Chapter Sixty-five The golden bubbling liquid in her glass was only ginger ale, but she still felt tipsy nonetheless. She couldn't seem to stop smiling, now that Natasha was going to be deported. No one had heard a word out of her since she'd been kicked out of Lilith's suite, and, although that probably should've worried Bryn, it didn't. She was enjoying herself at a party, for what seemed like the first time in months. Leaning over towards Anton, she kissed his cheek, whispering, "I love you, booger." "I love you too, Bryn." He felt like a great weight had finally been lifted from him. He wasn't naive enough to believe that this was the last they'd see of Natasha. But he couldn't bring himself to worry about it right now. He watched the other couples out on the dancing floor, and turned back to his wife. "Want to give that a try, my dear?" She smiled and nodded, taking his hand as he stood. She followed closely as he headed for the dance floor, then let him take the lead again as she placed her other hand on his shoulder. "You're going to have to tell me if you're planning any fancy moves. This is the first time anyone's actually * asked* me to dance. I'm not sure stepping on your toes at our wedding reception quite counts." He gently started guiding her in the pattern of the slow waltz that was playing. She looked luminous in the soft light of the room. He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "You're glowing, my dear. How do you manage to become more beautiful every day?" She closed her eyes for a moment, breathing in the delicious scent of him. As he pulled back to meet her gaze, she smiled brightly at him. "I think it's called being in love. And since I fall more in love with you every day, that must be your answer." She was starting to get the hang of the waltz, even though she couldn't stop staring at their feet. "Thank you for what you said in the elevator, Anton. I was feeling a bit self-conscious next to Lindy in that dress." "Who?" Anton grinned down at her. "You have got to be the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. I can't wait to see you in the Juliet costume tomorrow." She blushed vividly. Sometimes she wanted to tell him he was hallucinating, but this time she wisely kept her mouth shut. "And I can't wait to see you in that codpiece," she said, grinning widely. Anton grinned, chuckling. He deftly guided her out of the way of Nathaniel and Lindy, who were executing a striking twirling maneuver. "Showoffs," he said as they passed by. "Just wait until later when she puking up her champagne because he twirled her too many times," she said, before sticking her tongue out at Lindy. Lindy was quick to return the gesture, before they both giggled. Looking back at Anton, Bryn said, "Hey, we haven't ever really decided on Max's middle name. Did you have anything in mind?" Anton frowned thoughtfully. "Well, we could give him both our fathers' names, but that seems like a bit much. We could give him mine, but I don't like the sound of that either. How about you? Any ideas?" She shook her head. "He definitely needs something Russian. I can't imagine what that would be, though. Why don't you pick out something, since I kind of picked his first name?" "Hmmm..." Anton's thoughts were drawn back to the night he had spent in the hospital, praying for Bryn and Max. The strange vision he had seen of his son and his wife replayed through his head. He could still feel the warmth and the light as his son's spirit merged with him... "Luka," Anton said softly. She watched his face as he said the name, such joy softening his expression. "Maxim Luka Rudenko." She grinned. "I like that, sugar. It's beautiful." "It means 'light.' So his name would mean 'great light.'" He pulled her a little closer, still swaying softly with the music. "Does that sound presumptuous, my dear?" "Not at all. It sounds perfect." She lifted up on the balls of her feet, kissing his mouth. "Only two months left. I need to get started painting his room. Now that we know for sure we're having a boy, I want it to be really elaborate and colorful. I'm going to paint a jungle scene, with parrots and monkeys, snakes, tropical flowers. And it would be really cool if we could get some ropes and anchor them from the ceiling like vines!" Anton grinned at her. "Got this all planned out my dear?" As the song ended, he started guiding her back to their table. "Is there anything I can do to help?" "Of course! We still need a changing table, crib, dresser, rocking chair...stuff to match the rest of our furniture." She smiled as Nate and Lindy sat down at the table as well, noticeably more winded. "Do you think it will be too much trouble to find some matching antique furniture this late?" "Difficult, but not undoable," Anton said after a moment's thought. He looked over at the pair sitting across from them. "How about you? As long as I'm looking, is there anything you want for Liam?" "I can't think of what that would be," Nate said. He smiled as he looked at Lindy. "We mostly got sturdy plastic stuff that wouldn't be irreplaceable if a certain puppy decided to chew on it. Although, if you kept an eye out for a nice children's bed, we could always buy that now and use it later." "Thanks for the offer, Anton," Lindy said. She looked past him, noticing that the Empress and the Council were taking their places on the long table set up on the raised stage. A hush fell over the assembly as Hadrian called for their attention. The first part of the presentation by the Council was a memorial service for Valerian Arnouth, the Council member who had died tragically in a fiery car crash. Tales from friends were told of the vampire who had attained a respectable 1203 years, as well as the respect of many of the vampires present. This was followed by a moment of silence. Bryn slid her hand over Anton's, swallowing heavily. Too many times, she thought of him as invincible. Indestructible. But it wasn't true. There were still things that could destroy him--fire, a stake...Natasha. She shivered slightly, hoping the last really wasn't a threat anymore. When the moment of silence was over, he turned his hand over to squeeze hers and smiled gently. Hadrian returned to the microphone once more. "I believe this the introductions of the new initiates was Valerian's favorite ceremony at every Gathering, so I don't think we'd be remiss in continuing that celebration." There was a light amount of applause in the audience for that sentiment. "This year we have ten new initiates, the most recent only a few weeks ago. For those of you just joining us, welcome. We know how difficult