'The club was doing very well. Though I didn't need any more money. Being hundreds of years old has had it perks in a sense. I was a noble in my early years. A count, a duke, I've held many titles; and with that my family was already very wealthy. I just helped to keep my family's monetary value intact. As an added bonus, the club keeps me busy, and I can keep an eye on her. I can't seem to stop thinking about her. It was easy before when all I did was watch her from afar. I had always kept an eye on her whenever possible. There was just something about her, about her spirit, her drive, her fight. She seemed to consume me as of late. With her staying in the room under the garage, I had never wanted something more in life than to be with her. When she came out of the bathroom that first night, it took all the self control I had acquired through the years to not take her right there. I started to sense that our once friendship was growing into something more. Yet, I was too scared to do anything about it. Too scared to break something so fragile. I knew when she went through that horrible situation with her ex and a family member, I knew right then that it would take time for her to heal and find someone. I just...'
A knock sounds at my office door. I turn from the office window and see Henry in the door way.
"Hey Eirik I hate to disrupt your dreaming of our little Lili but we have a slight problem and it requires your immediate attention." He says leaning against the door frame.
"Is this your attempt to try and sound urgent?" I question as I quirk an eyebrow at him. "If it is you need to work a bit harder on that." I pause a moment before looking him over as he just leans casually in the door way. Letting out a sigh I ask "What is the issue? And I wasn't dreaming about Lili. I just want her safe is all." I try to cover the longing in my voice. I knew Henry very well and have since we spent time together in Henry Vii, viii, and his daughter Elizabeth`s court. Which meant Henry knew me. We were friends and coworkers. Always had been.
"Yea right and I'm the rightful heir to the English and Scottish thrones. Oh wait..." He said with a smug look on his face, and a flat tone in his voice. "Look Eirik, my friend, you really need to come down to the kitchen, back bar area. I promise...its worth your having a look." He says standing aside.
At that moment I knew something clicked and I knew something was a miss. Henry can normally handle thing on his own. Very rarely does he need my help. Still something told me I needed to get down there and fast. With great speed and agility I made my way down the stairs and to the down stairs bar. I stop in my tracks at the door to the back storage and kitchen, Henry by my side. I cant move. Im frozen by the sight that lay before me. I look at him and I know he sees it. I know he can see the desperation, the need, and my want for her. I can`t hide it. I can smell her anger, fear, confusion, and longing. I knew why she was here. I look back into the back area and there she is dripping wet. I couldn't move. Finally Henry walks in ahead of me and I follow quickly on his heels. My own desire and primal need to protect her making me move.
"Eirik!" She exclaims running to me and wrapping her arms around me. I didn't care she was soaked. I wrapped my arms around her. Holding her close to my body. Taking in her intoxicating scent. I knew something was wrong,I could smell it in the air and all over her, and I knew if I guessed I`d be right. Yet, I also knew that right now wasn't the time for questions. I knew she would tell me sooner or later. All in her own time.
"Told you, you wanted to come and take care of this." Henry said. I just glared at him. He shrugs his shoulders and leans against the walk-in freezer where we kept the kegs of beer that we have on tap. He watches her like a protective predator. If anyone, including myself, made a wrong move he would leap into action. Like me he cared for her, but not in the way I cared for her. I`m in love with her and have been for some time now.
I realized in that moment that she had returned to my arms, returned to me. She was mine once more. I could show her a world she'd always dreamed of and so much more. But tonight, I had to leave her be. I had to let her calm down and relax. Holding her, though, I could feel her tension slip away a little in my arms. Her body shaking almost violently as I held her, but I knew it was from the cold.
"Ok...Lili..." I held her out and she looked at me with pain etched all over her beautiful features. Her bright eyes seemed to be dulled. Like someone had killed something inside her. I could still see an ember of her fractured self in there but tonight I knew not to push her. I knew she needed to just heal. "Give me a moment to clear everyone out. Ok my dear?" I asked and she just nodded. She pressed herself back into me and just stayed there. "Everyone back to work Henry you're in charge for the night."
