Chapter One Hundred Fifteen

He sat on the chair next to the examination table where Bryn was sitting, already in the paper gown. Dr. Anne's office was quiet, even for it being late at night. The doctor would be back shortly with the results of Bryn's blood test, confirming what they both were certain had happened. And although Anton believed she was pregnant, he was a nervous wreck, afraid somehow that it was all a mistake.

Bryn was a lot calmer and somewhat contemplative. She reached for his hand, holding it firmly, and met his gaze. "I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry about what happened the other night, with you calling Lilith. It was the right thing for you to do, and I shouldn't have tried to make you feel guilty about it. I was the one who was wrong. I realize that you probably would've gotten in trouble if you hadn't called her, just because you're a councilman...but also because she's so adamant about knowing what's going on." She tried to smile at him, her eyes slightly moist. "I was rotten to you, and I hate it when I treat you like that. I'm so sorry, Anton. I know you're doing everything in your power to protect us. I just can't stand to see her boss you around like that...like I did, instead."

He shifted his palm until he was able to lace his fingers between hers. "It's okay, my dear. I know you don't care for Lilith. And maybe I should take a firmer stand against her orders. Because you're right. She does boss me around." He stood up and then settled on the exam table beside her. Anton pressed his lips to her temple. There was a little playfulness in his voice, an attempt to lighten up. "As for you bossing me around, if you didn't notice the other night, I like following your orders."

The corner of her lip curved at that remark. "Yeah, but you don't need to take crap from me, either." She turned slightly, so she was facing him. "You're the strongest person I know, both physically and mentally. I admire that in you so much. And it kills me to see you capitulate to Lilith. I know that because of her age and everything, she's supposed to be this bad-ass chick. But I don't really think she's going to do anything to you just because you stand up to her. I bet you could have her quivering in her boots."

"We may find that out tomorrow," Anton said with a slight smile. "And I think between the two of us, Lilith had better watch her step." He leaned over to kiss her lightly when he heard the door to the exam room open.

They both looked over to see Dr. Anne come in, an ever present medical chart in her hand. "I have your test results here. "Congratulations," she said with a bright smile. "Sabryn, you're definitely pregnant."

Bryn smiled, turned to Anton, and said, "Told ya."

He smiled as well, seeming to lose a little of his rigidity. "Do you know how far along she is?"

"Well, going on what you told me about your previous blood test," she said, looking at Bryn, "I'd say about a month along. You said you had some spotting late last month?"

"A little, but it wasn't anything that would require a pad," Bryn said.

"I wouldn't worry too much about it. But keep an eye on that. If it happens again, I want to know about."

"Okay. I'm more worried about going into that hormonal phase again. I felt like a raving lunatic last time."

"Unfortunately, not too much can be done about that, Sabryn," Anne said. "The antidepressants that could aid it I would hesitate prescribing. Hopefully being aware of the source will help you deal with them."

Anton placed an arm around Bryn's waist. "And we'll be able to get through them."

"Or so he says now," Bryn quipped. "Just wait a few months until he wakes up in the middle of the day and I'm standing over him with an evil look on my face and a butcher knife in my hand."

Anne laughed as Anton rolled his eyes. "You should be due December, about the same time you were due with Max." She looked at the couple over the top of her clipboard. "I'd like to check up on you in about two weeks, Sabryn, and give Max a check up as well. And I'm sure you remember the drill. Will you be needing a stock of blood, Anton?"

"Yes," he answered. He had mostly been feeding on the cattle now. Hunting really wasn't an option at the moment with how tight his schedule was.

"I'm sure Max will love coming to see you. He has a thing for long car rides." Bryn glanced at Anton, saying, "If Jess is home when we stop to pick him up, we should ask her about scanning the new baby to make sure we're right about the name. We'd have to start looking at name books all over again if this turns out to be another boy."

"You may want to wait a month or two before asking Jess to scan this child. Do you think it's a girl?"

Anton squeezed Bryn's waist tighter. Certain members may know about Bryn's past lives, but he didn't particularly want to explain it now. "It's just a feeling that we have."

"A month or two? I don't think I could wait that long."

"Then talk with Jess. She'll probably have a better idea than I would when it would be safe to scan this little one." Anne put down the chart and picked up a prescription. "These are the same prenatal vitamins I prescribed for you with Max. Unless you have any other questions, I'll see you in two weeks."

"I think that's it," Bryn said, looking to Anton for confirmation. When he nodded, she said, "Thank you, Anne. We really appreciate it."

