Title: Sanctuary – Beneath The Dark

Summary: Doctor Helen Magnus and her team discover more than an Abnormal and things that go bump in the night when on the hunt in Seattle. A/U.

Pairings: H. Magnus & OFC, A. Magnus & W. Zimmerman.

Rating: M for Mature readers.

Disclaimer: No profit or copyright infringement intended during the writing of this story. All characters other than original remain the property of creator Damian Kindler, Sanctuary 1 Productions and Stage 3 Media. Please note that this tale features a relationship between two women and if that is not your cup of tea, then go make a coffee elsewhere.

A/N: Cheers to my splendid proof reader Wendy Woo and please remember this all takes place in an alternative universe, so I do not follow the story line of the actual series to the letter. It's called creative licence and I use it to bring back to life characters who may have fallen to the wayside on television. Now if I could only use it to inject a bucket load of cash to SyFy so the fifth season of Sanctuary could actually see the light of day!

Chapter 20

The Magnus-Cross wedding day arrived and both Helen and Madison were nervous wrecks. Ashley wasn't faring much better and Ellen ended up offering her a nip of brandy ten minutes before the ceremony was scheduled to begin.

Helen paced the bedroom floor and fidgeted with her engagement ring. "Oh dear lord," she muttered. "I've never been this anxious."

Ellen took pity on her, "Helen, it's natural for a bride to be restless. On my wedding day I couldn't stop vomiting until my mother gave me a shot of brandy."

Helen stopped moving, "Is my hair all right?"

"Yes, you're stunning and Madi is going to be mesmerised."

Ashley hugged her mother, "I recommend the alcohol mom."

"All right, I'll have a wee dram."

The blonde poured a generous amount into a glass and handed it over.

Helen swallowed it down in one gulp, "Okay, I feeling much better."

Ellen laughed at her friend, "You were supposed to sip it slowly."

"Oh, too late now."

-o-

Madison looked out the guest room window and inspected the backyard. Helen had suggested they hold the wedding at Madison's Briarcliff home as the area was large enough to accommodate a marquee for the reception as well as seating for one hundred quests in front of the constructed altar.

All the guests were seated and the marriage celebrant was standing under the flower and ribbon adorned arch.

Bobby patted Madison on the shoulder, "Come on Madi, it's time for us to go downstairs."

"I can't believe I'm getting married."

"Well you are, so let's move or you'll miss the whole thing."

Madison rotated and looked at her best friend. He looked extremely handsome in his designer three-piece suit sans a tie and there was evidence of tears in his brown eyes.

"You're not going to make me cry are you?" taunted Madison.

"Probably, I'm just so thrilled for you. I know how much you love Helen and the electricity that flies between the two of you is magical to watch."

"Damn, you are going to make me cry you big lug."

"Save it for your bride and I'm looking forward to seeing my wife all decked out in her dress."

"She'll look stunning as always Bobby."

Bobby opened the door and the two friends went downstairs and took their positions.

-o-

A six-piece orchestra began to play Pachelbel's Canon in D major and Ellen appeared at the back of the aisle. She was striking in a long flowing sky blue Donna Karan designed gown. The bodice was formfitting and sleeveless, her baby bump was barely detectable, and Madison smiled when she heard Bobby's loud gasp.

Leaning back, she whispered, "You're a lucky man."

"Don't I know it?"

Next down the lawn walkway was Ashley similarly attired as Ellen. Both women had their hair up in loose chignons with white roses pinned low on the left side and looked stunning.

Madison looked at Will sitting in the front row and tittered at his reaction. His jaw was slack and his eyes wide with adoration.

Once Ellen and Ashley were in place, Helen began the slow walk on the left arm of her oldest friend, James Watson. He had been more than delighted to walk her down the aisle and his smile bore testament to his approval of her choice of partner.

Madison's legs turned to mush and buckled. Bobby reached out and propped her back up.

"Oh my god Bobby, she's so ... shit I don't know how to describe her."

"She's a goddess Madi, she's an amazing goddess."

