Chapter One Hundred Fourty-four

"I had a nice talk with Jess while you were sleeping," Bernadette said, later that day.

Bryn had awoke to smell dinner already cooking and was surprised to find both of the kids awake, in her mother's care. Leaving Anton to sleep a little while longer, she gathered her robe around herself and grabbed a seat at the kitchen island. "Mom, I wasn't expecting you to cook for us."

"Oh, I enjoy it. Besides, it gave me something to do." She set down a glass of milk in front of her daughter. "She was very helpful."

It took Bryn a moment to realize her mother was still talking about Jess. "I'm glad to hear that. She's a great lady." She took a drink of the milk, even though she hadn't really wanted it. "What did you talk about?"

"Your Transformation, and Lindy's. She told me her daughter's didn't exactly go as planned either. And she mentioned why."

Bryn swallowed. "Oh?"

"Yes, because she's a werewolf." Bernadette looked distinctly uncomfortable. "I can't imagine why, but I think I'm starting to take this in stride."

"It is a little weird. My life is like an episode of the Twilight Zone."

"Yes, well, it's interesting to say the least."

"What did she tell you that was so helpful?"

"She was just very reassuring. She had a lot of the same questions I did at first. We were both...and still are, scared for our daughters. Uncertain of what the future holds."

"So am I, Mom. So is everyone." Bryn reached down to grab Max and pull him in to her lap. "I know it seems like it, but my life isn't any more certain or uncertain than anyone else's. I'm just living day to day."

Bernadette nodded. "I still think it would be a good idea if you saw a counselor of some sort."

"So do I. I plan to, when things get settled."

"What do you mean by settled? What's going to change?" Her mother shook her head. "You always seem to be waiting for something."

"I don't know. I guess I was waiting for Mr. Mulder to get settled."

"Jess told me about him. Maybe if you think he's not settled, you should see someone else."

"I trust him, Mom. We have a lot of things in common."

"Why? Because he's a vampire, too?"

Bryn sighed. "No. Because he had a sister who was abducted."

Her mother stared at her before shaking her head. "I think you should see someone else."

"No. Mom, I know you don't want to hear it, but I need the kind of help he can give me. He understands. And not many people do."

"And it's not like we have too many choices about people we can go to. Good evening, Bernadette." Waking up and finding that Bryn wasn't in the bed, he dressed and wandered downstairs. He had paused to sniff appreciatively at the food cooking, and had heard the second half of the conversation. And Bernadette was right. They did need to see a counselor. But Bryn was right too - it needed to be someone they were comfortable with. He crossed over to the island and took a seat next to Bryn, his arm slipping around her waist.

Bryn leaned over and kissed Anton hello, handing over Max when the boy reached for him.

"Jess mentioned Lindy had once seen a woman named...what was it?"

"Zenobia," Bryn said. "She's very nice, but she doesn't even live in this state. Besides, she's more...well, she's kind of a flake, to be honest. From the way I understood it, she didn't exactly have a degree. Mr. Mulder does. Not to mention that he spent years in the paranormal field. He's more than qualified."

"To deal with aliens, you mean."

"Yes. And vampires...werewolves...and anything else weird we might encounter."

Bernadette released a deep breath. "You've been to councelors about that before, and they all said the same thing. I think you should concentrate on matters at hand."

"I am, Mom. This matters to me. It's part of my life. Do you really think Max and Kat would be here otherwise?"

"I honestly don't know, Sabryn. I don't know what to think."

"So let me worry about it. And check the meat. It smells like it might be burning."

Anton shifted Max on his lap, pulling the boy's hand back as he reached for a fork. "I know this is difficult to believe," Anton said. "I've had a rough time coming to terms with everything Bryn has been through. And you'd think that I would have an easier time, given that I'm not supposed to exist. But we're dealing with it. And I will do whatever it takes to make sure she's fine and healthy."

Bryn glanced at Anton and shook her head. There was really no use trying to discuss this with her mother. The woman wasn't going to change her mind no matter how many times she tried.

Watching her mother check dinner with the meat thermometer, she finally said, "So, Mom, what do you want to do tonight?"

Straightening up, Bernadette closed the oven. "Actually, I had a bit of an idea. But it involves the two of you more than it does me."

Bryn frowned. "What do you mean?"

"When I was talking to Jess, I happened to mention that I wished you had had a chance to have your Transformation like you originally planned." She turned to face them. "We came up with a little idea. And since you're both free this weekend, and I'm available to baby sit, we thought it would be a good chance for you to get away."

