Chapter One Hundred Fifty-seven He heard the knock on the door and saw his erstwhile roommate head down the hall to answer it. Seth wasn't too concerned and continued packing. It had to be either werewolf or vampire, and no one had rung from the main gate. Although he was nervous about returning to Australia, he gathering up his belongings and stowed them efficiently. He'd never learned to travel any other way. Anton nodded hello to Mulder and then headed down the hallway to the guest bedroom. He had wanted a chance to say a personal goodbye to Seth, one that could be done privately. He owed Seth so much, and had no real way he could think of to pay him back. Pausing at the door, he could hear Seth moving around in the room He knocked on the door, and waited for Seth to respond. Looking up, Seth gave Anton a brief smile. He continued rolling his shirts and sweaters as he said, "Come in. You're not here to pay me for the fabulous job I did at the warehouse pissing everyone off, are you?" "You didn't do that, Seth. If anything, they're probably not forgive me for hiring you for a while. But then Vandala and Alex will institute some new security measure and the heat will be off of me for a while." He looked around at everything Seth was packing up. Which wasn't that much. "So you're about ready to go?" Seth nodded. "I always had more clothes than personal possessions. And this is just the casual dress. Wait until you see my closet of suits." "I believe it." Anton sat on a clear space on Seth's bed. "And I also believe that I owe you more than I can ever repay, Seth. I haven't forgotten how you brought Bryn to see me. Or how you risked your life to help the werewolves free me. But all I can say is thank you." Seth glanced at him. He was still uncomfortable with accepting gratitude. He had never expected it from Lilith, and now it only embarrassed him. "That's enough for me, Anton. I only did what everyone else failed to. We're both lucky I saw through her lies before it ended badly." Anton nodded. "I have to admit, I'm not fully comfortable with the thought of you going back to Australia, even at the Council's order. I know there were those who used Lilith's rule to her advantage, and are still doing so." "You know I wouldn't have been happy here, even if they'd never contacted me again. I'll admit I'd rather do it without the risk, but I actually miss being there. I'm needed, and no one can do the job better than I can." Seth let out a hollow laugh. "Maybe if the situation gets dire enough, I'll just ask Vandala to Transform me and save my rear." Anton nodded. "And I hope that you know you can always call us for help." He then took a deep breath. "You're not the only one who has been approached by the Council, Seth. Hadrian came over to see Bryn and I personally the other day. They are already thinking about a replacement for Lilith." Seth frowned. "Really? I hadn't thought they would make that step until after the trial...if at all. The council isn't putting in a bid to be independent?" Anton nodded. "I have a feeling that it's either a figurehead, someone they can manipulate while maintaining power. So I'm pretty sure I'm right in not feeling flattered that Hadrian asked me to consider the position." Seth stared at him. "You?" He didn't like the implications of that, himself. "You're not actually considering being their puppet are you?" "No," Anton said. "Not as their puppet." He let out a heavy sigh and looked up at the ceiling. "This isn't realistic. I know that. But I can't get out of my head how much good I could do in that position. That I would be too strong willed to be ruled by them." Seth sat down on the bed. "And maybe you would be...for a little while, anyway. I think Lilith was the same way in the beginning. But being surrounded by all of those hungry masses is hard to handle. They want what you have, and will do anything to get it. After a while, you start to think their ideas sound pretty good. And before you know it, you're just as corrupt as the rest of them. I don't think she started out evil, Anton. I think the spot she was in made her that way." Anton frowned. "I know. That is what worries me." He looked at Seth. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and all that. But still, I can't get the idea out of my head." Seth nodded. "I think you would be wise to wait and make a decision after you've attended the trial. It will be a very grueling process, and I know a lot of details about Lilith's imperial life will be revealed. It may just help you make a decision, one way or another. And I'd also like to ask you to speak with Hadrian more often. He's an insider, and I think it would be to your benefit to follow his advise. Other than that...I'm not sure what else to say. What does your wife think of your intentions, if I may ask?" "Bryn... does not no my intentions," Anton said, looking slightly shamed. "We've talked a bit about it, but not since I started having second thoughts. I doubt that she would feel that I am making the right decision, but ultimately she would be supportive." Seth arched an eyebrow, trying not to grin. "And...how far are you going to go in the process before telling her? You know, to make sure she'll have to be supportive?" "Um...my coronation?" He shook his head. "Don't worry, Seth. I'll tell her soon. But I also want to make clear that Bryn and the kids are my first priority." "Well, I wish you luck then, with whatever you decide. It's hard to explain exactly what the life is like. I'm sure you've had glimpses of it as a councilman, but there's no way you could really know without doing it yourself. You almost never sleep. You're constantly traveling. But at the same time, you'll see some of the most beautiful places in the world. You'll be paid to order other people around. No one will make a decision without consulting you first. You'll be the first person to welcome new vampires in to the fold. And maybe one day you'll even have a brood of your own. Your children will be royalty, and your wife, the most powerful woman in the world. Presidents and kings will bow to your