The morning had come and gone and it was well into the afternoon. Nolan sat sprawled on the front steps, staring up at the mass of shifting grey clouds. A change in the air caught his attention and he looked over, surprised. Beyond the river was Anala. Her black hair swayed with the passing air and Rowan stood behind her with Zain and Kadaus. Next to her was Reilys, and Misha. Nolan lifted a hand, creating a bridge of ice for them to cross over and watched it melt away as they touched onto the grass. Nolan sat, waiting, as the group neared the steps. The two Vai'ro lowered to a knee, bowing their heads. Anala lowered to sit back on her heels, eyes lowering, and Rowan and the two guards bowed but remained standing.

"Ahrahn," they all murmured.

Nolan nodded and they sat. "It is good to see you Reilys, Misha, I hope you are well? How is your mate faring?"

Reilys nodded. "Sara is doing well, she gave birth a week ago and our daughter seems to have eaten and slept through all of it."

He smiled, thinking of the last time he saw the woman. She had looked ready to burst. "Blessings, if she is anything like her father I know you will have a challenge on your hands. Is everything alright? Your visit is a surprise."

Reilys seemed to hesitate and looked to his sister. He was intimidated by him, and Nolan knew. It wasn't his fault, they could sense his power instinctively, he was sure it was nerve-wracking. They knew, clearly, he posed no threat to them yet the power he inherited through his bloodline carried a certain . . . presence. Anala nodded a bit, smiling softly. "Tell him what you told me."

Nolan leaned up some as the Warrior Chief looked him in the eye. "On behalf of my clan we offer our assistance." Sweet, beautiful Goddess, Anala had done it. His sister had worked a miracle and Nolan was shocked by how quickly it happened. He had gone back and forth with this man for nearly two days before he received the No. Anala had been gone for less than twenty-four hours and here he sat, agreeing. This was unbelievably good. Everything was falling into place. The land was beginning to grow crop and was reclaiming its territory, the restoration was done and the Arceon stood complete once more. The final preparations were being handled and his goal of finally having the Layame on their plane, back home and free to do as they wished peacefully grew closer. Nolan sensed there was something else and Reilys continued.

"I declined because we have been having disturbances. Demons have been moving through the area. We don't have the people for defending at once."

Nolan's jovial mood dispersed and he sat up. That was a fucking problem. One he should have known about immediately. A problem that could delay all of this. He stood, moving to his sister and offered her a hand. She took it and stood. Nolan kissed her cheeks. This was as far as her involvement extended, he knew. Nolan appreciated everything she'd more than she'd know. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." She smiled.

"Iliana left last night and she said you'd be back in time for the Blood Moon. Emmett will be back soon, he left not too long ago."

She nodded and hugged him. Reilys and Misha brushed their fingers along her arms as she passed them. He could see the differences in how they treated her compared to him. He was the ruling force and she was the devoted guide.

"Thank you for your words, Orauclu."

She gently touched their faces and smiled before disappearing into the house. Nolan sat on the steps again, looking at the two men.

"Tell me."

Anala collapsed on Emmett's bed with a sigh, shutting her eyes. She had greeted Javan and the girls but it seemed everyone else was out. Anxiety rolled through her yet it was not her own. She felt the bed dip and she opened her eyes to see Rowan climbing over her, hands and knees on either side of her. His lavender eyes stared into her. Anala had never wanted to create a Vayar. It was uncommon, due to the fact it took an immense amount of energy to even attempt such a process though not completely unheard of. But also, the thought of tethering a soul to her own had felt disconcerting. To have such a control over a life seemed like something she could never cope with. Nolan had created Elias and Anala had never felt the want nor need to create a Vayar of her own. Until she stumbled upon Rowan Cullen. He had been what drew her to London in the first place. She used to visit this plane on occasion, curious about the world her own co-existed alongside. Rowan's soul had been a beacon, making her aware of him upon arrival. She had caught her first glimpses of him sitting at the base of a large, looming tree, staring at the clouds and an open bible left forgotten on the grass. She watched the young man on the roads, walking with another man with brown hair. She quickly saw why his soul rang so strongly.

He was a rarity, an old soul. One that had seemed have to return many times over.

