SIW Adam & Bronwille : Ch 13 Homebound.

Chapter Thirteen : Homebound.

They all sat in the living room, cradling a drink of some sort. Gabriella sat curled up on John's lap. It's was clear she was still shaken up by Derrick's attempt to control her. Dave sat on the ground in front of the fire. He was playing with little Rosie, closely guarded by her mom. Sue was watching them like a momma bear from the love seat behind them.

She still appeared puzzled and surprised by all that had happened in the last forty eight hours. It was difficult to comprehend. What she did understand, was that the gang was no longer. Dave told her she didn't need to worry any longer about Chasey and any of the others. He hadn't really shared much details, not that she really wanted to know.

As she looked at the other two, it was clear that Adam was feeling restless and Ed appeared to be very calm and relaxed. The first time she met him, he was silent but he had a dark mood around him. The only one missing was Merlin. When she asked Dave about him, he had replied that Merlin was taking care of things at the club to make sure it stayed closed. Their conversation drifted from one general topic to another but at some point, Dave didn't want to stall anymore.

Looking at Rosie, it became evident she was battling Mister Sandman and was losing the fight. Looking up at Dave, he surprised her with asking her if it was all right for him to put the little girl to bed. She watched how he very carefully scooped up her sweet little girl and waited for her to accompany him, knowing already how much her bedtime routine meant to her.

Dave watched her put Rosie to bed and plant a tender kiss on her temple. Sue turned on the baby monitor Merlin had conjured up for her.

"Care to take a stroll around the pond?" He smiled as he held out his arm for Sue. "Can't call it a lake really but it does give a lovely view."

Dave returned the smile Sue was giving him as she accepted his arm.

They toured the tiny pond before settling at the nearby bench, Sue seated on it, Dave sitting on the ground in front of her. They just looked at each other for a while before Dave started talking.

"What are Rosie and you going to do?" He didn't sound like the confident man Sue knew him to be.

"I'm not sure. I'll probably try and get my life back in order. Take care of Rosie mainly, find a job…"

"And where do you want to do that?" Dave sounded even more unsure of himself.

"Don't know. I know things here but in a way it would remind me too much of what happened here too. I really don't know."

Dave had scooted up to her, his shoulder touching her legs, as if he craved touching her in some way or another.

He looked up to her and in a hopeful tone asked, "You think you could restart where I live? I would really hate to leave you here, it would tear me up inside, not to mention the dent in my bank account from all the flights back and forth."

Sue just observed him, her silence making him uneasy now, but Dave just didn't want to give her up, not now that he found her.

"I'm not asking you to move in with me, just that you move with me. The pack has a few apartments for rent. Babysitting wouldn't be much of an issue if Rosie doesn't mind being with the pack children. I'm also sure that we have an opening here or there to get you a job."

Sue just watched him, dumbfounded that he just comes up with something that sounds like a perfect solution. She was aware of the mating call but Dave surprised her. The stories she heard weren't all that flattering. Most turned out to be forced turnings if the female was human.

Dave took her silence as a cue to convince her even more.

"I don't want to rush you or anything, I promise that. I can only imagine what you've been privy to over here, but with us a mating is sacred. We cherish our mates and the ground they walk on. I don't think you want me to take over your life so I suggested what I hope sounds the best solution for both. I'll woo and court you, so you get to know me in my natural surroundings. You get settled in, get to know the rest and you decide if and when things move forward."

By now, Dave had turned around and was sitting on his knees before her, his fingers woven together with Sue's.

"Please, will you give us a chance? Please, will you consider moving with me? Give me the chance of achieving perfect happiness, giving me the opportunity to make you the happiest woman in my life." He looked next to Sue; where the baby monitor stood silently; for a second, smiling as the silence greeted them, telling them Rosie was sound asleep. "Well maybe I'd have to rephrase that and let me make you both the happiest persons in my life."

By now, Sue's face was covered in tears, biting her lip anxiously. She knew she wanted to take things slow. She didn't want to upset Rosie too much, but she also knew she couldn't deny herself from being happy again.

"Ok."

"What, ok?"

"Ok, I'll make the move. I'll take up the offer for the apartment and the job. Just give me a few days to settle in with Rosie before I start working."

Dave had to try his hardest not to drag her close and kiss her senseless. Slowly and tenderly, he cupped her face and brushed his lips over hers. He felt the passion ignite within his heart and fuel his whole being with love for the beautiful young woman in front of him. One kiss led to another, only coming apart for a fresh gulp of air before their attraction led to more kisses and more gentle caresses.

+ + + +

Adam stood in front of the window and smiled seeing his Alpha on his knees for his future mate. This was one little detail he'd keep private but was sure to tease him with later on. Seeing the loving scene, he yearned for home. He wanted to touch Bronwille and have her close. He wanted all their secrets out in the open so she could accept him for who and what he was.

He put his hands in his pockets and let his mind drift, thinking about how he was going to tell her she was truly safe now, that her attacker couldn't do those things ever again, that the whole gang was cleaned up. There was one thing he knew he had to do and that was call the police contact of the local wolf pack and let them know one of their "problems" had been "taken care off".

Turning his head from left to right, he stretched the muscles in his neck. Even though a huge load was lifted of his shoulders, he still felt he carried half the world with him. It was time to head home and come clean with the one person who now meant the world to him.

Just as he went to turn around, a large hand landed on his shoulder.

"I hope this closes a few things for Bronwille. I'm glad I could be part of this, we did good. I still can't remember it all, but my wolf is at peace for a change, so thank you for letting him have free reign."

"You don't have to thank me for that, Ed, it was all Merlin. Wolfboy didn't like being put to sleep, so you had some build up when your wolf woke up and saw the vampire. Seeing in which state you were in, there wasn't much left of the bad guy to clean up."

"All the same, I guess I needed it. Lately I'm becoming more and more restless and I can't pin point why. At least now I'm levelheaded for a while." The gratitude was clear in Ed's voice as he once more gave Adam a firm pat on the shoulder. "Merlin is offering to port us back home, you game?"

"Yeah, just gimme a few minutes to get my things together and I'll meet you back here."

"Deal."

Adam saw Ed going back to Merlin to inform he'd be joining them on the quick trip back home.

Alpha, friend, sorry to disturb you but I wanted to let you know Ed and I will be going back home, Merlin offered us a fast trip. I can assume you'll be going by plane so you're with Sue and Rosie?

He only had to wait a few second before he heard his Alpha's response.

It's ok and yes, you thought right. I'll be traveling with them. I'm not leaving them out of my sight until I'm sure they're settled in and safe. I count on you to inform the pack I'll be a few days behind. Don't tell them why. Just tell Tony to make sure the apartment next to mine is cleared, cleaned and in top condition and filled with food and things for Rosie.

Consider it done. We'll talk again once you get back. Thanks again my friend for coming over and helping.

It's what friends do, we help each other.

With those words, Dave broke their mental connection and Adam went up to his room to hastily pack his pack his bag. He wanted to get home now.

+ + + +

Merlin slowly swirled the dark amber drink in his glass as he gazed into the crackling fire. It still amazed him that both Gabriella and John preferred to have a real fire in their house, especially since it was one of the things that had the potential to shorten their lifespan considerably. He didn't mind, he actually favored it too. The warmth and glow from a real, sizzling fire still had a hundred times more charm then all those new electrical heating devices they invented, or claimed to be so green.

Nipping from his drink, he savored the rich, warm taste and enjoyed the slight burn it left behind as the liquor made its way through his system.

He heard the door open and close and soft footsteps making their way towards him. Just as he wanted to stand up to greet the other person, he was halted by the tiny hand on his shoulder.

"Please, stay seated, old friend. Mind if I join you?" Gabriella held up her own glass that held the same liquor as Merlin's.

