Chapter One Hundred Fifty-six It wasn't unusual to have dinner with the neighbors, but it was strange to be gathered by Seth and not know the reason for his request. Since the werewolves were hosting, everyone brought a dish of their choosing...sort of an impromptu potluck. Carrying the rolls and a casserole dish of homemade macaroni and cheese, Nate followed Lindy and Liam to the werewolves' sidewalk. "Any idea what this is about?" "Nope," Lindy said. "Mom seemed puzzled when she called asking what we are bringing." She opened the front door to see Anton and Bryn there as well, each wearing just as puzzled a look as well. "Wonder what they brought?" she said as she put Liam down on the floor. The boy made a beeline to where Max and Kat were playing, and made little whimpering noises in greeting. Bryn smiled, waving Nate and Lindy over. "We brought a ham. I think your mom just put it in the oven to warm up. How was your evening?" "Good," Lindy said as she walked over to talk to Anton and Bryn. "Although we've been having to keep an eye on Liam with the full moon being tomorrow night." She arched an eyebrow at Anton and Bryn. "Do either of you have any idea why Seth wants us here?" Bryn shook her head, glancing curiously at Liam. He looked completely normal to her, but she wasn't sure just what the signs of his impending Change would be. Turning her attention back to Lindy, she said, "I have no clue. Maybe he's moving or has a new job?" "We haven't seen him leave the house. Hi Lindy, Nate," Jess said as she joined them in the living room. "He did get a call that lasted a few hours, and was really quiet about it. Until he asked if we'd mind hosting this." She then jerked her head towards the dining room. "Every thing's about set up, if you're ready." Content that the kids were safe in their kiddie corral, Bryn stood up and reached for Anton's hand. "What about you, sugar? Any idea what this is all about?" Anton shook his head, although a suspicion was starting to rear its ugly head. "Jess, did he say who the call was from?" "No," she said. "But when Amanda answered the phone, the caller identified himself as Hadrian." Suspicion confirmed. "We may be taking a trip soon, if this is what I'm thinking it is." Bryn's shoulders drooped. "Oh God. Already? I thought for sure we'd have at least six months." Nate wrapped an arm around Lindy and pulled her closer. "The trial? Jesus, that was fast." "Don't tell me we're going to have to go back already," Lindy groused. Anton shook his head, although he felt the same way. He put his arm around Bryn's shoulders and squeezed her close to his side. "We might have six months. I'm certain something of this magnitude can't be arranged overnight. Not to mention all the work that has to be done as far as interviewing witnesses." "Which is precisely what I wanted to speak with all of you about," Seth said, entering the room. "Please, let's all sit down to eat. And no, this won't be happening overnight, so you should be able to relax. For a little while, anyway." Lindy rolled her eyes and let out a little sigh. "I was hoping we could avoid going back at all," she said softly as they all headed to the dining room. Anton nodded in agreement. "It was too much to hope for," he said. This was a definite depressed note to his voice. Squeezing his hand, Bryn sat down next to him at the table. She couldn't help feeling bad for Seth. He looked the most miserable of all of them. "What's happening, Seth?" "I've been called back. Despite my resignation, they made me an offer I couldn't refuse--a large stipend to help them set up the trial...and the full protection of two imperial guards, twenty-four hours a day." Alex let out a low whistle. "You sure you want to do that, Seth?" he asked. "That will put you back in the lion's den." "They didn't exactly give me a choice, Alex. They made it very clear that without the guards, I was very much a sitting duck. And that everyone knew where to find me. It was just short of an actual threat." Anton nodded as the werewolves' expression darkened. Lilith may be under house arrest, but the Council was clearly continuing her method of rule. "How soon will you be leaving, Seth?" "Two days. They wanted me there sooner, but I told them I needed time to pack. I'll be taking everything I own. I don't know when, or even if, I will be back." He swallowed heavily. "I know this sounds very dire, but I don't really think it's as bad as it sounds. It's obvious that they need me, and I have leverage...or they wouldn't be going to such lengths." "But you're also a *witness,*" Jess gritted between teeth. "If it wasn't for you, none of us would be here now. And don't think that Lilith, not to mention her allies, are very aware of the fact." "But I think you're right, Seth," Anton said before turning to the werewolves. "If the Council wants him there, they'll see that he's protected better than we can." Seth nodded, clearly wanting to believe that. "I'm not stupid enough to think I'm a hundred percent safe...but I made a request that I think will help my chances. Vandala will be one of my guards. And there's no way she is under Lilith's thumb." "You can say that again." That was reassuring to Anton. Vandala would see that Seth was well protected, if only to spite LIlith. "I guess this is a goodbye dinner then," Lindy said. Seth nodded, slightly chagrinned. "Yes, this is me officially resigning from the warehouse. I apologize for not giving you better notice." That got a chuckle from everyone around the table. "Resignation accepted, Seth. And if you do come back, the job will be waiting for you. Despite what Michelle might hope." "I always knew she had it in for me." Although she smiled at that, Bryn said, "Seth, if you need anything at all, let us know. We'll have it to you immediately. Even if it's an escape route." "Ditto," Jess said. "Any time, give us a call, and we'll come get you." "Thank you," Seth said, holding their gazes. "You've all been very kind. I know I'll miss you." "We'll miss you too, Seth." Anton lifted the glass of water that was in front of his plate. "To Seth. I, personally, owe you a lot, and thank you seems a poor way to express it. I hope that everything goes well for you in the future." Bryn nodded. "To