command. It's a lot to get used to, Anton." "I know, Seth. And that is part of the reason I came to talk to you. You have a unique position in the Empire, by virtue of the fact that you were the person closest to Lilith and that you are a powerful human in a world of vampires." Seth frowned. "For whatever good that does me. It's more reason for me to watch my back. You never really know just when I'll end up someone's meal...most likely Richard's." "Over my dead body," Anton said. "The first hint of trouble, Seth, and I want you to contact me and go to Vandala." And he believed that Anton would show up to defend him. "Thank you," he said, quietly. Closing the suitcase, he zipped it up and clasped the locks. "I know it's going to be unbelievably disorganized at the warehouse for a while, but I think you'll manage somehow." Anton managed to keep a straight face. "We'll manage to muddle through somehow, Seth. I just was thinking that your room mate will probably be lonely now." Seth shrugged. "He'll just invite Nate over to play video games instead. I can't say I'll miss his snoring, though," he said, projecting his voice so Mulder could hear him. "I can hear him from two rooms away." Anton smiled and shook his head as he heard a loud snort. "Well, I guess I should leave you to your packing, Seth," he said as he stood up. "But thank you for talking to me. I found it quite instructive." Seth smiled. "Then my work here is done." After speaking with Seth, Anton debated about going into the warehouse and getting some work done. But he decided against it. He had to digest what Seth had told him, and try to figure out what he really wanted. And right now, he wanted to go see Bryn, even if he didn't tell her what he was contemplating doing. He wasn't quiet, but wasn't particularly noisy as he walked back into the house. Anton started to wander from room to room, looking for his wife and children. After convincing her mother to give Kat her bath, Bryn headed upstairs to put away some laundry. Max was over at his cousin's house for a while, which left her with some free time. Blessedly relieved, she told herself she'd put away one basket of the clothes and take a short nap. Then it would be time to make dinner and wait for Anton to get home. He heard her heading up the stairs before he saw her. So Anton started towards the stairwell to see Bryn disappear towards their bedroom. Smiling to himself, he followed quietly, a playful gleam in his eyes. There would be time enough to brood over possible decisions later. Setting the basket down on the floor, she sat down next to it and opened one of the drawers on the dresser in front of her. Hearing footsteps on the stairs, she said, "Did you forget the shampoo?" "No," Anton said, unable to resist a chance to make a joke. "But if you want to take a shower, I'll be certain to drop the soap." Grinning, Bryn met his gaze. "Ooh, lucky me. What are you doing home so early?" Lifting her head, she puckered her lips and waited for a kiss. "Couldn't stay away, my dear." He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He pressed his lips against hers for a brief moment. "Whatever shall we do to pass the time, Bryn?" "Hmm. Well, I do have some free time, lucky for us. Max is with Liam, and Kat is busy with her bath. I guess we'll just have to figure out something to do. Otherwise, we'll just have to sit here and stare at each other for an hour or so." Anton mugged a fierce frown. "I happen to like looking at you. I could easily stare at you nonstop for an hour. Keeping my hands off though, that's a different matter." As he spoke, he began angling her lightly towards the bed. She giggled. "I take it you've already decided what we're going to do, huh?" Stumbling slightly, she grabbed his shirt and pulled him on to the bed with her. As they bounced on the surface, she wrapped her legs around his and kicked her shoes off. "I've decided on the general idea," Anton said as he wrapped an arm around her waist. "I just haven't decided on the specifics." He gently bent his head and nipped at her neck. "You think your mother will miss us if we're not around for say... oh... at least an hour?" "I already told her I was going to take a nap," she said, nuzzling his temple. Sliding her hands up his chest, she began unfastening the buttons on his shirt. "I like having you here early. You might have to do this more often." "Don't encourage me too much, my dear." His fingers ran up the bare skin of her calf and then skipped up to the hem of her T-shirt. "You might find that I'll just sign my shares of the warehouse completely over to Lindy and I'll be here all the time." Bunching the shirt in his hands, he pulled it up and over her head. "And then you'll have to keep me entertained all the time." "Don't tease me," she said, softly, pulling her arms free of the shirt. "I like having you here. That sounds perfect to me." "It does sound perfect, my dear." And inwardly he cringed just a little. There would be a lot of travel involved if he took the position of Emperor, one thing he was sure Bryn wouldn't like. But instead he pushed it from his mind as his fingers stroked over the lace of her bra, teasing her nipples through the fabric. Slipping her fingers under the waistband of his slacks, she tugged herself even closer to him before unzipping him and pushing her hand under the fabric. She teasingly rubbed her hand over the silk of his boxers, as if testing the material. "You know, we may have to get you some new underwear...it feels as if you're about ready to burst right out of these." Anton smirked as his hips thrust forward into her hand. "I thought you were going to suggest that I not bother wearing them at all, my dear." His hands traced up along the straps of her bra around to her back. Leaning a little closer, he nipped at her lips as he unhooked the eye catch, letting the fabric peel away. She giggled against his mouth. "That would work, too." Unfastening his slacks the rest of the way, she began pushing them down his hips along with his boxers. "But I might get a little carried away and tell you not to