Chapter 31: Night Before the Wedding

Meredith takes another look at the boxes in the small storage area next to the little room where she and Derek escaped to during the attack from Michelangelo. Dust motes dance in the air as she moves the boxes around, searching for the Bible she saw in her last vision as Kiera. They fly out to Seattle tomorrow evening, and she wants to see she if can find it tonight. It might be a last-ditch effort, since Derek isn't even sure it still exists, but it's the only lead she has to go on. Stifling a sneeze, she rummages through other old books, small oil paintings, ledgers. Another box holds crumbling velvet, lace and pieces of old clothing, along with a pair of leather gauntlets, studded with pewter.

"I wore those in a joust with King Henry," Derek observes, and Meredith peeks over her shoulder at him. "Damn Suffolk wanted me out of the match, but I wasn't about to step aside. I still let the King win, but not without a good show on my part."

Her eyes sweep over his deceptively lazy pose, leaning against the doorframe. Wearing a loose white shirt over slim, black pants, he looks almost suited for the time period he is discussing. "Suffolk? You mean the Duke of Suffolk, Charles Brandon?" Meredith asks, thinking of her history lessons, as well as her interest in the Tudor period since she met Derek. The book she is reading, 'The Other Boleyn Girl' is fascinating, though Derek is quick to point out the historical inaccuracies, something that she can only shake her head at.

"Yes, that Suffolk…" Derek grins. "He was probably what you would call a manwhore today - he bedded every available woman he could, even after his marriage to the King's sister."

"Well, the way you look right now, all you need is a pair of riding boots and you could just jump back into history," Meredith points out, standing up and brushing a stray lock of hair back.

"I'm sure I could find a suitable pair somewhere. Would you like to go riding some day? " he smirks, his brows going up suggestively. He crosses the small space, reaching to rub a smudge of dust from her cheek.

"Why do I get the distinct impression you mean that in a dirty way?" Meredith counters, unable to keep a straight face.

"Sweetheart, you're taking it entirely differently – I meant it in all innocence, I swear," he protests, his eyes twinkling. "You know…horses, getting fresh air, out under the stars…" His fingers hook in the belt loops of her jeans, tugging her closer. Lowering his voice, to whisper in her ear. "Just think of the hard, muscular beast between your legs, moving with the pressure you exert, responding to your touch…"

Meredith is caught by the pure seduction of his voice, sending a quiver through her. "That sounds…very erotic…"

"Oh, it can be," he assures her, insinuating his hips against her. His mouth touches her just below her ear, his tongue stroking her. Meredith closes her eyes as his fangs graze her delicate skin. "Especially for the male beast between your legs…" He stressed the word male with a taunting slide of very male parts, and another leisurely lick of his tongue.

"Oohhh…when you put it that way, I'd love to go…riding.." Meredith matches his suggestive tone perfectly.

"Good. That should give me something to look forward to, love," Derek murmurs, "…since you are busy here at the moment."

Meredith's eyes open wide, as he begins to back away. "You're seriously not leaving me now…?"

"You did want to find that Bible," he reminds her, his lips quirking. His desire spiking at her adorable little pout, so at odds with her womanly scent.

"You could stay and help me."

Derek leans closer again, this time sliding his fingers along the buttons on her blouse. "Honey, looking for a Bible is not my biggest concern right now," he tells her, intent on the skin that tempts him. "These things will all be here after the wedding." He toys with one nipple beneath the lacy bra, and she bites back a moan. Her skin gleams against the decadent deep red lace of the delicate bra, and he loves how it looks on her.

"I suppose you're right," she agrees, melting in his liquid gaze. "Unless you want to be traditional and wait until after the wedding…"

"To ride?" Derek chuckles.

"I believe we stopped talking horses…"

"…and we are referring to…?" Still amused, he cups her breasts, continuing to tease her.

