Bray woke her early the next morning, caressing Liz's side until she yawned, kissing her cheek lightly as she opened her eyes. "Time to get up, hon." "Already? With the drive and the way you wore me out, I thought we'd be sleeping in." It had been a relatively short trip to Detroit, but the couple had been up late into the night. "It's Sunday, Luke and Erick'll be by soon for my sermon." She tensed a bit "Oh, I didn't know about that." His hand trailed to her shoulder, squeezing it softly "I remember you said you're not very religious, darlin', and I'm ok with that. But this is somethin' that's important to me, and I'd like you to at least try and be part of it." She met his eyes and nodded "If it means that much to you, of course." He smiled, tilting his head to press their lips together, and after a minute she pawed at the waistband of his boxer-briefs. Pulling back, Bray gently gripped her arm "Not right now, but hold that thought." He brought her hand up and kissed the blue veins on her wrist, so clearly visible under her pale skin. She scratched under his chin, his eyelids fluttering as he leaned into her palm. "Might want to go wash your face, baby. Your beard's got my scent in it." Liz said, and he smirked. "Maybe I like it that way." "Well it's fitting. You are 'The Eater of Worlds', after all." she winked, then gasped when he moved his other hand down between her legs to dip into her heat. "Don't tempt me, little one." he snarled quietly, bringing his fingers to his nose and inhaling deeply before closing his mouth around them, savoring her essence. She shivered, biting her lip at his actions as he turned away and left the bed.
A half hour later she knelt on the floor facing him, Erick to her left and Luke next to him, listening while Bray preached. Though it was mostly Christian there were bits and pieces of other religions as well, he even quoted 'The Art of War'. Liz surprisingly found herself enjoying it; he spoke emotionally, pacing back and forth in front of the large window in the room, voice changing pitch and volume quickly. His words weren't damning or scornful; they were more reassuring, uplifting. For a while he slipped into Latin- an almost crooning tone, and Liz tried to be discreet as she shifted her thighs. At the end he bent in front of Harper, gripping his neck and whispering in his ear, then kissing his forehead. Bray did the same to Rowan and then moved in front of her. He put his hand on her neck but she could tell that it was a lighter touch than he'd used with the others, and instead of whispering he simply blew softly into her ear before pushing his lips to her temple, lingering there a bit longer.
Afterward Liz felt inspired, waiting until Luke and Erick left before stepping over to Bray, who had taken off his hat and was now himself kneeling in front of the glass. She stood behind him, not wanting to disturb his worship but he leaned back, resting his head against her stomach. As he opened his eyes and looked up at her between the swell of her breasts, she realized just how much trust he was placing in her. Bray had let her completely into his world, and as far as she could tell he'd kept his word and not tried to brainwash her. He was remarkably vulnerable around her and no one else, not even the other Family members, got to see him this way. She brought her hands low, combing them through his brown hair, lighter and slightly fluffy since it wasn't wet. "That was wonderful. You really do have a way with words, Bray." "I'm glad you enjoyed it, sweetheart. You're a smart one, I knew you'd recognize the message." Lacing his fingers with hers, he gently pulled her down to him. He wrapped their arms around himself, nuzzling his face into her neck. They stayed that way for a while, silent as she held him tightly, Bray's breathing so steady she thought he might've fallen asleep until he spoke again. "The Sabbath is hard for me," he muttered softly against her skin "it reminds me of Abigail." Liz slid her palm under his shirt to caress his chest. "She would gather all of us, but afterward she would always take me aside. For hours she would lecture, teaching me what the others would never understand. They were sheep, she said, too skittish to know the truth. She told me I was special, that when she was gone I was to lead the Family, that I was going to change the world. I'm simply tryin' to live up to her expectations." "You're doing great, baby. I'm sure she'd be proud hearing you." her fingers traced over his heart, and he moved his head up to kiss her tenderly. "I l-hope so." She noticed that he'd started to say something else and caught himself, but didn't mention it as Bray placed his hands on her jaw, pressing their mouths together again.
