Chapter Eighty

It was night again and the stars were out.

Lindy knelt in the center of the floor at the limit of her chain. She wasn't any where near the window, but from her angle, she could see one or two stars for the moment. And she drew some small comfort that Nate could see those stars too.

She wrapped her arms around her knees and shivered. She was thirsty, and it was a thirst that the half bottle of water tucked into the corner couldn't quench. She needed blood, but she doubted Marrok would supply her any. The rats were too wary to catch, almost as if they sensed what she would do if she could grab them.

So she sat there, staring up at the sky, hunger gnawing at her, and tried not to think about it or the fact that this wouldn't have a happy ending, no matter what. Marrok would get Liam back - Lindy knew that Nate would trade her for him, as much as it broke his heart to do so. The question was would Marrok keep his end of the bargain and let her go unharmed, or would she be returning in a coffin. And if Nate didn't go through with it for some reason and she died, would Nate stay alive for Liam's sake? She hoped so, but she knew he had told her mother that she was his reason for living. And if Nate committed suicide, Liam would be left alone. Scared and saddened at that prospect, she rested her head on her knees and let out a soft sob.

Staring in the window from the outside, his nose filled with fresh air, it was easy to pretend the woman in the shed wasn't a vampire. Behind the door and downwind from him, her scent was masked. In the gloom, she looked small and harmless, not at all the hated monster he knew her to be. She was young, blond, sweetly pretty, and he was reminded of the daughter he hadn't seen in days. Lovely Viviane, with her girlish dimples and glittering giggles, who always smelled like spring flowers, and always came with a ready hug.

He might've smiled then, might've treated the woman kind for her simple reminder...but the way the moonlight reflected in her eyes made him shiver. [Watch your step, Marrok--this one's bite is far worse than her bark.]

She lifted her head from her knees and took a deep breath. She wiped the tears away with the palm of her hand. She wondered when Marrok would be showing up next, and didn't want him to catch her crying.

He let out an irritated sigh, stepping past the window and heading towards the door. It took him a few seconds to budge the heavy iron locks, and by the time he dragged the door open she looked as calm and presentable as ever. That irritated him even more.

"I'll be calling your husband this morning," he said, leaning in the doorway. "Anything you'd like him to know?"

She looked over at him and then back to the window. "Just tell him that I love him and I understand what he is going to do."

"Really? And what he is going to do?"

"He's going to give you Liam back, although it will break his heart."

"Hmm...smarter than I would've given him credit for. Then, I've never had the attachment to a woman that some males seem to need. Maybe the desperation would be too much for me, too."

"I doubt that," she said, her voice quiet but tinged with bitterness.

"You don't think I feel? I'm no more of a monster than you were as a werewolf. I would do anything for my son."

"And for your daughter?"

He stared at her, obviously thrown by her question. He shook his head. "My family is none of your business. Now, if you have no other messages for him, I'll go."

Lindy looked over at him. "So I wasn't a monster when I was a werewolf, but I am now that I'm a vampire?"

"Let's see...you're a walking corpse that sucks the blood of the living. I'd say that would be a yes."

Lindy rose to her feet. "Let me tell you about a monster I lived in fear of. He was a child molester who made my life a living hell. He raped me from when I was three until I got away from him at age eight. He was also the werewolf who Changed me into one." She tried to take a step forward, but tripped a little. "I'd say he's more of a monster than my husband or I am."

He stifled the urge to growl, even though it quickly passed anyway. He caught the scent of her fear, desperation...and yes of her honesty. And it sickened him. Marrok swallowed heavily. "That's not my problem."

"No, it's not. But don't forget who you're talking to. You call me a monster for wanting to spend eternity with someone I love? For loving my son unconditionally and purely? I hate killing to survive. Nathaniel and I have made certain that we won't have to do it again. We don't hunt human anymore. But why would you care? You think I'm a monster...you have no idea just what a monster is."

"He's *my* son," he grated out, through clenched teeth. "I don't give a damn what you think you are. He belongs with me."

"And what do you think that my mother is saying right now?" She look up at him. "What about your daughter, Marrok? You've been talking about Liam an awfully lot, but where's your daughter? How do you think she feels while you are ignoring her while searching for him?"

"She's safe, at home. Exactly where my son should be. Do you have any idea what it's like to be told one day, out of the blue, that you're a father and yet someone has taken your son? It's like being a handed your heart only to have it ripped out of your chest. My daughter has never known what it's like to have a brother. And I have never known what it's like to hold my son. You took that chance from us."

"And now you're taking that chance from us!" She swiped angrily at her eyes,Êfrustrated by her own show of emotion. "I'll never have my own children. Liam is the only son I'll ever know. He loves us. He doesn't even know you. Can you imagine how much it will hurt him to rip him away from us? The only family he's ever known?" She shook her head, unable to hold back her tears. "He lights up like a Christmas tree when my husband walks in the room. He tries to talk...says 'mmm' like he wants to say Mommy and just can't get it out. He's almost walking and gets so proud of himself, he can't wait to show us--"

Marrok's lips twitched and he abruptly turned away from her, walking through the door. "I'll let you know if your prediction about your husband was true."

