Chapter One Hundred Twenty-eight

She wasn't sure if she should talk to him now, or at the end of her shift. Eventually she found out that Justin had made the decision for her by not showing up at the gallery until almost closing time. Finishing up with a last minute customer, who ended up not buying anything anyway, Bryn shut down her computer and began gathering her things.

It wasn't going to be easy to say goodbye to this place. As much as she wanted to be home, to take care of Max and eventually Katerina, she enjoyed being so close to all of the beautiful paintings. If they could've had a gallery in their home, she would've gladly taken it. But that was something different entirely. She'd made some friends here and gathered some new confidence. That would be hard to wave away.

After locking up her office for the night, she walked to Justin's office and knocked on the open door, getting his attention. "If it's okay, I wanted to talk to you before I head home?"

He looked up from the computer as she knocked. Justin gestured her forward. "Come in Sabryn." He wasn't sure what to make of the expression on her face. Which disturbed him, because he prided himself on his ability to read people. "Please, take a seat." While she entered the room, he typed something on the keyboard and then turned his attention fully to her. Resting his forearms on the desk, he leaned forward on his elbows, his fingers interlaced. "What did you want to talk about?"

Setting her purse down next to her, Bryn sat down and crossed her ankles. She couldn't help fidgeting with her fingernails. "First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you gave me to work here. I have learned so much, not only about art, but also about myself. Some things I don't think I would've had the chance to otherwise. You saw some things in me that I didn't see in myself, and I am so grateful that I've had the chance to discover them. I feel like I owe you so much...which makes what I have to say even harder."

A flicker of concern passed over his face. She hadn't been this nervous near him for a long time. In fact, she appeared even more nervous than when he interviewed her. "Sabryn, is there something wrong with the job? It almost sounds like you're saying goodbye."

Bryn pursed her lips. "I am." She didn't give him a chance to reply. She wanted to get it all out before the guilt set in. "I'm not sure if I mentioned it already or not, but I was planning on leaving the workplace when my daughter is born, anyway. But I've started to realize that I can't wait that long. I miss my son very much, and it's hard for me to be away from him while justifying the fact that I'm not willing to be away from my daughter. It's going to be a lot harder when there are two of them, that's true, but since I don't really need the money, I can't in good conscience be away from him anymore. My husband is taking care of us financially, so I'm going to do my part of take care of the children while he's working."

"I see." He was losing one of his best salespeople, something that was a difficulty. But there were other considerations that were affected by her announcement. "I'm assuming there is nothing I can say or do to convince you to stay, or change your mind once your child is born?" When Bryn shook her head, Justin nodded. "When will you be leaving?"

She swallowed. "I'm giving you my two weeks notice now. I plan to finish out the rest of July and have my office cleared out by August 4th. If that's not enough time for you to find a replacement, I'll consider an extra few days, but nothing more than that."

"I see." He sighed and then rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Then I have no choice but accept your resignation, Sabryn. It has been a pleasure working with you, and I will miss you greatly. If you do change your mind, you will always have a job here."

Bryn closed her eyes briefly. [Why couldn't you just be a bastard about it?] Taking a deep breath, she looked up at him and nodded her head. "Thank you, Justin. It was a pleasure for me, too. And not an easy decision, at all. I hope you know that." Standing up, she took a step forward and offered him her hand. "If I had the luxury of being in two places at once...well, you understand."

He stood up and came around the desk to take her hand. "I know the feeling," he said. "I just hope you will reconsider." As if realizing he was holding her hand for longer than proper, he let go of it. "Have a good evening, Sabryn," he called out as she turned and walked through the door.

Once she was gone, he waited for a moment and then went to the door as well. He looked outside his office, making sure that he was alone. Then he shut and locked the office door, not wanting any interruptions. Then he went to the phone. Although there was some sadness in his expression, there was also grim determination. He dialed the number that he had memorized and waited impatiently for someone to answer. "This is Justinius. We may have a problem..."

Although she usually stayed and talked to the security guards or the employees for a while, this time Bryn kept walking. Or maybe trudging was more the word. Pouting slightly, she didn't bother to knock on Anton's door and wait for him to greet her. Instead of waiting for him to finish what he was working on, she opened the door, walked around his desk, and plopped down in his lap, letting out a long sigh. Then she lazily leaned against him and settled her head on his shoulder.

He had looked up, surprised when Bryn entered his office without saying a word. But he didn't ask her how talking to Justin went. Her body language spoke all too well. Instead he pushed back from the desk to give them a little more room. His lips brushed her forehead and he put his arms around her, squeezing her tight. After a moment, he did speak. "It didn't go well, my dear?"

"I suck," she mumbled. "I feel so guilty. He practically invented that job just for me, and I end up quitting on him after a few months. And he sounded really disappointed, too." After a few moments in silence, with only her sulking sighs to interrupt it, she finally said, "Am I an ungrateful little bitch?"

"No you are not." He kissed her forehead again. "You were honest and told him your reasons for going. You're giving him plenty of time to find a replacement, something that I wish all the people who leave here would do. And as for his disappointment, I'm sure he'll live." He rubbed his hand up and down her arm. "The question is, do you want to change your mind and go back? Or is being home with Max and Kat going to be enough for you?"

"It will be more than enough. I don't want to change my mind at all. I just feel bad. And I don't want to find out later that he said something bad about me because of the way I left." She looked at him and nodded. "I know, I know...I shouldn't give a crap what he thinks." Dropping her purse on the floor, she got up from his lap, then turned to straddle his thighs instead. Scooting in close, she wrapped her arms around him and settled her cheek on his shoulder. "I just wanted to come bug you. You make me feel better."

"And what could he say about the way you left, my dear? You were professional, and had a more than valid reason." His hand ghosted over her curving stomach. It seemed that Bryn was getting a little bit bigger each day. "Besides, if anything, it will only help your career to be on good terms with Justin. Perhaps he'll request that you contract your paintings for sale through him on an outside basis." Anton kissed her forehead again. "Now how can I make you feel better? Ditching work early for a hot fudge sundae at McDonalds?"

Bryn let out a small moan and turned her head to kiss his cheek. "Oh, I love you. That sounds perfect. And maybe a two-cheeseburger extra value meal, super-sized, with a Coke? I bet Max would like a Happy Meal, too." She batted her eyelashes at him.

Anton smiled at how her mood reversed. "Give me a few minutes to sign off some stuff, and grab my keys." But he didn't dislodge her from his lap. Instead he resumed typing one handed at his computer, finishing off a report. His other hand stroked her side, as if he was petting a large cat that had wandered onto his legs.

Bryn smiled to herself, wriggling closer to him. She turned slightly to watch him work, somewhat aroused by the mundane task. Watching him play the executive was fun...now if only he was wearing one of those ties.

"You haven't had any problems with employees lately, have you? I hope that means Natasha is finally backing off."

"No problems with the employees. Alex and Vandala are looking distinctly bored." He continued to type and then saved the document. "As for Natasha," he said with a sigh, "I'm afraid we haven't seen the last of her. This is part of her pattern - rile things up and then go underground for a while." He turned slightly to kiss her cheek. "But she's not going to stop us for living our lives. Or deaths in some cases," he said with a slight chuckle.

Unfortunately, she didn't share his sense of humor on the subject. "I guess it was a stretch to think we might get that lucky." Scooting off his lap, she stood up and leaned against his desk instead. "We should move. Maybe we could just find a little hut in a South American village somewhere and harvest coffee beans. I could learn to knit some sweaters for us and we could buy a couple of goats. And we'd change our names so Natasha would never find us. You could be Fernando and I'll be Raquel. Max and Kat will need new names, too."

"How about Pepe and Maria?" Anton nuzzled her cheek as he hit the shut down button. "My dear, we can run and hide and live in fear. Or we can live freely. Personally, I'd rather take the second option. Otherwise, she'll control our lives forever."

Bryn pouted. "But I was looking forward to calling you Fernando."

Anton smiled and then kissed her lower lip. "Well, if you really want to. Personally, I'm surprised that you didn't go with Antonio."

"And have everyone think I'm secretly in love with Antonio Banderas? I think not. I'm just an ABBA fan." She smiled at him. "Are you ready to go, Fernando?"

Anton grinned at her. "I will be when you get off my lap, Ms. Welch."

