The sun was just about to come up and Helene was half awake thanks to the chirping birds and other animal noises. As she cursed nature and tried to get back to sleep, another soud, that of a loud crunch and several thuds, like approaching footsteps, jolted her awake the rest of the way.

Aware that she was only clad in an old t-shirt of Ludovic's and nothing else, she grabbed a large branch that she'd kept in the tent just in case and stepped outside. Her heart was pounding, her palms and forehead were wet with sweat, and as she tried to get the branch up over her head, the sweetest voice she ever heard made her drop it on her bare foot instead.

"Honey, I'm home!"

"Damn it," she swore. "Damn you! You made me drop a very large branch on my foot! It hurts!"

Ludovic smiled and put the bags he was carrying down, trying not to laugh too hard as she hobbled toward him.

"I don't know why you're laughing cause it's not funny!" Helene spat, her voice breaking. "I was all alone and I thought you were some creep who was gonna hurt me! I was scared!"

"I'm sorry," he apologized and ran his fingers through her hair. "I didn't mean to scare you. But now that I'm back, I promise that you're safe, because I'm the biggest, baddest beast around here!"

He gave her a wink and a smile that was quickly wiped off his face as she frowned and gave him a slap, hard enough to send him stumbling backwards and fall. After he got his bearings, he put a hand to his face and looked up at her in surprise. Damn, she could really hit hard!

He growled in anger and tried to get to his feet, but Helene refused to accept his anger.

"Don't you have the nerve to get mad at me!" She said, getting close enough to poke him in the chest with her finger. "It's what you deserve for running off and leaving me all alone in the woods and then coming back to scare me half to death while acting like it's all a big joke!"

He knew that he had hurt her, that her fear was somewhat his fault. Even so, he grabbed her forearm and pulled her close to him. "I know this is my fault. I know you're pissed off; you've made it very clear." He paused, keeping his eyes on her. "But one thing I have to make clear is that one one, and I mean no one raises a hand to me." He paused, eying her trembling lip. "Even if you're a vision and I know you're probably not wearing any underwear right now."

They continued to glare at each other as he pulled her even closer. "You make me sick," she whispered. "You disgust me."

"Oh, yeah?" Ludovic said. "I wouldn't have come back if I'd known this is what I had to look forward to!"

"What?" Helene asked.

It was then that their lips touched and he didn't hesitate to kiss her deeply, his mouth crashing on hers. With her arms around his neck, he nudged her back against a nearby tree, his hands going up her long legs and thighs just to see if he'd been right about her not wearing any underwear.

"You'll find out soon enough, but no, I'm not wearing any panties right now," Helene growled, very angry she had to tell him that, but also very aroused by the look in his beautiful dark eyes. He looked like he wanted to eat her up.

He scoffed. "Doesn't matter if you are or not because we're going to do this either way, but thank you so much for making this easier for me." Then he undid his belt and his pants fell down around his ankles, showing Helene very clearly that he wasn't wearing underwear either.

Her eyes widened, and she just barely whispered something she'd said several times. "Big boy!"

But just as she finished, she barely had time to get another breath before he grabbed her, and then, without much ceremony, they began going at it against a tree. He kept his lips off hers so he could hear her moans and her whispering of his name which only aroused him more.

Eventually, Helene grabbed his face before he thrust again. "I never thought I'd say this," she panted, but-"

"But you want me to stop?" Ludovic interrupted. "Oh, all right. I guess-"

"Not stop!" Helene shook her head. "Pause. Move to the blanket. I don't think I can feel my butt anymore from it rubbing up against this tree!"

"Right," Ludovic nodded and carried her to the blanket where they they undressed completely and began going at it again.

"I see you missed this too," Helene got out.

"Oh? How can you tell?" Ludovic asked.

"It's hard," she got out and then let out a moan and a cry. "I mean, you're being so subtle about it!"

It went on until they both lost their breaths and collapsed beside each other, and he held her close, her head on his chest so he could play with her hair as they watched the sun.

"Wow," Helene breathed. "That was some homecoming!"

"Good," Ludovic grinned. "I'm glad you liked it." He paused, getting up. "And speaking of things you're going to like-" He grabbed a brown paper sack and placed it beside her. "I brought you gifts!"

"I hope this isn't stuff you expect me to cook, because I can't-ah!" She let out a shriek, a grin on her face as she pulled out a bottle of shampoo, a bottle of conditioner, and-"Soap!" She cheered. "I'm gonna be clean!"

"I thought you would like that," Ludovic smiled. "Yeah, I got you shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash for my bad breath-" He winked. "It won't last forever but it'll do for now."

"Yes!" Helene cheered and actually squeezed him hard. "This is the best present ever! Thank you! Now I'm starting to feel a bit more normal!" She then noticed another bag. "What's in here?"

"Have a look," Ludovic told her. "It's for a surprise."

"Huh." She got up, grabbed the other bag, and pulled out heels, a black dress, a necklace and some earrings, along with boots, nice dark jeans, and a t-shirt for him. "What's all this for?" She questioned. "What's the surprise?"

