Chapter One Hundred Thirty-five The wind was whipping up, making a howling noise. Anton looked out into the overcast night, where not a star could be seen in the sky. There was a storm brewing outside, and he hoped Alex and Anne made it back before it. The doctor was flying over from the mainland to stay with them until Bryn delivered. Alex had traveled to the Oahu to greet her and bring her back to Kauai where Nathaniel's home was. And that would involve flying in a small plane. But an alert just went out on the radio that the airports had been closed down. He hoped they had made it off the ground and would be landing shortly. Hiding his worry, he turned to Bryn. "It looks nasty out there, my dear. I hope Anne had a good flight." Bryn nodded, staring out the sliding glass door at the near-monsoon conditions. "I hope she has landed already...and that we're not about to endure a hurricane," she said, nervously, wondering how it could rain and still be so bloody hot. Wiping the sweat from the back of her neck, she smiled at Max as he pulled himself up to stand next to her. "Hi big boy! Don't worry, Daddy will keep us safe. Won't he?" she asked, eyebrow arched. "Yes he will," Anton said walking up behind Bryn. He put one arm around her and reached down to pat Max on the head. "But if there is thunder and lightning, it's going to get awfully crowded under the bed with all three of us there." Bryn rolled her eyes. "Ha ha, very funny." Reaching down, she rubbed her belly, trying to soothe away her indigestion. "I think all of this fruit juice is starting to get to me. I feel all bloated and gassy." She grinned at the face he made. "I wonder if there're any antacids around here." "I think we have some in the bathroom, my dear. Want me to find you some?" When she nodded he scooped up Max. "Come on, boy. Let's go find the stuff so Mom's not making funny noises all night." Flying Max like an airplane and making the same noises, he headed towards the bathroom's medicine cabinet. Shaking her head, Bryn laughed and walked over to open the patio door. The sudden loud rush of rain was accompanied by a burst of hot, humid air. Standing in the doorway, with her short maternity dress on and her legs slightly spread, she pondered whether or not to walk out and stand in the rain. It had to be cooler than staying in the house. But as she stepped out to the patio, the rush of water came from between her legs instead of the sky above. Max giggling as Anton carried him tucked under one arm, he returned from the bathroom, bottle in hand. "Bryn?" he called out when he saw her leaning against the door frame. He knew something was wrong right away. "What is it, my dear?" Staring down at the floor, she grimaced. There were several weeks until her due-date. Almost a whole month. "I think Anne needs to get here really fast. My water just broke." "You what?" Anton put Max down on the couch and walked over to Bryn. "It's too early," he said a bit stunned. "You're not due for another month," he said. But tell that to Kat. "Come on, let's get you inside," he said, putting an arm around her to support her. Stepping over the puddle on the ground, she held up the bottom of her skirt and waddled through the house. "This doesn't make any sense. I haven't even been in any pain. This shouldn't be happening." She looked back as they walked past Max. "I'm fine. Get him. I don't want him falling on the tile floor." Anton scooped Max back up as he guided Bryn to the bedroom. "Let's have you lay down for a bit, my dear. I'll give Alex a call on his cell phone and hopefully Anne will be here in a few minutes." If the doctor wasn't coming, he wasn't sure how he could get Bryn to a hospital in this weather. "I don't want to lay down," she murmured, but settled down on the bed anyway. She did feel a little better off her feet. "I'm all wet. Will you help me undress and get some towels to put under me?" "Yes, my dear," he said, putting Max down in his cradle. He walked over to the closet and grabbed a couple of towels. "You're not feeling any discomfort?" he asked as the sound of the wind and rain grew louder. Putting the towels down next to her, he unbuttoned the bodice of the dress and started to lift it off of her. She shook her head. "My back hurts a little, and my stomach is grumbly, but other than that I'm okay." She paused for a moment and let out a soft belch. "And the gas." Bryn gave him a sheepish smile. "Hey, at least it didn't come from the other end." "And I am truly grateful for that, my dear." Anton picked up the phone on the table besides the bed and dialed Alex. "Hello?" He heard the werewolf respond, but couldn't make out any words. "I can barely hear you, Alex...can you repeat that?" Frowning he listened again. "What do you mean you're on Oahu?" Again he listened. "Hello? Hello?" With a frustrated noise, he hung up the phone. "What is it, sugar?" "Alex said something about being on Oahu with Anne because of the storm, I think. The connection was cutting in and out before the line went dead." "Oh great." Bryn pushed her lower body up with her feet and started stripping her sodden panties down with his help. Settling back to the bed, she rubbed her belly again. "Did you find those antacids? It feels like there's hot lava in there. I keep burping up nasty stuff." He still had the bottle in his hand. "Here you are, my dear," he said, handing her the bottle. "Do you want me to get you some water?" he asked as he put a hand on her stomach and rubbed. She felt as hard as a rock beneath his touch, like her muscles were all bunched tight. Bryn groaned, trying to roll on to her side. She was about as graceful as a hippo. "Maybe a little bit," she said, breathlessly, as she grabbed on to his thigh for support. Hanging on to the side of the bed, she watched him get up and head for the kitchen. Panting softly, she winced at a pinching sensation in her groin. "Ow. Stop it." From between the bars of his crib, Max stared at her and tilted his head. "Not you. Your sister. Ow! Stop it." This time the pain was duller but didn't seem to be going away. "Mmmph. Owwweeee...." Carrying a glass of water, Anton hurried back to Bryn's bed. "Bryn? Are you okay?" he asked, seeing her squirm. "Was that a contraction?" She blew out several times between her pursed lips, her toes slowly