Anala inhaled as a breeze passed by, carrying the smell of the salty ocean spray. She glared at the sky. The clouds had cleared some, patches of sky and stars seen through the gray. Where the hell had that been when the sun was still out? Anala wasn't too upset however. The day had gone exactly as she hoped it would. She had simply wanted one day. One day without worry or stress or strategy. She wanted a day where everyone would spend the day simply enjoying theday. It was nice to see everyone in good spirits. Anala made her way to the roaring bonfire. The day had been a blur of beautiful chaos. Several activities had gone on at once all along the beach, the small mountain of food diminishing with it. As nightfall descended on the land the crowds had diminished, leaving the shifters, the Cullen's, the more prominent members of the Lotus, and of course, the tribe elders. Carlisle was inquiring of the relationship between the Layame and shifters as she approached.

Billy Black brought his pipe to his lips. "It was not long after the first of our men began to turn into wolves when Winged Spirits came to them with their Oracle." his voice was deep and gruff, carrying a knowing wisdom.

"What did they want?"

"I cannot speak for the Layame, I'm sure they had their own reasons, but they made a deal with the Chief, offering their help in return."

Nolan was speaking, replying to the blonde man's curiosity. On his other side, jasper was bringing his hand up to press it briefly between his shoulder blades. "The Layame were at war with the Natural Vampires for a long time. Our lands are shared with other, after all. so long in fact, that there reached a point where neither side could recall the cause, and were fighting merely for the sake of it. Our lands are shared with many, the shifters included. We allied together to defend against the Vampires until eventually our two races reached peaceful negotiations and ended the fighting. We've been allied ever since."

Anala was especially happy he was there. She knew he'd been working hard, and was understandably busy. As Ahrahn, Nolan had many responsibilities, especially with everything he was trying to accomplish. She was proud, and supported him endlessly but Anala couldn't help but feel a bit put out. She hadn't seen much of him since she returned from the temple. Nolan was king but he was also her brother and she had missed him. It was nice to have a day with him and make up for lost time. Anala sat next to her brother, leaning against his warm side. "You're only half right."

He looked to her, grinning. "You would know."

She returned it. "It's true the Shifter community is one of our greatest allies but it did not happen because of the war. Like the Fae, we serve Nature. The Oracle in that time made a pact with the Shifters. She worried the violence would taint the earth on which it plagued. In times of need, they would assist in protecting the land. A Pact was created, in exchange for their agreement, they would have our aide in those times, extended to all future generations of Shifters." Anala reached over and lay her hand on Billy's wrist. A light push of energy and symbols began to appear on the bodies of the shifters present. They glowed a soft blue, covering their deep russet-brown bodies. The wolves were staring at themselves and each other, becoming aware of this for the first time. "See? It's passed down through each generation, like the genetic marker that makes you a Shifter in the first place. Given from parent to child. The Pact is passed through to the following Oracle. That way future generations are ensured it will be upheld, even after the current oracle's ascension ends with the birth of the next."

Quil Ateara Sr. looked at her with a quizzical frown as the markings faded. "How do we know that's the truth and you aren't wrong?"

"My sister is Oracle."

Anala nodded. "Learning the histories was a part of my teachings. As it will be with the next Oracle, and one day it will be my turn to pass it on, and they will uphold the Pact." she stood, kissing her brother's cheek and smiled. "Have a good meeting everyone."

A gaggle of voices responded as she make her way down the beach. There were still people around. Groups and paired off couples were scattered down the curved strip of land. She spotted Emmett's massive jeep tucked into the tree line and made her way towards it. She couldn't see through the darkly tinted windows so she pulled open the driver's side door. It was empty. Warm breath was on her neck. "Looking for someone?"

Anala turned, seeing a familiar body covered in dark scripts. Black swim trunks hung low on his hips, bring her attention to the naturally formed 'V' that disappeared beneath the material. Her eyes traced the hard lines and ridges of his sculpted abdomen, followed the broad shape of his shoulders and muscular arms. She bypassed the perfect shape of his lips and the lines of his cheekbones to crane her neck and look into deep golden eyes. He was so tall. Her hand slid off the door as she turned completely. "There's a man I need to see about a drive."

Emmett grinned. "Then I guess we should get out of here before he shows up."

He stepped closer and lifted her into the massive vehicle. Anala giggled as she climbed into the passenger side. Emmett lifted easily into the jeep and was quickly taking off into the forest. She rolled down the window, wanting to feel the warm air and smell the last of the ocean before it was gone. The only thing illuminating the dark forest were the headlights, and Anala knew Emmett could navigate without them. She would have never been able to do it, especially not at the speeds he was going.

"It's going to rain soon."

"Really?"

A large palm pressed against her own, long fingers linking with hers. Anala raised their hands and brought them into her lap. Emmett reached a main road quickly and began to pick up speed. He nodded. "I can smell it. It's still a way's off shore but it's definitely going to rain soon."

"I'm glad it came now, instead of earlier then." she looked at him. "I think you had fun."

"I did." he replied, grinning a bit. "So thanks for making me go."

