Black Dagger Brotherhood - Lover Unveiled

by MsRahvin79

Vishous and the brothers are in a constant war with the slayers, but even a warrior made of ice gets thrown a curve ball every now and again. When Vishous saves Reigne he is brought into a world where the ice is forced to melt and where damsel isn't always the one who needs saving. Join the suspense as the war continues between vampires and slayers. Witness love bloom out of ice.

7. Havers and Lies

Sorry it took so long to get this up, hit a wall in the middle and wasn't sure where my muse was taking me, but we got it all straightened out and I am happy with the outcome.

I do want everyone to know that I am uploading this before I have a chance to completely edit/proof read it. If you find any errors, please let me know as I will gladly correct them. Thank you for being so patient.

I do not own BDB, only my few characters and interpretations. Please enjoy!

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Sighing, Havers arched his back to work out the stiffness. It had been a long night for him as the warrior was not the first surgical emergency he had dealt with. The civilian male he had worked on before was not as fortunate as the warrior he had just finished with. Being the race's physician put tremendous pressure on him, but he understood what was needed of him and he had to admit that he thrived on the feeling of being needed. Fighting off the memories, Havers turned back to the task at hand.

Hearing the male growling from the table, Havers thought that a sedative and pain killer would be needed before sending the male back with the female at his side. Adding the syringe with the sedative cocktail to the tray, he walked over to the table. Laying the tray down on the remaining side table, he checked the bandages to make sure the bleeding had stopped and made a note to insist the male feed before the night was over, due to the amount of blood loss he had sustained.

Moving around to the other side of the table, Havers looked over the female kneeling next to the table. Thinking to make quick work of his next self-appointed duty, he pulled over a chair and quickly set about examining the female's left arm. There appeared to be no external injuries which made his job that much easier. Quickly working on her arm, he smiled to himself, thinking about how the king would praise him for bringing him the truth. Havers jumped when he saw that the female twitched her arm in response to his actions, quickly stowing away what was in his hand in his coat pocket, he stood up from his chair and turned towards the cabinets.

Trying to move as calmly but efficiently as possible, he did not want to be caught with the vial by the female. Standing at the cabinets, Havers quickly labeled a vial and placed it in a holder, waiting for his patient and 'guests' to leave so he could run his tests. When he had been checking on her, he had expected that like the warrior, she would not feel anything while in her trance like state. Imagine his surprise when she twitched her arm and said "Ow". Only his experience and training kept him from bolting out of guilt, but he stayed the course and completed his personal inspection. Looking back at the table, he noticed that there was movement coming from the other side of the table and quickly closed the cabinet. Letting out a sigh of relief at not getting caught, he stepped around to the other side of the table and prepared to administer the shot to the male.

Reigne shook her head and opened her eyes. She was back in the room with the healer. Looking at Vishous as she stood up, she saw that he had bandages on his side and back. His handsome face was etched in pain and she rubbed her palm on his cheek. "Vishous?"

When there was no response forth coming from the male, Reigne looked to the healer with worry. "He should have awoken with me. Why does he not respond?"

Havers turned to the female. "My lady, he appeared to be in some mild discomfort so I gave him something to ease the pain as well as something to help him sleep. If you plan to take him home after I examine you, then moving him while he sleeps will cause him less pain."

Not wanting to leave her warrior's side, she looked to the healer. "If you wish to examine me, healer, please get it over with. Dawn should reach us soon and I am getting weary of this night."

"As you wish, my lady." Havers picked up a few things from the tray and walked over to the female, bringing two chairs with him. "Please sit." He waited as she sat in the offered chair and noted that she did not break contact with the warrior on the table.

"What do you need of me?"

Havers smiled reassuringly at her, "If you could please let me know of any injuries that you would like me to look over, I will check those and just make sure that everything is in working order." Sitting in the other chair, he gestured at her, "From just looking at you, I do not sense that there would be anything amiss, but the king would like me to make sure that you are well."

"I had many injuries, but they have mostly all healed. There were many minor scrapes and bruises on my arms and legs, but nothing that would cause me long lasting harm. My right shoulder is still tender, but I was told that is to be expected when a shoulder is…what did he call it? Oh, yes, dislocated. Vishous said my shoulder was dislocated and as he put it, he popped it back into place."

"You dislocated your shoulder? Well, if you will permit me, I would like to look at your shoulder to make sure it is healing properly." Rising from his chair, Havers asked, "Would you please follow me over by my desk? It will be easier for you to move without the risk of bumping into Vishous."

Glancing at Vishous, she noticed that he now looked to be sleeping peacefully; the medicine the healer gave him must be working. With a gentle caress of his cheek, she stood up and followed the healer to his desk.

"Could you please remove your jacket so that I can examine your shoulder?"

With a sigh, Reigne removed her jacket and placed it on the desk and turned to Havers. "Do as you must, healer, just please be quick about it."

"Of course, my lady." Havers stepped forward and took a hold of her right arm and extended it out to her side, checking the mobility of her shoulder. "Does this hurt?"

Shaking her head, she responded. "There is only a mild tenderness in my shoulder as it moves but even that is going way. I would expect it to be gone by the next night."

He nodded to her and pushed her sleeve up and bared her shoulder. Moving his fingers around the edges, he checked to make sure that it was sitting in the socket correctly and watched also for any signs of pain in her face. "I believe you are correct. There is no bruising that I can see and your shoulder does appear to be set correctly. The tenderness should be gone before you realize it. Now, if you will permit me, I am going to listen to your heart and your lungs real quick and that should be all that is needed. You appear to be in good physical health." He pulled the stethoscope from around his neck and leaned closer to Reigne.

As Reigne stood still, she allowed the healer to listen to her heart with something that was attached to his ears and she took deep breaths as directed when he moved to her lungs. As he nodded his head in completion of the exam, she sighed in relief. "Thank you, healer. Would you let my cousin know he can come back in here please?"

"Of course, my lady, but I must ask you, were there any other injuries that I should know about?"

Reigned had to keep herself from showing how exasperated she was feeling at the continued questioning. "I do not believe that I have withheld any information."

Noting her tone, Havers continued on with his questioning. "Please, humor me, my lady. I want to be able to with all honesty tell the king that there are no injuries that need to be addressed."

Realizing that humoring the healer would serve better to expedite the process then arguing, Reigne asked, "I do not feel any other injuries, but what do you need from me?"

Taking her arm and leading her a few steps from where she was standing, he gave her room and instructed her. "I will make this quick, once the natural healing starts some injuries can only be felt if you are moving that specific area." Seeing her skeptical look, he continued. "Please humor me. If you could, please bend over and touch your toes. This will let us know if you have any lingering injuries around your midsection and lower back."

Mentally sighing at the ridiculousness of what she was about to do, she humored the healer and doubled over at the waist and touched the tips of her boots. Feeling no pain in her stomach or back, she straightened up. Before she got more than halfway up, she gasped and put her hand to her side.

Hurrying to her side, Havers tried to hide the mild panic that just hit him and sent a silent thank you to the Scribe Virgin that he had thought to inquire further about any injuries.

"What is wrong, my lady?"

"I don't know. I was fine; no pain whatsoever, until I began to stand back up. Then I felt this sharp pain in my left side and it hasn't gone away." Reigne tried to focus on something other than the pain as she took in shallow breaths, which seemed to be the least painful way to breathe. "Why would I not have felt the pain before now?"

Placing an arm around her back to support her, he guided her to the other surgery table. "Let me help you up on the table, that way I can examine your side." At her nod, he lifted her onto the table and helped her lie down, cringing inwardly at her hiss of pain as she straightened out on her back.

"Where on your side does it hurt?"

Reigne lifted her left hand and placed it on her side, right on her ribs. "This is where the pain is. To be honest, I remember pain there before, but it was overshadowed by my shoulder and I must have put it out of my mind until just now."

Leaning over her to see where her hand rested, Havers nodded to himself. "Reigne, I believe that you may have injured a rib or two; that would explain the pain you are experiencing. Can you please pull your shirt up so I can inspect the area in question?"

Knowing that she just wanted the pain to end, Reigne pulled up her shirt to just below her chest, giving the healer the requested access.

"I am going to be pushing around on your ribs as I will need to locate the ones that are injured and to assess the amount of damage was done. My lady, I will do my best to cause you as little pain as possible."

"Do not worry over the possible pain to be caused; I will be able to handle it." Closing her eyes and taking in as deep a breath as she could, Reigne readied herself.

Havers had to admit to himself, that if this female weren't trying to lie to the king, then he would actually have a lot of respect for her. She was handling this situation like any warrior that had found their way to his office. Wishing it were different, he began to lightly press on the skin covering her lower ribs and watched for her reactions. He had made his way up to the fifth rib when he heard her hiss. Moving up to the next two ribs, he received the same response.

