Chapter One Hundred Thirty-Six

It was a Thursday night, and Lindy was nervous. Marrok was coming to see Liam.

Normally this would only happen on Tuesday nights once a week. But the second meeting on Thursday was part of the bargain they had struck. Marrok had claimed that he had information about who had set up Anton, but he would only give little bits of that proof spread out over time. Such as each meeting with his son.

Bouncing Liam on her knee, she looked at Nate. "How long before you think he'll arrive?"

"Hopefully when hell freezes over," Nate muttered. He restlessly flipped through the channels on the television, never allowing more than a second to go by before moving on to the next. "This is insane. That little bastard is playing games when my brother's life is on the line. I can't believe I didn't strangle him to death when I had the chance."

Privately, Lindy had wondered the same thing. But she didn't say that as she spoke. "He had better not be stringing us along. Otherwise I'll sic both Denise and Jess on him after I'm finished with him."

Groaning, Nate dropped the remote control on the cushion between them and slumped down as he put his feet on the coffee table. "So much for not taking Marrok's crap anymore." Turning towards her, he braced his elbow on the top of the couch. "How much do you like your job, Lind? I'm seriously considering getting out of here. Maybe we can find out where Anton and Bryn are going next and meet them there."

Lindy frowned and thought about what he said. A similar idea had crossed her mind as well. "Only thing is I'd worry about someone following us to find them. Otherwise, I'd say let's go for it."

Nate nodded, blowing out a deep breath. "We're already taking a big enough chance with Anne going over there." He rubbed his forehead, about to say more when the buzzer to the front gate sounded. Grumbling, Nate stood up and walked over to the wall monitor. He could see Marrok's smug face staring back at him from the video camera by the gate. Scowling, he punched the button to let the werewolf in. To Lindy, he said, "He's here."

Lindy let out a huge sigh. But she quickly put her game face on. She didn't want Marrok to think that he still had that power over her. Adjusting Liam so he was sitting on her knee, she squared her shoulders. "Let's get this over with."

Settling back down next to his wife and son, Nate put his arm around Lindy's shoulders. "Do you ever feel like you're just waiting for something to happen? I've got a bad sense of dread, and I can't shake it off."

She leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder. "If it's any consolation, I haven't seen anything." That didn't completely comfort her, as she didn't have visions for every major event. And if she did she didn't necessarily interpret it right.

"And if you did...see something really bad...would you tell me?"

She pulled back to look him in the eye. "Yes I would. Because I would need your help to keep it from happening."

"What makes you think that's even possible? If you've already seen it happen, doesn't that mean it's coming no matter what? Everything you've seen so far has happened, Lindy."

Lindy shivered, caught up in her vision of Anton in the pit, as there was a knock at the door. "I pray to God that you're wrong, Nathaniel."

"Marrok," Lindy said as she let Liam slide down to the floor. She kept her legs demurely crossed at the ankle. She didn't bother with false pleasantries or other polite nothings about his health. Instead she came straight to the point. "Were you able to find out any more information?"

"I've only just walked in the door and you're giving me the third degree?" Marrok shook his head. Kneeling down on the floor, he tried to get Liam to come to him and smiled when the boy lazily toddled in his direction. As his felt Nate's stare on the back of his head, Marrok glanced back at him. "So much for the warm welcome."

"Get on with it, Marrok!" Nate growled.

"I'm not going to bother pretending this is something it's not, Marrok," Lindy said, arms crossed over her chest. "We're using you to get information to clear my brother-in-law. You're using us to see Liam. So let's get on with this."

Marrok narrowed his eyes a bit, but his voice was calm. "Your friend, Natasha, says she knows who Justinius is...but he's not a friend of hers. And she suspects his appearance in San Francisco was not an innocent coincidence."

Lindy looked supremely unimpressed. "Tell me something we don't know. Suspicions won't do us any good. What we need is proof. If she suspects that he wasn't here on his own, then she suspects who sent him here. Did she tell you that?"

"She would only say that person was a former lover of hers. From what I could smell, she's had more than her fair share of those."

Lindy let out a snort. "Well, that narrows it down a lot."

Nate met Lindy's gaze. "That could be anyone from Lilith to Anton, himself."

"Or you," Lindy said. "You know that's what Lilith is going to try to imply. That all this was a sham plotted by you and Natasha."

Marrok bit back a little smile, wisely keeping his mouth shut.

"The interesting this is that makes a lot more sense that some of the scenarios I've been imagining." Sighing heavily, Nate walked over and sat down next to Lindy. His next words were directed at Marrok. "I want to meet with her."

Marrok laughed. "She'd never agree to it."

"Then maybe she doesn't need to know in advance."

"Nate, you've got to be kidding," Lindy began, and then stopped. But it was the only way. They had to get more information, She shifted her sharp gaze to Marrok. "Can you arrange a meeting?"

"She doesn't exactly show up on a schedule. It's mostly when I don't want her around."