She had been simply appeasing her curiosity, and Anala was settled to simply continue on, but when she returned to see him one last time, Rowan was hanging lifelessly on a rope as a previously scorning crowd went silent. Anala had removed him from the shallow grave at the base of the tree she had first seen him at and reached into him, making his soul linger as she asked him for his permission to make him into this being she now looked upon. His expressive sea-green eyes had nothing but acceptance and wonder in them, his soul exposed freely to her. Anala hadn't wanted to do it, but the thought of him leaving the world in such a way, of him just ceasing to exist as the man he was made her unbearably sad. She hated herself for it, but a part of her couldn't let him go. It was worth it every time she felt his happiness and saw life glowing in his eyes. And he had become her closest companion in all the years he was at her side.

Anala reached up and cupped his cheek. His eyes scanned her face and the anxiety rolled through her again. Rowan always became uneasy when she was gone for long periods of time. Even he had never been allowed in the temple. Anala guided his lips to her own, letting him feel her, opening herself to him and the tether between their souls. His lips pressed harder against hers and he rested his hand on the back of her neck. Rowan lowered to press his body to hers and Anala could feel his heart beat in time to her own. Their legs tangled, one of his slipping between her own. He nuzzled her skin, just under her jaw, and Anala moved her head back with a moan as his teeth sank into her flesh.

"Ro," she breathed.

Their bond buzzed excitedly, flaring with warmth and energy. His hands fought against her clothes until he was wrapping his arms around her bare sides and back with a shudder. Her own hands were pulling his shirt upwards and pressing to his back, gasping at the feel of his skin. Rowan gently suckled her blood and Anala pulled him closer, needing the contact as much as he did. His body craved, and Anala provided in turn.

His tongue swiped along her skin and she could feel the wounds healing. His head fell against her collar and she ran a hand through his fine hair. It'll be alright.

I know. His arms tightened.

She kissed his temple. There wasn't much she could do. Her blood definitely appeased the bond but the distance would still make the man uneasy when he was supposed to protect her, despite the fact she would not be in a hostile environment. Anala smiled a bit. She was sure Nolan would keep him plenty busy however. Her body was warm and humming softly. Her mind quieted and they drifted in silence.

Anala was alone when she awoke, or at least, she was alone on the bed. She rolled onto her side, suddenly realizing she was naked and under the covers. It was late afternoon, the day's light fading. Emmett was standing by the window, looking out at the forest. He turned, golden eyes penetrating. Anala stared at him. His immense frame was unmoving next to the window. A long-sleeved white shirt enfolded his torso, clinging to his broad shoulders and chest. His black jeans fit him perfectly in all the right places and his curly dark hair was beckoning her to slip her hands into it.

"Did Rowan leave?"

"Yeah, he got up not too long ago. You were completely out."

Anala sighed and pushed a hand into her hair. He stepped away from the window and climbed onto the bed with the grace and silence of a jungle cat. "What is it?"

"It makes him uneasy, when I'm too far away. Especially all he's been through . . . I just wish I could ease it, you know? But part of it comes from the bond."

Emmett lay on his belly next to her, threading a lock of her hair between his fingers. "You love him," he said. "And he loves you."

Anala reached out and slipped a hand into his hair, biting her lip. His eyes tracked the movement. "Does it bother you?" she asked, worried.

"Not at all. He's yours." Emmett touched her hip. "And you are mine."

Her heart did a little flip at the way he said that.

"To be honest I think it's kind of sexy." A surprised laugh left her.

"Really?"

"Yeah. I'm not blind, Rowan's one of the hottest guys I've seen. It isn't like I haven't thought about it."

Anala rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. I didn't know that," she murmured. Her imagination began to conjure steamy images of the two men and it made her blush. She could easily envision Emmett shoving his lean form against the wall and Rowan's hypnotic mauve eyes staring up at him challengingly, a sly smirk on his pink lips. Her blush deepened as the thought of being between them, the thought of feeling their hands and lips on her followed the first. The sheet around her was lowered and lips were on her sternum. She looked down to see the vampire kissing her mark, molten eyes watching her.

"Does it turn you on, knowing I've thought about it? Of watching the two of you?" he smirked. "You should hear what I think of you and Rose together. Some of my favorite fantasies involve you two."

