Runs in the Blood, Chapter Ninety-one

Chapter Nintey-one

Bryn settled on to the bed, suitcase in front of her, folding a pair of her jeans to settle into the space next to Anton's. Before he'd left for work that evening, he'd received a call from the vampire council. After calling back on the number he'd memorized, they informed him of scheduled meeting on the weekend. In Chicago. Luckily, since it wasn't an emergency, they'd been able to make arrangements for Bryn and Max to travel along with him. She was a bit nervous, since it was Max's first plane trip. But also very relieved and excited to be going along.
Since they'd be leaving in just a few days, she'd called Dr. Anne's office and left a message so she could make an appointment. She wanted to make sure Max was okay to fly. Now, as she picked up the phone, it was Anton's office she dialed.
He stepped into the bedroom silently, a dozen roses in his arms, and watched her dial the phone. When the staff meeting had finished, he had decided to go home early for two reasons. Since he would be out of town, he needed to talk to Lindy and see if she'd be up to returning. And more importantly, he wanted to surprise Bryn and just come home to be with her, like she had asked him to earlier. So he stood silently by as she placed a phone call, waiting for her to turn and see him.
Sabryn tucked the phone between her shoulder and her ear, reaching for another shirt to fold. Just as his secretary answered the phone, she noticed Anton out of the corner of her eye. A smile lit up her face as she grabbed the phone and punched the talk button to end the call.
"Hi!" She settled the phone back in its cradle, then gave him a sheepish laugh. "I think I just hung up on Michelle. I was trying to call you."
"Oops," he grinned. He walked forward, holding the flowers out, offering. "I thought I'd come home and help you pack. And I passed by a floral shop an thought I'd stop in and see what they had." Anton said. Handing the roses to Bryn, he took a seat next to Max, who was laying on his back by the suitcase. He picked him up, sitting him on his lap.
She held the red roses up to her nose, breathing in deeply and smiling. "They smell wonderful." Leaning closer, she softly kissed him. "Thank you, sugar. This is the best surprise I've had all month." Looking down at Max, who was kicking his feet and grinning like clam, she grinned. "I'm not the only who's happy to see you. He was really cranky just after you left for work. So I decided to take him in the bath with me to commiserate."
"Really?" Anton looked down at the smiling baby in his lap. "I can't believe that this giggling little boy could be cranky." He tickled Max's tummy, making him squeal. "So what else have you been up to, my dear? I had a boring staff meeting, and trying to make a decision about who to leave in charge while I'm gone."
"Well, I washed some clothes and worked on a sketch while I wait to move them to the dryer, and then to get dry. I haven't done any actual painting yet, but I picked out my colors." She set the roses down for a bit, running her fingers over the soft petals. "I was naughty and had a couple of cups of coffee." She smirked at him. "I wish you'd told me you were having a staff meeting. I could've put a surprise for you in your pocket."
He gave her a sly grin. "I'm sorry I forgot to tell you, my dear. I'll definitely have to remember to tell you next time." He slid over on the bed a bit, and patted the spot next to him. "So are you excited about the trip? They're probably going to have us present Max to the Council."
She propped a pillow behind her, leaning against him. "Well, I was excited until you said that." She frowned her gaze settling on their son. Max was still happily oblivious, playing with Anton's fingers and waving his fists around. "The thought of taking Max anywhere near them makes me nervous. Maybe they're just fascinated, or even curious about him...but if there's anything more than that..." She shook her head. "I'm just not thrilled about it."
"And to be honest, neither am I." He also looked down at Max. "They will be curious about him, about what he is. The Empress seems to have taken a shine to him, which may give us some protection. But I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that he stays safe."
She reached for his hand, lazing their fingers together. "I know you will. I just wish I knew what her intentions are." She sighed softly, pushing her hair away from her face. "What are our plans while we're there? Are we just staying long enough for the meeting, or what?"
"Well, what would you like to do?" He leaned his shoulder against hers. "We could stay after the meeting and then do some sightseeing. Or we could take a side trip on the way home and introduce Max to the rest of your family, since we'll practically be there."
She smiled, scooting even closer to rest her cheek on his shoulder and wrap her arms around his waist. "That sounds really nice. Thank you, sugar." Stretching lightly against him, she settled even deeper into his embrace. "I'm so happy you're here. I really wanted to hear your voice. And seeing you is even better." Sliding her hand around in a wide circle, she gently rubbed his belly through his shirt. "It feels like I can never get enough of you. Even though I know we'll be together for years and years and years...I'm hungry to be with you every second of the day."
He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "Do you know it's painful for me to be apart from you, my dear? It takes all the discipline I can muster sometimes just to get out of bed, let alone go to work." One arm around Max, he caught Bryn's hand in his. "Since I'm home early, is there anything you'd like to do? Go out to dinner?"
She looked up at him, smiling. "You know, this may sound strange, but I'd kind of like to go to McDonald's. Not just the drive-thru, but to actually go in and sit down to eat. It always brings back good memories of going there as a kid, and I think Max needs those kind of memories, too." Turning her hand over in his, she squeezed. "But we can go there some other time if you'd rather go somewhere else. I just want to be with you and Max. Although, there is one thing I won't budge on--you have to kiss me or I'm going to spontaneously combust!"
"Can't have that, my dear." Anton leaned over a little more and pressed his lips to hers. He couldn't crush her against his body, not with Max in his arms. So he had to content himself with a chaste kiss held the promise of more. With a reluctant sigh, he pulled back. "If we're going to make it to McDonald's before it closes, we'll need to get going." Still sitting, he offered her his free arm. "Shall we?"
She nodded, accepting his help getting off the bed. "Did I tell you that you look really sexy today?" She smiled as he arched an eyebrow at her. "I'm surprised Michelle doesn't salivate every time she sees you. I bet she has a huge crush on you." She gestured to the dresser before they reached the door. "Do you want to change first? I put a bunch of clean clothes away."
He looked down at the slacks he was wearing. "Too dressy for McDonald's? I'd change, but I think then we would never leave the house." He shifted his grip so his arm went around her waist. "Speaking of leaving the house, I need to talk to Lindy when we get back. I'm hoping she's feeling up to returning to her job while we're gone."
She nodded, looking down as they descended the stairs. "That's a good idea. You might want her to start as soon as possible so she can catch up on whatever has been happening." She was quiet as she listened to him speak about his ideas. Her mind was still temporarily stuck on something she'd said earlier. "Anton, can I ask you a question without you getting upset with me?"
He stared at her for a moment, brow slightly wrinkled. "What is it?"
