SIW Chris Whelan Ch 09

Saint Ives - Whelan Chronicles : Christopher Saint Ives – Whelan.

  

Chapter Nine : Ending Things.

Blinded by the rage he felt, Adam leaped up and directly went for Frank's throat, the one who had set his eyes on Bronwille the night they assaulted her. Ed and Chris each went for the other men. The brothers had decided that they wanted to keep Jack alive at all costs, the one who had casually revealed most from their hidden agenda.

Chris told his brother, a second before they attacked, that he would take care of Jack, hoping that in the middle of the fight he cold port him away and secure him. He knew he'd reveal his new trick this way, but he was already planning on telling Ed and Adam afterwards.

Ed made a beeline for Howie's thigh, sure he could bite him there and incapacitate him. His aim wasn't to kill, it never had been. In this case however he wouldn't mourn the fact if he failed. From what little they‘d overheard, these three weren't rogues at all but had been ordered to bring in fresh blood to a shrinking pack and it didn't matter how they brought in the females. Knowing a woman should be treated with respect, their conversation had sparked his anger.

Suddenly the camp exploded in a mix of growls and popping bones, indicating the three men were shifting to their wolf forms once they saw the three massive wolves attacking them.

They recognized the scent from the dark brown one. Seeing him there with the other two, they all realized instantly they were in for the fight of their lives.

Adam surprisingly missed Frank by an inch, but that didn't stop him from knocking him over. Uncaring that Frank was mid shift, he launched another attack at the man's throat. Frank got up and tried to avoid the impending assault, only able to take a single step before he felt the sharp canines rip through his shoulder blade, fracturing it. Giving a painful yelp, he tried his best to shake off the big wolf.

Remembering their earlier fight, Frank knew he wasn't a real match to this wolf, so he had to trick him, letting the wolf think he had the upper hand. Feigning submission to the larger and stronger wolf, he dropped down, giving another yelp as he landed on his obviously broken shoulder. Baring his throat, the darker wolf didn't hesitate to clamp down and reinforce his dominance.

Seething with anger deep inside, Frank did his best to stay still, letting the other man think he had won, and was now hoping the wolf on top of him would show mercy for his fast surrender. The grip on his throat became firmer. Still Frank kept quiet, but then he felt the canines pierce his skin. A not so feigned whimper escaped the second he realized his little gamble of tricking this wolf had failed miserably.

Frank had hoped on mercy and once he'd been released had intended to strike the big wolf in his stomach. He couldn't even get a kick in now. The other wolf had anticipated every possible move and wasn't interested in fighting. His only intent was to end his life. Frank knew he'd lost the second he felt a canine rip open his jugular and his warm blood started flowing out with every fast fading heartbeat.

Shifting back, Frank tried to cover the wound, applying pressure. At the same time the other wolf released him and shifted too. No wonder I'm no match to this dude, he's a fucking SEAL, he realized with wide open eyes as he saw the familiar tattoos.

Adam pressed a finger into the wound, stalling the blood flow for only a little while.

"You know, you little piece of shit, I don't kill for fun nor joy, but when you touch a woman the way you lot did that irks me. What really pissed me off was that you were assaulting MY mate," he whispered in Frank's ear in a stone cold voice, devoid from any emotion.

Frank tried to reply but only some incoherent gurgles came out of his, now, blood filled mouth.

"Then you didn't even have the guts to stay and fight, but ran like the little scared dogs you all are. In any other fight I would finish you off fast, swift and clean. Merciful even. But not this time, you deserve every slow second of agony as the life slips from you and you realize what a piece of shit you have been," Adam ended his whisper, at the same time removing his finger.

The blood started pumping out faster with the pressure gone. Adam stood up and gazed at the man lying in front of him, clutching at his throat, fighting for every little breath he was still able to get. His attempts grew slower as the puddle of blood under him soiled the forest floor. Then his eyes glazed and simply stared at the clear sky above them.

Adam didn't feel proud of this kill, it went against his very nature, despite his long army track records. His wolf did feel satisfied, they had avenged their mate. Crouching down, he closed the man's eyes, his only visible sign that he, despite everything that had led to this fight, still respected a dead man.

Standing back up, he looked around and frowned. He only saw Ed battling with Howie, no sign of Chris and Jack, the third man. Shifting back to wolf, he sent out a message, glad the brothers had decided to keep their mental link open to him. Chris, where the hell are you?

I'm securing this little piece of shit so we can interrogate him. I took him out of the clearing. That way the women can stay there when we question him, Chris replied.

