Chapter One Hundred Thirty-one

Bryn sighed, watching Mulder take the last box of supplies out of her office to her car. She had a headache, most likely because of crying. There were so many people to say goodbye to, and she meant to get it all finished. This was her last day at the gallery, and she probably wouldn't be back any time soon. Massaging her temples, she settled her glasses in her purse. There was only one more person to talk to, and she was still strangely reluctant to do so. She could probably wait until Anton arrived to pick her up and take her out to dinner, but it seemed like a better idea to face Justin on her own. Pushing her chair back, she started to stand up, only to realize he was standing in her office doorway.

"Justin. I was just going to go looking for you."

There was something different about Justin's stance. He was standing tensely, as if he were under a great strain or fighting a strong emotion. "You were?" he asked. His voice sounded oddly detached as he looked around the empty office. "It looks as if you are just about ready to leave." His unblinking gaze came to rest on her, as if he were seeing her for the first time.

"Yeah, I am. Everything is packed up, and I didn't steal any office supplies." Her smile faded as her joke fell flat. Clearing her throat, she stood up and pressed her fingers to the desktop. "I really wanted to take the time, again, to thank you so much for everything you've done for me. If things were different, I know I'd seriously be considering staying longer. I owe you so much. You've made a very big difference in my life and everyone I know can see it. I was very fortunate to have your support. Thank you, Justin."

Justin swallowed and seemed to come to a decision. Shutting the door, he stepped into the office. "But there was so much more that I wanted to do for you," he said, eyes still fixed on her face. "So much more that I meant to be to you." His gaze then slid down her body to rest on her stomach. "But he's already done it." The words were soft, self-musing and then became syllibant, almost a hiss. "Not fair. He's already been blessed once...but twice..."

Her brow wrinkling, Bryn almost laughed. She knew Justin was somewhat of a flirt as his comments always seemed a bit odd, even if they were sincere. Still, she couldn't ignore her unease. "Justin, I'm--I don't know what to say. That...freaks me out a little."

He continued staring at Bryn as he walked towards her. "Say that you'll give me a chance." Now there was a dangerous gleam to his eyes. "Why should he be the only one to experience such a gift?" Looming above her, his hand ghosted over her stomach barely an inch away.

A shiver raced up Bryn's spine and she backed away from him, reaching for the phone at the same time. Before she could dial 911, his arm flew out to knock the receiver out of her hand, sending the entire phone crashing to the floor. "No--stay away from me!" she yelled, already heading for the door. "Somebody help me!"

Moving almost to quickly to be seen, Justin cut off her escape route. He took her by the shoulders and pushed her backwards towards the desk. "You can yell all you want. Nobody's going to hear you. Least of all that ineffectual bodyguard of yours." His eyes slid up and down the length of her body. "Do you know how long I have watched you? Desired you? From the moment you stepped into my office, I dreamed that this," this time he did stroke her stomach, "was mine. Watched your husband fawn over you, reminding me that you are already taken." He was staring at her without blinking, fixated on her like a cobra on a mouse. "Well, he's had you. Now it's my turn."

She tried to wrench herself out of his grip, but he wasn't letting go. Kicking him, she tried to aim as high as she could, all the while shrieking as loud and long as she could. Nothing seemed to phase him. "Let go of me! I don't want you." Her ass hit hard against the edge of the desk and she winced, scrambling with her hands for something to fight him with. Everything was packed. Reaching up, she grabbed at his face, clawing with her nails.

If anything, her struggles seemed to encourage him, even when her nails raked over his face in a stinging slap. His head turned back to hers slowly, his blue eyes burning with a cold fire. The fluorescent lights gleamed off of his extended fangs. Snarling, he backhanded her hard, catching her full across the face.

She heard the pained cry come out of her mouth, sounding so unlike her. Her face throbbed and her ear rang, a hollow sound accompanying the stinging of her eyes. Reaching back for the edge of the desk, she tried to turn over. Still kicking, her shoe flinging off in one stroke and her toes jamming painfully against his thigh with the next.

As if he had done this many times before, he swung his leg so his was on the inside and then leaned his weight forward, pinning her against the edge of the desk. He leaned forward further to place his mouth by her ear. "Relax," he growled, and then lightly bit her earlobe. His tongue snaked out to lap the droplets of blood that welled up from the fang piercing. "You taste wonderful, he breathed as his hand came around to jerk the jacket she was wearing down her back.

"Aaasshole!" she screamed, shoving her elbow backwards. She heard the solid thud of it against his flesh, the gust of air he released, but he didn't let go. He only held on tighter, digging his fingers in to her arm and neck. Bryn yelped, doubling over from the vice-like grip. "Don't fucking touch me!" She raked at his hands, his face, with her fingernails. Beating her fists backwards over her head, catching only thin air.

The scratches healed almost as quickly as she inflicted them. But he quickly grew tired of them as foreplay. grabbing the top of her head he slammed her face against the desk, stunning her. Taking advantage of the moment, he yanked the cord from the phone and the wall and tightly looped it around her wrists. While she was still groggy, he flipped her onto her back. Reaching behind her, he undid the button at the top of her dress, which loosened the front of it. Then his fingers traced over the base of her neck and down her sternum, pulling the fabric aside.

