ladydeathfaerie: (Aedan)
[personal profile] ladydeathfaerie posting in [community profile] marysuevirus
Title: The Mary Sue Virus: Beyond Death
Chapter Eighty Two: The End is the Beginning
Fandom: Anita Blake universe
Rating: 18 and up
Warnings: graphic sex and violence, language, anything else i can toss in.
Disclaimer: the recognizable characters and places contained herein are the property of LKH. i'm merely borrowing for the sake of entertainment. no money is being made from this venture. the Sues are the sole property of their originators, Ginevra, Dazzledfirestar, Nanaea, SilverFoxChan and ladydeathfaerie. the concept and title of The Mary Sue Virus are used with permission from Dazzledfirestar.

Author's Notes: holy shit! this is the end! i finished it! i finished something! i... man, i need to sit down. this is monster. or something. anyhow, enjoy. maybe i'll never write something this epic ever again. but, really, let's be honest. this is me we're talking about. it'll happen again

The Mary Sue Virus: Beyond Death - Index Link

The night of the gala event dawned clear and chill, prompting the need for some kind of wrap or coat. In the two weeks that had passed since Jean Claude had announced the event, the weather had turned. It felt like there was snow on the air, the darkness filled with that unique, sharp smell of frozen precipitation. The forecast made no mention of snow and there were no clouds overhead to support her feelings, but that didn't mean it wasn't possible. Meteorologists were known to be wrong.

Isis stared out the car's window at the sprawling complex before them. It was a large, squarish looking building with a stone exterior and leaded glass windows. She could see mellow gold light filtering through them, working with the many wrought iron lamps sprinkled across the front lawn to cut into the absolute blackness of the surrounding night. Trees dotted the grounds, ran in twin lines on either side of the lawn to mark the edges of the property. Bushes and shrubs hugged the wall on either side of the main entrance. Even from where their car sat, waiting for advance up the light, she could see that said doors were a pair of thick wooden panels. A pair of liveried attendants stood at hand to open them as the guests streamed into the building.

"It is called 'The Castle' by the locals," Damian told her softly. One hand pointed toward the top of the front wall. She could see that the architect had worked crenellations into the structure. Each corner sported a rounded tower that rose above the wall. "It was commissioned by a vampire some years back, meant to be a place for our kind to take refuge. It was a desolate place until Jean Claude purchased it and had it updated."

Isis shook her head. "I shouldn't be surprised. And yet," she smiled. She fell silent and continued to stare, barely noting it when the car moved forward. There were still three cars before them, so they'd be waiting a bit longer. "What's it like on the inside?"

"I do not know. This is the first time we have had cause to use it," Damian replied. "What I do know is that the location is popular with gala events and it is costly to rent it out for an evening. Scenes for a movie were shot inside not that long ago, which brought a good deal of money to the city. It also has very good ratings online."

"I'm going to feel out of place. Aren't I?" she asked. The idea had been troubling her ever since she saw Damian's evening attire. Of course when he'd told them about it, Jean Claude had said it was a tuxedo and tie event. She hadn't realized he'd meant a tux with tails and a white tie. Naturally the tuxedo coat and pants were black. A thin strip of black satin ran down the outside of the legs, with an even thinner strip of blue running down the center of that. Damian's shirt, bow tie, and waist coat were all in white. It should have looked wrong against his pale skin, but somehow... She liked the touch of metallic blue that graced the waist coat's buttons. It kept things from being too stark.

"No more than any of the rest of us. Jean Claude may be used to such things, but I was a warrior. Dancing and grand events are nothing I ever got used to," Damian admitted. His hand reached out to settle over hers, his touch warm and reassuring. The car moved forward once again and they inched closer to the large portico. "Relax, Isis. You look lovely. The guests will be too blinded by your beauty to take note of your nervousness."

She felt warmth fill her cheeks with his comment. There was a touch of heat in his voice and the look in his eyes suggested he had other events planned for the evening than attending the gala. Unlike the last few events they'd been to, Isis had chosen her own gown for the evening instead of letting Jean Claude do it for her. In fact, she was fairly sure everyone had gotten to pick their own gowns for the evening. Jean Claude had graciously paid for them, though, saying that the gala had been his idea and the least he could do was see to it that everyone had been able to get the attire they wanted.

So it was that Isis was clad in a beautiful dress of taffeta. It was a straight line gown with a slit up the left hand side and a single shoulder strap on the right. The strap was decorated with a small bow that looked very much like the one Damian wore. The dress was structured in such a way that it naturally followed the curves of her body without the need for a belt. When standing, the hem brushed the toes of her shoes. The material had been dyed a lovely royal blue that almost exactly matched the blue of Damian's buttons, and small stones in white and black lined the bow at her shoulder. In deference to the chill, she'd donned a silk wrap in black to keep her arms and shoulders covered until they got inside.

Her hair had been piled up on her head in a riot of loose curls, a few robust ringlets pulled free to hang against the back of her neck. Several stones were nestled in the curls, and she knew from experience that they would catch the light and flash with iridescence. Make up had been expertly applied and she'd even had both a mani and a pedi ahead of the evening. It was a more sophisticated look than she was used to, but she felt all the plucking and preening was worth it if it put that look on Damian's face.

She must have gotten lost in that look, because the next thing she knew, the door was opening. It startled her a little, earning her a knowing smile from her handsome escort. He climbed from the vehicle without a word, prompting a storm of flashes to go off. Isis had been able to put the fact that the press would be there from her mind until that moment. The reminder saw a little curl of dread trying to knot up in her stomach. She shoved the dread away, telling herself firmly there was nothing to be worried about, and put her hand in Damian's when he held it out to her.

The brightness of the flashes left her momentarily stunned. If not for Damian's hand coming to rest on the small of her back, she might have faltered. He leaned in toward her under the guise of pressing a kiss to her cheek so that he could whisper in her ear. "Merely smile and look forward, my queen. Make them believe that you belong here."

Then he was escorting her across the drive and up the stairs to the main doors. Isis put the cameras from her mind and kept pace with him, matching her strides to his own. She took hold of the skirt of her gown and raised it just a little in order to climb the stairs. The two of them breezed through the door and into the entry way. In the few moments it took her eyes to adjust to the lack of flashing lights, Damian had gently eased the wrap from her shoulder and given it to a young woman in a formal dress just to the left of the doors. She, in turn, handed Damian a ticket, which he tucked into a pocket. He returned his hand to the small of her back and gently urged her forward.

They crossed a floor of highly polished granite and passed through another set of doors. These were propped open to show off the large room on the other side of them. Isis was in awe as she took everything in.

They stepped into a large room already filled with people. Isis estimated that it took up nearly all of the building's space. The main floor was sunken, a short flight of stone steps circling the room to allow people to step down into the area. The corners were filled with living trees, various plants crowding around the trunks. Bushes and flowers helped decorate the spaces and Isis was sure she heard the gentle sound of bird song coming from them. There was a set of doors on two of the other walls, while the fourth was a full wall of plate glass showing off the well kept grounds behind the building. Isis was pretty sure she saw a hedge maze through the glass. But she didn't let her gaze linger long enough, as it was pulled up by a wide balcony that ran the entire length of the back wall. The railing was more polished granite, and there was more greenery lingering there.

Despite the noise of so many people talking to one another and the soft strains of the small orchestra that played something sweet and melodious from the balcony where they'd set themselves up, Isis could hear the sound of heels striking the flooring. Under foot was intricately laid wooden flooring. She found when she stared long enough, she could see that there was a subtle pattern in the design. The stone walls between the doors were hung with sheer drapes, reminding Isis of the way Jean Claude had used material to create walls in the lair under the Circus. Instead of pristine white, the chosen palette here was black and silver. Glimmering threads of blue had been shot through both sets of panels to display Jean Claude's colors to the world.

Giant urns and grand pedestals were set up around the perimeter, loaded to overflowing with huge arrangements of fresh blossoms that must have cost an arm and a leg. She could see roses, orchids, lilies, and a dozen more flowers tucked into each arrangement. People flowed in and out of the side doors and, overhead, was a round dome of glass that showed off the clear night sky beyond. Stars twinkled and glittered overhead, as if as excited by the evening as the people around her.

There was no more time for staring when Damian gently pulled Isis into his arms and smiled down into her face. "Dance with me, my queen," he requested. Isis smiled in return and settled one hand on his shoulder. She put her other hand in his and allowed him to twirl her into a slow waltz. "What do you think of The Castle?" he asked her, voice a gentle caress that hinted at things that could never be found in his words.

"Its beautiful. Amazing. I didn't even know it existed before tonight," she told him honestly, gaze never once slipping away from his face. "It makes me wonder what the others are thinking."

