Chapter One Hundred Eleven Anton had talked with Bryn about her idea for protection for their son. And although it made logical sense, part of him was set against it. They didn't need help from a human such as Fox Mulder, one bent on seeking out and exposing the truth. But at her insistence, he spoke with the werewolves, who were enthusiastic about Bryn's idea. And he spoke with Nate and Lindy. Lindy shared her family's opinion, while Nate shared his misgivings. But what it came down to in the end is that Anton would do anything to se Max and Bryn safe, and this seemed to be the best way to do it. But it meant revealing to Mulder the truth about Max's origins. So they asked for a meeting, not a counseling session. Now he and Bryn sat on the couch, Max in Anton's arms, waiting for Mulder to arrive. Leaning against his side, Bryn cleared her throat softly and rubbed her belly. Whatever they'd eaten the night before wasn't settling well in her stomach. And she was pretty sure her indigestion had a lot to do with Mulder coming, too. She wasn't sure how they'd explain Max's birth without giving away details of her abduction, which she wasn't really comfortable talking about. It was still hard to talk to Anton about what had happened, and he believed her. Still, she'd tell whatever she had to if it meant getting Mulder's help. Hearing the doorbell ring, she said, "I'll get it," and braced her hand on Anton's thigh to stand up. "Wait a moment, Bryn." Before she could stand up, he pulled her into a soft kiss. He could tell she was nervous, and considering what they both would have to reveal, had good excuse to be. After the kiss, he didn't pull away. "Everything will be okay, Bryn," he whispered against her lips. "I know." She kissed him again, holding his gaze. Stroking her hand over Max's hair, she smiled at him when he looked up. "I'll be right back." Swallowing down the acid burning her throat, she stood up and headed to the foyer. She stopped to check her appearance in the mirror, making sure the water spots Max splashed on her were dry. Opening up the door, she smiled at their guest. "Hello, Mr. Mulder." "Good evening, Bryn," Mulder said, stepping inside. "How was Australia?" "Uh...the airport was nice." She smiled again, shutting the door behind him. "We didn't stay very long. It was just a business trip. But I guess I wouldn't mind going back someday. Under different circumstances." She led the way towards the living room. "Thank you for coming. We really appreciate it. Can I get you something to drink? Coffee, maybe?" "No, thank you," he said, following Bryn to the living room. "Good evening, Anton," he said when he saw the vampire sitting there, holding Max. "Good evening, Mr. Mulder," Anton responded. "Please have a seat." He waited until the former FBI agent sat down before continuing. "I'm certain you are wondering why we've asked to meet with you like this." "It had crossed by mind. But I won't bother presuming...I'd hate to make a mistake." Bryn heard the slight inflection in his voice as he said the words 'cross' and 'stake'. She rolled her eyes at his not-so-subtle joke. "Too bad Jess isn't here. I'm sure she loves your sense of humor." Mulder grinned. "Actually, she bitches about it all the time." Anton rolled his eyes as well, although a bit amused. "Before this degenerates any further, I do have a business proposal I would like to discuss with you." He waited until Mulder's attention was focused back on him. "I am in need of some security services. I'm pleased with Mr. Krycek, but I'm in need of someone closer to home and don't want to spread him too thin. However, it requires discretion about certain facts that are necessary for the job to be properly done." "What exactly are you talking about?" "He wants you to be my bodyguard," Bryn said, "and Max's. I think you know a little bit about our situation with Natasha. She is bent on making sure Max and I are out of Anton's life for good. Actually, her mania stretches to Nate's family as well. She has a vendetta against Anton and Nathaniel, but as long as her whereabouts were known, we were able to handle the situation. Now she's disappeared again, and we're really worried about what she might be up to." "That sounds pretty straight forward," Mulder commented. "We haven't gone too deeply into the subject, but I am familiar. I would need a full history. Is this what you want handled carefully?" "Partially," Anton said. "It has more to do with Max. He is not quite what he seems." Mulder nodded. "Jess has discussed with me her link with him." He had a few theories about it, mostly having to do with the odd dreams she had been having. And for the first time he noticed something about Max and Anton. "It's amazing that you found a sperm donor who had the exact same eye color as Anton's..." His voice trailed off as he realized the implication of what he had just said. Bryn smiled, leaning over to kiss Max on the top of the head. "Same stubbornness, too. And the same goofy smile that makes everyone else grin, too. And he's just as ticklish," she said, wiggling her fingers under Max's arm and making him squeal. "You're both very smart, too, huh, sweet pea? Yeah, and you're gonna be just as tall as your daddy, aren't you?" Mulder looked flabbergasted, but a curious light shown in his eyes. "I've never heard of anything like this. I thought that vampires were supposed to be -" "We are," Anton interrupted. "That is why Max is so special. And why discretion and secrecy are so important. Natasha knows, although I doubt she believes. But there is an additional problem. You are not exactly a well liked person among the vampire community." Mulder didn't seem to process the last part of Anton's statement. He was still puzzling over Max. "But how, if you're not able to get other women pregnant?" "We think it might have something to do with my abduction," Bryn said, quietly. "Max has unusual blood chemistry, something that neither Anton or I carry. Dr. Anne thought, or theorized, that it might be