Chapter Seventy-eight

It was nearly 3am by the time they pulled into the driveway. Bryn stretched, softly groaning, then smiled as she squeezed Anton's thigh. The cruise, and the entire evening, had been wonderful, but she couldn't wait to see Max. Neither of them had been away from the baby for more than an hour since he was born. It had been hard to leave him, even if it was with his uncle.

They pulled to a stop in front of Nate and Lindy's home. She waited for Anton to open her door, then got out of the car and kissed him deeply.

"Thank you so much for tonight. I loved it, and I love--"

She gasped, her gaze flying to the balcony above her brother-in-law's front door. Although she could barely hear it, she knew the screaming sound would be much louder indoors. "Oh my God, is that Max?"

Anton looked up as well. "It sounds like him. He and Bryn opened the door and went into the house. In addition to Max's screams, he could make out Liam whimpering as well. The living room and the kitchen were both empty, leaving upstairs. He doubted he would be heard above the children's cry as they headed towards the stairs, but he had to try. "Nathaniel? Lindy?"

Bryn didn't give a damn about where they were. Horrified by Max's hoarse cries, she took the stairs two at a time, nearly breaking her leg in the heels she wore, her breasts leaking more with every step she took. She was nearly in tears herself when she finally found him, lying in the middle of the bed, face red and swollen, his fists waving in the air. She let out a sob and reached for him, feeling how wet he was. "I'm sorry, sweetie. It's okay, shh...Mommy's here...please don't cry..."

"If this is their idea of taking care of the kids, I am personally going to kill them." Seeing that Max was wet, he grabbed the diaper bag that was sitting by the door. he pulled out a diaper and handed it to Bryn, who was undoing Max's sleeper. He looked out on the balcony but only saw the assembled telescope. "Where the hell are they?" Taking the soiled diaper Bryn handed him, he walked to the bathroom to toss it in the diaper pail.

She shook her head, sniffling, and finished taping Max's diaper into place. "You should pick up Liam. He's upset, too. I can't *believe* they did this! If I weren't so upset, I'd be breaking something right now." Removing Max's wet clothes, she got out a new set of pajamas and redressed him. Still crying but trying to calm down, the baby snuggled tight against her and began rooting as she lowered the bodice of her dress. "I know you're hungry, baby. I'm hurrying."

"I'll be right back, Bryn." He crossed the hall and went into Liam's room, to find the boy standing up in his crib, crying and in the same state as Max. He picked up the boy and placed him on the changing table. "Shh, Liam, it's okay," he soothed as he changed the boy's diaper. Once the boy was dry, Anton picked him up and settled him against his shoulder. Liam let out a quiet whimper, and snuggled against the vampire, seeking comfort. "Let's go find your dad, and rip him a new one for leaving you like this."

When he returned to the room, Max was suckling noisily and grunting with every swallow. Bryn looked up to see Anton holding Liam and frowned. "Is he all right?"

"He is now. I'm going to go look around the house, see if I can find Lindy and Nathaniel."

She nodded. "We'll be down just as soon as he's finished." She was quiet for a moment, then spoke just before Anton headed for the door. "Something has to be wrong, Anton. They wouldn't normally leave Liam alone, let alone Max. What if--" She swallowed heavily. "What if that werewolf was here--is still here?"

"I don't think everything would be so undisturbed if he were here. But still..." He put Liam down on the bed. The boy whimpered and lifted his arms, clearly afraid. Without hesitation, Anton picked him back up. "Do you want to go look for him with me, or do you want to wait here, Bryn?"

"I think I'd feel better if I went with you."

"All right. I'll wait." He sat down next to her on the bed, reaching over to gently stroke Max's hair. The baby was too hungry to notice. "I'm glad we got here when we did."

She nodded. "I wonder how long they were crying. It makes me sick to even think about it."

"Me too." He bounced Liam a little higher on his shoulder. The boy was starting to settle down, but Anton was starting to become agitated. "Something must be very, very wrong. They wouldn't have left the babies alone. They would have one of the other werewolves watch over them."

Switching breasts, Bryn nodded. "Why don't you call over to their house and see if anyone's home? They might not know what's going on."

"Okay." He picked up the phone beside the bed and dialed the werewolves' home. He wasn't expecting the greeting he got when someone picked up the phone. "Lindy?!?"

"No, Jess." He heard the worry and the fear in her voice clearly. "What's wrong?"

Jess's voice was terse, her words clipped. "Lindy went to work at 8 PM. She said that she'd be back by 9:30 and she hasn't been seen since. Alex is driving the route she takes. Walter and Chandra are checking the fence where Marrok came under. Amanda and I are hoping that she'll call soon."

"But where's Nathaniel? The babies were here, alone."

Jess sighed. "He was there an hour ago when we left. I don't think he was in a state to go too far. Look, I want to keep this line free. I'll send Amanda over if you need some help with the kids."

"Okay. I'll look for Nate." Anton hung up the phone and turned to Bryn, eyes troubled. "Lindy's missing."

"They're both missing."

"No, Nathaniel is here somewhere. Lindy's really missing. Since 9:30 at least."

"Wha--how?" Seeing that Max was starting to fall back to sleep, Bryn gently detached him and tied her bodice back into place. "Wasn't she here with Nate?"

He shook his head. "She went to the warehouse."

"Has anyone called there? Maybe she's just still working, or fell asleep or something?"

"Everyone is looking for her. They have to have called there. I'm sure it's the first place Nathaniel thought to look."

Lifting Max up onto her shoulder, she nodded towards the door. "Let's go find Nate."