Ok. I see Ed is having fun with his prey. Mine's already dead. I'll go check on the women. I'll leave them tied for now until we're done questioning the little piece of shit you have with you.

Sounds like a plan. Just keep an eye on Ed, he's usually not the fighting type, but once he gets going, his dark side tends to show. I'd hate to clean up his mess, Chris sent back.

Copy that. I'll intervene if needed.

Turning around, he watched Ed battling the other wolf. Seems he's already playing with him, Adam thought to himself before he walked past them, towards the women under the makeshift shelter.

Luckily they were both still passed out. Pressing two fingers against their neck, he checked their heart rate and breathing, both seemed calm for the moment and they weren't lying in a too uncomfortable position. Deciding to leave them both as they were Adam turned back towards the fight behind him.

Adam had never seen Ed fight before. To him he always seemed to be the most laid back of the three brothers. Now it was becoming clear that Ed did have a darker side to him, one not many had witnessed before. Chris had told him about a few things that had happened in the past, but somehow they never seemed to match Ed's persona. He stood corrected now.

Ed had jumped the man, first going for his thigh. During that moment the man had shifted to his wolf form. Releasing him, he circled the wolf, then jumped at him again, biting him in the shoulder. Ed released him again, the adrenaline pumping through his veins, his canines bared and a constant low growl emanating from his chest.

That was how he played his game, he jumped in, would bite and retreat. Repeating this process until the other one wasn't sure where he'd be bitten next. Ed could keep this game up for a long time. It’d been ages since he'd been in a fight and a content shudder traveled through his spine.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Adam watching him. That told him that Adam's target was already taken care of. Letting out an annoyed huff, he realized now was not the time to play, they had other things to take care of. With a loud snarl he expressed his unsatisfied need for a good rumble.

Turning towards the bleeding wolf, he made a short sprint, knocking the other one over. Without much care he clamped down on the throat and gave the wolf a second to surrender. All he got in return was a loud groan and the start of a struggle. Wanting to end this swiftly, he simply bit down hard and shook his head, breaking the other wolfs neck in the process.

With a loud snort he released the dead wolf and shifted back.

"Bah, now I get the chance to fight and all I get is this wimpy excuse of a dog. Would have thought with all their big talk they at least would prove to be a challenge. Our pups fight better than these miserable creatures," he said as he dragged the back of his hand over his mouth, trying to get rid of the blood on it.

"I had the same. Mine thought he could trick me into believing he surrendered. He was wrong," Adam agreed.

Ed looked around. "Where is Chris?"

"He's around, just don't know where," Adam replied.

Chris, where are you? And that pitiful excuse of a wolf? Ed sent to his brother.

I have him tied up to a tree. I'll be over to come and get you two. I don't want our little interrogation happening in the camp so as not to wake up those women. The less they see and hear, the better, Chris answered.

Turning sideways Chris looked at the unconscious wolf. He was glad he had spotted some rope before he had ported them out of the camp. Their struggle was brief and not even a real challenge for Chris. When the other wolf was knocked out, Chris had focused on his surroundings and concluded the others were still in mid-fight. He took the chance and ported himself to the ropes and back, so he could tie him up.

This wasn't an easy task, crappy fighter or not, a werewolf was still strong. Chris had to come up with a way of making it impossible for the wolf to shift back and break the bonds. Chris spotted a large tree not far from where he ported them to the first time. With a low growl he had dragged the dead weight of the wolf over to the tree, wrapped the wolf around it and tied the front paws together with the back ones.

In wolf form this wasn't an uncomfortable position, but it would be if you tried to shift. He could only hope this particular one had at least one working brain cell because all the others seemed to have reverted back to caveman proportions.

Circling around the tree, he took a good sniff of the tied up wolf. Chris couldn't pinpoint it, but there was a hint of familiarity to his scent, as if he'd smelled it before. Back in the camp this one was big on the talk, but he wasn't impressed with how easy he'd won their little tussle. It was like he didn't even try to fight back and just acted a bit before giving in. All this told Chris there was a lot more going on than they could imagine.

Giving the wolf one last push to check if he still was out cold, he turned, shifted back to wolf and went to retrieve his brother and Adam. When he entered the clearing it was evident that Ed and Adam had tried to cover up the two corpses and hide them from the woman.

"I'm a bit disappointed. It looks like none of them knew how to fight. Where’s the challenge in that?" Chris said after he shifted to human form.