"Have you ever, in all the years you've lived, considered having an affair? I'm just wondering, especially after what happened with Alexandra. Or maybe other times. It just seems a little weird to me that you wouldn't, since about 99% of the male population has thought about it one time or another."
He thought about it a moment, trying to phrase an answer. "I guess it comes down to the definition of 'having an affair.' Yes, when I've been married and seen other beautiful women, sometimes I have wondered what it would be like to sleep with them. Have I set out to seduce them? No." He breathed a deep sigh. "Even in the early days when I was with Natasha, I suspected that she wasn't faithful to me, something I relived with Alexandra. I wouldn't want to inflict that pain on anyone."
She squeezed her arm around his waist in silent apology, feeling her heart contract painfully in her chest. Taking a deep breath, she pushed past the nearly overwhelming feeling of guilt. "If you'd thought about that recently...or did in the future, would you tell me? Would you tell me who you wondered about? Like...maybe if it was someone you worked with? I'm not accusing you of anything, Anton, I'm just curious."
He answered her, curious as to why she was asking these questions. "I would tell you, Bryn. I'm assuming the same goes for me? And as for sleeping with anyone at work, there really hasn't been anyone. Or even anyone, period. There was a passing fantasy about Lindy, but you already know about that." It felt a bit awkward to talk to her about less than faithful longings while holding his son and her in his arms.
She nodded, reaching for her coat as they neared the garage door. Slipping her arms into the sleeves, she met his gaze. "Yes, I would tell you. But there hasn't really been anyone, since I never leave the house." She managed a small smile at that, even though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I--I think that part of the reason why some couples break up is that they never take the time to learn what their spouse thinks is sexy, or what turns them on. I'd just like to know that about you. What makes you take a second look, and things that you like that I don't do or qualities that I don't have."
Anton nodded. "A beautiful smile, quick wit, intelligence, a shapely body, those are some of the things that catch my eye, my dear." He looked at her, concerned about something she said earlier. "Bryn, do you want to get out of the house more, and I'm not helping you to be able to do so?"
"No, I like being able to stay home with Max. You've never kept me from doing anything, sugar. You've even encouraged me to get out more." She opened the door to the garage and stepped down to the concrete floor. "Although sometimes I wonder if you'd like it if I had a normal job. Not because of the need for money, but...I don't know, I guess it just seems like 'career women' are sexier than housewives. More put together. Dressing up in nice suits and putting on make-up, instead of wearing sweats and baby spit-up." She paused, then turned around and frowned. "Damn it, I forgot to grab the diaper bag."
It would be faster for one of them to duck back into the house and grab the bag, but Anton didn't want the conversation to stop. Arm still around Bryn, he reversed direction and started back towards the stairs. "We've had this conversation before, my dear. If you want to get a job, I will back you fully. And as for working women being sexier," he said, "there is something that is a turn on about knowing here is someone waiting eagerly for you to come home."
She let out a soft sigh. "So maybe it's just me that doesn't think I'm a bit sexy. I'm bored with myself. I do the same thing every night, wear a slightly altered version of the same outfit, and I know the television schedule by heart...which, by the way, is not the least bit exciting. Evidently television producers have never heard of the graveyard shift." Breaking away from his grasp, she grabbed the diaper bag from the floor next to the couch. "I seem to make the same dinners every month and we have sex around the same time every night--I just don't see how you can not be bored by that." She looked down at the floor for a moment, lowering her voice. "Or why, after nine lifetimes, you aren't bored with me."
"Because, Bryn, each lifetime you were different. The time, the era was different. You may have been them in the past, but you are different in the preset. And there's so much for me to learn now." Shifting Max higher on his shoulder, he reached out and lightly put his arms around her shoulders. "If you're not happy with your life, Bryn, then let's do something to change it." He thought for a moment. "You're enjoying teaching Amanda. Have you thought about giving art lessons? Or going back to school? Or would you like to start at the warehouse?"
She chewed on her lip, taking a deep breath. "I don't know if I really have the qualifications to give art lessons. I hadn't really thought about going back to school, and you have more than enough help at the warehouse. I--I guess I could get a resume together and start applying for jobs. I don't know what I'd do, but there's probably something out there. I'm not sure what we'd do with Max, though."
"I'm sure that we won't have problems with getting babysitters. And I can shift my schedule around to make things easier." He cocked his head to one side. "Bryn, is there one thing that you want to do more than anything in the world?"
She could only stare at him, feeling slightly chagrined. Her eyes grew misty as she said, "I want to be a good wife and mother."
"Bryn, you already are." He took her hand in his, thumb rubbing a soothing circle on the back of it. "No child could have a better mother, and no man could ask for a better wife." He squeezed her hand, interlacing their fingers. "What do you say that we go get dinner, and we talk about it. We don't have to figure this out tonight. In fact I'm pretty sure we won't in one night. But we can start working towards a solution."
She nodded, squeezing his hand in return. "I don't really know that I do want to work...I think--" She swallowed. "I think I just need to hear you say that it's okay. That you're not embarrassed to have a wife who stays home all the time and is *incredibly* indecisive. I know this might sound really stupid, but I think all of this really has to do with me being afraid that you might find someone who is a professional and really has it together...and you'll end up liking her more than me. And yes, I know you'll love me forever and you'll always be with me...but I'm afraid that to keep that promise you might give up something even better."
He opened his mouth to speak, but she held up her hand to stop him. "I know what you're going to say--that would never happen, because you love me so much and you don't understand why I ask questions like this over and over, but...think about it, Anton. Really. Try to imagine it. What if someone really wonderful comes along and she's in the antique business. She's beautiful and smart, with a nice smile, wit and charm. And you really *really* liked her. Can you honestly say that you wouldn't feel silly to be stuck with a house wife?"
"I can honestly answer that question, Bryn. Not only have you described Lindy, but half the women I deal with. Some are other brokers, some are rival dealers, or assayers. Like you said, they're witty, smart, beautiful. But I don't feel anything with them. There's no spark, no little jump that my heart gives, no warm feeling when I see them smile. Not like when I'm with you, Bryn. So my answer is no. I wouldn't feel silly, because I don't."
She ducked her head, stepping closer to him and pressing her forehead to his chest. She wrapped her arms tightly around him, hanging on almost desperately, shuddering palpably against him. "I hear...I hear my mother's voice in my head, saying that I don't deserve you. That I don't deserve to have good things, to be rewarded, because I'm a bad girl." She sucked in gasping breath, her tears audible in the way she breathed. "I've been so naughty and I'm a liar, and nothing good will ever come of that. I--I s-should be punished for what I did...and I didn't mean it, I'm so sorry.."
