Chapter One Hundred Ten

Lindy sat behind her desk, tapping her pencil nervously against the blotter. There was a silver dagger on her desk, but she wasn't assaying it. It was there for her protection, in case she needed it in the next few minutes. She had thought long and hard about what Marrok had asked of her a day ago. She had turned it over and over in her mind, thinking about it from all view points. And no matter how much she was uneasy with her conclusion, she knew she was doing the right think. Liam deserved to know his biological father. So she had called him, using the phone number on a business card he had left in her office during the last visit. Now she wanted to discuss the options and conditions of him seeing Liam.

Even though she was expecting it, she jumped when her desk phone rang. "Yes," she said after listening for a moment. "Send him on up." Lindy hung up the phone and smoothed her hair back. She wasn't certain what was causing her to be so nervous - if it was that she was facing Marrok again, or that she was hiding it from Nathaniel.

She knew he wouldn't waist any time coming upstairs, but she wasn't expecting the running footsteps she heard come to a halt just outside her door. Instinctively grabbing the dagger, she watched the door knob turn, then back again, and again, as if he couldn't quite open the door. Frowning, Lindy was about to check if the door was locked when she finally heard a click and watched the door swing open. Yet instead of looking at the tall thirty-something werewolf who'd once been her captor, she was looking at the profile silhouette of a young girl.

"Viv! I told you to wait--"

"Come on, Dad! Jeez." The girl turned her head to look at Lindy, suddenly taking a few bashful steps backwards.

Viv looked back to her father, her chin lifting higher as he got closer. Then he was filling Lindy's doorway again, and she had to dig her fingernails into her hands to keep from drifting back to that shack he'd kept her in. He seemed to suck up all the oxygen in the room.

"I told you to wait for me and knock first," he told the girl, in a soft voice. The fatherly hand he settled on top of her pale blond hair looked totally out of place from what Lindy knew of him. Caught staring, she lowered her gaze slightly as he said, "She usually has better manners than this. But she's excited to be going out on a school night."

"I see," Lindy said quietly. "I wasn't expecting you to be bringing your daughter here tonight." She wasn't sure how she'd be able to speak freely in front of the child. Especially when she could see traces of Amanda in Vivian. She gestured towards the chairs in front of her desk. "Please, have a seat. If it's okay, I could get her, or you, something to drink. Sodas, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, water?"

The girl perked up like someone had just thrown a light switch. "Please, Daddy? Please, please, please...?"

Settling down into one of the chairs, Marrok nodded. "A hot chocolate for Viviane, please." Looking back at his daughter, he explained, "No soda. You're already hyper enough. We'll pick up something to eat on the way home."

Bouncing, Viviane hopped into the other chair and sat down, her little feet dangling far above the floor. She immediately pulled a notebook out of her tiny pink purse and began doodling quietly, as if this was a routine she knew well. She couldn't help casting a few curious glances in Lindy's direction.

"How about for you?" Lindy asked, still uncertain what to think of the child's presence.

"Nothing, thank you."

Not taking her eyes from the pair, Lindy picked up her phone and dialed a number. "Hi Michelle, are you on your way out? Could you do me a favor before you go? Bring some hot water and a couple of packs of hot chocolate by my office? Thanks." Lindy hung up a bit regretfully. It had provided a distraction for what would be coming. But maybe the child's presence was a good thing. She didn't think Marrok would want to become violent in front of his daughter, unless the werewolf was completely psycho. "So," Lindy said softly. "I've been thinking about what we discussed previously. And I agree with you. You should have the right to see Liam. But," she added, looking him in the eye the first time that evening. "I want some reassurances first."

He nodded, glancing at his daughter. "I expected as much, and I appreciate your discretion. Just tell me what you need to me to do. What would make you more comfortable?"

She hadn't expected him to react so rationally, or with such concern for her. Lindy blinked in surprise, but got up as she heard a knock on the door. "Thanks, Michelle," she said, taking the cups, pitcher of hot water, stirrers and powdered chocolate from her. She placed the items on her desk, in easy reach of Marrok. "Given my family's probable violent reaction to you, I want the meetings to take place in on neutral ground. And I want to be present at the meetings."

He nodded, leaning forward to fix Viviane's cocoa. He was mildly surprised that Lindy had set down hot liquid between them and left him to his own devices. How was she to know he wouldn't throw it in her face? Her trust was mind-boggling.

"I wouldn't have suggested otherwise," he said, simply. "I imagine a park or restaurant would work. And I don't think he would be comfortable without his mother there. I'm a stranger to him."

His last words were spoken softer, with a sideways glance at his daughter.

Lindy nodded. "Maybe we should start out with once a week?" She hadn't figured out how she'd sneak Liam away from Nate. Or how she'd be able to cover up with her parents, since they could sniff a lie out of her at fifty yards. "You're daughter is welcome to come too, of course."

He sat back a bit, carefully stirring the girl's hot cocoa while blowing on the surface to cool it. Although he hadn't yet said anything, she looked up from her notebook, ponytail swinging behind her head, and said, "Come where?"

"To play, with a little boy," Marrok said, quickly.

"Boy?" She wrinkled her nose. Turning her gaze to Lindy, she asked, "Is he yours?"

"Yeah," she said, watching Marrok carefully for his reaction. He had called her Liam's mother, but that could have been him trying to get on her good side. And it was obvious that Marrok was trying to get on her good side. She couldn't read his expressions so easily. She felt that there was something obvious she was missing, but she couldn't figure it out for the life of her.

Taking a sip of the drink to make sure it was cool enough, Marrok handed it over to Viviane. "Here. It's still pretty warm, so be careful."

"'kay."

"What do you say?"

The girl turned her gaze from him. "Thank you, Lindy."

A little stunned, Lindy slowly nodded. "You're welcome."

Clearing his throat, Marrok crossed his ankle over his knee and met her gaze again. "I'm fairly flexible during the week, but she's at school pretty early in the morning so she can't stay out too late. So any time before midnight would be best. I'm assuming weekends wouldn't work for you. 'Nate' might suspect something."

Lindy nodded. She didn't say it, but Nate would probably be suspecting anything. "How about over at the park next Tuesday, say around 9:00 PM?" The sun would have safely set by then, but it would be early enough for Viviane to be able to play with her brother.

"Just tell me where and we'll be there. Am I correct in thinking you two will be alone?"

That question blindsided her. It was obvious, but she didn't know how to answer. She wanted to say no, but he'd smell the lie on her. But if she said yes, not only would she be telling him he could easily kidnap her again, but he'd be able to nab Liam at the same time. But she could see no alternative. "Most likely, yes. It will just be the two of us."

He nodded again, looking pleased. "In that case, I think we'll go and leave you to the rest of your work. You have my number if you need to make any changes. If not, we'll see you and Liam on Tuesday." Patting Viviane on the shoulder, he said, "Come on. Let's get going."

"We'll see you then," she said, standing as Marrok did. "And call me here if you need to change anything. I check my messages regularly." Something still felt off to her about this entire encounter. She wished she could talk to Bryn or Jess, or even Nate about it, to see if they could see what she was missing. But she couldn't.

"All right." He took his daughter's drink for her as she stood up and put her notebook away. An slightly uncomfortable silence followed, seeing as neither of them wanted to make small talk. Heading out into the hallway, Marrok paused just outside the door. "Good night, Lindy. I'll be in touch."

