Well, it's the very last update for this story. Thanks for all the support and reviews - I'm glad you enjoyed this fangtastic fic. I've had fun with it!

The epilogue jumps ahead 75 years, so it gives you a glimpse of Kyrian grown up, and the coven will gather to celebrate Meredith's birthday.



Epilogue

Kyrian stalks along the path meandering along the moonlit gardens at Wyndhaven Manor. His blond hair gleams in the night, and his indigo eyes miss nothing in the darkness. The ancestral home is his favorite haunt, and his parents have always made sure to spend time here as often as possible. He spent many a pleasurable evening exploring the countryside as he matured, getting into mischief in his youth, testing the limits of his mother's patience, he is quite sure.

He finds Meredith waiting for him in the rose arbor. "Mother…" he greets her, kissing her cheek. "You look lovely tonight, as always."

She reaches up to take his hand. "You are just like your father, in so many ways, Kyrian." It's been just over seventy-five years since Kyrian was born, and she still marvels at the passing of time. In his vampire state, he is the essence of masculine sensuality, strong and graceful, predatory and powerful. She recognizes all of that, along with the fact he will always be her baby.

"I thought I heard Lukos…?" he says, dropping down beside her, adjusting his fitted jacket over his black shirt. The ruby amulet glows in the darkness, where the shirt is open at his throat. The scent of roses and honeysuckle fills the air around them. The gardens have always been tended to perfection, since Meredith persuaded Derek to bring the manor back to its original glory. And even with the passing of time, they have kept the elegance of the Tudor period, while maintaining all the modern conveniences.

"Yes, he's just arrived from Paris tonight, so he and Derek are catching up on things. I needed some air."

"Is Veronique with him?"

Kyrian has always enjoyed the company of his grandfather, and his consort, Veronique. Not mated in the vampire sense, but constant companions, they were always happy to look after Kyrian if his parents wanted time alone. Meredith made sure that he knew of his maternal grandmother, and the unfortunate tragedy of her death as well. She instilled in Kyrian a deep understanding of the ways of the Renegades, and what could happen if someone such as Zorayas tried to become too powerful again. The fact that she herself had killed her own uncle was something he found amazing. That so much strength and willpower was wrapped up in her petite frame made him proud of her. And she ruled the coven with an iron fist beneath a velvet glove – Derek was there with her, but it was to her that the others deferred to. Kyrian knows this first hand, sitting in on coven meetings for several decades now.

"Veronique will be here soon. Father had business to attend to in London first," Meredith replies, reaching up to smooth down his unruly curls. "You've been out hunting some of the bar patrons again, haven't you?"

Kyrian shrugs. "Yes, the pub in the village is still the best place to find a host. And I like the buzz from the gin…" he adds with a wink.

Meredith shakes her head at him. "And I suppose that Brynna was with you?"

"She tagged along," Kyrian grins indulgently.

"You make it sound like she's ten years old, Kyrian. She's only a few years younger than you," Meredith sighs, shaking her head at him.

"Mother, she acts like she's ten sometimes. She pouts if I don't let her come with me." Kyrian pictures the slim red head, always the image of feminine wiles, with her perfect creamy skin, and the baby blue eyes fringed with impossibly long lashes. He has known Brynna, the daughter of Mark and Addison Sloan, since his childhood, and he thinks of her as the younger sister he never had. She had been a willing accomplice on many of his boyhood adventures, since the Sloans had purchased an estate not far from Wyndhaven. After Brynna turned vampire on her 25th birthday as well, she often liked to hunt with Kyrian, but he didn't always appreciate her presence when he was trying to charm the females.

"And you give in to her pouting every time, don't you? I think she has your number, Kyrian."

Meredith turns then, picking up the sound of Derek approaching. When he appears beside her, the sight of him makes her warm as always. Even after all this time, it never fails to arouse her.

"Hello, love," he murmurs, leaning in to kiss her lips, and his tongue caresses hers quickly before he backs away. She makes a small sound of appreciation, the merest hint of gold flaring in her eyes, before she tamps it down.

"Derek…" she says in reply, as he settles in beside her, his arm around her waist. They have lived many places in their time together now, moving from London to Paris to Athens to New York, and even spending time in Seattle for awhile. But like Kyrian, this is still their favorite haunt. Despite the advances of modern time, the location is still remote enough that they can stay here without too many questions. The descendants of William and Liza still live in the village, which now boasts the pub and several shops, along with the latest in electronic pastimes – the holographic chamber, where mortals play out their fantasies while strapped to a reclining chair.