wear pants, either...and then I'd have to gouge out everyone else's eyes. Just think what a mess that would be." Anton laughed as he began kissing down her neck. "And I'd do it if you asked. But then I'd ask you to walk around without any clothes." His hand cupped her breast, thumb circling a nipple as he continued speaking. "However, I don't think we have enough time to blind the world. So maybe once your mom moves out and our kids are on their own, we can start by walking around the house naked." "Deal." Squeezing his bare ass with both hands, she kissed his mouth softly. "I'll be looking forward to it. A body this sexy should never be covered." "Can't say that I agree with that sentiment, my dear. Because your sexy body should only be covered by one thing. Mine." Sliding down in her grip, he kissed down her chest to tease and nip at her breasts, tongue soothing and tasting her flesh as his fingers pressed her thighs farther apart. "I like that idea. In fact, I think you better cover it right now." She tugged him even closer, rolling on to her back and inviting him to join her. "Whatever you say, my dear." Anton settled heavily on her, caressing her body as his chest rubbed against hers. He nipped at her neck as his cock sank deep inside of her. "Like this, Bryn?" Whimpering softly, Bryn nodded and lifted her legs to settle her calves on his ass. "Mmm...even more cause for the argument of you staying here all the time." Anton smiled as his hips began a slow, steady pace. "Can't say that I can come up with a counter argument. Especially with how tight you feel." She grinned at him. "You like that, huh? How about this?" With that, she squeezed him fiercely, her back arching with the force of her strength. Anton let out a loud moan. "That is wonderful, Bryn." Shifting lightly, he pulled her legs wider apart and up, so he could work himself in deeper. "How about this?" She arched her back even more. "Yesss...so good." Adding a twist, she thrust her hips up towards his, eager to shove him even deeper. He felt wonderful. Her heels were pressing hard on the back of his thighs, encouraging him. "God, I love the way you fuck me." His breath was coming out in heavy gasps as he freed one hand to stroke between her legs. "Need you to cum for me," he growled. "Need to feel you squeezing me." Bending down low again, he kissed her lips, fangs extended to nip at her mouth and tongue. She let out a soft growl of her own, enjoying the tug and slice of his fangs on her tender flesh. She had to wonder just what his fangs would feel like a bit lower...and it was that thought that pushed her towards orgasm. She clamped down hard around him, scratching at his back, her own fangs coming out to play. Anton let out a loud hiss as his body stiffened in pleasure at being assaulted with fangs and nails. His hips pushed hard against hers as he shot deep inside of her, shaking in pleasurable release. Slowly he lowered her legs back to the bed, but he didn't pull away from her. Instead he settled on her body with a sated smile on his face. Laughing softly, she cradled him on her body and lazily raked her nails over his ass. "You know, that wasn't even close to an hour. We could do it a bunch more times, if you're up to it." "My dear, even I need some time to recover." Anton lifted up lazily on one elbow so he could look into her eyes. "Give me about ten minutes and we can do it again." "Ten minutes? I think you are aging on me, old man. You know, I've noticed that about vampires...even though everyone says they don't age, some of them still seem to get older. Must be all of the crap they've seen catching up with them." "Ah, but you see. That will make my recovery five minutes from now seem even more miraculous." Holding her hips tight, he rolled over so she was now on top of him. "Or you could take pity on an old man and have your way with him." "I could, huh?" She grinned down at him. Lazily raking her nails over his chest, she couldn't resist lightly tickling his belly. Giggling as he flinched, she lifted herself a bit to let him slide out of her. Reaching down to stroke him, she murmured, "Five minutes. Such a shame." "Ah, my dear. Remember the old saying. Good things come to those who wait." He let out a contented sigh at her touch, squirming lightly. And despite his earlier prediction, he was showing a firm interest in her. Grinning at him, she leaned forward and kissed his mouth as she continued to stroke and squeeze him. Her breasts were pressed tight against his chest, but he was still managing to tease her with his thumbs. "I can't wait for your good things to 'come'." Anton grinned, kissing her back. It didn't take long for his hips to start rising and falling in a rhythm that left no question as to what he wanted. "I thought you wanted me to take a while before they did come, my dear." She gave him a soft purr. "Well, we do have an hour. But I think you're right. It would be nice to play first." Pulling her hand away from him, she backed up a bit and licked up the underside of his cock. Anton let out another soft moan, hips automatically lifting higher at the feel of her tongue on his cock. "Playing is nice, my dear. But do you know what would be nicer?" He lifted his head to give her an impish grin. "Both of us playing at the same time." Pressing a kiss to the head of his cock, she smiled at him. "True. Then again, teasing is even more fun." Pulling away from him, she turned around to face the opposite end of the bed and bent forward to press her cheek to the bedspread. Spreading her bent knees slightly, she let him watch as she lazily ran her fingers over her damp sex. "You are a tease," he whispered as he eyed her motions hungrily. He was amazed that he ahd just had a strong orgasm, and he was already twitching and ready for more. He sat up, leaning forward to caress her ass with an eager hand. Whimpering softly, she swiveled her hips and spread herself open for him. She could feel herself leaking wetness, mostly likely a mixture of her excitement and his semen. Biting her lip, she leaned towards his hand to silently encourage him to keep