"Good night, Marrok." She waited until he and Viviane had entered the elevator before closing her door, trying to resist the urge to lock it. Instead she leaned heavily against it, putting her head in her hands. She was going to do it. She was going to lie to her husband and take Liam to see his biological father, the man who had threatened to kill her less than four months ago. "What have I just done?" she wondered out loud.

She woke up with a scream shortly before sunrise, but hadn't wanted to tell Anton what the dream was about. Just over an hour later, she couldn't remember what it was even if she'd wanted to. Carefully folding up her clothes from the night before, she pulled out a new pair and put the others in their space in the suitcase.

With any luck, Anton would be able to get them a flight right away. But a flight route would need to be made, a plane readied, and it could be several hours before they left the airport. Hopefully they'd at least be able to get something to eat. Sitting on the featherbed, trying to get Max into his clothes, Bryn glanced over at Anton and said, "Any luck?"

Anton had been pacing, phone in hand as he made the flight arrangements. He held up one finger, indicating that someone was still speaking on the other end. "Yes, that will do fine. Thank you." Anton hung up the phone and sat down on the bed beside her. "The plane will be ready in four hours my dear. We'll be on our way, and not a moment too soon, I might add." He reached over and tickled Max on his bare tummy as Bryn tried to pull his son's pants over Max's chubby legs.

Bryn smiled as Max squealed. "They know about keeping the window shades down in daytime, right?"

"Yes. It was one of the first things I told them."

"Ah. Sorry." Finally working the pants up both legs, Bryn lifted Max's diapered butt and tugged them up the rest of the way. "Since we have some time before we have to be at the airport, it might be nice to see if there are any shops open we might want to go to. And then also the airport itself for souvenirs. I think Max would like a koala to cuddle up to."

There was a heavy knock on the door. "Oh, I think he just might have to have a kangaroo too," Anton said, standing up and crossing the room. "Were you expecting anyone?" When Bryn shook her head, Anton frowned as he opened the door. His frown grew deeper as he saw who was standing there. "Can I help you?"

Richard glared right back at him. "Where is she?"

"She who?" Anton answered with a bit of puzzlement.

"You know damn well 'she who,'" Richard snapped back. "My consort hasn't been seen since the execution."

Anton opened the door wider so Richard could see that he and his family were the only occupants of the room. "Would you like to search my luggage as well? See if I tucked her into a carry on?"

Bryn gathered Max into her lap, staring wide-eyed at the other vampire. He couldn't know she had anything to do with Donna's disappearance--or could he? She tried to remember if anyone had spotted them. Aside from the driver, she was fairly certain that they'd had total privacy. But there was no telling if the driver kept his mouth shut as directed.

Richard looked as if he hadn't slept all day. No doubt he'd been searching for his 'midnight snack'.

"I've never even met your consort, Richard," she said, "and Anton has been with me ever since I got here. Unless she slipped in our room during the council meeting or execution last night, she isn't here."

Richard glared at her as he looked around the room. He turned back to Anton, still seething. "I know you had something to do with this."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Richard." Anton glared back, irritated and his temper starting to rise. "If you want to make an accusation, just say it."

Whimpering, Max clung tight to Bryn, almost trying to crawl inside her robe to escape the angry voices. Pressing her lips to his forehead, she stared at the two men and silently hoped there wouldn't be a fight. Although she knew logically that Anton was very strong, she'd never seen him in a physical confrontation before and she wasn't so sure he'd be the winner. If Richard were older (she didn't know his age), his strength would be his advantage.

Bryn just noticed a shape walking by outside when both men turned toward the doorway. Stepping back a bit, a small Asian woman tilted her head and stared at them. Recognizing the woman from the council meeting, Bryn leaned closer to hear what she said.

"What's going on here?"

Both vampires turned and bowed slightly to the woman. "Richard was looking for his consort, Nakamura-san," Anton said. "And I was explaining that I haven't seen her for some time."

"She hasn't been seen since the execution," Richard added with a sideways glance at Anton.

Soft-spoken as always, Nakamura-san replied, "Certainly this matter is nothing the cannot be handled in discreet quarters, behind closed doors. Two such intelligent gentlemen such as yourselves would have no reason to raise your voices. If it would please you, Richard, enter the room and search for yourself. However, Mr. Rudenko is a man of integrity and has no need for deception. When he tells you he knows nothing of your consort, you can take it on faith. Do you not agree?"

Richard's eyes narrowed, but he reluctantly nodded. "Let me know the instant you see her," he said to Anton with the minimum of civility before walking away.

"Thank you, Nakamura-san," Anton said. "Is there anything I can do to assist you?"

"Truthfully, assisting you appears to be a more pressing matter. Although the Grand Council didn't not give you the kindest reception yestereve, you can be assured that the opposition is always the most vocal. Those of us prepared to support your cause do exist and our ranks will grow as time reveals your son's innocence. Many people receive a sign of the unknown as the boding of evil, when they should recognize it for the miracle it is."

"Thank you," Anton said gratefully. The word of Naomi Nakamura carried considerable weight. The vampiress was only one thousand fifteen years old, barely making the minimum age for the Grand Council, but she had a reputation for wisdom and fair dealings. If she was willing to see Max as a miracle and not a threat, others would be more easily swayed to that belief. "Would you like to see him?"

She gave a brief nod. "If it is not an inconvenience. It would displease me greatly to frighten the child."

"Well, we'll just see what sort of mood he's in. Like I said yesterday, he's been pretty shy lately." He led her inside and over to where Bryn held him. Smiling uncertainly, Bryn turned Max around to face them, holding him under his butt. Still clinging to her robe, but obviously curious, Max watched the woman cautiously. "What do you say, Max? Are you going to say hello?"

Max stared at Nakamura-san, and she stared back equally grave. The Asian woman then addressed Bryn. "May I hold him?" Anton and Bryn shared a look before she passed the child over.

Nakamura-san cradled Max close, still looking into his eyes. Max was unusually quiet for being in a stranger's arm. "Richard is right to fear this child," she eventually said. "But for the wrong reasons. Maxim-san will not destroy vampire kind, but may be our savior much as Lilith believes. He will be our link to humanity. That is what Richard fears, his loss of power." She handed Max back to Bryn. "I will do what I can to aid you on the Grand Council. You have my word."

Bryn stared down at Max, trying to figure out what it was in his face or posture that made these women think he was so important. He *was* a beautiful baby, and certainly very special to her. She thought he was probably capable of just about any great success. But she'd never imagined him to be a savior. [I wonder if they'll write books about him...call him Saint Maxim? Would that make me the Mother Sabryn?] She almost giggled aloud at that last thought. [Well, at least I know they won't call me the Virgin Bryn.]

"Thank you, Nakamura-san," Anton said with a slight bow. Unlike Lilith's earlier prediction of Max's greatness, something about Nakamura's seemed more comforting. But then, for all her power, Nakamura didn't have the power to take their son away from them and raise him. That thought had crossed Anton's mind once or twice, but he hadn't mentioned it to Bryn. No cause to bring her more worries unless it became necessary.

"Yes, thank you very much," Bryn said, bowing. She didn't really know what she was doing, but it seemed to be the right response. Much to her relief, the woman bowed in return.

Looking around their guest room, she noticed the partially packed suitcases out. "Am I correct to assume that you will leave tonight?"