extraterrestrial in nature. I was abducted when I was seven, but haven't really had any major effects result from it. Until now. Anne and some of the vampires think we should have more testing done on him. But he's a healthy and happy little boy, and we don't see why we should disturb that." "I can understand why." He would love a chance to study Max. But he didn't think either of his parents would be too keen on the prospect. "I would like to review his medical records, if you don't mind." Anton shook his head. "No, go ahead." He was still cradling Max close. The boy started rooting at his hand, and without thinking, Anton slipped a finger in his mouth. He saw Mulder jump as Max bit down, eyes flaming. "As you can see, he's inherited my need for blood, but he seems to age." "That's...amazing." He simply sat and stared for a long while, smiling slightly at the sucking sounds coming from Max's mouth. Bryn glanced at Anton, looking slightly pale. "I'll be back in a few minutes. I need to go upstairs." With that, she got up from the couch and quickly hurried to the stairs. Anton's eyes followed her, concerned clearly showing. Mulder also looked nonplussed. "Is she normally that squeamish?" He shook his head. "No, she's not." He stood up. "I know you must have more questions," Anton said. "But if you would excuse me for a moment?" Mulder waved him on. "They'll wait." "Thank you." Pulling his finger out of Max's mouth, Anton started up the stairs. Guessing on where Bryn was headed, he went to the master bath. She'd pushed her hair out of the way just in time to avoid the mess. Stomach clenching, she vomited only once but sat waiting in case she wasn't finished. Breathing heavily, she saw movement out of the corner of her eye and turned her head to see Anton walk in the room. "I'm okay. I just...my stomach didn't like those pork chops." Still carrying Max, Anton got a washcloth out of one of the closets. He tossed it into the sink and turned on the cool water. "You sure about that? I can ask Mr. Mulder to leave." Grabbing the cloth, he knelt beside her and started to wipe her forehead. "No, it's okay," she said, reaching up to flush the toilet. She sniffed, hating the way her eyes watered when she was sick. Putting her hand over his, she met his gaze. "Just let me get cleaned up and I'll be back down. I don't want him to have to leave now that he's driven all the way out here. We'll just finish talking and then I can lie down." "Okay." Anton stood up and offered her his hand. He helped her up and then watched her go over to the sink. "Do you want me to wait?" When she shook her head, Anton kissed her forehead. "I'll see you in a few minutes then." He walked back down to the living room where Mulder was waiting. "She's fine," he said as an explanation. "Bryn will rejoin us in a few minutes." He took his seat and looked expectantly at the man. "I assume you have some questions for us?" "I--yeah." Mulder's gaze focused on their son once again. "Bryn said she--you wanted me to be their bodyguard. I'm assuming this means this 'Natasha' wants to kill them?" "That's right." "So what are we talking about? Me tagging along on nighttime trips, away from the office, or what?" "Max is fairly safe here with the werewolves. We have a hidden underground tunnel system in case of emergencies. Until just now, only the people living here and a few of the workers knew about it. It's not on the blueprints. Our first concern would be anything outside our property, including Bryn's work. But I would also like you to be available when Bryn and Max are home alone, too. I have discussed this with the werewolves already, and they said you're welcome to stay in their guest house if you take the job." Mulder thought about it for a few minutes. This was a dream come true to him, until he realized that he wouldn't be able to tell anyone. "And I would also be continuing the counseling work?" Anton nodded. "If you are comfortable doing so. But you also need to be aware that there are other vampires who may consider Max to be a threat. His existence has been well shielded, but that may change soon." "How so?" Anton was quiet for a moment. "That's not something I'm comfortable discussing at this point." Mulder's nostrils flared slightly. "Look, if you really want my help, I'm going to need to be privy to a lot more things than you're comfortable with." On her way down the stairs, Bryn hurried her step at Mulder's tone. "It's not a big deal, Mr. Mulder. It's just that we've told some very important people about Max's background, and they're uncertain of what to do with the information. Hopefully they'll keep it to themselves for as long as possible." Mulder didn't look too soothed by that. "And that will be the exact sort of information I will need to know to keep you safe." "Does this mean you've accepted the job?" Anton asked. "Yes," Mulder said after a moment's thought. "Thank you," Bryn said, smiling. "You were the first person I thought of when we were discussing possible candidates. I really appreciate this. It makes me feel a lot better." "I'm glad that you have such confidence in me." Mulder's brain flashed on something Anton had said earlier, as if it was just sinking in. "You said that I wasn't 'well liked' among other vampires. Is that a problem?" "In some ways, yes." Anton shifted slightly in his chair. "You are on a persona non grata list. Your reputation as an exposer of the truth has preceded you. Nathaniel and I are taking risks even speaking with you, and if it got out to the community at large that I had hired you, things could become difficult rather quickly." "Maybe I should change my name," Mulder joked, realizing too late that they were actually taking him seriously. "Uh...so this probably isn't such a good idea? I mean, it might be better to hire someone else?" Looking at Anton, Bryn said, "It's not as if they know him by face, do they? We could always introduce him by an alias if asked, and pay him in cash so there's no paper trail. No one would have to