I know, I'm behind schedule with this chapter...life has been insanely busy this week! So sorry to keep you waiting...
Chapter Eleven
The next time Meredith wakes, the room is dark still, the drapes having been tightly drawn at some point to keep the sun at bay. A glance at the clock tells her it's nearly noon, a scandalously late time for her to sleep in to - yet no wonder, since they had been awake nearly till dawn. Derek is deep in vampire slumber, barely breathing, his skin cool. He looks peaceful, yet Meredith is aware this must be a dangerous time for him - totally unable to defend himself if anyone should want to harm him. A little shiver touches her spine at that thought.
She slips away to the shower, feeling her body ache in ways she never imagined. Derek had been gentle, yes, but also passionate and sensual and challenging her to meet him in the same manner. The experience had been every bit as amazing as her dreams, and more. She grins a little as the water sprays over her in hot waves, and the rich fragrance of the soap fills the air. If Derek were here with her, wet skin sliding sinuously together...a now familiar ache in her core stirs at the thought...
Getting out, drying off in luxurious towels, she contemplates the rest of the day. She doesn't usually have time to herself like this, without work or errands to run. She dresses and peeks in at Derek again, who has not moved at all in her absence. She drops a small kiss on his forehead and goes to explore the kitchen. Her stomach is grumbling in protest, and she isn't even sure if there will be anything to eat. Surprisingly, the refrigerator is stocked with a few essentials, and even a can of coffee sits beside the sleek chrome coffeemaker. The kitchen also boasts pristine appliances, oak cupboards, and a huge oak table and chair set next to a large window that is letting in the sun. Obviously no need for dark curtains here, she thinks with a smile. As the coffee brews, she gazes out the window, noting the large area of lush grass, surrounded by mature trees, and bushes. It's private and serene, far removed from her own small backyard, with it's ancient collection of lounge chairs and flower pots. This whole experience is beginning to make her feel like Alice in Wonderland...
After making a quick lunch, she grabs her cell phone and dials Adele's number to plan for later. Just hearing Adele's voice brings a rush of emotion. "Child, you sound happy, but kind of scared too..."
"So many changes to absorb. Derek wants us to leave as soon as possible, and there's still the house to close, and I have to pack..." Meredith's voice trails off as she considers things she hadn't taken note of before this.
"Leave the house to me and Richard, dear. We'll take care of everything. It will be here if you ever come back. Or you can let us know what to do with it," Adele sighs a little. "I knew this day would come, but it's still hard. I'm gonna miss you so, but Richard tells me you're in good hands with Derek. Lukos wouldn't leave you with anyone that couldn't look after you."
"Derek's been amazing..." Meredith agrees. In more ways than one...but she keeps that thought to herself.
"Mmmhmmm..." Adele comments knowingly. "I'm sure. But we'll see you both tonight then. After sunset, of course."
"Sounds good, see you then..."
Meredith spends the rest of the day sitting outside, enjoying some of the autumn's last sunshine, leafing through some books she found in the kitchen. Strange to think that soon this won't be a possibility - this will be her last sunshine as well soon. She touches her throat, remembering the feel of Derek's mouth there, the merest hint of fangs against her skin. Thinking of his words - bonded - for eternity...is that really what she wants? God, a week ago she didn't even have a boyfriend, and now she's contemplating being with Derek forever. To someone as normally level-headed and responsible as she is, it seems like a total absurdity. But she can't help but admit that even after such a short time, the thought of living without him saddens her. Her heart and her mind are decided, even if Derek thinks she is too young to take that step. She has always been mature for her age, having your mother killed makes you grow up quickly, after all.
Derek finds her still sitting outside after sunset, curled in the chair on the deck. He had woken to the scent of her in the air, realizing that he was already accustomed to having her presence there. And the little feminine touches were everywhere as well, he discovered with a smile, as he went to shower. It was strange in some ways, to share his home with someone again, but it felt right to have her there.