"Yes," Bryn said. "We both have work waiting for us at home."

Nakamura-san nodded. "I bid you good-bye, then. You know how to reach my home, if necessary."

"Yes, Nakamura-san," Anton said, holding the door for the Councilor. "Thank you, and good evening." Once she had left, Anton walked back over to Bryn. "That went surprisingly well, my dear. Especially Max behaving." He put an arm around his wife, gently hugging her. "We've just made a powerful ally, my dear. Someone who hopefully can help us."

She grunted, shrugging. "Either that or we now have another female vampire on our hands who's just as nutty as Lilith. What's with everyone? Isn't it enough of a miracle that he was born at all, without expecting him to be the next messenger of God? I think they're putting really high expectations on a little boy who can't even walk yet. Yes, we're very proud of him, but that doesn't mean he's going to be a genius, or a peacemaker, or even a spiritual being. He could grow up to be a grouchy, reclusive 'nobody'. I certainly hope not, but I wouldn't think any less of him if he were."

"Naomi Nakamura is not nutty, my dear. She is known for her clearness of sight. And remember, these are women who gave up any hope of having children centuries ago." He nuzzled Bryn's temple. "I wouldn't mind if he were a grouchy, reclusive nobody, but I think he's going to be so much more, Bryn. Not the savior that everyone thinks he will be, but he will be special. Just because he is our son."

"I know that. I'd never doubt that. I just don't want anyone pressuring him to be something he's not. My parents wanted me to do that, to pretend I hadn't seen the things I did. But I couldn't pretend to be normal, because I wasn't anymore. I'm not even sure if I was ever normal." She was quiet for a moment, watching Max's face. "I guess...I just don't want people to be disappointed in him, by expecting too much. He's very special all on his own. He doesn't need greatness thrust upon him. It's too much of a burden to bear."

"And that's where we'll be different from your parents, my dear. He will be special because he is our son. That is all that he needs to be, as far as I am concerned." She squeezed Bryn around the waist. "What do you say we go take our leave of Lilith and head to the airport? The sooner we're out of here, the better."

She nodded, smiling. "Can we stop somewhere and get a really big, expensive breakfast? I'm starving."

"Of course, my dear." He kissed her forehead, and then her lips. "And when we get home, we're staying put for a while."

He was waiting for her when she pulled into the parking lot. She'd had almost a week to chicken out, and now at the last minute she wanted to leave. Take a deep breath as she set the brake, she glanced in the rear view mirror at Liam. He looked so small in that little car seat. Small, yet very protected. A smart woman would probably leave him there and drive away as fast as she could. But she guessed she wasn't feeling smart today.

Looking over at where he was sitting with his daughter at the picnic table, Lindy had to wonder which car was his. There wasn't a van in sight, like the one he'd let her escape from not so long ago. Nor was there a nondescript sedan, like the one he'd used to pull her over as an 'undercover cop.'

In one smart move she'd made that night, she had remembered to bring the stun gun Nate had bought for her. Wherever Marrok Deschamps' car was, he wasn't getting her or Liam into it. No way, no how.

She watched for a moment, gathering her courage before getting out of the car. The stun gun in her purse was a weighty reassurance as she moved to the back seats and pulled Liam into her arms. The boy seemed to sense her upset and didn't squirm in her arms the way he usually did. Taking a deep breath and ignoring the impulse to flee, she shut the door and started walking over to where Marrok and Vivianne were waiting.

He stood up when he saw her coming, as if wondering if she knew where he was. Playing with her Barbie, Viviane paid little attention in order to dress her doll. The ground between them seemed all too short a distance, because she was within reach in seconds, still holding Liam protectively, watching Marrok's eyes slide over him with unusual attention. Or what she considered unusual, anyway. Then again, it was his first time seeing the boy, up close, ever in his life.

[How did I get myself into this?]

Swallowing, Marrok gestured to the bench for her to sit down. "Thank you, for coming."

Lindy nodded, not quite trusting her voice. She sat stiffly on the opposite side of the bench, holding Liam tight against her torso. It was so easy to flash back to the time she was locked up in the basement, which she fought doing. Lindy kept her tight grip on Liam, almost daring Marrok to try to take the child out of her arms.

Realizing that she wouldn't be quick to let Liam go, Marrok sat down on the bench, Viviane between him and Lindy. He watched the little boy with great interest, his eyes taking in and studying every feature of his face. "He has his mother's eyes," he observed quietly. "Tell me about him. Anything you can think of. What was he like as he grew?"

"He's, um...well, he's just learned to walk, and it's impossible to keep him out of stuff." She wasn't exactly sure what to tell him. "He's always been curious about everything. And he's a holy terror where my pet cat and my brother-in-law's dog is concerned. He'll often Change and roughhouse with them" Liam squirmed, protesting against her tight grip. Reluctantly, Lindy loosened it a bet.

"He Changes...to play?" When she nodded, he shook his head in astonishment. "I didn't think a child could do that. And he's already walking...as a normal kid. That's impressive. He's a very smart boy." His voice was a bit rough, but she couldn't be sure if it was emotion or a tickle in his throat. "What about around other children? Is he shy or outgoing?"

"He really hasn't been around many children his age," Lindy admitted. "And he's not quite sure what to think of his cousin Max. I think they'll be great friends when they're both a little older." Liam looked over at Marrok and leaned towards him, inhaling audibly. Giving in to inevitable, Lindy let Liam wiggle out of her grasp to explore. One hand went inside her purse and wrapped around her stun gun, ready to fire at a moment's notice.

Marrok leaned forward, bracing his forearms on his thighs, making Lindy tense...but she eventually relaxed a bit. He wasn't going anywhere. He appeared to be content to watch Liam wander. The little boy crouched down on all fours, sniffing the clover in the grass, before standing once more to follow his nose. Watching him curiously, Viviane quietly eased off the bench and onto her knees. She held her toys out in front of her, and when Liam tried to touch one she didn't pull away.

"Wanna play?" she asked.

Liam made a happy sounding noise and tugged at the doll Viviane was offering. Lindy smiled a bit despite the tenseness of the situation. "It's almost like they know," she said softly. She turned to look at Marrok. "She doesn't have any idea, does she?" Lindy asked softly so only he could hear her.

He shook his head, appearing to wince slightly. "I don't know how I would ever explain...any of it. Especially the past six months." Letting out a sigh, he rubbed his hand over his mouth. "Viviane's mother will be remarrying this June. The man who will be her stepfather already has two little girls, and my ex has a strong bond with them because they're so young. It's hard to reconcile why these two 'strangers' are getting the attention that used to be Viviane's alone." He nodded to Liam, watching the boy try to chew on Barbie's hair. "I don't think it would be right to spring this news on her anytime soon."

"That does seem a lot to adjust to," Lindy said. "It was hard enough when my mom and dad told me that I would have a little sister. And I had nine months to get used to the idea." She watched the two children play. It was painfully obvious that Marrok was treasuring this time with his son. And it was painful to think that it wouldn't last. He wouldn't be in this situation now if he had followed through on his original plan. "Marrok," she said after a moment's silence. "Why did you let me go without taking him? Not that I don't appreciate you not killing me. But, why?"

He was silent for a little while, just watching the kids. Viviane was trying to show Liam how to put a new dress on the doll. He was more interested in putting the dress in his mouth. Smiling, Marrok shook his head.

"I already told you--you earned my respect. Despite everything, you still managed to find the will to fight. You wanted to give up, but you didn't. Even when it looked hopeless. And you were more interested in fighting for your family than for yourself. That's the kind of person I want raising my--" He paused, rephrasing. "That's the kind of mother Liam should have. Someone who still has a bit of the wild animal in her veins. Someone who's not quite so dead after all."

Lindy absorbed it quietly. "I was adopted myself. I know what it's like to wonder about your biological parents, what they were like, how much of them they have in you. If you had come to us first without attacking, we would have come to an arrangement about Liam. Now, it's all a big mess."

"You know what I am, Lindy. And my first instinct is always to attack when I think someone is threatening my family. How was I to know you weren't a threat? You took him, and I had no way to know where or what your intentions were. For all I knew, you could've turned him over to scientists, or used him to blackmail me, or kept him from me period. I was only able to get to know you by doing what I did. You can't learn the things I have from pleasant small talk," he said, fangs slightly exposed. "And I will not be made to apologize for it. He is my s--" He shook his head. "You know what he is. You know how important it is for an Alpha, especially an unwelcome one, to have an heir. He is mine."

"I understand that," Lindy said, tensing up. "But there were other ways you could have come to us that didn't involve violence and kidnapping. You're talking about wanting an heir. Is that the kind of example you want to set for your son?" She was aware she was about to piss Marrok off, but she didn't care. "The way I see it, Liam's better off with us. He'll learn that he's a strong werewolf, but he won't use that strength to terrorize people."

"Do you think I go around attacking anyone who crosses my path? No. And believe me, if he turned out like me, you'd have a lot to be grateful for."

He was about to say more, when Viviane stood up and announced, "I'm not his son, silly. I'm his daughter! Daddy don't have a son..." She thought for a moment, before saying, "Well, 'cept for Chase. But he lives with his mom, huh, Dad?"

Marrok kept staring at Lindy, his anger clear in his gaze. But his expression was blank, and he tried to form a smile as he looked down at his daughter. "That's right, Viv. You have an older brother, don't you?"

She nodded. "But I never met him."

"Chase wants nothing to do with me. His mother poisoned his mind with awful, untrue stories about me. I would hate for that to happen again."

"Hopefully it won't." She caught the thinly veiled threat. "You have another child, a boy." She turned that tidbit over in her mind. Was this child werewolf or human? If the boy was human, that would explain Marrok's obsession with Liam being a werewolf.

"You're right...hopefully it won't. I may not be so kind the second time around," he said, meaningfully. "And yes, there's another child. I haven't seen him in three years, but not for lack of trying. He's a headstrong, willful brat...I'm very proud of him. Reminds me a lot of myself. And he'll come around eventually. When his mother takes her claws out of him. She certainly is a...female dog if I ever met one."

Viviane giggled. "Dad almost said a bad word."

"There's no such thing as bad words, Viv. Just ones that aren't so polite."

"Uh-oh..." She tugged on Lindy's pant leg and pointed at Liam--who was busily shoving Barbie's shoe up his nostril. "He's gonna get it all boogery!"

"Liam," Lindy said exasperated, digging in her purse for a tissue. She got off the bench to crouch down next to the boy and take the toy away. "Sorry," she said as much to Viviane as Marrok. "Some kids have an oral fixation. Liam has a nasal one." She wiped off the tiny plastic shoe and handed ti back to the girl. "There you go. Booger free."

Viviane wrinkled her nose, carefully pinching the shoe between two fingers and putting it back on Barbie. Sitting back down on the ground, she shook a finger at Liam. "No more putting stuff up your nose or I'll have to give Barbie a bath."

"We should get going, Viv. Pick up your toys." Marrok turned his head to look at Lindy. "Next week?"

Lindy took a deep breath. This was her opportunity. She could back out and say hell now, she wasn't subjecting herself or Liam to this again. Except that Marrok would continue to hound them, and possibly attempt another kidnapping, or worse. "Yeah. Same time, same place?"

He nodded, reaching for Viviane's hand as she stood up with her backpack on. "Good night." He shifted his gaze to his son. "See you later, Liam."

His daughter waved. "Bye!"

Lindy pulled Liam close, waving his arm after the leaving pair. "Bye." Once they had walked out of sight, Lindy slumped, cuddling Liam close. She felt like she had just run a marathon. "God, Liam, what am I going to do? And how am I going to explain this to your daddy?"

They'd settled nice back into their routine after returning from Australia, with one minor adjustment--dinner would made by both of them, after Anton returned home from work. Bryn was painting again. After finishing a slightly abstract landscape from some postcards they'd bought in Queensland, she got to work sketching the rough outline of a new full-body portrait. It had been easy to do the basic dimensions from memory, having watched him closely as he lounged in that very place. The actual painting would probably be a bit more difficult. Not only because she wanted it to be perfect...but also because she'd more than likely be very distracted.

She was painting Anton...nude.

Peering over the edge of the canvas, she looked once again to make sure she had the skin tone right. But she couldn't seem to stop staring.

He stared at the spot just above the edge of the canvas, trying hard not to squirm. It wasn't that he was on display for her. Well, actually it was. He could feel her eyeballs roaming over the broad expanse of his torso, coming to rest just in front of his propped up leg. Anton had told her that she'd better slip some saltpeter into his food unless she wanted this to be an x-rated picture.

Little did she know he hadn't been joking.

Grinning, Bryn said, "You can move your eyes, you know. I'm working on your body first. Just don't move your head too much."

"That's such a relief," he said, rather sarcastically.


"Well, I thought that maybe I'd save your cock for last...considering." She giggled as he narrowed his eyes at her. Look down at the blanket next to him, just outside the painted picture, she said, "You havin' fun, Max?"

Laying on his back, playing with a colorful, noisy toy his grandma had sent him, Max kicked his feet as if in agreement.


"See, I'm not the only one who's amused."

Anton bit back his laughter, shaking until Bryn looked sharply at him. He sobered, trying to hold as still as possible. "How long do you think this will take, my dear? Not that I mind being naked in your presence."

"Hey, you're lucky...I made the last guy I painted nude sit in a tub of cold Jell-O." She smiled sweetly at him, before lowering her head behind the easel to paint.

He bit back another chuckle, trying to hold still for her. He couldn't really see her behind the easel, but he knew what she was doing all the same. Her hands, those beautiful, talented hands, were tracing over the canvas, defining his body, much as when they made love. He could almost feel her hand stroking over his belly, touching muscles and figuring out how the light and shadow would fall.

Bryn was getting frustrated. She could stare at him all she wanted, but when she moved behind the easel once again her perception was always off. Deciding that she needed a way to see him more easily, she grabbed the easel and set it aside. Lifting the stretched canvas off the stand, she carefully lowered herself to the floor. Pressing her back to the front of a recliner, she stretched her legs out in front of her, put a pillow down over her knees, and settled the canvas on to her lap. Now she could see him much better. Reaching for her palette on the chair, she settled it on the floor next to her and went back to work.

Anton was still trying to figure out how Bryn had talked him into doing this. He had sat for portraits before various times over the centuries, but not nude before. His left thigh twitched, cramping from his leg being up in a folded position for so long. He started to unbend it, but pulled it right back into position when he saw Bryn frown at him.