"It looks like you had experienced three broken ribs. I cannot feel any breaks any longer, so they appear to be on their natural course of healing. Can you tell me when your ribs were broken?"

Reigne thought back over the last few days of her captivity, trying to pin point when her uncle could have broken her ribs. It was all a blur and she couldn't focus. Opening her eyes, she looked at the healer. "I am afraid that I cannot remember exactly when they were broken. The last few days before I found my cousin are a blur."

"That is most unfortunate. Without knowing exactly when the breaks happened I cannot give you an accurate time frame for them to be completely healed." He was taken aback that she couldn't tell him when she broke her ribs. Havers knew better than to ask anything about her past, he could tell from his previous questioning about her injuries she was not going to be very forthcoming. "As they appear to be healing correctly, the best thing that I can do to help ease your pain is to wrap your ribs and provide you with a pain killer. If you could please sit up I will get the bandages."

Reigne watched as Havers walked away from her and sighed. Not normally being one that asked for help, she had to admit now that she was aware of the pain in her side, having his assistance to sit up would have been welcomed. As he had walked away already, she was determined not to ask for help and grimaced her way through the slow process of sitting up. Swinging her legs around so she was sitting on the edge, she hugged her arm to her left side to try to ease the pain.

Having retrieved the bandages necessary to wrap Reigne's ribs, Havers walked back over to the table. Noticing how she was hugging her side, he mentally berated himself for not offering to help her sit up.

Setting the bandages on the table next to the female, he spoke. "This is going to cause a small amount of pain as I will need to put the bandage on tightly. The pressure it places on the ribs will help them to heal faster and correctly. I can give you something for the pain before I put on the bandage if that will help."

Shaking her head, Reigne looked over at Vishous, who was still sleeping peacefully, then turned her look back to Havers. "I will not be needing the medicine, thank you. What do you need me to do so that you can put on the bandage?"

More and more this female was reminding Havers of the warrior sleeping on his other surgical table. This made him more determined than ever to run his test so that he could prove to the king that she was not who she said she was.

Taking the bandage in hand, he answered her. "I will need you to sit up straight and hold your shirt up so that I can place the bandage on your skin. This will need to be removed before you take a shower or bath, or I can send an extra bandage along so that you can change it out afterwards. Again, this will cause some pain, but you should feel it lessening very shortly."

Reigne held her shirt up as instructed and clenched her jaw in preparation for the pain. As the bandage was wrapped around her, she noticed that Havers was careful not to touch her once the bandage was secured and she was grateful for the consideration. She was able to breathe easier once he was done with the bandage and a small sigh escaped her as she lowered her shirt to cover the bandage.

Sliding off the table, she experienced a slight twinge of pain as the landing jarred her ribs. Looking to the healer, she bowed her head. "Thank you for your assistance today with Vishous as well as myself. If there is nothing further, could you please tell Wrath that he can come in?"

"There is no need to thank me, my lady, I am just glad that I was here to be of service. Unless you have other injuries that you have not told me about, I will let the king know that you and the warrior are clear to leave." Havers inclined his head in her direction and moved to open the door. Reaching the door, he paused to watch as she drifted back to the warrior on the table and shook his head. He looked forward to showing the proof to the king that she was not who she claimed to be. As he opened the door, the warrior that had brought Vishous in almost fell backwards onto Havers. Quickly stepping out of the way, Havers waited for the warrior to right himself and move out of the doorway.

Butch nearly fell backwards as the door opened and go figure, he had just decided that it was going to take a while longer and had leaned back on the dumb thing. Quickly regaining his balance, he stepped to the side and looked to see who had opened the door.

As the warrior moved out of the doorway, Havers stepped up and addressed the king. "My lord, the warrior is resting peacefully and his wounds have been cleaned and stitched." Turning to the male that had brought in the wounded warrior, he continued. "If you would like to take him home, I gave him a sedative so that he will not feel any pain during the transport."

Wrath stood up after setting Beth down on her feet next to the chair. "Thanks, Havers. How bad was it?"

"He had two wounds, the cut on his back was long and deep enough to warrant stitches and the stab wound on his side could have ended his life. If whatever had stabbed him had moved just the tiniest bit in any direction, the warrior might have very well lost his life. Praise the Scribe Virgin that it did not hit anything vital."

Sighing, Wrath rubbed his eyes under his shades. "Alright, we need to get him home. Butch, since you brought him in, get him back home. We'll meet you there."

"I'm on it." Butch headed into the surgery room after Havers moved out of his way. Walking towards the table, he saw that V was lying on his side and that Reigne was sitting next to him in a chair. As he got closer, he could hear her humming a tune as she held V's hand. Stopping a few feet from the table he called out to the female so as not to startle her. "Reigne?"

Looking up, Reigne saw the male that had brought her warrior in earlier. Smiling, she stood up and bowed to the male before her. "Butch, my thanks to you for bringing Vishous here this night, if you had not, he would surely be lost to us."

"No need to thank me and please, I'm nothing to bow to. V is my man so I could do nothing less." Watching as Reigne straightened; he was struck again by how much she looked like Wrath. "Ah, Havers told us that V is ready to go back to the compound."

"Yes, he said as much to me earlier. I believe we should all be leaving shortly. How did you come to be here? I know he cannot dematerialize in this condition."

"Oh, yeah, I brought him in our Escalade. He can lie out in the back while I drive him home."

"Escalade? I have so much to learn." Reigne looked at his face to see if there were any similarities. "You are Wrath's cousin, are you not?"

"Yeah, I'm a distant cousin of his. Never in my human days did I think that any of this was possible let alone real." Chuckling to himself, he moved closer to the table and looked at his boy.

"Beth was correct, my family does keep growing." Reigne smiled at Butch.

"What are you talking about?"

"I saw your face when you first looked at me earlier and I know you see the similarities. Most of the brothers who happened upon me have had the same reaction." Laughing at his puzzled expression, she continued. "As you are Wrath's cousin, you are also mine."

"Really? Are you shitting…I mean, are you telling me the truth?"

"Verily, warrior, I speak the truth." Reigne smiled at him and prepared for the possibility that he was going to hug her. This male may be family, but he was a new part of her family and she still had a lot of time ahead of her before she would be completely comfortable with being touched.

Butch let out a hoot, grabbed her around the waist and pulled her in for a hug. Turning to the door, he saw Wrath was just walking into the room followed by Beth and Havers. "All that time out there, why didn't you tell me?"

Shaking his head Wrath walked towards the male. "Honestly? It never crossed my mind, but I see that she took care of it."

Beth chuckled as she stopped by her mate. "We were going to tell everyone at Last Meal, but I think we've missed it. So they will just have to wait till First Meal, then we'll introduce her properly to the brothers and their shellans."

Keeping his arm around Reigne's waist, Butch couldn't help but grin. "You have any more family that you're hiding from us?"

"No and that is all I will say for now. We can go into it later and Reigne can tell you as much of her story as she chooses, but it's her choice." Taking a deep breath, Wrath shook his head. "Butch, let go of Reigne and grab V. Take our boy home."

Still smiling, Butch gave Reigne one last squeeze and dropped his arm. Stepping over to the table, he noted where the bandages were so he would know where to not put his arms. Lifting the big male into his arms, he headed for the door. Stopping, he turned back to the group. "Any of you catching a ride with me?"

Wrath shook his head. "You go ahead. We are almost done here and will meet you there."

Reigne watched as Butch carried her warrior down the hallway and out the door at the end. She didn't want to be around the physician any longer than necessary. Reigne wanted to get back to the castle so she could take care of Vishous. As the door closed behind Butch, she turned back to face the others, not bothering to hide her impatience to leave.

"Cousin? I mean no disrespect, but I am growing weary of this night. I would like to leave so that I may rest." Reigne turned to Havers. "Physician, is there anything further you need from me?"

Havers turned to Reigne with a smile. "My lady, you are clear to go. I would just suggest you get some rest and try not to aggravate your shoulder or your ribs and maybe feed, but I see no other injuries that need to be addressed." Turning to Wrath, he continued, "My lord, is there anything that I can further assist you with?"

Wrath looked at Reigne and saw her impatience to leave. "As long as Reigne is all good to go, then no Havers that will be all. Thank you for helping out on such short notice."

"It was no trouble, my lord. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you need anything further. If you will excuse me, I have a few patients that I need to check up on." Havers waited for Wrath to nod and then bowed in his direction. "My lord, ladies."

Wrath watched Havers leave the room and turned to Beth and Reigne. "Well, as it appears that you need to rest and you have no serious injuries, Reigne, shall we three head home?"

Reigne smiled for the first time since she had left the castle. "Yes, please." She turned to the door, anxious to follow the pull she felt that she knew would take her back to the castle, back to Vishous.

Chuckling, he walked over to Reigne and put an arm around her waist, noticing her slight flinch at the touch. He sighed at the movement and wished he had his fangs sunk deep into Mhayson's neck for all the torment he caused his cousin. Leaning over, he placed a light kiss on top of Reigne's head. "Alright females, let's go home."

