Chapter 29: Blessings

"Damn...you always make me lose track of all but you..." Derek mutters, drawing away reluctantly, remembering how tired she must be still.

Meredith looks up at him, his eyes lambent gold with desire, and the fire of that desire begins to burn in her own body. There is no doubt she wants him – wants him inside of her, wants him naked against her body, with his mouth everywhere, taking her until they are both spent and sated. The thought of their twined bodies, naked and damp with sweat, invades her senses, and she shakes beneath him.

Derek takes a deep breath, and rests his forehead against hers, his own body demanding and tight, feeling her shaking beneath him. His hand rests on the soft skin of her upper thigh, so close to where she is already damp for him. "Feed from me…" Derek urges, wrapping his arms around her.

"But you haven't been out yet tonight…"

"I'm quite capable of giving you sustenance, love. Take what you need." His tone is gentle, yet his thoughts urge her forward. She straddles his lap, hooking her legs around him. She does feel a bit weak, a bit dizzy still.

Derek tilts his head, offering his throat. She can sense his essence, his scent – everything draws her in. The white silk shirt he wears is unbuttoned, and she lays her palms on his chest. Leaning closer still, until her mouth is hovering over the vein.

"Bite me, baby…"

In that instant, her sharp fangs pierce his skin, driving into the vein, and the rich rush of blood spills over her tongue. Instantly, she pulls harder, her hands bracing on his chest. Her nails dig in, sending a shiver of erotic need into him. He is enveloped in her scent as well, hypnotic and sensual. Her delicate tongue and lips continue their work, succulent little sounds of wetness, making him almost groan at the sensation. Her mouth – her hands – both insidious and sensual.

Meredith lets him go slowly, drawing the final taste. Her tongue lovingly caressing the puncture, helping to easily heal it. Her body hums with renewed energy, and her thoughts are distinctly erotic.

"You taste so good…" she breathes, kissing a little trail along his collarbone. "like chocolate, only better…" She is warmed now, eager for him. Her hot little tongue drags over his nipples, one by one, and he hisses in delight. His hands cup the perfect round of her ass, as she moves him backwards. Clouds of her hair drag over his chest as she explores lower. Trails of blond silk against his skin and the white shirt. Giving himself over to her touch, his abdomen clenches as her tongue swirls over his navel. Then her teeth graze him, along the ridges of taut muscle, just a playful nip, enough to make his cock strain upwards against his tailored black slacks. He makes a slight move to help her, and she gives him a feminine little curl of her lip, showing her fang. "Let's do this my way…"

Her hands glide over his belt buckle, then the rise of his cock. "Do not move, darling...close your eyes…" Her sure fingers skim along the cut of his abdomen, undoing the belt and zipper. His breath catches as she eases the material over his hips. Cool air rushes over him, a welcome relief to his seared senses. His eyes still closed, Derek shudders at the feel of her hair now draping his lower body. Like another living touch, it surrounds him, until she moves to tug the pants away from him.

The next thing he feels is her lips touching his calves, his knees, and the muscles of his thigh. Along the vein that pulses there, where her teeth nearly sink into him again. Then something totally unexpected – a soft brush of flower petals and he sucks his breath in. "What are you doing now, love?" he mutters, arching up to meet it. His acute senses pick up the intoxicating scent of the rose, and he realizes she has somehow plucked one of the midnight black roses from the arrangement in front foyer.

"I'm having my fun with you, Derek. Do you like this?" The velvet petals stroke him, over the throbbing skin, and he is harder than ever in that moment.

"Very much…"

Tickling, tormenting, she takes him ever closer to losing every shred of control. Searing desire settles in his groin, as his mate takes her time with him.

Meredith smiles to herself, plucking the rose petals and dropping them over his body. To his sensitized nerves, it feels like tiny points of pleasure wherever they land. All he can focus on is her, needing her so badly, yet using his strength of will to hold on to his control, his emotions and cravings so primal. Always a sensual creature, Derek enjoys this side of her – prolonging the delicious anticipation of their joining.

