Chapter One Hundred Twenty-six He bought a 1963 Fender Stratocaster electric guitar, worth almost ten-thousand dollars, and he couldn't play a single note. He was still learning to read music on the page, let alone on an instrument. But he was determined to learn, and for that they had a steep price to pay. The garage was seldom quiet anymore. It was hard to tell which was more annoying...Nate's grinding 'music' or Liam's howls as he sang along. Lindy was seriously considering buying stock in a company that sold earplugs. That and stealing all of Nate's guitar picks. But the way his eyes lit up when he touched the strings, she didn't have the heart. She waited for one of the momentary silences to duck into the garage. "How's things going Nate?" "What?" he yelled, before grinning, obviously teasing her. "It's going fine. Listen to this." He took a few seconds to get his fingers adjusted on the strings, then strummed his pick across them. Then he moved his fingers again, took a moment to check them, and played another note. Finally, after a few more seconds he played a third. His ridiculous grin afterwards had her smiling too. "Pretty cool, huh? I could be really playing this thing by the end of the week." Sitting on the floor, his fuzzy butt leaning against Nate's foot, Liam let out a yap and wagged his tail at his mother. He was so enthusiastic about it, but Lindy couldn't help but continue the teasing. "Yeah, that is cool. Though I don't think I've heard an electric version of 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' before." She stuck out her tongue at Nate, mirroring his response. "Although when you become a rock and roll legend, can I be your groupie?" "I don't know," he said, pouting. "Groupies aren't supposed to make fun of the music." Hopping up on his back legs, Liam scratched at Lindy's leg until she bent and picked him up. He licked her cheek, wiggling in her arms. "At least Liam appreciates it. I think he wants to do vocals. We may have to get a microphone for him." "But he may have to learn to speak in complete sentences first." She winked at Nate. "You sure you don't want me to be your groupie? Someone willing to follow you from performance to performance? Someone to buy your CDs? Someone to be screaming your name out from the first row? Somebody you can have a quickie with before you go onstage?" "You mean I have to have a quickie with my wife? Damn. And I was hoping for a teenage girl." He stuck his tongue out at her again, laughing as she swatted at him. Setting his expensive guitar down on its stand, he grabbed her and spun her in to his lap. "I don't think you can be a groupie, Lind, because I was planning on you being the president of my fan club, like Marsha Brady was for Davy Jones." Lindy wrinkled her nose slightly. "But all Marsha got was a kiss on the cheek. And I'd want considerably more." Liam was squirming in her arms, and she placed him on the floor. The werewolf puppy immediately scrambled through the door leading to the house, off most likely to harass the cat. "So what benefits do I get being the president and number one fan of the Nate Rudenko Fan Club?" "Ehh...don't say Number One Fan. Gives me unpleasant thoughts of Stephen King's Misery." Lindy laughed. "You mean you don't want me to tie you up in a bed and have my way with you?" He raised his eyebrows, considering it. "Well, as long as you agree not to chop off my feet." Grinning, he leaned in close, holding her gaze as he nuzzled her, and then kissed her mouth. She only had a moment to taste his lips before he abruptly pulled away. "Oh, and no torturing me with Liberace music, either." Lindy arched an eyebrow at him. "Nathaniel Rudenko," she said in an insulted tone. "I may be a vampire, but I'm not a monster," Nate narrowed his eyes. "Must be just me, then." Smirking, he hugged her closer and pressed his lips to her temple. "Would you like to try that some time? One of us being a slave to the other? Might be fun. Believe it or not, I've never been on the dominant side of that situation. I'm more used to wearing the collar." Lindy thought about it for a moment before answering. "Yeah, I think I would. I trust you." And it took a lot of trust for her to think about putting herself into that situation. She snuggled closer, nuzzling his neck. "So what would you like to try, specifically?" "Hmm...maybe I should leave that up to you. It might be more comfortable for you if you're in control first. Besides, I'd kind of like to see what devious little tricks are up your sleeve." Lowering his head to her neck, he lightly scratched at her with his fang until a shallow wound began to bleed into his hungry mouth. "You're going to be disappointed when you find out it's only my elbow." She shivered as he sucked at her neck, her eyes closed in bliss. "Although I did see something interesting the other day. A dominatrix in a box kit." She smiled at him, waiting to see his reaction. "And you didn't buy it for me? Shame, shame." Nate made a tsking sound. "I wouldn't mind seeing you wear that. Especially if you put it under your clothes before you went to work. Just knowing that you're wearing that all day and then coming home to me...I might hurt myself." "Hmmm...I'll keep that in mind for the future." Nuzzling his neck, she scratched his skin as well. Slowly she ran her tongue over the wound, lapping up his blood before it healed. "But only if you're wearing those leather pants I got you when I get home. And nothing else." He practically purred. "I could handle that. Just leather and my Lindy tattoo?" "Yup." Lindy said. She slipped her hand underneath the hem of his T-Shirt. "And underwear is a no-no too." She stroked his bare skin. "That was I can just unzip and have my way with you." "Mmm. Question is, why aren't you having your way with me now?" He spread his arms to demonstrate. "I'm just sitting here, looking all gruff and sexy, with my electric guitar, and you're not even taking advantage of it. I feel so...neglected." Lindy smiled softly. "Can't allow that," she purred as her hand slipped higher beneath his shirt to tease his nipples. "Especially since like you said you're looking so gruff and sexy." She tilted her head. "So are you going to tell me what the perks are of the president of your fan club?" Leaning forward to nip at her lower lip, he whispered against her mouth, "Well, the sheer joy of watching me perform every single time, from backstage, of course. Plus my protection from the horny roadies that will travel with us. A personal pass to my private dressing room. And hey, if you're good, I'll even let you wash my clothes and take care of my son." He grinned at her before attacking her mouth, pushing his tongue inside to tangle with hers. She kissed him back eagerly. Her nails lightly scratched her nails over his nipple. Soft sighs escaping her mouth, she pulled herself closer to him, slipping her other hand down to undo the fly on his jeans. "You know, taking care of your son and doing your laundry is what clinched the deal," she whispered against his lips as she slipped her hand beneath his underwear. He gave her a wide grin...which slipped a bit when she cupped him in her hand. Tightening his own hands around