"Har har, Mr. Comedian." Picking up her purse off the floor, she started heading for the door. "I guess I'm lucky you didn't call me Barbarella."

"I was saving that for later." He followed her out of the door, leaving a folder on Michelle's desk. They headed out of the door, saying goodbye to everyone they passed. And they got into the car and drove into town and to the nearest McDonalds.

After paying for their meals, Anton drove away towards a deserted parking lot to get away from the traffic. Pulling in, he shut off the engine. The scent of french fries had been teasing him the whole time. "I don't know about you, my dear, but I'm really hungry now."

She was about to say that Max probably was, too, but the truth was Jess gave him plenty to eat and could often sense he was hungry long before his own parents could. Deciding that she didn't need to worry about him, she turned in her seat and started handing out the food. Munching on the fries all the while.

"Y'know...never thought...fries'd be so good."

"Uh huh." He accepted the burger and took a bite. And then snatched a french fry out of her hand and popped it in his mouth. "They are wonderful when they're fresh like this. Although in your case it might be a pregnancy craving," he teased.

Bryn whacked his arm. "It's not funny! You don't know what it's like. I could eat and eat and eat...but if it's not the food I'm craving, it just doesn't satisfy me. I could turn in to a blimp and still be hungry!" Pointing her finger at him, she warned, "You're lucky I don't curse you in to having the same problem--but for something really gross like fresh tadpoles tatare!"

Anton raised an eyebrow, a smirk on his face. "And you don't find me drinking hot blood 'really gross?'" he asked. "Although you've been very good about not having the unusual pregnancy cravings. I don't think you've asked for pickles and ice cream even once."

"Don't speak too soon. There's still a whole trimester left." Picking up her tanker-sized Coke, she took several long swallows. "In case you hadn't noticed, I've been dealing very well with the whole blood issue, especially given how queasy it used to make me."

"Yes I have, and I'm very proud of you." Shifting closer to her, Anton put an arm around her shoulders. "In fact, this might be a good thing. One of the problems many new vampires have to deal with is blood taboos. You have a head start on that I'd say."

Leaning her head against the head rest, Bryn opened up one of her cheeseburger wrappers and took a bite. She felt ravenous, and still a little guilty about leaving her job. But she was with Anton now and everything else could go away. Especially other vampires...like Natasha.

"It's going to be weird being at home again. Maybe I'll finally get more than one load clothes done a week. Poor Max won't have to keep wearing the same stuff all the time."

Anton raised an eyebrow as he bit into his hamburger. "I thought we just had bought him several of the same outfits." He chewed and then swallowed thoughtfully. "Have you thought about going back to school, my dear? I mean not now, but later when the kids are a bit older."

"I'll probably have to, eventually. If I want to be able to compete technologically. And besides, it would probably be a good thing if I started learning more about antiques. It might even be fun to learn some stuff about archaeology, too. You never know...we could deal in antiques and antiquities!"

Anton laughed. "And we could do specialized searches for vampires. Antiques and antiquities for ancients." He took another bite of his meal, and then put the remainder of the burger down. "Although some of us don't act so ancient, my dear. But then you've noticed that."

"Hmm. Which one of us were you referring to, old man?"

"I was referring to me, little girl. Although I guess theoretically you would would be older than me." He leaned over and whispered into her ear. "Doesn't it ever freak you out that you, in a way, are married to your own son?"

"I'm not the one who should be freaked, Oedipus."

Anton chuckled. "Touche, my dear. And yet, somehow I can't bring myself to worry about it." His arm around her shoulders squeezed them lightly. "You're lucky sometimes when we're alone like this that I give you a chance to eat."

She arched an eyebrow, finishing off one burger and reaching for the next. "There's something about watching me pig out that floats your boat, huh? Who knew."

He smiled wickedly at her. "My dear, all you have to do is breathe to float my boat. And God only knows what my reaction will be when you're Transformed and I'm watching you feed."

She smiled at him, swallowing hard around a bite of cheeseburger. Her sundae was melting and her fries were getting cold, but when he looked at her like that she didn't really care. Reaching out blindly for her Coke, she took a long drink, unable to look away from his penetrating stare.

"Stop doing that," she murmured. "I have to eat. I've been hungry all night."

"Okay," he said, looking away. He was sure Bryn could see his grin reflected in the car window as he took a sip from his soda and another bite from his burger. "But when you're done eating, I've got a hunger that needs to be satisfied too."

She hadn't eaten so fast in a long time. Stuffing fries in to her mouth three and four at a time, she tried to keep her eyes off of his reflection in the window. He was still watching her and it was going to drive her nuts. Finally down to her puddle-of-a-sundae, she slurped down the milky part at the top and finished off the hot fudgy soft ice cream with her spoon. It was around that time, when she was moaning in delight, that she noticed he had that look again--as if he was about to drag her over the seat and have his way with her right then and there.

He always enjoyed watching her eat. She didn't seem to realize it, but, especially when she was eating a decadent dessert, she made the same noises and wore the same expressions she did during foreplay. And sitting so near her now, giving the soft sighs of pleasure without being able to touch her was sweet torture to him. Boldly, he leaned forward as she took a spoonful of half melted ice cream into her mouth. "Care to share, my dear?"

She started to hand him the spoon when she realized he didn't want his own bite. He had to have hers. Holding the melting ice cream and fudge in her mouth, she beckoned him forward with her finger. He kissed her softly, at first just pulling at her lips, and then finally delving inside with his tongue. A small dribble started to escape the corner of her mouth, but she knew he would catch it before long. Swiping her tongue against his to share the gooey fudge, she moaned against his mouth, her fingers holding on to his shirt as well as the spoon.

Anton moaned into her mouth, his tongue tasting chocolate as well as her. He wasn't certain which was more delicious. Shifting even closer, his hand went to her hip, fingers latching on and pulling her close to his body. Even in this awkward position of trying to kiss her around the gear shift, he felt comfortable. He lashed his tongue against hers, trying to extract every bit of taste from her he could.

Her breath coming out a sigh, Bryn pushed the rest of her sundae in to the cup holder to free both of her hands. She didn't much care about eating anymore. That particular hunger was sated. Climbing up on her knees on the passenger seat, she leaned over the parking brake and sucked at his tongue. Her hand curled around the back of his head to pull him closer still. If not for the steering wheel being in the way, she might've crawled right in to his lap.

Anton let out a moan and squirmed even closer. He reached out with his left hand, palm brushing across her legs and groped along the side of the seat. Finding the chair back release, he pulled it as he climbed over the gear shift and settled on her body. In this confined space, it was a reminder of how small and delicate she was compared to him. He felt a wave of protective instinct rush over him as he kissed her again, this time more slowly, but equally passionately.

Whimpering, Bryn pushed her hands up between them, loathe to end to the kiss, but needing to do so anyway. Pulling away from his mouth with a soft pop, she gestured down to her stomach. "I can't breathe like this. You need to be on the bottom." Panting softly, she nodded her head back and to the side. "And we need to go back there."

It took a few moments for her words to soak through his lust laden brain. But Anton did nod. It should have been extremely difficult, if not impossible for a man his size to be able to wriggle his way to the back seat, but somehow he did. "Care to join me, my dear?" he asked as he pulled his shirt off.

"I don't think I can fit through there," she murmured, climbing up on her seat anyway. Pressing herself to the roof of the car, she stepped over the console and reached for his hands. Even with his help, she did manage to get a big stuck but finally wedged herself through.

Anton chuckled as he helped guide her down. "You could have used the door, my dear." He pulled her forward to resume the kiss that they had broken off earlier. His tongue swept into her mouth, teasing and caressing hers as his breathing deepened. It was an awkward position for him with his shoulders jammed against the back of the seat and the door, but he ignored the discomfort.

She settled somewhat lightly in his lap, trying to keep most of her weight to herself. Allowing him to pull her back in to the moment, she slid her hands over his chest, lightly flicking his nipples back and forth with her fingers. The car smelled like him and it still amused her that he had a Jaguar at home and yet chose to drive the Prowler just because she'd given it to him. It spoke of how much he loved her, and gave her a warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

Anton continued to kiss her, his hands now wandering over her back. He was now understanding why teens liked to make out in the back seat. The thrill of knowing they could get caught was adding an extra layer of pleasure. His fingers searched for the buttons or zipper holding her blouse on, wanting to feel their bare chests pressed together.