Reigne wanted to bolt down the hallway, eager to get out of there, but was held in check by Wrath's arm around her waist. She was forced to wait as Beth came up to Wrath's other side and leaned up to kiss her mate. With a sigh, she had to admit to herself that seeing that little show of affection was a painful reminder of something she didn't deserve.

Beth chuckled at Reigne's sigh and broke away from the kiss. Smiling at Wrath, she nudged him to get him moving towards the hallway so they could leave.

Wrath started walking down the hallway and pulled the two females along with him. Looking down at Reigne, he addressed Havers' earlier comment. "So, Reigne, what was Havers talking about when he told you not to aggravate your shoulder and your ribs? What injuries do you have?"

"Tis nothing. My right shoulder was dislocated and Vishous had Rhage help him to set my shoulder, I think that is what he said they were doing. Havers has confirmed what Vishous told me last night, that my shoulder will be tender until it fully heals." Reigne flexed her right arm, testing her shoulder as she talked about it. It was still tender, would be a good idea not to sleep on it that day.

"How does your shoulder feel now?" Wrath asked as he watched her test the movement of her shoulder.

Looking up at Wrath, Reigne shrugged her shoulder and tried to hide the grimace of pain caused by the movement of both her shoulder and ribs. "It is fine, cousin, please do not concern yourself."

With a snort, Wrath stopped just outside the main entrance to the clinic. Shaking his head he looked at the pallor of Reigne's face. "Cousin, you don't need to hide your pain from me. I've had more than my fair share of injuries, but I can't even begin to claim that I know what you went through or what you need from me. You don't need to hide anything from me or Beth. We're your family so please, let us be that and let us help you."

All Reigne could do was nod at him as she tried to keep the tears at bay. The concept of family was not new to her, but it had been so long since she felt accepted by anyone other than her sister, that she was at a loss for words.

Wrath squeezed her waist in comfort, knowing a hug right now would cause her more pain. "Tell me cousin, what about your ribs? What did that bastard do you to?"

Reigne could sense the anger building in her cousin, she was shocked at the warmth she felt knowing that the rage was on her behalf. Casting her eyes downward, she didn't want Wrath to misconstrue the happiness in her eyes caused by the acceptance she was receiving for happiness at being hurt. "My ribs were broken. Havers said that he felt that only three ribs were broken at some point and they are now only just cracked. He wrapped my ribs and told me how to take care of them over the next few days."

Wrath growled low and dropped his arm from Reigne's waist to clench his hands into fists. "If that bastard didn't already have a death warrant hanging over his head he would now."

"It's too bad you can't kill him twice." Beth smirked from his side.

"Give me time, leelan, and I might just find a way."

Reigne looked at Wrath with a pleading gaze. "Cousin, nothing can be done about that now. Can we please return home, I am very weary and would like to check on Vishous before I retire?"

"Of course, but let Butch deal with V. I want you to get some food in you and then some rest."

Reigne was about to protest when she caught the look on Beth's face; it was as if she was telling her not to argue. With a confused sigh, apparently she was more unaware of the family dynamics than she thought; Reigne closed her eyes and dematerialized to the courtyard outside of the castle. Feeling a sense of urgency, she didn't wait for her cousins to appear with her before she rushed in through the front door.

As she stepped into the vestibule through the front door, the second door leading into the foyer opened and Fritz' smiling face appeared before her.

"My lady, I am so glad that you have arrived home safely." Fritz moved back as he opened the door wider for her to enter. He was about to close the door, but pulled it open wider with a bow. "My lord, my lady, welcome home."

"Fritz." Wrath greeted the doggen. Turning to Reigne, he gestured towards the kitchen. "Cousin, now that we are home, go eat and then rest. This has been a long day for all of us."

Shaking her head, Reigne took a step away from the kitchen and the doggen. "I am not hungry. I want to check on Vishous before I retire to my room."

Wrath was about to argue the point that she needed to eat something, when Butch burst into the foyer from the hidden passage under the staircase. "Cop, where's the fire?"

Taking a deep breath, he ignored Wrath and turned to Reigne. "I'm so glad you're here. V is tossing and turning, crying out every time he lands on one of his injuries and he keeps calling out for you."

"Take me to him." When he didn't move, she said more firmly, "Butch, please."

Still trying to catch his breath from the run from the Pit, he nodded. "Follow me."

Without any hesitation, Reigne followed Butch through the hidden door into the secret passageway. If she would have looked back, she would have seen Beth holding Wrath back in the foyer. The only thing she was aware of was her need to get to Vishous and help him, but she was unaware how she could be helpful. She followed Butch out another door that lead into an office and then out into a hallway. She noticed all of the rooms they were passing looked to be unused, but didn't think much on it as she was trying to keep pace with Butch.

Heading up the stairs at the end of the hall, Butch spoke to Reigne. "This leads up to the Pit, that's what we call it at least. V and I claimed this as ours when we all moved in here and it's a true males only place…or well it used to be. So in advance, I apologize for the mess." Opening the door at the top of the stairs, he motioned for her to follow him in.

As soon as the door was opened, Reigne could hear moaning coming from inside and her worry increased. "Which room?"

"V's room is just past the kitchen, back there." Butch said pointing, following after her as she darted off in the direction of the moans.

Moving quickly down the hall towards the moans, Reigne was unsure what she was going to find when she made it to Vishous' room. Opening the door, she saw that he was curled into a ball on his right side and moaning. She moved to the foot of the bed and looked back at Butch, who was standing in the doorway.

"How long has he been like this?"

"As soon as I got him in here. I don't know what the doc gave him, but I couldn't pull him out of it." Butch jumped when V yelled in his sleep.

"Reigne!" V yelled as he rolled onto his back.

Reigne moved to the right side of the bed and looked back to Butch. "Can you help move him to the center of the bed so I can roll him onto his left side?"

Butch nodded and moved to the other side of the bed. Climbing on, he pushed Vishous up onto his left side and then pulled him backwards towards the middle of the bed. As soon as he let go, V started to move as if to roll onto his back again. Quickly, Butch pushed him back onto his side.

"I don't think he's going to stay like this."

Reigne eased onto the bed and sat with her back on the headboard. Reaching over, she brushed the stray hair off of Vishous' forehead. "I will stay with him until he wakes."

Vishous leaned into Reigne's touch and rolled closer to her in his sleep. "My Rei." He said as he placed his head in her lap and threw his arm over her legs, hugging her to him.

Not completely believing what he just saw or heard, Butch chuckled to himself, knowing that he was going to tease V about this once he woke up. "Looks like you just got yourself a nickname, cousin."

"It seems so." She smiled, happy over the feeling of being needed. "Thank you for your help, cousin. Please let Wrath and Beth know that Vishous is taken care of. I am sure they will worry after your abrupt entrance when we returned."

"Right." Butch stood up from the bed. "Do you need anything before I leave?"

"No, thank you. We should be fine. I hope the sleep aid wears off soon though." Settling back into the headboard, she unconsciously ran her hand through Vishous' hair.

"Alright. If you need anything, I should be back up here in an hour or so, so just give a shout." Butch headed for the door, pausing, he turned back to look at his cousin. "Thank you for taking care of him. He may not say it, but you are good for him."

Reigne's shoulders slumped in sorrow. "You are too kind to say so, but verily, I am not good for anyone anymore." Holding back the sudden tears, she looked up at her newest cousin. "Go and relieve Wrath and Beth of their worry. We will be fine now."

Sensing that he wouldn't get anything from her and that arguing wouldn't do him any good, Butch nodded and left to go find Wrath. Apparently he needed to have a talk with him about their cousin.

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Havers went back into the surgery room, he had a test he needed to start before he could go and try to find something to eat. He was anxious to retire for the day, but he wanted to be able to get the test running before he did. Going over to the cabinet where he placed the blood sample, he pulled out the vial of the female's blood. He knew that this test he was going to run was going to back up his belief. The thought that he would get to save the king again, without being the cause of the need to be saved, had his hands jittery with excitement.

Setting up the first part of the test with the female's blood, he set the machine to test the blood for impurities and drugs. While the first test got started, Havers went to the cooler where he kept his samples of blood that belonged to everyone associated to the brotherhood and the glymera. Going to the brotherhood's section, he looked for two samples. The first sample he pulled out was for the warrior he worked on earlier, Vishous. By testing his blood he would be able to prove that he was related to the female. The second sample he pulled out was for the king. His blood had to be tested just as proof that her claim was invalid.

Taking the samples back over to the cabinet, he made a mental note to take another sample the next time the two were in the clinic. He really should have thought about that earlier when the warrior was out, but the female had been there and he didn't want her asking questions.