her waist, he dipped his head to nibble at her neck, sucking and biting his way up her throat before switching to the sides. He finally ended up tugging at her ears, trying to talk as he did so. "Y'knnnow...ssss...I bet I could thhink o'sssome more..." "Ohhhh?" It was supposed to be a question, but it came out as a moan. She lightly squeezed his erection and then worked on getting his shirt over his head. Which was a bit tricky since he was still nibbling on his neck. "I'd like that," she moaned as one of his hand started toying with her breast. Nate pulled away from her ear with a slurp, concentrating more on the task at hand...or, in his hand. She was soft yet firm, and even though it saddened him that they would never have biological children in her lifetime, he was a bit smug to realize that she would never lose her gorgeous, trim figure. She had a tight, flat stomach, no doubt from so many nights of running and playing in her wolf form. Athletic thighs and arms, lustrous white-blond hair, angelic blue eyes. Not to mention breasts and an ass that were ample but certainly not flabby. She was perfect, and she was all his. And always would be. "You're gorgeous, gorgeous." Lindy smiled at the double use of her nickname. "And you're handsome, handsome." And he was. Dark hair and intense eyes. A muscular form that would never decay with age. Not to mention a cock that was a perfect fit for her. Speaking of which, it was growing firmer as she slowly stroked him. Reluctantly letting go of him, she started to work his jeans down his legs before kneeling between them. Looking up at Nate with a devilish glint in her eyes, she ran her tongue up the length of him. If she'd touched him with a live wire, it wouldn't have felt any more electric than her tongue felt at that moment. Shuddering heavily, he braced his arms behind him and let her have her way with him. In the back of his mind, he knew they should probably stop this and go check on Liam...but he couldn't form the words to tell her to quit. Staring down at her with half-closed eyes, he once again marveled at how lucky he was. There was his gorgeous, loving, generous wife, and not twenty feet away was his adorable son--and they both thought the world of him. He was truly blessed. Unwilling to take her tongue off of him, she squirmed, shifting her legs together. Lindy lapped at him, making sure she covered every inch of his erection. She could feel the heat radiating off of him as she pulled him into her mouth and began too bob her head. And she was starting to wish she had worn a skirt instead of her usual work slacks so she could easily place his hands between her legs and let him feel how wet she was getting. Nate groaned, lifting his hand to gently grip her head. "God, Lind...you're too good at that." She pulled back for a moment to smile up at him. "I had a great teacher." Then she returned to the task at hand, slowly lapping up the length of him. She used the fingertips of one hand to caress his balls, lightly stroking them. He wasn't sure he could take any more. Gently lifting her chin, he stood up and peeled his shirt off, tossing it to the floor. When she tried to reach for him again, he grabbed her wrist instead and pulled her to her feet. Dragging her against his body, he kissed her eagerly. All the while hastily removing her clothes. Lindy writhed against him, rubbing whatever part of him was in contact with her body as she was stripped bare. Her tongue tangled with his as she felt him pull her underwear down her legs. Giving into the impulse, she jumped slightly, wrapping her legs around his waist. He let out a soft grunt, but his hands quickly moved to support her. "You sure you want to do this here?" Instead of answering him she held on with one hand as she guided his cock to her entrance with the other. Nate was breathing heavily, watching as he began to push inside her. Even as wet as she was, she was still incredibly tight and he had to bounce her slightly to fit his entire length. Holding her close, he buried his face against her neck and shuddered heavily. His voice was muffled as he said, "God I'll never get tired of this." "Me neither." Lindy let out a soft sigh, trying to relax her muscles to draw him even deeper. Her breathing grew rapid and heavier as she braced her hands on his shoulders. Slowly she started moving up and down, giving little gasps every time her ass brushed against his balls. He growled deep in his throat, gripping her ass as he lifted and lowered her on him. He sucked on her lower lip, nibbling on the fleshy appendage, before pushing his tongue in to her mouth. She tasted like him, and it was strangely erotic and gratifying to be able to taste himself on his mate. Like smelling his scent on her, or wearing her mark on his throat. "Bite me." She stared with hooded eyes, her eyes starting to flicker. Lindy ducked her head and ran her tongue along the length of his neck, like she had his cock earlier. Then she ran her fangs along the same path her tongue took, lightly scratching his skin. When her teeth stopped just below his chin, she bit down smoothly. He let out a loud grunt, slamming his hips into her before forcing himself to slow down. It was so hard to keep from cumming he had tears in his eyes. Speeding up his thrusts, he held her perfectly still for the assault, his grip almost brutal, his hips making a loud slapping sound against her ass. She felt like liquid heaven to him and he was determined he would make her feel just as good. Lindy gave a soft whimper, not wanting to withdraw her fangs from him. She tried to shift against him, but he was holding her too tight. She had to give in and let him direct her movements. Which fortunately was exactly what she needed. Her squeals came faster and higher pitched as she started to tremble in his arms. Her shaking was exactly what he'd wanted. He needed to see her fly out of control. Slipping one of his hands further under her body, he used his long fingers to shift her sex back and forth, tightening her around his shaft, and rubbing her clit against his pubic hair. Giving her a few more hard thrusts, he surrendered himself to her, jetting deep inside her, his body rigid with tension. Abruptly Lindy let go of his neck, throwing her head back in a passionate scream. Her muscles tightened and then went slack as she collapsed against his body. Panting heavily, she dropped her head against his shoulder as he breathing returned her to normal. Out of the corner of the eye she caught a movement in the doorway. Turning her head slightly she saw Liam sitting there, eyes wide in puppyish wonder. "Um...Nate?" "Mm hmm." He was still in the midst of euphoria, his body filled with bubbly pleasure. "Nate!" she whispered urgently. "Look" Reluctantly he lifted his head away from her shoulder and followed her line of sight. Liam let out a soft whimper about the same time his father met his gaze. "Shit," Nate muttered. Even though his jeans were tangling around his ankles, he quickly shuffled over to the table where he'd been sitting and turned his back to the puppy. He slid out of his wife with a groan, settling her down on the table, keeping himself between her and their son so they could get