She strolled confidently through the arena that night in skinny jeans tucked into her tall boots, and a fitted graphic t-shirt from one of her favorite bands. There was no reason to be dressed up anymore, she was a talent now, not a staff member. Her hair was twisted into a clip, bare neck exposed; she was on her way to catering, having offered to grab the guys something to eat. Turning a corner, Liz saw the one person she had been hoping to avoid. Punk was sitting on a crate, eyes down, music blasting from his iPod. She kept walking, intending to ignore him completely, but as she passed he grabbed her by the arm and forced her to stop. He took his headphones off, looking up at her but she kept her head straight. "Hey, I'm sorry for being a jerk. I was pissed, I thought you lied to me on purpose, but it hit me that it's not your fault. Wyatt's a master of manipulation, of course he got you believing his lies." Liz turned to him angrily "Look, whatever stupid friendship we had, it's over. You made assumptions about me just like you are making assumptions about him, then got mad when I didn't act the way you thought I would. I owe you no explanation". His grip loosened, furrowing his brow when he noticed the deep purple mark on her throat. "Did he do that to you?" She opened her mouth to reply, but another voice interrupted "There you are my darlin'," Bray drawled, sauntering up from the hall behind her "thought you might've gotten lost or something." Punk let go of her and stood, fists clenching as he approached. Bray wrapped his arm around her, nudging her to the side so he was in front of the former champion. "This false idol botherin' you, hon?" he asked her, voice dripping in exaggerated sweetness. "I don't know what kind of game you're playing Wyatt, but leave her out of it." "And what makes you think this is a game? Not that it's any of your business." Punk took a step forward "It is my business. Something's going on here. There's no way someone like her would willingly be with a barbaric, malicious freak like you." Bray started to take his hat off but Liz stepped between them, putting her hands on his chest. "Don't. It's not worth it." There was tension for a moment, both men glaring at each other before Bray grinned wildly. He leaned down, bending Liz backwards and pressing his lips passionately to hers. As she returned the sentiment with equal fervor, he raised his eyes and stared over her at Punk, who looked completely devastated. Bray pulled her up, opening his mouth to break the kiss while her tongue swirled against his, and she moaned softly. "Now let's go find somewhere we can be alone." he crooned. She nodded, smiling at him and they went back the way they came, completely disregarding her stunned former friend.
Once they'd gotten a little farther away, Bray turned to her, gripping both her wrists. "I thought you said you were done with him?" he asked lowly, his cheerful demeanor suddenly gone. "I am. I had to walk by and he physically stopped me." His eyes narrowed, the icy blue darkening to something she couldn't read, and for the first time since their relationship began she found herself a little scared of Bray Wyatt. "Don't let me see you with him again, understand?" She hesitated for a moment before nodding and he shoved her back, Liz sitting when her knees hit a table. He loomed over her, moving between her legs and pinning her hands at her sides, she could feel his fingernails scraping her skin. "I said, do you understand me?" he repeated sternly. "Yes." she replied quickly, hoping she sounded convincing enough to him. "That's a good girl." he cooed, leaning in to push his lips to her neck. He released her hands, setting his palms on the tabletop as he pressed against her. Sighing when she felt his hardness through his pants, she arched into him and he bit down on the still sensitive bruise. Liz yelped in pain and he let go, running his fingers up her back. "Sorry hon, got a little carried away there." Bray said gently and when he raised his head to kiss her she noticed his eyes were again clear and bright. "No, it's fine. I should've answered sooner. I won't talk to Punk again, I promise." "Thanks darlin'." he replied as he helped her up, and they walked hand in hand back to their locker room.