He grinned. "Well, if I told you, it wouldn't be much of a surprise, now would it? Let's just say it's something that will show the world you're not so easily defeated. Not perfect because you've definitely made some mistakes, but...that you're still entitled to a life."

"What are you saying?" She asked. "I don't understand your babbling at all."

"Well, when I was out and about, I went into this club for a drink, made friends with the owner, and he invited you and me to a party they're having."

"Oh," Helene smiled. "That sounds like fun!"

"Only catch though...Eloise and Adrian will be there," he added without looking at her.

"What?" Helene cried. "Well, I can't go then! Why would you do this to me?! If we go, we'll get caught! Noah might even be in league with my parents and this is a way to trap me! I can't believe you agreed to do this! How stupid can you get?"

"Would you relax? Ludovic urged. "We're not gonna get caught. Don't worry about it. And I highly doubt anyone at that bar is in league with your parents. It was mainly a werewolf crowd and we don't get into that sort of alliance with anyone unless there's a very good reason."

"But even so, why take the risk?" Helene repeated. "I have a debt to pay to society and if that means that I have to spend the rest of my life in the woods, away from civilization, then so be it!"

"You're not gonna have to be in the woods for the rest of your life," Ludovic assured her. "Even though you did wrong, you still deserve to have a life, and belong and be loved. This party is a chance to remind people of that. I know it's hard and I completely understand why you're reluctant, but...can you trust me about this? Please? I promise it will work and I wouldn't lie to you. Do you think I would? That I'm some horrible thug?"

"Well, of course not!" Helene shook her head. "Not anymore!"

Ludovic smiled and took his hand in hers. "You trusted me once to bring you into the wilderness and I need you to do it again. This will work out, I promise."

"All right," Helene sighed. "I trust you. It's crazy, but I do."

Isabella was standing in front of her closet in nothing but her skimpiest black lace bra and panty set as she looked over all her clothes to decide what to wear for the party.

"Nope, nope, hate that color, that makes me look like somebody's grandma, no, no, no..."

As she flipped through the dresses, she suddenly saw Tyler slink in out of the corner of her eye and sit down on her bed. She tried her best to take no notice of him and then he spoke.

"I like that look. You know, I think if you put shoes and a jacket with it, your brother might let you wear it in the club!"

She scoffed. "Don't be silly! This is underwear!"

"So?" Tyler pressed. "What's your point? And besides, I'm being sarcastic. Don't you know a joke when you hear it?"

"I know a good joke when I hear it!" Isabella reassured him.

"So have you picked an outfit yet?" Tyler questioned.

"No, obviously not!" Isabella replied. "You would think with all these clothes, I could find something but it's very difficult!"

"Wear the backless black and silver jumpsuit," Tyler said. "If I may make a suggestion. It's very you."

She finally turned, both eyebrows in her hair. "How do you know what's me and what isn't?"

Tyler shrugged. "I just know you don't want to be a common girl, Isabella Morningstar. "Because you're definitely not that."

"No I'm certainly not," Isabella agreed, shaking out her long dark hair as she went back to rifling through her closet. "So...you think I should wear the black jumpsuit, huh?"

"Yes," Tyler nodded. "I do."

"Well," she pulled out a low cut red dress. "I think I'll wear this instead!"

"Oh, please," Tyler scoffed. "Don't even try it. I think we both know the second I leave here, you're gonna put on the jumpsuit. And heels too." He shrugged as she turned around and stuck her tongue out at him.

Tyler rolled his eyes. "You know, you're really childish!"

"Well, guess what?" Isabella returned. "I don't care!"

They lapsed into silence for a few seconds before Tyler cleared his throat. "So...we're not gonna talk about it?"

"About what?" Isabella asked, glad she had rifling through her closet to occupy her so she wouldn't have to turn around and let him see the deep blush on her face.

"You know about what!" Tyler told her. "The fact that we had sex for the first time since we conceived our daughter!"

Isabella sucked in her breath, grabbed the black jumpsuit out of the closet, then headed to her jewelry cabinet to pick out what would go with it.

"It's not that I don't want to talk about it," she said as she avoided his gaze again. "It's just that I don't...I don't know how to talk about stuff like that. Too many feelings!"

"I don't know how either but we could learn together, couldn't we?"

Isabella groaned. "Look, I know this is important and all, but...can't it wait? Can't we just...forget it for now and have fun at my brother's party? Please? It's the only way I'm gonna forget that thanks to me, our daughter is stuck in Hell with a crazy demon!"

"I suppose we could wait," Tyler nodded. "But do you really think it will help, or are you just trying to hide from the fact that our relationship is becoming deeper and you're scared?"

"Why do you always do this?" She groaned. "Why can't you accept me how I am and talk about the good stuff in my personality instead of focusing on what needs to be fixed?"

Tyler gave her a look. "Sweetheart, I accept plenty! If there wasn't a lot to like already, if I just wanted to rebuild you from the ground up, do you think I'd have a child with you already? Do you think I'd want to be around you as often as I am? Do you think I'd spend all my time pulling the curly hair my father gave me out of my head? Why are you so stuck on having things a certain way that you throw everything good that's already there out the window?"