Vision blurry, she tried to bring her arms down and push him away...only to find that they wouldn't work. Her head was pounding, but it wasn't enough of a blow to make her forget what was happening. She cried out uselessly, losing hope that anyone would hear her. [Don't touch my baby...please God, don't let him touch my baby...] Tears trickled out of the corner of her eyes, but she still brought her legs up to shove him away, aiming as high as she could, catching him in the thigh, the knee, and finally a blow straight to his groin.

Justin jerked back to cradle his groin. He let out a loud hiss as his glowing eyes fixed on hers. Straightening back up, he reached out and grabbed the neckline of her dress and bra and yanked hard. The only sound in the room was tearing fabric, Bryn's whimpers, and Justin's heavy breathing.

Once her breast was bare, he sank his fingers into her flesh, bruising it deeply. "If you value your child's life," he said gathering the hem of Bryn's skirt in his hand. "You won't do that again."

"No, Justin please," she said, sobbing. "Please don't do this. I'm sorry! Please!"

The merciless grip on her breast lightened to a parody of a caress. "Don't be sorry." His eyes fixed on the pulse point of her neck as he tugged her skirt even higher. He leaned forward and lightly brushed his lips against it, fangs gleaming. "Just let me have my turn..."

"The hell you will!"

Justin had been so focused on Bryn that he hadn't heard Bryn's office door open. Anton reacted swiftly and instinctively, grabbing the other vampire by the collar and throwing him across the room. Brown eyes glowing amber in fury, he turned towards Justin.

Sucking in convulsive breaths, Bryn rolled on to her side and curled in to a loose ball, covering herself as much as she could, before dropping off the table on to her hands and knees. Unaware that she was still whimpering and crying, she crawled under her desk in to the chair space, huddling as close to the back as possible.

Justin pulled himself up from where he landed in a heap. "Well, if it isn't Anton Rudenko, Councilman, raising his hand against a fellow vampire," he sneered. "Lilith is going to love that."

Anton knelt down besides the splintered door and picked up a pointed shard of wood about eighteen inches long. "Oh, she'll have a lot more to love by the time I'm through with you."

"You wouldn't dare," Justin began, and then rushed forward. He stopped before he came within reach of Anton and looked down, almost surprised to see the wood now impaled in his heart, Anton's hand still holding the blunt end of it. And he was even more surprised at the scream of pain he let out as Anton twisted it, sending splinters of pain shooting through him.

Enraged, the vampire tried to pull the shard out of his chest, but his strength was waning, and his grip was slippery on the bloody wood. Without the ability to heal himself, he was losing blood quickly, every beat of his undead heart betraying him. He sank breathlessly to his knees, glaring at Anton. "Take it out! You sick fuck, you're gonna die! She'll kill you for this!"

"Then I'll stake you again in hell," Anton said, watching Justin slump to the floor. He took one step back to avoid the pool of spreading blood. Justin stared up at Anton, the fire in his eyes flickering and then snuffing out as the unmistakable sound of his death rattle could be heard.

Immediately Anton turned, scanning the room. He hadn't seen where she had ducked to in the melee. "Bryn?" he called, his voice filled with worry. "Bryn, where are you?"

She didn't answer him. He didn't think she'd left the room, but he'd search the other rooms if necessary. Noticing the phone cord that stretched over the desk, and the chair shoved against the wall, he carefully walked around to look in the chair well. Shuddering in the darkened space, curled protectively around her stomach, Bryn squeezed herself harder against the front of the desk, as if trying to escape him. She whimpered, holding up her bound hands to ward him away. "No...please..."

Anton crouched down, trying to make himself as small as possible. "Bryn, it's okay," he soothed. His hand reached out for hers, but didn't touch her yet. His eyes filled with tears and his heart with anger as he saw what Justin had done to his dear. "He's never going to hurt you again, my dear. I promise you. He wanted to pull her to him, hold her tight and whisk her away from this, but he thought that touching her unexpectedly may do more harm than good.

Hiccuping, she pressed her forehead to the floor for a minute as she sucked in sharp, rapid breaths. When she finally looked up, she met his gaze with watery eyes. A sob left her mouth as she whispered, "Anton..."

"Shhh...Bryn, it's okay. He's not going to hurt you again." Carefully, he reached out and rested his hands on hers briefly before untying her hands. "It's okay. You're safe, now. It's going to be okay."

Whimpering, she looked around rapidly, almost expecting Justin to attack her or Anton at any minute. Squeezing her eyes shut, she grabbed Anton's hands again immediately after she was untied, clutching tightly as she rested her forearms on the floor. "He--he'll hurt you. He'll come back."

"No, he won't, Bryn. He's never going to hurt you or anyone else again." What he had done was just starting to sink in. Anton had killed another vampire, violating Lilith's most important (and enforced) law. He needed to get Bryn out of here, do something about the corpse, and figure out what to do next. He was going to need help. Wondering where the hell Mulder was and why he hadn't been at his post, Anton pulled out his cell phone and hit the autodial. "Nathaniel? This is Anton. I'm at the Nepthene, and I need your help. How fast can you get here?"

He could hear Nate's muffled voice tell someone, "It's Anton." Then he spoke in to the receiver. "I was hoping that was where you were. We're on our way now. Jess knew something was up. Do I want to know what?"

"I'll explain when you get here," Anton said. He wouldn't have put it past Lilith to have Vandala tap his phone and to be monitoring it right now. "Just come to Bryn's office right away."