Eyes closing, she leaned in to his touch, moaning softly as his knuckles brushed her hard nipples. Her breasts were getting more sensitive by the day and it wouldn't be too long before colostrum was staining her bras again. Squirming on Anton's lap, she strained to get closer to his erection, to grind herself against him.

Anton's hips lifted, trying to intensify the sensation. Pulling the fabric up, he slipped his hand against her stomach and started to tease her bra loose. His other hand started to gather folds of her skirt, inching it higher and higher. All the while he was kissing her deeply.

Shimmying out of the skirt, Bryn wrapped her thighs tightly around his hips and rolled her crotch over his. The friction made them both moan loudly. She wanted to shove her panties to the side and impale herself, but first she had to get him out of his pants. Tugging at his belt, she impatiently unbuckled him. Her fingers fumbled to release the button on his slacks, while she continued sucking at his tongue.

He arched his hips the best he could in the confined space. His cock was standing at attention, begging to be touched or kissed by her. It always amazed him how being around her could bring his state of arousal from zero to sixty in less than a second. And vampires had higher sex drives than humans - sometimes it frightened him to think of what would happen once she was Transformed.

Bryn let out a grunt as the button worked free, and quickly moved on to unhooking and unzipping his slacks. The fact that her hands were shaking didn't make matters any easier. She could already feel the heat pouring off his body and she wanted to writhe against him like a cat on an electric blanket. Shoving her hands under the elastic waist of his boxers, she grasped him in her hand, moaning at the same time he did, her gaze lowering as pulled him out of his clothes.

Anton followed her gaze, and then his swept up her body. Followed by his hands. His pressed his palms to her bare skin of her stomach, he slid them up to cup her breasts. He squeezed gently, moaning as he felt her tight nipples in his palms. Hands moving up to her shoulders, he pulled her closer and kissed her deeply.

His breath hot against her face, and his cock even hotter in her hand, he made her feel like singing. Kissing him greedily, sucking at tongue, she started stroking him, her mouth watering for a taste of him. Abruptly, she backed away and pushed herself as far as she could in to the corner. As far his large frame would allow. Crouching on the floor, she wasn't patient at all as she sucked his cock in to her mouth and started moving up and down the length of him. Pulling at him, making his hips leave the seat.

Anton groaned, his hips pumping equally greedily into her mouth. His hand reached down to stroke her hair back from her head so he could watch easier. Watching her ruby lips glide up and down his cock was one of his favorite things. His leg was cramping from being held in an awkward position, but he wouldn't have stopped her for anything.

He shuddered from his head to his toes. He was being reduced to a mass of quivering sensations, just reacting to her touch and the sounds she was making. Arching off the seat, he gave a loud groan as her fingertips brushed his anus. "Bryn, if you want more, you're going to need to stop that..."

She kept sucking, uncertain of whether she wanted to stop or not. It was fun to watch him lose control...even though he never really lost control completely. He wouldn't let her see that; he thought she wasn't ready for it. And maybe she wasn't. But these small glimpses thrilled her in a way he would never know. It was like watching a flower, that hadn't bloomed in a thousand years, suddenly bud and grow, poised to open its long forgotten petals.

For a moment she could only lap at him, lightly, holding his intense gaze. As if hoping he would decide for her.

Even that simple stimulation was too much. He whimpered as he felt her eyes lock with his. Breathing heavily, his hips heaved as his head tilted back and he came in her hand.

She heard his head knock hard against the glass and would've giggled, if she hadn't been more concerned about his making a mess in the car. Quickly covering him with her mouth, she snorted as she tried to keep from laughing and almost choked when his next jet of semen hit the back of her throat.

He continued to move into the wet bliss of her mouth. But eventually he stopped, lowering his hips to the seat of the car. Anton gently stroked her head as she panted lightly, trying to catch his breath. Eventually he did lift his head and smiled at her.

She smiled as well, settling her head against his thigh. He probably wasn't comfortable in this position and she definitely wasn't. But she wasn't ready to move without help. "How's your head?"

Anton gave her a lazy smile. "Which one?" He shifted back slightly to ease the cramp in his thigh. Sitting up a bit, Anton reached for her to help her into a more comfortable position. "C'm' here, my dear. It's your turn."

"Oooh, lucky me." Settling on his lap, she leaned in close, pressed her face to the curve of his neck, and hugging him tightly around the waist. She let out a happy sigh, kissing his flesh. "I love you. I just want to make you as happy as you've made me. Nothing else matters. Well, except making your kids happy, too."

"You've made me that happy, my dear. And so much more." He nuzzled her face as his hand swept up and down her bare back. "Some days I'm convinced that this is all a dream, and I'm going to wake up alone in the warehouse apartment." He tilted her head up so he could look into her eyes. "You make me happy, my dear. And Max and Kat, but mostly you."

Smiling brightly, she swiveled in his lap and turned until she had her back to his chest, leaning her head back on his shoulder. "So, what are you going to do to me? You did say it was my turn."

"Hmm...what am I going to do to you?" He frowned in mock consideration. "Well, I could start out with this." Both of his hands came around to cup her breasts. Heavier as they prepared for her nursing Kat, they were a pleasant weight in his palms. His thumbs curved over the areolas to brush over her nipples. And his head bent to nip and lick at her neck.

Whimpering softly, Bryn arched her back to press her chest more firmly against his hands. She wished she could wear his big hands like a bra; always supportive and warm, caressing, a perfect fit. Sliding her hands over his, she encouraged him to touch her more firmly. She was sensitive to the lightest feather touch, but his firm stroking was what she really wanted. She wasn't delicate by any means and didn't want to be treated as such by anyone. "Mmm, s'nice..."

He began to knead her, like a cat. And his words had a slight purr to them as well. "And while I do this, I kiss and nip at your neck, relishing the taste of your skin. I quietly whisper my desires in your ear, like how I want to take you again and again and again, that you're the most beautiful woman I've ever known, and how I can't wait for you to be Transformed so I can do this every night for eternity.

Bryn moaned, lifting her legs to drape them over his spread thighs. Eyes slipping closed, she shivered at the sound of his voice, and the words made her quiver. She wouldn't ever get enough of him telling her how much he loved her, how beautiful she was, how much he needed and wanted her. "The most beautiful ever?" she murmured, eager for him to continue.

"The most," he affirmed. One of Anton's hands lowered onto her belly, stroking the gentle curve. "And growing more and more beautiful each day." He kissed the corner of her jaw. "A goddess in the flesh, fertile and bountiful." He started to suck on her earlobe as he gently traced the dark line running down her stomach. "And the only woman for me." His fingers started to gently comb through her pubic hair.

Panting, Bryn lifted her hips and opened her legs even wider. Watching his hand dip lower, she tried to suck in her belly even more so she could watch. She loved to see him touch her almost as much as she loved to feel it. But even though her belly wasn't yet huge, she had to settle for a view of his wrist instead.

Turning her head and leaning it back on his shoulder, she lured him closer to kiss his mouth. Sucking gently on his lips and teasing them with her tongue.

His hand grew still as he returned her kiss. His lips parted before hers allowing her to explore and caress his tongue before taking the initiative himself. His fingers started moving then also, to caress the crease where the inner thigh joined her body as well as the outside of her lips. His erection was a warm firmness against her back, and he could smell her arousal growing.

Bryn nipped at his tongue, trying to capture it between her teeth. He was teasing her, and it was going to drive her nuts before long. Sliding her own hands down, she grabbed his thighs and dug her fingernails in. She wasn't in the mood for gentleness this time.

Anton hissed as her nails dug into his tender flesh. Giving into her desires, he slipped his fingers between her legs, gliding over her slickness. Finding her clit by feel, he gently circled it, spiraling inwards.

Yelping, Bryn grabbed at his slacks, taking fists full of the fabric, and writhing on his lap. Despite being shoved in to the cramped space between the seats and his body, feeling hot from the trapped air, and having to pee, nothing mattered but his fingers and the sensations they produced. Arching her back, she rolled her head against his shoulder. Panting heavily and rocking against his touch.

He moaned in her ear, feeling her writhe against him. His hips gave little abortive thrusts against the small of her back, feeling the tingling sensation increase. Lifting her slightly, he shifted until she was seated on his cock. All the time his fingers continued rubbing her clit in small circles.