Helen was dressed in a white satin gown inlayed with tiny pearls. The sun's beams were reflecting off them and only added to the beauty of the dress. It was strapless and showed off Helen's broad shoulders to perfection.

Madison's eyes roamed to the bare upper chest and the cleavage created by the band of scalloped material encasing the generous swells. "Oh god," she mumbled before nearly toppling over. Had Bobby not been holding onto her left elbow, she would have landed face first on the lawn.

"Whoa, steady Madi," whispered Bobby.

Helen caught sight of Madison's glazed eyes and the smile she gave her was enchanting. The brunette's hair was skilfully arranged into soft curls and held back with loose braids. The style complimented her strong facials features and her makeup was flawless.

As James presented Helen to the Madison, Bobby let go of the blonde and she stepped forward and framed Helen's face with trembling hands.

Helen locked eyes with her and remarked, "You look so beautiful."

Madison blinked back her tears, "You are my goddess, my love and my life."

The guests sighed loudly as Madison lowered her lips to Helen's and kissed her gently. Once they parted, Helen held onto her bride's hand and the celebrant commenced the ceremony.

Both brides cried when reciting their vows, as did the majority of the guests. Helen spoke of the joy and fulfilment Madison had brought to her life while Madison declared her wonder and happiness for the love they shared.

When the couple were decreed united in matrimony, Helen drew Madison to her and kissed her passionately.

"WAY TO GO MOM," hollered Ashley as the guests stood and applauded the lip locked pair.

After two minutes, the newlyweds separated and laughed. Madison's tremors had calmed as had Helen's rolling stomach.

Leaning in, Helen whispered, "I love you and you look sensational in that suit."

Madison's reply was interrupted by a wave of guests congratulating them.

When the photographs of the bridal party were completed, they joined their guests in the marquee for pre-dinner drinks. The happy couple were spending the night at the house before flying out for Rome the following afternoon. The honeymoon trip had been a gift from Ashley, Will, Henry, Grace and the Big Guy.

Madison put her arm around Helen after the main meal had been consumed and smiled for the camera being held by Henry.

"Nice one," he said before turning his attention to James and Ashley.

Kissing Helen's earlobe, Madison gently nibbled on the fleshly nubbin.

In response, Helen moaned softly and faced her bride, "You do realise I am already incredibly aroused and you are the cause."

Leaning in closer, Madison pressed her lips to Helen's ear, "I am and if it wasn't for the fact we are about to cut the cake, I would be whisking you into the house to consummate our marriage."

"Oh dear lord darling," mumbled Helen before emcee Ross called them up to the front.

An hour later, the couple were asked to present themselves to the dance area for the bridal waltz. Madison had left the choice of song to Helen and as she escorted her bride to the dance floor, she placed her left hand on Helen's and commented, "You really do look magnificent."

The gentle strum of a guitar sounded and Madison smiled as she recognised the song.

Helen put her hand on Madison's shoulder and was led around the floor.

Madison grinned devilishly when Helen started to sing "Come On Get Higher".

"If I make it through this song without orgasming, it will be a miracle," confessed Madison halfway around the dance floor.

Helen stopped singing long enough to say, "It's too late for me."

"Oh honey, we are going inside the house the second this dance is over."

The other guests joined them with other ideas and it was another hour before the couple met up again. Madison took hold of her bride's hand and they raced to the bedroom.

As Madison locked the door, Helen pressed into her back, "Oh baby, I need you now."

Happy to oblige, the blonde turned and kissed her hard, taking her breath away. Pushing Helen backwards, Madison steered her to the bed.

Helen kicked off her shoes and fell back onto the mattress, taking Madison with her, "I love you my darling wife."

A low growl sprang from Madison, "Oh god I love the way you say that my beautiful, sexy bride." She pressed her lips to the top of Helen's exposed breast and began a slow journey down to the hem of the bridal gown, "You do realise I am crushing your dress."

"Yes, but I don't care baby, just take me."

