Lewis climbed tiredly out of the Mercedes. It had been a long few days and he was missing his mate. The complex was quiet when they arrived. Other than the guards on duty, it seemed no one was stirring.

"It's still early," Tom said as though he had read his thoughts.

"Yes." He looked to where the sun was rising just above the horizon. His mate was certainly still asleep…he smiled at the thought and quickened his step, leaving Tom and Alexa staring after him.

He only made it as far as the study he had turned over to Mark. The coexistence faction's West Coast US section leader stepped out of it as he passed.

"Welcome back, Lewis. Did all go well?" Mark asked.

"As well as it could. You're up a bit early, aren't you?"

Mark frowned at him. "I didn't sleep well. Care to elaborate on how the clean up went?"

Lewis sighed and followed the younger man into the study and took a seat. He pulled a file out of the portfolio he carried and dropped it on the desk. "Tom, Alexa, and I met with members of the NSA. They are arranging for everyone's presence in Danielle's home other than mine and Keridwen's to be overlooked. It was felt that since Keridwen's pregnancy will eventually become public knowledge, and that since the paternity issue was shoved in her cousin's face, so to speak, it would serve as sufficient motive for Danielle's breakdown."

"Excellent. I'm glad they were agreeable to keeping my people out of it. It would be…unfortunate if the council were to learn that your mate was associated with us."

"It is unfortunate that the council will learn that Keridwen is associated with me without having direct evidence that we are bonded mates," Lewis noted.

"Carla is looking into doing something about that. She will be back this weekend to discuss it with you." Mark frowned in thought. "Were you able to apprise them of Danielle's experimentation programs?"

"Yes. In addition to questioning us about the incident, they took depositions from Tom and me about the treatment we received during our incarcerations and from Tom regarding his kidnapping. But so far, Danielle Ashton has only been charged for the murder of Senator Grant Ashton, and she is being examined by psychiatrists to determine whether she is competent to stand trial for it."

"Is she? From what James was able to tell me, and what Keri told Anja, the woman is quite mad."

"She is unbalanced, certainly. But she understands what she did and why." Lewis grimaced at the thought of his mate's cousin and her twisted psyche. "We also made tentative arrangements for their agents to meet with Dr. Bowman and Dr. Townsend to take their statements about the programs Danielle was running, and with Dr. Attwood, Mr. Peterson, Dr. Parker, and Dr. Tate regarding the ambush and Tom's kidnapping. We did not suggest that you join them. It was our consensus that you would prefer to remain anonymous."

"Yes. Thank you. Tell me, Lewis, do you trust the NSA?"

"Of course not. We will choose the meeting site. You can have soldiers meet their agents there and take them in a closed vehicle to a second site where our sapiens guests will be waiting to give their depositions."

"A wise precaution," Mark noted absently. "But I wonder if this is worthwhile, if anything helpful will come of this."

Lewis shrugged. "I don't think they'll file any further charges against her, but I believe giving a full report cannot harm any of us. Regardless of whether one is attempting to negotiate coexistence or not, this will build sympathy for our people with those that are aware of it. Though if they do not choose to add any charges for the program related activities, I very much doubt they will allow any of it to become public knowledge."

"Even if it becomes known only among the sapiens' Intelligence Community, it will be an advantage for us."

"I will be pleased if it simply discourages such an outrage from recurring," Lewis said. "Now, if you have nothing further, I wish to join my mate."

"Ah, of course. I'm sorry to have delayed you. Thank you for the update."

... ...

Anja sighed as she stared across the room. Keri was sleeping fitfully in the king-sized bed. It had been more than four days since Lewis had sent Keri home from LA alone. Keri had slept around the clock once Dr. Bowman had taken her off the sedative, and had been moping around the facility ever since. Nothing seemed to hold her interest. She'd had to hound her surrogate birth-sib into eating and getting outside.

The sun was coming up. It was yet another day that her sib would wake without her mate and be miserable. Anja picked at the Afghan that she had wrapped herself in. It was also another day she'd woken up without Mark. But she was not going to be miserable. As soon as Lewis returned and took back his responsibility for his mate, she was going to have a long discussion with Mark about him not keeping his promises.

