Family Business

by gempire

A group of vampires known as "The League" have been running farms for years. Their produce? Dhampir. Human-vampire hybrids, for slaves and food stock. Jane and the VCAC guard have worked for years to eradicate them to no avail. Now with the help of a certain talented family will she be able to do it once and for all? Longer synopsis inside. Sequel to my previous Twilight stories.

37. Chapter 36 - Leda

Disclaimer: Twilight is the property of Stephenie Meyer, my OCs belong to me

This chapter is dedicated to Alphabloodwolf, WriterNMomma, Asherah Isa, Anonymous Guest, Taylor eaglebear, M-Bianca94, Fadewind and Noble

Just a warning, this chapter is a long one, hence the reason why it's late. As a consequence next chapter will probably be a little later since I'll be starting writing it a little later.

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Leda

Papa, Kitty-Kat and I had finally arrived back at the white house, and thankfully it was morning. I felt relieved that Papa needed no sleep so that it allowed us to drive through the night. I felt a little travel worn, but I had more pressing matters to attend to than the allure of a warm shower. I only took the time to run my suitcase up to my room, find my phone, it had fallen behind my dresser, no wonder I had forgotten it, put my phone on charge and check my reflection for travel dust. I looked good and happy despite the fact that I had spent the last day and a half in the back of a car. I was impressed with how happy and serene I looked. Although that was hardly surprising for I had good reason to feel so happy. Indeed I was happy to be able to see Loki once more.

I left the house and ran down to the Res rather than take my car. I wished to speak to Loki before Addie knew I was back. I think I owed him a talk before I was faced with Addie.

As always Loki came to meet me when I was within a hundred feet of his house. I smiled in greeting and hugged him as usual. He hugged me as usual but as I put my own arms around him I could feel his hesitation. I tilted my head up to see his face. He looked worried.

I think we need to talk. I thought toward him. Perhaps out at the tree house where we are less likely to be disturbed?

Yeah. Loki agreed without belaying any emotion he might be feeling.

We walked toward the tree house, close to each other, but not touching. I would have held his hand, but that would be overstepping my bounds since I left without a word. We arrived at the tree house and entered. We sat down opposite each other in this place that a week before had been the scene of a milestone of my life. I only hoped that I hadn't lost a dear friend over the incident, for his silence was beginning to worry me.

"Where have you been?" He asked in a very flat voice considering this was Loki.

"The problem with having parents with heightened senses is that you cannot hide anything from them." I began at the place that had seen me rush out and forget my phone. "Papa knew that I had not been a good girl. He was angry, but Kitty-Kat pointed out that the world is different today and for all intents and purposes I am a young lady in my twenties, it was only inevitable that I should have sex. It was not right to chastise me for following my natural urges. Instead they should help me to be safe and intelligent about my dalliances. There was no other recourse than for me to go to Dr Cullen so he could put a coil in place. However he is down on the Ranch working with all those rescued from the farm in New York. Papa insisted we leave then and there, so I forgot my phone. I am very sorry to have left you without a word." I said the latter solemnly and dropped my head in apology.

"That's it? That's why you went?" He asked, almost as if he were afraid to hope.

"Yes." I confirmed, looking up at him in confusion.

"Oh thank god." He said, looking relieved.

"Thank god?" I questioned.

"I thought it was something I did. I thought that maybe after you'd had time to think you'd think I'd taken advantage of you." He explained in a rush, and emotion had retuned to his voice so he sounded more like the Loki I knew and loved.

It perturbed me to know that he had spent this last week blaming himself. How could he think that he was to blame in any way? I had broadcast my intentions quite blatantly and he had responded. I then thought of the fact that I had disappeared for a week and with no contact what would anybody think? It only showed his concern and compassion that he assumed he had caused me upset. He needed reassurance and since I was the cause of his insecurity it was my duty to put this right. It was more than duty; it was my want to make my friend feel better.

"What?" I asked, moving closer to him and taking his hand. "That was not it at all. It was my decision was it not? I was the one who came to you. I wanted to feel you close to me." I added as I cwtched into him. "Was that wrong of me?"

"No." Loki replied as he placed his arm around me and pulled me closer. "I just wish I could have talked to you the next day. I was worried about you."

"I have been worried about you too Loki. Every day we were down on the Ranch I tried to contact you." I informed him.

"You did?" He asked, looking confused.

"Yes. But as I said, I left my phone behind so I had to use a landline down on the Ranch. I tried everyday." I reiterated, for it was true.

"That was you?" Loki asked in shock, but then he slapped his own forehead. "I ignored it. I don't answer if I don't recognise the number."

"I did remember your little rule around the middle of the week, but I didn't want to ask Papa to use his phone because then I would have had to reveal that you were the one who deflowered me, as he put it. I could not ask Kitty-Kat because she would tell Papa before I am ready for him to know. Before I could warn you to watch your back when I am unable to keep an eye on him. The only person who knows that we made love is Clara, I confided in her, but you wouldn't have recognised her number anyway. Besides I wouldn't want to type it into her phone because I don't trust Demetri, and I would hate for the Volturi to end up with your number. And it felt as if I were overstepping the mark if I were to ask Dr Cullen if I could use his phone and I felt too embarrassed to approach your grandparents because of the chance that Essie might read my mind and the same went for Magda." I finally ended my babble when I realised Loki was watching me with a smile.

"It's passed now." Loki said with a shrug.

I nodded as I leant into his warmth once more. I could sleep against him; I was so comfortable in his presence. How nice it would be to snuggle in his arms after making love and sleep all night by his side. It would be wonderful if he would want such a thing.

"Loki, I believe we need to discuss what we want from each other." I said in serious tones, because I had to have all our wants and expectations clear and upfront before we proceeded. It would be wrong to begin anything before we were sure where it would end. I had certain requirements and I had to be certain they were the same as Loki's.

"Yeah." He agreed. "What do you want?"

"If we are to have sex regularly, then we would have to be in an established relationship." I stated, for I would require stability, I was not capable of a friends with benefits arrangement.

"I wouldn't mind dating you, but you know I haven't imprinted on you right? What'll happen if I do imprint on someone?" He asked in equally serious tones.

"Then I will wish you well and look for someone new." I said in solemn vow. "I wouldn't begrudge you your happiness Loki, but until then perhaps I will do?"

"Do?" He asked, frowning before his face became tender and he brushed back a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "I wouldn't think of you as a substitute you know."

"I know. But in reality that is what I would be and I am fine with that. Honestly." I assured him. "I will happily call you my boyfriend if you are willing."

"Of course I'm willing." Loki said with a grin, gentleman enough not to point out that it is something he had been hinting at for years.

"Then the next step is to tell everyone." I observed. I would not sneak about. We would open about our relationship. "What would you like to tell them?"

"Well we'd have to leave out the fact that we hooked up last week." Loki said, suddenly looking uncomfortable.

"Why?" I asked curiously, if he had no problem with calling me his girlfriend then what made last week different?

"Because I haven't said anything to Addie and it's gonna be weird if I do now." He said, rolling his eyes at his own folly, or so it seemed.

"Can you not merely say that you are a gentleman?" I suggested.

"Well I could, but Addie won't buy it since I haven't exactly been Mr Sparse on the Details before now." He replied with a slight laugh at his past, possibly reprehensible behaviour, but I was not the type of girl to denounce male behaviour, I know many girls who bragged about their conquests in school.

"Of course you have never slept with a mutual friend before. They have always been girls none of us know, so it matters not if you discuss things in detail. However Addie knows me. It would be strange for you to discuss intimate details about me with him, would it not?" I put forth as a possible explanation for his discretion in this matter.

"I guess. But aren't you worried that it'll look like you just come to me cause you lost Addie to Robyn?" Loki asked in a careful way, to indicate that this was not really what he thought, but I knew without a doubt this was the very reason he had refrained from informing Addie, his brother in all but name, of our tryst.

"I care not if that is how it appears." I said firmly, I would ride that embarrassment, I would own it, but I also owed Loki the truth. We had to be open with each other at present; we could not start this relationship with a hint of lie about our feelings. "I shall tell you the truth of the matter. I did indeed come to you because I was upset that I had lost Addie to Robyn. This was not a fact that escaped you at the time if I recall."

"No. I knew I was a rebound." He said with a shrug, and it mattered not to him, he had been happy to be my shoulder to cry on. His only worry had come later when I had disappeared and he thought he had upset me.

"At the time you were, but having a week to reflect I realised something. I don't fancy Addie as much as I thought. I had always adored him and I love him obviously, but I realise why I focused my attention on him as opposed to you." I began, putting to words what had been going through my mind during my quieter moment down on the Ranch.

"Because you grew up with him." Loki said, as if he understood it fully.

"Partially. Of course when we moved here and I became more acquainted with you I was of an age where my hormones were screaming out for release, but in my mind I wasn't ready. It was therefore easier to love Addie more and wait for him than to allow myself to love you when there would be repercussions. Then Addie was older and I was ready to explore my sexuality, had Auntie Jane not intervened I am certain we would have dallied a little, of course that would have come to a screeching halt as soon as Robyn returned. That matters not, my realisation while away was this, I love you too Loki. Why would I not? You are beautifully masculine, so strong and well built, and although you like to play up that you are conceited, you are not really. You only say it in jest. You were so gentle with me when we made love that I regret the fact that I couldn't stay the night with you, on hindsight that would have been a truly wonderful thing.

"To cut a long story short, I will admit to being on the rebound only to discover that I actually scored a goal. If that makes sense?" I finished, looking at him with hope.

"I guess. A little. Not really." He said, screwing up his face in confusion.

I giggled before kissing him on the nose and his face relaxed.

"We will tell them that I came to you in upset, and you didn't say anything because you didn't want to embarrass me. I was embarrassed by my wanton behaviour and I needed time to think. Having now thought it over I realise that I love you and would very much like to be your girlfriend. It would explain everything." I stated.

Loki thought it over for a moment while I bit my lip in anticipation.

"That'll work. And I guess it'll give Addie a few answers about why I've been crabby with him all week." Loki said, and now it was his turn to look embarrassed.

"You have?" I asked in surprise.

"Yeah. Well he hurt you and then you ran off and I was angry and worried so I guess I directed most of it toward Addie and maybe a bit toward Robyn as well. I mean we haven't practiced for a week because I wouldn't let them practice without you. Well how can we be a good rock band without the backing of our drums?" He babbled on and it was clear he had my best interest at heart and I was touched by his protectiveness, but I was hesitant to be the reason he lost his good nature. I needed to consol him.

