Runs in the Blood, Chapter Ninety-three

Chapter Ninety-three

He slitted an eye open and rolled over when he felt the bed shift again. Anton wrapped his arms around Bryn, dragging her closer against his body. He had woken up when Bryn had in the early afternoon and watched her get dressed. Before she left the room, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She had left to go to a drugstore and buy a pregnancy test. She was back in about ten minutes, and had taken the test almost immediately. Now they were only waiting for the results.
He tightened his arms around her, kissing her cheek. "Missed you, Bryn." He let out a sigh. "How long do we need to wait?"
"Ten minutes," she said, pulling the covers up over her shoulders and snuggling into his embrace. "Ten hellish minutes that will seem like an eternity, passing slower and slower with every second, the clock ticking louder and louder..." She let her head fall back with a thud against his shoulder. "My only consolation is that I'm laying here with you and--where's Max?"
"Right here," he said, showing her how the baby was curled up on his other side, his butt in the air. "He got upset when you left, but seems to be okay now that I've fed him."
She smiled softly, settling back down. "Now that I've done all of this hurrying around, I'm not sure I can actually look at the test. You might have to do that for me."
"Okay, my dear. Hopefully I'll be able to do it." He lightly stroked her arm. He had been thinking while Bryn had been gone. There was something they had discussed before, but it bared being repeated. "Bryn, what happens if we have another boy? Do you still want to try for a daughter? Or do you want to be Transformed instead?"
She rolled over on to her stomach, watching his expression. "I'll do whatever you want to do, sugar. I would love to give you a little girl, but I'm not entirely sure I could wait two more years. But if you want to try, I do, too. Either way, I'll be happy. I would like to give Max a sibling, so he doesn't feel alone. But even if we can't, it's okay. I love both of you so much...I almost feel a little selfish asking for more."
"Then I'm selfish too, Bryn." Anton gently stroked her hair. "It seems shame to not try to give Max a sibling, but also a bit arrogant to demand that a miracle be repeated. And I'm not sure that I'm patient enough to wait two years to Transform you was well. So I guess we'll have to take it a day at a time."
She nodded, stretching up to softly kiss him. Her hand slid over his belly, enjoying the warmth of his smooth skin. Aware that it was still early and they wouldn't be expected by the Council for more than an hour, she stripped out of the sweats she had on. She let out a soft sigh as she settled against him once more, soothed by being held flesh to flesh. "I'm sorry I couldn't wait and wake up with you. I don't think I slept at all. All I could think about was telling you that the test was positive."
Anton nodded. "I had thought about asking you if you wanted to get the test before the sun went down." He kissed her lips, enjoying the feel and heat of her body against his. "If we had a daughter, my dear, what would you like to name her?"
She smiled, shrugging. "I think it would take me all nine months to figure out a perfect name. It took me over a year to choose my own name." Still rubbing his belly, she pressed a kiss to his chest. "I would like her middle name to be Antonia, though." She smiled again. "What about you? Do you have any names in mind?"
"Not a clue, my dear. Now you know why I let you name my cock." He let her snort of laughter die down before continuing. "What if we name him after his grandmother, you. What do you think of Katerina for a name?"
She reached up to caress his cheek, at once both touched and a bit heartbroken. She wished so much that he could've had more time with his mother. And that she'd had more time with him. "I think--I think it's not going to take nine months after all. It's perfect, my love. And I can't wait to meet Katerina Antonia." Scooting up closer to his mouth, she pressed a lingering kiss to his lips. Letting out a shaky sigh, she swallowed heavily. "I think it's about that time...do you want me to get up or take Max so you can get out of bed?"
"In a moment, my dear." He pulled her tight against his body and kissed her. "You know I'll love you, no matter what we find out next? Good," he said when she nodded. They both sat up and Anton picked up Max, pausing to cuddle him close for a moment. "I'll be right back, my dear," he said as passed his son over to her.
Bryn settled Max against her chest, breathing in his sweet baby scent as she nuzzled the top of his head. He let a few grunts, annoyed at being awakened, but didn't cry. "Are you going to be mad at Mommy and Daddy if we bring home a little brother or sister for you, Max? I know it seems impossible, but I'll always love you just as much as I do now, sweet pea. Probably even more, because I love you more every day." She bounced him lightly, feeling his fingernails scratch against her bare shoulder. Grabbing his hand, she kissed it as it balled into a fist. Marveling once again at his tiny fingers. Although still so small, in her opinion, he was growing rapidly. "You're getting to be such a big boy. You might even be up and walking by the time your sibling is born. Then you can be Mommy's helper, huh?"
Judging by his big yawn, Max wasn't impressed. Bryn smiled to herself, watching as he closed his eyes to begin drifting back to sleep. Rubbing his back, she kissed him on the nose. "That's okay, sweetie. You've got nine long months to get used to the idea."
Anton smiled, hearing her talk to Max. "I'll be right back," Anton said, kissing Bryn's forehead as he gently stroked Max's back. He got out of the bed and walked to the bathroom. He took a deep breath at the door before passing into the room. He was more excited than he had been for a long time.
He saw the packaging for the test, and fished out the instructions. Brows knitted, he skimmed over the instructions to double check how to read it properly. It was one of those tests that showed a plus sign if the woman was pregnant, a minus sign if she wasn't. Taking a deep breath, he picked up the test and looked at it.
A minus sign was in the indicator window.
His hand tightened around the test, eyes shut in disappointment. [How am I going to tell her?] he wondered. With a heavy heart, he went back to the bedroom, where Bryn was waiting. Anton looked into her eager eyes, and shook his head. "It's negative."
She stared at him, unblinking, as if waiting for him to say more. Her gaze never wavered but the joy drained from her face as quickly as the color left her cheeks. The butterflies in her stomach all clumped into a solid mass, sinking heavily, a boulder settling and dragging her down with it. And even thought everything else seemed to be sinking towards her feet, her tears didn't flow. Her eyes felt as dry as sandpaper.
"Oh." She attempted to lick her lips, but didn't have any saliva. "I'm sorry, Anton."
"It's not your fault, Bryn." He walked over to the bed and sat down on the side of it. "Maybe it's a good thing," he said, trying to convince himself as much as her. "It will give us some more time alone with Max, a little more time for you to heal from the pregnancy." He put his arm around her, pulling her close to him. "And it doesn't mean that you won't be able to become pregnant again." [I hope.]
She nodded, settling her cheek against his shoulder. The weight of Max on her chest was both comforting and depressing. She felt horrible for being so selfish, for expecting Max to share their affection, for telling Anton before she knew for sure that she was pregnant. *Not pregnant.* Hugging Max a little closer, she sniffed him once more. He smelled so wonderful. She was going to miss that new baby smell when it was gone. "Maybe you're right."
"Maybe," he said. He kissed her forehead and then her lips. He knew he should be grateful that he had a son, but he felt disappointed that she wasn't pregnant. Not that he blamed her. It just had been one of the sweetest moments in his long existence when she said that she was pregnant, and he believed her.