"Alright folks, you heard the man everyone out, get back to work. Now!" Henry called out and clapped his hands. With that everyone cleared out quickly. Henry could be a menicing person when he wanted to be.
I signaled for Henry to leave as well. He shrugged and was the last one to leave. Once everyone was out I took Lili over to a chair and sat her down. "Ok what has made you so upset? What happened tonight?" I asked, my hands cradling her face gently. I made her look up at me, meeting my gaze. She looked almost broken. My heart cleches in my chest in that very moment. Then out of no where she kissed me. She leaned forward wrapped her hands around my head her fingers tangling in the mohawk I had. Pulling on the short hair causing shivers to run up my spine. I couldn't stop myself. I'd wanted this for so many years. Tortured by thoughts, dreams, and wishes. I tangled my fingers in her hair. Pulling her ever so slightly as to angle her head to deepen the kiss. Then as quickly as it started she stopped. She just looked at me and we stopped. We were both panting but I saw a desire in her eyes. A desire I thought impossible until this moment. What the desire was for or from I am not sure, but she wanted something. Whether it was me, or just forget I don't know. She looks so helpless and lost. I'd seen her like once before a very long time ago. Though , this time she wasn't as broken now as. She was back when we first met.
"You were right." She whispered. Finally breaking the silence between us. "You were right about everything and he lied to me." The words were so quiet I wasn't sure she had said anything at all. Even with my heightened senses it was hard to tell. "I asked him because...because..." she paused between her words from the sobs she was trying so hard to hold back.
I shushed her and looked around. We needed to go to the office or somewhere more private. "Come my Lilianna we can go to the office and finish this conversation. Ok?" I released her and still held her making sure she could still stand on her own. Once I was satisfied that she could stand without my help, I took her hand in mine gently squeezing it. Encouraging her to follow me. It didn't take much encouragement, and she fell right into step next me. She wouldn't let go of my hand. I could feel her squeeze my hand so tightly I knew her knuckles had to be turning white. "Lets go to the office. No one will touch you I promise." I said looking over my shoulder at her. I took a deep breath and we exited from the back into the main area. I knew I didn't have to explain to her to stay close to me. She stayed on my heels, as we made our way through the throngs of bodies that were dancing and mingling around the dance area. I had to let go of her hand to usher her in front of me so she could ascend the spiral staircase ahead of myself. Once we topped the stairs I place my hand on the small of Lilianna's back urging her forward. Without hesitation she walks forward, towards my office. Quickly we both walk inside. I shut the door behind myself and as I turn to look towards her I see that she has settled in her usual chair across from my desk. I look at my beautiful Lili normally bright, sassy, and now she looked almost scared and fragile. Right now, all I saw was a fragile young woman sitting in my office. I made my way over to her. Kneeling down in front of her I place my hands on her knees and stare. She started to cry softly, bringing her hands up to her face.
"I just wanted someone who could be honest. Who wouldn't hide anything from me. He lied to my face. To my face Eirik!" she removed her hands almost shouting the last part. Tears streaming down her face. "With all the lying and deceit I went through with Thomas, and Skylar."
"What about Mary and John. I know they are part of the same pack. How did they react?" I asked
She just looked at me "Mary was crying and John was just being himself. He was calm but they fessed up saying that they wanted to tell me, and something about being beta." She continued
I took her hand in mine and automatically started rubbing small circles on the top of her hand with my thumb. "Yes, betas are able to still be individuals, and can run the pack. However, they must do what the alpha says. If Antony told them not to say anything to you then no matter how they feel, they have to follow his orders if they want to stay in the pack. Please, keep in mind when it comes to Mary and John, the pack means everything to them. You are...human after all. So as much as I don't like wolves, I know how much Mary means to you. So judge her kindly." I say still rubbing circles on her hand. I knew Mary means the world to her and I would never try and keep her from Mary. Mary and I helped her through the worst thing I'd seen the woman go through in her life. Even when in Henry VIII court, and Mary I (Tudor) court. I know my girl needed to get this out of her system.
