Kol raised his head at the sound of heels clacking on the floor as they approached him and he finally found himself eye to eye with Alistair Fale.

"Sorry, the traffic was something you wouldn't believe this morning," Alistair apologized as he took some keys out of his trouser pocket.

"It's fine," Kol assured him. "I don't have much to do. I can wait."

"Well, thank you," Alistair nodded. "And also, I believe congratulations are in order." He paused and slid the key in the door lock. "How's Amy?"

"Thank you," Kol smiled. "Both she and our son are in perfect health in spite of his exciting entry into the world." He then followed Alistair into his office, closing the door behind them.

"Why are you closing my office door?" Alistair wanted to know.

"Is it too much to ask for some privacy?" Kol questioned. "Would it be wrong for me to worry about eavesdroppers?"

"There shouldn't be anything to worry about where that's concerned, but if you'd like privacy, I won't fight you," Alistair said. "Would you also thank Klaus for letting Astrid know Eleanor was safe at the hospital to give birth? She'd left Astrid without a word and my wife was truly worried about her being alone out in the storm." He paused. "I know she thanked him already, but I'd like to as well."

"I will," Kol nodded. "I can only assume that my brother has informed Astrid that the baby Eleanor gave birth to isn't Lucifer's and was in fact fathered by Julian Johnson?"

"Yes, I heard," Alistair nodded. "First really good news I've had in a while." He heaved a big sigh.

"See, look at us agreeing on things," Kol smiled and gave Alistair a playful punch on the arm that got him a glare. "It's the beginning of a beautiful friendship, wouldn't you say?"

"I doubt it," Alistair muttered through clenched teeth as he avoided Kol's eyes. "I think I missed the memo that said we'd become more than just forced acquaintances, Mr. Mikaelson." He raised an eyebrow and pulled a few sheets of paper out of his briefcase. "Now, if you don't mind, I have other things to do today, so tell me the purpose of your visit. Unless it's to convince me, yet again, to release Amy from overseeing Lucifer's therapy. In that case, my answer is still a firm 'No!' In fact, I will also add, 'No way, Jose, not in a million years'. Is that clear enough for you?"

"I'm flattered you consider me an acquaintance, Alistair," Kol replied with a smirk. "And I would like to make it clear that this isn't about Amy's new achievement. I've come to realize that as much as it may concern me, she needs it to regain her well-earned place in the magical community."

"Are you implying that we don't see Amy's value?" Alistair bristled. "That we take your wife for granted?"

"I don't know." Kol tilted his head and put his hands on his hips as he stared at the other man. "Do you?"

"Both Astrid and I have the utmost respect for your wife," Alistair assured him. "And if you think otherwise, that's your problem, not mine!" He frowned and then went to take a seat behind his desk.

"Do you respect Amy like you do your own wife?" Kol shot back as he let himself fall into the other desk chair.

"Just what are you implying?" Alistair asked dryly.

"Nothing," Kol shrugged. "I'm just happy you're not getting divorced, considering that you and your wife are sleeping together again," he teased. "Am I wrong?"

"Why do you care?" Alistair spat. "What I do in my bed is none of your business! You pay attention to your own marriage, and I'll pay attention to mine. Am I clear?"

"Oh, yes," Kol nodded. "Crystal clear!"

"Good," Alistair nodded. "Now, if you don't mind, I have better things to do with my time, so either tell me why you've come or leave my office."

"I have to say that I think Astrid's become a real bombshell, don't you think?" Kol asked. "I mean, she's always been beautiful, but the way she dresses now…much more flattering. I'm sure you've noticed?" Kol needled him and smirked.

Alistair heaved a sigh and rolled his eyes, not wanting to take the bait.

"And you too," Kol continued. "You've changed. Five o'clock shadow, much better dressed…how could she not like that?"

"Do I need to call security to throw you out of my office or will you leave peacefully?" Alistair threatened.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you!"

"And why not?" Alistair wanted to know. "I'm the head of the Council and I can do what I need to!"

"Because as much as you think you want to throw me out, you're also very eager to know why I've come," Kol answered. "The reason why I am even remotely concerned about you and Astrid's relationship is because…dark times are coming." He was speaking very seriously now and that surprised Alistair so much that he actually felt like listening. "I think it would be better for everyone if you try and get along instead of fussing in public about a divorce that everyone knows won't take place."