With that, he closed the door and threw the locks into place behind him.

They had all gathered over at Nathaniel's home to discuss their next move. No word about Lindy had bee heard, and it had been three days. When Anton and Bryn came in from the tunnel, they found Walter and Jess in he living room. Jess was half splayed across Walter's lap. He made a shushing motion at the couple. "She just fell asleep."

Anton nodded and then looked around. "Where's Nathaniel?"

"Upstairs changing Liam. Although he should be asleep like her."

"He hasn't slept or fed, has he?" Bryn asked quietly, sitting down with a sleeping baby in a soft sling around her torso.

"He had some bagged blood an hour or so ago, but only because he was forced to." Walter kept his voice low and level. "He also laid down for a while, but that was like watching an addict in withdrawal. We couldn't take it any longer than he could."

"Maybe he just needs a sedative? He'd sleep even if he didn't want to. Could Anne give him something?"

We could probably talk her into it, although I think he'll be pissed afterwards."

"We'll worry about that later," Anton said. "Where's Alex?"

"He said something about meeting an old contact of his for information. He didn't say much more."

"And he won't until he's ready." Jess sat up and turned so her feet were now on the floor. She yawned and opened her eyes. "How are you guys holding up?"

Bryn shrugged, murmuring, "Sorry we woke you up. We probably should've talked in another room." She looked concerned as she noticed the heavy bags under Jess's eyes. "Maybe you need one of those sedatives, too."

Jess shook her head. "I'll get some sleep in a bit," she lied. "Contrary to popular belief, I wasn't asleep earlier."

"But you should be, Jess," Anton said. He had wanted to check that Nathaniel was doing better. He was also starting to worry about the werewolves. [How much longer are we going to be able to hold this together?]

"I'd be glad to watch Liam again, if you need me to," Bryn said.

"That won't be necessary," Nate said, walking back into the room. "But thank you anyway." Although considerably cleaner than he'd been that evening, he still looked pale and exhausted. Holding Liam to his chest, the little boy in a pair of footed pajamas, he sank down into a plush chair, and kissed his son's forehead. Half-asleep, Liam clutched his shirt and let out a little whimper. "For the next day or so I'm going to do my searchingÊfromÊhome, over the phone. I've spent too much time away from him."

"Nathaniel, you should be sleeping, not searching," Anton said gently. He had a feeling that he'd be getting no where, but he had to try. "You're not going to be able to help Lindy if you're not able to be coherent. Why don't you go take a nap for an hour, and we'll do the searching for you?" He doubted Nathaniel would accept the offer. He knew he wouldn't if Bryn was missing.

"I can't. She's out there somewhere, all alone. If she isn't sleeping, neither am I. I'll rest when she's home. We'll take care of each other. Until then, I'm not giving up. She'd do the very same for me." He shook his head. "A nap won't do anything for me. I couldn't sleep even if I wanted to. My body won't let me."

Anton also shook his head. "You're going to collapse if you're not careful. Both of you," he said, widening his gaze to include Jess.

Jess yawned with a slight growl, as if confirming his words. "Then we'll collapse, recover, and move on. We're not stopping until she's home safe."

Everyone started as the phone rang. One ring passed, before Nate stood up and handed Liam over to Jess. He picked up the phone in mid-jingle. "Hello?"

He could hear the breathing on the other end of the line and almost said 'hello' again before the voice finally sounded. "Missing something?"

Nate swallowed heavily, sudden anger turning his cheeks and ears bright red. "Where is she? You better pray you haven't hurt her--"

"You're in no position to make threats, vampire," Marrok replied, with predatory calm. "Your time would be much better spent listening quietly and giving me what I want."

Walter quickly and quietly walked over to the other phone - the one he had hooked up a recorder to. He pressed record so the click of the button would sound before he picked up the receiver. He looked back at Nate, indicating that everything said from now on would be taped.

"Just tell me she's okay." [And maybe I'll let you die quickly.]

"She's alive. Told me I should tell you she understands what you'll have to do. I certainly hope she's right. Cooperating is the best step for you. I assume I don't have to tell you what I want?"

Nate ground his teeth, feeling sharp pains spike in his temples. "I know what you want. I also know I'm not giving him to you."

"Are you stupid? Do you really want her to die?"

"You'll kill her anyway. I'm keeping my son."

"He's *my* son! You son-of-a--!" The voice on the other end of the line cut off abruptly, followed by a long minute of silence. When he finally spoke again, the werewolf was much quieter. "You will give him to me...or I'll kill her and take my son anyway."