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Bryn," he breathed softly, his heart aching for her. He opened his eyes, tightening his arm around her. "When you were abducted by aliens, and what happened afterwards, that wasn't your fault. You were a scared little girl who went to her mother for comfort and reassurance, which she should have given you unconditionally. You did the right thing by telling the truth. It was her inability to deal with the situation that made her call you a liar and bad, not anything you said or did. You are none of those things, Bryn." He lightly kissed her temple. "You did nothing wrong and there is nothing you should be punished for. You deserve so much, Bryn. So many good things."
She continued to cry for a minute or so, and even though she clutched him so tightly she was careful not to wet the front of his shirt. Sniffling, pulling in shuddering breaths, she grabbed a tissue out of her coat pocket and blew her nose. Looking up at him, she tried somewhat successfully to meet his gaze. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to fall apart like that." Scrubbing at her face, she breathed through her mouth. "I--I guess now we know why I freak out all the time. She really screwed me up, didn't she?"
"Yes she did," Anton agreed softly. He gently ran his hand over her back, keeping her close to his side. "And now that it's out in the open, we're going to work on getting you better. To banish this demon haunting you. Because I love you too much to stand by and watch you be tormented by this any longer."
She gave him a genuine smile. "I feel better, now that I said it. Not completely better, but better than before." Standing up on her tiptoes, she softly kissed him. "I love you, Anton. Very, very much. Will you let me drive you to dinner now?"
He smiled broadly, glad that the sparkle was starting to return to her eyes. "Of course, my dear. I'll even let you drive my car, if you like." His nose wrinkled slightly as he inhaled. "But before we go, I think we need to see to Max, if you'll hand me the diaper bag."
She let out a soft laugh, handing the bag over. "I noticed that as I was leaning in to kiss you--I was really hoping it wasn't you."
He snorted as he smiled. "Give me five minutes, and we'll both be fresh as a daisy, my dear. And then let's go get something to eat." Slinging the diaper bag over his shoulder, he walked over to the stairwell to run up to Max's room. "And Bryn? I love you," he said before he ducked out of sight.
She felt a sudden warmth suffuse her and whispered, "I know you do."

Jess sat on the porch of her house, soda in hand and Honey curled by her feet, watching the stars. Things seemed to finally be getting back to normal, or at least what passed for normal in their lives. Lindy seemed well on the road to recovery, Nate looked more relaxed than he had in a long time, and Bryn appeared to be content, even if she seemed to struggle now and then. Even Anton acted like a weight had been lifted off of him, though he wasn't talking to anyone about what happened, as far as she knew. Hearing someone walk up behind her, she took a swig of her soda and then tried to stifled a yawn.
"Tired, hellbeast?"
"Yeah, Mulder. Still adjusting to being up half the night." She gestured to the empty chair near her. "I'm just waiting for Alex to return with Amanda from shopping. Have a seat and wait with me."
He groaned as he settled into the chair, his knee popping. "Actually, I think you'll be able to get back to your old sleep schedule soon...both of us will. We're not getting any younger. Going to need all the sleep we can get."
"Speak for yourself, old man." He grinned at her as she crossed her arms. "So what's changed? I take it you're leaving."
Mulder nodded, hearing a touch of disappointment in her voice. He wasn't sure if it equaled the relief or not. "Yeah. I can't stay here forever. My fish are probably all dead by now, even though the boys swore to take care of them. Plus, I've got bills to pay and your family is no doubt eager to get rid of me. But most importantly, I don't think my help is needed anymore. Sure, everyone still has their problems. But it's nothing a local psychologist can't help."
"If we can get them to talk to one. You were the obvious choice since you're accepting of the paranormal." Jess stretched her arms above her head. "So how much longer will you be here?"
"I'd say a day or two more at most. Just long enough for one last session with each of them." Mulder gave her a grin. "It's been an interesting experience, counseling vampires."
"Well, keep that last part quiet, Mulder. They may be talking to you, but they still don't trust you the way I do."
"My kind of people; trust no one." He smiled as she shook her head. "So, what are you going to do when I'm gone and you're left here, feeling all alone and terribly miserable, bitter to be stuck with these bums when the one brilliant shining sun in your life has set in the east?"
"You know, Mulder, I've thought about that." Jess gave a sigh, looking up at the stars. "I figure what I'll do is book me flight to D.C., and finally have that teeth rattling affair with Frohike."
So startled by her reply, he laughed out loud. "Oh God..." He reached into his jacket, pulling something out of his coat pocket. "You know, I've got his number programmed into my phone here. We could give him a call. Wouldn't want to keep you waiting any longer."
Jess grinned and shook her head. "I think I'll pass, Mulder. I don't want to give the guy a heart attack." She let out a soft sigh and leaned towards him a bit. "Everything's going to be okay, right Mulder? I just need someone from the outside looking in to verify that for me. Things have just been so unsettled here lately, I'm not sure that I can be an accurate judge."
"I think everything is going to be just fine. Lindy's come a really long way, and she was the one I was most worried about. I think she just needed someone to talk to--everyone was so busy caring for her and shielding her that no one remembered to stop and listen to her. Now that every thing's settling down, there won't be a problem. Not within�this extended�family, anyway. That's not to say that you're safe from outsiders, though."
She blinked, suddenly looking more tired and older than she ever had. "I'm not sure we ever possibly could be."

They returned from McDonald's after about an hour and a half. It had been a long time since he had eaten at a fast food restaurant, and it had been a pleasant evening. The food had been okay, but what Anton really had enjoyed was the chance to show off Max in public, and the casual time with Bryn.
"Come on, you little ham," Bryn said, holding Max in one arm as she held the stair-rail in the other. "Time to get you in your jammies." She saw the baby looking over her shoulder and glanced behind her to smile at Anton. "I can't believe how he had those people wrapped around his finger. I don't think I've ever seen him smile that much. He *had* to have been flirting with that little girl." She poked Max in the belly, making him squirm. "You better start behaving, or I won't let you date until you're twenty-five."
"I thought we weren't going to let him date until he was thirty," Anton said. He followed Bryn into Max's bedroom and watched her pull out a set of pajamas for Max. She seemed relaxed and happy now, not like earlier this evening when she cried on his shoulder. "But if you didn't notice, that little girl was flirting back."
"Yeah, the little hussy," she said, making him laugh. As she started to tug down Max's pants, she tilted her head to the side. "She was cute, though. Those little brown pigtails. With girls, you can style their hair and put them in fancy dresses. They don't make nearly as many cool clothes for boys." She gave him a little smile. "Maybe they're just anticipating a bunch of couch potato, beer-drinking, pretzel-eating�men in the future, who don't care what they wear so long as it has an expandable waist."