"I'm right there with you, bro. It's been a while since we had a good fight," Ed chimed in.

"How are the women?" Chris directed to Adam.

"Still sleeping it seems. Think we can leave them here while we question the other one?"

"Should be ok. Even if they wake up, we'll know that quickly enough and if they wander away, we can track them later," Chris answered.

"So, up for a little Truth or Dare?" Ed asked.

"No better time for it, he must be coming around by now," Chris answered.

The two men followed Chris as he led them a bit further away. It wasn't long before they came upon the tied up wolf who was indeed coming to. Standing next to each other, they all looked down at the snarling beast. Chris crouched down and locked eyes.

"You have two options. First one is you shift and we'll redo your bindings and you'll answer our questions. Second option, hmm well, maybe there isn't a second option, you will tell us what we want to know, one way or the other. But let me introduce myself first. I'm Christopher Saint Ives – Whelan, the name ring a bell?" Chris told the squirming wolf in front of him.

Suddenly the wolf went quiet and still, acknowledging that he knew what that name meant.

"The other one is my brother Eamonn," Chris said, using Ed's birth name, "and a friend of ours, Adam. I think you remember him, don't you? The one that kicked your butt a few days ago. Sounds familiar? Or need a reminder? So are you going to shift and answer a few questions?" he went on in a stern, emotionless tone.

The wolf whimpered and shifted to human form.

Chris nodded towards Adam, who immediately knew Chris wanted him to restrain the man so they could redo his bindings. Repositioned, he now sat with his back against the tree, hands tied behind him, legs bound around the knees and ankles.

"Ed, you want to start this?" Chris asked his brother.

"With pleasure," he answered as he turned to wolf. "Jack is your name if I remember correctly. Now tell me, is this the first time you've been in our territory without approval?"

Jack shook his head.

"The first time you took women?"

Again "no" was the reply.

"You think you can get away with this unharmed and unpunished?"

Jack whimpered.

"The cat got your tongue? Not feeling so brave now?" Ed went on.

"Let me tell you what you are going to do. You are going to tell us how long you've been trespassing on our land and territory and then you're going to tell me how many women your pack has kidnapped so far. You're going to tell me why. If you can answer all of these without us having to beat it out of you, then you'll be pretty much unharmed. Punishment will still be decided upon by the Council. And guess who leads it? Our eldest brother Dominic, I'm sure you know him, right?"

"First question. From which pack are you?" Ed started asking.

"I'm from the MacLachlan pack," Jack stuttered.

Chris froze when he heard that name.

Handle this with care, brother. I think the shit is going to hit the fan. I will explain more later, Chris told his brother. Inwardly he cursed. Things couldn't have gotten more complicated. He started wondering how mad Richard's father really was. Sending out his puppets to kidnap human females to keep his numbers up. It was outrageous. Then he wondered  how he was going to tell Mia and at the same time tried figuring out a way to tell Ed their involvement was far from over.

Chris saw the little nod his brother gave him, acknowledging his message.

"How long have your pack been coming to our territory?" Ed asked.

"Ten years."

"How often did you come?"

"Once a year."

"With how many?"

"Never more than three."

"How long did you stay?" Ed went on in a clipped voice.

"Never more than a week."

That could explain why their presence wasn't detected. Many people go missing throughout the year, two or three more aren't so easy to pick up on, sadly enough, Ed conferred with his brother.

Still doesn't explain why they were so close to your club. It's swarming with wolves, Chris replied.

"What did you do to them, once you'd taken them?" Ed questioned Jack again.

"It's obvious what they did, Ed. Two of them are laying right over there and you know what they did to Bronwille," Adam jumped into the interrogation.

"I know, Adam, but I want to hear it from our little friend here," Ed intercepted his outburst. Focusing back on Jack, he simply tilted his head, indicating he was expecting an answer from him.

"I didn't touch the women, I'd only touch the one truly meant for me. Frank and Howie," Jack whispered as he shook his head, "They didn't care. I told them not to, that we're supposed to wait until we're back on pack land. We're only meant to retrieve a female, bring her back and turn her in front of everyone."

"And how did these two end up in this state?" Ed pressed on.

"I told them to leave those women alone, but they wouldn't have any of it. The night before we were supposed to take the last woman, Frank lured me away. When we returned I found them like this. Howie's twisted mind got the better of him and he had his kind of fun with both," Jack replied in shame.

"Fun?" Adam roared, "Their bruises and the bloody stains they both have, tell me another story. If what you lot tried to do to Bronwille is any indication, I can only imagine what that little bit of fun really was. They look beaten and seeing they're barely dressed you lot raped them as well." Adam was getting really angry again.