Anja frowned. Her hip was healed; she just needed some PT to recover full use of her muscles. Mark was not going to be able to put her off any longer. She looked up as she heard a noise in the hall; someone was speaking with the soldier on guard.

... ...

"Is about time," an alto voice said softly from the chaise as he stepped into the room.

Lewis frowned at Anja. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Your mate needed support. You were not here." She shrugged. "I was here for my sib."

"I see." He glanced over to where Keridwen was sleeping restlessly, her forehead wrinkled in a frown. One delicate hand clutched the comforter and the other her pillow. He sent reassurance through the bond and smiled as she relaxed.

"I'll go now, yes?" Anja asked.

"Ah, yes. Please. Do you need assistance?" he asked as the young female stood somewhat awkwardly.

"I can walk." Anja glared at him when he reflexively moved to steady her. "I heal fast."

"Indeed you do." He watched as she walked slowly to the bed and touched Keridwen…her sib's cheek, and then made her way to the door. "Anja," he said.

"Yes?"
"I…thank you for caring for my mate. It is much appreciated."

"Keri my sib now. Of course I will care for her," she huffed as she opened the door.

"Of course." Lewis suppressed a smile as he followed Anja to the door, then closed and locked it behind her. His mate had been in good hands. He had indeed underestimated both of them. After taking off his shoes and placing them neatly on their shelf in the closet, he removed his clothing and dropped it in the hamper. Keridwen was sleeping soundly. After the four-hour drive, a shower was in order before he joined her in their bed.

... ...

Tom stopped in front of the closed door and stared at it. Sloan was not inside their room; he couldn't feel her in the immediate area at all. He opened the door and looked inside, the bed was neatly made and all of their belongings were gone. Not that they'd had that many belongings, but…

He left the room and went down the hall towards the main stairs. "Chameleon," a voice called. He turned to the soldier that had addressed him.

"Yes?"

"Sir, we moved you and your…uh, mate to better quarters. You're now in the suite at the end of the southwest wing."

He could feel his eyebrows go up in surprise. "I…see. Why?"

"Lewis called and made the request a few days ago. I take it he did not choose to inform you."

"No. No, he did not," Tom said, trying to suppress his annoyance. "Thank you, ah?"

"Erik, sir."

"Erik. Thank you."

Tom frowned as he headed for the southwest wing's master suite. The Y shaped building had three master suites on the residential floors. The largest held Lewis' rooms in the north wing. Mark had a smaller suite at the end of the southeast wing that was the same size as his own new suite. Lewis was making assumptions. These were the rooms that had been intended for him when he was Lewis' lieutenant. And the chameleon master had referred to Alexa and him as 'his' chameleons many times during their trip south. He and Lewis had to have a serious talk, and soon. His former mentor had evidently dismissed the possibility that Tom did not wish to support his agenda. Tom frowned. What was Lewis' agenda?

... ...

Keri contentedly snuggled into the hard muscles of Lewis' chest. His arms were wrapped around her and his lips brushed her forehead, perfect. Her eyes snapped open. He was home!

"Good morning, cherished," he whispered.

"Mmm. You're home…finally."

"Yes, finally."

She sighed and nuzzled his neck. His skin was damp and she could smell the slight citrus scent of his soap. "You took a shower first?"

"It was too early to wake you. I drove through the night so that I could be with you today."

"Hmm. Okay, I guess you're forgiven," she sighed.

Lewis chuckled softly. "Thank you, my mate."

Keri kissed his jaw, smiling as he turned to capture her lips with his own. She felt herself melting into him, enjoying both the physical closeness and the renewed closeness of their bond.

He brushed her hair back from her face and looked questioningly into her eyes. Frowning he pulled back as he felt her disquiet. "What is it, Keridwen?"

"Is everything…um…"

"Danielle is in custody, charged with murder. Your grandfather's personal assistant is making funeral arrangements."

"Oh." She sighed, trying to work past her regrets. None of this was Lewis' fault and he shouldn't have to deal with it.

"Cherished, you are my mate; it is my duty and privilege to help you with anything that bothers you."

Startled, she looked up into his bright blue eyes. "How? Oh, you picked it up anyway, huh?"

"Yes. Don't try to hide your sadness from me. Allow me to carry part of the burden. Please."