Seth." The other lifted their glasses as well. "To Seth." Watching as they drank, Seth blushed. "Well, now that I'm thoroughly embarrassed, shall we eat?" After the meal and light discussion, they had all headed back home. It had been an unspoken decision by all of them not to discuss further Seth's impending departure, nor the reasons behind it. And there really wasn't much more to discuss. As much as they wanted to see justice done on Lilith, no one wanted to return. Picking up a sleeping Liam and settling him against her shoulder, Lindy said good night to everyone and followed Nate to the front door. Settling his hand on Lindy's back, Nate ushered her out the door with one last wave to the others. He yawned as he closed the door behind them, his vampiric eyesight quickly kicking in for the sudden darkness. "Well...that was a bummer." "Tell me about it," Lindy said, petting Liam's back as her eyes adjusted. "Only way it could have been worse would be if Marrok showed up unexpectedly." "Bite your tongue, woman." Sliding a finger through the belt loop on the back of her pants, he held her close to his side. "I hate to say it, but I'm glad it's Seth going now and not Anton. He doesn't need that right now. He barely has his head screwed on his shoulders, let alone straight." "Yeah. And you know if he went, then Bryn would be going. She's still got so much she needs to learn." She snuggled in close to Nate. "And you know we'd eventually be following. And that is not a trip that I want to make either." "At least there's a good chance we won't have to testify, unlike everyone else." Digging his keys out of his pocket, he followed her up to the front door of their house. "I don't know about you, but I think going to bed sounds like a good idea." "And I know someone who is already there," she said as Nate unlocked the door. Stepping through it, she turned around so Liam's head was near Nate's. "I think that same someone could use a goodnight kiss from his daddy." Grinning at the crashed posed in which their son had fallen asleep, Nate leaned closer and softly kissed the boy's cheek. "I'm gonna grab something from the kitchen. Meet you in bed, in five?" "Sounds like a plan," Lindy said. "I'll see you there." Rocking side to side with each step, she carried Liam upstairs and to his bedroom. He didn't wake as she placed him down and covered him with a blanket. Nor did he stir as she slipped out of the room and headed to her bedroom. In the kitchen, Nate grabbed the dessert he'd made earlier. Luckily, Lindy hadn't yet spotted it. Also picking up a bottle of Kahlua mudslide along the way, he headed back to the bedroom grinning. It was about time to forget all of the problems the trial brought up. He wanted a nice, relaxing evening with his wife. And Lindy was thinking that she wanted a nice relaxing evening with her husband. And it would be the perfect time to show Nate the surprise she had gotten the other day. The black lace negligee with matching thong was a little more risque than she was used to wearing, but she had a feeling that Nate would appreciate it. The only question was would she be able to squeeze into it before Nate came upstairs. Sniffing appreciatively at his pastries, Nate climbed the stairs and headed for the bedroom. He frowned when he saw the room was empty, but realized the bathroom door was closed. Bouncing on to the bed, he kicked his shoes off and opened the liquor bottle. She could hear him moving around in the bathroom as she pulled the lacy straps over her shoulders. She took a moment to adjust her cleavage, touch up her hastily applied lipstick, and toss her hair so it flowed freely over her shoulders. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door to the bathroom and stepped through it. With the bottle of Kahlua half way to his lips, Nate stopped and stared. "Damn. It's a good thing I'm already dead, or that would've killed me." Lindy smiled, though there was still a bit of uncertainty in her stance. "So you like it?" she asked walking forward. She gave a little twirl, so he could see that the back plunged so low, it was practically not there. He swallowed heavily and nodded. Then he realized she hadn't seen it. "Uh...yeah. It makes my cream puffs look like dirt." Reaching over, he patted the spot next to him. "Care to join me?" In her nervousness, she hadn't seen the dessert. "Oooh! Cream puffs!" She hurried over to the bed, climbing on to settle on the spot Nate had patted. "Feed me one?" she asked, closing her eyes and opening her mouth. He stared blatantly at her. Unfortunately, it wasn't a cream puff he had the urge to feed her. Forcing himself to concentrate, he picked up one of the small cream puffs and held it to her mouth, moaning softly as the custard squished between her lips. Lindy let out a loud moan as she bit down. Pulling back for a second, she licked at her lips, cleaning every trace of chocolate and custard off of her lips. "These are divine," she said, holding one up. Would you want one?" "Definitely. But I think I'd like it better if you feed it to me with your mouth." Lindy's smile was almost as sweet as the custard. She bit into the other cream puff, but didn't cut cleanly through. Instead she held it in her mouth like a dog carrying a ball and scooted closer to her husband. Grinning, he leaned towards her and took a large bite of the pastry, lingering to kiss her lips as his hand stroked her arm. His thumb brushed the side of her breast, sliding against the smooth curve repeatedly. She let out an even louder moan at the touch of his fingers and lips. She reached out to slide her hand along his side and pull herself closer to him. Wrapping a leg over hers, he pulled back from the kiss with a chocolatey grin. "I think I may need to make dessert more often. And you need to dress like this more often." She swallowed her part of the puff, she kissed him again. This time her teeth teased his lower lip, tugging lightly as long fingers started to undo his fly. "Why do I think that even if I dress like this more often, I won't be spending that much more time in these clothes?" He chuckled. "Because you're a very smart girl. And you know me too well." Skimming his hand further up her arm, he snagged the strap of her