"Yes, thank you," Anton said.

Anne nodded, heading for the door. "You're welcome. Drive carefully."

As soon as the door had closed behind her, Bryn gave Anton a suggestive look and beckoned him closer with her finger. "Ever have a quickie in an examining room? I think you should lock the door, sugar."

Anton's eyebrow arched. "Are you serious, my dear?" he asked. As an answer, Bryn leaned forward and kissed him, slipping her tongue into his mouth as her hand slid down his chest. "Yeah," he whispered when she pulled back. "You are serious." Reaching over, Anton flipped the lock on the door. "You know what's good about this, my dear? I can rip off your gown," he said, gathering two handfuls of the paper fabric, "and not feel guilty about destroying your clothes."

She gave him one of her biggest grins, holding his gaze as he tore the gown apart. "It's almost like she was just begging us to have sex in here."

He laughed, his hands immediately dropping the ripped paper in favor of softer handfuls. Bryn let out a soft purring moan, arching her back as he cupped her breasts. Opening her legs slightly, she hooked her ankles behind his knees and dragged him closer. "See, and this table is all nicely cushioned--well, we'll have to rip off this paper stuff so we aren't crinkling it--and I'm right at the perfect height for you to have your way with me. Lucky you."

Anton continued to squeeze her breasts softly. "Of course, you left out one interesting kink we could play with." He grinned widely as her head cocked to the side. "Stirrups." Anton leaned forward to kiss her lips, sucking the lower one into his mouth and nibbling lightly.

"Mmm...Did I eber tell you I lub the way you think?" she asked, her lip still caught in his teeth.

Anton released her lip with a wet sounding smack. "Yes you have, but I can always stand to hear it every now and then." Letting go of her breasts, Anton grabbed her hips and spun her so her feet now dangled between the stirrups. Walking around to the table, he unbuttoned his shirt and unzipped his jeans. His erection practically bounced free as he lowered his boxers. Pulling Bryn's body forward so her butt was on the edge of the table, he leaned forward to kiss and nip at her neck as she put her feet in the stirrups. The position hunched him over so that his torso rubbed against hers, his erection trapped between their stomachs.

She clawed at his shoulders, trying to get as close to him as possible. For once the stirrups weren't an embarrassing contraption meant to expose her to virtual strangers, but a delicious love toy, bending her at his will. They way he'd grabbed her, pulling at her and positioning her took her breath away. "I love it when you're so commanding and forceful." She slid her hand down his back and grabbed his ass, feeling his hips jerk against her. "It makes me want you so damned much."

Anton thrust forward, wiggling so his balls rubbed against her ass. "I love it when you get desperate, Bryn. When you claw at me, desperate to get me inside of you." He pulled back from her long enough to reposition his cock at her entrance. He pushed into her, grinning as her nails tightened in his ass. "Is this what you want, Bryn?" he murmured as he began to thrust vigorously.

All she seemed to be able to produce was a strangled whimper. The muscles in her legs quivered and her back arched as she clasped him to her. The way he was bent over her added momentum to his thrusts, sending him deep and hard within her. She was beginning to wish they had an examining table in their home--the thing was perfect. [It even has a moveable back so I could sit up if I wanted to!]

Anton continued to thrust as his hands clasped her shoulders, pulling her tighter against him. A sheen of sweat made his cotton shirt stick to him as it brushed against her sides. Bryn was right. This was the perfect height for them, allowing him to keep most of his weigh on his legs so he could put all his force into his thrusts. He began to kiss her, pushing his tongue into her mouth in an opposing rhythm to his cock so she was always filled.

Part of her wanted to wrap her legs around him, but the stirrups were too good to waste. Squeezing his ass with both hands, she began tightening around him with every withdrawal, making it harder for him to leave her, just the way she wanted it. She playfully tried to capture his tongue with her teeth, lightly nipping at him, and giggling when she finally caught him.

His hips continued to move rapidly, drilling deep inside of her as she sucked on his tongue. Anton's fingers dug into her flesh, moaning when Bryn's nails dug into his ass. He added a back and forth motion to rub his pubic hair against her clit, massaging it the best he could.

Bryn whimpered again, a higher-pitched, more urgent sound, as she grew closer to orgasm. His movements hit all the right spots, and she was convinced he had to know all of her by heart. He'd memorized her, uncovered all of her secrets, and knew how to unravel her within minutes. The sound of his hips slapping against her ass filled the room and she squealed, her toes curling, and she started to cum.