dressed. "This probably wasn't such a good idea," he murmured, unable to keep from blushing. "Yeah," Lindy said, her cheeks turning rosy as well. Liam may not yet have the verbal skills to tell anyone what he just saw, but he would soon. It was embarrassing enough knowing he saw without understanding. She couldn't imagine what it would be like if he actually comprehended what they had been doing. "I guess this means we have to start being responsible adults," she said, pulling her clothes back on. "Or at least start locking doors." "Yeah." He glanced back over his shoulder, wishing he could tell Liam to go away without hurting his feelings. Quickly crouching down, he grabbed his briefs and jeans, then yanked them up as he stood. "Either that or we can train Montel to keep him busy until we're done." Lindy gave a little laugh. "Are you kidding? That cat would probably sell ringside seats." Pulling up her jeans, she buttoned them before just tossing her blouse on over her chest, foregoing her bra for the moment. She then walked over and picked up Liam, turning him so he couldn't see his father. "We're lucky that he can't talk yet." And a devilish grin crossed her face. "At least we won't be the only ones who have to be responsible. I'll bet Bryn and Anton will be caught out soon by Max. And what do you want to bet that Mom'll be an unwilling voyeur." Nate shouted with laughter, picking up his t-shirt and then grabbing his guitar. "Well, I guess that's one perk for her--she'll never need to rent another porn movie again." Walking up behind her, he nudged her with his shoulder towards the door to the house. Lindy smiled, feeling better since she had made Nate laugh. "Let's go get something to eat. And then when Liam goes to bed, we can practice locking the door." They were both dressed somberly as they got into the car. Anton hated this part of being an immortal. Being reminded of the mortal nature of those around him by attending a funeral. He had received the call two days ago after he and Bryn had made up. Carol's husband had suffered a massive heart attack and she had to leave in the middle of her shift. Discretely, Anton had made certain that payroll would reflect a full day's pay for her, as well as paid time off without her vacation time being touched. The last thing she needed to worry about was having to come back to work when her paid time off ran out. It was the first time Bryn had ever attended a funeral. It had taken her forever to find something to wear. Everything black she had was far too fancy or too casual for the situation. She'd finally ended up borrowing a dress from Lindy--which didn't exactly fit. But hopefully with her light sweater, no one would notice that the back wasn't completely buttoned. She took so long getting ready and finally ended up feeling selfish and flustered. No one was going to care what she looked like. It was a funeral, not a fashion show. Hurrying downstairs, she apologized to Anton and followed him out to the car. Once seatbelted, she watched as he started the car. "Did I ever meet this guy? He might've been at your birthday party, but I'd remember his face before his name." Anton thought for a moment. "I think he was there. He spent a lot of time playing skee ball with his daughters, if I remember correctly." He started the engine and backed out of the garage. Jess would be babysitting Max for the evening since Lindy and Nathaniel would also be attending the funeral. Bryn hadn't even considered that the man might have children. She swallowed down the slightly acid flavor in her throat and stared out the window. Now Carol and her children were all alone. Like John and his kids. "I can't imagine what would be worse--having a spouse die and leave you alone, or to be left caring for children as well. I mean, maybe the children would help you focus on the present and staying strong...but those poor kids would be absolutely heartbroken. It would be like having to grieve more than once to watch them go through that." Anton reached over and squeezed her thigh, trying to offer some comfort. "I've never gone through that, Bryn, and I pray that neither of us ever will. It would break my heart." He felt an odd surge of relief that he wouldn't be ever experiencing that with Bryn. That she would be Transformed and with him forever. She placed her hand over his and squeezed, but let go when he needed to steer. "We won't," she said, quietly but confident. "If we're really lucky, we won't even have to see our grandchildren or great-grandchildren die." The thought made her smile. "Can you imagine? I can just see someone spotting a picture on our mantel of four women who appear to be the same age...yet little do they know, it's actually four generations of one family." "That would be amazing," Anton said. It was making an assumption that Max and Kat would be able to have children. But since in theory Anton wasn't able to have children, he wasn't going to make any assumptions about their reproductive capabilities. The rest of the drive was made in relative silence. Once they arrived, Anton got out of the Prowler and walked around to the passenger's side to let Bryn out. Offering her his arm, they started towards the entrance to the funeral home. Spotting Lindy just inside the door, Bryn was slightly chagrinned that they seemed to have arrived a bit late. "Looks like about everyone is here already. Did I really take that long to get ready?" Before he could answer, she concluded her thought. "Although, I suppose not too many of them had to deal with morning sickness." Looking up at Anton, she shook her head. "I'm babbling already. I hate that. I hope I don't say something stupid." "You'll do fine, my dear," he said, patting her arm. "And to be honest, I'm worried about doing the exact same thing." He guided Bryn into the room. Lindy and Nate immediately greeted them. "The service is going to start in about ten minutes," Lindy told them. She had not been crying, but an unusually somber expression was on her face. Anton nodded and looked around. A lot of employees had shown up in support. Others were present that he didn't recognize, which he assumed were family members. "Have you spoken with Carol, yet?" Nate shook his head. "Haven't even seen her, or her kids. Someone said they were probably having a private moment." Swallowing, Bryn nodded her head. It probably wouldn't be easy to appear in front of all of these people, even if they were well-meaning. Sometimes it was easier to withdraw and find comfort in yourself or someone close to you. And then there were times when you didn't want to think about it at all and pretend it never happened. "How old are her children?" "Two daughters," Lindy said, thinking. "One nine, and one...twelve?" She looked at Anton for confirmation. The older vampire nodded. "I can't even begin to think about what they must be going through." Lacing her fingers together with Anton's, Bryn squeezed his hand. She couldn't help imagining what it might be like for him and their children if she were to die. If it were to happen before Katerina's birth, it would be doubly painful and devastating. Lightly leaning against him, she asked everyone, "Should we find a place to sit down