know." "Too late for that, my dear. I wouldn't be surprised if Lilith already knew about you being here, Mr. Mulder. On the other hand," Anton said thoughtfully, "it may be a good thing. Few vampires would risk exposure, even for the kind of threat Max is perceived to be. If it's known that anything happening to either of you means the existence of vampires goes public, very, very few will be willing to try anything." Bryn rested her head on the throw pillows, trying not to appear as lightheaded as she felt. "Well, that's something I guess. We still need to call off Lilith's goons. It makes me uncomfortable to have strangers following me around when I can't see them." Mulder frowned. "Who is Lilith, and what's this about 'goons'?" Anton frowned at Bryn. Something was definitely amiss. Privately, he was extremely grateful that vampires didn't suffer from food poisoning. "Lilith is the Eldest Vampire. Our Empress. We are ruled by a Council of Elders, but she is the true power. She has taken an extreme interest in Max, and has assigned security agents to watch over us from a distance." Mulder's frown became even more pronounced. "Then why hire me?" "We have reason to believe that the Empress's security team may be easily compromised. Plus, they are not able to follow Bryn during the day. And Lilith made it clear to me she only considers only Max's safety paramount. That is unacceptable to me." Nodding, Mulder said, "Hence the reason for me following her to work. Is this going to be a problem with her employer? I'm assuming I'm to stick around." Anton looked at Bryn, eyebrows arched. "Do you think that Justin would have a problem? Or should he observe from a distance? There would be no easy way to explain Mr. Mulder's presence there." She shrugged. "I don't know. I'd have to ask him. He's in his office much of the time, so I don't know why it would be a problem. He'd probably just be concerned about it interfering with my work, which it wouldn't. I just don't know what you," she said, addressing Mr. Mulder, "would do all that time. I can't imagine it would be very exciting for you to sit around a gallery twenty hours a week." "I'll find ways to keep myself entertained," Mulder said. He had been watching Bryn grow paler by the minute, and decided to excuse himself for her sake. "Listen, I should go talk with the werewolves if I'm going to move in soon. We can discuss payment and other details tomorrow." He stood up. "Same time tomorrow?" Anton nodded, standing also to shake Mulder's hand. "Same time tomorrow." Bryn was about to stand up as well until she saw the look on Anton's face, telling her clearly to stay put. Still holding Max, he showed Mulder to the door. Thankfully she managed to get in a "good night" before he disappeared out of sight. Stretching along the full length of the couch, she rested her head back and closed her eyes. Her stomach did feel better now, but she was glad for the chance to rest. Anton saw Mulder out. Despite his earlier misgivings, he was feeling better now that someone would be watching over Bryn who reported directly to him instead of Lilith. Turning to go back inside, he kissed the top of Max's downy head. "That went well, Max, my boy. Max burbled his agreement. "Now let's go check on how Mommy is doing." He walked back to the living room, frowning as he saw how pale Bryn was. Thinking she might be asleep, he quietly pulled up a chair next to her and watched, wondering what exactly was wrong. Bryn cracked one eye open to look at him. "I'm not dead, you know. You don't get me that quickly." She swallowed, turning on her side to face him. "I feel better, actually. My stomach is a little sore, but that's about it...well, I guess I'm a little lightheaded, too. But that's really it." She reached out to tug on Max's foot, making him giggle. "Tell Daddy not to look so worried, Max." Anton smiled when Max babbled, looking up at him. Anton smiled down at his son and at Bryn. "Okay, okay, I'll back off. Would you like some help upstairs, my dear?" He was trying to figure out if he could carry both her and Max at the same time. He could, if she were slung over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, but he doubt she'd consent to that. "I think I can make it." She sat up, taking a deep breath and holding still as her head spun. "God, I hate getting sick. I think the last time--" She looked up abruptly, her eyebrow raised slightly. "Anton...what if I'm pregnant?" Anton repeated the word, a bit stunned. "Pregnant? Again?" A goofy grin crossed his face. Although they had talked about another child, it still seemed an impossible dream to him. It was hard to believe that Max was real; another child seemed an impossibility "That would be wonderful, Bryn! Do you think you are?" She sucked in a deep breath. "I don't know. I think I have a test in the bathroom." Swallowing, she pushed herself to her feet. "Let's go find out." Reaching for his hand, she smiled at him and motioned for him to lead the way to the stairs. Before he did, Anton pulled her into a tight, one armed hug, Max wedged between them. He was just getting used to there being three in their family. Adding a fourth so soon was a frightening, yet exhilarating, prospect. Anton pressed his lips to her forehead. "Let's go find out," he said echoing her words earlier. Slipping his hand into hers, he led her up the stairway, and back to the bathroom. She wondered if he could feel her shaking. As much as she wanted this to happen, she feared finding out the truth. She didn't want to be disappointed like the last time she took the test. And she really didn't want to get their hopes up for nothing. Her other thought, however, was to wonder if this was such a good idea after just starting a new job at the gallery. She wouldn't have to take maternity leave for a while, but she wasn't so sure Justin would want a waddling pregnant lady showing potential buyers to their paintings. True, everyone had babies, but it wasn't always something employers wanted to