touching her. And Anton didn't need encouragement. His hand continued to stroke over her ass, and was soon joined by his other hand. Kneeling behind her, he raised up a bit to now tease her entrance with the head of his cocky Twitching lightly, she backed towards him and watched his face over her shoulder. Puckering her lips, she blew him a kiss. He let out another moan as he felt the head of his cock pop inside of her. And then Anton held still, savoring the feel of her just barely surrounding him. Groaning, he slowly pushed forward. Sighing, she clenched her toes and fingers, moaning happily once he was deeply imbedded inside her. "Mmm. I could have this all day and night, and I'd never get tired of it." "Good thing, my dear," he said. Anton bent down to kiss the back of her neck. "Because I intend to be doing this to you every chance I get for the rest of eternity." Reaching back to stroke his hip and side, she began moving with him. Squeezing him only made her gush even more. "I love you, sugar. I'm so happy you came home early. And not just for this. I want you with me always." Anton's hands came to rest on her waist as he started to thrust in a slow, steady pace. "I love you too, Sabryn," he purred in her ear before kissing it lightly. "Love you so much." Letting her head fall forward, her hair spilling on to the comforter, she watched his hands as he gripped her and his legs as he moved. Every little bit of him was precious to her, and she couldn't wait to wrap her arms around him and hug him for hours. To kiss him until their lips were sore. Despite her earlier declaration, she didn't care if they didn't make love again during the hour. She just wanted to be with him, to feel him holding her tight. There was a tender smile on Anton's face as he moved, a gentleness to his thrusts. His hands gripped her as if she were fine porcelain that he could shatter with a touch. He wanted this to go on for hours, despite the other people in the house. Because right now his world just consisted of the two of them. Rocking back and forth on her knees, Bryn sought to shove him just a bit deeper with every thrust. She lifted her head, catching his gaze in the mirror over their dresser. The intense look of concentrated lust of his face made her belly quiver. He lifted his head, wondering what had caught her attention. And let out a groan a he saw the naked desire reflected off of her face. His hands slid along her sides up to her breasts. Managing to shove in just a bit deeper, he started kneading her breasts, eyes closed to better concentrate on the sensation. Pushing her upper body off the bed, she wrapped her arms around his neck from the front. His thrusts became a bit more forceful, her breasts jiggling in his hands. Holding his gaze in the mirror out of the corner of her eye, she turned her head and pulled his earlobe in to her mouth, laving the fleshy morsel and tugging with sharp teeth. Anton let out a sharp gasp, his first instinct to pull away from the sharp pain. But as she sucked on it, he pushed against her. He could feel his balls rising as he slammed harder and harder into her. His hands clutched her breasts. As he panted heavily, trying to keep his control. Bryn whined softly, buoyed by his obvious restraint. Licking around the rim of his ear with the tip of her tongue, she paused and said, "Touch me. I need more." Anton groaned and did as she asked. His touches was more a fumbling as he stroked between her legs, finding her clit. "Like this, my dear?" She jolted, reached down to grab his hand and guide his movements over her sensitive flesh. Biting down on his earlobe, she squealed as he hit the right spot and rhythm, pushing her hard in to orgasm. Anton let out a loud yell feeling her squeeze him. HIs orgasm, which he couldn't have held back even if he wanted to, was long and intense. And all the time he continued stroking Bryn, trying to prolong her pleasure as much as he could. Her body shimmied in his grip, quivering with her release and continuing to move long after her tremors ceased. She released her bite on his ear, only having taken a small swallow of his flavor-rich blood. There would be time enough for that later. For now, she pulled his arms tight around her waist, holding them there as he hugged her tightly. She pressed a lingering kiss to his lips. "Love you, sugar." "Love you too, my dear." He lay boneless and sated in her grip, snuggled against her from knees to neck. He could have easily closed his eyes and indulged in a short nap except for the nagging voice in his head, the one reminding him why he came home in the first place. It wasn't to make love to his wife, but talk to Seth and Bryn. He had finished half of his plans, but wasn't certain how to start the other half. Snuggling closer to him, she rubbed her nose against his Adam's apple and smiled to herself. "So did I convince you to stay home with me from now on, or do I need to keep trying?" Anton looked slightly guilty. "Well, Bryn, I was thinking about a change of jobs. I came home early because I wanted to discuss it with you, since it would really affect our life." "Change of jobs?" They had just had incredible sex and suddenly he wanted to talk about changing jobs? "To what? You love that warehouse." "I know, and maybe this would only be a temporary thing." He knew he wasn't making sense at all. And knew he would just have to spit it out. "I'm considering taking Hadrian up on his suggestion and becoming Emperor." She would have laughed, if she thought he was joking...but his tone wasn't humorous at all. "Why would you possibly want to do that?" Anton took a deep breath, trying to define the feelings that had lead him to consider his decision. "I know it's probably stupid. I know it's probably going to be the wrong thing to do. That I should concentrate only on getting well and staying as far from Lilith as he could. But I want a chance to try to do some good, to try to help others, to try to keep what happened to me to happen to anyone else." "Anton, we talked about this just the other night. You said it wasn't the right thing for our