"You were grouchy?" I asked with concern as I stroked the side of his face. "I've never known you to be."

"That was then, this is now." He said with a shrug as he place a hand on my hip and pulled me closer, and I fell against him.

I placed my lips against his and I felt a thrill through my body as I remembered our naked bodies pressed together as he moved within me, pushing me to the point of climax that had shook my whole being. That was a memory I had revisited many times over the last week, especially when I was alone. I would have returned to Loki sooner had geography allowed me.

I was getting turned on, and I was certain Loki was, but this was counterproductive to my plan. I pulled away slightly.

"We cannot make out right now." I stated. "I would very much like to stay down with you."

"I'm patrolling tonight." He said, partway apologetically partway annoyed with his schedule.

"I know." I stated, I had kept track of his timetable this past week, noting when he was out running and worrying for his safety, besides I doubt Papa would agree on the very first night we returned. "Perhaps tomorrow, but we have to do things properly. I wish to introduce you to Papa."

"I already know Alec." He said, looking perplexed.

"Yes. But I would like to introduce you as my boyfriend. Or would you be too afraid?" I challenged with a grin.

"Me? Afraid of Alec?" Loki said with bravado before pinching the air with his thumb and forefinger. "Maybe a little. What will he do to me for 'deflowering' his little girl?"

"Absolutely nothing if he values a quiet life." I said firmly. "Would you like to come up now and face him sooner as opposed to later? I was thinking that I could get that application and hand it in. The sooner I find employment once more the sooner we can find a place together."

"Oh. Right, you still wanna do that?" He asked.

"Yes." I confirmed.

"But it'll be really, like, moving in together." He said, looking a little uncomfortable.

"We can have separate rooms if you would like and merely come together when we want to," I laughed at my own joke in the middle of my sentence, "cum together."

"That was bad." Loki said as he laughed regardless.

"Excuse me, but you are not the only one allowed to make bad puns." I said in mock indignation.

"Ok." He said as he got to his feet and pulled me up to mine. "Let's go meet Alec, I could do with the exercise." He added before jumping down from the tree house.

"Exercise?" I questioned as I followed him, to my surprise Loki plucked me out of the air and placed me on my feet.

We began running toward my house, side by side through the trees.

"Yeah. When I have to leg it before he rips my head off." He joked, but there was a seed of true worry in the midst of it.

"My power works on him. He will not come near you if he poses a threat." I said seriously.

"I wouldn't want you to get in trouble like that." Loki said gravely.

"Please Loki, I know how far I can push Papa." I said, deciding that as my now affirmed boyfriend Loki was allowed to know a fact I had realised in my very first year of life. "I am a well behaved girl, but I also know I am very much a miracle to him and he would not scold me too harshly. I am his little princess."

"Yeah, but I think a lot of kings would get pissed if their crown princess turned on them on behalf of an ogre." Loki said under his breath.

I stopped and looked up at him and he looked back in confusion.

"You? An ogre?" I demanded as I closed the space between us that had formed when he stopped a second after I. "Why would you think such a thing?"

"Well I don't think that obviously." He said, rolling his eyes. "But Alec might. I know he's your Dad and all, and he's mellowed a lot these days, but I read minds. I know how he still sees us wolves as nothing more than feral dogs. Actually that's his view about most teenage boys. We're just a bunch of feral dogs with no control over our passions."

"Is that really his thoughts?" I asked with concern, I felt horrified that my father could hold such repugnant views.

"God! See this is why I should keep my big mouth shut." Loki said as he hugged me into his chest. "Just cause people think things doesn't mean they'll act on them. I read a lot of hateful things, but I get a lot of good too. The love and protection he feels for you is strong. You're happiness will be more important than his prejudice. Don't forget, he was with the Volturi for almost sixteen hundred years, how long has it been since he left there? Twenty years maybe? It takes longer than that for your brain to rewire, and us wolves haven't exactly been welcoming to him."

"Well then." I said, stepping back. "He will have to get used to you for he will be seeing a lot more of you."

"That's usually the way to correct people's prejudices." Loki observed.

"Yes." I said firmly as I took his hand. "We shouldn't wait any longer, we should hurry."

"Well when you rip off a band-aid." He joked as we began to run.

"Have you ever had to do that?" I asked, thinking the answer no, after all, we dhampir healed quickly, practically before your very eyes, a plaster was never needed.

"Yeah." He said. "The Gruesome Twosome thought it would be hilarious to tag team me just after my arm hair started growing in. Thought it was hilarious to cover me in about thirty band-aids. It hurt pulling them off."

"I hope they were punished." I said angrily, Astrid and Lydia could be very reprehensible at times.

"Grounded for a week in separate rooms." Loki replied.

"Good." I said firmly, sometimes his middle sisters could go too far. "Well we're here."

"Great." Loki said, taking a deep breath.

"You will be fine." I assured him.

"Yeah." Loki replied, although he didn't sound convinced.

We covered the last several feet to the house and I opened the door and pulled Loki inside. He tensed up but I thought some soothing thoughts in the hope he would hear them and they would calm him.

Thanks. His voice floated warmly in my mind and I gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

The ground floor was empty, but I knew both Papa and Kitty-Kat were here.

"Papa? Kitty-Kat?" I called.

A moment later they both appeared at the top of the stairs, then descended, looking curiously toward Loki who was standing next to me. I followed them down with my eyes and once they were on the ground floor I began.

"Papa, Kitty-Kat I would like to introduce you to Loki." I announced.

"We already know Loki." Papa said guardedly, I was certain he had already guessed.

"Yes. However I wish to introduce him as my boyfriend." I clarified.

"He was the one…" Papa began, but Kitty-Kat placed her hand on his shoulder and smiled.

"That's wonderful, darlings." She chirped. "I'm glad you were able to make your tryst official."

"You knew?" Papa and I asked as one.

"If it was Addie then you would have told us straight away, but you didn't. Loki is the only other guy I know you feel comfortable enough with to give over your body." Kitty-Kat explained.

"Oh." Was my response while Papa frowned deeply.

"Why did you not say?" He asked Kitty-Kat.

"I didn't want to get Loki in trouble if I was wrong." She said with a shrug. "Not that he should be in trouble."

Papa shot Loki a baleful look before he turned to me.

"What is the reason for this announcement?" Papa asked.

"I am being adult about this whole situation." I said. "I don't want to sneak around with Loki and that is why I came to inform you before anything else occurs between us."

Papa opened his mouth to speak but Kitty-Kat beat him to the punch. "And we think you are being very adult about this."

"We do?" Papa asked in surprise.

"Yes." Kitty-Kat said firmly.

"Do your parents know?" Papa directed at Loki.

"No. We only just talked about it ourselves and then came straight here. We're gonna tell Mom and Dad next." Loki replied and I had to admire how steady his voice sounded.

"How nice you thought to tell us first." Kitty-Kat said enthusiastically. "Don't you agree Alec?"

Papa looked between Loki and I, then to Kitty-Kat. He took a breath and pulled a smile to his face.

"I am being an old fuddy-duddy, as Kat likes to say." He observed. "In my day you did not have relations outside of marriage." He considered for a moment. "Men of course did, but not women if they expected a good marriage to come out of it. Unless of course you were the lover of a powerful man and he could look after you financially, or at least pay off another man to look after you. That is neither here nor there. I merely wished to give reason for my hesitation in this matter. I must remember that I did not think of Lamia as anything less when we lay together and I don't think of Kat as being less of a lady even though we are not married. I am being a hypocrite to object to your choice my daughter." He said as he hugged me. "As for you Loki, I know you are a young man of good moral standing, as most Quileute are. I know you will look after my daughter and do your best to protect her, heart, body and mind." Papa finished as he shook Loki's hand.

"I promise sir." Loki replied.

Papa nodded his head in approval before he stood back by Kitty-Kat.

"Is there anything else you require?" He asked.

"No." I replied. "Although I will have a shower and change before we return to the Res. It would be wrong for me to present myself to Loki's parents looking so travel worn."

"That is for the best." Papa agreed.

"Come Loki, you may sit in my room." I said.

"In your room? While you shower?" Papa questioned.

"I will lock the bathroom door and dress in the bathroom." I assured him. "Papa, I will respect you and not indulge my passions while under your roof. Aside from the odd kiss of course. I will respect you to that degree, but you must trust me in return. Loki will sit in my room, that is all."

Papa looked unconvinced but Kitty-Kat hugged him and kissed his cheek.

"How else can you know if you can trust her?" She asked. "If they misbehave this time we'll know that we have to ban Loki from her room in the future."

Papa nodded.

"Very well. But remember, we can hear everything." He warned.

"Yes." I replied as I took Loki's hand and led him up to my room.

He stopped in the doorway, causing me to stop since I was holding his hand, after all he was a vampire-wolf hybrid and they were a lot stronger, closer in strength to full vampires than us common variety dhampir.

"What's wrong?" I asked, looking up at him curiously. "You've been in my room before."

"This is gonna sound stupid, but I feel awkward coming into your room now you're my girlfriend." He said, and he was darkening in his embarrassment.

"Honestly?" I asked, wondering that Loki of all people should feel self-conscious.

"Well yeah. This is your boudoir, who knows what you might do to me." He joked.

"Nothing under Papa's roof, I promised." I said earnestly, although kissing is not off the books. I added with my thoughts and let go of his hand as I stepped further into the room. Of course, if you wish to remain hovering in my doorway. I shrugged and moved over to my wardrobe.

Loki stepped into my room and looked around, and then he frowned.

"It still looks the same." He said as he slouched down onto the sofa.

"What did you expect?" I asked. "It is still just my bedroom. Did you expect it to be decorated in red and black lace with corresponding ambient lighting?" I teased.

Loki shrugged with a chuckle.

I shook my head in amusement.

"I like my room as it is, it would be much too dark in here should I go for that other design." I stated and I gave him a quick peck on the lips and his hand went to my hip to keep me near. "I must go wash the travel dust away. Feel free to make yourself comfortable."

"Don't be gone so long this time." Loki said with a wink and I chuckled as I straightened up and went to fetch some clean clothes from my wardrobe and went to shower.