She trembled as his lips touched hers, squeezing her eyes tightly shut. She suddenly hated that word, maybe. Who were they kidding? It had been a miracle for her to get pregnant in the first place. Things like that just didn't happen twice. And she never should've taken Max for granted. Never should've stopped appreciating him for the angel he was.
Cradling Max's head to her chest, she sank deeper under the covers, turning on her side, away from Anton. She wasn't pushing away--but she couldn't bear to see the look on his face. She would've given anything to see that smile of pure, overwhelming joy once again.
He followed her down, laying on his side next to her, his arm going over her waist to pull him back against his chest. "This is only temporary, Bryn. We are going to keep trying to get you pregnant. Until we succeed." He rubbed her stomach lightly.
Her words came out like those of a crying woman, high-pitched and sorrowful, even though her eyes were still dry. "And what if we don't? What if we waste a year or more, only to end up with nothing--when I could've been Transformed? And what if something happens to me, because we were too stubborn and foolish to give up when we had the chance? I don't know if I can keep doing that month after month. I don't even know if I have the will to get my hopes up again."
"Bryn," he said, kissing the back of her neck. "Maybe we're both expecting this a little too soon. It's only been just two months since Max was born. And we won't end up with nothing. We have a beautiful son. And I don't know if I can live month to month either." Anton didn't want to even consider something happening to her. He kissed the back of her neck again. "Do you want to wait until another month, and then we Transform you? You don't have to make a decision right now, until you've had some time to think."
She nodded jerkily, grabbing his arm and tugging him tighter against her back. Uncertain why, she felt like she had his permission and started to cry. Shuddering in his embrace. Max woke up out of his light sleep and began to whimper as well. Taking Max with her, Bryn rolled over to face Anton, lightly squeezing the baby between them, her head tipped forward. "I'm so sad. I thought for sure it was true. I thought--that I could feel it, feel the baby, like a warm spot inside me. And it was...it...it wasn't true..."
"I know, Bryn, love. I know." He held them close rocking them lightly, his voice choked with emotion. "I wanted to think that the miracle had been repeated." He kissed her hair and then Max's. He wiped the tears away with the pad of his thumb, ignoring his own.
She wrapped her arms around him as tightly as she could without squishing the baby. Tangling her legs with Anton's. She stroked his face repeatedly, reaching forward to softly kiss him. "The thing is...I still feel it." Reaching for his hand, she slid it down and pressed it just above her pubic hair. "Here. Like a light bulb that's slowly growing brighter." She sniffled. "Maybe it's just me being ready for it, but...I don't know. I don't what to believe. But I'd give almost anything, except you and Max, to see that smile on your face again. I've never seen you more beautiful."
He gently stroked the spot she had placed his hand. "Maybe it's a false negative. Between my vampirism and what happened to you, maybe only a doctor's exam would be able to tell definitively. The doctor ran a blood test, not a urine test, right?"
She swallowed, nodding. Although she knew it was a long-shot, and she didn't want to get her hopes up only to have them dashed again. But she couldn't help wishing. Cupping the back of his neck, she tilted his head forward so his forehead was pressed to hers. "I'm not going to say anything, because I'm feeling very superstitious...and spiritual, and anything else that might help our chances. I just want you to know that I love you both so much. And the strength and depth of that love will never change. I'd never divide my heart to share it...I'd grow a bigger one."
I know, dorogaya moya. I know, my dear." He couldn't pull her closer without squishing Max, who had stayed remarkably quiet throughout everything. "We'll make an appointment to see Dr. Anne the moment we get back home. And if you aren't..." he couldn't bring himself to say the word pregnant, as if he would jinx them. "We'll deal with that if it comes. And if you can't again, it won't change how I feel about you and Max."
Bryn managed to give him a small, albeit shaky, smile. She knew it would be a while yet before they had to leave for the council meeting, and she dreaded doing so. Still, it was obvious neither of them would be falling back to sleep. "I'm not tired anymore. What do you say we order something to eat from the kitchen and then get ready to go while we wait for it to arrive? That way we'd be ahead of schedule a bit. And may--" she stopped herself before she could say 'maybe.' "And we might be able to distract ourselves enough to stop thinking about that silly test."
Anton nodded. He was sick of hearing 'maybe' as she was. Between the disappointment of her not being pregnant, and the worry about the upcoming Council meeting, he wasn't sure that he would be able to eat anything. But he would try, because it might reassure Bryn. "We should also probably feed Max before the meeting. Hopefully he won't cry when he sees so many strangers."
Carefully maneuvering Max over Anton to settle him behind his father, she used the opportunity to pull her husband into a hug. Unlike before when she was careful of Max, this time she squeezed Anton so tightly against her that it was a bit painful. Her hands clutched him and she buried her face in his shoulder, her breasts flattening against his chest. She let out a slow exhale, wishing she could read his mind and he hers. "Ya tebya lyublyu, Antosha."
He held her tightly as well, almost crushing her against him. "I love you too, my dear." He kissed her, rolling her onto her back so she felt covered and protected. "And I always will, no matter what."
She wrapped her legs around him as well, determined to hang on with everything she had. "I don't know what I'd do without you. I'm so thankful you're here with me." She kissed his cheek, his jaw, his ear, and lips. "I don't care what happens, as long as I always have you and Max. I was so blessed the day I found you."
"As was I, Bryn." He kissed her forehead and her lips. "I have been blessed eightfold, my dear, my love. More so than I deserve." He looked down at Max, still sleeping peacefully near them. "Make that ninefold."
She kissed his mouth again, strengthened by his words and his embrace. "Maybe tenfold," she said softly, leading his hands down her sides towards her pelvis. She was well aware she'd used *that word*, but she didn't think he'd mind this time. "And if not now, then soon?" Softly kissing him again, she caressed his tongue with hers and sucked gently on his lower lip.
"Soon," he affirmed. He gently nipped her upper lip. His hands gripped her hips, thumbs moving over her skin. One of his legs slid between hers, rubbing against the inside of her thighs. Pulling away from her lips, he gently nipped her chin and jaw, before slowly working down her neck.
Bryn let out a soft whimper, her emotions still on overload. She felt so close to Anton then, so much more than before. Although she'd always considered him her best friend and soul mate, their difference in age and culture had always been a shadow lurking in her mind. She'd fear that difference might one day affect them. But she didn't feel that way now. As he kissed and nipped at her skin, feeling her emotions as if they were his own, she felt as if they were Siamese twins. All of those years between were erased, lost in the look in his eyes. Banished by the need in his touch. "I love you. And I'm going to say it all night long. I'm going to feel it every second of forever."
Anton gently continued to nip her skin softly, relishing her taste. Hearing her words, he raised up and climbed back up her body. He rested his weight on his elbows, just above her shoulders, and gently took her head in his hands. "My dear goddess of my heart and keeper of my soul. Then," he kissed her left cheek, "now," he kissed her right cheek, "and forever." He took her mouth in a passionate kiss, stroking his tongue along hers as he nudged her legs wider apart.