"Fine!" An enraged Isabella cried and threw the jumpsuit on the bed. "If you want me to say it, I'll say it. I'm awful! I'm terrible! I'm a bad person who doesn't want to be seen with you. Are you happy? Do you want me to admit I'm a spoiled brat too? Because I know you think it all the time!"

"Not all the time, but you can't deny that sometimes you are...when you're not being the woman I love deeply,"

"Oh, don't you do that!" Isabella cried. "You can't trick me! I know when I'm being insulted and you can't sugarcoat it!"

"What is wrong with you?" Tyler shouted. "You wanted me to say something nice about you. I did and you're still yelling! You really are a piece of work." He scoffed. "You know what? Wear whatever the hell you want, do whatever the hell you want, I don't care. I'm going home."

"Not yet!" Isabella told him and he suddenly found himself handcuffed to her. "There," she said triumphantly. "Now you can't say I don't want to be seen with you!"

"Get this damn thing off my wrist!" Tyler cried. "Isabella, this is insane!"

"No," Isabella shook her head, looking very smug.

"How are you supposed to get dressed if we're stuck together like this?" He wanted to know. "Did you think of that before you came up with this ridiculous plan?"

"Easy," Isabella replied and snapped her fingers. Suddenly, she was wearing the jumpsuit. "Any more questions, don't ask; you're just gonna have to trust me."

"Oh, boy," Tyler rolled his eyes. "Coming from you, 'trust me' are two of the scariest words in the English language."

He (who still preferred to go by that rather than his given name Alec) was sitting in relaxing silence in his room when the door burst open and Lily-Eleanor strode in without so much as a knock.

"Why aren't you dressed for Uncle Noah's party, Alec?" She asked when she saw him. "It's almost time to go! Chop-chop!"

"Stop calling me that name! You know I hate it."

"Well, for starters 'He' is not even a name," Lily-Eleanor replied. "And Alec is what your parents named you, probably your father most."

"How is that supposed to make me feel better?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't know," Lily-Eleanor scoffed. "Just get dressed, would you? I'm not gonna be a loser and go to the party by myself. I need an escort!"

"Don't you have a brother who could take you?" He questioned. "And if I was going, I'm already dressed. Please make note of all the fabric covering my body."

Lily-Eleanor scoffed at his slacks and sweater. "That's not what you wear to a party!"

"Well, you're not dressed either," He indicated her workout clothes and tried to go back to his book. "Stop bothering me and get dressed yourself!"

"I was on my way to do that!" Lily-Eleanor snapped. "These are just my exercise clothes! I wanted to make sure you were getting with the program before I went to change!"

"Well, I don't think I'll go, so you just be on your merry way," He told her. "Thanks for stopping by!"

"Why don't you want to go?" Lily-Eleanor asked. "Tyler will probably be looking forward to seeing you so he and Isabella can thank you for your help!"

"They already thanked me, and I don't need to be thanked any more," He replied simply. "Therefore, there's no reason for me to be there. I'm sure Tyler and Isabella will understand. Please go away now." He tried to go back to his book, but still felt her eyes on him.

He turned his head a little and saw her out of the corner of his eye, her arms crossed. "If you're only not going because I'll be there, I'll stay home. That way, you can be with your friend and you won't feel like I'm ruining it."

Growling in frustration, He threw his book aside and rose to his feet. "Will you stop being such a child, Lily-Eleanor? That has to be the dumbest thing you've ever said, which is saying something, considering how long I've heard words come out of your mouth!"

"Then why won't you go?" Lily-Eleanor asked. "I don't understand you one bit!"

"Because going to clubs isn't my thing," He reminded her. "You know that. You know I prefer smaller gatherings."

Lily-Eleanor scoffed. "You didn't seem to mind it the day we made out in the bathroom!"

He bit his lip on a smile. "That was ages ago and you're still thinking about it?"

Lily-Eleanor blushed. "Yeah...no!" She cried. "I think you're just being stupid and making up excuses not to be around me. And what's up with that? Have I offended His Highness for some reason?"

His eyes widened, and his book fell to the floor as he got to his feet. "Are you kidding me?" He got out. Then his voice began to rise. "Where do you come off, talking to me like that? Like I've never done you an ounce of good? I've done everything for you! Including being your extra power so Tyler and Isabella could see Leila in Hell. You never say 'Please', you never say 'Thank you', you just...expect me to, like I'm a servant or something! And I hate it!"

"Well, all right," Lily-Eleanor's eyes were wide. "All right, you don't have to yell. Thanks for all your help with Tyler and Isabella."

"You're welcome!" He shouted. "Now was that so hard?" He shook his head. "I don't know how you do it, but you have a real talent for making me very angry!"

"Well, I'm sorry about that, but I'm still staying home so you can go to the club and see Tyler without making a fuss." She turned to go, but didn't get very far before she felt He grab her arm in a tight grip. "What are you doing?" She cried as she struggled. "Let go of me, you brute!"

He turned her around so she was looking into his eyes. "If I have to go to the club, so do you," he decided.