He growled when he felt a hand clamp over his shoulder, only to realize a second later it was Chris.

Calm down, my friend. We'll get to the bottom of this and resolve this situation so it will never happen again. Let Ed finish his questions and we'll take it from there, Chris tried tempering his friend's angry mood.

I'm going to check on the women. If I stay here that piece of shit won't live for very long. He's that dumb to be led on, even the woman he'd picked for himself got abused and he didn't do anything, he just let it happen!

I know Adam, we'll get to the bottom of this. Go check on the women, but do pass your car first so you don't scare them too. Being naked is our second nature, but it's not to them, Chris reminded him.

I know, won't take me long. Get everything out of him that you can. I‘ve had my vengeance but this can't continue to happen, this pack must be stopped at all costs, he said before he shifted and ran away.

Chris turned back to his brother, who still was crouched down the same way as when they started their questioning. Out of the three brothers, Ed was the better one to lead an interrogation. Nick was very good at assessing situations and take actions accordingly. If it wasn't for his pre-occupancy with Fran right now, he'd be here doing the same thing. Chris was actually the odd one out. He did his job as Beta, but he actually preferred to keep any kind of violence to a minimum.

This being the very reason, and the knowledge he could explain it to them later, that he opted to port this one away and not give in to that familiar hunting and conquering nature of his wolf side.

"How much time do you still need, Ed?" Chris asked, wanting this to be over.

"Not much longer," Ed replied without moving. "So Jackie, boy, why were you ordered to take these women? And where are they supposed to be taken to?"

"Our pack is vanishing, we needed new females to bear our pups. Our Alpha sends some of us away once a year, to bring back new females to mate."

"And what about true mates?"

"He doesn't care about that. He just wants to enlarge the pack, he doesn't care how."

This Alpha really seems to be one pain in the ass, Ed told his brother.

You don't know everything yet. Just wrap this up, so we can move this one to a holding cell under the mansion. Then I need to talk to Adam and you. This is far from over yet.

"Where is your pack located?" Ed asked, knowing this to be a futile question, packs were obliged to divulge the boundaries of their territory and they already knew which pack he belonged to.

"It's on the North side, a day's drive," Jack replied evasively.

"So let me recap. Your Alpha thinks just because his pack is dwindling he can send out pack members, let them invade another pack’s territory without them knowing, kidnap women to use them as breeding stock and he thinks he can get away with it?" Ed summed up.

Jack stayed silent, but nodded affirmatively.

"He may have gotten away with it for a time, but that time is over as of now. When this gets put in front of the Council he won't have a pack left!" Ed roared, for the first time showing emotion.

Hold it brother, don't mention the council. Remember I still have to talk to you. This needs to be settled outside of Council attention.

Ed turned and gave Chris a puzzled look.

Nick told me to solve this situation as I saw fit. This has to be brought before the Council. You know that, Ed mentally scolded his younger brother.

If it were any other situation I'd agree with you right away. Only now there are a few facts you aren't aware of yet. If this is brought before the Council I'm pretty sure things will only take a turn for the worse.

What can happen if we bring in the Council? This pack will be dissolved and their actions will be punished, as it should be. Ed was slightly displeased with his brother now. Not once had they quarreled over decision making.

I'm asking this as your brother. Chris thought about Mia and their unborn offspring, he couldn't let anything happen to them. Let it go for now. Scare the shit out of him, I really don't care, but keep it out of the Council. If they get involved then lives would be at stake, lives I'm not willing to lose.

Ed took a few moments to mull over what Chris had said and didn't say. Chris wasn't one to keep secrets, at least not from him. He already knew something was going on in his life, he knew the second Chris wasn't found at his garage. Apart from being the womanizer over the weekend Chris practically lived at the garage.

Giving another thorough look at his sibling Ed tried one last time to see if he could get anything out of him right now.

Chris' expression was closed off when he "spoke" to his brother again. Trust me, when you know everything, you will agree with me. Let this one be scared, but don't press the council matter. Let's get him moved. We still have a couple of ladies to take care of too.

Ed gave a small nod in affirmation.

"You're going to our holding cells. How you get there is up to you but I suggest you don’t try running, you'll regret it. Our cars are parked just at the edge of the forest, I have an extra set of clothes there you can put on. You can shift and walk with us or go like you are, your choice," Ed addressed Jack.