"Lukos was just telling me about the new hover car he bought for Veronique – perhaps I should get you one," he teases her gently. "You just program it to go where you want – no driving involved. Think of the possibilities…"

"I'll have you know my driving skills have gotten much better over time," Meredith pointed out. "After this long, anything has got to improve, don't you think?" Arching one delicate eyebrow at him, daring him to contradict her.

"Alexei still shudders over the time he taught you to drive that first car in London, stick shift and all…" Derek laughs.

"Seriously, I don't understand why you want to drive anyway," Kyrian muses. "There's not much need these days, is there?"

"Sometimes it's necessary yet," Meredith replies. "And your father still enjoys his antique motorcycles, though it's a lucky thing he can't be killed on one, the way he and Mark still race around the countryside like two crazy kids."

Derek slides his arm around her shoulders, pulling her against him. "Admit it, you love it when I take you out for a ride, Meredith…" he whispers in her ear. Making love under the stars out in the middle of nowhere…

"Time for me to leave," Kyrian laughs, picking up his parent's amorous mood, and jumping to his feet. "After all this time, I know when to leave you two alone!" He leans in to kiss Meredith's cheek again. "I'll be back before dawn."

"Don't forget we have that party tomorrow night, Kyr," Derek reminds his son.

"It's etched in my memory card," Kyrian assures him, with a wave of his hand as he strides off into the darkness, his clothing making him virtually invisible.

"It's nice to have him here. He's been so busy in London lately."

"You know he loves that club – he'd spend all his time there if he could, but I know how much he loves it here too." Kyrian has re-opened Savage Garden, after it had been closed for several decades. Nikolai and Victor had moved back to St. Petersburg, and gave their full approval of his taking over the place. Only now it was a retro rock club, playing music from the early century – Black Sabbath, Aerosmith, Def Leppard…all the oldies.

Meredith smiles, crawling over Derek's lap, and placing her hands on his chest. "But since we're alone now, I think we should take advantage of it," she says with a wicked little smile. Her skin glows in the darkness, and the gold begins to flare in her eyes again, as she contemplates her mate.

"I love to take advantage of you," Derek smirks, sliding his hands around her hips. Already he can feel her hot core against his cock, the thin summer dress she is wearing leaves little covering her. "Especially when you dress just for me."

"Arrogant immortal…" she giggles. "You think this is just for you?"

"Hmm…is there another immortal lover in your life these days I know nothing about?" he teases her, leaning to kiss her skin, where the scoop neck of the dress offers him a tantalizing hint of cleavage. His lips leave a burning trail of arousal, making her quiver.

"Never…only you," she whispers, moving forward to tangle her hands in his thick hair, and lift his mouth to hers.

"And there is only you for me," Derek says quietly. "Always and forever." His hand glides up beneath her skirt, toying with the silken material covering her. Easing one finger against the edge of it, finding her damp already. She sucks her breath in, quivering with anticipation, while his mouth slides along the irresistible curve of her neck.

Meredith moves against him, feeling the heat of his arousal, the hard length of him ready between her legs. A slight misty rain has begun to fall, dampening her dress. The thin material clings to her as Derek lazily runs his hands along her back, the touch so familiar and arousing. He kisses her throat, and down her shoulder, his mouth hot and silky on her damp skin. Her own hands roam over his solid chest, pushing the shirt away, tracing the planes of his abdomen. Derek lifts his head, meeting her mouth then, their tongues tangling urgently. He pushes her dress out of the way again, fingers searching for the wet skin beneath her panties, pulling them away in one rip. Her soft moan against his mouth makes him flex up against her, working to free himself out of his pants.

"Hurry…I just want you right now…" she urges him, aching for him.

"Just as much as I want you, love," he growls, his voice low and seductive in the darkness. He lifts her upwards, his cock pulsing and needy for her, and they both moan at the sensation as he slides into her. She settles onto him, holding still for a moment, wrapping around him. Rain still drizzles around them, as they move slowly then, rocking in an erotic rhythm. The dress falls away from her shoulders, and Derek licks one nipple, then the other, tasting the rain dripping onto her. His hips lift, penetrating her deeply, each thrust taking him into her fully, joining with her completely. Meredith arches backward, secure in his arms, letting herself float into the bliss, his mouth and his cock worshipping her. They were meant for each other this way, the passion all consuming and never-ending.

"Hold on, love…" Derek warns her, pulling her against him again, finding her throat with his fangs then. Pleasure surges in both of them, as he bites her, tasting the blood he craves.

