Howdy yawl! (Sorry, spent the whole day talking to my boss about the few
years she spent in Texas. I think it warped me).
So I apologize for taking so long to get this damn chapter out. I was having serious writers block, but I think it's passed now! A warning to you all though: Part of the reason I was having so much trouble is that the next few chapters are like filler. I wrote the story in two parts and I'm currently at what I call the "bridge" of my story. They're hard as hell to write, cause not a whole hell of a lot happens, but it's important for later understanding. I just finally had to grit my teeth and plow through it, so I'll hope you'll be patient and plow through them with me. I promise, things will get better! I've already got the good stuff written.
And thank you soooooo much to all those that reviewed! I'll have my personal thanks at the end, but I really got to say that you guys are awesome! I honestly think it was all of your reviews that helped me get through this tough spot. Thanks are just not enough. I'll try like hell not to let you guys down. Now I'll shut the hell up and let you read. :)
Chapter Ten – A Shot in the Dark (man, am I having trouble with chapter titles or what?)
Kraven sat with his back to the door, feet perched on the window seal, eyes glued to the outside view. He puffed casually on a cigar, lost in his sporadic thoughts. Viktor had been killed. He'd only discovered the truth a week ago. It had taken him a while to regroup and reestablish himself long enough to obtain any information about the state of his vampire brethren. He had spent the first two weeks on the run. Totally convinced that with every turn he made he would see Viktor coming around the corner. But he hadn't. Then he'd noticed an increase in the number of death dealers around the city, only they weren't looking for him. Now, one of his informants had just confirmed what he had already felt in his bones. Markus was awake, and still no one was looking for him. It had been a huge blow to his ego. // Was I really that unimportant? Was my betrayal really so worthless to Markus? //
He shook his head. He should be glad he didn't have those mindless hunters after him. // Instead they hunt Selene like rabid lycans following the scent of a female in heat. Her and that hybrid of hers. Disgusting. // Yet, he still couldn't get over the fact that Viktor had died by her hand. He had underestimated the affect his words would have on her. He'd misjudged the depth of which her family's death still haunted her. // You think after 200 years she would have let go by now. // But that was the thing about Selene, that was the obsession. Once she held on, she never let go until it bled.
His train of thought was curtailed by a knocking from behind him. He turned around in his chair and brought his dark eyes around to the door. "Come in." He ordered.
A boy of medium height walked in. He was clothed in baggy jeans and a black hooded sweatshirt. His wildly brown hair hung in uneven strands about his face, but his eyes gleamed light blue from beneath. He may have been small, but he had a tough look about him. "Hey boss." He stood straight and waited to be acknowledged.
Kraven shook his head, dismayed by his sudden lack in title. He had been accustom to being call "lord," but no one could save these creatures from their informalities and street attitudes. The elders knew he'd tried to educate them, threaten them, compromise with them, but they served their own agenda. He would hold no false thoughts about their loyalties.
The boy continued, impervious to the discontent on his leaders face. "That wolf is here to see you. Should we let him in?"
Kraven sighed heavily. The boy's New York accent was atrocious. "Yes, yes show him in."
Nodding, the boy left. Moments later a rather large man with glowing yellow eyes burst through his door. "We have to talk."
"Calm yourself my friend, take a seat." Using his most diplomatic tone Kraven motioned to the chair in front of his desk. "Now, what's all the raucous?"
"Cut the crap Kraven. I'm not here to play your silly games. My only interest is getting that bitch out of my pack. I converse with you only to achieve that end."
Kraven glared at the insignificant creature. // I ought to gut you like the dog that you are. // He bit his lip. // But I still need him. // If I'm to have any hope of finding Selene. // "Well then," he spread his hands. "By all means speak away."
The man eyed Kraven one more time then began, "I overheard a conversation today between that blood and hybrid." He couldn't bring himself to say their names. Instead he relayed the conversation he'd heard with as few details as possible. He gave Kraven the basics, told him about the girl, the necklace, and the plan to capture Markus. He actually felt the whole thing was a rather genius idea, and it was because of this that he sat in front of Kraven now. // If I play this right I can wind up leading the pack to victory and have Michael and Selene out of the way. // The thought made him feel much better.