the transition can be, and I think you'll soon realize you now have hundreds of friends willing to help. As I introduce you, please stand up. You may come up to the stage and tell us something about yourself if you'd like, but it's not a requirement." Lindy jumped as Nate's elbow hit her square in the ribs. "Go on, gorgeous. Go introduce yourself." Lindy shook her head, ducking it bit shyly. It took bit of coaxing from Nate, Anton, and Bryn to convince her to join the other seven new vampires, waiting to speak their turn. "Hi," she said quietly, nervously twisting a strand of hair. It felt odd for her to stand in front of this assembly and feel so nervous, while she had no problems addressing the Council the night before. "I'm Lindy Adrik, Nathaniel's wife of five months. I also work for Anton Rudenko. So you could say I was familiar with the lifestyle, but I still didn't quite know what I was getting into." She shifted her gaze over to Nate, seeing the huge grin on his face, and smiled at him. "Oh! And we also have an adopted son, Liam, that will be a year old very soon. Dealing with being a wife, a mother, and a vampire, all in a matter of months, is overwhelming to say the least...but I wouldn't trade any of it for the world." She gave them one last smile and a little wave before walking down the stairs and back to their table--blushing every applause-filled step of the way. Nate took her hand as she sat down, leaning closer to kiss her temple. "That was perfect, baby." She grinned, still blushing. "I felt like a complete idiot up there." "Nonsense," Anton reassured as Bryn reached over to squeeze Lindy's hand. "You did very well." Everyone then turned their attention to the remaining vampires on stage. After a few more short introductions, Hadrian took the microphone again. "We have one more piece of business to attend to before we can return to the festivities." "As you know, Valerian's untimely death left a vacancy in the Council of Elders. The time has come for another vampire to be voted in and to serve as an Elder, for as long as he or she so desires, or until he or she is dismissed by the Council. Many names were nominated and considered for this position. But it is a burden not to be taken, or given, lightly." Bryn scooted a bit closer to Anton, laying her chin on his shoulder for a moment. "Good luck, sugar. No matter what happens, I know you're the best man for the job. And I love you so much." "Thank you, and I love you too, my dear," he whispered back. He knew there would be little chance of him being voted in after everything that had happened. So he sat back and listened with interest, curious who the Council picked instead. "As always, the vampire chosen can decline the nomination, and we will choose another. However, we hope our choice will not do so. He has lived over a thousand years, some 980 of those as a vampire. He has served on this Council's European counterpart. He has shown us the fire he has to protect those he loves, something an Elder should have towards the whole of our race." "If there are any objections against the promotion of Anton Mikhail Rudenko to Council Elder, speak now." Bryn let out a soft squeal, nothing loud enough to be heard by the council. She knew that even though he hadn't said it, Anton wanted this position...and although she wasn't thrilled he had to travel so much, she was very excited for him to have this opportunity. Still, even as she got ready to congratulate him, her eyes swept the room warily, waiting for Natasha to make one final strike against them. Anton squeezed her hand, also casting a cautious eye for Natasha. However, if she was present, someone had to be actively gagging her. There was a silence from the audience, indicating their acceptance. "In that case," Hadrian continued, gesturing towards Anton, "Mr. Rudenko, will you please come up to the stage to accept this prestigious honor?" The audience began clapping, adding a few whistles as Bryn gently turned Anton's head and kissed him. He smiled at her, then Lindy and Nate, before heading up to the stage. Bryn clapped enthusiastically, bouncing lightly in her chair. Suddenly remembering she'd brought her camera with her, she snapped a few pictures as well. Anton walked up the stairs and across the stage to stand in front of Hadrian, profile to the audience. The Empress approached, holding an ornate gold chalice studded with rubies. Both Anton and Hadrian bowed to her. Hadrian took three steps backward, allowing Lilith to take his place. She held the chalice at about chest height between them. "Blood is our life. Our power runs in the blood. This chalice," she raised it higher, "contains the blood of the Council of Elders, of which you are to join. Do you accept this power, Anton Mikhail Rudenko?" Anton solemnly nodded once. "I accept." "Then drink." Anton took the chalice from the Empress and raised it to his lips. Fangs extended and eyes shining even in the brightly lit room, he drank. Bryn set her camera down, thinking this intimate moment shouldn't be caught on film. Her chest squeezed almost painfully as she watched him, wishing she could see this side of him more often. She could visibly see how much closer Lindy and Nate had become since she was Transformed...and they had yet to hunt together. To finish the ceremony, she watched as Anton pierced his wrist with his fangs, adding his own blood to the chalice. He remained on stage as the rest of the council drank from the cup, completing the circle. Gesturing to the microphone, Lilith said, "If you wish, you may address the assembly. Welcome, Councilman." Anton stepped up to the microphone, smoothing the sleeve of his tuxedo jacket back over his wrist. "I wish to thank everyone for this vote of confidence in me. I only hope I can live up to your expectations. Thank you." After accepting a round of applause, he and the other Councilmen left the stage for the tables on the floor. Bryn smiled as he returned to the table, squeezing his hand as Lindy and Nate congratulated him. "I'm sure you glad they decided they were still considering your nomination," Nate said. "'Cause if they hadn't, I might've had to nominate myself...and I'd probably piss all of those people off in less than a week." He grinned. "So how does all of that blue blood taste?" "Blue blood? It looked distinctly red on the stage." He put his arm around Bryn and squeezed. "I have to apologize. I just realized I should have thanked all of you for standing behind me and supporting me. Without all of you, I wouldn't have made it." Bryn leaned in to him, and shrugged her shoulders. "I think they've probably