Hello my little ducklings! I hope you all are enjoying your holiday season! I'll save all my jabbering on for later, so without much fuss, or fanfare...here's Chapter 7.

(Once again, story and characters are mine. Capishe?)


He heard Riley placing him on speaker and the frantic rustle of sheets and clothing.

"You bet. I'll be down to the holding in five. You sure you want to do this now?"

His only reply was him hanging up the phone, his features grim and determined as he laced up his boots. It was something he had to do. He was going to avenge his beloved mate. Come Hell or sunlight.

He exited their suite and walked down the hallway to the set of winding stairs, but instead of going up towards the Council chambers he traveled down four flights to the prison cells. The compound prison was small. Judgment after all was swift, if you committed a crime you were either banned or destroyed. The deterrence level was high with those possible outcomes.

The change in atmosphere was palpable when he reached the iron plated door. Gone was the glossy oak banister and polished marble, in its wake were steel railings and grated steps. No muss no fuss. No welcome mat.

He punched the security code into keypad placing the cover back on when he heard the locking mechanisms pull back to grant him entrance. The doors opened to reveal Riley leaning against the brick wall a muscle ticking in his jaw. The male was aggravated about something but the look was quickly gone when he looked up and acknowledged Grey.

"Show me."

Riley nodded. "He's in cell three waiting for you. I let the guards go on break for the next half hour."

Grey walked passed him taking a right to the dark little cell that held this bastard. He could feel his canines prickling in the anticipation of violence. He was probably letting off sonic booms of aggression that would even have human senses on edge.

Looking through the eye slot he saw a male that was about two inches shorter than him, greasy black hair, and beady demented eyes huddled in a corner glaring at him. He was sporting a busted lip and a black eye, the dried blood from his cut eyebrow still on his cheek.

Grey looked over at Riley. "I see he was treated with respect befitting a visiting guest?"

Rye's response was a wicked grin showcasing his long bright white fangs.

"Oh yes Commander, he was given every proper respect we can afford."

"Good man, Lieutenant."

He signaled to Riley to open the door, the loud buzzing noise giving the male warning of his entrance. The low life stood up in his corner, bracing himself for a fight he knew had to be coming. The fury in Grey was so immense it became a living thing filling the room making it hard to breathe.

He had to keep his cool, see what the male said, he could only be a gopher for all he knew, the real culprits hiding somewhere. What they needed was information.

"Why are you here?" Grey's deep powerful voice bounced off the walls making the male flinch. It didn't last long however before he daringly met Grey's eyes in defiance.

He almost begged him to step out of line. Just once.

The slimy captive finally answered. "My business is my own." He even hissed like a snake, he briefly wondered where he had originated from with the way he drew out his S's.

"Unfortunately for you, it no longer has become a private matter. You were caught on our lands near an area where a female had been injured the previous night. I will ask you this only once more. Why are you here?"

Grey noticed a sickening light that came into his eyes, pleasure, when he had mentioned an injured female had been found. He would never expose Thea by mentioning her name.

"So she is here? Delightful." He licked his lips and Grey growled menacingly.

"Why is the female important to you?"

The little worm actually had the nerve to look indignant, he was expecting him to stamp his foot in protest.

"She's mine. She belongs to me. I have come to retrieve my property. I can smell her on you. I know she's here."

His response was immediate, he roared and launched himself at the male slamming him into the wall. He could feel Riley's presence at the doorway but knew the male wouldn't reach him in time to stop him before he could inflict some real damage.

He put one massive hand around the male's neck and squeezed, daring him to talk again.

"She is mine. You no longer have any claim to her. You never did. Do you understand?"

The male had enough sense to not really answer that question but he couldn't hide the possessive gleam in his eyes. Grey slammed his head against the wall again.

"I'm not going to kill you yet, but only because it would give me great pleasure to do so in front of my mate. So mark the time I am granting you to breathe as an undeserving gift you sick fuck. It is by my hand that you are allowed to live. From this point forward I own your very existence."

Without warning he dropped the male who crumpled to a heap on the floor. Grey had almost made it through the doorway when he heard a cough the wheezing voice call out to him,

"She may be your mate but I had her first." He coughed again. "And she loved it. You can have your fun now Commander, I'll make sure to punish her for it when she comes back to me. I always loved her smooth skin."

