Chapter 60:

It feels so good to finally post a new chapter. Enjoy, my dear readers!

Larten opened his eyes blinking several times as he woke up. He rubbed a hand over his face turning towards Erin. He raised himself onto his elbows. She was sitting up against the headboard chewing her nails staring intently at the wall. Larten moved to sit up beside her. He didn't say anything but only watched her. After a minute had passed he gently pulled her hand away from her face.

"Stop chewing your nails."

This brought Erin out of her daze.

"It's New Year's Eve. Brigid goes out with her friends. We were attacked last night." Erin turned her head. "What do I do, Larten?"

Larten gave a small nod of his head.

"Let us look at this as logically as possible. First and foremost, have you seen anything?"

"No." Erin said quietly.

"Then we should ask Brigid if she has any new information."

Erin nodded, staring down at her hands.

"If she has no new information then we must use common sense and, like you often say, live as normally as possible."

Erin lifted her eyes.

"Do you agree with me when I say that? I mean truly."

Larten placed both hands firmly on either side of Erin's face.

"Yes." He said firmly.

A few teardrops slipped down Erin's cheeks as she nodded. Larten rubbed them away, pulling her face to his, kissing her hard. Erin rested her forehead against his.

"I think it's time we should go downstairs. I'm sure Brigid will have questions."

Erin nodded and took a deep breath.

"We should probably shower first."

"Does that include me?" Larten asked feigning curiosity for permission.

"I said 'we' didn't I? Come on."

As the hot water poured over them they held each other relishing in the steam around them and the enclosed space that forced them to be as close as possible. Larten wanted more but Erin turned the shower off. He tried to hide his frown as he stepped out and grabbed a towel.

"Don't frown. I've thought of a new game we can play later." Erin said, drying her hair.

Larten wanted to huff but then he remembered what the last surprise had been and so he really had no reason to be annoyed. It was the waiting that he didn't like. Vampires were known for their patience but in these situations Larten could not command forth that level of patience.

Larten shook his wet hair like a dog as he always did.

"Larten, quit! You just got water everywhere. Dry your hair like a normal human being." Erin said suddenly attacking his head with a towel rubbing his hair furiously.

"What are you doing?! Stop!" Larten yelled.

Erin immediately began laughing at him. He turned to look at himself in the mirror. His orange hair was sticking up in multiple directions as if he had stuck his finger into an electric socket. He growled feeling his temper rise as he ran his fingers through his hair to get it back under control into how it always looked. Erin hung the towels up.

"Okay, I'm sorry. I was trying to be funny. I won't mess with your hair ever again. But if you shake it, you better clean up the water that lands all over my sink and mirror."

"Noted." He said curtly.

Erin smirked as she went into her closet. She looked through her clothes but couldn't decide on what to wear. Larten entered and quickly chose his black shirt with a red cravat and red pinstriped pants. He dressed and watched Erin continue to look at her clothes. Occasionally Larten felt bad for women and the fashion evolutions they constantly had to go through. He gave a quick look over of Erin's clothes before swiftly picking something out: a dark green and black dogtooth patterned long sleeved shirt and a dark sienna A-line skirt that fell to the knees. He presented them to Erin. Erin cocked her head to the side, her lips twitching into a small smile.

"You really like me in green, don't you?"

Larten cleared his throat slightly.

"I will go downstairs while you finish getting ready."

"Would you mind making some coffee, please?" Erin called out after him.

"As you wish." Came his reply as he closed the door behind him and headed down the stairs.

Upstairs Erin dressed, adding warm black tights to the outfit and slipped on a pair of black flats. She brushed her hair leaving it to hang loose. She did a simple make-up look: soft warm-toned blush, lightly shimmered eyes in gold with brown shading, no eyeliner (she didn't feel like messing with it, she very much wanted coffee instead). She applied a quick nude shimmery lip gloss. She flipped the bathroom light off and could smell brewing coffee. She inhaled deeply and hurried downstairs.

Brigid and Larten were discussing last night's events as Larten handed her her mug of coffee. Brigid had her leather journal out, chewing on a pen.

"That's what I don't get. Why didn't I get it? Everything still looks fine. I have had absolutely no new information other than what we've already discussed. Yes, darker more dangerous times ahead, but nothing major yet in our immediate future."

"Perhaps it is because it was such a minor encounter." Larten mused.

Brigid looked up at him frowning.

"Minor?! You guys could've been killed! Erin, what did you see?"

Erin took a slow sip of her coffee leaning against the counter next to Larten.

"I only saw that a man was following us. He was only meant to stalk but then there was a second and, I guess, together they decided to take action. That's all."

Brigid sighed dropping her pen.

"Then maybe it was meant to only be a stalking situation but then they changed their minds and decided to engage." She looked up at Erin. "And you haven't seen anything else?"

"No, Brigid, how could I? I'm just now waking up." Erin grumbled.