Kraven chewed over what his informant had just told him. // so Selene is launching a counter attack. A very brave and stupid move. // He sighed. He wouldn't have thought her to be this brash. // She must know what she's walking into. Those lycans have turned her brain to mush. // He thought about it a moment. The girl was really the key. Without her the whole plan didn't have a base to stand on. // too shaky for my blood. // He reasoned. // I'll be amazed if that bitch pulls it off. // He lifted his head and acknowledged his lycan spy. "That's very interesting. This can be used to our advantage. I'll make arrangements. Selene will be gone from your presence soon enough."
The man's eyes flashed with excitement. "That would make me most happy." He rose from his chair and headed towards the door. "Till next time Kraven."
Kraven watched the door close behind him. "Filthy cur." He muttered. "Lord do I hate dealing with lycans." He let his head rest in his hand and his thoughts turned back to the news he had just received. "I've got you Selene." // and what will you do with her when you have her? // He asked himself. There were many, many things...
* * *
Michael found himself on the receiving end of Lily's piercing blue gaze. She was looking at him like he was insane, and he was beginning to think he was. He risked a glance at Selene who leaned against the far wall. She gave him an "I told you so look" then brought her eyes back to the girl.
"Let me get this straight. You want me, a mere mortal, to infiltrate the heart of the vampire society and get them to believe me long enough to lead them down here into a trap?" Lily shook her head. "I think you overestimate me Michael. I don't see how I can pull this off."
Michael took a deep breath. He was prepared to persuade the girl, but before he could open his mouth she turned to Selene.
"And I thought you told me that all the vampires had this necklace. How will I prove to them that it's yours?"
Selene's chest tightened at the question. She had been dreading it, feared it so much that she had stayed up half the day trying to formulate her answer. She hated lying to the girl, but didn't see any way around it. "Other vampires have been given the charm, but it's rather outdated. There are very few who still wear theirs, but for the most part I was the only one who continued the practice. As far as the coven was concerned I was Viktor's daughter, it was appropriate that I continued to wear his mark." There was stiffness in her tone when she mentioned Viktor.
Lily nodded in understanding. She still wasn't sure who this Viktor character was, but from what she'd gleaned he hadn't been the nicest of creatures, and Selene apparently still had her hang ups about him. The girl wisely chose not to push the issue. "Ok, so they'll by that the necklace is yours, but I still don't see how I'm supposed to pull this off."
Michael leaned forward. "We have a good three weeks before any of this has to go down. How do you feel about training?" He tried to grin, but the blank look he received kept it down.
"Training?"
Selene took a few steps forward and faced the girl. "Training. You'll learn all there is to know about vampires, the war, and more importantly how to fight. You'll have to appear to Markus as a fanatic human desiring nothing more than immortality."
"And who is going to teach me all this, you?"
Selene only nodded.
Lily stared at the vampires inscrutable eyes for a moment. She was looking for something, some inclination as to how Selene felt about all this, but she found nothing. The immortal's eyes were as blank as snow. Taking a deep breath she shook her head and looked at Michael. "I don't know guys. This is way out of my league. I know I said I'd help but..."
Michael felt his heart sink. He had been so sure the girl would say yes he hadn't considered any other option, but now that he was face to face with the child he realized he had been foolish. // What was I thinking? I should never have put her in this position. // "Lily you don't..."
"You don't have to do this." Interrupting Michael, Selene seated herself next Lily. She gazed directly at the girl, trapping her attention as if Michael wasn't even in the room. "But you also won't be able to return home until its safe, and that could be a while. I've been a warrior for over 200 years Lily. I can give you the skills you'll need. It will be hard work, but something tells me that's not what you're afraid of."
Lily straightened. "I'm not afraid."
"I didn't say you were."
Lily glared. She had the distinct feeling she was being manipulated, but for some reason it hardly mattered. "Then let's do this." She said confidently.
Michael's mouth dropped. He had been ready to give up, but Selene had swooped in and managed to salvage his disaster. How had she done that? Why? She had been against it from the beginning.
"Michael, pick your jaw off the floor please." Selene smiled sarcastically. She had shocked him and found that she rather liked the feeling.
Lily giggled softly at the exchange. // these two are hopeless. // She thought to herself. // It's certainly going to be an interesting month. // She sighed heavily and closed her eyes for a moment, silently entreating her brother for strength, but her prayer was interrupted by Michael's hand upon hers.
"Thank you Lily. I am sorry you're a part of this, but I promise if we all come out of this alive we'll forever be in your dept."