"No one wants her around," Nate said. "But I want that meeting. What do I have to give you?"

Intrigued by the idea, Marrok merely smiled.

Lindy tilted her head at him. She didn't like the speculative gleam in his eyes. "You want to name one that you *think* we might grant?" She could think of several off the top of her head, none of which were pleasant or in the realm of possibility.

Lifting his eyebrows, he gave Lindy a sly smile. "And what exactly did you think I had in mind?"

Lindy's voice was diamond hard. "You tell me." She wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.

Not willing to give in, either, Marrok glanced back at Nate. "Since you'll need to be around for a while...I request the three of you be my guests at the vineyard for a week."

Lindy frowned, thinking about it for a moment. It would be a risk for them to stay at Marrok's. And even if it was perfectly safe, Lindy would still feel uncomfortable staying there. "I want a word alone with my husband, Marrok."

"Of course." He stood up, still looking decidedly smug. "I'll just take my son in to the kitchen. Maybe we can find a little snack."

Eyes narrowed and nostrils flaring, Nate was clearly restraining himself as Marrok led the boy in to the adjoining room.

Lindy stood up and crossed over to him. "Don't give him the satisfaction of letting him see or hear you react." She sighed heavily and kept her voice quiet. "What do you think? Is it worth the risk?"

Nate shook his head. "If not for the possibility of helping Anton, I wouldn't even subject myself to Natasha. But I certainly never intended for you to have anything to do with this. And I don't even like Marrok being with Liam in the next room, let alone on his own turf. The whole thing gives me the creeps."

"I know," Lindy said with a slight shiver. She hated that part of her was still frightened of him, even after all the progress she had made. "But if we are going to get in contact with Natasha directly, I don't see that we have a choice."

Nate pulled her close, until his lips were directly against his ear, his words merely a breath. "How close can your parents get without being detected?"

Lindy smiled and whispered in his ear. "How close do you want them to be?" she whispered. They would be there. That would be a given. "We'll tell him yes. But it will happen after we see Natasha."

"He won't go for it, Lindy. He wants us there when she shows up."

"I'm not letting him control the location. He's already got too much power in this situation. I don't trust him not to arrange this little reunion where he held me captive."

"He can't hurt you anymore, Lindy." Holding her stare, he finally nodded. "Let's see what he says."

She put a hand on his arm, squeezing lightly. "I know he can't hurt me anymore, Nate. But I want to make sure that he knows that as well." Taking a deep breath, she raised her voice. "We've come to a decision," she called out.

"Lucky me," Marrok drawled, walking out of the kitchen with Liam high on his shoulders. He smirked at their obvious disgust as he swung the giggling boy down on the couch. "And what decision would that be?"

"That we'll accept your gracious invitation to be your guests. But we meet with Natasha first on neutral ground." Lindy raised her chin slightly higher in defiance.

Marrok chuckled. "Maybe you weren't listening earlier. There is no neutral ground. Natasha comes to me, on my land. I don't go out of my way to find her. I'd have to be insane. I want nothing to do with her. I don't like vampires, remember?"

Lindy shrugged. She knew she was taking a risk with her next sentence. "You like us enough to let us raise your son."

"No, he likes *you* enough, Lindy."

Marrok's gaze whipped in Nate's direction, his expression cold. "I think you hit the nail in the head, Nate," he sneered. "I don't like you at all. And I have absolutely no reason to bargain with you, either. Either you take my offer or you leave it. You could always try to find Natasha yourselves."

"Fine," Lindy said in an even voice. He wanted to play hardball? She was game. "Then we go back to the Tuesday only visits for Liam. No extra visits during the week, and no unscheduled surprises. Which means, your time for tonight is now up."

Marrok grinned widely. "Touche, Lindy." Leaning over to ruffle Liam's hair, he affectionately stroked the boy's cheek before turning to leave. "I'm certain you know where to find me." With that, he let himself out of the door.

Walking to the bank of monitors on the wall, Nate silently watched to make sure he saw Marrok's car drive out the front gate. He was uncharacteristically quiet, his arms crossed over his chest.

Lindy had been surprised that Marrok had given up without a further struggle. She lifted Liam onto her hip. The poor boy clung to her confused, seeking comfort now that Marrok was gone and the aggression in the air was lessening.

Holding Liam, she went over to the phone and dialed a number. "Hello? Is Denise there? Yes, I'll hold." She waited a second before speaking again. "Denise, this is Lindy Rudenko.... yes. I have a favor to ask of you. I need one of your pack to keep an eye on Marrok's home... Yes, I know it's dangerous. But it's not him I want watched for. If a female vampire is seen on the grounds, could I get a call right away? Thank you, Denise. You don't know how much this means to me. Good night." She hung up the phone with small smile. "Try to force my hand, Marrok? Fine. I'm not going to roll over and bare my throat to you this time."