"Well," Brigid shut her journal, "I'm staying home tonight. If anything, else happens I need to be here. Three is better than two."

"No."

Brigid looked up at Larten, surprised by his stern tone.

"What do you mean 'no'?"

"You should go out with your friends. Nothing has changed. We must still go on as if everything is normal."

"But nothing is normal!"

"Has it ever been for either of you?"

Brigid blinked, her mouth open, in surprise.

Erin couldn't help snorting into her coffee.

"Sis?"

Erin gave a small smile and nodded her head.

"You should go out and stay with Ellie. Larten and I were alone. You'll be surrounded by people. I think, for the majority at least, is that the focus is more on Larten. Once he's out of the picture we become easier prey."

Larten rubbed his chin.

"That would make sense. It is a typical tactic and the most rational given the situation."

"So, go, have fun. And if any tiny, small, seemingly insignificant inkling crosses your mind or mine, we'll be together as fast as Larten can flit. Okay?"

Brigid glanced at Larten.

"Stay aware. But, have fun." He said gruffly, taking a drink of his coffee.

"Okay. I'll go call Ellie back and tell her I'm coming."

As Brigid left the kitchen, Larten looked down at Erin. Her eyes were flickering back and forth as if looking for something. He knew she was trying to force her foresight. Larten used his thumb to push her hair behind her ear and placed a gentle kiss on the side of her head.

"You look quite radiant this morning. Please tell me you didn't go through any trouble just to please me." He teased.

"You, sir, are positively incorrigible." She rolled her eyes.

Larten smiled and spoke French before tilting Erin's chin up for a chaste kiss.

Erin didn't want the kiss to break but as Larten pulled away she saw a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"What did you say?"

Larten shrugged.

"No, tell me! You could've been reciting a recipe for all I know!"

Larten grinned.

"Maybe later."

"Tease." Erin pouted.

"I think you are the pot calling the kettle black on this one, my dear."

"Ha ha." Erin frowned.

"But to business," Larten set his mug down, "what are we to do this evening?"

"Besides make love, you mean?"

Larten's eyes widened briefly before clearing his throat. Being so forward was still something he was getting used to.

"Er, yes, besides that."

"T.V., read, play a game of cards, drink lots of wine. The usual. Oh, I know what else. This is under the making love umbrella, but I did think of something new we could do."

"And that would be?"

"Can't tell you."

Larten huffed drinking his coffee once more. 'Patience, patience, patience,' he muttered in his head.

"Dammit, I smudged it."

"Here. Let me fix it."

Erin grabbed the eye liner and began fixing Brigid's cat eye. Brigid was all dressed up for the night: glittery purple eyeshadow, a dusting of shimmery highlight, and soft pink lips. She had on a short dark grey skirt, long sleeved plum shirt, black tights, and heels. Erin had helped straighten Brigid's long strawberry blonde hair. Once more, Erin envied her younger sister that she could do anything and look like she just came out of a fashion magazine. As for Erin, well, hitting your thirties takes a lot more effort she grumbled in her head.

"Did Larten really pick your outfit out this morning?" Brigid said abruptly.

"How do you know that?" Erin asked in shock.

"Spidey-sense." Brigid smirked.

Erin threw Brigid's duffel bag at her to hide her blush. Brigid caught it, still smirking, as she went downstairs to fetch her coat. Erin followed and was very tempted to deny Brigid t.v. privileges for a week.

"Remember the rules. Cell phone within easy reach for check-ins. Anything remotely suspicious we act on, but have as much fun as possible, okay?"

"I'll be fine. It's you guys I'm concerned about." Brigid's face fell.

"We will be fine." Larten firmly stated.

Brigid's eyes met his as an understanding passed between them. Breaking eye contact, she clapped her hands, her typical exuberant smile returned. She hugged Erin.

"I'll check in when I get to Ellie's."

"Have fun, sis." Erin said gently.

A car honked outside, Brigid threw on her coat, and closed the front door behind her.

Erin and Larten stood in silence as they listened to the car drive away. Erin was staring ahead and chewing her nails. Larten grabbed her hand.

"Must I keep reminding you to not chew your nails?" He snapped.

"Oh, right. Maybe now would be a good time for some wine. Calm my nerves."

"Everything will be fine, Erin." Larten reinforced. "Now act as if this new year was no different than the last."

"No different? I have a vampire in my home that I love and I'm not alone like usual! I will act differently. Next year may be completely different or there might not be one at all."

Larten glared at her as he opened the wine. Erin looked startled at his severe expression.

"Must I keep reminding you to not say things like that?" He hissed turning his attention back to pouring the wine.

He felt arms encircle him from behind. He was upset, but every time Erin would hug him from behind he could feel himself relax.

"You're right. I should focus on the vampire in my home that I love part."