heard enough about us already, after that trial...and then me stomping out of Lilith's suite a while later. I almost sound schizophrenic to myself." "Stomping out of Lilith's suite?" Lindy asked. Blushing, Bryn nodded. "I got it in my head that they should listen to me or I was going to throw a fit. Luckily, it seems like both ideas caught their attention. Although, I think it was Max, more than anything." "They know about Max?" Lindy asked. Anton nodded. "Bryn told them, and it definitely caused a stir. It may have been why they changed their ruling. Although I think also seeing the lengths Bryn and I were willing to go also affected them." "What did you do? Threaten to kill Natasha?" "No." Anton hugged Bryn a little tighter. "We threatened to divorce to keep Bryn safe." "It wasn't a threat, and it wasn't 'we'. It was something I said in a moment of desperation, that I shouldn't have. And I'm sorry for it," Bryn said, looking into Anton's eyes. "I should've known that you'd fly to the moon with me, if it meant keeping Max safe. And me safe." Before he could respond, a man passing their table held out his hand in congratulations. As they spoke, Lindy leaned closer to Bryn and said, "When did all of this happen?" "Last night...well, this morning I guess. I kind of threatened to yell my demands from the hallway if the council wouldn't meet with us." She smiled, a bit chagrinned. "Next year, they'll probably lock the door when they see me coming. I'm actually a little surprised that they voted Anton on to the Council after that. I thought I might've ruined his chances." Lindy arched an eyebrow. "Maybe it helped." "Huh?" "Maybe when they saw how devoted the two of you are, and willing to do anything to protect your son, it showed them both of your true characters. The loyalty and the love you two share. At the very least, it got them to do something about Natasha." "That should've been the easy part," she muttered. "It really makes me wonder how many people that bitch--excuse me, that witch has under her thumb." "Hey, witches are people, too, you know," Nate pointed out. "True. She almost deserves a category all her own. Like if we saw someone truly awful, we could say, 'Oh, she's such a Natasha.' Only problem with that is it would make the real Natasha's head bigger than it already is. Wouldn't want to encourage her." Anton shuddered, turning back to the group in time to hear that last comment. "Definitely not, my dear." They all sat down at the table, accepting the congratulations of others passing by. He looked over at Nathaniel and Lindy. "I don't know about you, but I'm hungry." The ceremony welcoming him onto the Council had whetted his appetite for blood. "Care to join me?" When Nate and Lindy nodded, Anton signaled a passing waiter carrying brandy glasses filled with a red liquid. Bryn had first assumed they were Bloody Marys at first. She was partially right. She watched, fascinated as their eyes started to glow with the very first sip. Personally, she felt a bit nauseated at the thought of all of that blood being passed around. But as long as it wasn't human, she was fine. Until she realized a lot of other people had their eyes glowing too. In fact, she was fairly surrounded. She sat up a bit straighter, then scooted her chair a little closer to Anton's. "I'm not really gonna have to use this stake, am I?" Anton put an arm around her shoulder, squeezing lightly. "I thought you wanted to see me like this more often." He took another sip from the snifter. "Relax, Bryn. With this much blood readily available, no one's going to be hunting humans tonight. Plus, the Code forbids feeding from pregnant women, so you're doubly safe." "Well, I wasn't talking about using the stake on you. That would be very masochistic of me. A little like staking myself through the heart." She settled against him and laid her head on his shoulder, covering her mouth as she yawned. "Too much excitement in one day...either that, or all this satiation around here is catching." Anton tightened his arm around her. "Are you all right? Is it time for another transfusion? This is going to go on for a few more hours, but if we need to leave, we can." "I don't need a transfusion. I just had one a couple of days ago. I'm just tired, because of last night. Didn't sleep much." She blinked a few times. "When will your first time on the council be? Are they going to have another meeting before the Gathering ends?" "There will probably be one tomorrow before the costume ball. More to get me up to speed on any issues." Anton drained the last of the blood from his glass. "There will be some conference calls when we get back home, maybe the occasional visitor. And the occasional trip as well." She nodded, expecting as much. "Well, as long as they aren't meeting in any tall American buildings, I won't have to worry too much. Of course, a meeting on one of the Virgin Islands might be nice. Or maybe Jamaica or Mexico. I wouldn't object to Brazil during Carnival either," she said, grinning. "Hate to disappoint you, my dear, but Brazil is separate continent, and a separate Council. Although I don't know where they've scheduled the Grand Gathering for though. But that won't matter, because I'll take you there if you want to go." She smiled at him, squeezing her arms around his waist. "Thank you, Councilman." "That was not fair, and you know it." Natasha sat in front of the vanity, coming the last of the tangles out of her freshly dried hair. "I suppose you found it funny when I came back here looking like a drowned rat and reeking of chlorine." "It was amusing." "Amusing!" Natasha frowned at the mirror. "And I suppose you found that horrible slander those four were spreading about me amusing as well?" "You made an ass of yourself in front of the entire assembly of vampires, not to mention the Council. It's about time you were shocked out of your shoes. You're lucky I let you back into my hotel room. I'm so embarrassed right now, I could turn pure crimson." Natasha turned in her chair, watching her lover lounge across the bed. "You don't believe me, do you?" "I don't believe you as far as I can throw you. If anyone does, it should be me who knows how petty and catty you are. What you're doing isn't right. And since you don't seem to realize that, being sent to my winter home should be appropriate punishment for you. Maybe the lack of servants will teach you something." "But I don't like Australia!" "You'll learn to like it. You don't have a choice." "Hmmph!" She put down the brush. "You want to talk about not doing right, talk to that whore Anton's married. I didn't think he was so delusional as to believe that he could have *actually* gotten her pregnant." "From what I've been told, it's very legitimate. Some would say a miracle to our kind. So if you have *any* ideas about harming that child, stop them now. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to stop those thoughts for you. And I think you know I'm very capable of doing so, with or without council approval." Natasha looked insulted. "I may live by a looser interpretation of our laws, but wouldn't hurt a child. You should know that." She got up and walked over to the bed. "Please, let's not fight," she said as she knelt on the bed beside her lover. "If I have to be sent away from you and leave the country tomorrow, I'd like to have some pleasant memories to see me through those lonely days." "I hate to point it out, darling, but you weren't at all worried about harming the child when you tried to poison his mother...or when you cut the brakes on her car. It was only fate that you were unsuccessful." Sitting up, Natasha's lover brushed her hair away from her face, meeting her gaze squarely. "I wasn't born yesterday, not by a million years. I'll admit that sometimes your evil ways amuse me...but not this time, Natasha. The implications now are far too serious." "I don't believe it! They actually have you believing them!" Natasha shook her head in wonderment and disgust. "You, of all people, should know that we cannot have children. It's never happened before, and it will never happen." "I think it's up to me what will never happen again, Natasha, and my only entry on that list is you being a nuisance. I mean it. Your next mistake will be your last. And that includes ever wearing that awful dress you wore to the Council meeting last night! Why did you even bother wearing clothes at all?" "Oh, you know you loved it, Lilith," Natasha said, seductively crawling closer. She kissed the Empress full on the mouth, lingering to suck on her lower lip. "Did I ever tell you how sexy you are when you give orders? It really turns me on." "God, Nate. Remind me never to wear those heels again. My blisters have blisters." Lindy slipped off the shoes and walked into the bathroom to take off her makeup and remove the brown wig she was wearing. The costume ball had been lighthearted fun, and the perfect ending to the Gathering. They had stopped by their parents room earlier, but weren't surprised to find it was empty. Tonight was the full moon as well as Halloween, so the werewolves, their son included, were out cavorting in the dark. "It still feels weird, Nate. Like I should be out there with them." "We can still go with them if you want," he called out, his voice muffled. She could hear him rifling around in the suitcase as he removed his cufflinks and kicked off his shoes. He stumbled towards the bathroom, mumbling several obscenities along the way. True, he was slightly intoxicated...but his real problem was a lot 'bigger'. "Or maybe you'd rather stay here with a different kind of snarling beast?" "What kind of snarling beast?" Lindy undid the bun that had been holding her hair beneath the wig. She shook her head, enjoying the feeling of her hair flipping back and forth, finally free. She walked out of the bathroom, took one look at Nate, and leaned against the doorjamb, smiling. "Nate, why are you still wearing that Beast head?" "'Cause I'm not sure I can get it off," he said, his voice still muffled under the well-padded head. "It was tight when I put it on. Now that I've gotten all sweaty and hot, it may not come off at all." He put his hand on her shoulder, his claw-gloved fingers wrapping around her flesh. He was grinning, even though she couldn't see it. "Besides, don't you think I'm sexy?" He lifted his other hand, clawing at the air menacingly. "Rowrrr!" She giggled a little. "Very sexy, Nate. But let's see if we can get this costume off." She guided him over by the bed and took the mask in her hands. "When I say three, pull backwards. One...two...three!" Instead, Nate pushed forward. Lindy gasped, laughing as she fell backwards onto the bed. By accident or design, Nate landed on top of her, costume still firmly in place. "You did that on purpose!" she squealed. "Come on, don't you want to give the Beast a big sloppy kiss? I know he's your favorite. Besides, how else do you expect to turn me into a prince? The clock is ticking, babe. Pretty soon midnight will come and the spell with be broken." She grinned. "Midnight has already come and gone...besides, that's Cinderella you're talking about." "I thought Cinderella was with Prince Charming?" "No, that was Snow White." He shook his enormous head. "So who the hell gives it up to the Beast?" "Belle, of course. Why do you think the story is called *Beauty* and the Beast?" "I thought he had a beauty of a cock. The way he filled out those tight pants, he has to be very well hung." She grinned saucily at him. "So that's why you were so enthusiastic when I suggested these costumes." "Well, I fit the part. The most important part." Again he grinned, forgetting she couldn't see it. "Come on, give the Beast a big kiss. You know you want to." She knew exactly what he meant, but decided to tease him a little. "And have to pay to get the costume dry cleaned? I don't think so." "Well, then help me take this thing off...it's getting hard to breathe in here." "Yes, sir." She took the mask in her hands again and pulled again. "Geez, Nate. How did you manage to get it on in the first place?" Trying to get some leverage, she wrapped a leg tightly around his waist as she pulled at his costume. "Ow! I don't know, but that hurts. Try shifting it from side to side." He pushed himself away from her as she pulled, but only managed to get dragged back and forth as she tried twisting it off. Letting out a loud sigh, he relaxed again. "We may need to get a saw." "There's got to be something..." Frowning she started to run her fingers over the back of the mask. "Wait a minute... there's a catch back here. No wonder we're not able to get it off." She undid the catch which added slack to the tight fitting costume. "You got this on with the catch closed?" she asked, pulling the mask over his head. He let out a breath, then shivered as the cooler air hit his sweaty head. "I guess so. I just thought maybe I was well-endowed everywhere." He stood up and walked into the bathroom, grabbing a towel to dry his hair. As he headed back into the bedroom, hair standing on end, he said, "Now that we got that off...wanna get it on?" Lindy grinned at him, sinking further back into the bed and spread her legs a bit wider. "Since when have I said