Later in the night, the three men lurked in a dark hallway near the stage. They didn't have a match scheduled, but Bray was always on watch for an opportunity to make a statement. Liz had gone off to the trainer's room, some basic medical tests needing to be done for her contract. They waited silently, Luke and Erick leaning against the wall while their leader watched a monitor from the corner of his vision. They overheard conversations as people walked down the hall. "So did ya hear about the new diva they signed?" a thick South African accent, and Bray perked up, sliding closer to the source. "Yeah Bro, Wyatt's fucktoy. I didn't know we could get the ringrats jobs now." a grating New York voice answered and the other laughed in return. Bray and Erick exchanged looks, and when the two men passed by they attacked, Wyatt smashing Ryder to the ground and Rowan hitting Gabriel with a punch to the back of the head. Harper joined them, helping get Gabriel to the floor as Bray knelt over Ryder, hitting blow after blow to his face. Hearing footsteps coming their way to investigate the noise, Luke quickly realized Bray wasn't going to stop until the fake tanned man was no longer moving. He pulled his leader up, holding him in a waist lock as he struggled to get free. "That's enough, Bray. Don't kill 'em." "LET ME GO!" Wyatt bellowed, kicking his shins in attempt to escape. Harper winced, glancing at Erick for help, but he seemed unsure which side he was on. "Didn't you see how happy Liz was yesterday? You want to go tell her how you got us all fired and ended up in jail?" he hoped that the girl's name would calm Bray down and it worked, the younger man stilling so Luke could release his grip. Ryder's nose was bleeding profusely as Gabriel helped him to his feet, trying to get out of their path. Triple H and Stephanie turned the corner, both sides backing away from each other as they approached. "What's going on here?" Hunter growled, separating the two groups. "They jumped us!" whined Zack, holding his nose. "You got what you deserved, saying such terrible things about our Sister." Rowan asserted. Stephanie turned to face the smaller men "Is this true? Were you insulting a woman behind her back?" The duo froze, their guilty faces giving them away. She leaned in to her husband, whispering in his ear for a moment before he addressed Bray. "Though it is perfectly understandable why you did it, you three have had a pattern lately of causing issues backstage. To show there are no double standards in the WWE, you are hereby suspended from active competition on Raw tomorrow and forbidden from appearing on the show tonight." Stephanie spoke up, "However, we will give you a chance to resolve your issues in the ring on Smackdown, when Rowan and Harper take on Gabriel and Ryder in a tag team match." Bray nodded, keeping his words to himself as even he knew not to get on the bad side of the corporate power couple. Ryder and Gabriel looked terrified, and quickly stumbled away.
"Now aren't I the one who's supposed to be causing trouble?" Liz joked as she sat in between Bray and Erick in the corner of catering. "They were the ones causin' problems, I was just defending your honor, darlin'." he responded. She scooted her chair closer, picking up his right hand and running her thumb over the bloody knuckles. "And while I do appreciate that, I also believe you were the one who told me it doesn't matter what the sheep think." Looking at the other occupants of the room, he noticed they were all making it a point to avoid acknowledging the group. "I wouldn't peg you for one who gives advice he doesn't follow." Bray nodded, leaning in to kiss her softly, setting his palm on her thigh as she began talking to Erick.
Luke drove that night, Bray and Liz in the back seat. She'd curled up on her side, eyes closed with her head resting in his lap. He stroked her hip with one hand as he read an old, unmarked book, which looked to be handwritten. There was a slight tension in the car; Harper stoically quiet, Erick leaning against the window snoring softly, and she was thankful it was only a few hours' trip.
When they were alone in the hotel room, she took Bray's bags to the side, standing on her toes to remove his hat. "You've been so on edge today, baby. Come, relax." Grasping his arm Liz led him to the bed, taking off his shirts, her hands sweeping over his shoulders. "See, you're all stiff. Go lie down, I'll be there in a second." she purred, and he did as she said; lying on his stomach in the middle of the bed, folding his arms under his head. He heard her rustling in her suitcase, then felt the mattress dip slightly. She straddled him, and he smelled a soft vanilla scent before her palms ran up his spine. Sighing deeply, he flexed as she rubbed the warm oil into his skin. Her hands traveled across his back, massaging away the knots in his muscles. "Better?" she asked after a few minutes, kneading her fingers along the curve of the tattooed wings. He hummed in content, turning his head to the side, Bray raised his eyebrows as he saw she had taken off her shirt. Her low cut black bra highlighted her ample bosom and paleness, the colorful tattoos on her arms seeming to contrast more than usual. "Well now you're just gonna get me all tense again." She grinned softly "You sit back and I'll take care of it, I owe you for standing up for me." Liz moved off so he could roll over before returning to the same position but a bit higher, right below his chest. Leaning to kiss him she sucked on his tongue, letting him taste her, then pulling away. He watched while she unclasped her bra and slid it off, tossing it to the side. Growling, he reached up to her breasts, squeezing the supple globes in his large hands. She smiled and shook her head "I should've known. You just can't give up control." "Guilty as charged." Bray wrapped his arms around her neck and brought her down, making sure she caught herself before craning his head, swirling his tongue around her nipple. She moaned, closing her eyes when he took the hardened peak into his mouth. His palms slid to her waist, teeth nipping and pulling the sensitive nub. He looked up at her as he pushed his hands into her jeans, smoothing them over the flesh of her cheeks. Moving to lick her collarbone, he hooked his thumbs on the band and yanked them down. She shifted off him, sitting with her legs to the side and raising her hips so he could remove the last of her clothing.