It sounded like a good idea for them to get away. He had been wanting to suggest something similar himself, but they were still adjusting to being back home. It wouldn't be fair to the werewolves or his brother and sister-in-law to ask them to take care of the children while he and Bryn ran away. And although Seth was quickly becoming a trusted member of their family, Anton wouldn't put the young man through caring for two vampire children. But as good of an idea as it sounded, it still didn't seem quite fair. "Are you certain, Bernadette? It doesn't seem right that you came all this way only for us to leave you."

"It's only for a few days. I can see you when you get back. Besides, I love spending time with the kids. And I'm sure they'll be upset at first, when you leave, but it will help them to be at home. And you won't be too far away. I made you reservations at your favorite hotel in Santa Cruz."

"Really?" Anton raised his eyebrows. He hoped that Bernadette didn't know why that hotel was their favorite. Hopefully Jess had kept her mouth shut about it being the hotel he had taken Bryn to when they first met. Shifting slightly, he looked at Bryn and grinned. He couldn't come up with any other arguments against. "Well then, my dear, it looks like we're going to Santa Cruz."

Bryn was smiling as well, but she was feeling a bit more uneasy. "It sounds great. But Mom, you don't know what to do when Max and Kat need to feed. And what if they get too upset and can't calm down? I mean, Anton had trouble with them last night, and he's with them all the time."

"It's not as if I'm completely inept, Sabryn. I know how to soothe a child. And Jess said she would help me as much as I needed it. We'll cope with it. If anything comes up that's too traumatic, I 'll know where to find you. They'll be just fine. It's okay to leave them for a little while."

Still uncertain, Bryn looked to Anton. "It just makes me nervous. I've never been away from Kat that long. And I haven't been apart from either of them since...Australia."

"I know, Bryn. And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous also." Anton rubbed his hand up and down her back. "But we're going to have to keep returning to normal life. And that means eventually we'll have to be away from the kids for a longer time. I can't think of a better person to leave our children with than their grandmother."

She almost rolled her eyes at him, except she knew her mother was watching. [I could think of strangers who would be better role models than my mother.] But he was right about the rest of it. And it was incredibly generous of her mother to offer and come up with such a good idea. Not to mention that having Anton all to herself for a weekend sounded incredibly exciting.

"Okay. Let's do it."

She was jittery on the entire drive to Santa Cruz, but no one could have wiped the smile off her face. Several times she'd grabbed Anton, when he stopped the car for a red light, and kissed him senseless. He told her if she did it again, they'd never make it to the hotel for their reservation.

It was stressful being away from the kids, but it was only for a weekend and they were in good hands. Now she just couldn't wait to open the packages her mother had packed in the car for the trip.

Anton had a goofy smile on his face for the entire two hours it took to drive down to Santa Cruz. And every time she pulled him into a soul searing kiss, his grin grew wider. "So tell me, my dear," he asked as they crested the mountain. "What would you like to do first?"

Nearly bouncing in her seat, Bryn turned slightly to face him. "Well, after we check in, I think we should do everything just like we did it that night. We can walk along the boardwalk, and then check out the beach...then you can seduce this little virgin and take her back to your hotel room."

Anton smiled and reached over to take her hand. "And this time, my dear," he said. "I think it will end quite differently." Lifting his hand to his mouth, he smooched her palm.

Grinning, Bryn stroked his cheek with her fingers. "And just think...two whole nights to ourselves. We'll probably miss the kids, but it'll be a nice change for a while. We can even have breakfast in bed!"

"You bet we will, my dear. Because I don't intend to let you out of bed this whole weekend." The look on his face echoed his promise. He took a deep breath as he returned his focus to the road in front of them. "But am I going to have to chase you this time like I did on the boardwalk?"

"Maybe. I might just make you chase me for the fun of it."

"I'm going to hold you to that promise, my dear." He pulled into the turn off and followed the winding road down to the hotel. He pulled into the parking space and hurried around to let her out of the car. "Bryn, would you like to go to the Boardwalk now, and I'll go check us there? Then I'll stalk you on the beach?"

She grinned widely. "Don't be surprised if I'm hiding from you. I'm scared of big, bad vampires." Turning towards the boardwalk, she turned back one last time. "Don't forget that box on back seat. Mom said I would need it tonight. It's probably a Taser."

"As long as it's not a stake, my dear." Grabbing their luggage from the trunk, he watched her disappear down the street, eyes lingering on her ass as she sashayed away. From the wiggle she put in her walk, he knew she knew he was watching.