Once Marrok was gone, Nate silently walked back and sat down on the couch. The werewolf had bothered him more than usual...but unlike usual, it wasn't his threats and accusations that got under Nate's skin.

"He's in love with you, Lindy."

Lindy turned to face Nate, about to snap at him not to even joke about such a thing. Except that she saw he was perfectly serious. But she couldn't help question him. "You're kidding, right?"

"I wish I was. I've seen that look in his eyes...every time I look in the mirror. And I know what lengths I would go to just to have you. It frightens me to think what Marrok would do."

Lindy shivered as she sat down on the couch next to him. She pulled Liam up into her lap, holding the boy tight. "So what do you suggest we do? Neuter him?"

Caught off guard, Nate sputtered out a laugh. "Yeah...that'd be good. But wouldn't he just grow them back?"

Lindy made a face. "I so did not need that image, Nate."

"You're the one who brought it up." It felt good to joke with her and eased some of the tension. Still, her family was going to get a visit from him very soon, and Marrok's little secret wouldn't be so secret anymore.

It was less than two hours after the council meeting that Hadrian requested a personal audience with Lilith. Although she had made her feelings about the "Rudenko situation" as it was euphemistically known, he felt like there was something missing from the story, something that was being left unsaid.

So he waited for to hear back if his audience was granted, trying to figure out what that unsaid word was.

Seth silently emerged from Lilith's suite a short while later, holding the door open. "The empress will join you for tea on the balcony. Right this way."

Hadrian followed Seth through the door. He wasn't surprised when he was led out through the suite to a table grace by an elegant silver tea set. "Thank you, Seth," he said as he sat down.

Seth poured Hadrian some tea, before gracefully departing. Lilith took her time in appearing, apparently not in any hurry to greet her guest. When she finally did appear, she was wearing a night gown and a long silk embroidered robe. Completely at ease, she rounded the table and sat down, glancing at the tea cup Seth had filled for her. "I asked my assistant to leave us in privacy. What can I do for you, Mr. Celanto?"

Politely Hadrian had stood and bowed slightly when he noticed Lilith's presence. "Thank you for seeing me, Empress," he said with equal formality. And then he resumed his seat. "I wished to speak to you about one of the issues raised in this last Council meeting. I must admit, Lilith, I was... puzzled by the conclusions reached."

"And what issue was that?" She asked, pouring cream in to her tea. "This isn't something you should be taking up with the councilmen, is it?"

"It was actually something that you said." Hadrian paused under the pretense of putting a sugar cube into his tea. "It has to do with your announcement regarding Anton Rudenko. Not that I question your judgment," he added. "But would it not be more sensible to ask him to turn himself in through his brother instead of putting out a hunting posse after him."

"You would rather I beg?" Lilith laughed. "I do not ask for things to be done, Hadrian. I demand them. That is my right, as your leader. What kind of ruler would I be if I were forced to ask for everything I wanted?"

"I'm not questioning your right to demand, Lilith. Just the circumstances the demands are being made under." Hadrian cautiously sipped at his tea, eyes never leaving Lilith. "There may be extenuating circumstances, seeing that we have not heard his side of the story. Justinius wasn't the most stable of individuals, and if he attempted to harm his wife, and a pregnant woman at that, his actions may be justified."

"Justified or not, a vampire cannot take the law in to his own hands. Anton Rudenko will stand trial, I assure you. And when he does, he can explain his actions...especially why he ran. If he is innocent, there was no reason for him to flee. He should have brought his case before the council. I have no choice but to pursue him. The matter will not be resolved otherwise."

He bit his tongue. "He may not be thinking in those terms, Lilith. He may be innocent, but given how you are relentless in pursuing justice, he may be afraid that he will be executed despite his innocence."

Lilith narrowed her eyes, giving him an icy glare. "If you are inferring that I would execute an innocent man, I take grave exception to that. It is highly insulting to me."

Hadrian raised his eyebrows. "I am not inferring any such thing Lilith. I am merely pointing out the state of mind that Mr. Rudenko may be in."

She took a sip of her tea. "What exactly is your interest in this matter, Mr. Celanto? I wasn't aware that Rudenko was a close friend of yours."

Hadrian shook his head once. "I am not. However, his wife's condition had sparked my interest." Which was partially the truth. He wasn't about to reveal that he had been asked to act as Anton's advocate just yet.

"Indeed, it has sparked mine as well. The offspring of a vampire and his human mate may have a great effect on our society. It is yet another reason why I am so interested in the Rudenkos being found. We have not yet even imagined what those children could do. If it possible for one vampire to procreate, why not more?"

"It hasn't happened before, Lilith. It has to be some sort of fluke." There had been cases where vampires had claimed to begotten children on their mortal lovers, or vice versa. All had proven to be fakes. Except perhaps this time. "Mr. Rudenko seems to be completely devoted to his wife. I cannot see him tolerating another man having a child by her."

