Hunter reborn.

[TieMeTightly]

She had difficulty standing when Alexa left her side but still managed to do so, and her gaze returned to Michael, only to widen at the words.

She wasn't certain of what she expected him to say to her..but certainly..that wasn't it.

She didn't..couldn't focus - not until she came face to face with herself. It was the first time she saw herself. Not just the injuries..but after everything that had happened in general - the toll that it had actually taken on her.

What was worse was that her gaze did not leave the mirror - did not return to him. Almost immediately she was withdrawing, amber eyes seeming to cloud over somewhat as she quite visibly distanced herself from him despite the fact that she was barely a foot away.

She hadn't had time. Proper time to take in everything and he was forcing it upon her.

She saw every bit of damage. The depth of the wounds, visible teeth marks. And her gaze travelled lower - eyes scanning the bruises that still marked her wrists - his bite that claimed her as his mate.

The term breakdown did not seem to even come close or begin to explain what was happening.

Her heart was pounding in her head and it became clear that she wasn't even actually looking at anything in the mirror anymore, her vision unfocused - staring off at something that was unseen perhaps by everyone but herself.

"I'm sorry..."

The words were quiet, but she flinched at the slightest movement, shying away from him.

She had done it before - from Alexa, from Siobhan but now him. And not because he was upset with her - but because he was a male. The mere thought of someone touching her.

She recoiled from him rather suddenly, taking a few staggered steps back before forcibly pressing her back against the wall, only then sinking to the ground - where she looked up to still see her broken image in the mirror.

She was trembling somewhat, forcing herself to look away from her garish reflection.

She wasn't okay - but she hadn't had to believe it until she actually saw everything that had happened in the last few days.

 

[dryfter]

It was hard....hard to look at her reaction and still convince himself that she needed this. Harder still when the whispered apologies reached him.....the diminutive Celeste shying away from his touch hard enough to stumble and fall to the floor, her eyes wide and frightened in there staring.....

Frightened of him?

He could hear her pathetic cries....feel her weak struggles as she fought him feebly, arms pulling her toward him to embrace her with his warmth. She fought as hard as she could, though he doubted she even realized she was doing it. For his part, he did his best to ignore the spots where she raked him....grunting softly when her teeth found flesh, piercing deeply.....

This wasn't her.....

Was it Vargas that did this to her? Her rape? The loup garou and its attack? Or was it really him? Slowly, he eased her off the floor, her fangs still buried painfully in his shoulder......

He could feel her sudden confusion.....blood spurting from the wound as she gradually let go, smiling down at her even as he laid her back down. Celeste would heal soon enough......he just......he had to get her over her foolishness.....before it broke his heart.

"No drugs, Celeste.....I'm not going to force you this time....."

A soft hand rested on her forehead....caressing her ragged skin with a delicate touch.

"Please rest.....even if you don't want to. I need you....."

Slowly, he moved from the room.....the door's soft click echoing behind him. The soft cry of concern from the other end of the hallway marking Siobhan's instant realization that he had been hurt....

"No. I'm fine. Please just look after them until I get back."

"But Master....."

"DO AS I SAY!"

The catgirl shivered, hunkering back down on all fours again before shifting.....a tiny white kitten curled up at the doorway's edge.....

The office seemed so empty now.....devoid of all that had been there before. Even Alexa and Lord Gerald seemed absent.....

Nastaja had lost her baby.....Celeste had lost hers......and then had been raped following out orders he had given her......and then savaged to the point of disbelief at the hands of a monster he had been too weak to stop. A monster who's strength and vitality were his now.......was it that big of a deal? Gerald hadn't thought so.....but Justin had seemed almost.....jealous.

It wasn't worth it. None of it was. His mates were scattered to the winds, all but Siobhan driven to the point of insanity.....

"We found this in your car....."

The limp body of a human female slumped slowly to the ground....the scent of her only barely human.....a policewoman's garb cloaking her thin and disheveled body.....

"In....my car?"

When had Gerald gotten here anyway? And when had his gun....why was it in his hand?

"Were you....expecting me?"

The panther lord's eyes narrowed dangerously, the gun wasn't loaded with gold this time.....

"No....no.....I think I was....."

That was all it took for a soft, yet firm hand to close about his wrist....tightening until numb fingers slowly let go of the pistol grip.

"You were about to kill yourself?"

A soft and silken feminine voice......Alexa.....

"You're as stupid and stubborn as that girl you just railed on...."

"No. I'd never do that."

Both sets of eyes widened in surprise just a little, he felt like he was being judged before his peers.

"They risked everything for me.....why would I throw that away? Refuse to acknowledge it....and above all, make them all suffer as my life ended and they felt the Sundering? I was....I was just thinking is all.....about how all this came about. Celeste told me that she hunted that.....thing once.....and when they fought.....here.....it recognized her."

They had heard this all already of course.....he had spent hours telling both lords everything that had happened.

"I don't know....I just feel like I should have done more. That there was something I could do besides watch."

The hand on his wrist relaxed....thin and gentle hands slowly sliding up his arm, Alexa sympathizing as Gerald spoke.....choosing his words carefully.

"Michael.....a trueborne would have very little chance against that thing. Vargas almost pissed himself when Siobhan told us it was dead. The thought of a household of bitten doing such a thing.....granted.....Siobhan doesn't fall under that catagory, but still. To see such fierceness out of a catgirl...."

A soft smile....the lithe form of Alexa sauntering around the oak barricade that was his desk.

"You did better than anyone could have imagined. And yes, perhaps you were ineffective in the fight itself.....but have you considered just once how all of your mates came together? That's something that would never happen with Justin.....never in a million years, only the fool doesn't realize it. You....like your little fox girl.....are looking in the wrong places if you're only seeing failure."

Michael stiffened behind the desk....his head still hanging low from what he thought was going to be a continued scolding. The words of praise completely unexpected.....and.....very true.....

He hadn't thought of such things.....

 

[TieMeTightly]

Her mind was racing..but at the same time..she couldn't think. Everything was one mess inside of her head and she really wasn't sure of what was happening.

The touch. That threw her off. She was forced to be broken from whatever her mind was attempting to do to her, but there was nowhere for her to recoil as she was already against the wall - so she could fight. Instinct and reflex had her squirming as he grasped her, her whimpers and cries nearly filling the room - teeth finding skin in another attempt to get him off.

Even as he managed to lift her from the floor she wasn't keen on going - but she had less leverage - and at least her mind thought she was defending herself with the rather vicious bite.

It wasn't until he put her back onto the bed - until she had something solid beneath her again did she relax if only slightly - flinching as blood nearly erupted forth from the wound she had created - that she just seemed to realise she did actually do.

The taste of blood was fresh in her mouth and she stared up at him only for a moment, only to shut her eyes tightly as his hand came in contact with her forehead - the touch gentle despite his obvious anger with her just moments before.

He had said something about drugs - or none of them for that matter, and then nearly begged her to rest. That he needed her.

But she didn't even know who she was.

Everything that happened seemed to pull her in different directions. Her mind was at a standstill - her eyes staring off after him though after he did leave she managed to roll onto her side and curl up, drawing the blankets up around herself.