"All right, all right," Alistair ran his fingers through his hair. "I promise you I'm listening."

"Four prominent women in the supernatural community gave birth on the same night. Do you think that's a coincidence?" Kol raised an eyebrow.

"No, Alistair looked away. "I don't."

"Neither do I," Kol agreed. "Have you noticed strange things happening? Animals behaving oddly? Weird weather patterns?"

"Yes," Alistair nodded. "And I'm sure that if I asked my soon-to-be ex-wife, she would say the same thing."

"Right," Kol grinned. "Your soon-to-be-ex." He paused. "I was in Africa not so long ago and strange things are happening over there too. "I know we're not exactly the best buddies…"

"We sure aren't!" Alistair shook his head.

"But," Kol stood up. "I think that dark spirits are taking over the earth because Steve isn't present anymore. At least not for us." He strode over to a large window and looked out.

Alistair then stood too and buried his hands in his trouser pockets. "I…I hate saying this, but I think I agree with you."

They then both startled and stepped back quickly from the window as several pigeons hit the window and dropped dead in a pile on the ground.

"Well, that's unsettling," Kol turned to face Alistair. "What do you suggest we do about this?"

"If you have a suggestion, you should say it," Alistair told him. "Because it sounds like you do."

"We need to see Avery Morningstar," Kol suggested. "Or she might be Avery Hamilton, like her mother. Who knows what she's calling herself now?"

Angelica blew her nose loudly and wiped tears away with the back of her hand. She was sitting on a white leather sofa in the rental house Klaus had found for them while the hacienda was being renovated and repaired.

"Look Victoria!" Klaus' voice suddenly called out. "We found your mummy!" He approached the sofa, locked eyes with Angelica, and pouted as he sat down next to her. "Boo hoo, she's crying! What do you think is wrong with her?" He continued to speak to his tiny daughter and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

Angelica finally looked up at them, shame all over her face. "I'm sorry I just ran off and left you with her, but I…" She gasped and stopped speaking, a hand going over her mouth as tears continued to roll down her cheeks.

"Do you want to tell us why you're crying, Angel?" Klaus murmured.

"It should be obvious," Angelica replied. "I'm a horrible mother! The worst in the whole world!" She sobbed.

"Shush!" Klaus put his hands over Victoria's ears. "Our daughter is very sensitive to lies like that," he teased. "We can't raise her by letting her hear lies every second."

"It's not a lie!" Angelica shook her head. "I mean, I can't even breastfeed her!" She lashed out and gestured wildly at Victoria.

"I know you can't this time around, but that's really a blessing in disguise," Klaus cleared his throat. "It'll make things easier when you go back to work and frankly I'm relieved."

"Why?" Angelica questioned suspiciously.

"Because it means your breasts won't get all saggy. Sex won't be the same without your lovely, firm, perky melons!"

The crude remark shocked Angelica so much she stopped crying. "Oh, for Grandpa's sake!" She exclaimed, also putting her hands over their daughter's ears. "You can't say 's-e-x' in front of our daughter!" She blushed. "I hope you like me for more than my…breasts. I have a brain too, you know!"

He chuckled. "Oh, I know you do, love. It's just too easy to tease you."

"It's not funny, Klaus!" She bit her lip so she wouldn't cry. "Look at what a mess I am!" She pulled on her stained t-shirt and gestured at her filthy sweat pants. "I even have baby food and who knows what else in my hair!"

"You're a beauty to me, Angie," he assured her. "Aren't I right that your mother is a beauty, Victoria?" Klaus smiled at the baby, who grinned back and put her hands on her father's face.

"That's not true!" Angelica pouted adorably and brushed more tears from her face and neck. "I smell like puke because Victoria can't digest formula and throws it up all over me!" She cried again. "It would be so much easier if she could have my milk!"

Klaus winked. "I do love the new perfume," he teased. "Vomit #5?"

"Look!" Angelica cried out. "When…when…" She gestured at Klaus, her chest rising as she breathed in and out. "When she's with you, she's calm and relaxed. When I hold onto her, she screams like a tortured soul in hell! And every time, too! She hates me!"