"I think you just described the majority of currently middle aged men," he said with a grin. "Of course, I think boys have the cooler toys now. And their clothes do get cuter when they reach the toddler stage." He watched as Bryn stripped off Max's shirt. "Does he need a fresh diaper, my dear?"
"Why, yes he does, darling," she said, with false excitement. She tickled Max's feet until he kicked and grinned at her. "His Highness has peed his pants again. Isn't that right, Your Majesty?" Giggling, she reached for a diaper. As she turned back to Max, she noticed Anton staring at her. What?"
He shook his head, leaning against Max's crib. "Nothing. You look much happier since we left here."
"That's because I just had a very enjoyable dinner with my husband and son. I'm always happier when I'm with you. Well...at least when I'm not having an anxiety attack."
"Hopefully you won't be having many more of those."
"I hope so, too."
Anton watched her change Max and put his pajamas on him. Max didn't seem inclined to cooperate. He was having too much fun kicking his legs as she tried to work the fabric on his legs. But eventually he was all buttoned up. "Bryn, what do you say after Max is tucked into bed, I tuck you into our bed?"
She gave him a soft smile. "That would be really nice, sugar." Picking up Max, she held him close to her and sat down in the rocker. As she started to unbutton her blouse, she arched an eyebrow at Anton. "Are you going to let me nurse on you, too?"
"That can be arranged," he murmured. He watched as Bryn undid the catch on the nursing bra and offered Max her breast. He thought it was odd of him to feel both so tender towards his son as he watched him nurse while feeling aroused by Bryn. "An I'll let you suck on other things too, if you like."
She giggled, reaching out her hand to beckon him closer. Smiling as he walked over to her and knelt down by her side, she leaned over and kissed his lips. Lingering there, her lips barely brushing his as she whispered, "You know I'm not bored with you, don't you? What I said earlier...about being bored with having sex at the same time every day, I didn't mean that. I was only worried that you might be. I love being with you."
"I'm not bored with you, Bryn." He kissed her forehead. "I would let you know if I were, and I want you to feel free to tell me." Pulling back slightly he watched Bryn continue to nurse Max. "Sometimes, I have a hard time believing he's real, Bryn," he said with a wistful smile.
She hadn't expected his fatherly dismissal, and she sat back rather disappointedly after he kissed her forehead instead of her mouth. Looking down at Max, she met his bright gaze. "He feels very real when you spend all day and night with him. Especially after a dozen dirty diapers. When he's finally asleep, then it's Petunia constantly wanting attention. I love them both very much, but they're definitely high maintenance individuals."
"I haven't exactly been helpful with that, have I?" He moved around to the side of the rocking chair, crouching down to her level. "Bryn, if you need time alone, time to get out and away for yourself, don't hesitate to ask me. I know you love being with me and with them, but I also know that there are times you just need to be by yourself."
"I didn't say that to make you feel guilty--"
"I know you didn't."
"You spend as much time with Max as you can."
"And not nearly as much as you."
"If I were to ask for any time alone, it would only be to paint. And I can do that anytime, so long as Max is sleeping. But it might be nice to have at least one night a week where I don't have to make dinner." She sighed. "See, that makes me feel guilty, because you work all night, and then have to come home to cook or pick something up. It just doesn't seem fair to me."
"Why? Because I leave the house to work? Bryn, you work just as hard as I do. The difference is that you stay home to do yours." He kissed her forehead and then her lips, carefully avoiding squashing Max. "I don't mind at all, Bryn. Especially if it helps you feel better."
She swallowed. "Thank you. That means a lot to me." Readjusting Max, she switched breasts and settled him against her arm. "I was thinking that it might be nice next weekend, if the weather permits, to saddle up the horses and take a ride deeper into the property. Then all three of us, and probably�Petunia,�could have a picnic in the moonlight. I even ordered a set of really cool flood lamps that connect to the breast collar of the horse, so you can see where you're riding at night. But I don't think those will arrive for a couple of weeks yet. Still, we can carry our own flashlights for now."
"Hmmmm...that does sound like fun. Too bad that we can't do it this weekend." He leaned his head against her shoulder, watching Max nurse contentedly from Bryn. "Or if you like sometime, we could leave Max with the werewolves or with Nathaniel and Lindy and ride off on our own."
"Mmm." She grinned. "That sounds like fun. We could rip off our clothes and dance naked in the moonlight like pagans. I'll even let you worship me." She giggled, then looked down as Max released her nipple and gave a big yawn. "Goodness, little boy. I think it's time for you to go to bed." Heedless of the milk still leaking from her breast, she let the sides of her shirt fall shut as she stood up and handed the baby to Anton. While he settled Max into bed, she started stripping off her clothes, her blouse and bra dropping to the floor, and her jeans not far behind them.
He turned around after kissing Max goodnight and his jaw dropped. It constantly amazed him how she could shift from being a mother to a wanton sex goddess in seemingly the blink of an eye. Stepping stiffly forward, he took her face in his hands and started kissing her with an open mouth.
Grasping his shirt in her fists, she returned his kiss hungrily, lifting her leg, and trying to climb his body. He took the hint, grasping and lifting her until she wrapped her legs around his waist. She still wore her pink satin panties, still had�petite socks on her feet, and she rubbed the back of his thighs with her heels, trying to caress him as much as she could. Sucking hungrily on his tongue, she let out a soft moan. Her breasts smashed against his chest, wetting the fabric of his shirt with the last of her drying milk.
His arms tightened around her back more, one swooping down to her ass to support her as he slowly started walking backwards. Groaning as she continued to plunder his mouth, he made his way down the hallway the short distance to the master bedroom. Once there he sat down on the bed and then twisted around so Bryn was pressed to the mattress. Grabbing one of her legs, he wrapped her around his waist as he continued to kiss her.
She moaned again when he settled on top of her, his weight pressing her into mattress. He tasted wonderful, the banana split flavor of his Dipping Dots ice cream sweet against her tongue. It awed her how they could go from neutral to intensely aroused in seconds, and she knew they were special because of it. Deep down she knew they were made for each other, even though her insecurities sometimes made her lose her clarity. Fear and doubt were only superficial. Anton's love for her was real, a brilliant and palpable thing. And as he caressed her, pampering her with his touch, she felt his adoration with every cell in her body.
His hands cradling the back of her head, he slid his thumbs over her cheekbones as he continued to kiss her. And his hands slid down her neck and shoulders, rubbing her warm, bare skin. He pulled back for a moment, inhaling her scent deeply as he balanced on hand and started unbuttoning his shirt with the other. His eyes spoke volumes, making promises to her about the pleasure they were about to share.