advertise. Opening up the cabinet next to the sink, she crouched down and reached back for the box of tests she'd bought a long time ago. She'd begun to worry that she'd never use them. Now she was breaking the seal and wondering what she should be wishing for. [This is stupid...if I am pregnant again, it's a second miracle. There's no way I can think otherwise. And if Justin doesn't agree, he can go fuck himself.] "Bryn, wait." Anton closed his hand over hers, stopping her. He hoped that she couldn't feel the light tremor in his hand. "I just want you to know that if this says you're not pregnant, it doesn't mean anything. We'll keep trying." He leaned forward and kissed her lips lightly. "I'll wait in the bedroom with Max," he said before leaving. He almost added a 'good luck' without thinking. "No, wait, stay here please?" She licked her lips as he turned back to face her. "I don't want to be alone." He gave her a soft smile, one that gave her courage somehow. She reached for his hand and squeezed it once, before walking over to the toilet. He turned his attention to Max and listened to his baby babble as Bryn read the directions carefully and finally withdrew the white stick. Her fingers fumbled open the button on her jeans and when she sat down she couldn't seem to make herself go. Biting her lip, she closed her eyes and willed it to happen. Eventually, she murmured, "Will you turn on the faucet, please?" Anton reached over and started the taps flowing. He felt as nervous as she looked, but he didn't want to display it for her. Instead he tried to distract both himself and her with a little humor. "Should I start talking about babbling brooks, flowing waterfalls, and rushing rivers, my dear?" he asked with a smirk. "It probably isn't a bad idea," she said, tapping her heel on the floor. A second or two later she opened her eyes and said, "Hallelujah! I've never had so much trouble peeing in my life." Carefully withdrawing the stick, she set it on the edge of the counter and finished going. After zipping up her pants and flushing the toilet, she walked over to her sink to wash her hands. "Do you have a timer on your watch? We have to wait six minutes. Well, actually five...but I thought waiting six would be a good way to make sure we don't get a false reading." "Bryn, I think we'll be doing so much clock watching that we won't be needing a timer." But he set the timer on his watch anyway. He watched as Bryn shut off the water. "Let's go wait in the bedroom," he said, putting an arm around her. They both headed for the bed and sat down. Anton gently squeezed her waist. "How are you feeling, my dear?" She shrugged, stretching her legs out in front of her. "A little lost, I guess. We'd stopped trying, so I made myself push it out of my mind. I wasn't expecting this. I know I should be really excited right now, but I'm not feeling it. I think it's just shock...and maybe a little fear. I'm so worried it's going to turn out like the last time. I know we can work past it, if it is, and we'll keep trying...but it feels like it takes a piece of yourself and breaks it every time you see a negative." "I know, my dear. I know." He gently stroked her side, bouncing Max on his knee. "I'm in shock too, Bryn. I wasn't expecting it either. I mean, after not even considering the possibility of being a father, having Max is a dream come true. It almost seems selfish to ask for the miracle to be repeated." Bryn smiled as she watched Max bob up and down. She reached for his hand and hung on. "I just can't imagine two of them. I love Max so much, but sometimes it doesn't feel real that I'm his mom. Well, when I think about his birth, there's no misgivings, but otherwise..." She shook her head, sliding off the bed to crouch down in front of him. "Sometimes I feel like such a child myself. And he requires so much--If I had another baby, I think I'd need to stay home and take care of them. It's hard enough leaving Max with Jess at night. All I can think about is getting home to be with him." "If we have to, I'll start working from home, my dear." He gently stroked her hair. "You are such a wonderful mother my dear. And you have so much love to give. If you want to be a stay at home mom, that is perfectly fine." Anton leaned down to kiss the top of her head, and then slid down to sit beside her. Bryn looked up at him, eyes glistening. "Thank you for saying that. Sometimes I wonder...if I made the right choice. Or if I'm too much like my own mother. I know she did do a lot of things wrong, but she also did some things right, and it's hard to know for sure what to emulate and what not to." Face scrunching up, she let out a soft sob. "I think that's what scares me most about another baby. What if I'm already screwing up the first one? Why add a second one to the mess?" "Bryn, look at him." He waited until his wife's eyes opened and focused on their baby. "He's healthy. He's happy. He has two parents who love him more than anything in this world. he has an extended family who would do anything for him. I wouldn't say you're screwing him up, my dear. If anything, all children should have a childhood like his." Bryn sniffled and smiled at him--something that looked a bit like a caricature on her wet face. Walking forward on her knees, she pressed a quick kiss to Max's head before wrapping her arms around Anton's neck and hugging him tightly. She kissed him softly, all the while trying to sneak a glance at his watch. "Damn. That was only a minute?" Anton glanced down at his watch. "Afraid so, my dear." He shot her a humorous grin. "I could suggest something we could do to distract ourselves, but it would take more than five minutes." He squeezed his arm around Bryn. "So how do you feel about Mr. Mulder saying yes to our proposal, my dear?" he asked to hopefully make the time go faster. She nuzzled his hair, a bit reluctant to change the subject so quickly. Now that he'd hinted at lovemaking, she felt the overwhelming need to keep touching him. Sliding her hand over