Now he pauses, leaning against the frame of the patio door, and she catches his eyes on her. He is dressed again in his usual black leather pants, and a dark blue shirt that makes his eyes seem more vibrant. His hair is still damp and curling from the shower, and he exudes pure male confidence as he moves towards her after she gives him a smile. The air is cooler now, stars beginning to pop out into the velvet sky. He drops down to his knees in front of her, taking her hands in his. "What are you doing out here, Meredith?" he asks softly, kissing her fingers. "You're getting cold." Easing her to her feet, he takes the chair instead, and pulls her into his lap, as she settles against his chest. He kisses her hair softly.
"Just thinking," she murmurs.
"I see...having second thoughts about the new life?"
"I can't stop it, even if I was, now could I?" she laughs.
"True, but as far as my involvement with you?" He tips her face up to look at her closely.
"Derek, you are proving to be the best part of this whole thing so far..." Meredith leans in to kiss his throat, where his shirt is open.
"So far?" he teases her, threading his fingers in her hair, sliding the silken strands gently. "You think there will be someone else coming along more to your liking than me?"
"Arrogant immortal..." she giggles, as he takes her face in his long fingers, lowering his head to her.
"Tempting mortal..." he growls, kissing her fiercely, taking her breath away instantly, making her want him all over again. In a fluid motion, Derek lifts her up and carries her inside. "It's too dangerous outside," he mutters, closing the door behind them with a swift kick. He carries her over to the counter and sets her down, standing between her legs, taking her face in his hands once more Their eyes devour each other, and her breath catches suddenly in her throat. Very slowly, he bends his head to hers, and captures her lips under his, and consumes her, biting her lips, sucking on her tongue, endlessly and sensuously. As he takes her mouth over and over, he pushes aside her thin t-shirt, cupping her breasts. Bending down, he takes her nipple in his mouth and sucks on her, her body rising to meet his mouth, wanting more, trying to get even closer, both her hands winding through his hair.
"Damnation, Meredith..." he growls, his breath fanning her ear, sending a shiver of delight along her spine. "We best leave now for Richard's, or we won't get out of here. I will make it up to you later..."
"Are you sure we can wait that long?" she murmurs, shocked at how much she wants him again. Her small hand trails along his groin, caressing him through the black leather.
"Meredith, I'm supposed to be the level headed one here," Derek says hotly, unable to move, touching his mouth to hers again, whisper soft. Seemingly of their own volition, his hands reach for the buttons on her pants, his fingers sliding inside. Meredith lets out a soft cry of pleasure as his hands make contact with her, and his hips move forward against her, playing with her, making her wetter and him harder. "Lift up, sweetie," he mutters, pulling at her pants as she raises herself off the counter so he can ease them away from her. Raw passion and need fuels them both then, as she tugs at his clothes, and before she realizes it, he is naked with her, pulling her against him, raining kisses along her throat and her face.
All Derek can feel is her heat – his body is picking it up from her, and he is more than willing to keep her here like this all night. He teases her with his cock, fitting himself to her, so that she spreads her legs open wider for him. He thrusts himself into her almost instantly, where she is silky and wet, pushing in deeper as she contracts around him. He pulls her closer, his hands on her ass, thrusting again and again, as molten pleasure shoots through his core. "God, you feel good," he mutters, his voice hoarse with desire. He kisses her cheek, her lips, and runs his tongue down the side of her neck.
Meredith's mouth grazes his shoulder, his collarbone and back to his mouth, her hips matching his thrusts evenly, shamelessly losing herself in how good he makes her feel. The touch of his fangs jolts her to the marrow, and she tilts her head, offering her throat again. "Do it..." she begs, meeting his eyes, seeing the gold flaring.
"No...not now..." he pants, stroking her clit, teasing her into more mindless shudders. "Soon, love...I swear...if that's what you want..."
"Take me, Derek...all of me..." she moans, starting to climax, and he feels her contract around him harder and more intense than before. He thrusts in once more, deeper, burying himself inside her, and he holds himself there, his whole body shaking with the force of his release.
Meredith falls against him, laughing weakly, as they become aware of their surroundings again. "This isn't what I expected when I asked if you really wanted to wait..." she gasps, burying her face against his chest, her eyes closed. She feels the rumble of laughter, as he kisses the top of her head.
