I do not own any part of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. All of that greatness is the work of the amazing J R Ward.

As of 5-22-12 the wonderful GothicBelle has beta'ed this for me. Hopefully this is now easier to read.

I hope everyone enjoys.

Chapter Sixteen

Qhuinn felt awful about Layla and would have chased after her if not for Blay. He wasn't leaving Blay for anything. He knew his place now and by this male of worth is where he belonged.

"Wise decision."

Qhuinn looked up to see the Scribe Virgin standing, actually floating, in the center of the room. He'd really fucked up this time. The mess with Layla was going to be the death of him.

"This meeting has nothing to do with Layla. I would love to explain her away as naïve, but sometimes she's just a clueless twit."

Qhuinn almost choked on his shock. He had always held Layla in high regard. Had always thought her a bright girl. Really she caught on quickly with most things.

"Oh, she's smart enough. It just irritates me that she has a stubborn one tract mind. It blinds her to the truth if it does not flow with her plans. If she had not had her blinders on where you were concerned she would have seen this from the beginning. Anyone who has seen the way the two of you look at each other knows the truth."

'Fuck, am I the only one that didn't get it?' Qhuinn thought as he watched the Scribe Virgin float up to the other side of the bed and look down at Blay. 'Oh, hell no, she could be here to take Blay away.'

"Qhuinn do you love him?"

"Yes, with my whole heart," his voice full of emotion.

"What does he mean to you?"

"Everything," he answered without hesitation.

"What would you do to keep him here?"

"Anything," and he abso-fucking-lutely meant it.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, anything," he said with every once of determination he had in him.

"Your life?"

"Yes." His was nothing compared to Blay's.

"You would forfeit your life to me?"

"Without hesitation, without regret."

"Good. Now I can't make him love you, that is up to you to accomplish. If he will still have you will you wish to mate him?"

"I haven't thought that far ahead. Wou…"

"No questions," she snapped. "You warriors must really learn your places," she moved away from the bed. "I told Blaylock the terms of my blessing. When the time is right have him explain."

Qhuinn bowed his head to her, "Thank you so very much, Scribe Virgin."

"Remember all this when payment is due," with that she faded away.

"Baby," Qhuinn hadn't realized he was using the term of affection until Layla's reaction earlier, but he liked the way it felt on his lips. "Baby, I meant every word I said to her. You are my everything. You and me from here on out. You're the one for me. You and only you," Qhuinn kissed Blay's cheek and spoke into his ear. "So, Baby, wake the fuck up already."

…

Doc Jane and Manello had just finished with Syhren a few minutes ago. She had decided that it was too risky to take Syhren off the ventilator for a while and so they will keep her sedated for a few hours before trying to feed her.

Wrath had called Fritz to bring the young down to see their mother. Doc Jane and Beth had made sure Syhren was presentable. Having sent Doc Jane on out to check on Vishous herself, Beth was still fussing over Syhren.

"You know, Wrath, I swear her hair is as black as yours is. Okay that's as good as it's going to get." Beth finished smoothing the sheet and checked that all the wires where covered up. They didn't want to upset the young any more than necessary.

"So I have two brothers now," she said crossing to Wrath and standing between his legs. "It just goes to show you really are the best thing that ever happened to me." She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a slow kiss. "You've gave me love and family and a real home. I love you."

"Oh, leelan, you've given me all that and more. You've made me the male and king I'm suppose to be." His kissed her back.

Beth eased away from Wrath and went back to Syhren side. "She must hate me. How could Darius treat her like that?"

"She doesn't hate you. Fritz said she always wanted to meet you. He said their relationship was similar to what Marissa and I had. It wasn't sexual."

"Then explain that little boy upstairs. And what about John, did she know about him?"

"Fritz won't comment on Wahr, and as for John, no one knew about John until Mary and Bella found him."

"So when she wakes up she's going to have to deal with the fact Darius had yet another child with another woman. Wrath, what has he done to her? Hidden her from the world, practically used her as a blood slave, and taking her from her only home at the time she had to deal with losing him and having his child. The more I learn the less I understand my father." Beth was now pacing in little circles around the room.

"Darius always had a noble reason behind everything he did. He was the greatest male of worth I knew. Beth, please, leelan trust me on this. There has to be a reason, a good one. I pray that the Scribe Virgin reveals it to us soon."

…

Fritz led Tolliver, Eva and the young to the Training Center PT/First aid room. After tonight's events King Wrath ordered that a full medical wing be constructed down here. Fritz could not agree more and was going to get to work on it first thing tomorrow.