Through the speaker of the recorder, they could hear everything. Jess bit her lip, suppressing a growl. Anton hands tightened into fists. No one else made a sound, not wanting Marrok to know they were taping him. Walter was also watching the phone tracer, hoping that they could keep him on the phone long enough to trace the call.

"The longer you wait, the weaker she gets. I will feed her, if I think I have a reason. Give me an incentive. Tell me we can make an exchange." Before giving Nate a chance to answer, he added, "I know you're probably tracing this conversation. It will only lead you to a pay phone. Make a commitment and I'll give you my cell phone number. We may even come to some sort of arrangement."

Checking the laptop computer also hooked into the phone line, Jess looked up and nodded, confirming Marrok's words. She took a deep breath. She, Alex, and Walter had discussed this situation earlier. As much as they wanted Lindy back safe and sound, they wouldn't force Nate to give up Liam. "It's your call," she mouthed at Nate.

Nate closed his eyes, sinking down in to the chair. "I want to talk to her. How can I even know she's really alive?"

"You don't. I'm not anywhere near her, so she can't come to the phone. Make the deal anyway."

"No, not unless I know--"

"I already told you! I'll take him back whether she's dead or alive."

"I heard you, damn it! I'll make the fucking deal, just give me my wife back!"

They heard a soft chuckle. "Wise decision."

Anton stood by, listening and feeling helpless. This bastard was going to get Liam back, and nothing could be done. So far his contacts hadn't come through with any information on Marrok. He looked over at Jess, who looked defeated.

Nate clenched his fingers in his hair, fear and hopelessness bringing tears to his eyes. "When do I get her back?"

"All in good time. I'll have to find the appropriate place first. Nothing too public, nothing too private. Somewhere I won't be ambushed. I'll be in touch. In the meantime, do keep my son happy and well taken care of. And I'll be sure to do the same for your wife."

The loud click of the phone disconnecting made Nate jump. Dropping his own extension to the floor, he covered his face with both hands and quietly sobbed in grief.

Still holding Liam, Jess reached over and gently touched one of his shoulders. "At...at least...we know she's...alive," Jess choked out before dissolving into tears as well.

He shook his head, not even bothering to look up. "No, we don't. She could still be dead. He didn't let me--"

"He wasn't lying, Nathaniel," Walter said. "I could hear it in his voice. She's alive. I also heard something else--he's not as confident as he wants you to think. He probably cut off the phone call because he doesn't have a plan. He's nervous and trying hard to hide it."

Nate looked up at him, eyes bleary. "And will he kill her?"

"I don't know. If he does, it doesn't sound like he's doing it out of pure malice. More like desperation."

"Which makes him all the more dangerous," Anton said. He agreed with Walter's assessment. "I don't think he expected you to capitulate so quickly, Nathaniel."

"Doesn't matter now," Jess mumbled. "We've just agreed to his terms. Which means if we try to say no now, he'll kill her."

Nate was starting to look ill. Standing up and taking Liam from Jess's arms, he held the boy against his chest. "Maybe I will go take that nap, after all." He took a few steps towards the stairs. "Sorry. I hope you can see yourselves out."

"Nathaniel." Walter waited until he turned back to look at him. "We're going to get her back, unharmed."

Nate sighed. "And lose her son, in the process."

Eyelids drooping, Bryn finished feeding Max and gently dislodged him from her breast. She lifted him up to her shoulder, gently patting his back until she felt a small burp escape him. Even then she kept him cradled against her, reminded of Nate and Liam. She knew she was lucky to have this time with her son, to be carefree and never worry about someone coming to take him away. Stroking his soft hair, she pressed a kiss to his ear and scooted down further on the bed. Quietly watching Anton undress.

He slipped out of his slacks and scooped up the shirt he had dropped earlier. He carried them over to the bathroom and tossed them into the hamper. He walked back to the bed, pausing before getting in. "Does he need to be fed, Bryn?"

Bryn didn't quite follow his question. "I just finished."

"I mean does he need blood, my dear?"

"Oh...it probably wouldn't hurt. I haven't done it yet, myself. I'm not even sure how. I guess I could cut the tip of my finger." She yawned, waiting for him to get into bed. "Do you want me to do it, or would you rather do it yourself?"

He pulled aside the sheets and slid in. "I'll do it, my dear." Taking Max from her, he lifted his finger to his mouth and bit down, eyes flaming as he tasted his own blood. Quickly, before the would could heal, he offered his finger to Max, who lazily sucked on it. "He doesn't seem too interested, but he is feeding."

"He's tired," she said, her own eyes slipping closed as she laid her head on the pillow. She managed to push them back open, blinking a few times, to look at him. "I feel like someone should've stayed with Nate, even though he probably wanted to be alone."

"I offered for us to stay, but he said no. He wants to be alone with Liam." Anton slid a bit lower in the bed but still kept Max upright. "It's going to kill him to give up his son for Lindy." He kissed Max's head and slid closer to Bryn. "We are so lucky, my dear."