~*~*~*~*~

"What was he thinking?" Minette asked, standing just outside the door. She was staring into the center area of The Castle, frowning at the crush of people. Micah stood beside her, resplendent in his evening attire, silent as she railed on. "There are way too many people here. And we don't know for sure if she really took care of all of Anita's killers. What if she didn't? What if someone tries something here?"

"You need to calm down, Minette. Nothing is going to happen here. There are guards everywhere. Jean Claude wouldn't dare risk Aedan. Because, by extension, that includes himself and everyone else in the kiss. Which means you." Jason tried for non-annoying, but figured he missed it by the look Minette turned his way. Her gaze dropped to the plate in his hand, bringing a frown to her face.

"You don't know that!" she snapped at him, then reached out to steal a stuffed mushroom cap off his plate. Jason hid his smile by shifting his attention to the main room, watching the clutch of bodies as they shifted back and forth. Like waves rolling in to the shore before slipping back out to sea.

"You can't protect her forever, Minette," Micah said softly. She turned to look at him, unhappy with the look he was giving her. As if he was merely humoring her. She frowned and opened her mouth to give him a piece of her mind. "Look, Minette. I know how much she means to you. I know she was your family when you thought you didn't have any. She's your best friend. More than a best friend. But you can't protect her forever. And you know that."

Minette sighed, hating to hear the truth put to her so bluntly. He was right, of course. But that didn't mean she had to like it. There were so many people here and any one of them could mean her harm. Rationally, she knew that there were guards on patrol throughout the entire place. More than she was probably aware of. And she was sure she'd seen Edward floating around somewhere. She had no doubt that he would be keeping an eye on Aedan. But that knowledge could do nothing to drive the memory of what she'd looked like after the demon had done its damage to her from Minette's head. That knowledge couldn't keep her from remembering that Aedan had died and she'd been unable to do anything.

Of course she still hadn't gotten over it. It hadn't really happened all that long ago. And, honestly. How did one let something like that go? How did someone forget the very sight of their best friend as they died? She'd like to know how, because she couldn't unsee it.

Micah's fingers were gentle when they pressed the underside of her chin and brought her gaze up to meet his. "I know, Minette. I was there, too. I saw it. But she's not that person anymore. And she's more than capable of dealing with someone who might try to hurt her. She proved that with Vittorio."

"I know. But that doesn't mean I have to like it. And that doesn't mean I'm going to just shut off the desire to protect her. She spent all of our college years, and longer, protecting me from Bruce and anyone else who wanted to hurt me. How can I do anything less for her?"

"No one is asking you to not protect her, Minette," Jason replied, voice gentle. "All we're asking you to do is trust that she can take care of herself. That Jean Claude has enough people here to keep her, and the rest of us, safe. That no one is going to make a move in such a public setting."

"Micah and Jason are correct, my blossom. Any enemies we have would be suicidal to attempt any kind of action here," Requiem assured her, stepping up behind her. The touch of his hand on her arm was soothing. "The entire world is watching. Any member of our community who dared try to commit murder before so many humans and the press would receive an automatic death sentence. Jean Claude is the public face of all vampires 'round the world. Anything that happened to him would warrant such a response. No matter what the council may secretly feel about him. And such a fear is a moot point. There are those here who would make it very difficult for anyone to launch an assassination."

Minette blinked at him, taking a moment to parse his words into something more easily understandable. It lasted a second or two, but it finally dawned on her that he meant there were members of the Harlequin there. And she knew enough about them to know that they were feared by the vampires for a damn good reason She also knew that at least a couple members of that group were willing to defend Aedan from a physical attack. She took a breath, using it to steady herself, and worked at pushing her fears away. When she turned to look at all three of them, the mere sight of them was enough to see those fears shuffled off into the shadows. She was once more blown away by their beauty. Both individually and collectively.

As with the other men, they were in their white tie best. Said white tie was paired with a white waist coat and a black tuxedo jacket complete with tails. Their dress slacks were striped with black satin strips down the leg, and those strips were shot through with blue. The buttons on their waist coats were the same shade blue. The three of them were enough to make her want to strip off her gown and do naughty things right there on the floor. Her thoughts must have shown on her face because Jason gave her that wolfish smile that she knew meant he was thinking similar things.

"Much as that idea appeals to me, Minette, I don't think this is the time or the place. You aren't supposed to be the show. No matter how beautiful you look in your dress."

"Jason is correct, my blossom. You are a beautiful rose amongst a garden of weeds," Requiem told her. Minette smiled and went up on tiptoes to press a kiss to his cheek.

"Don't let any of the other women hear you call them that. They might not like it very much," she warned.

"I don't know, Minette. I kind of agree with him. You look good enough to eat," Jason told her, a touch of hunger in his words. She shivered and glanced down at the dress she wore. It was a simple, classic design of heavy silver satin. Sheer material in the same color created a kind of cape that acted like sleeves, a strip of the material stitched to the bodice on either side of the deep plunge. The delicate material fluttered around her arms every time they moved, reminding her of the gentle motion of a butterfly's wings. Glittering stones encrusted the plunge, creating a wide strip that rested perfectly over her breasts. The strips met in the back at the base of the plunge there. Delicate beading wrapped around the waist, meeting the bottom edge of the plunge in front and back, then dipping low over her hips on its way around. There was enough length in the skirt for it to pool on the floor at her feet and create a short train in the back when she walked.

"While both Jason and Requiem are correct and you look positively stunning, I think we should maybe move around and mingle. People are starting to give us looks. Which suggests they think we're planning something by simply standing in one place," Micah suggested. "This is a party. We're supposed to be enjoying ourselves. We can't do that if we stay here. Let's go get some refreshments, then see if we can't hunt down some of our people. Maybe we can even dance a little. That dress you're wearing was made for dancing. We should show it off."

Minette let Micah nudge her into moving and she felt her three escorts fall into place around her. Heads turned as they began to make the trek around the exterior halls of The Castle toward the other side of the building. It would no doubt be shorter to cut across the main floor, but there were so many people gathered there that the going would probably be slow. Maybe even non-existent.

They were right, of course. All three of them. She should trust that Aedan could take care of herself. That Wicked and Truth would be more than enough to stop someone from attempting to hurt her friend. But that didn't really make Minette feel any better. She was going to worry, whether they wanted her to or not. Especially since Aedan and Jean Claude were late to the gala. People were whispering to one another, wondering what could possibly be keeping the Master of the City and his new human servant.

Maybe she should go look for them. Maybe they were in trouble and needed help. Maybe she should... Her thoughts were derailed when she bumped into someone hard. Embarrassment stole over her as she realized she'd walked right into Requiem without realizing it. Maybe she should put the worry fest aside and pay attention to where she was going.

"I'm sorry," she apologized immediately.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, my blossom," Requiem replied, a knowing smile bringing the corners of his mouth up. "It seems you are in need of distraction. Too bad there is no bathtub available."

The memory of that night brought a flush to her cheeks. Need pooled low and thick in her belly. Which was no doubt what he'd planned on happening when he'd mentioned that night. His hand stroked down her back lightly before sliding over to take hold of her hand. He turned her to face him, the look on his face determined. "Come, Minette. Let us dance and see if perhaps that will pull your thoughts from such unpleasant things for a time." She watched as Requiem turned to look at Micah and Jason. "If this suggestion is agreeable with the two of you?"

Micah nodded. "Go dance. Jason and I will go collect refreshments for the three of us. We can switch off as long as Minette needs the distraction. At least until Jean Claude and Aedan arrive."

Jason grinned at them. "Then the fun will really begin. Because I don't expect Aedan to be anywhere near calm when the reporters sink their hooks into her. Let's hope Jean Claude didn't let her bring a gun."

Minette couldn't help but chuckle. Yeah. Aedan wasn't going to put up with nosy reporters being all up in her business. Maybe the armed guards stationed around the place were really there to protect the reporters.

The image of Aedan going off on a group of busy body reporters who didn't know what personal boundaries were put a big smile on Minette's face.

~*~*~*~*~

Asher was smiling down at her, the one eye she could see filled with a soft expression that he didn't often wear outside of the privacy of their bedroom. It made Janika want to blush and giggle like a school girl. Considering they were in the middle of the floor, dancing to the soft piece the orchestra was playing, she felt it best to simply return his smile and hold him a little tighter.