Still carrying Liam, who let out the occasional sniff, Bryn and Anton went downstairs. The rechecked the kitchen and the living room. No sign of Nathaniel there. Same with the guest room, which still had some of their things in it. "I guess that leaves the back porch," Anton said. They went back through the kitchen, and pushed open the door. "Nathaniel?"

They didn't get an answer. Looking out beyond the patio, closer to the shadowy woods, Bryn said, "Out there." She pointed. "I thought I saw something move."

Anton nodded, taking her hand and leading the way. They walked around the fenced pool, stepping over the flower bed before walking across the field to where Nate was standing. He looked more agitated the clearer his face became. He paced back and forth, his cellular phone pressed to his ear.

"Don't give a damn about your 24 hours! My wife is missing! She left work over five hours ago, on her way home. She called me before she left and now she's gone! Do something!"

Anton watched as Nathaniel hung up the phone in disgust. He stepped forward, hoping to catch his attention. "Nathaniel, what is going on?"

His younger brother didn't look up at him. "He got to her," Nathaniel muttered. "He had to. She wouldn't just leave."

"Nathaniel," Anton said more forcefully. He waited until Nate looked at him. "We got home and found the babies in the house, wet, hungry and scared. Jess said something about Lindy being missing. What happened?"

Breathing heavily, Nate turned back to watch the woods. "She's just gone. Disappeared." He grabbed the back of his neck, squeezing. "Doesn't answer the phone. He's behind this. I know it."

Liam, seeing his daddy, made little grunting noises and reached towards Nathaniel. "Nathaniel," Anton said, trying to keep the boy from leaping from his arms. "We'll find her," he said. "But your son needs you."

Nate turned back to face him, about to tell him to stop bothering him. He wasn't really listening to Anton. He hadn't clearly heard a word the man said. But asÊNate saw Liam reaching for him, he snapped out of the fog he was in and plucked the boy out of Anton's arms. He squeezed him tight to his body, tears in his eyes and panic in his heart. "We'll find Mommy," he whispered. He couldn't help but wonder if they really would.

"Yes we will," Anton reassured him. Looking back at Bryn, he gestured with his head towards the house. "It's not good for Liam or Max to be out here in the cold. Let's go inside, and explain to us what happened.Ó

Reluctant and a little slow to move, Nate eventually wandered back to the house with them. Even when they were inside and the door was closed, he didn't let go of Liam. He sank down on the couch, looking lost, his gaze continually skipping to the telephone on the side table.

Sitting down on the opposite couch, Bryn looked uncertainly at Anton. "Do you think there's anything we can do?"

"I don't know." He turned to Nathaniel. The younger vampire looked absolutely miserable, clinging to Liam as if he were afraid the boy would be snatched out of his arms as well. "What happened, Nathaniel? When did you last hear from her? Did she make it to the warehouse?"

His gaze slithered to Anton's with serpentine slowness, and he blinked once. "I don't know. She called at 9:20, on her way home. Then nothing."

Bryn reached for Anton's hand, squeezing lightly. "I know Alex is already looking for her, but maybe you should go out too? Maybe she took a different route, or got a flat tire...something. I could stay here with Nate and watch the kids."

Before Nate could answer, the front door opened. There was a glimmer of hope in his eyes. Anton looked over to see Walter coming in, followed by Chandra. "He hasn't been back under the fence. No sign of him."

Anton watched Nathaniel's face fall further. He didn't expect Skinner to turn to him and Bryn. "We've been trying to call you all night. Where have you been?"

"We were out on the Bay, having dinner," Anton said a bit defensively. "I left the cell phone in the car."

Feeling defensive herself, Bryn said, "Why didn't one of you stay here with the kids? You knew Nate wasn't in any condition to watch them. When we got here, he was outside and the babies were upstairs screaming. They were both wet and scared...who knows how long they would've stayed that way if we hadn't arrived."

Chandra looked at her guiltily. "I'm sorry. We thought they'd be okay. They were sleeping when we left..." She glanced at Walter. "I should've stayed, or asked Amanda to come over here."

"Jess was here when we left. I'm sorry," Walter apologized. "None of us are thinking clearly at the moment." Walter's cell phone rang and he opened it as he raised it to his ear. "Yes?" There was a pause of a few seconds. "Where? You're sure it's hers?" Another pause, and Walter put down the phone. "It's Alex. He found Lindy's car ten minutes from here. Do you want to talk to him, Nate?"

Nate shook his head and stood up. He walked around the couch and into the kitchen, grabbing the keys to his Viper off the hook in the kitchen. He seemed completely unaware that he was still holding Liam with one hand. "Tell him I'm on my way. I'll take my phone in case she--anyone calls."

"You're not going anywhere alone, Nathaniel." Standing up and following him, Anton blocked his path before he was able to go to the garage. "Leave Liam here with Bryn and Chandra. We'll go together." Before Nathaniel could protest, Anton continued. "You're in no condition to drive, and you won't do her any good if you get in an accident."

Finally, Nate nodded and carried Liam back to Chandra. He kissed the boy on the cheek and hugged him tightly. "I'll be back, buddy, I promise." He stroked Liam's cheek before handing him over. Liam, still feeling insecure, started to cry and reached for his Daddy again. Nate squeezed his eyes shut, kissing his son on the top of his head, then turned around to walk towards the garage. If not for his determination to get to Lindy's car, to look for any possible clue to where she was, he might've broken down as well.

He passed his keys over to Anton as he neared, never slowing his step. "Let's go."