no to my big, bad beast?" Her grin got wider as he climbed on the bed, crawling up her body. He knelt between her knees, pulling off his blue velvet coat and tossing it to the floor. He loosened a few buttons on his fancy ruffled shirt as well, before leaning forward to kiss her deeply. Fingers roaming over the low neck of her dress, he squeezed her breasts lightly in his hands. She arched under his touch, pushing herself more firmly into his hands. She kissed him back, her hands stroking over his back, occasionally dipping down to his ass to give it a gentle squeeze. Eventually her hands slid around to his chest to undo the rest of the buttons on his shirt. He pushed his hand under her back, pulling down her zipper. He pulled her bodice down with his other hand, circling her nipple with his thumb. His hips thrusted lightly against her pelvis, rubbing them together through the fabric of their clothes. She whimpered slightly, pulling him tighter against her. She worked his shirt over his head, sighing at the feel of bare skin on bare skin. Dark hair tousled, eyes dilated, and lips swollen, she could barely take her eyes off of him. "God, Nate, you're so beautiful." He let out a soft moan, still circling her nipple, before leaning in to suck her entire areola into his mouth. She gasped and arched against him, her legs falling open limply as his hand slid down her body. He teased her for a moment, rubbing his finger around her navel repeatedly, before slowly slipping his hand inside her panties. She let out soft whimper as his fingers combed through her pubic hair. Her nails dug into his back, and then relaxed when he spread her sex open to lightly caress her. He dipped her fingers into her moisture and then withdrew his hand to spread it over her other nipple. Areola popping out of his mouth, he moved to her other breast to lap her juices off of her. "Mmm..." He slid his hand back into her panties, rubbing his fingers against the lips of her sex as he continued to clean her breast. His eyes were closed, his mouth slightly curved in a smile--in pure bliss. Circling her clit with his thumb, he chuckled against her as she cried out and bucked her hips. She wrapped her hand over his head, trying to pull him closer. She gave another moan as he continued to move his fingers between her legs. Her lips were also curved in a smile as he continued to suckle at her. "Sit up, baby." As she pushed herself up, he slid her costume down her arms and to her hips, waiting for her to lift up so he could tug the dress all the way off. He wasn't satisfied until she was completely nude. He gave her a wicked grin before spreading her legs wider and sliding down to wedge his shoulder between her thighs. Sliding his hands under her ass, he lifted her to his mouth. Feasting on her sex. Lindy's eyes rolled back into her head. Breathing heavily, she tried to push up with her legs, but couldn't get any leverage. She shuddered as his tongue flicked against her clit before stabbing deep inside of her. She gripped the sheets below her in a white knuckled fist. He wiggled his tongue inside of her, making her squeal. Breathing in deeply, savoring her scent, he tried to make this moment last as long as he could. As much as he liked making her orgasm, his motives were more selfish this time. He loved the taste of her, the texture of her sex beneath his tongue. The beautiful sight of her folds, swollen and pink, opening for him in anticipation. He lapped at the pool of moisture gathering at the mouth of her vagina, moaning at the rich flavor in his mouth. He could've continued all day, if she'd let him. She arched again beneath him, moaning loudly. She could feel the contractions of her orgasm start, even though she was trying to hold back. She squealed, thrashing her head against the mattress. "Nathaniel!" He moved up to flick repeatedly at her clit, strengthening and prolonging her orgasm as much as he could. As she started to settle, quivering lightly, he returned to lapping at her sex, pushing his tongue inside of her, holding tightly on to her hips. She took a deep breath, coming down from her high. She could still feel him lapping at her, in gentle waves. Eyes slitted, she looked down at him, an evil smile sliding along her face. "Your turn, Nathaniel.' He was tempted to continue on as if he hadn't heard her, but it was nearly impossible. His cock twitched in anticipation, pulsing against the zipper of his slacks. Pushing up to his hands and knees, he crawled up her body and kissed her mouth. Teasing her tongue with his as he wrapped his arms around her and rolled onto his back. His hands slid down to squeeze her ass, gently kneading the tight flesh. Lindy kissed him back, rubbing her hands up and down his sides. Raising to her hands and knees, she began to kiss his chin, his neck, and downwards. She paused to nibble the at his collarbones. One hand slipped down to undo his zipper, and then slid inside to stroke the hard length of him. He grunted, thrusting himself into her hand. Dimly, in the back of his mind, he knew they didn't have much time...Lindy's parents would be bringing Liam back before sunrise. But at the moment, he couldn't bring himself to care. He tangled his fingers in her hair, holding her close, deeply kissing her mouth. Pressing her chest to his and marveling at her softness. After one last deep kiss, she sat back on her haunches. She pushed her hair back over her shoulders so his view of her wasn't obstructed. Smiling tenderly at him, she started tugging his slacks and briefs down his legs. Laying on her side next to him, she propped her head up on her arm. Hooded eyes locked on his face, she gently ran her nails along the inside of his thigh, back of her hand lightly brushing his balls. He let his head fall back against the pillows, groaning softly. He bent the leg furthest from her, pressing his foot down on the comforter, pushing his groin even closer to her. His cock bounced eagerly, and light shudder ran through him as her touches drew closer to his balls. Switching to the pads of her fingers, she lightly traced over his balls, exploring him gently. She loved the texture of his skin, the sounds he made as she stroked him, the smell of him, watching his cock bob in anticipation. as she moved her fingers from his balls to stroke along the prominent vein. She gave a little gasp as she watched the pearly bead of precum form. She leaned down to lap at the head of his cock, before engulfing it between her lips. "Ahhh!" He threw his head back, his neck straining and teeth clenching as he tried to keep from cumming on the spot. His fingers tangled