At the risk of repeating myself, I just have to say thanks again to all of you for the wonderful reviews - seriously - I was having a hellish couple days last week after I posted the last chapter, and you all just made my days better with telling me how much you enjoyed it! I wish I could update more often for you, but with 3D life demands, and my compulsiveness to get the chapters polished to my liking, it's usually takes a week between posting.

This chapter brings Derek and Meredith ever closer to the fulfillment of their desires...along with some insight into Derek's past...so settle back and enjoy....


Chapter Seven

Meredith watches the flames dancing in the fireplace, her thoughts still wavering between anxiety and acceptance. As fantastic as Derek's words are, she somehow realizes deep down that he is telling the truth. He obviously isn't some weirdo, there are too many things that are making sense to her. It explains to a great extent, the feeling of difference she has always felt, for one thing. But there are still so many questions she has, and she looks up with a smile as Derek returns with a glass of wine for her.

"You really can't drink alcohol?" she asks, as he drops down beside her easily. She takes a slow sip, realizing that if all that he has told her is true, soon she will not be drinking red wine either.

"I could, but there is no effect on me, nor is there any real flavor. The only time I get any taste of it is when the mortal I feed from has been drinking. I was just thinking tonight of that at dinner."

"Oh…this is so strange to be talking about feeding from someone…is it hard to adjust to? I mean, in my line of work, I'm used to putting blood into people…"

"I know what you mean, Meredith. But it's instinctive, from the time you turn…you just know you need to survive, and the taste is not what you imagine it to be as a mortal. It's hard to explain…but trust me, when the time comes, I will guide you through it, as will Lukos."

"It's so strange to think that I have a father, waiting to see me. I wish I had known more about him before...so many nights after Mom died, I felt abandoned...wishing he could magically appear and take me away with him...."

"I'm sure he felt the loss just as much, Meredith, but he had to keep his distance. Richard and his wife were the best thing to shield you. They understood what he was, and why Ellis was killed, I'm sure. That his own brother could be so evil is the worst of it."

Meredith shudders lightly. "It's unreal. Do you know why they are enemies?"

"Not entirely - there has been bad blood between them for centuries, probably even before they were vampires. I think Lukos will try to explain that part of the family history to you," Derek assures her.

"You said my father is over 1000 years old, that's incredible..." Meredith says thoughtfully, swirling the wine in her glass. "How old are you then?"

"Over 500 years," he replies, reaching up to caress her arm, pulling her closer.

"Seriously?"

"Seriously," he grins.

"Please tell me you don't sleep in a coffin?" She raises one eyebrow at him.

"God, no, that is such a Hollywood cliche, along with a lot of other misleading information. I have a king size bed back home, and the house here has one as well. I prefer to be comfortable."

"Do you ever get bored, after all this time?"

"No…though sometimes it was lonely, especially at the beginning. Vampires are essentially solitary creatures, but I have some good friends now that keep me company from time to time. And Lukos, of course, has always been there for me." He brushes his lips over her temple, and she sets her glass down carefully, before returning to his embrace. He kisses her quickly, intending to pull back, but her tongue darts between his lips, lingering long enough to make him forget his good intentions. Moving against her, between her legs as she slides her arms around his neck. His cock is instantly hard, against her warm body, pulsing insistently. Her leg hooks behind him, bringing him even closer. She feels slightly shocked at her actions, but he tastes so good, and feels even better. His tongue delves for hers, as he kisses her with increasing pressure. Meredith makes a small sound of surrender, feeling the warmth spreading through her body.

Long moments pass as he continues to kiss her, exploring her mouth, and letting their tongues dance together slowly. His hands wind in her hair, fingers playing with the silky strands. His lips travel from hers briefly, to her eyelids, her forehead, her temple, and then along the line of her jaw, until he returns to her lips, his teeth catching her bottom lip playfully. "Are you all right with this?" he asks her finally, feeling her so soft and pliant in his arms.

"Yes, don't stop….." she says softly, more aware of desire than ever before.

His hand moves from her hair, down her shoulder, and caresses the tender skin along the inside of her elbow, and Meredith moans involuntarily at the unexpected sensation. His lips brush the base of her throat, and he licks the hollow there, feeling her wild pulse beating beneath the skin. Controlling the urge to graze his teeth over her skin, he pauses. "You're so beautiful, Meredith..." He has told many women that, but never meant it in the same way he does at this moment.