"Let go of me," she repeated and tried to hit his arms and back.

"Now you're going to take a shower and dress," he continued.

"Oh, make me!" Lily-Eleanor challenged.

"With pleasure," He returned. He then picked her up and put her over his shoulder, carrying her to the bathroom, and turning on the shower. Without bothering to turn it onto warm or undressing her, he pushed her under the spray.

"Cold!" She yelled. "That's cold, damn it!"

"Is it?" He questioned. He'd followed her in, but positioned himself in such a way that only a small amount of water was hitting him even as it soaked her.

Eventually though, he noticed her shivering and goosebumps and pulled her close. "There," he said. "I was just making a joke. I...let's warm you up a little."

"A little?" Lily Eleanor barked. "How about a lot? I'm freezing and shaking, and-"

She didn't get a chance to finish as his mouth crashed against hers and they began kissing deeply and peeling off each other's clothes, letting them pile up on the shower floor and be soaked.

"Better?" He asked as he began running his hands down her body.

"It...would help if you made the water warmer," Lily-Eleanor got out.

"We don't need warm water," He said. "We can do without it. You'll see."

But Lily Eleanor rolled her eyes, and with a little skillful maneuvering, she managed to get the water warm before continuing to kiss He. "Sorry about that, but I just don't have that much trust in your ability to do well at this without warm water."

"Well, you don't know if you don't try, do you?" He asked.

She scoffed and held the shampoo out to him."Will you shush before you ruin everything and wash my hair please? I would find it immensely enjoyable."

"Oh, all right," He gave her a small grin. "Since you said 'please.'" But even just washing her hair started to arouse him and by the time he'd scrubbed her with the soap and it was rinsing off her body and down the drain, he was kissing her repeatedly, her body pinned against the wall as he tried to figure out the best way to take her in the shower.

"You don't have to be delicate," Lily-Eleanor assured him. "If it hurts a little, it hurts a little."

With that, He stopping worrying so much about position and soon they were just going at it, Lily Eleanor's ass banging repeatedly against the shower wall.

"See?" He panted when they pulled apart for a second. "I told you I could get you warmed up!"

"Well, some of that credit goes to the water," Lily-Eleanor smiled and then grabbed his face to kiss him again. "But you're not doing so bad!"

When he was finally ready to take a break, Lily-Eleanor decided to scrub him off, making a face when he backed away from her a little.

"What's wrong?" She asked. "It's just soap!"

"Sorry," He shook his head. "This is gonna sound crazy but sometimes I forget I'm not made of metal anymore. I thought the soap was gonna make me short circuit if it touched me."

"Ah," Lily Eleanor nodded as she gently slid the soapy wash cloth down his arms and then moved onto his stomach. "That is an oddly reasonable explanation. Are you better now?"

"Yes," He nodded. "I remember what I am."

After he was all scrubbed and clean, they went on to a more passionate round two with their hands going all over each other and, because standing against the shower wall proved not to the most comfortable, they resorted to touching to make each other climax instead.

Finally, they turned the water off and got out, clinging to one another for balance. "You know," Lily-Eleanor said, "That was one of the best damn showers I've ever had."

"I agree," He nodded. "Truly, I do."

"Now, we have a party to go to!" Lily-Eleanor said. "Put on those really snug blue jeans and that black silk t-shirt I know you have in your closet!"

"Or we could get back in the shower..." He suggested in his best sexy voice. "Go to bed...wouldn't that be more fun?"

"No, but props on doing a damn good job of trying to seduce me!" Lily-Eleanor told him with a smile as she zapped the clothes she thought would look best on the bed for him. "You know, if we hadn't just done it in the shower all that time, it might have actually worked! I'm off to my room to dress now. See you in a little bit. We'll take my car to the club, all right?"

He opened his mouth to respond, but the door shut behind her before he could say a word, leaving him nothing to do but stare at the outfit until he made himself put it on.

Malcolm hadn't minded when he'd brought Leila to Hell at first. She'd stayed in his quarters and, more or less, been easy to control. But now...now not so much. And he hated it. It hadn't taken her long to find the throne. And not the one her grandmother preferred either, but the one her grandfather used: black, shiny, made of smooth obsidian, and set slightly back from one of Hell's most imposing fire pits. She'd spent many days there, lounging in it naked with her beautiful long legs hanging over one side while sipping bourbon pilfered from his private stash.

But finally, one day, he looked out the window and saw that she wasn't lounging. She was up from the throne and standing at the edge of the pit, looking down into the flames. Her red hair shone brilliantly in the light and her skin just seemed to glow. He couldn't look away. But he knew he had to. He grabbed a shirt and made his way up to her.

By the time he reached her, he was panting loudly, both from anger and exhaustion because she was making him crazy. He gave himself a few seconds to drink her in and cleared his throat.

"What?" She asked. "I don't believe I invited you up here. Do what you came to do and go away!"

"I just...you're very distracting," he told her, feeling disconcerted for the first time in his life. He'd taken a few lovers before, but no one had made him feel like she did. "Please," he threw the shirt at her. "Wear the damn shirt!"