It was nice to wash away the travel dust and the wariness in my limbs, but I was far more eager to return to Loki. How I yearned to press myself close to him once more, to feel his strong arms encircle me, assuring me of his love. I would return his love and he will never regret making me his girlfriend.

I wiped and dressed in the bathroom as I had promised Papa, I knew how far to push my luck, and parading naked in front of Loki while in Papa's house would be a quick way to shatter his trust in me. After all I had promised nothing more than kisses.

When I returned to my room to dry my hair Loki was looking at something on my bed. He looked up a little guiltily as if I had caught him doing something wrong. I realised that perhaps I had, for he was looking through my artwork that had previously been in my art folder. I wasn't sure how I felt about this fact.

"Sorry. I couldn't help myself. I saw this one peeking out and I got curious." He said, pointing at the design I had put at the front of my art folder. It was the design for the dress I had in mind if we went with the Victorian Era freak show style for our band.

"Oh." I said, and then I recalled, I had thrown it on the bed on my rush to leave the house. "I suppose they fell out when I dumped my folder. What do you think?"

"They're really good." He said with a nod. "Are they for the band?"

"Yes. A few ideas I've been messing with." I said nonchalant, but I did value his opinion.

"So we've settled on the Victorian freak show?" He asked in surprise.

"Yes." I confirmed.

"Addie changed his mind?" He asked incredulously.

"He said that after some thought it made more sense given our band name." I explained. "I was working on these designs when he was missing, trying to settle it. I suppose it will be for naught now." I finished sadly.

"Why?" Loki asked with a frown.

"He has imprinted on Robyn, she will sway his mind back to the Cyber Punk angle." I said forlornly as I traced my finger longingly over my design.

Loki looked thoughtful for a moment, as he moved through the pictures and settled on the one I had designed for Robyn.

"Show her this, sell it to her. I think you'll sway her then. It's kinda steam-punk without clashing too much with the rest of the group aesthetic." He stated.

"You think this will convince her?" I asked.

"Definitely." Loki said with a nod.

"Then in that case I have something even better." I replied. "There was a lot of waiting around to see Dr Cullen, and Clara is an adept a seamstress as I. She helped me complete these garments."

"All four of them?" Loki asked in surprise.

"Yes." I confirmed. "Although I may have to adjust them somewhat, they are complete."

"Wow." Loki observed as he looked at me impressed. "Sure, if you've already made it, bring it."

I nodded, and then I recalled something.

"I must admit however that my whole outfit is based around a necklace Addie bought for me. Would you feel bad if I wore it as part of my costume?" I asked.

"It was that shell necklace you were wearing all that week right?" He replied, and I hadn't realised he'd been so observant.

I nodded.

"And what did Addie say when he gave it to you?" He asked.

"That he bought it to be part of my costume. It was one of the things that had settled his mind on the Victorian freak show." I replied.

"Then wear it." Loki said with a shrug. "You've taken it off now. If it's just for your costume, where's the problem?"

I nodded solemnly, it had worried me somewhat of the morality of wearing another man's gift, but Loki was right, it was part of my costume. Nothing more.

"We'll take them down with us." Loki said with a nod.

"Yes." I agreed, but thought more on the matter. "Not today however. I think today will be full of enough fireworks without bringing in another thing that may cause upset. There will be a lot of talking today I fear, and costumes for our band will not be among it."

"I guess you're right." Loki observed. "But can I see mine right now? Even better can I see yours? Like a private viewing." He said seductively as he took a step closer and placed his hands on my hips.

I chuckled and kissed him.

"Not today." I said as I stepped away. "We have much to do. I have to hand in my application form at the supermarket and then we have to go speak to your parents."

"Then what are we waiting for? I can't wait to show off that I have a great girlfriend. Especially to the Gruesome Twosome." He said with a grin.

"Then let us not dally. I would love to give you more defence against those annoying sisters of yours." I observed as I went over to my desk and added today's date to the application I had filled out a week before, but had left the date blank for the day I intended to hand it in. "I am ready." I stated.

"Don't you wanna take that towel off your head first?" He asked with a chuckle, as he pointed to it.

"I think that would be wise." I agreed. "And dry my hair too."

"I'll wait." Loki said with a smile.

"I won't be long. Again, make yourself comfortable." I stated before I stepped over to my dressing table and sat down to dry my hair.

I brushed and dried until it was once again a silky smooth chestnut curtain. I flicked my hair back and ruffled it into place. I caught Loki watching me in the mirror looking a little perplexed.

"Is there a problem?" I asked.

"No." He said, with a slight shake of his head. I just never realised that something so mundane as hair drying could be so sexy.

I merely smiled at him and held out my hand.

"Come on. We may leave now."

Since I had spoken with Loki and no longer had to hide my presence on the Res I decided to take my car down. Besides it would look strange to the humans in the supermarket if I turned up on foot when I lived so far outside of town. It only took a moment for me to drop my application into the supermarket and then we were driving down to the Res. I found Loki's presence comforting and I couldn't stop myself from smiling toward him at every opportunity. I cannot believe it took me so long to realise these feelings I harboured for Loki? I had been missing out on so much fun.

When we arrived at the Res I parked in the visitors car park on the opposite side of Second Beach. It was smaller than the main car park used by the true outsiders and was used only by family members and close friends of the Quileute. Sometimes one might find no space here, which was why I always went straight to the big car park, but there was a space today. I pulled in and got out.

"You don't usually park here." Loki observed.

"I know, but you can see the main car park from Addie's house. I thought that if I park here it will give us a little time to speak to your parents before Addie and Robyn realise I am back." I explained.

"I guess." Loki said with a shrug.

I rounded the car and took his hand. We began to jog along the road until Loki was certain there were no humans around who were not in the know, at which point we ghosted the rest of the way to his house. We entered to find Tony and Grace, Loki's parents, in the sitting room.

"What's wrong?" Grace asked with concern, but I saw Tony's eyebrows rise before he smiled; it was very similar to Loki's.

"Nothing's wrong." Tony said. "It's just I wanted to tell you that Leda's my girlfriend."

Tony's smile turned into a grin and as I suspected he had read it from Loki's mind, or possibly my own. I never knew when the telepaths were reading my mind. Others spoke of an itchy feeling in the mind. When I say others, mostly members of Loki's family so I suppose it has more to do with latent telepathy inherited from the family matriarch than something most people would experience.

"It's true." I confirmed.

"Ok." Grace said, looking somewhat confused.

"Well we went to give Alec a formal announcement because he's so old fashioned and stuff so we thought we'd let you know next. No sneaking around or anything." Loki explained.

"I suppose it's good to know that you won't be heading out on the town once a month with Boo anymore." Grace said. "Not that I object against you exploring your sexuality, but at least I know you're safe."

"And at least you won't be moping about the place anymore." Tony teased and I felt honoured that he was comfortable to tease Loki in this manner in front of me.

"You bet I won't." Loki said, taking me in a one-arm embrace, unfazed by his father's teasing and I admired him for that. "Anyway, we'll be in the band room if you want us. We got some practice to catch up on."

"Most definitely." I said with a nod.

"You kids have fun now." Grace said with a smile.

"See you later." Tony added.

Loki and I said our goodbyes and left the house. As we made our way around to the back I could hear his parents discussing how cute they thought we were through the fairly thin wooden walls of the house. I was suspicious that they wished for us to hear this because they could have very easily spoken to each other telepathically if they wanted to make sure we wouldn't overhear. I wondered whether to mention it to Loki, but decided it didn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

When we arrived at the practice hut Loki closed the door and turned to me.

"Are we going to practice?" Loki asked, indicating the instruments.

"Oh, I think it may be counter productive for us to practice without the others here." I said, stepping closer to him and smiling up into his face. "Considering you have stopped their practice all week, I think it only right that we wait for the rest of the band to arrive."

"Really? What should we do in the mean time?" Loki asked, putting his hands on my hips.

I hummed thoughtfully as I placed my hands on his shoulders and backed him over to the sofa. "We'll have to think of something." I said as I encouraged him to sit.

Loki sat down and looked up into my eyes. They were such a pretty hazel, shifting between the lighter shades of brown and green. Today they were the sandy brown of a golden beach. I put my hands to his cheeks and brushed my thumbs beneath his eyes, admiring their colour.

Loki who had been looking up into my eyes gave a nervous laugh. I dipped my head and kissed his lips before pulling away.

"That it?" He asked with a laugh.

"No, I need to get comfortable first." I said as I sat in his lap and placing my hand to his cheek I kissed him again, this time deepening the kiss before I pulled away, a little breathless.

"This is a great way to kill time." Loki said, grinning a little.

"Definitely." I agreed, before pressing my lips to his again,

I had never had a boyfriend, never even kissed a boy before Loki last week. I had done things on fast forward, my first kiss closely followed by losing my virginity, but on hindsight it was better it happened that way. I believe if I had taken it slow I would have made Loki wait an excruciatingly long time between kisses and sex. I would have denied myself a whole world of pleasure. Of course that's not to say merely kissing didn't have its fun side, especially when his hand went exploring and found my breast.

What I wouldn't give to feel him inside me once more!

Then I think perhaps because I was so close to him, or more likely he communicated it to me, I knew Addie and Robyn were on their way. I pulled away and looked down into Loki's eyes. He licked his lips before he spoke.

"Do you want them to walk in on us?" He asked.

I thought for a moment, then slid off his lap and sat on the sofa beside him.

"I think that might be provocative." I said. "Besides, I have apologies to give."

"Me too." Loki said, rubbing his face as if to get life back into it. "Do you mind passing that cushion to me?"

I was confused, but passed it to him never the less.

"Thanks." He said as he hugged it to his chest and I realised it was more to cover his lap.

I giggled as I took his hand and entwined my fingers in his.

"Would you like me to think hideous thoughts for you?" I asked.

"Please." He replied with a laugh.

I thought of slugs. Slugs are pretty unpleasant and very repellent.

"Thanks." Loki said as he threw the cushion over to one of the chairs just as the door opened.

Addie and Robyn clattered in and I felt a momentary pang. The last time I had seen either of them they had broken my heart, but I set that hurt aside. After all, I had found something much better.

"Leda you're back." Addie said excitedly as he pulled me to my feet and hugged me.

I reluctantly let go of Loki's hand to briefly return Addie's embrace, noting that he was now a little taller than me, before I stepped back.