"Oh please believe I will hold you to that." She smirked.
"I hope you do." Michael glanced at Selene, "Well I'm going to call a meeting and explain to the pack what's going on. I believe the two of you have some work to do." He winked at Selene who glared maliciously at him. He couldn't help but smile. // She's going to hate me when this is over. // But somehow, he didn't believe that to be true.
* * *
"Tyler, get over here so I can brush your hair."
"But mom," a little boy of approximately five years of age stepped forward from behind a corner. He wore an explicit pout about his cubby features and his light blue eyes burned with wetness. His sandy blonde hair was in utter chaos and rose in small spikes from his head. A classic bed head case if there ever was one. His eyes looked imploringly at his mother. "All the older lycans don't have to brush their hair. How come I have to?"
"Because I said so." Tamara smiled brightly at her child. He obviously wasn't happy with her decree, but that was the beauty of being a mother. They never truly needed a reason did they? She softly wrapped her hand around the boy's arms and brought him to sit between her knees. She hadn't even finished the first run through her son's tangled jungle when the door to their quarters opened and in stepped Tyran, grinning from here to the moon.
"Daddy!" Tyler screamed and ran to his father who scooped him up and hugged him closely.
"Evening son." Tyran ran his pale hand through his son's hair. "Looks like you just woke up."
Tyler, now shy of the state of his hair, did his best to cover it with his tiny hands. "Mom was just about to brush it." He said sadly and hung his head.
Tyran nuzzled his son's ear and whispered, "I hate when she does that to me too."
"I heard that mister."
Tyran smiled and set his boy down as his mate advanced on him. He had been fortunate enough to catch her during one of the rare moments she wore her hair down. It cascaded down her back in long, curly red locks. She was of medium height with a slender torso and muscular legs, but she had the most delicate hands Tyran had ever seen. Everything she touched turned calm and peaceful. He honestly believed it was because of her hands that their children had grown up as well as they had. Now, amazed at the intense love he still felt for her after all these centuries, he wrapped her in his embraced and showed her exactly how much he loved her.
She parted from his lips a bit breathless. "Well that was certainly unexpected, but very welcome." She grinned at him salaciously. Without taking her eyes from her husband she spoke to their son. "You can go play now Tyler, but don't bother anybody, especially your brother."
Tyler looked from his mother to his father. They were looking at each other in that weird way again. He sighed heavily, best to flee the scene before things got out of hand. He would go see what Thayer was doing. Satisfied with his plan he exited the room absolutely destined to get into trouble.
Tyran stared a moment longer into the gorgeous dark blue depths of his wife's eyes. // thank the gods our son's have her eyes. I'd hate to suffer them to mine. //
"So what's on your mind dear?"
Tyran smiled to himself. "Just thinking about how much I love you."
Tamara smiled. "That's lovely, but what's got you in such a good mood my love?"
Tyran shook his head. "I can't ever fool you can I?"
"No, I'm afraid nothing passes my eyes. Especially concerning you." She smiled sweetly. After centuries of being his mate nothing slipped past her.
"He did it Tamara." Tyran grinned wildly.
"Who? Did what?"
"Michael. I've just come from a meeting with him and the council. He's come up with a plan that could very well end this war."
Tamara's heart beat a bit faster. "Did he really? Well done. I knew he'd come to it eventually. Let's hear it."
"That girl they brought here the other night? She's going to infiltrate the vampire mansion, gain their trust and lead them down here right into our waiting hands. In the mean time, Selene will lead a troop of lycans to Ordoghaz and force an unguarded Markus to sign an iron clad treaty. This is the best hope we've had since Lucien." He was so excited he wanted to grab his wife and dance with her around the room.
Tamara turned the idea around in her mind. // Not a bad strategy. // She thought. "Lemme guess," She caught Tyran's eyes. "Selene has been set to the task of preparing this girl for infantry?"
"That's right."
"Oh, I bet that took some smooth talking on Michael's part."
Tyran laughed. "I'm sure it did, but the man's got skill."
Tamara laughed. "No, Selene lets him think he's got skill. Trust me; nobody could talk that girl into something she didn't secretly believe in."
"Your right about that, but I don't think Selene even knows the strength of her core."
"She hasn't figured it out yet?"
"No, not yet. I don't think she remembers, or if she does she hasn't said anything to me about it."