"I don't mind at all. Great minds think alike."

He held up his own glass and Gabriella touched it lightly with her own before taking a seat on the chaise lounge that stood across from the large men's chair Merlin was sitting in.

They sat together in silence for a bit, both savoring their drink occasionally.

"Tell me, how are John and you coping?"

"Just as you put it, we're coping. We told our two other children what has happened and they are deeply saddened too, but they understood it was needed. I can't really explain our connection to our children, it's different with those we sire alone. The five of us always felt the others, now there is a void we'll have to learn to live with.  Maybe over time, that gaping hole will get smaller but at the moment it's huge and affecting us all. That is why I called the girls. I couldn't bear opening our mental connection, not right away. It's like some part of his essence is still with us though we know he is gone."

Merlin leaned forward and gently covered her hand and squeezed.

"Every bond that gets broken leaves a void. It's cliché but yeah, give it time and it will get better. May I suggest getting your daughters to visit and explore your bonds. This way you all do it in a safe environment and you don't have to be prepared for what could happen."

"John suggested the same but I need a few days to get myself together. I want to figure out how he was able to take over my mind. I almost hurt you." She sounded a bit pained now and she raised her brow questionably as Merlin held back a laugh.

"That is what he tried and yes, he took over your mind. Tell me from what little you know of me, in hindsight, do you really think I would have let him get away with hurting anyone, really bodily harming anyone? I admit, he outwitted me there but still I was on top of things." Merlin's demeanor changed to a more serious one. "That is the only part I hated, him getting inside of your mind. Is it all better now, or still a bit clouded?"

"It's better now, a few more days of rest and feeding and I'll be a hundred percent again."

"Good to hear. What do you say to us exchanging our own stories now? Dwelling in the past may ease the pain of the last few days or at least let us mind-travel a bit?"

"Your devious, Merlin, but I admit, I like the idea. Question now is who starts?"

"As the saying goes: ladies first."

With a slight bow of his head, he held up his glass, as a silent salute and starting sign for Gabriella to start her story.

+ + + +

It was close to dawn when John entered the room and saw his Queen listening intently to Merlin. Through their connection, he felt her curiosity, her sympathy as more of Merlin's past was revealed to her. There were moments she felt surprised. He could only conclude that Merlin, just like them, was really old and had his share of events to deal with.

"I hate to interrupt this little tête à tête but I do believe Gabriella needs some rest now. I know how she gets when she gets sucked into story telling time." John couldn't and didn't even try to hide the amusement in his voice. It had only been the calmness in their bond that had prevented him from intruding at an earlier time but he knew his Queen needed her rest.

"John dear, you're a real killjoy, you know?" Gabriella pouted but couldn't hide the twinkle in her eyes.

Merlin watched their loving interactions and had to admit that he too, had lost track of time. Gabriella's story had been so interesting to hear that in turn he had told everything as well. He hadn't elaborated so much on the gruesome things he did but he told of them nonetheless. He knew that he had found new friends in Gabriella and John and thus he held nothing back.

"I have to agree with John though. It's nearly dawn and even us oldies need some rest. I promise to continue my tale later on when we all have rested."

"I'll hold you to that!"

Merlin smiled as he was privy to John picking up Gabriella, who protested loudly yet snuggled up comfortably, and walking out of the room.

"Goodnight Merlin, we'll talk more later," John said as he closed the door.

Merlin checked the fire and made sure it was out before he zip zapped himself to his own room upstairs. He felt somewhat relieved now he had told his own story to someone who understood the hard choices he once had to make.

+ + + +

Gabriella lovingly caressed the locket normally hidden under her clothing. She knew all the intricate carvings on it by heart. The perfectly cut gem in the middle was warm to the touch ever since it started whizzing about. In all these centuries, it never hummed but she could no longer ignore the persistence it was now displaying.

Nut, the Queen Mother of their race, had bestowed this rare gift to her. It contained the spirit of one of her offspring. Back when she was still mortal and reigned over her kingdom, Gabriella, then known as Queen Kasaqa, stepped up to protect her priestesses from grave bodily harm when neighboring kingdoms tried to overtake them.

In those battles, she had lost her husband, King Alara. He was killed right in front of her. As quickly as she could, she gathered her ladies and other servants and hid in the secret passageways. It was then she discovered the secret of her priestesses, why they stayed so young. Realistic by nature, she wanted to survive and accepted their deal. That deal ensured all their survival and when the siege was over, the Queen Mother Nut had appeared before her.

Knowing the secret, she was given the choice to live her life or get eternity. The Queen Mother explained as much as she could and what she couldn't tell she showed. Kasaqa/Gabriella didn't need much convincing and chose immortality.

During the battle, one of the priestesses had met her match but the Queen Mother had captured her spirit in a locket which she then presented to Kasaqa/Gabriella and told her that when the time was right for the locket to change ownership, she would know.

That day had finally come. The moment she met Merlin the locket had begun humming constantly. So much so, that she had taken it of during all the prior events and had remembered it the evening before when Merlin and she traded life stories.

Merlin and John were trading a few stories of their own and the laughter coming from both of them lifted her spirit more than she cared to admit. She'd miss the tall wizard but also knew she'd see more of him in the future. With regret, she interrupted the men and pulled Merlin to the side.

"I need to give you something. I can't tell much about it but this was given to me for safekeeping by the Queen Mother. She said that when the time is right I'd know I'd have to pass it on and to who." She sported a small smile. "It seems the locket wants to go with you. I don't know what it will do but I know it contains the spirit of one of her daughters. She seems to think it's better to continue her journey with you."

With that said she gently dropped the locket in Merlin's hand and closed his fingers over it. She could see by his reaction that he was surprised but also that he picked up the humming. As if the spirit knew it had a new owner, it calmed down and went back to rest.

"How is this possible?" Merlin asked.

"Who knows? It's from the Queen Mother. I don't question her actions, she's the mother to our kind. Know that when you feel the humming again it's time to give it some attention and try to listen to what she wants. That's all the advice I can give you."

"It's mysterious, I'll grant you that. I'll take care of her."

A few more pleasantries were exchanged and finally the goodbyes were said and Merlin went back to his own little part of the world.

+ + + +

In just a pair of white boxers and a white damp towel around his neck, Adam let out a loud sigh when he was done showering. How he had longed for his own familiar cubicle, built to suit his height and size. He couldn't really believe with all the wealth John and Gabriella must have that they didn't spend some of it on larger showers.

Though he would much rather go over to Bronwille's, he knew it was too late to knock on her door. Instead, he strolled over to his laptop and booted it up before making a detour to the kitchen for a beer.

His mind more at peace now, he felt he had one story left to tell Bronwille and now was as good a time to start it. Placing his bottle of beer next to the laptop, he sat down and took a few minutes thinking of ways to tell as much as he could without really freaking her out. Once his fingers started to travel over his keyboard he lost track of time. Only when he hit save one last time, did he notice he typed away half the night.

Content that the story was as complete as he could get it without really revealing his big secret, he closed the file and went to bed. He tossed and turned for a short while before sleep overtook him and his dreams got better when a certain redhead made an appearance.

+ + + +

Bronwille stretched her sore muscles, she probably slept in a wrong position and now her back was killing her. With loads of effort she got up and drug herself to the shower. Turning on the hot water, she hoped the heat on her back could ease some of the pain. And if that wouldn't help, she could still turn to painkillers though she preferred not to use any at any given time.

Slowly she dried herself and got on some easy and comfy clothes before she made her now daily trip to Adam's tavern for breakfast. She smiled a little thinking of the big bear man. She missed him and the longer he was gone the harder she wished he was back. Katie hadn't said anything as to when he may be back. She wasn't worried but just wanted to be near him, have his calming influence around her and the secure feelings he let her have.