Whimpering, Bryn shifted her hips to push him even deeper. She continued to rock back and forth, squeezing and pulling on him, adjusting to his girth. He felt so good stretching her that she wouldn't have needed much more. Between his fingers and being impaled on his cock, she was in heaven. "God, I wish I could have you inside me all night and day..."

"I wish I could be, Bryn," he whispered in her ear. He wasn't able to rock back and forth in this position, but he continued to gently rub her clit. The movement of his fingers grew faster, wanting to make her cum around his cock without thrusting, just from the feeling of him stroking her.

Restless on top of him, she curled her toes and tossed her head. She kept up the same slight rocking motion of her hips, shifting him inside her as she grasped him repeatedly. It felt as if she walked around all night waiting for this, waiting to be joined with him. Only then was she truly at peace...even if it drove her body wild. "Talk to me. Tell me dirty things you want to do to me."

He grinned, although he knew she couldn't see him. He bent his lips close to her ear, so she could feel his breath with each syllable. "You want me to tell you how tight your cunt is? How I want to suck on your tits and your clit until you're screaming? Fuck you until we're both too sore to walk?"

Dragging her fingernails through his hair, she grabbed a handful in her tight fist. "Yes!"

Anton hissed at the sharp pain. Acting purely on instinct, his eyes flamed and his teeth sharpened. Before he knew what he was doing, his fangs were buried in her neck.

Bryn shrieked, torn between two separate and yet colliding sensations--pleasure, as a powerful orgasm shook through her body; and pain, as he pinned her with needle-sharp fangs. Her body writhed from the waist down, shuddering and rocking. But she didn't dare move more than that or he would slice right through delicate flesh. Her fingers unclenched, grasping the back of his head instead. Hoping to stop him. And, strangely, not wanting to interrupt him.

He didn't drink, but held her pinned as her sex squeezed his cock in powerful waves as he came. He immediately pulled his teeth out of her, thankful that he hadn't his a major artery or vein. But he licked at the blood oozing from the wound. When she stopped bleeding, he pressed his head to her cheek, almost afraid to look at her.

Panting softly, she continued to hold the back of his head. Her mind reeled with the implications of what might've happened. She knew he never would've intended to hurt her or Katerina...but he'd also often told her that he wasn't always in control of his instinct to feed. But it wouldn't have been his fault--she had provoked him.

Turning her head, she pressed her lips to his temple, lingering there for a while. "I'm sorry, sugar. I shouldn't have done that. I didn't mean to hurt you."

He was shaking lightly, mind tumbling through the what-could-have-happeneds. He barely registered her words. "I'm sorry, Bryn. I shouldn't have bitten you. I shouldn't have..." He pressed his forehead against her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Sabryn."

She didn't like the way he wasn't looking at her. Gently lifting herself, she bit her hip as she felt him slip out of her. But she couldn't see him clearly unless she turned on his lap. Settling with her shoulder to his chest, she lifted his chin until he met her gaze. "I'm okay, Anton."

"You sure? Cause I'm not sure I am." Anton gently stroked her cheek, pushing her hair back. "I didn't mean to bite you, Bryn. And I shudder to think what I could have done..." His hand gently stroked over her stomach, as if reassuring himself that Bryn was still carrying Katerina.

Frowning, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him close, stroking his hair and his back. She kissed his face repeatedly, giving as much comfort as she could. "Don't think about it. It's over, and we're all fine. I have a sore neck, that's all. I know you didn't mean to hurt me, and you stopped yourself. That's all that matters."

It was comforting to be held by her, for him to her her words of whispered forgiveness. "You're right, my dear. I was able to stop myself, and you and Kat weren't hurt. And one of these days I'm going to be able to do it without worrying."

She kissed his forehead. "That's right. Only a few more months left." Stroking his hair again, she smiled softly. "You know what? I like being able to hold you like this. Must be your mother coming out in me." Bryn giggled, delighted to see him smile. "So, am I going to have another scar on my neck for you to nibble at?"

"I think so my dear," he said examining her neck closely. He kissed her cheek softly, still not quite sure about her reaction. "Shall we get dressed and head home my dear?" He wanted to talk to her about this, but couldn't do it in his car naked.

Bryn nodded. "But you have to go in to get Max. I see enough of that look on Jess's face when I drop him off in the morning."

Anton chuckled. "And she's one to talk. I may not have her sense of smell, but after a thousand years, you get to be a good reader of body language." He bent down to kiss her lips chastely, just needing to feel her touch and intimate love.

She kissed him back, just the same. "I love you, sugar booger."

"I love you too, Bryn." By mutual consent, the got dressed then and returned to the front seat of the car. It was a relatively quiet drive back home. They pulled through the gate and up to the werewolf's home. "I'll go get Max," he said and leaned over to kiss Bryn's cheek.

She smiled at him and then watched him get out of the car, her eyes following him all the way inside the house. She let out a sigh when the door shut behind him. The way he often blamed himself for things that were out of his control bothered her. What had happened was as much her fault as it was his. And the look of shame in his eyes always made her heart break. [You must have had me wrapped around your finger as a child.] Feeling her eyes tears up a little bit, she tried to push away the hormonal flow. "I love you so much, Anton. You couldn't even begin to imagine the strength of it."

Anton was still lost in thought has he rang the doorbell. And he hoped that the werewolves wouldn't be too inquisitive and just hand over Max. Probably no such luck, he thought as Jess opened the door, his son in his arms. "Is something wrong, Anton?" she asked.

"Not exactly," Anton said, hefting the diaper bag before taking Max. His son's warm weight nestled against his shoulder was a reassurance, but he needed more from Bryn. "It's a long story and I'll talk about it later." They exchanged good nights and Anton returned to the car to hand Max to Bryn. "Look who's here, my dear."

"Hi sweetpea!" She smiled as she pulled him in to her arms. Although he looked happy to see her, he didn't really want to let go of Anton, either. Scooting close to the center, Bryn let him stay close to his daddy. "Did you miss us? We sure missed you. And guess what--in a couple of weeks, Mommy gets to stay home with you all the time. Now we just need to talk Daddy in to staying, too."

Anton gave them both a soft smile, the first genuine one since he had bitten her earlier this evening. "Somehow, my dear, I don't think that will take too much convincing. Restarting the engine, Anton drove to their home and pulled into the garage next to the Jaguar. He then got out and hurried around to Bryn's side, opening the door for her, still with a trace of shame on his face. Just because Bryn had forgiven his mistake so easily didn't mean that he would do the same.

Bryn groaned as she got out of the car, hefting Max's weight as well as her own. Slinging her purse over her shoulder, she glanced back to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything. Anton had the diaper bag. "I think that's everything." Stepping past him and heading towards the door to the house, she added, "And wipe that look off your face. It's making me feel like your mother."

He was tempted to point out that, in a way, she was his mother. "I'm sorry, Bryn. I'm just still upset about what happened." Catching up with her, he wrapped an arm around her waist, determined not to withdraw and hide. "When I think what I could have done..." he shook his head. "And before you say it again, you did nothing wrong. I should have been in better control."

She let out a sigh, silently taking his hand as he unlocked the door. "We need to talk about this, Anton, but I don't want to do it here in the garage. Let's get Max fed, settled, whatever, and then we'll sit down and get comfortable. Okay?"

"Okay." Leading her into the house, he went to the kitchen and started to unpack his bottles from the diaper bag. He set them in the sink to rinse them out. "Does he need to be changed, my dear?"

"No, he looks fine." Bryn sniffed. "Smells fine too."

Anton picked up one bottle from the refrigerator. "If you want to take him upstairs, I'll warm this up," he said, gesturing to the bottle.

"Okay." She didn't walk away right away. Instead, she stood watching him, her head slightly tilted to the side. "You know I love you, right?"

Anton turned from putting the bottle in the microwave. "Yes I do, my dear. And I love you so much." He smiled gently, hoping to reassure her. "Go on," he said gesturing to the stairwell. "I'll be up in a moment."

She turned then and headed upstairs, talking to Max all the while. The little boy was really starting to look like Anton, especially when he frowned. And the expression made her just as sad on his little face. Taking him in his room, she changed him in to some comfortable pajamas and then walked back to the master bedroom. They could always move him later if he fell asleep. Right now she wanted to be with both of her boys.