Panting softly, she let her hands slide down his stomach, fingernails rasping against the fine weave of his shirt. A smile lit up her face, staring at the tent in his slacks. "Sometimes I wish I could watch you at work without you knowing. I want to see you when you're thinking about me, and your cock gets hard. I want to watch you stroke it when you think you�re all alone. Mmm. I can just imagine the look on your face."
"Want me to bring home the security tape?" he whispered in her ear before giving the lobe a gentle nip. He started to roll off of her so he could better explore her body, but was blocked by the still open suitcase. With a slightly frustrated growl, he pulled the lid shut and zipped it before shoving it to the ground. Now on his side, he reached out, not to Bryn but to the dresser where the roses were, idly thinking that they'd need to be put in water soon. Grabbing a stem and hoping the florist clipped the thorns, he held it to Bryn's nose. Gently, he stroked the petals over her skin, starting at her forehead and working his way down her face and neck.
Sabryn tilted her head back, arching her neck, wanting to feel the velvety petals with every cell in her body. Breathing through her open mouth, she moaned, "Yesss...please bring it home. I want...I want something to watch when you're not here." She felt him trail the rose across her collarbones and down her sternum, sliding it sensuously through the cleavage between her breasts. "Did I tell you that I've watched that other tape? Of us on your desk? I watched it one night when I wanted you so much--and I came without touching myself at all."
His breath caught at the image that came to mind. "I wish I could have seen that," he said, shifting the rose so it now circled the base of her left breast. Slowly, he drew it inwards, making sure that no inch of skin wasn't caressed. "You always look so beautiful as you cum, an angel fallen to earth." The rose now brushed along her areola, making the nipple tighten even more. "My angel." After brushing the rose lightly along the peak of her nipple, he bent down and gently took it between his lips, nipping gently.
Gasping sharply, she grabbed the back of his head, clenching her fingers in his hair and trying desperately to fight her instincts: to throw him on his back, rip his slacks open, and ride him until they were both sore. It was clear he wanted to go slower, and ideally she did too. But it was hard to keep still when everything felt so intense. When she was filled with emotions so strong she felt she could explode. "Ohh--oh! Anton...God, sugar, I want you. You smell so good..."
He groaned at her taste, lapping at her breast eagerly. Even though his slacks were supposedly loose fitting, they felt unbearably tight. Anton reached down to undo his fly as he began circling her other breast with his tongue as he had the rose. Using only the tip of it, he thoroughly explored her breast, sucking on her nipple as his now free hand began to squeeze the other breast.
Squirming beneath him, she slid her hands over his, fingers threading with his as he squeezed her, and teasing over his flesh as he unzipped his slacks. She cupped him through the crotch of his slacks, relishing the weight of his balls in her palm. "Kiss me," she whispered urgently, moaning as his mouth drew closer and attacking him passionately with her lips. Sucking firmly on his tongue.
He shoved his slacks down and somehow worked his boxers down as well, despite Bryn's hold on his balls. His tongue dueled with hers, exploring her mouth as he was breathing heavily. His fingers entangled in her panties, stroking over the damp fabric and around her clit. Shifting slightly, he spread her legs wider. "Do you want me, Bryn?" he whispered. "Do you want me to impale you? Do you want to feel me inside of you?�
"Yes! Please Anton, sugar, please I want you so much." She was well aware that she was almost begging, but she didn't care. All she wanted was for him to rip her panties off and slam inside her. Once he was there, then things could slow down. Maybe. "Mmm, fill me with that big hard cock of yours."
He hadn't expected her words to have such a strong effect on him. Rearing back, he worked her panties down over her legs. He was almost hyperventilating as he stripped his slacks and boxers off the rest of the way and stabbed inside of her. Anton let out a low groan. "You're so wet, Bryn..."
Bryn whimpered, fisting her hands in the unbuttoned shirt he still wore and hanging on tightly. She was grateful she was wet, or he never would've gotten his thick cock inside of her. He felt huge, stretching her and pressing hard against her cervix. Gripping his hips with her thighs, she rubbed her sock-covered feet on his calves. "Uhh! Mmm, you feel so good. I love the way you fit inside me...cut from the same piece of marble. Oh, don't move yet. Not yet. I want to squeeze you."
His fingers dug into her shoulders as she began to squeeze his cock. Anton closed his eyes, breathing heavily through his nose. She felt tight and hot and wet as she repeatedly gripped and released him. He bit his lip, trying to focus on the pain instead of the pleasure radiating through his groin. "Bryn...you keep...that up...and this...will be...over fast."
She pulled her legs up, bending them towards her chest, still keeping up the same delicious rhythm. "I can't...can't stop. It feels so good," she said, a slight whine in her voice. With her sex held open, her clit felt exposed and ultra-sensitive to every coarse hair on his groin. "Uh uhh. If I make you come now, can we do it again soon?"
"Yes...I'll try," he grated out as Sabryn kept up the demanding rhythm. He pushed slightly, giving small, shallow thrusts, trying to stimulate her as much as she was him. And even that little bit was too much. Anton gave a sharp cry as he came, still thrusting, trying to catch his breath.
Wedging her hand between them, she pressed down hard on her clit, twitching as a small climax shook her, too small to be completely satisfying but making her smile nevertheless. She slid her hands on to his ass, pressing him in deeper, squeezing the�tight globes in her fingers. "I love you, Anton."
"I love you too, Bryn." He lightly kissed her lips, and then her ear. His breathing had slowed considerably as he kept his eyes closed. He was very aware that her orgasm hadn't been anywhere near as intense as his. "I'm sorry, Bryn. I had meant to last longer..."
She tilted his chin up, waiting until he met her gaze. "It's okay. I didn't want to wait. I was encouraging you." She kissed him this time, taking her time and luxuriating in the warmth of his mouth. Letting him feel just how much she adored him, needed him. Pulling back with a light suck at his lower lip, she smiled at him. "You once told me you never want me to be embarrassed in our bed. Well, the same goes for you. You'll never do anything wrong, I promise. Won't have to apologize for anything. Any little disappointments are just chances for more practice." She grinned. "That also means I'm not going to freak out if you tell me a fantasy about someone else, or about some position or whatever else you think I might not like. I want you to be honest with me and completely yourself."
"Fair enough, Bryn," he said, brushing her hair back from her eyes. He rolled to his side, taking her with him. "It just seemed to be happening more often lately." he kissed her forehead and the her lips. "Give me a few minutes, and I'll be ready to try again." His hand idly wandered over her side, palm brushing the side of her breast.
