1 Hey guys! Look what I finally did!! Took long enough, huh? Well, I
promise that will never happen again. I have my own computer now!! Yay! So
next time it wont take so long. Thanks for all of you who reviewed and
emailed me. I again, apologize for taking so long. Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Gargoyles or any of it's Characters
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6 Another Spell Broken
Chapter 11:
Audri stared across the table to where her opponent sat. She was in quite a mess. One wrong move and she would surly be done for. She looked across the room through the corner of her eye, seeking out her mate and finding him stretched out in Hudson's recliner reading the…oh…what did they call it? Oh right, newspaper.
A small smile touched her mouth as she watched his brow ridge lower in concentration. He was so adorable when he was thinking. Her eyes traveled down his neck and shoulders, watching the muscles in his arm shift slightly as he turned the page, then landed on his bare chest. Her mouth went dry, images of the previous night replaying in her mind. She could still remember the feel of his hands as they lovingly caressed her, moving over her body with infinite care. Though she was still soar from their love making it didn't stop her from wanting more of the pleasure that only Brooklyn could give her.
"Tis yer turn, lass." Hudson's voice called to her. Audri jumped and turned back to the elder gargoyle, a bright blush staining her high cheekbones. Bloody hell, how embarrassing. Hudson probably knew exactly what she was thinking about. It seamed like everyone knew what had happened last night. Even Goliath's lady friend, Elisa. Audri had expected Angela to know about it, but upon receiving the knowing looks from Lexington and Broadway, it was impossible to assume that the clan was in the dark about what had transpired the evening before.
Pushing her thoughts aside, Audri turned her attention back to the task at hand and tried to stop the smirk tugging at her lips. "Bold move, my dear friend." She said. Hudson gave her a confused look and glanced down at the chessboard that lay between them, quickly realizing his mistake.
"Och, I should have seen that one comin'!" he laughed and shook his head.
"Aye, you should have." Audri agreed. She moved her Queen forward and placed it in the path of Hudson's unprotected King, saying in satisfaction, "check mate."
"Ye play well lass." Hudson said, picking up his lost chess pieces and placing them back in their respective spots.
"Why thank you Hudson. You make a very good opponent. It has been quite sometime since…" Audri stopped speaking, her face twisting in startled perplexity.
"What is it lass?" Hudson asked.
Audri grimaced as she felt something warm, wet and slimy ooze down her leg. She looked under the table expecting to see Bronx but instead encountered a pair of wide hazel eyes staring innocently up at her.
"Well…hello there." She cooed softly to the small human child who had wrapped himself around her leg. The baby unwound his chubby arms and held them out to Audri, wiggling his tiny fingers impatiently. Laughing, Audri leaned over and pulled the baby into her lap. "Where did you come from?" she asked.
"Alex!" Lex yelped, making a clumsy leap over the back of the couch and walking over to where Audri and Alex sat. "How did you get up here?"
"His name is Alex? Where are his mother and father?" Audri asked. She rubbed her nose against Alex's, making all kinds of baby noises and was overjoyed when he giggled and lunged at her, throwing his little baby arms around her neck.
"I think the little lads takin' a likin to ye." Hudson said. Audri smiled and pulled Alex off her neck. With Alex cradled softly in her arms, Audri was able to get a much better look at him. "He looks…familiar somehow." She murmured, brushing her talons carefully through his downy soft hair.
"He's Xanatos' son." Lex said. He waved to Alex. Audri stiffened but kept a smile firmly in place. "You mean that vile man actually fathered such an angel of a child?"
"Any vile man is capable of fathering a child, my dear." A smooth, cool voice rang out from across the room. Audri clenched her teeth together. The vile man obviously had very good timing or, in her case, very bad timing.
"And I see that mine has wandered up here, straight into the arms of a beautiful female. The boy is so much like his father." Xanatos said.
"Watch it Xanatos." Brooklyn warned, not bothering to even glance up from his reading.
"Just here to see to my son." Xanatos said, holding up his hands. "And to offer an apology, if I may."
Audri's head shot up. Quickly recovering from her momentary shock, she fixed an uninterested look on her face and stood up. Baby Alex remained cradled in her arms, looking for all the world as if he had were considering making that very spot his permanent home.
"Offer an apology? To whom?" Audri asked with cool indifference. She was intent on making Xanatos sweat, just a little. Then, maybe she would forgive him. She really didn't want to have any hatred built up towards the man, but she had always harbored a dislike for arrogant selfish people.
"Why, to you of course." Xanatos said, walking towards her. "You see…"
"Audri."