nightie and tugged it down, baring her breast at the same time. "Now I have a whole new idea for all of this custard." A pleased shiver ran through her as the cool air hit her nipple. But it tightened more due to the heated gaze in Nate's eyes. "Do tell?" she asked with an impish grin as her fingers slipped inside his fly, curling around the impressive erection barely restrained. Groaning, Nate let his eyes close and shuddered. "Keep doing that and maybe I'll tell you." Lindy squeezed her hand again, slowly tracing his shape. "You mean like this?" she asked as she arched her back, bringing her breasts closer to his face. Nodding, he let her continue for a few minutes. Then, he peeked an eye open and couldn't help grinning. "Was there something you wanted, hon?" Subtly dragging his finger along the side of one of the cream puffs, he lifted his hand swirled custard around her taut nipple. "Maybe this?" he asked, latching on to the sweet treat. "Yeah," Lindy said. "Something like that." She breathed deeply, letting her breasts rise and fall. She continued to stroke him, but then her fingers returned to peeling his jeans off of his hips and ass, nails lightly scratching. Still sucking at her, he lifted his hips to help her along. He wished he'd made more custard, because he felt like covering her in it, licking to his heart's content. Lifting the top off one of the cream puffs, he fed the chocolate shell to her, intent on using the inside for his own pleasure. She nibbled at the pastry, but held the chocolate in her mouth. Once she had enough, she spread it slowly on her lips, ready to offer him a treat when he kissed her. Now that he was naked from the waist down, she started to work on the waist up. Unable to stop grinning, he pulled her closer and kissed her lips, moaning wholeheartedly at her taste as well as her passion. Gathering up the baby doll she was wearing, he pulled it over her arms and then her head, carefully draping it over the end of the bed. "You make me so happy, gorgeous. I couldn't ask for anything more." "I could," Lindy said with an impish grin. "I could ask for you to serve those cream puffs for dessert every night for eternity." Nate laughed. "I think they might get a little tiring after a while. But there are endless desserts. Maybe a chocolate cake next time?" He squeezed and teased her breast, plucking at her nipple with his fingers. "Or how about a souffle?" "Mmmm... I like the sound of that," Lindy purred. "And I like the feel of that too." She rolled forward, urging him onto his back so she could straddle him. Shirt loose on his chest, she pulled it over his shoulders so they were both nude. "Tell me, Nate," she said as she squeezed his hips with her knees and tucked her hands behind her head. "Do you see anything that makes your mouth water?" Nodding eagerly, he grabbed her hips. "In fact, I'm thinking you need to scoot up here a little higher so I can have a taste. I wanna see if you're as tasty as you look." Lindy grinned, pulling on the lace of her thong so that it snapped against her hip. Rocking her weight onto her knees, she slowly walked up his body. She wondered if he had noticed yet that not only had she gotten new clothes, but had shaved for the occasion. Licking his lips, Nate continued to hold her hips and urge her closer. He could smell her intoxicating arousal, a sweet perfume he'd never grow tired of. Tugging her tiny panties down, he swallowed heavily at the sight of her bare sex, his fingers tightening on her flesh. "You were trying to kill me." "I thought you were already dead," she said, echoing his earlier words. She allowed herself to be pulled up to his head. She could feel herself growing wetter, and she hadn't even felt his mouth on her yet. "So tell me, Nathaniel. Is there something you're hungry for?" "Absolutely." He pulled her thong down further, waiting for her to lift each knee so he could take them off of her. He grinned up at her as he spread her legs further apart and eased her towards him. Adjusting the pillow beneath his head, he made himself perfectly comfortable before running a long lick over the outer lips of her sex. "Mmmm." She let out a gasp as she felt his tongue pass over her. Lindy's first reaction was to lift up slightly at the intense stimulation, but she forced her hips to stay where they were. His grip on her ass helped with that too. She squirmed a little from side to side as he fell into a rhythm, but was now also pressing closer. Smiling to himself with each twitch she gave, Nate used his thumbs to open her wider, his licks traveling everywhere but over her clit. He couldn't seem to stop moaning. She tasted divine. But he knew something that would make her taste even better. Grabbing a dollop of the custard, he smeared it over her sex and quickly went about lapping it all up. Lindy let out a loud gasp at the sudden shock of custard on her hot flesh. But then she let out a loud moan feeling Nate's tongue sliding all over her. Moaning low in her throat, she rolled her hips forward and back, trying to guide his tongue to where she wanted it the most. He chuckled at her eagerness. Gripping her ass with both hands, he attached his mouth to her clit and sucked gently, his tongue flicking at her repeatedly. She really hoped that Liam didn't wake up from the squeal she released. Or maybe he'd think it was some sort of wolf howl. Either way, the noises she was making was almost continuous. "God, Nate...oooh." With long sweeps of his tongue, he slid his hand between her legs and circled the opening of her sex with one finger. He could feel her muscles contracting, trying to pull him in deeper. He was getting so hard it was almost painful. Lindy let out another long moan, arching up against Nate. She could feel herself fluttering, the empty ache in her becoming too much to bear. "Nate," she squealed. "Please...inside me... need you..." With one last lick, he nodded and helped her reposition over his groin. Watching intently as she teased the head of his cock, he groaned loudly when she abruptly sank down the length of him. "God, Lind..." Lindy let out a loud moan as she felt him fill her so perfectly. One fang peeked over the lip that she bit in pleasure. She held still for a moment to enjoy the