Fritz paused just outside the door, "Lady Syhren is right through this door. Remember Doctor Jane has given her medicine to keep her asleep and that we have to stay on this side of her bed. Doctor Jane said we my touch her hand, but nothing else. Wahr, Ahnger is that clear?"

"Yes, sir," they answered in unison.

The two young were so respectful. It made pride for his mistress swell in his heart. He stepped forward and opened the door. He went through first and held the door for the others. Once they were all in he looked to the bed. Lady Syhren was far too pale. Far too near death for his liking.

"Your Majesties," Fritz said. "I present to you the young of Syhren. The eldest son, Wahr son of Darius; the younger son, Ahnger, son of Dunnhill; and her daughter Mariah. Also this is Tolliver and Eva, her most loyal servants and companions."

"We are very honored to meet the family of such a worthy female," King Wrath rose to his feet and bowed his head to them.

"Oh, your Majesty," Eva sounded flustered. "Thank you. Thank you for sending the Brothers to save us. We owe you our lives."

…

"You owe us nothing. We only did our duty," Wrath paused stepping forward and with George's guidance kneeled before the boys. "Your mother is the one responsible for saving you. Remember this always, she lies there because her love for you is so great she fought fiercely and forcefully for you. She put your well being above her own," Wrath paused again calming himself as to not scare the young. His emotions had caused his voice to rise. "Always remember this night." Wrath removed himself to the corner of the room and sat with George at his side, pulling Beth into his lap. He wanted the family to have plenty of room, but was unwilling to remove himself from the room.

When he had been speaking to the boys it had made him think of his own mother and father. They had fought to the death to save him. He did not want the same for these young.

Tightening his grip on Beth he whispered, "Dearest Scribe Virgin let her live. Let her live for those young. She is strong and fierce, she deserves to live. She has too much left in this world to go into the Fade. May it be your will to spare her and speed her recovery along."

"That was a beautiful prayer," Beth said and kissed his forehead.

…

"Excuse me sire, did Doctor Jane say how long my Lady must sleep?" Fritz asked.

"She is going to check her every twenty to thirty minutes. She hasn't given us a set time yet."

"Jane wants to make sure she's given enough time for her stomach to heal before we feed her. Plus if anything happens she can be here in seconds," Beth added.

"Of course," Fritz responded. "I am worried is all."

The boys took turns holding their mother's hand and telling her they loved her. Little Mariah was doing her best to get lose from Eva. Fritz was afraid Eva had had enough for the night. Her eyes were full of unshed tears. "Wahr, Ahnger come along. We have much to pray about before bed and you both still need your baths." Eva left with the young and Queen Beth followed.

King Wrath stayed where he was. Fritz did not mind, he was King and could do as he pleased. Even if he was not King he would not have minded. He was proud that his mistress had already earned such respect from their King.

Fritz took Tolliver by the hand and led him for the door. "Your Majesty, is there anything I may do for you?"

"Yes, Fritz, send a doggen down here. I have a few things that need taken care of and you old friend need to rest. Tonight has been far too long and way too stressful. Rest or visit with your friends but please no more work until tomorrow night."

"I am fine my Lord, but will do as you wish," Fritz pulled Tolliver into the hall.

"Come Tolly, all will be well. She is in the best of care. Doctor Jane is the finest doctor I have ever seen. Lady Ehlena is a highly trained nurse and Queen Beth and Lady Mary are fine at a bedside as well. I have a feeling his Majesty will not be leaving that room anytime soon. Plus not a soul in this household would miss informing us of any changes. Here we are all family," Fritz wrapped one arm around his lover's waist as they walked down the hall.

"He seems to be a fine Master. How is he compared to dear Master Darius?" Tolliver asked putting his arm around Fritz's shoulders.

"His is as fine and honorable. I would venture to say the only difference is their manners. His Majesty is not quite as refined as Master Darius was."

They walked down the rest of the tunnel in silence. Fritz was full of contentment. He had missed Tolliver so very much. And though he regretted that Lady Syhren had to be injured and endangered to bring them home he was still happy they were here. Most happy, more than happy to have Tolliver home.

"Love, do you wish to have a room close to Eva and the young to sleep in today?" Fritz asked not wanting to assume that Tolliver would stay with him in their old room.

"Eva has more help than she can use. She has no need of me. And I am in great need of you." Tolliver's words made him smile.

"And I you, five years is far, far too long to be separated from you," Fritz kissed his lover and punched in the code for the door. He was very much in a hurry to return to his room and rest.