A strange sound left her and Emmett chuckled against her skin. "You seem surprised."

"I am," she admitted, slightly breathless at the thoughts his words fabricated. "Vampires are possessive of their mates, right?"

"We are and believe me when I say I am. But I know the difference and I'm not insecure enough to feel threatened by something like base instinct. Besides, I've learned enough about Layame to understand you aren't restricted by taboos like there are in human societies. The controversies don't exist for you and the concept of things like that are foreign to you because it has never been recognized as anything other than the norm. You are born creatures of energy and you burn it off spiritually, emotionally and physically. It comes naturally and you don't question it. You can't expect me to fault you on doing what is in your nature to do."

"It's your nature too."

"The sex part of it, sure. I've never felt the need to place a label on human, or in my case Vampire, sexuality. We want what we want after all." He shrugged. "I can feel the difference from before but I'm not sure I got much else than the ability to harness my energy."

"Can I see?" she asked. She knew he had gained power. He had trained with Zain to learn how to tap into it but she had never received the chance to see him use it. Emmett paused, looking at her before he lifted up and she followed. He shifted into a sitting position and pulled her into his lap. His body was warm and solid against her back and Anala's knees pulled up a bit as his arms came around her, lips lightly touching the juncture between her neck and shoulder. She looked down as he held out a hand, the other resting on her upper belly. Anala shivered and her breath caught as she felt a rush of raw, wild energy. It zinged along her flesh hotly, shocking her as her skin tingled. It was gone as quickly as it came and soft blue flames were dancing along Emmett's fingers. He turned his palm and the flames grew, red, orange and yellow glowing brightly, casting shadows along the bed and walls. She could feel the heat of the fire on her skin and she stared at his hand in fascination. It was beautiful. The fire shifted and flared, forming along his hand and wrist. His hand closed and the flames extinguished. Anala touched his pale hand.

"Wow," she whispered.

"I'm awesome, I know."

She smiled. "It is in your nature, Em. You wanna know how I know?"

His deep, rolling voice was low and velvet in her ear. "How Angel?"

"Just now, I could feel it. I can feel you and the creature inside me reacts. It's more than just the power and the physical traits, it the connection you can feel."

Emmett's chin rested on her shoulder and Anala took his hand. A comfortable silence filled the room. Anala was nervous. She wanted to show Emmett her homeland, to show him the places she had forgotten she loved, have him know her people, their people. But she couldn't predict how he would react, if he would even like being there. She squeezed his hand. "Are you ready?"

"As I'll ever be," he replied. "Iliana explained Temple Law to me before she left. Is it true we aren't allowed to have sex within temple walls? Please tell me she was joking."

Anala sat up. She had forgotten about that. She sighed. "Sadly, it is."

"I think she enjoyed telling me that. I don't think she likes me."

"Then she probably doesn't." Anala replied. She turned in his arms and kissed his lips. "Not yet anyway."

He shook his head. "She's gonna make me work for it, huh?"

"Most likely."

"Well now I see where you got it from. It took weeks to get you to even have a whole, actual conversation with me when we first met."

They laughed.

"What's it like?"

"The temple?" he nodded. "It's beautiful. I've always felt a sense of peace there. You can feel it. It's always been a second home for me." Anala paused. "Are you sure about this? I mean, I know we haven't really talked about it, not as much as we should have. I don't want you to feel obligated or anything."

Anala felt smooth fingertips angle her face upwards and she hesitantly raised her eyes to his. "I'm not going because I want to. I do obviously, but that's not why I'm going. I have to. I can't stay here without you, I'd lose my mind and I can see you need this, you have to get away from this place for a while."

Because of his simple, laid-back character, it was very easy to overlook that Emmett was far smarter and perceptive than he initially seemed. Anala had been convinced very early on that secretly, maybe even unknowingly, that Emmett Cullen was some sort of genius. It was subtle, but it was there. He was smarter than anyone would know. Still, there had been plenty of moments she would doubt her original idea. Emmett was pretty much a twelve year old boy trapped in the body of a God on most days and the serious and wise sidekick Jasper was almost nearly as bad. It could be both annoying and heartwarming.

"It moves around right? The temple?"

Anala shook off her sidetracked thoughts. "Yes. Every so often the temple will relocate. Sometimes it will even move through the realms, though I've only seen the Fae."