"Yes, and I beg your forgiveness for my absence." I replied solemnly.

"So where were you?" Robyn asked and I took a breath, it was not her fault, she didn't deliberately steal my man and I had a better one now anyway.

"There was urgent business to which Papa dragged me and I therefore forgot my phone." I stated, then I glanced back to Loki and I smiled at him and he raised his eyebrows, I turned back to Addie and Robyn. "That urgent business was of a personal matter, you see…" I trailed off as if I was embarrassed.

"See what?" Robyn prompted.

I looked to her a moment, dropped my head so that my hair fell over my face and dropped down onto the edge of the sofa. I felt Loki place a comforting arm around me so that his hand rested against my thigh.

"I shall begin by saying congratulations to you both on finding each other." I said, looking between them so they would know it was my sincerest wish. "I can say that now, but last week I could not. I heard your interaction, saw the evidence between the both of you when you were up at the lake."

"What evidence?" Addie asked, looking a little worried and I realised that it was a lucky thing I didn't linger longer than the moment my heart was broken. They had sex that night.

It perturbed me, but that was stupid, had I not done the same that very night?

"How you looked at each other and your gravities aligned. I have seen enough imprinted couples to know the signs." I stated.

"Ok." Addie said, looking relieved while the thought of being seen by others didn't seem to bother Robyn.

"I admit I was upset. All my life I have loved you Addie and was certain that one day we would become one. You may have become suspicious of this when we were down on the Ranch?" I prompted.

"Seren might have mentioned something." Addie said, going red faced and Robyn gave him a peeved look, this was something he hadn't told her.

"I had decided to tell you my feelings, and then Auntie Jane had her brilliant idea to dress you as a girl and send you into the jaws of uncertain death." I said angrily, it would still be a while before I had fully forgiven Auntie Jane for this misguided behaviour.

"It was uncertain all right." Addie chuckled a little nervously as he sat down on the other sofa and Robyn sat down next to him, immediately propping her legs up over his lap, territorially.

"I had every intention to tell you then. I had every intention when you returned, but you avoided me. All week you avoided me. It was disheartening. Then I discovered you were up at the lake and I was fretful for you so I went to ensure that you were safe. But Robyn was there and the way you looked at each other." I sighed. "My heart broke."

"Sorry." Addie said, looking dreadful, he did take a lot of things to heart.

"It's not your fault, it is the will of the wolf spirit." I said with a shrug.

"Then why make a big deal out of it?" Robyn demanded.

"Not to make Addie feel bad if that's what you fear." I snapped, Robyn had this habit of becoming antagonistic towards me when she felt threatened by the beauty of my otherness. "I just wish you to know my state of mind. My heart was broken and I was hurting deeply so I ran to seek comfort from my other best friend. I sought comfort only, but there in the tree house, when we were alone I found another route to ease the pain inside. I seduced Loki and we made love."

"You didn't!" Addie said, looking shocked, but not in a disapproving way.

"Pay up Wolf Boy, I told you." Robyn said, holding out her hand.

"You didn't say anything?" Addie directed at Loki, his Welsh accent thickening in his excitement as he mindlessly passed a note to Robyn.

"Well…" Loki began and his voice was husky so he cleared his throat before continuing. "Well I didn't want to embarrass Leda if she didn't want anyone to know."

"No wonder you've been a grumpy assed bitch all week." Robyn chuckled. "So why the no show?"

"I was embarrassed." I stated. "Not because it was Loki, but because I had been so wanton, not to mention that I felt extremely guilty. I felt I had used Loki for my own comfort when I had no intention of returning that attraction. He is a very handsome man, but I had blinded myself to him, to any man really in my infatuation with Addie. However Papa insisted that I go with him for personal reasons and it was a rush at midnight. I had a week to truly think over my feelings and I will admit that Loki is an intense lover and has ignited a flame within me. Oh yes it has engulfed me this entire week and I found it hard to keep him from my mind. I wanted nothing more than to return to him and ask him to be my boyfriend."

"Just your boyfriend?" Robyn asked, and I realised that she had expected something juicier.

"Well sex too." I said, smiling at Loki and I flushed as I remembered our tryst in the middle of the woods, "But I also want him."

"That's great!" Addie said, ghosting over to us and hugging both of us, but then he froze and stepped away looking concerned. "But you're not imprinted."

"Not every relationship involves imprinting." Loki replied, a little annoyed, this had been something he'd hoped to avoid for the time being.

"I know." Addie said, frowning slightly. "But, it's so perfect you two being together and Robyn and me being together, well… What happens if Loki imprints on someone?"

"What happens if Leda meets some guy she likes more than me?" Loki said with a shrug. "Just be glad it's not something you ever have to worry about Cuz."

Addie looked back at Robyn for a moment and I could only imagine that he might be wondering what it would be like to lose Robyn to another. The look on his face was the perfect picture of pain as he turned back to Loki and I with a look of condolence.

"We are not splitting up yet." I stated. "So there is no need to look so sad."

"I know, I just can't help worrying." He said, looking forlorn.

"Just forget about it Cuz or you'll be worrying about the whole world." Loki said as he stretched then got to his feet. "Are we gonna practice?"

"Yes." I agreed as I stood too.

"Sounds good to me. We've wasted all the summer." Robyn added.

We all took our places behind our instruments and spent five minuets tuning them before Addie, as band leader, gave me the signal to start the beat. I began to beat out the rhythm of our warm up song; something Addie and I had composed years ago. Robyn came in to join me on building up the rhythm section with her base. Loki and Addie came in around the same time with the keyboard and the guitar. Once we had a good sound blaring within this small space Addie began to sing. Hi voice was a lot deeper than it had been the last time we had practiced, so he took the guitar down a key, Loki copying on the keyboard. When Addie continued singing it sounded good, very good, much more like a grown up rock icon than he had with the boyish tones that were still present in his voice at the beginning of the summer.

We went through several familiar songs, but there were no new songs to learn, we had to re-synchronise as a band before hand. Besides, we had been writing songs for years, we had enough of a back catalogue to fill a whole two-hour set, which was a good thing. Very soon we would be offering our services to play local clubs and it was only right that we had songs ready for whenever an opportunity would arise.

After two hours I was hot and sweaty but I felt wonderful, I always did after a drumming session. Now that I had a reference I could say it was almost as good as sex, but not quite. I smiled at Loki, remembering that night in the rainstorm as he'd made a woman of me. Loki grinned at me and I knew he had read my thoughts and seen that I was remembering, but I cared not. I would very much like a repeat performance sometime.

"Wait, what's the time?" Robyn asked as the bass cut out of our jam, throwing off the sound.

I was the only one who regularly wore a watch. Robyn only wore one if it matched the clothes she happened to be wearing, Addie had a habit of taking them off when his wrist got sweaty and losing them, and now I suppose he wouldn't wear one for the same reason Loki never wore a watch. The phasing wolves had sparse jewellery, even those who were married generally wore their ring on a leather cord about their neck because jewellery were a fiddly luxury when one had to take them off to phase, and an expensive loss if one were to fursplode, that is phase without warning. Even watches were considered a nuisance, which was why the wolves were often late when they were out of the house.

"It is just coming up to two o'clock." I informed Robyn.

"Shit." She said as she removed her bass and placed it on the stand. "I need to go home Adds, Dove will be here in an hour and I want to shower."

"It'll all be ok." Addie said, hugging her, having already removed his guitar. "I'll be right there with you."

"I know, but I'm still really worried. What if she makes me leave the Res?"

"Then phone us and we will come and ensure she cannot remove you from us." I said firmly as I held up my cell phone.

"How?" Robyn asked with a frown.

"We will protect you." I said firmly as I rounded my drum kit and stood in front of her. "You are a Freak and therefore our family and we will always look after our family."

"Freaks forever." Addie said with a smile as he placed his hand in between us.

Loki had joined us and placed his hand on top of Addie's and I placed my hand on top of Loki's hand. All three of us looked expectantly toward Robyn. She paused for a moment before placing her hand on top of mine.

"Freaks forever." We all said as one, we truly were one as a group and we would protect our own.

"We'd better get going." Robyn then directed toward Addie as she pointed toward the door with her thumb.

"See you later." Addie said as he took Robyn's hand, and they both left the practice room.

"That was a good practice session." Loki observed.

"Yes." I said. "Although I realise we worked through lunch."

"You hungry?"

"Yes." I confirmed.

"How about we grab something to eat and head on out to our tree house for a little privacy?" He suggested as he wound his arms around me again and kissed me.

"Sounds wonderful." I replied, grinning up at him. "What food do you suggest?"

"I don't know. Let's go do a cupboard raid." He said with a wink.

"I'm sure your mother will give us food if we merely asked for it." I said as Loki pulled me along by my hand.

"Where's the fun in that?" He asked.

"I see no fun in being grounded." I replied.

"I guess you're right." He said. "If I'm grounded I can't take you on a date tomorrow night."

"A date?" I asked, feeling amused.

"Well we're dating right?" He asked.

"We are." I confirmed.

"So we should go on dates."

"Well yes we should, but perhaps that should be something we should delay until we have saved enough to lay down a deposit on an apartment?" I suggested.

"An apartment already?" Tony asked looking down at us from the raised porch, I couldn't tell from his expression whether he was annoyed or teasing us.

"Well it's what I got a job for right?" Loki replied. "And it'll be a two bedroom apartment like we were planning anyway."

"I'm just pulling your leg." Tony said with a chuckle. "What are you two doing for the rest of the day?"

"Grabbing some lunch and then hanging out." Loki replied.

"Well you wanna earn a couple of bucks? I'm heading over to Rupert's place to help with the clearout, if you two come and give me a hand there's ten bucks each in it for you. I know it's not much, but it's twenty dollars closer to your goal." Tony said, and he shrugged.

"It is." I agreed.

"Ok. We'll help, but we'll have to grab a sandwich or something first." Loki added.

"Already done." Grace said as she stepped out of the door and threw a brown package to each of us.

"You can eat it on the way." Tony said indicating the direction with his head before he leapt down off the porch and landed near us, standing next to Loki they looked like brothers as opposed to father and son.

Tony led the way while Loki and I followed. It was a little awkward to eat one of Grace's enormous sandwiches while we walked but I had finished it by the time we reached a house in a part of the Res I had never explored before. There was a brown truck outside and as we approached Seren emerged from the house carrying a box, which she placed in the back of the truck.