"Yes, Audri. I realize that what I did, although not something I regret doing, was quite selfish of me." He stopped in front of her and lowered his voice so that Audri was the only one able to hear him. "The fact is…I didn't do it for myself. Now, this is very unlike me but…I did it for Brooklyn."
Audri's mouth fell open and she muttered a startled, "Oh."
Xanatos smiled, a genuine kindhearted smile. "When I heard about a stunning statue of a female gargoyle found in the middle of the highlands, I knew it wasn't just a statue."
"How did you know?" Audri asked in slight awe.
"You were found in the middle of a forest. That's how. So, going on what I knew the Gargoyles here, I made a few business deals and brought you here." Xanatos smiled again, this time down at his son. "I still didn't feel as if I had fully repaid the Goliath and his clan for saving this little guys life. When I heard of you, my dear, it was obvious what I could do to try and make amends, yet the only one I could truly make amends to was Brooklyn. He was not content so I sought out to fix the problem." He threw a quick glance over his shoulder in Brooklyn's direction. "I trust everything is going well?"
Audri tried to hide the grin that spread across her face, but failed miserably. "Aye, things are going very well." She said. Audri held Alex up and kissed his cheek. "Your father is making it very difficult for me to stay mad at him."
"That was the plan. So…am I forgiven then?" Xanatos asked, taking Alex from Audri when she handed him over. Audri thought about what she was going to say. The man had placed her right in front of a gargoyle who loved her deeply, and because of him Audri had a family again.
"Alright Xanatos. You are forgiven." She said grudgingly.
The multi-billionaire smiled once again at his son. "You here that, Alexander? She forgives me. All is right in the world again!"
Audri laughed and shook her head, watching the retreating back of Xanatos. "Oh, by the way." He said, turning on his heal and addressing the entire room. "I have decided to throw a costume ball in honor of the new addition to your clan. Of course you are all invited. It will be held this coming weekend. Interested?"
"Yeah!" Lex exclaimed.
Hudson threw him a severe look. "We'll bring it up with Goliath and let ye know." He said to Xanatos.
Xanatos nodded. "Fair enough. I hope to see you all there." He said, leaving the room.
Brooklyn set the paper he was reading down and went to Audri. "So…what did he say to you?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her. Audri smiled and put her arms around his waist. "He was just apologizing for being selfish." She explained.
Brooklyn frowned. "Yeah right. Knowing Xanatos, he's probably up to something." Audri leaned back and gave him a stern look.
"Actually, he told me I was intended to be a gift."
"A gift? For who?" Brooklyn asked, completely baffled.
Audri smiled shyly. "For you. Xanatos wanted only for your happiness, Brooklyn."
Damned if he didn't feel like the biggest narrow-minded jerk right now. "If you'll excuse me…" he started, reluctantly pulling himself free from Audri's embrace and giving her a quick, yet deliciously lustful kiss. "I have a billionaire to make nice with."
Audri laughed. "Don't be too long, my love!" Brooklyn turned to wave, almost tripping over his own feet and then disappeared into the dark hallway.
"Now where is he off to?" Hudson asked.
Audri resumed her seat across from the elder gargoyle and waved a hand in the air. "Oh, off to apologize to Xanatos. So, are you up for another game then?"
If Hudson was surprised, he didn't show it. HE merely chuckled, shook his head, and motioned for Audri to make a move.
After another game and another close victory for Audri, Hudson retired to his recliner to read the paper and Audri stepped out onto the parapets. The cool night breeze caressed her skin and left tiny goose bumps in its wake. With her gaze focusing on the millions of stars dotting the ink blue sky, Audri sat in silence, feeling the whips of her hair brush gently against her flesh. Although she would probably never admit it to her new clan, she loved her time alone. The past few weeks had been incredibly blissful, yet they had also been a trial for her. She didn't' want to distress Brooklyn, or any other clan member for that matter, so she chose to suffer in silence, grasping her small moments alone and using them to emit emotions that she did not want the others to see.
Staring into the heavens, Audri let the tears fall without even noticing. They slid down her cheeks and the moonlight turned them to tiny silver rivers. She lost track of time, standing there with only her thoughts and tears to keep her company. That, and the constant fear and anger that plagued her since she had discovered that Demona was still alive. Somewhere, here in Manhattan, she lived, unaware of Audri's existence. Maybe.
It was that very thought that opened a flood gate of negative thoughts built up inside her and Audri's imagination kicked in. Panic seized her heart in a cold unrelenting grasp. She pictured Demona planning out different ways to destroy her.