"Nobody ever said that to me before," Meredith sighs.

"Then they were all fools," Derek murmurs. "But I feel you are hesitating about something else…" He gently disentangles himself from her.

"I…haven't had much experience…" Meredith admits hesitantly. Her thoughts jump back to the few guys she has been out with, the fear of letting herself go emotionally and physically with anyone. The one guy she thought she was ready for turned out to be a complete ass.

"What did he do to you?" Derek asks gently, smoothing his thumb along her lip.

"You can read my mind too?" she half laughs.

"Not so much thoughts…more of a sense of emotions, feelings…" he replies. "You were sad just now. Someone hurt you…"

"Yes. I thought he was so hot, you know…away from home for the first time, at Dartmouth …he seemed nice. I wanted to have fun, I wanted to be a little crazy, but I couldn't go through with it. I froze…after he kissed me, and coaxed me into bed, I just froze. I bolted…with him laughing at me…"

"The bastard…where is he, and I'll hunt him down for you…" Derek whispers, holding her close again, and letting her rest against his chest. The soft scent of her skin and the lavender in her hair are already so familiar to him. There is something about her that draws him to her like a flame, like she fills a void that has been empty far too long.

Meredith shakes her head. "It's okay, but I just never felt like I'd be good at sex…my mind wanders, and I just don't feel comfortable…well, except with you…"

"Meredith, you are an amazing young woman. All you need is someone to take their time, to show you the gentleness, and passion." His hands wander down her back, pressing her tighter against him. The sudden realization that she is still a virgin, however, makes him pause, and he groans inwardly.

"What if I want you to be that someone?" Meredith asks breathlessly. "I feel so good with you, like this is what I was waiting for…"

At that moment, he could easily take her, imagining how wet and warm and tight she would be around him, welcoming his thrusts until they were both panting and breathless. "Not like this, not tonight, when you have had so much to take in, there is still so much to talk about..." He kisses her forehead, easing away from her.

"Does patience come with old age?" she teases him, seeing how dark his eyes are, the gold edge glowing.

"Funny girl," he grins, and the fangs are easily visible this time. "I think you were asking me questions…?"

"I want to know how you became a vampire…is it painful..." she asks softly. Rain has begun pattering against the windows again, and she feels cozy and safe, sitting in the darkened room. The dancing flames add to the mood, sending shadows flickering.

"Your father made me. I was alone and unhappy when he found me. Pain was something I was already dealing with..." Derek's voice is low, tinged with sadness as the memories assault him again. "My wife and child had been ill, I was the only one to care for them. All the servants fled, leaving us alone...Kiera and my son died in my arms..."

"I'm so sorry, Derek."

Derek closes his eyes, picturing that moment, seeing it as if he was there again.

The dying embers in the fireplace cast the only light in the bedchamber, where Derek clutched his wife in his arms, rocking her back and forth. The only sound was her labored breathing, as she fought to stay with him. But she was in so much pain, her body thin and feeble. She was drenched in sweat, and he wiped her face tenderly. "I love you, Kiera..." he whispered, wishing there was something he could do for her. Their son lay between them, his tiny body already still.

"Love..you.." Kiera coughed again, her pretty face twisted in pain, her blonde hair matted with sweat. "I don't want..to...leave...you alone..."

"Shh...you'll be fine, love," he assured her, knowing in his heart she was dying. "Just sleep..."

Her eyes fluttered shut again, and she fell against his chest, as he stroked her hair, and hummed a soothing lullaby to her. Tears streamed down his face, as he felt her last breath expel, and she went limp. A strangled sob of anguish rose in his throat, and in that moment he wished he were dead as well. Soon enough, he would join them, he was sure, the sweating sickness that spread so rapidly throughout London and the countryside was sure to claim him as well. He sat unmoving for a long time, unwilling to part with her.

After finding the strength to bury them, Derek wandered the deserted hallways of his manor for days, drunk and delirious. One night as he collapsed in his bed, wishing for death to take him away as well, he heard the rush of wind through the open window and a calm presence surround him. "Take me now..." he muttered.

"No, it is not your time to die, my friend," Lukos murmured. "I am sorry I got here too late to save your wife and child."

Derek stared at the wise face of Lukos, a man he had known for several years, as part of the Tudor court. "Go...leave me to die..." he muttered hoarsely, thinking he must be dreaming.

"I'm not leaving," Lukos assured him, as he laid his hands on Derek's shoulders. "I can give you immortality."