"What about hunting?"

Anala grinned and crawled off the bed. "I can guarantee you will have some fun hunts, Em. Do you know what a Chimera is?"

"According to Greek mythology it's a fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail. Are you saying that is real?"

She nodded. "I have a feeling you'll enjoy the challenge."

Excitement lit up his eyes. "Definitely beats bear."

"Where are my clothes?"

"I thought you looked uncomfortable sleeping in your clothes so I took them off." He winked before pointing to a pile of folded clothes on his dresser. "Rose took the liberty of bringing you something else to wear."

Anala stepped over to the pile, smiling slightly. Rosalie always loved the chance to dress her up and she had taken the opportunity once again. Anala pulled on the dress. It was sleeveless and a soft charcoal color. The bodice hugged her bust and waist snugly, offering support without the use of a bra and the skirt fell around her mid-thighs softly. She sat on the edge of the bed and pulled on the black socks that stopped above her knees. Rosalie had also placed a pair of brown boots on the floor. They were nice, with sensible heels and Anala mentally complimented the blonde on her choices.

"Do I have to . . . pack for this?" she stood and looked to Emmett who was standing by the other side of the bed. She ran a hand through her hair.

"No, you don't need anything. "Emmett approached her and pressed a hand against her lower back. His body was hard and hot against her own and his eyes looked to her chest.

"I only need you."

Anala gripped his shirt in her hands. "Good," she murmured, grinning cheekily.

Emmett leaned down and purred lowly as he pressed hot kisses to her throat and upper chest. His hands smoothed up her back and he lightly nipped the tops of her breasts. Anala exhaled slowly and he groaned as he held her right against his body. "I love how you smell."

Anala wriggled out of his hold. "Oh no way Em! I will not let you seduce me again. You have bad timing."

Emmett's large hands caught her swiftly and he pressed against her back, growling in her ear. His breath was warm against her skin. "You are the one doing the seducing love, not me." He kissed along her bare shoulder. "I'm weak. I can't help myself when you lay those sexy, irresistible moves on me."

"What moves?" she asked incredulously, attempting to lean away.

"Talking, breathing, moving," he said heatedly between kisses and lay a hand over her covered breast, nibbling the sensitive skin just under her jaw. Anala moaned softly, distracted. "That. Fuck, especially that. I love that sound, I love making you do it." his other arm came around her and his large hand rested on her thigh, moving inward. "Moan for me Anala."

She shuddered helplessly. Anala pulled shadows around herself and reemerged on the first floor. She took a deep breath, regaining her bearings. Damn that man could play her like a finely tuned instrument. A few more seconds and she would have—a solid grip whirled her around. The wall met her back and her wrists were pinned above her head. Emmett growled at her. "Don't do that!"

His eyes were dark and consuming. Anala stared at him for a moment, averted by his sudden appearance and the attractive way his mouth formed a firm frown. She wondered briefly how long he'd keep her pinned there, if he'd simply push up her dress and have his way with her right there. She shivered, shoving the thoughts away. Anala didn't think she'd be able to stop him once again. "I'm not letting you do it again." They would probably never leave the house and she refused to give in.

His eyes lightened to a pale gold as he released her. Emmett looked her over once more slowly as he stepped away. "Fine." He smirked. "But I totally had you."

She fought down a fierce blush. "Did not."

Alice skipped past them from the stairs. "He really did though."

Rose stepped into the hall form the living room. "I'd pay to see that."

She wrapped her arms around Anala's waist, red lips turning into a slight pout. "Will you miss me Anala?"

Anala smiled as she hugged her. "Everyday."

"How long will we be gone?" Emmett asked.

"Well here, a couple weeks, a month probably. Nolan said Iliana told him we'd be back before the Blood Moon so it'll be six months, maybe? It might be longer. I'm not too sure on the exact, time works differently here."

Anala kissed Rosalie's lips softly and smiled. "See you in a few weeks, okay?"

"Fine." She released her and Esme was suddenly sweeping her in a hug. The woman smoothed her hair before moving to her son, kissing his cheeks. "Take care of each other, alright dears?"

They nodded. Emmett kissed her cheek and hugged her. "Bye mom."

The sight made Anala's heart warm.