"Okay. We'll be there in about ten minutes."

Anton hung up the phone when Nate disconnected. He turned his attention back to his wife. "Bryn?" he said softly. "Do you think you can come a little closer to me? It's safe. I promise nobody's going to hurt you."

She should've felt silly crouching under her desk like a timid rabbit, but strangely the tight space felt safer than the outside world did. If there had been room, she would've pulled him under there with her--but there was no way he was going to fit. Shivering uncontrollably and still looking around for unseen threats, she cautiously started to inch her way towards him. She would be safe when she got in his arms...she hoped.

He angled his body so she couldn't see Justin's corpse. Anton didn't know what her reaction would be...if she wouldn't realize that he was dead and would panic. Instead he encouraged her forward. "That's right, Bryn. You're safe now. He's not going to hurt you ever again. I won't let anyone harm you ever." And as she crawled into his lap, Anton pulled her tight against his chest. "You're safe now, Sabryn. Everything is going to be okay."

Her eyes couldn't stop leaking as she grabbed hold of him tightly and tucked her face against his neck. She let out her hurt and fear, her sadness that Justin had turned on her. She didn't understand. "Why...did he hurt me? I didn't--I didn't p-provoke him."

Anton rocked her back and forth like he was comforting Max. "Because he was a sick, sick man, Sabryn. You did nothing wrong, my dear." He kissed the top of her head and held her tightly. "None of this is your fault."

She wasn't sure how much of that she believed. Surely she had to have done something. Justin's attack had been so sudden and unexpected. He'd said so many awful things. She didn't even want to think about repeating them to Anton. "I want to go home."

"We'll get you home soon, my dear." He kissed her temple again, still rocking her, wondering where the hell Nathaniel was.

She wasn't feeling so well. Nausea rolled her stomach, making her throat feel tight and vulnerable. Digging her fingers in to Anton's shoulders, she jumped at the loud pounding on a door down the hall. She shot a panicked look at Anton, and then back at her hiding space, wondering which was safer.

"It's all right, Bryn," he reassured her. Anton was about to call out when he heard Alex's voice swearing and the pounding of feet as he ran past. "In here," Anton yelled out, wondering why they weren't coming to Bryn's office like he had told them.

Outside, in the hall, he heard Nate tell Alex, "I'll take care of him. You go see where the others are."

Confused, Anton watched the door until Alex walked in.

The werewolf stopped on the other side of the desk. "Jesus. I knew I smelled blood, and it wasn't coming from Mulder," he said, staring at the floor. Looking up, he spotted Anton behind the desk. But as far as he could see, Bryn wasn't moving. "Are you okay?"

Anton frowned. So Mulder was still here, and probably injured. He continued to stroke Bryn's back, trying to soothe her shaking. "I'm okay. But we need to get Bryn out of here."

Alex nodded, pulling off his leather jacket. "She's probably going into shock," he said handing it to Anton. "You get her home. Nate and I will take care of things here."

Anton gently tucked the jacket around her, both covering her chest and trying to keep her warm. "Bryn, we need to leave now. Do you think you can stand, or do you want me to carry you?"

"I can stand," she said, soft enough for only his ears. With his help, she slowly got to her feet. She was a little wobbly and leaned heavily against him, more out of modesty than anything. Her dress was ripped all the way down to her waist, and she liked the idea of holding on to Anton rather than the jacket. Starting to feel a little stronger, she walked around the desk with him--only to feel her knees give out when she saw the bloody mass huddled on the floor. "Oh my God..." She covered her mouth, trying hard not to vomit.

Anton turned her away from Justin's corpse. "He's never going to hurt you again," he repeated softly, hoping that she would understand. Slowly she guided Bryn towards the door. "Where is Mulder?" he asked Alex. "I haven't seen him since I arrived."

"If you take the back exit, you'll walk right past him. Nate's with him now." He lowered his voice a bit. "He's been drained, Anton. I don't know if he's going to make it."

Hearing that, Bryn squeezed her eyes shut. "I don't think I can walk anymore."

Unfortunately he was parked in the back next to Bryn's car. Anton pulled his keys to Bryn's car out of his pocket and tossed them at the werewolf. He scooped Bryn up into his arms. "Bring Bryn's car home? Thanks," he said when Alex nodded. Walking smoothly as to not jostle his wife, he started towards the exit.

Nate looked up from the break room doorway as he heard footsteps approaching. He frowned as Anton paused, carrying Bryn, her feet dangling, with only one shoe on. Swallowing, Nate looked from Mulder and back to his brother. They'd clearly been lucky. It could've been Bryn drinking his blood just then...and the baby would've been lost. He realized there was still a chance of that. "Is she okay?"

"For the moment," he said, making sure she was turned away from the pair. He doubted watching a newly Transformed Mulder take his first blood meal from Nate would be something she could handle. "I'm going to get her home. Meet me there as soon as you can."

Nate nodded. "The cleanup might take a little while, but we'll be there as soon as we can." As Anton nodded in return and started to walk away again, Nate called out, "Be careful, Anton."

Anton slipped into his side of the car. Reaching across her body, he pulled the seat belt into its latch across her body. And even though his common sense was screaming for him to get the hell out of there, he couldn't help but linger a hand on her stomach. "Bryn," he asked, feeling the need to seek permission. "May I kiss you?"

When she nodded, he shifted towards her even more. He didn't want to smother her, didn't want to startle her by moving too quickly. Gently he cupped one cheek as his lips pressed against hers. Softly he tugged on her lower lip, trying to reassure her that everything would be all right.

Her movements were minimal in return, but she tried to make sure he knew she was grateful. Sliding her hand over the one he held against her cheek, she squeezed his fingers. Part of her wished she could just crawl over the console and sit in his lap the whole ride home, but there was no way she and her big belly were going to squeeze between him and the steering wheel.

Not wanting to overwhelm her, he slowly pulled his lips away, but kept his fingers gently touching her cheek. He could see a livid mark where it looked like she had been hit, and it made him want to stake Justin all over again. But not wanting to frighten Bryn and worried that she'd think he was angry with her, he didn't express it at the moment. Instead he slowly and reluctantly pulled back and started the engine.

Her eyes feeling swollen and gritty, she closed them and carefully settled her head on his shoulder. She winced at the pressure it put on her bruised face, but she wasn't going to pull away from him just because of a little pain. It felt so much better to be as close to him as possible. So much safer. And she couldn't wait until they got home and she could pull Max close as well.

He had to use both hands to drive, or else Anton would have had his arm around her the whole time. Instead he had to content himself with the pressure of her face on his shoulder. He drove quickly, but carefully, not wanting to get pulled over and have to explain Bryn's appearance to a cop. The last thing he needed was to be arrested wrongfully for domestic violence.

Without incident, he pulled into the long driveway that lead to his home. He was somewhat relieved to see that the werewolves and Lindy were not waiting for them. Anton knew they were worried about her, but she didn't need to be overwhelmed right away.

Feeling sleepy now that her adrenaline rush had dissipated, Bryn blinked her eyes open as the car slowed in front of their garage. For a moment she felt relieved to be home, but it didn't last long. She knew they'd have to leave this place...and there was a very good chance that they might not come back. All of their beautiful memories would be just that. But that didn't mean they couldn't make new ones, eventually.

He pulled into the garage and closed the door. "We're home, Bryn." It wouldn't be their home for much longer though. They would have to leave it behind and make a new home. The question was where that new home would be located.

Time enough to worry her later. Instead he got out of the car and hurried around to her side of the car and opened her door. "Do you want me to call Dr. Anne, Bryn? Are you hurting anywhere?"

She nodded, carefully getting out of the car with his help. Gesturing to her head, she said, "Here. And here." She carefully folded her arms to point to her biceps. Then she waved a hand in front of her breast, where Justin had grabbed her. The memory of it made her wince. Quietly whispering, she said, "I hurt everywhere."

Anton nodded. Carefully putting his hand around her and guided her towards the door. To his surprise he saw a note on it, written in a neat script. "Anne has been called. Will bring her over when she gets here. Lindy." Relieved that he could now focus on his wife, he brought her inside. "Anne will be here in a while. But can I look at where you hurt, Bryn?"

She bit her lip and nodded. He would see her soon enough anyway, and even though she didn't like the idea of seeing her own bruises--let alone someone else seeing them--they weren't going to just go away. She might've been proud of them if Justin had been any other man and the bruises could incriminate him. But he was dead, and all she was left with were the ugly reminders of his sudden attack.

Anton steered her into the kitchen and grabbed a few tea towels. He spread one out on the counter and got some ice out of the freezer and wrapped it in the towel. "Here," he said. "For your face." Placing it in her hand, he guided it until the bruise was covered. "Are you comfortable with me taking your dress off, Bryn?"

She let out a small yelp at the coldness of the ice on her face. She wasn't sure what hurt worse. Looking at Anton, and then down at her dress, she muttered, "It's almost off already."

"I know. I just don't want to make you feel uncomfortable." Slowly he lowered the torn sleeves down her arms, and his expression hardened when he saw the bruising on her breast. "My God, Bryn. What did he do to you?" Anton was starting to think that he had let Justin die too easily.

It was worse than she'd thought. It was as if the monster's hand was still on her. His hand print was clear in the pattern of bruising, and it was so dark it looked like it might've been tattooed on her. Turning her gaze away from her breast and Anton's face, she felt shameful tears start falling again and didn't try to stop them.

"Shhhh..." he soothed, pulling her close. "It's okay. Cry all you need to." Anton placed a soft kiss on her forehead, holding her tight and rocking her. trying to comfort her. Yes, he had definitely let Justin die to easily.

Grabbing the back of his shirt, she held on to him as tightly as she could without putting pressure on her chest or belly. Her shivers had returned, partly because of her nudity. When her tears started drying, she caught her breath and looked up at him. "I want to lay down. With you, and Max, and Petunia. Please."

Anton nodded. "Of course, Bryn." He guided her towards the stairs, letting out a whistle. Anton was relieved to hear the jingle of dogtags and the padding of Petuna's paws across the carpet. He led her upstairs, the dog following.

Once they reached the bedroom, he turned down the sheets. "Let's get you in bed, my dear, and then I'll go get Max." He tucked her in tightly as Petunia jumped up on the mattress. "I'll be right back, my dear."

She didn't want him to go, but didn't say so. Her fear was irrational. He would be back soon, she told herself. He wouldn't get taken away, and no one was going to attack her. It was hard to believe at the moment but she tried. Wrapping her arms around Petunia, she rubbed her cheek against the dog's soft fur and was rewarded with a gentle licking. It was amazing how an animal could be so tender, when a man--or someone who used to be one--couldn't.

Knowing that Bryn wouldn't want to be alone, Anton hurried out of the room, pulling out his cellphone and called Jess. "It's Anton," he said with a sigh. "Could you bring Max over?"

"Sure," Jess said. "How is she?"

"She's doing as well as can be expected," he answered. "I'll meet you downstairs."

"No, you go take care of her. I'll let myself in and bring him to you. See you in a few minutes."

Anton hung up the phone and then went back into the bedroom. He settled on the bed next to Bryn and Petunia. "Jess will bring Max here in a moment or two."

"Thank you," she said, softly. Reaching for his hand, she tugged him in close, until his chest was to her back and his arm was around her waist. With Petunia in front of her, she was sandwiched between them, protected on both sides. For the first time since early that night, she finally felt safe. She was quiet for a long time, content to be held and sheltered. With her eyes closed, she might've nodded off for a minute or two, but she wasn't sure. Finally, she asked, "What will happen to Mulder?"

"He will be treated like any newly Transformed vampire," he said. He tightened his arm around her waist. "Although given his reputation, he may have a rough road ahead of him."

He could hear approaching footsteps and turned his head, watching and waiting. Jess shortly appeared in the doorway, cradling Max in her arms. "Hey there. Who wants him?"

Bryn glanced up at Jess, fighting the urge to hide her bruises from the werewolf. She was likely to see her sooner or later, though, and although Bryn was reluctant to draw attention to herself, she lifted her arms. "Me...please. I need to hold him."

Jess nodded, walking around the bed to place Max in Bryn's arms. If she saw the bruises, she didn't say anything about them. "If you need anything else, let me know."

"Thank you," Anton said as the werewolf left the room. The werewolf looked pale and tired, as if she had been attacked as well. And with her link to Kat, Anton thought she might have been. His arm around Bryn bent slightly so that he was resting his palm over her swollen belly. He was hoping to feel Kat move, to be reassured that his daughter was okay. He knew Jess would have said something if she picked up on anything wrong, but he needed that comforting.

Bryn kissed Max's face repeatedly, until he was squirming to avoid her. Holding on to him tightly, she breathed in the sweet smell of him. He was so young he probably wouldn't have any memories of their home. The realization made her sad. They'd both wanted to have a stable home for their children, somewhere they'd feel safe and comfortable. She only hoped they could create that kind of environment wherever they went.

Squeezing her hand over Anton's, Bryn said, "I think Kat is trying to rest. She was moving a lot on the way home, though."

"Good," Anton said, somewhat reassured. He turned his hand so now it was palm against hers, and interlaced their fingers. There were hard decisions that had to be made. And all he wanted to do was to make her pain go away.

"I wish we could go to sleep and when we wake up, it will be today all over again, but instead of going in to work, I'd have my things sent to me. And instead, I'd stay here with you and Max, and none of this would have ever happened. We'd spend the whole night and day together, and we'd get to stay in our house. And nothing would be wrong. We'd just be perfectly happy, forever."

"I know, Sabryn," he said, gently rubbing her belly. "I wish that I could do that for you. I wish I could make this all go away, that I could just wave a magic wand and none of it has happened." Anton wished he could see her face, but didn't want to disturb her fragile peace by moving.

"There's nothing either of us could've done to change it." She looked at him over her shoulder. "I want to know where we're going to go. Our home feels the safest to me right now. I can't imagine anywhere we could go that would make me feel okay. Except maybe Venice...but I'm sure they would find us very easily there."

"I don't know, my dear" he said as honestly as he could. "We can't go to any of the properties I own. Lilith will be able to ferret them out." no, they would have to find a place that he had never been before. "We'll talk to the werewolves. Maybe they know of a place where we can go."

He let out a heavy sigh. There was also the matter of his business. "I'll sign over control of the warehouse to Lindy." He had the paperwork locked in his desk for just such an emergency. He had just never hoped to be forced to use it.

Frowning, Bryn grabbed on to Max and rolled over to face Anton, settling the baby between them. "I didn't even think of that. I'm so sorry, Anton. You've worked so hard to get your business this far, only to lose it." She closed her eyes briefly, feeling a little bit guilty. "I never would've wanted that for you. But maybe you can start again, somewhere else and under a different name. I'd help you however I could."

"Bryn, I don't care if I lose the business if it means I'm losing you. You are the most important thing in my life, with Max and Kat a close second. I know that Lindy will take care of it, and maybe one day I can be involved in it again. Or start a new one, like you said." He gently reached out to touch her face gently, amazed that the painful looking palm print on her cheek was fading into nothingness. "Your bruise is just about gone," he said with a trace of wonder.

Bryn's brow wrinkled and she touched the spot as well. She hadn't even noticed that the pain had disappeared. She'd been so busy worrying about other things. Now, reminded of when Max had healed her body after the car accident, she covered her belly with her hand. "Kat. You better stop before you need a transfusion like your brother did. That's all we need now is another incident."

Anton placed his hand over Bryn's. "I don't know what i would have done if Kat, or you..." He stopped, in the grip of a strong emotion. "What, happened?" He knew what he saw, but he didn't know what happened before he arrived.

"He attacked me," she said, her voice quiet. She wasn't sure if wanted to know details or what, but she wasn't sure she could tell him exactly what Justin had done and said. It would only make him angry. And she really didn't want him to remember that whenever he looked at her. "I was getting ready to leave. Mulder went outside to pack up my car. I--wanted to say t-thank you to him. For believing in me. But he never did, did he?"

"I don't know, Bryn." And he didn't. Had he always been obsessed with Bryn and that was why he hired her? Or had it started after she had been working for him for a while. And did it really matter? "And I don't know that we will ever know."

He placed a kiss on Bryn's forehead. "We're going to have to go meet with the others soon," he said with a sigh.

Her next words came out in a rush. She knew if she didn't say them quickly, she'd never say them at all.

"He was going to rape me. He said you'd had me long enough and it was his turn now. He said that it wasn't fair--that Kat should've been his."

Anton rested his hand on her shoulder lightly. He tried to screen the anger out of his voice, not wanting her to think that it was directed at her. "He was wrong and right. It wouldn't be fair to put you through that hell. And he was wrong. I haven't had you long enough." He gently rubbed his thumb back and forth. "I'm sorry that I wasn't there to protect you, Bryn. I should have known what he was."

Bryn closed her eyes and pressed closer to him, settling against his arm and pressing her forehead against his jaw. "No, you shouldn't have. You're not psychic, and you can't protect me all the time. I hate the way he made me feel...but it had nothing to do with you. He would've attacked me whether I was married to you or was single. He's a monster, and that's what they do. I'm lucky that I know you so well, and Nate and Lindy, too. Or I would've thought all vampires were that way."

He closed his eyes and pressed his lips to her forehead. "I'm so sorry you had to endure that, Bryn. And I wouldn't hesitate to stake him again."

"Can we stop talking about it, at least for a little while? I just want to lay here and enjoy being a family in our home." Her voice became thicker. "I thought we'd live here forever. I mean, how are we going to contact our families? And what about Petunia--we can't just drag her around with us, because there are quarantine laws. But I don't think I could bear just giving her up."

"We'll figure out something, my dear." Anton held her tightly and pulled her close to his chest, but was careful not to squish Max. He was tired, and unable to think straight. And if he was this drained, how must Bryn feel? They had so much that needed to be done, little precious time to do it, and all he wanted to do was hold her close.

"I hate this. But I love you, Anton, and I'll follow wherever you lead me. I trust you and I know you'll always keep me and Max safe. And Kat too, when she's here. You're a wonderful father and an even better husband. I don't care where I live, because you're my home."

Her stomach was hurting. Not because of what Justin had done--or at least not directly. She was sick with the thought of leaving their home. Watching Anton and Max closely while she dressed in sweats, and then a heavy robe, she felt tired and numb. Wishing she could just crawl in to bed with their little family and sleep for months.

When she heard the voices downstairs, she moved in close to Anton and hung on to his hand, needing his support as they went to meet the others, and wanting to be close to Max. Petunia trotted out of the room, ready to greet the guest. A little uncertain on her feet, Bryn looked up and met Anton's gaze. "I don't want everyone staring at me."

He squeezed her hand, his eyes soft. "It will be okay, my dear." He wished he could pick her up and carry her much as he was carrying Max over one shoulder, that he could shelter her in his arms and reassure her that nothing bad would ever happen. "Let's go," he said softly.

She nodded, following aside but slightly behind him as he headed toward the stairs. Picking up the bottom of her robe so she didn't trip, she carefully made her way down the stairs, her stomach a little more ill at ease with every step. She could see Walter, Jess, and Lindy seated there, waiting to hear what had happened. Although she was pretty sure they already knew.

Lindy didn't stay seated for long. Seeing Bryn, she got up and went to embrace her friend. "I'm so sorry, Bryn," she whispered as tears rolled down her eyes. "I could have stopped this. That day in your office. I saw, but I didn't see."

Bryn squeezed her in return, her eyes watery. "There's nothing anyone could've done. He was too good a liar. And I wanted to believe he believed in me." She hugged Lindy a little tighter, aware that this might be one of the last times she saw her. "I just wish I had quit sooner."

While Lindy was hugging Bryn, Walter and Jess got up to talk to Anton. "Alex and Nate contacted us and let us in on what they found," Jess said softly.

Walter's voice was equally quiet. "And what is the next move?"

"That has to be decided," Anton said gravely. "Lilith will find out about this, and my life is forfeit. She does not take kindly to others performing what she considers her exclusive right."

"Even in self defense?" Jess asked indignantly. "You were protecting your wife. Surely she'll see that there are extenuating circumstances."

"Not if it suits her."

"She'll use any excuse she can to get her hands on Max," Bryn said, quietly. "And Kat, too." She looked at Anton, frowning. "You might not be the only one she'd want to get out of the way. As soon as Kat is born, I'm useless to her."

Anton didn't say it, but Walter quietly did. "I wouldn't be so sure of that Bryn. We don't know if the pregnancies resulted because of something special about you and Anton, or just you."

Anton's hand tightened on Bryn's, his voice low and threatening. "And we are not ever going to find the answer to that question."

She hadn't thought of that possibility--it made her stomach feel worse than it already had. Feeling the need to sit down, she tugged Anton over to the couch and leaned against him when he was finally seated. She plucked Max out of his arms, feeling the need to squeeze the little boy close. "Their *our* miracles."