shirt, finding his nipple beneath the fabric, she said, "I was relieved...until you reminded me of what the Council would think. I wish there was some way we could just keep it a secret. I'm sick of Lilith's involvement in everything. I feel like we're in some charm school trying to please our 'head mistress'. But it's worse than that. She's a tyrant, and I don't want to be at her beck and call." "Hmmm...I'm certain things can be done." He bent over to nuzzle the side of her neck. "However, I don't mind being at your beck and call at all." He lightly nipped at her flesh, lapping along her hairline. "If we can convince Lilith that having Mulder as a body guard is a good thing, and I think we will, she will order everyone to back off. And Natasha aside, no one will want to go against her when word of her most recent execution gets spread about." She didn't let the mention of the execution distract her. Leaning in closer, she rolled her fingers in a soft circle over his shirt; meanwhile she slid the fingers of her other hand into his hair. "Yay for us," she murmured, turning her head to meet his mouth. She pulled gently at his upper lip, lightly tracing her tongue over the fleshy center. He tilted his head and raised it slightly so her tongue slipped into his mouth. Gently he sucked, wrapping his hand around the back of her head to keep her close. Not that Bryn seemed to want to move away from him. He gave out a soft moan as she pressed even closer. Mindful of Max, he tilted backwards to rest more against the bed. If they'd had more time, and Max wasn't sitting on his knee, Bryn might've straddled his lap and scooted as close as possible. And she knew he would've grabbed her ass and tugged her even tighter against him. But since it wasn't an option, she made the most of what they were able, leisurely exploring his mouth, and mapping the planes of his chest with her palm. Whimpering softly, she slid her hand downwards, over the waist of his jeans, cupping his crotch firmly. A shiver ran through his frame. In some ways, this felt better than sex, just being able to fool around without it having to lead anywhere. But when Bryn's hand traced over his fly, his thoughts quickly went to somewhere. His hand slipped from the back of her head down her back, resting splayed over her ass. "Mmm..." she purred, once again sucking on his lip. She loved the way he looked after a passionate round of kissing--his lips red and puffy, eyes slightly dilated, breathing heavily. He looked so young then, like an excited teenager...but then he touched her and took her breath away, and turned into a very skilled and commanding man. Someone who knew exactly how to satisfy her, move her, make her feel things that didn't exist on earth. Rubbing her palm over the center seam of his jeans, that little square where all the fabric met, she felt him lift his hips and couldn't help smiling against his mouth. "Does that feel good?" "Yeah." Eyes half shut, Anton continued to caress her ass. He was squirming against Bryn, wriggling under her hands. He was just about to suggest that they put Max in his crib and climb onto the bed when the timer on his watch went off, reminding him of why they were there in the first place. His breath quickened as he blinked at her. "Do you want me to check it, my dear?" She sat down on her heels, feeling his hand slide to her hip. Swallowing, she nodded, and reached out to take Max before he stood. She'd wondered why the baby had been so quiet for so long. Looking at his drooping eyelids, she had to smile. "Poor sweet pea. It's past your bed time, isn't it?" Looking up at Anton, she said, "I should get him a bottle ready. Do you want to wait or--no, I can't wait. Go look now and I'll hurry." He helped her to her feet before kissed her one more time. "Hurry back my dear." Anton watched her leave the room, swaying slightly to rock Max as she went. He smiled after her, though he was certain she didn't see it. Once she was out of sight, he looked at the bathroom and exhaled heavily, the air puffing out his cheeks. It was simple really. Just walk into the bathroom and look at the pregnancy test. Easy enough to do. But it took him a moment to psych himself up before he stepped into the bathroom. Stopping in front of the test on the sink, he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then looked down. Luckily, she'd put the baby down in his crib first...because she nearly broke her neck hurrying down the stairs. Quickly catching hold of the railing, she let out a slow breath to steady herself. [It isn't going to matter if you're pregnant, if you kill yourself first.] Walking the rest of the way, and carefully mixing the bottle, she shut off all of the downstairs lights and headed back to the stairs. Although she wanted to leap up them three at time (no matter that her short legs would only reach two), she managed to go a little slower. She deliberately avoided looking in their own bedroom, entering Max's room and smiling as he rolled over to look at her. "Hi there, little booger. Are you ready for your bottle?" She rolled him onto his back and draped his stuffed doggy over his belly to prop up his bottle. Although he held the bottle on his own, sometimes it was too heavy for him to keep upright. Watching him latch on to the rubber nipple, she smiled. "Don't worry, Max. I'm sure we'll be back in here to get you within a few hours. We won't let you out of it. I promise." Swallowing heavily, she reached down and stroked his cheek before quietly backing up and leaving the room. Anton stared down at the test, not quite believing his eyes. Still in shock, he turned around and walked out of the bathroom just as Bryn walked into the bedroom. He looked at her and then took her in his arms, pulling her tight against him. "It's positive," he said still a bit disbelieving. Saying it out loud made it sink in. "It's positive," Anton repeated, sweeping Bryn off her feet and in a circle in the air. Bryn gasped, wrapping her arms so tightly around his neck she