sensation. Which redoubled as she squeezed him. Nate hissed, his hands bruisingly tight on her hips. Her incredible heat surrounded him like a hot bath, and it was hard to believe he could survive it. "Damn, you're sexy." "Only cause you made me that way." Her smile was brilliant as she leaned forward, letting her hair brush against his chest. "I never would have dreamed of wearing something like that. Much less having someone to wear it for. Or I didn't, until I met you." "And now you're just a little sex kitten, aren't you?" He grinned at her. Pulling her down to meet his lips, he kissed her passionately. Nate bent his knees, using the leverage of his feet pressing hard on the bed to thrust him self deep and hard inside her. His hips slapping noisily against her ass. "Meow. Which is an amazing thing, considering that was a werewolf to begin with." Smiling brightly at him, she squeezed her muscles surrounding him. "And it's because of you." "Lindy," he said, his voice ragged as he continued to move. "I love you, gorgeous, but shut up." "Yessir!" Lindy smiled down at him as she sat up fully. She snatched her hair up, holding it in a rough ponytail to give him an unobstructed view of her breasts as she rode him hard. Soft gasps escaped her mouth that grew louder as the longer she moved against him. Grinning fiercely, Nate stared blatantly at her swinging breasts, his mouth watering. Leaning closer, he tried to capture her nipples between his lips, enjoying the way she kept slipping away from him. The bed was squeaking loudly, but he didn't care. Her gasps had become an almost continuous moan as she ground herself against him. Her swollen clit was brushing against his hair with every stroke. Biting his lip harshly, his blood beading around the cut, he pulled her down hard to meet his lips and lanced her with his fangs. As the mingled taste of their blood mix, he gave up his hold on control and flooded her. Lindy threw her head back and let out a loud cry. Her eyes glowed and fangs extended as she felt her orgasm flood through her. And still she continued to move on him, trying to extract that last bit of pleasure for the both of them. He tried to keep moving as well, but finally flopped back to the bed and let out a long sigh. Gathering her on top of him, he stroked her back and kissed the top of her head. "Now I can die happy...or at least stay dead happy." Lindy let out a silvery laugh as she wrapped her arms around his chest. "Ditto, my love." She snuggled into his arms and let out a contented sigh. "So how long do you feel it will be before Liam wakes up?" "He's probably already awake. He's just wondering if we're finally done or not." Lindy let out another laugh. "He's going to be so surprised when he goes to school and discovers that not everybody's parents shag like rabbits at any given opportunity." He gave her a little grin. "Or their aunts and uncles. Or grandparents, for that matter." Then he frowned. "Just wait until he starts dating." Lindy let out a mock shiver. "That is something I dread." Her fingers lightly traced up and down his side. "Hopefully we have a decade to figure out what to do about that." "Unless he's like his father...a fast learner." He grinned at her. Pulling the blankets up around her shoulders, he tucked them both in warmth. "So shall we take advantage of him still being quiet and try to get a bit of sleep?" "Mmmm... sleep...." She snuggled against her husband's chest, fingers lightly tracing his collar bone. "I agree with you. Let's take advantage of it while we can." Browsing through the appliance department of the store, with Katerina and Max in the stroller in front of her, Bryn stopped in front of the sandwich makers and lifted one of the lids. "You think we need one of these? Or am I just looking for an excuse to spend money?" "I'd say an excuse to spend money," Anton said, looking over the machine. "But it does look tempting." He looked over the machine as well. "Might be good to have for when we have guests. And we can also make those little mini-pies." She pushed the stroller onward. "Your decision. I'll just take this other stuff up to the register and wait for you." She smiled to herself, wondering just what he'd decide. The mall would be closing soon and they'd need to get something to eat before long. Walking up to the counter, she placed the various kitchen utensils she'd picked out on the surface, smiling at the cashier, and then grabbed the bowl Max had in his lap. "I'll give this back in a minute, sweet pea." And Anton showed up a second later, with the sandwich maker. "Like you didn't know what I'd decide, my dear," he said, nudging her side lightly. Hearing Max about to break into a full fledged cry, Anton picked him up and bounced him on his chest. Grinning, Bryn pulled out her check book. "I should drag you in to a jewelry store and pull that trick some time." "Ah, my dear," Anton said with a grin. "But notice who is actually writing the check." "True, but guess who brought home a check in the first place." She noticed that the saleslady was grinning at them. Turning her attention back to Anton, she said, "Is there anywhere else we need to stop while we're here? Do you need new shoes or anything?" "I think I'm okay for the moment, my dear." He leaned one hip against the counter as Max thumped his chest, wanting down. "What do you say we go get some burgers and shakes. I could use with a bite to eat." "Okay." She leaned closer, whispering soft enough so only he could hear. "You know, if we eat fast enough, maybe we could go to that Wild Pair store and get me some ot those 'Come fuck me' shoes." Anton's eyebrow arched, and he got a wicked grin on his lips. He had seen Bryn eyeing the black leather boots embossed with red lip prints. And he wanted to see her in them. Preferably only them. "You know, my dear, we may have to stop there first." She laughed softly, taking the receipt from the cashier. Handing him one of the bags, she then took Max and settled him back in the stroller. She handed him back the bowl he liked, which had measuring spoons attached so he could make plenty of noise. "You lead the way, sugar." He picked up the other bags he had been carrying earlier. "I'm starting to feel like a pack horse," he