"Yes, yes, yes…" Meredith moans, squeezing around him, as the waves of her orgasm shudder through her. Derek fights for control of his own climax, as her hips circle in an erotic dance, nearly pulling him into coming. Their mouths crash together again, tongues mating in the same frantic movements, as he thrusts up against her in the slow, sensuous way she knows so well.

"Too good…love..you feel much too good!" he groans, as pleasure explodes inside of her. Her little moans of ecstasy give way to a throaty purr of satisfaction, as he takes her harder. His own release shatters his control, and he jerks with the sudden climax.

Love you so much….

Love you Meredith…always…


The main great room in Wyndhaven Manor is crowded with guests. Several of the coven have arrived, from across Europe, and including Mark and Alexei, with their mortal mates, Nikolai and Victor, Lukos and Veronique, Damien, Gilles and Gregor. The air hums with conversations in various languages. There are several modes of dress, ranging from the latest fashions to vintage velvet and leather. It's an eclectic mix.

Kyrian and Brynna stand together at the edge of the room, well matched in height and looks, watching the various groups. Both wearing black leather, with casual elegance – he in fitted pants tucked into black boots and she in a short leather skirt and knee high boots. Her luxuriant red hair is pulled back, emphasizing her sharp cheekbones, and her blue eyes twinkle in amusement.

"Quite a crowd of the old ones," she observes. She and Kyrian are among the youngest of the group.

"Brynna…you are close to seventy…"

"Just a youngster, like you, darling." She pats his arm. "It's a great tribute for your mother to have all of them here, though."

"Yes. She deserves it."

"Are you hunting later?" Brynna asks, eager to get out of here already.

"Later…I'm not skipping out on her birthday party, Bryn," Kyrian frowns. "And don't pout…it's not going to work. I'm working on my immunity to that." He folds his arms across his chest, determined not to let her get to him tonight.

"Is that a shot you can take? Or just willpower?" she laughs.


Derek catches sight of his son with Brynna, and turns to Mark. "Those two make quite a pair, don't they?"

Mark smirks. "Kyrian can keep her in line if anyone can."

"I think Brynna has Kyrian wrapped around her finger," Derek sighs. "Though he may think otherwise…"

"Just like her mother," Mark observes, looking for Addison, and finding her in conversation with Meredith and Cristina. Still slim and beautiful, she has maintained a more youthful appearance by taking his blood over the years. Not wishing to turn completely, it keeps her from aging while allowing her to keep her mortal state. The same applies to Cristina. She and Alexei have been living in Singapore for many years, where she devotes much of her time to working with children with cardiac problems. Never having any of their own, it suits them to keep busy, moving whenever they feel they have spent enough time in one place.

The delicate laughter of the three females makes Derek smile, watching them together. Meredith is dressed in a dark green velvet gown that hugs her curves, her creamy skin beckoning him where it swells over the bodice. It appears retro and yet with a modern twist of open panels along the sides, laced with green ribbons. His mouth waters at the thought of pulling those ribbons open later, and making love to her again.

Alexei joins them, casting his glance to the trio as well. "Looks like trouble brewing over there," he chuckles. "Should we be concerned?" Cristina is dressed in similar gown, hers deep red, her black hair spilling down her back.

"Only if they start to whisper," Mark says, admiring Addison's midnight blue gown. "Good to see you Alexei. You've been globetrotting again." He observes the Oriental cut of Alexei's jacket, the raw silk tailored item that isn't the usual attire of leather and boots. The silk collarless shirt matches his ice blue eyes to perfection.

"Hey, after this long, a guy can change," Alexei protests.

"It's Cristina's influence," Derek grins.

"Must be."

"It's good to be back here again," Alexei comments, trying to change the subject away from his clothing. "Meredith's birthday is a good excuse for a party…"

"She doesn't like to admit her age, but…"

"Ah, just a century, not so old."

"True, but you know how females can be," Derek shrugs. His dark suit is still from Versace, the latest line of designers keeping the line current, and he looks every inch the wealthy Earl he still is.

Across the room, Meredith catches his eyes on her, and she smiles at him, knowing exactly what his sensual thoughts are. She thinks of their love, their last tryst in the gardens the night before, and it's as if they have only been together months, not several decades now.

"Mer, focus here," Cristina sighs. "You can make out with your man later."

"I'm sorry, Cris…it's just kind of surreal, don't you think? All of us here, together after all this time. Sometimes it just amazes me."