Klaus looked down at Victoria, who wore a pink beanie with an elephant on it on her head. "What? What did you say?" He lifted her up a little, so her head was near his right ear. "Oh, right! She says she loves you and you're the best mummy she could have wished for!"

"Really?" Angelica sniffled. "She said that?"

"Oh, yes," Klaus nodded insistently. "From her little mouth to my ears." He smirked. "And also said she'd really love it if you'd cuddle with her."

"Really?" Angie sniffled.

"Really," Klaus nodded and gently handed the bundle of joy to her mother. "Just take deep breaths and stay calm."

"Hello, sweetheart," Angelica said to her daughter as she looked down at the little girl who was snuggling against her. "Mommy is doing her best, I promise you that. Because I really do love you so much!"

"You need to relax and give your body time to recuperate," Klaus said as he ran his fingers through her hair. "I know it's not your favorite thing to have to depend on other people, but…I'm here for you and for her." He smiled kindly. "When you're stressed and pushing yourself too hard, she can feel it and she reacts like she has been because she's worried about what could be wrong with her mother. As for not being able to breastfeed…she won't love you less for that. She doesn't care. She'll get used to formula."

Angelica gave him a small smile and nodded, gently caressing her daughter's head. "Thank you, so much. I needed that. I love her so much. And I love you too."

"I love you both very much." He smiled back.

Then Angelica shifted Victoria in her lap and got a good look at her outfit. "Klaus Mikaelson," she said, her voice tightly controlled. "Just what on earth is our daughter wearing?"

"Hmmm?" He coughed. "I believe it's a baby t-shirt."

"With Metallica on it? How in the name of all that is…how in the world did you find a shirt like this for a baby?"

"I know a place," he shrugged. "I don't think it hurts to have our daughter broaden her horizons." He shrugged and did his best to not burst out laughing. "Who knows? Someday, she could be in band and have an earring in her nose!"

"She most certainly will not," Angelica replied stiffly, making a mental note to take charge of her daughter's wardrobe. She stood up and began making her way toward the nursery.

"Where are you going, love?" Klaus called as he watched her leave.

"To put something decent on my baby daughter," Angelica said without looking back. "A t-shirt with a teddy bear on it or something." Then she disappeared.

"Oh, so she's your just your daughter now?" Klaus called. But there was light in his eyes and laughter on his lips. His Angel was back, at least for now. And that was a very god thing.

The petite brunette got out of the red car and shut the door behind her as she looked around at the few people who had come to Dove lake. She'd chosen this place in the hopes that no one from her way too large family would show up, see her, and make a fuss. And finally, she was meeting Leighton here and she wanted privacy.

She hurried over to a picnic table and set her handbag down on it before pacing back and forth, her heels sinking into the ground with every step.

"You know, you're the only woman I've ever met who would wear high heels in wet grass this early in the morning."

Azrael startled, turning to face the tall blonde man, who wore a maddening smirk. Leighton was holding his cane in his hand and his muscular body was leaning against a tree.

"Leighton," she whispered, her hands running through her brown curly hair. "You…you're here. I wasn't expecting you so soon."

"Well, why not?" Leighton grinned. "It's a beautiful day, even this early in the morning." He tilted his head and gave her a wink. "And I have to admit that I was very intrigued to get your call to meet me here."

"Well I…I'm petite so that's why I'm wearing high heels," she stumbled through her answer. "And…I hope you don't take offense, but…I wanted to meet here where no one would recognize us."

"I don't mind the high heels. They give you a killer pair of legs," Leighton complimented her, his burning gaze sliding over her body. "Safer?" He whispered comically. "Are we having a steamy affair that I don't know about?"

"Don't do this," she begged, trying to hide the blush in her cheeks by looking down at the grass as she brushed her coat with shaking hands. "I don't like it when you make fun of me this way."

"I would be dead before being caught truly making fun of you, Azrael," he assured her seriously. "I mean it. You have a very important place in my life. You mean too much to me." His tone changed, becoming very sincere. "Why won't you come close to me? I promise I won't bite."

"I just told you. You're making me nervous!" She raised her eyes to his and nervously rubbed her hands together.

"No, you said I made you 'uncomfortable'. You didn't say 'nervous'. Should I be flattered that you're so attracted to me that it makes you nervous?" He grinned.