"I know and I love Mary, but right now, I'm here and I want...I just want to forget." She says then I see it. Her face changes and she slowly turns her head from the windows over looking the club to stare into my eyes. I see it. Recognition shows all over her face. She mukes over her words in head. As if she is trying to recall events. After staring at me for a little while she speaks. "You've never hidden anything from me." She pauses for a moment. "Even when you knew it would hurt me. You have never kept any secrets from me. Always telling me the truth. Always looking out for me even if it meant never seeing me or speaking to me for a while or even forever." She paused and just stared at me. Her green eyes flaring to life again. Brightening for a moment but I knew even in this moment that now wasn't the time to press upon her my desire. I still needed to wait. I had to let her make the first move.
She started to sniffle again and started back on the issue at hand. "He lied to me Eirik. I asked and he said no. Even before you told me to be careful I had started to hear bits and pieces of conversations I'm almost certain I wasn't suppose to hear. Even at the house tonight I heard him telling Mary and John no. I wasn't sure what they were talking about but you're words kept circling in my head." She pauses to take a quick breath. I can see her trying to wrap her head around everything. "On top of all this while we were by the lake I heard wolves howling. Everyone had disappeared when I went to take a bath. Once I was finished, I dressed quickly, and I ran out into the woods in the rain looking for everyone. That's when I saw John and a wolf. After a few moments the wolf shifted into to Antony, and I took off. I know they didn't see me or Antony wouldn't have lied to me. After I came back out of the woods, I saw Mary. Not too long after she and I talked only brief through her sobbing, the boys came out of the woods. John was first then Antony. That's when I knew you were right. When I realized you had told me the truth." She paused again and looking down at her hands. "After he denied it and I told him I knew. I told him that had you had told me everything. He got so upset. I told him I wanted him off my property and out of my sight. To never come near me again. I told John to handle it. Then I got on a horse and left. Once I got back to the house I got on my Ducati, no helmet, just my glasses and the clothes on my back, and came here. Everything is still at the house. Eirik, what am I going to do?" She asked and I knew she was hurting, and she felt betrayed once more by someone she cared about.
"It will be okay. We've gotten through worse together. Just keep your head up. Everything will be okay." I say. It was really all I could say. This beautiful woman rendering me speechless. I didn't know what else to tell her short of pouring my heart out to her. The only other thing I could think of was to hold her. So I did. I tugged on her arm easing her out of the chair and into my lap. My legs stretched straight out in front of me. She curls right up and into my chest and wraps an arm around my waist. Being in a suit and being on the floor was not comfortable in the least, but I would suffer anything just to make her happy. This beautifully broken woman that haunts my dreams and my waking thoughts. Ffinally I have her here in my office, and in my arms. I couldn't stop myself, I wrap my arms around her and we sit there together. The music downstairs had died down after a few hours. Leaving us in blissful silence. I knew she must be exhausted. Her breathing was becoming steadier. I know along with the silence that the bar was closing up for the night. I could feel that it was becoming late and I would need to rest for the day. I needed to get her underground to the spare room. My primal instincts kicking in, driving my want and need to keep her safe.
"Hey Eirik. You won't believe this but I suggest looking out the windows." Henry all but busts through the door. "No matter what happens what ever you say goes." He continues as he walks in and shuts the door behind him. The lock click into place. The look on his face said it wasn't going to be good.
I shift Liliana in my arms and motion for Henry to come over. "Come take Lilianna to the room down in the garage. Make sure she is comfortable, and don't leave her until I come down there myself." He does as he's told gathering Lili up. I could smell him already. I knew who was here and I knew this wasn't going to be too unpleasant. "Lili, sweetheart, I have to go and handle some business. Go with Henry down to your room ok? I will be down presently." I say as I kiss her head. Henry readjusts Lili in his arms. She falls into him and lets him take her to the hidden room. Before they leave I look at Henry "Protect her at all costs. She is now under our protection." I tell him and he curtly nods. Making a quick exit. Henry already had the key fob to open the door. He had cleaned the room up a while before clocking in. So I knew everything would be ok. Walking over to the window I looked down into my club and there he stood. Soaked, and pissed off. Dressed exactly how Lilianna had described. I saw John with him as well. John and I had an understanding and we liked it. He stays away and I keep his secret from becoming public. Plain and simple. I took a deep breath and left my office.