Anton pocketed the keys. "We're taking my car." He was worried when Nate didn't protest, but meekly nodded. [Nathaniel never meekly nods.] He looked over at Walter. "We'll call you when we get there."

Bryn wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea of them leaving. There was no telling what they might encounter. She stood up and followed them out to the car, unbeknownst to Anton, keeping Max close to her body. She watched as Nate nervously got in the passenger's side and sat down, practically powering the car with his own need to get moving. As Anton walked around the driver's side, Bryn said, across the roof of the car, "Please be careful. And call us when you can."

"We will, Bryn." He paused for a moment. "You might want to go check on Jess. She can't be in much better shape. And stay close to the werewolves until we figure out what happened. This may be a distraction and I don't want to leave you unguarded."

She nodded. "Okay." She watched as he got in the car and started it, turning around in the driveway to head towards the street. She waved at them, but only Anton waved back. Nate wasn't even looking at her. Sighing inwardly, she trotted back to the house to ask Chandra and Walter about visiting Jess.

He saw Alex pulled over beside Lindy's car. But he couldn't cut over the freeway to join him due to the cement barrier. He was forced to drive on for five minutes to the nearest exit. And then the five minute back. Ten minutes wasted. And dawn was only an hour and a half away. Which left them an hour to search.

He glanced over at his brother. He really didn't know what to say. Everything that came to mind sounded trite, hollow. "We'll find her, Nathaniel," he said, sounding lame even to his own ears.

Nate shook his head, staring out the windshield like he had been since they left the house. "She's not here. Hasn't been here for a long time."

Anton stared at him, wondering how he knew that. Pulling the car over and parking just behind Alex's Explorer, he shut off the engine. Nate was out of the car and moving before Anton had a chance to unbuckle his seat belt.

Her car looked completely normal. The engine was cold, doors shut and lights off. It was as if she'd just shut it down and walked away. Until he noticed that the doors weren't locked. After the car accident with Bryn, Lindy always locked her doors, even when she was driving. And, he couldn't be sure, but there appeared to have been a small scuffle near the driver's side door. The dirt was streaked in one spot, but that could've been caused by anything.

Noticing Alex just across the car, closer to the woods, Nate walked around to join him. "What did you smell?"

Alex pointed to the woods behind them. ÒShe and Marrok stood by the car for a few minutes, and then took off running. They made it about fifty yards and then Marrok's trail doubles back, probably carrying Lindy." He then turned to oncoming traffic and pointed to a spot about 10 feet behind Lindy's car. "He got into a car there and drove off. I can't tell you much more than that." He shook his head, eyes troubled. "There's no question about it. He's kidnapped her."

Nate lost it then. Keening, he put his hands over his ears and sank down to the ground...his knees hit the hard earth, hands fisting the debris before him, and he screeched with rage before convulsively vomiting up the contents of his stomach. He sobbed with the violent contractions of his stomach, looking up at Alex and Anton with wet red eyes. "I'll fucking kill him. We'll go to the vineyard now and I'll fucking kill him!"

"Nathaniel, we can't." Anton felt the same way. He wanted to hunt this bastard down and punish him for hurting Lindy, for hurting Nathaniel, for hurting Bryn. But he also knew that it would be easier said than done. "We don't have time to get there before the sun is up. And he won't be at the vineyard. He knows that's the first place we'll look for him." He knelt down beside his brother and put a hand on his shoulder. "We'll find her, and we'll make him pay."

Breathing heavily, Nate stared at him for a moment and then swung his gaze back to Alex. "They say bloodhounds can trace the scent of a human being even if they're in a car--even one month later. Why can't you? There's got to be *some* way we can track her."

"Because I'm in a human form. I can't track her like this now, and when dawn comes, you won't be able to help. And we can't draw too much attention to ourselves as wolves." Alex paused, thinking. "Marrok wants her unharmed for the moment. He could have easily killed her, but he obviously wanted her for something." He didn't say what he thought he'd ask for - Liam. "So we'll be hearing from soon."

"God damn it! He better be feeding her." Nate spat on the ground, getting rid of the bad taste in his mouth. "What do you have, as far as tracing equipment? Can we pinpoint his location, or just the relative area? And what about Walter? Does he have any connections who might be able to help?"

"Tracing equipment? I can rig something together after a trip to RadioShack. Definitely a general area, but specific locations will be trickier. Walter might have some contacts, but we'll have to be very discrete." Alex looked at Nate, an eyebrow arched. "What about Denise? She might be able to help. She might even know where he's gone."

Regaining some of his composure, Nate stood up and brushed off his knees. His mind was becoming clearer now, with the need to develop a quick and efficient plan of action. Now that he knew just what happened, some of his worries had disappeared--yet a whole new set had cropped up in their place. She wasn't dead, yet. But there was a very large chance she could be soon.

"I'll call her as soon as we get back," he said, already heading towards the car. "What do you need me to do today? I'll do anything I can. You can have any of my assets necessary, just tell me what to do."

Alex looked at the eastern sky. "Let's get back to home so Walter, Jess and I can see what we ca put together. Also give Denise a call, and maybe some old friends." He looked Nathaniel square in the eye. "We'll find her, Nate. And if she's..." Alex couldn't finish the sentence. "We'll find her."

By the time they felt comfortable leaving Nathaniel for the day, it was too late to drive the car home. After walking home through the tunnel, Anton and Bryn wearily walked up the stairs and through the entryway into their library. Max was sound asleep, having fed once more before leaving.

Tired and wincing at her achy feet, Bryn said, "I think we should keep him and Petunia in our room today. I know the chances are slim that Marrok will come anywhere near here, but I'd feel better if we all stick together." She swallowed heavily. "I'm glad Chandra and Amanda are going to stay with Nate and Liam for the day."

