Chapter 46: Picking Baby Name

Meredith faces the council of vampires assembled in the library at Thatcher's estate. The group is comprised of elders, and others close to Thatcher in the coven. Despite being six months along in her pregnancy with twins, she is happy to be here for Thatcher. He wants to have both Derek and her get more involved in this part of the leadership, as he slowly eases away from the role.

She rests her hand on the swell of her belly, exchanging a smile with Derek. He sits beside her, giving her a silent nod of encouragement. She looks radiant, dressed in a softly draping dress of deep purple, her hair glinting under the lights, skin flushed from a recent feed. The pregnancy has been going well, no complications, and both he and Thatcher have been protective of her. So much so that Meredith has felt smothered at times, even though she realizes they are both just concerned for her welfare and that of the children. Vampire babies don't come along every day; especially twins, and it's an occasion of joy for all of them.

But tonight, Derek is doing his best to maintain his professional calm. He is so proud of her, in so many ways. She is able to listen to the concerns of the elders, even though she has not been a vampire very long, earning their respect. With the threat of Renegades gone, and Nathalia locked away, life is relatively peaceful for the first time in many centuries, but not without minor issues among the group.

Along with the elders, Mark, Alexei, Nikolai and Victor are in the room. Alexei looks his usual laid-back self, scuffed leathers and dark t-shirt even among the old ones; Mark in a dark suit and pale blue shirt, feigned boredom in his eyes; Nikolai and Victor in vintage jackets and linen shirts with brocade vests, their expressions neutral.

"Any other concerns?" Meredith asks, her voice sure and steady.

"Just the mundane details of keeping our existence protected. Mortals are getting too suspicious of some of our rather flamboyant members." This comment comes with a pointed look at Mark, who shrugs.

Meredith raises one delicate eyebrow. Despite Mark's assurances that he's back to normal, she isn't entirely sure. He takes his blood and his woman frequently, sometimes at Savage Garden, sometimes elsewhere. But obviously, he is getting careless again.

She nods at Damien, the Romanian vampire that voiced his concern. "I will take care of this myself," she assures him, earning a nod from the tall, imposing male. His dark hair and amber eyes are striking, his mouth full and tempting. Meredith is quite sure that he is very popular with the ladies as well.

Thatcher rises to his feet as well, placing his hand on her arm. "Very good, my dear. Between you and Derek, the coven is in good hands. I believe I can step back even more." He smiles gently, encouraged by her strength. She is sweetness and steel, mixed together in her petite frame. If Ellis is truly watching over her, she must be beaming with pride. If only she were able to see her future grandchildren as well, but he will do his best to make up for that lack.

"But sir…your daughter is expecting her children. Surely her attention will be focused on the babies."

Meredith frowns. "I assure you I can handle it. Besides, Derek will be with me, taking on extra responsibilities."

"Whatever is required," Derek nods. "Though I do trust my mate to stay focused on the important concerns of the coven. Even if our son, daughter, or both demands equal attention – she is very capable of multi-tasking. Modern females are so good at that sort of thing." Wry amusement tinges his voice.

"You know already they are a boy and a girl?" Victor asks, with a smile.

"Well, Veronique swears she is able to foretell the sex, so we'll take her word for it," Derek replies, looking at the elder French vampiress on the other side of Thatcher.

"I am never wrong, cherie. Their son will be a fine, strong man to carry on the tradition of the coven. Furthermore, their daughter will have the same healing touch as her mother and demonstrate the same smarts. Additionally, for the first time in history, she will find her bonded mate at the age of five years old. Now, mom and dad, you needn't worry, she will not partake in adult activities until she is married, just as her parents were."

"You aren't jealous, Ver, that this young one will rule us, and not you?" Damien asks, goading her just a bit.

"Non...Thatcher is her father; I would not expect anyone else to take his place but his own child. You worry too much, old friend," Veronique says with a little wink.

"You sound like Nathalia," Mark points out to Damien, ignoring Derek's warning glare. "Were you allied with her before she was caught?"

"You wish to die now, young one?" Damien says, his voice like ice. "I would never betray Thatcher or his daughter. You must have a death wish, since you go about so recklessly."

Mark kicks back the chair, and leaps to his feet. "Maybe I do. I'll just leave now, and you won't need to worry about my so-called reckless behavior."

"Mark! Wait..." Meredith calls out, but it's too late, he is already gone. Leaving them in a whisper of cold air, staring at each other in surprise.

"Damn," Derek mutters, looking at Alexei, who is just as confounded as the rest of them.

"All things considered, I believe this meeting is adjourned," Thatcher says. The room empties out quickly, leaving only Alexei remaining with the other three.

"Well, not the response I expected," Meredith sighs, sinking back into her chair. "Do you have any idea where he would go, Alexei?"

"Sorry, Meredith. Since I've relocated to Seattle, we haven't been in touch."

"So, he hasn't made any more appearances out there?"

"Not to my knowledge. Cristina says Dr. Montgomery doesn't show any signs of being with him. There was some gossip after his last appearance, but it died down pretty quick, I guess."

"Hmmm..." Meredith shifts in her chair, suddenly feeling a little flutter of movement from the babies. "Oh! Derek..." She grabs his hand, placing it where she feels the tiny kicks.

"Making their presence known already," Derek grins, unable to keep a proud grin from his lips. He touches her cheek with his other hand. "Maybe you need to rest now. You've been on your feet for a while tonight."

"Derek...I'm perfectly fine," Meredith assures him.

"Still, we should go home, at least. Let me pamper you."

"Oh, all right. I can't help Mark right now anyway." Meredith rises, letting him help her to her feet again. She glances at Alexei. "Can you talk with Cristina, just tell her to keep an eye open for our tortured friend?"

Alexei nods. "Absolutely."

Thatcher offers his other arm to Meredith. "You're driving her home, aren't you Derek?"

"Yes, we aren't taking any chances with anything. Until the babies are older, we're using mortal means of transportation. The car is more comfortable, anyway."

"Good."

"I'm off then," Alexei says, moving ahead of them to the door.

"Give my best to Cristina - I'll call her tomorrow myself."

"You bet. She can't wait for the babies to show up!"

"That makes two of us," Meredith sighs, and he departs, chuckling.

Meredith checks the temperature in the new steam room they had installed, as part of the renovations when they added some stained-glass windows to the penthouse. It's a luxurious addition and she loves the decadence of relaxing there. Absolute perfection, she thinks happily, closing the door behind her to keep the warmth inside.

She drops the towel, and picks up a bottle of fragrant oil, rubbing some into her skin, to absorb as much moisture as she can. All the way home, she was consumed with thoughts of having Derek make love to her here. Dropping to the wooden bench, she ran her hand along the bump of her babies, closing her eyes. Is she really ready for this, ready to be a mother? What would Ellis have to say, what kind of advice could she give her? As much as Thatcher is there for her, Meredith wishes her mother was here as well.

Her head falls back, her senses lulled by the hot, humid air. The room is quiet, except for the occasional hiss of steam. It doesn't take long for her hair to cling to her damp flesh, curling in tendrils in the heat. Her eyes drift shut, as she thinks of Ellis briefly, and she falls into a light sleep. Images of the cool green meadow dance in her sub-conscious, the same one she dreamed of before. Twirling in a circle under the bright blue sky, wearing a dazzling white gown, as she raises her hands in the air.

Mother...are you there?

Yes, Meredith...I told you I'm always here.

The voice is soothing, the image of her mother is clear as if she were right there. There is a soft touch against her forehead, and Meredith relaxes further.

You will be a wonderful mother, my dear. Your twins will be the lights of your life - I'm so proud of you.

So, they are a boy and a girl.

Of course - a boy to carry the lineage, to become a strong leader in the centuries to come. He will need a strong name to match his temperament. Also, a girl that will look just like her mother, and have the healing touch as well as her smarts. Your daughter will also help children. She needs a name that matches with her personality as well.

Yes, of course. We've discussed a few names already.

Kyrian...

What?

The name for the boy...Kyrian is a strong name, and it will tie into the past and lead him into the future.

Derek Kyrian Shepherd...

The name for the girl should also tie to her lineage. Her name will mean "goddess" because of her beauty.

Ella Grey Shepherd

Meredith feels a whisper of cool air, and she stirs from her little nap, looking up in confusion as Derek strides across the floor towards her. He has a towel slung around his hips, and she feels the usual thrill of desire just looking at him. His dark hair falls across his forehead, his intense blue eyes meeting hers. Somehow, the room seems to throb with immediate sensuality between them, as he takes her hand. "I'm sorry it took me a few minutes to join you. Are you all right?" he asks, noting the expression in her eyes.

"A dream...I guess," she murmurs, as he helps her stand up beside him. "My mother...giving me a name for the babies."

"Oh?"

"Derek Kyrian Shepherd and Ella Grey Shepherd...what do you think?"

Derek tilts his head for a second, considering. "I like them. The boy name ties back in a way to Kiera, though, don't you think? I like the girls name because it has a combination of your mother's name and it also has your maiden name present."

Meredith considers for a moment. "What better way to combine the past and the present?"

"I agree," Derek murmurs, leaning in to kiss her softly. His towel slides away from his body, and he pulls her closer, their slick skin sliding in a hot embrace. "Now, about this pampering I promised you..."

"Yes...about that..."

Derek's hands caress her body adoringly, sliding over the warm globes of her breasts, the belly and the curve of her hips. As always, the feel of her in his arms is enough to make him hard and hot for her. She is his mate, and he is hers, and that's all that matters to him in this moment. The steam hisses around them, surrounding them in humidity. Their lips meet hungrily, and his tongue finds hers, alternating between gentle and demanding. His hand winds in her damp hair, as she melts against him. The air is wet and heavy as molasses, pressing down on their bodies.

Meredith feels hot and erotic, as if they are in their own private jungle, bodies radiating heat from the steam and their own urgent need. His hands move along her back, kneading her spine, making her whimper against his mouth in sheer delight.

Mmmm...you have just the right touch...

Feel better?

Always with you...

Any kind of tiredness disappears, and Meredith slowly sinks down to her knees, kissing and licking a delicious path down his lean body. Her delicate fingers caress the long, hard length of his cock, before teasing him with her mouth. He feels strong and solid, and she wraps her tongue around him, stroking and loving with each touch. Playfully, she grazes her teeth along him, and down his inner thigh, making him groan at the intensity of his desire for her.

"Meredith..." he growls, as her fangs lengthen, nipping at his skin. "You know I love it when you do that..." His whole-body shakes as he feels her bite at him, feels the little trickle of blood spurt along her lips. A powerful spasm nearly takes him away, closer to the edge of no return. Her tongue heals the little wound, before he pulls her to her feet. She gives him a mischievous little smile, before he claims her mouth again, tasting the blood and the salt of his semen on her tongue.

The urgency between them escalates, and he spins her around, lifting her hair away from the back of her neck. His mouth descends there, and he kisses her hotly, his cock sliding against her wet skin. Holding her there, stroking her belly, marveling at the lushness of her body in pregnancy, Derek leans in to kiss her temple. "Are you ready for me now?" he asks, his voice thick with need, blood thrumming in his veins for her.

"God, yes..."

"Now..."

She braces her hands on the bench, as his knee parts her legs carefully, his cock searching against her. Before she can beg for him to hurry, he thrusts into her, as deep as possible, her slick heat pulling him inside. Her head goes back, as he slides out and then back, heightening their arousal to fever pitch. It is sweet torture, her orgasm building with the slow, deliberate thrusts. Meredith moans, ready to lose herself in the sweet delight, just as his fangs find the spot on her neck. As she shudders from the climax, he tastes the heady elixir of her blood, sending them both over the edge. She clenches around him, feeling his bite and his cock together, giving and taking, until she is shaking from the pleasure.

"You're so beautiful, love..." Derek growls, releasing the bite, holding her closer. "So perfect like this...I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"No, felt so good..." Meredith pants, as he helps her sink to the floor. She moves into his lap, and he cradles her as their bodies relax in contentment. Moisture surrounds them, beading on their skin, as she rests her head against his chest. "Mmm...I love how you pamper me, Derek."

"Somehow it turned out differently than I planned, but I'm glad you approve, honey," Derek laughs, shaking the damp hair from his forehead. "But you know, there are still a few hours until dawn, so you can give me a chance to work on making up for being so quick with you this time."

"It was just as much my urgency for you," Meredith giggles, looking up into his gold tinged eyes. She can feel the evidence of his desire growing against her again, as their passion drenched bodies mold together closer. Her mouth meets his, in a long, decadent kiss that sends heat flaring between them.

Derek quickly moves to his feet, holding her in his arms without losing any of the kiss. He quickly takes her into the bedroom, where he deposits her carefully on the silk sheets of their bed. The cool silk feels wonderful against their heated skin, and the pure sensual delight that is their nature purrs for more. Derek's body claims her, moving between her legs, his mouth and his tongue doing wicked things to her.

This time we go slow...