This coming out party, because that's exactly what it was, wasn't as bad as she'd expected it to be. The atmosphere was relaxed and laid back, with people mingling. Waiting eagerly for the magic moment when the announcement would come. There were couples dancing around them, chattering softly with one another or remaining silent. Groups clustered together on the edges of the floor where they talked with heads bent. A large group of press stood near the far wall, obviously members of the press because they carried all sorts of electronics. Other people stood outside of the main room, either to avoid the cluster of people or to have easier access to the refreshments table. All in all, it was a very different atmosphere than the last coming out party they'd gone to.

That didn't mean that Jean Claude was lax on the security. There were guards everywhere, no doubt armed to the teeth. And there was so much vampiric and lycanthropic energy on the air around her that Janika felt like it was a siren's song that called to her and any other preternatural person who happened to be within a ten mile radius of their location. They were as safe as they could be. That didn't mean something bad couldn't happen. But Janika really hoped that it wasn't something they'd have to deal with. Not tonight.

"Do not worry so about the night," Asher said softly, the hand pressed to her back managing a gentle caress meant to take the tension out of her spine. Tension Janika hadn't realized was there. She gave him a rueful smile and tried to relax herself.

"Sorry. Can't help it. It seems like every time we've gotten together for some kind of party, someone gets attacked."

"No one would dare," Asher assured her. He turned a slow circle, giving her the opportunity to take in the large numbers of party attendees. "There are too many witnesses here. Too many mortals. And the council is doing their very best to stay in the good graces of this country's government. Jean Claude is their public face here in America. If anything were to happen to him... I feel certain that it would start a war."

Janika stared at the crowd a moment, trying hard to prevent herself from imagining what kind of carnage would be done to them if someone really wanted to attack them. But again, the energy from so many gathered preternaturals touched her skin and made her realize that trying to launch any kind of attack here would end in a suicide mission.

"You worry for no reason," Asher said. "Put such dark thoughts aside and return to the party."

Janika took a breath and did as he asked, shoving her thoughts into a corner where they couldn't bother anyone. Then she pushed the tension from her shoulders and spine and gave all of her attention to her companion. Her very handsome in a white tie and tails companion. She thought the white of his tie, vest, and shirt should look horrible against his pale skin. But it didn't. His hair softened the starkness of all that white. And the blue buttons broke up the monotony. "You look amazing," she told him.

"As do you, mon ange," he replied.

"You're only saying that because you want to get lucky later," she teased.

"I say it because it is true. You are the most beautiful woman here and I am honored to have you on my arm," he informed her. This time, Janika couldn't stave off the blush.

"Stop it, Asher. You're embarrassing me," she said, voice lowered so no one else could pick up their conversation. His hold on her tightened. The look he gave her made her heart pound in her chest. It was the look a man shared with a woman when they were alone. And naked. And about to get into a position that could be considered compromising.

"Do you wish me to shout it to the heavens that I find you beautiful? I will do so right here. I will tell every soul here that I love you and only you. That you are the most sublime woman on the face of the planet."

"I didn't picture you as an Addams Family type of guy," she teased. The hand at her back glided across the smooth satin of her dress before pressing her more tightly against him.

"You are a gift from God," he whispered, his eye darkening with emotion. The certainty in his voice, the absolute weight there, left her feeling a little lost and out of sorts. She hadn't expected him to be so very adamant about his feelings. Especially not here, in front of so many people. Asher was not particularly demonstrative when in public. His words left Janika slightly off center. "With a touch of the Devil thrown in to keep things interesting."

A smile curved her lips up. "You sure do know how to sweet talk a girl, don't you?" she asked. His hand shifted against her back, rubbing the smooth satin of her gown against her flesh. It was more than enough to bring small fires to life under her skin.

"The bronze was an excellent choice, Janika. It goes perfectly with your fiery tresses and porcelain skin," he whispered to her. "And I love that you chose to wear your hair up. Because it gives me easy access to your delectable throat. So beautiful, mon ange."

His words sent a thrill through her. She hadn't been sure about the bronze silk sheath dress when she'd picked it. It had been Rhia who had encouraged her to get it, saying that the bronze would draw the gaze to her pale skin. To her hair. Janika had tried it on and liked the way it clung to her curves, the bronze giving her skin an almost pearlescent glow. It was a simply designed gown, with spaghetti straps and a deep plunge between her cleavage to expose as much skin as possible.

The bodice had an overlay of lace on it that stretched from the straps down to her waist. Glittering stones that flashed and winked when the light caught them created designs over the soft lace. The stones were clear and amber and were set in no discernable pattern. The straps had been studded with more stones and the motif carried on where the straps met the material of the dress in the back. There was a moderate slit up the left side, so that she flashed a lot of leg when she walked. She wore a gold choker set with a large chunk of amber and matched earrings. A pair of gold bangle bracelets chimed musically every time she moved her arm. Her sandals were high heeled, covered in bronze silk with more stones encrusting the toes.

Her mother had helped her do her hair, twisting and twining the fiery strands into an intricate design that rested at the back of her head. The only hair that had been left down were a few wisps at her temples and in front of her ears. She knew from a look in the mirror that more amber stones winked from the depths of her hairstyle, nestled amidst the strands to both hold them up and add decoration.

"Sweet talk like that will get you whatever you like," she told him, voice gone low and husky with need. "We can always see if we can find an unoccupied closet somewhere."

"As tempting as such a thing is, I would much prefer the softness of a bed so that I may take my time and make love to you properly." His smile was illicit and a tingle of need flared through her. "And I would like to stay here and show you off to the rest of the world because there is no one here as lucky as I am."

"Keep talking like that, Asher, and you're going to give me an ego," she told him.

"I will give you anything you need. Happily. You have only to name it and it is yours," he told her seriously.

She stared at him a moment. It was thrilling to know such a thing. Thrilling and a little frightening. She worried, briefly, that it was because of her blood. But staring up into his face, into the honesty shining from his eye, she knew she worried for nothing. He meant it because he loved her. He didn't care about her blood. He only cared about her. She slipped closer to him and put her head on his shoulder. Right there, in that moment, she never wanted the night to end. She wanted to stay right where she was for all eternity.

"We have eternity, mon ange. We have time for everything you want," he whispered.

"I love you, Asher. So much. I don't know what I'd do without you," she told him. She really didn't ever want to find out.

"This is not an evening for such thoughts, mon ange. This is a night for smiles and softness. For kisses and love," he replied. And then he swept her into a waltz as the orchestra started playing a new song. Thoughts fled in the face of his tender hold and his sure steps. She felt like she was floating. She felt like a princess.

~*~*~*~*~

Rhia felt like she was going to be sick. It was a hell of a time to have to deal with morning sickness. Which was why she was almost hidden behind one of the large trees that took up the corner of the main room. Nathaniel had gone off to get some drinks and a bit of food for the two of them, so she was on her own until he got back. This was not the way she wanted to spend the evening, but she supposed it couldn't be helped. If this whole thing wasn't important to Jean Claude and Aedan, she'd have begged off and stayed at home in bed. She was more in the mood for sweats and a tee than a designer gown and heels.

Nathaniel had helped her pick out her clothes for the evening. The man had excellent taste and he'd found a dress that made her feel both elegant and earthy all at once. The dress had a halter neck on it, connected to a collar that hooked shut in the back. Said collar was heavy with stones. There was a belt at her waist that was just as encrusted as the collar, and those two were the only two pieces of decoration on the gown. Layers of chiffon made it look like it was floating around her, and the mauve color brought out the different shades of brown in her hair. She wore silver earrings, a pair of studs set with amethyst stones. A cuff bracelet on one wrist had a larger, matching stone in it. Her hair had been woven into a loose braid that hung against her back. Nathaniel had told her more than once that she looked beautiful.

She was sure he was pulling her leg. She felt like shit warmed over. She really hoped that this party wouldn't last very long because she just wasn't sure how long she could hang in there. Thus far, it didn't look like it was going to end any time soon. No one had seen Aedan or Jean Claude yet, which made Rhia wonder if they'd decided to skip the whole thing and go spend some time playing miniature golf or something.

The thought of the two of them saw the room around her darken and become more intimate. More enclosed. She Saw, briefly, exactly what Aedan and Jean Claude were doing. Then the image was gone and Rhia found herself with one hand pressed tightly against the huge tree, her head spinning just a little from the transition.

Well. Things were going to get started a little late.

"Rhia? Are you okay, honey? You look pale." Nathaniel's voice was full of concern, as was the expression he wore. She offered him a smile and straightened. For a moment, the nausea was a background thing as she waited for the room to stop spinning.

"I'm okay. Sorry. Just... My powers snuck up on me. Again," she told him. She didn't bother hiding the annoyance and watched as his concern turned into a frown.