unclenching as the pain subsided. "I think so. Felt a little different than I remembered." Reaching carefully for the glass of water, she put the antacid tablet on her tongue and took a long drink. Over in his crib, Max stood up and started banging his stuffed monkey on the bars like a prisoner. Bryn rubbed her stomach again. "I wonder if Jess can feel this." "Good question, my dear." Anton reached over for the phone again, and frowned when he didn't hear a dial tone. "Phone line must have been knocked out," he said, resting a hand on her stomach again. He rubbed her belly, hoping that he could ease her pain. "Bryn, what if you're in labor now? Does it feel like that or like those false labor contractions you had?" "I just...I feel crampy." She swallowed heavily. "And I have heartburn, and an upset stomach. But my water breaking definitely isn't false labor. It's just a question of how long it will be. Hopefully we have quite some time, and can wait out the storm." "Hopefully, dear." He wracked his brain for some way to make her more comfortable. For the moment Max seemed content to play in his crib, which was a blessing. Trying to take care of the boy and his wife at the same time would be a challenge. "Is there anything I can do to make you comfortable?" he asked, still rubbing her stomach. "Maybe rub my back." She watched as he climbed on to the bed behind her and gently started rubbing her back. It felt wonderful, and she even started to get a little sleepy. Several hours later, with the storm still raging outside, Bryn clenched her teeth and bit back a scream, her body curling in itself in attempt to push the pain away. Max was crying in his crib, upset at her shouting, and Anton looked about ready to pull his hair out. Natural labor hadn't been what any of them had in mind. Anton took a deep breath, letting Bryn squeeze his hand so har he was certain some of the bones would snap. The slight pinch she had complained about had become full contractions. He had tried calling Alex again, but with the storm raging outside, hadn't been able to get through. "Hang on Bryn," he said. "It's going to be okay. " [Hopefully nothing else will go wrong,] he thought. Of course, that was the moment that the lights chose to cut out. Bryn groaned, feeling the contraction start to subside. She was wet from sweating and panted heavily, sprawling out on the bed. "I don't know how much longer I can keep this up. We need an ambulance...or something." Anton reached over and flipped on one of the battery powered lights he had put by the bed. "I don't think I can get you to the main island," he said. "And I'm not sure it's safe to get you to the clinic in this storm." He was feeling helpless to do anything to assist her. "I think I may have to deliver Kat, my dear." Bryn looked at him with wide and slightly skeptical eyes. "Have you delivered a baby before?" "Yes, my dear," he answered. What he didn't say was it had been a foal of a favorite mare over two hundred years ago. He wasn't sure that Bryn would appreciate the comparison. Closing her eyes, Bryn shook her head slightly. This sounded like a very bad idea. Then again, they had no other choice. "You're going to need a shoelace or something to tie off the umbilical cord...and some towels to wipe her off. And a turkey baster or something like that to suck the mucus out of her mouth." Anton nodded. "Let me go get those, my dear." He stood up and smoothed the hair back from her forehead and then placed a kiss on it. "Everything is going to be okay, Sabryn. I promise." And he believed it. [He's got to be crazy,] she thought, watching him go. There were so many things that could go wrong. What if Kat got stuck and had to be removed through her stomach? What if the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck and she lost oxygen? What if it was just too painful and she lost consciousness? And he was consciously trying not to think of those very things. Because if he did, he would be in a panic and no good to his wife, son, or daughter. Anton walked through the darkened hall, vampiric eyesight picking out obstacles and easily avoiding them. He went into the kitchen to get the first aid kit, as well as a sharp knife and the turkey baster Bryn had suggested. There were more towels he could pick up in the bathroom on his way back. By the time Anton returned, she was contracting again, her hands fisted in the sheets below her. Tears rolled unnoticed across her temples, and her jaw was clicking with the force she clenched them. Legs moving restlessly on the bed, she tried to fight back the slight urge to push. [Not yet...damn it! Anne, get here!] He hurried to the bed, almost dropping the supplies in his haste. "I'm here, Bryn," he soothed, taking her hand again. He placed a hand on her stomach and began counting seconds to see how long this contraction lasted. They were coming closer together and lasting longer. The baby would soon be born, ready or not. Clutching his hand tightly, Bryn blew out the rest of her panting breaths rapidly. When the contractions ceased, it took a long while for her body to relax. Whimpering, she tugged Anton even closer until he was lying next to her. "I want...some Tylenol. Lots and lots of Tylenol." He wasn't certain that Tylenol would be a smart thing to give her during labor, but he nodded. He opened the first aid kit and pulled out one of the bottles. "Here you are," he said helping her to sit up so she could swallow the pills. She managed to smirk at him, saying, "I was kidding," but she took the pills anyway. What could it hurt? Swallowing down a small amount of water, she settled back against her pillow and tried to relax. It was almost impossible at this stage. "How long have I been doing this?" Still holding her sitting up, he rubbed her back. "About four hours, Bryn." He had the radio on in the background, listening to the weather broadcast talking about the ocean swells and the high winds. It would be dawn soon, but it wouldn't help the lighting situation seeing that he needed to keep the blinds drawn. "Oh...God. It feels like it's been days." Her legs slightly spread and knees bent, she pressed her elbows to her thighs and rested her forehead on her clasped hands. "I wonder how clean the tub is here. I've heard water births are easier." "I don't think