So consumed with her thoughts, Audri didn't notice the long shadow closing in on her from behind, not until a warm hand landed on her shoulder. She released a startled cry and whirled around, coming face to face with a very startled Brooklyn. They stood staring at each other for a long moment before either of them spoke.
"How long have you been doing this Audri?" Brooklyn finally asked.
Audri looked down sheepishly at her feet, making almost violent swipes at the tears on her cheeks. She would not lie to Brooklyn. "A few weeks." She almost whispered. "I…I try to be brave and…and strong, but it's incredibly difficult." With each word her voice rose slightly, until she was almost yelling. "I know I promised you that I would not cry anymore, and…I wanted to keep that promise…so…so badly, but…" realizing that she was shouting she lowered her voice, finishing her brief tirade off in a meek whisper. "I'm…I'm so scared Brooklyn." She looked up at him, biting down on her lower lip to keep from busting into tears.
"Deep breath, hun." Brooklyn advised. He reached forward and pulled Audri to him. "You don't have to be scared. I'll protect you Audri…with my life."
Audri nodded, her tear dampened nose rubbing against his neck. "Aye, I know. I love you Brooklyn."
Brooklyn held her tighter. "I love you too, Audri." He had no idea what to do. Audri's situation was unlike anything he had ever encountered before. But he had meant it when he had said he would protect her with his life. He was prepared to do anything it took to keep her safe. He smoothed a hand over her beautiful silvery hair, remembering how it had fanned out around her last night when they had come together. He ached for her again, but now was defiantly not the time.
"Come on, sweetie. Let's go back inside. Goliath just got back with Elisa. No doubt he'll want to send some of us out on patrol."
Audri leaned back and sniffled. Her eyes were still rimmed with tears but any evidence of her crying had been wiped clean from her face. "Aye, lead the way." She gave him a tremulous smile and he knew the worst was over, for now.
Brooklyn released her, his hand sliding down her arm to grasp hers tightly. She started to follow him and it was then that Brooklyn noticed she was walking with a slight limp. "Are you okay, Audri?"
She raised her eyes to him. Lips turned up in a secretive smile, she nodded. "I am just a little sore from…last night. It shall pass."
"I didn't hurt you, did I?" Brooklyn asked.
Audri laughed softly and tugged at his arm. "No, my love. There was a small amount pain…but everything that happened after that made me forget. It was wonderful." Her eyes glowed with love as she looked up at him. God, how had he ever gotten so lucky? He impulsively pulled Audri into his arms, holding her as close as he could. This woman, this beautiful female was his, and he had meant it when he said he would protect her with his life. If he could help it, no harm would ever come to Audri again.
He bent his head to place a loving kiss on her lips and she leaned against him, her soft pliant body brushing intimately against his. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Her talons sifted through his long hair and her mouth opened, deepening this kiss and turning it from soft to sultry. In a matter of seconds, he had her up against the castle wall, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist. Their lips parted and Audri's head fell back exposing her soft pink neck.
Brooklyn nibbled his way down across the sensitive flesh, Audri's quick breaths driving him to the point of madness. It was crazy to take her again. Her body still hadn't recovered from last night, but common sense could not win when pinned against raging lust, and wanting that ran so deep it was almost painful. And he could not deny that she wanted him. His hand eagerly sought her out and found proof of her arousal.
"Audri…it's too soon." He whispered, hardly understanding the words that came from his own mouth.
"Hush Brooklyn. Just love me." Her plea caused his desire for her to flare and his self-control to vanish. He entered her in one swift stroke. This time the fit was perfect, like a key to its keyhole. Audri's cry of pleasure resonated off the stone parapets and Brooklyn chuckled.
"You're going to draw everyone's attention if you don't keep it down, hun."
"It feels too good Brooklyn! I can't help it…" her voice drifted away to a breathy sigh as shifted his weight to better support them. Their bodies began to move together in a dance as old as time. Audri could feel something in her coiling tighter and tighter with every thrust. He called out to her and she tightened her arms around his neck. Then she shattered, her body convulsing around him and he joined her in her release, each crying out in triumph.
"Oh…my…" Audri sighed, her sated body going limp against Brooklyn's.
"I hear ya." Brooklyn said with a small laugh. Audri unwrapped her legs and her body slid down his until she was standing on her own two feet once more.
"Were we not supposed to go inside?" Audri asked, straightening her skirt and brushing her talons through her mused hair. Brooklyn smiled. "That's what I was planning to do. I got distracted." Audri laughed and looped her arm through his, allowing Brooklyn to lead her inside. "I hope no one heard us." She murmured.
While walking through the archway Audri and Brooklyn ran into Lex, Broadway and Angela. "Hey guys, what's going on?" Brooklyn asked.