She rested her own hands on his chest. "What seems to be happening more often?"
Letting out a soft sigh, he said, "I'm not lasting long enough to make you cum...or at least not satisfyingly."
She tilted her head to the side, having noticed his reluctance to admit that. "Sugar, the last time I didn't have an orgasm was just after you told Nate about your abuse. I was worried about you. I can't concentrate on my needs when I'm worried about you. All I cared about was making you feel good. And tonight--well, I can't have a mind-numbing orgasm every single time we make love. I'd have to be Wonder Woman." Snuggling closer to him, she held his gaze, hoping he could see her sincerity in her eyes. "Anton, when we make love and I don't cum, that's not your fault. I know that there's a physical difference, that men need to orgasm or they'll be in serious pain. I don't need that. I just need you to touch me, to hold and love me. That's the most important thing to me."
He tightened his grip on her, as if confirming her words. "I'm sorry, my dear. I tend to forget that, so you'll just have to remind me every so often." He kissed her forehead and then her lips, lingering there. "I still would like to make up for it though. Is there something you'd like to try, my dear? Something in particular you want?"
Opening her mouth, she kissed him again, licking his lips and using her softest touch. The light suction sound of their kisses made her squirm, nearly as much as the slapping of their wet bodies during sex. Her clit still felt swollen and sensitive, begging for attention, and she rubbed her pelvis against his thigh in attempt to ease the slight ache. "I want...I want you take to me from behind, on our knees. I want you to tease me, make me squirm and beg for release. Mmm...and�tease my clit. It's aching for you. It stings."
"Can't have that, my dear." He was starting to get excited again, nothing more than a twitch, but it was there. Hoping to encourage himself a bit more, he lightly rubbed his cock against her stomach, kissing her all the time.
Kissing him wholeheartedly in return, she slid her hand down his chest and over his stomach, careful to keep from tickling him, and lightly grasped his cock. She could tell immediately that he wasn't as aroused as she was. And although she continued to lightly stroke him, she pulled back from his lips to meet his gaze. "We can wait a while longer, if you need more time. Or...just try something else?"
"No, my dear. Just give me a few more minutes," he said as he kissed her lips, her chin, her neck. Slowly he started crawling down her body, placing kisses and nips along her skin. "Of course," he said, running his tongue along the inside of her breast, "that doesn't mean that you have to wait." He softly kissed a line down her stomach, spreading her legs wide apart with his hands as he continued even lower.
She closed her eyes, breathing through her mouth as her fingers plucked at the comforter below her. Twitching lightly as his lips skimmed over her pubic hair, she felt him press a kiss to the hood of skin covering her clit. It was so close to what she wanted that her ass left the bed, but it wasn't close enough and he quickly pulled away. Her thighs shook, his touch ticklish as his thumbs skimmed over the delicate flesh joining her legs to her hips. She wanted so badly for him to open her sex with his fingers, to swipe his tongue over her clit like a soaked string mop...but he was intent on teasing her, making her wait just like she'd asked him to. [God, that was a bad idea!]
He continued to softly toy with her, blowing softly over her sex before gently nipping her thighs. He held onto her tight as she continued to squirm, making him grin. Using his thumbs, he spread her open, but he didn't lick or touch her yet. Just watched her swollen folds get wetter. Inhaling deeply and giving into his desire, his tongue swept up the length of her sex.
She squealed, her hips lifting so fast they smacked his chin--which in turn caused his teeth to slam shut on his tongue. He yelped, the taste of blood filling his mouth. And before Bryn could ask if he was all right, she noticed his eyes flaming with hunger. For a moment it scared her and she wasn't quite sure what he'd do. Reminded that he said he'd never hurt her, she watched with wide eyes as he dragged her closer and attacked her sex more ferociously than ever. Her arms collapsed below her and she fell back to the bed, her back immediately arching and twisting in ecstasy.
"Oh God, yes!"
He gripped her even more tightly, his tongue swiping back and forth over her clit before delving into her deeply. He could feel his cock throbbing from the taste of his blood and of her sex. Eyes shut, he let out a sound somewhere between a growl and a purr as his tongue stabbing repeatedly into her. Letting go of one thigh, he started rubbing his thumb over her clit, intent on making her cum before fucking her. His other hand swooped under her ass and lifted her higher, leaving her unable to move except as he allowed her.
Bryn's entire body shook, her head tossing, and she was unable to do anything but let out high-pitched moans as her climax came closer. His thumb on her clit was just the pressure she'd needed and she screamed as she came, her sex spasming around his tongue. The orgasm burst through her like radiation, rolling out in waves from the muscles that clutched him. She reached down and grasped his hair, holding him to her, unwilling to let the pleasure stop so soon.
Anton didn't stop lapping at her, didn't stop rubbing her clit. He continued to lick and explore her throughout her spasms. Only when he felt them start to subside did he pull away. But only so he could grab her hips and guide her onto her hands and knees. Pulling up behind her, he shoved his cock inside of her, fucking her from behind like she had earlier asked him to. One hand held the lips of her sex spread open, but he didn't touch her clit again. Not yet.
Her upper body started to sink against the mattress, but she pushed herself upright, biting her lip, still shaking lightly. His cock felt so good against her swollen tissue, so perfect filling her hungry sex, and she squeezed him gratefully as he thrust into her over and over. Her hips rocked back and forth, swiveling, trying to move his fingers where she wanted them.
His thrusts were forceful but steady. One hand was clamped on her hip, guiding her rhythm while the other avoided her squirming efforts. He could still taste his blood and her juices. Finally giving into her wiggling and desire, he started rubbing her clit in firm circles in time to his thrusts. His breathing sped up again as he crouched low over her back.
She fisted her hand in the bed spread, moaning long and low. His thrusts were scooting her across the bed with their intensity.��Their bodies made loud slaps against each other and she clasped his arm tightly to let him know just how much it was affecting her. After a few more seconds, her hand on his arm was forgotten as she squealed and started to cum hard, gripping his shaft and pulling with her hips.
He let out a loud grunt as she came, wringing an orgasm from him. Panting, he held onto her as she started to sink into the mattress. His body was singing with pleasure as he kissed the back of her neck. Anton let out a contented sigh feeling her still twitching around his deflating cock. "I may have to bite my tongue more often, my dear."
Breathing heavily and exhausted, she could barely manage a smile. "You're telling me." She swallowed, sliding her hand up and over his, lacing their fingers together. She couldn't seem to stop shaking, but that was a good thing, as little quivers of electricity raced through her veins. "God, I may never move again...but at least I'll be happy." Squeezing his hand, she moved her other hand behind her to grasp his ass. "You're amazing, Anton. I love you so much."