A grin spread slowly over her lips as she shook her head. "It's a very nice shirt, but no thank you. In case you didn't notice, it's very hot down here and I'd rather just be naked. It feels much better!"

He shook his head and growled in frustration. He didn't know how to respond to that, at least not in a way that would give him the upper hand. She was such a...bitch! Unfortunately that was perfect for around here, and that didn't make her any less alluring. He groaned as he tried to look away from her body. He knew it was wrong of him, and if the boss was here...if either of them were...his head would probably be on a platter or something equally gruesome. But they weren't, so that was lucky. He could think about taking her savagely as the flames roared around them and no one could do anything about it. Taking a deep breath, he tried to make one last case for the shirt.

"Just put the damn shirt on, please!" He growled.

But she just shook her head and laughed, focusing on the drink in her hand. "You know, my grandfather has an exquisite taste when it comes to alcohol. You think he's gonna notice what I took when he comes back here? Or that Grandma will notice and tell him?"

"Yes," Malcolm nodded and pushed the glass out of her hand, causing it to break as the bourbon puddled at her feet.

"Damn it!" Leila cried and tried not to step on any class. "I wasn't finished with that! Fuck you!"

"You wish!" Malcolm grinned.

"In your nightmares as I rip out all your organs while you scream until you have no voice!" Leila hissed.

Malcolm threw his head back and burst into laughter. "You know," he said when he could finally form words, "If anyone could do that, I believe it would be you, sweetheart."

Leila got in his face. "You know it. And I'd be more than happy to prove it if given the chance." She paused, her voice a hiss now. "And just like my father, I wouldn't miss."

For the first time, Malcolm felt slightly nervous, but tried not to show it. He swallowed and whispered, "Wear the damn shirt."

"Why are you so insistent about the shirt?" Leila asked as she circled around him like a vulture, which gave Malcolm the chance to see her from all angles. "Does it bother you to see me naked?"

"Oh, I couldn't care less!" He lied.

"You know, if it's sex you want, I think you're aiming a bit high for now," she said. "Isn't there some lowly damned soul around here you could have your way with? That seems much more appropriate."

"You know," He said, undeterred by her snobbery. "It's a shame you're not offering...because if you were...that might just get you back home. I know that no matter how high and mighty you act, you don't really want to be here." He put his lips against her ear and whispered. "Do you?"

Leila pushed him away and spat in his face. "If that was the only way, I wouldn't take it! I'd find my own way!"

He wiped his face with the back of his hand. "Be careful standing so close to the edge of the cliff. You could easily fall into the fire. Or I could easily push you."

"But you and I both know that's an empty threat," Leila reminded him. "If I was gone, how would you get your revenge against my father?" She began circling him again. "No matter how much you pretend otherwise, you're just a poor pathetic demon, stuck here since the beginning of time, never knowing anything like family, or love...and definitely not honor."

He didn't look at her as he spoke, muttering, "Would you show me those things, Leila?"

"What?" Leila asked, eyes wide, because of course she'd heard him. "Did you just say what I think you said? Did you mean it?"

"No of course not!" Malcolm snapped as he realized what he'd let slip. "Why would I want that sort of thing from you? You're nothing to me!"

"I'd be careful about how you talk to me!" Leila snapped. "Remember who I'm related to!"

"You mean your grandparents who aren't here?" Malcolm chuckled. "Oh, I'm terrified!"

Then she kicked him. "You will be! Neither my parents nor my grandparents will appreciate you using me like you have been!"

"Really?" Malcolm raised an eyebrow. "That's all you have? It doesn't matter cause they aren't here now and they aren't gonna be. The only reason why you're still alive now is because you're useful. I don't care about you in any other way."

"Fine," Leila snapped. "Whatever, I'm leaving!" But her foot slipped in the puddle of spilled bourbon and she let out a shriek as she slipped, nearly falling off the cliff and into the fire, only stopped by Malcolm grabbing her arm.

"Thank you!" She panted. "Thank you! Pull me up!"

"I will, just...stay calm."

"Okay." Leila shut her eyes tight and tried not to look down. "You promise you won't let me go?"

"I promise," Malcolm told her. "If I was going to, I would have done it by now. And those flames would end even you very unpleasantly. Give me your other arm if you can. It'll be easier to pull you up if I have both."

Lily Eleanor shut her eyes and reached toward him with her other arm, crying with relieve when he grabbed her and pulled her up.

"Thank you," She sobbed as she clutched his body tight. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She tried to get her breath as she threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you...for saving my life when you could have just let me die in the fire."

He stroked her hair. "You're welcome. I just...I couldn't let you die. You're fresh blood and do you know how boring all the other demons are?" He put a finger under her chin and looked into her eyes. "Are you all right?"

"Y-yes," Leila nodded. "I am now...thanks to you." She leaned against him, liking the feeling of his body and his body warmth. Soon, his hands were running down her body and as he looked at that beautiful smile, as he thought about what his existence would have gone back to if she would have died in the fire, he forgot about his revenge, at least for the moment. He smiled directly at her, she smiled back, and before he knew it, his lips found hers and they kissed.

