Chapter 30: A Few More Days

Meredith sinks into the soft duvet covering their bed, her evenings purchases scattered around her. She is happy with how the shopping expedition turned out, and that Cristina was in a good mood, even helping with the gown she'd purchased tonight. The veil proved as enchanting as promised, and after a few small alterations, the whole ensemble will be shipped to Adele for safekeeping.

She eases the Ferragamo pumps off her feet, and pads over to the closet to put the rest of the things away. Never a big shopper before, she is having fun with this. Especially the La Perla lingerie that she couldn't resist buying with Derek in mind. All in various hues and styles, in lace and satin and sheer gossamer that feels like heaven. Holding up the pale green camisole and matching thong, that comes with a floor length wrap in the same shade, with satin accents at the hem, a sexy little smile crosses her lips, thinking she might just put that on now, before he comes home from visiting with her father. He had been a little secretive about that before she'd left to pick up Cristina. It wasn't like him to keep things from her, and she hopes there isn't anything wrong.

She glances at the clock, seeing it's close to one a.m. After leaving the boutique, she had taken Cristina for a late dinner. The flight for Seattle isn't until noon tomorrow, so she wouldn't be able to see them all off, unfortunately. She had talked with Adele on the phone tonight as well, to discuss the bridesmaid gowns, and securing a place to have the wedding. With such short notice, it might be a little difficult, but Adele has connections everywhere. Meredith feels the situation is well in hand until she and Derek fly out there in a couple of weeks.

Humming softly, she slips out of her clothes, and changes into the luxurious new lingerie. It skims her body like a silken caress, just sheer enough to be naughty, and when covered by the wrap, only giving tantalizing glimpses of her skin. She belts the robe around her waist and turns to head into the living room. There is a book waiting for her there, that she started a few nights ago, before everything else happened.

As she settles onto the sofa, tucking her feet up beneath her, she pauses for a moment, reflecting on where she is, and what has all happened in what is really a short space of time. If someone had told her six months ago, she would be sitting here, in this amazing penthouse, wearing designer lingerie, and waiting for her vampire mate to arrive home...well, she would have sent them up for a psych evaluation. The thought makes her giggle a little bit. That is likely where Cristina is struggling, to accept all of this, even though she says she does already.

With that thought in mind, she hears the nearly silent twist of the lock at their door, and then Derek is striding through the foyer. "Hey...I was just thinking about you..." she says happily, admiring the way his suit fits him perfectly, though the tie is loosened just enough to give him a rakish edge. "Did you and my father have a good visit? Or are you still going to be secretive?"

Derek unbuttons his jacket as he crosses the floor, his eyes fixed on the swell of her skin above the scooped neckline of the camisole. With a swift movement, he tosses the jacket aside, and drops lightly down beside her. Leaning in to nuzzle her throat, his hand sliding along the slippery material covering her thigh. "It was very good, my love...and did you realize you look good enough to bite?" Looking at her with the smoky desire that always ignites as soon as they are together.

"Somehow I knew you would like this," she sighs, letting her head fall back, where his other hand caught her. "I bought a lot of yummy lingerie, just with you in mind, baby..."

Derek pressed his lips to her skin, kissing along the edge of the camisole. "Just don't expect to be wearing any of it for more than a few moments..." he warns her, pulling the belt away slowly to reveal more of her tempting body to his wandering fingers. Capturing her mouth with his, kissing her slow and deep, his tongue dancing along hers skillfully.

"Mmm...I love the way you say hello..." Meredith sighs, as he relinquishes her lips.

"Sweetheart, sometimes I'm never sure if I'm coming or going with you," Derek tells her, admiring the soft curves beneath the sheer camisole. Watching the slow rise and fall of her chest and inhaling the enticing scent of her skin. "And then I never want to leave, once I'm back with you." Poised above her, between her legs, the room in darkness except for the array of lights twinkling outside, all he wants to do is hold her forever. With a little groan, he falls over her, claiming her mouth, his hands pushing the gown off her shoulders. "I can never get enough of you," he sighs, as she winds her legs around him.

