Chapter Five

For the moment Steven Webber looked every bit of the gentleman he was supposed to be. When his father Jeff had demanded his presence, Steven nearly refused. He hated the man almost as much as he hated the man's wife and daughter. Both were spoiled and selfish disgusting Steven and fueling his anger further. In the end, he reluctantly agreed to the short visit.

At least Elizabeth was not with him this time. The two women made their mission to torment his sister. During her last visit, it had gotten to the point Steven lost his temper, something that rarely happened. Elizabeth was the one thing that could immediately sent him off.

That is why he was happy to be away from Wyndemere. While he was pleased, Nikolas had returned home it also brought back his anger. Steven understood even agreed with his friend that is to a point. However, the younger man had crushed Elizabeth.

Maybe it would have been different if Nikolas returned alone. Instead, he brought a woman with him as well. A woman who was the opposite of Elizabeth in every way.

"I'm sorry our little party is boring you." Sarah said from the study doorway. Steven had spent most of his visit holed up in the the small room.

"Go away Sarah. Nothing about you interests me."

"Even a note from that little mongrel?"

Steven snatched the note barly looking at Sarah. It was easier to ignore the girl whenever possible. Mostyly because it kept him from killing the blonde. "I'd watch my tone if I were you Sarah."

"Is that so? Well you are not me. That bitch shouldn't exist and neither should you."

"Ah but I do. That means when Jeff dies I get everything. You may want to remember that the next time you insult my sister."

"I'm your sister."

"As you have pointed out several times, our sharing a father doesn't make us family. Or does that only apply to Elizabeth? I though as much. Now hand me the note and leave."

"I hate you. I wish you were never born." she yelled stomping out of the room like a spoiled child.

"Stupid girl." Steven mumbled shaking his head at Sarah's antics. Apparently, the girl was going to have to learn the hard way.

For the moment, all of his attention was on the note in his hands. Immediately all Steven's anger drained away. In its place was worry. Not just for Nikolas but Elizabeth as well. He had to get back to Wyndemere before all hell busted lose. Again.

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"Is Nikolas feeling better?"

"I suppose so. His fever is down and he isn't any worse."

"That's good I suppose. Courtney will be pleased. She's been very worried about Nikolas."

Courtney was the last thing Elizabeth wanted to hear about. The other woman had been a constant presence the last few days. Seeing her worry over Nikolas put Elizabeth on edge. Very reluctantly, she had to admit she was jealous of the blonde. Jealous enough to do something stupid.

She had always considered Nikolas hers and unlike her mother, she didn't share. Her feelings were further fueled by Nikolas's fevered pleas. It took most of her control not to give in.

The rest was expended on not cursing a certain blonde. Elizabeth may be more educated than most people she knew but in the end, she was still just a gypsy.

"I'm sure he'll be fine. Steven should be home any day."

"Good. You've handled things so well but I know you were probably scared."

"Yeah. Nikolas has been a good friend."

"Oh I think he is more than that." Jason murmured running a hand up her arm. He paused for a moment before continuing to cup her cheek. "In fact I was hoping we could be good friends too."

"Wh... What?"

"Well pretty soon, Nikolas is going to be occupied with Courtney. And trust me you don't want to cross her. So perhaps I could take his place."

"You want me to be your whore."

"Very blunt Elizabeth but essentially yes. Shh." he said pressing a finger to her lips when Elizabeth tried to speak. "Don't answer me yet. Take a few days to think about it."

"I don't need a few minutes Mr. Morgan. My answer will always be no."

"You don't want to cross me little girl." he said grabbing her roughly.

"And maybe you shouldn't underestimate me."

From the darkened hallway, a pair of brown eyes burned with anger at the scene as Jason stormed off.

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Nikolas lay almost spent from his short trip into the hall. However, the exhaustion was well worth the knowledge he gained. He had never gotten along with Jason. In fact most of the time Nikolas was content to ignore the man. All that had changed in a few moments.

He had always worried how Elizabeth's her heritage would affect people's perception. The fear compounded after meeting Sarah Webber. The young woman was selfish and self absorbed everything Nikolas hated. And exactly the type of person he wanted to protect the woman he loved from.

Love. The emotions flooded through him unexpectedly. Nikolas didn't doubt that Elizabeth returned his love. He could feel it in her tender menstruation. If only she believed of his love in return.

Bringing Courtney here was a stupid mistake Nikolas knew that going in. However, the blonde was controllable. Jason was his real concern. The man was dangerous enough in the city. Nikolas had heard the rumors about Sonny's right hand man. Nothing warned him of the scene in the hall.

Just days before Nikolas had been willing to let Elizabeth go. Oh, he wasn't happy about it but he would have done so. He would have stood by and watch her build a life with Johnny. All that had changed with this last incident.

He was possessive by nature. A trait his uncle often encouraged. It was natural instinct the older man insisted. A man of his postion should get the things he wanted. Nikolas finally agreed with Stefan. Elizabeth was his. There was little point in denying it any longer. Getting her to admit it would be a challenge. One he welcomed eagerly. Her spirit was part of what drew him. But first Jason would have to be dealt with.

"You should be resting." Elizabeth said gently crossing the room to join him on the bed. Even she could Nikolas still wasn't well.

"I am fine Elizabeth. You've done a good job."

"Perhaps. Still I wish Steven was here."

"There's nothing your brother or anyone can do for me." he insisted as his voice deepened. The hunger was not new only more pressing. Nikolas knew he needed to eat and soon. He should have done so already. It would speed up his healing dramatically. "You should rest."

"I will once you're better."

"I'm well enough." Nikolas said while drawing her closer. Elizabeth's sent was teasing him creating a whole new ache. Long forgotten memories tempted him. They also reminded him that the potential of harming Elizabeth was great.

"You're shaking Nikolas. Is something wrong?"

"Not wrong no." he denied placing a light kiss to her neck. She immediately titled her head giving him better access. Elizabeth was so soft and he knew just as willing. "So hungry." he whimpered the words sounding strange even to his own ears.

"I trust you Nikolas I always have."

Her trust meant everything to him. It was the foundation of their relationship. Another soft kiss was fallowed by a lick. He was rewarded with a moan from Elizabeth. Pleased by her reaction Nikolas nipped the creamy skin. He nearly expected her to pull away but she surprised him. Elizabeth threaded her fingers through his dark hair holding him close. The move sealed his decision.