family and that you were going to forget it. What the hell happened?" "I have been trying to forget it, Bryn," he said defensively. "And yet I keep coming back to that same idea. I even went and talked to Seth to have him try to dissuade me. It didn't work." "Wait a minute." She sat up, staring down at him in disbelief. "You went and talked to Seth? Before you discussed this with me? I never would have done something like that to you. I asked you before inviting my mother here. I made it your decision, and I would have gone along with your decision if you'd said no. How dare you leave me out of this, Anton?" "I haven't decided that I'm going to do it yet, Bryn. I talked to Seth because he's the man who would have the best idea of what I would be in for. And don't worry. He wasn't too enthusiastic about me taking the position. And I did talk to you first about it - the very night that Hadrian approached us with the idea." "Seth wasn't too enthusiastic about it, and yet you still want to do it. Are you new? Did you happen to forget that these people want nothing more than to control you? Did you forget that it's insanely dangerous, not only to you but to our entire family? It's not bad enough that you're so damned bored around here that you have to have a job in a warehouse, but now you want more time away from us. Well, fuck it, Anton. Go. Why should I stop you?" "Bryn," he said, exasperation tingeing his voice. "I know that it's dangerous. I know that there will be attempts at manipulating me. But I haven't called Hadrian and said yes, Bryn. And this isn't about taking time away from you or the kids. I was just exploring all my options." "You have an option. Say no. Tell them it's the stupidest idea you've ever heard of. Because you love us too much to put yourself or anyone else in that kind of danger. God, if not for that, tell them to fuck off because you'd never want to be a part of the same political machine that almost got you killed in the first place. How do you know this isn't Lilith's way of finishing off the job? You know she has her own people in those councils. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if they all were." "I *know* that, Bryn. I..." Anton shook his head, knowing he wasn't explaining how he was feeling very well. But he still made a stab at it. "That was what I was raised to do from the time I was two years old, Bryn. Ivan trained me to be his successor if anything happened to him. So now that I've been offered a position of power, it's my instinct to try to fill it." She rolled her eyes. "Well sometimes you just have to fight your instincts. You aren't Lilith's successor. If anything, one of her brood or whatever they're called should do it." "And who would you suggest?" Anton's voice was dripping with disdain. "Carl Dane is too young. Vandala does not want to rule the empire. Of the known surviving Brood, that would leave Richard on the throne." "Anton, this isn't your job to fix. You can't do everything. You can't save the world. Sometimes you just have to let it go and hope for the best." "And what happens if I do just that, and we end up with a tyrant ten times worse than Lilith? If we end up with someone who resumes her executions? Who tries to finish what she started? Are you willing to take that risk?" Groaning, she got off the bed and started pulling her clothes back on. "You know, we're damned if you do, and damned if you don't. But I would much rather you spend all of your free time here with us. What are you going to do if Lilith's agenda does get fulfilled, but only this time there's no way to get miraculously saved at the last minute because you are the emperor yourself? This time, it wouldn't be just a few vampires baying for your blood, it would be all of them. Are we just supposed to sit here at home and say, 'well, thank God, at least he got to be emperor for a while." "Fine Bryn," Anton said angrily. "I won't speak of this again. I'll lock myself away so that I never go anywhere or do anything that doesn't meet with your approval." Rolling her eyes again, Bryn headed for the door. "You do that, Max." Anton rolled his eyes. "I'm, surprised you don't threaten to smack me with a rolled up newspaper like Petunia." "Oh please...that dog has way more maturity than you do right now." Anton's brows furrowed. "Now wait one minute," he said, bounding out of the bed. He snagged a sheet to wrap around his waist, held shut by a fistful of fabric clutched at his hips. "I have never pulled the 'I'm older and therefore wiser' routine on you. So what gives you the right to try to pull it on me?" "Because you're acting like a child! 'Poor me, I'm not getting my way.' Have you even listened to a word I've said. I'm not arguing with you because it's fun, or because I really don't want to make you happy. I'm doing it because I'm scared of what's going to happen to you if you follow through with this. I'm scared of what will happen to our family if you get hurt or something worse. I don't want to raise these kids by myself, God damn it." Her eyes were starting to water. Opening the door, she said, "But why should you give a fuck? I do it every damned day." "Fine," Anton snapped. "Go ahead and make this my fault. I've told you over and over that I haven't made up my mind, but just was talking to Seth to get an opinion." Disappointed, she left the bedroom and slammed the door behind her. She could hear Katerina crying downstairs, no doubt due to their yelling. Shaking her head, Bryn headed down to start dinner. She wasn't even hungry. And she certainly didn't want to hear a word about their argument from her mother. That was the last thing she needed. He pulled on his clothes, glaring at the floor in the general direction of the kitchen. He felt hurt that Bryn hadn't trusted him to come to ultimately the right decision. But mostly he glared because he knew that she was probably right. The only question was how to tell her, he thought as he pulled on his jeans. Grabbing a T-shirt, he pulled it over his head and then headed to the door and down the stairs. Standing in the kitchen, Bryn tried