Jess was glaring at Walter for even bringing that up at this point. "And we're going to keep them your miracles. Tell us what to do, Anton, Bryn, and we'll help in any way we can."

"I want Nathaniel and Alex here before we plan anything," Anton said. "And Vandala is not to be informed."

"It's taking quite a while to cle--get rid of any evidence at the gallery. But Nate said they'd be here soon," Lindy told him. "They might have to go back tomorrow too."

Anton nodded. He started towards the couch with the intentions of having Bryn sit down. "How long before Dr. Anne is here?"

"Few minutes," Jess said. "She's on her way right now.

Bryn didn't really feel like having the doctor examine her, but she knew Anne would want to anyway. Leaning further against Anton's side, she settled her head on his shoulder. She didn't feel well. Between her upset stomach and pounding head, she could've passed for someone with a fever. Still, she kept her eyes open, determined not to miss anything important.

Anton kept his arm around her protectively, as if watching for any and all threats that might come charging through the door. "When Nate and Alex get here, I'm going to ask you all to do something that will put you all at risk. If you don't want any part of this, I'll understand."

Jess shared a look with Walter and then with Lindy. "We're not going anywhere," she said.

Bryn was watching Liam and Petunia play on the floor, but looked up at the tone of Anton's voice. "What are you going to ask them? The shouldn't have to be a part of anything."

"I'm asking them to help hide us. How deep they want to be involved. Giving everyone a chance to walk out the door before we start laying plans. Because we've seen Lilith will show no mercy to anyone aiding a fugitive from her justice."

She frowned at him. "It's bad enough that she wants you dead. We shouldn't be dragging anyone down with us." Closing her eyes, she squeezed his side. "I'm sorry. I'm upset with the situation, not with you." Looking at the others, she said simply, "He saved my life."

They all nodded understandingly. "We're all family," Walter said. "We're all in this together."

"I just with Nate and Alex would get here," Jess said. "You leaving is going to be hard to keep secret. Especially with Vandala at the warehouse."

"Maybe she could be told we went on vacation," Bryn murmured. "At least we'd have a head start." Looking down at the dog, she thought of something. "What are we going to do about Petunia? It's going to be hard enough leaving our home. I don't think I could stand leaving her behind."

"We may have to, Bryn, if only for a little while," Anton said gently.

"We'll figure out some way to get her to you," Lindy said. "Anton, what about..."

"The warehouse? There are some papers in the safe at the warehouse in a file marked contingency plans. It leaves you in charge, Lindy, and puts my role to silent partner. Rudenko's Antiques is yours now to do with as you see fit."

Bryn closed her eyes and turned her head away from them. That simple sentence, that the business was Lindy's, made her heart break. She wanted to curl in to a ball somewhere and slowly turn to stone. She hated this, all of it, and it was all her fault. If she'd never insisted on that stupid job--if she'd just stayed home with Max like she should've--not of this would be happening. [I'm so sorry, Anton.]

Lindy's eyes were wide in shock. "Anton, I can't..."

Anton put up one hand, silencing her protest. Then he readjusted Max on his lap. "If you can't think of it as yours, think of you holding it in trust for me to return to." Although he thought that would be highly unlikely.

Eyes bright with tears, Lindy nodded. "Okay."

Getting up from the couch, Bryn walked down the hall and in to the bathroom. She shut the door behind her and sat down on the toilet lid, pressing one hand to her head and the other to her belly. She felt like she was going to vomit, not because of illness or physical trauma, but because of everything they were losing. The house, the business, their friends and family, their pet...

It was far too much to bear and suddenly she was on her knees on the floor, just barely lifting the toilet lid in time.

Anton handed Max to Lindy and followed Bryn. This had to feel like another violation to her. Their happy, warm, stable world had just been ripped out from under their feet. Carefully he opened the door when he heard the retching sounds. "It'll be okay, Bryn," he soothed as he grabbed a washcloth and dampened it. "It'll be all right as long as we're together." Kneeling beside her, he began to wipe her forehead and mouth.

Letting out a sobbing breath, she settled her head on her arm and tried to stop her stomach from clenching. She hadn't gotten sick in months, and didn't much appreciate the reminder. "Do we have something cold and sweet to drink? God...I might need a transfusion, too."

Anton gently stroked her hair. "We'll take care of it, Bryn. Everything will be okay." He helped her back to her feet and slowly guided her to the living room and towards the couch. He looked at Walter. "Could you go get a soda and some of the blood stored in the refrigerator?"

As Walter moved off, Anton could hear Anne's voice coming from the foyer. "Where is she?"

"In here," Lindy said, leading the way, with Max perched in Anne's arms.

They headed to the living room, walking around the couch to where Anton was kneeling. On her back, her forearm covering her eyes, Bryn was trying to keep her breathing steady, all the while rubbing her stomach.

"She just got sick," Lindy said, quietly. Looking to her mother, she mouthed the words, "How is the baby?"

"Okay," Jess said in a sotto voice. "Nervous, but not like when Max and Bryn were in the accident."

Anne nodded. "Bryn, why don't you lay down on the couch," she said, putting down her bag. She frowned when Walter returned, but took the soda and blood from him. "Anton, would you start setting up the transfusion equipment? And would the rest of you make yourselves scarce for about fifteen minutes?"

As the others left the room for the kitchen, Anne turned to the couch. "Bryn, can you tell me what happened?"