Anala pulled her hand out of his, reaching for the tie at the back of her neck. "Don't thank me." she shifted in the seat, reaching for the one at her back. The top of her bikini came off easily and she threw it into the back seat. She shimmied out of her bottoms and pulled her dress into place as she tossed them into his lap. She smiled. "I owe you, remember?"

Emmett looked her over slowly. "That you do." he murmured.

The look in his eyes made her tummy flip.

This was . . . different. Silken hands smoothed up her back slowly, pushing up her dress in the process. She shifted as the garment was removed, moaning at the feel of Emmett moving within her. Anala sighed and leaned into Emmett's body, feeling her muscles stretch around him. Lightning flashed, illuminating them briefly in the spacious backseat of the jeep. Emmett had driven for a long time. The forest passed by at a more sedate pace than usual for the vampire seemed to have no hurry, a destination clearly not in mind. He had driven for miles, away from the small town they resided in and eventually parked in an alcove of trees just off a seldom-used backroad. The front windows were cracked open, letting in the fresh rain smell. Anala's body was thrumming. Her fingertips tingled as they moved over solid arms to rest on broad shoulders. She touched her lips to Emmett's. Anala didn't know why it was different and it nagged at her. They stilled, simply looking at each other as they held the other before the demand in their bodies took over. Emmett was incredibly warm, warmer than any vampire of his species could ever be and the powerful scent coming off his body made her wonderfully dizzy. She swallowed and stared into molten honey-gold pools that were filled with a range of emotions she couldn't possibly decipher. Strong fingers pressed tenderly against the back of her neck, creating a reassuring pressure. Anala's breasts rubbed against Emmett's chest and his hand traced her spine as it moved from her neck. Anala knew he could hear her heart stutter in her chest, feel her body temperature rise as she flushed. Her breaths seemed louder than they were in the quiet space and a tremor moved through her body.

Hot lips burned a slow trail down her throat. "Angel . . ."

Anala suddenly realized why this was so different. It was Emmett. The sentiment behind his touch, the overwhelming intensity in his gaze. That was why she felt her body soaring, despite having barely been touched. Anala pressed a lingering kiss to his smooth brow and slid her fingers into feather-soft curls as she braced a hand against the cool window. She moved and large hands guided her hips down. Anala spread her thighs further, sinking onto his lap completely. Outside their little bubble of leather and metal, rain drummed rhythmically on the roof, tapping loudly as sheets of rain fell from the heavens. They were in the middle of nowhere. Away from the outer world.

Alone, together.

Warm golden eyes stared at her, filled with a variety of passions that made her heart throb. Anala lifted her hips and lowered, biting her lip. Her fingers tightened in his hair. "You're looking right through me," she murmured breathlessly. "Why do you make me like this?"

Emmett's low voice was thick with emotion. He smiled slightly. "Do you love me Anala?"

She rested her forehead against his own. "More than I can bear, my love." Anala had come to love the sound of him speaking her native tongue. The syllables rolled off his tongue with an erotic ease that caressed her eardrums and thrummed through her nerve-endings as he spoke in that low, deep voice of his that flowed smooth like silk yet rolled like thunder. Anala lowered a hand to rest it on Emmett's firm upper arm, holding on to him. His smile widened as he raised and lowered her onto his cock once more. Anala asked, not requiring an answer but wanting to hear it anyway.

"Do you love me?"

There was a sudden shift and Anala was being laid across the seats. Emmett moved over her like a large pale phantom. Massive arms untiringly supported his weight she pressed her hands against his tensed forearms. The power in him thrummed under her fingers. Emmett's head tilted. Anala's eyes moved to his shoulder, where dark markings covered his pale flesh, moving over his broad chest, shoulder and around to his back. Soft kisses were pressed to her heated cheeks. Her lips. Her jaw. "Love? There is no word that can describe how I feel about you." his voice vibrated softly through her skin, lips moving to the base of her throat. "Until there is a word that can describe it, this, then yes Anala. I love you." the stiff flesh of the man's cock pulsed.

"Very suave words Mr. McCarty."

Anala could feel his lips quirk against her skin. "That last one do it for you, Angel?"

"Mmm, yes. How many women have fallen to that?" she looked down to meet smoldering gilded orbs. Anala sighed at the pleasant sensation that moved through her as Emmett pressed his mouth against the mark on her chest. His mark. "Wouldn't know. I've only ever said it to one."

His lips moved along her skin to her left breast. He kissed around her hardened nipple, making it ache to be kissed. She shifted a bit as he moved to her other breast. Anala hoped he would move his lips inwards. Just a little. But he merely circled around again. She shifted her hips, attempting to get him deeper. She wanted more. Emmett pulled out of her completely, nipping her skin. Anala whimpered, reaching down to reverse what he'd done or at the very least, provide some relief. A firm hand wrapped around her wrist and pinned it next to her head. The breath caught in her lungs. A tongue swiped over her rising pulse.