the tub is deep enough." Noticing that the battery powered lamp was growing dimmer, he made a mental note to tell Nathaniel to get a generator installed ASAP. He rubbed his hand over her stomach. "It's going to be over soon, Bryn. Everything is going to be okay." "No it's not! Some women are in labor for days!" she snapped, irritably. "This just started. And I'm in pain. Even when the contractions aren't here. I want pain killers. I want morphine!" The mood swings were in full force. All he could do was continue to rub her stomach and make sympathetic noises. No point in telling her that he couldn't give her any more than he already had. It had been about ten minutes since her last contraction, and she should be due for another one in a few minutes. She started to breathe heavier, feeling another one coming on already. Reaching for his hand, she held on with a vice-like grip and squeezed progressively harder with each passing second. "Owwwwww..." "It's okay, Bryn," he said, letting her squeeze as hard as she wanted as he made soothing noises. The contractions were definitely coming faster. Hopefully soon the baby would be born, but not before Anne arrived. Slumping on to her side, Bryn let out a keening sound and tried to curl in to a ball, only to restlessly unravel a moment later and arch stiffly on top of the sheets. She wished he would knock her over the head so she didn't have to feel anymore. And maybe Kat would miraculously pop out while she was unconscious. It was definitely less than ten minutes between those. If anything, it was only five or six minutes. "Bryn, I want to look at your cervix. See how dilated you are." She gave him a dry look, trying to let her limbs go limp with little success. Settling partially on her back, she opened her legs and tried to prop them up as best she could. As tired as she was getting, she was starting to wonder if she'd ever be able to move properly again. Anton climbed around to the foot of the bed, carrying a hand flashlight. He shone the light between her legs, adding little illumination. "I think you're at a ten, my dear." He was definitely going to have to deliver this baby. "Has the contraction let up at all?" "A little," she said, tiredly, her eyes closed. She was already exhausted, and he was going to expect her to start pushing soon. [Yeah, right.] That unconsciousness was sounding better and better. "It's going to be soon, Bryn." He hoped that she didn't realize that he wasn't certain at all, that he was playing this by ear. He wished that there were other people here, but the maid and the cook had the night off to spend at their homes due to the storm that was now bearing down full force on them. "Just hang in there, Bryn. It's going to be okay." She wished he'd stop saying that. She knew he was trying to calm her, but it was having the opposite effect. Before she could say it, she felt another strong contraction hit and doubled over in pain, groaning as a strong urge to push made her muscles clench. It looked like she was bearing down. "Okay, Bryn. Start pushing," Anton encouraged. He had heard that women had an easier time giving birth to their second child, and he hoped that was true. "You can do this, Bryn. Come on and push." I *am* pushing!" She screeched, through clenched teeth. Her face turning red, she clutched fists-full of the sheets and pushed down towards her butt, remembering to press her chin to her chest. Trying to remember the details of the last time she gave birth, or at least what he remembered before he fainted, he counted out loud. "....seven...eight...nine...ten. Ease up, Bryn." He couldn't see any significant difference, but that didn't mean anything. Panting heavily, Bryn let her head fall to the side. She didn't want to do this anymore. It was a good thing he didn't want more than two kids. He'd have to bear them himself. "I think I'm done." "Not quite yet, my dear," he said, flipping on a few of the larger lanterns. "But you're getting close." Taking advantage of the fact that she wasn't actively contracting, Anton moved to her head so he could swab it with a wet cloth. "Ooohhherecomesanotherone..." She sat up with quite a bit of his help, curling in to a ball and groaning as she started pushing again. She wasn't quiet by any means, wailing and moaning until Max decided to join her in her cries. He wasn't able to take care of Max. Not with Bryn pushing. Anton hurried back to the foot of the bed, checking between her legs. "I can see her head, my dear! Keep pushing." She could've slipped. It could've been explained away easily as that, from his perspective. But in Bryn's head it was a little more deliberate than that. Between her hard pushing and his repeated demands to push, her foot jerked out of his grasp and nailed him squarely in the chest, knocking him backwards off the bed. Anton grunted as he landed on his ass on the floor. For half a second, he wondered why he always seemed to end up on the floor when she gave birth. Anton climbed back to his feet and took his position again. Kat had seemed to move forward fractionally. There was a bowling ball stuck between her legs and she growling like an angry bear, her face contorted in a fierce scowl as she tried her hardest to shoot the baby across the room with her muscles. She understood why women screamed at their husbands and told them it was their fault, because it was his fault and she wanted to rip his hair out by the roots. Screaming, she reached for him, digging her fingernails hard in to his skin as he grabbed her hand. Anton let out a loud yell as it seemed that her nails were trying to sever tendons. But he couldn't let the pain distract him. She was so close.... "Come on, Bryn," he urged. "Kat's head is almost out." Groaning, Bryn put all of her remaining strength in to one hard push. [Just get the head out. I don't care if she has to live there for a day or two...just get the head out!] Growling and screeching, she tried to ignore Max's cries for the moment, Anton's incessant chanting, and the nagging voice in the back of her head that thought it would be a funny but cruel joke if she gave birth to a boy instead of a girl. She ignored the need to pass out in delirium. And finally, she felt the baby's head rip free from her womb and pop through with a jolt. That was when her strength