Something in him snapped. Images of Thea's beaten flesh and the scars that would still remain, the sounds she made when she screamed in her sleep, the way she looked when she first opened her eyes. It was like the photographs were set on repeat flashing over and over again with higher and higher intensity. It was the necessary keys to releasing the beast he had held back with minimal control to begin with.

His canines burst forth and he roared, whirling to run back at the male. Grabbing him by the throat he slammed him to the ground placing his knees on his biceps he curled back his fist and began giving the monster exactly what he thought he deserved, Thea was going to get her pound of flesh.

His sight was tinted red but it wasn't the blood that was now coating his pants and his fists, it was raw fury, a madness that completely consumed him. He counted his punches like the lash marks on Thea's skin. He wanted this male to feel her pain tenfold.

So when he was pulled back for another punch, Grey snarled and swiped at whoever was touching him.

"Dammit Grey! Grey! You need to stop or you're going to kill him."

He was growling so loudly he could barely make out what or who he was hearing.

"Look, I know you want to kill him but the council has to judge him first. You know that. Think of Thea. She needs you right now and how are you going to help her if you are on lockup huh? Just take a deep breath."

He did as instructed and breathed deep. The ruby tint resided from his line of site and he was slowly coming back to himself. His shirt, hands, and thighs were covered in the disgusting creatures' blood. He still had so much adrenaline coursing through his system his body was shaking. He still wanted to fight.

It didn't matter that the asshole had lost consciousness three punches ago or that his own mother wouldn't recognize his face. It only added fuel to the fire. Even at her worst Thea had tried to protect herself, and this weakling just escaped into sub consciousness.

"Hey, the guards will be back any minute. Let me take care of this and you go clean up and head back upstairs ok? We'll talk in a few."

Grey mutely nodded as he walked out into the hallway, the bright lights making him squint. His knees were shaking and making it difficult for him to walk straight. He focused on his breathing. He definitely needed to clean up before Thea saw him like this.

He went into the bathroom and washed his trembling hands and arms off when he looked up he saw he had specks of blood on his face and neck, his fangs still on full display. Those wouldn't recede until he completely calmed down. He washed the vile blood off as best as he could, he made sure to clean up the pink spots that linked the rim of the sink. He would burn these clothes too.

He dried himself off and swiftly walked down the hallway to the metal entry doors. Now he was in the aftermath of what had happened he was almost numb. His body completely running on autopilot he hadn't even taken notice that he was already up to his floor and halfway down the hallway to his rooms until he heard a piercing scream that made his blood run cold.

Thea.

His boots pounded loudly through the hallway as he ran the rest of the way throwing open the door, barreling through the study. Their bedroom door was ajar so he shoved it open not breaking his stride. A loud bang resounded through the room when it pounded against the wall.

His eyes frantically searched the room.

Thea was huddled in a corner opposite the bed with Jessica hunched over her as she trembled and screamed. Her arms where covering her head and he could see from where he was standing that she was shaking violently. The room was brimming over with the feeling of her terror.

"What the fuck is going on here?"

Jessica heard him and she jumped away from Thea, putting as much distance as she could from him. She was wringing her hands in panic as she eyed his blood soaked pants. Yeah, she better be terrified.

"I –I'm sorry. I was just coming in to see when you wanted to schedule your meeting with the Council. And she started screaming so I tried to wake her up but she ran from me and –"

He cut her off. "Why were you even in our bedroom in the first place woman? Jesus Christ, what is wrong with you?"

He didn't have time to hear her pathetic excuse, Thea let out another blood curdling scream and started to seize. Cursing, he ran over to her skidding on his knees then scooping her up into his lap. When he wrapped his arms around her she screamed again and began to beat her fists against his chest.

"Thea calm down. It's alright." He was glad his voice came out calm and even when he was anything but.

Thea started mumbling incoherently while curling herself into a tight ball. He tried to connect to her thoughts.

Need to be safe. I need Grey. Grey!

He answered her out loud. "I'm right here baby, right here."

To his surprise she really started fighting in earnest. Slapping and scratching at his arms as he held her. It frightened him and he wasn't sure what to do. He wrapped his arms around her so she couldn't hurt herself, he didn't care about the damage she was inflicting on him.

"Grey help me! Please! Please help me!" She started screaming again and clutching her head, he was worried she would rip her hair out.