"Not yet." Anala wondered if all dominant men were like this, or if it was just an Emmett thing. He liked to tease her. To test her limits and hold her on the edge for as long as he saw fit. She hated it, this hold he had over her, as much as she loved it. His free hand traveled over her body. Emmett was calm, serene. His eyes moved over her deliberately as he touched her gently. Each caress of his fingers directly fed the warmth in her core. The earthy, aromatic scent of him was enveloping her, making Anala wish to burrow against him. She tugged her wrist but there was no result. Anala craved. Emmett had made it so.

And he denied her.

"Please," she murmured. "This must be torture for you."

His world was built faster. Emmett was made to naturally move at much greater speeds. Tormenting her like this had to have been just as hard on him, if not more so. And if it wasn't that was the most unjust atrocity she would forever resent. Anala's blood was hot, pulsing loudly behind her ears. Emmett groaned. "It is." he took her nipple between his teeth, suckling the sensitive flesh and releasing it when she squirmed. "Sweet fucking torture. I just want to bury in you again and again until all you can do is cum on my cock." her inner muscles clenched wantonly. He pulled back and looked at her, lips smirking lightly. "But its torture for you too, isn't it?"

Her body pulsed and Anala pushed her hips against his. Her head rolled on the seat as her aching pussy pressed against his cock. She moved, grinding against him. A low moan floated out of her body at the sensation of him sliding between her folds. Emmett growled warningly against her jaw. His teeth caught her earlobe, sending shivers down her spine and a fresh wave of warmth to slicken her thighs.

"Angel . . ." the rough, dangerous tone only excited her further.

Anala tilted her head back, giving him access to the soft skin of the top of her throat. A relieved thrill fluttered through her as Emmett's hips rocked into her own. He pressed against her swollen flesh, the head bumping against her sensitive clit before his hips were pushing forward and he was gliding along her folds once more. The friction was heavenly. Emmett braced a hand against the door. Her eyes moved over his body. Over the uncompromising lines of his shoulders and thick arms where the flawless ropes of muscles worked to hold his weight above her. Her gaze moved over the broad chest, decorated in black markings known to their people, and the chiseled washboard abdomen that rightfully deserved to be outlawed completely. She watched, enraptured, as his cock moved against her, extended proudly from soft dark curls. It glistened wetly with their combined arousal and the mushroom-shaped head was swollen and purple as it leaked precome. The sight of him always intimidated Anala at first. The girth, the length, it caused her mind to falter, telling her there was no way it could fit inside her. It was always as if her body was simply waiting for him to take possession of it, disregarding her brain completely and sending nervous thrills of anticipation through her. Emmett moved against her, with her, and Anala didn't think he needed to enter her. Already she could feel the tell-tale heat building low in her belly. Just as Anala was losing herself in the feel of their bodies moving rhythmically together, Emmett's hips backed off, and her own met air.

Anala bit her lip. "Emmett."

"Not yet."

Anala groaned in objection and her head turned to trail kisses along his rugged jawline. Her free hand moved to cup his face, guiding his lips to her own. His smooth lips were warm and delicious. She gently suckled his bottom lip and Emmett's tongue brushed against hers teasingly. Her hand moved to the back of his head and slipped into the soft curls at his nape. Her legs slid up around his sides. The vampire's skin was smooth like porcelain against her own. The grip around her wrist loosened. Her hand pressed to his back. His fingers moved to her breast. their kiss deepened and Anala's heart was in the grip of that indescribable sensation, that same unknowable pull that Emmett evoked in her since the first time their bodies touched returned with a vengeance and Anala wanted nothing more than to feel Emmett take her completely. To give her what no one else would ever be able to. He nuzzled against her chest, inhaling deeply. Anala trembled, gasping.

She was suddenly being pinned against the jeep door. Emmett shifted in front of her, growling deeply as he pressed against her. His cock touched her and Anala moaned helplessly as he breached her entrance and pushed forward. Her muscles stretched around him, clenching as he buried into her body. Strong hands were holding her close, moving her onto the vampire. He ground her onto his pulsing erection and Anala clung to him, breathless. The heat in Emmett's body was rising, making the windows steam over. Liquid fire flooded her lower belly.

"You're close, aren't you Anala? You're squeezing around my cock so tight, love." he pulled out until the head was all that remained before bringing her back down on his erection, hissing.

Anala's cry was drowned out by a sonorous crack of thunder.

She was being pushed towards oblivion. Emmett moved her forcefully on his erection, sliding deep. Anala lost her tempo, too far gone to do anything more than willingly take everything her mate offered. Anala could feel her thighs spasm as her muscles contracted deeply. The heat within her burst, spreading intensely throughout her body. Emmett's hands on her hips tightened. A growl was rumbling through his chest and Anala watched him thrust deeply as her body shook in the rising tide of her climax. Emmett's head was tilted back, lips parted. The growl cut off into a long moan and his head fell forward as he buried completely into her. Golden eyes were dark and consuming as they met hers completely, open to her wholly. Emmett was throbbing and pulsing powerfully as his orgasm peaked and he filled her with his seed. Anala was left staring.

Goddess, he was glorious.

The storm continued to rage outside and Anala was content to ride through her post-coital bliss in her mate's secure embrace.