"Uncle Tony, you came." She said with a smile when she noticed him.

"Yeah. And I brought some help." Tony replied, indicating Loki and I.

"Oh. Great." Seren said with a strained smile, I had a feeling she didn't want so much help.

"Yeah. Loki can help me gutting the kitchen and Leda can start on with the second bedroom." Tony stated.

"Yes. Great idea." Seren replied and her smile warmed. "Well if you'd like to take Loki through to the kitchen I'll show Leda to the second bedroom."

I allowed Loki and Tony to go ahead of me. Seren looped her arm through mine and waited until Loki and his father had entered before she spoke to me.

"How are you holding up?" She asked.

"I'm good." I replied.

"Really? You know you can tell me the truth." She said sympathetically and this was true of Seren, she made a good confidante.

"I know. And the truth is I am good." I assured her.

"But I haven't seen you since Addie imprinted on Robyn." She said with concern.

"Yes. I was the first to know and in my hurt I went to Loki." I replied.

"Went to Loki?" Seren said with a frown and then her eyebrows rose as she gleaned what I said. "You slept together?"

"Yes." I confirmed. "I was confused and embarrassed that I had been so free so I had to think for a while. Now I realise I needed the shock of Addie imprinting on Robyn to finally alleviate me of my foolish crush and notice that there are other handsome men in the world. And Loki is one handsome, kind, considerate and unexpectedly gentle, man."

"Are you going out?" She asked enthusiastically.

"Yes." I said with a wide smile.

"Well I'm happy for you Leda, and this is great." She said and hugged me briefly.

"It is?" I asked.

"Yes. You can double with me and Rupert without it being awkward with my big brother there. Maybe in a more relaxed atmosphere with another couple along he might just kiss me. Especially since we're the same age and Loki is younger. If you two are at it, then…" She bit her lip in embarrassment. "You don't want to hear my problems."

"I do." I replied. "If you need to talk, call me and I will listen."

"Thanks." Seren said as she hugged me. "Ok. I'll show you to this room, but I will warn you the old lady who had this place before was a hoarder, you can just about get in the door at the moment."

"Hopefully I will have uncovered some of the floor by the time I leave today." I said as we stepped across a porch which had new boards laid down and into a fairly big room that was devoid of any dressing including a carpet on the floor.

"It took me four days to clear this room." Seren said, "Well the second bedroom is right here."

Seren pushed a door open that gave her a little resistance. I peered into a room that was full, floor to ceiling, of rubbish.

"This one's a bit mixed." Seren said. "But I got the separate recycling boxes and the black bag is for the rubbish that can't be recycled. If you come across anything that might look like Quileute artefacts place it in that box over there." She pointed to one over in the far corner.

"Ok." I replied.

"And you might want these." Seren said, throwing a pair of rubber gloves to me.

I took the gloves and was happy for them as I began sorting through the detritus of ages. There was a lot of mess, although fortunately all the tins and bottles had been thoroughly cleaned so there was no half rotted food causing unappealing compost amongst the rubbish in the room.

We were there for several hours, taking breaks when Seren and Rupert drove rubbish out to the dump. I was happy to have made a little headway into the room but there was still a way to go. Perhaps I could come back another day to help.

It was around six when we finally left the house. Loki and I were rather grubby but bathing could wait until I got home. We walked hand in hand down to First Beach and found a drift wood log to sit on. It was still light of course the sun was far from setting, but we sat together looking out over the ocean as if we were watching the sunset.

I sighed happily as I leaned into Loki and he put his arm around my back.

"I love your mind." He said happily.

"My mind?" I questioned as I closed my eyes, revelling in being near to him.

"Yeah. It's always so peaceful. Like a summer meadow." He murmured.

I laughed.

"You can see that?" I asked.

"Yep." He confirmed.

"Even when I am awake?" I asked in a combination of fear and awe.

"Yeah. Where is that place?"

"It's the meadow in my mind where Mama lives." I explained.

"Oh." Loki said, as he pulled me a little closer. "I'll try not to look there then."

"If my meadow brings you comfort then feel free to look." I replied. "It's only right you meet Mama regardless."

"If you want me to meet her I could dream walk at some point." He offered.

"Do." I said with a nod.

"I wish I didn't have to go run tonight." He said sadly.

"But you need to because you are a warrior." I stated.

"I do." He agreed reluctantly.

"Fear not my love, it is only tonight and then we have our whole lives ahead." I said wistfully.

"Sounds great." He said, hugging me close to him.

"Go do your duty my love and I will see you tomorrow." I whispered in his ear before kissing his cheek.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Most definitely." I confirmed and we kissed one last long time before he got to his feet and walked me back to my car.

"I will stay down with you tomorrow night." I promised.

"I'll look forward to it." Loki said with a smile.

"Me too." I replied.

With one last kiss I got into my car and waved goodbye to Loki.

When I got home I went straight up to shower and then I got into bed. I dreamt that night of my fine wolf boyfriend and his deliciously masculine body pressed against mine. I was grateful my dreams did not take place in Mama's meadow.

When I awoke in the dawn light, I checked my clock, it was four in the morning, but my Loki was still out there running. Of course his shift would soon be over. Without thinking I got out of bed and pulled on my jogging clothes of yoga pants and a sports bra. I then made my way down to the kitchen, putting a few supplies into my bag. I then left my house and began running toward the Res.

The Res seemed a good a place as any for a morning jog. In truth I was using my morning jog as an excuse to try and catch Loki before he went home from his patrol. I wanted to see him this morning; I couldn't wait until after he had finished work.

I tracked the border until I picked out Loki's scent. He hadn't long left the boarder and I followed the trail, rushing through the trees in the hope of catching up with him. I could hear his pants and paw beats ahead of me and I had a streak of mischief take me. I leapt up into the trees and began tracking him by sound, moving through the canopy until I caught up with him. I dropped down onto his back. He stumbled and then deliberately rolled and I ended up on my back on the floor giggling up at Loki as he stopped short in bringing his heavy paw down onto my shoulder.

Leda? I could have killed you! He said in alarm.

"I knew you would not." I said, sitting up as he sat down.

I thought you were a vampire or something. He said, frowning with his wolfy face.

"I apologise. I will resist in future." I said solemnly.

Oh I don't know. I kinda like this. He said as he began sniffing at my face and then he began licking me.

I lay back to try and get away from his rough wolf tongue as I playfully pushed him away. As I giggled and snorted a little the feel of his tongue changed and he was a lot less hairy. I opened my eyes and looked up as he moved his head away, screwing up his face as he smacked his lips.

"You taste funny." He said.

"Well that's your wolf breath." I teased as I traced a finger down the side of his back knowing full well that he was naked as he lay on top of me.

"Is it that bad?" He asked with a grin.

"Oh I don't know. I need to investigate." I said softly as I placed my hand to his cheek and brushed my lips against his.

He kissed me deeply and pressed down against me. The hardness pressing against my pelvis caused me to moan as I felt a rush of pleasure. I wanted to make it grow as it had that night in the rainstorm. I pulled away from the kiss, feeling a little breathless. Loki, thinking that I was merely breaking away to catch my breath, began kissing down my neck and along the flesh of my breasts that showed above the neckline of my sports bra.

Wait. I said as I placed my fingers beneath his chin and guided him up to look at me. We are in the middle of the forest and while I am certain it's quite remote I'm also certain there will be some of your wolfy brethren still running the woods.

Damn! I didn't think of that. He said, looking worried.

I laughed as I placed my hands to his cheeks and kissed his lips lightly.

"Race you to the tree house." I challenged as I wriggled from under him and shot to my feet before I began running in the direction of the tree house. Suddenly I felt something bump me somewhere rather intimate and it sent me flying into the air. I landed on a broad golden furred back. Loki's back.

You're too slow. He teased as he stormed through the trees and I had to admit he was faster than me, we were soon at the tree house.

I stood on his back as we approached the tree and I used him as a springboard to leap up onto the platform. I went into the tree house and thankfully it was empty. I quickly pulled out a blanket from the chest and spread it on the floor. I dropped my backpack to the floor and fished in the front pocket for a condom as Loki leapt up onto the platform and fell down onto the blanket on his back, breathing heavily. There was sweat glistening on his russet skin and I bit my lip as I resisted the urge to lick it. Should I want to lick sweat?

I ignored any more doubts and stripped off my clothes before I straddled Loki and gently caressed my hands over his chest and shoulders.

"That feels good." He murmured without opening his eyes.

"Would you rather sleep?" I asked, placing my hands flat on his chest and leaning my chin on them.

Loki opened his eyes and looked toward me. He grinned, and stroked my cheek as he sat up, causing me to slide down until I was in his lap and well aware of how aroused he was again.

"Just catching my breath." He said softly as he continued to caress my cheek, and then he placed his lips to mine.

I met his lips hungrily and loved how his hand went down to gently squeeze my bum cheek, his long fingers reaching between my legs and causing a surge of pleasure as he caressed my sensitive spot. I was starting to thrill, especially when Loki placed his free hand to my breast and began to message it gently, teasing at my nipple with his thumb.

Oh sweet joy!

I wanted him within me, but I had to ensure he was at full mast. I reached down between us and found his already hardening shaft. It moved in my hand, growing in response as I caressed it until I was certain that he was ready. I pulled back from Loki and held up the square packet to him.

Loki pulled away and frowned.

"I thought you had a coil put in." He said.

"I have. But Carlisle advised that I should still use a barrier method for the next two months until I am certain the coil is working." I explained.

"Ok." Loki said as he took the little square packet from me and fumbled to open it.

I bit my lip at the thought that suddenly came to my mind, could I be so bold? I should help him of course, and we were in a sexual relationship, what harm would it be? I bit my lip harder at my licentious thoughts. Oh how I wanted to do this my way now.

"Allow me." I said in a deeply seductive voice that surprised me.

Loki looked at me in surprise too and didn't resist as I took the packet from him and guided him to lie back against the pillows. I kissed his lips and looked deep into his eyes before I began kissing down his body. I kissed him all the way down until I reached his manhood. I licked up the length of it while I opened the packet. I was intrigued by how he moved in response to me while he moaned my name in wonder. I grinned as I slipped the protective rubber over him then kissed my way up his body until I was straddling him once more.

He raised a questioning eyebrow at me.