"What?" Derek struggled to understand the meaning of the words, looking in surprise at Lukos, who bared his fangs. "Why...would I want that...?" Thinking he must be dying, that he was seeing things – men didn't have fangs…

"I need you with me, Derek. I've been watching you for years, your intelligence and strength has grown. You handle yourself well both on the jousting field, and among the treacherous men in court. Together we will accomplish great things." His cool touch eased Derek's anguish momentarily, sending him into slumber. The next time he woke, he was amazed to find he was sober, and not even sick from the quantity of ale he had consumed. His body was strong and vital, and his clothing was immaculate again. He sat up, confused, his eyes adjusting easily to the dark room. Details seemed as clear as daylight, and his hearing was enhanced. He also felt a raging hunger burning inside of him, for something he was at a loss to understand. Lukos nodded at him from the window where he was watching the moon rise.

"What have you done to me?" Derek demanded, crossing the room to stand beside the older man.

"You are now immortal, Derek. A vampire..."

"WHAT? What have I done to deserve this?" Derek growled, running his tongue over the unfamiliar edges of the sharp fangs. "NO!" He turned and swung a heavy oak chair towards the wall, shocked at the ferocity of his strength, at the way the chair flew through the air, breaking into bits of kindling when it hit the stone wall far more easily than he would have thought. He looked at his hands, and then at Lukos.

"You have more strength now, my son. Your sight is keener; all your senses are heightened. And you will only grow stronger with the passing of time. Because I am old and powerful, you will be as well, since my blood runs in your veins now. I have lived many centuries already, Derek. I have developed some tolerance to sunlight, so you will as well. Not full sun, of course, but some weak light – full sun will kill you."

Derek had a sudden urge to wait for daybreak and wait for the sun to kill him – what right did he have to live, when Kiera had died? But the hunger was overwhelming in him, his insides twisting as he stared at Lukos, and he found he did have a will to live. "What do I need to do?"

Lukos touched his shoulder gently. "I will show you everything you need. Come now…let us find a willing host for you…" And without another word, he grasped Derek's arm, and they were flying through the cold dark night...

"I was still angry with him for a long time," Derek remembers. "Wishing he hadn't turned me, wishing I had died along with Kiera and Matthew. But even though it wasn't my choice, I've made my peace with my life…"

"You must have loved her very much."

"I did. She was the light of my life," he says simply. "I never found anyone after that to compare to her, nor did I want to."

Meredith doesn't know what to say to him then. She can't imagine someone loving her as much as that. Her heart aches for him, and she takes his hand, squeezing his fingers tightly.

"Until now, my dear girl, you remind me so very much of her..." he murmurs finally, and she turns to look up at him again. "In fact, when your father showed me your picture, it was a complete shock. You have her eyes, and her mouth, and the same spirit. More than ever, I wanted to take care of you."

"Oh..."

Derek lifts her hand, their fingers still entwined, and kisses her knuckles, sending a little shiver along her spine. "Whatever it takes, I will be here to protect you, Meredith. Not only for your father's sake, but for mine. I'm not sure if that is how this is supposed to be, but there is something between us that I can't deny much longer."

Meredith nods silently, realizing she could easily fall in love with this beautiful man, who had lived so long alone. "I feel it too, Derek. Here…" She places her hand on her chest, where her heart beats. He covers her hand with his, sharing a long look with her. "I have to admit, it's all a little overwhelming, Derek, but I think I understand." She feels suddenly very tired, and a tiny yawn escapes her. She peeks at the clock on the mantel, and it's already past three in the morning. Thank goodness she is working a later shift tomorrow, or Bailey would not be pleased to have a sleepy intern to deal with. But for how long will she need to worry about work…

"Time for you to rest, little one. You can sleep knowing I will be here for you. Tomorrow night we will discuss what to do next." And before she can say another word, he whisks them up to her bedroom. "I'm going to check outside, while you get into bed, and then I'll be right here, okay?"

"Okay. Be careful, Derek..."

"Always.." he assures her, slanting his lips across hers once more, and then he is gone, in a swirl of cool air, leaving her alone with her thoughts again. She touches her mouth, still feeling the imprint of his lips, as if he has marked her. It's unsettling, and arousing, and she knows that she wants more of everything he is offering. As she slips into her pajamas, and crawls into bed, she intends to wait for him to return, but she can barely keep her eyes open, and drifts into slumber with a half smile on her lips.