"I don't want to be a burden, though. I want us to be about hope and about the future."

"You are my hope, you are my future," he insisted. Keri watched his long fingers brush over her stomach. "You are all about my future…our future."

She swallowed and nodded. "I guess I've just got to get through the rest of my past."

"As did I." He snorted. "And with a similar degree of dramatics, hmm?"

Keri dissolved into giggles. "Yeah," she finally managed. "We don't do things halfway, do we?"

"No," he murmured, nuzzling the almost healed scar on her neck. "We do not." Keri shivered as he mouthed the sensitive spot. "Hmm," he continued. "I have been gone far too long."

"Yes," she agreed. "Don't ever do that again."

"Is that a threat?" he asked, his eyes glittering.

"Um. Yes?"

"Indeed. And what will you do if I am gone too long in the future?"

She prepared her most devastating pout then burst into laughter as she caught his upraised eyebrow. "Damn. That's not fair," she told him between giggles.

"All is fair in love and war."

"If you're going to use clichés, you could at least make up an original one."

He frowned, his head tilting in puzzlement. "Then it would not be a cliché, my own."

"You know what I mean," she insisted, rolling her eyes.

... ...

Lewis smiled at the reproach in her voice. "I know that my mate is very needy," he told her. "Almost as needy as I," he continued before she could protest.

"Needy, huh? Is that what it's called? Funny, I could have sworn that it's called…"

He cut off her words with a deep kiss. As her lips parted for him, he stroked her tongue with his own. He ripped at the ribbons that secured the silk nightdress and sighed as his fingers closed on her soft breasts.

Keridwen moaned and wrapped her legs around his hips, pulling herself tight against him. Her fingers dug into his back as she began to pant under his demanding touch.

Breaking off the kiss, he laughed at her eagerness. "Easy, cherished. We have all day if we want it."

"I don't want all day, I want forever."

His eyes closed and he could not control the flush of pride and triumph that suffused his aura. "Ah, my own. Forever is yours. I am yours."

Her lips brushed his softly. "I love that, you know?"

"Hmm?"

"When you feel proud of me."

"I am always proud of you. But I'll let you feel that pride more often if it pleases you."

"Yes," she whispered as his mouth closed again on her neck.

... ...

Tom opened the door to his new suite. He could see Sloan asleep through the open bedroom door. Quietly closing the door to the hall, he dropped the bag of their clothing he'd picked up in LA on the chaise and then continued to her side. She was always more beautiful in person than he remembered. Her auburn curls were tumbled across the pillow, her full pouting lips were slightly parted and her lashes lay like fans on her cheeks. He knelt beside the bed and leaned on it to watch her sleep.

He fought down a groan as she shifted and the blanket slipped down to her waist. Sloan was sleeping in one of her white slips, a very sheer one that did nothing to hide her delicate breasts. His fingers closed on the edge of the blanket as he shuddered, closing his eyes.

"Tom?" she whispered. "Is it really you?"

"Yes, Sloan." He reached out and took her hand in one of his. "I'm…I'm home." Tom frowned to himself as he realized it was true. This place that Lewis had made for him…and where Lewis had acknowledged Sloan as his cousin's mate was home.

... ...

Anja threw herself down on the king-sized bed. Of course Mark was up and out already even though it was barely 6 am. He was just trying to avoid her; she knew it.

She viscously punched the pillow, then tossed it across the room, looking up when she didn't hear it hit the ground. Mark was standing just inside the door, the pillow in his hands.

"I saw Lewis return," he said. "I hoped you'd come back here once he joined his mate. We need to talk."

"Come here and talk," she invited, patting the bed.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

"And why not? My hip is healed."

"Anja, I…"

She moved as quickly as she could. Slowed as she was by the inactivity of the past two weeks, it was not fast enough. He managed to drop the pillow and catch her by her arms before she could embrace him.

"Anja, please. Don't make this any more difficult than it is."

"More difficult for who? You think this easy for me? Do you know how much I long for you?"

"It isn't right."

"Nothing I ever do is right for you."

"That isn't true."

"No? You were angry that I asked Keri to be my sib."

"I wasn't angry. I thought she would have to refuse and that you would be hurt."