or try to mingle?" The service was simple, yet heartfelt. Anton couldn't help but reflect on how many times he had been in this situation before - attending a funeral for a friend or acquaintance. And he couldn't come up with a number, even after several minutes of thought. Reaching for a tissue in her purse, Bryn dabbed at her eyes and scooted closer to Anton. She settled her hand on his thigh and gave him a grateful smile as he wrapped his arm around her. Listening to the minister's words was hard enough, but when Carol got up to speak about her husband and the love they shared, she couldn't even watch. Just seeing the pain of the woman's face made her throat close. As soon as the service was over, Carol began receiving her guests. Deciding to wait for the crowd to thin out a bit, the Rudenkos watched the children hug their grandparents and then talked amongst themselves. "How well did you did you and Lindy know Dan?" Bryn asked Anton. "I only had met him a few times, mostly at company functions." Anton shook his head as he squeezed Bryn's hand. "He was a good man, very devoted to his family the few times I saw him." "Sounds familiar," she murmured, nudging him with her shoulder. "Let's go give our condolences. I hate to run so soon, but we're feeling monstrously hungry over here and I don't want to make a fool out of myself by pigging out at a funeral." He gave her a subdued smile and a nod. Arm around her waist, they went towards the front of the chapel to speak with Carol, Lindy and Nate following behind. Carol still seemed to be in shock, but she took Anton's hand. "Thank you for coming, Anton, Sabryn." "I'm sorry that we had to be here at all," he answered. "But I don't want you to worry about coming back right away if you need time to get you and the girls situated. Your job will be waiting for you, along with bereavement pay for as long as you need." "Thank you," Carol said, her eyes tearing up. Bryn offered Carol a hug, which she took. "If you need anything, even if it's just a babysitter so you have some quiet time to yourself, don't hesitate to call. We'll do whatever we can." "I appreciate that." "Just let us know what you need, Carol," Anton said. Seeing that there were still others waiting to speak to her, he and Bryn stepped to one side. He watched, his arm around his wife, as Lindy hugged Carol, offering what comfort she could. And he was reminded that for all their plans to spend together forever, Bryn was still mortal, and would be for a while. He prayed that he would never have to experience her funeral. Swallowing heavily, Bryn toyed with a strand of her hair. She felt out of place here. She couldn't even remember meeting Carol's husband...and she hadn't spent much time with Carol herself. Anton didn't talk about his employees unless she asked. All she could provide was some sort of support, and even that didn't seem like much. Or maybe she could donate some of her earnings to Carol's family. At least that was something. Whispering, she said, "Are you ready to go?" "I think so," he whispered back. The actual burial would be after sunrise, and he knew that Carol would understand why he didn't stay, given how his 'porphyria' was common knowledge at the warehouse. After speaking briefly with some employees who had attended, Anton guided Bryn out the door and two his car. All the while he kept his arm tight around Bryn's waist, as if he never intended to let her go. She was never more reminded of their age difference than she was now. How many times had attended funerals? With over a thousand years of experience, the number could be too high to count. He was an old soul and she was little more than a child next to him. Looking up at his face, she simply said, "I'm sorry...that you've had to do this so often." Stopping by the car, Anton pulled Bryn into a tight hug. "Thanks, Bryn," he said, kissing her forehead. "I've never truly gotten used to it. Some vampires do in a sense, and learn to shut out their emotions. Others retreat, forsaking human friendship. I've never been able to do either." He pulled back to look at her face and body. "How are you holding up, Bryn?" She looked off in to the distance and sniffed. "Not great. It reminds me too much of Caroline. And I feel really uncomfortable. I don't know your employees very well and it sounds stupid to say how sorry I am when I don't even remember meeting the guy. For all I know, he could be a complete asshole. Or maybe I am, I don't know. I just don't feel like I belong here. Sometimes I don't even feel like I belong with you." Anton held her tightly. "You're still grieving for Caroline, Bryn. That's why you don't feel comfortable." He twisted around so he could look her in the eye. " And as for the other, how can I help you feel that you belong? It would be easy enough for you to get to know them, and vice versa. Especially since you will be working at the warehouse. And as for me, you belong here by my side. I am one thousand percent sure of that. The question is how to I convince you of that fact?" She shrugged. "It's not that big of a deal, I guess. It's not all the time I feel that way, just sometimes. I guess I can't expect that we'll be the same all the time. It's like how you used to be nobility and I haven't. I won't ever fit in there. And there are other ways I won't ever fit in. I just have to accept it, even if I don't like it." "No you don't." He kissed her on the forehead. "You many not fit in to my past, but that doesn't mean that you won't fit into my future. Yes, technically I'm nobility. Well guess what, since you married me, that makes you nobility also." He gently stroked her cheek. "And where we don't fit in, we'll make our own place to fit in." In the past, her first instinct would've been to ask him why he was wasting his time with her. Instead, she stepped closer and quietly hugged him. He was trying his best to make her feel better and she loved him for it. She wanted to tell him he didn't have abandon his lifestyle just to make her comfortable, but he wouldn't listen to that. So finally she just said, "Let's go home." Anton hugged her tighter and then opened the car door for her. Quietly, he got into the car as well, and then smoothly pulled out of the parking lot and into traffic. Other when he needed both hands on the wheel, he held onto her hand for the twenty minute drive to their home. It had been him before in Carol's place burying a spouse, and despite all their hopes and plans, it could be him again. Anton glanced over at Bryn, wondering if she was thinking the same thing. She did have worries about not fitting in, and always had. But more significant now was the worry that she'd never have a chance to fit in...that the opportunity would be taken away from her by Natasha or any number of other threats. Her bodyguard was certainly proof of that. And although she'd begun to relax a bit under Mulder and Anton's watchful eyes, the fear was always there. Once again, it wasn't only her she had to worry about. Natasha had no qualms about harming her or her children. Even if the vampiress didn't exist, there were a million other dangers. Just walking outside her bedroom door could be a hazard if the conditions were