Once Bryn was gone, he blew air out between his cheeks. He was lost in thought when the microwave dinged. Pulling the bottle out, he checked the temperature of the bottle before heading upstairs. Not finding Bryn or Max in his son's bedroom, he headed towards theirs. "Is he still awake, my dear?" Anton asked as he entered the room.

"I don't think he's tired," she said, lying on her side with Max sitting in front of her. He was playing with her ring, trying to find a way to take it off her finger.

Bryn watched as Anton took off his shoes and settled on to the bed opposite her. Although she was lying down, he remained seated. She wasn't sure if that was symbolic or not.

Combing her fingers through the soft curls of Max's hair, she said, "Why is it still bothering you, Anton?"

"Because it was...unexpected," Anton said. "It's happened before, me wanting to feed or biting you during sex. But I had some warning, and I could fight it. This...this came out of nowhere." He looked down at the bottle he was still holding. "And the thought that I could slip that badly and hurt you and Kat frightens me. I could have murdered you and our daughter in a heartbeat, like a bloodthirsty predator."

"No, you couldn't have." She kept her voice quiet and soothing, more for Max's benefit than Anton's. "Even if you don't trust yourself to stop, I do. I know you, Anton. You may think this demon lives inside you and can control your every whim...but that's not true. You wouldn't let that happen. You wouldn't ever let anything bad happen to me or our children. This human side of you, or whatever you want to call it, is much stronger than you think. And I know you can stop yourself if you have to."

She paused for a moment. "Besides, do you really think I'd let you hurt me? Even if you were completely out of control--which I don't think you ever will be--I'd do whatever I had to, to protect Kat. I may not have a vampire's strength, but I'm not completely helpless, either."

He opened his mouth to argue, but shut it, considering her words. She was right. Every other time, he had recoiled from the temptation. Even this time, he hadn't actively fed, but lapped at what he had spilled to keep it from going to waste. He reached over and took one of her hands, squeezing it tightly. "Bryn, I wish I had half the faith in me that you do." He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. "You're right. I know that you would do whatever it takes to protect Kat."

"I wish you had that much faith in you, too," she whispered, eyes flooding. "Maybe there is some of your mother left in me, because it breaks my heart to see shame on your face, Anton." She was quiet for a moment, blinking. "You never, ever have to be ashamed when you're with me. There is nothing you could possibly do or say that would make me think badly of you." Bryn pulled his hand closer, placing it palm-down over her chest. "I love you so much, and I don't want to see anything but pride in your eyes. I'm so proud of you, and you should be proud of yourself. You're a spectacular person. And I'd think that even if I weren't in love with you."

Anton scooted closer to her, laying down next to her so he could feel her pressed against his body. Staring to feel comforted and beginning to forgive himself, he lightly nuzzled her cheek. "Thank you, Bryn." His palm stayed on her chest, feeling her heartbeat. "But there is the old saying that pride goes before a fall. But with such a wonderful wife to catch me, I don't think I have much to worry about."

She leaned in to his gentle nuzzling, seeking comforting as well. It was times like these that she felt she'd failed. If only she'd been a better mother as Katerina, she could've given him more confidence. If only she'd been a better wife so many times before, he wouldn't be afraid of disappointing her. He would know without a doubt that she loved him unconditionally...because as a better wife, she never would've left him. She never would've betrayed him and turned to another man. And not once would he would he ever be lonely or want for more. She wouldn't allow him to beat himself up, hide his feelings, or bury things in the past. If only she'd known...she would've treated him like a king right from the very start.

He shifted even closer, tossing one leg over hers as his arms went around her in an effort to hold her tight. "It's hard for me to be open about my need for blood around you, Bryn," he whispered, cheek against her shoulder. "Brinley was almost phobic about it - Natasha had frightened her badly, and she never really accepted that side of me. So I learned to hide it from her, and I never really stopped hiding it. Even though I knew how much you love me, there's part of me that expects you to exhibit disgust at best, and horror at worst when you see me feed."

Bryn squeezed her eyes shut, fighting a sob that was trapped in her throat. [I made him think that in Baltimore, too...] Hoping he didn't feel her shaking, she whispered, "I'm so sorry I hurt you, Anton. I never meant to make you feel ashamed. I never should've made you hide who you are..."

"Shhh..." he whispered, pressing his lips to her cheek. "What was done then cannot be undone. I should learn to trust you more now. You had that reaction, once," he emphasized. "But you've accepted when you've seen me feed after that as if it were as natural to me as breathing." He closed his eyes. "If only I could accept it..."

Reaching up to run her fingers through his hair, Bryn turned her head and looked at him past spiky lashes. "You don't trust me because I've hurt you too many times. I don't blame you. I'd feel the same way if I were you."

"Bryn, this is not your fault," he said, raising on one elbow. His fingers stroked her hair back from her face "I shouldn't let what happened in the past affect my relationship with you now. It's not fair for me to hold Brinley's terror, or Alexandra's unfaithfulness against you now. You were them, but their sin's aren't yours."

He sighed. "I've always had problems accepting what I need to do. Ivan tried to work with me, although not the right way. Gabriel, my friend, tried to help me as well. Not that I have to revel in it, but come to peace with it more."

She turned on to her back so she could see both him and Max. Sliding her hand to his cheek, she said, "I don't care what you do, Anton. Whether you slay a billion people to survive or donate all of your money to feed and house the homeless...you're still the same person to me. Feeding doesn't make you evil. Maliciously killing for no reason is a different story. You do what you do because you have to. You would die without it. And I won't let you do that."

He gently nuzzled her cheek, reassured by her faith in him. She was his reason for continuing. She was the one who reminded him that he wasn't an inhuman monster, that he only did what he needed to survive. Gently, he tilted her chin so he could look deep into her eyes. "I love you so much, Sabryn Rudenko," he whispered before kissing her.

Sabryn let out a soft whimper as his lips met hers, clutching him close to her. She thought it was a miracle that they were together. After all of the things she'd done to him, and the things he'd done to himself, he should've been dead by now. Figuratively as well as literally. That he forgave for being so selfish seemed almost impossible. Unwilling to let go of him, she wrapped both her arms and legs around him. So very grateful for his love.

He held onto her tightly, wanting so badly to roll on top of her, Instead he contented himself with pulling her tight against his body. Anton held her and stroked her, wanting to be reassured by her touch and touching her. He loved her so much, and felt so lucky to be in her arms now.

Other than occasionally watching Max out of the corner of her eye, Bryn's attention was on Anton. Caressing his skin, sucking on his supple lips, listening intently to the sounds he made. His hair was no doubt standing on end from the many passes of her fingers, through and over it. And his clothes were definitely wrinkled, bunched in her fist and pulled at by her other hand.

Grabbing her shoulders, he rolled onto his back, pulling her on top of him to straddle his hips. He looked up to her, much as he felt that she did to him. But he should look up to her as the goddess he claimed her to be. Reverently, Anton reached up and touched her hair, reveling in its softness. "I am so unworthy of you, my dear. My love."

She shook her head, eyes sad, her hair slightly hanging in her face. "No you're not. You've never made the mistakes I have, and yet you accepted me anyway. You forgave me. And you give yourself to me so generously. I'm the one getting the good deal. You're just the one stuck with me."

He reached up to stroke his finger over her lips, shushing her. "I think we're both getting the good deal, my dear. We've both made mistakes, and we've both forgiven each other, and we've both given ourselves to each other generously. And I love you so much." His hand gently slipped down her chin and throat, coming to rest to feel her heart beat in her chest.

Bryn's eyes narrowed. "You see? You don't like it when I'm down on myself! So why do you do the exact same thing and expect me not to get upset by it? I've started to make my peace with Alexandra, and I thought I had with Brinley as well. But you had to go back and dredge all of this up again just because you bit me. Big f-ing deal! Would it make you feel better if I bit you back? Probably not. So why not just forget about it? You're not a monster. You're the furthest thing from it, or you wouldn't be so worried about it. Evil people don't care if they're evil. They just are!"

He opened his mouth to refute her, but found that he couldn't. She was right. The very fact that he worried about being a monster meant that there was still so much humanity in him. "You know what, my dear? You're right." His hand slid back up her chest to curve around her shoulder. "So why don't you?" he asked, raising one eyebrow. "Bite me back."

Bryn almost argued with him again, just because she felt like it. But instead she took a deep breath and did as he asked. She leaned down, opened her mouth, and bit him--a bit harder than intended, due to her brief burst of anger--right on the tendons of his neck.