"Not much. Goliath sent us out on patrol." Lex said.
"Just you guys?"
"Yes. He is inside with Elisa. She said she would like to talk to both of you." Angela said. She smiled at Audri. "But I'd like to have a word first, it that's alright? Just with Audri."
Audri threw a worried glance at Brooklyn but followed Angela. When they were a safe distance away from the males Angela stopped. She turned to Audri and her lips curved up in a smirk. "I just thought I would let you know that there is a slight bruise on your neck and scratches on your back." She said laughingly.
Audri gasped. "Oh dear. If no one new before they shall certainly know now."
Angela laughed. "Don't worry Audri. Everyone is overjoyed that you and Brooklyn have become mates. It's nothing to be ashamed of."
"I'm not ashamed." Audri said. "Quite the contrary." A smile spread across her face. "I never expected it to feel like this Angela. It's so wonderful." The pink gargoyle sighed wistfully and her eyes took on a far away look.
Angela smiled at her friend. "I'm very happy for you Audri. I have to get going but I expect you to tell me all about it when I get back from patrol."
"You will Angela. Be careful tonight, okay?"
Angela nodded and trotted off to join Broadway and Lex, leaving Audri behind. Audri quickly fixed her hair, pulling strands of it forward in hopes to hide the mark Brooklyn had left upon her and then rejoined her lover.
"It appears that someone has left his mark upon me." Audri said coyly when she was by Brooklyn's side. "Now who could have possibly done such a thing?"
"Did I really? Wow…that's something I've never done before."
Audri laughed. "Well, you have now. You're just lucky my hair is long enough to cover it. I wouldn't want everyone making comments about the intimacy we share." She reached over and slipped her talons through his. "Come. Elisa is waiting."
They walked inside and found Elisa sitting on the couch petting a snoozing Bronx.
"Hey Elisa. You wanted to talk to us?" Brooklyn asked.
Elisa pushed Bronx's head off her lap and stood, walking over to Brooklyn and Audri. "Yeah, I did. There's something that I want you two to see."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"It's right there." Elisa said, pointing down to a small building. "Land on the rooftop. I'll get is in."
Carrying Elisa in his arms, Brooklyn nodded to Audri and they descended, landing side by side on the rooftop. Elisa jumped down from Brooklyn's arms and walked to a small hatch. She gave a few yanks before it came free, the rusted hinges squeaking in protest. "Down here." She said, motioning for Brooklyn and Audri to follow her. The three went down a ladder and entered a dark hallway.
"Where are we?" Audri asked, unconsciously moving closer to Brooklyn. Elisa pulled a small flashlight from her pocket and clicked it on, casting a small beam of light into the deserted hallway. Music played faintly, occasionally followed by applause. "We're at the Dark Alley Theater. Not very many people know about it. It took me forever to find. But there's something here that I really think you should see."
Brooklyn and Audri looked at each other in confusion but continued to follow Elisa through the hallway. As they walked the music and cheering got louder. They soon found themselves in a small balcony littered with theater props that overlooked a massive stage with deep red curtains.
A smile lit Audri's face as she looked at the actors and actresses scattered across the stage. Wearing bright, rich costumes adorned with feathers, beads, jewels and sparkling sequins, they danced around the stage. "This is amazing!" Audri cried. She leaned against the ledge to get a better look, resting her chin on her crossed arms.
Brooklyn smiled at his mate. She was so cute when she was excited. "So what did you want us to see?" he asked Elisa.
"Just watch."
Brooklyn moved to stand next to Audri and watch the play, having no idea what to expect. A half an hour went by and Brooklyn still didn't know what he was looking for. He started to turn around to ask Elisa when a figure singled itself out from the crowd of thespians and started dancing to a haunting tune. The story she told with her dancing and with the help of other actors, was of a girl betrothed to a man she didn't know. She wore a mask when she met him, agreeing only to take it off once the man loved her for who she truly was, thus by proving that looks did not matter when true love was involved.
When the man finally proclaimed his undying love for her, the girl spun in a series of circles and pulled away her mask and the gauzy emerald green cape she was wearing to reveal her face. Audri and Brooklyn both gasped in surprise and turned to Elisa.
"Is she…" Audri started. She looked back down at the stage to where the girl stood, her rich yellow skin glowing under the harsh theater lights. She spread her dark golden wings proudly and pushed the mass of wavy auburn hair over her shoulder.
"Another Gargoyle?!"