"You do realize that you're doing it again, right?" She asked, stabbing a finger in his direction.

"Duly noted," he nodded, putting his hand over his heart, then holding it out to her. "Come here," he ordered gently. "Come to me."

She swallowed and locked eyes with him and took slow steps in his direction, then when she finally reached him, held up a hand and intertwined her fingers with his.

"Not to be a downer," he continued with a smile as his thumb massaged her palm and made goosebumps break out all over her body. "But this early in the day, when it's so humid, my leg…" he growled and tried not to show her he wasn't in pain. "I mean, I took some medicine, but it doesn't always help."

"Oh, Leighton, I'm so sorry! I didn't even think about your leg!" She reached her hand up and caressed his stubbly cheek. "How much pain are you in? Do you need to leave? Or just sit down?"

"Well, you could keep caressing my cheek," he teased. "That would make things better," he winked.

Azrael pulled her hand away as if she'd been burned, blushing again.

His pain forgotten for a moment, he reached out and ran his thumb over her bottom lip. "And just what do you call that shade of lipstick you're wearing?"

"Why?"

"Because it makes your lips look like a forbidden fruit I want a bite of," he whispered, resting a hand behind her head and crashing his lips on hers.

She let out a cry of surprise, keeping her lips pursed and trying pull herself away. But it was a lost cause because he had an arm firmly around her waist.

"Open your lips so I can taste you, Azrael," he ordered in a low whisper as his tongue slid over them. "Please. Will you do this for me?"

She gasped and began to babble as he deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue in her mouth. After that, it didn't take long for her to slide her hands over his chest and up around his neck.

"Leighton," she managed to whisper over his demanding lips.

"I want you too, baby," he assured her, nibbling on her lips just a little. "Tell me when…

"What?" She asked in surprise.

"Didn't you come here, Azrael, to tell me that you've accepted my proposal to spend time with me, to be intimate with me?" He grinned and nibbled on her lips some more.

"How…how do you know?" She asked breathlessly before returning his kisses and caressing the nape of his neck.

"Don't you know by now, my beautiful Angel of Death, that I know everything about you?" He chuckled and pushed some loose strands of hair behind her ears before tightening his arms around her and whispered, "I'll reserve a cabin for the two of us soon and give you the address to come join me." Then, he held her at arm's length, grabbing his cane to walk away. "Have a good day, Azrael. I'll be thinking of you and your delicious raspberry lips."

Azrael stood still, her jaw dropping in shock as she leaned against a tree so she wouldn't fall face first on the grass. Damn that Leighton Fale and his beautiful eyes. He would get her into trouble some day!

Astrid Fale grabbed the teapot, keeping her eyes on one of the two blondes sitting near her in the living room, dressed in a fitted black dress. "Would you like more tea?" She asked the woman dryly."

"No, thank you," Sybil Mikaelson shook her head, still holding her cup in her hands.

Astrid nodded and looked at her other guest, Gabrielle. "What about you?"

"Oh, thank you, I'm good too!" She raised her hand and gave a comical sort of toast. "It's still as full as it was when you refilled it five minutes ago, and still just as hot!"

"Everything you have for us here looks so delicious!" Sybil remarked to stop her friend's fussing. "Did you cook all these? The scones are especially good!"

"What do you mean 'did I cook these'?" Astrid questioned. "I'm not some kitchen fairy in an apron! Ask the man who soon won't be my husband, he'd tell you that if I spend any time in a kitchen, I'd just burn it down!" She then picked up her cup and took a long drink.

"Oh, believe me, I never thought that you had to work to the bone to make all these delicious things," Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "You're much too good to do that?"

"And just what is that supposed to mean?" Astrid snapped. "You don't need make shit up. If you have something to say, just say it!"

"Gabrelle, don't," Sybil chided, wide-eyed. "It's not polite!"

"What am I saying that's wrong?" Gabrielle snapped. "She really doesn't look like a kitchen fairy to me! She just said herself that she wasn't the kitchen fairy type! And I mean, I'm not either, so I'm not judging. I can boil an egg and spread peanut butter on toast, but that's about it!"

After that, the room went blessedly silent, the women eating and drinking their tea to fill up the time.

