Maddox lay on the bed beside his woman and their tiny baby between them; he lay awake to watch over them. Aline barely made a sound but Maddox heard her and came to the door.
She bit her lip as he stared down at her, "I need to speak to you."
"About what- I'm busy."
"I'm sorry."
He nodded and they went into the next room to talk. Aline told him everything about her trip to get the final six hunters and then about the vampires who saved her life- some of the discussion with Stephano and then she said that Angel, their… apparent leader collects historic weapons. "Can I give Angel the sword?"
"Why mine?"
"Because it has value and you won't ever need it again. If you do not, I will surely understand," she told him.
But Maddox stood and nodded, "I'll go get it."
"Thank you Maddox," she said and he nodded. Ever since the war ended and her parent's identities were found out, everyone has treated her a little differently. He returned with the sword wrapped in leather and twine holding it on the blade. "Are you sure Maddox?"
"I don't ever want to see it again," he answered and with that he left and returned to his woman and baby.
Aline went downstairs and found Strider in the kitchen, watching television and eating a sandwich. He grinned at her and she went to him; he nodded at the wrapped weapon and she told him what he wanted to know. "You're rewarding vampires?"
She grinned and allowed him to smother her with a meaty kiss. She laughed quietly, "Vampires who saved my life remember." He eventually nodded. "When I get back you may punish me for leaving you without telling you where I was going." She promised and he grinned and kissed her again and she disappeared with the sword.
…