She nodded. "It's starting to sink in more, that she's gone. Especially listening to that man taunt them. It made me sick. I could hardly bear to listen to it myself--I can only imagine what they must've been feeling." She licked her lips. "I hate that Nate has to make this decision. I hate that he doesn't really have a choice at all."

"Me too, Bryn." He leaned over and nuzzled her head. "I don't know what's going to happen if...when we get Lindy back. And what state she'll be in. If Marrok isn't giving her blood, she's going to be physically weak. But it's her mental state that concerns me. Who knows what that bastard is telling her." He looked back down at the baby in his arms. "Well, at least one of us is going to be getting some sleep today."

"You won't be able to sleep? I'm exhausted. Maybe it was just all of that running around I did. I'm unsettled, but still tired." She snuggled deeper under the covers. "You're going to be half-asleep at work tomorrow. What time do you have to go in?"

"Around nine. At least I'll have a few hours here at home first." Noticing that Max was no longer sucking on his finger, he slowly withdrew his finger. "Although I feel like I should not go in and stay here and help Nathaniel. Even though he doesn't seem to want my help."

"He already has five people helping him, Anton. You need to take care of things at the warehouse." She rested her hand on his stomach, rubbing in small circles. "There's not much you can do for him now, anyway. Not until that 'Marrok' calls him back. I think he just needs to be with his son."

"You're right, my dear." Anton sighed and slid below the covers, laying Max on the mattress between them. "But still, I'm his brother. I feel like I should be doing something." He let out a sigh. "I've asked some of the people I have dealings with in Napa if they know anything about Deschamps Vineyards or the owner. So far no luck."

"It hasn't been very long, Anton. You might have better luck this evening. Do you need any help contacting them? If you need me to make some phone calls tonight, I can."

"Thanks, Bryn. I appreciate it." He reached out and stroked her cheek. "So are you ready to go to sleep now?" His hand slowly, sensually slid down to her shoulder. "Or you think you can stay awake for a few more minutes?"

"I can stay awake." She snuggled closer to him, then looked down at Max. "I think he might need to move for a little bit."

Anton smiled, then reached down to pick up the baby, moving him to the other side of Bryn, before pulling her closer to him. She wrapped her arms around his back, leaning towards him to kiss his mouth. Letting out a soft moan, she closed her eyes and concentrated on feeling his soft lips crushed against hers.

Anton moaned, running his hand over her shoulder and up and down her arm. "Do you know how badly I want inside you, my dear? Just to roll you over on your back, climb on, and pound away?" He pressed his lips to hers again and stroked his tongue along them, seeking entrance.

She shuddered heavily against him, whimpering and lifting her thigh over his. She pulled him as close as she could, struggling to wrap her legs around him, clutching him to her. Feeling his cock nudge her sex, she gasped. Her hips jerked against him, and it took all of her willpower to keep from impaling herself. She ground her clit against him, rocking her hips slowly.

Anton shivered, pulling lightly on her lower lip. His hands still stroked over her back, slowly sliding down to cup her ass. His hips began rocking as well, moving in time to her light thrusts. "You told me once you wanted me to nurse from you once your milk came in, my dear," he whispered in her ear. His tongue snaked out to follow the swirl of her ear. "Do you still want me to?"

She nodded emphatically. "Yes, please." She thrust her chest forward, pressing herself against him. "I don't know why, but that turns me on so much. Feeling you drinking from my body. I can only imagine what it'll be like when you're drinking my blood...and I'm drinking yours."

Anton started kissing his way down her neck. "I can't wait, my dear. I want to taste your life, Bryn, and feel you drink of mine." His kisses became teasing nips the lower he went. "But for now, I'll settle for tasting your breasts." Anton's tongue traced along the inside curve of her breast, nose brushing against her sternum before he wrapped his lips around her nipple, sucking gently.

Sabryn let out a soft moan, threading her fingers through his hair and cupping the back of his head. Her eyelids fluttered before closing, a smile curving her lips. She lightly skimmed her fingernails over his shoulder, tickling lightly, then gently massaged his muscles. Feeling a delicious sense of calm flood like heat through her entire body.

Anton gently continued to suckle on her breast. He reached out with his other hand and began rubbing her breast, circling his palm over the nipple softly. He continued sucking on her nipple, making contented rumbling noises. She tasted sweet, like her. That was the only way he could describe it.

Squirming slightly, she arched into his touch. She could feel her other nipple starting to leak, making his fingers slippery against her skin. Lifting her thigh, she propped her leg open and used the leverage to lift her hips against him. "That feels so good, sugar."

Letting her nipple pop out of his mouth, he switched to her other one. Lapping up the spilled milk, he rubbed the breast he just left with his other hand. His now free hand gently combed through her pubic hair and then cupped her sex, fingers lightly brushing over her opening.