"Mmm," she moaned, sliding both legs against his. Her right hand slid down to cup his ass, gently squeezing, kneading, delighting in the clenching of his muscles. Meanwhile, she rubbed her left hand up and down his back, adoringly, lightly scratching with her fingernails. "I love you, and I want you to make love to me. I want you to give me your sperm and get me pregnant. If not now, the next time. Or the next. Or the time after that. Keep giving me what I need, Anton. I'll do the rest."
"I will, Sabryn. I promise." He turned his head to one side to nibble on her earlobe, sliding slightly to one side so he could work his hand down to cup her breast. Softly he ran his thumb around her nipple. "And I'll keep giving it to you, how ever long it takes." He flexed his hips for emphasis, letting his erection rub against her thigh.
Her eyes slipped closed, breath escaping her in a shaky sigh. She'd never adored him more in her life. What had started as overwhelming passionate adoration for him had evolved into the deepest instinctual, trusting, and certain love. She couldn't even comprehend walking away like she'd done on their honeymoon. Couldn't imagine running like she had the last time they fought before they married. Parting from him now would be as impossible as chewing out her own heart. And she needed him to know that, needed him to feel her commitment in her gentle touch, to see it in her eyes, and hear it in her voice.
Stroking his chest, her fingers sliding sensuously over his nipples, she whispered, "I'm not afraid anymore. Of Lilith, or the Council. I'm going to walk in there with my head higher than hers, as if I am the Empress myself. Because you make me strong. You make me powerful enough to do anything and everything. And I can't fail with you at my side."
He smiled as he still nipped at her ear. That had been something he had been waiting to hear her say for a long time. For her to express confidence in herself. "Do you know how sexy you are when you're self-confident, Bryn?" His fingers trailed up her inner thigh, tickling her lightly before he grabbed his cock. He guided himself in her, sighing in contentment as he felt her wet heat surround him.
Panting lightly, she wrapped her legs tightly around his hips and smiled at him. "Sexy, huh?" She pushed up to see him, wantonly sucking on his tongue and lips. Squeezing his cock inside her and giggling when he gave a small thrust in response. "What else can I do that's sexy? What do you think would be the sexiest thing ever?"
"Well," Anton said, purring in her ear. "Sometimes I think it's unbearably sexy just to watch you breathe." He let his hips give another tiny thrust, confirming it. "And there are so many thing you do, it's hard to choose just one. Watching you undress, or even get dressed, for that matter. That sassy sway you get in your hips when you're feeling playful." Another tiny thrust of his hips, this time, with a soft gasp. "And then there's the way you play with your hair when you're distracted. Makes me want to run my hands through it while kissing you."
She smiled brightly, lifting her hips and lightly pulling on his cock. He grinned back, watching as she made herself shiver. "Sometimes when you're talking and using your hands, I just want to grab one of them and start sucking on your fingers." She moaned as he gave another thrust, pushing deeper inside her as she met his hips with hers. "And then there's watching you write, studying the way your hand moves, and wondering how much your signature has changed over a millennium. I love watching you when you don't know you're being watched. The way you move turns me on. Even if I'm in a bad mood or we've had an argument, I can't help but stare at you. You're like my own statue of David...although not as modest."
Anton grinned. "Really? Did I mention your sense of humor was a turn on as well?" His thrusts came at a slow, regular pace now. "You can always make me smile, Bryn. No matter what my mood, something you say or do will get me grinning." He gave another forceful thrust of his hips. "Or horny."
Shuddering heavily, she smirked at him. "You manage to make me laugh until my sides hurt." She kissed him softly. "And you turn me on until I can't be still. Until I want to scream." Pinching his nipples, she tightened around him again, continuously, smiling at the pleasure written on his face. "You make my heart squeeze painfully every time you kiss me good-bye when you leave for work...and then you fill me with joy lighter than helium when you come home and kiss me hello."
"You do the same for me, Bryn. You can freeze me with a glance, shatter me with a touch, and warm me with your smile. In you I lose myself. Without you I am lost again. With you I am complete." Giving up on words to express his feelings, he started to stroke her clit lightly as his thrusts became more forceful. He caught her lower lip in his mouth and began to suck voraciously on it.
Bryn whimpered, her hands tightening on his triceps. It felt so good, like liquid heaven rolling through her body. Even more, she loved the way they fit so well together--how he filled her and made her feel complete, how she wrapped around him so tightly and made him feel safe. And he was--more safe than he'd ever realize. [Luckier than he'll ever realize, too,] she thought with a grin. Then again, so was she. "I love you," she said once again, kissing him. "So much...ooh! Especially when you hit that spot!"
Grinning, he repeated the corkscrew motion with his hips, rubbing inside of her there just again. She was always pretty, but this close to ecstasy she was almost painfully beautiful. Her skin glowing, eyes flashing, the scent of her surrounding him, silken skin, hard nipples contrasting with soft breast, tight, wet heat engulfing him, it was almost too much to bear. But he did, determined to bring her to the heights of pleasure.
Bryn clawed at the pillow beneath her head, desperate for something to take her frustrations out on. She wasn't at all mad, just overwhelmed by the intensity of their lovemaking. Then again, maybe she was a little mad--in the psychological sense. Going a little crazy with lust, losing her mind as she strained against him. Even though she didn't want it to end, she was striving towards orgasm, intent on bringing him with her. His touch on her clit sent little shocks through her, causing her to lift her leg and pull it to the side. Needing to feel more, wanting to see more. The sight of his hands on her, his cock filling her, and his face full of concentration, was burned permanently in her mind.
He continued to kiss down at her, nipping down her neck. His tongue swirled around the scar on her neck as the touches on her clit intensified. Groaning softly, his thrusts sped up as she gripped his cock even more tightly.
Letting out high-pitched moans in time with his thrusts, she tilted her head to the side to give him more access to her neck. Any time he touched her scar, be it with his fingers, lips, or tongue, it sent a delightful shiver through her. But this time the shiver she felt wasn't at all delicate and wasn't just his tongue that caused it. Squealing, she twisted beneath him, clenching his cock tightly, and vibrating with pleasure. Her hand gripped the pillow with white knuckles, pulling it along with her as she almost pulled out of his grasp at the strength of her contractions.
He let out an almost pained cry as he cam, shooting deep inside of her. Anton continued sucking lightly on her neck, continuing to move in her even as he softened. His fingers still lightly circled her clit. But he didn't stop moving, intent on giving her every once of pleasure that he could.
She continued to cry out in gasps, her upper body almost turned in the opposite direction of her lower, grasping tightly the sheet below her. Her sex still pulled at him, greedily accepting his slower thrusts as her muscles quivered. After what seemed like a minute more, her hands finally unclenched, her body falling limp on her back, still panting. She felt him settle down heavily on top of her and wrapped her arms around him. Too exhausted to do much more than hold him and imagine their bodies creating life.