"Clara gave me some pointers." I explained as I stroked him under his chin. "I'll demonstrate more later." I said, my voice catching slightly as I leant forward to kiss his lips. "But for now…" I trailed off as I moved a little and guided him inside of me.

That strange sensation of feeling something within me caused me to gasp once more, it was surprising, even this second time, but he fit inside me so well. I began to move my hips as I looked down into Loki's hazel eyes. He raised his head to meet my lips and it caused me to slide further onto him and he touched yet another part of me and I let out a gasp, my head going back. Loki was kissing up my throat as we were both moving rhythmically together making greater music than we could ever have hoped to tease from instruments.

"Oh, Leda! I love you." He whispered, no sighed and I felt my heart explode with light.

"I love you." I returned as I placed my lips back to his and began moving my hips faster, we were moving toward that sweet release once more.

Loki was kissing at my neck again, but with the movement of our bodies he was growing uncoordinated and I felt his teeth graze my skin and that was it. That's what I needed to send me over the edge and I let out a prolonged moan of pleasure as the wave of orgasm broke over me. Loki matched my moan a second later and I felt his body shake before relaxing. We didn't break apart however. We sat there, hugging while he was still inside of me. He was nuzzling my neck and kissing me softly, which was prolonging the tingles that still flowed through my body.

I let out another moan as I began kissing at his neck.

"Wow." He said against my skin before he lifted his head before gently lifting me off him and cradling me as he lay us back down against the blanket.

"Wow indeed." I said with amusement as I traced my finger down his chest. "I brought breakfast for you."

"You did?" He asked, looking at me excitedly.

"Yes. I thought after you had been running all night you would be very hungry. I also had a selfish reason. If I brought breakfast then you can stay with me longer because you won't have to rush home." I explained.

"Good idea." Loki said as he kissed me full on the lips and that descended into a small amount of snogging that I reluctantly pulled away from.

"I'll get our breakfast." I said as I got up onto my knees and reached forward for the bag.

The first thing I pulled out was not food; it was a pack of wet wipes that I handed to Loki just in time for him to be looking for something.

"Thanks." He said as he pulled out a wipe and reached down to clean himself.

"Shall I?" I offered, taking the wipe from him and reaching down.

"I don't think that's such a good idea." He said a little unsteadily. "You do it and we'll have another mess to clean up. It'll be a never ending gusher." He added, then seemed to realise what he said and blushed.

I laughed and kissed his cheek before I sat away from him and began removing the cereal and milk I had packed for our breakfast. By the time I had poured out two tubs of cereal and turned back to Loki he was sitting up with the blanket pulled across his lap.

"Food." He said eagerly as I handed his tub to him and he began to wolf down the cereal.

I chuckled as I ate my own cereal, sitting naked on the floor. Loki was looking at me with mild amusement.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I just never pegged you for a nudist." He said.

"I have never stated an abhorrence to nudity." I observed.

"I know. But you always dressed so conservatively." He replied.

"I did. However being well turned out for the right situation is different from being afraid to bear my flesh." I argued.

"You're right." He said, and pulled the blanket from his lap. "Do you know Quileute used to go around naked a lot of the time, they only packed on the layers when it got cold."

"I believe that's true of everyone's ancestors." I replied. "Besides, we're all naked under our clothes." I added with a wink.

Loki chuckled, deep and husky and I was reminded of why I always enjoyed talking with him. He always made me feel good.

"So what's with the pigtails?" He asked.

"I was so eager to come see you this morning that I didn't even shower. I brushed my hair into two plaits to keep them out of the way. Have you only now noticed my hair?" I asked, a little annoyed.

Loki shrugged.

"Leda, the first thing I always notice about you is you're eyes, everything else tunes in long after that." He explained.

"My eyes?" I asked, feeling a flutter in my stomach.

"Yeah. I've always thought they were pretty and I can tell how you're feeling just looking into them, even when you're face is lying." He stated.

"Because you can read my mind?" I surmised.

"No. Because you have so much emotion in your eyes. I've always loved that about you." He said matter of fact.

"Oh." I said, feeling my heart flutter, I'd always thought his attraction to me was due to my physical attributes, I'd never considered it would be something so deep and soulful.

"Surprised you?" He asked with a grin.

"A little." I admitted.

"Good." He said as he put his empty tub to the side and stretched out before lying back and closed his eyes. "Do you mind if I nap now? I got work in four hours and I want a little rest before I go."

"Would it not be best if you go home first, at least you can shower as soon as you get up." I observed.

"That eager to get rid of me?" He asked, looking at me with one eye.

"No. I can't stay however. I have to be back at the house and showered before Kitty-Kat wakes and Papa is out of bed. Especially if I hope to stay down with you tonight." I said, regretfully.

"The whole night?" He asked.

I nodded.

"Sounds great." He said as he sat back up and kissed me. "Ok. I guess we could clear out now. Meet you at band practice tonight?"

"Six o'clock?" I asked.

"Yeah." He confirmed.

"Ok." I replied.

I dressed back into my yoga pants and sports bra while Loki pulled on a pair of shorts that had previously been tied to his ankle. I gathered things into my backpack and stood. Loki stepped close to me, looking down into my eyes and I knew then that what he said was true. It was my eyes he noticed most about me, and that sent a thrill through my body that had nothing to do with his touch. He put his hand on my cheek and smiled at me, a sweet smile I'd never seen him wear before, and then he kissed me. It was a goodbye kiss, and I would keep it with me through the day until we could see each other again.

"See you later." Loki said as he hugged me.

"Yes." I promised.

"And I loved this surprise." He whispered.

"It was my pleasure." I whispered in return.

"And I love you."

"I love you too." I repeated as I placed my lips to his neck and kissed him over his fast beating pulse. "Now we should go."

"Yeah." Loki agreed.

We jumped down out of the tree house and parted ways since it would be quicker if I headed straight toward my house from here. I was almost at the border when I heard a whooping sound, a Quileute call.

I turned around to find Silvio "Silver" Clearwater and Oliver "Olly" Littlesea who were almost as new as Addie to the whole wolf business.

"May I help you gentlemen?" I asked.

"Hi Leda, so this thing you got with Loki, is it serious?" Silver asked.

"Because you're not imprinted." Olly added.

"And that negates how serious a relationship can be?" I asked. "We may not be imprinted, but how do you know we haven't developed a vampire mate bond?"

"That can happen?" Olly asked in shock.

"Yes." I said, although I knew I wasn't mate bonded with Loki, I did love him however.

"Vamps are weird." Silver remarked.

"Yes we are." I said with a shrug. "Was there something in particular you wanted?"

I looked between the two boys who were now shuffling their feet and looking awkward, mumbling to each other as they nudged each other to be the one to tell me.

"Well since you're going steady with Loki it doesn't matter now." Olly muttered.

"Oh, I see. You think that because I've had sex with one man it means I am ready to have sex with all men, regardless of how I feel about them?" I asked, giving them each an unimpressed look.

"That's not it at all." Olly said quickly. "It's just, well, I've always kinda liked you and Silver thinks you're sexy too."

Silver nodded his head emphatically.

"But you were always so nun like we didn't think we'd have a hope." Olly continued. "So we didn't bother."

"But now you're exploring your sexuality." Silver shrugged.

I considered for a moment.

"Is it really me you are interested or the fact that I am dhampir?" I asked speculatively.

They didn't answer but the fact that they both blushed answered for me.

"There are other dhampir girls on the Res." I pointed out.

"Well yeah." Olly said. "But Mags would chew us out if we approached her and Ast and Lyd wouldn't give us the time of day."

"Or if they did they'd broadcast it to the rest of the wolves afterwards. On purpose." Silver added while Olly nodded. "Not to mention they're all the daughters of our Alpha."

"Lindiwe is our other Alpha's daughter so that would be awkward. There was a little hope when Seren and Zoë got here, but Seren is Rupert's imprint and Zoë, well we're the wrong sex for her." Olly finished with a laugh.

"So what you are saying is that I am your last resort?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at them.

"No. Olly totally has a thing for red heads." Silver joked.

"I do not." Olly said defensively as he punched Silver's arm, then seemed to realise how that might offend me because he turned to me with a sheepish smile before admitting, "Well there's one redhead I like."

Oh he was cute, but I was taken so I returned his smile as I said, "Unfortunately I have a boyfriend. However, I could invite a few single dhampir girls up for a little get together, offer for you to come meet them? Of course if Loki came up to see me and he happened to bring his friends along." I shrugged.

"Sounds good." Silver said with a wide grin while Olly nodded. "So you guys practicing later?"

"We will be." I confirmed.

"Can we come watch?" He asked.

"The practice room is a public area." I said with a shrug.

"Catch you later." Silver said with a wink.

"Likewise." I said as I nodded to each in turn, then I turned around and started running back for home.

It was six o'clock when I got in the door and I ghosted straight up to my room without waiting to see if anyone was awake. I went straight into the shower and I felt really good. I had a wonderful boyfriend who knew how to bring the pleasure in me and I learned that two other wolves had a liking for me. I wouldn't do anything with it of course, but it was a wonderful boost to ones confidence to be made to feel attractive.

That actually brought the idea to my mind, how to amend things with Robyn. Today I would give her the dress and she would be so blown away by how ridiculously sexy she would look in the tight corset, long silk stockings and suspender belt that she couldn't possibly reject a Victorian freak show theme for The Eternal Freak Show. Perhaps now she had Addie and I was most definitely with Loki she would be done with the jealous sniping and we could be friends once more.

Of course there was a whole day of time to kill and I was opposed to the thought of spending the whole day at home where Papa could question me at anytime about my intentions with Loki. I could help Seren again; I had made a good dent in that room yesterday and would love to help some more. Therefore I pinned my hair up into a bun when it was dry and dressed in an old pair of jeans and a t-shirt.

I then gathered up the Freaks' costumes and carried them down to my car. I placed them carefully over the front seat where hooking the hangers over the headrest would ensure they were less likely to crease. I then returned to my room to gather all the accessories I had already bought, we would need more of course, but I had enough to give a good impression. The accessories I placed in the foot well of the passenger side. The next thing I took down to the car was the old Chinese screen in my bedroom to give us each a little cover when we were changing, as I had told Loki, there was nothing wrong with nudity, provided it was in the right place. The last thing I did was place nightwear and some clean clothing into an overnight bag along with my favourite blanket. I considered getting food for the evening, but that would require spending too long in the kitchen. I took my purse instead; Loki and I could buy food from a take away before we went to the tree house.