Tossing her head, she whimpered at the light contact. She wanted so badly to drag him on top of her, to feel him surging inside of her. Two or three weeks seemed like a lifetime to wait for the moment she could be joined with his body again.

Needing to touch him as well, she slid her hand down his back and over his ass, lightly squeezing, before teasing the crease with her fingers. She felt him jump slightly, and took her time. Allowing him to adjust to her explorations, before gently rubbing the pad of her finger over his anus.

He whimpered, and then pushed back into her hand. His fingers became bolder, rubbing against her clit. Anton continued to suck on her breast and rub the other one, wondering if he could bring Bryn off this way.

She panted, rolling her hips continuously. Adding more pressure to her finger, she pushed inward slightly with each pass, barely opening him to her touch, before slipping out once more. "Does that feel good? I want to make you shiver."

He pulled off her breast long enough to answer her. "You're doing a good job at that, my dear." Hips moving in a steady rhythm, he circled the tip of her tongue around her nipple, his fingers circling her clit as well. He started to shake when Bryn's finger slipped a little deeper into his body.

She couldn't help shaking as well. Reaching down with her free hand, she gently stroked his cock, using long, slow pulls. She enjoyed the way his hips moved to follow her touch. Pushing her hips up into his touch, she bit her lip, stifling the loud whimpers she knew would wake the baby. She sped up the strokes of her hand, hoping to make him just as excited as he was making her.

He squirmed even more, her get wetter and wetter. He was trying to keep quiet, to keep from waking Max, but it was getting harder to contain his reactions. The tightness and tingling in his groin was quickly reaching a peak, and he continued to stroke and suckle her, hoping to make her cum soon.

She tossed her head again, her hips lifting more with every pass of his fingers. Unable to help herself, she cried out as she came, pushing her finger deep inside of him, pleased to feel him jump in reaction. She bit down on her lip, shuddering, then grinned widely as the tingling flutters traveled through her body.

Trying to stifle his cry, he let out a strangled yelp as Bryn's finger stroked across his prostate. He came in her hand, arching against her body. Supporting his weight on one hand, he looked down at her, panting heavily before lowering against her, kissing her forehead. "I love you, Bryn."

She nuzzled him, pressing a lingering kiss to his mouth. "I love you, too, sugar." She rubbed her cheek against his shoulder, carefully easing her finger out of him and kneading his ass. Releasing his sensitive cock, she lifted her hand to her mouth and lapped away the semen from her palm. Moaning softly in appreciation of his taste. "This was wonderful, Anton. Thank you."

He watched with hooded eyes as she cleaned her palm with her tongue. "You're welcome, my dear. You're wonderful, as always." He looked over at Max, who still had his eyes closed. "I'm amazed that he slept through this."

She smiled, wrapping her arms around him. "I'm just surprised he hasn't started snoring, like his father."

Anton gave her a half smile, arching one eyebrow. "Really?"

"Mmhmm. It's kind of cute, sometimes, especially when you wake yourself up. You look around, all groggy, like you're wondering where that loud sound came from. And then you fall right back to sleep again." She grinned. "Even half-asleep, you can't believe you actually snore."

Anton looked at her slightly disbelieving. "Okay, my dear. Whatever you say." He snuggled back down beside her and gently stroked her hair. "I love you so much, my dear."

"I love *you* so much." She hugged him tightly, unwilling to let him go. "If I turn over and hold on to Max, will you scoot closer and hold me extra tight tonight? I need you both."

"Of course, Bryn. He watched her turn around and cuddle their son close to her body. Anton then scooted closer as well and put an arm over her waist, his hand resting over hers on Max. "Like this, my dear?"

She let out a soft sigh of contentment and snuggled deeper into his embrace. "It's perfect, my love."

He woke from an exhausted sleep, shocked to find that he'd actually passed out. His eyelids were heavier than iron weights, and he blinked slowly to clear his watery gaze. Moving his arms and legs, he prepared to get up for another day of searching...until he realized that he wasn't alone in bed. Confused, he lifted his head and looked down at the weight on his chest. Long, silky blond hair trailed from the woman's head, and for a moment he dared to dream that Lindy might've returned to him.

But that wasn't possible. She was being held captive, starved, humiliated, and who knew what else, by that werewolf bastard. He wouldn't let her slip out of his hands if his life depended on it. But what if she'd outsmarted him?

Hand shaking, his reached out to touch her, terrified she might melt into oblivion under his fingers. The solidity of her body beneath his palm brought tears to his eyes.

She let out a soft sigh, snuggling deeper on his chest. Lindy slowly lifted her head, not understanding. She was being held prisoner by Marrok. The last thing she remembered was cramming herself into the corner where the shadow had been darkest to hide from the rising sun. Experimentally, she moved her leg, surprised when she didn't feel the weight of the chain around her ankle. She couldn't remember how she got away from Marrok.