gave out and she fell back to the bed with a thump. "My God, Bryn. She's beautiful." Anton placed a hand underneath the baby's head, supporting her weight. He couldn't let himself become entranced with the sight of his almost born daughter. "You're almost done, Bryn. A push or two more and you can take a nice, long nap," he encouraged as he hooked a foot around a chair that had clean towels on it and dragged it closer. "Come on, Bryn. Push." Breathless, Bryn pointed to the turkey baster. "Suction...her." Anton grabbed the baster and carefully inserted it into each nostril and her mouth, sucking out mucous. "You ready to give another push, Bryn? You're almost done." She wanted to say no, but her body wasn't going to let her. Still seized by strong urges to push, she somehow lifted herself on to her elbows and planted her chin to her chest, giving one last strong, even push until the burning sensation eased. He barely had time to grab a towel to wrap her in when Kat popped free of Bryn's body. Cradling her against his chest as she let out a healthy wail, Anton tied off her umbilical cord and then grabbed the kitchen scissors. He severed the umbilical cord much like he had for Max. "She's beautiful, Bryn," he said as he lifted their daughter onto her chest so she could see her. Although she had been limp as a rag doll after that last push, Bryn lifted her arms to cradle to the small bundle, her eyes filling with tears. "Hi there, Kat. Kitty Kat." She lifted her head and pressed her lips to the baby's forehead, despite the slight amount of goo on her face. Opening up the towel, she placed her hand gently over Kat's chest, feeling her ribs rise and fall. "I think she's breathing okay. But she needs to be checked by a doctor. Premies have a lot of lung problems." Wiping her cheek on her shoulder, she looked up at Anton and smiled widely. "She is beautiful." He was so entranced watching them that he didn't hear the pounding on the front door. Nor did he hear the sound of running feet. "My God," Alex's voice came. Anne immediately took on a more business tone. "Get my suitcase Alex. I need my medical bag." As the werewolf hurried off to obey, Anne first took Bryn's pulse. "How long ago did she give birth?" "Just," Anton said, gesturing to the afterbirth which was laying on the floor. "You just missed it." Anne nodded and started taking Kat's pulse as Alex dragged the rolling suitcase into the room. "How are you feeling, Bryn?" "A little self-conscious," she mumbled, pressing her legs together. "Um...could someone get Max?" Alex was already scooping up the boy. "Yeah, I know. I'm not, Jess," he said as Max gave an uncertain sniff, trying to decide whether or not to cry some more. "Have they been ignoring you for your new sister?" "Never," Anton said, holding out his arms for his son. "Come here Max, and meet your sister Kat." Hi sweet pea," Bryn said, reaching out for his small hand. "I'm sorry we didn't pick you up sooner. I know you were scared." She watched him look uncertainly at the squirming baby Anton was holding. Kat's continuous crying was upsetting him as well. "It's okay, Max." Max looked at the baby resting on Bryn's chest uncertainly, and then back to Anton. "Yeah, that's right. It's okay. She's your new sister." Anton reached out and gently rested his hand on the back of Kat's head. Still smiling, Bryn closed her eyes. She didn't particularly care that she was naked in front of Alex Krycek, or that she didn't know whether or not she'd stopped bleeding. All she cared about was that Kat was healthy, Max had stopped crying, and she was so tired she could've slept for a week. Hoping that Anton could take care of things for the moment, she relaxed and let herself drift in and out of sleep. Only three days had passed since the baby was born and already they were celebrating another birth. Max's first birthday was upon them before they knew it, and he was in a cranky mood. Not too thrilled at no longer being the center of attention, he tossed his breakfast on the floor and cried until Anton picked him up. Then he wouldn't allow his father to put him down. Sighing, Bryn gingerly sat down on the floor with Kat and looked at Anton sympathetically. "I hope this isn't the beginning of a much bigger problem." "Neither do I, my dear." Anton sat down as well, Max firmly in his lap. "I always thought that sibling rivalry wouldn't start until they were much older, Bryn." There had been some between him and Nathaniel, but that as under very different circumstances. "I wouldn't know. Seems like John and I always fought." She glanced at the clock. Alex had gone to the store to buy a cake and a few presents for Max. There was no telling just what he would return with. "I can't believe we almost forgot his birthday. I hope he doesn't remember this when he's older." "I think we can argue extenuating circumstances, my dear." He was a bit embarrassed that he had forgotten his firstborn's birthday in the rush to greet his second born. Anton bounced Max on his lap, hoping that both Alex and Anne would return soon. "It's been quite a year, hasn't it Max?" Max looked up at Anton but didn't reply. He was keeping a watchful eye on his baby sister, as if she might get up and wander in to his territory. Leaning back against Anton's legs, Bryn let out a sigh. "I'm exhausted. It feels like we haven't slept in weeks." Meeting Anton's gaze, she settled her cheek on his knee. "When do you think we'll have to move on from here?" "I want to wait two, maybe three weeks. Give Kat a chance to grow a bit." He turned his head when he heard footsteps near. "Hey there," Alex said, carrying a few wrapped boxes. "We're back. You wouldn't believe how hard it was to find an open bakery. But Anne and I managed." Anne followed, carrying a pink baker's box. "The doctor in me said we should be getting something healthy for Max. Fortunately, I managed to shut her up and get a chocolate cake." Bryn smiled. "I'm sure he'll appreciate it. I know I do...even though I'll have to restrain myself." Carefully picking up the baby, she pushed herself to her feet and followed Anne to the table. "And we all appreciate you two being here. More than we could ever say." Anne smiled back. "I just wish I could stay longer," she said. Given that Kat seemed healthy and there were no other