He sank down on her, eyes shut and a slight smile on his face. He wrapped his arms around her. Anton didn't pull out of her, wanting to do whatever he could to increase the odds of her becoming pregnant. He lightly continued to kiss her neck, not wanting to move ever. He just wanted the rest of the world to go away.
Bryn felt just as content, drowsy, having sated her lust, hunger, need, and love for him. Lazily turning her head, she saw Max still laying on his back, looking at her. Although he'd been around before when they made love, he'd never looked at her quite so...knowingly. Feeling a slight blush on her face, she reached out and pulled him closer, tucking him against her side so he could share their warmth. Maybe if they were lucky, he'd go back to sleep, too. "Love you, sweet pea," she whispered softly. Turning her head back in the other direction, she kissed Anton's jaw. "Love you, Anton. I love you so much."
He kissed her forehead. "I love you so much, Bryn." He gently squeezed his arms around her. He gently reached over and stroked Max's cheek. "Love you too, Max." He glanced over at the clock. It was only four in the afternoon. They had a few hours before they had to start getting ready for the council meeting. "Do you want to try to get some more sleep, my dear?"
She nodded, adding a small yawn as if to emphasize her gesture. "I don't want any of us to move. Besides, I don't even think I could if I wanted to." She softly kissed his lips, lingering a bit. "Thank you, sugar, for making love to me the way you do. And for loving me the way you do. You do both just perfectly. I wouldn't change a thing."
He gently stroked her hair softly and then pulled the covers up tighter over them. "Neither would I, Bryn. Not a single thing."

The Council meeting had been going on for two hours already, agenda points methodically being ticked off. However, it was clear, if unspoken, that they were all eagerly anticipating the last item.
The presentation of Max to the Council.
Anton tried to keep his calm. There was so much riding on this - if the Council decided he was a threat, then he and Bryn would have to leave. No chance to say goodbye to anyone. They would be raising Max on the run instead of surrounded by a loving extended family, not at all what he wanted. So he couldn't help but tense slightly as Lilith indicated for Seth to open the door of the room where Bryn and Max were waiting.
A few minutes passed before Seth stepped back and allowed Bryn to pass him. She walked into the room as if she was floating, her filmy ankle-length, blue sarong fluttering around her legs. She wore a casual white t-shirt on top and strands of colorful beads around her neck. Somehow she'd managed to catch her hair and secure it in a twist behind her head. Max was wide-awake and alert in her arms, wearing the plush winged pajamas she'd bought him from FAO Schwarz. Giving Anton a reassuring smile, she headed straight for Lilith and gently settled their son in the Empress's arms.
Turning to the Council, she smiled again. "This is Anton's and my son, Maxim Luka Rudenko."
[Well done, Bryn,] Anton thought. He couldn't help but smile proudly as the other Elders leaned in closer to look at the little boy in their Empress's arms. "He looks human," Miguel said softly.
"He does, until he needs to feed. And then he definitely looks like a vampire."
"And how often is he feeding?" Richard asked.
"About twice a day for blood, and at least six times a day for milk. Other than his need for blood, you'd think him a normal boy," Anton said, hoping to emphasize Max's harmlessness.
Bryn let out a soft laugh, taking the seat offered to her by Seth. "That's not exactly true. Although it's somewhat normal for a baby to be born with teeth, like Max was, he has shown us an unusual amount of intelligence. You can see it in the way he looks at you, as well as having advanced beyond the average two-month old child. He already smiles and giggles. He holds his head quite steady, as you can see, and will turn it to follow the sound of your voice. He's even working on rolling over, although he hasn't quite mastered it yet. And he's started squealing when his Daddy comes home from work."
A small wave of laughter went around the Council. "And there have been no health repercussions for either Sabryn or Maxim?" Richard asked.
"No," Anton said. "They are both in perfect health." But as if to give a lie to his father's words, Max sneezed, reacting to some smell in the room.
"Gracious," Lilith said, softly, bouncing the baby in her arms. "Perhaps he doesn't like my perfume."
"You only wear a liter of it," Seth mumbled, earning him an evil eye from his mistress.
Deciding to give the others a better look, Lilith passed the boy over to the closest member of the Council and watched with amusement as Richard awkwardly held the squirming bundle. The vampire held Max away from his body, his face scrunched, as if holding a piece of toxic waste. Although Bryn felt the strong urge to grab her son out of his grasp, she managed to grit her teeth and remain seated.
"I never did like the young ones," Richard said, passing Max off to the next member. He looked twice as alarmed as the baby started to cry.
"Um, he--" Bryn felt herself starting to stand, but Lilith grabbed her arm and told her to sit without saying a word. Glancing at Anton, Bryn widened her eyes and then looked pointedly at Max, trying her hardest to convey the message 'do something!'
As Anton was about to stand to take Max, the female vampire next to the one holding his son spoke up. "You'd think this Council had never seen a baby before," she said with a trace of disgust at how Max was being held. "Give him to me, Edward." Edward looked all to glad to pass on Max. She took Max, clearly having held babies before, and held him close to her body, supporting his weight properly. "Shhh...it's not so bad. We're not so scary." She looked up at Bryn and Anton as she rocked Max, trying to quiet him. "Is he sleeping through the night yet?"
"Not quite yet, Lucinda," Anton answered. "But he's not waking us up hourly like he was there for a while."
Letting out a quiet sigh, Bryn sank back in her seat. She could clearly see that some of the vampires didn't like their son, but she couldn't be certain whether it was merely discomfort by size...or hatred for his kind. Yet she was certain that if Anton had suspected even the slightest threat to Max, all three of them would've already been in the lobby by now.
"What I'd like to know," Richard said, looking to Lilith mostly, "is how this child ages. Obviously he is not still a newborn baby--at least not in size. He's growing. How can that possible? Will he continue to grow and age like a human, or eventually be stunted into permanent youth?"
"According to Dr. Leahs, Max is on, and perhaps a little ahead of the growth schedule for a human baby. But she can't predict what will happen." Anton shrugged his shoulders. "I'm afraid that time will tell in this matter."
"And what of sunlight?" Hadrian asked.
"Again, we don't know." Anton's eyebrows narrowed in defensive anger. "Max is showing enough vampire traits that I'm hesitant to expose him to sunlight. We don't know if he heals like we do, and I will not do anything voluntarily that may injure him, even if it is temporary."
Ignoring Lilith's attempt to keep her seated, Bryn stood up and crossed the room to sit down, cautiously, on Anton's lap. She reached for his opposite hand, squeezing it gently and smiling at him in a reassurance. "They're just curious," she said, softly, before lightly kissing his cheek. She had to bite her tongue at the slight blush on his cheeks, but quickly pushed the amusement aside and turned her attention to the others. "I don't think we're any different than most parents. We'll do whatever we can to avoid pain where our son in concerned, and we never refuse him the things he needs. He has blood readily available whenever he needs it, and his uncle is always available should I need a vampire's assistance immediately. We intend to always keep our family close and expose Max to a variety of vampires, so he has a strong influence in his upbringing. I may be a human for now, but not for too many years longer. Our son will always know that he is first and foremost of vampire blood."