Lilith was silent for moment, staring at her tea. "No, his son was quite clearly his own. The blood work proved it. However, I have yet to see such proof for the new child. How certain are we that Justinius was not more than just Mrs. Rudenko's employer?"

That thought hadn't occurred to Hadrian. "And if it's true? If Mrs. Rudenko is able to bear healthy children whose fathers are vampires? What next?" He almost said the words 'a breeding program' out loud, but bit his lip in time.

"Perhaps some tests would be in order. Maybe her blood contains something that could be synthesized. Or perhaps she isn't the only one who carries the gene, or whatever this is. It is definitely worth investigating further. Wouldn't you be interested in seeing if your own offspring were possible?"

"What vampire wouldn't?" When asked that way, a negative answer would clearly be a lie. "However, would it be wise? If not strictly controlled in some way, soon there would be more immortals than mortals. We'd strip this planet of its resources."

"Of course not. Such things would be regulated. We would need humans to procreate, and they need the earth's resources to survive. The council would need to vote on the matter before the process ever began, and their word would be final."

"And what if the council's decisions mirror Richard's opinions on the matter?" Hadrian asked softly. "What if they decide that there should be no more vampire children, that the two Rudenko's are more than enough?"

"Then that is their decision. It would take a major vote from the empire's citizens to make me override their decision."

Which was something Hadrian felt that Lilith could easily orchestrate, if she felt so inclined. "I hope that the council weighs that decision very carefully."

"Did you have more to discuss with me, Mr. Celanto, or has this become a meeting of pleasure? Otherwise, I have business to conduct."

Taking the hint, Hadrian stood and bowed. "I shall leave you to your business then, Empress. And I thank you for taking the time to discuss this with me."

Watching the man leave, Lilith stood and impatiently waited for the door to close. Then she walked inside to find Seth.

"Find out what Mr. Celanto interest is in the Rudenko situation, Seth. As soon as possible."

"Yes, empress. I'll find out everything I can."

It had been a week since the rest of the pack had heard from Alex. That had been a brief message to say that Anne had arrived safely, and that Kat had arrived safely as well. And then, nothing. It was unnerving to say the least.

The last time they had talked to Seth had been much longer, and they were beginning to think he had lost interest in their case. So it was a surprise when he called late one morning, his voice sounding hushed.

"I don't have much time to talk, I just wanted to let you know about some things I found."

Immediately there was a flurry of paperwork as Jess searched for a piece of paper without any writing on it. She uncapped a well chewed pen using her teeth. "Go ahead, Seth. What did you find out?"

"Nothing concrete. But a lot of suspicious activities. Lilith cleared her hard drive this week. Usually I have access to her computer, but she hasn't let me use it in a while. She told me we're getting a new system set up and I'll have my own laptop...never mind that I already do."

"Suspicious, but like you said, nothing concrete." Jess let out a sigh. "We haven't been able to come up with any solid connections either. We're working on something involving Natasha, but given her reputation, I don't know how trustworthy that will be."

She stood up and started pacing to the window, phone tucked firmly to her ear. "Can I ask you a question? Do you know a Hadrian Celanto? Is he trustworthy?"

"A lot more trustworthy than Natasha. I'd leave that snake alone, if I were you." He was quiet for a moment, only his breathing sounding in the background. "The interesting thing is, he paid a visit to Lilith just the other day. I don't know what they talked about, but she seemed a bit paranoid afterwards. She asked me to check out his interest in Anton's case."

"Interesting," Jess said. "I can answer that one for you, since it will become common knowledge. He approached Nate and Lindy about being Anton's advocate in absentia. Sounds like he was doing a little digging on his own. I just hope he hasn't tipped our hand."

"I doubt it. Hadrian is very smart. Maybe even smarter than...Lilith." He said the word as if his remark was blasphemous.

"Here's hoping," Jess said. She sighed. "I should probably let you go, Seth. You've compromised your position enough for our sakes."

"I'll let you know if I find anything else. Good evening, Jess."

"Good evening, Seth." Jess hung up the phone and let out a heavy sigh. She hoped for everyone's sake that Seth was able to discover something soon.

Having found her equilibrium as a vampire, there were few things that could make Lindy nervous.

This was one of them.

She glanced sideways at Nate, clutching her purse tightly. She hoped that the small black bag she was holding didn't give away it's contents too easily. But then in every movie she saw, the stake that killed a vampire was 8 to 12 inches long. How many vampires would expect to be taken out with a four inch stake? She hoped that Natasha wouldn't be one of them. And she hoped that the stake would be totally unnecessary.

Glancing towards the fence line, Nate tried to spot any sign he could of the werewolves that flanked their trail. The fact that they were practically invisible was a good sign. He didn't want Natasha to catch on to his plans. The only problem was, this was Marrok's property...and he'd be able to smell everything.

"I wish this was taking place on neutral ground." Lindy glanced around for her parents as well. It was a relief knowing that they were here somewhere. She wasn't certain that she had been held captive on the vineyard anywhere, but still, this place held bad memories for her.