issues she had to handle, Anne would be heading home the next night, returning to the mainland and taking messages and presents from Anton and Bryn and Alex. "Oh," she said, just remembering something. "I'll be right back." As she left the room, Anton had managed to lever himself off the floor with Max still in his arms. "Wonder what she's doing?" Acting nonchalant, he put Max down in a chair, only to have to pick him up again when the boy started to bawl. "Do you want to trade me?" Bryn asked, noting that Katerina had fallen back to sleep. "If you think he'll be okay." Anton passed Max over to Bryn and slipped Kat out of her arms. He did that just as Anne returned with a few wrapped presents. "We figured I'd still be here for Max's birthday, so the family sent a few things along with me," she explained, setting the boxes in front of Bryn. "Ohhh..." Bryn felt her eyes getting misty. "God, that's so sweet." Sitting down in one of the chairs, she said to Max, "Shall we open some of these, sweet pea?" Max's response was to smile brightly and reach for the package wrapped in shiny metallic paper. Anton laughed. "I think that's a yes, my dear." Pulling the package closer, Bryn looked at the tag on top. It was from Nate and Lindy. On her lap, Max began tugging at the box but couldn't seem to figure out how to open. Pulling loose a flap, Bryn helped him start ripping the paper. He got the hang of it in no time. Anton watched eagerly as Max tore off the paper. But the covered box was a frustrating mystery to the child. After Bryn helped lift the lid off,, Anton leaned forward to look into the box. "It looks like a story book, my dear." Bryn lifted the book out of the box and set it in front of Max. He looked at the brightly colored hippo on the cover and reached for it, only to get frustrated when he couldn't grab it from the glossy surface. Annoyed, he pushed the book off his lap and reached for another box. Shaking her head, Bryn plucked the book off the floor and handed it to Anton. "Hopefully he'll like that one a lot better when he hears the story inside." "He's probably thinking this is all a set up so we'll read him a story and put him down for a nap." Max didn't pay any attention to the adult's discussion, but tore off the paper and managed to get this larger box open. He squealed in delight at the stuffed husky he pulled out of the box. Alex, retuning from the kitchen with plates and forks and a knife, laughed. "That has to be from Jess." "Maybe we should search it for a miniature bear?" Bryn said. It took Anton a moment to get the joke. Before he could respond, Alex answered. "No need to search the toy," he said, tilting the cake so Bryn could see the frosting bear holding balloons. "It's right here." Bryn grinned. "And I was just kidding." She looked down at Max, who was clutching the stuffed dog tightly. "I think he's missing Liam." "Yeah," Anton said as Alex put one candle on the cake. It was difficult not to compare this to the party the they would have at home, surrounded by all of the family. Shaking those thoughts from his head, Anton pushed another box, this one of the ones that Alex had brought, over to Max. Reaching for the box over his toy, Max started ripping in to it. Bryn glanced at Alex, wondering just what he would have bought. The man was somewhat of a mystery to her. He doted over his children and grandchildren, but could be almost suspiciously quiet when he wanted to. Anton watched as Max pulled out a small outfit of jeans and a shirt just the right size for the boy. "I saw the pair you had for him was getting a little holey around the knees," Alex said. "And I figured you two wouldn't have much time to take him shopping." "They're so cute," Bryn said, She held up the tiny Hawaiian-style shirt so Anton could see it. "Thank you, Alex. It's perfect." "I'm glad you like it," he responded. "Yes, thank you Alex," Anton said. There were two more boxes - one from Anne and her husband, and the one from them. "Which do you think Max would like to open next, my dear?" "Let's save ours for last." She grabbed the box from Anne and Michael, touched that they would buy him something even though he wasn't technically a relative. "Let's see what's in here." This was another box of clothing. Only this time, it was soft flannel pajamas. "How cute," Anton said as he rearranged Kat on his lap and Bryn held up the sky blue pajamas with airplanes and fluffy clouds on them. "Awww. They look all soft and cuddly, just like you," Bryn said, tickling Max's side until he giggled. "Thank you, Anne. And please thank Michael for us, too." Anne nodded. "I will." "I guess that leaves ours, my dear." As he handed the last present over to Bryn, he wished it wasn't the last. Because that meant that soon the party would be over, and they would have to start making preparations to move on. Their loving family would be permanently shattered. Bryn wanted to say that there were cards to read, as well, but she figured it would probably be best to read those privately later on. They were bound to be emotional. Catching Anton's gaze as he handed her the present, she gave him a soft smile. Sometimes she couldn't wait to curl up with him and the kids and pretend the rest of the world didn't exist. Anton watched as Max tore away the paper, a look of innocent joy on his face. And Max seemed equally pleased when the box of oversized Legos was revealed. He couldn't help but wonder though how much time they would have together as a family. And he was going to treasure every moment that they had. Alex picked up the knife, very aware of the unspoken emotions. "Shall I cut the cake?" he asked. "We should do the candle first. Anyone have a lighter?" "No, but I have these." Anne pulled out a book of matches and lit the candle. And they all managed to stay on the same key as they sang Happy Birthday to Max. Looking between their faces in wonder, Max delighted in being everyone's focus. He was beaming once the song was finished, but couldn't seem to figure out what to do with the candle. Helping him along, Bryn and Anton blew out the flame then laughed when their son clapped his hands. Smooching Max on the cheek noisily, Bryn said, "Happy birthday, sweet pea." Anton sat on the bed beside Bryn, Kat was a warm and real weight in his arms. He looked down at Bryn, who was still dozing. Max was napping now that the excitement had died down and after a few reassuring caresses from his father. And Bryn was napping as well, still recovering from giving birth. Waking up a bit more refreshed, but certainly sore, Bryn blinked her eyes open and stared at Anton with his daughter. It was an amazing sight, and she was pretty sure the two would be inseparable from then on. Reaching over for Max, who was sleeping with his butt in the air on the bed next to her, she tucked him close to her side. "Hi, sugar." "Hello, my dear," Anton said smiling gently. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "How are you feeling, Bryn?" "Sore." She lifted the blanket he'd pulled over her, looking at her flabby and considerably smaller stomach. "And deflated. I look like a balloon that had a leak. I guess I better hurry up and put on a girdle or something so I can get my belly back." He smiled softly at Bryn. "I think you can wait at least a few hours, my dear," he said, freeing one hand to rub her belly. "Do you want to hold Kat for a little bit?" She nodded, gingerly pushing herself up on her elbow as Anton handed the baby over. "Would you mind propping me up with a few pillows?" As he leaned over to grab the pillows, she looked down at the small pink face peering up at her. "Hi. Remember me? I'm Mommy." Her eyes watered at those words. She couldn't believe she had two beautiful, healthy children and a wonderful husband to boot. Looking up at Anton as she settled back against the pillows, she asked, "Anne said she's okay?" The doctor had been carefully watching Kat for the week since Bryn had given birth. "Anne gave her a clean bill of heath." It may have to do with the fact that Kat was part vampire that she wasn't having problems with her lungs or other difficulties that preemies did. He plumped the pillows behind her back and settled with one arm around her shoulders, fingertips barely resting against Max's downy head. "You make beautiful babies, Sabryn Rudenko." "We do," she corrected, squeezing his other hand. Staring in to Kat's bright blue eyes, she lightly stroked her fingertip over the baby's eyebrow. "She's so little. I forgot how scary it could be at first...worrying that you might break her. She's barely bigger than a kitten." "Our little kitty kat," Anton said with a goofy smile on his face. "It's hard to believe that Max was ever that small." Their son had been a little bigger when he was born, being full term. "Or that Kat is going to be that big." Bryn nodded. Reaching inside the blanket Kat was wrapped in, she gently unwrapped it to reveal her tiny body. The baby started to cry as her feet and arms waved freely. "It's okay, Kitten. I'm just looking at you." She quickly counted fingers and toes, realizing that Anton had probably already done the same. The diaper he'd put on her was ridiculously large for her tiny frame, but it was the smallest one they had. Rewrapping the little girl, she was careful to keep from disturbing her umbilical cord stem. "Has she fed from you yet?" "Just a little," Anton said. "I think she's a little more interested in feeding from you than from me." Max made a little noise, and Anton picked him up to cuddle him. "I think the sibling rivalry has already begun. Max isn't quite sure what to think about his new sister." "Poor sweet pea." She watched Max for a moment before lowering her blanket and trying to see if Kat would nurse. It took a lot of convincing to get her to open her mouth, and then she had trouble latching on. After some frustration on both their parts, Kat finally got the idea to start sucking. "Oh...there you go! Hang on to me." Anton smiled, watching their daughter take her first meal from Bryn. The lines of worry that had creased his brow ever since they had left San Francisco had completely disappeared. He snuggled against Bryn, resting his head lightly against hers so he could watch. Feeling truly content, Bryn reached up and held Max's hand as they watched Kat feed. She would do whatever she could to make sure their son didn't feel left out, even thought they would be a bit preoccupied with Kat for a while. "I think we need these two to sleep with us today." "Try 'tonight' my dear. It's about four in the afternoon." He was afraid to shut his eyes, if even for a moment, out of a fear of missing something important. Bryn frowned. "I didn't think I had slept that long." She looked up at his face, an odd angle until she tilted slightly to the side. "Aren't you tired? You should take a nap. I'll watch these two." Anton shook his head. "I'm tired, but I don't want to miss anything." He wasn't thinking it, but an instinctive part of him always remembered he was on the run, that he was hunted by Lilith. Anton didn't know how long he would have with Kat or with Max or with Bryn, and he was determined not to waste a moment. Settling against him once more, Bryn yawned. "I don't know what I want to do more, sleep or eat. Kat and Max are probably thinking the same thing. Where did Alex and Anne wander off to?" "Anne is taking a nap. She's still trying to adjust to the time change. And I'm not sure where Alex has wandered off to." He shifted on the bed slightly. "Do you want me to go get you something to eat, my dear?" She shook her head, tugging him back in to place. Leaning against him again, she rubbed her cheek on his. "I'm so happy she's here...but I also wish my family was. And yours. I miss everyone. To think that they might never see her breaks my heart." "Mine too." He wanted so badly to show Kat off to Nathaniel and Lindy. To take her in to the warehouse and bask in the oohs and aahs of the staff. To have Mack tease him about being an old married man with two kids now. But it was likely that he'd never get that chance. Suddenly very depressed, Bryn looked down to see that Kat had fallen asleep while still latched on to her breast. Carefully easing her mouth open, she handed the baby over to Anton for burping while she reached for something to press against her nipple. "We don't even have a birth certificate for her...and we can't get one without alerting Lilith to where we are. We can't send pictures back home. Alex and Anne could take some with them, but it would be the last they'd get. This really sucks." Anton softly patted Kat's back until