{-Parting Shots-}

The new bed was definitely an improvement. Healed body parts made it even more comfortable. So comfortable that Max had managed a nearly full night of sleep, shark DNA and everything. Stretching luxuriously, she rose up on one elbow and leaned over Alec, one hand idly running over the marks on his chest as she watched him sleep.

Always ready to spoil her moment, Alec cracked one eye open, watched her hand a moment, and then grinned, "Watch the bite," his hands were sneaking up around Max, to pull her down more fully on top of him.

Purposely ignoring both Alec's comment and her change in position, Max winked, "Don't be such a baby," and continued to trace the teeth indents in his skin.

Letting go of her to stretch, his arms above his head, Alec attempted to wiggle away from the fingers ghosting over his skin. "Hey, it's a wound."

"You liked it."

His laugh sent shivers down her spine and, sure enough, Max was soon wrestled to her back, her legs tangled with covers and Alec. Mischievous glint in his eyes, which made her know she was going to regret prodding him, Alec announced, "Only if we match," and bent lower over her, his lips tracing her skin.

Max was half considering a protest, when he bit. Gasping, as he let go and moved to survey the bite mark that perfectly corresponded to his own, Max forgot what she'd been about to say. Instead, "I think you forgot about one."

Laughing, Alec rolled back to his side of the bed, dragging Max with him. Casting an eye at the clock, he shrugged, "That comes later." Sensing Max plotting her revenge, Alec added, "Hey now. What will people think?"

"That they wish they were in your spot." Despite her comment, Max gave up her vengeance quest. There was plenty of time for biting later, and they did have to work in a little over an hour.

Astonished at the playful look Max was sporting, Alec exclaimed, "That was my line!" But Max had snuggled down against his chest, nestled against his fully healed arm. He tickled her, "No."

Her eyes remained shut, "What?"

"You don't get to wake me up and then go back to sleep!" Alec knew that he sounded grouchy but, damnit, his genetic cocktail didn't match hers, especially in the sleep department.

Turning to him, her eyes open, and looking wide-awake, Max queried, "I never said anything about sleep."

One eyebrow raised, Alec reminded her, "Work."

"I know."

The possible responses to that were overwhelming, but Max just rested her head against his chest again, listening to his heart beating and tapping the tune on his arm. Wrapping his arm more securely around her, Alec gently brushed her hair out of her face, from where it was curling gently.

He would never have thought it, but Alec was fine exactly where he was. After all, there was plenty of time and, with the new, larger bed, he was in no rush.

There was no imminent danger that couldn't wait a few hours, at least.

The End