"Aaaahhhh!" Her teeth didn't break his skin, but delivered a sharp pinch instead. But he wished that she had sharp fangs that pierced his flesh. His hand came around to cradle the back of her head and hold her closer, not letting her pull away.

She started to giggle then, snorting as she tried to catch her breath. Max let out an alarmed cry as his daddy's yell, and she felt Anton pull him closer to comfort him. Still laughing, she settled lightly on his chest and turned her head to glance in Max's direction. "Is he okay?"

Anton turned to look at Max, who had a worried frown as he looked at his father. "I'm okay, Max. Mommy didn't hurt me." Max's expression was distinctly dubious as Anton gently rubbed his back. "Yeah, I think I just startled him."

Bryn arched an eyebrow. "How do you know I wasn't talking to him, about you?"

Anton arched an eyebrow in return. "I guess I don't," he admitted sheepishly.

"So are you?" she asked, poking a finger at his chest. "Okay, I mean."

He took a deep breath. "Yeah, I think I am. Thank you." Pushing up, he kissed her forehead.

She dipped her head and let her hair fall forward, playing bashful. "We might want to give him that bottle now, since he's looking sleepy." Reaching out to brush Max's hair back from his forehead, she smiled as he grabbed her hand. "I love my boys."

Anton smiled. "And I love my boy, and my girls," he said, gently rubbing her back. Reaching over to the table beside the bed, he grabbed the bottle, which was still warm. "Should we put him in his cradle, my dear?"

She nodded. "I'd like to keep him in the room with us so we can snuggle with him later. Kat gets to be snuggled in close. I think Max should, too." She smiled. "Besides, he's very cuddly and sweet. We should enjoy it before he gets too old."

"Okay," Anton said, shifting so he could sit up. Gently scooping up Max, he moved the baby to the crib they kept in their room. When Anton placed the bottle next to him, Max sleepily started to suck. "There. He should be good for an hour or so," he commented as he laid down next to Bryn.

She gave him a soft smile and scooted closer, quietly wrapping her arms around him. Her anger had fled as quickly as her sadness, and she let out a soft sigh. Hopefully that was as bad as it was going to get. She hated hormonal outbursts, and hated fighting with him even more. Settling her head on his chest, she lifted up the hem of his shirt and lightly stroked his belly. "I'm sorry I turned in to Sibyl a minute ago."

"S'okay, my dear." He squirmed slightly underneath the sensation, fighting the instinct to pull away. "I think I may have needed that to be reminded of what is really important and worth worrying about. Such as if you're going to tickle me," he added with a playful grin.

Bryn looked up at him and rolled her eyes. "If I were, I wouldn't have been so obvious about it. Besides, I'm not going to do anything to you...you're going to do something for me. Because I'm tired and pregnant, and I deserve some pampering." She resisted the urge to add, "So there."

"Not to mention having to put up with a moody vampire," Anton said. "More than enough reason to deserve some pampering." He rolled over onto his side, pulling her body close to his. His hands started to pull at her clothes, slipping under them so he could stroke her bare flesh. "What exactly did you have in mind, my dear? A full body massage? Followed by a tongue bath?"

She smiled widely for the first time since being in the car. "That sounds heavenly. I think my feet might need extra massaging, though, especially around my ankles. They're getting too big for my shoes again."

Anton grinned as well. "I'll pay close attention there, my dear." Leaning up on one elbow, he urged Bryn onto her back and began unbuttoning her blouse. "Of course, I'll play close attention to other areas that appear to need it. Such as your mouth." Careful not to put any pressure on her growing belly, Anton arched over her and kissed her gently.

She lifted her head to meet his lips and grabbed hold of his shirt, wanting to pull him closer despite her belly. But she did need to breathe, and so did Kat...sort of. Softly tugging at his lips, she allowed his tongue entry and quickly began sucking on it as well. When he finally pulled back, they were both looking and feeling a bit flushed. "I think I felt her moving today," she said, panting. "It was just for a little while...but it brought back a lot of memories. Mostly of having to pee twenty-four hours a day."

Anton made a sympathetic noise. "I wish I could have felt her move," he said, slipping her blouse down her shoulders. Next he went to work on peeling her bra straps down her arms so he could kiss her bare shoulders. "Have you had any other memories lately? On anything?"

She shook her head. "No...but I haven't consciously tried to pursue it, either. With quitting and all of our doctor appointments, I didn't have much time to sit down and relax." Bryn arched her back, allowing him to unhook her bra. Pretty soon she'd have to return to using the front closure ones kept in the back of her drawer. "Who do you want me to remember? I mean, if you had your choice, out of any of them, what would you want me to remember first?"

"Hmmmm..." Anton looked thoughtful as he pulled the bra away so he could stare at her bare breasts. "It's difficult to say, my dear. I miss them all, but I can't say that I have favorites. I guess start with Mother, since she's been gone the longest, but I'd take anything that you could remember gladly. But I don't want you to do that now," he said, leaning down. Anton cupped a breast. "We have now to concentrate on, not then, at the moment."

She grinned at his slightly confusing statement. "Okay, I will then...or now." Giggling as he narrowed his eyes at her, she looked down at her own body. Her round belly, tightly stretching the elastic at the waist of her skirt; her too-large breasts that looked like saucers in her perspective; her pale skin, so translucent she could see blue veins beneath the surface, yet dotted with dark freckles here and there, so she looked like a game of connect-the-dots. Puffing out a sigh, she glanced at his face. "Why is it that you still think I'm attractive, all bloated like a beached whale?"

He grinned lasciviously at her as he grabbed her hand and shifted so she could feel the hardness in his groin. "What do you think?" Letting her do whatever he wanted with her hand, he moved his to her shoulders so he could massage them, searching out sore spots and soothing them. Once the muscles felt lax under his hands, he moved them to her breasts and repeated the motions, although much more gently.

"I didn't say *do you* find me attractive. I said *why?*" She did lightly squeeze the bulge beneath her hand, then unfastened his slacks to give him room. "I'm puffy. I can barely fit in to my skirts. It's a good thing I don't have to wear them much longer. Come to think of it, when I don't have to go to work anymore, I might just lay on the couch like fat slug."

"Just don't start secreting mucous, my dear, and I promise to keep the salt away from you." Anton chuckled as she swatted him with the pillow. "Why do I find you attractive in this condition?" he repeated, musing the question. "It has to do with the fact that I had something to do with it. That the life you are carrying is a part of me as well as you." He gave her another grin. "Plus your breasts being bigger might have a little to do with it."

Bryn grunted. "Yeah, if your balls started swelling up one day, I bet you wouldn't think it was so neat." She giggled at the image in her head. "Not to mention how you'd have trouble walking, back pain, trying to find new boxers that don't look like they were made for udders...and getting stares from every woman you ever encounter." By now she was laughing out right. "Oh man, that would be great!"

He had raised his eyebrow at her description, but smiled as he watched her laugh. "And you left out what would happen every time we had sex, my dear. What a mess I would make." Working his pants the rest of the way off, Anton straddled her thighs, moving his hands to her stomach. He bent down to kiss Bryn's stomach. "Kat, did you know your mommy can be very silly sometimes?" he whispered against her belly.

Nose still wrinkled from his 'mess' comment, Bryn said, "I'm not the only one, pervy." Lazy spreading her legs as far as his thighs would allow, she ran her fingers through his hair. "I bet she likes you talking to her. You have a very soothing...and sexy voice."

"Really?" Anton grinned and kissed her navel again. "Would you like me to read you the phone book sometime?"

"Hmm...how about War and Peace, cover-to-cover, in one night?" She smiled sweetly at him. Bending her legs at the knees, she pushed them up against the back of his. "Are we going to talk all day, or are you gonna get down to business?"

"Which would you prefer?" he said. A kick to the back of his thighs gave him her answer. Making sure he was straddling her stomach, he hovered over her. Anton nuzzled the valley between her breasts. "I thought you wanted me to massage you."

"You're a talented boy...I think you can do both." Spreading out as much as she could, legs flat and arms to the side, she let out a deep sigh. "Mold me like clay. I'm yours to manipulate. You could even...get some of that lotion, if you wanted to."