he heard her burp. "Alex told me he's working on the birth certificate problem. Something about the same place they got Lindy's. And we'll figure out a way to get pictures home to everyone. We'll just have to be very careful." The thought of always having to watch their backs killed some of the euphoria that had been sustaining him since Kat's birth. He softly nuzzled Bryn's temple. "I'm sorry, my dear. This isn't the life I wanted for you or our children." "It's not your fault, Anton, and I know it isn't. I also know that you'll do everything you can to make us as comfortable and happy as possible. We'll survive this. And as much as we want to, we won't take any unnecessary risks like trying to see them." "I know, my dear. But still, I can't help but wish things were different." He kissed her forehead lightly. "Maybe we'll hear something from Nathaniel one of these days, saying that it's safe to come home." Anton doubted it, but he wasn't going to let go of that hope. She didn't say that was impossible, but she thought it. Instead, she looked up to meet his gaze and tried to smile at him. "Will you lay here beside me and let me touch you?" Anton arched an eyebrow in surprise. He recognized her tone of voice, and was surprised that she was interested so soon after giving birth. "Bryn, you don't have to-" "But I want to," she answered softly. "Okay." He moved to the other side of Bryn. He put Max back into his crib, but left Kat next to his wife. After kicking off his shoes, he lay down on his back next to Bryn. She carefully scooted closer, treating her body gingerly, as if she might break. Reaching for him, she wrapped her arm over his waist and pressed her lips to his, kissing him chastely at first, then with with more passion. Although her movements were slow, they were definitely heart felt. Anton kissed her back gently, treating her as if she were the most delicate porcelain. His hand came up to thread through her hair. His other hand gently stroked up and down her back, trying to let her know that he loved her intensely. If it had been later after she had given birth, he would be showing her. She wished he could be touching her , everywhere, without fear of hurting her. On both of their parts. Her body felt so tender and sore that it hurt to bend too far. The next few weeks would be torture, and so would the days after when they were too busy to make love. So she meant to take advantage of every free moment they hand. Sucking his tongue, she slid her hand over his chest and teasingly rolled her thumb around his nipples. Anton let out a soft sigh as he surged up into her touch. It was going to be a test of his self-control not to pull her on top of him. Or to roll on top of her. Instead he had to content himself with sweeping his hand up and down her back gently. He was determined to cherish this time together, be they making love or just being together with the children. She could feel the restrained power beneath her hand as plainly as his skin. Despite being perfectly still, his muscles seemed to be quivering with energy. She wondered why she'd never noticed it before. Kissing and nipping her way to his chin and down his neck, she worried his Adam's apple with her teeth, smiling as it bobbed with his every heavy swallow. Anton continued stroking her back, tilting his head back so she had more access to his neck. He let out a soft moan as her teeth scraped against his skin. "Bryn..." he whispered softly, wondering if his neck had always been an erogenous zone, or if it happened when he became a vampire. She smiled at his enthusiasm and continued her way down to his chest, nuzzling the shallow valley between his pectoral muscles. His belly fluttered in ticklish anticipation, and she rubbed her hand soothingly in firm circles over it. "Unfasten your pants...please." He swallowed as his hand slid down her back and over her side. Anton let out another soft moan, unable to resist the chance to both tease Bryn and himself. His fingers danced up and down his fly before parting the fabric to slowly start unzipping his jeans. A little frustrated, she tugged his shirt up his belly and tucked it just under his arms, moving her mouth to suck at his nearest nipple. She felt him give a slight jerk below her and grinned. Flicking her tongue back and forth over the distended flesh, she slid her hand down over his jeans, scratching at the textured fabric, before cupping his groin firmly in her palm. He let out a soft growl as his hand splayed over her back, rubbing her warm flesh. Anton's hips lifted to press more firmly against her hand. "Ah...Bryn..." he groaned, trying to get firmer contact against her. She could feel the heat of him through two layers of cloth and it felt wonderful. Even if she couldn't participate completely, she loved knowing how much she could turn him on. Sliding her tongue around one nipple and then the other, she moved her hand up to slip inside his pants and under his boxers, lazily raking through his pubic hair. He squirmed, eager to feel her encircle his swollen flesh. Anton let out a low groan of desire and frustration as her teeth worried his nipple. He wanted to touch her, but wasn't certain where would be safe to do so. Instead he worked his hands at his jeans and boxers, shoving them down to mid thigh. Sucking firmly at his nipples, she lower her hand and loosely wrapped her fingers around his cock, tightening her grip as she began lazily stroking up and down his length. His eyes drifted shut at the feeling of her warm hand surrounding him. Now more than ever he wished she were naked, that he could bury himself deep inside of her. Instead he contented himself with arching his hips to meet her thrusts and running his hand over her back. Lapping at his rock-hard nipple, she continued to stroke him for a moment before lifting her hand to her mouth. Mimicking the motions she'd seen him perform before, she thoroughly licked her palm and fingers, using plenty of saliva to provide good lubrication. Slipping her hand down to grasp him again, she stroked him with deliberate care, following the movement of his hips. When he moved faster, she followed, forming warm pocket with her fist, gripping him as tightly as she thought her sex might. His eyes fluttered open when the stimulation stopped, and got wider as