Looking around nervously Jack realized once again he was out numbered, outranked and finally in the position he longed for such a long time. He had given in from the first moment. He‘d never really wanted to fight, had actually hoped they would get caught sooner. He actually felt relieved now everything was right out in the open. He was just glad they didn't ask him for his full name, they'd know the importance then of who was sent out this time. As youngest son of the MacLachlan Alpha he was left with little choice but to follow his orders, he didn't want to have the same happening to him what had cost him his older brother.

Now he had the one chance to redeem himself and try and put an end to the things his father was doing. Still being a strong old wolf it was impossible to challenge him for the Alpha spot. So Jack bided his time. And now that time had come.

Their initial attack had surprised him and he reacted instinctively, but once he saw the other wolf not wanting to waste time, he gave in. This was his chance to change things around and he grasped it with both hands. He'd endure any punishment they wanted. Jack knew he deserved it. He'd done despicable things just to stay in his father grace.

"I'll come willingly," Jack said with a newfound inner hope. "I can't change the past, no matter how wrong it was, my own actions included. I'll take punishment, whatever you say, just to make this situation stop."

Both brothers looked a bit surprised at his changed attitude, although he had been cooperating from the start. Giving each other a knowing look, they shifted and waited for Jack to do the same. Boxing him in they walked him to the clearing first. With no sign of the women, Ed and Chris were assured they would be well taken care of.

With a quick yank, Chris destroyed the haphazardly made shift hut, pushing the canvas against one of the rocks, his intention to come back for it later.

Escorting Jack to their car, Chris let his brother know that they would have to keep his presence on a need to know basis. The fact he was from the MacLachlan pack, his familiar scent and his seemingly cooperative manner, were all clear signs there really was more to this Jack person than he let on.

At the car, they dressed quickly, tossing an extra set of clothes to Jack. Luck being on their side, they managed to lock up Jack without anyone noticing. That on its own was already a feat since there were always pack members roaming the grounds. They ordered the guard to make sure Jack was fed and always had water and instructed the guard to keep Jack's presence unknown until told otherwise.

Back outside Chris stopped Ed. "We're going to need that talk, brother. I'll need Adam present as well. With today's revelations I have no idea how things will turn out, trust me that the result won't have a good outcome."

"I'll tell Adam to meet us back at 'The Viper', we have privacy there. This isn't like you at all Chris, to be so secretive with things," Ed said.

"I know, you don't even know the half of it. I'm going to take one of Nick's cars, I need to stop at my place before heading over to 'The Viper'. Then we can settle this mess."

"I'll go check up on Adam and the two women, then meet you at 'The Viper' in an hour?"

"I'll be there," Chris answered, turned and walked towards Nick's garage.

* * * *

He felt her presence, but couldn't really pinpoint where she was. Her scent was all over the place.

"Mia?" he called out.

No reply.

"Mia?"

Again no reply.

Still on edge from his earlier encounter, he silently went in search of his elusive mate. There weren't many places she could be hiding. A quick peek in his kitchen and living room only showed both rooms empty.

Mia? he called out again, now switching to their inner connection.

He could still feel her, he felt no pain or fear, so he knew she had to be all right. Making his way further, he crossed an empty bathroom, looking quickly towards his rooftop patio, he could only confirm to himself that was empty too.

Only one place left where she could be and he really hoped he would find her there.

Gently opening his bedroom door, he let out a relieved swoosh of air. There she lay all curled up between the tussled sheets. A little smile on her lips told him she must be having a nice dream at least. Hating that he had to wake her up, he got into his bed and snuggled close, spooning her from behind. Automatically she sought his warmth and a sound almost resembling the purring of a cat emanated from her chest.

Five minutes, we can spare that much, Chris thought to himself as he pulled her even closer. Nuzzling her neck, he let her scent wash over him, evaporating the trails of anger he felt.

Snaking his hand over her chest, he stopped between her breasts, moving it a little more so his hands covered her heart. Beating in a steady rhythm, he luxuriated in this content feeling of coming home. All the worries from the outside world disappeared into thin air. Still amazed at how important Mia had become to him in such a short time, he knew there was still one, ever growing, big issue that needed to be dealt with.

Brushing her hair out of the way, he nuzzled her neck, sweeping his lips over her delicate skin. He felt the shiver going through her body, felt under his hand how her heartbeat accelerated. Turning his sweeping moves in

With a grunting noise that much resembled a growl, Mia rolled onto her back, the sheets pulling dangerously low, almost revealing her naked flesh to Chris.