His eyes grew wide at the sensation of her gripping him so tightly. Anton gave a sharp grunt as she spasmed around him, his semen shooting deep inside of her. Groaning, he kept shoving into her as she still gripped him in waves. "God, you feel wonderful, my dear," he moaned against her neck.

Abandoning the stirrups, she wrapped her legs around his hips and let his body rock her gently. She was slower to come down from her high than usual, buffeted by the excitement of being in a public place. Licking her lips, she slid her hands up to his back and rubbed slow circles over the wide expanse. "We feel wonderful, together. We always have. I don't think anyone has ever made love to someone else the way you do to me."

"No, they haven't." Anton raised his head so he could look at her. "Our love is the stuff of legends, the fantasy made flesh." He kissed her cheek lightly, lingering over its softness. "And you spoil me so, my dear, by giving this love to me constantly." He lowered his head against her chest, listening for her heartbeat. "Sometimes I have a hard time believing this is real."

"You mean the doctor's office didn't help convince you any?" she asked, giggling. Combing her fingers through his hair, she gently caressed his scalp. "When we first were engaged, I used to think to myself 'oh that's why my parents didn't love me, and that's why I didn't have friends...because all of that love was in you, instead.' I thought I'd sucked up my fair share the day I met you. Because you love me enough for all of them, and more."

"Maybe I do, Bryn. But you still deserved to be loved by them too, my dear. But I do love you, so much more than I can ever hope to show you, even to the end of eternity." Still resting against her, his stomach growled, announcing a different kind of hunger. "I don't know about you, my dear, but how does Italian sound for dinner? A celebratory meal before we go home?"

"Oh sugar, you must be psychic! That sounds fabulous. I can almost taste the fettucine alfredo now. Mmm, and breadsticks, something nice and gooey for dessert...and some sparkling grape juice. My mouth is watering." She pushed up on her elbows and kissed him soundly. "Let's go."

Anton returned the kiss before reluctantly pulling away from her body. He righted his clothes and tossed the torn hospital gown in the garbage as Bryn pulled on her clothes. But before she opened the door, he pulled her into his arms for one last kiss. "I can't begin to tell you how happy you've made me, my dear. I must be the luckiest man on the planet."

She grinned at him, rubbing his chest. "Yeah, you are."

Anton grinned, swatting her lightly on her ass. "In that case, my dear, you can prove how lucky I am by buying me dinner."

Bryn rolled her eyes, leading the way out to the car. "Walked right in to that one, didn't I?"

Nate dipped another french fry in his Wendy's frosty and held it out for Liam, watching the little boy suck the chocolate concoction into his mouth. He made a little face every time the coldness hit his mouth, but was quickly consumed by his chocolate addiction.

Looking up as Lindy returned from the condiment counter, Nate smiled at her. "He digs this."

Lindy placed the little container's of ketchup. "Nate! Do you really think its good to give him sugar and salt like that?" She sat down and snatched one of the fries out of Nate's fingers before he could give it to Liam. An expression of disgust and curiosity on her face, she cautiosly bit and then chomped down on it. "I take it back. These are good."

He smirked at her as he picked up his hamburger to take another bite. It was a nice relaxing Friday night for them, but he knew his brother was having a different evening altogether. Part of him wondered if he should be there to support Anton and Bryn when Lilith arrived, but given the Empress's obvious contempt where he was concerned he figured they were better off fighting their own battles.

"How was work today? Actually, an even better question would be what would you like to do this weekend?"

Lindy frowned thoughtfully. "Maybe we could as Anton and Bryn if we could borrow one of their horses and go out riding. Or we could go see if Mack has any horses up for sale that you'd like." She took a bite of her hamburger and then offered Liam a small bite of meat as well. Personally, she was happy to be away from the Empress, not having to listen to her hiss hateful comments about Nate's fidelity.

"Yeah, I guess it is about time I had a horse of my own to ride. Maybe a racing quarter horse. They're a little stockier...I won't have to worry about crushing them with my massive size." He grinned at her. "I think we need to look into getting our own trailer and something to pull it with. Then maybe we could all go down to the beach sometime and go riding along the surf."

Lindy smiled. "That sounds lovely. Although I'm not sure which Liam would want to do more. Ride horses along the surf, or Change and run after them." She hadn't felt this relaxed for a while, since she had lied to Nate about Marrok. They still hadn't come up with a solution yet, but she wasn't going to think about that right now.

