Chapter 19: Meeting Thatchers' Heir
A sudden hush falls over the assembled group, as they become instantly aware of the trio making their way into the ballroom. Everyone is looking their way, and the music even seems to fall to a quiet whisper. Derek can sense the immediate interest generated by Meredith's fresh youthful appearance in their world. The delicate gown emphasizes her ethereal beauty, the sapphires drawing their eyes to her throat. He can feel Meredith's sharp intake of breath, her pulse jumping crazily, and he swears to himself, realizing too late the necklace was probably a bad idea.
Though many thoughts are shielded, he acknowledges Alexei with a nod of his head, finding his friend in the crowd. Alexei raises one eyebrow, looking decidedly uncomfortable in the dark suit he is wearing. Derek is halfway surprised Alexei hadn't shown up wearing his usual battered leather jacket and pants, his fingers stained with grease from tinkering with whatever vehicle he is repairing. That reminds Derek, he wants to speak with Alexei about getting a car for Meredith - something sexy and yet unobtrusively protected. Alexei will know what to buy.
She is attracting much attention. You need to be clear that she belongs to you.
You can be assured I will be sure to do so if anyone makes a move towards her. But these are mainly coven members and trusted elders that Thatcher knows well - I can let her have this time with her father.
Really? I admire your restraint, Derek. Amusement colors Alexei's thoughts. I know how you can be...
Derek's face betrays none of his reaction to Alexei's thoughts, as they circulate through the crowd. There are several of the coven members he is acquainted with, but he keeps a close watch on everyone just the same.
Meredith feels Derek's arm tense beneath her fingertips, as they pause by a large group of elders. Their reactions are reserved, but they still bow over her hand in respect. She has tried to keep track of names, until it becomes a blur of faces, fangs and handshakes. She accepts their acknowledgement of her new status, maintaining a grace and assurance beyond her years that Thatcher is proud of.
As he pauses to speak with one of them, Meredith hears a female voice behind her. "So, you are the prodigal daughter, so to speak? Are you prepared for all of this?" The female voice is melodious, with a French accent, and Meredith turns in surprise. The woman is slim, with long black hair, artfully arranged in a mass of curls, and startling eyes a shade of lavender Meredith has never seen before. Her gown is a shade darker than her eyes, clinging to her body in exactly the right places.
"I hope so," Meredith laughs softly. "I'm sorry, I don't believe I caught your name..." She looks up at Derek for help, but the other woman answers before Derek has a chance.
"I'm Veronique, an old friend of your father's. We've known each other for many centuries."
"I see, did you also know my mother?"
"Non, alas, I did not have that privilege, but I hear she was a beautiful woman, like you."
Meredith blushes slightly, and Derek slides his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. "Hello, Veronique. You're looking lovely as ever."
"Derek..." she purrs, holding her hand out to him. "And you look as sinful as ever, ma cherie."
He drops a fleeting kiss over her extended fingertips, before returning his gaze back to Meredith. Reassuring her with his warm smile, letting her know she has nothing to worry about. Veronique picks up the intimate look. "Ah, so the enchanting child is yours, cherie? You lucky man - she is exquisite."
"Yes, Meredith is with me." His possessive tone, and stance, make it clear not only to Veronique, but also any of the others watching them.
Veronique favors Meredith with a knowing smile. "And you are a lucky woman...Derek is tres...oh how do you say...sexy? But don't worry, ma petite, he is much too young for me." She winks at Meredith. "Mon Dieu, it was so stunning to hear of your existence, I hope all goes well for you here with Thatcher. Please...if you need any advice after you become fully one of us, from a female perspective...I would be happy to assist you, Meredith. These men...they know nothing of our side of things!" She shrugs expressively.
"Thank you, I may take you up on that offer," Meredith replies, before Derek guides her away, towards the dance floor. The music swells again, and several couples are already beginning a waltz. Before she knows what he has in mind, Derek whisks her out into the group.
"Derek...I can't dance..." she whispers in panic; certain she is going to trip on the edge of her gown.
"I can, love, don't worry," he replies just as softly, his lips at her temple. "Just relax..."
Meredith lets him spin her across the floor, matching the rhythm, feeling the possessive touch of his hand at the small of her back. She catches Veronique's eyes on them again. "Who is she, Derek?"
"Veronique D'aubry is one of the eldest female vampires. She does know your father from very early on, but from what I understand, there never was any kind of romantic involvement, if that is what you are wondering."
"She seemed to have an interest in you, even though she thinks you're too young," Meredith points out, raising her eyebrows.