They sat in silence for a little while, as she filled in most of the body color and added the basic areas of shadow. As she started to go into detail, she reached for a small case and put on her glasses. She didn't wear them often because they made her look owlish, but she could see like an eagle with them on. And she had to blush when she looked at his crotch. [He definitely likes this.]

It wasn't surprising the reaction he was having. Feeling her eyes on him always got him hard. And although Bryn didn't believe it, she did look hot when she was trying to be casual. Something about her being domestic and not trying to look sexy always turned him on. Then her breathing turned him on. He closed his eyes, trying to keep his libido in check. Or at least until they reached a stopping point where he could do something about it, preferably with Bryn.

It was becoming difficult to keep her concentration. She could even smell him, and couldn't help discreetly taking deep breaths. Carefully tracing in the shadows between his toes, all she could seem to think of was sucking them. Yet even though she was working on his feet, her gaze kept drifting, first to his groin, and then to his face. The way he was staring at her was making her insides tighten and tingle, like the anticipation of the upcoming drop on a roller coaster.

He was staring at her face, memorizing the look of the glasses on her. He wanted to crawl over to her steam them up before taking them off of her. Strip her naked and have his way with her. He couldn't suppress the tremor that ran through his body. He wondered how much longer he'd have to sit still, propped against the wall.

Bryn bit her lip, squirming a bit on the floor. Squeezing her thighs together, she looked longingly at him. "I haven't even touched this canvas in the last five minutes."

Anton swallowed. "What do you say we take a break then?" Breaking his pose, he scooted over to where she was sitting and slipped his hand over her cheek. He tilted his head and began kissing her mouth, devouring it in short, sweet nips.

She let out a soft whimper, blindly grabbing the bottom of the canvas and reaching out to put it on the floor. With nothing to hinder her movements, she leaned into his kisses, wrapping her arms around him, enjoying the feel of his skin. He was so warm, almost hot beneath her fingers. Her hands slid down his back, cupping and squeezing his ass. Pulling him even closer.

He pulled her onto his lap, pulling away from her lips long enough to remove her glasses. Anton slid his hands underneath the hem of her paint-stained T-shirt and started to work it upwards, rubbing against her skin. Softly he nuzzled her neck as he tilted her down to the floor, still devouring her mouth.

She couldn't believe they were about to have sex on the library floor. And yet it felt so perfect. She settled on to her back and looked up at him. He looked like angel, back-lit by a halo of light above his head. Covering her naked breast with his hand, he squeezed gently, and she moaned as she felt her nipple tighten to a hard point under his palm. "I can't believe we haven't done this before, here."

"We haven't?" He murmured softly. "Shame on us." Anton leaned down to kiss her collarbones, nuzzling her neck before he traced his tongue down her sternum. He could taste a light tang of sweat on her skin, and he relished it as he circled her nipple. His hand strayed to between her legs, gently stroking the inside of her thighs, working his way underneath her cutoffs.

"Mmm." Spreading her legs a bit wider, she tossed her calf over his legs and let him roam freely. Her hand continued squeezing and caressing his ass, fingers sliding up and down the cleft, occasionally stopping rub gentle little circles over his anus and perineum. "I've wanted you ever since you stripped. I don't think you even tried, but you looked so sexy. I should make you strip for me every day."

His fingers slid further underneath her pants, fingers slipping between her sex. "I'd do it willingly. Of course, turn about is fair play." He stopped talking to suck on her nipple, then let it go with a noisy pop. "Of course, I think you look sexy just breathing." He couldn't help but back into her touch as he started to unzip her shorts.

Her breathing increased and she stared down at her wet nipple, watching the skin wrinkle again. "Just breathing, huh? Maybe we should get a treadmill...I breathe really fast after running for a while." She grinned at him, giggling as he playfully nipped her stomach. Lifting her free hand, she brushed his hair away from his eyes. "I should probably let you get a hair cut soon, or I'll have to start calling you Tarzan."

Anton grinned as he peeled her shorts off. "How short would you like it?" he asked as he crawled up her body. "Maybe to here?" He kissed the middle of her throat. "Or to here?" he said as he kissed the corner of her jaw. His hands spread her legs wider apart. "Of course, if you want to shave me, I want to be able to shave you," he said, fingers dancing over her pubic hair.

Lifting her hips, she tilted them back in the hopes of shifting his hand where she wanted it. "All you had to do was ask. I'll let you do it right now if you really want to. But I'd rather you stay here with me. Your hands feel really good." She swallowed, shifting her hand around to his front, sliding her fingers over his thighs, over his hip, and through the thin line of hair leading to his groin. "Are you too sensitive for me to touch you?"

"Noooo," he moaned as her hand closed around his cock. Anton slipped his fingers between her lips, sliding over her wetness. He took a deep shuddering breath as they both slowly began stroking each other. He leaned forward and kissed her, pushing his tongue into her mouth. He moaned again as she sucked on him.

He was wonderfully rigid beneath her fingers, and she stroked him firmly in time with her pulls on his tongue. Writhing beneath him, she continued to lift her hips into his touch, jolting every time his finger passed over her clit, growing wetter by the second. Sliding her hand down to caress his balls, she smiled against his mouth as he groaned in delight.

Her touch was heavenly. Anton's touch became firmer on her clit, spreading her moisture further. Giving in to his desires, he pulled her hand away from his cock. He backed off and grinned at her as he pushed his cock deep into her sex.

"Oh..." Bryn opened her legs even wider, scooting towards him to get him as deep as possible. A shudder swept through her and she smiled back at him, squeezing him gently. "I don't know how you always manage to feel so good. Every time you're inside me, I don't want to let you go. I think one day we should see how long we can keep you in there...and how many times we can cum during the process."

"We've done that before, my dear," Anton said, nuzzling her cheek. "The longest we've managed was two hours with Diane." He pushed in a fraction farther, until his balls were flush with her ass. "Wanna break try to break the record, my dear?"

She nodded, panting softly. "But it might be a little awkward when we need to pick up Max and go to bed." Bryn smiled. Reaching down between her spread legs, she grabbed his ass and held on, wanting to keep him right where he was. But she wasn't about to protest when he started thrusting. "Mmm...God I love the way you fuck me."

Anton moved slowly, relishing every touch, every squeeze. "You taught me how, my dear." He bent low over her, kissing her lips and sucking on them, releasing in time with his thrusts. He kept his movements slow, wishing they could try to break that record tonight. She was so hot, so tight, and he wanted to make this last as long as he could.

Undulating below him, she lifted her breasts and hips in turn, brushing the first against his chest, pushing the latter into each thrust he gave. She kissed him back eagerly, trying to push her tongue in his mouth and getting frustrated every time he playfully backed away. Pushing her hands under her thighs, she lifted them higher, moaning at the resulting angle of his cock.

He couldn't help but speed up, despite his best intentions. Giving up on teasing her, Anton laid on top of Bryn full length, letting her push her tongue into his mouth even as he pushed his cock into her sex. His arms went around her, holding her against his body tight, trying to fuse them into one being.

She couldn't stop whimpering once he'd covered her, aware that it wouldn't be long before he made her cum. She wrapped her arms and legs around him, enjoying how large he was, how strong the muscles beneath his skin, and how smooth his movements were. Pulling back from his mouth, she looked deep into his eyes. "I love this. I love you."

"I love you so much, Sabryn. But show me how much you love this." His movements now had a frantic edge to them as he fucked her. "Let go and let me see how much you love me." Anton resumed kissing her mouth, tangling their tongues as he interlaced her fingers of one hand with his.

Shoving her feet into the floor, she lifted her ass and arched herself beneath him. Swiveling her hips, she tightened down around him and shuddered, a soft whine escaped her mouth as she shook into orgasm. "Oh yessss!"

That was what he needed. Anton gave a sharp cry, shoving into her one last time before he started coming. He held on to her tight, shaking as his orgasm swept over him. Slowly he sank against Bryn, his body singing in bliss. All except for his knees, which had a mild case of rug burn. He ignored them, choosing instead to place his ear over Bryn's heart.

Panting and still quivering with pleasure, she slowly went limp beneath him. Smiling weakly, she slid her fingers into his hair and curved her palm over his skull. She could feel his pulse there it was beating so rapidly. She bent to kiss the top of his head, before settling hers back to the floor. They were both content to be silent for a while, before she finally broke the silence saying, "My back and my ass are both so sweaty, they're probably stuck to the floor."

"Mmmph." He scooted a little further up her body so he could kiss her. "I think I've got rugburn on my knees, so I'd say we're even." Anton rolled over, bringing Bryn with him so she now rested on his belly. "I love you so much, my dear. More than you'll ever realize, even though I will do my damnedest to show you."

She smiled, wiggling her wet belly against his. "You already do. I love the way you love me. It makes me very happy. And I love you very much, too." Pressing her mouth to his neck, she gave him a soft sucking kiss. She licked the salt off her lips and gently lapped at his skin as well. "In fact, I'd like to take you out to dinner. Do you think you could play hooky from work on Friday? I want to go somewhere special, and they don't stay open very late."

"Hmm...go to work, or play hooky and go out to dinner with my beautiful wife. I'll have to think about it. Anton winced at the light swat Bryn aimed at his ass. "Of course I'll let you take me out to dinner, my dear." He nuzzled the side of her face lightly. "But we'll save dessert for when we're home alone."

Bryn smiled to herself, thinking, [If you're still speaking to me by then]. Although it was a few days early, she'd been planning Anton's birthday party and finally found the perfect place to invite everyone. And although it wasn't quite his style, she hoped Anton would enjoy himself. Eventually. After he got over his initial embarrassment. Rubbing her cheek against his shoulder, she reached up to trace her fingertips over his lips. "Were you always this beautiful?"

"You tell me," he said, holding her fingers in place so he could kiss them. "You've always said I have been, ever since I can remember. And yes, my dear. You have always been beautiful."

"I wasn't going to ask that," she said, softly, running her fingers through his hair. "You've always been beautiful as much as I can remember. But I do have a different question for you. Other than it being the wrong time, or me not wanting to be Transformed at the time, why did you choose me...over the others?"

He gently stroked her hair as well, carefully considering his answer. "I didn't choose you, my dear. You chose me." He kissed her forehead. "I respected their wishes to remain human. And although there was a time or two that we discussed Transformations. But we never followed through. And no, it was different when we tried earlier. You have told me over and over of your desire to stay with me forever. The others just swore to love me for all their life. I don't know if it was that they were frightened by the prospect of forever, or if it just wasn't the right time. All I know is that now is the right time. I can feel it in my heart."

Bryn tilted her head forward, leaning her forehead against his chin. "I was very stupid. I should've said yes the first time. We could've been together all along." She blinked the sadness out of her eyes. "You'll never have to ask me again. I'm not going to pass this up one more time. I don't ever, ever want to leave you."

Anton kissed her forehead again, and then her lips. "It's okay, Bryn. We both needed the time to learn things. And I'm sure that we will have other lessons to learn. But we'll learn those together."

She snuggled closer to him, absorbing his warmth. "I love you." "I love you, too."

She had managed to get home without running into her parents. Now Lindy had to figure how to get upstairs and a bath for Liam and a shower for her without being too conspicuous. She wanted any trace of Marrok's scent off of them.

Lindy had spent most of her time driving home thinking about the evening. It was strange. The Marrok that had shown up there was almost totally unlike the Marrok that had held her captive. But that didn't mean that she didn't trust him not to try to snatch Liam or her.

Nate woke with a start, hearing the garage door opening. Yawning, he sat up and slid his legs off the couch. It had been a nice nap, but it was even nicer to have Lindy home. Running his hand over his hair, he pushed himself up and walked through the kitchen towards the laundry room. Hopefully he'd be able to surprise her at the garage door.

She just stepped out of the laundry room just as he was about to enter it. "Oh, hi Nate," she said, hoping she didn't sound startled. She bounced Liam a little in her arms. "I was going to head upstairs and give Liam a bath," she said. The boy was dirty from crawling on the ground near Vivianne. But mostly she wanted to try to erase any trace of Marrok's scent before she ran into her parents. "He's had a big night and is tired."

"Doesn't look like it to me," he said, grinning as Liam reached for him.

"Da da," Liam said, banging his open hands on Nate's chest. His feet were kicking excitedly, and his father lifted him higher to avoid a possible kick to the groin.

Nate pressed his lips to the boy's head as wrapped his arm around Lindy. "So what did you two do there? Looks like somebody was playing in a sandbox...or something."

She answered him with the truth, sort of. "He played in a sandbox, and a girl shared her toys with him. Until he tried to shove one up his nose." She hadn't come up with more of a cover story than that, so she hoped he didn't ask for more details.

Nate grinned. With gentle pressure he led her through the kitchen and into the living room. Flopping down on the couch with Liam, he watched Lindy take off her coat. "So what kind of activities do you have at Mommy and Me? Must be pretty fun. He's grinning like a fool. And you look a little tired, Lind."

"Oh, you know. The usual. Story time, finger painting, coloring, playing with blocks," she ad libbed. [Meeting his biological father.] She sat down on the couch next to him, striving to look relaxed. "How about you, Nate? What did you do on your own tonight?"

"Made some food. Watched some TV. Had a little nap. The usual," he said, smiling. Reaching for her, he pulled her down onto her side next to him and Liam. Rubbing his arm up and down her side, he nuzzled her hair line. "You're kinda tense, baby. Did something happen there?"

"Well, nothing worth mentioning." She sighed, forcing herself to relax. "I've kinda obligated myself to going back, although I'm not sure that I want to. But I'm thinking that it's for Liam's good, not mine, that I'm going. Anyway, I think there may be problems if I don't go back."

"Problems? It's an activity group, Lind, not the mafia. If you don't want to go back, don't go. I just thought it might be nice for you to have some time alone with Liam. I get to see him all the time. You have to settle for a few hours each night and the weekends." He rubbed his hand on her back again, trying to loosen her tight muscles. "Why don't we go upstairs and I'll give you both that bath you were talking about?"

She leaned back against Nate's hands. "Okay. That does sound good." She stood up and took one of Nate's hands. It was nice to have time to see Liam on her own. Lindy just wished she didn't have to share that time with Marrok. "I love you so much, Nate. I hope you know that."

"Mmm." He leaned closer, adjusting Liam in his grip, and leisurely kissed his wife's lips. "I know you do. I love you, too, Lind. Very much. And maybe I'll be able to show you after we get Liam to sleep." Rubbing her back again, he turned her around to face the foyer and the stairs. "Would you like bubbles in your bath? I think all we have are bubble gum scented."

Lindy tried not to perk up. The bubble bath's scent would help mask Marrok's perfectly. "As long as you don't mind smelling like gum, I think it would be perfect. And I hope you show me, how much you love me later tonight. And if you're lucky, I'll show you how much I love you."

"Lucky me." Following her up the stairs, he headed first towards Liam's room to change him into a waterproof diaper. "Why don't you head into the bathroom, Mommy, and we'll be in shortly."

"Okay." She walked into their bedroom and started to take off her clothes. She tried hard not to look at herself in the mirror. Looking into her eyes, all she could see was the liar. Sighing, she grabbed her robe and a pony tail holder and walked into the bathroom. She sat on the edge of the tub, started the water, and added a capful of bubbles under the tap. Now it was just waiting for Nate and Liam.

He came into the bathroom five or so minutes later, stripped down to his underwear, and carrying an equally naked Liam. Clapping his hands in excitement, Liam reached for Lindy and quickly grabbed hold of her robe. "He started squealing the moment I put his new pants on. I think this kid actually likes baths. Of course, if I got to take my baths with a gorgeous woman, I would, too."

"I don't know if I should be flattered, or worried in some sick, Oedipal way." Lindy carefully untangled Liam's hands from her robe before shedding it. She tested the water to make sure it wasn't too hot for Liam and then stepped in and settled down. Her muscles did relax some when they hit the hot water. Lindy held up her arms, ready to take Liam.

Settling the boy down on her lap, Nate took a seat on the stairs leading to the tub. It wasn't the most comfortable seat in the house, but the toilet was too far away. Grabbing a wash cloth from the nearby shelf, he dipped it in the water and began rubbing it gently over Lindy's back. "So you're not going to tell me what happened to upset you so much?"

[I only stupidly went to a park so Marrok could see Liam.] "It was just a discussion I had with one of the other parents. It really wasn't anything. I guess I'm more tired from the warehouse. Yeah, Anton's back, but we're still down a person during the days, even with Bryn's help."

"Imagine how tired she must be, doing two jobs." He gently moved the cloth up to her shoulders with a light massaging motion. "If you're still behind, why the hell aren't you hiring anyone? Has Anton even thought about it? I know it was a mess with Chandra, but there's got to be some way you can someone clean to work there. What about your mother or Walter? Have either of them thought about making some extra money?"

"We've had ads out, and a lot of responses. The problem is that nobody we've interviewed so far has had the right type of experience. We're still working through a list of candidates. As for Mom or Walter," Lindy shrugged. "I'm sure they would, but it might be awkward since Alex and I are working there. We'll get it figured out eventually."

"Well I don't like this. You come home tired as it is, and now with this Mommy and Me stuff, you're exhausted. I don't think you should have to work all of this overtime. If Anton and Bryn want to do it, that's fine. Let him wear himself out. You should be at home, with me and Liam."

"Okay. How about I talk to Anton about no more overtime? And I'll run the idea of coming to work for us by Walter and Mom. Or at least they can help screen interviewees." She yawned. "Half of what is taking so long are the background checks Vandala and Alex are insisting we complete on each one before they walk through the door."

"It makes sense," He said, grinning as Liam squealed and started splashing the water over both of them. "And I'm glad you're going to talk to Anton. Look how happy Liam is when you're here. I bet you could even get him to go to bed early tonight. He's gonna be worn out from playing."

"Yeah, assuming we don't get him hyped up on sugar or something." She watched Liam splash in the tub, sloshing water over her. "I say five minutes and then he just collapses like someone pulled the batteries out of him." Lindy leaned her head against Nate's arm. "Have you thought any more about the restaurant?"

He shrugged slightly. "Just every once in a while. Like when I'm making dinner and I wonder if this dish should be on the menu. I haven't really thought anymore about where or when I want to start the place. Why, are you anxious to get started there?" he asked, grinning. "Get out from under Anton's slave-driving thumb?"

Lindy grinned back. "No, just curious since you haven't mentioned lately." [And I'm trying to change the subject.] "You just don't tell me much about your dreams, and I don't want to see this one fall by the wayside."

He tilted his head and made a clicking sound with his mouth. "Well, I told you it's going to have to wait until Liam is older. I'm not in any hurry. Besides, I'd like to have this all thought out when I finally go for it. At this point I haven't even decided what kind of restaurant it should be. What should be on the menu. I may end up deciding I'm too old and tired to run a business after all."

"Hmmm...too old and tired, huh? Old, maybe," she said with a wink. "But tired? I highly doubt it." She looked down at Liam, who was splashing water in an attempt to get their attention. "But I might have to take it back, giving how energetic this little guy is."

"Mmhmm." Reaching for the shampoo bottle, he said, "Scoot forward and lean your head back. Let me wash your hair."

She quickly did as he asked, like she had ever since getting home. If he'd been the suspicious sort, he would've thought she was lying about something. But he thought he'd figured out the problem. Her apparent unease at attending the Mommy and Me classes was probably guilt. She felt guilty that he couldn't participate, too. He would've gladly told her otherwise, but the truth was that part of him was relieved. It had been months since they'd heard a word about Marrok, but that didn't mean he wasn't still a threat. And if he had his choice, Nate would've preferred for her to stay home. For more than just her safety. Selfishly, he wanted Lindy and Liam all to himself.

Lindy relaxed further as Nate's fingers massaged her scalp. She wasn't sure that she'd be able to keep this secret from him for much longer. If she felt this guilty, and it was just an hour after seeing Marrok, how was she going to feel next week, with the fresh guilt? But Nate would refuse to let Marrok see Liam, which could make the werewolf even more dangerous.

Nate watched Liam as he lathered Lindy's hair, amazed at how much the little bugger had grown. He was walking, talking, laughing. It wouldn't be long before he was all grown up. Nate couldn't help being a little bit sad about that. Youth lasted such a short time. And for a mortal, that time was miniscule. "So, have you decided whether or not you're going to go back?"

She gave a sigh, coming to a decision. "I think I'm going to give it another try. I might have been oversensitive, and I think Liam enjoyed it. That's the important thing." [And if I don't go back, Marrok will come looking for him here.]

"Good. I think you'd regret it if you stopped going." Cupping his hand, he carried handfuls of water up to wash away the shampoo in her hair. Eventually, he realized he was getting nowhere, and Liam was also tilting ever so slowly to the side. "Looks like somebody's ready for his bed. Why don't you lean back and rinse your hair in the bath water while I wash his hair really quickly. Then I'll take him to bed and join you in the tub."

Lindy smiled, her first genuine one that evening. "That sounds wonderful." Once she was certain Nate had a firm grip on Liam, she leaned back and doused her head. Which didn't do too much good since it replaced the soap from the shampoo with the foam from the bubble bath. Sitting back up, she tried to squeeze the excess water out of her hair.

Yawning widely, Liam leaned against Nate as he gently washed his hair. His kicks in the water were halfhearted at best. He let out a soft growl as his daddy began rinsing his head, and shook himself clear of unwanted water. Laughing, Nate grabbed a towel and plucked the boy out of the bath. "I guess we should consider ourselves lucky he didn't change. I would've had to use flea shampoo." Grinning, he stood up. "I'll be right back. Gonna get him dry, dressed, and settled in bed. Wanna give him a kiss?"