"Oh, I'm sure he'd rather chase them...but I don't think he'd get further than fifty feet before being left behind. Better leave him on the horse. Wow...I'm getting excited about this now. You think your parents want to do some shopping tomorrow? They could get the truck and trailer in their name, and we'll give them the cash. Something new, so we'll get a lot of use out of them. And one of those big trailers that can haul four or five horses. Hell, I'd even spring for some horses for them if they want them. I'm sure Amanda would probably like one."

"I'm sure they could do that for us. They might be able to scout out a few horses for us as well. And don't tell Amanda that you'd be buying a horse for her. She'd have a stable full selected before you knew it." Lindy took a few bites of french fries, offering Liam a few more. "Is there anything else you'd like to do? Go somewhere with Liam for a short getaway?"

"Hmm...You know what I'd like? To go camping. That always looked like fun to me, to have a little spot by a river somewhere, a nice campfire, lots of food. But I kind of doubt it would be feasible for us. They don't make a tent that can block out sunlight. And I kind of doubt we could find an area with the trees dense enough to cover us."

"Yeah, that would be fun. Unless we were able to camp in a cave somewhere, I doubt that we could do that." But she tucked the idea away in her mind, thinking that there had to be a way to give him that experience. She'd talk to Alex and Walter later. Maybe they had an idea about how it could be done.

"Other than that, I'm not sure what we could do. Maybe go hang out at the wharf for a while. Or see a movie. It wouldn't matter to me if we just stayed home and watched TV. I'm just glad to have you with us for a change instead of sweating and breaking your back because of your slave-driver boss."

Lindy grinned at him. "I dare you to call Anton that to his face, Nate." She leaned over and bit into the french fry he offered to her. "Staying at home and watching TV sounds good too. I'll try not to be gone so much anymore. Hopefully we'll get someone hired soon so I won't be having to do so many long nights."

"I'll be glad to call him that to his face. Remind me tomorrow." He propped his legs up on the chair next to her and took another bite of his burger. "This is good. I love bacon cheeseburgers. The simplicity of it versus the complexity of flavors is mind-boggling. And then you add in the frosty and french fries...it's like this party in your mouth. Add a coke to wash it all down. Perfect. Maybe I should forget the fancy restaurant and open up my own Wendy's franchise."

"Hmmm...you could. Probably make just as much money that way too." Grabbing her soda, she took a long swallow as she fed another bite of hamburger to Liam. "You still want to wait on opening your restaurant?" To her it sounded like a stupid question. Of course he would, given everything that was going on in their lives.

He nodded, loading up another frosty-coated french fry for Liam. As he popped the treat in their son's mouth, he said, "I haven't changed my mind, Lindy. I'm not going to any kind of work until Liam's in school. I like the idea of him having a parent home with him. And he's going through so many changes that I don't want to miss them. Who else would have the time to video tape everything for you?"

"Yeah," Lindy said, feeling a bit guilty. She really hadn't needed to work since she got married, but she wanted to. Most of the time she enjoyed working. But she did miss a lot of little things that Liam did. "You know, more power to Bryn, but I don't understand how she could go back to work with Max being so little. Kinda silly, huh, since I've been doing almost the same thing."

"Well, I think it's different circumstances for both of you. She only works about four hours a night and then has the rest of the time to spend with him. You work full time, and sometimes overtime, but you have me to stay home with Liam. It just depends on the person. I bet she won't go back to work after the new kid is born, though."

"Yeah, and I bet Anton won't be at work as long either." She looked down at her half eaten burger, thinking. "Sometimes, I think I should be home more with Liam. He's growing up so fast, and I'm worried about missing it. But I've got obligations to my job. Yeah, I know Anton would let me out of them, and I don't really need to work, but still..."

"Lindy, you don't have any obligations that aren't in your own head. You've done plenty there. You're staying because you want to. If you wanted so badly to stay home, I don't think Anton or an army of vampires could stop you." He licked his fingers after popping the last bite of his burger into his mouth. Liam pounded on his highchair table, demanding more food, and Nate dumped the rest of his fries on to the tray. "Do you think you'd stay home if we had another child?"

"Maybe. Probably. I don't know." She looked over at Liam, who now was grinning cheerfully, a french fry clenched in each fist. "I don't know that we're going to have another child anytime soon. I mean, I know we discussed it before, but I still feel the same. It wouldn't quite be fair to put a human child into this situation." She paused for a moment in deep thought. "You know, even though I saw it, I'm still having a hard time figuring out why Bryn's been blessed with having Anton's child twice where I won't be able to give you children."