Despite the slight attempt to perhaps comfort herself, it was rather obvious that she was far from comfortable. The little spot on the floor had served as something quite stable - though she still had something to hold onto - to keep her steady perhaps.

It was almost as though she was clinging to anything that would hold her together. Michael was perhaps the only thing at this point but even he was getting frustrated with her self blame so she wasn't certain if she'd have anything soon.

She squeezed her eyes shut, perhaps trying to force herself asleep. But she couldn't.

She seemed to be caught in some sort of limbo between consciousness and unconsciousness, her eyes open and staring rather blankly, unfixed on any object - and her body remained rigid.

Some part of her heard the exchange between him and Siobhan and while she wanted to follow after, she didn't physically have the strength to fight anymore.

She felt physically and emotionally drained, and certainly looked the part. Even with open eyes everything was playing in front of her as though it was happening all over again - the exchanges with Vargas, with the beast that they managed to kill. It was any wonder why she didn't cry more often - perhaps more obvious as to why she kept herself so guarded.

Michael was the only one who actually knew her - who wanted to love her..but at the moment she wasn't sure if she could handle to even be looked at the wrong way - and what was worse was that she couldn't sleep. She couldn't rest. Exhaustion to the point where she couldn't sleep because her mind would not stop working. The conscious feeling of every injury attempting to heal when she didn't have the strength or energy for it to actually happen.

She remained tense - rigid on the bed, though unmoving, her grasp on the sheets remaining firm.

 

[dryfter]

A small hand covered her own.....feeling the knotted muscles as Celeste rigidly clung to the sheets. It was so easy to confuse inner pain for outer.....Kira's own agonized eyes rolling in Celeste's direction, smiling weakly. She had seen nothing of the confrontation between Michael and Celeste......the lithe blonde only know how grateful she was to not wake up alone.....

"Shhh.....it'll be ok.....it will all pass....."

It was hard to be brave when she herself was terrified nearly to the core. Some part of her had hoped to be able to feel her legs again once she woke next.....but still there was nothing.....just a brilliant flaring of pain where here abdomen was.....again, she couldn't bring herself to look down.....she didn't want to know. Celeste's apparent pain provided a welcome distraction to her own.....

"I'm sorry, Celeste.....I'm sorry I....I forced you...."

The memory itself brought the sweet taste of Celeste back into her mouth.....and yet.....it hadn't been what she wanted really. She could let it die at that.....Celeste would probably think she was talking about the fight.....but she couldn't......

"You must feel very awkward sharing the same bed with me......I'm sorry I did those.....those awful things to you."

It was tough to say....especially when she still found the fox vixen incredibly attractive. Yet she had decided long ago that she wouldn't ever put Celeste in such a position again.....now if only she could convince the Master......

The door to their room cracked open slightly....a tiny shifting of movement.....

"Are you still mad at me?"

More misery. A youthful face peering up at them both from the edge of the bed, hopefully. Lavender eyes narrowed just slightly as she took in the almost blank stare of the fox girl.....

"She needs our help, Kira...."

"Huh?"

Remorse turned almost instantly to concern, the gangly blonde refusing to feel the excruciating pain that shot through her thin frame as she shifted to get a better look....

"She looks so alone, doesn't she?"

The room filled with the sound of a sharp, shrill cry....even Siobhan backing slightly as Kira suddenly forced herself up onto one elbow.....tears trickling silently down her face from the action.....Celeste had said that her spine was injured....as she struggled to draw in breath around the raw and ragged nerves that had only begun to mend, she could believe it.....

"What....what's wrong with her?"

Pulling down the blanket that covered her modesty.....Siobhan laid her head to rest gently on a full breast as if it were a pillow.....

"You're not alone, Celeste.....we love you.....please don't be upset....."

Kira swallowed hard.....nasty thoughts hard to keep at bay as she looked up on her bedmate's body. She hadn't realized Celeste was naked until just now....and from the feel of the sheets draped over her own body.....so was she.

Yet she had made a promise....even if Celeste hadn't heard it.....her disheveled blonde locks descending to tickle against the flesh of the other breast just moments before the room filled with her soft sigh......a temporary relief from the pain she felt from keeping herself propped up.....her head pressed closely enough against Celeste's other breast to keep silent watch over her heartbeat.

"Don't be going anywhere on us, Celeste.....there is so much more we need to know about you....."

 

[TieMeTightly]

She couldn't help but flinch in response to the touch - but other than that there was really nothing. Internalising everything for so long seemed to be doing wonders on her mind.

Even when Kira continued after her apology, there wasn't really much reaction - she was exhausted - yes, but her words were almost muted in some way, as though she was hearing them while under water. They certainly weren't clear.

She wondered if she was actually sleeping but with her eyes open - but as she could see - she really doubted it.

They were talking about her - and she blinked slowly - perhaps in recognition that they were actually there, but she didn't respond verbally. Her body was drawn up into a ball - and the taste of blood was still in her mouth. Michael's blood.

What was wrong with her?

'We love you...please don't be upset...'

God what she would give to be upset - to just be angry and mad about everything that had happened. But she wasn't. She was terrified. She was terrified of who else would get hurt - how many children Michael would lose.

She feared death of one of them as much as she feared dying herself. Michael promised no punishment for what had happened with Vargas, with her speaking out of turn but now she wasn't so certain..and if there was - she didn't know if she would be able to handle it.

Her eyes closed slowly - but it seemed she was fighting it, not wanting to sleep despite the obvious watchful eyes. She couldn't sleep. Kira needed more attention than her - she needed to be able to feel.

She felt selfish for being upset about her own situation - about everything really - but it only managed to make her feel worse still. After a moment she glanced down at Siobhan, truly not knowing how long she had been laying like that.

"I'm not mad at you.." Her voice was quiet - but it almost sounded lost and she shifted somewhat on the bed, still refusing to let go of the sheets.

 

[dryfter]

Siobhan smiled....humming softly as Celeste finally spoke....

"Good.....please rest.....both of you. Master is worried.....he asked me to watch over you and keep you safe......if there is anything you need....."

"Water...."

While it was the least of Kira's agonies, it was one that wasn't about to go away.....and at least it was curable. The small white head of Siobhan rose slightly to look quizzically at the blonde who had seemed to share her empathy for Celeste, and had answered her call for help....

"Right away...."

Long minutes later and the edge of a cup was pressed to her lips, Kira swallowing the precious liquid until not a drop remained before assuring the anxious catgirl that she didn't need anymore....

"Thank you...."

Almost immediately, she curled back towards Celeste.....missing the warmth of the vixen's body......gently laying her head back down in the same place it had pillowed before. It wasn't long before she had lost consciousness once again.....

"You were very brave....."

The words were soft spoken....meant perhaps to soothe an inner torment. Yet it was nothing compared with the prideful swelling in her heart.....

"You must have travelled very fast.....we didn't expect you home. Master had come up with a plan that he hoped would work....and....and he gave me his gun. I hid it.....and then used myself as a decoy.....I knew he wouldn't kill me....."

Siobhan shivered.....

"It felt strange.....having someone other than Master touch me......and he was so rough. I guess that all just made it easier on me when I had to pull the trigger......"

Leaning forward, she gave Celeste a rough little lick across one cheek.

"I don't think it would have worked without you being there. I didn't get there fast enough, I think.....I think.....it would have killed Master if you hadn't made it angry at you."