Bryn looked around the room for a minute, relieved that everyone was gone, but feeling a bit nervous that Anton was gone as well. Reaching for Max as he clung to the couch next to Anne, she settled him on her chest and rubbed his back. "I got attacked," she said, quietly. "He...wanted to rape me, but never got the chance. Anton showed up before he ever got his pants off."

Anne nodded as she pulled out her stethoscope. "Can I lift your shirt?" When Bryn nodded, she pulled up the cloth and started to listen to Bryn's heartbeat. After a moment, she moved the stethoscope to her belly as Anton came in with the pole and placed it near her head. "Everything sounds normal," she said as she picked up the blood pressure cuff. "Did he try to hurt you any other way?"

"He hit me," she said, closing her eyes and pointing to her cheek, "here. And he grabbed me." She gestured to her breast. "And he threw me on the desk on my back. He forced my legs apart and ripped my dress off." Unable to look at the doctor, she squeezed Max a little closer and kissed his soft hair.

"And Kat healed these wounds?" Anne let out a sigh. "Okay. She probably wasn't under the same stress that Max was, but I'd still like you to have a transfusion. Are you sore anywhere?"

"My stomach, but only because I just threw up. Can I have that pop now?"

"Let me take your temperature first." Anne pulled out an ear thermometer. "This will just take a moment," she said putting the instrument in her ear and took a reading. "And, you're temperature is normal. You can have the soda." She picked up the bag of blood and hung it on the pole. "So what happened to your attacker? How many shreds did Anton rip him into?"

Bryn glanced above her to Anton. "I don't know."

"No shreds," Nate said, walking in to the room. "Unless you count the yard-long wooden splinter decorating his chest." As he stopped next to them, he was still wiping his hands with a disinfecting cloth...the stained areas colored dirty brown. He cast a concerned gaze at the couch and then turned his attention to Anton. "What did we miss?"

"Just me checking Bryn over. And other than being in a mild state of shock, she's fine." Expectantly she turned to Anton. "Do i need to check you out as well?"

Anton brushed aside her concern. "I'm fine. Could you call the others in? We need to discuss our next moves." He turned to Nate. "How is Mulder doing?"

"Why don't you ask him yourself? He's right--" Nate looked to the foyer, seeing that the archway was empty. "Well, he was right behind me. Alex will bring him in, I guess. He was doing fine, aside from being unusually quiet. I think he's in shock too. Not surprising, though." He nodded towards the bag of blood. "We probably both need some of that. I think I'll wait and get some from the cows, though."

"Especially since Kat needs this the most right now," Anne said.

"What about the bastard's corpse?" Anton wasn't about to say Justin's name in front of Bryn.

"We'll take care of that as soon as the sun rises," Alex said, leading in a quiet Mulder. The werewolf looked a bit paler than usual. "He...uh...needed a quick snack before coming in."

As if answering a silent summons, Lindy, Jess and Walter returned from the kitchen.

"Looks like we're all here," Nate said, reaching for Lindy's hand. She was carrying Liam, holding him tightly. "Let's sit down and get this show on the road."

Anton inwardly winced at his brother's choice of words. But he wouldn't break down and rail against the unfairness of it all, nor shed tears at his loss at the moment. He needed to be strong for Bryn's sake, and there would be time to mourn later.

He took a deep breath and started speaking. "I have broken one of Lilith's most sacred laws and taken the live of another vampire. She will learn of this eventually, and my life will be forfeit. If I had done the same to a human rapist, she would not even blink an eye. But since it was another vampire, I will receive no mercy nor quarter. I will not stand idly by and wait for her 'justice.'" He almost sneered the last word. "Bryn, Max, and I will leave, if possible tonight, and try to get as much of a head start as we can."

"Where will you go?" Anne asked in a soft voice.

"That I do not know yet."

Nate let out a deep sigh, aware that this had been coming even though he had avoided thinking about it. "So we'll go with you. We'll find somewhere to settle and face this together. It's not fair this happened at all--you shouldn't have to endure it alone."

Anton shook his head, though he was deeply touched by his brother's offer. "No, you can't. It's not fair to make you leave everything behind. And a smaller group traveling is more likely to not be noticed. Besides, I need your help here." He looked at Nate squarely. "I need you to act as advocate for me to Lilith. Mercy isn't likely, but there is always a small chance."

Nate blinked. He hadn't been expecting to be turned down, but he understood Anton's reasoning. "All right," he said, his voice slightly rough. "I'll--we'll do whatever we can. Even if it means hiring lawyers and going through a trial." He knew Lilith wasn't likely to allow that, but if he could get a majority behind them, there was always hope. Still, it meant-- "There's a chance you might not come back."

Anton took a heavy breath and nodded his head.

"Unless we can prove this was a set up," growled a low voice. Everyone turned to look at Walter. "What are the odds that Bryn goes to work for a vampire that Anton doesn't know. You didn't know him, correct?" When Anton nodded, the ex-FBI agent continued. "It smells of a conspiracy to me. Someone who was holding a grudge. And we all know who I'm talking about."

Bryn covered her face with her hands, shouting through her clenched teeth, "God, I hate that evil bitch!"

"Wait," Lindy said. "How do we know Natasha had anything to do with this? Like Walter said, it's a stretch, but it could still be a coincidence."

"It's not," Bryn said, sitting up abruptly. She moved Max to her shoulder when he suddenly star