said as he lead Bryn out of the department store and into the mall proper. This late in the evening there were fewer people around, and a few of the kiosks had already shut down for the evening. But the shoe store was still open, which was on the way to the food court. "Well, my dear, it's do or die time. Which pair shall it be?" Passing him the stroller, she got a giddy look on her face as she started towards the thigh-high boots. Most of the heels were ridiculously tall, but that was okay...she doubted she'd be doing much walking in them. She saw the pair she'd been admiring in the window previously, but there was another set she liked even better. On the mannequin, they were skintight. The black lycra looked and felt like black suede, and the clear heels added a good seven inches of height. Eyes glossing over, Bryn looked back at Anton. "These ones!" Anton's eyes just about popped out of his head when he saw the shoes. The three hundred dollar price tag was no object to him. But it was a good thing he was already dead. Because the visual he got of her wearing the boots, and only them, was enough to give any man a heart attack. Flagging down an employee, he pointed out the boots. "I assume you need to try them on, my dear?" he asked as the young woman headed towards the rear of the store. "Yeah, but I think I might have to take my pants off to do it. You want to wait here, or...come with me?" Anton took a deep breath. "I had better wait here with the kids, my dear. The last thing we need now is to be arrested for indecent exposure." She grinned at him. "Chicken. I'll be back in a minute. Too bad I don't have any cute stockings to go with them." "I'm sure you'll make due somehow, my dear." After she followed the sales assistant to the back, Anton went over to the display on the wall. He gestured at the other clerk in the store and pointed out a pair of stockings festooned with cherries. Soon they were paid for and safely tucked in a bag in his jacket before Bryn returned. She came out several minutes later, grinning like a fool. Speaking softly as she neared him, she said, "Oh yeah...these make my ass look fabulous, if I do say so myself." "I can't wait to see them on you." Anton then paid for her boots. "Come on. We've got about fifteen minutes to grab something to eat." He then leaned close to Bryn. "So I can give you an opinion on your ass." She grinned, lifting up on her tiptoes to kiss him. "Thank you, sugar, for the beautiful boots. I love them." "Glad you like them, my dear." He smiled, his heart light for the first time in a long time. It was a feeling that he had missed for a long time. And his step was a little lighter as he pushed the stroller, smiling at Bryn as they headed to the food court. "Well, where would you like to eat? I don't think the kids will care one of way or another, but I'd like something gooey and cheesy. I love never having to diet again!" Anton chuckled at several distinctly jealous looks Bryn got at that announcements. "We could go to Johnny Rockets and get the burgers to go? They do those old style hamburgers and shakes." "Mmm. I think you picked a winner." Grabbing some of the bags he had loading him down, she stuck a couple under the stroller and carried the rest herself. "Let's go." They got to the restaurant in time to order their meals. But because of the time, they had to make it to go. So Anton was carrying even more bags, the latest addition smelling of french fries and freshly fried beef. He sniffed appreciatively at them as they walked back to their car. "I say we stop there first next time, my dear." She smiled at him. "Yeah, my stomach is growling now." Quickly unlocking the car, she went about getting the kids settled in to their car seats while he took care of the bags. "You want to eat in the car, or head home?" "Probably should try to eat now, my dear, while the food is hot. Otherwise, there will be a lot of whining and crying and general noises caused by hungry tummies. Oh, and the kids will probably want to eat too." She shook her head and stuck her tongue out at him. "I guess you better hurry up then, before I steal all the fries." With that, she stowed the stroller in the trunk and hurried to get in the passenger's door. "Just for that, my dear, I'm drinking your milkshake." He settled into the driver's seat and opened one of the bag. "Are you going to stay back there and feed the kids, or do you want me to help?" "You can help if you want to, but I think we'll be fine." Taking a handful of napkins from him, she tucked one in each of the kids' shirts. "Will you lock the doors before you hand out the food? I think I'd feel a bit safer that way." Anton hit the door lock button before picking up his milkshake and cheeseburger. He twisted around in his seat so he could look at Bryn and the kids while they eat. "So will you show me the boots when we get home?" She nodded. "Of course. Although, I think we'll have to wait until the kids are in bed...because I doubt we'll want to get out of bed once I have the boots on." "Boots in bed, my dear? That's positively kinky. I like it." He took a bit of his burger. "You know, my dear," he said suddenly struck by a thought. "We're not going to be able to have this type of conversation in front of the kids too much longer. Who knows what Max will be repeating." As if to prove Anton's points, Max pointed to Bryn's burger and said, "Boots?" Shaking her head, Bryn giggled. "No, sweet pea. Cheeseburger." Pulling off a small piece, making sure it was easily chewable, she popped it in his mouth. Kat was still busy mouth a soft piece of french fry. Bryn settled her feet on the center console and watched Anton as they chewed. "You know, we've been avoiding discussing something else that we probably should talk about instead...Seth returning to Australia." "Yeah," Anton said. He put down his sandwich, his expression serious and full of deep thought. "I was surprised to hear that he was returning. If it were me, I would never have agreed to go back." "I know. Same here. Especially given that he quit. He doesn't owe them anything. And those bastards have no right to threaten him. I think he should hide and never look back." "That might be it, my dear," Anton said after a moment. He