But at the moment she didn't really care. Her arms went around his chest tight, tears coming to her eyes. Sobbing, she crawled a little further up his body and kissed him.

He closed his arms around her and squeezed her nearly hard enough to break a rib. For a long while all they could seem to do was shake and cry, sobbing out all of the grief, pain, and exhaustion they'd experienced since her abduction. And the utter relief that she was back, safe and sound. He didn't ever want to let her go again, didn't think he'd let her out of his sight any time soon. If it meant being attached at the hip, so be it. At the very least, she wasn't driving to work alone anymore.

He couldn't stop kissing her, pressing his lips to her hair, forehead, eyes, nose, lips, and cheeks. His hands clutching her tightly. And when he finally caught his breath, all he could do was breathe her in. Gorging himself with her scent. "'Love you so much, baby. I love you so, so much."

"I love you too, Nate," She pressed kisses to his face and neck. She should have felt starved for blood, but the only thing she was hungry for was his presence, his touch, his voice. "Oh God, I thought I'd never see you again." She couldn't stop running her hands over his cheeks and hair.

He smiled tremulously, rubbing her back. "You're going to be seeing more than enough of me, because I'm not letting you go ever again. You're mine, Lindy. *Mine*." He hugged her tightly again, stroking her hair as she laid her head on his shoulder. "How did you get here? I'm not sure if I even want to know. I just need you so much. If I could solder us together, I would."

"I don't know how I got here. And I don't care. That I'm here is the important thing." She held him tighter, rubbing her cheek over his shoulder. "I don't ever want to leave this bed, now that I'm back with you. Never, never, never..." She emphasized each word with a light kiss to his lips.

He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss by teasing open the seam of her lips with his tongue. They both moaned wholeheartedly when their tongues touched, coupling with their mouths. Hands sliding down to squeeze her ass, Nate pulled back to meet her gaze. "I need you, Lindy. My whole body needs you. Let me make love to you, please?"

"Yes," she whispered, looking into his eyes. "Please, Nathaniel. I need you." Her hands slid up and down his sides, moaning as he squeezed her ass again. "I missed your touch so badly, Nate. I think that's the only thing that kept me sane, the memory of you holding me."

He shuddered lightly. "I know it's the only thing that kept *me* sane." Slowly dragging her shirt free from her waist band, he slid his hand under the cotton fabric and caressed her bare skin. "Mmm. You feel like butter under my fingers. So soft and warm. Do you know what I'm going to do now that I have you here? I'm going to kiss you from head to toe. I'm going to love you with my mouth and hands, to hold you close and feel every cell in your body pressed to mine. When I get hungry I'll drink from you, and let you have my blood in return. And I'm not going to let you go, not once."

Lindy rubbed her body against his, dislodging his shirt from his jeans. She started working it over his head, stroking his skin as she did so. "I'm going to hold on to you as tight as I can. Until we fuse into one being and you can't tell where you end and I begin. I'm going to make love to you with all my heart, body, and soul." She placed a kiss on his bare shoulder. "And when we're done, I'm going to start doing it all over again."

He removed her shirt as well, deftly unhooking her bra and tossing it aside. The moment he felt her bare chest against his, his frenzied movements stopped. He swallowed heavily. Just the feel of all of that soft flesh pressed against his, the firm pillows of her breasts, their peaks drawn into tight points, poking in to his skin, the lightest dusting of golden hairs on her belly...it was all too much. He let out a low moan, pulling her tighter against him and burying his face in her hair. More tears fell, but this time of happiness rather than sorrow. "God, I missed you."

"I missed you, too." Lindy held onto him tightly, her breathing speeding up when she felt his bare skin against hers. Her hands slipped up to his head, fingers tangling in his hair. She pressed her lips to his, kissing him slowly, feasting on his taste and texture. She let out a soft, whimpering sigh with each breath, her fingers coming through his hair.

Nate couldn't help but growl into her mouth, feeling feral with desire as he clawed at her pants. He tried to control his urgency, wanting this moment to last forever, but he couldn't wait to get inside of her. Once they were joined, they had all the time in the world. Using his toes to push her shoes off, he popped open her jeans and slid the zipper down, barely pausing to hook his thumbs in her panties, before pushing the fabric down her legs.

She squirmed, helping him. He hands slowly slipped down his body, rubbing against his skin. She lightly scratched his back, fingers curling around his waist when she hit the edge of his jeans. Then her movements became more frantic, undoing his fly and slipping a hand inside to cup his cock and balls. She released a shuddering breath, tracing along the length of him.

He gasped, jolting beneath her, his fingers clenching in the blankets to keep from cumming in her hand. "Careful, baby...don't want this over too soon." Swallowing heavily, he felt her move her touch to comb her nails through his pubic hair. Tilting his head back, his mouth curved into a smile. "Although, it might be over soon anyway. I'm too excited to see you." He panted. "You do amazing things to me."