Opening the back door, Anton picked up the box. And he couldn't resist opening the lid a crack to take a peek. "My dear, I would have never thought your mother had it in her." Closing the box, he headed into the lobby to check themselves in

As soon as she was out of sight of the hotel, Bryn hurried her pace and tried to disappear in to the crowd. She knew this was going to be fun, and she couldn't wait to play. Deciding to grab something to eat while she was at it, she pulled some money out of her pocket and headed towards the nearest vendor. She was going to get some cotton candy...but the cherry sucker she found was too good to be true.

Once they had been checked in and their luggage sent up, Anton meandered out of the hotel and across the street to the Boardwalk. Unlike that night long ago, he meandered through the crowd actively hunting, instead of wandering to soothe his loneliness. Because once he found what he was hunting for, he knew he would never be lonely again.

Grinning to herself as she mingled in the crowd, Bryn unwrapped the sucker and popped it in her mouth. The sudden feeling of nostalgia made her chest ache. Now she wanted to be caught, and slowed her steps in the hope that he would soon find her.

He approached from the street much as he had that night. Tonight there wasn't a crowd listening to a band playing on stage, but there were several groups milling around. And then he spotted her, eating a sucker, and all he could do was stare.

Swirling her tongue around the cherry candy, Bryn looked up at the ferris wheel and wondered if they would have a chance to ride it before they left for the weekend. Not that she much cared if they did--she'd most likely have more fun things to ride. Unable to stifle a grin, she pulled the sucker out of her mouth a second before feeling the sensation she was being watched. And unlike that night several years before, this time she relished the sensation.

Anton watched her, feeling a growing hunger. Like that night three years ago, he wanted to taste her both in blood and body. He stepped forward so she could see him, and flee. He was still puzzled how she had managed to surprise him that night.

Unable to resist the chance to play, she looked over to see him staring at her. Her heart seemed to stop at the expression of blatant desire on his face. She was entirely too slow when she finally looked away and made a move to "escape."

It took all his self-control to hold still. It was so tempting to step out and grab her and urge her back to the hotel. Instead he took a deep breath and started to work his way through the crowd towards her.

Ducking out of sight and crouching, she hurried around a small crowd of people and waited until she was behind Anton. Much like she had that night. Then she tapped his shoulder and stood her ground. "I think you're getting slow, old man."

Anton spun around, just as surprised as he had ben that night. "You did it again, my dear." And then he offered his arm. "And it's rare that someone is able to surprise Anton Mikhail Rudenko the same way twice."

Smiling at him, she took his arm and started walking. "I think you'll find that I'm one of a kind, sir. You don't get much rarer."

"I enjoy collecting rare things," Anton said as he lead her down the beach. It was a rare clear night in Santa Cruz, and he could see endless stars above the dark waves. "Would you care to see the ocean, my dear?"

"Okay...but only if you kiss me first." She arched an eyebrow at him, and smiled when he cupped her jaw, leaning down to meet her lips. She pushed up on her toes and kissed him eagerly, nearly dropping her sucker in her urgency.

Anton let out a soft moan as his arms went around her waist. Keeping her close, his tongue gently explored her mouth. He didn't care that there were people around and watching them.

Whimpering softly, she finally dropped the sucker to the ground and jumped in to his arms. Grinning at him when he grunted, she murmured against his lips. "Screw the beach. Let's get out of here."

"No arguments here, my dear." Kissing her again, he reluctantly lowered her until her feet were touching the ground. His arm was till firmly around her waist as he guided her out of the boardwalk and across the street.

Hurrying along beside him to keep up with his long strides, she squeezed him close. "I love how different this feels. I'm so excited. I can't wait."

"Me too, my dear." And there was a warm feeling when he realized that unlike the earlier time, she'd stay with him through the day. Which brought a smile to his lips. "You know, my dear, there is something you should know before we do this." He paused and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Not only am I a vampire, but I am an insanely happily married one as well."

She stopped walking. "Uh-oh...me too. Now what do we do? I won't tell if you don't."

"Sounds like a deal to me, my dear."

They resumed walking and reached the hotel. He opened the door and gestured her in. "After you, my dear."

She added an extra sway to her hips as she preceded him in to the building. Meeting his gaze over her shoulder, she said, "I do hope you're feeling hungry."

"Famished, my dear." He looked her up and down. "Absolutely starving."

"Perfect." She reached back for his hand, pulling him closer. "I think you should probably lead the way to the suite. I don't know where we're going."

He was still grinning as he lead Bryn to the elevator. The only think that kept him from attacking her was the fact that there was a family with small children sharing the cramped space with them.

Once the door opened, he half lead, half dragged her towards the double doors that were the entrance to their suite.

Giggling, Bryn glanced back towards the closing elevator doors. She almost expected to see the family staring after them. "I don't know, sugar...maybe you should take a cold shower first."