Madison lifted up the material and gasped, "Oh my god, you're wearing suspenders."

"Just for you on this auspicious occasion darling."

Madison groaned and lowered her mouth to the damp silk briefs.

Within seconds, Helen was withering in ecstasy and as she regulated her breathing, Madison removed her gown and underwear.

When Helen was able to move again, she made light work of stripping her wife of her garments.

-o-

Helen returned to the reception wearing a black pants suit and was immediately besieged by Ashley, "Hey mom, James is looking for you."

Placing her hand on her daughter's arm, Helen inquired, "Is there a problem darling?"

"He's required back in London and I offered to drive him to the airport."

"Rightio, where is he now?"

"He's over by the bar taking to John."

"Oh yes, I see him."

"So where is Madi mom?"

Helen giggled, "Uhm, she is having a shower."

Ashley stared at her mother, "I guess there is no need to ask if you've already started the honeymoon then?"

"No Ashley, that would be a complete waste of your time," answered Helen as she made for the bar.

"Damn mom, you are totally awesome."

Madison stepped in beside Ashley, "That she is."

"Oh for shit's sake step-mom, wipe that grin off your face."

Blonde eyebrows arched, "Step-mom, I really don't think I like that title."

"That's good to know, so how about mom then?"

"I'll get back to you on that one too. Now, buy the bride a drink."

"I would love to, but I have to make a trip to the airport. James has been called back to the London Sanctuary."

"Oh, that's a bummer. I was hoping to get to know him better. I really like him and even your father is growing on me."

"Shit, how many drinks have you had?"

"Two."

"Well I can't use that as an excuse for your comment then."

The two blondes laughed before going to join Helen and James.

-o-

It was past ten when Helen and Madison said goodnight to Will and Ashley. Both were horribly drunk and Madison had to direct them to the guest room twice before they got there.

She turned and headed towards Helen, who was standing outside their bedroom door, "Hello Mrs Magnus-Cross."

Helen's dimples deepened, "I rather like the sound of that."

Opening the door, Madison ushered Helen inside, "Ashley mentioned children to me tonight."

"Oh, she's had that discussion with me too. She'd like a baby brother or sister, she isn't fussy about gender."

Madison wrapped her arms around Helen, "Seriously, if you want to have another child, I am more that fine with that."

Helen's eyes expanded, "Really?"

After kissing the brunette on the chin, Madison answered, "Yes and I will even." She stopped and collected her thoughts, "I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I am even willing to be the birth mother."

Helen giggled softly, "Now I know you are inebriated."

"Sweetheart, I had two glasses of champagne and one beer, I'd hardly call that intoxicated."

"You have a valid point and I am very moved by your offer. Maybe we can talk about it later."

"All right Helen, are you ready for bed?"

"I am and I'm looking forward to our first night as a married couple."

"I am too sweetheart."

-o-

Once the pair settled into bed, Helen initiated the slowest love making Madison had ever experienced and when it ended, she cradled Helen in her arms and cried.

Lifting her chin upwards, Helen searched her lover's eyes and saw a deep sadness, "What's wrong darling?"

"I'm scared."

"What of baby?"

"When I'm old, you'll no longer want me."

"Oh Madison, please don't think like that."

"I can't help it. There will come a time when I'm too old to work by your side."

"You know, this is not ideal subject matter for a wedding night."

"I know and I apologise, but the way we just made love left my emotions a little raw."

"I'm sorry. I wanted it unhurried so I could map every touch and response to my memory."

"That's what made me think that one day that's all I'll be."

Helen rose up on her elbow, "Baby, you are tired and it has been a big day. Sleep and we will discuss this soon."

"You're right, I am tired, goodnight sweetheart."

"Goodnight and thank you for a wonderful wedding."

The comment brought another round of tears from Madison. She finally fell asleep from pure exhaustion and Helen watched over her.

Helen had gone through similar fears from previous lovers who she confided with about her gift, but none had affected her in the way Madison had. The subject was overly emotional and one that had to be thrashed out sooner rather than later.

-o-