"Was it anything to worry about?" he asked

"No. Just know that the festivities will be starting a little late tonight," she replied. He considered that a moment, then shook his head. There was a soft smile on his face as he did so.

"Now is really not the time. But who are we to tell them what they should and shouldn't be doing?" He offered her a glass of water. She took it and sipped slowly, thankful for something to do to occupy herself with. It wasn't that she was embarrassed by what she'd Seen, exactly. But it was still a private moment and she knew she didn't like people spying on her private moments. "I tried to find you something to nibble, but there was nothing that looked bland enough that it wouldn't make you feel any queasier than you already do."

"Its okay, Nathaniel. I'll sip my water. In a little bit, we can go look at it again and see if there isn't something that appeals," she promised.

"Do you want to mingle or something? I have a hard time believing you want to spend the whole night hiding behind an oak tree." There was a touch of humor in his voice, making it hard for her to take offense at his words.

"Its a nice oak tree," she replied, putting a touch of outrage in her voice. Of course it was faked. She knew he wasn't suggesting anything of the sort. But the sudden visions always left her disoriented and testy. Add the nausea on top of it. And the dizziness. Testy was a nice way to phrase how she felt most days.

"Are you sure that you're okay?" he asked. And she knew that he didn't mean in general. He was worried about the abrupt way her powers came to her and how she was always left off kilter. She got the impression he wanted to tell her to give up the position of Oracle. She didn't have the heart to tell him that it didn't work that way.

"I'm fine. Christophe figures its going to take a little bit to get used to. Also, my research into the Oracle has led me to believe that those who came before me had someone to show them how to use their powers. And how to control them. I'm going to have to learn on the fly because there is no one to teach me."

He frowned, obviously not happy with the idea that she was at the mercy of her powers for the time being. "I don't like the idea that you could be driving and this happens. The last thing I want is for you to be in an accident. Either one of you." With the last, Nathaniel put a hand against her belly protectively.

Rhia gave him a gentle smile. His concern left her warm all over but she wished he wouldn't worry quite so much. "You're cute when you worry. But I'll have you know I've been very careful. If you're not home and I need to go some place, I get someone else to take me. Until I can get a handle on things."

Her words made him relax, brought a smile to his face. Which was what she'd intended them to do. Nathaniel slid an arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to him. "I should know that you've got things under control. I just don't want anything to happen to you. Or to junior."

"Junior, eh?" she asked, giving him a considering look. "And if our baby isn't a junior? If our baby is a little miss? What then?" One eyebrow cocked at him to emphasize her last two words.

"Then we have a baby girl that I can fall madly in love with," he replied. "And I'll let her do my hair when she's older. She can braid it and put flowers in it if she wants. We can have tea parties with her stuffed animals and I can teach her how to dance when she finds her balance."

Hearing him talk about their baby that way made her heart melt and Rhia found herself fighting off tears. She wanted to hear more. "What are you going to do with junior? If we have a junior."

"We'll play Legos and Hot Wheels, if that's what he wants to do. Cops and robbers. I'll teach him how to cook. We'll build a fort in the back yard and have snowball fights in the winter," he said, gently steering her away from the tree and toward the center of the large room. "And if our child, be they a boy or a girl or somewhere in between, decides they want to learn the opposite, I'll teach them that, too. They can be whoever they like. I'll love them no matter what."

Rhia bit her lip and cursed the raging hormones. "Stop. I'm going to bawl right here if you don't." She turned a watery smile up to him. "How did I get so lucky to catch your eye? How are you so perfect for me?"

"You're the perfect one," he returned, voice soft. She could hear him perfectly despite all the noise around them. Mostly because she'd tuned nearly everyone else out. Less chance of a vision catching her unaware that way. "Beautiful and smart and generous and loving and so many other things. I don't know what I'd have done if you hadn't come here when you did. I am so lucky to have you in my life. I love you, Rhia, and I cannot wait to meet our baby."

The sincerity and honesty in his voice made her heart do weird things and Rhia just couldn't stop the sigh his words brought to life.

~*~*~*~*~

She heaved a sigh for what had to have been the hundredth time in the past five minutes and made to reach for the door handle. Jean Claude's hand caught hers gently and pulled it up so that he could press a tender kiss to her palm. "You have no need to be nervous, Aedan. This will be a much easier night than the last time we did this," he assured her.

"Rationally, I know that. But..." she trailed off, biting back the urge to sigh yet again. He had to be tired of hearing her sigh.

"You are having second thoughts about tonight?" he asked her gently.

"No. Yes. I don't know. I mean... Maybe?" There must have been such confusion on her face when she turned to look at him because he smiled and let go a faint chuckle before reaching out to pull her closer to his side.

"It will be fine. We will go in and make our announcement. People will take photographs. Then the night will wear on and we will be expected to speak to the press. Do not be surprised if you are asked questions that seemingly have no bearing on our relationship," he informed her, one hand stroking down the length of her arm. "In fact, do not be surprised if someone asks questions about our sex life. There is usually one in every crowd."

"I don't do well with crowds," she admitted. His only response was to smile. "And this is going to change everything. I mean, I knew when we decided to do this that it would. But I think the reality is just now actually hitting. And this is going to change everything. And I'm not sure I'm ready for that to happen."

"Ah. I see," he replied. His tone was neutral, leaving her afraid she'd upset him. Aedan struggled for words she could use to correct things, but he never gave her a chance. His hands rose and cupped her cheeks, framing her face so that she was forced to look directly at him. The tenderness in his eyes, the understanding, was breathtaking. But it was the deeper emotions in them that actually had her holding her breath. "Ma mie, you are strong enough to weather any storm that blows your way. You survived the hell of your childhood. Not only did you survive, but you put aside the horrors you faced to create a family for yourself. You thrived, found friendship and love despite living through things that should have left you bitter and angry and resentful. You have stood tall and strong in the face of adversity. You defeated your enemies, despite the fact that you should not have been able to manage such a feat. You have proved yourself capable time and again. You have nothing left to prove. No one to prove anything to. You are strong and powerful in your own right. You have nothing to fear."

"Do you really mean that?" she asked, voice barely a whisper.

Jean Claude smiled then, the softest and gentlest smile he'd ever gifted to her, and he pulled her closer so that he could press his lips against hers. The pressure was barely there and her eyes had only just fluttered closed when he drew back a mere fraction of an inch. All she had to do was lean forward and she could reinstigate the kiss. But his hold on her face tightened ever so slightly, prompting her to open her eyes and look at him. The intensity of his stare stole her breath. Made her heart pound in her chest. "Aedan. Ma mie." His voice was barely loud enough to fill the back of the silent limousine. "Je t'aime, my sweet. Je t'aime."

Her eyes went wide at the simple, honest truth in his words. At the feeling in them. At the meaning. She didn't know how it was possible. There was a part of her that didn't want to believe him. That part was sure he was simply telling her what he felt she wanted to hear. Why would he love someone like her? How could he love someone like her? She was...

"Aedan," his voice cut across her thoughts, pulling her back from the edge. She blinked at him and, this time, she saw the truth in his eyes. Saw it in the tender smile he was giving her. Felt it echoing through the link that bound them together. "I love you. I am in love with you. I cannot say when it happened. Perhaps it came to pass the moment I first laid eyes on you. Perhaps it was much later than that, when you willingly and foolishly offered yourself up to a demon in Rhiannon's place. Perhaps it was more recently still, when you destroyed Vittorio in order to save me. It does not matter when it happened. Only that it has happened. I love you."

His words made tears well up. Aedan fought to keep them from falling. She was sure, if she let them fall, that they would totally ruin her makeup. Jean Claude offered her another of those small, secret smiles before gently tugging her toward him.

She went without complaint or hesitation, her lips finding and pressing to his eagerly. They were soft against her own, as if he was the one who was hesitant and unsure. Or as if he was treating her like some kind of priceless treasure to be protected at all costs. Her heart swelled with emotion. Her hands slid into his hair so that she could cradle his head between them. And she feasted on his mouth, reveled in the gentle pressure of it against her own. She sighed when his hands slid from her cheeks to her throat, then down so that they nudged the wrap from her shoulders. When her shoulders were bared to his touch, his fingers trailed across her collar bones with feather light caresses. They stopped at the shoulder joint and waited there, palms curled around her upper arms.

The kiss deepened, her lips parting when he put more weight into his. The tip of his tongue traced her lower lip before slowly easing its way into her mouth. She felt his tongue glide against her own, felt it delve and explore at a snail's pace. And then he was consuming her.