Then she puts her lips on him, a slow, damp stroke over his distended shaft. Over the tip, taking his thoughts away totally. Only feeling, enjoying, giving himself utterly to her. Her fingers tease him, alternating with her tongue, gliding in wet tandem up and down. So close…his body tight, coiling for release. He knows just how her thoughts are focused, how she is taking sweet satisfaction in the groans she elicits from him, feeling the clench and shake of his straining muscles.

Despite her warning to keep his eyes closed, Derek lifts his head, his erotic half-lidded gaze catching her eyes. Golden glows in her eyes as well, heating him further. The ruby amulet around her throat catches a shimmer of light, resting on her creamy skin like a drop of blood. His hands dig into her hair, holding her still. "Come here…" he commands her, and she willingly crawls forward, nipping at his chest, drawing a small bead of blood. It mingles in the dark hair matting his skin, trickling along slowly. The sight and scent thrills her, and her eager tongue tracks it, sweeping it along her lips.

"Woman, you like to mark me…?" Derek growls.

"You heal…but yeah, you're sexy as hell with my bite on you…"

"I could say the same about you," Derek retaliated, flipping her over in a heartbeat, and putting his fangs to her shoulder. Rose petals flutter between them, landing in caressing little touches. "I know the mark is there, even though it heals. My senses know…" Sinking into her sweet flesh, tasting enough to ripple through her body. "Others know it's there as well, but it's invisible to human eyes…"

"Ah…god," Meredith moans, as he relinquishes her.

"Sweet…you taste so sweet…" He murmurs, kissing a path to her belly. The small silk panties she wears are the only thing keeping him from tasting her completely. With a wicked smile, he kisses her there, the drenched silk offering little barrier. His tongue covers her, adding to the wetness, lapping around the edges of the silk. Doing his best to make her cum, he deftly slides the material aside, exposing the damp skin, searching for her clit. As his voracious tongue invades her, Meredith clenches, the climax roaring through her in a rolling wave. His tongue is relentless, delving again and again, not letting her go until she is limp from the pleasure. Only then he moves over her, every part of their bodies fitting together perfectly. Hip to hip, chest to chest, his mouth and hers, meeting hard and demanding.

I love how you took charge of me…

…it's still all equal…

…and you continue to surprise me…my sweet siren…

His hips flex, and he surges deep into her, capturing her cry of pleasure in his kiss. Pushing against her, wanting to be into her as deeply as possible. Craving the velvet heat of her that squeezes around him. Deeper than ever, joining in a moment so perfect, it takes his breath away.

"Cum, Meredith… ah, sweet hell, you feel good…" His body moves faster, each thrust making her mindless, each stroke against her swollen clit adding to the delight. "I love to see you like this."

"Take me…harder…my god, now…" Meredith implores, swamped with heat, more than ever before. Clenching around him, every beat of their hearts in tune, the climax taking them both into a bewitching spell of fulfillment. "Love you…love you…" Their voices, thoughts, mingling into a point where they existed as one. One body, one soul, one heart. Forever and always – they didn't need to verbalize it, they just rock together, coming down from the height of the thrill.

"I am so glad you are here with me, love," Derek whispers, stroking her hair. "To lose you…"

"Shh….it all worked out, and Kiera is at peace now."

Derek nods silently, holding her tightly. And we have everything to look forward to, together…

"Married…" Cristina repeats, rolling her eyes.

"Yes, we're getting married, in a regular ceremony, with all of our family and friends from both worlds."

"I thought you said you were already…mated..bonded?"

Meredith giggles. "Yes, but this is a nod to my mortal upbringing. To be made an honest woman of, so to speak."

Cristina surveys the line of wedding dresses at the exclusive wedding boutique, where Meredith has dragged her to. One day till she leaves for Seattle, and she's in bridal hell. Acres of white tulle, lace and bugle beads as far as she can see. With haughty salesclerks hovering like vultures, scenting the financial windfall of a wealthy customer, taking in Meredith's understated air of elegance. She and Cristina have already been on a spending spree at Harrods, decimating the designer racks, the shoe department, and the lingerie boutique.

"What do you think of this?" Meredith holds out a gown, the wide skirt a wash of silk with pearls embroidering the hem. Cristina rolls her eyes, shaking her head. "This?" A halter gown, with a slit in the skirt, ending at mid-thigh, with a gathering of ruffles. Another eye roll. "Why am I asking you?"