took a sip of his milkshake before continuing. "He may be sick of hiding and want it over, one way or another. And although he tried, I can honestly say I don't think he was happy working for me at the warehouse. It wasn't like working for Lilith, and I think even though he doesn't want to admit it, he missed it. Bryn frowned. "Gross." Taking a drink of her shake, she swallowed before saying, "I'm dreading the call we'll get. No matter how far away it is, it will be much too soon. I don't ever want to go back there...not even to visit the country." "I know, my dear." Anton made a similar face to Bryn's frown as he took another bite of burger. "I'm not even certain that I want to go back to Hawaii because of what happened there. Which I feel bad about, because it's not like the island did anything wrong. It could have as easily happened here as there." She gave him a bit of a smirk. "True, but we could always go to one of the other islands instead. I've heard Oahu and Maui are nice. Or there's always the Bahamas or the Mediterranean." "Yeah," Anton said. He looked through the windshield at someone passing by, distracted for a second. "Bryn, if I told you something horrible, would you promise to keep it a secret?" She frowned, wondering first exactly who he thought she'd tell, and second what was so important that he was swearing her to secrecy? "You know I will." Anton took a deep breath. "What if I told you that I was relieved, and maybe even a bit happy, that Seth is returning to Australia?" Settling her feet down on the floor once more, Bryn leaned forward to look him in the eye. "And why exactly do you think that's a horrible thing?" "Because he did so much, gave up so much, to help free me. He didn't have to smuggle you in so I could Transform you. I should be doing everything in my power to mace certain that he is safe, and instead I'm cheering inside. She watched him for a moment, seeing the misery and guilt in his expression. "Can you tell me why you're glad he's going?" "Every time I see him," Anton began quietly. "I'm reminded of her. And I can't break the association." "I don't think that's a horrible thing, Anton. It makes a lot of sense to me. He reminds me of her, too." She reached forward and touched his shoulder. "And sugar, I know you'll do everything you can to make sure he's safe. I don't doubt that for a minute." "But still, I wonder if I should do it here." He took another sip of his shake while staring out through the windshield. "It's funny how it happened such a short time ago, and yet it seems like it was years ago some nights." She stared at the back of his head. "You know, you have an incredible knack for knowing the exact right thing to do, but waiting for me to remind you of it. You have really good instincts, Anton. You don't need my permission to follow them." Anton gave a quiet chuckle as he turned to look at Bryn. "And you have the incredible knack of saying just what I need to hear, my dear. I'll try to let go of this guilt, Bryn, but I may need your help reminding me time to time." She rolled her eyes. "You don't really need that either, but I'll chalk it up to habit." Setting her hamburger down when Kat started to cry, she pulled a jar of baby food out of the diaper bag. "I just...hope that Seth knows what he's getting in to. I hope being that close to her and the council again doesn't sway him back to her side." "I hope so too, my dear. But there is one thing. Lilith's power has been broke now that the Council had made its bid for independence. For her to wrest power back would mean a bloody civil war that would draw too much attention from humanity." She nodded, spooning out a bit of chicken for Kat while Max munched on her fries. "I know, but it wouldn't be very wise for Seth to choose either side at the moment. He needs to be as impartial as he can. Not that it's very likely." Taking a quick bite of her hamburger, she risked speaking with a mouthful. "What about you? Have you given anymore thought to that running for emperor idea?" "I've thought about it, but it's been more fantasies than serious thought." He took another sip of his milkshake before continuing. "It would be a lot of work, Bryn. And a lot of responsibility. I'd be traveling a lot, and it would mean time away from you and the kids. I'm not sure that it would be the best for us right now." She nodded. "I just wanted to know if you'd forgotten about it entirely. I know it's not the greatest idea in the world for us...but the council could sure do worse." "Richard, for example." He downed the last bite of the hamburger and swallow of his shake. "And what would your reaction be if I said I wanted to run for emperor?" She took a deep breath. "Well, I can't say that I would be exactly thrilled, but I'd try to support you. And I'd make damned sure that we had a lot of people watching over our family." "And so would I." He gave Bryn a soft smile watching her feed the kids. "But we don't have to make that decision tonight. How about we go home and get the kids in bed?" "How about you come back here and finish feeding them, and I'll finish my dinner, and then I'll drive us home?" "Sounds like a deal, my dear." Anton opened the driver's door and then the passenger door so Bryn could get out. And when she was out, Anton took a moment to put his arms around her waist and kiss her lightly. Smiling against his mouth, she returned his kiss eagerly. "I'd miss the hell out of you if you were gone all the time. I don't want you anywhere else but here with us. Got that?" "Got it, my dear." He reluctantly let her go to slip in the car with his kids. "Hey there, Max and Kat." After belting in, he offered both children a french fry. "Her bottle of chicken is on the shelf behind you." Sitting down and shutting her door, Bryn locked them in once more. Then she finished her cheeseburger. "Sugar...where do you think you'd be today if we'd never met?" He picked up the jar and started spooning into Kat's mouth. His daughter was doing her best imitation of a hungry bird. "I probably would be still working in the warehouse, and waiting for you to reappear in my life." He looked over at Bryn as he reached for another french fry for Max. "How about you, my dear?" She shrugged, handing a piece