"It does amaze me too," Addison agrees, taking a sip of wine. Her emerald green eyes sparkle, as she looks at Meredith. "It's been more than I ever expected. To be able to live this long, and see the advances modern medicine has brought about, saving babies that never had a chance before…"

Before Meredith can say anything else, their men descend on them, each claiming a kiss from their mate, completely derailing the conversation. Derek's arm slides around her waist, pulling her close to him. "Did I tell you how much I liked this dress?" he whispers in her ear.

"I believe so…" she sighs.

"Good, and it will be even more fun to remove it from you later."

At that point, Lukos moves to the front of the room, holding his arms up for silence. The hum of conversation fades away, as they all face him expectantly.

"My friends, I'm going to take a moment to welcome you all here. I know this is Meredith's party, and Derek is the lord of the manor, but I'm going to take a moment anyway." He nods at Derek and Meredith, who are moving forward to join him. "I'm just so happy to be here for my daughter's birthday, to celebrate the century, even though I'm quite sure she doesn't want to admit that…."

Meredith only shakes her head briefly, taking Derek's hand. Kyrian moves in to the other side of her, and she clasps his hand too.

"But she is still the same sweet girl who came to me so long ago, not sure what to expect of her heritage, and the huge responsibility that would be given to her. The years have only given her strength and determination to go along with that sweet nature, so she knows just how to keep you all in line. I couldn't have asked for a better person to take over from me, and I know that with Derek at her side, and Kyrian as the future of the coven, we will face the next century with the same peace that we have come to enjoy.

"Happy Birthday, Meredith…." He extends his hand and she moves forward to embrace him. "May you have many many more to come."

The crowd breaks into applause and cheers, as Meredith turns to face them. "It's good to see you all here – though I would rather just call this a party, than a birthday celebration…a woman likes to keep her age a secret, don't you know?" she giggles. "I just want to say that I have come to know all of you so well over the years. Thank you so much for the time you've shared with me – all your knowledge and your experience serves me well. I want you all to have a great time tonight, and enjoy yourselves."

She exchanges a loving smile with Derek, who kisses her cheek. "Happy birthday, my love. May we share many more like this," he says, hugging her tightly, and claiming her mouth in a longer, deeper kiss that sets off the crowd to whistle and applaud happily. Then the band begins to play, and he sweeps her onto the dancefloor, just as he did those many years ago, swirling around the floor while the music takes them away.


Once the party winds down, Kyrian and Brynna steal away into the garden, intent on getting out to hunt before dawn. He catches her off-key humming and he rolls his eyes at her. "You're humming 'Love Bites'…" he groans.

"Appropriate don't you think? It always makes me think of vamps," she smiles, her fangs gleaming in the dark. "I know all the classics, Kyr…you really should consider letting me work with you." She bumps him with her hip, singing a few more words. "'Love bites…love bleeds…bringin' me to my knees…' "

"What? Since when d'you want to work?"

"Sweetie, you need me there – a feminine touch would make so much difference. Just give me a chance…please…?" She bats her eyelashes at him in mock –innocence.

Kyrian runs a hand through his hair. "You really like to push my buttons, don't you?"

"C'mon, Kyrian, I can keep track of your girlfriends for you, if nothing else. I can help – like the time you were chasing after that little were-fox, Mischka, wasn't it? Thought she was so hot and she didn't give you the time of night…"

"I wasn't 'chasing' after her, Bryn…" Kyrian growls. "That's hardly necessary for me." He narrows his eyes at her. "Leave my lovelife out of this anyway, we were talking about work."

"Oohh…testy tonight, aren't you?" Brynna laughs merrily, dancing away into the night, leaving him no choice but to chase after her.

From their vantage point at their bedroom window, Derek slides his arm around Meredith, as they catch the sound of laughter from the gardens. She nestles her head against his chest, smiling to herself. "Are they really as old as I know they are?" she asks, as he moves behind her.

"Sometimes I'm not so sure myself," he grins, "but they bring much enthusiasm to the coven."

"I do feel my age compared to them," Meredith sighs. "Do I look like I'm 100?"

"Ah, sweetheart, never…you are stunning, sweet and sexy, all wrapped up in that slender little body," he says, pulling her back against him. His hands trail along her sides, and she tilts her head to give him access to her throat. The touch of his mouth sets off the blaze of desire in her as always.

"And you are charming, seductive and sinful as always, my immortal," she tells him, reaching her hand back to touch his cheek.

"So does this mean I get to unlace this gown now?" he asks, touching the little ribbons along her ribcage.

"I thought you would never get around to that…" she giggles, surrendering to him all over again…and for all of eternity…