He takes her hands in his, holding her captive. Strong and possessive, he is ready to devour every luscious inch of her. Starting with the nipples that tantalize him beneath the silken material. Meredith closes her eyes in anticipation, waiting for his next move. First, he breathes softly over one rosy tip, then the other, enjoying her little gasp of delight. Then his tongue darts over the silk, moistening it lightly, eliciting more whimpers from her. Feeling her shiver beneath him, her eyes still closed, as he sucks a little harder, relinquishing her hands to push aside the hem of the cami. His mouth is hot and demanding, licking and kissing, while his fingers are touching her skin seemingly everywhere in sweet torment.

Meredith arches to meet his every touch, stroking the contours of his back, and the taper of his waist. His lips move against her, insistent, the friction between them sending pure erotic need into every part of her. Before she slides into a state of complete bliss, Derek slowly lets her go, cradling her head in one hand again. Thumb brushing her lip, he struggles to hold onto the control that threatens to disintegrate. "Once again, love, I've lost track of my intentions..."

"Oh...you don't intend to make glorious love to me?" Meredith asks, breathless. Reaching up to pull him closer again, winding one slim leg around him more firmly.

"Soon enough, but I have something to give you first." He moves away, gently disentangling himself, trailing his hand down her leg as he reaches for his discarded jacket. "Close your eyes, I have something to give you," Derek murmurs, touching the little velvet box in his jacket pocket. "And keep out of my thoughts, honey..." he warns teasingly, as she laughs, closing her eyes.

"Who...me?"

But he is back beside her before she even formulates any kind of thought herself. He takes her left hand, his thumb rubbing her palm. Her senses on alert, she picks up a sudden shift in his body.

Now...

Her eyes open, meeting his dark gaze first, then noticing the little smile at his lips. "You are already my heart, Meredith, nothing will ever change that. The wedding ceremony will only be a symbol, as is this ring." He holds up the ruby ring, watching her expression. A look of surprise crosses her face, her free hand touching her lips.

"It's gorgeous, Derek..." she whispers, feeling tears mist her eyes suddenly. "I wasn't...I mean, you didn't have to..."

Derek kisses her fingertips before slipping the ring on gently. "I know...but what kind of fiancé would I be not to give you a ring?" His voice is richly seductive, warming her as always.

Her lips lift in a little smile. "You keep spoiling me."

"Indulge me, darling. I love you, and I enjoy spoiling you. You deserve every bit of it."

"Then you'll be happy to know I spent a pile of money tonight..." Meredith giggles, falling forward into his arms again. "And the gown..."

"Don't even tell me. I'm not supposed to know, until the wedding day. Bad luck, isn't it?"

"So they say." Meredith holds up her hand, watching the light twinkle on the facets of the gems in the ring. "It's so beautiful. I love the rubies." She touches the amulet for a second as well, it's own ruby cool beneath her fingertips.

"You love just the rubies...?" Derek teases again, as her eyes flash to him. "What about the guy who gave them to you?"

"Hmmm...he's not too bad either..." she muses, leaning forward, touching the crisp cotton of his blue shirt. She tugs the tie away slowly, threading it through her fingers before dropping it to the floor. Her lips touch his, just the merest brush, soft as butterfly wings. "I love you so much..."

Derek groans softly, wrapping his arms around her, the gossamer sheer gown sliding across her skin as he crushes her against him once more. Kissing her just as softly, then increasing the pressure bit by bit, his tongue teasing hers into play.

Now...let's finish what we started...

Cristina frowns at the insistent tap at the hotel suite door, going to answer it, still in the midst of packing, after Meredith dropped her off after their late dinner. Well, she had dinner, while Meredith toyed with a small plate of food, giving the illusion of eating. She peers through the peep hole, meeting the unblinking cool blue gaze of Alexei. For a second, a flash of heat washes through her, and she backs away, taking a deep breath. "Crap..."

"Cristina...I know you're in there," Alexei calls out, a hint of amusement in his voice. He can hear her just as if he was right there, sense her body heat against the other side of the door. "Can I come in?"

"Um...I'm packing..."

"I just want to talk for a moment, okay?"

She takes a wild look around, then down at her outfit of faded jeans and shapeless black t-shirt, the mass of her black hair tied back carelessly. Well, she wasn't trying to impress the guy, so what did it matter? She yanks the door open, finding him leaning negligently against the door frame, arms folded across his broad chest. Wearing the black leathers she has seen him in before, damp from the pervasive mist outside. "Okay, what is it?" she asks, waving him inside.