A soft smile and another gentle kiss.

"So please don't be angry at yourself. You were amazing."

Lowering herself....so as to let Kira slumber....and hopefully Celeste too, Siobhan curled up, naked as usual on the floor.....

The barely controlled scent of her own arousal not likely to reach the beleagured women above.....

 

[TieMeTightly]

Almost as soon as Siobhan stopped talking with her to leave the room and get the water for Kira she seemed to stop responding again - as though needing that stimulus, the prodding..the questioning - things that almost demanded response.

And then she was back and Kira was drinking - which she knew was a good thing - hearing the water being swallowed gratefully until she had had her fill.

Her eyes struggled to focus up on Siobhan after Kira slipped again from consciousness, and Celeste shifted just slightly - trying to remain comfortable.

"You were very brave...."

She again was squinting in the dark room - and rather quickly gave up on actually finding her - instead just staring in the general direction - where her voice was coming from.

"You must have traveled very fast.....we didn't expect you home. Master had come up with a plan that he hoped would work....and....and he gave me his gun. I hid it.....and then used myself as a decoy.....I knew he wouldn't kill me....."

She of course listened to every word that escaped the catgirl's mouth, remembering how quickly she drove..her refusal to stop - refusal to give into a need of common comforts such as food or sleep.

She had had a need to get away from the place - and at the next comment she became curious if Siobhan knew what had happened. If she had been attacked when she had told Michael perhaps she didn't know.

Though she was almost certain he had had to repeat himself multiple times now.

The comment about .. someone other than Master .. touching her made Celeste regain her rigidity rather quickly, an almost echoed shudder running through her slender frame before shutting her eyes tightly.

She couldn't help but wonder if Shio knew how easy she had had it.

And then she continued with a little bolster of how making the beast mad had helped the plan, made her feel like less of a failure on her part, but as always there was the thought that she should have done more or that she could have prevented the injury to Kira.

She didn't know how long it took her to actually begin to fall asleep - to get the rest that she had literally been denied for days now - but even when her eyes did finally manage to shut, she still remained tense upon the bed - as though completely alert of her surroundings - in case something did happen to pop out or attack - there was a dire need to be ready - and that need was driven by fear.

 

[dryfter]

Siobhan sighed softly....her head lifting as a shadow fell over her curled ball of a body.

"They're sleeping...."

Though neither looked truly asleep, Celeste wearing a look of stark terror on her face even in slumber, coupled with Kira who trembled and shook....her pain neverending even as her mind sought to escape it. Still....Michael gazed on in amazement at the two.....the thought that Celeste would even allow her to lay the way she was.....

Perhaps there was hope yet.

"Is their room to slide a chair in here?"

He kept his voice low, moving only at her nod, Siobhan hustling out of the way as moments later, he returned with a sturdy chair he had always known Kira to have in her room. The girl had an unquenchable appetite for romance novels....even the nasty kind.....and he had caught her up late more than once with book in hand. It was a side of her that she kept very close to herself.....and he'd kept her secret all this time.....

His shoulder was wrapped in gauze where she had bitten him, and still he didn't complain. Alexa had proven quite skilled once more in her abilities to tend the injured.....he was beginning to see where Angel had found most of her own skills. It was almost a shame to see the both of them go.....

"I want you to let me know as soon as you think she is able to function on her own again, Siobhan.....or should I call you, Shio?"

The teen jumped slightly, startled by the affectionate little nickname coming from anyone other than Celeste's lips. Turning towards him with wide eyes, she blushed furiously.....

"That....what ever pleases, Master."

He found it in himself to smile gently at her....though it was short lived.

"Gerald and Alexa have gone home.....they will be back tomorrow.....and they'll be bringing Nastaja."

A simple nod.....her eyes lowering in sadness......she had heard......

"So I'll have three to look after then?"

A solemn shake of the head.

"No. I think you'll find Celeste impossible to keep in bed tomorrow. So when she wakes up.....I need you to be very.....diplomatic with her."

While the catgirl's eyes shown with their usual docial intelligence, right now, the faintest beginnings of confusion began to stir as well. Sighing softly, Michael smiled.

"If she wonders why I'm not here.....tell her I've been with her all night, which will be the truth. Tell her....tell her that she's free to leave her room.....her wounds are garish.....but they shouldn't hinder her much by tomorrow if we're lucky. I'll be....needing her help with something."

Eyes to the ground again.....dared she show her master the disapproval she truly felt?

"Master....."

Something must have revealed itself in her tone.....because when he spoke next, his actions became terrifyingly clear.....

"Kira is out....not even her regeneration is going to have her up again for at least a week. Nastaja isn't emotionally stable right now.....and I need you to watch over them both. That leaves Celeste."

"For what?"

She was getting a pronounced feeling of dread....

"I angered Justin today....calling him out in front of Lord Gerald like that. I was fortunate that Julian backed me up....his own son."

The catgirl nodded, this she already knew.

"Well with Gerald there, Justin could hardly take any form of retribution. But...."

Siobhan swallowed hard....but what?

"But....he has something of mine yet....."

"Angel!"

Gone was the submissive look in the girl's face.....her eyes narrowing, shifting to their feral form in a blink......the room filling with a soft hiss......

"Calm yourself....you'll wake them."

Glancing back at the two women on the bed, Siobhan hardly calmed down. If that bastard stole the Master's last child......why?.....why couldn't she do more? She'd get Celeste to go tomorrow....if it killed her in doing so. The disheveled little vixen was going to get to see a whole new side of her friend when dawn broke.....

"Tell her that she can come.....but only if she agrees to help with Kira and Nastaja when we get back. She really does need to spend more time out of her own little shell.....it might be good for her."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wet.....rough.....insistant......

Her tongue snaking from between her lips, the catgirl had begun to wash Celeste's face.....and all the sweat she had created overnight.....at the first sign of dawn. She even went so far as to get up and give her a good shake when she tried to roll over....dislodging the sleeping Kira.....who never woke.

"Get up, dammit!"

She had to hurt yet.....Siobhan felt terrible waking her, and yet her sleep had seemed anything but restful....her muscles constantly clenching and unclenching in her sleep, her hands balling the sheets in her fists. It was amazing that she hadn't rolled over until now....almost as if she knew that staying still provided some form of comfort to Kira.....

She was ready for any attack, half expected one from a lycan woken up so abruptly. She had bitten the Master last night, and yet.....he hadn't been angry, so it wasn't something she was going to push right now.....not when she had important orders.

"Are you good enough to walk?"

Siobhan settled back down on her haunches.....carefully waiting for the vixen to try. She still looked awful.....but if she could walk.....could move.....she could be of help.

"Celeste.....Master needs you......please?"

And she started relaying all Michael had told her to.....

 

[TieMeTightly]

She hadn't dreamt - in fact she wasn't sure that she had actually slept. She was unconscious but something had been awake the entire time - and that part had known something was wrong.

So when the cat girl cursed in her face her eyes snapped open - though didn't focus at first. She managed a near growl at the girl hovering over her - dislodging her from what had been the only rest she had gotten despite the fact that it was far from restful.

Celeste was reluctant to move - but managed to sit up - wincing as she did so, and rather reluctantly getting to her feet. She could walk - she could force herself to walk.

Her amber gaze scanned the room cautiously and despite being visibly shaken - nearly jumping at any slight sound or shadow in the place, she struggled to bring back some form of composure..to bring back the hunter even if it took a good bit of acting to do so.

She failed miserably at looking the slightest bit composed, however even as Siobhan spoke, Celeste was on her way out of the room. Every step caused her body to protest - though she mad her way to her room, rather quickly pulling on a skirt and low cut tshirt, pulling her hair back from her face.

Her breathing was somewhat uneven as she stood in the room, moving to the bathroom and nearest mirror. She still looked awful, beyond exhausted, but she knew it was the lack of sleep - actual sleep that was doing it. She may have to be drugged in the end just to recover from everything. But not now.

"We're going to bring Angel back, Shio.."

Her voice trembled as she spoke, but she forced a smile and a slight nod.

"I..I just...have to go back.."

Go back. She had to go back to Vargas to get Angel back. She had to go back to the place that she never wanted to go back to, to the place that Michael promised she wouldn't have to go back to. And yet here she was, standing and ready to bring back the woman she took there in the first place.

 

[dryfter]

It was with soft and caring arms that he met her. He knew she probably hated it....or perhaps it was different because it was him, but he kept her close as he led her back to the car she knew so well now. He would be driving this time....and that left Celeste plenty of time to heal on their way there....speeding wasn't on the agenda.

Gravel spinning beneath the tires, Michael gave a last worried glance back at the manor. They were all so vulnerable now.....and they were leaving them. Angel had to be brought home......at least Gerald had left a few warriors behind to watch over them.....

Silence hung heavily over the car. He could hear her pained and labored breathing. While Celeste looked slightly better.....the muscle beginning to knit itself over the exposed bone even now, the vixen still looked a ragged painful mess. Michael could only handle so much of the quiet however.....his eyes never leaving the road as one of them finally opened their mouth to speak....

"So.....about this new girl."

He could feel more than see Celeste stiffen, despite how softly the words were spoken.

"They brought her to me.....they found her in the trunk of the car. She reeks of Angel.....and of what she may turn into. Is there more to this story than what I haven't already figured out?"

 

[TieMeTightly]

Celeste was in the mix of a daze and a panic. At times during getting ready to go she seemed perfectly content with seeming perfectly calm with the situation while at other times..she looked as though she wanted to crawl out of her skin.

And perhaps she did want to actually do just that. The mere thought of returning to that place made her tremble. Not really or fear of what would happen if she went back as Michael would be going with her but simply having to relive it. She already had a flair it seemed to remember things vividly as she slept, and another visit to the place seemed only to make her more terrified of what she may remember as well as terrified to see who had set it all in motion.

When Michael met her she did all that she could not to pull from him. Eve with his arms around her - knowing it was him - his entire self nearly surrounding her she was shuddering, wishing she was still in bed - not on her way to where they were going. But he did not relent, taking her to the car, allowing her to slip into the passenger's seat.

She said nothing, glad to not have arms or hands anywhere near her as she settled into the seat of the car, seeming to almost slump in it as though trying to get comfortable.

Her eyes were focused on the mirror - and she was scanning herself. Her face - the healing process, but mostly she was staring simply at herself - at her eyes that seemed almost lost.

When Michael spoke she blinked a few times as though forcing herself back into a full state of consciousness and concentration - but the words made her cringe. She'd forgotten about the woman. The stupid cop.

"I tried to stop her."

Her words shook slightly, but she simply let her head hit against the window, both the stinging pain she caused herself from the slight motion and this new remembrance of what happened drawing a groan from her lips.

"We were followed...Angel said to keep going. I could have lost her - but she said to keep going..and then she bit her.."

Her breathing was somewhat uneven as she shifted uncomfortably in the seat now, shaking her head.

"I just wanted to get there and back. Drop Angel off...get help..and come back..But it wasn't ever to be that easy."

Her heartrate was picking up rapidly, and she slowly lifted her gaze, though it wasn't to Michael, instead to the road - to the lines, almost trying to find something to calm herself down - to mesmerize herself.

"He won't just..give her back..he'll want something...he...he'll want something from you. No matter what..don't give up the child. He can't..won't have that."

She could just imagine how it would all go - walking in - seeing eyes on her - eyes that had so hungrily scanned her body when she had been bound on the bed.

She wasn't even trying to calm herself at this point, getting a bit fidgety in the seat and looking out the window, her breathing heavy as her fingers clutched at the fabric of the skirt.

"He's going to want something.."

She repeated herself, a bit quieter now, and simply nodded afterward as though agreeing with her own comment.

 

[dryfter]

"He's going to want something..."

Fingers tightened around the steering wheel, his scowl deepening. That thought had already occured to him. And the fact that he had to go onto his opponent's turf.....

The lines on the highway were a blur....Michael's skin darkening beneath his mounting anger, the night air blissfully silent. With a fierce scowl, his mind churned over the possibilities.....and just how much of a disadvantage they were both at.

-------------------------------------------------------

It was all too soon before manor gates that it seemed he hadn't seen in forever, loomed before him. Cold steel swung open before the now dusty Corvette.....proof that they were expected.

A pair of stern looking warriors moved to greet them as Michael heard the passenger seat car door slam, Celeste having exited the vehicle at the exact same time he did. Every muscle in his body was tense....almost as if he were expecting a fight. Yet what chance did he have in a place like this? The fox clan outnumbered them at least a thousand to two.

"This way please, sir."

Without another word, the light haired male turned to lead the way, his companion sliding soundlessly behind Celeste to bring up the rear. If he had heard of the vixen's last trip here, or what had happened to her, it was unreadable on his impassive face.

"Are you sure we're going the right way?"

This was bad. They had just passed where he knew the Lord's private housing was.....and that meant......hell, he didn't know what that meant.

"Yes, sir. Please relax, we're almost there."

Words he wished he could follow. Just relax. Yeah right.

Sliding gracefully across a well kept lawn and through a canopy of trees, Michael was surprised to see a rather modest looking building well hidden by a natural windbreak of pine....

It wasn't until he heard the definitive wail of a newborn that he understood.

 

[TieMeTightly]

Celeste was silent the rest of the way, occasionally looking up at him, reading unmistakable anger, perhaps even fear - but she said nothing. Perhaps if she had been in a slightly different state of mind she would have attempted to comfort him in some way, but she couldn't think even of a way to do that.

The hours were long as the car swept rapidly across the highway, her eyes staying open the rest of the journey. She had to be awake now, if not for any other reason except that she needed to make certain that he was alright.

When they finally did arrive, the hairs on her arms and the back of her neck stood up immediately, a shudder running through her body. Despite this, she got out of the car albeit shakily, shutting the door in time with Michael's.

With a bit of difficulty she followed Michael through the gate but it was obvious that she was extremely jumpy. Any slight rustling of trees seemed to even have her on extreme edge.

The looks on the guard's faces did not put her at ease, nor did the fact that they were passing to somewhere she had not been before. Had they done something to Angel? She couldn't be sure - though she would personally go for Vargas's throat should he have done something.

Celeste stayed behind Michael, but only just a step. She knew she still looked quite terrible from the fight - but at this point she was near certain that exhaustion was making everything worse.

It was when she heard the screams of the child that she stopped - but only just briefly.

Her heart began pounding rather loudly and without thought or hesitation she moved quickly - past the man leading them and toward the little building with no other thought than to bring them both home safely..and get as far away from this place as she possibly could..as quickly as she possibly could.

 

[dryfter]

If Celeste had thought to waltz in to a grand welcome with Angel and a newborne child, that thought passed the moment that the doors opened before her anxious pull. Row after row of beds lined the one room building with retractable curtains separating those who needed privacy from the rest of their kin.

Mothers lay in various states, some cradling and rocking their new bundles of joy, while others attempted to breastfeed the hungry, and still others halted their soft singing at the sudden intrusion Celeste and Michael presented. More than one set of eyes narrowed dangerously....protectively.....at the pair of them, a male.....and a hideously wounded female fox. Suddenly, it became quite apparent why an escort might have been needed.....

Those who could find the strength slid from their beds, bristling at their presence even while glancing nervously at their children. A huge nursery had been set up towards the back......and the closer their guards brought them towards it, the higher the tension got......

"Relax girls......he's here for the panther. Angel sweetie! You've a visitor!"

For a second, Michael's eyes fixed upon a rather bold vixen.....her own belly swollen large enough to announce that her time was very nearly upon her as well. Judging from most of the fox clan women he had met over his precious few years as a lycan.....this one was unusually bold.....

Almost as one, it seemed like the entire room was suddenly testing the the air, judging their scent for themselves.....calming as they weighed the lone vixen's words. It had to be true, didn't it? Why else would a panther male risk coming here? He certainly wouldn't be claiming any mates among the already claimed!

A tired, yet healthy head lifted off her pillow.....a head of onyx in a sea of reds, auburns, and golden blondes. Her smile told all, as Angel waited for them, her eyes widening in sudden horror as her gaze raked across Celeste.

"Celeste! What happened! Are you ok?! Is it dead?!"

Michael shifted uncomfortably, noting the immediate silence in response to the question. Mothers who were so agitated just a second ago, now as silent as the morning dawn.....

"It's dead, Angel. It put up a helluva fight....and Kira and Celeste took the brunt of it. We're all alive though.....I laid a trap for it, and Siobhan was more than able to finish it off."

That did little to alleviate the pantheress' concerns.

"Siobhan killed it?! Are you kidding me? The girl can barely walk, much less kill a....."

She didn't finish her sentance, catching herself at the last second, and hoping that her visitors would come to the same conclusion as she did. Such things were best not talked about in a place of rest and healing. They had already upset their surroundings once.....

"We've come to take you home. If you'd like, I can tell you the rest of the story later.....or Celeste if you prefer as I'll be most likely concentrating on the road."

------------------------------------------------------------

"Is he gone yet?"

A warrior stood stoicly as his lord paced, scowling.

"We've led them to the nursery as you commanded, Lord Vargas. They should be getting ready to leave now."

The lycan lord threatened to create a permanent path on the hardwood.

"Make sure nothing impedes them. I want them off my land expediently, yet politely. With any luck, it'll be years before I have to tolerate that bitten piece of shit in my clan hold again."

"Understood."

"And Julian?"

The warrior flinched.

"He is in his room.....recovering well."

Finally, a pause in the pacing, the guard fixed with a steely eye before a gentle, curt nod.

"Very well. He'll not speak out against me again any time soon, I'd wager."

 

[TieMeTightly]

Celeste stopped herself when she saw the rows of women in their beds..a place of rest and care, she was certain - though when they all seemed to be ready to spring from their beds she couldn't help but hesitate - until Michael came behind her as well as the other men - and only then did she follow again.

When she was questioned almost immediately by Angel she shied away somewhat, practically hiding herself behind Michael in order to hide what she actually looked like from all of them in the room.

She didn't answer save a slight nod, and Michael did well to distract from her by speaking just slightly of what happened.

Remaining silent, amber eyes scanned the room curiously - her mind almost immediately wandering to Julian - wondering why he wasn't the one to greet them as she was certain that he would be happy to see her - maybe not Michael but her at least.

She did well to nearly sneak away from them..wanting to get out of there and back into the open, slipping out the front doors quietly.

It wasn't that she wasn't thrilled that Angel was alright and that they would be able to freely take her home, it was mostly that she nearly felt claustrophobic with all of those women in various states of being 'with child'.

Her heart was racing as she nearly stumbled away from the building, her chest heaving as she attempted to calm herself - and perhaps get rid of the reminder of what she had lost.

A hand immediately went to her stomach as she walked rather quickly away from that reminder, pressing her palm against the side of the car when she reached it.

This place seemed to be a place that reminded her of anything and everything bad - Without any trouble getting Angel home, she wanted nothing to do with it..and more than that wanted to get as far away from Vargas as she possibly could before he changed his mind.

 

[dryfter]

"It's a girl."

Angel's voice was quiet, yet none missed the soft undertone of disappointment in the new mother's voice. Several in the room scowled at her as if she were ungrateful, while others frowned softly.....as if they understood and sympathized.

"She's a beautiful girl."

Angel's soft grey eyes widened suddenly as she looked at him, judging the honesty of his face as he held the sleeping child in his arms for long minutes before passing her back to her mother.

The guards waited patiently, ever watchful, as Michael gathered his family and they moved slowly back to the car. The babe slept blissfully the entire way, stirring only enough to coo in her sleep once.....bringing a soft smile to those around her.....

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Bringing up the rear of the assembly, he could feel the vixen before him jump slightly at his touch. It was nothing indecent.....though her reaction was understandable. His brother had told him everything that had happened to her just a few days prior.....and how she looked now......well he was glad that he would never allow his own mates to fight that hard.....

She was something else.

The tiny little envelope pressed into her palm until he could feel her fingers close around it, his voice low enough for her and her alone to hear.

"A present....from my brother. Powdered foxglove. It comes with some risk, so don't take it lightly. But always remember.....you're not worthless, you've proved that.....not to him.....and not to your Master. He's sorry that he couldn't come and see you himself.....but he's been otherwise detained by Father. I'm afraid Father didn't take too well to Julian contradicting him in your home. If you want more information than that, ask your Master.....he was there. Just know that Julian wishes you the best in your new home, ok?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The car doors slammed shut.....and he was finally able to relax just a little......especially when the wheels were turning again. Shirt lifted, the baby now suckled hungrily on the breast of her mother.....and the ride was a quiet one for now.

"What will you name her?"

His eyes widened slightly.....he had forgotten that.....almost assumed that she had been named already in his absence. He could feel both sets of eyes on him as his lips pursed in thought.

"Eva. Though her full name will be Evangeline. I like the thought of keeping your name with her to some extent."

There was no argument, just a soft smile and a nod.....the new mother in the backseat relaxing even further now that she could call her baby by an actual name.....

They had a long way to go......and Michael knew he wasn't the only one anxious to get back home. By the time they got there.....Nastaja should be returned to them.....and Angel's medical prowess would be badly needed.

Glancing upward at the sky....Michael frowned softly.

If they were lucky, they would get there before the next full moon.....

They had a new member of the family to welcome.