Tamara bit her lower lip and nodded. "Best keep it that way. She'll come around in time."
"I know. She's not like other vampires. I like her."
Tamara smiled. "I know you do love. I like her too. Hopefully, that will be enough." She took a step forward and wrapped her arms around Tyran's neck. "Now, let's finish those thoughts you were having when you first walked in. I didn't get to show you what I was thinking about." She grinned naughtily and kissed him passionately.
Yes, he most definitely loved his wife.
- - - - - - - All right, I'll quit while I'm ahead here. :) Let me know what you think!
Morrgaine: Thank you so much for your regular reviews. I'm glad I didn't disappoint you with Lily's part to play. I'm not done with her yet though, things don't always turn out as they should. I was worried about the romance scene. It's hard to know how much to have Selene show. Thanks for keeping me in check!
Adalon Ithilriel: Your review brightened my whole day! Thank you so much for sticking with this and letting me know what you think. Glad you've seem to take an interest in Flar...*grins evilly* Oh the plans I have for him, you'll just have to wait and see! Thanks again for your reviews, I look forward to them. And just curious, do you post any of your original stuff online? I'd love to read some if it's available. :)
Merion: Your back! Long time no see! I'm sorry RL (Or Darth Real Life as we call him in the Star Wars fandom) has attacked you. Thank you for still reviewing. I hope things settle down for ya. Good luck and thanks again!
punk-death-dealer: *Blushes* You are too kind! Thank you so much for your review! This one kept the smile on my face for days.
Nat: Thank you for your encouraging words. I promise there will be more Selene/Michael, much, much more, but I gotta pace myself. Thank you again and hope you enjoy the next chapters.
iridescent eyes: Ah! It's the author of beautiful endings! *sniffs and remembers that Heart Veneer is over* But on a happier note, thank you for the review. More S/M to come I promise. Just gotta get though this filler crap first. Thanks for reviewing.
Thiana: Wow! You actually took the time to review every one of my chapters. THANK YOU! Your reviews just made my week and were really a big encouragement to help me get through my block. Thank you so much, I will continue, but you must continue with yours...in fact I saw more chapters there yesterday. AH! Must go read.
So on that note, thank you all again. You're wonderful and you rock! Till next time...
So I apologize for taking so long to get this damn chapter out. I was having serious writers block, but I think it's passed now! A warning to you all though: Part of the reason I was having so much trouble is that the next few chapters are like filler. I wrote the story in two parts and I'm currently at what I call the "bridge" of my story. They're hard as hell to write, cause not a whole hell of a lot happens, but it's important for later understanding. I just finally had to grit my teeth and plow through it, so I'll hope you'll be patient and plow through them with me. I promise, things will get better! I've already got the good stuff written.
And thank you soooooo much to all those that reviewed! I'll have my personal thanks at the end, but I really got to say that you guys are awesome! I honestly think it was all of your reviews that helped me get through this tough spot. Thanks are just not enough. I'll try like hell not to let you guys down. Now I'll shut the hell up and let you read. :)
Chapter Ten – A Shot in the Dark (man, am I having trouble with chapter titles or what?)
Kraven sat with his back to the door, feet perched on the window seal, eyes glued to the outside view. He puffed casually on a cigar, lost in his sporadic thoughts. Viktor had been killed. He'd only discovered the truth a week ago. It had taken him a while to regroup and reestablish himself long enough to obtain any information about the state of his vampire brethren. He had spent the first two weeks on the run. Totally convinced that with every turn he made he would see Viktor coming around the corner. But he hadn't. Then he'd noticed an increase in the number of death dealers around the city, only they weren't looking for him. Now, one of his informants had just confirmed what he had already felt in his bones. Markus was awake, and still no one was looking for him. It had been a huge blow to his ego. // Was I really that unimportant? Was my betrayal really so worthless to Markus? //
He shook his head. He should be glad he didn't have those mindless hunters after him. // Instead they hunt Selene like rabid lycans following the scent of a female in heat. Her and that hybrid of hers. Disgusting. // Yet, he still couldn't get over the fact that Viktor had died by her hand. He had underestimated the affect his words would have on her. He'd misjudged the depth of which her family's death still haunted her. // You think after 200 years she would have let go by now. // But that was the thing about Selene, that was the obsession. Once she held on, she never let go until it bled.