of hamburger to him for Max. "I don't like to think about it. I guess there's always a chance that I could have been happily oblivious to anything greater, but I doubt it. And there's also a chance that I might have been in that car accident with Caroline and John. You never really know." Turning in her seat, she buckled in and started the car. "I can't help but wonder how we might have met if I'd never come to Santa Cruz for that concert." He took the piece of meat and handed it to his son. "Well, I would have gone back to the east coast on occasion for business or pleasure. Since we were fated to be, we probably would have run across each other at some time and some place." Seeing that Max was playing with the food instead of eating it. Anton offered him the heel of his hand. Max then enthusiastically bit down and began drinking. Pulling out of the parking spot, twisted in her seat, she glanced back at him. "Yeah, that makes sense. I guess I'm just in one of those weird moods. I think all of this talk about the stupid council makes me nervous. It only serves to remind me how much things are out of our hands." "Then let's go do something that is under our control," Anton said. Max was still contentedly drinking from his palm, and Kat was starting to eye his fingers hungrily as well. Anton reached over and offered that hand as well, wincing slightly as Kat bit down. "Let's go home and find something that is under our control and make sure it is." She met his gaze in the rearview mirror and grinned. "Deal." Anton's smile grew wider. "Then why don't you drive us on home, my dear." By the time they got home, both of the kids were growing drowsy from their meals. Anton had the empty food bags picked up, the diaper bag repacked, and was unbuckling both kids as Bryn pulled the car in to the garage. She shut off the engine and pulled the trunk release. "You want to take the kids or the bags?" "I'll take the kids, my dear." He was out of the car and had Max slung over his shoulder and Kat cradled in the other arm. "Would you get the door for me?" "If you can wait a minute," she said, gathering the bags out of the trunk. They had bought a lot more than she remembered. And a great deal of it was heavy. Lugging the bags, she shut the trunk and headed for the door. Keys jangling, she tried not to wake the kids. She unlocked the door to the house and quickly reset the alarm system before stepping out of Anton's way. "Let me put this stuff in the kitchen and I'll join you upstairs in a few." "Okay, my dear." He slipped through the door and walked up the stairs, trying to remain as quiet as possible. Tenderly, he went to each child's bedroom and tucked Max and Kat into their cribs with a kiss goodnight. And then he went to the bedroom to wait for his wife. He kicked off his shoes and settled on the bed, resting on one side, eyes fixed on the door. Grinning to herself, she sat down at the kitchen table and opened the bag the boots came in. She had to take her pants off to make them fit, but that was okay, because she was taking everything off. Quickly undressing, she got out the boots and pulled them slowly up her legs. She was grinning like a fool the entire time. When she finally made her way to the bedroom, she couldn't have wiped the smile off her face if she tried. He was wondering if he should go downstairs and help her as he heard the pock of heels against polished wood. Sitting up in anticipation, his eyes grew wider as she stepped into view. And his jaw dropped as she turned a full circle in place. "You're right, my dear," he said in a hoarse voice. "They do make your ass look fabulous." "You don't know the half of it." Turning away from him, she walked back towards the hall, full aware that his eyes were glued to her ass the entire way. Somehow the boots not only made her ass look smaller, but also rounder and tighter. Grinning as she faced him again, she strutted back towards him, ending with a little hip-shaking dance as she neared the bed. Arms in the air, she shimmied for him, turning in a circle, letting him watch everything bounce. "I love them." "And what did you call them earlier, Bryn? Come fuck me shoes? They definitely have earned their name. He rolled forward on the bed and crawled to the edge where she was putting on a private show for him. Without saying another word, Anton pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. Anton swayed with her softly to the unheard music. He softly began humming the chorus of Sting's "Stolen Car." The words in the chorus had a different meaning for them that originally intended, but still fit. "I'm just a prisoner of love," he softly sang between kisses. "Always hid from the light..." She grinned against his mouth, happily able to kiss him more fully with the added height of the boots. "Take me dancing, please take me dancing tonight..." Anton grinned as he kissed her and dipped her down, supporting her back. "I think I'll skip the part about stealing an expensive car." She quirked an eyebrow. "I'd rather you skipped the part about the rich guy cheating on his wife." "I thought that was a given, my dear." Anton lifted her up and spun her around so she had her back to the bed. "So how about we just both make mad, passionate love to each other?" "Mmm. Sounds pretty good to me." Wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, she pressed herself tight against his front. "Although, I think you have entirely too many clothes on." Smooching him once more, she sat down on the bed and scooted back a bit. Watching him from between spread legs, she said, "How about you strip for me?" Anton smiled down at her. His fingers lightly stroked over her thigh before tracing up his torso. Slowly he worked up to the buttons on his shirt and undid them one by one. And his hips began swaying to an unheard music as his eyes remained fixed on hers. Smiling as she watched him, she put on a little show for him as well. Her tall boots were digging in to the mattress as she rubbed her fingers in circles over her peaked nipples. She was feeling decidedly horny, and her body was showing it. Her skin was lightly flushed and dewy, her nipples rosy red, and her damp sex was blossoming like an orchid for him. Bryn couldn't resist opening