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 22

Will approached Madison a fortnight later while she was busy studying in the library. "You got a minute?" he enquired while sitting down next to the blonde.

Madison put down the aviation manual, "I've always got time for you."

"I'm not really sure how to ask this, but has Ashley said anything to you about what she would like for her birthday?"

"No, but she was hinting about how married life makes her mother very happy."

"That thought did cross my mind, but it might be too soon."

"Do you love her?"

Will grinned wildly, "Yes I do."

"Does she love you?"

"Yes."

"Well, there's your answer."

"That's very logical I guess."

"Someone once asked me the same questions about Helen, so I'd go with that because we've worked out pretty good."

Will chuckled for a second, "As Ashley says, you pair are awesome together."

"Yeah we are and speaking of my charming wife, she is due home any minute." Madison stood and collected her study material, "I'll catch you at dinner time Will."

"You got it Madi and thanks for the idea."

Madison's iPhone rang as she entered the corridor, "Hello honey."

"Hello darling, can you come to the bedroom now please?"

"Oh it sounds like you missed me."

"Yes I have so hurry up. I'll be waiting baby."

"Oh god, I'm on the way and welcome home."

-o-

"I really do enjoy the way you welcome me back," confessed Helen an hour later.

"Well, when my wife needs my attention I'm there. So how was your meeting?"

"Extremely probative, there is certainly enough evidence to suggest a few ex-members of Nikola Tesla's now defunct vampire army are still in existence."

"So it's off the Russia we go."

"We leave the day after tomorrow and link up with the Moscow and Grozny teams."

"That's good and I'll still be able to take my commercial pilot's exam."

Helen lazily stroked Madison's faint chest scars, "Yes and it allows enough time for James to join us. Our informant says the four vampires have only just fed today, so they won't be on the hunt for more prey until Friday."

"A case of good timing then?"

"Yes, it's very fortunate." Helen turned to look at the clock, "Seems as we are not expected for dinner for another two hours, I've a couple of issues I'd like to discuss with you."

"Go ahead sweetheart."

"Do you have any thoughts on a birthday present for Ashley?"

Madison giggled into her wife's neck, "You're the second person to ask me that today and I am basically clueless except for one idea."

"Who else asked?"

"Will, he's a little stumped."

"Oh I'm sure he'll come up with something appropriate for the occasion."

"I think he is going to propose."

"I agree wholeheartedly and couldn't be happier."

"That prospect ties in with what I thought about last week. I was thinking we could give Ashley a holiday. She could certainly do with a break."

"Magnificent idea darling and she has been hinting about taking a trip to Las Vegas for the last month."

"Okay then, I'll organise a hotel and airplane seats tomorrow morning. I'll even throw in some spending money."

"Have I told you how much I love you for the way you treat Ashley?"

Smirking, Madison gripped Helen's right shoulder, "You have and have I mentioned how much I adore our family?"

Helen turned and kissed Madison's arm, "A few times darling, certainly enough to let me know that if we have a child together you will spoil them rotten."

"That's very true and you can be the disciplinarian with your steely glare."

Laughing, Helen pecked Madison's right nipple, "Yes and scare them with the Big Guy."

"Oh he would get a kick out of that."

Inching upwards, Helen kissed her wife's chin, "That sounds like you really do want to have a child."

"I do, but not for a couple of years, I want to enjoy married life with you before we are bombarded with no sleep and dirty nappies."

"Oh my love, that's what Ashley and the others are for."

"You're an evil woman Doctor Magnus."

"And don't you forget it."

"I won't honey. So, is there anything else you want to talk about?"

"Yes, Ashley is informing Will tonight about her decision to share my gift."

"I'm sure he'll be fine with that."

"I hope so. The offer will also be extended to him. If he is truly to be my protégé, it would be advantageous to have him around for many years."

The sides of Madison's lips turned downwards.

"I would like you to consider it also."

Blonde brows practically jumped off Madison's forehead, "Are you serious?"

"Very much so Madison, especially after our conversation regarding your mortally concerns. I've thought of nothing else since and I can promise you the adventures of many, many lifetimes."

Madison grinned broadly, "I suppose that's one way to avoid the nightmares."

"It is entirely up to you darling and I'll respect your decision."

Madison pulled her wife closer, "I don't have to think it over Helen. If that means being able to be with you just the way we are now then I consent. I guess you're stuck with me now."

Helen's eyes filled with tears, "I love you my darling and that pleases me."

"I love you too and would you like to join me in the bath?"

Helen smiled coyly, "I could be persuaded, just don't go splashing water all over the floor like the last time."

"I beg your pardon Your Royal Highness, but that was your fault after you became amorous and attacked me from behind."

"That may well be true, but tonight it will be your responsibility."

"Oh good god, what a thought," whimpered Madison before Helen's mouth captured hers.

-o-