He nodded, watching her face. "Well, there's even less chance of it, now that we're both vampires. But you're right, it doesn't seem fair." Taking a drink of his Coke, he summarized his own thoughts. "Still, there's nothing saying it can't happen in the future. Now that cloning is a reality, I'm sure there will be many more possibilities to come. Maybe even time travel."

"Yeah, maybe." She looked down at her food. "Nate, can I ask you something?"

He recognized and even more serious tone in her voice. "What, baby?"

She licked her lips nervously before continuing. "The other night, when you talked to Lindara about Nickolas and Yvette," the names felt strangely familiar yet foreign to her, "when you said that you didn't want to see them, what did you mean by that?"

"I was talking to Lindara. I couldn't see them now even if I wanted to."

"But you don't want to?"

"No, I don't. They had a perfectly good life without me. They were happy and safe, and loved by their mother. That's all they needed. I was the person who abused their mother and left her. They didn't need that kind of person in their lives. I wouldn't want that for them. And I don't really understand why she would."

"I think I do," Lindy said slowly. "She knew that it wouldn't be good if it really happened. But she had this fantasy that if you saw them, everything would be all right. That all the problems would go away. That and she felt guilty lying to them about you, telling them you were dead, even if it was technically true."

He nodded, staring down at the worn edge of the table. Fantasy would've been better than reality, he knew. For the life of him he couldn't understand why Lindara had still cared for him after what he'd done to her. [I nearly killed her, for God's sake. What the hell was she thinking?]

Lindy's head tilted to the side as she watched Nate. She reached over and grabbed his hand, giving his fingers a light squeeze. He was obviously remembering something. "Hey, where are you?"

He looked up to meet her gaze and shook his head. "Drifting I guess." His voice kept the same quiet, calm tone, even though his thoughts were anything but. "I made a lot of mistakes back then, and it's hard not to dwell on them." Nate squeezed her hand in return. "I guess you'll just have to find a way to distract me."

"Well, I think I can come up with a way to distract you," Lindy said. She knew that he wasn't being completely truthful, but she wasn't up to pursuing it tonight. "We could take Liam over to the park and play with him for a while. You know how much he loves being pushed on the swings."

He looked over at Liam, who had finished the fries and was busily trying to find a way out of the highchair. "I think he heard you, Mommy." Nate started the pile all of their wrappers on to the tray. "And it's a good idea. Let's clean up and head on out of here."

They had woken up before sunrise to go over the house one last time to make sure it was presentable. Max, sleepy and protesting being moved, had been handed off to the werewolves to watch over. He didn't need to be exposed to the confrontation that Anton felt was coming. Also, he told Mulder that he could have the night off. Unfortunately, Anton felt that he would consider that an open invitation to come over at an inopportune time.

Keeping herself busy in the kitchen until the witch--Empress--arrived, Bryn turned on the oven and grabbed a cookie sheet. She took out a pre-made package of chocolate chip cookies and cut open the seal. Finding a couple of spoons, she began shaping cookies and dropping them on to the non-stick sheet. As soon as all four rows were done, she put down one of the spoons, and used the other to scoop up a generous portion of the uncooked dough, nibbling the sweet paste raw.

"Want some, sugar? I have another spoon."

"Sure, my dear." He took the spoon she offered and scooped out a bit for himself. "Are you ready for this, Bryn? Because I'll be the first to admit, I'm nervous. I've had an uneasy feeling ever since she said she'd be coming."

"I'm a little unsettled, yes, but other than that, I'm fine. To hell with Lilith. She can't do anything to us. And even if she tried, we could have two more vampires and a pack of werewolves here within seconds." Popping the rest of her spoonful in her mouth, she picked up the rolled package and grabbed another scoop. "That being said, I'm glad Max isn't here. I have a feeling there might be enough tension to keep him awake for a week."

"Yeah, especially since we just got him sleeping through the day." Not really hungry, Anton shook his head when Bryn offered him another spoonful of dough. It was reassuring that the werewolves were ready to charge over at a moment's notice, as well as Nate and Lindy. He just hoped they wouldn't be needed.

About fifteen minutes later, the buzzer to the front gate rang. Anton unlocked the front gate remotely, allowing the limo containing Lilith to proceed up the road to their house. "She's here, Bryn."

"Sound the retreat," Bryn muttered.

Wrapping up the rest of the uncooked dough, she put it in the fridge and tossed the spoons in the sink. She set the timer on the oven and put the cookies inside to bake.