"Thea I've got you. You're right here in my arms."

That's when he saw one of her palms was stained red. Shit. He was still covered in that bastard's blood. She had recognized the evil scent and it terrified her. He looked around to see what he could do when he caught sight of Jessica. The woman was wide-eyed and pale.

She took a timid step toward them. "Has she gone insane? Do we need to get her to the infirmary?" She didn't sound so torn about the possibility of Grey's mate being damaged in anyway.

Grey hissed at her.

"No you fucking wench, she's been having night terrors. Why the hell didn't you try and find me when you saw this happening?"

She was silent looking down at the floor. He stood with Thea trembling in his arms and headed towards the bathroom. Once he reached the doorway he looked back at her taking pleasure in the way she winced when she met his furious glare.

"Forget it, I don't want to hear your pathetic excuses right now. Get the hell out and do not come back in here until I call you. You better make yourself invisible until then."

He reached in the shower to turn the water on. He cursed again when he realized he would have to set Thea down for a moment to strip his clothes off. But the minute he went to release her she screamed and without another thought he walked right into the shower directly under the spray.

He walked over to the corner and slumped down with her in his lap as he tucked her under his cheek and against his neck.

"Thea it's ok. You're safe sweetheart. You're safe."

She whimpered and trembled. "Grey?" He stroked her back and kissed her cheek.

"Right here. Can you wake up for me please? There's nothing to be scared of. I've got you."

He rocked her back and forth and when he felt her arms wrap around his neck he closed his eyes in relief.

"Thank God." He sighed.

"Grey, I was so scared. I could feel him on top of me, so close I could smell him." She started to weep.

He kissed her forehead and stroked her wet hair.

"That's my fault, I'm so sorry. I didn't have time to change my clothes and—"

Thea abruptly pushed away from him, her eyes red and tears flowing down her cheeks as she took in their surroundings. Grey still fully clothed and had his boots on, sitting on the shower floor. Her heart leapt in her throat when she saw the Greys thighs were with what had to be blood.

Her hands flitted over his body as she started to look for injuries.

"Are you hurt?"

Grey caught her wrists and slowly shook his head.

"Not mine sweetheart."

She took a deep breath, knowing she wasn't wrong. She would always know that scent. She wrapped her arms around herself, willing not to break down, to be strong.

"So he's here for me?"

"He cannot get you Thea. Trust me. He will be punished for his offenses." He growled and he pushed his wet hair away from his face.

It was then she noticed his bruised and bloodied knuckles on his right hand. He saw where she had been looking and had cleared his throat nervously.

"I'm sorry. I didn't want you to know until we were ready to present him to the Council for judgment. I didn't want to worry you."

Thea drew her knees up to rest her chin on them as she wrapped her arms tightly around her legs. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, even that simple action was difficult. She was so worn out and so, so tired.

She had mistakenly thought she was finally free, that she would be able to make a new start for herself. She should have known better, he would always find her eventually. That was the only promise he ever kept.

She drew in a shuddering breath, now he had. Her instincts were screaming at her to get far away from here as fast as she could. That it didn't matter how tired she was or that she could sense it was still daylight, she had to run. It hurt to think about leaving Grey but it was no longer safe here.

Warm arms wrapped around her and she cringed at the lingering scent. She heard Grey curse then the shower door opened, the cool air making her shiver. A few moments later the shower door closed and this time she detected nothing but Grey. She sighed, attempting to get comfort from his presence, but did not open her eyes and kept wrapped up in herself.

Grey picked her up and placed her in his lap as they sat under the warm spray of the shower. Thea's body was cold and he briefly wondered if she was in shock. He rubbed her arms and legs in attempt to get some heat into them. The entire time she was silent and her body remained rigid.

Giving her time to process her thoughts and emotions he began finger combing her hair. He hadn't realized until this moment how soothing the action was for both of them, it provided dual comfort. They sat that way in silence until the water began to run cold.

Grey kept her in his arms as he reached into the linen closet to grab some towels making a point not to trip on the wet pile of clothes he had hastily taken off earlier. His boots were ruined, oh well, fuck it. He walked past the bed and out into the study flicking the switch to turn on the gas fireplace.