He kissed her ear softly. "I love you too, Bryn." He stretched out along her, shivering slightly as the sweat on his back cooled. But he didn't want to move or do anything to destroy how perfect this moment felt, not even pull a blanket over them. "How long you figure we've got until Max starts crying?"
She let out a soft laugh. "With the way we were moaning...about�thirty seconds." She closed her eyes briefly, her hand caressing his ass. "I love the sounds you make when we're making love. Sometimes I think you could make me cum just by moaning in my ear."
He chuckled a little. "Bryn, sometimes you make me cum just by breathing." He rolled onto their sides so they were spooned together, his hand gently wandering up and down her side. "I love you so much, my dear, it scares me sometimes."
Bryn pulled his arms tightly around her, clasping them and squeezing tightly. Tilting her head back and to the side, she gently kissed him. Whimpering softly when he made the contact firmer. She smiled at him when the kiss ended, rubbing his arm. "I know that should make me nervous...or make me want to comfort you. But it really just makes me very, very happy. I love you, Anton. I love you so much, and I'm never going to hurt you. And hearing you tell me just how much you love me too--more than you can control--it makes me feel like the luckiest woman who ever lived." She turned over to face him, placing her hands on his chest. "My love for you is out of my control...and stronger than I could possibly imagine. But I'm not going to let that scare me anymore. Because *you* are the one who holds my heart, and I trust you implicitly."
One hand came up behind her head to softly cradle it, fingers tangling in her silky hair. "And I trust you with my life, my dear. I love you with all my heart and all my soul, and I will for all eternity."

When Alex came to him to ask this favor, Anton had been surprised at first. He hadn't expected him to be the one the werewolf turned to for this kind of aid. But Alex explained his reasoning. Alex knew that Nathaniel would do something rash before they got the information they needed. He didn't want Walter to come along in case something went wrong and both deprive Jess of both her mates. Anton thought it was more likely that Jess and Walter would try to rein him in. Amanda was too young, Chandra too inexperienced, Bryn too defenseless, and for obvious reasons, Lindy wasn't an option. So Anton had agreed to go with Alex.
Werewolf hunting. Or more specifically, Marrok hunting.
Although it seemed like a stupid move on Marrok's part to return to the vineyard-- where Nathaniel and others knew he lived--Alex assured Anton he was there. Along with several others. The Tuscan style villa glowed from the inside, and the back patio was softly lit by firelight from the outdoor fireplace. A little girl, blond with a ponytail high on her head, played tug-o-war with a small dog and a rope toy next to the lawn furniture. It was obvious that everything here had cost money, and plenty of it. From the girl's designer clothes to the deluxe grill and bar built into the patio enclosure. When the screen door opened, their eyes drew to the large silhouette looming in the doorway. The man stepped into the light, his light brown hair cropped close to his head to discourage the curls that were just visible around his hair line. Although he wore only jeans and a faded plaid shirt, he didn't look relaxed...it was almost as if someone had ironed his casual clothes before he wore them. Still, it was easy to see the man's powerful muscles beneath the fabric. The slightly reflective shimmer in his eyes. If you knew what to look for, it was obvious this man was not at all normal.
Anton looked at Alex, eyebrows raised. He nodded once in confirmation. So this was Marrok. This was the werewolf who had broken into his home and attacked his wife. This was the person he had a score to settle with. He didn't realize that his eyes were flaming until Alex put a hand on his shoulder. Anton closed his eyes until he thought he could keep them open without the light shining in his eyes giving them away. From this distance and if the wind didn't shift, Marrok shouldn't be able to smell them. But still, there was no sense in taking risks. From their position in the shadows in one of the nearby outbuildings, they could see and hear Marrok clearly if he stayed on the front porch.
The werewolf sat down close to the crackling fire, propping his ankle up on the opposite knee, partially turned away from them. The little girl, seeing his arrival outdoors, bounced over to where he sat and plopped into his lap, making him give an audible grunt.
"Viviane!"
"I'm sorry, Daddy." She frowned up at him, her moonlight face angelic in its innocence. "I didn't mean to."
Marrok let out a sigh. "You know, you should be in bed by now."
"I haven't had my ice cream yet. Sofia said I'd have to wait until her show is over."
"God forbid we interrupt her now." Pulling the girl close, Marrok kissed the top of her head and hugged her. As she squeezed him in return, he began gently working her hair loose from the ponytail she wore. "I'm beginning to think we need a new maid. A blind one. Then we won't have to worry about her watching television all the time instead of giving you your bath."
"I heard that," came a softly accented female voice from the open window.
The werewolf smirked. "Where's your Uncle Jake?" he asked his daughter.
"In your office."
He frowned at that, his�expression darkening considerably.
Alex leaned close to Anton and whispered. "Girl's human." In some ways that both relieved and upset him. It confirmed for Alex that there were no other werewolves around who might attack if they moved against Marrok. But he didn't want to hurt a child. Not one who reminded him of his Manda, who was only a few years older. No matter what her father had done. He may be an ex -assassin and a werewolf, but he wasn't a monster.
Anton frowned as well. He hadn't considered Marrok's daughter in their plans. The child clearly loved her father, despite his faults. And as much as he wanted revenge for Bryn, he had no desire to create an orphan.
The girl on Marrok's lap started to tell her father about her day at school, having just returned from Winter break, jabbering on endlessly and using her hands for animation. Her father shook his head, trying not to laugh as he tried to keep up with her story. Meanwhile, walking along the ground and snuffling audibly, the small mutt she'd been playing with earlier was getting closer and closer to Anton and Alex's location. They exchanged a glance, knowing that they had very few options. If the dog barked, he'd give them away...yet if they tried to move before he could, they'd end up doing the job for him.
The dog paused and peed, squatting rather than lifting his leg seeing as he was so close to the ground. His head turned in their direction, almost as if in slow motion, and the hair and his back raised as he let out a low growl.
[Oh shit!] Anton could see Alex's jaw tense, the precursor of a growl of his own. He slapped a hand over Alex's mouth, hoping he wouldn't be bitten. Alex glared at Anton, clearly pissed at the vampire, but Anton was too busy watching Marrok's reaction, hoping that they hadn't been noticed.
Marrok did look suspicious as he peered in their direction, but after a few seconds of careful inspection it was clear the brush was too dense, the view too dark in their direction, for them to be spotted. He lifted his chin, his nostrils flaring, trying to smell them, but they were luckily downwind. "Damn dog. Viv, go put him in the house before the neighbor's cat gets eaten. I don't want a pissed-off phone call tomorrow."