was almost choking him. Hearing his gasp, she backed off a little, looking him in the eye, and pressed her lips to his. Shuddering a bit against him, she let it develop into a delightful shiver and wrapped her legs around his waist. "Mmm...mm...mm...I love you so much! You're sure it's positive? Completely?" "It's got a plus sign in the window," Anton said happily. "I don't think it gets more positive than that." He nipped at her mouth before pressing his forehead to hers. He felt almost giddy with delight. "I can't quite believe it myself, my dear. It almost seems too much to ask for." She stroked his lower lip with her thumb, smiling. "I love that you're so happy. I could stare at this smile forever." Reaching up to kiss his forehead, she murmured, "Thank you...for this gift. For loving me as much as you do. For everything." "No, my dear," he said as he walked over to the bed. "Thank you for making this gift possible." He sat down on the bed, pulling her firmly onto his lap. "I'm still trying to figure out why we were so blessed with Max, but this?" He trailed his hands around to rest on her stomach. "I can't even comprehend." She nodded. "I know you just said it and I believe you..." Looking down at his hands, she said, "I just can't believe it--she--is in there." Bryn smiled at him. "I guess Katerina couldn't wait anymore." "I guess not," Anton said with a goofy grin. He gently rubbed a circle on Bryn's flat stomach. "And it's going to be hard to wait nine months for her to get here." He leaned forward to kiss her lips again. "We'll need to set up an appointment with Dr. Anne right away. Not to mention tell everyone the good news." "I-I think we should wait. At least until after she confirms it and we make sure everything is okay. I think I've watched ER too many times." She kissed him again, as well, leaning in closer than before. "Do you realize that she'll be born close to Max's birthday? God, can you imagine Christmas and two birthdays? If we thought we were going to spoil them before...they won't even be able to walk in their rooms, there'll be so many toys!" "That will be easy to fix. They get a separate room for their toys." Making sure he had a firm grip on her, Anton tilted back until he was flat on the bed, and then rolled so he was on top of her. "I'm still in shock, my dear. I never expected to be a father, let alone twice over. Thank you, Sabryn. Thank you so very, very much." Smiling brightly at him, she wrapped her hand around the back of his neck and pulled him closer for a kiss. "I'd gladly give you as many as you wanted if we weren't so anxious to Transform me." She was quiet for a moment. "Oh, and if not for that whole labor aspect of it." Anton let out a quiet chuckle. "Two I think will be fine my dear. Although we could wait and see." He pulled her into another kiss, this one a bit more intense than earlier. He wanted to celebrate the fact that she was pregnant, but wasn't certain if she was still feeling woozy. Her legs still wrapped around him, she gently squeezed and rolled her hips against his. His kisses felt so good, especially when his tongue slid over the roof of her mouth. Sliding her hands down his back, she tugged his shirt up and scratched her fingernails over his bare skin. "I don't want to wait. And I don't think I can wait anymore, for this." Anton shivered against her. She was obviously feeling better. "No, I can't wait either." He rubbed his face against the flannel collar of her shirt. Slowly he kissed her exposed skin, tracing along the edge of the shirt to where her cleavage began. Bryn let out a soft moan, arching her back to press his nose between her breasts. She smiled as he inhaled her perfume and placed a soft kiss against the delicate skin there. While he was occupied, she used the opportunity to gently stroke his neck, fingers roaming over his shoulders, massaging his muscles. "What do you like most, of the things I do to you in bed?" Anton nuzzled her, then turned his head so he could listen to her heartbeat. "So many things to choose from, my dear." His hands slipped underneath her shoulders to curl around them, settling himself more firmly between her legs. "I love it when you toy with my ass." He dug his fingers into her shoulders lightly. "And how about you, my dear?" "Hmm...well, I really liked it when you drank my milk." She blushed slightly. "It just felt very nurturing...well, it felt really good, too." Sliding her fingers through his hair, she lightly scratched her nails over his scalp. "But if I had to name my very favorite thing, I think it would have to be when you tell me how beautiful I am. No one ever told me that before you did. And it feels really good." He scooted up so he could look into her eyes. "And that is their loss. Because you are so beautiful." Anton gently stroked her hair back from her face. "And I will tell you that until the end of time, my dear." He gently kissed her lips. "You should feel that good all the time, Bryn. Because it is true. You are beautiful." She gave him a soft smile that slowly grew wider. "Takes one to know one." Inching up the hem of his dark blue t-shirt, she stroked the back of her fingers against his belly. "You know, it's no wonder we have such a cute little boy...both of us being so gorgeous and all. I can't even imagine what our little girl will look like. She'll be breaking hearts everywhere she goes." His stomach flexed under the slightly ticklish sensation. "That's assuming her overprotective father actually lets her out of the house." He resumed kissing her lips lightly as his hands went to the buttons of her shirt, toying with them. He lifted up so she could strip off his shirt completely. Once clear of the fabric, he started unbutton her blouse. Watching his expression as he exposed her skin was fascinating to her. His eyes caressed her curves, his gaze sliding over her flesh like melting butter. And suddenly that idea excited her, and she knew they'd have to try it some time. She loved being so adventurous with him--they