" ARE FUCKING YOU SERIOUS? You told her about MY pack? It's MY pack. She is MY girlfriend. I will tell her what I want her to know when I damn well feel like it." Antony started yelling as I made my way down to the spiral stair case down to the main floor.
"Antony. Calm down." John says putting a hand on his friend and leader's chest. "Hello Eirik." He greets me politely.
"John so nice to see you again." I say walking up to the Antony. "You're right it is your pack, however, she is my friend, and has been for many years. I held her hand through something no woman should ever have to go through. Your lying hurt her. She has been betrayed, tried to have her spirit broken, she has seen death, and whispered for sweet release from the torture of her own hell. You have no idea what that beautiful woman has been through in her life." I pause briefly. "Understand one thing dog. She will never be your's again. YOU. FUCKED. UP." I tell him walking over to one of the bouncers Eddie. He hands me a blood bag. I cut it open, pour it into a cup, and start drinking it. "Lilianna hasn't always known what I was. She had her theories, and I confirmed them when she asked. I have never nor will I ever keep anything from her. No matter the consequences to me or my well being. You weren't with her long enough to find out what happened to her and her family. She was betrayed by two people. A boyfriend who wanted nothing more than to have her as his own personal baby maker and slave. She was sold out by a worthless cousin that she was staying with for drugs. He gave her to Thomas for an ounce of cocaine." I took another sip of the blood and Eddie stayed near me. I went around the bar and took a seat behind it. Antony still standing came to the bar and stood across from me on the other side. I smiled. "She was gone for 6 months. For six months no one could find her. Mary didn't know where she was. Her family...hell Thomas dispatched them quickly enough while trying to find out where they hid her. Slaughtered them really. The cops had no leads. Her cousin OD on the cocaine that was given to him. Poetic justice for him really." I took another sip of the blood in my cup. " You see Thomas had a knack for finding peoples' weaknesses and using that information to his advantage. He knew family was everything to Lili. So he destroyed her's to break her and bend her to his will. He raped her, beat her, tortured her, starved her. He made her suffer. More so than most protestants during the reign of Mary Tudor, and I should know since I was there." I pause again and level with the wolf before me. "He nearly broke her, Antony. Mary came to me, which by the way John how is Mary doing? Is she ok?" I ask momentarily stopping.
John looks up and glares at me but nonetheless answers. "She's going to be ok. Do you really think he..."
"Finish blood sucker." Antony holds up his hand to hush John. I knew he was pissed off, I knew why as well. He breathing deep, his pulse and adrenaline was pumping hard. The scent hung thickly in the air around us.
I smiled and looked at him. "He was a very sadistic man. He did a lot of damage to her. She isn't as fragile as she use to be, however, what you did, lying to her like that. You, my dear puppy, have royally fucked yourself. When Mary came to me Lilianna had been missing for six months, going on seven months. The police were getting no where. Mary explained everything to me and when I found her she was barely alive. Chained to a pipe on a cement floor, in a basement of some abandoned hospital or something. Never really did investigate the building. She was covered in dirt and filth. Barely alive enough to even look at me. I got her out of there, brought her to a safe house and nursed her back to health with the help of Mary and your dear friend John here. I had to give her some of my own blood to help her to heal or she would have died with in hours." I paused for a moment. I could see that the words were making sense to Antony and that he was starting to realize what exactly he had done by keeping his secret from our Lili.
"You gave her you're blood? But, she's...never mind. I know she's human. I can smell it. I knew there was something off about her scent. I just never thought it would be you." He barked at me. I could see him clenching his fists. His seething angerreturning. His knuckles starting to turn white. I knew he was beyond pissed off now. "Why didn't she turn? You gave her you're blood. That's the way it works. A blood exchange takes place and poof baby blood sucker." He said I could feel his wolf wanting to come out and play. It would be nice to have a puppy to play with.