I'm sorry if this chapter didn't meet your standards. I was having a hard time being creative. You would think that now that I have my own computer I would be creative like 24/7. Ach…oh well. R/R! I promise I'll have the next chapter up soon!!!
Disclaimer: I do not own Gargoyles or any of it's Characters
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6 Another Spell Broken
Chapter 11:
Audri stared across the table to where her opponent sat. She was in quite a mess. One wrong move and she would surly be done for. She looked across the room through the corner of her eye, seeking out her mate and finding him stretched out in Hudson's recliner reading the…oh…what did they call it? Oh right, newspaper.
A small smile touched her mouth as she watched his brow ridge lower in concentration. He was so adorable when he was thinking. Her eyes traveled down his neck and shoulders, watching the muscles in his arm shift slightly as he turned the page, then landed on his bare chest. Her mouth went dry, images of the previous night replaying in her mind. She could still remember the feel of his hands as they lovingly caressed her, moving over her body with infinite care. Though she was still soar from their love making it didn't stop her from wanting more of the pleasure that only Brooklyn could give her.
"Tis yer turn, lass." Hudson's voice called to her. Audri jumped and turned back to the elder gargoyle, a bright blush staining her high cheekbones. Bloody hell, how embarrassing. Hudson probably knew exactly what she was thinking about. It seamed like everyone knew what had happened last night. Even Goliath's lady friend, Elisa. Audri had expected Angela to know about it, but upon receiving the knowing looks from Lexington and Broadway, it was impossible to assume that the clan was in the dark about what had transpired the evening before.
Pushing her thoughts aside, Audri turned her attention back to the task at hand and tried to stop the smirk tugging at her lips. "Bold move, my dear friend." She said. Hudson gave her a confused look and glanced down at the chessboard that lay between them, quickly realizing his mistake.
"Och, I should have seen that one comin'!" he laughed and shook his head.
"Aye, you should have." Audri agreed. She moved her Queen forward and placed it in the path of Hudson's unprotected King, saying in satisfaction, "check mate."
"Ye play well lass." Hudson said, picking up his lost chess pieces and placing them back in their respective spots.
"Why thank you Hudson. You make a very good opponent. It has been quite sometime since…" Audri stopped speaking, her face twisting in startled perplexity.
"What is it lass?" Hudson asked.
Audri grimaced as she felt something warm, wet and slimy ooze down her leg. She looked under the table expecting to see Bronx but instead encountered a pair of wide hazel eyes staring innocently up at her.
"Well…hello there." She cooed softly to the small human child who had wrapped himself around her leg. The baby unwound his chubby arms and held them out to Audri, wiggling his tiny fingers impatiently. Laughing, Audri leaned over and pulled the baby into her lap. "Where did you come from?" she asked.
"Alex!" Lex yelped, making a clumsy leap over the back of the couch and walking over to where Audri and Alex sat. "How did you get up here?"
"His name is Alex? Where are his mother and father?" Audri asked. She rubbed her nose against Alex's, making all kinds of baby noises and was overjoyed when he giggled and lunged at her, throwing his little baby arms around her neck.
"I think the little lads takin' a likin to ye." Hudson said. Audri smiled and pulled Alex off her neck. With Alex cradled softly in her arms, Audri was able to get a much better look at him. "He looks…familiar somehow." She murmured, brushing her talons carefully through his downy soft hair.
"He's Xanatos' son." Lex said. He waved to Alex. Audri stiffened but kept a smile firmly in place. "You mean that vile man actually fathered such an angel of a child?"
"Any vile man is capable of fathering a child, my dear." A smooth, cool voice rang out from across the room. Audri clenched her teeth together. The vile man obviously had very good timing or, in her case, very bad timing.
"And I see that mine has wandered up here, straight into the arms of a beautiful female. The boy is so much like his father." Xanatos said.
"Watch it Xanatos." Brooklyn warned, not bothering to even glance up from his reading.
"Just here to see to my son." Xanatos said, holding up his hands. "And to offer an apology, if I may."
Audri's head shot up. Quickly recovering from her momentary shock, she fixed an uninterested look on her face and stood up. Baby Alex remained cradled in her arms, looking for all the world as if he had were considering making that very spot his permanent home.
"Offer an apology? To whom?" Audri asked with cool indifference. She was intent on making Xanatos sweat, just a little. Then, maybe she would forgive him. She really didn't want to have any hatred built up towards the man, but she had always harbored a dislike for arrogant selfish people.
"Why, to you of course." Xanatos said, walking towards her. "You see…"
"Audri."
"Yes, Audri. I realize that what I did, although not something I regret doing, was quite selfish of me." He stopped in front of her and lowered his voice so that Audri was the only one able to hear him. "The fact is…I didn't do it for myself. Now, this is very unlike me but…I did it for Brooklyn."