The door clicks shut behind him, and he gives her a small smile. "I've been thinking about you. And that isn't something I normally do with most women I meet."

"Yeah, I can imagine. Just bite'em and leave'm kind of guy, aren't you?" They haven't moved away from the doorway, his masculine bulk close to her, invading her space. "Look, Alexei, I had fun the other night, but you realize this is not something that is going to work."

Alexei nods slowly, picking up her conflicted emotions, the hitch in her breathing, mingled with the slight jump in her pulse. "I know. It may have been easier for Meredith to accept Derek, knowing she would eventually be a vampire as well." He shrugs. "I just wanted to say good-bye, really..."

"Oh..."

Cristina is suddenly aware of him in ways she hadn't expected. Aware of his strong presence, the taut muscles of his chest straining against his dark t-shirt beneath the leather jacket. Aware of the scent of the leather, mixed with the damp of the rain that clings to him. She finds herself unable to keep from looking at his mouth, caught up in the sudden arousal that flares between them. An ache for something more pools like molten heat in her core, taking her by surprise.

"I should go..." Alexei says quietly, his mouth hovering much too close to hers. She doesn't remember closing the gap between them, it's just suddenly his mouth bruising hers, their tongues snaking together in a hot rush. He growls something unintelligible, lifting her off her feet, and slamming her back against the door. Uninvited primal lust fogs her senses, and she wants nothing more than his body. His hips move against her, rubbing intimately between her legs, as he kisses her harder.

His mouth is hot and hard against her throat; his hands by contrast are cool on her hot skin, along her ribcage, thumbs caressing the soft curve under her breasts. She is braless, her nipples hard, aching for his touch. But when his fangs inadvertently graze her skin, she stiffens and moves away. "I can't..." she breathes, putting her hands against him, stilling the questing touches. "No...please, I can't..." Her body is demanding something totally different, but her mind is fighting it. Pulse racing, the thrill still raging in her veins, but trying to ignore all of that.

Alexei grimaces, realizing too late the mistake he's made, getting carried away in his aroused state. His fangs sliding, seeking the pulse that eludes him. "Cristina…I'm sorry..." He closes his eyes, sucking in a long breath, releasing her gently. He rubs a hand across his face, as she turns away, to pick up the t-shirt that he yanked away from her moments ago. What had he been thinking?

"Alexei…just go, please…I'm…I can't do this…" Cristina sighs, opening the door, unable to look at him, or to meet his eyes. Afraid he is going to seduce her with a look; afraid of her own response. This isn't what she expected – the raw, urgent attraction between them that seems to make his eyes burn golden fire.

"You're right, I should not have come here." Alexei moves swiftly by her, angry at himself. "Have a nice flight home." And he is gone, so fast she barely has time to blink. Only the fact that her lips are stinging from his kiss, and her body is shaking, giving her a reminder that he has just been here. She closes the door softly, sinking down to the floor, resting her head on her knees. Trust fate to send her a guy that is just perfect, except that he's a vampire. Karma sucks…

"You fed before coming home," Derek notes, taking in Meredith's flushed skin, her warmth and her bright eyes. "I was going to mention that before, but somehow we had other things to discuss..." His own eyes gleam with amusement.

"Yes, I stopped at Savage Garden."

"Alone…need I worry?" he asks, raising his eyebrow.

"Do I? I scent the blood on you as well." Meredith touches his mouth.

"Only sustenance, love."

"I know, and I'm not worried, as you aren't about me, either. I realize it's just what we do. Ao long as we are here together, like this, at the end of the night…"

"You understand all of our existence already so well."

"With you and my father to guide me, what else can I do?" She lays her head on his chest, curled in the big bed, where they have moved to, after he made short work of her lingerie, just as he promised. Secure in his strong embrace, as he slides his hands through her hair. "Besides, I intend to keep you so occupied, you wouldn't ever need…"

"Hush, Meredith, do not even tease me about that," he growls, the sound rumbling in his chest beneath her hand. "I told you before, my heart was yours before we even met. I even asked your father for his blessing tonight."

"You what?" she asks, sitting up, her hair swinging across her face. "Seriously?"

Derek nods, cupping her cheek, pulling her in for a kiss.

"And what did he say?"

"He was pleased."

"Sometimes I forget that you're from a time when gentlemen did that kind of thing," she whispers, thinking of him as she had seen in her visions. Looking strong and in charge, the aristocratic aura about him.

"Thatcher understands," Derek admits. "He is happy for us, sweetheart. The wedding will be the binding between us for both worlds to witness. It will be interesting, to say the least."

"Cristina is still struggling with all of this. Maybe it's too much to ask her to be my maid of honor. I think there is more of an attraction between her and Alexei than she wants to admit, or even consider."

"She should be there beside you, after all you have been through with her. Should I talk to Alexei?"

"Would you?"

"Of course, love." Derek pulls her back down again, claiming her mouth, putting all other thought out of her mind, except for the urgent desire that flows between them like pure sweet honey.

It's a week until they are leaving for Seattle, and Derek finally meets with Alexei at Savage Garden. A Monday evening, it's quiet in the club, only a few mortals lining the bar, taking vodka shots, and bloody marys. Victor is there as well, keeping a watchful eye on the place, while staying a distance from Derek, respecting his desire for a private conversation.

"Derek, I do not believe I should be in the wedding party," Alexei states suddenly, crossing his arms, leaning back in his chair. "I'm more comfortable like this, not wearing some damn suit for god's sake." Indicating his leathers, and scuffed boots.

"This isn't about that, is it?'

"Damnit, Derek…"

"Look, I know you very well, Alexei, and this isn't about the suit. This is about Cristina."

"Meredith's friend is very stubborn, and I could care less about her. I'm just not the guy for this. Get Richard to stand in with you and Mark."

Derek gives him a shrewd look. "Women are hard to fathom, I'll be the first to admit, but maybe Cristina is just trying to work through all of this. It's a lot to comprehend at once. It's not you specifically she's rejected, just the idea of what you represent."

"Yeah, well, I've been rejected before, and I don't need to put myself in that position again, "Alexei grumbles. "Both as a man, and as a vampire, so forgive me for being a little aggravated." He shoves himself into a standing position quickly, ready to escape.

"Alexei…"

"Look, Shep, I'll do this for you, and for Meredith, whom I've grown quite fond of, even if she can't drive for shit. But don't expect anything else, my friend. Weddings are over-rated, and why you even want to do this is beyond me."

"Because I love Meredith, and I want to make her happy. You might understand that concept one day."

"Fuck it, Shep. Not me, not in an eternity." Alexei storms off, and moments later, Derek hears the distinctive roar of his motorcycle taking off from the club. He rubs the bridge of his nose, dissatisfied with how the conversation went. This isn't going to be easy…

Meredith pulls her cell phone from her purse, checking the text message from Cristina, stifling a little giggle before responding.

Mer…Izzie is going bridesmaid-zilla crazy :( Plz talk 2 her b4 I choke her with a length of taffeta…

Is Adele coping?

Yes, but I think she is going to turn all werewolf on Iz and rip her to shreds if you don't get here soon.

Just a few more days, Cris. Derek and I fly out next week, and the rest of the group will be soon after.

Gr8

U ok?

Peachy…gotta go, Mer, Bailey is looking for me. I'm hiding in the morgue…

Meredith giggles at the thought. Okay…hang in there…

You realize you owe me big time for this

I know…and I'll call Izzie and see if she can tone it down a notch or two. Bye Cris..

Bye Mer

Meredith stands at the windows, holding the phone thoughtfully, shaking her head. Is it too late to elope?

"I don't think you want to do that," Derek murmurs, coming up behind her, sliding his arms around her shoulders. She leans back against his chest, savoring the sensation of his strength, and the fresh scent of cool air that clings to him.

"Elope? It's beginning to appeal to me."

He presses a soft kiss to her temple. "No, my dear, I want to see you coming towards me down the aisle, wearing this phenomenal dress you've bought, so don't even think about anything else."

"You're pretty romantic for a vampire, have I told you that?"

"It's a step up from smart-ass," Derek grins, his fangs flashing wickedly, as he sweeps her up into his arms, to carry her off to the bedroom.

The eternal celebration of our love
will not fade...
Please join us as we,

Meredith Elena Grey

and

Derek Gaylen Shepherd

begin our new life together
on May 1, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.

This will be an intimate candlelight ceremony

To be held at Oceanside Chapel

Seattle, WA

R.S.V.P. to "greywoolf_hotmale"

In lieu of gifts, donations gratefully directed to

SGH Free Clinic