"Believe me, sweetheart, she looks at all males that way. You have nothing to fear. You are enough to keep me occupied for the rest of my immortal existence," he teases her, shifting her even closer to avoid another couple.
Meredith's filmy skirts swirl around her legs as Derek continues to move them expertly around the floor. More than one pair of eyes follows them, noting how well they move together, how her delicate beauty is set off against his masculine strength. Derek dips her over one arm, whispering something that makes her smile.
"They are well mated," Veronique observes to Thatcher. "There is a strength to her, I can tell." She pauses for a moment, her eyes twinkling. "And you are a sly fox, for not telling even moi..." Tapping him playfully on the arm with her ornate fan, her lavender eyes amused.
"I could take no chances, Ver. Forgive me," Thatcher murmurs, arching one eyebrow.
"Of course, I understand."
"With my brother still hunting for her, she has had a lot to contend with in a short time," Thatcher sighs.
"Michelangelo is a fool, mon ami. He was always jealous of you, and your accomplishments. I would be happy to help you hunt him down, as would several of the others here, you know that." She looks again at Derek and Meredith. "They have bonded." Not a question, but a statement.
Thatcher nods. "Yes, I knew it would happen. Derek needed someone in his life again, and Meredith is eerily similar to his wife, who died before I was able to save her. In fact, Meredith has confided to me that she has visions of Kiera, very clear visions, as if she is living them. Is it possible..."
"...for reincarnation, cherie? Veronique laughs gently. "Past lives are always entwined with the present. But I think young Derek is enthralled with your daughter for herself, not what the past wraith might be attempting." She shrugs lightly. "However, the wraith may be trying to find some peace, her memories are surfacing in Meredith now. It's not outside the realm of possibility."
"Perhaps, we will see what happens after she turns..." Thatcher agrees, before holding his hand out to her to lead her onto the dance floor.
Alexei turns, sensing another presence behind him, and he grins at Mark standing there. "Aren't you supposed to be resting?"
"Rest is for the weak," Mark retorts. He is dressed casually for the gathering in dark slacks, and charcoal turtleneck. He looks still a bit tired, a little more pale than usual. "I need to get out and feed properly. Refrigerated bottled crap just doesn't cut it, much as I appreciate the gesture. Are you up for some action?" His eyes sweep the crowd, finding Derek leading Meredith along the edge of the dancefloor.
"Yeah, I'm sure we can get out of here - we've put in an appearance," Alexei says, loosening his tie in anticipation. "I believe Derek is too occupied with his lady love to miss us."
Mark nods. "He is a lucky bastard. For a small woman, Meredith has amazing strength and skill. She will do well after she turns. If not for her, I would still be floating somewhere in the nether world. Not a place I wish to return to..."
Alexei claps Mark on the back. "It's good to have you back with us, my friend, even though it was decidedly more peaceful without you..."
Mark snorts. "Ha! It's the only time you were able to get lucky, no doubt."
Rolling his eyes, Alexei turns to leave. "We'll see about that, Sloan."
Derek has caught part of their good-natured bantering, and he maneuvers Meredith in their direction, catching them before they can escape. He flashes a knowing grin at them. "Leaving already?" he smirks, "Thatcher may not be impressed."
"Are you all right, Mark?" Meredith asks, searching his expression carefully. She touches his arm, just to check.
"I'm fine, Dr. Grey," Mark winks at her. "I promise to behave."
"That would be a first..." Alexei points out. "I'll have him home before dawn - tucked in with his teddy bear."
Meredith stifles a giggle at that mental image. "Just be careful - both of you."
"I'm too entertaining to die yet."
"No, you're too stubborn," Derek corrects.
"I'll have his back, Meredith," Alexei assures her, winking.
"Just watch out for Michelangelo," Derek adds, his eyes dark and serious again. "Just because we haven't seen him lately doesn't mean he has given up."
"You got it, Derek. Enjoy the rest of the party." Alexei salutes briefly, as Mark kisses Meredith's cheek. Then they both disappear in an instant, leaving just the swirl of cool air to mark their departure.
"Quite a pair, those two," Meredith observes, looking up into Derek's gold tinged eyes. Her cheeks are flushed, the warm room suddenly oppressing. The hum of voices, the overwhelming stress of meeting all of them suddenly making her dizzy, and she grips Derek's arm tightly. "Can we go outside for a bit, Derek? I'm feeling a little strange..."