Waiting for the machine to alert that the first part of the test was complete, Havers went to his chair and relaxed. Taking a deep breath, he thought back over the night's work and was proud of how his staff handled the death of the young male, then the surprise visit from the king and finally the issues arising from the injured warrior. It had been a long night for all of them and he had already sent his staff home. All of the patients had been able to be discharged, which gave everyone a well-deserved day off.

Havers was dozing in his chair when he heard the beep alerting him that the first test was done. Quickly moving to the machine, he pressed the print out button for the results and got to work setting up the final test. This one was going to take longer to run, so he would let it go all day and check first thing after First Meal. Double checking everything to make sure the samples and test parameters were set correctly, Havers hit the start button and listened to the machine whir away as it started testing the samples.

Looking over the print out of the first test, he was truly delighted by the results. Havers might not like that the female was not being truthful with the king, but he did not wish her any ill health.

"She is healthy, no issues." He said to himself as he walked out of the room. Finally, he could head up to the main house for his dinner and some much needed rest. Smiling to himself in excitement of the results he knew he was going to get, Havers turned the lights off as he left the clinic.

*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*

Reigne leaned back against the headboard and tried to make her body believe that she was comfortable, but it was not working. Sighing, she looked down at her warrior. He had not moved since Butch had left and the moaning had stopped. Every once in a while a sigh would escape his lips but that was all.

"Warrior, please wake. I fear that I have somehow caused your unease and I cannot bear to think that I caused you pain." Reigne whispered as she ran her hands through his hair. "I know I do not deserve you, but I fear that I cannot be with another either."

Vishous shifted in his sleep, murmuring as he tightened his hold on her. "My Rei."

"Oh warrior, I want to be yours, I just don't know how." Reigne knew that her past would keep her from being happy with any male. She still feared the touch of a male, even just the smallest of touches like a hug from her cousins or a hand on her shoulder. It was easier to handle with other females, but even then her first instinct was to run.

Vishous was different though. She did not even think to flinch when he reached for her. Being with him just felt natural and right. The only times she had issues with his touches is when she let her mind drift back to what her uncle had done to her. She knew she was going to have to come to terms with her past eventually or she would be forever haunted by her memories.

Closing her eyes, Reigne thought over the short time she had been with the brotherhood and worried over how quickly she had become attached to her warrior. She knew it was not only due to him caring for her while she healed or the fact that he had fed her twice. Thinking back on the second feeding, she remembered how safe she felt, sitting in his arms with her back to his chest. That was an intimacy that she never dreamt to experience and yet, she was now able to think back on it and blush over the feelings it aroused in her. Ones she did not know what to do with.

Still running her hands through V's hair, Reigne sighed as she relaxed and felt sleep closing in. "Oh my warrior," she whispered, "I fear that you are not mine to keep, but keep you I would."

Reigne was almost asleep when she felt an arm curl around her lower back and hug her. She looked down to see a smile on Vishous' face as he whispered, "Yours to keep. My Rei."

Drifting in her sleep, Reigne was lost in a dream that left her feeling very warm. There was not a visual aspect to her dream, it was all sensory. The feelings running through her body reminded her of the times she had kissed her warrior and wanted to go further than just the kissing. The urge to let go and flow with the feelings in her body was so strong, but then she felt the tugs as if she was being dragged back into consciousness.

As Reigne slowly gave into the tugs that brought her back to consciousness, she opened her eyes and glanced around the room she was in. The room she saw was unfamiliar to her at first, maybe because the first thing she saw was the ceiling as she was lying on her back on the bed. She vaguely remembered falling asleep sitting up, apparently she slid down for a more comfortable position.

Gasping as she felt a hand slip up her side under her shirt, she looked down into the icy blue stare of her warrior. Trying to calm down her racing heart, she noticed that Vishous was completely wrapped around her body with his head resting on her chest. She should have felt panicked being like this with a male, but she felt completely safe wrapped up in her warrior.

"Warrior, how are you feeling?"

"Female, have I not already told you to stop calling me that?" Vishous frowned up at her.

"Verily, warrior, you did, but it seems that it has stuck and it is the first thing that I think of when I think of you." Reigne smiled at him apologetically.

"Well, as long as no one else starts calling me that, then I guess its ok." Vishous smiled up at her and absently started to trace circles on her skin. "Don't take this the wrong way, but why are you in my bed?"

Laughing at him, she ran her hand through his hair. "No offense taken warrior. I will answer your question, but first, tell me what you remember of last night."

Vishous wanted this conversation to last as long as possible; he was enjoying the closeness they were sharing he feared that she would leave when it was over. He also loved where his head was currently resting. Thinking back over what he remembered, he responded to her request.

"I remember going out and fighting some lessers with the boys, getting injured and coming back to the compound. I collapsed and the next thing I remember I woke up in the clinic to your worried face. I remember you getting mad and turning the table to ash," he paused to frown at her, "which we still need to talk about, leelan. Next I remember being in some kind of 'la la land' with you and then you disappeared. That's all I remember until I woke up, here, with a beautiful female laying under me and we are both still dressed."

Reigne laughed as he winked at her. "Well, you seem to remember most of it and yes, we will talk about that later, I promise." She had really hoped that he would not remember that, as she was not completely sure where it came from herself.

"Ok, so later, good. Now it's your turn, tell me what I don't remember." Vishous shifted and winced in pain. "First, can you tell me how bad my injuries were? It's been a long time since I've felt this much pain."

"You have a deep stab wound in your side that required stitches and a long gash along your shoulders that required stitches as well. I hope you are not in too much pain." She looked into his eyes and noticed the pain he was trying to hide from her.

"No, it's nothing I can't handle. So, please tell me what I missed."

"Butch brought you back here after Havers was done with your injuries and he put you to bed. I followed with Wrath and Beth not too long afterwards. As soon as I walked in the front door, Butch came running into the foyer telling me that I needed to come with him to take care of you. He was frantic with worry. He said you wouldn't stop tossing and turning which caused you to land on your injuries and you were moaning and calling out for me. I followed him here worried that you would hurt yourself further. When I got here, you calmed as soon as you heard my voice, so I decided to take care of you like you had done with me."

She smiled to herself remembering his reaction to her decision. "I sat on the bed and had Butch help me get you on your uninjured side so that I could keep you from moving. You seemed to sense that I was there as you rolled to me and rested your head in my lap. That is how I fell asleep, sitting against the headboard with you sleeping on my lap."

"Sleeping on your lap, huh? Seems like I woke up in a different spot then." Vishous chuckled.

"I can only assume that you pulled me down as you got more comfortable." Laughter bubbled out of her before she continued. "I do not mean to offend, but you talk in your sleep."

Looking at her with a worried glance, Vishous wondered what he had said. He knew he yelled and shouted with his dreams, but he didn't remember having any of those dreams last night. "What did I say?"

Reigne blushed and chewed on her lip. "Umm…"

"Tell me."

"Well, you sort of gave me a nickname and…"

"Just tell me. Don't leave an injured male in suspense."

"As you wish, warrior. Your exact words were 'my Rei'." Blushing again, she refused to meet his eyes.

"My Rei, huh? I have to say I like the sound of that. Rei," he continued with a smirk, "did I say anything else?"

Remembering the moment where he had said he was hers to keep, she smiled and nodded at him. "You did, but I will not hold you to it as you were talking in your sleep."

Leaning up just enough to be at eye level with her, he reached up with care for his side and brushed his thumb across her cheek. "Ah, leelan, tell me what I said and I'll let you know if you can hold me to it or not."

His touch sent shivers down her spine. Turning her head into the touch, she savored it as she feared his reaction when she answered his question. Closing her eyes to hide from his stare, she told him. "You said that you were mine to keep."

Vishous was shocked that he'd said that out loud, granted he must have been on some powerful meds so he could use that as his excuse. He tried to think of one of his snarky comebacks that were more his style, but he realized he didn't want to put up his normal standoffish exterior around this female. She made him want to be the male that she needed, but he didn't know how to do that lovey dovey crap. Looking at her, he saw that she was waiting for him to respond and it appeared she was expecting rejection, for him to confirm that he hadn't meant it. He realized that she didn't feel that she deserved to keep him. He felt unsure of how to proceed and he hated that feeling. He always knew what to do, always, and if he didn't, then he just avoided the situation all together.

Not wanting to avoid this situation yet still unsure how to handle it, he decided to go with his gut reaction. Answer a question with a question. "Do you want to keep me?"

Snapping her eyes open, Reigne stared at Vishous incredulously. Was he toying with her? She already knew that she did not deserve him so why would he ask such a thing. "I do not have the right to."

With an exasperated sigh he all but snapped at her. "Don't give me that crap. You are royalty and you deserve a male of worth at your side. Don't let what that bastard of an uncle did to you make you think any differently. Just ask your cousin, he will agree that you should have whatever male you desire as long as he treats you right. Now answer the damn question."