he watched her lick herself. Anton let out another groan, unable to look away from her pink tongue. And when she resumed stroking him, it felt like he had died again, only this time gone to heaven. He wasn't going to last much longer at this rate. Curling forward, he caught her head in his hand, holding her in place so he could kiss her soundly. Bryn moaned, leaning harder in to his kiss, her hand moving a bit faster. She could feel the pressure building in him as he trembled even harder, his breath hot against her face. Biting at his lips, she increased the tension in her palm and tried to pull his orgasm right out of him. He seemed to stop breathing for a moment as he arched up beneath her. Anton let out a loud moan as he came, trembling beneath Bryn's skilled hand. He continued to kiss her, this time more gently, with nipping movements. "Mmm." Gentling her strokes considerably, she brought him down from the peak. His orgasm was strong, but not like it would've been if she had joined him. Still, it was nice to see that she could still please him. "That was nice." "Yes it was," he said, gently rubbing his nose against hers. Anton gently kissed her lips as his hand still stroked her back. "I wish I could return the favor, my dear." She made a face. "I don't. I don't want anyone touching me there for at least three weeks. Not even myself. In fact, I almost wish I could duct tape it closed...but, ouch, that would be hell to peel off later." Anton shuddered a bit at the mental image. "Maybe I should buy you a chastity belt. Then all we'd have to worry about is losing the key." "I think you'd like that a little too much, being my keeper. Then again, I do have the crop and heels. Maybe you need your chance to be in charge, too." Anton shrugged neutrally, but there was a gleam of humor in his eyes. "I'm a believer in equal opportunity. Besides, the reward for managing to unlock the belt using my mouth would be for you to let me out of the handcuffs." She giggled. "Was it Diane who made you this kinky, or were you always this way?" "Let's just say that Diane freed me from some of my inhibitions and leave it at that." He pressed a kiss to her forehead and then shoved his pants off so he could walk unobstructed. "Let me go get cleaned up and get you a washcloth, my dear. And if you're hungry, I can find you something to eat." "Okay." She watched him get up from the bed, lazily licking her hand to help clean up. She didn't quite understand why he'd ended the conversation so abruptly, but decided not to push. Instead she carefully rolled to her other side and watched Kat sleep, wondering what babies dreamed. Once in the bathroom, he wiped himself off and got a fresh, damp wash cloth for Bryn. Quickly he returned to the bed, smiling at the expression on Bryn's face. "Here you are, my dear." He settled down on the bed next to her. He grabbed his jeans and started to pull them on again. "So you want to know if Diane made me kinky? I guess the answer is yes, but it was always in me. She just freed that side of me." She glanced at him over her shoulder. "She must have been a very interesting lady. Your whole face lights up when you talk about her." "Same way it lights up when I talk about you, my dear." He snuggled up behind her, kissing her cheek. "Yes, she was a very interesting lady. Just like you. Not to mention the fact that you've given me two beautiful babies." "But I never freed you of your inhibitions," she mumbled. It wasn't much of an argument, but it explained a little of why she was feeling jealous of her former self. True, it was dumb and pretty pointless. Still, she hated not remembering every moment they'd ever spent together. "I'm just feeling a little silly at the moment." "My dear, she only started that after five years of marriage. And besides, you've freed me of some. Or else I wouldn't have bought you that crop in the first place." He nuzzled her, knowing that some of this was due to fluctuating hormones. "Just think of all the kinky things you'll be able to convince me to do over the course of 1000 years." Bryn grabbed his wrist and pulled him in closer, wrapping her arm over his. Her eyes watering, she said, "I'm sorry. I just don't feel very good. I'm hurting all over...and I feel ugly...and I'm homesick. And I keep worrying about her breathing, and if Max is feeling left out." She let out a soft sob. "I wish my mom was here." "I know, my dear. I wish I could blink my eyes and bring her here for you. All of our family," He interlaced his fingers with her hand and squeezed. "As for Kat, I think if she were going to have problems, she would have had them before now. She's showing Max's need for blood, so she probably has his same healing abilities. And as for you being ugly, I don't think you've ever appeared more beautiful than when you're holding our son or daughter." "And before you accuse me of leaving Max out," he said with a small laugh, "we'll make sure he's included." She sniffled, wiping at her face, and hugged his arm to her chest. Then she let out a soft grunt of discomfort and shifted him a little higher so his arm wasn't directly over her breasts. "I wish I could take some pain medicine, but I don't want to mess with her feeding from me." He nodded, gently caressing her face. "I know, my dear. I wish there were something I could do to help." He kissed her forehead, being careful not to put any further pressure on her body. "Do you want to get some more rest, my dear? Because now I could really use a nap." She gave him a shaky smile and nodded. "It might make me feel better. Could you pull the blankets up over us, please?" "Just give me one moment, my dear." Anton sat up and scooped Max up in his arms. Settling him on the bed with them, he pulled the blanket up and tucked it around Bryn and Kat carefully before settling down next to her. "Love you so much, my dear." She looked down at their sleeping children and then back up at him, smiling. "I love you so much, too, sugar." He pressed his lips chastely to hers. "Rest now, Bryn." A wave of contented sleepiness passed over him as he snuggled next to hers. There would be worries enough in the next few nights, but for now, he was content with the miracle of his daughter's birth. End Chapter One Hundred Thirty-five <- Previous Chapter | Home | Next Chapter ->