"Hey," she said, walking up behind Anton. She waited until he turned, then stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him. Taking simple pleasure in such a familiar act. She kissed him long and deeply, until they were both breathing a bit faster. Looking at his red, puffy lips, she smiled. "I love you."

Anton smiled down at her, squeezing his arm around her waist. "I love you, Sabryn." Arm still around Bryn, he walked over to the front door and opened it. The car wasn't parked out front yet. Holding his wife, he watched for the headlights coming up the driveway.

Leaning into his embrace, Bryn rested her cheek against his chest and watched out the door as well. Part of her wished they could just close the door and pretend that they weren't home...but Lilith already knew otherwise. Besides, knowing the Empress, she'd probably camp out on the front lawn and wait for them. "Have you ever wondered what she would do if we stopped her at the door with a cattle prod?"

Despite his serious mood, Anton laughed a bit at the image. "She'd probably use Seth as some sort of shield until she could get inside." His head turned slightly as he heard an approaching engine. Sure enough, headlights soon appeared and a limo pulled up in front of their home. "Here we go, Bryn."

She let out a sigh, reaching out with her leg to stop Petunia before she could bound out the door to greet the limo. Although the visualization of the dog jumping up on Lilith's perfect clothes was pleasant, she doubted the reality would be.

Out in the semidarkness, the back door of the limo opened and Seth stepped out on to the sidewalk. He buttoned his suit coat before reaching his hand out for Lilith to take. The Empress was extravagantly dressed in a long-sleeved, blood red, velvet gown, reaching down to her ankles. She looked like she'd just come from a fancy party--no doubt she'd only been eating dinner in her hotel room with Seth.

As her assistant lead her up the sidewalk, Lilith looked at Petunia and frowned. "I do hope your dog is clean."

"She is, unless she's picked up something from Max." Reaching down, Anton took a firm grip on Petunia's collar. He'd let the dog run outside once Lilith was in the house. Just at the edge of his vision, he could see a gray wolf sitting and observing. Walter, as promised, was keeping watch, ready to spring into action if needed. The werewolf would keep her out of trouble. Anton turned his attention back to Lilith. "Please, come in."

Already inside the house, Lilith arched her eyebrow. "Thank you. Will we be speaking in the foyer?"

"This way," Bryn said, already sounding annoyed, as she led Lilith into the living room. "Can I get you something to drink?"

"No, thank you," Lilith said, before Seth could speak.

Seth gave her a silent stare, before saying, "Something smells delicious."

"Cookies," Bryn replied. "I'll bring them out once they're done. Please, sit down."

Taking a seat opposite them, Bryn scooted over a bit on the love seat so Anton could sit next to her.

"I trust your doctor's appointment went well?" Lilith asked.

"Yes, it did, thank you."

Lilith was starting to look annoyed. "And?"

Anton slipped his arm around his wife's waist. "Our physician confirmed it. Bryn is pregnant. She is about a month along now." He wouldn't share his suspicion that he got her pregnant while they were in Australia. It was none of Lilith's business, and he doubted that Bryn would appreciate the knowledge.

"I was under the impression that we had made a deal, Mr. Rudenko. I would be kept informed of any further developments in your family as soon as possible, and in advance of major changes. I would definitely consider the decision to have another child a major change. Especially after the Grand Council meeting at my home. It's no secret that some of the attendees had major concerns after the announcement was made and I was overwhelmed with questions. Often times I had to endure hateful, vehement comments and one Councilman has threatened to dismiss himself from the empire altogether. Now, please, tell me how that could be considered insignificant?"

"I will not lie and say that it was an accident, Empress. It was no secret that Sabryn and I wanted another child. The only thing left to question was the timing. We did not think that she would conceive so soon after Max's birth. As for the 'hateful comments' you were forced to endure, tell the speakers to direct them to the correct recipient. Me." Max was his son. He would willingly be the target. Also, the venom wouldn't be filtered through a third party who may be blind to a viper in her own nest.

"You don't know what you're asking for, Mr. Rudenko. I am trying to keep your son safe. Whether you like it or not, it suits my interest. The same would go for a second child, only the possibility of danger is greater with two. As of now, the only way other vampires know your personal information is if you tell them or I do. It is not 'public knowledge'. By giving your phone number out, you're exposing yourself to great risk."

"Well, I don't like it that it serves your interest so much!" Bryn said, nastily. "They're our children, not yours, and you're not going to have any kind of interaction in their lives. So why the hell don't you just leave us alone?"