I shrugged as I finish off my blood. Setting my glass down, and walk back around the bar. I stand in front of my fellow council member. "You know that's not how it works." I look to Eddie as he stands there like a statue. " I have had enough of this. So, listen to me boy and listen well. She is under my protection. She has asked you to leave her alone. If you do not follow these wishes of your own accord. Then, I will see to it personally, that you are taught how to follow the rules like the dog you are." I take a breath and look him in the eyes. "Yes, I gave her my blood. I did not give her enough blood to change her. It would have taken a lot more. Mary and John got blood for her from a friend of theirs. We pumped her full of enough human blood to help her further heal on her own. I would never turn her without her express consent. It would have been like rape. She'd been through enough. I didn't need to add to it, nor would I." I walked up to him inches from his face.
He snarled at me baring his teeth like an animal. Though, he stayed where he was, never raising a hand to me. He knew he had messed things up. He knew that he would never be able to be with her again. "Fine. I'll leave her alone for now." With that he turned on his heel and left out.
John stayed behind and shook my hand. "Let Lil know that Mary and I will take care of things at the manor. I'll bring her bike back down here and park it here at the club. If that's ok with you."
I shook his hand. "That's fine John. Tell Mary hello for me." I said and with that we all parted ways. I went out the back way towards the garage and made sure everyone was out of sight. I saw to it that the doors are locked up. I made my way back through the club and into the garage to the hidden room. I knock on the door at the bottom of the stairs. Henry opens up the door, steps aside and pauses on stairs.
"She's asleep. She wouldn't let me leave her until she was soundly asleep. She kept asking about you. Kept asking what was going on." He said staring at his hands.
"Well what did you tell her?" I asked as I peered around the door to see my Lili fast asleep on the bed. I wanted to be holding her. Have her warmth pressed against me. I wanted to stroke her hair and let her intoxicating scent wrap around me.
"What else..." He paused and looked at me like I had lost all my good sense. "I told her the truth. It freaked her out a little bit but she calmed down soon there after. Not too long after that she passed out. What about you? What did you and the puppies talk about?"
"I told him." I said matter of factly. "I told him about what she went through with Skylar and Thomas. I explained what he did tonight and how it affected her. He is going to leave her alone at least for now." I pause and step out with Henry. "She's is to be taken care of. Given anything she needs or wants. I don't care what it is she gets it." I say as I look to him.
"Right." He says and turns to walk out, he pauses. "Hey Eirik, look we've known each other through the centuries. I know you. Give her space if she wants it. I'll help keep an eye on her as well. No worries ok?" With that he walks out into the garage. I made sure he was inside the club and heading for his normal sleeping room before I made my way into the room, and where she lay. She was in a terry cloth robe and her hair still seemed damp. I smiled seeing my beautiful Lilianna laying there peacefully sleeping. I pulled up an ottoman and sat beside the bed next to her. Stroking her hair lightly. Her face relaxed and she curled up further clutching her pillow. I looked around and decided I'd have flowers brought in for her. I turn off of the lights. Leaving a few candles flickering in their cradles.
I could start to feel the sun reach above the horizon. Walking into the bathroom, I go straight for linen closet grabbing a wash cloth. I wet the cloth with warm water and wash my face. After freshening up for about a an hour, I decide that I am going to stay on the pillows that are in a corner of the room. Walking back into the room I kick off my shoes and lay down on the pillows. I take off my shirt and toss it on floor beside me. Getting comfortable I close my eyes, though as I felt sleep start to take over I felt a warm body curl up next to me. Opening my eyes I see Lili's hair splayed over my chest. Her hand on my right pec, tracing the tattoos I had on my upper body. She had gotten out of bed without me hearing her, and had curled up next to me. I started reaching around above me and found a blanket. I threw it over the both of us and made sure she was covered up and would be warm. Smiling, I stroked her back absent-mindedly. She breathed deeply a few times then I felt her breathing turn into a steady rhythm. "Good night my heart, sleep well." I kissed the top of her head. "I love you." I whispered into her hair.