"Yeah. I think the werewolves are more worried than they're letting on. Almost like they're afraid that Nathaniel will do something stupid." He pushed the bookcase that hid the entrance to the tunnel back into place. Turning around and leaning against it, he paused for a moment. "I'm worried that he will do something stupid. And if she's been harmed, or killed..." Anton shook his head. "Let's go up stairs, Bryn." But before she could get too far, he grabbed her and tucked her against his chest, holding her and Max tight against him. "I feel absolutely horrible for feeling this, but I can't be helped but be relieved that I'm the one that doesn't have to sleep alone today."

"I know. But I honestly don't think Nate will be doing any sleeping...or lying down, for that matter." She wrapped her free arm around his waist, rubbing his back. "I don't even know what to feel. I think I'm still in shock. All the time you were gone, I kept thinking she'd just walk in the door and say she got distracted at work. Or maybe that her car broke down and she had to walk to find someone to help her." She rested her head against his shoulder. "Part of me still can't fathom that he took her."

"I know, Bryn. I can't believe it either. I don't even want to consider what Nathaniel must be going through." He kissed her temple. "Let's go up to bed." Taking Max from here, he started towards the stairs, softly whistling for Petunia to follow.

Once up there, Anton checked Max's diaper as Bryn got ready for bed. Max remained asleep as he put him down on the bed. "You've had a tough night today, haven't you, Max?" He gently stroked Max's hair.

Bryn hung her dress up on the back of the door and flexed her toes as she walked back to the bed. "Surprisingly, I don't feel the least bit guilty for yelling at everyone about leaving the kids alone. I thought my heart was going to break when I heard him screaming like that. Poor baby is probably going to be traumatized for life." She sat down next to them, then patted Petunia as she came over for some attention. "I keep wondering how long he was up there alone. I hope he doesn't get a rash."

"Me too." Anton gently placed a hand on Max's stomach. "It sickens me to think what could have happened if it was a diversion and that bastard came near Max." he sighed. "I'm worried about Lindy, but I don't appreciate Nate leaving the children alone."

Sitting next to him in nothing but her panties, Bryn shivered slightly. "It's going to be hard to sleep today. I just hope Lindy is being well taken care of. Maybe if Marrok plans to keep her alive, he needs to keep her healthy, too." She didn't say what she was really thinking--that Lindy was a prisoner, and that angry monster could torture her any way he'd like. Bryn swallowed heavily, then bent over to kiss Max's cheek. "We should let this little guy get as much sleep as he can."

"Yeah." He pulled Bryn closer to him. He also petted Petunia. The dog let out a quiet whimper, sensing that they were upset. "Bryn, are you okay?" He gently stroked her cheek. "You aren't thinking about Stephana, are you?"

She gave him a dry stare and rolled her eyes. "I wasn't until you said that." She nudged him with her shoulder, giving him a small smile. "Honestly, I wasn't thinking of myself or my past selves at all. I'm worried about Lindy. IÊknow she puts on a very brave front, but what if this reminds her of what happened to her as a child? She's come so far with Nate and opened up to him so much. I'd hate to see her shut down." [Or worse.]

Anton nodded. "I don't know how she's managed to come as far as she has sometimes. I'm also worried that Nathaniel will do something stupid if she comes back and has severe problems." [Or doesn't come back at all.]

"Would he?"

"Yes. Nathaniel's taken stupid risks before. What led up to me Transforming him was that he was having problems with Lindara. If LindyÕs hurt, or if she doesn't make it, I'm afraid of what he'll do this time."

Bryn sighed, resting her chin on his shoulder and leaning close. "So, we'll just have to let him know that he's not alone. That we love him very much, and so does his son...and we all need him here. I hope Lindy's family will pull him close and really embrace him, too." She rubbed her hand over his stomach. "Why don't we go to bed? We should get some rest so we can help him tomorrow night."

Anton nodded. "You're right, Bryn. He's going to need us." Anton stood up and took off his suit jacket and carefully hung it back up. After stepping out of his shoes, he took off his dress slacks and carefully hung them up as well. He looked back over at Bryn as he unbuttoned his shirt. "I'm sorry, Bryn. This wasn't the ending to our romantic evening I had planned."

"That's not your fault, sugar." She ran her fingers through her softly curled hair, then stretched leisurely. She could help feeling a little sinful, lying on the bed in nothing but sheer nude thong panties, her nipples hardening with the slight chill in the air. "Although, there's nothing saying we can't end the evening as planned now." Meeting his gaze, she said, "Maybe making love would make us feel better."

He gave her a small smile and sat down on the bed next to her. "It probably would, my dear." He grazed his knuckles over her cheek. "That was how I had intended to end the evening." He gently leaned over her and pressed his lips to her forehead. Slowly he tasted his way down her nose. After a slight hesitation, he kissed her mouth with his slightly open, gently running his tongue over her lips.

Sabryn let out a soft moan against his mouth, letting herself be pliable and soft to his touch. Sliding her hands around his back, she lightly raked at him with her fingernails. Her legs were restless, sliding against each other on the comforter with the need to wrap around him. Feeling his tongue graze the roof of her mouth, she closed her lips around him and sucked his tongue.

He continued to kiss her, his hand gently stroking her cheek. He concentrated on the taste and texture of her mouth. He pushed at his socks with his feet, eventually peeling them off. Reluctantly he pulled away for her lips and sat up, his fingers still stroking down her skin. He paused at her chest, lightly running his fingers up and down her sternum.