"Mer, I can do hot in my sleep – these are boring or slutty. You aren't either of those." She stalks along the rack, pulling out a simple ivory gown, cut low in the back, yet curving around the bodice, strapless, with a long train embroidered with filigree thread. Tiny diamonds are sewn in the bodice. "Price is no object, right?"

The salesclerk swoops in, snagging the gown. "Yes, one of the new collection from Vera Wang. You would look stunning in this, Miss Grey, if I say so myself," she gushes. "You have the petite, perfect frame for this. Let me help you try this on." Swishing away towards the dressing rooms, reverently holding the gown. Meredith giggles a little, before following and dragging Cristina along with her.

"So, have you talked to Alexei again?" Meredith asks, behind the dressing room door, pulling the gown into place, having shooed the salesclerk away momentarily.

"No."

Meredith emerges, her hair pulled up, secured with some pins from the dressing room. "Why not? He's a great guy." She turns to give Cristina a chance to help do up the little buttons at the back.

Cristina just looks at her friend with an expression that says volumes. "You know why…he's…not my type."

"You have a type?" Meredith turns in front of the mirror. "This from the woman who was whining about not having any men in her life?"

"A living, breathing male type…"

"Well, he's going to be one of Derek's best men, and you're the maid of honor, so you'll be seeing him again soon enough."

"Mer...can we just stop for a second?"

"What?"

"I'm willing to accept everything you've told me, and the whole werewolf deal with the Chief and his wife, and even the spirit removal ritual. But Alexei is a vampire, and I'm human. No way I can see him again. I'm not becoming a blood bank, and I can't even believe I'm having this conversation..."

"It's not like that. He wouldn't take your blood without your consent, now that you know he's a vamp." Meredith looks at her friend carefully.

"Oh, goody, that makes me feel a whole lot better. So, if I didn't know he was undead, it would be okay for him to suck my blood?"

"That's not what I meant."

Cristina ducks down to adjust the train, and Meredith shakes her head. "Fine, we won't discuss it."

"Fine."

"Is the gown satisfactory?" The salesclerk asks, unable to stay away any longer. "The seamstress here is amazing. Any alterations are no problem. But you look lovely already, Miss Grey. Your skin...so porcelain...I must say, your fiancée will be speechless when he sees you coming down the aisle in this gown." The dress does make her look ethereal, the soft lighting of the bridal salon flattering her even more. "And can I ask where you have your hair done? The highlights are superb..."

"It's all natural," Meredith murmurs, hiding her smile. Natural, with the help of a little vampire transformation.

"How wonderful for you, my dear. Most women would pay a fortune to have your coloring."

"You do look perfect in the gown, Mer," Cristina offers. "You should take it. There'd be a lot of other dresses, but this is you."

Meredith trusts Cristina's opinion far more than the salesclerk's, and she has to admit, she loves the way it looks on her. It will require small alterations, but they have time for that. She nods happily. "Yes, absolutely. I'll take it."

"Excellent choice. There is a veil that is enchanting with this! You must have it as well..." The clerk beams, waving over the seamstress to take some measurements. "Is the wedding here?"

"No, Seattle. I'll require it to be shipped. Is that a problem?"

"Not at all. Will you require attendant gowns as well?"

"Yes, two. One for Cristina, who is here with me, but the other lady is back home in Seattle, and I don't believe I can get her over here." Izzie will be over the moon about this. "I think we'll get something in Seattle - Adele can help out with that."

"Works for me, "Cristina shrugs. "Just no poufy sleeves, or ruffles. I hate ruffles!"

"No ruffles. Just promise you'll be nice to Alexei."

"Whatever."

Derek paces the length of the library at Thatcher's estate. Thinking of the night he discovered the existence of Meredith, here in this room. In the measure of his life, it has been such a short time ago, and yet the impact on his life is profound. He gazes out the window, seeing the skeleton of the boat house, as it awaits rebuilding. The blackened timbers serve as a stark reminder of how close they had come to tragedy that night.