"Yeah. I wish it was taking place over the phone," Nate whispered. They still hadn't spotted Natasha. Although Denise's pack had seen her and made the call, the vampire had since disappeared somewhere on the property. Now Nate and Lindy had to be careful as they got ready to cross the fence line in to enemy territory. "They said they'd meet us by the entrance to the tunnels. Do you see any damned tunnels around here, because I sure don't."

Lindy looked around, trying to spot anything that looked like it could lead underground. "What about that?" she asked, pointing to something that looked like a bunker. Everything about the metal door looked old, except for the new padlock that had been recently been installed.

"That's probably it." Grabbing Lindy's hand, Nate started to help her climb over the tall fence at the edge of the vineyard's property. There was also a hedge she'd have to somehow get over once she made it to the top. This was where things got dangerous. If they were going to be spotted by the occupants of the main house, it would most likely happen now. "Stay as low as you can, and drop down to a crouch once you land. I'll be right behind you."

Lindy nodded. Fortunately she had chosen to wear jeans and sneakers for this excursion. Taking a deep breath, she clambered up and over the hedge and landed in a crouch. She moved over slightly, clearing a place for Nate to land. About ten yards down, she saw her parents scramble under a hole already dug under the fence line.

Nate wasn't quite as graceful as Lindy, but managed to get on the ground without ripping his pants. He did have a bit of dirt caked on his knees though. Cursing softly, he brushed his pants clean and motioned for Lindy to follow him as he made a crouching path over to the shed. Denise's pack, however, was nowhere to be seen. Which made him nervous. "Great. I hope nothing happened to them."

"Me too." Lindy followed crouching low. It took some skillful dodging and weaving, but they had made it without any of the lights at the house coming on. But when they got there, she examined the lock with a frown. "I hope you brought a lock pick. Because I'm not sure we can break this."

"I'm hoping we won't have to." Twisting to his side, Nate sat down with his back to the building and patted the spot next to him. "We might just have to wait."

Lindy rested her back against the building and slid down to land next to him. "Great," she said, rolling her eyes. "Hopefully she'll be back here before dawn." Which was a few hours off. "Did you bring any playing cards by any chance?"

Nate let out a loud sigh. "You know I don't want you here, right?"

Lindy looked at him evenly. "And you know that I'm not leaving you to face her alone?"

Nate jerked his head in a nod. "This is stupid. It's like cornering a mountain lion. And it's not like we can turn her in the Imperial Guard afterwards. We just have to let her go...and wait for her to do something else in the future."

"And what would that be?" responded a too smooth voice. Lindy's head snapped in the direction they had just came from. There stood Natasha, looking very much like the cat who ate the canary. "Nathaniel, trespassing, just like the old days. It's so nice to see you."

Nate quickly stood up and pulled Lindy to her feet, uncomfortable with her looming over them. "You have a lot to answer for, Tasha. You're lucky I'm not strangling you right now. I certainly have the urge."

Natasha rolled her eyes. "Spare me the theatrics, Nathaniel. Or at least tell me what I'm being blamed for this time."

"You know damned well what I'm talking about. But since you're such a sociopathic bitch, I don't expect you to care." He glanced over to make sure Lindy was slightly behind him. There was no way he was letting Natasha anywhere near her. "Tell us what you know about Justinius."

"Oh I see. Because something has happened to Anton's little wife, I'm automatically being blamed." She smiled archly. "Sorry, Nathaniel. Not this time. Justinius and I hated each other's guts, and you know that. Under no circumstances would we ever worked together."

"Then who did? Or did he just decide it was his own job to torment my brother's family for a while?"

"He did have his handler. Someone who could point him in Anton's direction." Natasha said. "But I'll leave you to figure out who that was." She pouted. "Besides, you wouldn't believe me even if I just came out and told you."

"The hell you will. Out with it. Now." His hands had balled in to fists, and he knew there was an entire pack of wolves just waiting to keep her from running.

There was a hint of spiteful triumph in her face as she smiled at him. "Lilith."

Half of him had been expecting to hear that, but it didn't make it any less unbelievable. Staring at her, he gritted his teeth. Finally he said, "Get out of my sight. And stay away from Marrok. Or the next time you show up here, so will Lilith's guards."

Natasha's smile grew colder. "As if she'd listen to you any more than she listens to me." turning her back on the pair, Natasha walked back into the darkness. "It's hopeless, Nathaniel. I don't want what's coming for Anton, but there's no way to avoid it. He signed his death warrant in Justinius' blood."

Letting out a deep sigh when she disappeared, Nate felt his shoulders slump. "God damn, what did I ever see in that woman?"

Lindy didn't answer his rhetorical question. She had been silently observing Natasha, trying to discern any weakness. "Come on, let's go," she said, grabbing his hand and tugging it. "I don't want to be around when Marrok shows up."

Still staring in the direction Natasha had disappeared, Nate couldn't help the smile that came to his face. "I'm free of her, Lindy. There isn't any attraction...or even much hatred. Mostly I just pity her. She's pathetic. And thank God I got out when I had the chance."

"Is that why you were so worried about tonight?" Lindy stopped at the place where they had scaled the fence earlier. "Were you afraid that you would go back to her? Still be attracted to her, even though I was by your side the whole time?"

"No, I wouldn't go back. But I was afraid the attraction might still be there." He lowered his gaze. "I was afraid she might still hold some power over me."

Lindy stepped forward and put her fingertips to his cheek, forcing him to look up at her. "The only woman who has any power over you is me." Leaning forward, she kissed her husband tenderly. "Because you gave me that power, Nathaniel, and I'm not going to share."

He stared at her for a long while before leaning in to softly kiss her lips. "You're right. And you're not going to have to. Well... except maybe with Liam."

Lindy appeared to think it over. "Well, maybe. Only because we're trying to teach him that sharing is a good thing."

He grinned at her. "Come on, I'll give you a boost over the hedge." He walked over to the bushes and bent slightly, holding his arms out with his fingers laced together so she could use it as a step.

Lightly stepping into his hands, Lindy scrambled up and over the fence. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see her family returning as well. "I wonder if Mom and Walter went through with their threats and left a note on Marrok's front door explaining where the faults in their security system was."

Nate let out a laugh as he grabbed hold of some branches and pulled himself up to the top of the fence. "You'd think with someone like Natasha stalking him, he'd have a pack of guard dogs watching this place." His nose wrinkled as he dropped to the ground outside Marrok's property. "Maybe he likes her."

Lindy wrinkled her nose. "Can't have me, so he'll settle for any skanky vampiress he can get his paws on?"

"That right. You're my skanky vampiress," Nate said, grinning widely.

"Damn right," Lindy said. "And if you're lucky, I'll wear that rubber dress you bought me tonight after Liam goes to bed."

"Mmm. I'll be sure to try and get lucky."

"I'd say your chances are pretty good." Lindy saw Walter scramble under the fence and sniff noses with Jess. "That's everyone, so let's get home."

Nate motioned for them to lead the way as he took up the rear. He kept his eye on the fence line the entire way, having the eerie feeling they were being watched.

She was making popcorn in the kitchen, smiling as she melted butter. Ever since Kat had been born, the household staff was on vacation. They felt safer that way, just the five of them. Alex bought whatever they needed and saw to their safety, while Anton and Bryn lavished all of their attention on the children. It was peaceful and quiet, and she was happy now. Even though she knew they'd be moving on soon.

As the bell of the microwave sounded, she opened the door and gingerly removed the bag. Opening it and dumping the contents in to a bowl, she added the butter and salt. Then, with Petunia following close behind, she made her way back to the living room.

Only to drop the bowl the minute she passed through the doorway. Gasping, her hands covering her mouth, she barely noticed that instead of eating the fresh popcorn, Petunia's hair was standing on end. The dog let out a low growl.

Anton had been sitting in the living room, playing with Max and Kat. It seemed a calm evening like most of the others they had been enjoying. In a way, the sense of normality saddened him. Because that normality was only an illusion that would soon be stripped away when they left Hawaii in two nights. He had been finalizing the plan. They would head first to Switzerland and lay low there for a while. Then it would be on to who knows where.

He could smell the popcorn, and his stomach rumbled in appreciation. Leaning back and lifting Kat over his head as he made goo-goo noises at her, his head snapped to the right. He thought he saw a shadowy form pass along the drawn blinds of the glass sliding doors. Standing up, he picked up Max as well and headed towards the kitchen and Bryn. Hearing the dog's growl only confirmed what he was afraid of.

"I--" Still staring out at the night beyond, Bryn hoped she'd been seeing things. Or that maybe it was just a housekeeper checking up on them. But that wasn't likely. "Where's Alex? There's someone here. I saw someone, out there. He was looking at me."

"He said he had to go do something," Anton said, mentally cursing that this would be the night the werewolf went on a supply run. "Come on, Bryn," he said softly, keeping an eye on the window, which the house seemed to have too many now. "Lets' get to the bedroom." The closet had been specifically reinforced for just this situation. Pulling his cell phone from his belt, he hit the auto dial button that paged Alex with a 9-1-1.

"They already know we're here." Even as she said it, she quickly followed him, as if the closet would provide refuge. With her grip on Petunia's collar, she whimpered softly at the sound of Katerina's cries. "Shouldn't we get out of here? Can't we escape somehow?"

"If they know we're here, then they've probably disabled the car. I don't want to try to hike out without Alex's help." If it were just him, he'd attempt it. But with Max and Kat and Bryn to consider, he wasn't going to risk fumbling around in the dark,

Once they reached the bedroom, Anton opened the bed stand's drawer and pulled out a gun. "Get in the closet, Bryn," he said as he heard a door open on the other side of the house. He hoped that it was Alex responding to his page, but he clicked off the safety, not willing to take a chance.