Audri's mouth fell open and she muttered a startled, "Oh."
Xanatos smiled, a genuine kindhearted smile. "When I heard about a stunning statue of a female gargoyle found in the middle of the highlands, I knew it wasn't just a statue."
"How did you know?" Audri asked in slight awe.
"You were found in the middle of a forest. That's how. So, going on what I knew the Gargoyles here, I made a few business deals and brought you here." Xanatos smiled again, this time down at his son. "I still didn't feel as if I had fully repaid the Goliath and his clan for saving this little guys life. When I heard of you, my dear, it was obvious what I could do to try and make amends, yet the only one I could truly make amends to was Brooklyn. He was not content so I sought out to fix the problem." He threw a quick glance over his shoulder in Brooklyn's direction. "I trust everything is going well?"
Audri tried to hide the grin that spread across her face, but failed miserably. "Aye, things are going very well." She said. Audri held Alex up and kissed his cheek. "Your father is making it very difficult for me to stay mad at him."
"That was the plan. So…am I forgiven then?" Xanatos asked, taking Alex from Audri when she handed him over. Audri thought about what she was going to say. The man had placed her right in front of a gargoyle who loved her deeply, and because of him Audri had a family again.
"Alright Xanatos. You are forgiven." She said grudgingly.
The multi-billionaire smiled once again at his son. "You here that, Alexander? She forgives me. All is right in the world again!"
Audri laughed and shook her head, watching the retreating back of Xanatos. "Oh, by the way." He said, turning on his heal and addressing the entire room. "I have decided to throw a costume ball in honor of the new addition to your clan. Of course you are all invited. It will be held this coming weekend. Interested?"
"Yeah!" Lex exclaimed.
Hudson threw him a severe look. "We'll bring it up with Goliath and let ye know." He said to Xanatos.
Xanatos nodded. "Fair enough. I hope to see you all there." He said, leaving the room.
Brooklyn set the paper he was reading down and went to Audri. "So…what did he say to you?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her. Audri smiled and put her arms around his waist. "He was just apologizing for being selfish." She explained.
Brooklyn frowned. "Yeah right. Knowing Xanatos, he's probably up to something." Audri leaned back and gave him a stern look.
"Actually, he told me I was intended to be a gift."
"A gift? For who?" Brooklyn asked, completely baffled.
Audri smiled shyly. "For you. Xanatos wanted only for your happiness, Brooklyn."
Damned if he didn't feel like the biggest narrow-minded jerk right now. "If you'll excuse me…" he started, reluctantly pulling himself free from Audri's embrace and giving her a quick, yet deliciously lustful kiss. "I have a billionaire to make nice with."
Audri laughed. "Don't be too long, my love!" Brooklyn turned to wave, almost tripping over his own feet and then disappeared into the dark hallway.
"Now where is he off to?" Hudson asked.
Audri resumed her seat across from the elder gargoyle and waved a hand in the air. "Oh, off to apologize to Xanatos. So, are you up for another game then?"
If Hudson was surprised, he didn't show it. HE merely chuckled, shook his head, and motioned for Audri to make a move.
After another game and another close victory for Audri, Hudson retired to his recliner to read the paper and Audri stepped out onto the parapets. The cool night breeze caressed her skin and left tiny goose bumps in its wake. With her gaze focusing on the millions of stars dotting the ink blue sky, Audri sat in silence, feeling the whips of her hair brush gently against her flesh. Although she would probably never admit it to her new clan, she loved her time alone. The past few weeks had been incredibly blissful, yet they had also been a trial for her. She didn't' want to distress Brooklyn, or any other clan member for that matter, so she chose to suffer in silence, grasping her small moments alone and using them to emit emotions that she did not want the others to see.
Staring into the heavens, Audri let the tears fall without even noticing. They slid down her cheeks and the moonlight turned them to tiny silver rivers. She lost track of time, standing there with only her thoughts and tears to keep her company. That, and the constant fear and anger that plagued her since she had discovered that Demona was still alive. Somewhere, here in Manhattan, she lived, unaware of Audri's existence. Maybe.
It was that very thought that opened a flood gate of negative thoughts built up inside her and Audri's imagination kicked in. Panic seized her heart in a cold unrelenting grasp. She pictured Demona planning out different ways to destroy her.
So consumed with her thoughts, Audri didn't notice the long shadow closing in on her from behind, not until a warm hand landed on her shoulder. She released a startled cry and whirled around, coming face to face with a very startled Brooklyn. They stood staring at each other for a long moment before either of them spoke.
