The small, exclusive restaurant was busy, despite the late hour. The lights were low, enhancing the warmth given off by the multiple hanging lanterns. The trio in the corner table of the patio were enjoying a fine Al Fresco meal; animated conversation and laughter flowed easily between them.

Birdy rested her folded hands under her chin and listened to her host. Tony regaled Birdy and Maria with a tale of a lover's triangle and of a furious duel that had taken place two centuries past on the very cobblestones where they sat. She didn't know if it was a true story. She didn't care. It was a warm and lovely night, and she was enjoying herself.

She picked up the glass in front of her and sipped the jeweled contents. The warm wine tasted delicious. It had been three months since she'd had alcohol. This was her indulgence for the evening. Not that imbibing spirits was something she normally worried about. But with the baby...she was going to practice restraint. Not that Creed cared. He thought her caution was foolish. With the DNA this kid had running through him, what did he have to worry about? "He's gonna come out kickin' ass!" Vic had proclaimed. "He's my kid ain't he?"


"Sto annoiandoli Senora"

Birdy was brought back to the moment by Tony's question. "I'm sorry Tony..what did you say?"

"I'm afraid I am boring you with my stories," he apologized.

"No, not at all," she assured him, remembering her manners. "Please. Go on." Tony smiled and continued the tale of the star-crossed lovers.

Birdy listened attentively. Though she knew instinctively that innately charming people like Tony relished the sound of their own voice enough to manage a solo conversation. Being a telepath, she could listen to a conversation and mentally recite the Declaration of Independence simultaneously if she wanted to. But Tony was pleasant and entertaining. It had been a long time, fourteen months to be exact, since she'd been around a man who felt obliged to charm her.

Birdy had fleetingly wondered when Tony had joined them unexpectedly, if Creed would be bothered. But watching Tony now, she dismissed the concern as...silly. Not that she would tell Vic. She wasn't stupid.

Tony was handsome. He had an easy manner that obviously drew people to him. But underneath the smooth exterior he was....hollow. She didn't need her PSI powers to tell her that. He was attracted to her. Birdy had had the same effect on men since she was fourteen. But Tony was as concerned about the impression he made as he was impressing her.

Birdy thought of her boss. He never worried about making an impression. He had a self-confidence that could be overwhelming. He was unpredictable, intense, sexually demanding. Being with him had nearly gotten her killed more than once.

He was the most exciting man she'd ever known.

Birdy wondered about her taste in men. Hadn't she had several lovers that were as wealthy? That were almost as exciting? Certainly less dangerous? She smiled.
And here she was at twenty-three. Living with a mutant assassin. A dangerous killer. Unmarried and knocked up with his kid. Smart move, Birdy, she chided herself mentally.

"Dovete mangiare"


The restaurants owner's wife stood with her hands on her hips eyeing Birdy critically. She had little use for the American idea of a good figure. And this pretty blonde was pregnant to boot. She motioned to Birdy's nearly untouched veal.

Birdy smiled and gestured with her hand, implying a full belly. She had eaten the antipasto, and most of the gnocchi, but the veal, though buttery tender, was too much for her. She glanced at Tony in a silent plea for rescue. He took the cue and stood, placing his arm around the matron's shoulders.

He was obviously complementing the perfect meal. He assured the woman that the meal would not be wasted. Birdy heard marito, was that husband? The woman looked confused. Tony clenched his fingers like claws and bared his teeth. The matron's eyes widened in recognition.

"Si, si! Il Werewolf!" The frightened woman exclaimed before hurrying away to retrieve a take-home container. The woman had apparently met Creed before.

Birdy dropped her head to the table and began to laugh. She laughed until her sides hurt. She looked up, wiping tears from her eyes.

Tony was sitting close to her -- too close to her -- showing concern. "You are all right, Senora?"

Birdy took a deep breath. "Yeah," she smiled. "I'm great. I'm just feeling a little giddy. Must be the wine." She made her apologies and said her goodnights, assuring Maria that she would be game for sightseeing later in the week. Tony summoned the driver and Birdy relaxed in the limo as she returned to the hotel.




In the suite, Birdy changed into a short, satin nightgown. The full moon drew her to the balcony. She stood at the wrought iron rail looking over the moonlit town. She sighed.

"Oh, Romeo, Romeo," she giggled.

Her Romeo had fangs.


Birdy smiled as she gently stroked her belly. Her's was a crazy life but she didn't care. She missed Creed. She wanted him. Even after the two hour boinkfest they'd shared earlier in the evening.

Maybe it was hormones. Maybe she was crazy about the guy. Maybe she was a little off center herself.

No matter. This was where she wanted to be. She turned into the room, deciding to sleep a few hours before her lover came home.

The late night air rustled the sheer curtains as it whispered into the hotel suite. Birdy climbed into the king sized bed, pulling the covers up over her belly, smoothing out wrinkles in the sheet. She drifted off, content to let sleep take her.