Blinking rapidly to keep the tears from falling, she acquiesced with an almost silent whisper. "Yes."

Vishous brushed a tear from her cheek that had escaped. "You're sad about that are you?"

"I am sad, warrior, because I know what my uncle did to me and I know how males view females that were put through similar atrocities. I know my worth no matter what you may say and even though my answer is yes, I know it does not matter." Now the tears were flowing freely and she didn't bother to try to stop them.

"Rei, listen to me, please. I'm not the male of worth you think I am. I was abused and beaten and almost completely unmanned, all by my bastard father. My mahmen knew what was going on yet didn't lift a finger to stop it. I've lived a very hard life and most everyone just puts up with me cuz I'm smart and I know how to take down lessers. I don't know shit about being with a female, I know how to take them for my needs but that's it. I don't know how to be what you need and want, but damnit, this is the first time I've ever felt like this and I don't want it to go away."

Reigne was shocked. That was the most she had heard him say at once since she met him. This was not what she had expected at all. How was she supposed to respond to that? "Vishous, I…I do not know what to say. I…"

Vishous used what energy he had left and leaned up further to capture her lips with his own. He could tell she was surprised by the move, but felt her sigh as her hand came up to rest on his cheek. Taking advantage of the moment, he lightly bit her bottom lip, begging entrance. He growled low in his throat when she opened for him and touched her tongue to his. Diving into her mouth, he savored the sweetness he found there and he wanted more. He was getting light headed, at first he thought it was because he was forgetting to breathe, but quickly realized he must have suffered a bigger blood loss than he thought.

Reigne gave herself over to the feelings Vishous was creating, never wanting it to end. She could sense an urgency in him that she understood. She had the same need to taste him, to claim him as her own. She darted her tongue out to play with his and loved the feeling of the brief caresses. She felt light headed and tried to remember to breathe, but was too lost in the moment to truly care. Running her hand through his hair she grasped Vishous behind the head, holding him to her, not wanting to let go of him.

Vishous pulled back from the kiss and rested his forehead on hers. Breathing deeply, he smiled at her. "I enjoyed that, wish I could do more."

Reigne gasped and lowered her eyes. "I should not have done that, I should have stopped you. You need your rest and I should not be letting you…"

"Leelan, stop, I started this, just wish I could finish it."

Blushing at the endearment, Reigne noticed how pale he looked. "Warrior, when was the last time you fed?"

"I don't remember." Moving to lie on his back he growled as his back flared in anger and he stilled.

"You fed me twice yesterday and lost a lot of blood due to your injuries. You need to feed."

"Don't worry about me. I will be fine, just need sleep." Vishous moved as if to lie down on his stomach, one of his few uninjured areas, but was stopped by her hand on his chest.

Pushing Vishous back onto his side, she moved to where she was laying on her side, facing him. Reaching her hand up, she moved the hair off of her neck, baring it for him.

V's fangs elongated at the sight of her bare neck and he just barely kept himself from striking her. Shaking his head, he closed his eyes. "No, I can't do that to you. Not after what your uncle…"

"Be quiet, Vishous." Reigne interrupted him. "Do not be so damn foolish. You need to feed, I can see it on your face and I am here. Use me, I want you to."

"You don't know what you're saying."

"Yes I do. Let me ask you a question. The next time I need to feed, are you going to offer or will it be another male that I take from?"

His eyes flew open and she could see anger there, just beneath the surface of his hunger. "Next time you feed it will be from me, from my neck, not my wrist."

"Then you understand. The thought of you feeding from another female makes me feel like screaming. I answered your question if I wanted to keep you; this should make sense to you that my first instinct is to be the one to feed you." She watched the anger leave his eyes. "I know you are not my uncle, what he did was horrible, but you are not him. I want you to, please."

Vishous looked at her and sighed as he felt his fangs push against his bottom lip. "Are you sure?"

Her only response was to tilt her chin up, giving him more access to her neck.

Leaning forward, V kept reminding himself to be gentle. Kissing her neck he brought his hand up her side to hold her in place and struck her vein. As soon as her blood hit his tongue an electric current shot through his body. He had never felt anything like that before. Feeding was not a new thing for him being centuries old and all, but this feeling was new. He had mostly fed off of civilian females and that was nothing compared to this. Even feeding from the Chosen was nothing compared to his experience with Reigne. As he drank, he could feel the energy flow through his body and he swore he could almost feel his skin knitting back together. This female was definitely more than she was letting on.

Reigne gasped as she felt him strike her vein and closed her eyes with his first pull. She had worried that she would panic when he began to feed, even though she knew it was him and not her uncle. As she felt the pulls a sense of pleasure went through her, knowing that she was taking care of her warrior, helping him heal. With each new pull she felt a tightness begin in her belly and warmth began to emanate to the rest of her body. This was a new feeling; one she knew she would focus on later as Vishous was who she needed to focus on right now. Feeling the pulls at her neck slow down, she sighed knowing he was going to break their connection.

Vishous pulled his fangs out of Reigne's neck and gently licked the holes closed. Looking into her eyes, he saw every emotion that she tried to hide from him and a few he didn't understand yet. Shooting a quick glance at the clock he smiled.

"Leelan, this is the first time I've fed like that and I feel the need to give thanks. I don't think you understand what you just did for me."

"I do, warrior. I did for you what you have done for me twice. I should thank you for letting me be there for you; hopefully it was not uncomfortable for you to be in such an intimate position for the feeding. I know it is customary to feed from the wrist unless you are mated, but with your injuries I thought this would have been easier on you." Reigne blushed, thinking of the feelings it had caused in her.

Chuckling softly, V brushed his hand over her cheek and down her neck. "My Rei, I've never been more comfortable than I was with you. Now, cease your talking. It's only 2 in the afternoon. Get comfortable and lets go back to sleep."

"You want me to stay?"

"Female, if you don't stop doubting everything I say we're going to have some serious issues." He winked at her. "Now get comfortable so I can as well. Here in my arms and my bed is where you belong." He felt her tense up. "Don't argue."

"As you wish, warrior." Sighing while trying to hide her smile, Reigne pulled the pillow down and rolled over to face the wall.

Vishous willed off the lights and snaked his arm over her waist and pulled her back against him. V was shocked at how right this felt, her body fit into his like a puzzle piece. This female, whom he had known for only two days now, had completely snuck herself into his closed off world of one and he didn't mind. He was scared of the feelings she was causing as he'd learned from his parents that love didn't always mean happiness. Deciding not to worry about it and to just explore the emotions, he rested his head behind hers and closed his eyes.

"This is where you belong, leelan."

As Reigne slipped farther into her sleep, a sense of unease settled into her mind. Trying to ignore the unease, she focused her breathing so she could calm and slip fully into sleep. The further she fell, the more the unease took over her mind. Her last conscious thought was of worry over what could be coming for her.

Reigne opened her eyes and immediately knew that she was dreaming. She was standing outside staring up into the night sky. Looking around, she saw that she was standing in some kind of a forest, a place that she had never been before. She couldn't sense anyone around her, so she knew that she was alone. Remembering the unease that was settling over her as she fell asleep, she started to worry about what this dream had to show her.

This was not the first time that Reigne had a vision given to her. The first one she received was how she was going to escape from her uncle. She hadn't wanted to believe it at first that it was a vision as it meant leaving her sister behind. Being a twin, that was next to impossible for her to contemplate, gaining her freedom while her sister was left behind to receive whatever new punishments her uncle could devise. In the end, it was Killigan that convinced her it was a vision and that it was going to happen.

Knowing this was a vision did not help ease her worry, but Reigne looked around, hoping to see what the vision was trying to show her. If it had to do with her, then she would see the scene unfold in front of her like she had when Vishous helped her relive her past. Deciding to walk, she turned in a circle until she felt a pull and then followed in that direction. She found a path through the trees and knew that this was where she was supposed to go. Being a vampire she wasn't really afraid of the dark, but the farther she went along this path, the colder she became. Feeling her fear rise near to panic level she was glad when she came to a clearing.

Stopping on the edge of the clearing, she saw herself kneeling in the middle, staring into the sky. Reigne followed the gaze upward and saw that the stars were winking out and the sky was no longer the black of night, but had a faint hue of blue. Drawing a sharp breath, she knew that she was seeing the beginning of the sunrise. Looking again at her vision self, she wondered why she was just sitting there; she had to see the coming dawn as clearly as Reigne did.

Deciding to get closer, aware that she could not affect the vision at all with her presence, Reigne moved to stand in front of the kneeling version of herself. Looking down, she could see the tears running down her face, the pain that was etched around the eyes.

"I wish that these visions could talk to me, tell me what is going on." Reigne mumbled.

Just then, a noise came from behind her and she whirled around to see Vishous burst into the clearing. Reigne's heart leapt in her chest with joy at seeing her warrior coming for her. She knew that he would not let the dawn take her, there was no way. He had promised to protect her.