in the sheets, clenching and unclenching in uneven rhythm. "Jeez...Lind..." He swallowed heavily, quietly regaining control of his equilibrium. "You're trying to kill me, aren't you?" She pulled off his cock long enough to answer. "I thought you were already dead." She then licked up his length before swallowing him again. She bobbed her head up and down in quick strokes, sucking him firmly while her fingers toyed with his balls. "Uhhnn...Lind, get up here," he said, quickly pulling her mouth off his cock. She pulled away with a slurp, frowning at him. Instead of explaining himself, he pushed her onto her back and quickly mounted her. He moaned loudly as he pushed inside of her, freezing in place the second he was fully imbedded. He shuddered, nipping lightly at her shoulder, urging her to remain still. Her arms went around his back, holding him tightly. She felt stretched to capacity. She pressed her lips to his forehead, her nails lightly digging into his skin. Her breathing was slow and regular. "What do you want me to do?" she whispered. "Just hold on," he said, as he slowly started thrusting. He pressed down hard against her pelvis, grinding the base of his cock against her clit with every pass. He dug his elbows into the mattress for leverage, lifting her hips off the bed with each thrust. "God, baby, you feel so good." "Mmmmm." Lindy arched beneath him, getting turned on again. She continued to gently scratch at his back, fingers tracing down his spine. Reaching his ass, she grabbed each cheek, letting her legs fall wider apart. He pressed his forehead against hers, speeding up his movements. He didn't want to feel like a fool cumming so soon, but he wasn't sure he could hold back much longer. He was shaking almost continuously, his movements becoming erratic. Slipping his hand between them, trying to stimulate her clit as much as he could, he gave a few more sharp thrusts before whining in orgasm. She trembled beneath him, a second orgasm rippling through her. She clutched him tighter against her. Lindy's eyes drifted shut as her breathing came closer to normal. "Mmmm." One hand came up to tangle in his hair, cradling the back of his head. He buried his face against her neck, going limp on top of her. He reached for the covers, as a shiver rippled through him, tucking them both in to warmth. Kissing her shoulder, he hugged her tightly. "I'm sorry I couldn't last longer, Lind. I wanted it to be better. It feels like we hardly ever have a chance to make love now that we have Liam. Now he's going to be back any minute." "Shhh...it's okay. You were wonderful, Nate." She continued to stroke his head. "Things will be easier when he gets a little older." Lindy pressed her lips to his forehead. "Do you want me to ask my parents if they can keep him for the day?" "No, I want to see him. Besides, I think we've asked enough of them on this trip already." He stifled a small yawn. "I'll make it up to you when we get home, okay? We'll be able to just put Liam in his crib when he falls asleep and then do whatever we want. Sounds good to me." "That does sound good." She gently nuzzled his cheek. "But don't feel that you have to make anything up to me, Nate. You were wonderful, and you always are." Bryn sat down on the edge of the bed, then sank back to the mattress, groaning, knocking her headdress askew. Unlike Nate and Lindy, they'd had to stay longer at the party, while several of the Council members talked to Anton about his ideas for the future. Rather than having a last minute meeting before leaving the next evening, they decided to finish their business at the costume party. Bryn had been bored to tears. Now, finally in the hotel room, she glanced over at Anton and said, "I'm so glad we're leaving tomorrow." "Yes, it's definitely time for us to go home. I think we've been through enough for one trip." Anton sat on the bed next to her, then leaned down to lay beside her. "I'm sorry about getting called away, my dear. Hopefully that won't happen again any time soon." "That's okay. Had a chance to catch up on my eating. It's a good thing I didn't have pants on, or I would've had to unbutton them." She smiled, her lips closed, and rolled on her side to face him. "Tell me a story." "What do you mean?" he asked, arching an eyebrow. "I don't know. I just felt like talking to you. Tell me a fantasy. Or tell me what celebrity you'd like to meet if you could. Or tell me about your idea of a perfect vacation. Anything, it doesn't matter." "Let's see...." He reached out to caress the side of her face. "I've never been to Alaska, and would some day like to go. It's supposed to be beautiful up there, the glaciers, the northern lights, the mountains. But the few times I've looked into it, it was a little difficult to schedule travel during the dark. So I haven't gone." "They have cruises to Alaska, you know. I'm pretty sure they leave from California, too." She laid her head against the comforter, reaching her hand over to rest on his chest. "Okay, what celebrity would like to meet and why? And if it had absolutely no effect on our relationship at all--like if I didn't exist-- and if you wouldn't feel guilty, would you sleep with that person?" Anton thought for a few minutes. "Angelina Jolie. Just to ask her if half the rumors you read about her and her husband are true. And she also sort of reminds me of you. And if you didn't exist and I wouldn't feel guilty about it, yes. I would sleep with her. Now how about you? Who would you pick?" "Brad Pitt, of course!" She grinned at him. "I mean, obviously he's gorgeous, but it's more than that. He's funny, he's charming, he can act. He loves his wife very much, is dedicated to his career...actually, he's starting to sound a little like someone I know. Would I sleep with him? I can't decide. I think it might take a little of the mystery out of him. Still, it would only be once, so why the hell not?" She scooted closer, until she was lying perpendicular to him, then maneuvered until she was facing him with her head on his chest. "All right...now tell me a fantasy. Something wild and sexy. Like...I used to have this irrational fear whenever went to a Chinese food restaurant when I was little. I was afraid to go to the bathroom because I thought some weird Samurai guy was going to jump out from behind the door and chop me into pieces with his big sword." She grinned, letting out a small giggle as he laughed out loud. "Only, now, I have this fantasy that the Samurai guy really does jump out at me, but instead of chopping me up, he pulls out an entirely different 'big sword' and screws me against the restroom