"What are we doing?" Gabrielle asked. "We're really not the types to eat scones and drink tea!"

"Gabrielle, could you just shut up for two seconds?" Sybil did her best to silence her friend. "We're guests here!"

"Again, it's the truth!" Gabrielle shrugged. "What do you have against the truth?"

Astrid chuckled and set her cup down on the table. "You know what, fuck this!" "I thought this was what I was supposed to do when I invited people over to socialize!"

"Oh, we appreciate the gesture, of course, Astrid," Sybil lied through her teeth.

"But that's enough with the tea!" Gabrielle burst out. "We're bored and need booze!"

"Gabrielle, no!" Sybil cried. "You know perfectly well that Astrid is a…a…you know!"

"You can say I'm a drunk!" Astrid cried. "Go ahead! I don't mind! It's not like it's a secret!" She stood up. "But that doesn't mean you can't drink in my house. It wouldn't be fair." She headed over to a small bar nearby. "So what do you ladies fancy? Or would you like me to surprise you?"

"I wouldn't mind being surprised," Sybil told her, turning to stare at her friend and motioning for them to keep an eye on Astrid. There was no way Astrid would get drunk again on their watch!

"Fine," Gabrielle rolled her eyes, getting up from her nice, comfortable seat to help her friend stare at Astrid. "What are you drinking, Astrid?"

"Just a club soda!" Astrid showed them the bottle. "I promise you don't need to worry about me. Sometimes if I want to be fancy, I add cranberry juice too, but I don't feel like that today." She grinned and put a lemon wedge on the rim of the glass.

"I…I wasn't worrying about you," Gabrielle tried to assure their hostess, hands behind her back. "What will Sybil and I have?"

"What would you say to mojitos?" Astrid made them quickly, then held them out.

"I say that's how you do it!" Gabrielle cried, grabbing one of the glasses and taking a drink. Then they walked back to the sofa.

"It was nice to be able to talk to Eleanor for a little bit before she rushed out of the house," Sybil remarked. "Her baby girl is so precious and beautiful!"

"She's a real doll, I have to agree," Astrid nodded and took a sip of her club soda.

"And I have to say too that I'm very relieved that Lucifer isn't the little girl's father. I like Julian Johnson much better. Anyone else agree?" Gabrielle asked.

"Oh, he's very easy on the eyes," Sybil grinned.

"How's your husband?" Astrid gave Sybil a smirk of her own.

"He's fine," Sybil replied, not thrown off a bit. "He's decided he wants Kristen to go on some world trip or something. I don't think it's god for her, but what do I know?"

"Well, that's nice. And back to Eleanor, It's one less worry for the poor girl," Astrid agreed. "Though I understand why she would have listened when Lucifer insisted she keep it quiet. The man is nothing but a narcissist! Having another man father his wife's baby didn't exactly put him in the best light, did it?"

"Well, I mean it's not like anyone really respects him anymore," Sybil pointed out. "Killing that poor human lady was just pure cruelty!"

"I was proud of Alistair. He handled the hearing just like I would have," Astrid told them, blushing with her eyes on her lap.

This made both Sybil and Gabrielle give one another knowing looks with smirks curving their red lips.

"About your husband," Sybil began.

"Yes!" Gabrielle interrupted bluntly. "We want all the details! Did the two of you sleep together?"

"Gabrielle!" Sybil cried out in shock, thinking that no one would surprise her more than Mikael with his rude shenanigans, but her friend was getting close.

"What?" Gabrielle shrugged. "I want to know!"

Astrid's first instinct was to try and pretend like she had no idea what Gabrielle was talking about, but gave up before the denial got out of her mouth.

"Well, all right," she shrugged. "Nothing much to say though. "What happened with us during the trial was just…it was a one-time thing. He's still intent on divorcing me."

"Oh, I think he's just testing you," Sybil tried to assure her matter-of-factly.

What do you mean?" Astrid wanted to know.

"Simple," Gabrielle smiled. "He's trying to see if you want to divorce him. Do you?"

"I…I have no idea!" Astrid shrugged helplessly. "I have no idea who I am anymore!"

"Isn't it time you figured it out?" Sybil suggested. "Maybe once you get comfortable with who you are, you'll find out that Alistair likes you as a half-demon woman!"