"Only if you take one with me, my dear." Anton opened the door with the card key and gestured her inside. "I'd like to avoid that scene in the bathroom where I slit my wrist with my razor, my dear."

She frowned. "Thank you for bringing that up." She saw that their luggage had arrived ahead of them, along with the box her mother had sent. "Shall we start with champagne like last time?"

"Of course my dear." Forcing himself not to think about what was in the box, Anton moved to the window where the champagne chiller was set up. "I'm still having a hard time believing your mother set this up for us."

"Maybe she just wanted to send us away so she could have more time to spoil the kids. She's probably feeding them pure sugar straight from the jar."

Anton shivered at that thought. "Let us pray, my dear, that the kids crash before we arrive home, my dear."

Smiling at him, she glanced over at the luggage. "Shall we see what's in the box? Maybe she packed us some naughty sex toys?"

He fought to keep from blushing and giving away the fact that he had already peeked. "You never know, my dear. You may not be that far from the truth."

She glanced at him suspiciously. "You already looked, didn't you?"

Anton tried to give her an innocent look and failed miserably. "Disappointed in me, my dear?"

She shook her head at him. "No. But you could have waited and opened it with me." Walking over to the box, she opened the lid. "Oh wow...my mom thinks I'm a hooker."

Anton chuckled. "And we thought Lindy's mother was open about sexuality. I definitely didn't expect that from your mother." He cocked his head to one side. "Are you going to put it on, my dear?"

"Is it worth putting on? I mean, you are just going to rip it off me." She grinned at him. "Although, it looks like it would easy enough to just push these flimsy cups on the top out of the way."

"I can't guarantee that it will stay on you for long, my dear," he said stalking forward. "But I think it would definitely be worth putting on." He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the tip of her nose.

"Okay...just for you." With one more quick kiss, she grabbed the contents of the box and disappeared in to the bathroom to get dressed. She couldn't believe her mother had bought her the lingerie. They never even discussed sex, much less shopped for it. Amused, she quickly undressed and unfolded the skimpy lace thong. Once she'd put that on, she grabbed the matching gown. It was more of a lace corset with a flowing split-front skirt attached. Once she had it on, she realized it didn't look nearly as slutty as she'd once thought. In fact, once the matching necklace was around her neck, it looked rather elegant and gothic. Like something a vampire might wear. [Nice choice, Mom.]

Anton took another deep breath. It wouldn't take long for Bryn to dress... or should that be undress? He smiled to himself as he poured two glasses of champagne and placed them by the beds. Curious if the hotel had followed all his instructions, he opened the mini-fridge. And his grin grew wider. The chocolate covered strawberries were there as promised. Placing the plate next to his glass, he started to loosen his tie, and then stopped. That he would leave for Bryn.

Stepping in to a tall pair of heels, Bryn opened the door and turned off the bathroom light. Suddenly feeling oddly self-conscious, she walked out to the suite in search of him. She found him standing on the balcony, gazing out at the ocean beyond. The wind coming through the open door pulled her skirt away from her legs. Luckily, there was no one outside to see her nearly bare ass. Walking up behind him, she wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed herself against his back.

Anton let out a contented sigh, resting his hands on top of hers. "It's absolutely amazing, my dear," he said after a moment's deep thought. "Although there was a part of me that knew we'd end up together, I never foresaw this." He turned around in her arms and kissed her forehead. "You look absolutely amazing, my vampire bride."

She let out a soft sigh of contentment and grinned at him. "Thank you. Turns out she had pretty good taste. And everything fits perfectly. Now you get to rip it off me."

Anton grinned. "I don't think I will rip it off, my dear." Letting his hands slide down to the backs of her thighs, he lifted her and walked her back to the bed. "Or if I do, do you promise to rip my clothes off as well?" he asked as he settled down on the bed, keeping her on his lap.

"I guess we'll have to see how the evening goes. You never know just how aggressive I might get." Leaning closer to him, she kissed softly. "I may even make you run naked on the beach with me."

"Oooo... promise or threat?" he whispered in her ear. Anton kissed the soft skin behind her ear, caressing the jaw on the opposite side. That hand then slipped down her neck to cup and caress her breast

"Promise," she murmured, melting in to his touches. She tilted her head to the side to give him better access, biting her lip. "That feels nice." Her hands slid down from his shoulders to begin lazily unraveling his tie. "I think we should do this every year."

"No arguments from me, my dear." Anton continued to nip softly at her neck, teasing her with a hint of fang. His thumb slowly circled her nipple, teasing as he felt the flesh grow taut. "In fact, I was thinking we should do this at least twice a year, if not more often."

"Think we should just move in?"

Anton appeared to give it some serious thought. "How soon could you be packed, my dear?"

She giggled. "It would be an awfully long drive for you. I think you'd have to move the warehouse. That is, if I ever let you out of bed again."

"True, but there is one advantage you've forgotten." Leaning back, he reached over to the plate and picked up one of the ripe strawberries. "Room service."

"Oooh, how could I forget?" Wiggling in his lap, she opened her mouth expectantly and leaned towards the offered treat. Biting in to the crisp chocolate shell, she moaned as the strawberry burst juice in her mouth and over her lips.

"Would it be silly to say that I'm jealous of the that berry?" The sensual moans she let out at the taste went straight to his groin. Leaning over, he ran his tongue along her chin, lapping up a drip of the juice and a smear of chocolate. "Mmm... delicious."

She grinned at him. "Tol' ya." Chewing quickly, she leaned closer to kiss him, sharing the sweetness between their mouths. Scooting closer to his groin, she rubbed herself against him and felt his sudden intake of breath. "Those slacks are feeling pretty tight, sugar. I hope you're not in pain or anything."

"Things are feeling a bit tight, my dear." Anton gently traced along the edge of the lace cupping her breasts. "Do you think you could do something about it, my dear?"

"I think I can manage that." Sliding her hand down the front of his shirt, she unbuckled his belt and pulled it free of the loops. Dropping it to the floor (even though she momentarily considered binding his wrists with it), she moved on to unbuttoning his slacks and slowly lowering the zipper. His silk-covered cock seemed to bounce free of its prison. Grasping the long shaft, she slid her hand up and down its length. "That better?"

"Much," Anton purred. His hips lifted and dropped. following the rhythm set by her hand. His fingers became a little bolder, pushing aside the lace to caress hot flesh. "As enchanting as this gift your mother got us is, I do think it's time we finished unwrapping it." Saying that, he slowly started to work the babydoll off of her.

"That didn't take long." She grinned at him. "Think I should leave the shoes on?"

"Kinky," Anton said with a lustful grin. "I think you should," he said as he leaned down to run his tongue around a now bare nipple.

Bryn gasped, releasing a ticklish shiver, and bit her lip. Her hand stopped the continuous stroking of his cock, not wanting to get him too excited. Instead, she worked on unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it off his shoulders.

They had all night, and all morning to make love, Anton reminded himself. But his hand still worked quickly as his tongue caressed her pink nipple. Gently he nipped at her full breast as his fingers tickled the inside of one thigh.

Squirming against him, Bryn giggled. She shrugged free of the loosened corset and let it fall to the floor. Then she pulled his shirt off the rest of the way and pushed him on to his back on the bed. Leaning over him, she gave him a sly grin before kissing him until he was breathless.

Anton wriggled under her slightly ticklish assault. The squirming was more to rub against her than because of any uncomfortable sensations. Although she still had her thong on, he could feel her wetness as if there was no fabric between them.

Moaning softly, Bryn pushed herself down towards his toes, finally kneeling on the floor and pulling his pants and boxers with her. She grinned at his look of confusion, slipping his shoes and socks off his feet. Then discarding his clothes completely, she sat up and pulled his cock in to her mouth, much like she had that night so long ago.

Anton let out a surprised gasp. his feet kicking in shock at the pleasure. He curled forward, slipping his hand into her long, silky hair. "God, Bryn," he groaned as his hand caressed the back of her head.

Wrapping her hand tightly around the shaft, she lifted her mouth briefly to say, "Lay down." As soon as he was settled, she continued laving the underside of his glans, enveloping him in the moist heat of her mouth. She kept her lips soft for the moment, merely gliding up and down his length.

He quivered, eyes closed as he concentrated on the feel of her lips on his skin. His fists clenched and unclenched in the sheets as he moaned her name again. "Bryn..."

She moaned as well, starting to suck on him with every lift of her mouth. As if sucking on a straw. She slid one hand down to his balls, lazily rolling them in her palm.

He endured that sweet torture for approximately ten seconds. And then he was gasping out much as he had that night, "Bryn... stop... please..." And for the same reasons. He lifted his head to look at her. "You're even more talented than you were that night, my dear."

She licked her lips and smiled at him. "And you still can't take it."

"Damn right," he said with a devilish grin. Rapidly, he sat up and grabbed her, hauling her up on the bed. He completed the motion by rolling over, pinning her against the mattress. "And let's see if you can," he said as he started kissing his way down her body.

She let out a little squeal at being nearly pulled out of her shoes, but immediately went along with his plans. In fact, she pressed her high heels to the bed and giddily spread her legs in anticipation.

Anton chuckled. "Well, this is different than our first time." His fingers lightly stroked along the inside of her thigh, tickling before he spread her open. "As I recall, you tried to tell me that turnabout wasn't necessary." Grinning, he pressed a soft kiss to her clit before swirling his tongue around it.

"I...ahhhh" Bryn tossed her head on the pillow. "I was stupid."

Anton lifted his head long enough to reply. "Good thing you're a fast learner." Then he returned to lapping at her. Every inch was thoroughly probed and tasted as his hands rubbed over her hips. His tongue pushed inside of her, his hips twitching as he tasted how wet and ready she was.

She let out a soft squeal, her fingernails digging in to her palms from the fists she made. It was an effort to keep from grabbing his hair--she'd likely rip him bald if she did. Pushing her heels hard in to the mattress and nearly ripping the sheets in the process, she lifted her hips closer to his mouth to encourage him even deeper.

Anton's hands clutched at her sides harder as his tongue delved deeper into her. Slowly his fingers slid around to caress each full buttock. Angling his head slightly, he let the tip of his nose bump against her clit.

Releasing each breath in a long moan, Bryn bit her lip as if suffering torture. In a way, she supposed it was. His touches and licks were perfect, but not quite enough to give her fulfillment. She wanted more. "Anton, please?"

Anton lifted his head, a teasing gleam in his eyes. "Please what, my dear?"

She whined softly, closing her legs before he could put his head down again. "I want you."

Anton grinned as he crawled up her body. "Good," he whispered as he dropped his head to kiss her neck. "Because I want you too." He spread her legs apart as he settled onto her. He positioned his cock at her entrance, but paused for a moment, teasing them both.

Staring up in to his eyes, she held his gaze for a long time. Her hands came up to cup his cheeks as her leg settled over his hip. "I love you so much. You are nothing like what I expected...but you're everything I ever wanted."

Anton reached back and pulled her leg a little higher. "You're everything I've wanted, my dear. Everything I thought I already had, but it was only an illusion. You are the missing half of my soul, my dear. And I love you so much." Bending down, he kissed her mouth as he let his hips start to thrust.

She met his kisses eagerly, sucking at his tongue even as she sucked at his cock. Her arms wrapped tight around his neck, clinging to him with every roll of his hips. Sliding one hand down his back, she grabbed his ass and pulled him deeper between her legs.

Anton moaned at the feel of her nails biting into her flesh. he kept a sow and steady rhythm, savoring every squeeze. Moving from her mouth, he nipped along her jaw and nuzzled her neck. His eyes were glowing from the intensity of the sensation.

Her eyes followed his movement, her hand releasing his ass and scratching up his side. She squeezed him tighter with her thighs, repeating the motion with her sex, arching her back to press her breasts against his chest. Head tilting back, she knew he was going to bite her soon and her heart sped up in anticipation. "Make me yours..."

Anton's tongue snaked past razor sharp fangs as he breathed in the scent of her skin. "I wanted this the first time we made love," he whispered against her neck. "This is how it should have been then. No secrets...." His thrusts became harder and faster as he began to tremble. "Nothing but our true selves, loving each other..." Moaning Anton's head reared back and then he struck, sinking his fangs deep into her throat.

She gasped sharply, quaking in shock, and immediately began to contract in a fierce orgasm. Her body shook and tightly wrapped itself around him, her head turning to the side to offer herself to him. She would have let him drain her dry if he wanted. He was giving her pure bliss in return and she loved it.

He drank for several long moments, pulling a seemingly endless stream of blood from her. But despite the ecstasy she was giving him, it wasn't quite enough for Anton. His thrusts now at a frantic pace, he pulled his head away and offered his neck to her.

Continuing to move with him, Bryn licked her lips and zeroed in on a vein in his neck. She whimpered as he sped up even more, his thrusts making her eager for more. Gripping his shoulders hard from behind, she bit in to his neck and held on as best as she could during the wild ride.

Anton let out an eager cry. He practically convulsed, instinctively shoving himself into as hard as he could. He only lasted a few seconds before he came hard and was reduced to a quivering limp mass resting on top of her. His hands tried to tighten on her body, but the complete bliss he felt made his muscles slack. "Bryn," he whispered, careful not to dislodge the fangs in his throat.

She smiled to herself, her own residual shudders making her hips buck against his. Taking several more long swallows, she released his neck and rubbed her lips against the wound as it closed. Then she pressed her sanguine mouth to his and kissed him, sharing the flavor between their mouths.

Anton kissed her eagerly, hungrily. His hands came up to cradle her head, his fingers tracing the curve of her cheek and the softness of her hair. Everything was right, from the smell of the sheets to the taste of the blood they shared. This was the perfect moment of love between him and his vampire mate. And he never wanted it to end.

"Mmm." Rubbing her hands over his back, Bryn lifted her leg up and settled her patent-leather heel on his ass. As he softened a bit, she couldn't help giving him a few last squeezes. "I'm so happy to be yours, completely."

Anton smiled as he kissed her. "I'm happy that you are mine, my dear," he said, toying with one lock of soft brown hair. "Almost as happy as I am that I belong to you completely."

She gave him a shy smile in return. "We're lucky then. 'Cause you're stuck with me for a long, long time. And I'm not letting you out of my sight for a second."

Anton smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. He felt lazy and content now, and couldn't resist indulging in a little teasing. "Should I practice my poses then, my dear? Make sure you have plenty to look at?"

She arched an eyebrow. "Okay. Sounds good to me. Why don't you do that and I'll just lay back and watch."

"Okay." Anton slowly backed off the bed, eyes never leaving hers. As his feet hit the floor, he straightened up to his full height. "Gotta work the kinks out, my dear," he said as his excuse for raising his arms over his head.

Grinning, she settled her head on the pillow and watched him intently, enjoying the play of his muscles. It was exciting to realize she would have that sexy body to play with forever. Propping one of her legs up, she let her hand rub teasing circles over her belly, coming just shy of her breasts and pubic hair. Eager to entice him as much as he was her.

"I thought I was supposed to be the one performing, my dear," Anton said with a grin. He let his hands slide down his chest and across his stomach. "And if you keep doing that, we may have to cut this show short."

She gave him an innocent stare. "What? I'm not doing anything. Just watching."

Anton gave her a skeptical look as he turned to one side. Presenting his profile, Anton flexed one arm so his biceps bulged. "Like what you're seeing, my dear?"

She gave him a dreamy smile. "Mm hmm. You should keep going." Her circling hand dipping a little lower. "It's sexy."

"I could say the same for you, my dear." Anton pivoted on his right leg, so that he was now facing away from her. "I'm assuming this doesn't disappoint."

She stared at his ass, Sighing happily. "not at all, sugar booger. Especially if you flex a bit."

"You mean like this?" Raising up on his toes, he clenched his muscles, tensing for several seconds before relaxing.

She bit her lip to stifle a squeal, her hand slipping between her legs. "Yeah...just like that."

"You had better not be touching yourself, my dear," Anton said as he leaned forward. "That's my job."

She bit back a moan at the loss as she reluctantly stopped. She resumed circling her belly, her head tilting to the side the further he bent.

He could feel an ache in his spine, but Anton couldn't resist. He ducked his head between his slightly spread legs to look at Bryn. And almost fell over laughing when he saw her with her head cocked to one side like a curious puppy.

She stuck her tongue out at him, tempted to go back to touching herself just to torture him. Instead, she lifted up until she was sitting. "Keep going. I want to see more. Much more."

"Okay, my dear," he said with a saucy grin. Slowly he reversed his motion until he was standing up right. And then he didn't stop, but rocked back on his heels as he arched his back and clenched his ass.

She bit her lip hard, drawing blood, her eyes immediately flaring. "I want more. Touch yourself."

Back still to her, Anton's hands moved to his groin. Slowly he started to stroke himself as he turned, stopping when he was side on to her. His cock was already showing signs of stiffening, and projected further at his gentle touches.

She watched with heavy-lidded eyes, her nails scratching at her thighs in an attempt to keep from stroking herself. The red welts she left behind she could barely feel.

Anton's eyes started to flame at her reaction. Keeping a slow, steady pace as he stroked himself, Anton continued turning until he was facing her. "I'd say you definitely like what you see," he rumbled.

She shuddered as she dug her nails in to her skin, pushing up on to her knees and giving him a pleading look. She wouldn't move again until he told her to. The torturous wait was almost as good as the end result would be.

Now it was Anton's turn to cock his head to one side. "Something wrong, my dear?" His voice dropped to a sultry purr. "Is there something you want?"

She shook her head. It wasn't so much that she wanted him, as much as she needed him. Her hands balled in to fists as she restrained herself from grabbing him.

Anton recognized when she was withholding something from him. And he knew just how to draw it out of her. He leaned forward until his lips were just a millimeter from hers. "Tell me," he said.

Her breath shuddered against his lips. Her voice was so soft it was barely audible. "Need you now."

His voice was an equally loud whisper. "Then take me."

She shook her head. "You have to give me permission."

"I thought I just did."

Before he could get another word out, she grabbed him hard and threw him down on the bed, climbing on top of him before he'd even settled. She sank down his cock as she latched on to his neck, driving her fangs deep in his neck with a loud, possessive growl.