right. The most she could do was pray for the best and count the days until her future Transformation. He pulled into the garage and shut off the car engine. There was a pall over them, a dark cloud following them home. Each was lost in their own thoughts, and both were in need of comfort. He reached over and squeezed Bryn's hand again. "Do you want to have a little time to ourselves or go get Max right away?" Their son was safe with Jess and her family. And nice nap did sound good after such a stressful start to the evening. They could go get Max right around the time she usually got home from work. "Wait a little while. Long enough to take a nap maybe. Doesn't matter what...I'd just like you to hold me for a while." Anton nodded and then raised her hand to his lips. Once they were out of the car, Anton put his arm around her waist, hand resting lightly against the curve of her belly. There was a small bright spot in his gloomy thoughts. He couldn't wait to feel Katerina kick for the first time. "I'm dying to get out of these pantyhose. I underestimated my waist size and it feels like I have an iron band around my stomach." Unlike Anton, kicking babies was the last thing from Bryn's mind. A more pressing need was using the bathroom, stripping out of too-tight clothes, and elevating her swollen feet. Then snuggling up in her husband's strong embrace. And maybe something to warm her belly, too. "Will you make me some hot cocoa while I go to the bathroom, please?" "Of course, my dear." Watching her head on, he stopped in the kitchen to heat up the water and check if they had any of those tiny marshmallows she liked. Anton got the mugs down out of the cabinet, as well as a tray to carry them on. He was glad to have something he could focus his mind on instead of his worries. Once the kettle started whistling, he poured the water over the powdered chocolate and stirred up two mugs. Bag of marshmallows balanced on the tray, he picked it up and started upstairs to their bedroom. Aside from carefully hanging Lindy's dress on the hanger behind the door, the rest of Bryn's clothing hit the floor heedlessly in her race for the toilet. Minutes later, refreshed and body slumped in relief after being constricted for so long, she looked in the mirror and patted her big belly. She'd been wrong. Although it sometimes seemed like she didn't belong, she would always belong with her children. The two people who were and would be born loving her. And because Anton was once her child, even if it was another lifetime, that probably meant she belonged with him too. After washing and drying her hands, she padded across the carpet, toes curling in the soft fibers, and made it to the bed just as Anton was entering the room. "Mmm. You even brought marshmallows. You know me too well. And guess what? I just happen to have a bag of cheese popcorn to munch on." He grinned, shaking his head in amusement. "You just happen to have it?" "Okay, so I was hoarding it. I always get hungry in the middle of the day." "Hmm...does that mean I can start hoarding A positive up here? Get a little half fridge to keep our snacks in?" he said with a grin. He handed her a steaming mug and placed the bag on the bed by her side. Then he started stripping off the dark suit jacket and toed off his shoes. He was exhausted emotionally, and couldn't wait to be in Bryn's arms. "A fridge to keep our snacks in sounds like a great idea!" she said, enthusiastically. She smiled when he chuckled. Mounding a small mountain of marshmallows on top of each mug, she then popped one of the morsels in to her mouth. "Seriously, just think of the possibilities. Besides keeping blood close by in case of emergency, we could also use the ice and some of the other stuff...for some other stuff." Now naked, he pulled back the sheets and sat down on the bed. "What other stuff for some other stuff did you have in mind, my dear?" he teased as he picked up his mug. Anton took a long swallow of the chocolate, smiling as he felt the warmth hit his stomach. The warmth of her skin against his felt pleasant as well. "Hmm...maybe whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and some cherries? We could make sundaes." She smirked. "Of course, that would mean we'd have to have ice cream, too. I've heard the small of your back makes a really nice bowl in a pinch...but I'm sure we could think of other creative things, too." Drinking some of the cocoa, she pulled away with a foamy mustache. It was hard not to laugh as she tried to lick it off. Anton smiled and took another sip. "I'm certain we could get very creative, my dear." He put down his mug and put his arm around his wife and drew close to her. "Of course, we've done just as well without any of that stuff also. But it's nice to keep our options open." Setting her own mug on the nightstand, she snuggled deep in to his embrace and pressed her cheek to his chest. She was incredibly warm now and loved it. Here in his arms was the only place she felt safe. "There are times I feel like I don't belong with you...and then you hold me, and I think I couldn't possibly belong anywhere else. It's like I built my home right here," she said, lightly slapping her palm against his chest, "and I don't ever plan on moving." Anton grabbed her hand and lifted it to her lips. "I love you so much, my dear, that I can't begin to describe it. And wherever we go, wherever we are, you will belong, because I will be with you. If not in body, then in spirit. Right here." He gently placed his palm over her heart, feeling it flutter against her ribcage. His words brought tears to her eyes and made her breath catch. Holding his hand in place, she stretched up to kiss him, just a soft meeting of lips for now, but with the promise of more. She wrapped her arms around him once more, squeezing tightly, tangling her legs with his. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I'm so incredibly grateful that you love me the way you do...and that I can love you just as much in return." Leaning his weight on his elbow, Anton gently stroked her cheek with the back of his finger. "I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you will be my companion always. And that I'll have a chance to Transform you." He gently teased a curl of hair framing her face. "I would have Transformed you before, if you had asked. But it didn't feel right for me to talk about it then. Now, it does." "I don't think it was right before. I think Max and Katerina were waiting for us, and they wouldn't have it any other way." She rubbed her hands over his broad back, letting his warmth penetrate down to her bones. "We may not have met our daughter yet, but so far I've gotten the distinct feeling that she doesn't take no for an answer." Anton chuckled, kissing her mouth between his words. "No...somehow I think...she won't." He softly kissed beneath each eye, tasting her soft skin. "When is your next appointment, my dear? I definitely want to be there." His hand started roaming up and down her side. 