"Indeed...we seem to have this combustible effect on each other, love..." Derek agrees, looking around at their scattered clothing, the scent of her female arousal still tormenting him. "And much as I would love to stay here all night like this, they are expecting us."
"You're right." Meredith eases down to her feet, still within the circle of his arms. "And now I have to brush my hair and try to look respectable - I can't go over to see Adele looking like you've just made love to me..." A little pink blush creeps over her cheeks, as she scoops up her clothes.
"And you look adorable that way," he teases her, swinging her into his arms easily, and heading for the bedroom. Just to get dressed, he assures himself...
Meredith drives into the parking lot at Seattle Grace in the cool dawn of the next morning, trying to decide what she is going to tell everyone about her imminent departure. Scanning the lot, her heart contracts at the thought of leaving this familiar place. It had been hard enough saying goodbye to Richard and Adele last night. Adele had hugged her so hard, tears streaming down her cheeks, that Meredith felt conflicted all over again. It was only Derek's strong presence that enabled her to hold it together.
And now for the next hard part, telling the rest of her co-workers, people who had come to be friends, that she would be leaving. "Yeah, I'm leaving for London with a guy who's a vampire, folks. And oh yeah, I'm gonna be one too if I don't get killed first," she mutters under her breath as she steps outside. Heavy gray clouds hang overhead, adding to the dismal mood, obscuring any sun that may be attempting to peek through. When she had left Derek, he had kissed her gently, searching her face for signs of indecision.
"I'll be fine, Derek, don't worry," she whispered, relishing the feel of his arms around her, the strength of his broad chest against her. After so many years alone, it felt too good to be able to lean on someone.
"I still think this is too dangerous to let you go alone," he said, tipping up her chin. "You should phone Dr. Bailey, and the others instead. If anything happens to you..."
"It's daylight, you can't go with me, and the bad guys won't be able to get me either, right?"
He brushed her hair away from her eyes tenderly. "Just be careful, sweetheart. I will be ready to leave at sundown. Pack a bag, travel light. We can buy whatever you need in London...."
Meredith nodded, pressing her mouth against his, feeling the cool touch of his lips, the spark of desire that jumped between them. "Go to sleep. I'll be back as quick as I can..."
Now she sighs to herself, "They'll lock me up in psych so fast it'll make my head spin if I tell them the truth..."
"Talking to yourself, Mer?" Cristina asks, hopping off her motorcycle beside Meredith. "Bad sign."
Meredith stops and impulsively throws her arms around her friend, squeezing her tightly.
"Mer...you're hugging me..." Cristina mutters, raising her eyebrows in surprise, disentangling herself.
"I'm sorry, I just...oh crap..." Meredith sighs.
"What...are you sick? You look a little pale..."
Meredith shakes her head, keeping quiet until they get inside. When they get to the locker room, they find Richard and Dr. Bailey already there, deep in conversation, along with one of the new attendings, Dr. Montgomery, and Meredith knows that he has already broken the news to her resident. He nods at her, as she and Cristina stop in front of them. A few of the other interns are milling around, sensing something is up somehow. George looks worried, more worried than usual. Meredith straightens her shoulders, nodding back at Richard. Dr. Montgomery looks over her tortoiseshell glasses perched on her nose, perfectly groomed eyebrows arched. The new OB surgeon has just transferred from New York, and Meredith isn't sure about her, but she won't have to worry about it much longer now.
"Good morning, I've just let Miranda and Addison know about your news, Meredith," Richard tells her, with a small smile.
"What news?" Cristina demands, looking at Meredith, and back to Richard.
"I'm leaving the program, immediately. I have an, um, family crisis to attend to, and I'm leaving the country. If there was any other way to deal with it, I would, but I really can't stay here anymore, " Meredith says softly, shifting her backpack.
The crowd around them falls suddenly quiet, and everyone stares at Meredith in shock. Unexpected tears well up in Meredith's eyes, and she blinks rapidly to keep them from falling. George pats her awkwardly on her shoulder, trying to be helpful, but it isn't working.