Erin couldn't see as Larten closed his eyes and slowly opened them as he swallowed a small lump in the back of his throat. She loved him. He liked to hear her say it out loud. He liked it when they made love. He liked being part of a family without any deep issues as he had experienced before. Perhaps he was subconsciously fighting his instincts because all of this felt so good. He was happy, no longer lonely, and it felt good to love Erin. (And to tolerate Brigid.)

Larten turned, breaking Erin's hold on him. He tilted her chin, eyes gentle, before covering her lips with his. He pulled away slowly as Erin had begun to intensify their kiss.

He presented her wine glass as her face pouted.

"Patience." He chuckled.

Erin stuck her tongue out at him as she took her glass causing Larten to chuckle more.

"I think this wine would taste much better if there was music on." He grinned.

Erin went into the living room and began rifling through her record collection. She pulled one out in triumph and placed it on the record player. A medley of songs from the 30s and 40s livened the house. Larten sat his glass down and suddenly the living room was wide open. He had moved the coffee table and pushed the furniture back. Erin looked around surprised.

"What did you do that for?"

"For dancing."

He swiftly grabbed her twirling her around.

They spent the evening drinking plenty of wine, dancing, and laughing. It seemed only a minute had passed when they saw that it was almost midnight. Erin turned the t.v. on so they could watch the ball descend in New York City signaling the new year. As the numbers counted down, Larten pulled Erin tightly against his side. Fireworks exploded and the people roared. Erin looked up into Larten's face with a wide smile.

"Happy New Year, Larten."

Larten looked in her eyes intensely. His reply was tangling both of his hands into her hair and kissing her voraciously. Erin pulled back to look into his eyes before wrapping her arms around his neck and forcing his head back down to continue the kiss.

"I think I know how we can herald in the new year." Erin panted as Larten lowered them to the floor in front of the fire, attacking her neck with kisses, a hand gripping her thigh as the other entwined his fingers with hers and held her arm above her head. Larten ground his hips against hers as Erin hummed in enjoyment at the feeling of his growing erection rubbing against her.

"Should we take this slower?" He breathed into her ear, nipping at it.

Erin immediately started grinding her hips against his.

"No, I need you now." She panted.

Larten kissed her desperately as he moved his hips against hers even harder. Erin gripped his upper back to pull him against her. She immediately went to work on removing his cravat and unbuttoning his shirt kissing and biting his flesh. Larten finished removing his shirt as Erin pulled hers off tossing it to the side. It was Larten who removed her bra. He looked down at her, panting, her flesh soft and glowing from the fire, nipples already hard as she tried to pull him back down on top of her. He grabbed her hands and held her arms above her head as he attacked her torso. He knew what would get her wet and say his name in desperation for more. She let out a pleasured gasp as Larten took a nipple into his mouth and sucked hard. He had stopped grinding his hips but he could feel hers trying to coax him into doing it again.

He released her arms to pull down her skirt and tights. Erin helped to remove them completely before beginning to try undoing his belt. Larten stopped her and began kissing over her flesh once more traveling lower and lower. Erin's breathing came in shorter gasps as Larten's mouth descended between her legs. He felt a hand in his hair as Erin moaned gently moving her hips as his tongue explored her. He almost drove her over the edge before pulling away and trailing his mouth and tongue up her body to her mouth. Larten could feel himself desperately ready. He raised onto his knees and removed his pants. He could feel himself throbbing and gave a small gasp in surprise as Erin raised herself to take him into her mouth. Larten tilted his head back, a hand holding her head as she pleasured him. Larten had to pull away quickly. Erin looked into his eyes, irises fully blown, as she laid back down, gripping his hips to meet with hers. Both of them were panting and couldn't hold off any longer.

Larten pulled her hips to his as he thrust himself inside of her. Erin tilted her head back in a cry as Larten thrust hard and fast. He couldn't think of anything else other than the feeling of her around him and the sound of her calling his name and begging him not to stop. He panted as he increased his tempo knowing he was about to release. It was when he felt Erin clench around him inside, a warm wet feeling spreading, that he couldn't hold back any longer. He cried out as his thrusts became erratic, feeling himself ejaculate. They continued to rock their hips hard against each other before stopping in complete exhaustion.

Erin felt him slide out of her and collapsed on top of her before rolling onto his back. An arm was raised above his head as he panted, his heart rate still racing. He took deep calming breaths. He enjoyed the warmth of the fire on his skin. He opened his eyes to look at Erin. She had rolled onto her stomach, resting on her elbows, as she looked at him. Her hair was tangled and sweaty as her skin glistened in the firelight smiling down at him as his breathing began to return to normal. He rolled onto his side to face her, tracing a finger down her spine. He saw the goosebumps raise on her flesh.

Erin lowered her face to bite his ear and whispered wickedly.

"That was good but the night isn't over yet. Do you think your vampire stamina can keep up?"

Larten ran his finger down to her derriere gripping it tight. His smirk was almost menacing looking with his scar as he looked into her eyes lustfully.

"What else did you have in mind?" He challenged back.