to ignore the knowing looks her mother was shooting in her direction. Luckily, she hadn't said a word when she handed over Katerina and now Bryn was softly bouncing the baby as she tried to soothe her sniffles. "It's okay, Kitty-Kat. Nobody's mad at you. You're okay." Anton stood in the doorway, looking into the kitchen. "It's okay, Kat. Mom and I were having a silly fight." He looked at Bryn significantly, hoping she would see the contrition on his face. "One that I shouldn't have started." She looked over at him, noticing out of the corner of her eye as her mother left to give them privacy. "What does that mean?" "It means that I'm sorry." Anton came into the room to take his place at the table. "You were right. I should have spoken with you before I spoke with Seth. And I'm a fool for even thinking about putting all of us in danger by accepting Hadrian's offer." She felt relief flood through her, but at the same time there was still a great amount of guilt. "It's not stupid to be ambitious and want to change things, Anton. I'd say it's pretty noble. Maybe even a bit heroic. But...I guess part of me is worried now. You're giving up pretty easily. You're not going to totally resent me now, are you?" "No, my dear. I won't resent you." He looked down a bit shamefaced. "I argued so hard because deep down, I knew you were right. Can you forgive a stubborn old fool?" "If you can forgive me for throwing in those cheap shots about you not being around all the time. I know you have a business to run and that you enjoy what you do, and it wasn't fair of me to use it against you just because I got scared of losing you. I'm sorry, Anton. I hate fighting with you. And I never wanted you to think you were stupid or that you didn't know how to make a decision. I just...got scared." "And I should have listened to you." He stood up and walked over to Bryn, pulling her and Kat into his arms. "I'm sorry. I should have listened harder to what you had to say. Because you're right." She squeezed him tightly, careful to keep from squishing Kat between them. Her eyes were watering more now, and she sniffed softly. "I know you're probably right that someone else could end up being much worse than Lilith was. So...maybe we could spend our time and energy campaigning for someone safer? Maybe someone else on the grand council who's a bit more trustworthy than Richard? Anton nodded. "That sounds like a good idea, my dear. The perfect compromise actually. The only question would be where do we find someone who is willing to take on the position who would be trustworthy." He pressed his lips against her forehead. "I am sorry, Bryn." She nodded, unable to help a few tears from spilling over her cheeks. "I know. I just hate fighting with you. And I hate knowing that I hurt you with the things I said. I don't want to be that kind of person. That's the way my parents used to fight, and I never want to get as vicious as they could be. Because words can hurt just as much as hitting." "I know, Bryn. And I am ashamed that I hurt you as well." He reached up to wipe her tears away. "But I don't think we're fighting like your parents did, my dear. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here apologizing to each other." He reached down and stroked Kat's head lightly. "I don't think we did any permanent damage to her." She nodded, smiling slightly. "I don't feel much like cooking anything. Do you feel like picking up Max, dragging along my mom, and going out to dinner?" Anton nodded. "I'll go get them and my keys, my dear. And I can probably be convinced to even spring for desert." Because they had chosen to eat so late, they had to get their food to go and eat it at home. Still, it was nice to be able to just eat and relax instead of cooking. With the scent of barbecued ribs still lingering in the air, they said good night to Bernadette and headed upstairs to spend a little quiet time with the children. It would still be a while yet before the kids went down for the day's sleep. Kicking off her shoes and settling on the bed, Bryn settled Max in her lap. "That was good. Makes me wish we had a personal chef." Anton nodded in agreement as he sat down and pulled Kat onto his knees. His hunger was sated for the moment, both for food and blood and he felt lazy and content. "Maybe we should talk to Nathaniel. Doesn't he want to start a restaurant one day? We could be his guinea pigs." "Yeah, but I think he probably already has enough guinea pigs. Besides, I doubt we could get one of the chefs from Tony Roma's, so my idea wouldn't work anyway." She shrugged. Anton leaned down to rest on his back. He hefted Kat in the air, shaking her from side to side. "Maybe one day we'll be able to hire one. Or maybe I should go learn how to cook there, steal all their secrets. Doesn't that sound good, Kitty-Kat?" He pulled down Kat to blow on her cheek. Bryn smiled at the squeal the little girl released. "That might work. You get right on that, sugar." She settled on to her back as well. "In the meantime, I'll have to infiltrate Marie Calendar's and steal all of their pie recipes." "Mmmm... triple berry pie." Anton smiled. "I like the way you think." She smiled, turning on her side and settling Max between them. He was tiredly playing with the ring on her finger, obviously not far from sleep. "You know, I've been thinking. If there was some way to guarantee that you and the children would be a hundred percent safe, I would love to see you be emperor. It would be exciting for you to have all of that power, and to watch you change the way the system is run. I know you could do it. But there's just no way that guarantee could be made." "No, that guarantee couldn't be made," Anton said. He blew on Kat's cheek again, wondering why they were returning to this topic again. Then he turned to look at Bryn. "I guess it just wasn't meant to be." "I'm sorry. I feel like all you ever do is encourage me...while I'm sitting here crushing your dreams. It's pretty lousy." "You didn't crush my dreams, Bryn. You pointed out several things that I really hadn't thought about hard enough." He