Slipping off his lap, the girl ran towards the dog, blond hair and ruffled nightgown flapping in the breeze, and picked up the animal before he could creep closer to the bushes. She peered into the darkness herself, but didn't have nearly the eyesight her father did. Before running off, she hissed loudly, trying to scare the cat away from danger.
Anton bit back a sigh of relief, afraid that their position had been revealed. He released Alex, who shot him another glare that clearly said he'd be gotten back later. Alex moved his jaw from side to side and then turned back to watch the werewolf.
Viviane disappeared into the house and then quickly ran back out without the dog. "My ice cream's ready!"
Marrok smiled at her. "Good. I'll be in to tuck you into bed in about a half-hour." She turned back to the house, galloping across the lawn. "Viv? Send Jake out here, please."
"Okay."
When she was gone, Marrok sat in silence for a while, absently staring at the fire. Seeing but not really seeing, lost in thought. When the door opened again, he didn't bother to turn around and see who it was. He merely sat there, head tilted a bit to the right, listening. The man who walked up behind him was taller, slightly less muscular, and looked as if he hadn't shaved in a day or two. Unlike Marrok's, his clothes were obviously worn, almost colorless, with holes studding his jeans. His boots sounded abnormally loud on the patio bricks, and were only missing the soft jingle of spurs to complete the picture. Settling into another of the chairs, he yawned and lazily scratched his chest.
"What did you want?"
"I was wondering if you'd found what you were looking for."
"Looking--"
Marrok didn't even look at him. "Cut the crap, all right? I know you were in my office. I know you've been asking my daughter about me. Why don't you just come right out and say it to my face?"
"Fine. What the hell's going on with you? You've been around here so often lately that Viv is starting to look to me as her dad. I drive her to school, help her with her homework, make sure she eats her vegetables and takes her baths. I tuck her in, and she never asks for a story...she only wants to hear that from you. And then, without a phone call, you come back. But you're moody and depressed. Moping around or yelling at everyone in sight. Between you and Viviane's dog disappearing, I'm surprised the poor kid hasn't had a meltdown."
"You don't know my daughter. She's stronger than she looks."
"She has to be...she's her only family."
Marrok let out a tense laugh, shaking his head. "Where the hell do you get off? You work for me, God dammit. Not the other way around. I *pay* you to take care of this place so stop fucking around and do your job."
"Babysitting was never in my job description."
"Then maybe I ought to hire someone else."
Jake stood up, nostrils flaring. He stormed to the house, looking as if he was about to walk back inside. Instead, he closed the open window. He didn't speak until he returned to fireplace. His voice was more subdued. "Did you kill her dog?"
[Interesting,] Anton thought. [Either this man is incredibly brave, or he has no clue as to what Marrok is.]
Alex watched silently as well, assessing options. Seeing Marrok's reaction would give Alex a clue as to how to fight him, and what risks to take.
Silence followed Jake's question as Marrok simply stared at him. Whatever the man saw in his gaze, it made him swallow. "I suggest you sit down."
Jake backed up a few steps, reaching out blindly for his chair and sitting down. He didn't say another word, but merely stared at his boss.
When Marrok finally spoke, he was eerily calm, as if the other man had never accused him of such a heinous act. "The dog is just fine. I'm sure he'll show up sooner or later. He always does."
"He disappeared at the same time you did, Marrok."
"Well I guess you've got quite a little mystery on your hands. As for myself, I was on business. It ended poorly, and I'm not happy with the results. I think you'd be a little pissed off, too, if you'd lost something as valuable as I have."
"What kind of business? You didn't have anything scheduled. I checked with your secretary." Jake cringed after that last sentence, aware he'd stuck his foot in his mouth again.
Marrok didn't seem to notice. "Personal business. I was about to get exactly what I wanted. But...I changed my mind."
"Why?"
"Someone made me see things differently." He sighed. "And I knew I'd still have a certain amount of control without using drastic measures."
Jake shook his head. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about a woman. I underestimated her. She's a lot smarter than I gave her credit for. I think I should take things a bit slower. See what she's up to. Maybe she'll surprise me more than she already has."
Both Alex and Anton shared concerned, if confused, looks. He had to be talking about Lindy, but it wasn't with the venomous hatred he had professed for vampires that she had told them about. This sounded more musing, almost tender. And there was no mention of his son.
Jake however, let the next words slip out of his mouth before he thought about him. "That kid who was up here looking for his wife, you were with her then. That's why he was saying you kidnapped her."
Marrok was quiet, but his jaw was visibly clenched. "Whoever that kid was, he didn't know what the hell he was talking about."
"But I wouldn't put it past--"
"Watch your mouth, or you'll be sorry. I guarantee it. I've about reached my limit on patience today, and I really don't think you want to test me, Jacob."
Anton had expected a stronger denial from Marrok. It didn't make sense unless... [Oh no. No, no, no, no, no. Don't tell me some sort of reverse Stockholm Syndrome is going on. That will be the last thing Lindy needs. Not to mention Nathaniel already wants to kill him.] If Marrok showed up on their property, there was no telling exactly what would happen, but it would be very bloody.
"Fine, Marrok. I'll leave you alone. But I hope to hell you know what you're doing, because that little girl is going to get very hurt if you bring yet another woman in here only to dump her a few days later."
Instead of walking in to the house, Jake merely opened the door and whistled. The black and white mutt came bursting through the doorway, excitedly dancing around in front of his master. It eagerly followed Jake's angry steps around the house and disappeared out of sight. A few minutes later, the sound of an engine being started followed.
Marrok stood up when it was clear that Jake wasn't coming back. He tossed the rest of his drink into the fireplace, which exploded with a brief alcohol-induced inferno. Stomping back to the house, he walked inside and slammed the sliding door shut behind him, luckily not breaking the glass.
They waited for a few more minutes in the dark until it was clear that no one would be returning. Then they both quietly backed away from their hiding place, keeping the outbuilding between them and the main house until they were out of sight. Neither man spoke as they headed towards the Explorer they had driven up in. But once they were both in the car, Anton could wait no longer. "Did you learn what you needed to know?"
"Yes," the werewolf replied, reaching in his pocket for the keys. "He's just as dangerous now as then. But his priorities have shifted. It's almost as if he's now attracted to her." He started the car and put it into reverse. He'd turn on the lights once they reached the freeway. "It's not over by a long shot. Liam and Lindy are still a target."
"Agreed," Anton said. "The question becomes exactly what to tell her and Nathaniel."
End Chapter Ninety-one

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