"Fine, what is it?" she rumbled.

Getting up Chris sat down again, facing her this time.

"We got the rogues, two didn't make it back alive, but we have one in lockup at the mansion," he started.

Mia gave him a questioning look, wanting him to continue.

"It wasn’t rogues at all, Mia. There is no way to soften this up, but they were here deliberately to kidnap women for their pack." He waited a few seconds to let her understand what he was meaning. The look in her eyes said enough.

"Their Alpha ordered them to bring back women because their number is running low. He doesn't care about the mating pull or anything. The ones we found still had two women with them," he said, shaking his head as he went on. "I hope they will pull thto a kiss, he noticed how she started to stir, climbing back to an awakened state.

Turning around, her arms went around him, pulling him in close.

"Hey, sleepyhead, time to wake up now," he prodded gently.

"I'm fine, just let me be," Mia replied with a hoarse voice.

"I'd love to lay here, sweetheart, but there are a few things we need to discuss that can't wait."

Brushing her hair out of her face Chris saw her squinting up at him. Giving in to temptation he lightly brushed her lips with his own. The moan he got in return swiftly broke his resolve to keep it a sweet kiss. Threading his hand in her hair at the back of her head, he tilted her head as he went from a light to a more searching and demanding exploration of her hungry mouth.

The light touch of her hands brought him around, making him remember this was just the thing they didn't have time for right now. Releasing his hold on her head, he trapped her hands against him. Breathing heavily, he rested their heads together.

"Come on sleepyhead, we‘ve got some serious things to discuss. Don't make me dump you in the shower," he said trying to temper his own lust.rough, one of the men did a right number on them. The worst part of it all is the pack they're from."

Trepidation clear on her face, she grasped his arm before she asked, "And which pack would that be?"

"MacLachlan," was his sole reply.

The blood drained from her face as she let that single fact sink in.

"We have to talk to your father. He has to know what he's walking into when we go there. Knowing how sick that Alpha is getting I'm not sure if I can keep agreeing with keeping our numbers so low. I'm getting a very bad feeling about this whole situation."

"Of course Da has to know this. Do you want me to contact him right now?" Mia asked.

"Yes and no. I have to be at the club in a bit. I haven't told Ed and Adam and was about to do that. With this new development I think it would be wise if at least you would be there and if needed we can bring in your dad or even Merlin."

Suddenly wide awake, she jumped up and made a beeline for the bathroom.

Chris grunted, "Could you cover yourself up, woman!"

Turning around she gave him a stern look. "Even at a time like this, that is the only thing crossing your mind?"

"There are a lot of things on my mind. If you want me to focus I'd suggest you don’t parade around naked. There is only so much self-restraint I can muster. We haven't had enough time to ourselves by a long shot. So if you don't want to be embarrassingly late, turn around and get dressed," he said forcefully.

Mia only smiled when she saw the look in his eyes disagreeing with the tone he'd used. A quick shower evaporated the last bits of sleep left in her body. Covering herself in a bathrobe clearly too big for her, she went back. Chris was still on the bed and he had a brooding look in his eyes.

"Don't even think about it. I've got to get dressed and I have to call my Da still," she chided him.

Disappearing into his big walk in wardrobe she rummaged through her bags, hoping to find something easy to put on. Dropping the bathrobe she quickly stepped into some white silken panties and put on the matching bra. Bleached hipster jeans and a rainbow colored tunic completed her outfit. Coming out she went back to the bathroom to sort her hair.

Only she didn't make it even halfway there before Chris had scooped her up in his arms and was pressing his lips against hers.

Chris!, she mentally scolded him.

Releasing her lips he could only smile at her reaction. Carefully putting her feet on the ground again, he let her go.

"You got five more minutes, my dear," he teased.

"Then stop distracting me. It's like having a horny teenager stalking me all day long," she shot back, hoping to sound serious.

Back in the bathroom she made quick work of combing her hair and pulling it into a high ponytail. Tapping her chin she tried to remember where she‘d left her shoes. Shooting out of the bathroom she hurried towards the living room, scanning as she walked through it. For once she found the cursed footwear faster than normally. She was used to kicking off her shoes wherever she may be and then when she needed them it was like the search for the holy grail, time after time.

"I'm ready," she yelled.

"I'm not deaf yet, sweetheart", Chris spoke softly behind her. "Come on, let's go. We just have enough time to not be late. After that is over I still have to drop off the car at Nick's. I took one of his for now."

"Then lead the way. We might as well get this over with."