His big brown leather recliner was already stationed in front of it. He always found the flames and heat soothing, the recliner was ridiculously large and would easily accommodate both of them. He placed a towel across the seat so he wouldn't get it wet and sat them both down. He tucked Thea under his chin and using the other towel wrapped it around her so that she wouldn't catch cold.

He was worried and he didn't know what to say or do, so he went on his instinct. He kept his mouth shut and his thoughts to himself as he stroked her hair with one hand and her legs with the other. It didn't matter how long this took and he didn't want to push her for something she was not ready for. She had been through enough. He lost himself to the delicate orange and red flames.

He had no idea how long they had sat there while he had stared at the fire. But some time had apparently passed, Thea's wild hair was no longer damp and her breaths were no longer harsh and quick but quiet and deep as if she was asleep.

He stopped stroking her hair and kissed her forehead.

"Take as much time as you need beloved, I'll be here waiting." His low whisper sounded rough.

He finally felt Thea move beneath him while he forced his body to remain completely motionless. He was going to let her call all the shots.

Thea stretched her aching muscles, wincing at the feedback her body was giving her for being so tense for so long. It felt like she was trying to stretch granite.

Grey must have noticed she was uncomfortable and released his hold on her. Not meeting her gaze he lifted her up onto his lap and picked up her legs to place them on the arm rest. Using both his hands he rubbed the arch of her foot with strong strokes of his fingers and Thea let her head fall back as she closed her eyes and just let him comfort her.

He knew what she needed even when she didn't. The soothing circles he rubbed into her calves were like calming ripples slowly removing her stress from the inside out.

He made sure not to go any higher up than mid-thigh as he made quick work of her other leg. She opened one eye and noticed that he still did not look at her but instead was completely concentrated on what his hands were doing. She thought he would stop when he finished with her leg until he gently grabbed her wrist and stretched her arm out.

He massaged each finger individually and she sighed in relief. She couldn't find the words or the strength to tell him her thanks. So she let her body do the talking for her as she sank into him and felt the soft purrs that escape her.

He turned her on his lap so that she was facing away from him, holding her up with one large warm palm in the middle of her chest and proceeded to continue his massage making slow pleasurable progress up her back. When he was done with her shoulders he slightly pushed her against his chest, he moved his fingers into her hair running his slightly extended claws along her scalp making her shiver.

He tucked her head under his chin as they both looked at orange and yellow flames from the fireplace.

"I'm sorry."

Thea tensed up but didn't speak.

"I'm not sorry about what I did, but I am more than sorry for not telling you and especially for coming to you covered in battle. That was wrong of me and I apologize for causing you pain."

She frowned at his formal apology and sat up in his lap to look at him. He refused to look at her, just watching the flames. She cast out her sense and felt the massive amount of shame and regret from him. She caught his chin in her hand, turning his face to make her look at him.

"Grey."

He swallowed and looked at her.

"You should have told me. But I'm not asking for you to apologize with what I assume was a well deserved and personally delivered beating?"

He frowned and blinked in confusion.

"His scent will always be unpleasant to me because of the memories. But that's a weakness I need to overcome. Although, you are certainly doing more than a spectacular job being my avenger and protector. But darling, you can't protect me from this. No one can."

She brushed his drying hair back from his face and cupped his cheek, smiling at him when he leaned into her touch.

"But if you think for one moment I'm going to shrink away from the fact that you clearly put a world of hurt on someone that put me through Hell. No sir. You surprised me, but that's all. Can I ask what caused you to put your hands on him?"

Grey slowly closed his eyes, trying to reign in the all encompassing rage from earlier.

He said you were his.

The sighed and purposely gathered her hair in one hand, leaving his mating mark exposed on her flesh. This mark, the claiming mark, would never completely heal and would always be a reminder that she was forever off the market. Just as her mark upon him would always remain on his skin.

"Grey. Look at me please."

His glittering pitch eyes opened and his eyes immediately locked on her neck. She smiled at him knowingly.

"I am yours."

He growled, his features turning possessive and adoring as he looked at her. Wrapping his arms around her waist he turned her against him until she was straddling him.

"Mine." He growled into her mouth as he took possession of it. He had soothed her when she needed it, and now she could do no other than return the favor, the rage and helplessness was washing over him and spilling onto her filling up the room.