I took my bag and blanket out to my car and placed them in the boot before I went to find Papa. It was part of our agreement after all; I would let him know ahead of time if I planned to stay out for the night. He was on the computer in the main room with Kitty-Kat, I had no idea what they were researching, and luckily for me Adrian and Mischa were also in the room. Mischa was sat in front of the TV watching cartoons while she ate cereal from a bowl while Adrian watched her somewhat impatiently; she was avoiding having any serious discussions with her estranged father. At least with an audience Papa would have to behave himself.

"Papa, I am heading down to the Res." I stated.

"Great." Mischa said happily. "Give me a sec and I'll snag a ride." She added before she drunk back her remaining cereal, sloshing milk all over her chin.

"Very well, but you will have to find another ride home." I warned her as she rose to her feet.

She shrugged as she made her way out to the kitchen.

"Why will she need to find a return lift?" Papa asked, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"I will be staying down with Loki tonight."

"No." He said, shaking his head.

"We already discussed this. I am a grown woman Papa; you cannot treat me as your little girl forever. I will stay down with Loki tonight. You said it was permissible as long as we are being safe, and we are being safe." I said firmly.

"I did say that." Papa said under his breath as if he was regretting it now.

"Then it is settled. I shall see you tomorrow morning."

"You ready?" Mischa asked excitedly.

I nodded.

"Goodbye Papa, see you tomorrow Kitty-Kat."

"Have fun." Kitty-Kat wished me happily while Papa nodded his head stiffly.

"See you later Adrian, um, Dad." Mischa said, waving to Adrian.

Mischa and I left the house and made our way to my car.

"I will have to move the costumes into the back." I realised.

"What costumes?" Mischa asked as I opened the front door.

"For the band I created with Loki, Addie and Robyn." I stated as I took out one of the garment bags, deciding that I could ensure they were all laid flat upon my Chinese screen if I moved them one at a time.

"This is gorgeous." Mischa said, admiring my antiquated turquoise and burnished bronze costume. "Where d'ya get it?"

"I made it." I replied as I took another garment bag from the front.

"Shut up!" She exclaimed.

"I really did make it. I made designs for costumes that would best reflect the character my band mates and I are striving to portray." I explained as I moved the third costume into the back.

"What's your band?"

"The Eternal Freak Show." I said with a grin as I took my costume from her and placed it in the back.

I then moved the accessories into the foot well of the backseat.

"You may sit down now." I informed Mischa as I made my way around to the driver's door.

I pulled away from the house and headed toward the Res.

"So what you got going with Loki?" Mischa asked.

"He is my boyfriend." I replied.

"Really? You guys done the nasty yet?"

"Yes." I replied with a happy smile. "It was part of the reason I disappeared for a week. Getting non-barrier contraception for a dhampir is not as simple as going to the local chemist. We need a specific doctor and at the moment he is based in Wyoming. It was the only way Kitty-Kat could convince Papa that I was no different from most young ladies of this day and age. To go to Dr Cullen and have him explain a very simple procedure that would stop unwanted pregnancies was the peace of mind Papa needed."

"Well I'm glad you got it sorted. That Loki is one hot piece of ass." She said with a leer.

"I thought you were gay." I said with a frown.

"Nope. Bi. But Zoë's much more of a hottie and boys are just a pain in the butt." She said with a shrug.

That made me curious.

"Have you and Zoë, done the nasty?" I asked, using the words she had used herself.

"Nope. We've made out some and there's definitely been some over the clothes groping, but there's nowhere we can really go to be alone that isn't public. How do you and Loki manage?"

"We have a private little somewhere to go." I said with a smile. I considered sharing the location with Mischa, but I decided to ask Loki if he'd be ok with them using the tree house first.

"Lucky you." Mischa said glumly.

"Perhaps Zoë will find somewhere soon, and if not, there's always the hotel. There should be more rooms available now that the surf tournament is over." I observed.

"I don't think Adrian would like me staying out the whole night, especially alone with Zoë." Mischa stated.

"Hmmmm…. I think I shall have to speak with my gang and perhaps organise a camping trip at the weekend. He cannot object if there is a group of us. After all, we are good children and would be much too embarrassed by the thought of an orgy. And separate tents? We have no need of tents when we will all of us fit comfortably within Olwen's house and therefore under each others watchful eye."

"Really? You think that would work?" Mischa asked doubtfully.

"We'll make it work, even if everyone has to come to bargain for you." I said with a nod.

"That would be great." Mischa said with a smile.

"I will be happy to oblige." I replied as I drew to a stop near the town square.

"You're not parking up today?" Mischa asked with surprise.

"I've decided to help Seren and there is room to park near her house." I replied.

"Oh she is so lucky with a great guy like Rupert. And imprinting just sounds wonderful." Mischa mused.

"Yes. Great." I said, trying not to let the whole concept drag me down.

"Well I guess I'll see you tomorrow." Mischa said and waved before she got out of my car.

I waved to her before I drove up to Seren's new house. There was a space to park next to the house while Seren had Rupert's truck parked in front so she could load boxes into the back.

I knocked on the door of the house. Seren answered it with a curious frown, but she smiled when she saw me.

"Leda! What are you doing here?" She gushed.

"I thought I would come help you again." I explained.

"Great. Come on in." She said, stepping aside so I could enter.

"I thought I could continue with the second bedroom."

"Go right ahead." She said happily. "And thank you for coming. I could do with the company. Rupert's in work most of the time so I'm here on my lonesome."

"Zoë didn't help you?" I asked.

"Well she offered, but I don't think I can stand to be around her and Mischa and their intense coupleness. Not to mention Zoë's help is usually more of a hindrance when it comes to cleaning." Seren said with a grimace and I agreed, out of all of Auntie Liza children Zoë was the only one who had not inherited her supernatural ability to clean well.

"Then let's not dilly-dally." I said, clapping my hands together.

Seren gave me a smile of thanks, and hugged me before we set to work.

"You smell of Loki by the way." She teased.

"Yes. I went to see him this morning after his run." I said, remembering that brilliant time spent in our love den.

"Did you kiss?" She asked.

"Yes." I confirmed.

"Snog?" She upped the anti.

"Definitely." I said with a smile, my lips felt tingly thinking of it.

"Oh. Ok." She said softy.

"Have you kissed Rupert?" I asked on hearing the sadness in her tone.

"Of course." She said with a dismissive laugh.

"Have you snogged him?" I asked.

She heaved a sigh.

"Has he kissed you?" I reworded my previous question for there was a difference.

"Only on the forehead." Seren said, disgruntled. "It's worse now than when Mam had her veto in place. At least then I had a reason why he wasn't kissing me. All I can think now is that he doesn't want to. That he doesn't want me."

"Seren, you are his imprint, of course he likes you, but he's spent the past several years turning off his attraction to you. It will take time for him to allow himself to listen to those impulses once more." I reasoned.

"I wish he'd hurry up." Seren said sourly.

"Have you spoke to him about it?" I asked.

"No. I want him to kiss me because he wants to kiss me, not because I told him to." She said warily.

"Does he know that's what you want? Perhaps he thinks you don't want him to kiss you." I suggested.

"How do I let him know?" Seren asked as if I was the expert.

"I have no idea to be honest. You saw how terrible I was telegraphing my intentions to Addie. As for Loki, I seduced him with all my will. Perhaps that is what you need to do." I said with a shrug.

"No. I want to at least do kissing first, then snogging, maybe advancing to fooling around before we finally have sex. I also want him to do it because he wants to, not because I'm deliberately trying to get his motor running."

"Then I'm afraid you will have to talk to him." I stated.

"How?" She asked.

"Tell him the truth. You'd love for him to kiss you, but he has to do it of his own accord, because it is something he wants. You have to ask him whether he is still hesitant because of your age and simply tell him how you feel. You will not drive him away for being honest about your feelings, but you won't move forward if you do not let him know that you want this to occur."

"I guess you're right." Seren said. "I'll give him a little more time. I've asked him to come live with me when I go back to school and he said yeah, so if he hasn't made a move towards me while we're here I'll state my wishes when I have him alone. Perhaps he's afraid to make his move while we're still on the Res because even though Mam lifted her veto, well she's still around here and might not be able to hold back a disapproving look if she saw us kiss."

"That could be the reason." I agreed.

"You know Leda, it's good to talk this out with someone. Thanks." She said, and she did look relieved.

"Well you know you can always speak to me if you need a ear to listen." I observed.

"I know." Seren said with a smile. "Well it looks like we've got enough boxes to fill the truck. Do you want to come to the dump?"

"Why not. We will unload it quicker."

We set out to the dump and it was our first of many trips that day. At lunchtime we bought some sandwiches from the supermarket and ate them on the drive back to the house. It was fun helping Seren, but I excused myself at five.

"I have something I wish to set up in the practice hut before the others arrived." I explained.

"That's ok." She assured me. "You've more than helped me today."

I said my goodbyes and went to my car. I drove it around to Loki's house since there were quite a few things I wished to unload. I carried the costumes in first and hung them on the wall rack where we usually stuffed sheet music. I then brought in the Chinese screen and set it up in the furthest corner. Luckily there was a full-length mirror in here, Addie had brought it in one day to practice his rock faces as he performed.

There was a soft knock on the door, and I turned to see Grace poke her head in.

"I thought you were out here." She said. "Do you want to join us for dinner? I know Loki would love it."

"Thank you." I said as I heard my stomach growl.

"Come on." Grace said with a smile and I followed her to the house.

I set the table while I waited for food and took Magda's seat since she was away working for Auntie Jane. Grace was chatting to me about an idea she had for a new book and whether I thought it would appeal to girls of my age. It seemed as if it would to me.

Loki was the first to arrive home and he clattered into the kitchen calling a 'hi' to his mother before smiling at me.

"You're staying for dinner." He said and I nodded.

"Great." He said, slipping into the chair next to mine.

"Hands." Grace said, not looking away from her cooking.

"Yes Mom." Loki said, still grinning at me, and not looking away as he got to his feet and left the kitchen.

While Loki was washing his hands, Lydia and Astrid entered the house. They both looked at me and smirked.

"Wash up before dinner." Grace said firmly before they had a chance to open their mouths.

The girls left the kitchen just as Loki came back in and he sat down next to me once more.