Slightly mollified by Bryn's presence, Anton put an arm around her waist, uniting their front more solidly. "This will be as much a learning experience for Bryn and I as it would for any new parents. We will honor both sides of his heritage. Human and vampire."
"You speak as if there were only two sides to his nature," Edward said. "What of the third?"
"Third?" Anton said, not following.
"It's the medical history your wife gave, not to mention the DNA results from the amniocentesis." Edward said, checking a notepad in front of him. "She is an alien abductee, is she not?"
Although she tried to appear unaffected by his question, Bryn tensed a bit. "Yes, I am. It happened when I was a child and I don't remember the exact details. I'm--I'm not certain how we would go about teaching him about aliens when I have no memory of them and most people are inclined not to believe in their presence."
"Some could say the same of us, Sabryn."
"At any rate," she continued, "I have no urge to teach Max about aliens at all. Whatever they did to me, it was obviously unpleasant and better left forgotten."
"And if your husband displeases you grievously? Will you then say he was unpleasant and his kind are better left forgotten?"
She held the vampire's stare, not at all intimidated. "I would refuse to answer such a foolish question if it weren't painfully obviously that you think it possible of me. If--and that is an impossibly big 'if'--something were to happen and I left Anton, I would never forget one minute of my time with him. And you can be certain that I would never keep him from his son. Not for a second."
"Nor would I keep Maxim from Bryn if he situation were reversed." He put a possessive hand on Bryn's knee. "But that is not going to happen. He is going to be raised surrounded by those who love him. Not only my brother Nathaniel, but his wife's family have adopted us, creating an extended family."
"Ah yes, the werewolves," Richard said, wearing almost the same expression thinking about the pack as he had holding Max. He paused for a moment. "Will you be attempting to have other children?"
"Yes," Anton said. He didn't think the Council needed to know the fact that they were already trying. "We have discussed it, and we are going to attempt to have one more child before I Transform Bryn."
That caused more than a few meaningful glances to be shared between the Council members. Before anyone could ask questions, Lilith sat up a bit straighter. "A second child? Are you certain you're prepared to handle the consequences and circumstances that might arise?" She glanced at the others. "Eight vampires, including Seth, are somewhat easier to control, because of our dignity and strict sense of duty. A whole continent full--or a whole planet full--could not possibly all be expected to behave, should friction result. Surely you realize that we can only keep the secret of Max's birth for so long, let alone two."
"Yes, the thought had crossed my mind," Anton admitted. "But honestly, if this chance for a miracle were offered to you, would you not attempt to repeat it?"
"That is not a question that any of us could ever consider, Mr. Rudenko. The miracle is yours alone. And I am not happy with the risks you're taking. This is your son, but even more miraculously, he is Vampire's son. The whole of our kind may benefit from his existence."
Before Anton and Bryn could protest her interference, Richard added, "Or the whole of our kind will be destroyed because of his existence." He pushed back a bit from the table, smoothing down his dress shirt. "I'm astounded, Empress, by your lack of fear towards this child. He may be an innocent now, but what happens when more of his kind come? When he breeds with vampires, and his offspring do as well, again and again diluting our blood. We will cease to exist! Worse yet--we may be exposed by his very existence before that is even possible. What if this is not the 'Christ-child' you would so like him to be, but is really some other-world Antichrist sent to--"
"Honestly, Richard! How can you believe that of a baby?"
Passing Max on towards his parents, Lucinda said, "Empress, if he believes it is possible, we can be certain he won't be the only one who is threatened so. I agree with you that the child is innocent and should come to no harm, but there will be many who will want nothing but his utter extermination."
"Do you think me so stupid as to not have considered that possibility?" Anton said. "It has been one of my chief worries since the Council was made aware of Bryn's pregnancy. That I would be forced to choose between my kind and my wife and son."
"And as to the threat that Maxim would represent, this 'dilution' of vampire blood as Richard puts it, we have no way to know if he will be able to have offspring. And as for exposure, he will present less risk than a mad vampire who is indiscriminately slaughtering humans out of bloodlust."
Reaching for Max almost before he was handed over, Bryn pulled their son very close, cuddling him and leaning back against Anton. She kept her hands protectively shielding him, grateful as Anton did as well.
With Richard already starting his rebuttal, Lilith stood and effectively silenced the room. "This discussion has gotten out of hand. Let's be civil, please. Richard, you have made some valid points and I understand your concern. Truly, there will be many who feel the same. But I did not vow to protect this child with my life for nothing."
"Protect him with your--"
She silenced Hadrian by raising her hand. "It was a vow I made to Anton and Sabryn shortly after Maxim was born. It was witnessed by Seth and is morally binding. Regardless, I intend to keep my word no matter what. Anton is correct in his assessments--we simply do not know what this child is or isn't capable of. And therefore, he will remain innocent in our eyes until proven otherwise." Accepting a cup of tea from Seth, she waited while he fluffed the train of her gown before reclaiming her seat. "I am quite aware that I appear younger than any of you in this room, save the boy, but you all know I am wise well beyond appearances. I believe the same of this child. If any of you would like to question my decision, I will eagerly accept the challenge. If not, shut your mouths and listen."
Anton watched tensely for the Council's reaction. Only once in his lifetime had he heard of a vampire questioning Lilith's decisions, challenging her for control of the Council. The argument and resulting bloody one-on-one combat wasn't something he cared to see, not with Bryn and Max present. And although several Council member's expressions made it clear they were not happy with Lilith's handling of the situation, no one outright challenged her. Arms still protectively around Bryn and Max, he waited for the Empress to continue.
"Very well then." Lilith took a sip from her delicate cup, then quickly winced and coughed. Before she could spill it, Seth grasped the cup and saucer. "It's too hot. Blow."
A look of indignation on his face--after he turned from Lilith's sight--Seth left to stir and blow on the Empress's tea.
Waiting for her taste-buds to quickly heal, Lilith finally said, "Arrangements need to be made to insure Maxim's safety, should it come to that. There are those who are wholly loyal to my command that would protect the child at all costs. I will send for them and relocate them within a short distance of your home. They will not hesitate to destroy any threat to your son, even should that threat come from a member of our own council," she added, pointedly.
Anton nodded in acceptance. Although it rankled him slightly that the Empress didn't think him capable of protecting his own family, he was somewhat relieved that several extra pairs of eyes would be watching out for potential trouble. The werewolves, as well as Nathaniel and Lindy would have to be made aware, however. He didn't want to be called before Lilith to explain how her top notch bodyguard had been decimated by a pack of angry werewolves, or vice versa.