The press of his mouth on hers grew heavier. The slide of his tongue on hers became more insistent. The hold of his hands on her became more possessive. Thoughts of the evening spun away, driven from her mind by the wordless promises spoken in the press of his mouth to hers. In the gentle encouragement offered by the weight of his hands upon her skin. Forgotten was her anxiety. The people who awaited them. She forgot everything but the feel of him against her. The touch of his skin to hers. The weight of his mind against her own. The power that coiled around them, his and her own, binding them together with a web woven from glimmering, colorful strands of magic. She didn't care if they ever got to the party. All she cared about was the here and now. About Jean Claude and everything his silence told her was hers.

Almost as if driven by the same thoughts, their hands began to rove slowly over one another. His hands slid from her arms to the upper curves of her breasts, fingers teasing feather soft trails against the swell of flesh there. Shivers raced up and down her spine, fanned the banked coals of need until they burned hot and bright throughout her body. Her fingers worked at the buttons on his waist coat, at the crisp white shirt beneath it, so that she could slip them beneath the fabric and feel his flesh against her palms. So that she could stroke her fingertips across the hardened discs of his nipples. So she could drag them down the hard ridges of his abs until she could tease the indentation of his belly button.

Rationally, she knew they shouldn't be engaging in this. She knew that their guests were waiting. But she didn't care. All she wanted was the feel of his mouth on hers. The feel of him inside of her. The feel of their passion filling them and the car around them. She wanted in the worst way. And she didn't want to stop wanting. Not ever.

"You know we can be late to our own gala," he whispered against her lips. She drew a breath, lungs begging for air, and forced her eyes to open. He was staring at her with hunger in his eyes. Eyes that held so much passion and desire and need that they were black as the night sky. "If that is what you would like."

"There's nothing else I want more," she replied, her voice a husky whisper. Her hands shifted away from his chest to the fly of his dress pants, intent on freeing his cock from their depths. He caught them with his own, putting an end to her plans with a rueful look and the press of his lips against each palm.

"Patience, ma mie," he told her. He put her hands in her lap and, using his vampiric speed, worked his pants down to his ankles. Then he was tugging her into his lap, hands working on the zip hidden under her arm as he did so in order to loosen the bodice of her gown. At the same time, she worked at pulling her skirts up and out of the way. Before she could even consider settling herself down in his lap, his fingers were there to nudge her panties aside and slip deep inside of her body.

Aedan groaned softly, back arching as sensation ran through her. Jean Claude took the action as an invitation and settled his mouth over one of her nipples, leaving Aedan to wonder when he'd managed to tug the top of her gown and the strapless bra beneath it down. His lips sucked at the captured nipple, drawing it as far between his lips as he could. She shuddered at the pull of him suckling at it, then groaned again when his fangs grazed the tender flesh teasingly. All the while, the pair of fingers between her thighs stroked in as deep as they could go, pulled back to tease her nether lips, then plunged in again. His thumb would occasionally stroke her clit, drawing her closer and closer to her breaking point.

The orgasm stole over her like a thief in the night, her body tensing around his fingers as she came undone just a little bit. Her breath hitched, then came spilling out of her throat on a high pitched sound that echoed around the interior of the limousine for a moment or two before fading. His fangs scraped a nipple, sending a ripple of pleasure twined with pain racing along her nerves. Even before the orgasm died, Jean Claude was replacing his fingers with his cock, the thick head slipping into her body despite the way her muscles were clenched.

Just having him inside of her like that almost saw her flying apart. Aedan's hands found his shoulders for a moment or two, used them to steady herself. His hands slid behind her to cup her ass through the heavy velvet of her gown, to shift her up and down over his hard cock. When he'd found his rhythm and she no longer needed to steady herself, she moved her hands so that they rested on his thighs behind her. It drove her further down over him, changed the angle of his thrusts and gave him full access to her breasts. He needed no further invitation.

Her breath hissed from her throat when his mouth closed hot and hungry around her nipple. The tip puckered up under his onslaught, his tongue laving at it between the tiny nips his teeth gave. Sensation ran down her spine, each little ping of pain making her hips jerk into his so that he ended up buried deeply inside of her. Their bodies were pressed so tightly together that she didn't think there was room to slip a had between them. And yet, he somehow found a way to thrust up into her like that, short and slow strokes that teased the flames higher without bringing her the fulfillment of complete pleasure.

Everything slid away from her except the feel of his mouth against her skin and the thick length of his cock filling her and the rasp of her breath in the stillness of the car. His lips moved lazily, shifting from one breast to the other. His tongue would trail heat against the swell of flesh while his teeth nipped and his fangs grazed here and there. She knew it for the promise it was meant to be. At the same time, his hips shifted himself up into her. His strokes were long and slow. Fast and shallow. But always hard. So hard that she felt like there would be bruises left behind when they were finished. It was as if he was taking the opportunity to fully and completely mark her as his own, so that the world knew that they belonged together.

The very idea sent pleasure flushing through her, sparking a series of small tremors that rocked her body until she was forced to once more cling to him. And she realized, hands buried in his silken hair and fingers twined around it, that he could do this all night. Fuck her and keep her just on the edge until she lost her mind with the need for completion. And he would, too, until she begged him to end it. Until she cried out her need and pleaded for the heady burst of orgasm.

"We have guests," she panted softly.

"Let them wait," he replied lazily, rolling his hips up into hers.

"You want someone to come looking for us?" she whispered, leaning in to leave a trail of kisses against the column of his throat. He groaned softly and gave a particularly strong thrust that bowed her spine.

"The doors are locked. The Wicked Truth stands guard. No one will disturb us," he said, tone firm. "You were the one who did not want to face our guests." It was a reminder of the conversation they'd been having only a short time before the need had become too much.

"I know. But I'd rather deal with them now so that I can have the rest of the night for this," she replied.

"Aedan, we have the rest of eternity for this," he reminded her, accompanying his words with another thrust that drove breath and thought completely away.

"Tease," she accused, then leaned in to take his lips with her own. Jean Claude's hands rose from her ass to find her breasts, fingers manipulating her flesh until her nipples were far too tight and they ached with need. The same need that had been growing in her belly since the very beginning. The same need that was starting to beg for release. "Please, Jean Claude. I need more," she begged.

"As you wish, ma mie," he replied, hands shifting from her breasts to her face once more. He leaned in to offer her his lips. She took them, allowing herself to fall into the kiss completely. His tongue pressed between her lips, once more slid against her own. And his hands lifted away, moving to caress her neck. To slide up until they found the elegant updo into which the stylist had worked her hair. His fingers speared it and pulled, sending sparkling hair pins flying around the back of the limo so that her hair cascaded down around her shoulders. Then his fingers twisted into her long tresses and tugged gently, inching her back until her spine was bowed and her breasts thrust forward.

She settled her hands on his shoulders, did her best to rock her hips in time with his thrusts. It was an uncomfortable position and she might have straightened, but one hand remained twined in her hair while the other came to rest on her bared breast. His mouth took up residence on its twin and his lips once more started suckling at the nipple. Sensations combined and grew, building from a few crackling flames to a raging fire that threatened to consume her. Despite their position and the limited space in the back of the limo, he managed to thrust himself up into her hard and fast. The fire burned higher and higher, eating away at her ability to think. All she could do was feel, body moving of its own accord as it reached for the pleasure promised by his questing hands and his feasting mouth and his driving cock.

And then he pulled her down over him, sealing their bodies together at the groin so tightly that she didn't know where she ended and he began. His mouth caught her breast, tongue licking against the tight peak of her nipple in order to draw a gasp up her throat. Then his fangs broke skin and sank deep. The pain of it broke the thin control she had on the blazing fire. It spilled out into every inch of her body, consuming her and filling her with pleasure all at once. She keened out her release, fingers curling into his shoulders while he filled her with himself, hips jerking fast and hard while he came.

Aedan swore she saw stars.

She came back to earth to find herself cradled in Jean Claude's arms. He was whispering to her in French, words she didn't recognize. But she understood everything he said and she cuddled close. It would be so easy to drift off like that. But it wasn't to be. He chuckled softly, his chest moving against hers so that the crisp material of his waist coat and dress shirt rubbed against her bared breasts. Her nipples were tender and sensitive, drawing a gasp of pained surprise up her throat. Reality returned and she was left acutely aware of the fact that there were people still waiting for them.

"Damn," she whispered.

"Indeed. Come, ma mie," he said before his hands began fussing at her clothing. "Allow me to help you right your clothing."