"How long have you been doing this Audri?" Brooklyn finally asked.
Audri looked down sheepishly at her feet, making almost violent swipes at the tears on her cheeks. She would not lie to Brooklyn. "A few weeks." She almost whispered. "I…I try to be brave and…and strong, but it's incredibly difficult." With each word her voice rose slightly, until she was almost yelling. "I know I promised you that I would not cry anymore, and…I wanted to keep that promise…so…so badly, but…" realizing that she was shouting she lowered her voice, finishing her brief tirade off in a meek whisper. "I'm…I'm so scared Brooklyn." She looked up at him, biting down on her lower lip to keep from busting into tears.
"Deep breath, hun." Brooklyn advised. He reached forward and pulled Audri to him. "You don't have to be scared. I'll protect you Audri…with my life."
Audri nodded, her tear dampened nose rubbing against his neck. "Aye, I know. I love you Brooklyn."
Brooklyn held her tighter. "I love you too, Audri." He had no idea what to do. Audri's situation was unlike anything he had ever encountered before. But he had meant it when he had said he would protect her with his life. He was prepared to do anything it took to keep her safe. He smoothed a hand over her beautiful silvery hair, remembering how it had fanned out around her last night when they had come together. He ached for her again, but now was defiantly not the time.
"Come on, sweetie. Let's go back inside. Goliath just got back with Elisa. No doubt he'll want to send some of us out on patrol."
Audri leaned back and sniffled. Her eyes were still rimmed with tears but any evidence of her crying had been wiped clean from her face. "Aye, lead the way." She gave him a tremulous smile and he knew the worst was over, for now.
Brooklyn released her, his hand sliding down her arm to grasp hers tightly. She started to follow him and it was then that Brooklyn noticed she was walking with a slight limp. "Are you okay, Audri?"
She raised her eyes to him. Lips turned up in a secretive smile, she nodded. "I am just a little sore from…last night. It shall pass."
"I didn't hurt you, did I?" Brooklyn asked.
Audri laughed softly and tugged at his arm. "No, my love. There was a small amount pain…but everything that happened after that made me forget. It was wonderful." Her eyes glowed with love as she looked up at him. God, how had he ever gotten so lucky? He impulsively pulled Audri into his arms, holding her as close as he could. This woman, this beautiful female was his, and he had meant it when he said he would protect her with his life. If he could help it, no harm would ever come to Audri again.
He bent his head to place a loving kiss on her lips and she leaned against him, her soft pliant body brushing intimately against his. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Her talons sifted through his long hair and her mouth opened, deepening this kiss and turning it from soft to sultry. In a matter of seconds, he had her up against the castle wall, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist. Their lips parted and Audri's head fell back exposing her soft pink neck.
Brooklyn nibbled his way down across the sensitive flesh, Audri's quick breaths driving him to the point of madness. It was crazy to take her again. Her body still hadn't recovered from last night, but common sense could not win when pinned against raging lust, and wanting that ran so deep it was almost painful. And he could not deny that she wanted him. His hand eagerly sought her out and found proof of her arousal.
"Audri…it's too soon." He whispered, hardly understanding the words that came from his own mouth.
"Hush Brooklyn. Just love me." Her plea caused his desire for her to flare and his self-control to vanish. He entered her in one swift stroke. This time the fit was perfect, like a key to its keyhole. Audri's cry of pleasure resonated off the stone parapets and Brooklyn chuckled.
"You're going to draw everyone's attention if you don't keep it down, hun."
"It feels too good Brooklyn! I can't help it…" her voice drifted away to a breathy sigh as shifted his weight to better support them. Their bodies began to move together in a dance as old as time. Audri could feel something in her coiling tighter and tighter with every thrust. He called out to her and she tightened her arms around his neck. Then she shattered, her body convulsing around him and he joined her in her release, each crying out in triumph.
"Oh…my…" Audri sighed, her sated body going limp against Brooklyn's.
"I hear ya." Brooklyn said with a small laugh. Audri unwrapped her legs and her body slid down his until she was standing on her own two feet once more.
"Were we not supposed to go inside?" Audri asked, straightening her skirt and brushing her talons through her mused hair. Brooklyn smiled. "That's what I was planning to do. I got distracted." Audri laughed and looped her arm through his, allowing Brooklyn to lead her inside. "I hope no one heard us." She murmured.
While walking through the archway Audri and Brooklyn ran into Lex, Broadway and Angela. "Hey guys, what's going on?" Brooklyn asked.
"Not much. Goliath sent us out on patrol." Lex said.