"Of course." Derek flashes a quick mental note to Thatcher to inform him they are slipping outside for a while, before he moves her easily towards the French doors leading outside. Cool air surrounds them, a touch of frost rimming the grass that shimmers in the moonlight. Clouds are mere remnants now in the sky, as they walk away from the house.
Meredith takes a deep breath of chill air, goose bumps popping out along her arms, welcoming the invigorating feel. Derek slides his jacket over her shoulders, enveloping her in the scent of his cologne. "I'm sorry to take you away from there, but it just seemed too much for a moment. Everyone looking at me, sizing me up..."
"They mean well, but you have to admit, you are an intriguing addition to our group." He chuckles softly. "You know, not long ago, you weren't aware of the existence of vampires, and now you feel like you are the oddity in our midst."
Meredith smiles at that. "You're right, how strange is that?"
They meander along the dark path, towards the small boathouse near the edge of the manmade lake at the edge of the property. With a wave of his hand, Derek illuminates the hurricane lamps along the stairway, and opens the door for her. The small structure is cozy, with a wall of windows facing the lake, and plush rugs on the polished oak floor. "It's quite a boathouse," Meredith giggles. "Not too rustic..."
"Not for Thatcher. I believe he uses this for guests from time to time that prefer to keep a low profile. But there's no one here now."
Meredith kicks off her shoes and wiggles her toes appreciatively in the rug. "It's perfect for right now." Comfy leather chairs flank a huge fireplace in the stone wall. Moonlight streams through the huge windows, and she goes to stand there, watching the waves ripple along the water below them.
"I'm sure there's electricity here - do you want some lights on...?" Derek asks, coming to stand behind her.
"No, the dark is peaceful, I'm beginning to appreciate it." The stress of the reception is fading away, here in the quiet dark, alone with Derek. The air between them throbs with desire, each of them sharply aware of the implications of this secluded setting.
"Maybe this was a bad idea," Derek murmurs, his mouth against the silk of her hair, wanting her again. Meredith turns to look at him, watching his eyes changing to gold, feeling the heat between them radiating to every part of her body.
"Why?"
"Because I want you too much right now, and we still have to return to the party," Derek growls. "Everyone will know what we've been up too, my love." Still, he draws the jacket away from her, caressing her bare shoulder with his fingers. His touch is hot against her cool skin, and her breathing catches.
"But I've wanted to make love, under the moonlight, just like this, ever since I met you," Meredith confesses, brushing closer against him. "Where you are most at ease...I know, this isn't outside, but it's a close facsimile..."
"...and much more comfortable," Derek murmurs. "No nasty grass stains to contend with..." He slides his hands along her shoulders, as she rises up on her toes to meet him, her mouth finding his. There is no more thought, as his hunger overwhelms him, and he wraps his arms around her fiercely. His mouth is demanding, turning the kiss into dark feverish passion. Meredith moans, as his tongue invades, his fangs grazing briefly. Somehow, she knows just what he is thinking...the way he wants to tease and torment her until she begs for more...
Derek lifts his head, a wicked gleam in his eyes. "You see, sweetheart, you aren't the only one with the decadent thoughts. If you're going to tease me, you need to be able to take it in return."
Meredith feels the heavy thrum of desire in her core, swamped with need for him. Her fingers tremble slightly reaching for the zipper at the back of the dress, keeping her eyes locked on his. Before she can tug the delicate dress open, one of his hands covers hers, holding her still. His other hand sweeps over the décolletage of the bodice, lightly teasing the swell of her breasts. Possessive, restraining her while at the same time, teasing her as he had indicated. Then his tongue moves along the skin, searching for her nipples that are suddenly aching and hard beneath the fabric. She meets his eyes again, before he kisses her, long and wet and deep, making love to her mouth with his. His hips move insistently against her, his hand still keeping in place easily. Meredith makes a small sound of satisfaction, kissing him back just as deeply.
Still keeping her captive, Derek guides her hand to ease the zipper open, letting the dress slither to the floor in a silken sigh. His mouth moves lower, down the tempting column of her throat, skating along her collarbone. Long minutes flow into each other, as he teases and torments her - his tongue lacing her nipple, his fangs touching gently, sending a white-hot jolt of erotic heat direct to her core. Her knees almost give out, and she clutches his arms to keep her balance.
Breathing hard, Derek steadies her, and his eyes devour her, illuminated by the moonlight, and the dancing shadows cast by the ripples in the water. Her creamy skin glows, her chest rising and falling rapidly, as she reaches up for the pins that hold her hair in place. The sapphires against her throat look decadent, the only things left on her, as her hair falls around her face. He aches to take her completely, right there and then, and he wills himself to slow down.