'It's hard to believe she's going to be making an appearance by Christmas." She nestled close to him again, pressing her lips to his shoulder and then rubbing her cheek against him. "My appointment is on Friday. And I certainly hope she makes an appearance by Christmas. I may go crazy and decide to explode by then." Bryn sighed as he ran his fingers through her hair. His touch was a soft kiss on her wounded emotions, slowly erasing her fears with every passing second. "I hope she loves me just as much as her brother and her daddy do...then I'd have everything." "I'm certain she will," Anton said. "How couldn't she, with such a wonderful person for her mother?" His hands continued their soothing motions. He kissed the top of her head, nestling further against her. Just holding her was a comfort, a reminder that she was warm and alive, that banished his earlier gloomy thoughts and memories of past funerals. Reaching for her mug, Bryn took another few sips and swallowed some of the melted marshmallows. She returned the cup to the nightstand and turned to face him again, smiling softly. But instead of nestling back down in his embrace, she leaned over him, arms extended, and stared in to his eyes. Allowing herself to feel that connection that told her exactly what he was thinking. After a moment, she bent down and kissed him. Slowly, and wantonly. She tasted of sugar, chocolate, and the unique flavor that was all her own. Anton returned the kiss equally slowly, his arms coming around her back to press her against his chest. He squirmed lightly beneath her, his hands sliding down to squeeze her ass. Sliding her fingers through his hair, she smiled against his lips as she tickled the roof of his mouth with her tongue. She loved knowing the things that excited him and meant to use them to their fullest. Tracing the curve of his ears with her thumbs, she pulled back from his mouth with a soft tug. "I want to make love to you." Anton gently pushed up to kiss her mouth. "I think I just might let you." He relaxed beneath her spreading himself so she could easily access whatever she wanted. He wouldn't try to guide her, but he'd definitely respond to whatever she wanted to do. Smiling again, she pulled back the covers to his waist and bared his muscular torso to her view. It was impossible not to get turned on by his body. He was simply gorgeous everywhere. Of course, it didn't hurt that she was biased. Dipping her head, she traced her tongue around his ear and pressed her hand to his chest as he squirmed. She flicked at his earlobe, then sucked it in to her mouth, tugging sharply, enjoying his moans of pleasure. He arched beneath her, squirming to get their bodies closer together. His hands squeezed her ass again before sliding up and down her back before one slid down her arm to squeeze her hand on his chest. He tried to nuzzle her cheek, but didn't want to pull away from her mouth. She was so beautiful, so sexy, and so very much his. Sliding her thigh between his, she nibbled her way to his jaw and neck, placing sucking kisses along the way, giving sharp nips to his skin. She loved the way he squirmed and couldn't resist moving fully on top of him to rub herself against his body. Trailing down to his chest, she kneaded and pushed at his muscles. Her lips surrounded his nipple and lightly pulled, before her tongue snaked out to trace a circle around it. He loved it when she took charge. Anton threaded his fingers through her hair, trying to hold her in place. She was solid and warm over him, and he melted back against the mattress. He could feel her dampness on his thigh, and he lifted his leg to rub it against her calf. "Sabryn," he moaned softly. She released an answering moan, squeezing his thigh between hers. Flicking at his nipple with her tongue, she used her hand to pinch and pull at the other. He tasted like Anton, his own perfect cologne, and it wasn't long before she was sucking at the hard nub, rolling it against the top of her mouth. He was almost continuously squirming beneath her, his erection nudging her stomach. "God, Bryn," he whispered, staring at the top of her head. All he could reach of her was her back and neck and head. So he did, gliding his hands over her warm skin and silken hair, caressing every inch of her he could. She switched sides on his chest, giving the other nipple the same careful attention. Meanwhile, her hand slid slowly down his belly, over rippled muscles, down in the dip made by his stomach as he pulled away from the slightly ticklish touch. Bryn swirled a finger around his navel, over and over, before following the thin path of hair leading down to his groin. Instead of touching him where he wanted, she dragged her fingernails through his pubic hair, lightly scratching, moving with him as his hips restlessly thrusted. Anton wriggled and writhed underneath her ministrations. She was so sexy when she teased him. He repeatedly lifted and shifted his groin trying to get her to touch his cock. But no matter how he thrust or squirmed, she deftly avoided his attempts. "Bryn" he moaned. "Please." Pulling away from his chest, she looked up at him and smiled. And instead of giving him what he asked, she moved her hand to his thigh instead. Lacing her fingers through the hair there, she combed her way back to his groin, but avoided his cock and balls once again as she lightly stroked his ass. "Please what?" His muscles twitched beneath her hands. "Please touch me." Bryn smiled brightly at him. "But, sugar, I am touching you." A shiver ran through his frame. "Please touch my cock." She moved her hand up a little higher, lightly tickling his perineum with her fingertip. "What will you give me for it?" "Ahhh...give you?" He repeated, her words not quite penetrated his lust hazed brain. "Whatever you want," he moaned as the back of her finger barely brushed his balls. "Hmm. Think of all the possibilities," she teased, still keeping her touch low. "I could be here for days just deciding." "Bryn!" he whined, swiveling his hips. Grinning, she leaned over him to lightly kiss his lips. "How about I touch your cock now...and you lick my clit later?" "Yes," he whispered, shaking at the thought of tasting her juices he could plainly smell. "Yes!" he yelled out when her hand finally enclosed his aching cock. She giggled softly, slowly stroking him, and bent to kiss the head of his cock. As much as she wanted him inside her, she had a feeling he wasn't going to make it there. Lightly swirling her tongue around the rim, she teased the spot where the head joined his shaft before gently pulling him in to her mouth. She didn't add any suction yet. Instead she continued to stroke him, moving her tongue along the underside with each pull. Arms flung out across the mattress, Anton closed his eyes in bliss. His hands spasmodically clutched the edge of the bed in time with the caress of her hand. "Bryn," he whispered softly. "There's no reason I can't keep my end of the bargain right now. "Uh uh...I want your complete attention," she murmured, before swallowing him again. She gave him one long pull before saying, "You want to cum in my mouth?" He was about to argue that she'd have his complete and undivided attention when she asked the question. "Yes," slipped out of his mouth before he could stop it. She pulled him in to her mouth one last time, sucking strongly as she bobbed her head. Her hand cupped his balls, rolling