Chapter Forty-five Chaos was a mild way to put it. Anton surveyed the maze of cardboard. Most of their things had been packed away in boxes, which now littered their living room. What hadn't been packed would be brought over later on, if it was needed at all. The larger pieces of furniture were mostly disassembled, except for the couch where Bryn sat, watching Liam. "So how long should this take, Walter?" The balding werewolf shrugged. "Two, maybe three hours, and then we can start moving Nate and Lindy's stuff. But that doesn't count the time it will take to unpack it." He checked his watch. "Alex and Nate should be back with the moving truck shortly, but we can put a few of these boxes in Jess's Explorer." "Remember to lift with your legs," Bryn said, seemingly out of nowhere, making the men exchange odd looks. "Maybe you could stack a bunch of boxes in the elevator and then you wouldn't have to take so many trips." "We have to worry about the weight, my dear," Anton said, slightly distracted as he grabbed several boxes himself. "You're not lifting with your legs!" She made a sound of exasperation. "You're going to strain your back, I just know it. Walter, please don't let him hurt himself." "You heard her, Anton." Walter smirked a little at the dirty look the vampire shot him. Anton carrying the boxes towards the door, almost knocked over Lindy. "Careful! Jess's got her car parked over by the loading dock," she said, taking one box from Anton. She looked around him to Bryn. "How's Liam behaving?" Bryn turned slightly on the couch, showing Lindy that the baby had fallen asleep on her shoulder. Lindy smiled. "He slept mostly from exhaustion today, but it didn't last very long. He's not used to the new house and all of its little creaks." "Was he asleep when you were still awake?" "Yeah." "That's probably it. I was reading in one of my baby books that the sound of your voice is very comforting. I think that's where lullabies came from. Maybe you should get a tape and record your voice, so he could hear you even when you're asleep." "It sounds like a good idea, but then he'd wake up every 45 minutes demanding that the tape be changed." "Well, I didn't say it was a fool-proof plan. I'm not Dr. Spock." Bryn stood up, careful not to dislodge Liam from her shoulder. "I can't decide if I should be in here or downstairs. What do you think? Someone really needs to make sure no one's lifting too much..." "We're fine, Bryn." Lindy rolled her eyes. "And we'll be careful." She looked relieved when Alex and Nate came through the door, Alex pushing a dolly. "Since the elevator's up here, I'll take a few boxes down." She quickly retreated out of the apartment. Bryn watched curiously as they headed towards the couch. "You're taking that now?" Alex nodded. "It takes up a lot of space. We need to get it in the truck first. Then we'll start piling stuff around it." She opened her mouth, a little sound leaving her throat as she watched Nate bend and lift one end of the couch by himself, pushing it upwards, maneuvering his grip, until the entire thing stood on its end. When he noticed her standing there with her mouth hanging open, he looked around to see what he'd broken. "What? What's wrong?" "You're a walking safety hazard! You didn't lift with your legs, you didn't ask for help, and you just lifted hundreds of pounds over your head without a spotter!" Nate stared at her, his nose wrinkled. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Walter walk back into the room, only to walk right back out at the sound of her agitated voice. He was starting to understand why everyone was hanging out downstairs. Alex, trying to soothe her, said, "I'll watch out for him, Bryn. Don't worry. I won't let him lift anything else that big." She chewed on the corner of her mouth, but nodded. "I guess I'll go downstairs and see how things are going." "No!" said three voices in concert. Bryn frowned and Alex quickly expanded explained why. "There's not much space down there with all the boxes being moved. Plus it may be a bit loud and Liam's still sleeping." Anton nodded. "Why don't you look in the bedroom and make sure we packed everything, my dear?" She gave him a little frown, but turned on her heel to walk back to the bedroom. "I can see from here that it's just fine, but I'll go anyway. Maybe there's something in the bathroom..." Her voice got quieter the further away from the living room she got. Nate's shoulders relaxed more as well. He turned and cast a glare in Anton's direction. "Can I kill her, or do you want to?" "Don't even joke about that, Nathaniel. Although if someone were to accidentally lock her in the bathroom, I may have a problem finding my keys." Alex made a face. "Maybe we can make her ride in the back of the truck. Anyway, let's get some of this stuff downstairs." They loaded up the couch and rolled it out to the elevator, being careful of the doorway. By the time Bryn came back out from the bathroom, all she could see was the top of the elevator as it descended. She'd heard their entire conversation, what there was of it, and felt more than a little bit dejected. [I guess you really are annoying when your husband wants to lock you in the bathroom, and his brother would rather kill you.] She readjusted Liam on her arm, walking over to grab one of his blankets and her purse. "Come on, Liam. Let's go get your car seat and drive down to the new house. We can play with Petunia when we get there, won't that be fun?" She headed for the stairwell outside of the apartment and carefully walked down the steps, sighing as the heavy door closed behind her. "We just need to stay out of everyone's way. They don't need us here bothering them." When Anton, Nathaniel, and Alex returned, they found the apartment quiet. "Bryn?" Anton called out. He walked to the bathroom and looked inside. "She's not here." Nathaniel glanced in the bedroom. "Not here either." "You don't think she heard us?" Alex said. Anton walked up to the phone and called the security guard posted by the exit to the parking lot. "Bryn left here about five minutes ago in my car? Thanks." He hung up the phone and sighed. "Apparently she did." "Maybe she just got bored," Nate said. "No one to boss around. Either way, she took Liam with her so she better be paying attention." Alex shrugged. "She's feeling good enough at least to be driving. That's a good sign." "Yes," Anton said after