Eyes wide, Bryn took Max's hand and led him and Petunia in the closet. Then she took Kat from Anton. "We don't have her carrier, or Petunia's leash..." She shook her head, knowing those things only mattered if they escaped. And the closet only had one way out. Stepping in to the walk-in, she ushered Max and the dog towards the back. Petunia, however, was eager to aid Anton in his manhunt. "Anton, don't leave us...please?"

"I'm not. I promise." It may be an empty promise, but he would do his damnedest to keep from being separated from her. Anton stepped forward to lightly brush his lips against hers. "Whatever happens, don't open the door," he said as he reached over to close it. "I love you, my dear."

"Wait, no! I want you with us. I can't stay in here, not knowing what's happening, with you outside the door." She gripped his arm, her eyes pleading.

His head turned slightly as he heard someone approaching on the hall. "No time, Bryn," he said stepping into the closet with her. He left the door slightly open, gun cocked and ready. With some relief he noted the pile of stakes in easy reach, just where Alex had placed them earlier. He wished the werewolf would show up, that this was just a shakedown to test their plans. But if it were, he might shoot Alex anyway.

Backing in to a darkened corner, Bryn held Max close and softly shushed Kat's crying. Afraid and uncertain what was happening, Max whimpered as well and clung to her side. "It's okay...it's okay..." All the while, in her head, she prayed this wasn't really happening.

He tensed as Anton heard someone enter the room. And his heart dropped as he heard Petunia's growl raise in pitch. She wouldn't be growling if it was Alex. He tensed further as the door started to move. Almost without thinking, Anton pushed the door hard and came out shooting. The vampire opening the door was knocked back three steps, a bullet through his heart. But what Anton hadn't expected was the second vampire raising his gun to fire. Nor the black and white werewolf that landed a solid blow on his head, snapping his neck.

Alex shapeshifted back to a more human form so he could speak. "Come on, these two are the scouts. We don't have much time."

Sobbing softly, Bryn stared from the bodies on the ground back to Alex and her husband. Gripping Max under his bottom and holding Katerina to her chest, she pushed herself to her feet and hurried towards them. "Where are we going?"

"Off this island," Alex muttered before taking his wolfen form again. He slipped his head out of the door, looking both ways before padding through it, gesturing for them to follow. Anton followed next, gun at the ready. And Petunia, still bristling and growling, stayed close to Bryn's side.

Shaking, Bryn held on to both babies tightly and wished she had a gun of her own. It was eerily quite in the house, with the exception of Petunia's quiet growls. The closer they got to the living room, the more exposed she felt. [Scouts? Doesn't that mean more will be waiting?] She was about to voice the question when she suddenly heard movement behind her and turned to see a gun pointed at her head.

The shot vampire, his shirt bloody and looking very angry, looked past her to where Alex and Anton were standing. "Stop, now, and I won't kill her."

"Don't shoot her!" Anton immediately lowered his gun. Part of him was cursing himself for going with a gun instead of a crossbow. But mostly the he was worried that they'd harm his wife or his children. "Please. Don't hurt her."

Petunia let out a growl, and Alex looked about ready to spring. But the werewolf let out a loud cry and another gunshot was were heard almost simultaneously. Alex pitched forward onto his face, the muzzle melting away and an ugly red wound flowering at the base of his skull.

Bryn screamed, certain she was about to have a huge hole in her head. Yet when her eyes opened, it was Alex lying on the floor instead. Both babies were crying loudly and Petunia was whining as she pawed at her ears. Shuddering, she sank down to her knees, well aware she was still a target.

Ears still ringing, Anton sank to his knees as well as he put his arm around Bryn, trying to offer what comfort he could. "Shhh, my dear," he whispered softly. His eyes remained closed as he held his family close. It was over. He knew it in his heart. There would be no further escape.

Shivering, Max turned towards Anton and clung to him as well. One of the vamps kicked Anton's gun away . The vampire standing over them pulled a walkie-talkie from his pocket and pushed the button. "We're secure. Send in back-up." Turning his gaze to his partner, he said, "Put the dog in the bedroom and shut the door."

Aware that she was being talked about and having seen her packmate injured, the dog growled and lunged for the vampire that had spoken. "Petunia! No!" Anton managed to grab her by the collar before she could reach anyone. Standing up, he dragged the still growling beast to the bedroom. "Good girl," he murmured quietly as he pushed her in and closed the door on her.

Turning back to their captors, Anton helped Bryn to stand up, keeping an arm protectively around her shoulders. He had a good idea who would be coming with the back-up team, and would prefer to meet her on their feet rather than cowering on the floor.