Bryn let out an annoyed sigh. This was nothing Lilith hadn't told them before! Although the blatant anger on some of the Council members' faces had frightened her before, she felt nothing but disgust now. This was the exact same meeting they'd had months ago in Los Angeles. "If that's all you have to inform us of, may we go now?"
Lilith arched an eyebrow, her lips pursing. "No, you may not go. You will leave this room when I dismiss you." Brushing a stray hair from her face, she accepted her tea from Seth once again, the china clattering together as she lifted the cup and took a drink. "Thank you. Now, as I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted, none of this conversation leaves this room. Anyone who does not follow this and the previous mandate will be subject to the Grand Council and possibly to formal execution.
"As to the possibility of a second child--I strongly advise that you delay all action until the matter can be properly discussed. I would like to schedule another meeting within the following month for just that occasion. Meanwhile, we will all have a chance to gather our thoughts and any questions or comments we might have."
Anton bit his tongue to keep from arguing that his and Bryn's sex life was none of the Council's damned business. Except in a way it was. There was no guarantee that he could get Bryn pregnant again, and if he could, that the pregnancy would go as smoothly. There were so many unknowns, such as if another baby would show the same hybrid tenancies that Max did, or if he or she would be something else entirely. He'd have to discuss with Bryn what their next move was if the Council tried to forbid them from having another child. And what they would do if they expressed displeasure if they found out she was pregnant.
Bryn had had enough. Tucking her hand under Max's bottom, she stood up and began walking towards the door.
"I thought I told you I would--"
"That you would dismiss me," Bryn said, nodding. "Max needs his diaper changed. If you'd rather I stay and let him start crying--or better yet make the entire room smell like excrement--I'll do that. Personally, I don't think that would improve upon your speech. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to go tend to my son. Anton can update me on anything I might miss."
Still looking extremely annoyed, Lilith nodded her head once. "Proceed."
With a momentary glance back at Anton, as she opened the door, Bryn left the room.
Anton watched as Bryn left the room. He heard, and ignored, the murmurs of disapproval from Richard. He reminded himself that Richard was one of the ones who could have been a prototype for Dracula - cold, arrogant, and convinced of vampiric superiority over mere humans. The fact that he was on the Council was proof enough that his views were representative of some vampires out there, something he'd have to protect Max from. If the other Council members felt the same disdain and fear, they were masking it much better. As much as he wanted to get up and follow Bryn, he knew he had to stay for the rest of the meeting, if only to maintain face. He just hoped she understood.
When he finally returned to their room, nearly thirty minutes later, Bryn was standing before the window, curtains drawn, staring out at the building lights in early morning. She'd changed out of her clothes and wore a plush hotel robe. He could see that Max was still held firmly against her chest as she rocked slowly side to side. Humming something he didn't recognize. And although he barely made a sound crossing the floor, and his reflection didn't show in the glass because of the darkness in the room, she still managed to hear him coming. "I'm sorry I didn't think of an excuse so that you could come with us. I didn't have much time to think about it."
"It's okay, my dear. It was probably best I stayed anyway." He put his arms around her waist, rocking side to side with her. "There was some more discussion about Max, but mostly Richard making more noise." He leaned his cheek against her temple. "I think most of the Council is more moderate and willing to take a 'wait and see' view."
She sighed, leaning back against him. It felt good to be held, propped up, as if she could finally stop standing so rigidly and let go. "I'm not sure how much longer I can stand here and be strong for you, Anton. I know that's what you want from me, but I don't think it's going to happen. Because right now I'm torn between lying down so I can bawl my head off, and tearing out here so I can go rip Lilith in half."
Anton squeezed her tighter against his body. "You don't have to be strong, Bryn." He slowly walked backwards to the bed, taking her with him. Sitting down on the bed, he tucked her under his chin, still rocking her and Max. "After what happened in there, you deserve to not have to be the strong one for a while."
She leaned even deeper into his embrace, silent tears dribbling from the corners of her eyes. "Why is that, Anton? That makes no sense. You're always the strong one. Every single time I can remember."
"You're wrong, Bryn." He kissed her hair lightly. "There have been times that you are the only reason I've kept going. And how about when we've discussed my abuse? I wasn't exactly strong then." He continued to rock her and Max. "You don't have to be strong now for my sake, Bryn."
Reaching under his suit jacket, she tugged his shirt free from his slacks and slipped her hand underneath, pressing her palm against the warm skin of his back, comforted by the heat of his body. Her tears had ended as quickly as they came, replaced by a numbness she didn't like. A numbness that before had always proceeded her pushing him away and wallowing in her own misery. "I hate her, Anton. And that Richard person, too. What makes them think that they have any control over what we do? The last I noticed, she wasn't the ruler of the frigging universe."
"No, just the queen of all vampires, and I'm expected to be obedient to her, and by extension, you also." he said. He rubbed his hand up and down her back in a soothing motion. "But if she commanded us never to try to have children again, I can't say that I'd obey her."
Standing up, she detached herself from his grip and walked over to settle Max in his crib. Once he was comfortable, she turned to face Anton. "I'm not a vampire. I don't have to obey a word she says, she knows it, too. She's also well-aware that if she pisses me off, I can just as easily expose her. If she doesn't know those things, I'd be more than happy to remind her."
"But you will be a vampire, Bryn. And if you expose her, you're exposing me too, and our son." Seeing her frown grow sharper, he shook his head in apology. "I know you'd never place me or Max in harms way intentionally, Bryn." He sighed. "The older we get, Bryn, the more we suffer from arrogance. I'm guilty of it, and seeing how the Empress is five times older than me... But that still doesn't give her the right to bait and anger you, Bryn."
Letting out a small growl, she stopped in front of the bed and let herself fall face forward on to the mattress, bouncing as she hit, remaining with her face buried once she stilled. Muffled, she said, "Wanna go home." Tilting her head to the side, if only to breathe, she gave him a pout. "Every single time I see that woman I want to kill her. I think I should just stop putting myself--and Max--in that situation."
"I can't argue with that, Bryn." Anton let himself fall backwards onto the bed beside her. "And it could be worse. Just think what it would be like if she didn't like Max." He rolled onto one side to look at Bryn and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Can you hang in for one more night? Then we can go visit your brother before heading home."
She nodded pitifully, feeling her face get hot, and quickly reached for him. Pulling herself tightly against his body and holding on with a tenacious grip. "I'm sorry if I did anything wrong, but I couldn't listen to her another minute." Bryn sniffled lightly, melting against his body. She turned her head to press her nose against his neck, breathing in his cologne. "I'll be better in about ten more minutes. Just as long as you keep holding me. Closer."
Anton pulled her tighter against him, pressing his nose into her hair. "I will, Bryn. Take all the time you need." Tucking her tight against him, he rolled her onto her back, settling on top of her so she'd feel warm and protected. His arms squeezed her tightly. Not quite getting enough air to sing, he softly hummed her song into her ear, ending it with a softly whispered "Please don't take my sunshine away."