"Only because you do amazing things to me." She continued to stroke his pubic hair, watching him shiver beneath him. She nuzzled under his chin. "I want you, Nate. I want to feel you in me now. I want you to make love to me now." She continued to rub against him like a cat in heat. "I need you now, Nathaniel."

He nodded almost drunkenly, using his feet to shove her jeans down the rest of the way. Lifting his hips, he waited for her to pull his jeans down too. Once their clothing was on the floor and she was naked in his arms, he pulled her tightly on top of him. She settled straddling him as he gently pushed inside her. Nate let out a loud moan as he slowly slid in as deep as he could, his body bowing slightly and his hands clutching her ass. "Oh God, yes..."

Lindy threw back her head and let out a loud hiss. "Yes!" She forced herself to sit still, to just feel him stretch her wide open. Leaning forward slightly she ran her hand up and down his chest. "God you feel good, Nate." Slowly she began to rise and fall on his cock, giving little whimpers of delight.

He could feel his eyes rolling back in his head. Cradling the back of her head, he pulled her closer to kiss her, sucking wantonly on her tongue, enjoying the sucking sounds their joined bodies made with each movement. Lifting his hips in rhythm with her lunges, he quivered beneath her. "Love you so much, Lind. Love you, and missed you, and need you so very much."

Her breathing became more rapid. She tried to keep her motions slow, to make it last. But desire for him made her quiver and speed up. She was torn between trying to draw the moment out, and riding him rapidly to explosive pleasure. Her nails scratched down his chest again as she whimpered against his mouth.

He gripped her hips bruisingly tight, practically taking the choice away from her as he suddenly rolled her onto her back. Wedging himself tightly between her thighs, he began thrusting forcefully, deliberately lifting her hips with his, grunting every time he sank inside her. His arms shook as they tried to hold his weight, his entire body vibrating with the need to cum. "Uhh...yes...baby!"

She shrieked, gasping as he rubbed against her clit forcefully. "My God! Nathaniel!" Her nails dug into her shoulders and she convulsed around him. "Cum for me, Nathaniel! I want to feel you!"

Nate shouted, slamming himself deeply inside her and jetting his semen powerfully. He shook heavily, twitching, before sinking down to collapse heavily on top of her. Panting, he buried his face in her hair. "So good, baby. You feel so good."

She was breathing heavily as she nuzzled the side of his head. "Love you, Nathaniel. Love you so much." She felt exhausted, but content. However she couldn't get a nagging voice in the back of her head that insisted something wasn't right with the situation. She clung to him tightly still.

"I love you, too, baby." He turned his head to kiss her, rolling on to his side and pulling her with him. He felt blissful, infused with heat and wonder. Combing his fingers through her hair, he pulled back to look at her. The sudden blurriness of her face made him blink several times to clear it. "I must be getting ready to make up for all the sleep I lost. I'm groggy. What would you say to sleeping in my arms, gorgeous?"

"It sounds wonderful." Eyes closed, she snuggled close to him, giving a contented sigh when his arms went around her. But she couldn't feel the heat of his body, or even the weight of his arms, which had been so solid on her earlier. "Nathaniel?"

"Just relax and go to sleep, baby." His lips curled as he settled his head deep into his pillow. Her warmth against him slowly started to dissipate as he slipped into unconsciousness. And yet, it wasn't sleep he was heading towards but wakefulness...and he realized her buttery-soft skin was melting into the threaded ridges of spun fabric. Her firm body became unbearably pliable, as soft and squishy as a stuffed pillow. "Baby, where'd you go?"

She heard his question as if it were coming from a great distance. Shifting and trying to find his body by feel, she was startled by a loud clanking noise and a weight on her leg. It sounded and felt like the chain holding her to the wall.

Lindy opened her eyes, and her heart broke in two. She wasn't safe and loved in her husband's arms in their soft, warm bed. She was on the cold, hard ground of Marrok's prison, the sun peeking through the window. Curling into a tight ball, she began to rock back and forth, crying in despair. [It was a dream. It was all a fucking dream.]

Miles and miles away, Nate rolled onto his back, still clutching the pillow he'd been holding throughout his dream. He felt physically ill, and swallowed heavily to hold back the nausea. He wasn't sure which was worse--that she was gone, or that she'd never been there at all. Throwing an arm over his eyes, he quietly sobbed. Careful not to wake Liam, even though he wanted to scream.

[God, baby, I miss you so much...please, just come home and hold me.]

It wasn't a good idea to go home. From what Jake, his caretaker, had told him, the vampires knew where he lived. It was only a matter of time before they sent the police looking for him. Still, he was more careful than usual. Driving within a mile of his home, he parked his truck and assumed his canine form. Running back to his property on four legs, he could easily sneak in the back entrance. Jake, his housekeeper, and the other workers had long ago been told that the 'wolf' on his property was a pet, so he was in no danger of being shot at. Once he ascertained that there was no threat of intruders in his home, it was easy for him to slip into the bedroom, Change back to him human self, and quickly get dressed.