She could hear the dog scratching at the door, whining, eager to protect them. Staying close to Anton's side, she tried to keep from crying. Alex was on the floor, dead or dying, and the rest of them were doomed. She jumped when when she heard Lilith's voice. "Well, well. Mr. Rudenko. We meet again."

He didn't let the chill that raced down his spine reach his voice. "Lilith," he acknowledged. Somehow he knew that she would be here, that she would take a more personal interest in their capture.

"You would have saved yourself a lot of trouble, had you turned yourself in and begged for my mercy. I wouldn't have granted, of course, but we could have had the execution much sooner. Instead you have wasted my time and money hunting you, and you have attempted to assassinate two of my imperial guards. This makes me very, very angry."

"Would you have let me seen my daughter being born, or just given me a private execution instead of a public one?" He gestured to the annoyed vampire wearing the bloodstained shirt. "And if I were trying to kill him, don't you think I would be using stakes instead of bullets?"

"Semantics, Mr. Rudenko." Glancing at her guards, she gave them the silent order to cuff Anton and Bryn, while one of her female guards took the children.

"No, my babies!" Bryn shouted.

"You'll be allowed to tend to them on the plane," Lilith said. "This is for the protection of my staff and to assure that you board without incident."

With Max and Kat both crying and reaching for them, Anton struggled to get to them even as he felt his hands being locked behind him.

"What about... that?" the male guard who had his neck snapped earlier and had now recovered asked, giving Alex a none too gentle kick to the midsection.

Turning back to see the body on the floor, Lilith said, "Leave him. The dog will find a way to get to the body when he begins to stink."

Anton fought down a wave of panic as the guards started shoving him towards the door. "You're making a mistake, Lilith," he said. "You're going to regret doing this when you find everything out."

With one last turn towards her captives, Lilith said, "No, Mr. Rudenko. I don't make mistakes."

He, Bryn, and the children had been put into separate cars and driven to the airport, each of them escorted by two guards. Anton sat quietly in the back seat of the Jeep Cherokee, hands still cuffed behind him. There was no point in trying to escape, especially not with the children and Bryn in custody. Lilith had him by the privates, and they both knew it.

Once they reached the airport, they drove directly onto the tarmac, bypassing the terminal. The two guards hustled him out of the car and onto the plane. He was forced down into a seat, but his hands were uncuffed from behind his back, and reattached them to the seat's armrests. He strained from side to side, trying to catch any glimpse of Bryn, Max, or Kat.

Luckily, Bryn was allowed to be with the children because they wouldn't stop crying. She held on to both of them tightly, also searching for any sign of Anton. But she wasn't allowed to go towards the back of the plane. Seated towards the front with Lilith, she was surprised to see that there were travel seats provided for both of the children. Lilith had come prepared.

"I want to see my husband."

"You will. At the execution."

"He was protecting me, Lilith! He didn't do anything wrong!"

"He broke the law and he will be punished. Accept it. You can't change anything now."

Anton could hear Bryn yelling from behind the door to what he assumed was Lilith's compartment. "Bryn! I'm here!" he yelled out.

He was punched in the mouth by one of the guards. "Quiet, you," the guard in the blood stained shirt snarled.

Anton lifted his head, and could taste blood on his mouth.

Bryn's head snapped up at the sound of his voice. "Anton?" Shaky and wanting to go to him, she stood up. "Please, just let me see him. Just for a few minutes. We can't go anywhere. I just want to talk to him."

Lilith narrowed her eyes, then turned her attention to the opening cockpit door. Her assistant stepped through, and shut the door behind him. "We're ready for take off."

"You see? There is no time," Lilith told her. "Make sure your children are belted in before you sit down."

With one last glance towards the rear door, Bryn tightened her hands in to fists. Then she reluctantly turned away to make sure the kids were secure.

Anton sucked on his split lip, not wanting to waste any blood. He had a bad feeling that he'd need every drop before this was over. He closed his eyes as he felt himself pressed back into the seat as the plane took off. [It's Kat's first flight,] he thought irrationally, not able to think about Lilith taunting Bryn or Alex left for dead. All he could think about was that this was his daughter's first time on an airplane, and he wasn't there with her.

Afraid of the noise and sudden change in pressure, Katerina was crying. Bryn had her finger in the baby's mouth, hoping she would either suck on her skin or pierce it with her fangs, but neither soothed her. Also holding on to Max's hand, she whispered quiet words to him. "It's okay. Daddy's here. He's just back there. And we're all okay. I promise."

Anton opened his eyes once he felt the plane tremble as it passed through some turbulence. "Please," he said softly to his guards. "Can I see her?"

"No. We're under Lilith's orders. Now shut the hell up."

Both babies were still crying, and Bryn felt the urge to do the same. Pressing her ear to the wall, she tried to listen for any sound Anton might make. But the sounds coming from the other side were nothing more than muffled garbles. Turning her gaze to Lilith, Bryn said, "Please. Do you really want to listen to this the whole trip? They want their father. And they