"…making love…"

"…then no, I'm not being traditional, Meredith. You are, already my bonded mate, after all, so…" Derek picks her up swiftly, moving them backwards against the shelving that holds the boxes. Dust swirls from the sudden movements, as he kisses her, and her legs hook around him. Urgently, he pulls the blouse away, the buttons scattering under his strong hands. His fangs ache to taste her; his cock throbs to be buried inside of her.

Meredith shudders, meeting every hungry thrust of his tongue, as he pushes the jeans away from her slip hips. He drops to his knees, kissing her navel, the arch of her hip, and finally the damp skin exposed along her inner thighs. She threads her fingers into his thick hair, as he moves closer to her throbbing clit. His tongue darts over her, taking his time now, tasting her pure sweet essence. Spreading the soft skin apart, searching with deep, wet strokes until she is pushing at him for more. Her body lifts, as she balances on her toes, the climax surging through her in endless waves.

With deliberate slowness, he kisses his way back up along her body, his finger replacing the stroke of his tongue, searching through her wetness and heat. Sliding insistently into her as his teeth close gently over her nipple that he tugs away from her bra.

"Oh...god, Derek..."

His touch intensifies, making tight circles around her clit with his thumb. "You're so ready for me..." he murmurs, his mouth again at her ear, and her nipples suddenly ache at the loss of his tongue.

"Yes...hurry..." she begs him, pulling at his clothes impatiently. She longs to sink her own fangs into him as well, as they both work to remove clothing as rapidly as they can. Derek then drags her back into his embrace, his cock sliding over the drenched wetness between her thighs. He groans low in his throat at the need he feels for her and drives into her in one shuddering thrust. As she wraps around him, taking him deeper into her slick heat, their bodies move as one. Pushing against the shelving, each movement making it rattle and bang against the wall. His mouth fastens to her throat, seeking her sweet pulse, just as she pierces his shoulder. It's heaven and heat, sharing their blood, and the pure erotic pleasure that flows between them.

Meredith squeezes him in tightly, pulling him deeply, urging him silently to take her even further. Each suck and thrust moves them faster and faster, Derek's legs braced, holding her easily against him, his strength fierce. Their mingled blood thrums in their bodies, as they move ever closer to the peak of their desires.

"Hang on baby..." Derek's voice is raw and authoritative, so sure of where he is taking her; his body working magic on her as he plunges slow and deep into her. She makes a small sound of anticipation, trembling around him, trusting him so completely. His touch seems to be everywhere, with increasing intensity - his heat and thickness deep within her. Just as she is about to explode, Derek grabs her closer, seeking her mouth with his. He needs to have that kiss as he succumbs to his own pleasure, a low rumble of pure masculine satisfaction in his throat. And it leaves them both completely wrung out from the sensation, clinging to each other in the cramped space. Meredith rests against his shoulder as he rocks them back and forth slowly, regaining composure.

I love sharing my life with you this way...

...always...

Thatcher stares out the plane window intently, as the private jet taxis to a stop at the Seattle airport. They have timed their arrival for close to dawn, to give them enough time to get inside before the sunrise. Gray mist envelops the landscape, obscuring some of the landmarks. It has been many years since he has been here - not since just before Ellis was killed, and he feels the touch of melancholy at that thought.

Meredith reaches across the armrest of the seat, squeezing his hand. "I'm glad you're here. I hope this won't be too difficult."

"It does bring back many memories," Thatcher admits softly. "But I choose to think of Ellis as the vibrant, loving woman she was when we were together. We shared many happy times here, when nobody else was aware of our relationship, except for Richard and Adele."

"I'm glad then. I was a little worried..." Meredith smiles, anxious for him, but looking forward to seeing everyone here. "Richard will be waiting for us, I believe?"

"Yes, he has arranged for the rental house again, since there will be several of us, after all. I know you still have the house that Ellis left you, but..."

Derek exchanges a look with Meredith. "I believe some of Meredith's girl friends have arranged for at least one night at her old house..."

Meredith nods, with a little grin. "Izzie, my other friend that you didn't meet yet, thinks we need a bachelorette party. Girls only."

Thatcher raises one silver eyebrow.

"It's a silly mortal custom, but she's been busy planning it, according to Cristina."

"So, your friend Izzie suffered no lasting damages from her run in with Michelangelo's minions?"

"According to Adele, Izzie has no memory of the whole incident - somehow it was all wiped out of her thoughts. All she remembers is talking to someone asking for directions outside the hospital, and the next thing waking up in her hospital room, after all the blood transfusions. Thank god for that."

"How lucky for us all then. Though I can't understand how..." Thatcher says, looking at Derek, who shrugs imperceptibly. "So, your lady friends will keep you occupied one evening then, happily without any dark clouds."

"Don't worry, I'll come and ravish you after everyone else is sleeping," Derek smirks, helping her to her feet as the plane stops. "No one keeps us apart, not even the night before our wedding, sweetheart." His thoughts are distinctly erotic, and she struggles to keep a straight face in front of her father.

"And I didn't just hear that," Thatcher chuckles, as the pilot opens the door for them to disembark into the cool night air.

"Adele, I couldn't have done all this without you," Meredith says, looking around her old bedroom. The gown hangs in the closet, shoes and veil close by. The bridesmaid gowns are there as well, strapless, lavender - just as simply elegant as her own gown. The bouquets will be orchids and lavender tinted mini-roses, set to be delivered first thing in the morning. Most of the other things that she left behind have been packed away. Meredith has spent a few nights going through the last boxes, realizing she may never be back here again. It's been busy, and she has pleaded jet lag for her erratic sleeping patterns, waiting until this evening to see Izzie. The rest of the group is due to arrive late tonight as well, just in time for the wedding.

"Child, it was my pleasure. I'm so thrilled," Adele beams at her. "But between you and me, Izzie has been pushing my buttons. I'm glad you're here and the wedding is tomorrow."

"I heard - she does get wrapped up in this sort of thing." Meredith sinks onto the bed. "I just can't believe this is actually happening. It's so sweet of Derek to want to do this."

"I see how he is with you, and you have him all wrapped around your dainty little finger, honey," Adele chuckles. "Your father was the same way with Ellis. Passionate and totally suited for each other. I'm so happy you know your heritage, and that you were able to accept it all. I was so worried - you have no idea how many times I wanted to say something to you, to give you some idea that you weren't all alone and abandoned. But I just couldn't..."

"I know - and you never let me feel abandoned, Adele...it just all makes sense now," Meredith sighs. "I just wish...Mom was here to see the wedding..."

Adele hugs her. "She is here in your heart, child. She would be so proud..."

At that moment, the doorbell rings and the excited chatter of her friends floats up the stairs as they open the front door. Izzie's giggles are countered by Cristina's wry comments, and Meredith can pick up their excited pulses as they approach.

"Mer! You're here! You look totally amazing..." Izzie squeals, throwing her arms around her. "Do you like the dresses? The flowers? Are you excited?" Questions tumble out rapidly. "Ohmigod...that ring is amazing..." Grabbing Meredith's hand and gasping at the rubies.

"Jeez, Izzie, give Mer a chance to talk," Cristina grins, rolling her eyes with a 'what did I tell you' look in Meredith's direction.

Izzie bounces on the bed, holding the pillow, her brown eyes wide in interest. "So, tell me about Alexei..."

"What?"

"The guy who is my partner - I saw the names on the email. Is he cute?"

"He's okay, if you like leather-wearing macho types,' Cristina offers. "Besides, what about George?"

"I can still look, can't I? How often will I get the chance to meet a British hottie?"

"He's Russian..." Cristina corrects her.

"Ohhh...you seem to know a lot about him!" Izzie sings out.

"I do not - I just remember details," Cristina protests. "You are welcome to flirt with him with all you want."

Meredith looks closely at Cristina, picking up an undercurrent her friend is hiding. The telltale pulse quickening, even the slight intake of breath gives her ambivalence over Alexei away. Derek had said that Alexei was reluctant to be in the wedding party, only relenting out of long-time friendship. How did this get so complicated?

"Well, Alexei is a nice guy, and so is Mark, the best man. Cristina, since you don't like Alexei, you know that Mark is a very suave, charming, intelligent man...dresses well..."

Cristina glares at her. "Sure, just not my type either. We've had this discussion before," she says pointedly.

"Okay, forget it."

"Good, now let's get this party started. I brought tequila, and it's calling my name." Cristina marches out of the bedroom, heading for the kitchen, determined not to discuss Alexei, and his level of hotness. Even if he did kiss like nobody else ever kissed her before, and his body felt as strong and unyielding as sculpted marble. "You guys coming, or what?" she calls out, pouring one shot and downing it before they even clear the stairs. Izzie detours to the stereo to search for some music, pulling Adele along with her.

Meredith corners Cristina in the kitchen, and she folds her arms over her chest. "What happened between you two? Alexei is cranky, according to Derek, and you're not much better. Neither of you want to go to the wedding, and I want to know why."

"I never said I didn't want to be in the wedding. We just didn't hit it off like you thought we did. I'll be civil to him during the ceremony, and then he can disappear for eternity for all I care." Another shot of tequila hits her throat, and music begins to fill the house.

Meredith takes Cristina's arm. "Fine, don't tell me. I won't push it. Vamps aren't your type," she assures her quietly. "But if there is something you want to talk about, believe me, I will understand." The little smile she gives Cristina includes a flash of fang, that is so quick, it's almost unnoticeable.

Cristina nods silently, feeling the tequila burn along her throat, and she closes her eyes. "He kissed me..." she whispers, just as Izzie bounces into the kitchen, ending the conversation.

Much later, after Adele has gone home, and Cristina and Izzie are out cold in the guest room, Meredith sits by her window thoughtfully. They had no more chance to discuss Alexei, with Cristina avoiding the subject the rest of the evening. Now it's well after 3:00 a.m., the house is still. The moon is just barely visible behind a veil of clouds. The leaves on the oak tree outside rustle lightly, and within moments, she feels the brush of cool air against her cheek.

I'm here, love...

Derek's mental presence precedes him by seconds, before his physical being appears beside her, dressed in his black leather, exuding a fresh scent of rain and pure male. "I told you I would be here," he smiles, taking her face in his cool hands. Leaning in to place his mouth over hers, kissing her slow and gentle. I missed you...

Missed you too...

His fingers slide back to her hair, as he relinquishes her lips. He is flushed from a recent hunt, his black hair tousled by the cool night breezes. The instant fire ignites his body, as his eyes devour her. Again, she is wearing a sexy robe, sheer white this time, buttoned only at her breasts. The soft material swirls around her, as she moves away, backing up playfully to the bed. Her hair tumbles around her face, and her azure eyes beckon him hungrily.

In two strides, Derek is beside her again, unable to resist the lure of her - unable to keep his hands from touching her. "Derek..." she whispers against his throat, just where she knows her breath will arouse him. Then her tongue flicks along the skin, sending more heat to his already sensitized nerves.

"God, Meredith...I like how you say hello," he murmurs, echoing her words to him from the other evening.

Her hands sweep over him, knowing and intimate. Finding him already hard for her, she gives him a sweet little smile. "I can tell..." she comments, all innocence, grasping him a little more firmly. The leather covering him suddenly feels far too constricting. "Maybe you need even more of my oral greetings..." she teases, dropping to her knees. Her nimble fingers quickly release his cock, and Derek's hand slams against the headboard to brace himself. All rational thoughts are then obliterated by his mate's silky tongue over him...