She let out a soft moan, tightening her grip on him. Just his very presence had calmed her, along with being held so firmly, but having his body on top of hers drained away every last bit of fear. And she no longer knew what to feel. Her anger and resentment dissolved, replaced by a calm so deep she felt sleepy. "I don't know how you do that," she whispered, her lips brushing his skin. "How you manage to center me entirely within a few minutes. You know, sometimes when I've had a bad dream--not a nightmare, where I might wake you without trying, but just something disturbing--I'll lay there and wish so much that you'd wake up. And then I can't stand it anymore and I'll move around a lot or 'accidentally' smack you with my arm, just to wake you up. But I always close my eyes again so you don't know I'm doing it on purpose. That's pretty dumb, huh?"
He chuckled a little. "So that explains why I seem to find your elbow in my chest so often." He kissed her head, nuzzling her hair line. "You could just wake me up because you're upset, you know. You don't have to hide it, Bryn."
"I know. I just feel silly admitting it sometimes." She let her head fall back against the pillow, holding his gaze as he met her eyes. "Do you wake me up when you have a bad dream? I hope you do. I'd hate to think that I'd keep sleeping through something like that."
"I've slept a lot more peacefully since I've been spending the days with you, Bryn." He nuzzled her cheek, shifting slightly so he could work his hand under the upper part of her robe, cupping her shoulder in his palm. "Although there have been times I've woken you up because I'm aroused laying next to you. I wouldn't dream of letting you sleep through that," he said with a slight smirk.
She smiled, then licked her lips, trying to subtly move his hand lower on her chest with the movements of her shoulders. "I wouldn't want to sleep through that. Even if I couldn't do anything about it, like after Max was born. I would still want to watch you and touch you. To worship your body the way your hands do. I love seeing you make love to yourself, the way you so gently and expertly make yourself cum." She shivered lightly, biting her lip. "You're so beautiful. Mmm, and the sounds you make drive me wild."
Anton shivered lightly at her words. "I want to watch you touch yourself, Bryn. Or use the detachable shower head like you told me about when we were apart." He kissed her lips, pulling lightly at the lower one. "The thought of you, naked, wet, and slippery, drives me wild, Bryn." His hand slipped down to cup her breast, thumb worrying the nipple to a tight peak.
She gave him a sly grin. "You get me naked, wet, and slippery every night, Anton. But I'll let you see whatever you want--all you have to do is ask." Her back arching her into his touch, she kissed him again, slower, enjoying the familiar tease of his tongue. She sucked gently as he explored her mouth, sucking in a sharp breath as he pinched her nipple between two fingers. "Mmm...you taste like mints. Is that something you got from the meeting?"
"Uh huh...I've got another one in my pocket. Wanna share?" Grinning, he slid his hand out of her robe, shushing her slight moan of disappointment. Grabbing her hand, he slid off of her to be nestled by her side, just for the moment. Guiding her hand into his pocket, he let her find the mint by feel. He couldn't help but let out a satisfied moan as she stroked his erection.
She gripped him firmly, with only the thin fabric of his pocket and the silk of his boxers separating them. The gentle slide of her fist over him made them both quiver. "This is an awfully big mint, sugar. I'm not even sure I'll be able to fit it in my mouth. I may just have to lick it for a while before I can suck on it properly." Bryn giggled, watching him swallow heavily. "I bet it's going to taste so good rolling over my tongue...sweet flavor leaking down my throat."
His breath caught at the image she invoked in his mind. Her fingers playing over him, rubbing the fabric against his sensitive flesh, felt heavenly. He slipped his hand back inside her robe, grinning as she arched into his touch. "Sometime, my dear," he whispered into her ear, "I want to see if I can make you cum just by playing with your nipples." He nipped at her earlobe, sucking it between his teeth.
She squeezed him gently in response to his words. "I'd like to see that, too." Sliding her hand out of his pocket, this time holding the correct 'mint', she brought the plastic package up to her mouth and tore it open with her teeth. Popping the mint into her mouth, she tossed the plastic to the side. She leaned into his touch, kissing him, whimpering as his tongue chased the mint around her mouth. Her hand moved to lower the zipper on his slacks.
She tasted of tangy peppermint and the sweet flavor that was all her own. Anton cupped her head with his other hand, holding her in place as he thoroughly explored her mouth. And his hips flexed forward, rubbing the bulge in his slacks against her fingers as she unzipped him. Releasing her breast for a moment, he undid the knot holding her robe shut, toying with the fabric. Wrapping the terry cloth belt, he wrapped it loosely around his fingers, and then rubbed it lightly over her nipple, avidly watching the expression on her face.
She pulled back from his kiss with a soft gasp, nearly losing the mint as she stared openly at his hand teasing her breast. "Ohh..." She swallowed heavily, throwing her arm over her head to intensify his touch. The gentle rasp of the textured fabric bumping over her nipple made her squirm, her legs falling open limply against the bed. Beginning to softly pant, her hand on his crotch was almost completely forgotten--by her, anyway. "Mmm, that's nice, sugar."
Even though she was holding his cock loosely, he could feel every twitch of her fingers. Anton leaned over her, kissing her lips, tongue delving in to steal the mint out of her mouth. Smacking his lips, he let his hand on her breast start to slide down towards her crotch as his mouth descended on the tight peak of her nipple.
She squealed softly, her free hand scraping through his hair and holding him in place. His mouth was as hot as a furnace, surrounding her aroused flesh and lazily pulling, making her moan continuously. Determined to get him as excited as he was getting her, she shoved her hands into his pants, down the front of his boxers, and firmly tugged on his cock. Her legs opened wider, anxious for his next move.
Anton moaned, hips twitching in her grip. Teasingly, he rubbed he terry belt around her navel, and then to one side, sliding along the edge of her pubic hair to the inside of one thigh. He continue to suckle on her nipple, pulling lightly. Smiling at her breathless cries of anticipation, he lightly rubbed his fingers over her clit.
"Uh!" Her hips lifted off the bed, following his touch, and she cried out as his finger slid directly over her sensitive clit. The pleasure/pain feeling made her thighs shake, and she felt a gush of moisture leave her sex. "Mmm! Do it again!" She twisted against his touch when he repeated the movement, uncertain of whether she wanted him to continue or not. The touch was almost too good. "Oh, oh God, Anton...it feels so good it hurts."
He lightly stroked her clit again, fascinated at how she practically leapt off the bed. Unable to hold back any longer, he pulled out of her grip, shove down his boxers, and impaled her. He moaned as she gripped him tightly. And still, he lightly stroked her clit with the cloth.
She squealed again, her hips bucking against his, digging her fingernails into his ass. He didn't even have to thrust--his very next brush against her clit with the cloth made jolt beneath him, her body going rigid as her sex contracted in a powerful climax. Her continued tremors shook the bed beneath them.