"I'm sorry to lose you, Meredith," Dr. Bailey says, shaking her head. "And especially today, we seem to be missing Dr. Stevens…she hasn't called in, and no one knows where she is." Her eyebrows raised as if questioning Meredith about this. "Are you sure you can't stay and fill in for the morning? It's gonna be a busy day again."
"Oh…I don't know…" Meredith glances at Richard, who shrugs.
"I haven't put the paperwork through yet, you're still on the clock, if you want," he says. "But only a few hours, you know you have things to take care of."
"Okay, sure, then I'll be glad to help."
"Good, now get your butts ready and meet me at the nurse's station for rounds – five minutes!" Bailey says sternly, before turning to stride away, the rest of the interns following like ducklings in her wake.
"Meredith, talk to me," Cristina hisses, grabbing her arm once they are alone. "You're quitting and you didn't even tell me before? What is it - that guy you met? You're ditching us for him?"
Meredith shakes her head miserably. "No...it's more complicated than Derek. I'm not even sure what to tell you."
"You've gotten pretty cozy with this guy already, though." Cristina looks at Meredith's throat suspiciously, noting the tiny bruises where Derek's fangs had left a faint mark. True to his word, he hadn't bitten her, but came close enough to graze the delicate skin. "You've been having hot sex with McDreamy, and you're leaving me here to work with the Nazi? That is so unfair..." She slams her locker open and pulls out her scrubs, shimmying into them as she speaks.
Despite herself, Meredith smiles a little. "McDreamy?"
"Hot motorcycle stud with the body to die for..." Cristina shrugs. "You're leaving for him aren't you? I know I told you to get laid, but no guy is worth throwing your career away for!"
"It's not that. I really do have family issues, and he's helping me with that." Meredith edges away, and opens her locker, changing as well. "That's why he was looking for me, after all."
"Your family is here in Seattle," Cristina points out, folding her arms over her chest and tapping her foot, not giving Meredith any latitude. "Spill."
"Okay..." Meredith sits on the bench, staring at the floor. "Richard and Adele are only sort of my foster parents, you know. My real mother was killed when I was four, I never knew my father. Now, things have happened, and I have to go to England to meet with him on my birthday."
"Oh, well, that makes it all crystal clear," Cristina says sarcastically. "Is he rich?"
"Who?"
"Your father...?"
"I have no idea...but Derek says it's not safe for me here now, and he's taking me away. Tonight. I really can't explain anything more than that - I wish I could, seriously!"
"Holy shit." Cristina sits down beside her, shaking her head in disbelief. "Are you really sure about all this? I mean, this guy you just met a few days ago, and you're trusting him? Has he shown you any proof?"
"I trust Derek - and I know it's all true what he's told me. And besides, Richard knows my father from before apparently, he vouches for the facts." And Meredith knows it in her soul as well. After all the years of feeling different than everyone, of having the visions the last little while...it all makes sense now.
Before Cristina can say anything else, the locker room door is pushed open, and Dr. Bailey pokes her head in. "Hurry up ladies! This isn't a tea party!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Cristina shouts, tugging Meredith along with her. "At least keep me company for a few more hours. Fill me in while Bailey's not watching…"
By the time noon rolls around, they have put in a full morning, with rounds, and trauma cases. As the others head off to grab a quick lunch, she heads back to the locker room. "Bye Cris…take care, okay? I'll be in touch…" she says, as Cristina gives her a long searching look.
"You better – and make sure I can come visit sometime."
Cristina sprints off to catch the rest of the group, and Meredith watches for a moment, before walking into the locker room. Faint familiar hospital sounds filter in, and she sighs as she rummages through the locker. Life will never be the same, but it will be okay, she muses. After all, Derek will be there with her. She bends over to pull out her other shoes, shifting her backpack to the bottom of the locker.
The locker room door creaks open again, and there is the sound of shoes squeaking behind her. "Hey..." Meredith peers over her shoulder, "What are y-" Her eyes widen, as she sees a hypodermic needle descending into her shoulder. Twisting in panic, attempting to get away, before she feels a prick of the needle, and then the world spins crazily and goes black...