wall until the whole restaurant hears me screaming." Anton grinned at her. "That sounds delightfully twisted, my dear. As for myself," Anton said as he closed his eyes. "I'm driving late at night and I get pulled over by a female officer. She makes me get out of the car. Apparently I match the description of an armed and dangerous suspect, so she frisks me for weapons. Repeatedly." "Mmm...little does she know that you are armed and dangerous. Just not with any weapons she can see." She licked her lips, then breathed in deeply to enjoy his scent. "What does she look like? Do you see her face? In my fantasy, the Samurai has a mask on and I never see his face." "Not really. She's a motorcycle cop, so she's got a helmet on, as well as sunglasses." Anton gave her a lopsided grin. "Don't ask me why a cop on the graveyard shift is wearing sunglasses." She watched him for a moment. "Would you tell me if you had a fantasy where you did see the woman's face? Or maybe if you had a fantasy about someone you know, other than me?" "Yes, I would." He gently reached forward and stroked her hair back. "For that year apart, it was you I fantasized about. Before that, I didn't so much fantasize as remember times with previous wives. Maybe I'm not normal, Bryn, but when I find a woman that I love, she becomes my obsession. I'm so busy thinking of her, I usually don't have time thinking of anyone else." He leaned back, expression serious. "How about you, Bryn? Would you tell me?" She nodded, her gaze softening a bit. "Sometimes I have fantasies about actors. And in high school I used to have a lot of fantasies about my history teacher. Every once in a while, I might think about what it would be like to be with a stranger. But mostly I think about us. The things you do to me. The way you look at me. The way you make me feel. How much you love me. My reality is so much better than a fantasy could ever be." She pressed her lips together, then took a deep breath. "Am I really your obsession?" "Yes," he whispered and then pressed his lips to her temple. "I can barely keep my mind off of you when I'm away from you. I ache for your embrace. I live for the way your face lights up when I step in the door. You are the goddess of my heart, and the keeper of my soul, Sabryn.: She smiled brightly at him, before crawling up to lie beside him and kiss his mouth. "Good, 'cause you're mine, too." She sat up, pulling loose the pins that held her headdress and false hair in place. She placed the pins on the side table, then tossed the caul and braid onto a nearby chair. "Well, I'm wearing medieval clothes...are they what you'd hoped for?" "Everything...and more." He leaned forward to kiss her. He pulled her lower lip into his mouth, nipping and sucking on it. When he pulled away, his breath was coming faster. He had a pleased expression as he took in her flushed face and swollen lips. He leaned over to whisper in her ear, and then lick at her earlobe. "Did I live up to your expectation, my dear?" "Yes," she said, softly. She slipped her hand up his thigh, lightly squeezing the black velvet codpiece he wore. "But you always do, Romeo." She arched an eyebrow at him as she felt how well he filled out the little pouch covering his groin. "This thing is almost too small to fit you. And believe me, every woman in that room, single and married, was staring at you tonight. I was beginning to wonder if I'd need to use the dagger on my thigh to keep them at bay." He grinned at her, sliding his hand over her skirt. "Thanks for warning me. I wouldn't want to cut myself." His hand traveled further upwards, tracing over the bodice. "I've been fighting the urge to grope you all night." Cupping one of her breasts, he gently squeezed. She let out a soft moan, leaning into his touch. "You could've swept me away into a closet or something. I would've let you have your way with me." She grinned at him as she started unlacing his jerkin, the vest-like garment he wore over the oversized shirt. "Maybe it's just some weird deja vu thing, but I feel like I've taken these clothes off of you before." "You have, Bryn." His hand then slipped around her back to start undoing the laces. "There were many times we've done this." He leaned forward to kiss her as he continued to free her from her dress. "Can you remember any of the times before, my dear?" She leaned forward, so he didn't have to reach so far, pressing her nose against his neck. "I remember..." She let out a surprised giggle, meeting his gaze. "I remember you pulling my dress up in the barn, taking me against the wall while the horses went wild in their stalls. I grabbed fists full of your blue tunic, and bit the collar of your shirt to keep from screaming." He laughed. "That was in Spain. Maria...you and I had just come back from a ride." Anton began pulling her dress over her head. "We had been teasing each other the entire ride, and I finally had enough when you smacked my ass as I walked by." He nuzzled her neck, placing kisses along her jaw. "You've always been able to get me to forget everything but burying my hard cock in your wet sex, my dear." "How flattering," she said, her voice playful. She lifted up a bit, pulling her chemise up to her hips, revealing her stockings and the dagger strapped with a leather cord to her thigh. Pulling the chemise the rest of the way off, she let him see that she'd worn nothing else underneath. She reached up to touch the side of his face. "Do you remember when I was so upset on our honeymoon? I think, although I didn't know it at the time, that part of the reason I was so upset was because I wanted you to remember me. To recognize me. You were so busy grieving that you didn't see me standing right in front of you." Anton continued kissing her neck. "And I should have. There were so many little clues I should have picked up on earlier." He stroked her stomach, pausing to feel Max kick against his hand. "See? Even Max agrees that I was stupid for not realizing it earlier." His hands then moved up to cup her breasts, thumbs brushing over her nipples. "Can you forgive me for that, Bryn?" She closed her eyes, shuddering lightly. "Yes." She pulled his jerkin off his shoulders, then started tugging his shirt up and over his head. "If you really believe it's true." She met his gaze with slightly saddened eyes. "Sometimes I don't really think it is. I feel like I'm making these things up, and I don't know why." "You're not making this up, Bryn. You know too many details that I haven't told you for you to be making it up. Things that only myself and my wives knew." He continued to stroke her skin, gently