"Aaaarrrggghhh!" He didn't make any move to push her off of him. If anything he was using his hands to pull her closer, used his hips to push himself deeper. His head turned to bare his neck better to her fangs.

Immediately starting to move, she rode him in long, slow sweeps, accenting each plunge with a swallow of his blood. She reached back to grab his hands, forcing them to the bed and pinning them there, taking control of the situation.

Anton let out another moan. For a moment he fought the urge to break his hands free, but then relaxed beneath her. "Bryn," he whispered.

Moaning against his neck, she bit a little harder before abruptly releasing him. She dove instead for his lips, kissing him eagerly, enjoying the way he nipped and bit at her tongue.

Anton returned her kisses with fierce ones of his own. His fangs would barely pierce her before she would pull away. His eyes were glowing in frustration, but he made no move yet to break her grip on him.

Sitting up fully, she stared down at him as she smoothly rose and fell. She was squeezing him hard, but kept up the same slow pace, never tiring of the rhythm.

Anton moaned louder, his head rolling from side to side. Working his feet flat, he thrust harder into her as his breath gusted through his nose. "Bryn..."

Sitting up almost triumphantly, she grinned down at him. "I like seeing you like this. All horny and...helpless."

Anton wriggled in her grip, hips rising and falling in a rapid rhythm. "And how helpless am I?" he said as he rotated his hips.

She sucked in a sharp breath, but tightened her grip on his wrists. "Helpless enough that I'm still on top." She gave a twist of her own hips. "Helpless enough that I can make you gasp."

Proving her words, Anton let out a loud gasp. "I should say so, my dear." He grinned up at her. "And I like it.

"Good. Me too." Squeezing him firmly, she tugged harder with her hips. She leaned back against his bent legs, closing her eyes in bliss. "In fact, I could do this all day."

Anton closed his eyes also, fingers wriggling in her grip. "I would love for you to do that," he whispered, even as he felt his pleasure building. Anton bit his lower lip. "Although I may not be able to..."

She cracked an eye open. "May not be able to...what? Perform? Hold out? Keep from screaming like a mad man as I drain you dry?"

His breathing sped up at her words. "All of the above," he moaned, arching beneath her.

She grinned at him, coming to a sudden halt. "Hmm. Maybe I should just stop then and give you some time to recover?"

"Hell no!"

Bryn laughed. "You don't like that? Maybe you should do something about it."

He opened his glowing eyes. "If you insist, my dear," he said through his fangs.

Anton shoved upwards, pulling his wrists free from her hands. Rolling over, he tucked her beneath him, hips pounding away furiously as he pulled her arms over her head.

She squealed loudly, her body curling up as her muscles contracted. It was a struggle to keep up with him, but she managed well enough, lifting her hips to meet his thrusts, her eyes rolling back in her head. Her hands pressed flat against the headboard, trying to keep him from launching her through the wall. Her breasts were shaking, her thighs trembling, and she was so close to cumming she could almost taste it.

He was breathing heavily, his eyes focused on her neck where he could see her pulse throbbing. Letting out something that sounded like an animal growl, he bent down to lick the spot. And his thrusts turned into convulsions as he orgasmed. He wasn't certain which triggered it - the taste of her blood or the feeling of her squeezing him so tightly.

Gasping and finally shouting, Bryn clenched around his cock and came hard with him. Her fingernail gouged in to the headboard. If she had been grabbing him, they would have been in his skin instead. With her legs tightly wrapped around his hips, she continued to ride her orgasm as it faded, and still moved even when her shudders ceased.

His hips continued pushing at hers long after he went limp inside her. Slowly his hands relaxed, releasing her wrists. But his jaws took the longest to unclench, even though he hadn't been actively drinking for several minutes. Slowly he gathered his weight onto his elbows and sat up slightly. He smiled at her, sleepy eyed and sated. "Wow, my dear."

Blinking her eyes open, she smiled at him. "Wow, yourself. I thought you were going to strain something. Or at the very least give me a concussion."

"Don't be too sure that I haven't strained something." He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Your beautiful eyes don't seem to be unfocused or unequally dilated, so I think you're in good condition."

"Well, if you did strain something, I'll just have to kiss it and make it better, won't I?" She kissed his lips softly. "I don't know about you, but I could use some refueling. The strawberry was delicious. What else do you have?"

With a reluctant groan, Anton rolled onto his side to look at the tray beside the bed. "There's a whole assortment of fruit, and some cake as well. Cheese, crackers, and some sort of salami or other meat. And champagne, of course."

"Hmm. I don't know. I think I may need something a lit