"Yes, ma'am," Anton said. Sitting back up, he grabbed the bottle of lotion and pumped a squirt into his hands. Rubbing them briskly to coat them, he placed his hands on her stomach and began to slowly rub in circles. His fingertips barely brushed the undersides of her breasts as he caressed her.

"Mmm..." Bryn raised her arms over her head, feeling awfully indulgent. Despite her need to lounge, her hips wouldn't stay still. She writhed beneath him, grasping at the comforter, arching in to his touch. "Ooh, right there."

He smiled tenderly as her hips sought to make contact with him. But instead Anton kept up the massaging of the tender spots along her lower ribcage. "Just like this, my dear?" he said as his fingers rubbed along her side.

"You're a tease," she mumbled, sliding down a little further on the bed. For a moment or two his hands were on her breasts, but then he made a tsking sound and moved them down again. Pushing herself up on her elbows, Bryn said, "You smell good. Like sex. I love it when you smell like that."

"And you always smell good, my dear." He leaned down and inhaled deliberately, licking his lips as his hands strayed to her nipples. "Sometimes I think I'm part werewolf because I just want to roll in your scent."

"I wish you would," she said, softly. Eyes closed, she settled her head heavily on the pillow. She wished he would do just about anything, so long as his attention was focused on her. "I wish I could feel exactly how much you love me. Every little ounce of it. But maybe it would kill me."

Anton lightly squeezed her breasts. "I don't think so, my dear. If anything, you would feel more alive. Because your love is what brings me to life. It is what has kept me going through the darkest nights, what has kept me from opening the door and greeting the dawn." He bent down to kiss her lightly.

He broke her heart when he said things like that. Stilling his hands by squeezing them firmly, she whispered, "Stop. I don't want this...not like this. I should be the one taking care of you, not the other way around." Pushing herself upright, which wasn't easy with him hovering over her, she pressed her hand to his chest. "You were the one that needed comforting, not me. I'm sorry, Anton."

"Sabryn, you have nothing to be sorry about," Anton said gently. He shifted around so that he was sitting beside her, his arm around her waist. "You do comfort me, Bryn, by making me forget what I was upset about." He lightly kissed her forehead, hoping to reassure her. "I'm able to lose my worries when I'm with you, Bryn. Either comforting or being comforted by you, my dear."

Settling her head on his shoulder, she lifted her arm and wrapped it around his neck from the front. "I think I'm in one of those moods again," she said, quietly, "when I feel really afraid of losing you. And I *know* I won't, but it scares me just the same. Especially when you get down on yourself or you tell me about suicidal thoughts you've had, in the past." Bryn sucked in a slightly shuddering breath. "I think I'd feel better if maybe we brought Max's cradle in the bathroom with us, and then just take a warm bath. I just want to feel you holding me."

"Okay, my dear. But one thing." Anton turned her chin so they were looking each other in the eye. "You are never going to lose me. That's not going to happen. Ever. We will always be bound together by Max and by Kat." He laid a hand on her stomach. "And by my love for you."

She nodded. "I know. I really do. But it's still a scary thought that gets stuck in my head sometimes." Pushing herself up on to her knees, she wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tightly. "I love you so much. I can hardly remember what it was like to not have you to hold me and make me feel complete."

"And you'll never have to remember that again." Anton squeezed his arms around her. "This is your hormones speaking at the moment, Bryn. That's why you get uncertain. And I'll always be here to reassure you." He kissed her. "So do you want me to go start that bath for you?"

She nodded, quietly watching him as he got up from the bed. Sitting down cross-legged in the spot he'd vacated, she let out a deep sigh. She knew he was right and that her pregnancy was causing a lot of this--that she felt the need to pull her family close and be protective of them. But that didn't explain his actions earlier in the evening. He still felt so much shame connected to his vampirism, and she wasn't sure how to make that go away. She wanted to damn Ivan to hell for ever treating Anton like anything less than a beloved son. It was his fault this had started. But she'd perpetuated the problem, lifetime after the next, by not accepting Anton for what he was. Not a human, not a monster, but a vampire, stuck somewhere in between and helpless to his own cravings.

Sliding off the bed, she walked towards Max's cradle and started pulling it towards the bathroom. She wouldn't make the same mistakes this time. Or ever again.

He had started the water running and had just added the bubblebath when he heard the sound of furniture dragging over carpet. Anton quickly exited the bathroom. "Let me get that, my dear." Grabbing the cradle, he lifted it and awkwardly carried it to the bathroom. And then he grabbed Bryn's hand and pulled her close. "I love you so much, Sabryn Rudenko," he said, kissing her as he started to back towards the bathtub.

She held on to him tightly, fisting her hands in his shirt, following him on tiptoes. "I love you so much, too." More than he could possibly guess. She settled back on her feet as he stopped walking, watching as he started to remove the rest of her clothes. How could a man who was so gentle and caring, so loving, possibly think there was evil in him? He'd never raised a hand to her, when some 'human' men had done much worse to their wives. He spoiled her and their children, made sure they had every comfort possible, gave of himself so unselfishly, and never so much as asked for a thank you in return. But she would. She would thank him for every little kiss and smile. "You're my best friend, always."

"And so are you, although I don't make it clear enough." Now that she was naked, he concentrated on slipping his clothes off, grinning as she helped. "I'm sorry about earlier tonight, my dear. About hiding that part of me from you. It's just..." He stepped backwards into the tub and sank into the warm water before helping her climb in. "Ivan was of the 'better to be feared than loved' school of thought when it came to many things - ruling his lands, being a vampire, and his family. But at the same time, he tried to keep his vampirism, well, not exactly secret, but not well known outside of his lands." Anton sighed. "I think in me he saw someone to carry on if something did happen to him. Or at least he did when I was Transformed."

Frowning, she concentrated on settling carefully on his lap. "I am beginning to understand why I, as your mother, didn't have a sexual relationship with him. If I had the means to, I would've left him in his spacious castle to pace the floors, while I disappeared with my son. If I had somewhere to go, I never would've allowed him to treat us that way. At the very least, I should've let you go."

"I don't think he would have let either of us go, my dear." He pressed his lips to her temple thoughtfully as he gathered his words to explain the situation. "One of the things he taught me was that camouflage is very important. While he was a vampire, he tried to blend into human societies. And one of the things he new he needed to do that was an heir. A son. And for that he needed a wife. He never would have let us go, my dear."

"He didn't need me after you were born. I'm lucky he didn't just kill me." What she didn't say, and what she hoped he didn't guess, was that she wondered whether or not Ivan had had anything to do with Katerina's death in the end. Quickly changing the subject, she said, "I just don't understand why she--why I ended up being unfaithful, when you've always told me that I was such a God-fearing woman."

Anton gently stroked his hand up and down her arm, as if ti helped put his thoughts into order. "This is a lot of guesswork on my part, my dear, and I'm not sure if it's right or not. But somehow I got a feeling that Katerina was manipulated into that affair. Think about it," he said when she twisted to look at him. "Ivan needed a son, but he would never be able to sire one. But his wife had to be pregnant, and this was in the days before artificial insemination. How else would such a child be conceived?"

"And afterwards, things didn''t go as planned. He found himself jealous of the chosen 'sperm donor.' Or perhaps he realized that Katerina was falling in love, something he had wanted for himself. I don't think we'll ever know the full truth."

Still frowning, she said, "You think he arranged it? She couldn't have known...could she?"

"No, no...I don't think Katerina ever knew. I couldn't see her agreeing to it."

"But that means I was having an affair because of my own selfishness. Not out of duty to my husband. It's just like it was with Alexandra." She let out a sigh. It made her feel like a whore to realize these things...even if they happened lifetimes ago. She might've been able to forgive Katerina, because the woman never loved Ivan and probably even feared him. But Alexandra had no excuse. What she did to Anton was heinous and unforgivable.

Resting her head on Anton's shoulder, Bryn wrapped her arms tightly around him. "I won't make their mistakes again. I promise."

"I know, my dear." He hugged her tight. "Alexandra and Katerina were, for all intents and purposes, alone. And you will never be alone." Anton kissed her forehead softly. "And like I said earlier, don't believe for a moment that Ivan wasn't manipulating Katerina into that affair. Because if Ivan had asked, she never would have agreed to it. And I would have never been born."