put Kat down next to Max so he could roll to his side. "If I became Emperor and something happened to you or Max or Kat, I don't know that I could live with it." "And if something happened to you, you really couldn't live with it," she teased. Anton stuck out his tongue. "But I'm already dead. What more could they do to me?" He then frowned. "Wait, don't answer that." "Exactly." Leaning closer, she kissed him softly. "I don't even want to think about it. I don't want to know what else they could do to you. Once was too much." Anton returned the kiss softly. "I'm sorry I didn't talk to you first. I should have done that before going to anyone else. But if it's any comfort, Seth's first reaction was to wonder why I wanted to do it." "No, that isn't a comfort to me. I just feel bad. I promise, whatever else you want to do, that doesn't involve you jumping off a cliff, or taking on a wild herd of buffalos, I'm behind you a hundred percent. Anton smiled and reached over to lightly stroke her hair back from her eyes. "How about driving a wild herd of buffalos off a cliff? That is if we can do it without PETA getting wind of it." "Well, I think that would be just a little too weird and cruel for my tastes, sugar." She suddenly sat up. "I wonder where Petunia is. Did you let her in tonight?" "No," Anton said. "I thought you let her in. Or maybe your mother did." "Hopefully Mom did." It wasn't like Petunia not to come up to the house, and she had taken to sleeping in with Bernadette recently. "I'll check on her later, I guess." Glancing down at Max, she saw his eyelids drooping. "Think we should put these two to bed?" Anton nodded when he noticed that Kat was already sound asleep. "I think it's time for them to go to bed." He sat up and then pulled himself off the bed. "Let me do that for you, my dear. I'll make sure they'll get tucked in nice and warm." "Okay. Thank you, sugar." Helping him lift Max in to his arms, along with Kat, she then stood up and stripped off her clothes. It was a bit early to head to bed, but she didn't feel like doing much else. She felt about as sleepy as Max looked. Slipping between the sheets, she snuggled close to his side of the bed to keep warm. Anton carried both children to their bedrooms and tucked them in. After a kiss on the forehead each, Anton hurried back to his room where he knew Bryn would be waiting. And smiled when he saw Bryn curled up on his side of the bed. "Are we switching sides tonight?" "For the moment. Your side is warmer than mine. So I guess you'll just have to get your butt over here and warm up my side, too." Anton chuckled. "Yes, my dear." Stripping off his clothes, he slipped into the bed. He let out an exaggerated shiver. "Brr... we really need to warm you up." She giggled, snuggling close to him. "I love how you humor me...and you know, you'll always be my emperor. And a damned sexy one at that." "Now you're flattering me," Anton wrapped his arms around her tightly. "But you don't have to stop." Nuzzling his neck, she murmured, "I can just imagine you on a throne...with me on your lap, of course. With everyone obeying your every command. We'd have professional cooks and waiters would bring by platters of delicious treats continuously, so we could just reach out and grab whatever we wanted." His hands, which had been gently stroking her lower back, plunged downward. "Grab whatever we want, huh?" One hand on each cheek of her rear squeezed hard. "You mean like this, my dear?" She let out a squeak, muffling it at the last second against his shoulder. "Something like that. And then maybe you'll show me your big golden scepter." Anton let out a laugh, remembering only at the last moment to bite his lip to keep from waking the kids. But he couldn't help but adding, "And if you're really good, my dear, I'll even let you polish it." "Mmm. I can't wait." She was grinning, rubbing herself against him. "But what about me? Would you be content to rule on your own, or do I get to boss people around, too?" "There's room enough on my throne for two people, my dear." Anton nuzzled her neck, kissing the angle of her jaw lightly. "Of course, that doesn't mean that you wouldn't be able to sit on my lap whenever you like." "Which would be very, very often." Lifting her thigh over his hip, she slid her hands up to knead his chest and tease his nipples. "I like your lap. It's so...lumpy." "So you like lumpy things?" Anton grinned. "I'll remember that when I make mashed potatoes and buy a new mattress." She giggled again. "Lucky me." Sliding on top of him, she kissed him firmly, her toes tickling behind his knees. "Mmm." Anton squirmed at the sensation. "You keep that up, and you'll see that my lap can get really lumpy really fast." Grinning down at him, she rolled her hips in the hopes his words would come true. "So are you gonna let me do some bossing around, too, or do you get to have all the fun?" "Yes, you get to boss people around too. Including myself. Especially in bed," he said with a wicked arch of his eyebrow. Bryn rubbed her hands together. "Good for me. In that case, I think I'd like you to keep me really warm by laying on top of me." "Yes, ma'am." Anton rolled on top of her, caressing her side. "You know, you already feel warm, my dear. In fact, you feel like you look." He kissed her lip, biting it lightly. "Hot." Laughing softly, she chewed at his lip in return, enjoying the play of his fangs against hers. "You look...pretty hot...yourself." Skimming her hands down his back, she squeezed his ass firmly and pulled him tighter between her legs. "Of course, I could introduce you to my own throne room...and you might never want to leave it. It's incredibly hot." "Hmmmm... I think I could definitely do with a tour." Anton kissed her, tugging on her lips as his hands slid down to her legs. Fingers slid along her thighs, teasing her flesh and spreading her legs slightly wider. "When can I arrange a visit?" "Depends. I'm sure I could be convinced to open the door with a kiss." She stopped him with a finger to his lips when he leaned forward to kiss her mouth. "Not that kind of kiss." Anton