Bryn squirmed, softly giggling at the almost ticklish sensation. She grabbed his wrist, tugging him closer, and quickly kissed his lips before he had a chance to pull away. "I had an idea when I was at the store the other day," she said, tracing a tendon in his wrist. "If you open my night stand drawer, there's a purple ball-point pen in there, with a feather on its cap. I thought that feather might come in handy some time. Don't you agree?"

He grinned at her. "I completely agree, my dear." He leaned further over her to open the drawer, and search by feel for the pen. Part of him felt guilty for indulging while Nathaniel was obviously hurting, but that didn't stop him. Pulling out the pen, he ran the feather over the tip of the index finger. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you got this to tickle me with. Good thing I'm not ticklish," he added with a smirk.

She laughed. "Yeah, good thing." Running her own finger over the soft feather, she said, "Actually, I got this to wake you up with...although, I'll save 'how' for some other day." Sprawling out beneath him, she gave him a little grin. Her leg was thrown to the side, leaving her thighs open for his touch. She lifted her arms above her head, stretching her rib cage, then raised an eyebrow. "You want to go first, or shall I?"

"How am I supposed to resist you when you spread yourself out like that? You're a feast for the eyes, my dear." He leaned down and kissed her neck, nipping lightly above her scar. Sitting up, he smiled at her and lifted the pen. With a look of concentration, he traced the feather over her face.

He was through, stroking over her forehead and nose, painting a fine line along each cheekbone, and just lightly touching her lips. Following the path her fingers had traced earlier, he slipped his the brush down the column of her throat, and up and down her sternum.

She shivered lightly, her eyes closed. "Mmm." Feeling his hand trace the feather around her breast, she couldn't help but move her torso to follow, swirling her hips, arching her back. He neatly avoided her nipple, circling around it, and just when she expected him to tease the soft feather over the tip, he closed his mouth over her instead. Sabryn gasped, rising into his touch, a low moan escaping her lips as he pushed her back to the bed spread.

He pulled on her nipple, teasing the tip with his tongue. Leaning on one elbow, he moved the pen over to her other breast and lightly replicated the movements of his tongue with the feather. He circled his tongue and the feather over the areola, relishing the soft cries she was making.

She raked her fingers through his hair, leaning her head forward to kiss his forehead as he neared. Her foot curled around his calf, rubbing and massaging his muscles with her toes. "Your tongue feels amazing, Anton." She slid her hands down to his ass, squeezing. "I think it's my turn with the feather."

Anton lifted his head from her breast. He deliberately ran his tongue over his upper lip. "Whatever you say, my dear." Carefully he rolled off of her and laid down flat on his back. he spread his legs and arms out, baring himself to her.

She gave him a sly grin as she took the pen out of his hand. "Close your eyes." Once she was sure he wasn't peeking, she slid the feather over his forehead and eyebrows, tickling his eyelashes and nose, then gently kissed his mouth. Still sucking on his lower lip, she moved the feather down to tickle beneath his ear, making him squirm beneath her. Bryn pulled back a bit and giggled. "I didn't tell you to open your eyes yet."

He started to protest, but she put her finger over his lips and raised an eyebrow. Anton closed his eyes.

Biting and kissing her way down his throat, over his chest, and to his nipples, she teased him with the just the whisper of touch from the feather's edge, making him wait and guess when a firmer touch would stroke over his flesh.

He let out a soft moan, squirming under the slightly ticklish sensation. And the moan became louder when her lips closed over his nipple. His hips lifted in reaction, the erection he was sporting tenting his boxers quite nicely. "Bryn..." he whispered.

He felt her lips lift and the brush come down again. Now it slipped down his stomach, circling his navel. He squirmed more, anticipating her removing his boxers.

She smiled to herself, placing various kisses on his belly. Yet instead of pulling his boxers down, she bypassed them tickled her way down his legs instead. He nearly shrieked as she reached his knees. Bryn snorted, giggling as he tried to get away from the ticklish sensation. Lowering her mouth she nipped at him as well, keeping him distracted while her feather slid down to lightly rub up the soles of his feet.

He continued to squirm, trying to get away from the feather and closer to her mouth. "Bryn...please..." he whimpered. He jumped when she pulled off his boxers and then traced the feather up the inside of his thigh. He was wiggling almost continuously, from both the feather tickling him, and the nips she was placing on the inside of his thigh.

She nibbled at theÊcrease where his thigh met his groin, enjoy his squirming, then inhaled deeply and moan at the scent of him. "God, I love the way you smell. If I made cologne, I would bottle it." Nuzzling the side of his cock, letting the length of him slide against her cheek, she slid the feather against his hip, up and around, brushing through his pubic hair, neatly avoiding the exact contact he wanted. Still rubbing against his cock with her lips and nose, she said, "Do you like that, sugar?"

"Yesss...." Anton hissed. Pushing with one leg, he arched up, trying to wiggle so his cock came into contact with her mouth. He jumped, letting out a little shriek as Bryn dragged the feather across his balls, and then up the length of his cock. "I didn't think you were into torture, Bryn."

She bit her lip to keep from laughing. Pressing a kiss to the tip of his cock, she continued to slid the feather up and down the ridge beneath, then around the crown in one direction and in reverse. Deciding he'd had enough teasing for the moment, she opened herÊlips around him and sucked him firmly. He started thrusting into her mouth almost immediately and she lightened her suction to make him last a little longer.

He bit his lower lip, trying to slow down his motions. His hand crept down to her head, fingers lightly scratching at her scalp. "You're too good at this, Bryn," he moaned. Pushing with his hips, he thrust into her mouth, trying to take it slow and gentle.