"This is great." Loki said happily as he put his arm around me and kissed my head, but he dropped his arm quickly when we heard the sound of his sisters returning.

"How come Loki gets to bring his girlfriend home for dinner?" Lydia demanded as she sat down opposite me.

"Yeah. You never let us bring our boyfriends for dinner." Astrid added as she sat opposite Loki.

"When you have the decency to bring one of your boyfriends to meet your Dad and me, as Loki did with Leda, then you can bring him to dinner. Until then, well I don't want a stranger at my table." Grace said in a no nonsense voice.

Tony entered the house at this point. He gave Grace a quick peck on the cheek before moving swiftly through to the bathroom to wash his hands. Grace began serving up and had each plate of food in front of us by the time Tony sat at the head of the table. Then we ate the chicken and vegetable rice, it was delicious.

When we finished our food, Loki and I made our way out to the practice hut. I was certain Lydia and Astrid were going to follow us, but they were called back to wash and wipe the dishes. It was the latest in a long line of punishments they had received for some misdemeanour or other. It gave Loki and I time to reach the practice hut and perhaps Lydia and Astrid would forget about bugging us in the mean time.

As soon as we were in the practice hut I turned to Loki and kissed him. He backed into the door as he pulled me closer to him and deepened the kiss. I returned his kisses hungrily, going on my tiptoes and almost climbing up on him to feel as much of him against me as possible.

Loki broke away chuckling, before he lifted me into his arms.

"Miss me?" He asked before placing a kiss to my mouth.

"Not at all." I joked as he carried me over to the sofa and placed me down on the cushion and sat beside me.

"Well I didn't miss you either." He replied with a smile as he stroked my cheeks looking deep into my eyes, and I remembered what he had said this morning and I felt myself blush.

I raised my own hands up to cup his face and frame his own eyes, which were a beautiful spring leaf green. I was merely staring into his eyes, but there was this trembling tension between us. I knew this wonderful man intimately and yet looking into his eyes like this was almost as intense. How would one create a vampire mate bond? Familiarity perhaps? That would be wonderful.

"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" Came a chorus as the door burst open.

I tilted my head to look around Loki to see Astrid and Lydia entering the practice hut and still persisting with their chorus. I frowned, annoyed with their childish interruption. I concentrated on the both of them and let my power flow, concentrating on their vision.

"Oh Leda!" They complained as one.

"Leave us be." I said, before lifting the veil from their eyes.

"It's not funny when you do that you know." Astrid said angrily.

"Then maybe you shouldn't come in here bugging us." Loki retorted.

"We can come in here if we want." Lydia said, folding her arms.

"Well we're using it right now, there's a Freaks meeting." Loki stated.

"You're down two freaks." Lydia retorted.

"No. We're here." Addie said as he squeezed his way in around his cousins, towing Robyn behind him. "So shoo."

The girls went to retort, but they both gave a disgruntled scowl and left without another word.

"What was that all about?" Addie asked as he closed the door behind them.

"Oh you know my sisters. A barrel of laughs." Loki replied, rolling his eyes at me and I giggled.

"What's the screen for?" Robyn asked and I was recalled to my surprise.

"I wish to make a case for going with the Victorian era freak show angle for the band." I said, standing up. "I know you're not keen on it, but I think I can change your mind when you try on the costume I made for you."

"For me?" Robyn asked with a frown.

"Come and see." I said, leading her behind the screen.

Half an hour later we had all changed into our costumes, Robyn had spent most of this time stood in front of the mirror admiring her refection.

"Do you like it?" I asked, stepping up behind her.

"Did you really make this?" She asked.

"With help from Clara." I replied.

"It's real good and not what I was picturing at all when you said Victorian freak show. This is more stylised like from a musical or something."

"Yes." I confirmed.

"Yeah. I can go with this." She said with a nod. "And I can't believe how big my boobs look in this corset."

"Why do you think women put up with the constriction for so long?" I said with a wink.

"Thank you." Robyn said and hugged me.

That was a good sign, I hoped it meant that this uneasiness between us was at an end and we could be a solid band once more.

"We need to practice now." She said with an enthusiastic nod as she pulled away.

"We do." I agreed. "That way if there are any adjustments needed I can make them."

We practiced for several hours. At some point Olly and Silver came to watch us, they had two girls with them who I assumed were their classmates. They enjoyed the free show and it was good for us to have an audience to practice on. They were cheering enthusiastically and calling for an encore by the end of our set, but unfortunately we had to decline.

It was nine by the time we had finished and we changed our clothing before leaving the practice hut. Before Loki and I went out to the tree house we both went to shower in his house, I changed into the clothes I had packed for the morning for I intended for us to get some food before we went out to the tree house. Loki and I decided on pizza so I drove us out to the Pizza Perfect and we bought a large pizza with all the trimmings and a large bottle of soda between us. Also some salad because we should at least have a little something healthy.

I thought it would be touch and go, but thankfully the pizza was still hot by the time we reached the tree house. It was only after I was sat on the floor and Loki had closed it that I realised, "We have a door now?" I asked in surprise.

"I finished all my orders early today so I asked Quil if I could make a door out of some spare wood. I said I'd pay for the wood." He stated.

"How much was the wood?" I asked.

"Ten dollars. But Quill was so impressed with my work that he said he'd waive the ten dollars if he could take some photos of my door and add it to the factory catalogue." Loki said, looking a little embarrassed to be admitting this amount of praise.

"That is impressive." I said.

"Yeah." Loki said as he held up a pad lock. "Is it ok if I put this on?"

"Of course." I said. "Although please ensure the key is near the lock in case of emergencies."

"I will." He said with a nod and he put the lock on the door before hanging the keys on a little hook.

Loki then sat beside me and we shared out the pizza while watching a movie on his laptop. It was a joy munching on pizza and of course I had wet wipes to be rid of the grease afterwards.

We put the pizza box to one side and settled back down on the blanket. I stroked the side of his face and leaned in to kiss him, but Loki put his fingers to my lips.

"Wait." He said as he pulled me into an embrace, then lay back so that he was on his back and I resting in the crook of his arm. "Can we just hang out a while and talk."

"What do you want to talk about?" I asked as I traced the pattern on his t-shirt.

"Anything. Like we used to before. I love being your boyfriend, but I like being your friend too. I don't want to lose that just because we're having sex now." He replied.

"I would hate to lose our friendship too, I am caught up in the passion I'm afraid. I've never felt so good as I do when you're inside me, and pushing me beyond the barrier of orgasm. It's a new experience for me and I'm afraid I've become rather addict to it at the moment." I finished with a chuckle.

"I'm really that good?" He asked.

"Yes." I replied and kissed his jawbone.

"You're better than any of the girls I met when out with Boo." He said as he ran his fingers through my hair.

"I highly doubt that. I am inexperienced." I said glumly.

"You can learn the physical, but I can read your mind so knowing that you love me, feeling it deep in my mind, it adds to the sensation much more than some random college girl liking the outside of me." He stated.

"You will feel my love every time." I promised.

"I know." He said with a smile. "So what did you do today?"

"I helped Seren again."

"That's nice. I think it's cool Rupert managed to get a house for them."

"It is." I agreed.

"We just need to get our apartment next." He said wistfully as he continued to run his fingers through my hair.

"I can't wait." I said as I raised my head so I could look down into his eyes.

"You looked really sexy in your costume." He said as he stroked my cheek.

"As did you." I said, as I smoothed my hand over his chest. "I knew that shirt would look just right on you, a veneer to respectability over raging sexuality."

"Whoa!" He said.

"Did I surprise you again?" I asked, feeling amused.

"Yep." He said before he reached his head up and kissed me. I met his mouth eagerly and deepened the kiss, enjoying the feel of his hands as they drifted over my body, finding their way inside my clothing so that his hands were now caressing my bare flesh.

Loki sat us up and pulled off my t-shirt. I pulled his own t-shirt off, and now that we were both topless I could feel so much more of his hot flesh against mine. Not for long however, Loki's mouth soon left mine and trailed over my body as he lifted me up so he could trail lower. The best part was when he nuzzled and sucked at my breast, I was breathless and shimmering.

Loki lay me against the pillows and trailed his finger from my throat down to the waistband of my leggings.

"So." He said, locking his eyes on mine as he slid his hand down beneath my legging and my knickers until he found my sensitive spot with an exploring finger. "You're interested in oral?"

"Mmm…Yes." I managed to answer him as my voice caught in a rush of pleasure.

"Ok then." He said and he pulled off my leggings and knickers and I opened myself up to him, looking down over my body as he grinned at me before dipping his head.

His tongue flicked out and, who! All thoughts left my mind as I felt myself being pushed into the crescendo. He was so skilled with his tongue and by the time I had shuddered and writhed and let out a moan I was eager to repay him the favour. As he raised his head to grin at me I rushed up and met his mouth, having a strange moment, tasting myself on his lips. I pushed him down onto the blanket and now it was my turn to dip my head.

It was most fascinating as I deployed all the advice Clara had given me. It was not as disgusting as I had imagined it not so long ago when I was still a virgin and no intimate experience with a man's body. Once Loki had climaxed I kissed up his body until I could lie down upon his chest and look down into his eyes once more.

"What else did Clara teach you?" He asked in a husky voice.

"I think it can wait for another time." I said. "Can we snuggle a while until we can make love once more."

"Snuggling's good." Loki said as he placed his arms around me.

I nuzzled into his neck, smelling his wonderfully masculine scent. It added to the attraction I felt to know that I was contributing to him smelling so good. He was mine and I was his and we could make love whenever we wanted. Which seemed to be sooner than I would have thought if the sudden hardness against my thigh was anything to go by.

Loki turned us so I was lying against the blankets and he ran his hand up between my thighs. I responded to his touch once more and I reached my hand down to touch him. We looked into each other's eyes as we touched each other until his eyes became heavy lidded. Loki left me for a moment to get a condom and then we were making love once more. It was amazing as usual and I pulled him tighter and tighter to me enjoying the rhythm.

I lay against him afterwards and we dozed for a while, and this is how we spent our night, making love between dozing. Until the light of dawn began shining in through the little window, then we drifted to sleep still tangled up together. Perhaps we could have stayed up all night, but Loki had work and I should hate for him to be tired. Oh yes, it was wonderful being Loki's girlfriend.

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Gemma x