Vishous stopped when he saw Reigne kneeling in the clearing. He took a deep breath as a multitude of emotions washed over his face; fear, love, worry and anger.

Still kneeling, Reigne kept looking into the now brighter sky, tears still flowing down her face.

"You should not have followed me, warrior." She whispered.

Vishous growled. "I will always follow you, that's what mates do." He looked behind him into the forest and then up at the sky. "It's not safe here, leelan, we need to get back to the compound before the sun rises. We can work through this."

"No, my love, I do not think we can. I may have escaped Uncle again, but he had me long enough for the damage to be done."

Vishous strode forward, worry evident in every move he made. Kneeling in front of her, he took her hands in his. "Reigne, there is nothing that bastard could have done that we can't come back from. I promise you again that you have me for the rest of my days. Please."

Reigne stood back watching all of this unfold in front of her. She smiled a little knowing that she did have a little hope that she could deserve this warrior. Her smile faltered as she heard that somehow her uncle got a hold of her again. What could he have done to cause her to seek the sun, to want to leave her warrior behind? There had to be something damaging enough, but she could not think of anything. Nothing her uncle had done so far made her want to end her life, but from what she heard, it was enough to damage not just her life but Vishous' as well.

Reigne stepped back, not wanting to hear or see any more of this. She wanted to wake up in her warrior's arms and forget this vision ever happened. Turning around, she managed to block the sight of how broken she looked and how scared Vishous looked. She could not tune out the sound though.

"Please, Reigne, come back with me. The sun is coming and we need to get to safety."

"I told you not to follow me; I cannot face the consequences of my uncle's actions anymore. I told you when we first met that I was not worthy of a male such as you and now I know my words were true. Go back to the brothers; leave me to face my punishment in peace."

"No!" Vishous shouted. "I will not leave you. What do I have to do to make you see that we are the same, always have been. Neither of us thinks we are worthy of the other which makes me treasure you more and more every day. I love you, leelan, and I can't see myself living without you. So it's up to you, either you come back with me or we both meet the sun together. I promised to stay with you forever and that is what I'm doing."

Reigne could hear the pain in his voice and it broke her heart to know that in the future, she would cause that pain. She didn't want to hear any more, she needed to wake up. Knowing the future was not always a good thing. She stood there, back still turned to the scene, chanting 'Wake up' over and over again, hoping it would work. She felt herself start to be pulled from sleep and sighed with relief. Before she could fully leave the vision, she heard herself say something that would haunt her for a long time.

"This is my punishment, warrior. I killed my sister; she died because of me not some stupid curse. She wasn't the only one that I killed and I cannot live with that knowledge anymore."

Reigne awoke feeling rested and uneasy, but alone. Opening her eyes, she was able to confirm that she was still in Vishous' room and that the day really had happened. She could sense that Vishous was close and just then she heard the shower turn on. Smiling, she stretched and sat up on the bed, just as someone walked in thru the bedroom door, startling her.

Hearing the gasp, Butch turned on the lights and was not all that surprised to find Reigne still in V's room. Maybe, just maybe, if Wrath didn't blow a gasket, V may have found his own future in this female.

"Evening, cousin." Butch paused just inside the doorway, smiling. "Have to say I like getting to say that to someone other than just Wrath."

Getting over the initial shock of Butch's random appearance in the bedroom and pushing her vision to the back of her thoughts, she smiled back at him. He really did seem to be happy knowing she was part of his family. "Hello, Butch. Coming to check in on Vishous?"

"Yeah, wanted to make sure he didn't give you too many problems after I left. Where is he?"

"He is in the shower it seems. Do not trouble yourself about him, other than a few stubborn moments, I was able to get him to feed as well as sleep calmly." Reigne thought back to their conversation about her keeping him and about his feeding from her. Blushing slightly, she rose off of the bed and stretched again.

Butch had to laugh, "V? Stubborn? Well that's shocking. Tell that lug when he gets out of the shower that Wrath has something he wants to go over with you both and Beth wants you guys at First Meal afterwards. She is adamant that you are going to meet everyone tonight."

"Alright, I will let him know. Please let Wrath know that we will see him shortly." Sitting back down on the bed she winced as she jolted her ribs.

Noticing her wince, Butch walked over to kneel in front of her. "What's wrong?"

Hiding her wince, she tried to brush off his concern. "Tis nothing."

"Female, now is not the time to lie to your family."

Reigne jumped at the voice and turned towards the bathroom to look at Vishous.

"Remember, Rei, I know that you had more injuries than just your shoulder. You need to answer his question." V moved over to sit next to her on the bed.

She couldn't help but notice that he was only in a towel and she found her mouth dry all of a sudden. Dragging her eyes away from his unabashed display of muscle, she acquiesced to his request.

"Warrior, if you must know, Havers found a few cracked ribs and he wrapped them…"

"Wait, you let him wrap your ribs? That means you had your shirt up and he saw…did he see?" Vishous had his fists clenched in his lap.

Butch leaned over to get in V's face. "V, my man, you need to calm down. The doc was just wrapping her ribs. That is why Wrath had her go, to get checked out and for him to take care of anything that was wrong."

V growled low in his throat.

Reigne took his left hand in hers, still ungloved after his shower. "Vishous, look at me." When he just kept growling she placed her other hand on his cheek and turned his head towards her, making him meet her eyes. "Stop growling and watch what I do, I will show you exactly what Havers saw. I am doing this to calm you, and then you will have to explain this over reaction, ok?"

Vishous sighed and nodded at her, then frowned when she took her hands back.

Reigne reached down and grabbed the hem of her shirt and lifted her shirt to rest just under her chest. Doing so showed off the bandages that Havers had wrapped her ribs with.

Vishous pushed Butch out of the way and knelt in front of her. He ran his hand down the left side of her ribs, lightly enough to not cause her any pain. "Oh, leelan, I am sorry."

Butch chuckled as he picked himself off the floor. "V, man, you got it bad. Reigne is going to be ok and that's all that matters. Now, I am going to go eat. Reigne, you pass on the messages to your male when he returns to planet earth and I will see you two later."

"Of course, cousin. We will see you in a little while." Reigne smiled at Butch before he left.

Vishous leaned forward to rest his head in her lap, completely oblivious to the fact that he was still in just a towel and his hand was still ungloved. "I'm so sorry."

Lowering her shirt to cover the bandages, she rested her hands on his shoulders, momentarily enjoying the feel of the expanse of muscles under her hands. "Why are you sorry? You did not do anything wrong."

Looking up he reached up with his left hand to rest his palm on her cheek. "I'm sorry for being an ass and I'm sorry that this happened to you."

"Vishous, I will get better, Havers said so and Wrath has promised to take care of my uncle. Please, do not worry about me." Reigne leaned into his touch. "Warrior, you need to get dressed so we can go meet with Wrath, Butch said he wanted to talk to us about something."

"Did he say what?"

"No, he did not. Vishous, I want to ask you something." Reigne pulled his hand off of her cheek to study the tattoos covering his hand. "I know this is a warning of some kind and now is not the time, but I would like to know why you have these tattoos."

Vishous watched warily as he allowed her to hold his cursed hand, feeling her skin as she traced the pattern's warning to everyone else to stay away from him. "I will tell you, whenever you want to know. I think you need to know all about who you say you want to keep."

"Later, then, warrior, I will ask you about your story. You know mine and yours cannot be worse than mine." Vishous looked at her like she had grown an extra head causing her to laugh. "Now do not look at me like that, I am quite serious. But that aside, you need to get dressed as I doubt you want to go meet with Wrath in just your towel and missing your glove."

V looked down at himself and blushed; he actually blushed, having completely forgotten his lack of clothing. "Shit! Guess I got sidetracked after my shower. Sorry."

"Do not apologize warrior, I did the same thing to you yesterday and I have to admit I like what I see." Reigne winked at him as he stood up.

"Well then female, let's make this completely fair." With that, V turned around and dropped the towel as he walked into his closet. Chuckling to himself when he heard her gasp, he stepped into his leathers before grabbing a white under armour shirt and slid it over his head. Grabbing socks and his boots, he went back into the room and sat down next to Reigne on the bed.

"So, Rei, did you like what you saw?" He caught her blush out of the corner of his eye.

"You are incorrigible, Vishous. That was not something you should have done in front of a lady." She tried to act insulted, but she could not keep a straight face. "Alright, what was it you said to me? I enjoyed what I saw and what we do, but it is not nice to tease me so."

Leaning over he placed a quick kiss on her pouting lips. "Female, if you didn't make it so much fun I wouldn't tease you at all. Ok, that's probably a lie. I like teasing you and I like making you smile, neither of which are things I'm used to at all. You, my leelan, are bringing out things in me I never thought to experience. Kinda scares me."