Everything went as planned, and moments later he found his 'family' sitting around the clay stove on the front patio. "Anybody miss me?"

Viviane's head turned so fast her blond hair whipped behind her. Her round golden face and big blue eyes light up with surprise. "Daddy!"

Marrok grinned, bracing to catch her as she leapt out of her chair and ran towards him. She let out a soft, girlish squeal, hugging him tightly, and wrapped her legs around his waist. For an eight-year-old, she was tall for her age, and in his own estimation, exceptionally pretty. He let out a groan as he squeezed her and kissed her forehead. "How's my best girl?"

"Jake took me for ice cream today! And we saw Melanie down by the store--her dog had puppies. They were so cute, but I don't want one."

"Oh? Really?"

"Jake says Wolfe will probably kill it," she said, sharing a conspiratorial glance with her father. Of the over sixty people employed or living at the vineyard, only Viviane knew that Wolfe was really her father. Quite by accident. He never would've trusted her with such an important secret. He was amazed that she'd actually maintained secrecy so far.

"Well, I don't know about that, Viv, but it's still not a good idea. Not until you're older, anyway."

"Damn it, Marrok, I don't know how you're able to sneak up on me like that," Jake commented. He stood up to shake hands with his boss. "I swear one of these days I'm going to tie a bell around your neck. That way I won't end up shooting you accidentally, thinking you're an intruder."

"Speaking of intruders," Jake continued. "We had one the other night. Some kid babbling all sorts of nonsense about you."

"What kind of nonsense?" Marrok had briefly spoke with Jake about the vampire showing up, but wanted more details.

"He said that you had kidnapped his wife. Ever hear something as crazy as that? Oh, and he had a big black dog with him. Looked like she could have been a sister of Wolfe's."

Marrok rolled his eyes, hoping he didn't look as nervous as he felt. "Oh, that guy. Yeah, I've had problems with him before. Apparently I, uh--'wronged' his sister in the past and he's been trying to get revenge ever since. Next time you see him, call the cops. He's completely nuts, and I don't want him anywhere near Viv."

Jake nodded, obviously still worried by the matter. "Why do you think he'd make up a story like that? He showed me a picture of her. Pretty girl."

[Yes, she is. Like a pretty little porcelain doll, cracked in too many places.]

"I don't know what would possess him to make up a story like that. I guess his sister meant a lot to him."

"Huh." Jake sank back down in the chair, dark brown wicker creaking beneath him. "Well, it scared us pretty good. Some strange guy poking around here in the dark, and freaking out like that. I thought sure I'd have to shoot him."

"Guess it's a good thing he left when he did, then." [If only it were that easy.] Looking back down at the child in his arms, he said, "I think it's about time you went to bed, Viv."

She scrunched up her face, but didn't protest as he carried her back into the house. "Will you read me a story?"

"Mmmaybe..." He slid her butterfly headband off as he walked, marveling at how soft her hair was. She was so much like her mother. It made him nostalgic for the time he and Laurel were in love--or at least thought they were. They'd both been so blissfully clueless. Now his ex-wife was over a hundred miles away, working her way through every truck driver north of Mexico border. [Thank God you aren't exactly like your mom, Viv.] "What story would you like to hear?"

"Daddy, what does 'wronged' mean?"

He sighed inwardly. Walking into the pink-icing fantasy land that was her bedroom, he settled her down on the canopy bed and pulled down the satin comforter so she could crawl inside. Even her ruffled pajamas matched. "Well, 'wronged' means exactly what it sounds like--I didn't something wrong to someone else. I did something to hurt that person."

"Why?" Her eyes turned into sad pools, and he had to look away to keep from feeling ashamed.

"I made a mistake. I wouldn't hurt anyone on purpose."

[Liar.]

"Did you say you were sorry?"

He shook his head, wondering why a little girl could make him feel shame and regret more readily than any woman or man could ever do. "I didn't get a chance to, cupcake."

"Laurel said you should always say your sorry."

"'Laurel'?" Baffled, he stared at her. "Who said you could call your mother Laurel?"

Viviane dropped her gaze, her cheeks turning a rosier shade than her bed. "You call her that. You also called her--"

"*You* call her Mommy. That's it." [God, what am I teaching this child?] "Got that?" She nodded, flinching as he tilted her head up to meet his gaze. Her eyes were huge. Bordering on something between fear and defiance. And for a moment, she looked exactly like the vampire bitch. The broken doll in his storage shed. He couldn't help but wince. "I'm sorry I called your mother that. She'll always be Mommy, okay?"

His daughter nodded again, losing that look in her eyes. Suffused with relief, he scooted closer and hugged her tightly. "I missed you, Viviane. I missed my best girl in the whole wide world. And I love you very much."

"I love you, too, Daddy."

End Chapter Eighty