 

[TieMeTightly]

Celeste had tensed horribly at the touch, obviously having not expected it. She turned quickly with wide eyes to face him, however did calm somewhat, glancing down as the envelope was pressed into her hand only to watch rather cautiously as he spoke.

She had no idea what these things were, this present especially - and she tilted her head slightly in order to listen to him.

The words had her watching him carefully - and the fact that Julian was unable to come see her because of something he had said was even more terrifying. Detained. The word sounded more like either caged..or worse. If something had happened because of her she wasn't certain if she could deal with him being hurt because he had spoken out against Vargas.

She managed a slight nod in response to the words, her fingers clutching the envelope as she watched him.

"Tell Julian..that I hope he swiftly recovers..and that we can meet again under better circumstances.."

With that she turned, certain that delaying further would bring some question as to what she was doing.

She got into the car and fastened the seatbelt, glancing back at Angel only to again look out the window, managing to keep her gaze off of the manor still in her line of vision.

"..What happened..what did Julian do? He would have met us..greeted us"

It had been a few hours before she had spoken, her palm clutching the envelope cautiously.

The question she had been more cautious about asking, and she again wasn't looking at him but instead staring out the window, her gaze somewhat distant.

Already her mind was churning, as though to figure out what was in the envelope, but she was more than prepared to understand that Julian wouldn't do something intentionally to hurt her.

 

[dryfter]

"..What happened..what did Julian do? He would have met us..greeted us"

Michael frowned softly, the memories coming back to him in a rush. He had almost forgotten about the Lord's youngest son. And now that he was brought to think of him again.....a pang of worry clouded his own mind.

"He pissed of Lord Gerald is what he did. Vargas tried to lie about having you raped when I confronted him about it. I probably would have....should have been beaten, or worse, for even bringing it up. Bitten like me have no right to accuse a trueborne....much less a clan lord like Justin."

A lengthy pause.

"But just when it looked bad for me, Julian spoke up and verified everything I had said. Gerald was furious....and Vargas was horrified.....I'm sure life back home is proving to be less than pleasant for Julian. I don't know why the boy did that.....he could have just hung me out to dry. Its not like it would have been the first beating I'd have taken....."

His voice softened.

"I knew what I was doing, Celeste. Even if they had punished me for speaking out, Gerald knows I wouldn't lie about something like that......I just couldn't prove it. And so there would have been repercussions......I doubt very much just how far the panther lord trusts the lord of the fox clan anyway. Still....there is heirarchy to be respected. I'm pretty much trash compared to either of them.....only for some reason, Gerald doesn't treat his bitten like Justin does. I think I lucked out having turned into a panther. I shudder to think what living in the Vargas conclave would have been like."

A soft chuckle.....the gazes of both women on him.

"I'm growing in strength though. Thanks to you all, I consumed the heart of a loup garou......that's something that most trueborne have never done. You should have seen the look on Justin's face when he found that out. Jealousy is most becoming of our local fox lord."

One hand.....one arm....lifted from the steering wheel.....flexing reflexively.

"And I'm a lot stronger now as a result, Celeste. I can feel it......a werewolf.....and a loup garou? I think I'm gaining in strength faster than even Lord Gerald expected. And I owe it all to my mates. Soon.....very soon.....I'll be able to protect you just as I promised.....without us needing to live in fear of every little thing."

Angel's shock was tangible.....eyes wide in a mixture of amazement and horror as the baby continued to suckle her in the backseat. This was a part of the story that hadn't been revealed until just now......the pantheress having assumed such a trophy to be given elsewhere.....no wonder Justin had been so upset.....to him....such a thing was wasted on a mere bitten. But now.....now Michael was gaining power in leaps and bounds. It might not be long before he was even able to stand toe to toe with some of the fox lord's weaker children.....

Turning briefly towards his own lovely fox, Michael gave Celeste a weary smile, his love for her shown openly despite the wounds still healing......it wouldn't be long now until they disappeared completely. The time spent travelling had done much for her....muscle having knitted fully over the bone now......fingertips twitching every so often as she constantly resisted the urge to scratch the itching that reviving nerves caused.....

"Is there anything else I've forgotten to mention?"

Meanwhile.....home drew ever closer.....

 

[TieMeTightly]

She of course listened to him, though did well to keep her gaze off and concentrated somewhere else.

She was quiet, as was Angel while he told of what happened, and it all seemed to come clear rather rapidly. She curled somewhat in the seat, looking to Michael only every so often before focusing on something else, though when he did lift his hand..his arm from the wheel she couldn't help but look up at him again.

Everything was making her flinch - any extension of really any part of anyone's body in a direction that partially seemed as it was her direction.

She didn't know if Angel had even known what had happened, and even at the mention she doubted greatly that she actually knew the severity - the word 'rape' not seeming to cover it..in her mind anyway.

Her breathing was somewhat uneven as her fingers flexed over the packet in her hand, though she managed still to keep it hidden - terrified that Michael would be upset with whatever it was that Julian had given her..yet even with it she wanted nothing more than to take it.

As she sat there, easily hearing his question as to if he had forgotten to speak of anything else that had happened and she shook her head slightly, managing to smile slightly though there was really nothing behind it save politeness really.

She couldn't stand it.

As much as she wanted, perhaps even needed his comfort, however small it may have been, she couldn't go to him..couldn't actually have him touch her without her entire frame stiffening in his grasp.

Even movement from Angel had her on edge - and she did well to shut her eyes for the rest of the journey, attempting to ignore sounds of movement.

Not once during the trip home did she seem to relax, and it was quite obvious that she was far from sleeping or even resting, simply trying to make it impossible for her eyes to see slight movements, to focus on them.

 

[dryfter]

He was exhausted by the time they arrived home. And yet.....Michael knew he would have little time to rest. Indeed, if the energy carried on the evening air held any truth it all, he wouldn't need to sleep at all this night.....not with the promise of a full moon.....

He took his time escorting Angel and Evangeline to his own private nursery. Nikita took in the arrival of the new babe with a soft coo of her own, quietly being rocked by the stricken looking Nastaja.....who seemed unable to meet his gaze.....

Mother and child at rest once more, Michael turned towards the other panther mate, a gentle hand stroking her cheek, not missing the tears welling up in the fierce woman's eyes as he forced her to look up at him.

"It's ok, love.....you fought well.....I'm so terribly sorry I wasn't there for you. Lord Gerald told me all about your bravery.....I trust you're well enough physically?"

A silent nod, a hard swallow, and more silence.

"Take all the time you need, Nastaja.....you served me well......I'm sorry it came at such a great cost to you."

"You're not angry with me?"

The brunette finally spoke just as he had turned to leave.....giving him pause in his step.

"I'm proud of you."

As the door closed behind him, he heaved a great sigh.....only Celeste left to see just how guilty he felt. How could he blame her for doing something he had ordered her to do? It was a surprise that she could even stand to look at him.....

"We have much to get ready for, Celeste. I only hope the change is a little easier on you this time. And now.....to the basement."

He felt her flinch behind him once more. She was so timid now.....nothing like the confident hunter he had once ran with. Was this part of her nature? Or emotional damage from being repeatedly raped?

"Damn you, Justin."