He thought it would be easy to pull away, but it wasn't. He just wanted to kiss her and kiss her and kiss her, because it felt so good. She seemed to feel the same since she wasn't holding back either. He must be a very good first kiss.

Eventually though, he went from just sliding his hands over her body to gently squeezing her bottom. That was too much. She broke the kiss and gave him a slap. "Watch it," she whispered. "Just because you saved my life, that doesn't mean you can do whatever you want."

She then turned on her heel, leaving a bewildered Malcolm trying to apologize as he caught his breath and watched her lovely round bottom go away from him and down the trail back to the main part of Hell.

"Well, look at that," Kai remarked with a smile as he and Kayla arrived at the club. "No one else is here yet! We're first!" He got out of the car, then opened the door and helped Kayla out. He wore dark jeans and a dark t-shirt. Kayla was dressed similarly in a black tunic blouse, dark skinny jeans, and black platform sneakers. Her earrings were silver hoops and her hair was in a braid that hung over her shoulder.

"We look like a hot couple, don't we?" Kayla asked as she accepted Kai's offered arm and they made their way into the club where a large section was blocked off with a red velvet rope for karaoke night.

"Wow," Kai said. "Did you shut down the whole place for the party?"

"No, the place will be packed tonight, you'll see," Roxie assured him. "They just won't bother us."

"Before you get distracted, tell me what you and my father talked about, please," Kayla requested. "Did he give you trouble?"

"No," Kai shook his head. "He was very well behaved." He played with her hair and kissed her gently on the lips as they heard a voice.

"What are you doing to my sister, Parker?"

Kai grinned as he turned to face a grinning Adrian. "It depends. What are you doing to my daughter, Mikaelson?"

Adrian winked and Eloise grinned and blushed beside him. "I asked her to marry me so it's okay, remember?"

"Right, yeah," Kai nodded. "Of course. So glad you two were able to make it. It's nice to see you."

"Well, I wouldn't miss this!" Eloise exclaimed. "It's probably the last time I'll be able to do anything not baby-related for a long time!"

"And speaking of babies," Kayla asked, "How are yours? Are you okay? Are you feeling all right?"

"Well, I have three growing babies that don't hesitate to make their presence known," Eloise said and put a hand on her belly. "I'm probably the biggest woman here. I have no idea how I got these clothes to fit without ripping to shreds!"

"Well, I think you're the prettiest one here," Adrian said and kissed her red lips that matched her shirt. "No contest!"

"Oh!" Eloise made a face and put a hand on her belly.

"Are you okay?" Adrian wanted to know. "We can leave and go see the doctor if you-"

"No, no," Eloise shook her head and smiled at him. "Just a lot of kicking. I think the girls were agreeing with you."

Adrian grinned. "Of course they were!" He kissed her belly. "Good girls!"

"I think you look beautiful too," Kayla added. "You're absolutely glowing, Eloise!"

Eloise blushed. "Well, I know I'm very happy, that's for sure!"

"Three girls at once," Kai grinned. "Are you ready for that Adrian?"

"Ready for three girls who look exactly like the love of my life?" Adrian asked. "Of course! I can't wait!" He grinned and Eloise rested her head on his shoulder.

The mood of peace and tranquility was broken as a grumpy Tyler appeared, dragged after a very strong Isabella.

"Don't say anything," Tyler said. "Don't you laugh or I'll punch you in the face."

"There's nothing to laugh about," Adrian said, even though he was smirking. "But I really think you should leave the sex games behind closed doors, brother!"

"Oh give him the benefit of the doubt," Kai urged as he jumped on the bandwagon. "Maybe it has nothing to do with sex. Maybe it's a strange new fashion statement we all missed out on. Maybe we should try it too." He looked at Kayla. "Do we have any handcuffs?"

"The only handcuffs we'll have are the ones that will be on your wrists if my father finds out we're doing what he would consider weird sex games," Kayla replied. "So unless you have some at your house, no."

"Oh, shut the fuck up, Parker!" Tyler growled. "This is none of your business!"

"Maybe not, but we're dying to know anyway," Adrian got out as he tried very hard not to laugh in is brother's face. "You can't show up here like that and not give an explanation. Lose the key or something?"

"No," Tyler spoke through his teeth. "This was all Miss Isabella's idea! She thinks it's a good way to show the world how 'together' we are."

"Don't blame me for all this!" Isabella cried. "You were the one who was whining about me not appreciating you and not wanting to be seen with you! I try to give you what you want and you still complain! I have no idea what your problem is!"

Eloise smiled. "I think it's really romantic, her showing you affection in public like this. Sweet!"

"How is being handcuffed to her a sign of affection?" Tyler groaned. "I really don't get it!"

"Well, do you know how hard it is to get people to show their feelings in public?" Kayla asked. "It's very hard for a lot of people. Consider yourself lucky! You have a woman with a lot of guts!"

"Thank you!" Isabella cried. "That's what I've been saying all the time!"