Opening the front door, she almost stepped on the red roses on her doormat. As she picked them up, she saw the large note attached.

 You are the missing puzzle piece to my soul.

The very piece I've been desperately searching for.

The filler for the hole in my life I've been trying to find.

The cure to the pain in my aching heart.

I hope my absence didn't weigh too hard on you. I missed you a lot and can't wait to see you again.

Yours

Adam

Bronwille didn't realize her cheeks got wet with tears as she read those words over and over. How could these words touch her so much? How could these words tell just exactly what she was feeling as well?

Not sure what to do, she tossed the lovely roses on the small side table next to the door, pushed the note in her handbag and almost sprinted to the tavern. Out of breath, she entered and she didn't see him right away but Katie saw her. A wide smile was on her face as she saw Bronwille and pointed to the office in the back.

Bronwille didn't know how fast she made her way over and she didn't even bother to knock but when she opened the office door a huge load fell off her shoulders. He was back! She wanted to jump up and down out of sheer joy but was halted when suddenly two strong arms lifted her up and spun her around.

"God, how I've missed you." Adam held her close and buried his nose in her deep red locks, breathing in her very essence. His wolf wanted to howl and practically made somersaults containing his joy.

After many minutes of simply holding each other, Adam let her down, keeping her hand in a death grip. He sat down on the sofa and pulled her onto his lap. Its then when he noticed her red eyes.

"Sweetie, what's wrong? You've been crying!"

Bronwille managed to snicker as she rubbed her eyes again.

"Don't worry, these are the good kind. I got the roses and the note. The one you left at my door this morning just touched me deeply. Guess I got a bit emotional."

Adam placed his hands around her face and made sure she was watching him.

"I meant every word of it. These last few days have been hectic to say the least.  I've been able to close the book on a lot of things of my past, right some wrongs that have happened in the past and it put so many things in a different light. I want you, Bronwille, have no doubts about that. I'll do things at your pace, just know I won't give up on you, ever. Understand?"

Bronwille heard the urgency and sincerity in his words. They also told her so many others things that made her curious about his past.

"I do. I know I'm skittish and my moods can be different from one moment to the next but I'll try. You've made me better already just being with me. I don't know how or why, it just is. In the past, I would have shied away, even turned my back on it all. Not with you. Give it time, that's all I ask."

"That is what I'm giving. I'm not going to bore you with what I've been doing these past days but one day I'll tell you. I don't want secrets but I admit I have had a rough past, some things aren't so nice, some are. I needed these few days to end it all. I'm ready for a whole new start now. Are you?"

"I'm willing to try."

Adam's response was to gently nibble on her lips until he felt her response before he delved deeper and started kissing her in earnest. Minutes later both sat back gasping for air. Adam sported a huge smile, whereas Bronwille's face showed many shades of red.

He surrounded her with his arms and gently pulled her close and just held her for a while longer.

"What do you say about me making you some breakfast? A little bird told me you made a habit of coming here every morning."

"Well, yeah…" She stuttered.

Adam didn't hold back his laugh.

"Come on, let's get some food into you. If you're nice, you can even stay in the kitchen."

Bronwille's eyes lit up. She wouldn't pass up the chance to see him in action on his terrain.

"Lead the way, I promise to be a good girl."

+ + + +

Adam couldn't hide the smile as he saw how Bronwille was cleaning up her plate, not a crumb was left behind. The contented sigh that followed just made him puff up like a cock strutting his stuff in the barn yard. He was always happy when he saw people enjoying his food but with Bronwille it was just that little bit more. It made him feel proud of what he did.

"So what is on the schedule for today?" he inquired.

"Not much. I just come for breakfast then go back home to write and edit. Sometimes I came for dinner but that mostly depended on how much more editorial work I had left to do. Almost done with the current draft, so I'm having a night off."

"Good to hear, then I'll confiscate those hours. I missed you and have some catching up to do."

Bronwille's face turned a slight bit redder.

"I wouldn't mind doing that kind of catching up, my dear, but I was more thinking along the lines of having dinner somewhere else and really make work of the 'get to know you' part of what is growing between us. Things have been rather fast paced and unusual. The thing I want least to happen is to make you feel uncomfortable or uneasy around me. This way, I take some of that pressure away from you."

Bronwille gave his words a few seconds to sink in, her new found courage liked those words, liked that he was being so considerate, so caring.

"I think I agree there. Dinner and a nice chat might be just the thing."

Adam's face beamed at her positive answer.

"I'll pick you up at your place at around eight. That a good time?"

"I'll be ready."

As he looked around he saw more and more people were arriving for the early morning rush and with a sigh he turned back to a smiling Bronwille.

"I'm afraid I'll be needed in the kitchen," he said while nodding his head towards another group of hungry people entering and finding a spot to sit.

Bronwille chuckled at his obvious lack of desire about having to start work again and leaving her.

"I've managed before, I'll manage the rest too. Don't make me into a frail woman now, not you too! Just be you and that's all I ask. You're doing wonders being just who you are."

Adam got up, walked around the table and pulled her up.

"You want me to be me?"

He didn't gave her a second reprieve before he captured her mouth and kissed her so thoroughly she even forget where they were. A moan escaped her lips as Adam dived in for the kill and battled her tongue with his own. His arms snuck around her and pulled her tight. The kiss lasted for several moments longer before Adam slowly retreated but kept her in his arms.

"This is me, all of me," he pulled her closer again, his desire for her more than evident against her stomach, "and it's only for you. Keep that in mind, beautiful one."

Bronwille was glad he was still holding her, she wasn't sure if her legs would keep her standing up. Slowly it dawned on her where they were and the clapping and whistling registered in her mind. She turned dark red with embarrassment and wished she could crawl inside of Adam to hide.

The ostrich method wasn't really working as she felt his solid chest shaking lightly and his hands cupped her face.

"You wanted me. I don't care who sees. Now they know you're mine and will think twice before making a pass at you."

It was the kind tone he used that kept her calm as he laid his claim on and she started to relax.

"Ok, ok. I'll have to get used to all of this, but if it's alright with you, I would like a moment to myself now, to get my act together so to speak."

Adam understood her predicament. It was his doings that created the situation. If he was honest, she had reacted a lot better than he would have envisioned. If she needed a second alone, he'd give her just that if it meant he was making progress with her!

"Come to my office, stay there as long as you want. You can even take the back entrance if you want to leave."

With that said, he turned with Bronwille safely glued to his side. He couldn't help but puff up his chest as if he was parading her around as they would to the private area of the tavern. He got a lot of approving glances and nods from fellow wolves, pack and others.

SIW Adam & Bronwille : Ch 13 Teaser

A/N : short teaser due to the chapter not having its "normal" length.

+ + + +

Adam stood in front of the window and smiled seeing his Alpha on his knees for his future mate. This was one little detail he'd keep private but was sure to tease him with later on. Seeing the loving scene, he yearned for home. He wanted to touch Bronwille and have her close. He wanted all their secrets out in the open so she could accept him for who and what he was.

He put his hands in his pockets and let his mind drift, thinking about how he was going to tell her she was truly safe now, that her attacker couldn't do those things ever again, that the whole gang was cleaned up. There was one thing he knew he had to do and that was call the police contact of the local wolf pack and let them know one of their "problems" had been "taken care off".

Turning his head from left to right, he stretched the muscles in his neck. Even though a huge load was lifted of his shoulders, he still felt he carried half the world with him. It was time to head home and come clean with the one person who now meant the world to him.

Just as he went to turn around, a large hand landed on his shoulder.

"I hope this closes a few things for Bronwille. I'm glad I could be part of this, we did good. I still can't remember it all, but my wolf is at peace for a change, so thank you for letting him have free reign."