He went to touch her but Liz dodged him, wagging her finger playfully. She pulled his pants off but left his boxers on, and to his surprise she mounted him, pushing her bare crotch down on his. Bray hissed, his stiffness pressed between his groin and her outer lips, the thin fabric of his underwear the only thing separating them. "I know, and I can wait. I'm not trying to pressure you, I just... need to be closer." she whimpered, though she was clearly somewhat frustrated as she ground into him. "Is this ok? I won't go any further." she trailed her fingertips up the line of dark hair to his bellybutton. "Yes." he breathed, "But stop if I ask you to." She nodded, bracing her palms on his stomach as she moved her hips, stroking herself on his length. He gasped, her sweltering heat and wetness melting through the cloth. She set a slow pace, rocking back and forth, her clit rubbing against the head of his cock. His eyes squeezed shut, gnawing at his lip and clenching his fists. Part of him wanted to rip away the restricting garment and just take her, but Bray was still hesitant to make that final leap. He wanted to be absolutely sure, because he knew just how devastating it would be if he was wrong. He started to raise himself onto his elbows, yearning for more contact, but the different angle caught her off guard and as she shifted back he felt the tip of his manhood dip just barely into her. She tore away from him quickly, eyes wide "Sh- sorry hon. I didn't mean to..." Sitting up, he brought his palm to her cheek "No, it was my mistake. I know you were being careful, sweetheart." Liz nodded, but he noticed she was more apprehensive, not leaning into his touch. "Now don't get all shy on me, little minx. I was enjoying your boldness." He kissed her encouragingly before laying back, his hands at his sides, and she ran hesitant eyes over him. When she met his gaze, he saw the spark ignite behind them again.
She moved lower, tugging off his boxers and reaching over to the bottle of oil, pouring some in her palm before she firmly gripped him. Moaning, Bray pushed his hips into her as she pumped his member steadily. After a moment she stilled her hand at the base, leaning in and flicking her tongue over the head. "My big, strong wolf; always ready to protect me." Liz purred, "I get such delight from serving you." She slid her mouth over his straining erection, Bray tangling his fingers in her hair as she sank down. A shiver crept up his spine, he could tell she knew exactly how much of an effect her words would have on him. Keeping his hold loose, he let her bob on his shaft at her own speed. Her free hand cupped his balls, rolling them gently while she sucked him. "Ah..." he bucked into her with a gasp and she hastened her efforts. Bray couldn't believe how good it felt, surrendering so much to the beautiful creature who literally had him in the palm of her hand. "M' almost there, darlin'." he warned her after a short time had passed, in between heavy breaths. She locked eyes with him in reply, looking up at him adoringly, like all she cared about was bringing him pleasure. He pulled her auburn locks, a ragged groan emitting from his chest as he fell over the edge. Liz withdrew to just the head, milking him with her hand and squeezing his sac while he filled her mouth. He noticed his orgasm was stronger, and when he finished spurting he felt a deep sense of satisfaction, letting his palms drop to the bed. Bray watched her slowly sit up, keeping her lips pressed together, though a small bit of opaque white cum slipped out to dribble down her chin, which she caught with the back of her hand. "You gonna be a good girl and not let that go to waste?" he asked, voice low and rough. Tipping her head back slightly, he could see the muscles in her throat work as she swallowed his extract. Her tongue darted out to lick off the excess, running it over her lips "I may not know much about religion but I remember that one; not allowing my man's seed to spill." Reaching down for her, he grumbled softly "C'mere so I can touch you, my dearest one." Liz crawled up to him, lying at his side and he encircled her in his arms. She found her panties at the edge of the bed, sliding them back on before hooking her leg over his waist.