them gently, teasing the small hairs there. All the while thinking, [Cum for me, sugar.] His hips started pumping, leaving the bed in his eagerness to get deeper into her mouth. Anton grasped the sheets tightly one more time, tossing his head back. He let out a groan that grew into a cry as he came hard in her mouth. And even after he came, he didn't stop moving. It was a bit of a struggle to swallow everything he gave her, but she managed it. Breathing heavily, she continued to gently bathe him with her tongue as he began to soften. When he was clean and calm, she moved her mouth to his balls instead, kissing and licking his scrotum, gently pulling at him with her lips. Slowly, she sucked one of his balls in to her mouth and swirled her tongue around it. She nearly had to hold him down just to stay with him. While not falling asleep, he had been growing increasingly relaxed as she gently lapped at him. But the efforts of her tongue on his ball got his attention. Especially when her finger placed light pressure on his perineum. He moved his hand to the top of her head, gently caressing her hair as he let out a low moan. Allowing him to slip out of her mouth, she switched to the other side. She wasn't determined to arouse him just yet...although she seemed to be, anyway. More importantly, she wanted to worship him, to let him know how much she loved him, physically and emotionally. Rubbing her hand up the inside of his thigh and down the other, she met his gaze and winked at him. His muscles twitched underneath her gentle ministrations. She was so beautiful, and looked so playful at the moment. He gave her a shaky smile, gently caressing her head. "Love you so much, Bryn," he whispered. Opening her mouth, she wiggled her tongue under his balls and then pulled back to grin at him. "Love you too, sugar." Crawling up his body, she kept her hand busy around his groin, lazily stroking and tickling. Kissing him gently, she whispered against his lips, "Do you want to go to sleep? I won't be mad if you do. You look awfully comfortable and drowsy lying there." "No," he said, brushing his lips against hers as he answered her. "I made a deal with you a few minutes ago." A playful glint sparkled in his eye. His hands lightly rested on her back, and then slipped down to her ass to squeeze lightly. "And I wouldn't have it said that Anton Rudenko welches on his deals." "Oh? You think I'm going to go out and tell someone you didn't lick my clit?" "No, just a personal point of pride," he said simply. He smiled at her. "Of course, if you'd rather I not lick your clit--" "I never said that. I was just saying, you don't have to if you're too tired...or if you don't want to." "My dear," he said arching an eyebrow. "Since when have I been too tired? Or not want to?" The hands cupping her ass tightened. He turned his head to whisper in her ear. "I can't wait to taste you. I can practically already." She turned her head and pressed her face to his neck, hugging him tightly. For some reason, now that the attention was back on her, she started getting that scared, depressed feeling again that she'd managed to push away after the funeral. Instead of giving him the freedom to move where he would, she hung on to him tightly and kept her weight on top of his. "Will you just hold me for a little while?" "Yes." Freeing one hand for a moment, he grabbed the sheets and pulled them up over their bodies, cocooning them in warmth. He nuzzled her cheek, sensing she needed a little reassurance. "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine," he softly sang for her ears only. "You make me happy, when skies are gray. You'll always know, my dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away." She let out a soft whimper and silently released the tears that had been threatening to fall since the memorial. She wasn't even really sure what she was crying for. Maybe a little for Carol and Dan, maybe a little for Anton and herself. Which really made no sense, because he would be hers forever. She hoped. And maybe that was the gist of it all. For now it was all so fragile, just *hope*. It could be so easily taken away, and there was nothing she could do about it. Just hold on tightly and hope. Anton held her equally tightly, He murmured soft whispers of reassuring nonsense as he pressed kisses into her hair. "Let it all out, Bryn. It's okay. Shhh." His hands gently caressed her back, rubbing the muscles, trying to offer her comfort in every way possible. When she finally stopped, she lay limply against him and closed her eyes. He was very good at making her feel better, and always had been. Just being in his presence had a calming effect on her. She almost laughed at the thought of how nutty she'd seem without him. Sniffling, she pressed her lips to his skin and kissed him softly, repeatedly. "I love you so much." "I love you too, my dear." He kissed her as well, still comforting her. He held her tightly as he shifted slightly, moving them so they were both laying on their sides. His hand gently caressed the top of her head. "If you're tired, Bryn, if you're not up to me making love to you, we don't have to do anything more. I never want to force you." She shook her head, feeling her cheeks warm. "You aren't forcing me. You only do that when I ask you to." When he laughed, she smiled. "I want you to make love to me. And then I want you inside me, until we both cum. I just need you." Anton kissed the bridge of her nose, smiling. "In that case, my dear, I think I'll keep up my end of our deal." He gently urged her onto her back and slowly began kissing her face. He rubbed his body against hers like a cat marking his territory. When he reached her neck, he brought his hands into play, one cupping her breast and circling her nipple. Sighing softly, she shivered under his touch and smiled at him. It was heaven to be the object of his attention and even better when he was determined to brighten her mood. Stretching her arms above her, she happily let him have his way with her. "That feels nice." "You think that feels nice?" he teased. Anton looked up at her and smiled. "Then you're going to love how this feels." He started kissing his way down her neck to her breast. Teasingly, he nudged her nipple with the tip of his nose before pulling it between his lips. He continued to tease her with light flicks of his tongue and gentle nips from his lips. He loved the way she writhed against him, rubbing parts of her ever so firmly against his by. Finally giving in to his own desire, he pulled her entire aerola into his mouth and sucked firmly as one of his thighs wedged between hers. Bryn yelped, squeezing his thigh, shifting her hips as she twisted in his grip. Whether she wanted to move closer or push herself away, she hadn't really decided yet. The pleasure was sharp and biting, spiking through her veins and pooling in her groin. Tangling her fingers in his hair, she made a fist, partly tugging on him and partly pushing him closer. Anton let out a slight grunt as she tugged his hair. But he guessed that she was really enjoying what he was doing. So he continued to suck at her breast, using the very tip of his finger to tease her other erect nipple. Tilting