"You don't have to thank me for that, Ed, it was all Merlin. Wolfboy didn't like being put to sleep, so you had some build up when your wolf woke up and saw the vampire. Seeing in which state you were in, there wasn't much left of the bad guy to clean up."

"All the same, I guess I needed it. Lately I'm becoming more and more restless and I can't pin point why. At least now I'm levelheaded for a while." The gratitude was clear in Ed's voice as he once more gave Adam a firm pat on the shoulder. "Merlin is offering to port us back home, you game?"

"Yeah, just gimme a few minutes to get my things together and I'll meet you back here."

"Deal."

Adam saw Ed going back to Merlin to inform he'd be joining them on the quick trip back home.

Alpha, friend, sorry to disturb you but I wanted to let you know Ed and I will be going back home, Merlin offered us a fast trip. I can assume you'll be going by plane so you're with Sue and Rosie?

He only had to wait a few second before he heard his Alpha's response.

It's ok and yes, you thought right. I'll be traveling with them. I'm not leaving them out of my sight until I'm sure they're settled in and safe. I count on you to inform the pack I'll be a few days behind. Don't tell them why. Just tell Tony to make sure the apartment next to mine is cleared, cleaned and in top condition and filled with food and things for Rosie.

Consider it done. We'll talk again once you get back. Thanks again my friend for coming over and helping.

It's what friends do, we help each other.

With those words, Dave broke their mental connection and Adam went up to his room to hastily pack his pack his bag. He wanted to get home now.

+ + + +

Merlin slowly swirled the dark amber drink in his glass as he gazed into the crackling fire. It still amazed him that both Gabriella and John preferred to have a real fire in their house, especially since it was one of the things that had the potential to shorten their lifespan considerably. He didn't mind, he actually favored it too. The warmth and glow from a real, sizzling fire still had a hundred times more charm then all those new electrical heating devices they invented, or claimed to be so green.

Nipping from his drink, he savored the rich, warm taste and enjoyed the slight burn it left behind as the liquor made its way through his system.

He heard the door open and close and soft footsteps making their way towards him. Just as he wanted to stand up to greet the other person, he was halted by the tiny hand on his shoulder.

"Please, stay seated, old friend. Mind if I join you?" Gabriella held up her own glass that held the same liquor as Merlin's.

"I don't mind at all. Great minds think alike."

He held up his own glass and Gabriella touched it lightly with her own before taking a seat on the chaise lounge that stood across from the large men's chair Merlin was sitting in.

They sat together in silence for a bit, both savoring their drink occasionally.

"Tell me, how are John and you coping?"

"Just as you put it, we're coping. We told our two other children what has happened and they are deeply saddened too, but they understood it was needed. I can't really explain our connection to our children, it's different with those we sire alone. The five of us always felt the others, now there is a void we'll have to learn to live with.  Maybe over time, that gaping hole will get smaller but at the moment it's huge and affecting us all. That is why I called the girls. I couldn't bear opening our mental connection, not right away. It's like some part of his essence is still with us though we know he is gone."

Merlin leaned forward and gently covered her hand and squeezed.

"Every bond that gets broken leaves a void. It's cliché but yeah, give it time and it will get better. May I suggest getting your daughters to visit and explore your bonds. This way you all do it in a safe environment and you don't have to be prepared for what could happen."

"John suggested the same but I need a few days to get myself together. I want to figure out how he was able to take over my mind. I almost hurt you." She sounded a bit pained now and she raised her brow questionably as Merlin held back a laugh.

"That is what he tried and yes, he took over your mind. Tell me from what little you know of me, in hindsight, do you really think I would have let him get away with hurting anyone, really bodily harming anyone? I admit, he outwitted me there but still I was on top of things." Merlin's demeanor changed to a more serious one. "That is the only part I hated, him getting inside of your mind. Is it all better now, or still a bit clouded?"

"It's better now, a few more days of rest and feeding and I'll be a hundred percent again."

"Good to hear. What do you say to us exchanging our own stories now? Dwelling in the past may ease the pain of the last few days or at least let us mind-travel a bit?"

"Your devious, Merlin, but I admit, I like the idea. Question now is who starts?"

"As the saying goes: ladies first."

With a slight bow of his head, he held up his glass, as a silent salute and starting sign for Gabriella to start her story.

+ + + +

It was close to dawn when John entered the room and saw his Queen listening intently to Merlin. Through their connection, he felt her curiosity, her sympathy as more of Merlin's past was revealed to her. There were moments she felt surprised. He could only conclude that Merlin, just like them, was really old and had his share of events to deal with.

"I hate to interrupt this little tête à tête but I do believe Gabriella needs some rest now. I know how she gets when she gets sucked into story telling time." John couldn't and didn't even try to hide the amusement in his voice. It had only been the calmness in their bond that had prevented him from intruding at an earlier time but he knew his Queen needed her rest.

"John dear, you're a real killjoy, you know?" Gabriella pouted but couldn't hide the twinkle in her eyes.

Merlin watched their loving interactions and had to admit that he too, had lost track of time. Gabriella's story had been so interesting to hear that in turn he had told everything as well. He hadn't elaborated so much on the gruesome things he did but he told of them nonetheless. He knew that he had found new friends in Gabriella and John and thus he held nothing back.

"I have to agree with John though. It's nearly dawn and even us oldies need some rest. I promise to continue my tale later on when we all have rested."

"I'll hold you to that!"

Merlin smiled as he was privy to John picking up Gabriella, who protested loudly yet snuggled up comfortably, and walking out of the room.

"Goodnight Merlin, we'll talk more later," John said as he closed the door.

Merlin checked the fire and made sure it was out before he zip zapped himself to his own room upstairs. He felt somewhat relieved now he had told his own story to someone who understood the hard choices he once had to make.

+ + + +

SIW Adam & Bronwille: Ch 12 : Endings that lead to new beginnings

SIW : Adam and Bronwille.

Chapter Twelve : Endings that lead to new beginnings.

John and Gabriella were pacing anxiously, waiting for Merlin to arrive again. He had dropped off Rupert not long ago, together with an unconscious Ed. They had made sure Rupert was shackled up and had no way of escaping. Merlin eased their mind that Ed wouldn't cause a problem since he was holding him in a deep sleep until they were able to deal with his rogue wolf.

It left them waiting now. They had comforted each other, knowing that tonight they would have to make a decision neither of them liked, yet knew it had to be made and carried out.

Finally, they got the signal they were waiting for. Impatiently, they waited outside for a few seconds until they saw Merlin come out of the cell.

"Chasey is locked up next door and Derrick is shackled up. He's furious that his mumbo jumbo ain't working on me," Merlin shared with an evil glint in his eyes. "I gave him a feeling of what I can do, so he isn't so cocky anymore." He waited a bit before going on, "When you're ready, I'll unblock his powers so you can do your thing Gabriella. I had a poke around myself, he's quite unique with his skills, but still no match for me."

Gabriella looked up at John, "Best get this going. You know I'll be trying to see what his powers exactly are. I'm not gonna pretend it's going to be easy, so promise me already that even when it looks bad, you won't interfere?"

"Define 'not interfere'? If he hurts you, I'll have him hanging upside down by his nuts!"

"I'm sure he will not enjoy that," Merlin jumped in, "I'll make sure it will not come that far during her search. As said, I already had a peek at him but I fully understand Gabriella wanting to understand what made it all possible for him always being a step ahead and always avoiding you at all costs."

John shot him an angry look, "It's my job to protect her, I'm her mate not you!"

"And I respect that, John, I truly do, but I'm afraid that if he has full control over his powers he'll destroy the both of you. I'm not sure how it was even possible but since you both sired him, you really gave him unique powers that combined can be, and have been, very dangerous. Because I know you need revenge and closure, I haven't ended this. I could do that, you know. It would take me less time to do it than to explain how but I don't want to take away what you need to move on," Merlin said pleadingly, before he went on.