Lindy leaned forward to kiss Liam on the cheek. "Good night, Liam. Sweet dreams." She leaned back in the tub into the cooling water as Nate flew him out of the bathroom, making airplane noises. Strangely exhausted herself, she let her eyes slip shut. Despite the coolness of the water, she could fall asleep.

She didn't realize she'd done just that until Nate came in and started the water reheating. She woke with a start and gasped, feeling foolish when she finally realized where she was.

"Fell asleep on me, huh? Maybe I should get you settled in bed, too."

"That, or you should maybe give me a reason to stay awake." She smiled, reaching up with her foot to trace along his side, smiling at him. She was forcing her mind not to think about Marrok now. Not when her husband was looking so sexy in front of her.

"Hmm...I think I can manage that." Testing the water temperature, he added a little bath oil to counteract the bubble gum smell. Making sure he had her full attention, he slowly shimmied out of his red briefs and let them fall around his ankles. He was at full attention himself. "I think you're going to have to scoot over if you want me to get in."

Licking her lips, she backed up, eyes never leaving his body as he got into the tub. Once he sat down, she eased her legs around his hips. "Want me to wash you?" she asked. When he nodded, she scooted closer, grabbing the washcloth. Smiling brightly, she began to scrub his chest, paying particular attention to his nipples.

He let out a drawn-out groan, wiggling his back against her chest to find the most comfortable spot. Or so he theorized. Legs falling open and head falling back against her shoulder, he gladly let her pamper him. Now that Liam was sleeping through the night, they'd found more time for themselves...and he was loving every minute of it. The way she touched him was heavenly.

Lindy smiled as he relaxed against her. It was so rare that he would let her take care of him, she intended to take full advantage. She scrubbed his skin in slow descending circles. She couldn't help but grin when his stomach muscles flexed . "Ticklish, Nate?" she said, circling his navel.

"Nooo...I'm just wondering where that hand is heading." He shifted his hips, trying to draw her attention away from his stomach. "I think there are other places that could use scrubbing much more than my belly, Lind."

Lindy made a humming noise. "Let me see, such as your thighs?" Bypassing his erect cock, she began to scrub the inside of his left thigh lightly, close to, but not touching his balls. "Or where there any other place that you thought needed scrubbing?"

"No...not if you like it dirty." He flashed her a grin over his shoulder. Lifting his foot out of the water, he shut off the hot water and draped his calf over the rim of the tub. The water around him almost felt cold compared to the heat in his groin. "I could always just scrub myself. Save you the trouble."

Lindy grinned and nipped at his ear. He was so handsome, and she doubted that he had a modest moment in his life. "I'd like to see that, Nate." Her hand shifted to his groin, the terry cloth rubbing lightly against the heated skin of his cock. "But not tonight. I don't want you to have to go to any trouble right now."

He tried to hide the sudden breath that hissed through his teeth. Eyes closing, he relaxed against her again. The combination of the hot water, her soft body beneath him, and her skillful touch, had him breathing a bit heavier than usual. Sliding his hands up and down her thighs, he lightly skimmed the tender skin leading to her crotch.

Lindy gave a soft sigh, squirming underneath him. Slowly she stroked his length and nuzzled his ear. She could feel the heat of his groin radiating through the water. She kept her strokes long and slow, wanting this to last as long as she could. She jumped slightly in surprise though as Nate slipped a finger between the lips of her sex.

"Mmm," he moaned, both from the feel of her and what she was doing to him. Curling his finger, he lightly slid his finger around her clit, barely touching, until her hips were twisting to meet him. Her hand tightened around his cock, and he grunted with pleasure. "I think you might need to twist around to face me, Lind. I'm not sure how much of this I can take."

"Lean forward a bit, Nate," she whispered in his ear. She started shifting around him, slipping her legs over his until she was astride him. Throughout it all, she never let go of his cock. "Is this what you had in mind?" she asked before leaning forward to kiss him.

Tightening his hands on her waist, he made a sound of agreement as he rubbed himself against her. He slid his grip up to her breasts, cupping and gently squeezing her. "I want you," he ground out, between kisses. "Climb on me...want inside you..."

Her breathing was heavily as she pulled away from his mouth. Locking eyes with him, Lindy arched up and forward slightly, then sank down on his cock. She whimpered slightly as he stretched her wide, but immediately began moving up and down. She held onto his shoulders for balance, her breasts pushed against his chest.

Hands slipping under her ass to help her movements, he bent slightly to nip at her collarbones. She felt almost fragile in his big clumsy hands, and he treated her like fine china. Moving his lips closer and closer to her neck, he latched on to the skin there and began sucking, not breaking the skin, pulling at her. Grunting each time he stretched her, he rocked in to her movements, pushing as deeply inside her as he could.

She moaned softly, whimpering at each pull of his mouth, each stab of his cock. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, making the water feel cool by comparison. The friction of their skin felt delicious, and Lindy couldn't get enough. Lightly she shifted her grip and began to scratch his back, gasping in delight.

Pressing his feet against the wall of the tub, he used the leverage to shove his hips higher into her. The sounds she was making urged him on, making him grip her tighter, move faster inside her. He could feel her start to tighten around him and nipped a bit harder at her skin, tempting or maybe threatening her with the intention to bite.

She gasped harder, moved faster, until everything felt like a blur to her. The play of their skin and the feel of him stone hard inside of her melded into one sensation. She couldn't even distinguish the lancing as his fangs sank into her throat as her orgasm clenched down on Nate's cock.

A loud scream left his throat but was trapped against her skin as he began to drink. His own orgasm started immediately, nearly molten as it burst from his cock. He gripped her tightly, surely leaving hand prints on her ass. Shuddering, he carefully eased backward, taking care to make sure her legs weren't in the way, and settled her onto his chest. He continued to drink lazily, while tilting his head to the side to bare his neck to her. Offering.

Almost immediately Lindy's eyes flamed. She kissed Nate's neck before sinking her teeth in. Even as her sex twitched around him, her eyes closed in lazy contentment as she started to drink his blood. She wished they could stay like this forever.

Contented at last, he gave a few more sharp thrusts into her tight sex to listen to the sounds she made. He withdrew his fangs and smiled at the whimpers she let out. "God, you feel good." He rubbed his hands up and down her back, letting her drink her fill. "You think I could talk you into going in to work late tomorrow, so we can continue this all day long?"

As she removed her fangs from his neck, she responsible side of her argued that she should go in. However, the rest of her argued that after the emotional roller coaster she had been on today, she deserved a break. And she couldn't think of a better one than making love to her husband for the next several hours. "Consider me talked into it," she said, nuzzling the already healed punctures she had made.

Purring, he wrapped both arms around her and squeezed tightly. "Sounds perfect." His stomach made a grumbling sound, and he grinned. "Well, we might need to make a stop by the kitchen before hitting the sheets."

She grinned back, her stomach rumbling in answer. "Then what are we waiting for?" She stood up, and reached down to help him to his feet. Picking her way out carefully, she grabbed a towel and tossed one to Nate before starting to dry off.

He smiled, watching her instead of using his towel. "You're so beautiful, you know that?"

She blushed, much like she used to when they first started dating. "Only because you tell me so often." Lindy held out her hand to him. "Let's go get something to eat, okay?"

Loosely wrapping his towel around his waist, he took her hand. "I'll have you for dessert."

End Chapter One Hundred Ten