"Only fair, since you wronged it," she replied. He gave her a smile, fingers already working at putting the strapless bra back in place. She focused her attention on his buttons, carefully slipping them back into the button holes so that his shirt and then his waist coat were done back up. She made a show of tugging the white bowtie straight, then obligingly lifted her arm so he could pull the zip on the dress back up. When the bodice was in place, she gathered her skirts in preparation of climbing off his lap. But Jean Claude took hold of her waist and lifted her off him, settling her on the seat beside him. She watched as he righted his trousers, then he reached for something settled on the seat beside him. His hand came up with a box, all in black with no markings on its lid. But she knew a jeweler's box when she saw one. "Jean Claude?"

"Something special to mark the occasion," he replied, one hand lifting the lid on the box. Aedan stared at the contents a bit before turning her attention his way.

"This is too much." And it was. Inside the box, nestled within black velvet, was a simple chain that gleamed in the pale light. Strung on the chain was a pendant. At the top was a single round diamond. Hanging from that was a delicate chain to which a teardrop shaped sapphire of deepest blue was attached. It was surrounded by diamond chips. A pair of earrings also rested in the box. They matched the necklace exactly, a round diamond at the top with a deep blue sapphire teardrop attached by a thin chain.

"I beg to differ," he remarked, already lifting the necklace from the box. She had no choice but to gather her hair up and turn so that he could hook the simple and elegant piece around her neck. The chain was long enough that it rested just above her cleavage. Even in the dim light, the diamonds twinkled and flashed. He watched as she put the earrings on, earning her a smile and one last kiss. Then he reached for her wrap and offered it to her.

"Shall we, ma mie?" he asked lightly, one hand moving for the door handle.

"I think I'm ready to face the press," she replied. Then she shot him a grin. "Just do me a favor and make sure Wicked and Truth aren't looking when I get out. I've got to fix my panties before we go."

His laughter filled the car, a velvet touch that caressed every inch of her body, inside and out. Aedan shuddered and drew a breath. Yep. She was as ready as she was going to get.

~*~*~*~*~

The crowd was getting restless. He could tell. There was no one sign to give it away, but he'd been around crowds enough in his life to know the signs. Of course, that might be because their hosts were nearly an hour late. He could only imagine what kind of trouble they'd gotten into without someone to watch their backs. And while he could acknowledge that the Wicked Truth were good at their job, he was better. "Relax, Ted. I'm sure they're fine," Donna said, as if she was reading his thoughts. Maybe she was, in a way. He was sure that the look on his face was a clue.

"There's no telling who else is out there, trying to end her life," he replied, sipping at the goblet of water he'd chosen for himself. Donna was enjoying the expensive champagne that was being served, and she'd already helped herself to some of the delicacies being served in the other room.

"She's a big girl. She can take care of herself. Besides, she's with Jean Claude, isn't she?"

"She is. And I agree that she can mostly take care of herself. But no one is infallible. And she put a target on her back. Someone should be watching it," Edward replied quietly.

"Ted, I love you. And I know you care about her. She's family, after all. I know you want to protect her. But I would be lying if I said I like the idea of it being your back people take pot shots at. Trust that Aedan can take care of herself and trust that Jean Claude employs people who are as good as you are," Donna told him.

"No one is as good as I am," he returned, not an ounce of boasting in his words. Donna gave him a look that said she was going to call him on his ego, but her attention was drawn to the way party goers were migrating toward the back wall. Instinct told him that the wayward hosts were about to make their entrance and that prompted a scan of the area for any possible threats. He found none that seemed likely, though he did make note of where all of the hired guards were standing.

Conversations began to peter out here and there. He watched as heads turned to the left and stared up at the balcony. He made note that those who were watching were preternaturals and it was only after a good number of party goers turned their heads that the humans began doing the same. "Something's happening," Donna said. While the announcement was unnecessary, he was taken by the touch of excitement in her voice. To be fair, being invited to such a grand event was a big deal for her. She'd tried to argue with him about going because she'd felt she'd be out of place. But the decision had been made for her when he'd called Aedan and let her tell Donna that she was absolutely meant to attend simply because Aedan wanted her there.

"I suspect our hosts are about to arrive," he replied. Donna simply nodded and turned her attention toward the far side of the balcony, where heavy drapes of black velvet hung near the wall. No doubt there was an entrance hidden behind the material. Edward wondered, briefly, where their hosts were coming from because no one had seen them arrive.

As if by some unspoken cue, the music swelled, a flourish of high notes underscored with a gently plodding rhythm that simply came to an abrupt halt to leave echoes of themselves hanging in the air. Then the curtains parted and Jean Claude stepped through, one of Aedan's hands clasped in his. The vampire was clad as all the other men were, in a tux with tails and a white bow tie and waist coat. Even from the distance, Edward could see the faint flash of blue from the satin stripe on the leg of his trousers. Having seen how the other men from his kiss were dressed, Edward was sure the buttons on his waist coat matched that blue flash. Jean Claude had left his hair long, the curls tumbling about a pale face with artless grace that would no doubt be the envy of all the women present.

His gaze slid to Aedan and, for just a moment, everything stopped. He forgot that he was looking at his cousin. Instead he found himself staring at a poised, confident woman. She was breathtaking in her evening wear. The gown was in royal blue velvet and it clung to her from torso to hips. It was an off the shoulder number where the straps rested on her upper arms, leaving her shoulders bare to the world. The neckline plunged slightly between her breasts and was decorated heavily with flashing stones that sparked like fires when the light caught them. Even across the distance, he knew the majority of them were clear, the rest in blue and black. It took a bit of squinting to figure out that the designs were snowflakes, in various sizes, that looked to be drifting down out of the sky. The rest of the gown dragged the ground, sweeping along behind her as she walked as if following adoringly in her footsteps. Her free hand was curled into the skirt, lifting the extra material so she could walk easily without tripping herself.

"She's beautiful, Edward. That gown is lovely," Donna breathed. He had to agree. He was surprised that her hair hadn't been done up in some intricate style, but he thought he liked it flowing long and free around her shoulders. She wore little ornamentation other than the makeup on her face and the sapphire that hung from a chain about her neck.

Even before the two of them were fully visible, the camera flashes started going off. Aedan bore it all with silent grace, though Edward was sure there was a tightness at the corners of her eyes and mouth that said she wasn't entirely comfortable.

Together, they stopped before the stone railing and stared out over the gathered throng. Cameras continued to flash, the electronic whir the only noise to be heard in the suddenly still, silent room. Jean Claude released his hold on Aedan's hand so that he could make a grand gesture that encompassed everyone present. A quick glance around the room showed that it was filled with many more people than it had been only a few moments ago. Apparently Jean Claude announcing his human servant to the world was big news. "My friends. Honored guests. Members of the press. Thank you all for coming to this little gathering." There was a hint of modesty in his voice, something Edward was sure had been planned for maximum effect. "We are all here tonight for one reason and one reason only. The opportunity to enjoy a lavish evening on someone else's dime."

The joke earned him a ripple of laughter that rolled effortlessly around the room. Jean Claude smiled, then raised his hands in a request for silence. The crowd went still again almost immediately. The only noise, once again, was the sound of cameras flashing as the photogs present snapped one picture after another. "In all seriousness, we are here because I want to world to know that I have chosen a new human servant."

Chosen sounded so much better than the truth. Edward had to wonder what would happen if the world knew that Anita had bound Jean Claude and Aedan together. The vampire council would likely destroy both of them out of fear. They would be right to do so.

"Many of you know that Anita Blake was my human servant. And you no doubt know by now that she was ruthlessly murdered by a group of cowards on a dark road. That night was fateful for many of us. We lost a friend. We lost a loved one. We lost a lover. For a while, I wondered if my heart would survive the loss of ma petite." There was a moment or two of silence, during which time Jean Claude allowed the world to see his sorrow. During which time, many people reflected upon their own grief and loss.

"But the world continues on despite our grief and sadness. And it brings with it new challenges. New tests. New people." Edward was sure he'd chosen to word things that way for a reason. A faint smile proved him right. He could only imagine what Aedan was going to do to him for that jab. Not that Jean Claude wasn't wrong. Still... "Anita's death brought many new faces into my life. A new Regina for the pride. A new Nimir-Ra for the pard. A new vargamor for the pack. New loves for old friends. And a new human servant for me."

The vampire turned his attention to Aedan, which prompted everyone else in the place to do the same. She faced Jean Claude, a faint smile on her face. But it belied the tension Edward could see in her shoulders that said she wasn't comfortable. But he doubted most people would know it simply by looking at her.

"I present to you Aedan Kinkade," Jean Claude continued, his hand once more taking hold of hers so that he could lift it and drop a kiss on the back of it. Then he turned her hand over and pressed a kiss to her palm. "My human servant."