Just then, Lily-Eleanor and He joined them. "Yes!" Tyler got out. "I hoped you two would come!"

"Sorry we're a little late," Lily-Eleanor apologized. "Someone refused to dress properly!"

"She wants everyone to call me Alec," He told her through clenched teeth. "Embrace my real name and all."

"Right," Tyler nodded and ran his fingers through his hair. "Everyone, this is Alec. My friend." He paused and then shook his head, as he tried the name on for size, like everyone else. "Nope, that doesn't really feel right, does it?"

"Nope," everyone answered in unison.

"See?" He said to Lily-Eleanor. "I told you! Are you happy with me for at least giving it a try?"

"Yes," Lily-Eleanor nodded. "And I don't care what they say. Alec is still your name: Alec, Alec, Alec, Alec, Alec!"

"That's the way to get us to accept the name," Kai said. "Just shout it all night."

Just then, Roxie approached with a try full of drinks. "Hey everyone! I wanted to wait until more of the party was here before I started offering drinks. Beers for mostly everyone-" She grinned at Eloise who opened her mouth to protest. "-And Shirley Temples with extra cherries and umbrellas for the ladies who are expecting. There's also various flavors of juice, water, and milk as well. Just go ask Noah at the bar." She looked around. "Is this everyone? Are we missing people? Nice to see you all!"

"Nice to see you too, Sis," Adrian got out and reached for a beer. "Especially when you bring the good stuff!"

"You're just missing us!" Ricky called, gently leading Remiel. "Sorry we're late! The drive up from the ranch isn't the shortest and there was traffic besides. But we made it!" He was clad in jeans, a white shirt, and a leather jacket and Remiel wore a short, white A-line dress with no back.

"Wow, Aunt Remiel, you look really different!" Isabella commented. "And congratulations on the baby news! What a surprise!" She nudged Tyler. "Wouldn't you say Aunt Remiel looks different?"

"Well, I'll say you look hot!" Tyler told her and toasted. "And congrats about the baby! Didn't see that coming at all!"

"No one did, really," Kai and Kayla said together.

"Thanks for the comments everyone," Remiel remarked. "I thought people would notice that I was wearing a dress and smelled nice." She found it hard to look Isabella in the eye. This was the niece she'd shamed repeatedly for a pregnancy out of wedlock and now here she was the same way. It was a lot of pride to swallow. Luckily, Isabella didn't seem to be holding it against her.

"That's not exactly what we meant but it is noticeable!" Tyler replied.

"Okay, okay, everyone," Ricky called. "Everyone give Remiel a break." He then leaned his head down to whisper in her ear. "But you do smell nice," he assured her. "And I like that dress very much!" Then he went back to the group. "Thanks again for your words of love and support. The pregnancy was a surprise to be sure, but we're taking it day by day, and I'm very happy to be on this journey with her." He turned his head and gave Remiel a big smile, which she returned.

"They really do look in love," He muttered to himself. But Lily-Eleanor heard.

"Yeah, right, cause you know so much about what love is."

"I know it when I see it!"

And he didn't see much after that because everyone began having their own arguments.

"I've had enough, Isabella! Just take the damn handcuffs off!"

"No, they'll come off when I decide, damn it!"

"Go to the bar and get me a daiquiri, would you, Alec?"

"I will not!" Stop calling me that and get it yourself! It's not hard!"

"Are you positive you and my dad didn't get in a fight? I mean, he did come after you with a hatchet."

"No! It was fine! Stop nagging me about it!"

The noise from the corner rose until Noah came, whistling to get it to stop. "What's going on here? I thought we were supposed to be having a party! I was gonna ask if everyone was having a good time, but apparently not!"

"We're having a good time," Ricky said, indicating Remiel and himself. "I don't know about anyone else."

"Well, good," Noah nodded. "And thanks for coming, Aunt Remiel. Honestly, after what happened last time you were here, I didn't think you would."

"I know I was really upset about that at first," Remiel told him. "But now it's not so bad since I've gotten used to it."

"Good," Noah smiled. "Now everyone just calm down before you start breaking stuff. I'll go see how Roxie's doing with the karaoke equipment so we can start having fun!"

He left then and everyone got silent for a second before starting to chatter again. "See?" Ricky said to Remiel. "I think we're doing great! Who says we can't be boyfriend and girlfriend? We're doing better than practically everyone!"

"Apparently so," Remiel nodded. "Apparently, I don't know as much as I thought I did!"

"I'm so excited to be here!" Avery jumped up and down and clapped her hands as she pulled Malachai up to the front of the club and prepared to go inside. "I've never been! Steve and Gwen don't let me go out very much. It was so nice of my nephew to send me an invitation. What a great first date!"

"Date, huh?" The bouncer said and gave Malachai a wink. "Seems like you'll have a good night." He was talking about the fact that Avery had decided to wear a very short red dress to the party. With an equally low neckline.

"Oh, I don't know about that," Malachai sighed and held out the invitations. "Here are our invites. Please just let us in."

Once they were inside, Avery gave Malachai a look. "You could have been nicer to that man! He could tell Noah that I'm connected to someone horrible and never let me come back!"