his leg slightly at an angle, he tickled her calf with his toes. Letting out a soft squeak, Bryn pushed on the back of his head. She wasn't about to let him stop now, even if he was driving her crazy. Still wriggling beneath him, she lifted her hips in a not-so-subtle ploy to get his attention. "Anton...mmmm." He caught her hint, even if he didn't react to it right away. Although he did start working downwards from her breast, he took his time, tasting every inch of skin he could get his mouth on. When he got to her navel, he almost became reverent, except that the motions of his tongue were a lewd imitation of what he'd be doing elsewhere shortly. Bryn giggled at the ticklish sensation, twisting underneath him. It wouldn't be long before there was no dip to her navel anymore. Wrapping her legs tightly around him, she pressed her hands on his shoulders and struggled to push him lower. Grinning, Anton grabbed her wrists and forced them to her sides. But his head did start to move lower, lapping at her skin and gently nipping her every so often. When he reached her pubic hair he lifted up enough to blow in it softly before ducking down further to nip at the top of her left thigh. She was clawing at the sheets below her, trying to wrench herself out of his grasp, which made no sense considering she didn't want him to stop. Half twist on her side, she used her legs to lift herself against his mouth. Spouting nonsense, she tried to scratch at his hand, to let him know how desperate she felt. But he undoubtedly already knew. "Stop...it's not fair..." "Easy," he soothed, letting go of her wrists. He ducked his head, avoiding her hands trying to grasp his hair. "I didn't think you wanted me to stop," he teased, as he spread her legs. "You sure you don't want me to do this?" Grinning, Anton ducked his head and ran his tongue over her outer labia. "Ahhaaahh!" She raised her pelvis so fast she nearly knocked him in the nose...and she wanted to do the same to his head when she heard him laughing. Instead she wrapped her thighs over his ears and crossing his legs behind his head, making certain that it was very clear she wasn't going to let him stop now or anytime soon. It was a good thing that he didn't really need to breathe. Because as tight as her legs were around his head, he wouldn't be pulling away any time soon. Instead he licked at her labia, tongue swiping closer and closer to her clit. He hoped that she wouldn't accidentally break his nose when his tongue lightly flicked over the pink button. "Ohhhh! Mmmm yesss..." She loosened her legs fractionally, but only to give him more room to move. She still didn't let him go. Tangling her fingers in his hair, she held on with a loose grip. And her hand fisted. Anton let out a quiet yelp as she tugged his hair. But he didn't let up with his ministrations. His tongue lightly danced over her sex, lapping up the fluids that were spilling from her sex. Moaning at the taste, he slipped a hand between her legs and slipped a finger inside. She squealed, immediately tightening around him. Releasing his hair and letting her legs go lax, she arched away from the mattress and rode his finger with her hips. As much as she loved having his mouth on her, she really wanted to be filled. "Mmmm...want you...inside me." He continued to lap at her until she grabbed his hair again. Breathing heavily, Anton scrambled up her body, positioning his cock at her entrance. He shoved with his hips and breached her as he kissed her mouth deeply. He moaned into that kiss, feeling her grip him tightly. Bryn moaned as well, lifting herself into his kisses. Her hands slid down to grab his ass, pulling him tighter between her legs. She wasn't ready to let him move just yet. It felt too good just to grip him tightly, over and over. Sensitive from his touches, she quivered around him and wiggled her hips beneath him. Anton pulled away long enough to bite his lip to keep from cumming then and there. He took a deep breath and then resumed kissing her, his tongue working rapidly. If he wasn't able to move his cock, he was definitely going to have something moving to please her. Giggling, she loosened her grip on his hips and encouraged him to move by lifting her own. Even wet, she was tight around his large cock and the friction they produced was electric. If they could've kept up that same intensity all day, she didn't think they'd ever leave the bed. Sucking on his tongue, she slid one hand up his back to grab his shoulder and anchor herself to him. The other slid down his ass a bit, fingers dipping in to the crease to teasingly stroke around his anus. He let out a groan, his hips twitching back and forth. He squeezed her body tightly, trying to get deeper in her mouth and her sex. Reaching down to grab the back of her thigh, he pulled her leg up and over his waist, rubbing his palm against her skin. His rocking grew stronger until he maintained a strong rhythm, his balls slapping against her ass. Bryn was finding it increasingly hard to keep quiet and whimpered with every slap of his body against hers. Spreading her other leg a little wider, she used it to push herself up to meet him. Her nipples were almost painfully hard as they brushed against his chest. Rubbing his anus firmly now, she squeaked as his hips gave a little jump, pushing him right where she wanted him. Moaning loudly, she squeezed him harder. Anton let out a loud groan, continuing to thrust into her. His mouth dropped to her neck, sucking at the scar he had given her so long ago. He couldn't wait until the day he could do this to her, but sink his fangs instead. His thrusts became even more demanding as he sucked on her, making sure his pubic hair rubbed her clit. All she could seem to do was hold on in the midst of his fury, squeezing him for all she was worth. Her finger kept up the rhythmic stroking of his anus. He was hitting her in all the right places, moving at a perfect speed and she shook in to orgasm before she knew it was coming. Gasping, she clenched around him and shuddered fiercely. Anton pulled away from his neck and let out a loud yell, cumming for the second time that night as she squeezed him tightly. Lights exploded behind his closed eyelids and he shook with release. He kept himself from collapsing on Bryn, but settled down on top of her. His hands gently caressed her sides. Panting heavily, she pushed on his shoulder and urged him to roll with her to their sides. She kept her legs tight around his hips, hoping to keep him inside her for as long as possible. Feeling her pulse pounding and her head throbbing a bit, she settled her forehead against his and closed her eyes. "Ohhh...can we take that nap now?" Anton chuckled softly. "My dear, I think we both deserve that nap." He pulled the rumpled sheets back up over their bodies. He kissed her lips lightly and tightened his arms around her. "Love you so much, Sabryn. And I always will." She smiled, hugging him tightly and kissing his face repeatedly. "I love you so much, too, Anton. And I always will." Pressing one long, lingering kiss to his lips, she whispered, "And you'll always know how much." End Chapter One Hundred Twenty-six <- Previous Chapter | Home | Next Chapter ->