"No. Only you hurt me."

Mark's head dropped. "And that," he said with a sigh, "is what I want most to avoid."

"Then take me. That would ease my pain."

"For now, perhaps." He placed his fingers over her mouth as she started to protest. "Anja, you are so young. I know that you don't want more children now, but you might eventually. Most of our females do. And I will never be able to give them to you."

She stared at him. He just did not get it. No more babies, ever. Her pelvis was too narrow, the birthing had been a nightmare of pain and bleeding and terror. "No. I will never want babies again. What can I do to convince you? Get human doctor to sterilize me?"

"No!" The horror on Mark's face was echoed in his voice.

"Then be my lover and I won't have to even consider that option." Mark sighed and dropped his hands. She took the opportunity to move in close and press herself against him. He groaned as she stood on tiptoe to brush his lips with hers and caught her to him, kissing her fiercely.

Anja grinned triumphantly as he lifted her and carried her to the bed, but her grin faded as he cocooned her in the blankets and sat down on the edge. "I can't do this, Anja. I'm sorry. I care for you, you know that I do, but I cannot be selfish in this. You deserve more."

Anja fought back tears as she clawed her way out of the wrapping of blankets and tumbled to the floor. She was glaring by the time she'd thrown on her clothing and grabbed her few belongings and pulled open the door. "You are right. I deserve more. I deserve a man who is not afraid to be one!" She slammed the door so hard that it shook on the hinges, but it was not as satisfying as she had hoped it would be.

... ...

Erik tried not to stare as the courier stomped down the hall from their Section Leader's bedroom. Everyone in the complex knew that Anja and Mark desired each other, and they also knew from the frustration level that both exhibited that they had not indulged that desire. What no one understood was why. He shifted from one foot to the other. He wanted to follow her but didn't dare leave his post. It had to be nearly six. Where was his relief? Anja had flirted with him in the past, before she had set her sights on Mark. Now that it seemed she would not be with the section leader, perhaps she would consider him for a pairing.

Her courage and strength were well known. She'd be a mate he could be proud of. Erik frowned and checked his watch even though his time sense told him it was not yet six. He sighed. It was too soon to actively pursue her…but he could at least offer a friendly ear. Footsteps in foyer caught his attention. He extended his senses as they started up the stairs. It was James, finally. Hopefully he could brief him quickly and then catch up with Anja.

... ...

Keri stared as Lewis pulled away from her and climbed out of the bed. "Where are you going?"

"To get your present."

She grinned. It had been years since anyone had given her a present for anything but Christmas or her birthday. "What did you bring me?"

Lewis chuckled as he slid back in the bed beside her. "Open it and see," he invited.

The wrapping was swiftly discarded and she grinned at the box of French chocolate decadence truffles that was revealed. "I love truffles!"

He sniffed haughtily. "I know."

Keri couldn't help it; she giggled. "Thank you! This is so sweet. Uh, no pun intended."

"I'm sure." Lewis uncharacteristically tossed the wrapping paper and the shopping bag on the floor and gathered her in his lap. She sighed as he kissed her, then pulled away pouting as he took the box out of her hands.

"Hey! Indian giver."

"Not at all, my own." He opened the box and set it on the night table. "It is all yours."

Her jaw dropped as he took a truffle from the box and rubbed it down the center of his chest. She blinked. "Lewis?" Keri looked at the paper on the floor, then back at him. "Are you all right?" His eyebrow rose. "This isn't like you…you're always so…neat."

"And you complained that my neatness verged on being anal. I thought you'd appreciate a change."

She chuckled. "I see, I asked for this, did I?"

"Essentially."

"Hmm." Keri leaned over to him and sniffed at the rich chocolate scent from the gooey confection that he'd smeared on his chest and down his lean stomach. "I do love chocolate," she admitted.

"I know," he told her as he pulled out a second piece and began rubbing it down from his abdomen to his genitals, smearing his now chocolate coated fingers over them as he hardened.

"Oooooh, now that's not fair."

"What isn't fair, cherished?"

"Well, now I don't know where to start."

"Ah." Lewis took the residue of the chocolate on his hand and rubbed it up his neck to his chin, then reached for the box again. A third piece was selected and held up to his mouth. "At the top, of course," he told her before placing it between his teeth.