way he allowed her to be herself, explore new pleasures, and he never judged her. He was sensual, willing to laugh, and gentle when she needed him to be. But when she wanted it rough, he demanded as much as he gave. "Tell me more about the things you like. Favorite position, favorite place to make love, favorite memory...anything." Anton gently continued stroking her skin, fingers trailing between her cleavage. "You've probably guessed by now, but I'll make love just about anywhere, as long as it's nice and private. As for favorite position, it's hard to chose between on top of you like this, or beneath you on my back." He kissed her skin, lightly nipping one breast. "Do you have any memories, my dear?" "I--I had a vision a few weeks ago, that I wasn't sure was a memory or a fantasy." She swallowed, remembering the erotic images and feelings. Part of the reason she hadn't told him about it was because it was so unlike what she'd experienced so far...and she wasn't completely sure he was the man in the dream. "I was getting dressed, but it was like old Victorian clothes, or some era around there. Probably older. Very decadent stuff, with lots of lace and ribbons, a corset, these billowy pants...but they were underwear. All of it was lingerie-type stuff. And on top," she said, her hands coming to her breasts, "I was barely covered. Just this thin satin tank-top-like thing. I had long hair that was curled into ringlets and I was putting on my shoes, which were these fabulous jeweled little boots. "Someone comes up behind me and grabs me around the waist, and before I know it, I'm tilting forward as he picks me up and drops me stomach-down on his lap. His hand slides over my butt, over those billowy pants, and between my legs, but only for a few seconds. Then he suddenly drags the pants down and starts spanking me. Really hard, so it's a little bit painful. And it keeps on and on, but it I like it. Then he picks me up again, like I'm a doll, and tosses me on the bed, still on my stomach. He won't let me look at him. And the next thing I know, he's inside me, anally, and again it's painful...but it also feels...like, fiercely good. He's moving really fast, and he's holding me tightly, with his hips banging against my stinging ass...and I had an orgasm you wouldn't believe. And so does he. He goes limp on top of me, and we don't say a thing, but he's breathing in my ear. I never did see his face." He knew exactly who she was talking about right away. "Diane, for all appearances was a delicate woman. However, she did enjoy rough sex, both giving and receiving. That was one of the times I surprised her." Anton gently nipped at her breasts again. "She enjoyed to be spanked and surprised, as well as anal sex. You kept me on my toes then, my dear." Bryn smiled, pulling her shirt aside and lightly sliding her finger over the top of her breast. "I think I like her." She licked her lips as she unhooked the center closure of her bra. "I wouldn't mind trying stuff like that sometime. I'll try anything, because I trust you and I want you to teach me...both how to pleasure you and how to please myself." "Hmmm...we'll have to begin the lessons then." Anton leaned over to whisper in her ear as he pulled her bra off of her. "You know that Diane also gave as good as she got, my dear. I would love to teach you everything, my dear. And we'll have plenty of time to do so." Reaching down to unbutton and unzip Anton's jeans, she moved her hands around to his back and lazily slid them down to cup his ass through his boxers, squeezing, giving him what he wanted. "Tell me one of your memories," she said, then softly moaned as he settled his naked chest down on hers. "What's something you want to do that 'Bryn' hasn't." Anton gave a soft sigh, pushing his ass up into her hands. "I want you to tie me up sometime. Just leave me completely at your mercy and whims, to be used at your pleasure." He nuzzled her naked breasts, placing little kisses on her skin before sucking her nipple into his mouth. "I think I can manage that." She closed her eyes as he pampered her, her mind drifting to all of the billions of possibilities they had. And it dawned on her like never before that they would have *forever* to make those dreams come true. He was giving her the most awesome gift, eternal life and never-ending love. She pulled in a shuddering breath, overwhelmed with emotion. So many possibilities...and here she'd been worried about what they might accomplish this time they made love. [He has light-years, eons, to teach me all he knows, to learn each one of my dreams, to experience everything with me. Why am I always so eager to speed things up?] He continued to suck softly on her nipples as his hand drifted down her stomach. It was hard to believe that soon it would be swelling again, with his child. Bryn was so certain this time it would be a girl, and Anton hoped she was right. But his main thought at the moment was how soft her skin was, and those little cries she made as he gently worried her breast with his teeth. Biting her lip, Bryn curled her feet around Anton's legs and began tugging his pant legs down. It took several tries, all the while moving her legs up and down, rubbing her crotch against his repeatedly. She wiggled her eyebrows at him when he met her gaze, softly giggling at his pleased expression. Finally shoving his jeans off and to the floor, she continued to stroke his skin with her bare feet as her fingers dipped lower on his ass. He smiled at her, his gaze heavy lidded as he shoved his hips against Bryn. His hand dipped lower on her torso, unzipping her jeans. He let his had repeatedly tease and stroke her panties before slipping beneath the fabric. He let her nipple go, grinning a bit as she whimpered. "What would you like to do tonight, my dear? How would you like me to please you?" She opened her legs further and lifted her hips, trying to guide his hand. Threading her fingers through his hair, she cupped the back of his head and pulled him closer to