Bryn pressed closer to him, getting as tight against him as she possibly could. "You were the only good thing that could come of it." Lifting her head, she pressed her lips to his and softly kissed him. Stroking his cheek with her thumb. "I love you so much, Anton Rudenko. I would rather cut out my heart than hurt you."

He cradled her head close, fingers curving around the back of her skull, tangling through the silk of her hair. And he knew she meant it with all her heart. "My dear goddess of my heart and keeper of my soul," he whispered, brushing his lips against her forehead. His desire for her hadn't lessened while they had spoken and moved to the bathroom, but he wasn't sure she wanted to resume their lovemaking. "Would you rather I just held you, or would you like me to finish what I started earlier?"

She gave him a small smile, still feeling somewhat emotional. But if he could take her mind off of it, she was more than willing. "Yes, I want you to finish it. Or never stop. Whichever you prefer."

Anton gently kissed her cheek. "Why don't you turn around then, my dear, your back to my chest." As she resettled against him, he scooted down so he could whisper in her ear. "I'm never going to stop my dear. I'm going to make love to you every moment for the rest of our lives. I may not be touching you like this," he murmured, cupping her breast, "but I will be making love to you."

Bryn leaned her head back and nuzzled his jaw. "I know, sugar. And I'll be making love to you, too." Turning his face towards her, she softly kissed his mouth. "And I'll always be kissing you, and making you smile. I love to see you smile. And laugh. You couldn't possibly laugh enough to suit me. It's my favorite sound, next to Max's giggles."

"Your voice is pure music, my dear," he said, heat building in his voice. "Your smile and the light in your eyes the stars in the sky." His hands gently stroked over her breasts, teasing her nipples. His cock was erect and rubbing against the small of her back. Anton kissed her lips, pulling against them softly as one hand slipped down to comb through her pubic hair.

Bryn let out a soft whimper, slipping both hands behind his neck. She was tempted to turn on the tub jets, but Max wouldn't sleep long if she did. Instead she made due with their own friction, sliding her body against his, up and down, left and right in the soapy water. His slick skin felt like satin, and his hands made her tremble with excitement.

He kissed her neck lightly, teasing nips, although he was very careful to keep his teeth away from her skin. His hand slipped down between her legs further, rubbing against her clit. He let out a soft moan as she slid against his erection, his other fingers still plucking her nipple.

She smiled to herself, pushing her foot against the floor of the tub to repeat the motion. Trying to guide his hand with her thigh, she lifted her hips a bit, moaning happily when she got him where she wanted him. Just like that, he'd made her forget all about her depression and regrets. As fast as snapping his fingers. It was an amazing ability she knew only he possessed, because she loved him so much, he loved her as much in return. He knew every button to push, physically and emotionally. And she wasn't about to let some other woman snatch him up.

Anton continued to nuzzle her neck. It thrilled him that Bryn trusted him so much, especially after he had bitten her earlier. His fingers rubbed her more strongly, teasing her clit before firmly stroking over it. The heat pouring off of her body was amazing, and he relished it. But he wanted more. "Turn around and face me, my dear."

[Now?] Hips still rocking, she wondered to herself if he was nuts. It wasn't fair to get her all worked up, only to stop. [This better be good.] Pushing herself off his lap, she shakily got to her knees and turned to face him. She was flushed and panting, her arms braced on either side of him. "Okay...now what?"

"This." He sat up a bit and grabbed her hips. Guiding her, he pulled her onto his lap, sinking his cock deep into her body. "Ahhhh..." he whispered, letting out a moan of pleasure at her squeezing him tightly.

"Mmm..." Her mouth dropped open as she gripped him, holding on as if life depended on it. Pressing her forehead to his, she stared down at their closely pressed bodies and imagined them fusing, being stitched together so finely that she couldn't see the seams. And even though she could imagine him as being a part of her own body, she'd never lose that wonder of having him inside her, of feeling that newness of penetration. Panting softly, she rubbed her nose against his and ground herself on his cock, whimpering as her body twitched and tingled with pleasure.

His breathing was heavy as well. His fingers squeezed her hips as his lips touched hers. Moaning, he licked against her lips and then slipped it between hers. "You feel so good, my dear." His hips started to flex, driving into her. He loved when they made love like this. Well, he loved when they made love period. But this was one of his favorite positions, one where they almost felt like they were one being.

"Oooh, yes..." She let her head fall back on her shoulders, her hair spilling in to the water and floating lazily. His hands came up to support her and let her tilt back further, giving her room to tilt and rock her hips, to rise up over him like a rolling wave. Her breasts were bouncing in front of his face and she gasped when he took one of her nipples in to his mouth.

He suckled eagerly on her breast, tugging on the nipple. One hand shifted to tease between her legs as he thrust in and out of her. He wanted to hear her squeal, wanted to feel her cum around him. She was so tight around him he didn't think she could get any tighter, squeeze him any harder. But he wanted to feel her try.

"Mmmph..." She wanted to touch him, but she felt the need to brace her arms behind her as well. Pressing her hands on top of his thighs, she lightly scratched at his skin with her nails, giggling softly as he jumped because of his ticklish knees. The combination of his fingers and his mouth was tantalizing, making her muscles clench tight, her stomach coil, poised and ready to cum hard around him.

His hips moved even faster, churning the water around them. Moaning, he began to cum when she hit a sensitive spot just above his knees. His orgasm raced tingling through his body, igniting other desires as well. His fangs extended, but he kept them behind his lips, pressed firmly to her neck.

Bryn squealed, shuddering wildly on him, her fingernails stabbing in to his hard muscles. She felt the subtle bite of his jaws, the restraint he used so well, and it only made her tremble harder, in ecstasy. "Ooh...mmm...oh God that's good!"

He was shaking against her as he felt her cum. Eyes glowing behind his closed eyelids, he dared not look at her with her head thrown back, practically bearing her throat to him, begging him to bite her. Instead he caught her mouth in his, kissing her and barely retracting his fangs in time. He clung to her tightly, as if trying to meld them into one being.

Still quivering powerfully, she pushed herself forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, plastering herself to him and kissing him eagerly. Already she wanted more, needed him again, and probably wouldn't be satisfied the next time, either. If not for work, she would've kept him in bed all day and night, worshipping him with her body. Nipples still hard and poking at his chest, she moaned in his mouth, showing her appreciation.

He continued to kiss her, sinking back into the water until his shoulders rested on the rim of the tub. His arms remained tight around her, and he tried to keep his cock inside of her. Her moans were met with ones of his own as his body went limp under hers for the moment.

She shifted on top of him, her knees uncomfortably pressed against the floor of the tub, her weight too heavy on her stomach. Unable to stay that way for long, she finally pushed herself upright and they both moaned at the loss of him inside her. Frowning, she rolled off of him and sat down by his side,leaning her head on his shoulder. "Mmm...getting sleepy. We need more hot water. Then I can just sleep here."

"Mmm hmm," Anton agreed, idly stroking her hair. "Of course, we'd wake up all wrinkly - look like a pair of prunes." He turned his head to kiss her forehead. "And if we head back to our bed, we could snuggle together with Max and Petunia. Have the whole family close."

"That sounds nice," she said, lazily. "But I'd have to get up. You know, I think we need to invest in a good wheelchair or something, so I could just slowly roll around the house. Of course, if I wait long enough, I may be able to roll around all by myself."

"Or we could get one of those Segway things. Two actually, so we could chase each other around the house. Terrorize the dog. That sort of thing," he said with a grin.

She perked up at that. "That's not a bad idea! It would certainly save time going out to get the mail. And we could just take out the stairs and put in an elevator!"

Anton grinned, wondering what he had just gotten himself into. He had meant it as a joke, but if Bryn was serious, he'd call the architects to start the remodeling right away. "Well, before we begin removing walls, shall we get a good day's sleep somewhere warm and dry?"

She sighed heavily, giving an aborted push with her hands and feet. "Okay, but you'll have to help me stand up. I'm starting to grow roots." Smiling as he sighed heavily as well, she held out her hand as he stood up and pulled her with him. Bryn giggled and he pretended to be worn out by the effort. "I love you, you goofy nut."

"I love you too, my dear." Grabbing a towel, he dried her off and then wiped down his body. The guilt from earlier was all gone, as was the sorrow about talking about Ivan. All that was left was a sense of contentment that would be complete once she was in bed and in his arms. "I always have, and I always will."

End Chapter One Hundred Twenty-eight