a moment's thought. "But the question is where did she go?" She heard the U-Haul truck pulling to a stop in the driveway and frowned. Cradling the phone between her ear and her shoulder, she flipped the page on the FAO Schwartz catalog in her lap. Liam sat on the floor playing with her keys, while Petunia rested her head on his lap. The drive to the house had been hair-raising and stressful. At every single intersection, her heartbeat doubled, her palms sweating on the steering wheel. By the time she arrived at the property, she was nearly in tears. Seeking some relief, she pulled the toy catalog from her purse and decided to make a few purchases. More than a few, really. It wasn't as if Anton couldn't afford it...and for once it felt really good to be spending his money. Moving on to the large zoo animals, her seventh and eighth purchase so far, she smiled to herself. "And item number 449397, the elephant," she said to the operator, her eyes skipping over the $650 price tag, "also number 449579, the giraffe." $500. She was only getting started. Anton got out of the U-Haul as Nate and Alex headed towards the rear of the truck. He had been more than a bit relieved to see his car parked in the front of their new home. He went up the front stairs and went through the door. After patting both Petunia and Liam hello, he leaned against the wall in front of Bryn, waiting for her to end her phone call. She noticed him by movement, but didn't bother to look up. She didn't acknowledge him at all. Continuing page by page, she ordered almost twenty items without skipping a beat. She took special glee in ordering the X-Box video gaming system, power scooter, and the mountain board with accessories. Whatever Max couldn't use, she knew she could. She couldn't help the devious smile that crept over her face as she ordered the $7,500 Monopoly pin-ball machine. [Maybe next time you'll think before you open your big mouth, Anton.] Anton merely arched an eyebrow, biting back his smile. He knew exactly what she was doing. [Okay, Bryn, I deserved that.] He could hear Alex and Nathaniel lowering the lift gate for the truck, but he didn't feel like helping them until he spoke with Bryn. She swallowed heavily at the order total, but didn't bother to cancel any of the items. Scribbling down the shipping dates, she thanked the operator and hung up the phone. She walked past Anton and replaced the phone in its cradle. "All finished at the apartment?" she asked, her voice level and appropriately curious. "Yes. We need to unpack the truck, and then pick up Nathaniel's and Lindy's things." He pushed away from the wall to walk over to her. "I see you drove over here on your own." She nodded, face neutral. "Good," He said. "Look, I'm sorry about what I said back at the apartment. You were only trying to be helpful and look out for the rest of us." "What you said? What was that?" She walked over to pick up Liam, grabbing his blanket. "Must not have been very nice if you feel guilty about it." She bit her tongue as she headed towards the door, Petunia at her heels. "If you don't need me here, I think I'll go hand Liam over to Jess, and then go for a walk with Petunia. I've felt like exploring ever since we got here, and it might be good to get some exercise." "Okay." He walked over to the door to open it for her. "Do you want us to start unpacking the boxes, or just arrange the furniture?" "Just the furniture. We can unpack the boxes over the next day or so." "Yes, my dear. And Bryn, I always need you here." She looked back at him, without smiling. "That's so sweet." Turning back to the sidewalk, she headed off to find Jess. [Don't do me any favors, Anton.] Jess had just finished washing the dishes when she heard a knock on the front door. She walked to the front door, nostrils widening at the strange/new scent of their furniture. She had heard a heavy truck go up the road earlier, so she figured one of the guys had left their keys at home. About to tease Alex or Walter for being forgetful in their old age, she was surprised at who was standing there. "Bryn? What are you doing here?" She took Liam, who was reaching towards her and making demanding grunts. "Not that I mind you bringing me my grandson." "I decided I needed a break. Petunia and I are going to go for a walk." She crossed her arms once her hands were free. "You're welcome to come if you want, but I don't think I'll be very good company right now." Jess shrugged. "Who said I'm ever good company? Just let me get a coat." She grabbed a denim jacket from the hall closet and draped it over her shoulders. "You want one, Bryn? It gets cold in these mountains fast because of the fog." "Yeah. I'd better." Jess pulled out a leather jacket and offered it to Bryn. "Thanks," Bryn said. "No problem," Jess said. They walked down the steps of the house, and off towards the woods Bryn had seen the werewolves playing in the night before. After a few minutes, Jess broke the comfortable silence between them. "So why did you say you wouldn't be good company?" Bryn watched Petunia trot ahead of them, snuffling the ground with every step. "I'm just annoyed at my husband. He made the implication that he'd rather lock me in the bathroom than listen to me, and now he expects me to act like it's no big deal. Well, screw him. He'll think twice next time, though. I just spent ten- thousand dollars on toys." Jess snorted, grinning. "You did not." "Yes I did. Everything that caught my eye in the FAO Schwartz catalog." "You did? Wish I could do that every time I get annoyed with Alex or Walter. Sounds like you've got Max covered through his 30th birthday." She hefted Liam a little higher on her shoulder, ignoring the fact that he wanted down on the ground with Petunia. "May I ask what happened?" "They said I'd be watching Liam, since I can't lift anything. I felt useless sitting there, so I helped the only way I could. I tried to make sure that no one got hurt or lifted too much." She blushed slightly. "Maybe I was annoying and bossy but it was all I was allowed to do...and I certainly didn't deserve to hear all three of them making threats towards me." "Three of them?" "Nathaniel said he wanted to kill me, and Alex said that maybe I could ride in the back of the truck." Jess snorted again. "Maybe Alex can sleep on the couch." She stopped to look up at the stars through the partially cloudy sky. "So I take it Anton was