His train of thought was curtailed by a knocking from behind him. He turned around in his chair and brought his dark eyes around to the door. "Come in." He ordered.
A boy of medium height walked in. He was clothed in baggy jeans and a black hooded sweatshirt. His wildly brown hair hung in uneven strands about his face, but his eyes gleamed light blue from beneath. He may have been small, but he had a tough look about him. "Hey boss." He stood straight and waited to be acknowledged.
Kraven shook his head, dismayed by his sudden lack in title. He had been accustom to being call "lord," but no one could save these creatures from their informalities and street attitudes. The elders knew he'd tried to educate them, threaten them, compromise with them, but they served their own agenda. He would hold no false thoughts about their loyalties.
The boy continued, impervious to the discontent on his leaders face. "That wolf is here to see you. Should we let him in?"
Kraven sighed heavily. The boy's New York accent was atrocious. "Yes, yes show him in."
Nodding, the boy left. Moments later a rather large man with glowing yellow eyes burst through his door. "We have to talk."
"Calm yourself my friend, take a seat." Using his most diplomatic tone Kraven motioned to the chair in front of his desk. "Now, what's all the raucous?"
"Cut the crap Kraven. I'm not here to play your silly games. My only interest is getting that bitch out of my pack. I converse with you only to achieve that end."
Kraven glared at the insignificant creature. // I ought to gut you like the dog that you are. // He bit his lip. // But I still need him. // If I'm to have any hope of finding Selene. // "Well then," he spread his hands. "By all means speak away."
The man eyed Kraven one more time then began, "I overheard a conversation today between that blood and hybrid." He couldn't bring himself to say their names. Instead he relayed the conversation he'd heard with as few details as possible. He gave Kraven the basics, told him about the girl, the necklace, and the plan to capture Markus. He actually felt the whole thing was a rather genius idea, and it was because of this that he sat in front of Kraven now. // If I play this right I can wind up leading the pack to victory and have Michael and Selene out of the way. // The thought made him feel much better.
Kraven chewed over what his informant had just told him. // so Selene is launching a counter attack. A very brave and stupid move. // He sighed. He wouldn't have thought her to be this brash. // She must know what she's walking into. Those lycans have turned her brain to mush. // He thought about it a moment. The girl was really the key. Without her the whole plan didn't have a base to stand on. // too shaky for my blood. // He reasoned. // I'll be amazed if that bitch pulls it off. // He lifted his head and acknowledged his lycan spy. "That's very interesting. This can be used to our advantage. I'll make arrangements. Selene will be gone from your presence soon enough."
The man's eyes flashed with excitement. "That would make me most happy." He rose from his chair and headed towards the door. "Till next time Kraven."
Kraven watched the door close behind him. "Filthy cur." He muttered. "Lord do I hate dealing with lycans." He let his head rest in his hand and his thoughts turned back to the news he had just received. "I've got you Selene." // and what will you do with her when you have her? // He asked himself. There were many, many things...
* * *
Michael found himself on the receiving end of Lily's piercing blue gaze. She was looking at him like he was insane, and he was beginning to think he was. He risked a glance at Selene who leaned against the far wall. She gave him an "I told you so look" then brought her eyes back to the girl.
"Let me get this straight. You want me, a mere mortal, to infiltrate the heart of the vampire society and get them to believe me long enough to lead them down here into a trap?" Lily shook her head. "I think you overestimate me Michael. I don't see how I can pull this off."
Michael took a deep breath. He was prepared to persuade the girl, but before he could open his mouth she turned to Selene.
"And I thought you told me that all the vampires had this necklace. How will I prove to them that it's yours?"
Selene's chest tightened at the question. She had been dreading it, feared it so much that she had stayed up half the day trying to formulate her answer. She hated lying to the girl, but didn't see any way around it. "Other vampires have been given the charm, but it's rather outdated. There are very few who still wear theirs, but for the most part I was the only one who continued the practice. As far as the coven was concerned I was Viktor's daughter, it was appropriate that I continued to wear his mark." There was stiffness in her tone when she mentioned Viktor.
Lily nodded in understanding. She still wasn't sure who this Viktor character was, but from what she'd gleaned he hadn't been the nicest of creatures, and Selene apparently still had her hang ups about him. The girl wisely chose not to push the issue. "Ok, so they'll by that the necklace is yours, but I still don't see how I'm supposed to pull this off."