Lilith glanced at Anton and laughed, as if they were sharing a private joke. Only Anton wasn't laughing in return.

"I'll have no interaction in their lives?" Lilith asked, eyes flaming. "Were it not for me, they and your husband would not exist right now. I may be called the Empress of the Vampires, but a better moniker would be the Mother of the Vampires. They were my children...and still are my children. And that's a bond far greater than any human mother could ever hope to experience."

"A bond you only choose to remember when it suits you, Lilith. How many times have I come to you for aid with Natasha and Nathaniel, seeking justice for what happened to Ivan or relief of their harassment of myself and my loves, only to be told that your hands were tied? Fortunately, Nathaniel and I are working things out, but it will never happen with Natasha."

"One cannot keep their eye on the whole world at once, Mr. Rudenko. It is a very big place. And in the scope of things, your problems with Natasha and Nathaniel were very minor compared to many of the hundreds of squabbles I am expected to resolve every day. You came to me over people antagonizing you? I was dealing with lawless vampires who thought the entire world was their smorgasbord and slaughtered humans in their paths. Not because they were hungry, but because it was fun. I deal with veritable clan wars between vampires and werewolves, the counseling of new initiates who would rather die again than suffer this existence, problems and punishments, executions and rebirths--and you expect me to think Natasha picking on your girlfriends is important? Today is a different matter entirely. She has become homicidal and lawless, and risks exposing us to the entire world. Is it any wonder that your case is one of importance to me?"

"It was a bit more than 'picking on' my girlfriends, Lilith. I know now that she kidnapped, tortured, and murdered one of them. And now is not any different. I know your priority is keeping Maxim safe, while my eye is to Maxim's and Sabryn's well being. I will not let what happened to Stephana happen to either of them."

"Of course you want to keep your wife safe, as do I--"

"Until the baby is born, at least, right Lilith?" Bryn snapped.

Lilith continued without missing a beat. "And I will do anything in my power to help you. This 'Stephana'...you said you did not know about her until recently. How was I to know that such a thing could happen? Natasha had shown no inclination towards violence."

"Except for killing Anton's father and stepmother."

Lilith's head whipped towards Bryn, her eyes glowing brightly. "I really do wish you'd learn when to keep your big mouth shut!"

"Enough!" His famous patience was starting to wear thin. Anton leaned forward and slightly across Bryn, shielding her. His eyes flickered and the light in the room reflected off his fangs as he spoke. "Have you considered she speaks that way because she's scared, Lilith? We're both scared? Natasha has already made one attempt on her life, and it will only be a time before she tries again."

Bryn dug her fingernails into Anton's thigh, anxious to pick up the fight. She just wanted to get in one good punch. She knew she wouldn't last long after that, but just one good punch would be enough to make her day.

"Scared? The surprises me, Anton," Lilith said, using his name very formally. "I had thought you were quite at ease, given that you told me to dismiss the guards I had watching over your family. Would a scared vampire then hire one of his kind's most contemptible enemies as a bodyguard instead?"

"You had told me," Anton said in a too quiet voice, "that your guards couldn't keep a constant watch over Bryn. I merely replaced them with someone who could. He already knew about us, Lilith and he's sworn an oath on his life that he will not reveal our existence. And what better way to keep other vampires away from Bryn than hiring a hated enemy?"

She stared at him, eyelids at half mast, arrogance making her body rigid. "And you think he can stop Natasha as well? That she fears exposure so much?" Lilith shook her head. "No, exposure poses no fear for Natasha. Rather, I'm beginning to believe that she seeks it. No one man will stop her, especially not a mortal."

"That's none of your concern," Bryn muttered. "I would sooner trust myself to a human child than rely on you to watch over me. At least I know my chances with the child. With you, it only depends on your mood."

"I did not come here to be insulted," Lilith said, standing up. Seth shot to his feet right next to her, wary of her actions. "I suggest you convey a strong warning to your wife, Mr. Rudenko. I have killed men for less." She looked at Bryn. "I guess you're lucky I'm in a good mood."

Anton's eyes were still glowing bright. "Why have you come here, Lilith? To express your displeasure that your children are making decisions without consulting you? That we're growing up, and may not need your counsel as much as we once did? Threaten myself and my wife? You've done it. If you are this displeased with my actions, I will resign my position of Councilman here and now."