kiss him. She sucked eagerly at his lips and tongue. Breathing a bit heavily as she pulled away, she said, "Why don't you surprise me?" Anton gave her a sly grin. "If you insist, my dear." Much to her surprise, Anton pulled away from her, and tugged at her jeans. Once they were off, he pulled off her panties as well. But he didn't climb on top of her. Instead he lifted her right leg leg until the calf was resting on his shoulder as he scooted near her. Holding her leg up, he pushed his cock into her. "Uhh!" She arched beneath him, everything from her arms down leaving the bed. He definitely had surprised her and it took her a few moments to adjust to his width. Swiveling her hips against his, she loosened her grip then tightened around him again. "God, you feel so good. I love your cock. I love everything about it." Anton's eyes were closed in concentration. She was so tight it was almost impossible for him to move. But once she relaxed, he moved easily and smoothly, although she was still tight around him. "I love everything about you, my dear. God, you're so tight," he grunted, keeping up his pace. Whimpering, she dug her shoulders in to the pillows and planted her free foot on the mattress, using whatever leverage she could get to push herself into his thrusts. He was moving powerfully, and she reached down to feel his ass, indulging herself with the feel of the rippling muscles. "Yessss..." Anton let out a slow groan as Bryn's nails dug into his ass. His teeth were clenched in an effort to keep from cumming too soon. Breathing heavily, he grunted as he thrust into her sex, sliding one hand down her leg. Still trying to hold on to some control, he slipped his finger between the lips of her sex to stroke just above where they were joined. She squirmed, an almost pained look coming to her eyes. The intensity of his touch made her entire body tense in anticipation, shivering with the strain, every nerve ending wired to the deep, powerful thrusts of his cock. Nipples pebbled and hands clenching his ass, she tossed her head and squealed, cumming hard beneath the onslaught. She was rippling, milking his orgasm from him. He couldn't have kept from cumming even if he wanted to. Anton gave a powerful thrust, pushing in a deeply as he could before freezing, savoring the sensations. Eventually, he lowered Bryn's leg, but he kept inside of her as he covered her, giving a rumble of contentment. With a slight moan in each exhale, she wrapped her arms and legs tightly around him, pressing her face in the crook of his neck and shoulder. She rocked slightly, as if trying to soothe him. Eyes tightly closed, she crossed her ankles over his thighs. She didn't want to let him go...not that morning, or any time during the week. Bryn couldn't remember being so emotionally confused in months, and she remembered her pregnancy with Max had produced similar results. She felt such an intense need to shelter and protect, to make sure he was warm and loved, comfortable, and although she didn't want him to move, she suddenly wanted Max very close by as well. If they could burrow into a little cocoon--all four of them--she gladly would've done it. Bryn didn't seem to want to let him go, and Anton had no problem with that. He snuggled against her more, arms tightening around her back. Although elated, he was exhausted, and there was more to face. As bad as it had been to reveal Max's miracle conception to the Council, this child's would be worse. [Can't be helped now, and it's a little late to worry about it,] he thought. The Council would just have to accept the fact that Bryn was pregnant again. And if they made any sort of threat, he would take her into hiding, as much as he had promised he would for Max. There was no way that he would allow anyone or anything to disrupt his family. "Anton, I love you. And I really love laying like this together, just the two of us. But I think I'd really feel better if Max were in here with us." She brushed her lips against his ear. "Would you mind too much going and getting him?" "Of course, my dear." He waited for her to untangle her arms and legs before reluctantly pulling away. But before he left the bed, he placed a soft kiss on her lips. "I'll be right back, my dear." It was only a moment or two before he was in Max's room, picking up the sleeping baby. Max, sleeping the the deep sleep of the innocent, didn't even notice. "You're going to have a brother or sister soon, Max, my boy. You're going to be a big brother." Max still didn't stir as Anton smoothly walked back to the master bedroom. Bryn smiled as he brought the baby to the bed, his dark hair sticking up straight from his head and a line of dribbled formula drying on his cheek. Without even thinking about it, she licked her finger and wiped the mess away. As Anton settled in to bed, she wrapped the blankets tightly around them and snuggled up close to his side. Although he was growing like a weed, Max still looked so tiny to her. It was hard to imagine having another one. She reached out and stroked his pudgy lower lip. "Thank you," she whispered to Anton, wrapping her arm around his waist. "This does make me feel better. But I have a feeling we won't appreciate it quite as much when we have two little kids fighting for space on our beds. "And a dog, my dear. We forgot Petunia." He pulled closer, gently running his hand up and down her arm. "I'm still in shock, my dear, that you're pregnant again. I mean, it still seems too much to ask for. First Max, and now little Katerina..." He leaned forward to kiss Bryn, careful not to squish Max. Bryn bumped into his mouth as Petunia jumped up on the bed, obviously having heard her name. Trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible, the dog curled up next to Bryn's feet and put her head down. Shaking her head, Bryn returned her attention to Anton, cupping his cheek as she gently returned his kiss. "I couldn't ask for a better family." End Chapter One Hundred Eleven <- Previous Chapter | Home | Next Chapter ->