her legs a bit wider and subtly lifting her hips. Anton let out a soft moan as he shed his shirt. Muscles rippled as his chest heaved as he flexed his arms to tease Bryn a bit. Hands slid down his chest to toy with his fly and slowly unbutton it. The bulge there grew even more pronounced as he lightly stroked himself. Bryn moaned, eager to touch him herself. Sliding a hand down to her hairless sex, she teased herself by circling her fingers over and around the outer lips. The boots she wore made her feel a bit slutty and shameless, and she could only imagine that feeling would intensify as soon as he touched her as well. That was his tipping point. Anton, despite wanting to tease and draw things out, quickly shucked his shoes, jeans, and underwear. He knelt down before his wife, pulling her a little closer to the edge of the mattress. Breathing heavily, he lifted a leg over each shoulder and bent his lips to her sex. His tongue briefly wetted his lips before gliding over hers, tasting every inch. Squealing softly, she grabbed hold of the bedspread and tugged him closer with her heels on his back. Sliding her fingers in to his hair, she closed her eyes in bliss. His tongue felt like velvet sliding over her skin and when he parted her lower lips, she released a heartfelt moan. Anton let out a soft moan as he took his first taste of her. His tongue played with her slit, softly tracing along the cleft and pressing in just a little deeper with each thrust. His fingers lightly played over her thighs and hips, teasing her and making his cock throb. Grunting softly with each breath, she lifted her hips towards his mouth and rode each long lick of his tongue. She could feel herself gushing, her thighs trembling uncontrollably. Licking her lips, she continued to moan, composing her own song of ecstasy. "Oh yes...flick my clit..." Which was exactly what Anton did. His tongue settled into a fast, light rhythm, just barely caressing her clit with each stroke. Both hands slid up to caress her breasts, thumbs mimicking the motions of his tongue. Squealing, her body started vibrating, twitching in time with each flick of his tongue. She couldn't keep quiet if she tried. And it wasn't long before her hand had fisted in his hair and she screamed as she came hard under his skillful assault. Anton grinned as he pulled his head back from her body. He was pretty certain that not only had Bryn's mother heard her, but possibly Lindy's mother two houses over. But he really didn't care as he pressed her legs back to her shoulders and positioned his cock. Groaning, he pushed inside in one smooth motion. He could still feel her convulsing, and bit his lower lip to maintain some self control. Digging her fingernails in to the muscles of his upper back, she squeezed him with her thighs like a vise. He was hot and felt delicious. There was no way she was letting him pull away from her yet. Whimpering softly, she nipped at his lower lip, threatening to bite down harder. Anton tried to withdraw enough to thrust back in, but found that he wasn't able to move. He slowly started to rock his hips the fraction of an inch that he could. He let out a soft growl feeling her fangs push against his lip. "Do it, Bryn," he whispered in a soft moan. Panting softly, Bryn licked his lip wantonly before sinking her fangs deep in his neck instead. Kneading his shoulders, she loosened her legs to allow him free movement. Her eyes closed in bliss as he started to thrust and she drank in long, even swallows. Anton shuddered, pausing in his rhythm for one moment. And then he resumed his thrusts, eyes shut in passion as he continued to move against her. "God, Bryn," he whispered, freeing one hand to stroke her clit lightly. Jolting at the sudden electricity of his touch, Bryn released his neck with a gasp. She pressed herself hard against his fingers, thighs flexed and twitching. He continued to thrust hard into her as his fingers kept circling. "Cum for me Bryn," he whispered in her ear through clenched fangs. "I know you're close... I need to feel you..." Whining softly with each breath, she stared deep in to his eyes as she moved with his body. Every slam of his hips throbbed through her veins. His intense stare was what finally pushed her in to orgasm. "Ahhh, Anton!" Anton let out a loud, cat like hiss as he came hard. He lunged into her, quivering before collapsing into a boneless heap on top of her. "God, Bryn," he whispered softly, one hand reaching up to tenderly stroke her hair. "You are amazing." Breathing heavily, Bryn snuggled tight against his warm body. Tugging the blankets up over them, she tried to forget for the moment that the kids wouldn't be sleeping for long. Content for now with a short nap, she rubbed her hands up and down his back. "You're pretty amazing, yourself. Thank you for making me feel so good, sugar." "Thank you for making me feel better, my dear." Anton snagged the blanket between two fingers and pulled it up so they were covered. He could feel his eyes starting to droop. Perhaps a short nap would be in order. "Oh, and Bryn," he said, nuzzling her sleepily. "Tomorrow night we might have to get you another pair of boots." She giggled. "Speaking of that, it might be more comfortable in bed if I took them off before we go to sleep. Unless, of course, you're quickly anticipating round two." "As pleasant as that sounds, I doubt that the kids will allow us to have a round two." Anton reluctantly rolled off of her. "But they were worth every penny we paid for them." Pulling her leg back, she started peeling back the tight lycra. "Now we need to find something to make your ass look just as sexy." She arched an eyebrow. "Maybe you should try on the boots?" Anton held up at one foot besides hers and wriggled his toes, which reached beyond the point of the boot. "Somehow, I think that I would stretch the hell out of them, my dear. Besides, I doubt I'd be able to keep my balance in heels. Besides," he added with a twinkle in his eye. "I'm more of a chaps kind of guy." "Ooooh...and a cowboy hat? Pretty please? I've always wanted to ride the range." "Well, you know what they say, my dear. 'Save a horse. Ride a cowboy.' " End Chapter One Hundred Fifty-six <- Previous Chapter | Home | Next Chapter ->