Anton let out a yelp, surprised as the intensity of her orgasm. He managed to give one thrust before her spasms became too much for him to bear. Another cry and he sank down on her, letting out a slight hiss. He didn't move his hand from her crotch, and he nuzzled her cheek softly, placing tiny kisses on her jaw.
Whimpering, she reached down to massage the tight opening of her sex, where it stretched around his cock, still feeling so aroused that she couldn't keep still. "Ohh...Anton, I want...uh..." She squeezed her muscles around his cock, panting at the full and almost achy feeling of her sex. "Mmm...how soon? I want y-you to fuck me really hard from behind. It still hurts, sugar."
"Shhh... soon," he soothed. He gently kissed her, pulling away from her sex, not wanting to be overstimulated. Putting the belt to one side, he lifted up to pull his suit jacket off. "What else do you want me to do to you, Bryn? How can I make you scream?"
She whimpered, rolling over on to her belly and pushing her ass into the air. She let out a whine that she knew made her sound like a spoiled child, but she didn't care. "I just want you to fuck me," she said, rubbing her breasts against the bed spread. "I don't care with what, just fuck me, please?"
Anton unbuttoned his shirt, but didn't take it off. He knelt behind her, leaning over so his nipples skimmed her back. Despite having already cum, he was hard again. Grabbing her hips, he let the head of his cock rub against her sex. He hadn't expected her to shift so that the head of his cock popped inside of her. "Eager, aren't we, my dear?" he said with a grin.
She nodded frantically, trying to back into him to get as much of his cock inside her as possible...only she didn't expect his tighter grip to halt her in place. Bryn whimpered, using her muscles to grasp the head of his cock. If she couldn't have more, she at least wasn't letting him pull away. "Mmm...mm...A-Anton, it feels so good." She wiggled her hips and let out a sassy giggle. "I wish we were doing this in front of Lilith and the entire Council...and you got me pregnant."
He shoved in farther, giving a soft moan as he shifted his weight to one hand. Cupping her breast, he rolled her nipple around his fingers. "Don't say that too loudly," he whispered in her ear as he started to thrust. "She just might make arrangements for us to do so." He licked a stripe up the back of her neck. "Although I wouldn't object if you did end up pregnant." Slowly his pace began to pick up, but it was not quite the demanding one she requested, yet.
She grasped handfuls of the comforter beneath her, squeezing his cock. Even with a slower pace, it felt wonderful, and she moved in opposition to his thrusts. Reaching back with one arm, she rubbed his side, caressing as much of him as she could reach, finally slipping her hand between her legs and teasing his balls. She felt him jerk against her and gasped in excitement, tightening her grip.
Now he was moving faster, feeling his fingers rub against his balls. With a soft moan he let go of her breast and placed his hand between her thighs, positioning his fingers so her clit was dragged across them with every thrust. "God, Bryn, you feel so good..."
She moaned in response, suddenly wanting more. Reaching for his hand, she tugged lightly. "Lay down with me," she said, panting softly. "I want to feel your whole body spooned against me. Like we did when I was pregnant." She rubbed his balls again, firmer this time, smiling as he twitched under her touch. "Then you can fuck me as hard or as fast as you want."
Breathing heavily through his nose, Anton pulled her tighter against his body. He flopped over to his side spooning Bryn against his body. With his weight off his hands now, he was free to roam over her body. Which he did - up and down her stomach, caressing around her breasts, sliding teasingly over her thighs, and just brushing her pubic hair. All the while thrusting in a rapid in and out movement.
Bryn squealed, her head arching back against his. She reached back and squeezed his ass, the fingers of her other hand still teasing his balls. Her breath left her in soft grunts with every slam of his hips, her sex tightening every time their flesh slapped together. She wanted to cum so hard she saw stars, and she trusted him to bring her there, but she was more concerned about taking him with her. Stretching her hand as much as she could, she brushed his perineum with her fingertips. "Cum for me, sugar..."
He let out a low growl, slamming himself harder into her as his fingers started to circle her clit. And the growl became a shout when Bryn pressed her fingers against his anus. He shot deep into her but continued to move as he fell into bliss. "Cum for me, Bryn. I want to feel you around me," he whispered.
She grabbed his arm tightly, whining, and shoved her ass back against his hips as she shook heavily. The circling of his fingers was exactly what she needed and he knew it, without being told, just where to touch, how much pressure to use, what pace to follow. He knew how to play her like a finely tuned cello, and always had. Releasing a few last shudders, she settled bonelessly against him, panting lightly, and let her eyes slip closed. Finally pulling his arms tighter around her and grasping them firmly. "Thank you, Anton." She smiled softly. "I feel *much* better now."
"Good," he whispered in her ear before kissing it. He gave a contented sigh, stretching out fully next to her. Anton tightened his arms around her. "I have to admit, I do feel better now too." He nuzzled the back of her head. Snagging the edge of the comforter on the bed, he tossed it loosely over their bodies. "I'm just glad that's done with now."
She nodded, but frowned a bit. "I'm almost getting reluctant to go to Baltimore, now. I think it's just because of that stupid meeting. I keep thinking that it would be nicer just to go home. But I know I'd be mad at myself if we did." She sighed. "Have you felt like calling your office to see how Lindy is doing?"
"I was thinking about doing that tomorrow. Give her some time to settle and not look like I was checking up on her. I will send her an email tonight though." He kissed her neck. "Have I told you lately how proud I am of you? You didn't let anyone intimidate you there. Not even the Empress."
She gave him a dry look over her shoulder. "Apparently you weren't paying attention when I made the lamest excuse in the book just so I could scamper out of there."
"But it worked." He kissed her nose lightly. "I think we've got two options at the moment. We could order dinner, or breakfast depending on your point of view, or we could just climb under the sheets and go to sleep until Max really needs his diaper changed. Which shall it be?"
She stretched against him, settling more firmly against his belly. "Well, I don't really want to move...so I guess the second choice sounds better to me. Although, I would like to have Max up here with us. So, why don't you crawl beneath the covers, I'll get Max, and then we'll all snuggle in here together?"
"Sounds good, my dear." With a slight grunt, he rolled over and sat up. As he stood, he pulled the sheets back so Bryn could get in bed. Quietly, he padded over to Max's crib and picked up his son. Max made a little noise at having been moved and then nestled against Anton's shoulder. Anton patted his back and carried him over to Bryn, who was now nestled under the covers. Then he climbed back in bed, settling against Bryn. He reached over to rest a hand on Max. "Like this, my dear?"
"Well, actually, I was going to get Max so you didn't have to get up, but I won't argue with you." She smiled, snuggling the baby closer. "We sure made a cute, sweet little boy, Anton." She lifted her hand to tilt Anton's face closer, kissing his lips. "And no one will ever convince me otherwise."
"You're right, Bryn." He lightly kissed her. "And despite what the Council says, we'll make another cute, sweet baby, my dear. If we already haven't."
End Chapter Ninety-three

<- Previous Chapter | Home | Next Chapter ->