When Derek returns, he finds her sleeping, and with a smile of his own, he joins her on the bed, tucking her close against him. She makes a small sound of contentment in her sleep, as he kisses her temple. He lets his thoughts drift as the minutes tick by, his body acutely aware of her nearness. Then she turns sleepily, looking up at him. "Derek..."

"Yes, I'm here, love..." he says, claiming her lips, his hands moving to her bare shoulder, gently slipping the strap of her delicate camisole down. "I'm not a dream..." His mouth moves lower, along the warm skin, sending ripples of desire through her, until she is lost in a haze of sensation. His mouth is everywhere, along her collarbone, and over her breasts, kissing her through the delicate silk, making her nipples hard and aching. Then he finds her mouth again, kissing her hard and deep, his tongue stroking hers in a way that makes her feel the sizzle of heat right down to her toes. This time, she lets her own tongue explore the sharp edge of his fangs, realizing the strength of his passion, the fire that burns between them in ways she never imagined. Her hips seemed to move instinctively, lifting to meet his.

"Damnit, Meredith..." Derek groans, the hunger for her body and her blood intensifying. "I have been thinking of this all evening...let me make you feel good..."

Meredith can only nod, her fingers reaching for the buttons on his shirt, impatient to feel the skin that has tantalized her as well. Touching sculpted muscle under hot skin, and coarse hair, feeling his body tense from her delicate exploration. As he pulls the shirt away impatiently, and settles over her, she welcomes the unfamiliar weight of him. Her fingers trail along his broad back, the indentation of his spine, feeling his muscles flexing as he moves. "Please, Derek...touch me..."

His hand dips to her waist, and carefully slides beneath the drawstring of her pajama pants, tugging them away from her hips. Before she realizes it, his fingers are searching her wet folds, sliding into her in a way that takes her breath away. He smiles seductively at her reaction, her moisture gliding around his finger.

"You feel so soft...so delicate..." he mutters, "I don't want to hurt you..."

"You won't...please, Derek...I want to know how it feels, I trust you..." Her body is tingling with pleasure, as she cries out from the unfamiliar ecstasy of a building orgasm.

Stifling another growl, he moves lower, raining kisses everywhere, inhaling the scent that has tormented him from the moment he laid eyes on her. Knowing exactly how she will taste under his tongue, just how sweet she will be. "Let me love you then...we don't have as much time as I would like, but I want to make you come...I want to taste every part of you, I want to consume you..."" His words are hot, his voice is hoarse, and it thrills her. She feels wet and aroused, and his mouth on her only inflames her. Never before has she felt this way, and her fingers curl into his hair, urging him deeper.

His tongue slides against her, seeking the spot that sends a jolt of heat through her. Again he strokes her, feeling the quivering of her body as she accepts him. His fingers caress her thighs, adding to the delight, as she writhes under his touch. He feels the spasms deep inside of her, and he gives her more, sending her flying over the edge, into a place she has never been before. Over and over, keeping his own desire in check, until she is limp and breathless, begging for mercy. Drawing away slowly, he kisses the inner skin of her thighs, his fangs grazing the flesh, the scent of her blood calling to him.

"My god, Derek..." she sighs. "I never realized...oh...I want more..." The look of hunger for her in his eyes makes her even more breathless, as he looks up at her. He looks dangerous in the dim light, his fangs gleaming, as he crawls back up over top of her.

"Ah, love, so do I..." he murmurs, kissing her. But he feels the inexorable coming of dawn, the first pink fingers of light stretching across the sky. "Soon, I promise you," he assures her, kissing her fingers, and backing away slowly.

"You have to leave now...?"

"I can stand some light, but not much, as I told you. I have to return to the house where the shades are heavier, or I would stay here, believe me," Derek says regretfully, pulling his shirt back on carelessly. "You need to sleep as well. I will see you tonight, when you get off work. I'll be waiting for you."

Meredith nods, feeling content and drowsy again, unabashed at her response to him. His eyes sweep over her disheveled hair, and creamy skin, before he drags the sheets back to cover her. He kisses her gently, "Sleep well, love..."

Into this night I wander
it's morning that I dread
Another day of knowing of
the path I fear to tread,
Oh, into the sea of waking dreams
I follow without pride
Nothing stands between us now
and I won't be denied.....

Song lyrics yet again from 'Possession' by Sarah McLachlan