Taking his hand in hers, she turned it over and placed a kiss in the palm of his ungloved hand, causing him to jerk back from her. Calmly reaching over, she took hold of his hand again. "Vishous, you will not hurt me. I understand the warnings on your skin, but not the reason they were put there. That being said, I also know that unless you put thought to it, your curse as you call it will not affect me."

"Everything that touches that hand gets turned to ash, how are you so sure that I won't hurt you?" V watched her with worry and glanced at his hand to make sure it wasn't glowing, it wasn't.

"I cannot tell you how I know, I just do. Watch." Reigne turned his hand in hers so it was palm up and brought it up close to her cheek. Making sure he was doing as instructed, she placed his palm on her cheek, absorbing the warmth from his hand. "See? You will not hurt me."

Not wanting to push his luck with his hand, he tried to pull it back from her, but was unsuccessful. "Reigne, really, you said Wrath is waiting and we have tested your faith in my curse long enough."

"Oh alright." She huffed and before she could talk herself out of it, she turned her head so the palm of his hand was over her mouth and she licked a circle around the center of his palm. Then she let go of his hand. Standing up, she moved towards the bathroom but Vishous caught her around the waist and pulled her onto his lap.

V arranged her so that she straddled his lap and then wrapped his arms around her back, careful of her ribs. "Didn't you just get onto me about teasing you?"

Reigne laughed and nodded, enjoying her view of the handsome face in front of her. "I just felt the need to get you back for exposing your muscled backside where I could not touch it."

"Well now, I guess we will have to rectify that later won't we? But for now I shall act upon the opportunity that has presented itself and Wrath is just going to have to wait a bit longer and if he gets mad, you can tell him why." V pulled her flat against his chest and claimed her mouth with a hungry kiss. Growling deep in his throat when she opened for him, he grabbed onto her waist and pulled her closer to him, wanting to feel all of her pressed against him.

Reigne gasped into the kiss when she felt V's arousal as she was pulled closer to him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she gave herself over to the kiss and the warmth he was causing in her body. As the warmth spread lower and lower, all she wanted was more of that feeling, but didn't know how to go about it. Losing herself in the kiss, she ground herself against his arousal and moaned from the pleasure that shot through her body. Moving against him again, she threw her head back with a small growl.

Vishous growled deep in this throat as he watched her move against him. Seeing her throat bared before him, he kissed a line from her jaw bone down to her shoulder and back up. Gripping onto her waist he held her in place, trying to keep control of the situation.

Tearing his lips from her neck, he looked into her eyes, now a vibrant shade of green. She tried to move again and he held her in place, only to lightly thrust his hips forward. He chuckled as her eyes closed from the sensation it caused. "Rei, my leelan, you are going to drive me insane."

Gasping as he thrust forward again, she looked into his bright eyes. "Warrior, you are the one who is driving me crazy. I have never felt this way before. I want more of this feeling. Please." She begged as she moved her hips again.

Vishous grinned at her as he thrust forward again. "Oh I want to give you so much more, but we'll have to address that later. Sorry, love, but Wrath is waiting for us and he isn't one that likes to be kept waiting."

Reigne pouted and leaned forward to steal a last kiss before she extracted herself from V's hold. Looking at him with a gaze full of longing and need, she turned away with a sigh to head into the bathroom. Before closing the door, she smiled at him. "Later then, warrior, promise me."

"I promise, Rei, we will continue this as soon as I can steal you away." V grinned at her.

Closing the door behind her, she turned to look at herself in the mirror. This was the first time she really wanted to see how she looked. Moving closer and leaning on the counter, she saw that the circles under her eyes from stress and lack of sleep were almost gone and she no longer looked like she was going to pass out.

Running her fingers through her hair and pulling out the knots as she went. She turned on the water and rinsed her face as well as her neck, causing her to think back to earlier in the afternoon when she had taken care of her warrior. Running her fingers down the side of throat, she remembered what it had felt like when her Uncle had used her and grimaced. Her Uncle made sure that everything he did caused her pain. When she fed Vishous and allowed him to feed at her neck, she expected to be afraid and feel pain.

Smiling at the memory, she chastised herself for ever thinking that anything her warrior did to her would hurt. He always used such care and concern, she knew it had been a battle for him to feed from her, knowing her past and how it could make her feel. Just thinking about the feelings that he caused in her had her blushing and she was glad that he wasn't there to witness it.

Closing her eyes, she tried to calm her racing heart and wandering thoughts. Focusing on the sound of the running water in the sink, she took a deep breath and let it out as she began to relax. Opening her eyes and turning the water off, she first saw her reflection staring back at her in the mirror and then she saw herself from her dream, kneeling in the middle of a clearing, looking like she had lost everything in the world. Then the image of Vishous kneeling in front of her, the pain and fear evident on his face, appeared. With a soft cry, she closed her eyes and spun from the mirror, not wanting to be reminded of the pain of the future.

Not wanting to be alone, she opened the bathroom door, expecting to find Vishous on the bed where she left him, but the room was empty. Moving further into the room, she looked around and even checked the closet, but found it missing a large male body. The vision was still fresh in her mind causing her to grow alarmed at not being able to see Vishous.

"Warrior?" She called, trying but failing to keep the alarm out of her voice. Walking towards the bedroom door, she tried to keep her anxiety down at finding herself alone. She knew that nothing was going to hurt her here, but knowing that did not help her at all. The vision only reinforced her need to be as close to Vishous as possible. Looking out the doorway, she called again. "Warrior?"

Hearing the alarm in Reigne's voice, Vishous came rushing around the corner from the kitchen, causing her to yelp at his sudden appearance. "What's wrong?"

Reigne threw herself into his arms, holding him as close as she could. She could hear how fast her heart was racing and she couldn't seem to catch her breath. All she could think about was the pain and fear from her vision. Her mind was racing, trying to find ways to prevent the vision from coming true.

Vishous wrapped his arms around Reigne's shaking form and rested his chin on the top of her head. He had no clue as to what was wrong; he just knew that holding her calmed his racing heart. When he heard her calling for him and the fear in her voice, he instinctively rushed for her. Seeing her in the doorway to his room, looking unhurt did nothing to calm him down. Then she flew into his arms and was clinging to him like her life depended on it.

Pulling her closer to him, he tightened his arms around her. He could feel the panic flowing off of her in cold waves. "Rei, its ok, I'm right here."

Reigne closed her eyes, but immediately opened them again when she saw the fear on V's face from her vision float out of the darkness. Not wanting to let go, she buried her face in his chest, seeking comfort in the knowledge he was with her, holding her.

"Rei, leelan, what's wrong?"

Shaking her head, she didn't respond, not sure that she would be able to explain the fear.

Leaning back, V pulled his hand around and placed it under her chin, forcing her to look at him. The fear in her eyes caused him to hiss and pull her closer. "Tell me what's wrong, please."

"I…" Reigne tried to answer, but couldn't catch her breath.

Rubbing her back, he leaned forward and placed a kiss on her forehead. "It's alright, Reigne, I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere. I promise."

Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she looked into his ice blue eyes and sighed. Reminding herself that she couldn't stay in his arms forever, she forced herself to sound calmer than she felt. "I was being foolish and overreacting, do not worry yourself."

"Hearing you sound like that will always cause me to worry." Hugging her to him he tried to calm his racing heart, but found it difficult. "Tell me why you sounded so scared."

"As you wish, but please do not laugh at me." Ducking her head under his chin, she started to tell him what happened. "I came out of the bathroom and you were not there. I had come out looking for you, needing..."

"Needing what? You can tell me. I want to give you whatever it is that you need."

"I needed to be in your arms, I needed to know that you were alright."

Vishous moved a step back and picked her up, once holding her he moved to a chair in the living room and sat down, settling her on his lap. "Reigne, look at me."

Reigne took in a deep breath and noticed again the spicy aroma that was her warrior. She didn't understand why, but that spicy smell coupled with being in his arms helped to calm her down. Looking up at him she saw the worry on his face and it made her think of her vision.

Hearing her heart start to race again, Vishous pulled her in closer and nuzzled her neck. Taking in a deep breath, he noticed that she smelled like apples and something else, he just couldn't put his finger on it. "Leelan, please tell me what's wrong."

"Alright, warrior, I was looking for you, needing to feel your arms around me. I needed to know that you were alright. I know, I am repeating myself, but when I couldn't find you…I…" Her breath hitched on a sob.

Leaning back, V looked into her face and saw the fear and worry in her eyes. Cupping her face, he placed kisses all over her face. "I'm fine, Rei, I promise. I only went to the kitchen to get a drink while I waited for you. I didn't mean to scare you, Rei. I'm not going anywhere."

"A part of me knows that warrior, but I can't get past the look on your face."

"Reigne, you're not making any sense. What look are you talking about?"

Laying her head on his shoulder, she answered him. "Remember how I told you that I had a vision that showed me escaping my uncle and finding my way here to Wrath?"