The heat of the moment draws out, as he slowly begins to undo the buttons on his shirt, throwing the tie away carelessly. He moves behind her, sweeping her hair away, pressing an open mouth kiss against her skin, moving along her shoulder blades. Taking a gentle bite, making the need pulse in time with her heartbeat. In time with his.
His hands glide lower, across her hips, between her legs, finding her so aroused and warm. Her head falls back against his chest, as he slips his fingers along her, finding the spot that makes her whimper. "I want you inside of me..." she murmurs, arching into his touch.
"You do..." he agrees hotly, but not giving up his torment. His lips at her ear, as he strokes her harder, demanding her response. Meredith shakes, as the climax begins to hum along her nerve endings. Before it claims her completely, he spins her around and drops to his knees, his tongue warm and wet on her, delving inside for her pleasure point. Stroking, insistent, aroused by her scent and her taste, wanting more. Her fingers curl into his thick hair, and the pleasure erupts without warning, leaving her gasping for air.
Meredith falls forward, and Derek helps her down to the soft rug, pulling her over him. "Have I tormented you enough?" he asks, taking her breasts in his palms, enjoying the play of light over her. Enjoying the feel of her hard nipples in the softness of her breasts, igniting the fire for her even further. It did feel right, and magical, in this private place, alone with their passion. His eyes are drawn to the pulsing carotid artery, as she lifts her small body over him.
"Yes, you know you have," Meredith responds, tugging at his pants, feeling how hard he is already.
"That makes two of us," he groans, helping her to remove the rest of his clothes with a minimum of effort. "There...much better...now come here..."
"Hmm...maybe I should torment you yet..." Meredith whispers, sliding out of his grasp, feeling his body tighten under her hands. His head goes back in frustration, as her tongue makes a slow journey around his navel, following the back trails of hair lower. Darting over the tip of his cock, caressing him with her fingertips, feeling him vibrate under her touch. Her small teeth graze him, and he almost growls in want.
"Tease..." he mutters incoherently, his hips rising off the rug. She strokes him faster, her tongue swirling and driving him mad with desire. "Damn...Meredith...now..."
Meredith pauses, her intent to go slower abandoned the moment her eyes sweep over his body, illuminated in the moonlight, the powerful muscles sharply defined. Well aware of his restraint, that he could easily have the upper hand; her eyes find his again, seeing the heady combination of love and lust, how much he is enjoying this as well.
"Yes, Derek, now..." she laughs seductively, amazed at just how much she wants him. In a flash, he has her pinned beneath him, fitting himself to her, pulling her leg up around his hips. Finding her open for him, like wet silk as he pushes into her, and he surrenders utterly, driving all the way, deeper and faster. Heat flashes between them, as she finds the rhythm of his thrusts, and the tremor begins deep inside of her. He can feel it as well - she can tell by his expression, his fangs exposed, and his eyes blazing gold.
Intent on bringing her to the point of no return, Derek summons his body to move faster, to take every bit of pleasure and give it to her. His own release at the brink as well, and as she pulls him in, his fangs find her throat, and he drinks her sweet, potent blood, taking them both away into the shattering sensation of bliss.
"Did you mean what you said before?" Derek finally asks, when he is able to breathe and think normally again. They are laying tangled together, watching the bits of cloud scud across the sky. He runs the flat of his hand along her abdomen, resting at her hip.
"What?"
"About wanting to make love with me under the moonlight from the moment you saw me?" he teases her. planting a soft kiss on her sweat damp belly, his breath fanning her skin.
Meredith sighs softly, too content and relaxed to move for a moment. "Of course, you turned me into a weak puddle of jelly the moment I looked into your eyes across the bar. Even though it was something I had no experience with..."
"Hmm...well, did the reality live up to the fantasy?" he asks, leaning over her again, his voice seductive.
"Yes..." Meredith agrees, stroking his face.
"Should we go...or should we stay and work on making the fantasy even better?"
"We really should..."
"Go?"
"..."
"Stay...I rather prefer you like this, naked with the sapphires," Derek teases her, taking away any good intentions she may have had about returning to the party. He props up on one elbow beside her, his fingers finding the delicate skin along her inner thigh again, toying with the damp folds, inching closer to her clit, making her shudder. "But duty does call..."
Meredith pulls him closer, finding his lips again, melting into his kiss. "Stay...just a little while longer..."