Michael leaned forward. "We have a good three weeks before any of this has to go down. How do you feel about training?" He tried to grin, but the blank look he received kept it down.
"Training?"
Selene took a few steps forward and faced the girl. "Training. You'll learn all there is to know about vampires, the war, and more importantly how to fight. You'll have to appear to Markus as a fanatic human desiring nothing more than immortality."
"And who is going to teach me all this, you?"
Selene only nodded.
Lily stared at the vampires inscrutable eyes for a moment. She was looking for something, some inclination as to how Selene felt about all this, but she found nothing. The immortal's eyes were as blank as snow. Taking a deep breath she shook her head and looked at Michael. "I don't know guys. This is way out of my league. I know I said I'd help but..."
Michael felt his heart sink. He had been so sure the girl would say yes he hadn't considered any other option, but now that he was face to face with the child he realized he had been foolish. // What was I thinking? I should never have put her in this position. // "Lily you don't..."
"You don't have to do this." Interrupting Michael, Selene seated herself next Lily. She gazed directly at the girl, trapping her attention as if Michael wasn't even in the room. "But you also won't be able to return home until its safe, and that could be a while. I've been a warrior for over 200 years Lily. I can give you the skills you'll need. It will be hard work, but something tells me that's not what you're afraid of."
Lily straightened. "I'm not afraid."
"I didn't say you were."
Lily glared. She had the distinct feeling she was being manipulated, but for some reason it hardly mattered. "Then let's do this." She said confidently.
Michael's mouth dropped. He had been ready to give up, but Selene had swooped in and managed to salvage his disaster. How had she done that? Why? She had been against it from the beginning.
"Michael, pick your jaw off the floor please." Selene smiled sarcastically. She had shocked him and found that she rather liked the feeling.
Lily giggled softly at the exchange. // these two are hopeless. // She thought to herself. // It's certainly going to be an interesting month. // She sighed heavily and closed her eyes for a moment, silently entreating her brother for strength, but her prayer was interrupted by Michael's hand upon hers.
"Thank you Lily. I am sorry you're a part of this, but I promise if we all come out of this alive we'll forever be in your dept."
"Oh please believe I will hold you to that." She smirked.
"I hope you do." Michael glanced at Selene, "Well I'm going to call a meeting and explain to the pack what's going on. I believe the two of you have some work to do." He winked at Selene who glared maliciously at him. He couldn't help but smile. // She's going to hate me when this is over. // But somehow, he didn't believe that to be true.
* * *
"Tyler, get over here so I can brush your hair."
"But mom," a little boy of approximately five years of age stepped forward from behind a corner. He wore an explicit pout about his cubby features and his light blue eyes burned with wetness. His sandy blonde hair was in utter chaos and rose in small spikes from his head. A classic bed head case if there ever was one. His eyes looked imploringly at his mother. "All the older lycans don't have to brush their hair. How come I have to?"
"Because I said so." Tamara smiled brightly at her child. He obviously wasn't happy with her decree, but that was the beauty of being a mother. They never truly needed a reason did they? She softly wrapped her hand around the boy's arms and brought him to sit between her knees. She hadn't even finished the first run through her son's tangled jungle when the door to their quarters opened and in stepped Tyran, grinning from here to the moon.
"Daddy!" Tyler screamed and ran to his father who scooped him up and hugged him closely.
"Evening son." Tyran ran his pale hand through his son's hair. "Looks like you just woke up."
Tyler, now shy of the state of his hair, did his best to cover it with his tiny hands. "Mom was just about to brush it." He said sadly and hung his head.
Tyran nuzzled his son's ear and whispered, "I hate when she does that to me too."
"I heard that mister."
Tyran smiled and set his boy down as his mate advanced on him. He had been fortunate enough to catch her during one of the rare moments she wore her hair down. It cascaded down her back in long, curly red locks. She was of medium height with a slender torso and muscular legs, but she had the most delicate hands Tyran had ever seen. Everything she touched turned calm and peaceful. He honestly believed it was because of her hands that their children had grown up as well as they had. Now, amazed at the intense love he still felt for her after all these centuries, he wrapped her in his embraced and showed her exactly how much he loved her.
She parted from his lips a bit breathless. "Well that was certainly unexpected, but very welcome." She grinned at him salaciously. Without taking her eyes from her husband she spoke to their son. "You can go play now Tyler, but don't bother anybody, especially your brother."