"Please, let me make sure you both have the outcome you want. That just means that I control his powers while Gabriella reaches into his mind and does whatever she needs to and we both heed her words of warning and don't interrupt her. It's hard to feel helpless, I know the feeling, but she has to do her thing knowing we won't interfere and make things worse. Ok?"

"I will not risk her life!" John kept raging on. "I don't need you or anyone else protecting her."

"My friend, do calm down. I understand the feeling, you have no idea how much. Sometimes it is out of your control of what you're able to do or not do. I will keep her safe. The moment he even makes a wrong move, I'll bound his powers so tightly he'll wish he was dead instead. Things are a bit different with vampires I assume, but basically Gabriella sees herself as his mother," Merlin gave the woman in question a sympathetic look, "She just needs to know, to understand that she tried her best. She'll need you more than she ever needed you before. This will hurt, even with all the bad thing he did, for you two it will hurt and she needs you to keep a grip on things. That's not likely to happen if you go in there and try to keep her safe. No matter what you'll promise, you will step in to keep her safe. Please John, listen to me, let me handle this and you'll have her in your arms before you know it."

"Why, Merlin, why are you so adamant about this?" John queried.

"As fast as I may be, Derrick is capable of doing a lot of damage in a short amount of time if he sets his mind to it. If you're in there playing guardian you won't be as focused as you should be, you'll be watching Gabriella like a hawk making sure she's ok, giving Derrick ample of time to do whatever he might have up his sleeve. Me, on the other hand, I have easy control over him. I trust Gabriella if she says it will hurt to search his mind but that it is a necessary evil to get to the bottom of it. All I have to do is watch Derrick and his reactions. Should I step in and control Derrick, we still have you to then take care of her and get her out of the room. I already said he ain't no match for me, but if he tries anything at all, I have to be sure I can trust in you too do what is needed."

"That is your reasoning now and I think I get it, but you still haven't answered why. Why don't you want me to protect my mate in there? What makes you so sure this is the right way to go?" John pushed for an answer now.

Merlin took a few deep breaths. This wasn't easy for him, not now, not after all the centuries he spent alone.

"I do not wish for you to have a remote chance of losing your life mate as I have lost mine. The situation is different, the outcome may be the same. I feel the same level of connection between you two that I had with mine. I do not wish it upon anyone to feel the loss it brings should you lose her. Will you heed my words now?" Merlin kept a steady gaze on John now, making sure the tall vampire understood the true and raw meaning of his words and revelation.

John was silent and Gabriella had snuggled up tightly.

"Ok, I'll stand back. It'll be hard for me to stand there idle but I'll be back up. She must have meant the world to you." John sounded a lot more calmer now with Gabriella hugging him tight, her silent plea for him to listen to reason.

"She always will be my world." Merlin was silent after those words, letting the meaning sink in for all of them.

"Let me do a last check up on Ed and Rupert and then we'll go deal with Derrick. Don't want to interrupt anything should anything occur with either of them, not that I expect anything to happen. Rather be safe than sorry," Merlin suggested.

"That's OK, don't think we're going anywhere," John said, eying the door to Derrick's cell.

Gabriella had stayed rather silent, gathering her courage to be able to do one of the hardest things she ever had to do.

+ + + +

Derrick tested the chains but was unable to move or break them. His inner beast was close, his eyes glowing angrily. He didn't like being tied down like a helpless pup. He mentally tried to reach out to his own fledglings but his clouded mind simply wasn't working. He got even more angry at the man he briefly saw when he got here. Derrick had tried to overpower him, blasting him with all his power but the man simply laughed.

"Tssk tssk, you should know when to play and when to be a good little boy. Luckily for you I'm not here to play, I'm just the back-up. I am not sure what you were trying to do but let me show you only a fraction of what I can do to you, if I wished," Merlin taunted him.

That's when his mind went completely blank and all he could see was blackness, endless blackness. Then he felt like he was choking. He knew that couldn't be possible. Vampires only pretended to breath, they didn't need the precious air like the humans did. Yet here he hung, fighting and struggling to stay alive like a human. It was humiliating!

"Didn't like that, did you? I just used your own power against you, made you feel like a human, so reacted like a human and there was nothing you could do about it. So what say you? Going to behave a little? Not that you'll be able to do much. They provided a nice pair of shackles," he said pointing up, "If you dig deep you may remember what is so special about them. Just to be safe, I'll leave something of myself behind too. Don't want you to get all cocky and thinking you can escape from here."

Derrick hadn't spoken a single word, he couldn't, even if he wanted to. That bastard in front of him had muted him. All he knew now, was that the man before him scared the shit out of him, HIM, the big boss of it all. He was angry all right but smart enough to know he was outmatched, he just had to bid his time. He didn't have to pretend too much to look scared shitless but it seemed to do the trick as the other one just smiled and vanished in a blink of an eye. What the hell is this man? Who is he? How did they get to me? Who is behind all this?</i>

He tried to curse when it became clear that it had to be those two that Chasey brought.  It just had to be them, he just didn't know how. He yanked the chains but they didn't budge. Aware that his mental powers had been shut down, the same as for his speech, he didn't expect him to have him completely powerless.

The fear that absorbed him first was slowly being overtaken by a rage he never felt before. He wanted to escape and rip apart whoever it was that put him here. A scraping sound made him focus on the door.

His eyes grew wide when he saw who entered.

"Hello, my child. Time you came home again, don't you agree?" said Gabriella as she slowly walked to him.

Derrick fought against the restraints.

"Tssk tssk, you should know better, my child. You can't break those chains. Remember your lessons, or have you really become that careless and dumb? Seeing how you always stayed one step ahead of us I doubt that. Silver covered titanium, try and remember." Her tone stayed flat as she paced in front of him.

Only now he saw that the one dude had entered too and was eying him like a watchdog. John was there too. His inner beast roared with anger.

"Cool down, my child. Nothing you will do can change the outcome of tonight. You fooled and tricked us, misled us for so long just so we both would make you our child. We broke the most sacred of rules in the vampire world for you and this is how you repay us? I'm not even going to start to make a list of what you did, just let me tell you it ends now, permanently." Gabriella was visibly shaking, just being reminded of all the bad things.

"Did we really mean so little to you? Did we do something that caused you to be like this?" she looked him dead in the eyes, sadly all she saw was anger.

Turning around she gave Merlin a quick nod.

"You can talk if you want to, even try to use your powers but head the lessons we taught you. All I'm going to do now is look into your mind and figure out exactly what kind of powers you have gained. How much it will hurt depends on yourself, fight me and you'll hurt, wishing you were already dead." She paused a few seconds but the angry glare didn't leave his eyes.

"Who's that dude?" were the first words Derrick growled.

"That is our new friend, Merlin. Let's just say he's complicated." Gabriella moved closer so she could whisper into his ear. "He's older than me and his powers are godlike, think twice before pushing his buttons. Now, let us begin, shall we?"

Derrick fought against the shackles, his fangs dropping. He wasn't even aware they pierced his lower lip.

"It's your choice, I will find out one way or another," she said before she grabbed his head in a tight hold and put their heads together.

The initial contact was fine but as she tried to look deeper into his mind it became harder for her. Derrick was throwing up wall after wall and it was draining her, much faster than she anticipated he could. Her own beast jumped in, making her stronger and more resilient as she tore down all the mental walls.

Close, so close</i> she thought as she noticed a black abyss getting closer. Gabriella cried out at the sudden stabs of pain she felt in her own brain.