She moaned as his lips moved to her neck, he placed a loud wet kiss over her mark. He needed to mark her again, leave his scent on her, so there was absolutely no question that she belonged to him. Removing her towel he reached down, when finding her ready to accept him, he thrust into her to the hilt.

Thea gasped at the feel of him inside her as she submitted completely to him. She felt his mind reaching for hers and she purposely poured all the love and understanding she could into that connection, soothing his frazzled nerves. His loving was fast and furious, but she wasn't afraid. His hands roamed everywhere, as if memorizing her body by touch and when he reached between their bodies to caress her, she once again came under his magical touch.

He was quick to follow as he shuddered and shouted her name, and she saw stars when his fangs plunged into her skin. The entire area was overly sensitive and she flew apart again gasping. He licked the punctures closed and she laid her head down on his chest listening to the wild cadence of his heart. She couldn't help her purr of contentment as his arms wrapped around her as he buried his face in her hair.

Grey held her as if she were going to disappear.

They both jumped when a knock sounded from outside the study. Grey swiftly yanked the tossed aside towel to cover them. She sighed as Grey brought her to his chest, surrounding her in the comfort and warm of his scent and body. He kissed her temple and rubbed her back, a silent reminder of his presence.

She peeked over his shoulder, facing the doorway and saw a tall, well built male walk through it.

"Hey Grey I just wanted to—"

He stopped cold when their gazes met. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped open until he seemed to gather himself, smiling sheepishly as he tucked one hand in his pocket and ran the other through his hair as he looked anywhere but at them. It wasn't like they were naked or in the middle of anything. The towel was big enough to be considered a blanket almost.

The action reminded her of Grey. Except, where her male was dark Riley was light…well, a lighter shade anyway. His ice blue eyes, which were only made brighter by the light blue sweater he was wearing, didn't flinch away from her as she inspected him. So he was confident. His black hair was a riot of tight curls on his head and she couldn't help but smile back at him. He looked like a too tall cherub. Cute.

Riley Jacobs, my second-in-command. And he's not cute.

Hush. You're sexy. He's cute. Deal with it.

Grey didn't open his eyes as he took in deep breaths of Thea's scent and ran his fingers slowly through her hair.

"Rye, this isn't a great time right now. Was there something you needed?"

Riley paused as he eyed the mated pair. Their combined scent saturated the room and Grey's emotions were like neon signs on 5th Avenue advertising with their vibrant intensity that something had definitely gone down. Grey was wrapped around Thea as if he was a living shield and the female was against him like ivy.

He had to admit once he got over the shock of finding Mr. All-Work-And-No-Play doing a naked cuddle with his female, he found he was happy for Grey. The way she smiled at him, hiding behind her male's shoulder was full of mischief. Oh, they were going to get along just fine. Good thing too considering Grey was keeping her, no doubt about it after that display downstairs.

That memory immediately brought him back to the business at hand.

Riley folded his arms over his chest. "The Council has decided it will bear witness to the prisoner in three nights. I just wanted to let you both know and so you will be prepared for Thea will be required to speak against him."

Thea took an unsteady breath and Grey responded tightening his hold. Grey turned and gazed levelly at his friend.

"We understand. Thank you."

Riley nodded and showed himself out.


Phew that was intense...anyone need a hankie? A hug? Well then, let me end this on a funny note. I have to admit I was kinda freaking out about posting my first official lemon in the last chapter, you know, first timer nerves and all that. My husband is pretty used to my ummm, spastic, personality so he wasn't too suprised when I just came running into the room like a loon after I clicked the 'upload' button yelling, "Oh my God! Oh my God! I just posted things of a sexual nature on the internet! What will my mother say! What if I suck at literary sex (no pun intended)!"

So what does this man that I've chosen as my lifemate do. He gets up, wraps his arms around me, bends down and gets his lips close enough to where I can feel his delicious warmth. But he doesn't kiss me yet, he just smiles at me, and I knew this was where he was going to tell me that there was absolutely nothing to worry about. That I was a seductress, a sex kitten, the almighty of all womanhood who would always rock his world. So like any girly girl my eyelashes fluttered and I melted into him waiting to here those words. And what does he say?

"Well sweetheart, don't beat yourself up, you can only write what you know." Then proceeds to release me and run from the room so fast I felt the wind of his passing against my face.

Don't worry, I still managed to nail that sucker with a shoe. Pffft...men. They think they're so funny sometimes.