton watched, holding Bryn's hand as employees, taking in little knots, went back to where they had been before. He squeezed her hand tightly. "Well, that went better than I expected." "Hmmph. Yeah, well, you weren't pointed as a possible destruction risk." She tried to look hurt and annoyed, but the grin that followed betrayed her. "I guess I'm going to have to adjust my sleep schedule now. Plus, I haven't eaten anything. Think we could order some Chinese food?" "That does sound good my dear." They started to the elevator, still hand in hand. "Now I have to decide if I tell Mack about Chandra before or after we speak to Lilith. She should be landing shortly, but I don't know if she will see us this evening." "Oh God, I hope not! I'm so not ready to deal with her superior attitude. I'm dying to go home and crawl in bed...and sleep all weekend long." Leaning against him, she took a drink of her orange soda and then offered him some. She giggled as he made a face from the sweetness. "How is Max doing today? I bet he's going to be cranky when we get home. Poor kid keeps getting confused by all of these changes." Anton nodded as they stepped into the elevator. "He was confused why you weren't around when he woke up, and he didn't look too happy when I handed him over to Jess. And you know he's always calm when she's around. We'll do something extra special with him this weekend to make it up." He squeezed her hand tightly. "I just want to say thank you, my dear, for volunteering to help out. It's really beyond the call of duty for you to be doing this, with your own job and Max at home, but I really appreciate it." She smiled at him. "I'm glad I could help. Besides, do you really think I'd leave you hanging with no one to do the work?" She shook her head. "But I do have to say one thing--thank God it's Friday! Everything will have a chance to settle down for a few days. We can sleep in. And even though Lilith's coming, we'll at least have a while to unwind." Turning to wrap her arms around him, she kissed his mouth. "I think we should bake chocolate chip cookies." Anton smiled. "That is a good idea, my dear." He lightly kissed her as the elevator doors opened. "Why don't you head home. I can handle things here for now, and you can spend some time with Max. I'll join you as soon as I can." "Hey, were going to order dinner," she reminded him. "Or are you in a hurry to get rid of me? I noticed that Vandala woman is very attractive." "Really? I hadn't noticed. There's only one woman I find very attractive, and I'm married to her." He gave Bryn an apologetic smile. "Sorry, my dear. As you can tell, this situation does have me rattled." "I know. I'm sorry, I shouldn't pick on you. I just want to take your mind off of it for a while. And I want all the time I can have with you, 'cause I missed you today. Which reminds me...you'll probably find a bunch of silly emails from me on your computer." She smiled. "I wasn't drunk, even if it might look like it." Anton smiled. "I look forward to reading them, my dear." He pulled her towards his office. "So let's order the Chinese food, call Jess and check on Max, and then plot our next move. How does that sound?" "It sounds perfect...except for the part about plotting our next move. Save it until tomorrow. When Lilith arrives, we'll tell her that we'll meet her tomorrow night, and until then we're taking our minds off of it and relaxing. I know you think that sounds impossible, but I think we're capable. Besides, I have ways of distracting you..." He couldn't help but grin as he pulled her through his office door. He closed it and then stepped up behind Sabryn, putting his hands on her shoulders. "You certainly do, my dear. And when you are done distracting me, perhaps I could distract you." He started to rub her shoulders lightly. Part of him wanted to contact Mack and tell him, but that would best be done face to face. Tonight, that wasn't an option. So much for sleeping in on a Saturday. The first day of the weekend was spent cleaning the house so it passed Lilith's inspection. More importantly, however, they'd been preparing for an early dinner with Mack. Long before the evening sun had set, their guest arrived and parked his car in the shadows of the stables. He used the emergency exit to enter the tunnels and make his way to the Rudenko's house underground. He walked through the hidden library door just in time to hear the oven timer go off. For over an hour, they sat around the table eating dinner and catching up on recent events, keeping the conversation light--never once discussing Chandra. As soon as the last fork was put down, however, things changed. Casually smuggling his scraps under the table for Petunia, Mack said, "All right...is someone going to spill the beans or am I to guess? I know you two didn't invite me here to talk about horse enemas, no matter how funny the story." "No, Mack," Anton admitted. He was still trying to figure out the best way to tell him about his ex-girlfriend. "Something has happened with Chandra, something we need to discuss. And I didn't want to do it over the phone." He reached over to place his hand over Bryn's. Mack paused, his long neck beer half way to his mouth. "She's met someone. That guy I saw her with in the stables, right?" "No, nothing like that." Anton squeezed Bryn's hand, taking a deep breath. "She started spying on me for an enemy of mine, a dangerous vampiress. We've asked her, no told her, to leave." His friend let out a small laugh, waiting for the punch line. After her Change into a werewolf, her move to a new property, and her flirtations with other men, he wasn't sure much else could surprise him. But Anton's seriousness did. "That's not possible," he flatly denied. Squeezing Anton's hand between her own, Bryn nodded. "It's true, Michael. Anton has phone records to prove it. Chandra admitted it when we confronted her. She told us that she was so miserable being a werewolf that she'd do anything to end that existence. And when Natasha offered her a way out, she took it." Frowning, he shook his head. "No, I saw Honey outside when I drove up. Chan wouldn't leave without her--" He stopped cold, realizing that she had left the dog behind before. Only after she'd settled in her new home had she asked to have the animal back. "She wouldn't do something like this. Not on her own. Someone had to coerce her into it." "I wish it weren't true, Mack. I didn't take any pleasure telling her to go," Anton said. "And I don't think she knew exactly what she was getting into. But at the same point, I have to protect Bryn and Max. Natasha is a dangerous vampire, and one who's been stalking me for over eight hundred years." He shook his head. "I wanted you to know in case Chandra tries to contact you." He let out another laugh. "And how does that help me, Anton? What am I supposed to tell her even if she does try to contact me. I mean--" Mack sighed heavily, running his hand over his face. "I don't know what to think about her anymore. Sometimes I remember her as this sweet, innocent being...which is totally untrue of how I knew her. But she was innocent compared to this, and she was sweet compared to a werewolf." He swallowed, remaining quiet for a moment. Finally, he said, "I don't--I don't know what to say. I'm sorry, I guess. I feel like this is my fault." "It's not your fault, Mack. None of this is your fault. Her actions are hers entirely. We tried to help her make the adjustment to being something other than human, and she chose to betray that help." Anton sighed and looked down. "I'm not going to ask you to cut her off if she does contact you. That has to be your choice. But it will be a long, long time, if ever, before I trust her again." Mack shook his head again, obviously unable to shake his disbelief. "I'm not so sure I'll ever be able to trust her again. I mean, I'm assuming she knew how dangerous this woman was? And what the implications of her actions were?" His nostrils flared. "What the hell was she thinking? I don't care if she was turned into a God-damned alligator--you don't betray your friends like that!" Anton nodded in agreement. "I knew she wasn't happy, but I didn't think that she was that miserable or desperate. As for the implications, I don't think she understood the full risks she was taking." "I guess I get to look for someone else to come feed her damned dogs. She better contact me with some money, because I don't know that I can afford it for long." Groaning, he pushed his chair back from the table and stood up. "Look, no offense but I think I'm going to head home now. Mull this over in my head for a while. I, uh, appreciate the invite, though." Anton and Bryn stood up as well. "No problem, Mack. Next time I invite you over, I promise not to drop a bombshell on you. And let me know if you need help with the dogs." They walked him over to the library door to the tunnel. "And let me know if you need help with anything else." "I will," he said, turning to hug both of his friends. "I should have some free time starting around next Thursday. I'll come up and start working with the foals then. It will be in the daytime, though, so I probably won't pop in much. If you see my truck out there, give me a call on my pager and I'll come inside." "Thank you," Bryn said, smiling. "They're really growing like weeds." "Yeah, so is that moose." Mack nodded his head towards the carpet in front of the desk, where Petunia was sprawled out like a crashed skier. After Bryn's giggle and nod of agreement, he opened the tunnel door. "Good night." "Good night, Mack." Anton watched the door shut behind his friend before he put his arm around Bryn. "That went better than I thought. But I think it hurt him to hear that about Chandra." Anton gave a slight sigh. "Now if tonight would only be over so quickly." Bryn groaned, letting her head fall forward until it thudded against his shoulder. "I'm so tempted to turn out all the lights and pretend we're not home. We could just leave a note on the door that says we'll call her later. Or we could leave an email for her--then we won't have to talk to her or Seth. Or we could just fly away to Tahiti and not come back for a month. Maybe we could just move there..." Anton squeezed her waist as she rambled on. "Or we could grit our teeth and get through this one night and not have to see her for another month." Anton turned and stepped in front of her so he could kiss her softly. "I love you so much, Bryn. We're going to get through this okay." "You're entirely too optimistic. I've seen terrier puppies that were more pessimistic than you." Sighing, she hugged him tightly. "Let's at least go have another alcoholic beverage," she mumbled. "Maybe I'll like her better when she's blurry." Anton chuckled. "You know, I never thought of trying that." He guided her back to the table and then started clearing away plates. He wasn't looking forward to this at all. In fact, he wasn't certain why Lilith was coming. The discussion could have taken place over the phone. Frowning, like she had every time Lilith's name was mentioned, Bryn grabbed the garbage can from beneath the sink and began scraping the dishes. Mentally, she was trying to think of any excuse she could to keep the Empress from walking through that door. She seemed to carry a big black cloud, no matter where she was, spreading doom on those around her. [Or maybe it's just my imagination.] Glancing over at Anton, Bryn said, "You're not suddenly coming down with a case of small pox, are you?" Anton made a face. "No, unfortunately I am disgustingly healthy." He started to put the dishes into the dishwasher. "Do you think they'd fall for the 'Max has diarrhea' line we were successful with last time?" She perked up at that thought. Then just as quickly deflated. "I don't think so. She'd just say we can take care of him here in the living room. We need something really rock solid like maybe I got some bad breast implants and they're leaking and crowding out my lungs. Except, she'd probably just want to visit when I'm 'out of the hospital'." She sighed. "It's a no-win situation. But...better Lilith than Natasha." "Most definitely, my dear." He paused, thinking he heard something over the baby monitor. Max was being surprisingly good, sleeping although they were up so early. Once they finished loading and started the dishwasher, Anton pulled Bryn into his arms. He held her tight against him and placed a light kiss in her hair. Stretching her hands out against his back, she pressed her nose to his neck. "I think you handled the situation with Mack very well, today. I know it was a hard thing for you to say, and I'm proud of you. He's lucky to have such a supportive friend." Anton smiled, gently rocking her back and forth. "I just wish there was more I could do to help him. Despite what he says about werewolves, deep down he's still very much in love with Chandra, I think. I hated putting him in a position where he'd have to divide his loyalties." "You didn't put him in any situation--you said you'd support whatever decision he made. And I honestly don't think Chandra wanted Mack back. The only real reason she has to contact him is because of the dogs. She has family back in Boston. That's probably where she'll end up. Besides, Mack obviously is able to make his own decisions whether or not you approve of them. I think he'll be just fine." End Chapter One Hundred Four <- Previous Chapter | Home | Next Chapter ->