With her shadowing his every step, they moved through the manor house quickly enough. For a change, Siobhan didn't dog their steps, busy as she was watching over the stricken Kira. And so it was that the two of them made their way down into the dimly lit basement.....

She was panting......breath ragged as she stared at them both with fear filled eyes. Her police woman uniform was stripped away.....revealing her full breasts and bald pussy.....her underwear being just another inconvenience.....

Bound spread eagled to the huge oaken X that he had kept here for play and punishment both, it seemed the poor girl was too frightened to even speak as they approached.

"What is your name?"

Silence.....a rolling of the eyes as she fought even now to distance herself from him.....the scent of male rolling off of him towards her in waves.

"Celeste, check her garments.....I want to know what I'm to call her. Unless of course she wants a new name."

Michael leaned in close to the terrified woman....his voice silken and soft as he spoke directly into one ear.

"Tonight is a full moon, my dear. Tonight....you become Angel's, body and soul. And because you belong to Angel, you belong to me as well. We'll release you when its time.....being bound in such a way is going to be bad for you when you turn. But for now.....enjoy the last moments of your humanity.....what's left of it."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The night was filled with the snapping of bone, the scent of blood......and screams of unrivalled agony.

Only Kira was missing from the hunt, the cheetah subjected to unparalleled pain as the change swept over her damaged body. The change would hasten her regeneration even further.....though it remained to be seen if she were strong enough to bear the agony of it all without losing her sanity......

A farm......humans......swift and brutal death.

He could see the terror in the face of their newest member.....a sleek and sinuous cougar, her muzzle bloodstained as she looked up from the corpse of the child she had just slain, powerless to do anything but satisfy the blood lust that consumed her every bit as much as it did the rest of them......

One by one, they shifted to their hybrid forms, rising up on two legs even as they continued to tear away great chunks of meat to devour. By morning.....there would be little more than skeletal remains......

Even those would be taken care of.......the family of four would simply......disappear.

 

[TieMeTightly]

Celeste was there, standing behind Michael almost like a shadow to see the cop. The damned cop in the basement.

She was nearly disgusted with even seeing the woman in front of her - or what was left of a woman. Ignoring Michael's words she also ignored the scent coming off of her, shivering somewhat when she was reminded of the last time the moon had been full..the last time she had been in this situation.

Her light brown eyes seemed somewhat unfocused throughout the night, only to be forced to change, something that she knew Kira would be doing as well.

Her body shifted easily enough, the heart that she had consumed had made it much easier and fluid as opposed to her first change that while perhaps quite painful still did not take as much time as it was supposed to.

But the hunt was on..and she was hungry.

She rather easily fed..the fresh meat nearly consuming her small frame, fingers clutching at what was left of their frame.

A snarl left her lips, perhaps a threat - the instinct to guard food kicking in far more easily now that this was becoming a rather interesting ritual.

Humans..warmth, meat.

After feeding and returning to the manor,..after the sunrise, her slender frame more or less slinked back to the room, back to her clothes.

Her fingers moved to the clothes, tugging the small envelope from her pocket only to twirl it in her grasp almost in confusion. She wasn't certain still what it was but the fact that it came from Julian..it couldn't be harmful, surely.

Slowly she got to her feet, envelope in hand, and moved from the room rather quickly only to quietly move to the kitchen, biting her lower lip as she poured the powder into the glass only to fill the glass with water, her breathing somewhat uneven as the powder dissolved.

She didn't know what it was, and what was worse was that she was afraid to tell Michael that had been given to her simply due to the fact that she was afraid he would have been upset with her.

With a few moments hesitation she lifted the glass to her lips, shutting her eyes and quite literally downing the mixed drink.

 

[dryfter]

He wasn't tired. None of them were after their long and thoroughly enjoyable night. Michael could still taste the freshness of the previous night's bloodletting on his tastebuds. Even the new girl had joined in......as if she had a choice.

Kimberly. Officer Kimberly Johannsson.

With a huff, the spade struck the ground again. The girl's fate had been sealed. In a few days ambassadors would come to claim her. Angel had turned her.....but had decided against claiming her. Furthermore, he had been asked to refrain as well. It was quite possible that their recent dealings with the fox clan had fallen through......

And that meant that they could very well be in search of another ally. One a little....further away than what would be considered convenient. Still....he had placed the call. Like usual, there was wisdom in his mate's words......

Sod and damp earth turned beneath another mighty shove of the spade. It was nice....being all alone for once, left to his own thoughts, thoughts that only seemed to bring the shovel more aggressively in contact with the earth as he worked to restore the garden he had destroyed. Angel had brought life into their existence.....couldn't he?

Justin.....Julian....Gerald.....Alexa.....Kira......Nastaja.....Celeste.....

Faces floated before his vision, voices crying out in pain, voices that he had failed to protect. The sturdy handle of the spade quivered in his grasp, threatening to splinter beneath his grip. He hadn't been exaggerating about how he had improved over just a few days ago......

He wouldn't....couldn't.....let this happen again.

Kira was healing well.....awake and for the first time, beginning to show signs of movement once more. A small bit of comfort eased the fear and rage he kept bottled within him. Her steps had been tremorous....but filled with her special brand of bravery.....steps only he and Angel had witnessed.

Nastaja too was recovering. Even more so once it became evident that he wasn't angry with her. Much of her time was devoted to her own training.....the gym seeing use almost as soon as she was able to walk on her own.

That left Celeste. And what a mess she was. Michael let out a long and pronounced sigh even as he bent to put the first of the plants he'd spent all day buying into the ground.....having been absent, he had left the manor entrusted to his mates.....

No matter what he did, she only seemed to get worse. As if the fates themselves had conspired to wreak havoc on her emotions. Was this why Justin kept his females bred and on their backs? Were all fox women this timid and paranoic? It was as if she were a shadow of the woman he had once known.....and yet......that same woman had fled. Fled and left him behind to die when her own life was in danger.....

What was he going to do with her? It was true that so far she had done everything he had asked of her......but at what cost? Celeste seemed more emotionally withdrawn than ever before.....

As the spade bit into the ground once more.....Michael had no idea what was going on within the actual manor.....or what had transpired for the entire day for that matter......

 

[TieMeTightly]

"Fuck.."

She sat cautiously in the kitchen, brushing her hair from her face only to get to her feet, muttering something under her breath about the whole thing not even effecting her at all.

Her amber eyes glanced up and down the hall before she moved through her room and just as swiftly into the bathroom, turning on the shower. She was silent, cautious not to alert anyone as she didn't want to explain to anyone where she had been or what she had been doing.

It was in the shower, however that it all began.

She had been scrubbing her body - ridding it of any trace of damage or dead skin that she possibly could. The cuts had healed marvelously with only marks that looked like scars at this point but were still healing and were certain not to leave any mark.

The heat from the shower was and had been understandable, but it became worse..much worse - to the point where she couldn't even bear to be in the water anymore.

Finishing as quickly as she possibly could she wrapped the towel around herself and stepped from the shower, looking immediately to the mirror to see her cheeks flushed with colour, probably looking healthier than she had in days simply because of the amount of colour, though the feeding had done her well.

Brushing her curls from her face she stood there, a palm pressed flat against the cool tile as she attempted to comprehend everything that was going on. The worst of it was when she actually realised what was happening - what it was that Julian had actually given her.