He senses the imminent arrival of Thatcher, and he turns, adjusting the jacket cuffs, almost nervously. He mulls over what he plans to say to his mentor, soon to be his father-in-law, in every sense of the legal word.

The doors swing open easily, revealing Thatcher striding in, his silver hair glinting under the subdued lighting. His black eyes are calm and spot Derek instantly, waiting along the windows. "Ah, Derek, what brings you here this evening? And alone, as well?"

"Yes, sir, Meredith and her friend, Cristina are out shopping."

"Ah, I see. And you wished to speak to me privately?"

Thatcher settles onto the leather sofa, and Derek waits a moment before taking the chair opposite him. "Yes, I know that I don't need to do this, but I'm still a bit old school sometimes." A faint grin touches his lips. He leans forward, bracing his hands on his knees.

"Is everything all right with you and Meredith? Something I should know?" Thatcher lifts one silver brow in question, sensing nothing from his young friend.

"Everything is fine. Actually, I've come to ask for your blessing - I've asked Meredith to marry me. I'm going to give this ring to her tonight." He brings out a small velvet box from his jacket pocket. "I wanted to have something special for her, something without any past connotations."

For a second, Thatcher is too surprised to speak. Then a warm smile crosses his face. "As in, marry my daughter in a mortal ceremony?" He takes the box, and opens it, to display the ring inside. It winks brilliantly from it's spot in the velvet. Two ruby stones are set among smaller diamonds that form a twist around them. Like two drops of blood, echoing the ruby in their amulets. "Magnificent choice, Derek. She will love it, but you realize she would be happy with just a plain gold band."

"Of course, but it's a fitting symbol, don't you think? The wedding band is a similar shape, just with the diamonds, that fits into the curve of this ring. I realize the wedding ceremony itself isn't required for our kind, but..."

"True, but I believe I understand why you are doing this. It's not so long since she was of that world, and it will be a good thing for her. To give a bit of closure, so to speak, to leave that life behind her."

"So, you approve?"

"My friend, you could not have made me a happier man. You have my blessing and my best wishes. Thank you for coming to me." Thatcher reaches out and clasps Derek's hand. "You have always been as close as a son to me as far as I'm concerned, so this makes it a reality. And actually, having you legally wed may be a help as well once Meredith is set to take over from me. No one can challenge the validity of your union."

"No one would dare challenge the bond of the vampire, would they?" Derek asks, leaning back, and crossing one ankle over his other knee. "And Meredith is your true heir, how can anyone dispute that?"

Thatcher steeples his fingers together thoughtfully. "I've been hearing some disquieting rumors out of Russia. Some of the more militant members there are not happy with the fact that Meredith's mother was human. They may cause trouble at some point."

"I thought that Victor and Nikolai would have ensured their brethren were solidly behind you as leader."

"They have, and for the most part, everyone backs me unconditionally. It is just the few hot-headed fledglings that are the problem. Youth and a desire to change the world do not go well together."

"Hell, I thought with Michelangelo gone, we were in for a peaceful time."

"I'm sure it's nothing as serious as that. But best to be aware. There is no need to concern Meredith. I will deal with this myself."

"Is Nathalia still there?" Derek asks, suddenly thinking of something. "She may be behind some of this."

Thatcher looks at him, puzzled, waiting for Derek to continue.

"I met her in St. Petersburg, several centuries ago, when she was just turned. I didn't trust her then, and I can only assume she hasn't mellowed with age." Derek's tone is dry, recalling the fiery redhead.

"She is still there, Derek, and I'm sure there is more to that story than you are letting on, but I'll keep that in mind when I speak with her." Thatcher pauses. "Enough of that for now – when is the wedding?"

"As soon as we can manage, likely within the month. We want to have it in Seattle, so that her friends there can attend. It's easier for you, Veronique, and the others to fly there."

Thatcher chuckles gently. "You wish to bring the entire coven to Seattle?"

"I'm sure it will be fine. An evening ceremony won't cause too many raised eyebrows, hopefully."

"Not to worry. We'll have enough allure between all of us that no one will find anything strange."

Derek smirks. "No, nothing unusual at all, sir. A chapel with vampires and mortals together should make for a helluva interesting night."