"Well, good!" Malachai told her. "In fact, I don't know how you even convinced me to come in the first place!"

"It was because I am supposed to be studying all the species in action and you thought it would be better than one of your boring lectures," Avery told him. "So sweet of you!"

"No, you thought it would be better than a lecture! And this is certainly not a date at all!" Malachai cried, thinking longingly of the lesson it had taken hours to prepare that was now sitting abandoned in his living room.

"Well it is better!" Avery assured him. "And besides, I think you need to get out more." She looked him over. "You clearly don't know how to dress when you go to a night club." She then took off his tie and threw it in the trash and undid a few of the buttons of his black shirt.

"That's my favorite tie!" Malachai wailed. "Give it back!"

"It's hideous!" Avery shook her head. "And besides, I'm not putting my hands in trash!" Then she smiled. "I like seeing your chest hair. You can't see it with all the stupid buttons in the way!"

"Stop that!" Malachai whispered and tried to push her away. "Just what do you think you're doing?"

"I don't know what you're so worried about," Avery said and rolled up his shirt sleeves. "I'm making you sexy!" She paused and looked him over. "Much better. Just a couple things left to do!" She then took his glasses off and stuck them in his pocket, and spit on her hands to fluff his hair up. "Much better! Now you can par-tee!"

"You spit in my hair!" Malachai whimpered. "I can't believe you spit in my hair..." He shook his head. "Please tell me you're done. Please tell me there's no more."

"Oh, would you stop whining?" Avery asked. "This is a dance club! Act like you're having fun!"

"I don't see why I have to. Tonight in particular, I didn't want to be here to start with!"

"I didn't hear you protest...especially not when you saw my dress!"

"You dragged me here for non-educational purposes, and you know it, young lady!"

"No I didn't!" Avery shook her head, fingers crossed behind her back. "Let's dance!"

She got him on the dance floor just in time for a slow Latin song to start. "At least give me this one, please?"

"If I give you one, you'll just keep asking for more," Malachai sighed. "I'm no fool. But fine...have one. I'm a damn good dancer, sweetheart. No sense in letting it go to waste!" He pulled her close to him and placed a hand on her bare back.

Avery smiled. "Did you just call me sweetheart? How nice! I kind of liked it."

Malachai blushed deep red as he realized this too. "Don't read too much into it. It's a figure of speech."

"Right," Avery winked. "Okay." She took his face in her hands and gently grinded her hips against his, giving him a seductive smile.

"Avery..." Malachai hissed through gritted teeth.

"What? This is a romantic and sexy dance so we need body contact to do it properly!" Avery told him. "I don't make the rules!"

"Oh, look, there's your family!" Malachai proclaimed, his voice full of relief as he looked over his shoulder. "What do you say we stop dancing and tell them 'Hello'?" He dragged her off the dance floor to go see the rest of the party guests.

"Wow, Aunt Avery, didn't expect to see you here," Isabella told her. "What a nice surprise! You look great! And Malachai, too! Talk about surprises!"

"He's teaching me," Avery grinned. "He wants me to call him 'professor' now."

"Yeah, and I like it when Kayla calls me Sargent Malachai behind closed doors," Kai grinned. "But I only have to wear a hat!"

This got Kai a swat on the back of the head.

"Hi everyone!" Avery waved, immune to all the awkwardness.

Remiel winced. "Wonderful, my sister the child prodigy has arrived. Just when I thought my morning sickness was over, it came back."

"Hello, Remiel," Avery said. "Looking pregnant as ever, I see. Shame you aren't wearing black. That's more slimming."

"Well, I'd be careful doing sexy dances with Professor Malachai because you could end up just like her," Kai blurted out, getting another swat. But he didn't mind. He had to defend his uncle somehow.

Everyone was chuckling now and Malachai was bright red.

"Just so you all know, we're here to study," Avery explained.

"I bet I know what you're studying," Kai smirked. "A perfect one on one lesson."

This got him another swat from Kayla. He turned and grabbed her wrist. "Would you stop hitting me?"

"Stop saying stuff to start trouble then!" Kayla shot back.

"Okay," Adrian tried to salvage things. "You want a drink, Malachai? I know where you can get big ones!"

"Thank you, Adrian!" Malachai told him. "And there seems to be a seat left. How lucky!"

"Where will I sit then?" Avery asked, confused for a second. Then a grin broke out on her face. "I know!" She exclaimed and plopped down in Malachai's lap. "How silly I was not to think of this sooner."

Kayla turned and glared at Kai, who put his hands up in surrender. "I wasn't gonna say a word, I swear."

"Good," Kayla nodded.

"Here's your drink, Malachai," Adrian said, appearing and handing Malachai a large mug. He handed Avery a second glass. "I didn't know what to do for you so I just got you a Shirley Temple."

"What sort of alcohol is in this?" Avery questioned.

"None," Malachai said. "Just drink it and thank him."

"Oh, this is nice, I like it, even if it's not alcohol!" Avery grinned. "I can try that later. Thank you, Adrian."

"You're welcome," Adrian replied. "Cheers."