"The hell you will!" Bryn said, scowling at him. "I don't care what she has to say--you're staying right where you are." She turned her gaze. "As for you, Empress, I've had more than enough of you insulting my husband is his own home. I've thrown my own father out of my house for less." So it was a stretch of the truth. She didn't care. "If you want your weekly updates, we'll give them to you. Other than that, I can't guarantee much. If you continue to push yourself on us like an overbearing mother-in-law, we will disappear. With our children--leaving you without the special 'interests' you so obviously covet. If you think it can't be done, that we can't find a place where your all-knowing eye can't see, just try it. Push. We'll see which one of us is right."

Staring at her with a level gaze, Lilith replied, but her words were for Seth. "We're leaving now."

Anton watched as Seth scrambled for the door without giving the appearance of hustling. Without a further word, Lilith swept out of their home. Anton watched her retreat with still glowing eyes. He then turned his gaze on Bryn, wondering who had replaced his wife with this tigress.

"Fucking bitch," Bryn muttered, still scowling. Stalking over the kitchen, she barely remembered to put on an oven mitt before yanking open the door and pulling out the tray of cookies. They were all burnt. Despite her efforts to set the timer, she'd forgotten to push start after setting the time. She set the tray down with a loud clang on top of the range and tossed the mitt aside. "God damned fucking bitch."

"You said it, my dear." Anton came up behind Bryn, placing his hands on her shoulders. He followed as she twisted away under the pretense of searching for a spatula. She held it tightly as she turned to him, much like it was a weapon. "Hey, I'm on your side, remember?"

She was breathing heavily. She'd never wanted to stab someone so much in her life...and it took a few seconds for it to sink in that this was Anton standing in front of her and not Lilith.

Swallowing heavily, she slapped the spatula down on the counter and grabbed the belt loops on his jeans. She let her head fall forward until her forehead rested against his chest.

"I wish she was dead--er."

Anton's arms went around her shoulders, pulling her even closer. "So do I, my dear. So do I." After a few minutes, he tilted her head up so he can look at her eyes. "I am extremely proud of you, my dear. You are the first human I have seen in the last two hundred years stand up to Lilith, and win."

Her eyes were red but dry. "Then why don't I feel like I won? I think I only pissed her off. And she's right...Mulder may be on our side, but he can't stop Natasha. Not forever. What if I just rubbed our ally's face in the sand?"

"Shhh..." he soothed. "She's already proved that she can't control Natasha. The only thing that will stop that bitch is a stake through her heart. Lilith needs to be reminded that although immortal, she's not infallible." He hugged her tightly, letting her tuck her head against his chest. "And no matter what she thinks of us, she does have an affection for Max and will want to see him protected."

Chewing on her lip, Bryn leaned in to his embrace and tightened her arms around him. She was a little surprised at herself...and more than a little worried. Lilith wasn't about to forget this. And the next time they needed her help, she might not be so willing to give it. There was no telling what she might do.

"Can we go lay down on the couch? I'm feeling really drained now."

"Of course, my dear." Instead of guiding her, he scooped her up and carried her over to the couch. He settled on the couch, placing her in his lap before turning to place his back against the armrest, Bryn splayed over his chest. He grabbed the blanket resting over the back of the couch and tucked it over her. "This better, Bryn?"

"Yes." She spread her legs until he was settled between them, then pulled her knees forward and curled herself up against him. He felt so good beneath her, all warmth and comfort. Like her own fragrant mattress. Pressing her ear against his chest, she closed her eyes as she listened to his heart beating. Letting the steady rhythm lull her into total relaxation. "I love you, Anton."

"I love you too, Bryn." He gently stroked her back, pressing his lips to her hair. He could feel the length of her body rubbing against his, and it was turning him on. He wasn't certain though that Bryn would want sex so quickly after the confrontation with Lilith. On the other hand, when had she said no to sex?

She could feel him hardening under her, and couldn't help but shift her hips to bring him in perfect alignment with her sex. Tucking her toes under his thighs, she lifted her head to meet his gaze. "I think you read my mind."

"Have I? Good." His stroking became slower, more sensual, including her ass as well as her back. "Cause I want to have you nice and relaxed and feeling better. And you know what? We'd better take advantage of a chance for me to be on top, because before we know it, you'll be out to here." Anton raised his hand under the blanket, simulating her swollen, pregnant belly.

She smiled at him. "In that case, roll over. I'll be glad to let you take charge."

"If you insist, my dear." Anton shifted on his side, easing her off his stomach and onto her back. He wedged himself against the back of the couch and then