"I mean, a man wouldn't do you in the restroom if he wasn't into you at least a little bit, right?" Gabrielle pushed. "Do you still want him too?"

Astrid raised her blurry gaze to the two pushy women. "Yes," she sighed. "I think I do."

"When then get to it!" Sybil encouraged her and gave her a smile. "Go get your man!"

They then turned toward the front door as it opened and a very sexy, tall, bearded man came into the living room.

"Well, hello," Alistair greeted the women in surprise. "Nice to see you ladies. I had no idea we would have visitors today."

Astrid rose to her feet and brushed her red dress off. "I had no idea you would stop at home today.

"Well, I have something I need to discuss with you, but since you're busy, it can wait," he suggested. "I can come back!"

"Oh, no, no, no!" Sybil exclaimed, getting to her feet and pulling Gabrielle up with her. "We were just leaving. "Gabrielle and I have a—a-"

"Another appointment," Gabrielle finished. "We'll take our drinks with us and bring the glasses back later."

"Yep," Sybil nodded. "We'll clean them up and bring them right back." She gave Astrid a wink, then they both vanished.

Once they were gone, Alistair smiled and stared into his wife's eyes. "Can we talk?"

Astrid bit her bottom lip and went to set her glass down on the counter near the bar. "Sure, we can talk. What do you want to talk about?" She knew it was probably the divorce papers but she wanted to pretend like the whole thing wasn't affecting her.

"Vodka?" Alistair looked at the glass with a raised eyebrow. "Well, at least it's afternoon now. That's progress."

Astrid spun and glared at him. "Actually, it was club soda with lemon. Do you want to smell it? Would that be proof enough for you? Cause believe it or not, I know I have a problem and I want to fix it!"

"No, no," Alistair blushed and lowered his eyes, full of shame. "That's not necessary. I apologize and I'm very proud of you for making an effort."

Astrid nodded, but remained silent as she looked him over, her gaze sliding over her husband's body. He was very handsome that day, in a tight black pair of jeans that hugged his ass in the sexiest way, and a black polo shirt.

"I didn't know you'd become friends with Sybil and Gabrielle," he remarked, crossing his arms and leaning on a bookcase, his arms crossed over his bulging chest.

She blushed and shrugged. "Well, they're not really my friends per se."

Alistair shook his head and laughed a little. "Oh, come on, Astrid." He stroked his stubbly face, and that made her heart skip a beat or two. "You know you're not one to just impulsively invite someone to your house unless you respect them a little at the very least."

"Maybe…" She rolled her eyes and smirked a little.

"I'm proud of you for making friends," he said sincerely. "And very happy for you."

"Whatever," she shrugged. "What do you want, Alistair?"

"I just wanted to make sure you'd gotten the divorce papers," he shrugged, lying through his teeth.

"Y-yes," Astrid swallowed. "I put them in a special place, so I'd remember to sign them. If you're in a rush I can do it now."

"Oh, there's no rush at all," he replied with a tilt of his head as he watched her. "You know, this probably isn't any of my business, but I think it will do you good to make friends in the demon community. Sybil and Gabrielle are both beautiful, intelligent women…and beautiful, too, if I'm being perfectly honest." He grinned deviously at her after that remark.

Astrid startled at his blunt admission, going pale. "You don't need to be insulting," she spat. "I know that because of how I changed, I'll never be your type of woman again." She paused. Not that I care in…in the slightest about…about being your type." She then turned and grabbed the edge of the counter, squeezing it so hard her knuckles turned white. Then she closed her eyes and began breathing heavily.

Alistair, meanwhile, grinned as he watched the spectacle. She was jealous! He uncrossed his arms and went to stand next to her. Her heartbeat picked up and goosebumps broke out all over her body when she felt his warm breath brush her earlobe and his strong hands grip her waist.

"You're the hottest, sexiest woman I know, and I would fuck you in a heartbeat, Astrid," he whispered before nibbling on her earlobe. "I've always felt that way, and you have no need to be jealous of anyone." He then pushed his pelvis against her lower back, causing her to cry out in surprise. "Why do you sound so surprised? The hard-on I have should be enough proof for you."

"Alistair…" she whispered and leaned against him. "Just please tell me…what do you want?"

"You! I want you!" He confessed, his hands sliding up her abdomen to cup her breasts. "Ever since we fucked in the Council bathroom, you haven't left my mind."

"This is insane!" She cried as her breath picked up again while he nibbled down her neck.

"We could…I mean we could hold off on the divorce and just have fun for a little while," he suggested as she let out a moan. "What do you say?" he grabbed her chin and turned her head to face him so he cold nibble a little on her open lips.

"Maybe," she got out and kissed him back. "For how long?"

"I don't know," he mumbled. "Until we get tired of each other, I suppose."

Astrid stared into his eyes, then raised her hand to his face, caressing his lips with the tip of her thumb, then lowered her hand to slowly and gently rub his prominent bulge, a move that made him growl.

"Don't do this to me if you're not going to deliver," he warned.

"Who says that I won't?" She whispered and rubbed him harder. "Since I'm a demon now…I have very specific needs."

He chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "And do you think you're the only one?" He asked.

"Then…what are we waiting for?" She asked as she seductively slid her tongue over her bottom lip.

A guttural cry escaped him as Alistair took Astrid in his arms, hurrying to their bedroom. There was no point in waiting any longer.

They both lay over the rumpled silk sheets, heads on their pillowcases, their breathing still heavy and their bodies covered in sweat.

"Well…well that was…" Astrid tried to find words for what she'd just experienced as she put an arm over her forehead. But it was easier said than done.

"Yeah," Alistair agreed. "It sure was."

"How will this work?" She asked, turning over to stare at him.

"I don't know," he shrugged. "No need to make it complicated. Let's just text each other when we want to fuck."

"Okay," she nodded. "That could work."

They both startled, with Astrid nearly letting out a shriek as the door opened and they struggled to cover up.

A grinning Leighton, however, just shook his head. "Mom, Dad! How's it going?" He kept his eyes on them as, cane in hand, he made his way to the foot of the bed.

"Leighton," Alistair scolded. "Would you mind leaving? Your mother and I could use some privacy!"

"Oh, come on, Dad!" The young man rolled his eyes and buried a hand in the pocket of his jeans, pulling out a crumpled dollar bill and throwing it on the bed. "There. There's a dollar for what I already knew was going on in here!"

"Nothing is going on!" his mother insisted.

"Oh, sure," Leighton nodded. "Can't wait to call Helene and tell her about nothing. She'll be grateful for the excitement. Apparently things are boring over in werewolf world, even if you're the princess." He gave them a wink. "Anyway, I won't bother you anymore, so you can continue fucking or making love or whatever you want to call it."

"Do you hear that?" Astrid cried, giving Alistair a frown. "He is so your son!"

"I was gonna say he's yours," Alistair shot back. "I mean let's face it: until you got involved with the Council, you always caused more trouble than me!"

"Oh, blah, blah, blah…" Leighton rolled his eyes. "Let me play the world's tiniest violin for you." He paused. "Anyway, I know you worry about me, so I just came into let you know that in a couple of days, or a week at the most, I'm going to leave for a month-ish long vacation in the mountains so I can have rest and peace and quiet."

"Why?" Astrid sat up, feeling worried. "Just for the heck of it? Or is something wrong with your leg?"

"Mom, the pain in my leg will be the same here or there, so I want to be in nature and enjoy it. I promise I'll have my phone with me if you want to get in touch." He stepped back, gripping his cane. "All right, I've said all have to say. You crazy kids keep on doing what you were doing." Then he closed the door without another word.

"Do you think he'll be okay?" Astrid winced at the thought of her son going off by himself.

"I don't think he'll be alone, if that's what you're worried about," Alistair told her as he put his jeans on. "I'm sure a certain petite brunette will be with him."

"I suppose that's normal at his age," Astrid winced again. "Sowing his wild oats, and…"

"Right," Alistair nodded and pulled his polo over his head. Then he looked up and saw her face. "What? You look jealous. Are you thinking about me and Sybil and Gabrielle?"

"You talking about them did not make me jealous!" She hissed through clenched teeth.

"So, you say," Alistair smirked, then put on his shoes and headed for the bedroom door. "This was nice. "I'll be sure to text you the next time we…"

"Fine, do that!" She snapped and waved him away as he burst into laughter. "Goodbye now!"