smiled. "Let me know when I get to the right kind of kiss. Perhaps one like this?" He kissed the tip of her chin. "Or one of these?" He slipped down her body to kiss the hollow of her throat. "Or perhaps these?" Crawling down further, he placed a kiss on each of her nipples. She sucked in a deep breath, biting her lip. "You're getting closer." Threading her fingers through his hair, she lightly pushed on the top of his head to guide him lower. Then lower still when he teasingly circled her bellybutton with his tongue. Opening her legs wider, she lifted her hips in anticipation. "You're right on target, sugar." "Good to hear." He smirked up at her, tongue wetting his lips with a pink tongue. "Would this be the place then?" he asked before diving between her legs and licking a wet stripe the length of her sex. Sucking in a sharp breath, she nodded vigorously, forgetting he couldn't see her. Slipping a leg over his shoulder, she scooted closer to his mouth. Her hand fisted in the pillow under her hand, the blood in her limbs fluttering in anticipation. Anton's smirk grew wider and he lapped at her again. "Mmmm." He made a big show of licking his lips in delight. Then he let his head drop back between her legs and began sucking and lapping at her eagerly. Smiling to herself, she scratched her nails against his scalp lightly, massaging him as he continued. She moaned happily, enjoying his touch and the perfect rhythm he'd adopted. She was tingling throughout her lower body and it was spreading. "Oooh. God, I'd let you do that all day." His tongue kept up the steady rhythm, teasing around her clit. Occasionally his tongue swept over the sensitive nub. Gently he slipped a finger inside of her, matching the pattern of his licks and kisses. Sucking in a sharp breath, Bryn arched up beneath him and tightened her fist in his hair. Her hips rocked, pushing his finger deeper and deeper. She couldn't help squeezing the digit, hoping for something thicker and longer. Grunting softly in time with his movements, she let out a long moan as he added yet another finger. Anton continued lapping at her as his fingers pumped in and out of her. At a couple of points, he was being gripped so tightly he couldn't move his fingers, which sent his cock throbbing with desire. But he continued licking her, wanting to watch her cum before moving on to please her other ways. Squealing softly, Bryn locked her legs around his head and shuddered hard in to orgasm. She wanted to scream her pleasure, but muffled the sound. She figured her mother already had enough to complain about with their earlier lovemaking. Still, she didn't stop massaging Anton's scalp and rubbing her feet against his sides, letting him know just how much she appreciated him. He gave her a few last loving licks before he lifted his head. His smile looked lazy, but there was a lusty fire behind his eyes as he crawled up her body. Spreading her legs a bit wider, he settled his hips between them. A slight bit of rocking and then he was inside. "Mmmmm," he moaned, holding still to savor her tightness. Returning his grin, Bryn wrapped her arms around him tightly and smooched his lips. "I love you so much, sugar." She emphasized her words with a squeeze of her thighs around his hips. "And I hate the thought of ever letting you go. I know I'm selfish, but I want you safe and with me always." "I know. And I'm selfish too." Anton kissed her eagerly as his hips began to move. One hand slid down along her side, lingering on the curve of her breast. "I don't want to have to share you with anyone." "You won't have to." Pushing the covers back with her feet, she watched his body move, rising to meet him like a rolling wave. "You're all I've ever wanted, Anton." She kissed him again, tugging at his lower lip. "All I'll ever need." "Mine," he growled in a low voice, feeling her surge beneath him. His hands clutched possessively at her shoulders and her ass. His hips moved harder and faster. "Mine," he growled again as he nipped at her lower lip. "Yes, sugar..." Biting her lip, she lifted one thigh higher and clutched his ass hard with both hands. Her nails were digging in to his flesh, and it wasn't long before her fangs were digging in as well. "Always yours." His eyes flamed a hotter shade as he saw the light glinting off of her fangs. Even as he pounded into her viciously, he tilted his head back, offering her his neck. "Please, Bryn..." Whining as he scooted her up the mattress, Bryn grabbed him tighter and lifted her upper body, rising like Dracula from his coffin, sinking her fangs deep in to Anton's neck. She shivered hard under him, drinking in gulps from the throbbing vein she'd uncovered. Anton let out a keening cry feeling her fangs in his neck. His hips pushed against her hard as he let go, filling her even as his neck was emptied. Continuing to rock her hips, Bryn slowly eased up on her drinking and pulled away from his neck with a lick. Turning her head, she surged forward and kissed him hard, sharing the flavor of his blood between their mouths. He returned the kiss eagerly as his hips continued to push. But they eventually stilled, leaving their dueling tongues chasing down the taste of his blood the only movement between them. And eventually that stilled into a moment of peace. Smiling against his mouth, she hugged him tightly and let out a long groan. "Mmm. I may not move again for days." "Days, my dear? I was thinking years." Anton reached down to tug the covers up and over their bodies. "Though for the moment I'll settle for the night." Smooching his lips again, Bryn tucked them in and let out another sigh. "I need to get some shopping done tomorrow, so maybe I'll come visit you at work and we can go out for an early dinner. How does that sound?" "That sounds good, my dear. Even if that's not code for 'sneak under my desk and give me a blowjob,' he smirked. She stuck her tongue out at him. "Maybe if you're a good boy, you'll get lucky." He smiled, quirking an eyebrow. "My dear, I thought I just did." End Chapter One Hundred Fifty-seven <- Previous Chapter | Home | Next Chapter ->