Again the word escaped her lips though it seemed to be far less out of frustration of the damned thing not working..it actually left her lips as a near panted, breath word.

"..Fuck.."

A whimper followed as she shuddered, holding the towel around herself as she moved from the bedroom, searching out the only person she actually could find at the moment - and the only person that she believed she could confide in as her brief search through the house left her still without Michael.

Moving into the room her eyes scanned for Kira, unfocused as she struggled to keep herself under some sort of control.

"..Kira.."

She moved to the bed then - rather easily as it were, and knelt on it, clearing her throat as though to get attention that she probably already had.

"I took..I took something that I'm not sure..I should have."

Her voice was quiet - keeping it to a whisper in case a curious little cat was around.

"..It was from Julian. Powdered...something..foxglove. That's what it was...don't tell Michael I don't..I don't want him angry with me.."

Her fingers were clutching at the towel that she was holding around herself, her breathing somewhat uneven as she sat down on the bed.

"Where is he..? I..think I should find him.."

 

[dryfter]

Left to her solitude once more....or so she thought.....

Sweating, panting softly, a blonde head turned curiously towards the nearly imperceptable sound of her door opening. She didn't hurt.....not much at all anymore really, at least not past the muscle ache as they tried to overcome the physical exertions she had been putting them through up until just a few minutes ago.....

Who would have thought such a simple think like walking would be such a pain in the ass?

At least she wasn't naked anymore. Not that she had minded, having been kept so tantalizingly close to Celeste. Emerald eyes flashed with pride. She had controlled herself.....better than she thought she ever could.....

Being distraught had helped of course.

Clad only in a pure white halter top and a matching pair of boyshort panties, Kira struggled to slow her breathing as she watched the door to her room slowly be pushed open. With the timidness of the action.....the cheetah could only guess it was Siobhan.....deathly afraid of interrupting anything important and upsetting her.....again.

Her breath caught slightly as her visitor stepped into view.....her gaze sliding unknowingly over each perfectly sculpted curve. Had she really.....really been laid next to Celeste? And yet in some deep recess of her mind, the were-cheetah could remember.....even as she slept a dreamless healing slumber.....the vixen's warmth.....comforting and soothing.....

However, with the re-emergence of her mental fortitude also came the return of her unusually canny perception. Something was wrong here.......Celeste feared her......didn't she? After all, things just hadn't seemed quite right between them since the day she had come on strong to the beautiful redhead, offering herself to the buxom woman as a relief from the pressure her duty to the Master seemed to have been causing her....

Emerald eyes narrowed....not really surprised by Celeste's apparent avoiding of her gaze. Kira only hoped that she wouldn't mistake the sudden scrutiny for anger. It was amazing how fast her own aches and pains melted away in the face of the rising concern she felt. What was wrong, dammit?!

"..Kira.."

She drew closer, and concern turned almost immediately into shock. It must have shown on her face, because the towel clad fox mate.....did she know just how fucking hot she looked wearing only that?!....paused slightly.

"C.....Celeste.....oh god, hun......you're....."

"I took...I took something that I'm not sure...I should have."

Her jaw dropped. She wouldn't have. Sure....Celeste was upset and all.....but she'd had time to get over it, hadn't she?! Didn't she know that kind of thing could kill her?!?!

"What, Celeste......what did you take?"

Her voice was hard edged, though more out of concern than lack of sympathy. The cheetah knew exactly what Celeste felt right now......felt the same burning and aching need every three months. How often had she wished for a normal body like the others.....only having to go through something like that once a year. But Celeste....everyone knew she had been carrying the Master's child.....and had lost it. It was impossible for her to have another heat so soon....only a month later.....unless......

"...It was from Julian. Powdered...something...foxglove. That's what it was...don't tell Michael I don't...I don't want him angry with me..."

Kira shivered, suddenly feeling not clothed enough. It was dangerous to be even near Celeste right now.....no doubt her need would grow even stronger as the drug stoked the fires of her own body. There was two ways they could go about this if that happened.....

"Foxglove? Who the hell is this Julian?! Do you know what that does to you, Celeste?!"

A deep sigh....

"Of course you don't. You're newly turned. Love, I don't know who this Julian is.....so why don't you start with that?"

A rambled response....a glassy eyed look in her direction....

"Another fox?"

Kira stiffened at that.....if that were the case......this "Julian" probably knew what he was doing.....enough so that the correct dosage would have been given. Of course.....if she were wrong, the drug would turn toxic in hour....less as she had no idea exactly when Celeste took it. The end results would be the same however.......they'd all have a lovely looking corpse on their hands.

"Where is he..? I..think I should find him.."

Her scent was overpowering as Celeste settled her prim little ass on the edge of the bed. Kira swallowed hard....caught between her own private desires, and what she knew was right. While she had made a promise to never make such a mistake again.....Celeste wasn't going to like hearing the answer to her question.

"Siobhan told me this morning that he left, hun......he was.....quite upset apparently, though nobody knows why."

She couldn't be left to prowl....especially with the others completely unaware of her surging.....condition. Sitting up, her own fatigue was all but forgotten out of concern....and a desire that refused to go away....thin fingers reaching around trembling shoulders to pull her gently against her own body. With any luck....she could be kept happy until he returned.....for now though.....Kira simply held her, providing the simplest form of comfort that she knew.....

Kira certainly hoped so. The little vixen's fire had to be diminished.....

Before someone got burned.

 

[TieMeTightly]

She flinched in response to the gaze and even moreso in response to the questioning of who Julian was. While she had no quarrels with Julian and quite literally trusted him with her life..well - Kira had no idea who he was.

She brushed her hair from her face as she sat there, shuddering silently and attempting to figure out what exactly was wrong with her - and all the while trying to calm herself perhaps only slightly.

"..I met him..at the house when I went. He was so kind you should know and..he helped me with everything that had happened.." She nodded somewhat, going off into detail into what he looked like and what he had actually done to help her instead of what had happened - as well as the concoction he forcefed her to make certain that no child came out of it.

She swallowed hard when she heard Michael wasn't there - immediately groaning, her knuckles white as she clutched at the towel, tensing only slightly when she was pulled against Kira, allowing herself to settle rather quickly as though in fear that perhaps something more would happen - because her mind at this point was a mix of emotions, but her body only seemed to want one thing.

She let herself stay still in her arms but only for a few moments before shaking her head.

"Why? Why would he go out..can I stop this...I...I can't..deal with this.."

The incredible need was growing by the minute, heat rising in her cheeks bringing the incredibly healthy looking colour almost in torrents before it seemed to be a near-permanent fixture on her face.

She whimpered quietly, trying to think really of what Julian was doing.

"He was just...he was trying to help me...he should have told me what it was..why wouldn't he just...how was I supposed to know..you can't tell anyone..right? Will he be upset if he finds out? Or will he come back...someone maybe should tell him..m..make him come back.."

Her mind was racing, her heart beating almost frantically as she turned herself in Kira's arms, nearly pouting at her.

"I can't...stand a touch of a man...but I need him...t..to touch me. Is that bad? He must be frustrated with me but...there were so many of them before...and the child...everything that's happened.."

Again she pushed her hair from her face, once more looking away and biting her lower lip.

"..I need him.."