"Just you guys?"
"Yes. He is inside with Elisa. She said she would like to talk to both of you." Angela said. She smiled at Audri. "But I'd like to have a word first, it that's alright? Just with Audri."
Audri threw a worried glance at Brooklyn but followed Angela. When they were a safe distance away from the males Angela stopped. She turned to Audri and her lips curved up in a smirk. "I just thought I would let you know that there is a slight bruise on your neck and scratches on your back." She said laughingly.
Audri gasped. "Oh dear. If no one new before they shall certainly know now."
Angela laughed. "Don't worry Audri. Everyone is overjoyed that you and Brooklyn have become mates. It's nothing to be ashamed of."
"I'm not ashamed." Audri said. "Quite the contrary." A smile spread across her face. "I never expected it to feel like this Angela. It's so wonderful." The pink gargoyle sighed wistfully and her eyes took on a far away look.
Angela smiled at her friend. "I'm very happy for you Audri. I have to get going but I expect you to tell me all about it when I get back from patrol."
"You will Angela. Be careful tonight, okay?"
Angela nodded and trotted off to join Broadway and Lex, leaving Audri behind. Audri quickly fixed her hair, pulling strands of it forward in hopes to hide the mark Brooklyn had left upon her and then rejoined her lover.
"It appears that someone has left his mark upon me." Audri said coyly when she was by Brooklyn's side. "Now who could have possibly done such a thing?"
"Did I really? Wow…that's something I've never done before."
Audri laughed. "Well, you have now. You're just lucky my hair is long enough to cover it. I wouldn't want everyone making comments about the intimacy we share." She reached over and slipped her talons through his. "Come. Elisa is waiting."
They walked inside and found Elisa sitting on the couch petting a snoozing Bronx.
"Hey Elisa. You wanted to talk to us?" Brooklyn asked.
Elisa pushed Bronx's head off her lap and stood, walking over to Brooklyn and Audri. "Yeah, I did. There's something that I want you two to see."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"It's right there." Elisa said, pointing down to a small building. "Land on the rooftop. I'll get is in."
Carrying Elisa in his arms, Brooklyn nodded to Audri and they descended, landing side by side on the rooftop. Elisa jumped down from Brooklyn's arms and walked to a small hatch. She gave a few yanks before it came free, the rusted hinges squeaking in protest. "Down here." She said, motioning for Brooklyn and Audri to follow her. The three went down a ladder and entered a dark hallway.
"Where are we?" Audri asked, unconsciously moving closer to Brooklyn. Elisa pulled a small flashlight from her pocket and clicked it on, casting a small beam of light into the deserted hallway. Music played faintly, occasionally followed by applause. "We're at the Dark Alley Theater. Not very many people know about it. It took me forever to find. But there's something here that I really think you should see."
Brooklyn and Audri looked at each other in confusion but continued to follow Elisa through the hallway. As they walked the music and cheering got louder. They soon found themselves in a small balcony littered with theater props that overlooked a massive stage with deep red curtains.
A smile lit Audri's face as she looked at the actors and actresses scattered across the stage. Wearing bright, rich costumes adorned with feathers, beads, jewels and sparkling sequins, they danced around the stage. "This is amazing!" Audri cried. She leaned against the ledge to get a better look, resting her chin on her crossed arms.
Brooklyn smiled at his mate. She was so cute when she was excited. "So what did you want us to see?" he asked Elisa.
"Just watch."
Brooklyn moved to stand next to Audri and watch the play, having no idea what to expect. A half an hour went by and Brooklyn still didn't know what he was looking for. He started to turn around to ask Elisa when a figure singled itself out from the crowd of thespians and started dancing to a haunting tune. The story she told with her dancing and with the help of other actors, was of a girl betrothed to a man she didn't know. She wore a mask when she met him, agreeing only to take it off once the man loved her for who she truly was, thus by proving that looks did not matter when true love was involved.
When the man finally proclaimed his undying love for her, the girl spun in a series of circles and pulled away her mask and the gauzy emerald green cape she was wearing to reveal her face. Audri and Brooklyn both gasped in surprise and turned to Elisa.
"Is she…" Audri started. She looked back down at the stage to where the girl stood, her rich yellow skin glowing under the harsh theater lights. She spread her dark golden wings proudly and pushed the mass of wavy auburn hair over her shoulder.
"Another Gargoyle?!"
I'm sorry if this chapter didn't meet your standards. I was having a hard time being creative. You would think that now that I have my own computer I would be creative like 24/7. Ach…oh well. R/R! I promise I'll have the next chapter up soon!!!