Bray held her close, kissing her affectionately, letting her know how much he appreciated her. But when he had a moment to consider the skill with which she'd handled him, thoughts crept into his head; how Punk had looked at her, what the two gossiping superstars had called her earlier. "Everything alright?" she questioned gently, he presumed she was worried he was upset about accidentally coming so close to intercourse. He turned to face her "Don't take this the wrong way, because it won't effect how I see you, but... how many others have you been with?" She seemed a bit startled, but thankfully not angry. "Oh. I don't mind answering that. You've already shared your background with me, it's only fair." She moved a hand to his chest, eyes following it as she drew shapes on his skin. "I started kinda young, lost it to my first boyfriend when I was fifteen. We were together for a little under a year and I don't really regret it, because at the time I did love him." She chuckled softly "Though I found out a while later that he'd had a revelation and decided he was gay." Her palm trailed down his side. "Then there was an older guy, I was sixteen he was almost twenty, and we lasted four years. In the beginning I would've married him if he'd asked, and it would've been a huge mistake. I grew to hate him, but he was absolutely crazy about me so it took a long time for me to end it. That was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, watching him cry and beg me not to go." She fretted her lips together, her expression saddening for a moment and Bray rubbed her neck, being sure to lighten his touch on the discolored blemish that lingered there. "I realized that I was twenty one, and had been in a relationship for all of my young adult life. I knew I needed a break; time to figure myself out, because I had lost who I was." She noticed him tense slightly "I didn't sleep around, if that's what you're thinking. That's never been my thing. I'm the type who devotes myself to someone, and expects the same in return." Liz entwined her fingers with his, gazing at him with her enchanting blue orbs. "After a while I became confident again, ended up with my dream job, and found myself in the care of the most passionate man I've ever known." He smiled at her, pressing his mouth to hers once more. Even if her answer had been in the double digits he wouldn't have minded, but he felt special knowing so few had touched her before him. When he broke the kiss he pushed her down, guiding her face to his chest as he leant his chin on her head. Bray closed his own eyes once her breathing evened out, keeping her secure in his embrace.
Liz had asked to accompany them to the gym the next morning but he'd politely refused. "We'll start in a few days, little one. It's been too eventful a week." She had understood, instead taking her headphones and looking up a decent jogging route. Bray was currently sitting on a bench lifting weights next to Luke, who was still more sullen than usual. Though he'd kept a bit of a wall between the Family and himself, Wyatt always considered the older man a friend, the person he'd been closest to until Liz came along. Because he could always rely on Harper, and he didn't pander to him like Rowan did, Bray tended to take him for granted. From Luke's point of view his behavior had to seem strange, Bray still didn't quite understand it himself. He glanced around to make sure they were alone, Erick with earbuds in on a treadmill across the room the only other occupant. "I appreciate you snapping me out of it yesterday. I've been too caught up in… other things lately." Luke nodded, speaking in a subdued voice "I just don't see where this is going. Beg my pardon but it seems like you're letting your emotions get the better of you." "You are my loyal Brother, my general, and I have no problem admitting to you that this isn't going as I planned." Bray looked straight forward at his own reflection in the glass. "I originally intended to use Liz as a puppet. Women are very powerful and've brought about much change in this world." He set the weight down, wringing his hands in his lap "However, I'm finding myself to be absolutely taken with her. I broke an almost ten year vow against intimacy on our first night together. She just has this kind of spellbinding effect on me. I don't see her as an outlet for pent up sins, a tool for my own gain; but as an equal, a companion. Luke, is there a reason you don't like her? Am I blinded by desire and missing something?" Harper considered him for a moment before responding "There's nothing wrong with her, I just don't enjoy her company. But the fact that Erick, who is so very timid, adores her says a lot. You heard him, he's already started to call her Sister. If you're questioning whether or not I think her intentions are true?" He shook his head, and Bray thought he could see a faint smirk under the slightly graying scruff. "You just need to watch the way she looks at you. In all the years we've known each other I've never seen you so happy, and if it's what you want, she seems like she could be a worthy partner for you." He turned to the shorter man "My problem isn't with the relationship itself, that's your own thing. It's that it's affecting your ability to lead us. This will sound selfish, but the Family was here first. It's not fair to neglect us in favor of her." Bray stroked his beard in contemplation "Your honesty is appreciated, Luke. Though some of the neglect you're feeling is the fault of your self-inflicted isolation. You don't have to be best pals, but it would be easier if you could at least make an effort to tolerate her." Harper nodded shamefully, averting his eyes down. "I said some fault, Brother, not all. My inexperience with the fairer gender is definitely startin' to catch up to me. Maybe we should all take a few days off to regroup, figure out how we'll go from here. I reckon' it's time to head on home for a while."
A/N: Sorry this took so long but it's 4900 words so forgive me please?