Chapter One Hundred Five It was over an hour after sunset when they finally heard the buzzer ring, indicating someone was at the gate. After checking the video feed to make sure it was Lilith's driver, they let the sleek black car through. Instead of waiting for Anton to open the door, Bryn told him to stay put and went to greet the Empress herself...after promising not to physically harm her. She stood outside on the front steps, arms crossed in front of her, watching the car pull up at the curb. Although their homes were by no means modest, on this street, the limousine nevertheless looked out of place. Bryn took a few steps down the front walk, as Seth stepped out of the car. He held his door open for the vampiress and Bryn was a bit shocked when she stepped into sight. Instead of her usual tailored suits and furs, the old woman looked younger than ever in her jeans and tight t-shirt. A silky-sleeved varsity-style jacket hung loosely around her hips, making her look like any other bubbly teenager. Looks could certainly be deceiving. Seeing her raised eyebrow, Seth walked towards Bryn in the same old suit he always wore. Maybe he had thousands of them. "Please do not comment on the Empress's attire this evening, Mrs. Rudenko. She has been under quite a bit of stress and as a result is not her usual self." Although she was quite sure Lilith hadn't given her assistant those orders, Bryn didn't lower her voice when she said, "We've all been under stress lately. It's only fair she take her share of the load." Not pausing in her quick gait, Lilith said, "Please, let's go inside. We have much to discuss." Anton waited in the main living room, rocking Max gently, holding his son as if merely being in his arms would protect him from all the evils in the world. He stood in respect when Lilith entered. "Empress," he greeted her. He waited for Bryn to enter the room before he sat down. Max was looking around curiously, waving his fists and more often than not thumping them against his daddy's chest. Not impressed with the woman's usual pageantry, Bryn sat down on the arm of the couch without so much as a hello to Lilith. Yet before Anton could say anything, she had to ask. "Have you found her yet?" The empress looked a bit perturbed by her forwardness. [Good!] Bryn thought. "No, Ms. Falconeri has not yet been found," Lilith said, obviously uncomfortable. "Although, we also have not yet found any evidence that she left Australia." Bryn shook her head, letting out a snort. "No, of course not. She's as innocent as a little lamb." "I would ask you not to insult Her--" Lilith put her hand on Seth's arm, silencing him. "There is no need of that, Seth. Mrs. Rudenko is correct in expressing her concerns. However, I can assure you both," she said, her gaze shifting between Anton and Bryn, "any anger you harbor towards me could not outdo my own. I have made a grievous error, and judge myself most harshly for it." "I am not interested in your judgment of yourself, Lilith," Anton said coldly. "I am interested in what the judgment of Natasha will be. For over seven hundred years I have attempted to convince the Council and you that she was a threat, that her harassment were more than annoyances. Now my wife's and son's, not to mention my brother's and his wife's, lives are in danger, because we all expected Natasha to do the one thing she never has - obey an order of the Council." This time Lilith couldn't stop Seth from saying what he felt. "How dare you speak to the Empress that way? If it weren't for her, you and your petty problems would not be here today or hundreds of years ago. She mothered your kind, or have you conveniently forgotten that?!" "Regardless of what I did or didn't do, Seth, he has a right to feel betrayed." Lilith sniffed. "You are not only ones suffering because of her, Anton. She stole something very valuable to me, priceless to be exact, and I will not stop until I have it back. She will be found, she will be punished, and her sentence will be decided upon by the Grand Council. Whether or not it will be a immortal death sentence is not the issue. When we're finished with her, she will think a staking is her reward." Anton nodded, but didn't look placated. He still held Max close, and rested one hand on Bryn's thigh. Yes, Lilith would see that Natasha would be punished, but Anton had a feeling that would be a long time coming. "Is there any indication as to how long she has been missing? Or what her plans are? " "Seth," Lilith said. Still looking rather pinched in the face, her assistant straightened his suit and cleared his throat. "It appears that Ms. Falconeri left the premises exactly nine nights ago. She was seen by the cook at 11 PM, but was not available when a phone call came just after midnight. Since she had been taking regular naps around that time, her caretaker thought nothing of it and left her bedroom undisturbed. Three hours later, when she still had not arrived for dinner, a maid was sent to check on her. The young woman found Ms. Falconieri's room vacant. Her bed had not been slept in, but her clothing still hung neatly in the closet. When checked, none of the security cameras captured her leaving. Likewise, the guards never saw a thing." Bryn let out a heavy sigh and shook her head. "Of course they didn't. She probably gave them all blow jobs just to keep their mouths shut! And what the hell kind of exile is this when she has her own cook, a maid, a caretaker? If you ask me, it sounds like she had it better than a four-star hotel!" "Her accommodations were already existent at the Empress's summer home--" "Her what?" Bryn sat forward, suddenly very much at attention. "You had her staying in your house?! What in God's name is going on here?" "Lilith," Anton's tone of voice cooled even further. "Am I to understand that you were overseeing Natasha's banishment personally?" He wouldn't ask, but he had to wonder. It was known that the Empress had an appreciation for both male and female beauty, and Natasha was an attractive woman who would use that to her advantage. The more worrisome thought was that Natasha could manipulate Lilith so easily. "Overseeing, yes. I trusted my own guards more than anyone...but I was erroneous in thinking she couldn't outsmart them." She met his gaze with an arched eyebrow. "If you're asking if I visited her there or was ever in residence during her stay, the answer is no. I have been traveling since October of last year. Most of my time is spent aboard my jet. I don't have time to be her babysitter." "You lying bitch," Bryn muttered. "I suggest you watch your tongue, woman," Lilith snapped. "I could break you in half before you even got to your feet." Anton's hand tightened on Bryn's thigh. Empress or not, there were some things Anton would not tolerate. "Do not threaten my wife in my own home, Lilith." Shaking with the urge to launch herself at the vampiress, Bryn glared at Seth when she saw the grin on his face. If she didn't know for a fact that he was human, she would've thought it was blood lust she saw in his eyes. "I would not have to if she would learn her place," Lilith said, standing up. "It is quite obvious to me that this meeting is over. If you have any further concerns about Natasha, you have my secretary's phone number." Heading towards the door, she glanced over her shoulder to make sure Seth followed. "Don't let the door hit you on your stuck-up ass on the way out," Bryn said, not particularly caring if the woman heard her or not. "Lilith," Anton called out after her. He drew himself up to full height, handing Max off to Bryn. "If anything happens to Sabryn or to Maxim, I am holding you personally responsible." It was probably unwise to threaten the eldest of all vampires, and in front of witnesses no less, but he would not let it go unsaid. The empress turned just as she reached the door, meeting his gaze and holding it. "And understandably so. I have underestimated Natasha, it's true. But it won't happen again. And you can bet she has no idea what I'm capable of, either." She opened the door and walked outside, saying, before she walked out of sight, "You will be kept informed. I swear it." Anton had no further response. Or at least no verbal one he would share while Lilith was leaving. Once the door was shut, his mouth opened. "The sheer arrogance. I wonder if she even realizes what she's done, or what the consequences could be." Anton gathered Bryn and Max into his arms and held her tight., as if he could keep the world at bay. Bryn let out a sigh and sagged against him. She was so tired, so mentally exhausted that she wanted to collapse. Natasha was never going to leave them alone. It was becoming so obvious. Lilith would strut around and display her power like a peacock's plumage, but there wasn't a whole lot she could do. They just had to live with that bitch's presence in their lives...and hope it didn't kill someone. "I wish both of those bitches would catch fire and die." Anton squeezed his arm around Bryn, silently agreeing. The only good thing about this evening was that it was Saturday, so neither of them had to go into their jobs. "I don't know about you, my dear, but I am exhausted. What do you say we all go climb into bed?" He wasn't ready to let either of them go yet. She nodded. "I was going to make that suggestion myself." Resettling Max into Anton's arms, she turned and walked towards the kitchen. She was glad he decided to follow. "I'm going to make him a bottle. And I think I could use a big hot cocoa with a mountain of marshmallows. How about you?" Anton smiled, although it didn't quite reach his eyes. "That sounds absolutely delicious." He took a seat on one of the stools by the counter. He looked down at Max, who was clutching a handful of Anton's shirt. It was a frightening thought, that Natasha was out there unsupervised, plotting against them. Heating some water, first for the bottle and then for the mugs, Bryn leaned against the counter and stared at the timer. It seemed to be ticking away too many precious seconds, time Natasha had already stolen from them and even more she'd take in the future. There was no sense in worrying when her next attack would come...that would only create more wasted time. Time clicking away endlessly, counting down, ripping away seconds like a ticking bomb. She nearly jumped out of her skin when the microwave's buzzer rang. Anton jumped slightly as well, more a reaction to Bryn's sudden movement than the buzzer. Carefully he gathered her in his arm, stepping in close and nuzzling the top of her head. "It's going to be okay, Bryn." A small voice in his mind nagged that he couldn't know that for certain. But he would do his damnedest to see that Natasha was caught and brought to justice, even if it meant defying the Council he was now a part of. She took a deep breath and then let out a small laugh. "I don't know why I did that. Just spaced out, I guess." Rubbing his stomach through his shirt for a moment, she smiled at him. Then she leaned closer to softly kiss him. She knew he was trying to comfort her, but she didn't feel like being emotional just yet. If it were up to her, she'd completely forget Natasha for the rest of the weekend. "I know it will be okay. We have to be together forever, all three of us. Maybe even four, someday. We promised." "Yeah, that we did." He kissed her gently and hefted Max a little higher on his shoulder. "Tell you what? Let's just pretend like the last day or so hasn't happened. We'll just live our lives like Natasha isn't around, how we had been before. Because if we spend all our time waiting for her to jump out from behind a bush and yell 'boo,' then she's won." He didn't know why he was telling that to Bryn. Anton was sure she knew it. But it was reassuring just to hear it voiced. She nodded, squeezing him closer to her. Leaning forward, she gave Max a noisy kiss on the cheek and laughed when he squealed. "I think Sir Poops-A-Lot could use a new diaper," she said, tickling his belly. The baby squirmed and giggled, trying to wiggle out of Anton's grip. Smiling, Bryn said, "So what do you want to do tomorrow, boys?" "What's that, Max?" Anton bounced Max in his arms, lifting the baby so it looked like he was whispering in his father's ear. He pretended to listen for a moment. "You want to go on a horsey ride and have a picnic?" Anton grinned and looked back at Bryn. "How does that sound, my dear?" The microwave beeped again, reminding her it was done. Walking over to take out the water, she looked back at them. "I think that sounds wonderful. We'll need to take some lanterns, though, unless the moon is bright enough. I'm sure Petunia would like to come, too." Hearing her name, the dog hopped down from the couch and wandered over to where they stood, tail wagging rhythmically. "What do you think we should make to eat? When I was little and my parents wanted to go on a picnic, my mom made us some surprise cupcakes." Bryn paused, watching as she poured the water into its containers. "Wow...that was a really long time ago. Before...I was seven. I wonder how I remembered that." "Maybe because it was a happy memory. One of the few you have of your family." It was rare for her to mention anything about her mother, especially a positive memory, and he wasn't exactly sure how to handle it. "Do you remember anything else from then?" Opening a glass canister half-full of cocoa mix, she thought about it. "I remember one time we went camping for the weekend. We took my dad's old canopy trailer, which turned out to be really fortunate because the tent we packed leaked that night when it rained. We ended up piling into the back of the truck, all four of us, to sleep. It's probably a good thing I was so little at the time because I don't really remember how uncomfortable it was. I just remember how my parents had to sleep with their legs bent because the truck bed was so short." After mixing the cocoa in the mugs, she picked up Max's cooling bottle and tested the temperature with her finger. Still too hot. "We used to have a lot of fun. My mom hadn't started teaching yet, so she was home all the time. And Dad was able to come and go as he pleased, so we used to go exploring a lot. I know we went to Philadelphia a lot, and to Washington to see the White House. But mostly I remember the times we went somewhere outdoors. Camping, fishing, playing at the beach. It was so relaxed and peaceful. My family has rarely ever been peaceful." "It sounds like you do have some good memories, my dear. The kind I would like to make with you and Max." He gently rubbed Bryn's back. "And I'm glad to hear that you do have some positive memories of your parents. Those are the ones that want you to focus on, not the later ones." She nodded. "I know. Sometimes it's just hard to find those good ones under the pile of rubble." Handing him the bottle with the lid screwed in place, she then reached for the mugs. "Let's go upstairs. We can let his bottle cool a bit before giving it to him. I want to snuggle up under the covers with you." Anton smiled tenderly. "That sounds like the perfect way to spend the rest of the evening." Although early, he was tired. The stress of the last 48 hours was finally catching up with him. "And maybe when Max goes to sleep, we could do a little more than snuggling." "Forgive *me*, Empress, for being concerned about my family, but Jesus, who else will? It was proven very clearly with the Council meeting at our last gathering that none of you gives a damn what Natasha does, so long as no one complains about it! And even when we did, it took you days to actually hear us. Well, I'm talkin' now, lady, and I gotta tell you this was a major fuck-up!" "Mr. Adrik, please--" Nate turned his fury on Seth, head swinging around much like a cobra's while focusing on a target. "Aren't you too busy kissing her ass to talk to me?" Seth gasped, mouth falling open, and was about to retort when Lilith held up a hand to silence him. Ever since leaving the Rudenkos' home, she'd been stuck two feet from the limo, blocked by Nate's determined stance. He couldn't exactly say when he'd become more bold where Lilith was concerned, but he certainly knew why. And he wondered when she'd come to the same conclusion. "You don't want her found, do you? That would be too much of an inconvenience for you. Because then you'd actually have to get off your ass and do something about her, like you said you would months ago. What are you so afraid of, Lilith? What is she holding over you?" Lindy had headed over to Anton and Bryn's home, wondering what had happened to her husband. When Anton had mentioned that Lilith would be paying him a visit to discuss the situation, Nate couldn't contain himself. As soon as he had seen the car pass, he was out the door, saying to Lindy he'd only be a moment. That was half an hour ago. She arrived just to hear the last question. Lindy waited quietly, interested in what Lilith's response would be. "Ms. Falconeri has no power over me and neither do you. I trust you both equally, as well. After all, you were her...companion, were you not? Not one of her many followers...no, her partner. You came panting after like she was a bitch in heat. Even when you tried to tear yourself away, you always returned. One year, ten years, half a century later? It didn't matter. She was your drug. And for all I know, she still is." Lindy's eyes narrowed, but didn't flame. "I can assure you he is not, Lilith," she said, trying to keep the anger out of her voice. "And before you ask me how I can be so certain, it is hard to hide deception from a werewolf. Yes, I'm not one any more, but my family would be the first to confront him if it were true." "Forgive me, but if you'd been listening you would've understood. It doesn't matter how long he stays away from her. It doesn't matter how many lovers he takes. And it certainly doesn't matter how many times he's said he hates her, wants to kill her, hopes she rots in hell. He always returns. Always." Before Lindy could respond, Nate spoke in a low measured voice. "Did she tell you that? Did Natasha tell you all about me, Lilith?" "She didn't have to. It's common knowledge." He wasn't sure whether or not to push her any further. He didn't think the Empress was going to show her cards, whether they were winners or losers. Worse yet, he wasn't so sure that what she was saying wasn't true. He worried about it all the time. Wondered what it would take to make him go back. If Natasha really was as powerful as she claimed to be. Fear also gnawed at him for another reason. [What does is matter if Lilith's sleeping with Natasha? Are you feeling betrayed by Lilith...or Natasha, herself?] Lindy crossed her arms over her chest. "Forgive me if I don't believe you. You see, there's a few very significant differences between myself and his other lovers. For one, he Transformed me and not them. Secondly, and more importantly, he married me. And I will do my damnedest to keep him from returning to her." "Then I wish you luck," Lilith said, sighing heavily. "Back to my point--Natasha is about as familiar to me as your relationship is. I will pursue her, she will be captured, and she will pay for her crimes with her immortal life. I can't prove to you that it will happen, I can only tell you it will. Just like your marriage. If you will stop harassing me on the subject, I will do the same for you. Now if you're satisfied, I would like to be on my way. Every minute I waste here is another one I could have spent looking for her." Lindy sighed as well, stepping back. "Then I'll let you be on your way." [The sooner, the better,] she thought. Placing a hand on Nate's arm, he urged him out of Lilith's path. She was irritated at the Empress, angry at her implications about Nate's faithfulness. He would never return to that skanky vampire whore. She knew it in her heart of hearts. Arms crossed over his chest and nostrils slightly flared, Nate watched Lilith go. Seth trotted along behind her like a faithful chihuahua. No doubt he'd be forced to 'soothe her flustered nerves' after the door was shut. Nate almost felt sorry for the little wiener. "I guess we've just discovered where we stand here," he said, his voice still low and intense. "Natasha has been fucking our esteemed leader. I'm pretty sure she already has Lilith in her pocket. Unless we can get the Grand Council to overrule Lilith and truly get Natasha caught, we have no chance. And that's--well, it would be a nearly impossible task. The Grand Council is one big line of son-a-bitches." Lindy sighed, blowing air through her lips, watching the tail lights of the car disappear. "Come on, let's go inside." Taking Nate's hand, she started to tug him back to their home. "Before we go to the Grand Council, let's at least find out what Anton and Bryn have to say." She picked her way through the darkness unerringly. At one point, she looked back at Nate, who was oddly quiet. "You don't believe what she said?" "I believe that she believes what she said. She knows what Natasha is like. The woman doesn't let you forget her. She won't let you get over her and move on. She's always got to be there, lingering, like smoke in the air. This game we're playing, this thing between us and her, she does it all the time. It's what she lives on, feeds on. Just when you think she's gone, surprise! It's like trying to get rid of a tenacious weed--the more you fight it, the stronger it gets." He ran his hand through his hair, looking torn between disgust and indifference. "So, if you want to know if I think I'll go back to her...my honest answer has to be I don't know for sure. I'm going to fight like hell not to. I'll go through the alcoholic's twelve steps, detoxify myself, and hold on to you so tightly we might just rust together. But I can't deny that I have an Achilles heel, Lindy. I can't pretend that I always feel worthy of you, and that I wasn't every bit as much of a bastard as she was. Sometimes, not often but when I go into that dark place in my head, I feel like she's the punishment I deserve." She looked up at him, blinking back tears. This was something she always suspected him of thinking, but didn't think she'd ever hear him say. She didn't hurt for her because she wasn't certain of their love, but because he wasn't. She didn't say anything, hoping her actions would speak louder than words. Lindy stepped up close to him, lightly kissing his lips before resting her ear against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. He closed his eyes, wrapping his arms around her and squeezing her tight. He kissed the top of her head, silently wondering why he'd ever opened his mouth. "I don't think you understand me, and that probably hurts you. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that. It--It doesn't have anything to do with how much I love you, because that will never change. I don't have any doubt about us. You have to know that." "I know that, Nate," she said, squeezing him tight. "I don't have any doubts about us either. I just wish you didn't have doubts about you." She pulled back slightly so she could look up at him. "You loved me before you were with Natasha, and now that we've found our way back to each other, she doesn't have that hold over you any more I just wish you could believe that the way I do." He pressed his forehead to hers, rubbing his nose against her. "You'll just have to keep reminding me...every fifty years or so." After a bottle and a story and a fresh diaper, Max, right on schedule, fell asleep. After letting Bryn kiss him goodnight, Anton carried him back to his room and turned on the baby monitor. He kissed his son on the forehead, placed him in the cradle, and quietly stole out of the room. When he returned to the bedroom, he started to strip off his shirt, very aware that Bryn's eyes were on him. Stretching so his muscles rippled, he pulled the shirt free from his head before tossing it aside and stalking towards the bed. "Oooh...my own sexy, prowling panther. Suddenly, getting eaten alive doesn't sound like a bad idea." She snorted, giggling at her own joke. Sitting up, she rolled on to her knees and rose to meet him, wrapping her arms around his neck as he came closer. Grabbing the back of his head, she pulled him closer still and kissed him hungrily, sucking on his tongue, pressing herself tight against him. Bryn released a loud moan into his mouth as his large hand slid down to squeeze her ass. He groaned in response, his hand clutching at the fabric of her tan jeans. The rasp of her denim shirt against his bare chest encouraged him on for the moment. He settled down onto his knees, pulling her forward onto his groin. Bryn wrapped her legs around his as best she could, grinding herself on the crotch of his pants. Despite the earlier stresses of the evening, she now felt completely relaxed. Sort of. Parts of her were very much at attention, tingling, waiting to be touched. Eager to get rid of their clothes, she wedged her hand between them and yanked open the button snaps on her shirt. She'd been able to use a breast pump earlier, but she was still a bit sore from excess milk and grabbed his hand to massage her. He was quick to pick up on her hint. Making sure one arm was around her back to support her, he started to palm her breast through her bra. He could clearly see the outline of the the nipple straining against the sheer fabric. He let out another moan as he bent down and lightly nipped her shoulder, tugging at the strap of her bra with his teeth. Bryn whimpered, biting her lip as she watched his hand squeeze her. There were times when she wished she could call him at work and ask him to do this for her. His touch was much gentler than the single-minded suction of the pump, and it was embarrassing enough explaining why she was in the bathroom so long without the electronic drone accompanying it. She was almost certain the wife of her coworker thought she'd been in there masturbating. "I want your mouth on me." "Yes, my dear." The hand that was caressing her moved to unhook her bra and help pull it out of the way. Making sure he had a firm grip on her shoulders, he lowered Bryn back to the bed, shifting so his groin was still pressed against hers. Eyes shut, he began searching for her breast by feel, giving little cat swipes until his lips found the erect nipple. And then he didn't nurse, but licked her until she was squirming. Only then did he start to suck. She squeaked, lifting her hips beneath him as if to impale herself. There was intense pleasure and pain in his pulling, sucking motions. Such a shocking, sudden, sharp feeling, and it took her tingles and turned them into tiny jolts. Planting her feet on the bed, she continued to rock her hips, rubbing herself against him, almost pleading for satisfaction. Then his nursing became too much to bear and she shuddered with a brief, shallow orgasm. Anton chuckled, very much aware of what had just happened. After one last loving lick, he sat up and began undoing the fly of her jeans. "A bit eager, aren't we tonight, my dear?" he said, pulling her jeans off. He took a moment to shove off his own pants before taking her nipple in his mouth again. This time he worried the sensitive nub with his teeth. "It hurts," she whined, making it very clear with her tone that she didn't want him to stop. With only their underwear separating them, she wrapped her legs around his waist, bringing him in perfect alignment for entering her. A subtle shift of his hips was all it would take for the head of the cock to begin to nudge open the lips of her sex. "I want to do it more than once," she panted, reaching down to rub her hands over his ass. "I want you in me all day long, cumming and cumming..." Anton grinned, moaning slightly at her words. "If that's what you want," he purred. "But I can't do it while we're still dressed. He laughed at how quickly her legs loosened around him. Wiggling back a bit, he stripped off his boxers, leaning back a bit to display his hard cock for his wife. Then he worked on removing her underwear. With his teeth. She whimpered, twisting her body to help him along, hips lifting off the bed. She loved the way he looked when he was aroused. The way his eyes looked a bit drugged, the subtle quivering of his muscles, the beautiful upward curve of his hard cock. No matter where they were, when she knew he was aroused she couldn't help but touch him. Grab him--be it his hand, the back of his neck, his ass, or his cock. Anton could hunt down his prey and hold them immobile, no matter how large the man, could drain the person dry, and he still wouldn't look nearly as powerful as he did when he wanted her. And that was so incredibly sexy. Instead of switching to his hands when her panties were on her thighs, he continued to tug with his teeth until they were off her legs. He paused to kiss and nip at her ankle before starting to kiss up her legs. Slowly taking his time, he lapped at his skin, smiling as she squirmed when he neared between her legs. Giving her a devilish grin as he parted her lower lips, he reached out and barely flicked the tip of his tongue against her clit Bryn let out a shaky exhale, eyes closing, and lifted her hips into the sensation. Her thighs twitched, falling open. Fisting her hands in the sheets, she shuddered with every slight lash of his tongue, moaning deep in her throat, body tense. Teeth clenched, she said, "Anton...please..." He opened one eye to look up at her. "Shhh, Bryn...I'll give you what you need." Slowly he pulled her wider apart and pressed his tongue firmly against her clit. Slowly he massaged her, listening to her squeals. Moving his hand so his thumb now firmly rubbed her, he slipped his tongue deeply into her sex. He wanted to feel her shatter against him before easing his aching cock inside of her. Groaning, she pushed herself against his mouth, lifting her hand to squeeze her breasts. She was still aching and used her grip to express a bit of the milk she still carried. Even though it left a wet spot on the sheets below her, they did that much with lovemaking. She would have to do laundry in the evening anyway. The extra stimulation was electric, and she wriggled from the intense sensations. She gasped as he grabbed her ass and lifted her, shoving his tongue in even deeper, and she was so close to orgasm she whined with frustration. He moaned, pressing hard against her so she could feel the vibrations. He rubbed her clit firmly, curving his tongue inside of her. He let out a gasp as he felt her contractions squeeze his tongue. He lifted her ass higher so he could try to get even deeper inside of her. She squealed, tilting her hips to the side to help him find her favorite spot. It only took seconds before she exploded in waves of pleasure, hips having vibrant spasms, her sex squeezing and rippling around his tongue. She cried out loudly, twisting her body against his grip, clenching him so tightly inside her that her anal muscles pulled inward. "Oh God... don't stop rubbing my clit!" He did as she asked, slowly and steadily rubbing her clit. He managed to maintain contact as he crawled back up her body, dragging his cock along her leg. Hungrily he kissed her mouth as he pushed his cock inside her. He could almost feel her still contracting around him. Anton had to hold perfectly still and concentrate on his breathing to keep from cumming right away. If she'd been facing downwards, she would've pounced on him--she did as well as she could in reverse. Wrapping her legs around him tightly, she attacked his mouth, sucking his tongue, tasting her own flavor. He was delicious on his own; together they were magical. Squeezing him closer with her calves, she urged him into moving. Needing him to invade...divide...and conquer. Anton moaned, feeling her heels draw over his calves and knees. He started to thrust powerfully, still stroking over her clit. His other hand cradled the back of her head, holding her head close. He could feel her nipples skim against his chest, smell their mingled sweat, hear the wet slap of their bodies impacting. She was a feast for the senses, and he attacked her like a starving man. She couldn't believe how good he felt. The force of his hips jolted her, rocked her, and her breasts shook with every thrust. His finger sliding over her clit made her want to cry, the pleasure was so intense. Squeezing him inside her, she slid her hands down, one to rub his nipple back and forth, and the other to grab his ass. "Oh yeah...fuck...me..." His eyes were shut from the intensity. Nothing ever felt as right as when he fucked her. His fingers flew rapidly over her clit as he felt the pressure in his groin build. Groaning, his rapid thrusts became more erratic as his orgasm began. He thought he felt his eardrums bulge. Feeling his body shudder, she started to milk his orgasm, pulling on him rhythmically, watching the rapture on his face. His fingers pulled her along right behind him, shocking her with the speed the vibrations shook her. Shuddering, she pulled him down tightly on top of her, draping him over her, wrapping herself around him as they continued to shake. Long after the tremors ceased, she continued moving her hips, grinding herself against his crotch. He pushed against her in response, although with not nearly the same force before. Pulling his hand from between their bodies, he lightly stroked her lips with the pad of his finger, unable to take his eyes from her tongue when it flicked out to taste him. Anton shuddered as he settled even more heavily on her body, draping himself over her like a protective blanket. Panting softly, she opened her mouth a little wider and sucked his finger inside. Sucking gently on the digit. She couldn't seem to stop moving under him, even if it was just a light tilt or roll of her hips. He made her feel so good she wanted to return the favor. Releasing his finger, she licked her lips and said, "You look so hot when you've just cum. There's this totally satisfied and exhilarated light in your eyes, even though your eyelids are drooping from exhaustion. You make me want you all over again." He lightly kissed her, still slowly moving his hips. "I always want you, my dear. Especially after we just had sex and your hair is messy. I want to brush it right by running my fingers through it, and righting whatever other patch of hair needs to be groomed too." He softly kissed her ear, his voice taking on a playful tone. "As for eyelids drooping, that's because you wear me out. You should be kinder to an old man like me." She laughed softly. "You're lucky I let you rest in between. I could be attacking you constantly." Sliding her fingers through his hair, she slowly kissed his mouth, teasing his tongue, sucking on his lips. When he was starting to breathe a bit heavier again, she pulled back a bit and smiled. "Like that, for instance. Or maybe more." He gave her a lopsided grin. "More, huh? I'd like to see that." He traced his fingers over her mouth before slipping his arm behind her shoulders. Scooping her up, he rolled over so he was now flat on his back and she was settled firmly on top of him. "Exactly how would you attack me, my dear?" "Hmm...maybe something like this." She lifted herself up on to her hands and knees, scooting backwards past his hips, and sat down firmly on his thighs. Using the flat of her tongue, she licked a long, slow path up the underside of his cock, as it rested on his belly. She smiled to herself as he moaned, squirming beneath her. Sliding down a bit further, she began to lap and suck at his balls, pulling them into her mouth one at time, before nipping at his perineum. His hands fisted in the sheets by his sides. His head tilted back with his eyes shut, submitting to and enduring her sensual explorations. It was delicious torture that he craved with an intensity that shocked him sometimes. Bending his knees so his feet were now flat on the bed, Anton pushed up closer to her mouth. Her eyes sparkled with humor as she watched him, his body writhing, moaning. With his hips lifted, she was able to move in close and attach her mouth to his perineum, forming a tight seal and sucking firmly. He cried out in excitement, his back arching, knuckles turning white. She pulled back and surveyed her work, seeing his skin turn from brilliant red back to its normal color. Crawling closer, she opened her mouth over his cock and sucked him inside. Whimpering at the delicious taste of their sex. He cried out, his hips leaving the bed. His hips began to pump, his eyes wide watching his cock disappear past her kiss swollen lips. Her mouth was hot and wet, feeling perfect sliding over his sensitive skin, almost too much for him to bear. The pressure in his groin was already building, waiting to be unleashed. She moaned around his shaft, concentrating on breathing through her nose so she didn't gag on him. Bracing herself on one hand, she used the other to rub firm, rapid circles over his perineum, occasionally grazing his anus. She could already see his balls were tight against his body, and the agonized sounds escaping his mouth meant he'd cum at any moment. The moment he did, she pulled him out of her mouth, using her hand to pump his semen on to his stomach. Squirming at the sight she'd created. He yelled as he felt warmth splash onto his midsection. Her touch on his oversensitive cock was electric. Anton let out a moan as Bryn began to lap up his semen off his stomach, trying hard not to flinch or pull away from her tongue. Releasing his death grip on the sheets, he stroked his fingers through her silky hair, waiting for his breathing to slow. She slid her hand under his ass, squeezing gently as she licked him. Breathing in deeply, she let her eyes slip closed to savor the smell of his cum. He was delicious from his scent to his taste, the way his skin felt against hers, the gorgeous sight of his naked body and contracting muscles. She wanted to paint him, but she was afraid they'd never get past him taking off his clothes. Wiping up only part of his sticky semen with her tongue, she crawled further up his body and squeezed the remainder of his cum between them. Sliding sensuously against his slippery belly. His arms went around her waist, pressing her even closer. He kissed her eagerly, sucking on her tongue as one hand slipped lower to cup her ass. Long fingers curved around into the cleft, testing and spreading the wetness he found there. His cock was still limp, but it felt like Bryn was ready. Moving his hand down further, he slipped two fingers into her sex, pumping it slowly. She whimpered, scooting up closer to his mouth and giving his fingers easier access. Squeezing her muscles around the digits, she felt more of her moisture leak out. Too late, she wished she'd stopped sucking on him when she'd had the chance--she wanted him inside her, stretching and fucking her tight sex. Squirming on him, she crawled up further still until she was sitting up. "More!" He moved his hand faster, thumb brushing her clit. He smiled widely as she squealed, sitting up also so he could be close to her. Hungrily, Anton began kissing her, devouring her mouth as he slipped a third finger inside of her. Clutching his shoulders, Bryn moved her legs a little further apart. His fingers felt wonderful. Sucking on his tongue, she moved her hands up to cup his face, stroking his cheekbones, sliding her fingers into his hair. She couldn't believe how comfortable she felt, how familiar, and completely at ease in his arms. Natasha and Lilith didn't matter anymore. As long as he held her, and loved her. What his fingers were doing was definitely nice, too. He sped up his fingers, curving them inside of her. His thumb pressed down on her clit, rubbing it in small rapid circles. Tearing his mouth away from hers, he dropped his head so he could suck on the small scar on her throat as he turned so she dropped to the bed, him resting across her chest. She sank into the mattress, squirming in delight, twisting her hips towards him. His mouth on her neck was warm and wet, slightly ticklish at times, and a twinge painful as he sucked hard. Hips rocking, she rode his fingers, her hand slipping down to open her sex a bit more. Almost the very second she did, she started shuddering into orgasm. He continued to move his fingers, intent on her experiencing every ounce of pleasure she could. When her hips stilled, he pulled his fingers out of her, smirking a bit as she moaned at the loss. Anton made a big show of licking his fingers clean, and then kissed her deeply. She purred, scooting as close as she could. She was lying on his side of the bed and loved it. His scent surrounded her completely, his semen drying on her skin, and she couldn't wait for him to take her again. In the evening when they woke, she wanted to be sore from his lovemaking--stretched, chafed, and swollen between her legs; sensitive and slightly distended from his big cock; smiling and satisfied from his vigorous fucking. She pulled him between her legs, rubbing herself against him, needing to feel him against her tingling crotch. She seemed insatiable tonight. Which he didn't mind. His cock was standing at attention again. Idly he wondered how many positions they'd be able to experience before falling asleep out of utter exhaustion. Deciding to start finding out, he pushed at her until she was lying on her side, back to his belly. Lifting one of her legs up, he kissed and nipped at the back of her neck and pushed his cock into her from behind. Bryn gasped softly, pulling him in deeper with her hand, and grunted at his first forceful thrust. "Oh! Yes! I don't ever...want to stop!" She heard him laugh against her neck, his arm wrapping tighter around her waist and his other hand lifting her leg a bit higher. Moaning loudly, she tilted her hips back, enjoying the bounce of his balls, the slap of his hips against her ass. She was starting to feel a bit tender, and only squeezed him harder. The friction was breathtaking. He continued to pump into her rapidly. One hand started to squeeze on her breast, pulling the nipple to a sharp peak. His other hand started playing over her clit. Her sex felt tighter on him, not looser as he expected. Moving to her ear, he rapidly flicked his tongue against her earlobe. She let out a small squeal, dodging the ticklish sensation, but he persisted to follow. Sweaty and slippery, she squirmed against him, hips swiveling, churning him inside of her. The head of his cock bumped her cervix repeatedly, his width pushing the lips of her sex in and out with each lunge. Reaching between her legs, she caressed his balls, letting her fingers slide over the hairs there until they were standing on end. Groaning, he caught her earlobe between his teeth and sucked hard. He could feel his fangs sharpening as the pressure built in his groin yet again. It was happening again - his blood lust and his sexual lust blurring in his mind, one reaction being equated with the other. His mouth traveled down her jaw to her neck, nipping softly as his breath shuddered. His fingers were moving far too fast for her to remain calm. Panting, her body starting to go rigid against him, she opened her legs as wide as she could to feel the full force of his thrusts, the slight pinch of his fingers. Screaming, she froze, contracting around him, shuddering heavily as she came hard on his cock. Anton gave a strangled cry, convulsing against her, wanting so badly to slice his fangs through her throat. He bit his tongue, trying to slake his thirst on his blood instead of hers. The tangy taste and the sweet pressure on his cock had him cumming, flooding her sex. Coming down from his high, he pressed his eyes against her shoulder, not willing to look at her. His face flushed with shame as he realized what he had almost done. He just breathed heavily, hoping she didn't turn around to face him anytime soon. Gasping for air, she sank against him, pressing her back tight to his chest and pulling his arms tighter around her. She slid her legs over and between his, enjoying the feeling of being entwined with him. Eyes slipping closed, she smiled to herself. She was temporarily satiated. She thought she could even sleep for a short while. But not too long--she wasn't done with him yet. Groaning as she stretched her legs, she wiggled against him and murmured, "Mmm, that was so very nice." "Yes it was," Anton answered back, his face still pressed to her shoulder. Mentally, he was wondering how this was happening. If this had been the first time he had wanted to feed during sex, he wouldn't have been concerned. But this was the fourth time he could think of. Did it have something to do with the knowledge that she wanted to be Transformed? And how would she react if he did Transform her without asking? He squeezed his arms tightly around her. Leaning her head back, she reached behind her to grasp the back of his neck. His muffled voice made her smile, and she wondered if he was too warm for her to tug the blankets over them. Deciding to pull them up just part of the way, she folded the sheet over at their hips. "Are you getting sleepy on me? 'Cause I was thinking we could take a short nap before the next round." Her grin was almost audible in her voice. "Let the old man rest up for a while." "Yeah," he said, lifting his head to tuck hers under his chin. "A nap sounds good, my dear." He kissed the top of her head. "Maybe I should go feed too, before the next round. Gotta keep my strength up." [And maybe it will keep me from wanting to feed on her,] he thought. She groaned in protest, whining, "But then you'll have to get up and we're all warm and cozy here. It's cold out there. And smells like cows." She rolled over to face him, wrapping her arms and legs tightly around him. "Besides, you'll have to drag me with you and that wouldn't be any fun." Anton gently stroked her back. "Okay, then I'll stay here." Maybe he was overreacting. It wasn't like it was happening every time. Maybe he was making a big deal out of nothing. Trying to push the concern out of his mind, he gently stroked his thumb along Bryn's cheekbone. She looked up at him through long black lashes, her eyes skipping back and forth over his face. Finally they settled, looking directly into his gaze. "What's wrong? You don't look like you're feeling well. If you really need to feed, then go. I was teasing you. I don't want you to stay if you need it." He gently continued to stroke her cheek. He wouldn't hide this from her now that she directly asked. "Do you realize that I almost bit you tonight during our lovemaking?" His face flushed as he forced himself to look into her eyes "And this isn't the first time? There's been four times I can think of that I've been tempted to feed on you while we've been intimate." He swallowed. "I'm afraid, Sabryn. Not that I'm going to kill you, but that I'm going to Transform you, and it will be too soon and you will hate me for it." "Oh, Anton..." She said it softly, sadly, as she reached up to touch his face. He seemed to become even more embarrassed, thinking she was disappointed in him. Leaning closer, she kissed him to prove otherwise. "I would never, ever hate you. No matter what you did." She turned her head, kissing his palm. "Do you know what scares me? The idea that you might think I would hate you for loving me so much. You want to Transform me because of how much you love me, not because we have a good time in bed. This is how we express our love for each other, by making each other feel good, by kissing and touching and holding. Sometimes when you're upset, like now, I wish you'd Transform me, because I love you so much. And I want to take care of you and be with you forever." She kissed him again, wrapping her arms tightly around him and squeezing. "If you do Transform me--if we get carried away and it just happens, then that's what was meant to happen. I know we want to try for another baby...but even if we don't have one, I will still love you anyway. And if you Transform me before you think I'm ready, I'll get used to it. Lindy did." She kissed her way towards his ear, whispering, "There is nothing you could ever do to make me stop loving you, and definitely nothing you could do that would make me hate you. It's impossible." Flushing even a brighter red, he pressed his lips to her cheek, embarrassed for even doubting her. He knew that all on some level, but still, he needed to hear her say it. "Thank you, my dear." He caught her hand in his and kissed her fingertips. "You know I've never Transformed any of my loves, and I have to admit, part of me is very nervous. But I guess that's far in the future." "Maybe," she said, cryptically. "Or...we could do this now, and adopt our second child." She saw his shock plainly on his face. "I'm nervous, too. But the idea of being yours, always, is extremely tempting. We're going to do it anyway. Max is mostly weaned. And as much as I'd like to have another baby, I'm not really excited about the prospect of more emotional turmoil. I turned into a basket case with Max. There's no telling what I'd be like after two births. And this way we could take our time, let Max get a little older, and not have to worry about rushing to have a second child. I know she wouldn't completely be ours...but I look at Jess and Lindy, and I know I'd love a baby no matter whose it was." Anton swallowed, considering. He wanted so badly to do this, to make her his for all time. "I know you'd love a baby that was ours, by blood or by adoption. As would I. But are you certain you're ready, Bryn? And your parents - how are we going to tell them?" Part of him was grasping for excuses, trying to give her an out. "I don't want to guilt you into this, Sabryn. Are you certain? Absolutely certain?" "Stop trying to talk me out of it," she said, smiling. "I honestly don't think I'll ever be ready for it, Anton. It feels like I'm about to bungee jump or ride the biggest roller coaster ever made. I know I'll love the feeling it gives me when it finally happens, but the anticipation is terrifying. I mean, I'm asking you to kill me. That's not something I could take lightly." Her expression sobered a lot. "I'm afraid, that it might not work. But I'm not afraid of sharing my existence with you forever. As for my parents, I'm not worried about them yet. Or the family we have here. I'm only worried about Max...and what his life might be like if I weren't here." Max...they were leaving out an important part of the equation. Their son. "We need to consider what it will be like for Max if you are here, also. And you need time to say goodbye, Bryn. Not just to your family, but to the day, to the sun." He took her face in both his hands. "I'm afraid too. That it won't work. That I'll botch it somehow. Nathaniel is the only other vampire I've Transformed, and that was almost a millennium ago, so you can't say I've had a lot of practice doing this." His thumbs stroked her cheeks, coming to a decision. "Let's wait until the evening. If you wake up and still want this, I will give it to you." She smiled at him, even as tears filled her eyes. Pressing her lips to his, she tried not to cry. As much as she loved him and wanted this--with her entire soul--she was so afraid. She'd been afraid of dying her entire life. It was why none of her suicidal thoughts had reached fruition. More than anything, she feared never seeing her husband and son again. Not in this lifetime, and certainly not as an immortal. She held on to him tightly, as if fearing he might slip right out of her arms. Anton pulled back when he felt her tears on his cheek. "Shhhh..." he soothed, gently stroking her. He could feel her trembling in his arms. "If you tell me no, or you need more time, we won't do this now." He kissed her again. "I love you so much, Sabryn Rudenko. I will follow your lead. It can be scary to take that first step, but I will be there with you and catch you if you stumble." "No. I don't want to wait. I'll be this scared no matter when it happens." She pressed her forehead to his, taking a shuddering breath. "I love you so much, too. I just need you to hold me. And Max...would you get him, please? I want to be with both of you." She shivered. "I'm cold. I need you two to warm me up." "Of course, my dear. I'll go get him right now." He slid out of the bed, but not before kissing her and pulling the blankets up to her chin. Quickly, he padded in bare feet out of their bedroom and into Max's. He paused, looking down at his sleeping son for a moment. "Things are going to change, Max. For the best, I hope." He picked up his son, cradling him against his chest. Max made a whine of protest at being moved, but settled against his daddy's body. "That's right. Let me worry about it." Turning around, he walked back to master bedroom. Bryn smiled softly, watching her two favorite people in the world walk towards her. She pulled the blankets back as Anton came near, taking Max from him as he crawled in next to her. She cuddled the baby as he started to cry, murmuring to him to go back to sleep. Biting her lip, she watched him close his eyes again and whimper. Scooting close to Anton's side, she settled her head against his shoulder, allowing him to hold and comfort her just as she was for Max. She was finally feeling happy with herself and the decisions she'd made. She hoped this decision would be the same. "Will you sing my song for us, sugar?" "Of course," he said, kissing her temple. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are gray. You'll never know, m'dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away..." End Chapter One Hundred Five <- Previous Chapter | Home | Next Chapter ->