Together, the two of them turned to once more face the gathered throng. Cameras flashed crazily as every reporter present snapped photo after photo after photo. After allowing them a few moments, Jean Claude once more raised his hands for silence. "And now, I bid you enjoy the evening's festivities. We shall join you shortly."

Edward watched as they turned from the railing, Aedan's head held high and her back straight. He knew the posture well and wondered if he could get away with shadowing her for the rest of the night. Someone was going to need his services. Because he knew, without a doubt, that someone would ask the wrong question and she'd be on the verge of murder in the blink of an eye. And they would need him to step in and keep them breathing.

~*~*~*~*~

The press swarmed them as soon as they stepped out into the main room. Outwardly, Aedan appeared calm and poised. Capable of handling anything that came her way. She wore a serene smile and moved slowly. Loosely. Inside, though, she was likely screaming. Jean Claude wasn't sure. While she hadn't closed herself off to him completely, there were parts of her that were still hard to reach. He supposed old habits died hard. But it didn't matter because the questions began flying the moment the press spotted them and a good portion of those questions were directed at Aedan.

She took her time answering the questions, giving thoughtful answers to the serious ones that spoke to just how capable she was of navigating the media circus. Sure, she had a temper. And it ran wild and free more often than not. But she'd learned at the hands of her father how to give the answer best suited to the question, the one that would see the scrutiny shifted elsewhere. The one that sent the spotlight shining on someone or some thing else. When someone asked about Anita, Aedan responded with the proper amount of grief and apology. Made it sound like she was seeking their forgiveness for not being able to save the other woman. He knew it for the ploy it was, as he knew she'd finally come to terms with the fact that there'd been nothing she could have done that night other than stay in the car and survive.

A female reporter asked her about her taste in clothes, about whether or not she had a favorite designer. She admitted that she did not, saying that it would make little sense for her to wear designer clothing when she was almost always at a crime scene or a zombie raising. "Blood is so hard to get out of everything, you know," she'd said with faint smile.

Questions came from every quarter and they covered so many different topics. What did she think of being his human servant? Did he treat her well or was he horrible to her? Had he ever mistakenly called her Anita instead of Aedan? So many run of the mill questions about so many unimportant things. And Aedan took them all in stride. She answered them with a smile, sometimes managing to give an answer that was no answer at all. She posed for pictures alone and by his side. She was asked what her favorite weapon was. She was asked about her powers. Anything the press could think of to ask, they asked. And she answered.

"Miss Kinkade! You're obviously an attractive woman and you're dating St. Louis' hottest bachelor." Ah. Here it came. Jean Claude had to wonder at the nerve of the speaker because, as far as he knew, no one was aware they were dating. There had been no announcement. "You two had to have had sex. So, tell us. What's your favorite position?" The question came from the back of the crowd, a hint of a leer front and center in the man's voice. Silence fell immediately. Jean Claude was sure some of it was because people were shocked. And some wanted to know what her answer would be.

Aedan made a show of considering it before she leveled a look on the brave soul. It was one Jean Claude knew meant nothing but trouble. "Usually with both hands on the butt of the gun. Feet planted shoulder width apart. Makes for a steadier shot. It means I don't miss." Her words were filled with seriousness.

The crowd tittered with laughter at her response, not realizing that she was issuing a threat. A look from Jean Claude saw two of the hired guards moving up to remove the question asker. Let it be a subtle warning to anyone else considering asking them inappropriate questions. "I believe that will be enough questions for now. This is a party, after all. Aedan and I would like to enjoy our evening. Feel free to mingle and thank you all for coming," he announced firmly. Question and answer time was clearly over.

Without waiting for a response, Jean Claude reached out and took hold of Aedan's hand. A gentle tug saw her following after him toward the back of the room. There was some grumbling behind them as the members of the press started to realize that he'd been serious about the end of the question and answer period. They'd put up with the interrogation for more than fifteen minutes and he felt they'd earned a reprieve.

Wicked and Truth, who had stood silent at their backs, followed after them. The brothers proved to be an effective barrier between themselves and the press. Party goers stopped them to offer their condolences, congratulations, and well wishes all at the same time. Aedan was the picture of elegance and grace during each encounter. But she was more than ready for a respite and he could practically feel her desire to flee back to their car vibrating through her. Given what they'd been doing only a short time ago in that car, he couldn't blame her in the slightest.

When they reached the glass wall, Aedan stood and watched the snow as is drifted down lazily. The grounds beyond the plate glass were covered in a thin blanket of fresh snow. It was the first of the year. There was no doubt more on its way. "This is going to be torture," she whispered. "Now I know the real reason you didn't want me armed tonight. I was tempted to shoot a few people back there."

"Your efforts at restraint were admirable," Jean Claude told her softly.

"I don't know how much more restraint I have," she admitted.

"If anyone gets out of line, I'll let you use my gun," Edward said as he joined them. Aedan turned and offered him a smile. Jean Claude could feel in her the urge to hug her cousin, but she refrained. No doubt because she felt it would be unwelcome in such a public setting. So instead, the action went to the woman at Edward's side.

It was the first time Jean Claude had met Edward's... He paused mid-thought. What word did one use to describe Death's girlfriend? Because girlfriend just seemed wrong. Was she his life partner? His significant other? Either way, they made a handsome couple. Edward had come in a regular tux, but he had at least worn a white tie. Donna was clad in a black gown with a moderate neckline and long sleeves that hugged her arms. The skirt was full without being a bell, and black jet beading glimmered at the neckline, wrists, and waist.

"Donna. I'm so glad you could come. Its good to see you," Aedan said after she pulled back. Edward's companion let her gaze roam up and down the length of Aedan's body, then it slid Jean Claude's way and did the same. When she returned her attention to Aedan, she was smiling knowingly.

"Thank you for inviting me. It means a lot to know you consider me family," Donna replied. "You look amazing. You both do. And this venue is just... Wow." Her gaze slid around the main room, no doubt taking everything in for a second or third or sixth time.

"Jean Claude likes to go overboard," Aedan replied. There was a touch of disgust in her voice. It brought a smile to his face. "At least I don't look like some refugee from a faerie tale this time around." The look of utter confusion Donna gave her at that statement prompted a soft huff of laughter from Edward.

"I'll explain that one to you later, honey," he promised her. That promise had Donna's gaze shifting back and forth between them, as if it would convince someone to tell the story now. Aedan shot a glare of warning Edward's way. The look bounced right off him.

"Is this a private party or can anyone join in?" The question came from Jean Claude's right. On his left, he felt Aedan tense up.

"Anyone can join. I was just leaving," Aedan retorted. Jean Claude kept her from going by simply curling his fingers around her wrist. She shot him a glare even as she tried to tug free. She refused to let her gaze slide any further left and look at the new arrival. "Let me go. This was already a trying night. You want me to behave myself in front of the press. This isn't helping. It'll only add more stress. I don't need any more crap to deal with."

"You will stay right here at my side, ma mie. I know you well enough to know that if I let you go, you will find a way to leave. The evening is barely over. You are not going to leave me to face the press alone. And you need to repair the rift in your relationship before it becomes too wide to surmount."

Aedan narrowed her gaze on him. "No more backseat nookie for you," she promised. He only smiled in return.

"I know I fucked up, Aedan. I handled things the wrong way and I hurt you and I'm sorry. If I could do it all over again, I would. And I'd find a better way. But I can't redo it. All I can do is apologize for being an asshole and ask you to forgive me."

For a moment, no one moved or spoke. Edward gave that bland look he was so good at, but Jean Claude was sure he knew what was going on. Donna looked back and forth between Aedan and their new companion, trying to figure out why an apology was being issued. And Aedan... She stood still beside him, stiff and upset and unwilling to let it go. He knew she wanted to walk away and never speak of it again. But he'd made a point of inviting Zerbrowski to the gala solely for the purpose of seeing if they could mend the growing chasm between them. He wasn't about to let her run from it now. "Aedan. Ma mie. Talk to him. He cares."

He could tell she wanted to explode in anger and hurt, could feel it vibrating along every single nerve in her body. But because of the public setting, because there were so many people watching them, she couldn't. Not without making a scene. And she knew it. He knew she knew it. He would probably pay for it later, but not now. Maybe not ever, if the two of them repaired their relationship.

"Don't think I'll forget this," Aedan whispered before finally turning to face Zerbrowski. Her face was carefully blank, but her posture screamed brick wall. "And you. Say what you came to say so we can get this farce over with. I need a drink."

"Ted?" Donna asked.