Pushing the tip of her tongue into the slit at the tip of his cock, she wiggled it back and forth. She squeezed her thighs together and squirmed at the loud cry he let out. She wrapped her fingers around the base of his cock, lightly pumping him in time with her mouth. Knowing that he was close to coming, she returned the feather to his skin, sliding it against the crease of his ass, teasing over his anus, his perineum, and finally brushing it back and forth firmly over his balls.

He let out one loud shriek and convulsed beneath her, cumming hard in her mouth. Panting, he squirmed underneath her as she lapped at him, cleaning him and occasionally flicking the feather against his skin. He let out a sigh when she raised her head. "That was wonderful, my dear. But I believe now it is your turn."

Sabryn bit her lip, letting out a little whimper. "I wish I could have you inside me. I want to feel you stretching me and fucking me..." Panting, she dropped the ink pen and grabbed Anton instead, smashing her lips against his, kissing him deeply and frantically. She pushed her breasts against his chest, moaning and clutching his shoulders.

"Soon, Bryn, soon," he soothed. His hands squeezed her shoulders and then slipped down her back. He stroked her smooth skin and then rested his hands lightly on her ass. Two long fingers curled down between her legs, avoiding the entrance to her sex but gently rubbing against her clit His other hand continued to clench and release her ass.

She jumped, her fingernails biting into his skin, and struggled to get closer to him than she already was. Spreading her legs wider, she rocked her hips against his touch, whimpering, feeling her clit stiffen against his fingers. She pressed her nose against his shoulder, her breath coming hot and fast against his flesh. "Oh God..."

He rubbed her clit in slow circles. "Do you have any idea how hot you are, Bryn?" He looked at her through hooded eyes. "You could burn me alive if you're not careful." He kissed her earlobe, tugging it lightly and flicking it with his tongue. His fingers sped up slightly, feeling her increasing moisture. "Come for me, Bryn. Show me how hot you are."

She shook uncontrollably against him, his words making her wetter still. Pushing her hips backward, giving him better access, she bit down on his shoulder, keeping her teeth pressed into his flesh. His touch felt wonderful, but she needed more, just a little more, before her climax would come.

Anton rubbed her clit harder, spreading the moisture there. He continued to kiss and nip at her ear, feeling her squirm. His other hand came up to scratch lightly at her shoulders and he shoved his tongue into her ear.

She gasped, releasing her bite on him and jolting against his body as her orgasm swept over her. Clutching him tightly, she reached down to press his fingers hard against her clit, rocking her hips, and panting heavily. She continued to hold him tightly even as her quivering ceased, reaching down to pull his ass closer, purposefully rubbing her clit against his newly stiffened cock. "I want you on your back. I want to cum again."

He let out low rumble, almost a growl. His hands went to her hips, holding her close, grinding her sex against his. He thrust up against her, moaning. "Is this what you want, Bryn?"

She nodded frantically, moving against his thrusts, holding his gaze. She was shuddering again, biting her lip. Reaching her hand down, she rubbed his perineum from behind. He jerked against her and she squealed, coming for the second time in so many minutes. Still shaking, she rubbed his balls and was rewarded with the warm jetting of his semen between their bellies.

He pulled her tighter against his body, hips giving irregular thrusts. Slowly both of them sank to the bed, letting out soft sighs. Anton kept her cradled against her body, but reached out to pull the comforter over their bodies. He gently kissed her forehead, and then let his head sink back against the pillows. "I love you, Bryn."

Remaining tightly pressed to him, she kissed his throat. "I love you, too, Anton. And I'm so glad I'm with you right now. I don't think I'll be able to stop holding you all day long."

Anton squeezed her tighter. "I know I won't be able to let go of you, Bryn." He nuzzled the top of her head. "I love you so much, and I don't even want to think about going a day without you."

"Just hold me, keep me safe in your arms, and you won't have to."

She walked down the tunnel from the werewolves home. Two hours until sunset on what had to be the longest day of her life. Jess wasn't able to sleep, wasn't able sit still. She was worried about Lindy, and about Nate. Lindy she couldn't do anything about, but Nate she could.

She hoped.

She opened the door and walked into the wine cellar. Quietly, she moved through the house, going from room to room. No sign of Nathaniel. In the kitchen, she noticed that the cat's food bowl was empty. Pulling the bag of cat kibble out of the cabinet and poured it into the dish. She expected Montel to come running at the sound of fresh food.

When the cat didn't show, she left the kitchen and went to the stairway. She climbed the stairs slowly, listening for anyone. She glanced into the main bedroom and saw that the bed hadn't been slept in. She really hadn't expected to find that it had been used.

That left one more room. She walked over to Liam's room and pushed the door open. Nate was sitting in the rocking chair by the crib, cuddling Liam close. Liam was blissfully asleep, completely unaware of the anguish around him. Nate rocked him in a continuous smooth motion, Montel sitting at his feet like a lion guarding his pride.

Jess felt a tear slide down her cheek.

He hadn't changed his clothes. Eyes droopy and face unshaven, he stared at the changing table where a framed picture sat. The candid photograph had been taken in October, during the Gathering. Nate, Lindy, and Liam were all sitting at a table, the two adults laughing, and Liam stared up at his mother with bright eyes. He wished he could return to that time. Even though they'd been dealing with Natasha, Lindy was there with him. Safe and sound. He'd been able to touch her, protect her, see her smiling face. Now there was nothing but him and Liam...and he felt as if part of soul was missing.

Jess stepped into the room, trying not to startle him. "Hey there," she said softly. He looked as miserable as she felt. "I'd ask how you're doing, but I think we both know the answer to that." She walked over to Nate and gently reached out to stroke Liam's head. "Think he knows something's wrong?"

Nate nodded. "He's been awake all day trying to cheer me up. He keeps putting his little hands on my cheeks and staring at me, like he's trying so hard to say 'it's okay, Daddy'." Nate blinked a few times and sniffled. "Sometimes he looks so convincing that I want to believe him." His chin wobbling, he closed his eyes and let out a quiet sob. Tears flowed over his cheeks, and he pulled Liam up higher on his chest, hugging his son tightly.

Jess put her arms around his shoulders and leaned against him, her tears falling as well. "We're going to find her, Nate," she said between the sobs. "And if we don't find her, we're going to find the bastard who did this and make him pay."

Pulling his arm loose from between them, he wrapped it around her shoulders and pulled her in closer, leaning his head against hers. They continued to let their tears flow, the last shreds of shock and denial wearing off.

Eventually the light detectors outside were triggered and the metal shudders in the windows opened with a quiet buzzing sound. Nate lifted his head and wiped at his eyes, staring out the window at the darkening sky. His voice was quiet and scratchy as he said, "I keep wondering what she must be going through. She must be so scared. I try with all my heart and soul to reach out to her with my mind...to let her know I love her so much," his voice broke, "and that I'm going to do whatever it takes to find her. I try to let her know I'm there with her, in that darkness, and I won't leave her, ever."

He swallowed convulsively, and sucked in a shuddering breath. "But then I think to myself, what if she's already gone? What would I ever do without her? And there's nothing there. I can't think past that."

"She's not gone," Jess said, her voice thick with emotion. "I would feel it deep in heart. And I don't feel that she's gone." She leaned her head on his. She gave a deep sigh. "I feel like I should be doing something. But I have no clue as to what."

"Did Alex and Walter find anything at the cabin?"

She shook her head. "Nothing more than the first time we looked."

He narrowed his eyes in disgust, standing up from the rocking chair. "You should go home and get some rest. I need to ask someone to watch Liam for tonight. Maybe your family would be willing to do that...hopefully he'll just sleep so you can, too."

"Where are you thinking of going?"

"Marrok's vineyard."

"I'll go with you."

"Jess, I don't know if that's a good idea..."

"Nate, you're going to need backup. And I'm not going to be getting any sleep any time soon." She gave him a half smile. "Alex and Walter can look after Liam. We go out on the hunt."

After borrowing Alex's truck, Nate and Jess drove north to Napa Valley. Tired but wide awake, Nate drove in silence, the radio acting as white noise between them. They didn't pay any attention to the music, or the news. No news report would carry Lindy's story now. And there was a good chance they wouldn't say anything even after the initial 24 hours had passed. Even the police investigation was likely to get them nowhere. They were on their own.

[He won't be there,] Nate thought to himself. [This will be justÊa pointless ride, one more dead end. But maybe if we're lucky, his kid will be there. And maybe I can trade the girl for Lindy.]

Jess kept clenching and unclenching her fingers, willing her claws not to extend. She sat watching the scenery roll by without actually looking at anything. "What the hell are we going to do, Nate? He's not going to be there. And I doubt anyone there knows he's a werewolf. Or even that he has a son."

"I don't know. I'd like you to take a look around, see if you can smell her or hear her. Then I'm going to have talk with whomever manages the place when he's gone. If I have to be forceful, I will. But we're not walking out of there without some sort of information...or maybe even a bartering tool."

"His daughter. You'd kidnap her and demand Lindy for her." Jess took a deep breath. "Nate, I don't think that's a good idea."

"Why not? Why the hell not?"

"Because do you really want to stoop to his level? And do you think that'd be what Lindy wants? To involve an innocent in this mess?"

"Lindy *is* the innocent in this mess! She was taken, for nothing more than trying to love her son. And if taking his daughter is the only way to get Marrok's attention, so be it. I'm not going to sit back and take it this time. If I'd done something about this guy a long time ago, this never would've happened. If he's going to play dirty, so are we."

Jess shook her head. "I know Nate, I know. You know how hard of a time she had after she fed. This isn't going to be any different for her." She sighed. "But don't have a clue as to what to do."

Nate pulled off the freeway at the correct exit, not responding to her comments. He didn't bother to tell her that the recovery was going to be the easy part, because at least then she'd be at home where he could take care of her. And he didn't bother to tell her his other thought--that if this didn't work, they wouldn't ever need to worry about Lindy recovering at all. Instead, he drove on in silence all the way to the vineyard.

The villa-style house they drove up to was almost exactly like the picture on the wine bottle. Although a few lights still glowed inside the house, it appeared as if everyone was asleep. The property was quiet, fenced in by a split log barrier. Although it was too dark to see just how large the place was, the nearby vines were neatly trimmed and resting through the winter. He couldn't see any large buildings nearby for the fermenting and bottling, but he knew a lot of these places preferred to store their barrels in underground chambers, to regulate light and temperature.

Switching the lights off before they got too close to the house, Nate slowed the Explorer down and quietly braked on the brick driveway. Quickly shutting the car down, he turned to Jess. "You go now, hurry, and don't make any noise. I'll try to draw the attention to myself. That way you can check out the rest of the property."

Jess pulled off her shirt and began undoing her jeans. "If I'm not back in an hour, check the pound." As Nate got out of the SUV, she shimmied out of the rest of her clothes. By the time Nate opened the passenger door, a black wolf sat where a human had been. Slipping onto the ground in a fluid motion, she flowed out into the darkness, becoming one with the night.

Still unnoticed, as far as he knew, Nate decided to take a walk around the house itself. Everything was so well kept, from the manicured flower beds, to the glimpses he caught of the inside of the house, where everything was neatly in order. He hoped Jess was able to find out if there were underground premises and how they might enter. He wished he had her sense of smell. As it was, he let his eyes work for him, carefully peering in the windows, taking note of the play area and swing set outside the back door, finding that the only other vehicle on the property was locked. He looked inside the beat-up blue truck, miniature cowboy hat hanging from the windshield, and saw that the passenger side floor was littered with garbage. This definitely wasn't Marrok's truck. The question was, whose was it?

Jess meanwhile was following a scent trail. It wasn't Lindy's, but she hoped it would lead her into a building or storage shed. Sniffing and keeping an ear and eye out for anyone who might notice her, she followed her nose to a set of doors that lead to a cellar of some sort. Tugging them open, she was confronted by a set of stairs. Cautiously she padded down them, sniffing and looking around.

What started out as a building became a cave/storage area. The scent of alcohol hung heavy in the air, but not heavy enough to obscure the scents of people who had been through there. She walked past the rows of vats, inhaling and fighting the urge to sneeze. She worked her way to the back of the area, frustration growing. Although Marrok had been down there recently, there was no hint that Lindy had been.

Nate walked back towards the front of the house, ready to confront the house's occupants. But he'd barely made it around the corner when a bright light flooded his eyes, making him take several steps backwards and throw up his arm to cover his eyes. "Damn!"

"Stop right there! You mind telling me who you are, and what you're doing on private property?" a male voice called out.

IndignantÊfrom the accusation and anger in the man's voice, Nate said, "I'm looking for my wife! Now will you lower that damned light?"

The brilliant spotlight slid a little lower, but not quite enough for comfort. "Why would your wife be here, mister?"

"You tell me," Nate almost hissed. He stared at the man, bright spots forming on his bulky silhouette,Êalmost completely shadowing the shotgun pointed at Nate's chest. Nate swallowed heavily, but held his ground. "Where's Marrok Deschamps?"

"Who's asking?" the man asked, belligerently.

"That's none of your damned business! He's got my wife! He kidnapped her from her car, and took her somewhere. I want to know where he is, right now!"

"Daddy?" he heard a little girl's voice ask. Nate struggled to see past the blaring light, noticing a small figure standing in the open doorway to the house. A round woman hurried up behind her and picked her up, peering at him cautiously.

The man bristled. " Sofia, you take her in the house now. You hear me?"

"Si," the woman said, nodding.

"What about my Daddy?" the girl asked.

"Damn it, git in the house now!" the man with the shotgun yelled, his gaze never wavering from Nate. The woman and the girl quickly retreated, leaving only the man and Nate behind. "You don't have any business here, asshole. I don't know a damned thing about your wife. Marrok hasn't been here for days, and even if he had, he's no damned kidnapper. He owns this place, and I'm sure he'll be real glad I called the police on your ass."

Hearing the commotion outside and fearing trouble, Jess scrambled back up the stairs. She ran past the parked SUV and saw Nate standing near the house in the middle of a bright ring of light. Dropping to the ground she took a position near him and growled loud enough to be heard.

"Shit! Get a leash on your God-damned dog before I shoot it"

"Tell me where Marrok is, and I won't tell my dog to attack."

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't shoot you now."

Nate gritted his teeth. "Because you already called the cops. You want to them to find a dead body when they get here?" The guy already thought he was human--why not play along?

"It's called self-defense." Letting out a sigh, Nate took a chance and took one step forward. The man's arms raised the rifle a little higher. "Back off! I'm warning you."

"Please, just tell me where Marrok is. I can't find my wife anywhere. She's missing!" He added a pleading quality to his voice--it wasn't hard to do. "Please, man. She means everything to me. I have a son at home, and he needs his mother. I need Lindy. I'll do anything to find her, just please help me. Please help me?" He suddenly sprung into action, causing the man to jump. Pulling something out of his pocket, Nate held it up. "I have a picture of her! Just look at it."

The man was silent for a moment, gun still held high, then slightly lowered his arms. He flashedÊthe spotlight on the picture, stepping just a bit closer to look atÊit.ÊFinally, he said,Ê"I've never seen her before in my life. I can't do anything for you. You've got the wrong man. If you get off the property now, I won't press charges."

Nate swallowed heavily, and finally nodded.

"And don't come back. Next time I see you around here, I will shoot."

Jess watched as Nate shot one last dirty look at the gunman and turned back to his car. She followed, not waiting for him to say 'heel.' Discouraged, she jumped into the car after he opened the door. She slipped into the back seat.

"Well?" he asked as he tossed her clothes into the back seat.

Jess grunted and Changed. "Sorry, Nate," she said, pulling on her clothes. She sounded discouraged. "She hasn't been on the grounds as far as I can tell. And that man truly believes that Marrok isn't involved."

"Son of a bitch!" He tried not to look at her as he threw the truck into reverse, wheels squealing as he backed out of the property. As soon as the truck was facing the right direction, he sped towards the freeway and picked up his cell phone, punching a preprogrammed number, waiting for the other line to ring. "Hey, it's Nate, did anyone call? No? Not even Denise Randolph? Son of a bitch! Uh...sorry. We're on our way back. Bye."

He had barely disconnected before he threw the phone against the passenger side door. "Damn it, damn it, damn it...right back where we started from."

End Chapter Seventy-eight