You're not the only one who can mind walk, bitch. You may have me shackled up but that is all you'll ever be able to do, but not for much longer. I'm gonna enjoy when you'll slaughter your mate in a few.</i>

Gabriella gasped. She never would have thought another could be such a strong mind walker, a rare a gift it already was, it was so open for abuse. Her control slipped just a little bit as she realized this must have been the main reason why he was able to get to the top spot so fast. Suddenly, her mind felt clouded, her own power and will slipping away.

John watched with mixed feelings, his fangs already low from the moment he had heard her scream. He looked on as Gabriella stood and turned, her eyes as black as the night. He looked behind her and saw Derrick still in the same position as when they started. John wasn't sure what was going on but something inside of him warned him that something was amiss.

"Merlin?" He hoped he at least could make sure if anything was wrong.

Before he could even answer Gabriella flew towards John, fangs low, nails at full length. Only her age made her faster than John. She got in a few punches and slashed before she went for his throat.

John struggled against her, he didn't want to hurt his mate, but he had to get the upper hand on the situation. The only option he saw was holding on to her and restrain her as much as he could and keep her head where it was now. She could drain him but it would take a lot of effort and he hoped by then that Merlin would have done something.

Those thoughts had barely passed or Gabriella went limp in his arms. He felt his blood flow down, soaking his shirt.

"Gabriella, my Queen, say something! Do something!" John was frantic now, not sure what had happened to her.

Merlin spoke up than. "She's out for a short while. He,” Merlin pointed behind, "is a lot stronger with his mental powers than I gave him credit for, I have a huge apology to make to you both."

"Apologies ain't gonna help you now! What did you do to Gabriella? Tell me now or so help me, I will gut you this instant!!" John was seeing red, holding a still Gabriella in his arms, holding her close to his heart.

"She's asleep. It was the only way I could break the link Derrick had made with her mind. Gabriella will wake up in a few minutes and she'll remember it all. Their powers are quite similar. What I gather from the connection is, that Derrick is able to tap into her mind and take it over, but the person needs to be awake. Gabriella can only do the mind walking, not take over their minds. She can do it when they're awake or asleep." Merlin waited a bit after his explanation.

"She's going to be fine?" John sounded a bit calmer but his eyes were still a crimson red.

"Yes, she'll be weak but she'll be fine after she feeds. What do you want to do about him?" Merlin was pointing to the slumped body of Derrick behind him.

"I want to shred him to pieces, slowly. I wish he'd feel every cut I make, hear every bone shatter as I break them." John held Gabriella tighter. "But it's not going to change what he did to my Queen; I've done many things that shouldn't see the light of day and I had made peace with the fact we would end his sorry life. I can't, I simply can't. I'd lose myself to much and I have to be strong for her." He gazed down to Gabriella, tenderly stroking her cheek, his thumb trailing her soft lips.

Merlin understood his predicament. "Don't worry, you take care of her and I'll make sure Derrick is put to rest."

There wasn't a reply from John, he simply picked up Gabriella, turned towards Derrick and shook his head in defeat, "I'm sorry for what has become of you, my son. Goodbye."

With a soft click the door closed behind them as Merlin turned towards Derrick.

"Now what to do with you? End this quietly and without much fuss or give you to the big bad wolf next door?" Merlin stalked in front of Derrick for a while, contemplating his decision. "Think it's going to be the big bad wolf; he needs a toy to play with when he wakes up." Merlin stepped closer, touching Derrick's temple with a single finger. He squinted his eyes at what he found in his most recent memories.

"Definitely big bad wolf material. You been rather the coward using your power, it won't help you now. You see, I'll be blocking them all so all you have left is your strength and speed. Level the odds, just a little."

Derrick fought against his restraint, furious at the taunting tone that was used by the man in front of him. He had no clue where he kept all this rage. He knew damn well he should be scared big time, that the blond man was someone he wished he never had met.

Merlin saw the ray of emotions ran over Derrick's face and smiled.

"You're curious as to what I am, aren't you? I'm an Ancient. One of the very few left. We are those who stood at the cradle of humankind and all others. You know there is more to this world then vampires and werewolves. The rest don't really need us anymore. They have found a balance with the humans they live with. It's just a few like yourself that give all the non-humans a bad reputation. It's in situations like this that I really don't mind giving a helping hand getting rid of the bad apples."

Merlin crouched in front of him.

"You get the enormity of what I just told you? A nod will suffice, I don't have the need to listen to your whiny voice any longer."

Derrick looked him straight in the eyes, pulling and tugging at the shackles.

"Tssk tssk. That's not the answer I wanted. Gabriella told you. You should have taken her stories more seriously. Even with your powers in full force you couldn't use them at their full capabilities, the titanium would take care of that. If her concentration wouldn't have dropped, you wouldn't have had a way inside her mind. I'll give you that, it was a sneaky move. One I'm glad you'll never be able to use ever again."

He stood again and this time he grabbed hold of Derricks head and blocked him as tight as he could, only leaving behind the basic strength and speed of a vampire.

"Now stand and I'll take you to your new guardian. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you when he wakes up"

Merlin grabbed the short chain between the shackles and forced Derrick to stand up faster and tugged him all the way to the door. With a flick of his other hand the door unlocked and he pulled Derrick behind to the cell that held Ed.

"Don't go getting ideas in that head of yours. You're vampire powers will only come to life when he wakes up. Think twice before trying anything with him. He's only a little bit pissed off because I kept him from killing your partner in crime. He's  actually next door and so is Rupert. You see, there will be nothing left of your little gang of misfits. It all ends tonight." Merlin couldn't help the evil laughter that followed his words as he saw the surprised look on Derrick's face.

"You better rest a bit before he wakes up, you'll need it."

With those words Merlin shut the door and locked it tight. He checked that the charms he put on Ed were still in effect, he added a single one that would wake him instantly if someone was trying to hurt him while still asleep.

Now it was time to get Adam and Dave. He was sure they were wondering where he'd be all this time.

+ + + +

Adam and Dave looked at each other than to the keys they both were holding.

"Have fun I'd say, but that doesn't really go down well. Just get out in one piece, OK?" Dave sounded a bit hyped at the prospect of dealing with Chasey.

"Don't you worry about me, I'll be fine. I'll just grab my knives and have a bit of one on one time with the scumbag in there." Adam nodded at the cell that held Rupert as he went to the bag that sat next to it.

He rummaged a bit through it until he grabbed for the set of KA-BAR's. One looked very old, the blade appeared to have no shine on it as Adam had covered the blade with a few coats of spray paint. His buddies had looked at him oddly back in the day but he explained that it would help hide the presence of the knife longer if the other one didn't see the shiny blade or saw no reflection of it. It didn't take him long to convince them of doing the same.

The second KA-BAR was a newer model, the blade shiny as the day it was bought. The shape was similar, only this one had a handle that wasn't so heavy and the blade was sharpened on both sides.

Adam put the blades on the ground and fished up a rig he could put on to hold both knives. He knew this one wouldn't survive once he shifted but that was fine; Bronwille was worth it.

"I got more in here, you want something?" Adam addressed Dave.

Dave cracked his neck before replying, "No I'm fine with my own set." He wiggled his fingers making clear which ones he was referring to.

"OK, well, stay safe. I'll wait on you if you wait on me, once we're done."

"Deal."

Both men took a deep breath before they used their key to unlock the cell that held their dirt bag.

+ + + +

Dave closed the door behind him and put away the key in one of his side pockets.

"So we meet again," he said calmly. "Who would have thought that?"

Chasey looked up and his eyes grew wide as he recognized Dave.

"What the hell is going?" he growled.

"Nothing much, just wrapping things up. I'm lucky, I get to play with you!"

Chasey still didn't understand what was going on and tried to get up but the shackles held him down.

"You see, I was happy to help out my Beta get his revenge but things got a bit more serious when I met a young woman. One who captivated me from the second I saw her. You do know what mates are, right?" Not waiting for an answer, he went on. "They told me to be careful, that she's been through a lot. When Adam showed me a little of what she was forced to do, I knew I wanted payback. Guess it's you're lucky day. Never again will you touch Sue, not once will you use her little one as a bargaining chip to keep her in line and no longer is she addicted to your poisonous blood!"

"You-set-us-up!" Chasey growled, his eyes turning a bright crimson red.

"I didn't plan a single thing but I am glad I had to come over. I've found my mate and now I get some playtime with you."

Dave squatted in front of him, tilted his head and laughed shortly.

"How long this will take is up to you." Dave sniffed him out. "You're a youngling, I have those for breakfast. I'll make you a deal. If you're able to get this key you can walk out of here, if not, well…" Dave shrugged.

With a swift movement, Dave unlocked the shackles and freed Chasey. Dave braced for the initial impact he knew was coming.

Chasey went straight for his neck but Dave was prepared and rolled with him, planting his feet in Chasey's groin. As he rolled on his back, he pushed Chasey off him, throwing him to the other side of the room and then finished the roll. Dave didn't get up but stayed on all fours as he quickly shifted into a wolf.

Barely shifted, Dave was almost knocked over as Chasey came running at him. With a catlike jump, he avoided their collision. He growled as he turned towards the vampire. He hurt our mate, he'll pay for it!</i>

They locked eyes and Dave waited patiently for Chasey's next move. Not a second later, he was running towards him again. This time, Dave didn't jump up but stepped sideways as one paw lashed out and caught Chasey on the shoulder. He tore through the layers of clothes with ease, digging deeper into the vampire's flesh.

The metallic smell of fresh blood reached his flaring nostrils, spurring him on for more. He huffed at the vampire as if saying "is that all you got". Dave wasn't done taunting the other one and simply sat down on his haunches.

Chasey turned, checking the damage the wolf had done to his shoulder.

"You are dead!"

He fully unleashed his vampiric beast, the crimson in his eyes going obsidian black, his talons sprouting from his fingers. Chasey even grew in height and width.

Dave watched the change take place and snorted again. Playtime, finally.</i> he got back on all fours, pacing the room slowly, never leaving Chasey out of his line of sight. He waited.

With an unworldly growl, Chasey attacked Dave again, no intention to knock him over but only to get closer. Dave anticipated his move and snapped at the outstretched hands as they came closer. Chasey ducked under him, twisted on his back and tore at Dave's belly.

Dave winced as he felt the talons going through his flesh, a quick inner check told him nothing was harmed, it was just a nasty flesh wound. He turned around and raced towards Chasey, who quickly got onto his feet and stood in a battle stance. Dave recognized it from his training sessions with Adam and decided not to go for the torso as he initially wanted to but went for the knees instead. He knew he'd given Chasey an opening to hurt him badly. Yet he felt confident enough that he could surprise Chasey enough to be sloppy in his counter attack.

As he hoped, Chasey wasn't expecting him to dig his canines into his knee joint. He shook his head from left to right a few times, making sure he did enough damage to render the knee useless. At that point, Chasey wasn't really attacking anymore but was rather trying to get Dave off him. Dave felt him tugging at the hairs in his neck but that didn't do anything for him.

Dave shook one last time and an audible crunch was enough of a sign for him that one knee was out of the running. He let go of Chasey and stepped back.

The vampire fell on his ass, pressing down on his knee, or what was left of it.

Again, Dave sat on his haunches and simply stared at the vampire. Dave watched how Chasey tried to get up several times but each time would buckle with one leg totally useless. Dave shifted back to human form, not a care in the world that he stood naked in front of the other one.

"For being the number two, you sure don't know how to put up a fight. Don't know how to heal yourself? Your vampire daddy didn't teach you that? I do know he taught you how to use and abuse others, especially young females. Well, let me fill you in on a news flash: you won't ever do that again. I know what you made Sue do and knowing she's been put through that deliberately and her daughter used as ransom. Well, that makes me one very angry wolf and an even bigger pissed off mate. Now stand and fight like a man instead of sitting on your sorry excuse of an ass." Dave was getting annoyed with the vampire and was done toying with him. If he didn't get up any second now he would simply rip out his throat and end his life.

"You'll regret those words!" Chasey was struggling to stand but managed to limp towards one of the cave walls.

"Oh really? And what are you gonna do about it? I'm the one still standing on my own two feet. Sure you almost gutted me but see," Dave pointed towards his stomach, "I'm as good as healed. What about you?"

There wasn't much of a reply but a lame attempt of Chasey tackling Dave but failing miserably. It only resulted in Dave grabbing Chasey by the throat and lifting him up.

"You're pitiful, maybe I shouldn't waste any more time with you." With a growl Dave twisted Chasey's neck. He let him drop to the ground and with a grunt buried his partly shifted hand in Chasey's chest, ripping out his heart.

A calm feeling washed over him, his mate was revenged. Now all he had to do was woo her so she'd accept him fully. Looking around, he searched for his ripped up clothes. When he found what was left of his pants, he dug up the key to the cell and let himself out. Next to the door lay a sports bag with a change of clothes. He cleaned his hands as best he could with the towel that was on top and put on the clean clothes. He wanted to race back to the mansion but he had to wait on Adam. He'd promised.

He let himself drop to the floor, dug around in the bag once more and found the bottle of water. He made himself a bit more comfortable and started the waiting game.

+ + + +

Rupert paced the cell he was in. He had no clue where he was, how he got here and least of all he didn't know how to get out. The door was locked tight and even with his vampiric strength he couldn't open it. The one that put him in here must have known how to deal with his kind.

He was still shaky about the first attack by the werewolf. Ever since he was turned he'd never lost a fight. He didn't even mind fighting dirty, but this werewolf had gotten the best of him. It had taken most of his energy to heal himself and he would need a feeding to feel like himself again.

Searching for a way out, he went over things, maybe clues he missed that could help him figure out what was going on and why it seemed the one man wanted him specifically. He'd pissed off too many people to keep track of the ones who hated his guts. An overdose of confidence made him believe those same people would think twice before coming after him.

Rupert knew he made a fast climb in the gang hierarchy. He had a free choice of who he wanted to fuck or rape or abuse. Despite his dire situation, he couldn't help but think back to his initiation. He had a lot of fun. For weeks on end he had pursued the little redhead at work. She'd go for a drink but never anything more. He'd grown angry with her as she always turned him down. When he finally got his introduction and was told to bring a plaything, willingly or not, he'd knew right away who he'd bring.

It was the night of his life. He had used her good and so did the others. Once she lost consciousness, he had convinced the boss to let her go. That he knew where she lived and that they could have a repeat sometime soon before they would make her disappear. He had shuddered at the prospect of having her again, of pounding his cock in her tight pussy and even tighter ass. The sounds of her gagging on his cock were music to his ears.

Yet she eluded them all. They had dropped her in front of a hospital, wanting to make sure she'd be taken care off so she'd be healed when they would come after her again. He had told them to let her heal, let her feel safe once more before taking her again. That false security would be chattered and they'd be drunk on her fear.

Not that many weeks later he made the mistake of dropping her a note. He had wanted to scare her a little but just like that she vanished without a trace. He looked for her for months but he couldn't find anything, not a phone number not even a forwarding address.

Rupert had paid dearly for his misjudgment but ever since he made sure he was the top dog and listened to every command issued. Luckily for him, it hardly were any he hated doing rather the opposite. Joining the gang and being turned into a vampire was the best thing that could ever happen to him, at least that was what he believed.

He turned his head around when he heard the lock switch and the door slowly opening. The man that entered look vaguely familiar, not like an old friend but he knew he'd seen him before in the last few hours or days even. Something about the guy set him on edge as if the previous assault on him meant nothing compared what this dude could do.

Putting on a brave face he addressed the man haughtily. "Finally someone shows up. Maybe you can fill me in and let me out of this dump?"

"You belief you're getting out of here? Let me crush that little dream, you ain't leaving here. You're mine and trust me, you would wish my friend would have finished you. I'm not here to show you any sympathy, I'm here to get my revenge. You should know what I am and I'll simply give you a name and then you can kiss your sorry life goodbye." Adam's tone was flat and lacked any emotion. He just stood in front of the door. One hand was cradling the old KA-BAR as if it were an old lover.

"What makes you think you can take me on?" The arrogance was covering the fear that was crawling up inside Rupert.

"Bronwille Reid." Adam stood still, giving Rupert a few seconds to let it sink it.

"What of her? Did you find that slut?" Inwardly, Rupert's mind was working overtime. He knew the man in front of him was a were, by the looks of it also a pretty powerful one. They were about the same height but that's were any similarities ended.

"You're going to regret calling her that. Better yet, you'll regret ever meeting her. It's enough to say I know; I know all what you lot did to her. All that ends tonight. Derrick and Chasey's life is forfeit as we speak."

"Lies. Derrick still lives!"

"Hmm maybe for the moment. But he's locked up with one angry wolf, one who right now only wants blood to sate his inner rage. I'm sure they'll get up close and personal. Just like we are. So cut the bull shit and see how long you can stay alive."

Rupert almost crapped his pants because those words were barely spoken as Adam rushed in and slashed his upper arms. Stunned by the sudden attack he needed a few seconds to get his bearings. In those few precious seconds, it dawned on him how it all connected. This bulky wolf was the slut's mate and she must have told him what had happened to her.

Just knowing she was walking around, being happy just made him angry and jealous. Jealous because this piece of shit in front of him was tapping her. He still felt weak from his forced healing earlier but he willed his beast to the front. Having been taught a lesson by the first wolf, he knew now not to underestimate them. The cuts stung only a little bit but it made him aware he needed to pay attention.

His eyes never left the other one. Anticipating another fast attack, he stalked the cell from one side to the other. Annoyance grew as he saw the other one just playing with the big knife; tossing it in the air time after time, each time catching it by the handle without even looking at it.

Rupert had enough of the waiting game and with inhumane speed, attacked only to find himself flying through the air and landing with a loud thud on the cell door behind his target. With a loud grunt he tried to stand, doubling over from the pain in his gut. Looking down, all he saw was blood seeping through his already torn clothes. His crimson eyes searched for the other one. The anger rose as he found him leaning against the wall where he stood before he attacked.

"Don't be a cry baby now. Be a man. Don't be a pussy that has to drug women to get laid, or rather rape them. A real man woos his woman, he doesn't kidnap her."

Rupert felt his anger boil over at the taunting words of the other man. Biting back his discomfort, he went after him again. His talons at full length, he aimed for the broad chest, not caring where he'd cut him. He just craved his blood, he wanted to bath in it! He knew he went through something but his moment didn't last long as he felt a blade piercing his side. Grunting hard, he tried to disentangle them but he was trapped by the twisting blade and a large hand grabbing a handful of his hair and yanking his head backwards.

"You really are a pitiful excuse of a vampire you know. Maybe I should just cut you up bit by bit. See how long that will take me. See if I can make it last as long as you abused Bronwille. What do you have to say about that? I kinda like that idea."

Adam bristled with anger at the underperformance of Rupert. He wanted a fight. Now it felt like he was gutting him just for the sake of gutting him. He wanted Rupert to hurt, he wanted to bleed him out slowly, he wanted to hear him beg for his sorry life. So many things he wanted but wasn't getting.

He yanked Rupert's head backwards and growled. He felt his wolf rushing to the fore front and wanting his own piece of the little shit but he held his wolf in check. He wasn't done yet. Slowly he removed the KA-BAR and stabbed him in the groin. Pulling back he lunged again, going for the artery in Rupert's thigh. It looked like Adam was losing his senses but he knew very well what he was doing. One by one he stabbed and twisted his knife in each of his body's major blood vessels, making sure that Rupert would bleed out.

He was aware this wouldn't kill Rupert, it would just make him very very weak. Simply killing him wouldn't ease his need for revenge, he wanted him to realize that his time was up. Rupert struggled to keep standing but Adam shoved him away and he fell to the ground.

"I could shift and rip your limbs off one by one. Don't think I'll bother. I'm puzzled though. How did you lot get into such a position while you can't even fight to save your own sorry ass? Derrick wasn't a good vampire daddy? Here I am wanting revenge, get my own pay back for what you did to Bronwille. I'm rather disillusioned by you, mister hot shot."

Adam stood up and took the second knife.

"This is going to hurt."

Adam gave up part of his sanity and let the wolf take over for the majority without shifting. A shift would simply end the vampires life and he wanted him to suffer. Both KA-BAR's in hand he started making cuts next to the places he stabbed.

Rupert started screaming but he ignored the pleas, he even stabbed Rupert through the hand with which he tried to avoid more cuts. The cuts started to be deeper and the slashed became more viscous.

Suddenly Adam stepped back and shook his head.

This isn't right! I want revenge but I'm not a torturer!</i> His wolf disagreed, he made it clear he wanted to do more, he wanted to rip and tear the flesh of the vampires bones. He wanted to rip out his heart and devour it. No! if we do all that we won't be any better than they were, then he was. He can't heal himself anymore, all that is left is death. You can have the kill but that's it. I've got my revenge.</i> Adam had great difficulty convincing his wolf to see things his way.

He understood his need but he knew he couldn't let his wolf do that. It would eat him up alive knowing what he did. His time in Vietnam bubbled up too. He had lost control there, his need for blood overpowering his senses. Not one of the Vietnam soldiers survived his rage. He reasoned with the wolf again. It was enough. They had changed too. Adam tried to explain that if they went ahead they wouldn't be any better than the one killed and they had to try and be above that. They had to so their mate would be proud of them.

Hearing their mate mentioned, it finally got through to the wolf and at long last he backed down.

Adam looked down. Rupert lay in a big puddle of his own blood, the crimson in his eyes long gone, his skin as pale as it could get. Adam kneeled beside him and bent down. Softly he whispered into his ear, "Know that I'll make her the happiest woman alive and she'll be all mine. Everything you did to her will be just a disappearing shadow, I'll make sure she knows she doesn't have to worry anymore. You'll be taken care of."

In a fast move he pierced the vampires heart with both knives, twisting and turning them, wanting that last moment to be as painful as he could make it. He made sure the heart was completely severed before standing up and closing his eyes.

It was over.

He had gotten his revenge.

He managed to keep a hold on his sanity.

He didn't even shift.

His wolf felt left out and nudged his human and whimpered. He understood now but also wanted to execute part of the vengeance for their mate.

Adam had a mental argument with his wolf but in the end gave in. He wanted to undress but the mental agreement  had his wolf too eager to wait and he pushed himself to the front and made his human rip his clothes.

He stood over the dead body of Rupert, snarling and yapping, getting rid of any anger he had left in his muscled body. He sniffed the corpse and almost bolted when the rich odor of the vamps urine assaulted his nostrils. Coward!</i>

Moving back up he did the one thing he longed to do. With a growl he went for the vampires throat and shook his head from left to right until he heard an audible crunching and a loud snap. With a twist of his head he severed the head from the body. He knew his human had made sure the vampire was dead but he just needed to know it would stay that way.

He stepped, licked his chops and almost gagged at the taste of the lifeless blood. The wolf knew his human would take care of the foul taste and quickly he retreated, giving his human full control. All he wanted  now was to get back to his mate and make her his.