Lewis waited as Keridwen shook her head in amazement, tossed off her nightdress, and then moved to meet his mouth with her own. He shivered as her tongue slid in between his teeth and scooped the small piece of chocolate into her own mouth.

He didn't leave it at that. He held her mouth to his and manipulated the candy with his tongue until it coated the insides of both their mouths. She moaned as the taste of the chocolate enhanced the kiss; then pulled away, gasping and licking her lips.

"Damn, love." She stared at him, shaking her head again, then moved to lick the chocolate from his chin and slowly began working her way down his neck.

... ...

Lewis leaned back on the pillows as she licked and nibbled her way down his chest, smiling at her moans and intermittent giggles. This had been a very good idea. He'd have to thank Newman, the NSA agent who suggested the truffles when he had mentioned his desire to take something special home to his mate.

"God, Lewis, this is too good," Keridwen murmured against his abs as she paused for a breath and to lick away the chocolate that was now smeared on her own lips and chin.

"I do occasionally have a good idea, my own," he said dryly, then laughed as she stuck out her chocolate-coated tongue at him.

She pouted then moved back to his stomach. The incessant licking was doing its job and then some. He wasn't sure that he could stand it long enough for her to reach his arousal. Keridwen paused again, this time to plunge her tongue into his navel. Lewis groaned. This was definitely sweet torture. Sweet torture. He groaned again, this time at the unintentional pun. She moved on and he gasped as his mate's tongue swept the length of his penis.

... ...

Keri moaned at the taste of fine chocolate and Lewis that filled her mouth. This was so intense. She smiled as his erection jerked under her tongue. Evidently Lewis found it so as well. He groaned as her mouth closed around the tip of his hard staff and her chocolate-coated tongue swirled around it. "Keridwen – you are killing me, cherished," he gasped.

She looked up. "No, no…that won't do at all. Definitely need you alive." Lewis mock glared at her as she giggled and then began teasing his penis in earnest. Her tongue traveled up and down its hard length, possibly putting more chocolate on than it was taking off. She gently mouthed the textured sac that hung beneath, shuddering as he groaned even more deeply.

Lewis was staring at her with burning eyes as she rubbed her cheek against him, and then took him into her mouth again. He sat up abruptly, and took her jaw in his hands. She nodded and he pushed down hard on the pressure points that relaxed her jaw muscles enough for her to slide his girth deep inside. Her insides were clenching as she sucked on his hard member. The taste of sweet chocolate was mingling with the slightly musky taste of pure sex. It was enough to make her lose her mind.

He was close to losing control, she could tell. His hands were in her hair and he was fighting the urge to pump into her mouth. She slid her mouth up and down his shaft repeatedly, sobbing when she couldn't get enough of him in. Keri gasped as Lewis pulled away from her and turned her onto her knees. His hands slid around her waist to support her as he thrust into her hot center from behind. She began to lose herself in the ancient rhythm as he penetrated her deeply.

"Yes, cherished," he whispered as she keened her pleasure. "Give yourself to me. Don't hold back." She shuddered as the sensations traveled up and down her body. One of his hands moved to knead her breasts. Sobbing as she swiftly lost all control, she clutched at his arms for support.

The waves of an incredible orgasm swept through her as he thrust deep inside, lifting her and pulling her down on his hardness as he moved. Keri screamed his name as she felt his seed fill her and his teeth close convulsively over the small scar on her throat.

"Keridwen!" he cried out hoarsely, then clasped her tightly to him as she collapsed in his arms. Still trembling, she felt him turn her and gently kiss her face before he laid her down on the bed. He settled himself beside her and slipped an arm under her shoulders and pulled her firmly against his chest. "Keridwen," he whispered. "I love you."

"I know."

Lewis chuckled. "I meant it, you know."

"Meant what?"

"I want you to be my wife as well as my bonded mate."

"Oh, Lewis." She snuggled in happily and then began to chuckle. She laughed harder as he frowned in consternation. "Do you know," she told him. "After all we've been through I have no idea what my name would be if we got married?"

Lewis stared at her; then smiled as he realized what she found so humorous. "Your name, my own, will be Keridwen Elizabeth Ryan."