the third person?" Bryn nodded. "What did he say?" "He said that if someone were to 'accidentally' lock me in the bathroom, he might just lose his keys." She blinked a few times, looking off into the distance. "I'm tempted to make him do all of the unpacking himself, but I'd probably never find half of the stuff again." She sighed. casting a sideways glance at Jess. "I'm not sure if I'm more angry or hurt. Would it really have been so hard for someone to tell me I was being annoying, rather than talking behind my back?" "That's a hard question, Bryn." She shifted Liam to her other shoulder. "Sometimes it can be, because they know you mean it for the best. But it annoys them all the same. And it can be hard to tell someone you love that they're being a pain in the ass. Alex and I were together for two years before he told me that he can't stand the way I tend to take over and try to solve other people's problems instead of keeping my nose out of their business." "Alex and Nathaniel don't love me, Jess. Sometimes I don't think they even like me. But Anton--" She sniffed, and wiped hastily at her eyes. "God, I'm so ready to have this baby and get my hormones back under control." She smiled slightly, although it didn't look very genuine. "You know, I used to get so mad at Anton because he never fought with me. I mean really fought. We had arguments, but he was always so damned calm. I hated that. I wanted him to show some emotions, get angry and yell at me, tell me he hated the way I was behaving...now I'm so used to him being so damned *nice* all of the time that I can't handle it when he says something mean." Jess chuckled a bit. "Surprise, Bryn. Your vampire husband is human." She waited for Bryn's laughter do die down. "You and Anton haven't been together that long, right? Only for what, six, seven months?" Bryn nodded. "He may still be getting a feel for what he can say around you, not certain how to tell you to back off without insulting you. So he's holding some of it back, and expresses it when he should keep his mouth shut. He's immortal, Bryn, not perfect." "Well he's had over a thousand years to practice, he should be close to perfect." She let her head fall back on her shoulders, shivering slightly. "I'm overreacting, I know that. But I'm not made of glass...at least not usually. I just want a little fucking courtesy." She ducked her head. "Excuse my language." She called Petunia over to her, then crouched down to pet the puppy. She was quiet for several minutes before saying, "What do you say we order some pizzas for dinner when everyone gets back?" "Sounds good to me. I just hope Nate doesn't stage another mutiny when he finds out. Don't ask." She put her arm around the younger woman in a hug. "You're a good kid, Bryn. Your hormones are a little out of whack due to your pregnancy, your stress level is probably sky high with the move, and it's not like you've been in a car accident lately. I think you've earned the right to be a bit cranky." Bryn smiled genuinely for one of the first times all night. "Thanks, Jess." They headed back to the house shortly after that and ordered the pizzas. To get them brought out to the middle of nowhere, Jess had to promise the delivery boy a twenty dollar tip. So they relaxed in the living room waiting for both the pizza and the rest of the family to arrive. Bryn yawned, slouching on the couch. "I'm starting to get tired a lot easier now. Pretty soon I won't even want to get out of bed." She grinned. "Christmas should be interesting. I just hope my water doesn't break." "But what a great Christmas present that would be. A story to talk about for years." Jess looked up when Alex entered the room. "How's things going?" "Fine," he answered. "We're offloading Lindy and Nate's stuff right now, but I wanted to check on dinner." "Already ordered, Alex. Oh, by the way, you're sleeping on the couch tonight for what you said to Bryn." "Jess, you are such a bitch." She smiled serenely. "And don't you forget it, Alex." Bryn's gaze jumped to Jess. "Please, you don't have to do that. It wasn't a big deal. I just blew it out of proportion." She glanced at Alex, then lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry. I know I was being a pain in the ass." "It's okay, Bryn. We shouldn't have said that either. I'm sorry." He winked at Bryn. "Besides, Jess and Walt will both be on the couch sleeping with me five minutes after the lights go out." "Alex!" Jess cast him a dark mock glare. "You're not supposed to tell her *that* part." She gave them a small smile and then stood up, not feeling all that comfortable in his presence. "I think I'm going to go find Anton. I'll be back in a while." She headed for the door, pausing just before she opened it to say, "Thanks, Jess." Walking the short distance over to Lindy's home, she made sure to stay out of the way as she watched them unloading furniture. Once Anton had his hands free, she walked over to where he stood. "Hey," she said, quietly. "Hey," he said equally quiet. "Enjoy your walk?" "Yeah, I went out with Jess for a while." "Good." He took one of her hands in his lightly. "Bryn, I'm sorry about earlier." She nodded. "Me too. I'm sorry I was so annoying, and that I overreacted to what you said." She licked her lips, then took a deep breath. "And that I spent ten grand on toys without asking." "Ten grand?" Anton blinked in surprise. "Ten grand? I didn't think a child could play with ten grand's worth of toys in a lifetime. And before you ask, no I'm not upset about you spending the money." She kept her eyes downcast. "I'm going to call and cancel the pinball machine at least. That should save over seven thousand." She waited until Nathaniel and Lindy were in the house before saying "Do you think Nathaniel and Alex are still mad at me? I know I'm not real high on their list anyway...I should've just kept my mouth shut." "I don't think they were mad at you to begin with. Annoyed, yes, but mad, no." Anton pulled her in close, an arm going around her. "I'm sorry, Bryn. I shouldn't have said what I did. I should have politely asked you to back off long before we got to that point." She buried her face against his shirt and shuddered, her arms holding his torso tightly. "They don't even like me, Anton," she whispered. "Am I that annoying all of the time? Why am I so unlikable?" "Bryn, you are not unlikable. If you haven't noticed, I liked you enough