exploring. "I believe this is true. And I am eternally grateful to Whomever is making sure we keep finding each other." He leaned down to take her in another heart stopping kiss. She returned his kiss wholeheartedly, holding on to him tightly and pressing their chests together. Even when the kiss ended, she pulled him closer and hugged him. "Ya tebya liubliu. Ti amo. Te amo. Je t'aime. Ich liebe Dich. I love you. I've always loved you." Anton's eyes teared up slightly, and he continued to kiss her. "I've always loved you too, my dear." He freed himself from the velvet codpiece and stripped off his leggings. Nipping at her lips, he guided one of her hands to his hard cock. "How do you want me, Bryn?" She stroked him firmly, loving the way his hips lifted to follow her hand. "I want you behind me, with us lying on our sides. I love having you curled around me." She lifted up her leg, bending her knee. "Will you take off the dagger?" Anton ran his fingers up her thigh, tickling lightly. Untying the leather strap, he pulled the knife away. He then settled behind her, pulling her back tightly against his chest. His hips cradled her ass almost perfectly. One hand gently began cupping her breasts again, measuring their weight. His head dipped to kiss the back of her neck, tongue lightly tracing around the hickey he gave her the night before. "Mmm." She scooted back against him, wiggling her ass against his cock. Bryn slid her hands up and down his thighs, before reaching behind him to squeeze his ass. "I'm having quite nice fantasy right now. We're in the Middle Ages, you've just caught me trespassing on your property. Worse yet, I'm hunting in your forest, a crime punishable by death. And yet, instead of killing me on the spot, you've taken me back to your cabin in the woods...determined that I will pay, by letting you use me any way you want." Anton grinned, forgetting that Bryn couldn't see him. "And trust me you will pay." His hand gently began probing between her legs. "Poaching is a very serious offense. It may take you more than one time to pay off your debt to me." His fingers found her clit, and gently began to circle around it, never quite touching her directly. She squirmed, opening her legs wider and hooking her calf behind his. She rotated her hips to follow his movements, which caused her ass to rub against him harder and excite him more. "You can do anything you want with me. I'm completely at your mercy. Will you keep me locked up in your cabin, never knowing just when you'll arrive to ravish me? Or will you take me back to your castle and make me your sex slave?" Anton grabbed his cock, rubbing the head of it back and forth against her perineum. "Hmm...both have possibilities. Here in the cabin, I can make you scream without worrying about anyone hearing. But back at he castle, the dungeon presents an interesting place to play. Not to mention I could take you any time I wanted." He pushed his cock into her, biting his lip from the intensity of her clamping down on him. "Oh yeah," he whispered in her ear, his finger moving a little faster around her clit. "It's definitely going to take more than one time to appease my wrath." She gasped, her fingernails digging into the sheet below them. Pushing her hips back against him, she reached back with one hand to pull him tighter against her. Unwilling to release him. "I'll be awfully cold and lonely in the dungeon," she whispered. "I'll be at the guards' whim...they could come in and rape me if you aren't careful. Are you sure you really want to share?" She glanced back at him, giving him a sly grin. "I know I don't want to share. So it looks like it's the cabin for you. The problem will be making sure you don't leave when I'm gone. " He got a sly grin of his own. "Guess I'll just have fuck you until you can't walk." She let out a whimper. "I think I'll have to do something to change your mind so you'll take me to the castle instead. If you chained me to your bed and kept the only key yourself, I'd be so grateful I'd do anything to please you." "Hmmm." Anton continued to thrust slowly into her. "I like the sound of that. I could keep the key on a chain around my neck. You'd be in my bed, warm and safe and easily accessible, instead of that cold dungeon." He leaned forward to kiss her neck below her ear. "And how would you show your gratitude?" She reached between her legs, her fingertips caressing his balls and the base of his cock. "I'd give you a thorough tongue bath whenever you wished." She bit her lip, her breathing becoming more rapid. "I'd wake you by sucking your cock every day, swallowing every drop of cum you gave me. And I'd let you use my body however you wanted." He hissed, moving his fingers to directly caress her clit. "I'd definitely bring you back to my castle then. And when the debt was paid? What would you do when I unlock your chains and tell you you're free to go where you will?" Her thighs shaking, she rocked her hips slowly. Her touch on his balls became firmer, lightly squeezing. "I wouldn't go...mmm...I want you to fall in love with me. I'd do anything to make you love me." He moaned, pushing harder and faster into her. "And I would. The reason I hadn't killed you when I caught you is that I fell hard for you when I first saw you." His breathing was heavy, and his other hand cupped her breast, fingers pinching her nipple lightly. "Show me how much you love me, Bryn." She gasped, shoving back against him, squeezing him tightly inside of her. Opening her legs wider, she gave his fingers better access, letting his touch push her over the edge, panting with the need for release. "Oh, uh, ahhh...Anton! Ohhh, God, Anton!" She clamped down hard around him, shuddering with her orgasm, a strange surge of emotion bringing tears to her eyes. "Yesss, love me, love me, Anton..." He let out a loud groan, feeling her spasm around his cock. "God, Bryn!" His eyes rolled up into the back of his head as he came, shooting deep into her. Panting heavily, he buried his head in her shoulder, lightly kissing her skin. "Love you so much, Bryn," he whispered. Still shaking, she pulled his arm tighter around her and snuggled into his embrace. But it wasn't long before she needed more, needed to hug him in return, and she turned in his embrace to wrap her arms tightly around his torso. She squeezed him, pressing her face against his neck. Trembling lightly. "I love you more than anything, Anton." He gently stroked her shoulders and her back. He pressed his lips to the top of her head. "My dear goddess of my heart and keeper of my soul." 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