Tyler looked from his mother to his father. They were looking at each other in that weird way again. He sighed heavily, best to flee the scene before things got out of hand. He would go see what Thayer was doing. Satisfied with his plan he exited the room absolutely destined to get into trouble.
Tyran stared a moment longer into the gorgeous dark blue depths of his wife's eyes. // thank the gods our son's have her eyes. I'd hate to suffer them to mine. //
"So what's on your mind dear?"
Tyran smiled to himself. "Just thinking about how much I love you."
Tamara smiled. "That's lovely, but what's got you in such a good mood my love?"
Tyran shook his head. "I can't ever fool you can I?"
"No, I'm afraid nothing passes my eyes. Especially concerning you." She smiled sweetly. After centuries of being his mate nothing slipped past her.
"He did it Tamara." Tyran grinned wildly.
"Who? Did what?"
"Michael. I've just come from a meeting with him and the council. He's come up with a plan that could very well end this war."
Tamara's heart beat a bit faster. "Did he really? Well done. I knew he'd come to it eventually. Let's hear it."
"That girl they brought here the other night? She's going to infiltrate the vampire mansion, gain their trust and lead them down here right into our waiting hands. In the mean time, Selene will lead a troop of lycans to Ordoghaz and force an unguarded Markus to sign an iron clad treaty. This is the best hope we've had since Lucien." He was so excited he wanted to grab his wife and dance with her around the room.
Tamara turned the idea around in her mind. // Not a bad strategy. // She thought. "Lemme guess," She caught Tyran's eyes. "Selene has been set to the task of preparing this girl for infantry?"
"That's right."
"Oh, I bet that took some smooth talking on Michael's part."
Tyran laughed. "I'm sure it did, but the man's got skill."
Tamara laughed. "No, Selene lets him think he's got skill. Trust me; nobody could talk that girl into something she didn't secretly believe in."
"Your right about that, but I don't think Selene even knows the strength of her core."
"She hasn't figured it out yet?"
"No, not yet. I don't think she remembers, or if she does she hasn't said anything to me about it."
Tamara bit her lower lip and nodded. "Best keep it that way. She'll come around in time."
"I know. She's not like other vampires. I like her."
Tamara smiled. "I know you do love. I like her too. Hopefully, that will be enough." She took a step forward and wrapped her arms around Tyran's neck. "Now, let's finish those thoughts you were having when you first walked in. I didn't get to show you what I was thinking about." She grinned naughtily and kissed him passionately.
Yes, he most definitely loved his wife.
- - - - - - - All right, I'll quit while I'm ahead here. :) Let me know what you think!
Morrgaine: Thank you so much for your regular reviews. I'm glad I didn't disappoint you with Lily's part to play. I'm not done with her yet though, things don't always turn out as they should. I was worried about the romance scene. It's hard to know how much to have Selene show. Thanks for keeping me in check!
Adalon Ithilriel: Your review brightened my whole day! Thank you so much for sticking with this and letting me know what you think. Glad you've seem to take an interest in Flar...*grins evilly* Oh the plans I have for him, you'll just have to wait and see! Thanks again for your reviews, I look forward to them. And just curious, do you post any of your original stuff online? I'd love to read some if it's available. :)
Merion: Your back! Long time no see! I'm sorry RL (Or Darth Real Life as we call him in the Star Wars fandom) has attacked you. Thank you for still reviewing. I hope things settle down for ya. Good luck and thanks again!
punk-death-dealer: *Blushes* You are too kind! Thank you so much for your review! This one kept the smile on my face for days.
Nat: Thank you for your encouraging words. I promise there will be more Selene/Michael, much, much more, but I gotta pace myself. Thank you again and hope you enjoy the next chapters.
iridescent eyes: Ah! It's the author of beautiful endings! *sniffs and remembers that Heart Veneer is over* But on a happier note, thank you for the review. More S/M to come I promise. Just gotta get though this filler crap first. Thanks for reviewing.
Thiana: Wow! You actually took the time to review every one of my chapters. THANK YOU! Your reviews just made my week and were really a big encouragement to help me get through my block. Thank you so much, I will continue, but you must continue with yours...in fact I saw more chapters there yesterday. AH! Must go read.
So on that note, thank you all again. You're wonderful and you rock! Till next time...