to marry you." She giggled a little. "Anton!" "Yes, my dear, I know. That's not what you meant, and I don't count." He gently stroked her hair, being careful not to dislodge her wig. "I get the feeling that Alex and Walter aren't that demonstrative by nature. And as for Nathaniel..." He looked up as he saw the younger vampire come out of the house. "Nathaniel, can I ask you a question?" "Sure, Anton. S'up?" "Do you like Bryn?" "Anton, don't!" Bryn whispered, urgently. She turned her gaze away from both of them, feeling completely humiliated. "What?" Nathaniel asked, looking like a deer caught in headlights. "Hey, I didn't do anything! If someone said I was hitting on her, I wasn't!" Anton gave him an exasperated look, reaching out as if to smack him over the head. "That's not what I meant." Bryn glanced back at him, her cheeks pink and her eyes glistening. "Never mind, Nate. It was just a dumb conversation. You can go back to what you were doing." Nate gave them a look that said 'you're both nuts' and picked up another box and took it inside. Anton continued to hold Bryn tight. "Why do you think they don't like you, Bryn? Have they said something, done something?" "No. They never even talk to me...how could they possibly say something? There is no friendship between me and Nate, like you and Lindy. You're best friends with her. Everybody likes her. People at the warehouse think she's wonderful. And all of those same people look at me like I'm lawn furniture. I don't exist." She pulled in a shuddering breath. "I should be used to it, but I was hoping with a new city and a new life, things would be different. But they're not." He held her tight, rocking her back and forth. "Bryn, I've known Lindy for three years. It takes time for that kind of relationship to develop. Maybe I have inadvertently isolated you. But it's not that they don't like you. It's they don't know you well enough yet to be that comfortable around you." "I hope you're right." She pulled back to look at him, then stood up on her tiptoes to kiss him. "Please don't say anything to them about this. If they ever say anything to me, I want them to mean it. Not to say it because you told them to." "Okay, my dear. I won't say a word." He pressed his lips to her forehead. "And if you want to keep the toys you ordered, that's no problem. Or cancel them if that's what you really want." "Okay." Oddly shy now, she gestured with her head towards their house. "I think I'm going to go get the bed ready at our place. Dinner will be ready at Jess's in about an hour." "All right." He let her slip from his arms. When she was half way up the path, he called out to her again. "Bryn, I love you." She smiled brightly at him. "Thank you. I love you, too, sugar." Feeling reinvigorated, she kept smiling as she walked all the way back to the house. By the time Anton arrived at the werewolves' home, the pizzas had already been delivered. He sniffed appreciatively as he looked at the three boxes laid out on the coffee table next to plates and napkins. Walter nodded hello and pointed at each of the boxes. "Sausage and pepperoni, garlic chicken, and vegetarian. Help yourself." Grabbing a plate and a slice, he raised an eyebrow. "Vegetarian?" Jess rolled her eyes. "For Amanda. She's on a vegetarian kick at the moment." Amanda frowned. "It's not a 'kick,' Mother. It's a lifestyle choice," she said in an annoyed tone of voice. "Which will last exactly until the next full moon, when you see a rabbit in the yard." She glanced at Anton. "Chandra's getting dressed and will be down in a few minutes. Where's everyone else?" Anton shook his head, wondering if he'd have that kind of argument with his children. "Bryn, Nathaniel and Lindy should be joining us in a few minutes." "Oh. Did you talk to Bryn?" Anton glanced up at Jess as he grabbed some pizza, vaguely amused at her tone of voice. "Yes, I did. And I apologized." "Well, that's good." She looked over at Alex before saying, "Is she making you sleep on the couch, too?" "Most likely, yes." He took a seat on the couch, eye on the door, watching and waiting for his wife. "Are you just about settled here?" "Almost. We're still figuring out where things are supposed to go," Jess commented. Lindy walked in the front door, her eyes brightening at the delicious smells in the air. "Who ordered the pizza?" "Bryn and I did," her mother told her. "Great idea." She didn't waste any time grabbing a plate and diving in. "Where's Nathaniel?" Anton asked. She rolled her eyes. "He insisted on hooking up the TV and sound system now. I tried to help, but he said I keep getting in the way, so I left him there." She carried her pizza, some napkins, and a can of soda over to the recliner next to where Liam was playing. "The next time he needs a screwdriver, he can get it himself." Jess shook her head. "This move has everyone stressed out." Anton nodded. "I don't know which is more difficult - moving all your possessions into a new home, or starting over from scratch." He looked over at a sound coming from the direction of the stairwell and smiled. "Chandra, good to see you. Come on in and have a slice of pizza." He hoped that a normal setting like this would reassure her that everything would be fine. She walked stiffly over to where he sat, stepped over his feet and sat down next to him. "It smells really good," she said, softly. She winced slightly as she bent forward to grab a plate. "I'm so sore it's not even funny. And I haven't slept this long in years." She glanced at Jess. "I know you said it would be hard on my body, but I never thought it would be this bad." Jess nodded sympathetically. "It does hurt a lot, but it gets better as time goes on. A long hot shower or bath later should help. But you do have one advantage that I didn't when I first Changed." "Oh?" "You know what's happening to you. I woke up the day after thinking I had a real weird dream the night before, sore and with blood under my nails, and the news blaring about the murdered guy from my dream. For a while, I thought I was going crazy." Chandra winced. "You're right. I am lucky I knew. And that I had you to help me. I know I'm still fighting this, and that I'm mostly in denial, but I do appreciate everything all of you have done for me. Teaching me, taking me into your home. I never meant to sound ungrateful, and I apologize if I have. But most of all, I wanted to say thanks." "You're welcome." Walter gave her a friendly pat on the knee. "It takes a while to get used to everything." "Yeah," Jess said. "And I'm sorry about biting you last night." She let out a small laugh. "No damage done. It's probably a good thing you did, or I never would've left the house." She paused for a moment. "As strange as it sounds, I actually started having fun just before sunrise." Before anyone could reply, Bryn opened the front door and stepped through. She gave them a self-conscious smile as she entered the living room. "I'm sorry I'm late. I figured it would be a good idea to get the sheets on the bed now before we're too groggy to bother." "No problem, Bryn," Alex said. "Have a seat and grab some pizza." Anton got up form the couch, clearing his spot for Bryn. He grabbed one of the chairs that had been dragged out from the kitchen earlier and put it by the couch. "Feeling better, my dear?" he asked, as Bryn sat down. "A little." She smiled at Chandra, then grabbed a plate from the coffee table. "You don't always have to move for me to sit down, Anton. I can find my own chair. Of course, I'm not complaining this time--I'm closer to the pizza." She grabbed several slices of the cooled pizza, then a napkin and some Sprite. She was getting ready to sit back when Jess said, "So, Bryn--are you making Anton sleep on the couch tonight?" Bryn looked startled by the question, but she answered her completely seriously as she met her husband's gaze. "I really don't think there's room on the couch for both of us." There were quiet laughs from the circle around the living room. "That is why you make sure you get an oversized couch, Bryn," Jess commented. She looked up as the front door opened again. "Hey Nate! Dinner is served." Nate looked at the boxes on the coffee table. "Oh man! Not pizza again!" He slumped down onto the floor by Lindy's chair, lightly tickling Liam's side until the boy squealed with laughter. Nate leaned against Lindy's legs, glancing back at her. "Did you tell them yet?" "No," Lindy said. "I was waiting for you so we could tell them together." Jess's head tilted to one side. "Tell us what?" Lindy leaned forward so she could place a hand on Nate's shoulder. "We've decided to wait another month before Transforming me." Jess sighed, obviously feeling mixed emotions. "Why?" "The first and most important reason is because I want more time with her as a wolf," Nate said. "I'm going to miss this part of her when it's gone. And another reason is that there's a gathering I'd like her to attend first. It is attended by vampires from all over North America. I think she'd get a better idea of what this lifestyle is like, and would be able to decide if she still wants to go through with it, or if it wasn't something she wanted." Bryn glanced at Anton, quietly saying, "Are you going?" Anton responded equally quietly. "I was planning on discussing it with you, Bryn. I would prefer to attend, but only if you would do the honor of escorting me. However, attending would not be without risk." "What kind of risks?" Bryn asked. "Your condition would raise a few eyebrows, to say the least. And then there is the matter of who else might be in attendance. The gathering is theoretically neutral ground, and grudges and vendettas are to be put to one side, but..." "But she might be there." She swallowed heavily when he nodded. She thought for a moment about the possibilities...but surely Natasha couldn't be so brazen as to attempt something when there were so many others present. There was always the possibility, though. "I want to selfish and say yes, just so I can actually go on a date with you. But maybe it would be better if you went alone. "I know the possibility is small that she'd try anything...but I can't help but think that a room full of vampires would easily take her side over me. I'd feel a little like being in the midst of a shark feeding frenzy." Nate frowned, deep in thought. "Actually, Bryn, they might take your side instead, because of your pregnancy." Anton frowned, thinking he might know where the other vampire was going, but not quite certain. "What do you mean, Nathaniel?" "Every vampire has a preference about how or what he or she feeds on, but there are a set of rules that we're supposed to follow." Nathaniel's voice took on a chanting tone, obviously reciting from memory. "Do not feed on the pregnant or the nursing, for our existence is tied to humanity's continuation." "Problem," Alex said. "Natasha didn't try to feed on Bryn." "No, but she did attack her," Anton said, thinking it through. "It's also frowned upon to harm another vampire's consort." He gave Nathaniel a pointed look. "Or to do anything that may reveal the existence of vampires to the human world, such as pointing the police in her direction." "That was self-defense!" Lindy protested. "We all know what would have happened if Bryn had gotten that poisoned drink instead of me." Nate nodded. "She committed the sin first, and hasn't stopped." He looked at Anton. "We may have to go before the council, but we have the upper hand. Once they know everything she's done, they'd be foolish not to vote in our favor." He took a deep breath, glancing between Bryn and his brother. "It may keep Natasha off our backs for more than just one night. But it might mean you have to tell them the truth about Max." "Council?" Walter asked. "Truth about Max?" "The Council of Elders, a ruling tribunal of seven vampires, all 500 years or older. They are the ones who settle disputes and dispense justice as needed. Each continent has its own Council, and there is a Grand Council made up of delegates from each." "Fascinating," Jess said, "but what does that have to do with Max?" "The very fact that Bryn is pregnant by me is a miracle in and of itself. It's completely unheard of for a vampire to have children. The implications are frightening. There's no way to gauge the reaction if it were to become common knowledge that Max is the product of a vampire and a human." He looked at his wife apologetically. "For your and Max's safety, it would be better if we let the others think that you were artificially inseminated because you wanted children so badly. That, while uncommon, wouldn't be questioned. But we will have to tell the Council the full truth." "You what?" She couldn't help the raising volume of her voice. "You want me to pretend I had a child with some stranger? No. Forget it, Anton. You can go to the gathering alone if it's going to be so awful having me there. I'm not lying about Max." "Bryn, it's not that I want you to lie," Anton said quietly, trying to calm her. "I would love to go in there, trumpets announcing that you are carrying my child. But there are those who might see Max as a threat, because he is an unknown. Neither vampire nor human." He sighed. "Even going to the Council is a risk. Their primary function is to keep peace among vampires so that we don't inadvertently reveal our presence to humanity. If they felt that Max was a threat..." Jess's jaw clenched. "Are you trying to say they would harm an innocent child?" Eyes closed, and looking slightly ashamed, Anton nodded. A collective rumble passed among the werewolves. "Over my dead body," Jess growled. "Then there's a simple answer," Bryn said, standing up and stepping past him. "Tell them whatever you want, Anton. Tell them I fucked the mailman. But you're going to have to do it alone, because I won't be anywhere near you." She glanced at the rest of them. "Excuse me. All of the sudden I'm not feeling very well." Her steps echoing loudly in the foyer, she stepped out the door and headed home. Without a backwards glance, Anton followed her out the door. "Bryn! Wait!" "Why, Anton? Have a better idea for a cover story?" He caught up with her and tried to take her hand. She shrugged out of his grip. "I don't want to have to lie about Max's paternity any more than you do. But I don't want risk your or Max's life." "You don't want to lie? Then don't. What says you have to say anything?" She kept walking regardless or whether he followed or not. The fact that he did annoyed her to no end. "You were so angry at my father when he implied I might've had an affair. You were ready to kick him out of the house. And now you, yourself, are going to stand there and say this isn't your child? Well, fuck, Anton, why be married to me at all? We could've gotten away with the story much easier if I'd stayed single. I could just tell them I slept around a lot. Not that I was a virgin when I met my husband and haven't been with anyone else, human or plastic tube!" She stomped up to the house, pulling her keys out of her pockets as she did so. "God, why stop there? I could have a couple more illegitimate kids, and find some guy to move in and call my boyfriend. If it would make you feel better, I could even fuck him a few times so I'll have something to talk about when your vampire friends ask." She put her keys in the lock and started to open the door. Anton slammed it shut, trapping her between his arms. "Listen to me, Bryn. You don't have any idea what kind of risk you would be taking revealing Max's paternity. If the Council thought that he was a threat, they would not hesitate to kill Max, you, me, and probably anyone else who they even suspected of having that knowledge. That includes Nathaniel, Lindy, her parents, your family. Are you willing to take that risk?" "Yes!" There was such desperation in that word, complete anguish, but even she knew it didn't sound that certain. She slammed her fist against the door, letting out a small pained whimper. Refusing to look at him, lest she burst into tears. "Yes, because otherwise what was the point? Why bother having this, this 'miracle' baby, if I'm just going to lie about where it came from?" She slid down the door until she was kneeling on the concrete steps. "I can't even believe you're asking me this. I hate this entire conversation, and I hate them, and God- damn-it, I hate you, too." That was the last straw before she sagged against the door and broke into pitiful sobs. He stared at her in open-mouthed shock from her words. He knelt down beside her and tried to put his arms around her. Bryn shoved him backwards, knocking him on his ass. "Don't touch me, damn it!" [She means it.] He backed away from her, rising to his feet at the same time. "Bryn, I..." He meant to say what was in his heart. [I'm trying to protect you the only way I know how. I don't want to see you hurt. I hate the fact that we have to lie, but it's the only way to keep the two of you safe.] But what came out of his mouth was something entirely different. "I'll be back before dawn." When she didn't respond, he turned and walked into the woods. Even three hours later, she still couldn't believe he'd just walked away. She wanted to yell at him, to scream, "You dumb-ass! Don't you know that when I push you away, it means you're supposed to fight harder?!" [You told him you hated him.] She shook her head. [Yes, but I didn't mean it!] She sat on the floor in darkness, in a quiet corner of the baby's room, listening to Petunia snoring in the hallway. She didn't think her chest could possibly ache more than it already did. Worse than Anton not wanting to acknowledge Max was his, he didn't seem to want anything to do with her now, either. ["This is about you whoring around while sleeping in my bed."] ["Whoring? Anton, this is *your* child!"] She shuddered at the memory, tears burning her eyes all over again. "I never cheated on you, Anton. Never." He quietly slipped inside their home fifteen minutes before the sun was scheduled to rise. He walked in their living room and sat down heavily on their couch. All he had been thinking about for the last three hours was what she had said. [I hate you.] Biting his lip, he tried to think of how to explain this to her. A vampire, by nature, had to keep certain knowledge hidden. Secrecy was necessary when dealing with the human world, and sometimes with other vampires. [I hate you.] [Maybe Bryn is right. What is the point of having children if we're going to have to lie about their paternity? You love her, and you should be the first one in line, telling everyone that as unworthy as you are, you have been blessed with a miracle, because you love a beautiful, special woman.] Not willing yet to face her, he lay down on the couch as the automatic shutters closed, sealing the house in darkness. A single tear ran down his cheek. [I hate you.] He still lay there wide-awake a few hours later. He wasn't going to get any sleep here. And although she might refuse to let him touch her and talk to her, lying in the bed would be a lot more comfortable than the creaking couch. Wearily getting up, his vision blurry with grogginess, he quietly climbed the stairs. He nearly tripped over Petunia in the hallway at the top of the stairs. She looked up at him, her tail thumping on the floor, before getting up and following him into the bedroom. The bed was empty. Suddenly alarmed, he walked back to the bathroom, and then to the walk-in closet. Both were empty. Hurrying back out of the bedroom, he was about to rush down the stairs when he noticed Petunia lingering next to one of the bedrooms. Walking back to the door, he pushed it open quietly. This was the room where they'd unloaded all of the baby stuff. His heart squeezed slightly at that thought. Then he noticed the feet sticking out from behind the opposite end of the crib. Oddly nervous, he stepped over to see Bryn curled up on the floor, clutching her own shirt in her fist, sleeping. He crouched down beside her, sighing when he saw her puffy eyes and the tear tracks going down her cheeks. He could feel another tear slide down his as well. [Ah, Bryn, we're both hurting over what should be the happiest time in our lives.] Trying not to disturb her, he placed an arm under her knees and around her shoulders. [As long as we're going to be miserable, we might as well be physically comfortable.] He lifted her up, and started walking back to the bedroom, trying not to trip over Petunia. She let out a soft sigh, snuggling tighter against him and resting her cheek on his shoulder. After a few seconds, her breathing changed from light dozing to awareness. And although she stiffened a bit at first, it was only a few seconds before she relaxed against him once more. "I never cheated on you," she murmured. "And it hurts me so much that you'd ever let someone think I did. With a real person, or a vial." [Oh.] So that's what this was all about. The accusations he had made when she was first pregnant. "I know, Bryn. And I shouldn't have asked you to do so." He carried her into the bedroom, and placed her on top of the bed. Fortunately, Bryn had left the sheets folded down, so he could easily tuck her half around her. He then sat down on his half, eyes downcast. "I'm sorry." Regardless of the sheets, she sat up again and scooted closer to him. She sniffled, then wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling herself tightly against him. She took a shuddering breath. "I don't hate you. I never have and I never will." Her voice grew watery. "I love you so much, and I never want anyone to think otherwise." Moisture dribbled down her cheeks. "I never want anyone's babies but yours." The relief at her saying 'I love you' felt hollow at best. "I'm sorry," he whispered against the top of her head. "I was trying to protect you, protect Max, the only way I know how." He thought their relationship was strong, that three words spoken in a moment of anger wouldn't affect him so profoundly. He rocked her back and forth, crying and taking shuddering breaths. "I don't know what to do." She turned slightly, her heart breaking at the tears on his face. She lifted up onto her knees and straddled his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck, pressing herself tightly against him. She pressed her lips against his ear, sniffling. "I'm so sorry, Anton. Please don't cry. I'll do whatever you want me to, just please don't cry. I'm so sorry I hurt you." He clung to her tightly, trying to get his tears and breathing under control. He rested his forehead on her shoulder, breathing in the clean scent of her. "How about...a compromise? We don't...volunteer information.... We tell the Council... and whoever asks... about Max's paternity...if they ask...we're honest and say...that I am the father." He lifted his head to look at her, eyes dry for the moment. "Are you able to do that?" She nodded, leaning forward to place a lingering kiss to his forehead. Pulling him close, she held his head against her chest, stroking his hair and rubbing one hand over his back. "I'm so sorry, my love. I never meant to say what I did. I was scared, and I was so mean to you. Please forgive me. I'm so sorry, and I love you so much. It breaks my heart that I hurt you." He tightened his arm around her, one hand sliding to rest on her protruding belly. "I forgive you, Bryn. I love you, and when you said...that...I thought that if I stayed, I'd drive you further away. I'm sorry I walked off." He gave a deep sigh. "You'd think I could handle this better after a thousand years." She settled down onto his lap. "It's okay. I never should've said it at all." She pressed her face against his neck, her tears wetting his skin. "I'm so sorry. I'll never forgive myself for saying that to you." She shook with renewed sobs, clutching him tightly to her. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it. I love you so much. So very, very much. Please don't leave me." "Bryn," he whispered softly, hugging her tighter. "I would never leave you." He nuzzled the side of her face, softly kissing her temple. "I may walk away in anger or pain, but I will never leave you." She sucked in a shuddering breath, holding tight to his shoulders. It was nearly a minute before she calmed down completely, her head on his shoulder, nearly drowsy with relief. She sagged limply against him, content to hold and be held. He gently stroked his hand up and down her back. Anton slowly reclined onto the bed, nuzzling her head. He pulled her tighter against him, rubbing her back and sides. Keeping her belly lifted slightly with her knees bent beneath her, she settled her upper body against him and softly kissed his neck. "I hope this doesn't mean we're jinxed, spending the first night in our new house fighting." "Hmmm. Can't have that." He kissed her forehead. The movements of his hand became more deliberate, more sensual. "You know, the day isn't over. There might be enough time to undo any jinx we may have put into motion." She had a feeling he was teasing her about the jinxing, but the implications of his intentions were totally serious. She crawled a bit closer and gently kissed his lips. "Are you sure you want to? I mean, after what I said?" "After you said you're sorry, and that you love me?" He slowly nibbled her lips, along her jaw line, and on her earlobe. "Why wouldn't I want to?" He softly blew in her ear before kissing the tender skin behind the lobe. She pulled back to look at him, her eyes sparkling, and placed her hand on his face, her thumb tracing lightly over his lips. "I love you so much. I can't even believe those evil words came out of my mouth." She leaned closer and kissed him deeply, sucking on his lips and tongue, moaning quietly against his mouth, whispering, "It wasn't true. And I swear I'll never say it again. Ever." He held her head between his hands. "I love you so much, Bryn. But I don't want you to bottle up your feelings to where they will fester." He kissed her, his hands sliding down her sides to end at her waist. Grabbing her firmly, he sat up and pulled her onto his lap. She clung to his shoulders, her breathing coming heavier. His firm grip on her was surprisingly erotic, reminding her of his massive strength and size. He could've crushed her like a dry leaf if he'd wanted to...and to have that power directed at her as passion instead was exhilarating. She wanted to feel his arms tightly wrapped around her, to feel him surging into her frantically from below. She wanted to feel tiny, and delicate, treasured and protected. "I love how big you are. Everywhere. You make me feel so small, fragile...and so cared for, because you're so gentle. Always so gentle. But you're so strong. You could break me in half if you wanted to." He nuzzled her neck, hands moving to the hem of the polo shirt she was wearing. "You don't know what power you hold over me, Bryn. You could shatter me with a word, freeze me with a glance, make my blood boil with a mere brush of your hand." He pulled the shirt over her head. "You are my heart and soul, Bryn. My reason for living." Bending his head to lap at where her shoulder met her neck, he nipped there softly as he began unhooking her bra. She pressed her lips to his ear. "Too much power," she whispered. "I'm so sorry I hurt you, sugar." She kissed him again, leaning back slightly as he pulled her bra out of the way. Before he could touch her as he intended, she grabbed hold of his hand and placed it on top of her head. On top of her wig. "Take it off me, please?" Gently, he slid the wig off of her head. He could feel the velvety growth of new hair beneath his fingers as he cradled her head. Soon she wouldn't need the wig any longer. "So beautiful, Bryn," he whispered before pulling her to his face to kiss her passionately. One hand slid around her back, teasing the side of her breast before sliding down under her leggings to cup her ass. She moaned, her muscles bunching at his touch, her pelvis rocking against his. She pressed herself tight against him, her breasts flattening against his chest, her belly tightened against his stomach. As he always did when he heard his daddy's voice, Max gave a soft kick to make his presence known. Bryn kept kissing Anton, her arms wrapped around his shoulders, her fingers combing through his hair. Breathing heavily, he pushed her away far enough so she could unbutton his shirt. The cotton barrier between them finally removed, he moaned at the feel of her silky skin and her pebbly nipples pressed tight against him. Both hands sliding over her back, he pressed her harder against his groin, hips lifting at the feel of her thigh on his erection. She whimpered, shifting back and forth over his jeans, until she couldn't stand it any longer. She reached down and yanked open the button on his jeans, nearly ripping the zipper as she hastily pulled it down. She quickly got off of his lap and shoved down her leggings and panties, while he removed his jeans and boxers. She was shaking with need as she kneeled over him once more and met his gaze with wild eyes. He took her hips in his hands once more, guiding her firmly. Holding her heated gaze, he nudged her legs a little wider apart. He raised his hips as he pulled her onto his cock. Sitting up fully, he buried his nose in her shoulder and groaned. "You feel so wonderful, Bryn." She bit her lip, convulsively squeezing him inside of her. She couldn't seem to hold still, and started moving upon him immediately. She gripped his shoulders tightly, lifting and then sinking onto his cock once again. She let out a soft moan every time he nudged her cervix. His breathing was ragged as he watched her with wide eyes. His hands slid from her hips to her breasts, gently squeezing them. He could smell her sweat and her arousal and luxuriated in it. Leaning forward, he nipped the base of her neck with just a hint of his teeth. She leaned forward into his touch, tilting her head back to give him better access. If he could've Transformed her now, without endangering Max, she would've let him. But since she knew it wasn't an option yet, she meant to make the best of the time they did have together. Leaning back and bracing herself with her hands on his thighs, she churned her hips as she moved him in and out of her. Enjoying the passion on his face, the desire in his eyes. Anton gave a sharp gasp. Leaning back to plant one hand behind him, he reached down between her legs to rub against her clit. Panting heavily, he watched her squirm harder against him. She cried out, speeding up her movements upon him, squeezing him hard inside of her. Her body jerked against him as her orgasm started, spasming through her entire body as his finger pressed harder on her clit. She gasped, feeling him surge up from below, burying himself deep inside her, cumming with yell that echoed in the large room. After a few seconds, she felt him slide his arm beneath her back and pull her up tight against his chest. She rested her head on his shoulder, breathing heavily, holding him tightly as she continued to twitch above him. He cradled her head against him, rubbing his cheek against hers. He was fighting to keep his teeth from sharpening, to sink his fangs into her neck, to make her his for all time. [No! You can't risk harming Max!] He gently rubbed her back as he closed his eyes, trying to will himself not to react to the smell of her blood pounding through her veins. It took a great effort, but he managed to keep himself under control. After a few minutes, she sat up straighter and kissed his mouth. Sucking on his lips, and coaxing his mouth open to deepen the kiss. She rubbed herself against him, nearly purring with pleasure at the sensations she produced. Pulling back only slightly, she met his gaze as she whispered against his lips, "I want to do it again." "We will, my dear." He nipped at her lips, catching one and tugging on it gently. "We will have all eternity to do it again and again." End Chapter Forty-Five <- Previous Chapter | Home | Next Chapter ->