Vishous nodded, not sure where this was going, but he wasn't too sure that he liked how she kept having the same 'talents' as him.

"Well, I had another vision, of which I will not provide the details, but will say only that you were a part of it. The fear and worry that you were emitting in the vision have had a lasting impression on me. Just tell me again that you are alright, please. I just need to know that everything is alright."

"Reigne, I've already told you I'm fine, nothing's wrong. I need you to tell me about your vision, when did you have it?"

"Warrior, please, I do not want to speak of it. Just know that I do not know when it will happen, but you have to promise me that you will never leave me alone. Do not let me do anything foolish regardless of what I may say. Please, Vishous, I will do whatever you want, do not ever leave me."

Reigne moved to pull her hands back and was surprised to hear the sound of a shirt ripping. Looking down, she saw that she must have clenched her hands into fists thinking about the promise she was asking for and had grabbed onto his shirt. "Oh, warrior, I am so sorry. I did not mean to ruin your shirt."

Allowing himself a smile, he hugged her tighter. "I promise that I will never leave you, ok? And don't worry about the shirt. I have plenty more and I can get Fritz to get me some more when we order you some clothes of your own."

"I really am sorry about your shirt."

V chuckled. "Reigne, I have plenty more shirts. I can make that promise a formal vow if that'll make you feel better."

"Are you sure? That is quite a hefty promise to be making to me, a vow would be too much, warrior. We only just met." She winked at him.

Laughing, he kissed her nose lightly. "It's a promise I intend to keep, whether you want me to or not."

Vishous lifted Reigne off of his lap and stood up. Running his fingers down her cheek, he waited until she looked into his eyes. "Don't think I have forgotten about your vision, female. I expect to get full details otherwise I won't be able to keep my promise."

Reigne watched as he headed back to his room for a new shirt. She did not want to tell Vishous about her vision; she wanted to forget it herself. She also did not want any part of it to sway him in any direction regarding her. Reigne wanted him to be able to make his own choices, without her telling him that they were mated in her vision.

"Warrior, I am not going to tell you, so please stop asking." She called to him.

Vishous came back out of the bedroom, smiling to himself as he walked around the corner holding his shirt in his hands. He should be ashamed with himself for teasing her, but he just wanted to see her smile again after how panicked she was a few minutes ago.

"You will tell me, I am very persistent."

Turning away from the bookshelf she was looking at, she saw that he was still shirtless. She walked over to him; she could not seem to stop herself from touching him. Reaching up, she traced the tattoo on his chest. "I am very stubborn, warrior, I will not tell you about the vision."

"I have my ways of getting information; I promise you will tell me, female."

Shaking her head, she pulled back. "Let us not keep Wrath waiting any longer."

"Alright, let's go see what the king wants." V stepped away from Reigne, slipped the t-shirt over his head and headed for the door, knowing she would follow. Opening the door, he waited for her to walk through and followed her down the hallway.

"What is all of this down here?"

"We use it to train the new recruits as well as for our own workouts."

Glancing into one of the rooms as they walked by, V saw John Matthew and Qhuinn lifting weights. Stopping, he stuck his head in the room and called out. "Hey, everything alright? Where's Blay?"

Qhuinn stopped his reps and shrugged. "Blay said he had a meeting to go to and couldn't work out with us today."

John Matthew looked up after finishing his set and nodded to V, signing a question.

Vishous glared at John and then chuckled; he was in too good of a mood. "No John, I'm not giving free tours nor am I parading around my latest conquest."

Qhuinn had chosen that moment to drink his water and it went spraying everywhere as he turned to stare at Vishous. Choking, he finally noticed why John had asked that question. "If she's not your latest, then why's she here?"

Reigne stepped up next to Vishous in the doorway wanting to get a better look at the two males in the room. She noticed that they were both built like her warrior but they didn't give off the same air of danger that Vishous did. They both looked capable of fighting, just not as ruthlessly as V portrayed himself to be.

Vishous shot a glare at Qhuinn. With a growl, V gave him his only warning. "Mind your tongue, boy."

Qhuinn looked nonplused by the threat and openly stared at Reigne, checking her out from head to toe. After winking at her, he looked at V. "You going to introduce us or do I get to let my mind continue to wander?"

Ignoring the advances from the young male, Reigne turned her gaze to the silent one next to him. He had an air of innocence around him, but she could see the lethal strength lying in wait to be used. Looking at him, he reminded her of someone, she just couldn't place it.

Vishous watched Reigne give the boys the once over and was pleased when she ignored Qhuinn's ogling, but was confused about the look of recognition on her face as she looked at John.

Clearing his throat to bring her eyes back to him, he made the introductions. "Qhuinn, John Matthew, this is Reigne. Reigne, meet the boys. There is usually a third one but the missing musketeer should be at First Meal, you can meet him there."

Qhuinn rose to his feet and stepped forward. "Reigne, beautiful lady…"

John Matthew cut Qhuinn off by throwing his sweaty towel in his face. Glaring at Qhuinn, he turned back to Reigne. He gave her an apologetic smile and moved his hands.

"John says to ignore his brute of a friend, Qhuinn has no class and means no harm, most of the time." Vishous translated for him.

Reigne inclined her head to John Matthew. "I do not mean to be rude, but what is that you are doing with your hands?"

Chuckling, he moved his hands again, which V translated for him.

"He says that you aren't being rude and its ASL, American Sign Language. John was born without the ability to talk so he talks with his hands." Pausing as John kept going, he smiled. "John here has offered to teach you how to sign if you want, if not he is great at speed writing."

"Thank you, John. I would love to learn your language." She smiled at him.

John smiled back and started to sign again, but stopped when she gasped.

Blushing over being rude, she ducked her head. "I am sorry; I did not mean to interrupt you."

"He says not to worry about it, but would like to know what's up." V translated. "I want to know too."

Looking up, she looked at Vishous. "I hear that tone, warrior, do not use that with me. As for the gasp," she turned to John, "I saw your smile and I finally realized why you look so familiar."

John arched an eyebrow in question.

"You remind me of Beth."

John smiled and signed.

Qhuinn spoke for him this time. "He says that you are the first to catch the resemblance. Beth is his sister so I guess by marriage you can call him royalty." Qhuinn chuckled and failed at ducking the next towel thrown at his head.

"Do not worry John; I know you did not say that. I may not be able to understand your language yet, but I know what siblings are like." Reigne smiled sadly.

Vishous put his arm around her waist, giving her a squeeze. "Reigne, let's leave these boys to their workout. Don't want to keep Wrath waiting."

"It was nice meeting you, gentleman. John, I will meet up with you later if that is alright. I am really interested in learning your language, must get tired having to have someone speak for you."

"Him? What about the rest of us that have to do the speaking? Its tiring for us too you know." Qhuinn had the most pitiful look on his face.

Reigne laughed and shook her head at them, turning; she followed Vishous out of the room and heard Qhuinn talking to John as they left.

"Did you hear how she spoke to him? I've never heard anyone else get away with that."

There was a pause as John signed.

Qhuinn laughed. "Yeah, I bet she will have him whipped in no time."

Smiling as the laughter died behind her, she followed Vishous to Wrath's office. Thankful that the temporary distraction seemed to work, but feared that the warrior would be true to his word and continue to ask about her vision. She would just have to make sure he didn't have time to ask her about it.

*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*

Havers yawned as he walked into his office, he was too excited over the test he was running to get any real sleep. Walking over to the counter, he looked over the machine and saw that the test had finished running. Pushing the button to get the results printed out, he tapped his fingers on the counter.

He picked up the results and headed over to his chair, but stopped mid step.

"Dearest Virgin Scribe!"

He read the results and read them again. This couldn't be right. Those were not the results he had been looking for, but DNA doesn't lie. Folding the results and placing them in his pocket, he went back out to the front office; hoping one of his staff would show up early.

Havers didn't have to wait long. Ehlena walked into the office just minutes after he made it up there.

"Ehlena, I need to go run an errand, can you make sure that everyone works to make the clinic run smoothly? I do not expect this to take that long."

"Of course, Doctor."

"Thank you. It is still early so you should be fine until I get back." Havers walked up the stairs that led to his house.

Once he was back in his house, he changed out of his lab coat and put on the jacket that went with his suit. Best to look good on the off chance that he was going to lose his head tonight.

Stepping outside, Havers dematerialized, worried that he may have over stepped his bounds, but hoping that the results would keep him whole.

*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*

Sorry for the cliffie…I am not a fan of them, but it really did just seem to fit.

I hope everyone is still enjoying this story. If you have any feedback, good/bad, please review or send me a PM if you don't want to review. This may be my story but it's not worth writing if someone other than me is not enjoying it. So please, hit the little review button and tell me what you think.

I know this update took for that and I still need to beg your forgiveness. I will let you know that I am already a good chunk into the next chapter so I am hoping that I will be able to get it up for you soon.