"Why don't you go get yourself some of those stuffed mushrooms? I'll be along in a little bit," Edward told his date. The suggestion was polite, but the meaning behind his words wasn't. He was going to stay in case Aedan needed him. Donna's gaze flicked to Aedan's empty expression for a moment, then she nodded and sent what must have been a dark look Zerbrowski's way. It was her way of warning him that she would not be happy with him if he upset Aedan any further. Then she pecked Edward on the cheek, put a hand on Aedan's arm to let her know Donna was on her side, then wandered off toward the tables of tempting treats.

"Aedan," Zerbrowski began, then sighed and reached up to tug at his white bow tie. He looked utterly uncomfortable in matched, pristine clothes. It added to the impression Jean Claude got from the man that he dressed in such sloppy attire to throw people off. "I'm sorry. I can't make it any clearer. I can't be any plainer. I made a mistake in how I approached things."

"No shit," she replied, voice empty. Brittle.

"How was I supposed to react? When I got that video, when I watched it and saw what happened, what was I supposed to do? Ignore that it was you? Ignore that someone tortured you like that? I like to think that you're a friend. I've watched you grow from an untried preternatural expert into a capable cop. I've watched you grow from a scared girl into a confident woman. All over the span of a few short months. And all after you were thrown into a situation that I don't think anyone else would have been able to deal with. You handled it all with an aplomb that surprised a lot of people. You're like a daughter to me, whether you believe me or not. And seeing you like that, seeing what those men did to you. I got mad. I got mad and I got scared, because I hadn't known you needed help and I wasn't able to protect you from the bad shit. Forgive me if I reacted poorly."

"No one was supposed to know," she told him, voice low.

"Why not? Why would you want to keep something like that to yourself? We're friends. We're here to help you, Aedan. That's what friends do. You don't keep a burden like that to yourself. You don't carry that kind of weight around with you. You let people help carry the load. That's how it works with friends. With family." Zerbrowski's voice was filled with sincerity.

"She didn't want to tell because she was afraid it would make her look weak," Edward informed them. Jean Claude caught a taste of her discomfort before it disappeared. "And she was afraid that you would look at her with disgust. A lasting gift from Carter Solomon."

"Has anyone ever told you you're a huge asshole?" she asked Edward, voice steady to belie the emotion simmering beneath the surface.

"All the time. You need to come up with something new," he replied, the slightest bit of a smile touching his lips. She shot him the finger and earned herself a laugh. Then she turned and looked at Zerbrowski. Her eyes were dark, filled with her vulnerability. "Now that Ted has exposed my deepest, darkest secrets..."

"You're hardly weak, Kinkade," Zerbrowski said, voice filled with seriousness. "I've met a lot of people in my years as a cop and I've seen so few with that kind of strength. It comes from being a fighter. There's nothing wrong with being a fighter. But you don't have to fight alone. That's what friends are for. That's what family is for. I am so sorry that I betrayed your trust the way I did. I'm sorry I exposed parts of you that you wanted to keep hidden. But I'm not. Because you cannot carry those things around with you. Doing so will mess your head up. Bad. I was so angry that I hadn't been able to help you when you needed it. I was angry that my friend had been in trouble and I was unable to do anything. I was angry people lied to me and kept me in the dark. I handled the entire situation the wrong way and I'll never forgive myself for the pain I caused."

"Stop it," she snarled, though there was little heat in her voice. "Stop before you make me cry. I can't afford to fuck up my make up. The press is here and they'll pounce if they see anything's amiss. Vultures."

"Well," Zerbrowski replied, a smile taking the frown from his face. "We wouldn't want that. Can I give you a hug? You look like you could use one."

Aedan gave the appearance of thinking it over. But she nodded, a small smile finding its way to her lips, and she stepped into the man's embrace. He hugged her close for a moment or two, then set her back and gave her a good once over. "Its good to see you in formal attire that isn't covered in blood and brains."

"Its a sign that the night is going well," Aedan remarked. Then she did her own once over. "I'm shocked to see you in something that isn't mismatched. Or stained. Did Katie dress you before you came all this way to grovel at my feet?"

"Right down to my shiny shoes," Zerbrowski teased.

"How you keep that woman is a mystery to me," Aedan shook her head.

"I'm a charmer," he replied, then looked over his shoulder for a moment or two. It was obvious when he saw what he was looking for. He held up a hand and made a motion toward someone, then turned back to Aedan. "She's dying to meet you. I hope you don't mind."

"Oh, I don't mind. I really need to meet the woman who puts up with your shit," Aedan returned. Her lips were edging up into a full blown smirk.

"She doesn't put up with anything," Zerbrowski assured them, earning a laugh from Aedan. Zerbrowksi's wife joined them and immediately fell into a conversation with Aedan. Jean Claude let his gaze move around the room, taking in everyone present. Taking a moment to stop on each and every one of his people there.

A sense of rightness settled over him, a heavy cloak that bathed him in warmth. For the first time in months, the world felt like it was set back to rights. There was a moment of regret, a pang that shafted through him as he thought about the loss of Anita. His loss and the world's. He would always miss her, always love her, always mourn her. But she'd found a way to give him the tools he needed to survive. And she'd given him something much more valuable. A second chance at love.

For a moment, just a brief blip of time, he felt her presence surround him. Felt her arms circle him and hug him close. Felt the love she had for him fill him to the brim and beyond. Perhaps she'd had a hand in all that had happened since her death. Perhaps since before her death. He would never know. Not that it mattered. He was sure that she'd just given him her seal of approval, that she'd found a way to let him know that she was happy for him. She was content and she was giving him her blessing.

He looked out at his people again, saw their smiles and heard their laughter. He saw love everywhere he looked. Friendship. Family. Aedan and Donna, who had returned, were deep in conversation with Katie. Edward was watching them with an indulgent look on his face. Zerbrowski looked as if he was regretting his decision to introduce Aedan and Katie.

Yes. All was right in his world.

~*~*~*~*~

The little indicator on her chat box let her know she had a message. You had sex with him in a car. Before the biggest party of your life. Tell me it was good. Daz's message suggested both curiosity and envy.

It was my Sue. She had sex with him in the back of a Rolls Royce limousine. And of course it was good. It isn't like you didn't have sex with him, too. Ldf reminded her.

That was a wild ride. The pun made Ldf roll her eyes.

I want to know if Rhia had a boy or a girl. Nan's message held a wealth of annoyance.

I really need to stop hanging out with you people! This never happened to me before I made friends with you. SFC had said that before. Ldf doubted it would happen. She also doubted SFC really minded all that much.

While I admit to enjoying being part of the group, why the hell was I pulled into the MSV for this particular fandom? Samu's question was not unexpected. But everyone knew that the virus was random and picked who it would.

Minette should have gone looking for Aedan. Of course Gin would make that comment.

I suspect, if Minette had gone looking for Aedan, Aedan would have found a weapon to threaten her with. Ldf replied.

Well, girls. We solved another MSV mystery and put another world to rights. We should be proud of ourselves. Even the words suggested Daz was pleased with herself.

What about Rhia's baby? Nan demanded.

Maybe there'll be a sequel.

(no subject)

Date: 2018-12-11 10:28 pm (UTC)
cathryne: (Jean Claude 3)
From: [personal profile] cathryne
Dude...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I think that sums it up quite well, don't you? ;-)

I know I've told you this before, but I'll say it again - I'm so amazed at how neatly you were able to tie up SO many plots. When I first started reading, I was kinda taken aback by how many plots you had going, but damned if you didn't wrap up each and every one. You amaze the hell out of me, you know that?

Gads I keep trying to formulate a decent comment, but I suck so hard at it, but suffice to say sweetie that I really love this ending (although JC and Aedan...how rude! ;-) *grinning evilly*) and this whole story SO much!

And yes, I still very very much hate you and your writing ability. :P ;-) xxoo!!!

I'm sniffling...so many feels and mixed emotions about this!

(no subject)

Date: 2018-12-15 02:30 pm (UTC)
nanaeanaven: My Mary Sue - Rhiannon Fitzpatrick (Rhia)
From: [personal profile] nanaeanaven
Brava! Well done, my dear and congratulations on finishing it! What a lovely and fitting ending. I absolutely adored it. :)

Well. Things were going to get started a little late.

Ah, yeah. LOL In all fairness though, JC is an incubus and Aedan needed the distraction. I'm also glad that she made up with Zerbrowski. It was fun seeing Donna there too.

And that snippet at the end - omg - I loved it! lol Maybe there'll be a sequel. Indeed! Get on it, woman! I need to know if Rhia has a girl or a boy first. Or somewhere in between, as Nathaniel said? He will make such a great father. I just ... I can't even. I can already see them having a gender-fluid child and how accepting he would be. Nothing's gonna shock him! lol
Page generated Jul. 4th, 2025 08:47 am
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios