7 comments/ 44867 views/ 21 favorites Golden Keeper Ch. 01 By: Marione Chapter One: Moonlight and Darkness The trees cast haunting shadows over the slim figure lying at their roots. It seemed to glow under the rays of moonlight that caressed its ivory skin. Its hair was mangled, skin pale but in some areas covered dirt and grime from an unknown time or place. The creature moaned in agony as it slowly regained consciousness and rolled onto its back revealing that it was in fact a woman. She took a chance and opened her eyes; her irises of an eerily pale hue of blue or maybe grey casting a wary and bewildered glance at the dark foliage surrounding her. Her gaze was then full of shock as a ripple of an unorthodox amount of pain traveled down her emaciated back, along her spine. Her chalky, pale pink lips opened to release a scream but sound was lost to her. Tears gathered in her now wide open eyes, tears that soon spilled over and cleared her face in streaks, washing away the collected dirt. No longer paralyzed from her pain, which had simmered to a throb around her shoulder blades, she attempted to sit up. More pain shot through her upper back; the frail bones clearly visible through her skin, weak from malnourishment. She jerked back down to lay on her stomach while her form twisted and contorted in a dance of sadistic pain, causing her mouth to remain open in an ever constant silent scream. The pain became too much to bear and she welcomed the darkness that slowly suffocated her conscious mind. ___ Again she woke the next night, but more aware than before. Keeping her breathing steady she just barely opened her eyes, letting their silvery blue depths remain mostly hidden underneath her slightly bruised eyelids. Her body ached for more rest but seeing as her pain was no longer excruciating she tried to regain her composure in a sitting position. Long, silvery locks of hair seemed to be woven intricately at her scalp, cascading down the sides of her face, neck, shoulders, and just passing the peak of her breasts. Though they were knotted and haphazard the strands of hair still held a fine texture that was silky to the touch. When she realized that sitting caused her no extra amounts of pain she slowly got to her feet. The woman didn't realize it but she was a vision. Her skin was iridescent under the rising moon and the layer of perspiration from her efforts made her body sparkle. With her arm out wide trying to gain balance she had yet to notice her complete nudity. However what she did notice was the extra weight coming from her back. She spun trying to find the source at no avail. Slowly her fragile hands traveled backward coming in contact with something feathery sticking out between her shoulder blades. Although this was not what frightened her; the shock came from the fact she could feel her touch through the mysterious feathers because whatever was hanging from her back was now a part of her. With horror struck eyes the woman frantically looked around anything that could reflect her new anatomy. What started as a brisk walked turned into a fast jog. As she continued to view the darkening forest around her the woman became more paranoid and she started to run. A glimpse at her shadow cast by the moonlight made her double-take, an incredulous look on her refined features. Nimble fingers spread open and arms stretched wide, she moved with an angelic grace despite her trauma. Her hands graced the dry vines that hung from dark, heavy branches; her feet seemed to glide effortlessly on the earth. After what felt like hours of running she came upon a tiny gathering of murky water nestled between two giant roots of and even larger tree. Cautiously approaching the area on the tips of her toes she was fearful of what she might see. Once the woman was close enough she looked down to the surface of the still water. She knew she looked different, that something wasn't right but she was unable to remember what her appearance was before… before what? She thought, turning to side she saw two beautifully shaped wings. In the darkness of the night they appeared black with maybe a hint of blue or violet. …How? She thought, as disbelief washed through her as she once again reached back to touch the feathers-her feathers. With her mouth still agape in fear, curiosity and wonder she gratefully sank into the only thing that was familiar to her: darkness. ___ Groggily, the woman woke up to find herself half submerged in the muddy water at the base of the tree. She was beginning to grow tired of this pattern of shock followed by unconsciousness. Once again looking around with her pale eyes she took in the forest brightening under the sun which was only visible through some of the cracks between the leaves at the treetops. Getting to her feet she realized her nakedness, half covered in mud but was not concerned. Finding her way out of the dense woods was her top priority. While she walked she heard the rustling of animals, the pitter-patter of tiny rabbit feet; the wind weaving its way between every tree, leaf, and branch. The soft chirps of a birds love song, wings fluttering rapidly, all these sounds so new to her. As she thought about it she soon realized that all of her senses were in fact heightened from the dullness of her first cold night. She could hear the new sounds of the forest but according to her sight the animals were nowhere near. The sun was warming her body after her long, frigid night. Its rays became stronger as the sun rose higher in the seemingly infinite sky at what the woman could only presume was noon. Still wandering somewhat aimlessly after several hours she grew desperate. Wanting to find shelter before the sun set again, she picked up her pace. The wind tossed her already knotted hair and it flew behind her like a train on a wedding dress; her silvery-blonde locks shining in the sun. She thought maybe it was her eyes deceiving her: that the trees were thinning in abundance. Disregarding her senses and filling her mind with hope, even if false, that spurred her on until she stumbled upon a clearance. Unnerved by what she saw but too exhausted to move again, the woman simply fell to her knees. Then she saw the familiar darkness dancing around the edges of her vision but struggled even harder to remain alert. Her mouth opened yet again in a soundless cry. With her last coherent thought being, No…not again, she was swept into the undercurrents of unconsciousness. ___ Grant swung his massive head towards the sound of oncoming, fast paced footsteps although they seemed unusually light for what he thought was a human. Being precautious he got on the offensive with his ears perked up and his mouth curled up in a vicious snarl. The rest of his pack followed suit, only behind him. When the thin, wisp of a woman came frantically but gracefully out of the forest, his ears pinned back in confusion. Her bones and veins were clearly visible through her pale, translucent skin under the bright sun. When she looked up from underneath her elegant lashes her silver-blue eyes clashed with his liquid gold. Grant was caught of guard and took a step back. As the entrancing woman fell to her knees her mouth opened and Grant expected a terror-filled scream but no sound was heard. When she came crashing down onto the earth her wing was crushed beneath her frail body. Collecting himself and his thoughts, he projected his next ones to the pack. Surround her… Finn, make sure there's no one else and take Jase with you, he ordered them, as he looked at the woman on the grass. As he stalked closer to her he saw that she was absolutely filthy yet underneath all of the dirt and-what smelled like-dried blood, he could tell that she was completely stunning. Pacing, Grant wondered where she came from. Her wings, he thought, they're highly unusual. I guess I can have Orion take a look at them… after I get Doc to check her out… When Finn and Jase returned with no evidence that she was being followed or there was another of her kind Grant changed back to his human form and lifted her delicate body more carefully than any would have though possible looking at his massive size. Grant was at least 6'5" and was fit enough to make him look imposing, but not too much as to make him a body builder type. She remained rigid in his arms, her subconscious mind afraid of him. He smoothly carried her through the clearing and into the forest along the trail that would lead them back home. Though her weight caused him no trouble he slowed to admire the elfish face of the beauty that lay in his arms. Where did you come from? He asked himself again, as the woman slowly relaxed into his large embrace. Yes, Grant Leighnaan was one hulk of a man. ___ She was comfortable. Comfortable… she thought, while she felt as if she were floating through clouds, but how? Slowly fragments of the past day began to flicker and filter in her mind. Still unused to and afraid of the concept of her new extremities she forced her newer memories forward: the clearing, the exhaustion, and the… wolves? They were indeed wolves and somehow she knew that whoever she was before she had woken up alone in the forest was not too fond of the shaggy beats. Peering up from between her eyelids she came face to face with what looked a felt like a wall. This turned out to be a chest; the chest of an impossibly large male. She looked around with panic stricken eyes only to see that he was carrying her back through the forest. Wait, she thought, I don't want to go back! However frightened the woman was common sense told her to keep her thoughts to herself so she resumed her deep breathing to make it seem as though she had never woken in the first place. ___ He knew she was awake: her breathing had changed momentarily and her heart rate had yet to slow down. Grant would not push her but her anxiety somehow worried him. Deciding that rest would be the best for her he eased into the shallow part of her mind and forced sleep upon her. Hmm, that's strange… I detected a strong barrier just below the surface of her mind. He looked down at his sleeping angel, her wings folded neatly beneath her, and thought not for the first or the last time, where did you come from? ___ The woman knew she was falling asleep again. She also knew that she wasn't doing it herself. She twitched as she felt something prodding against… something else… in her mind. To her it felt like a barrier of some sort was being tested. No, that can't be right… and why am I so tired? She suppressed the sudden urge to yawn- a concept alien to her because she hadn't purposefully slept since her first awakening in the forest. Conscious thoughts melted into the recess of her mind. Her heartbeat mellowed out as she fell into a relaxing sleep full of dreams. Full of nightmares. Golden Keeper Ch. 02 Note: The asterisks indicate the beginning and then the end of a torture scene. It isn't that necessary to read, so just a heads up if you're squeamish and want to skip it. Other than that, enjoy :) ~M Chapter Two: Nightmarish Tendencies As they neared his home the woman began to twist in his arms. Grant looked down at her face now contorted in the fear, pain, and misery that went along with her dreams. Worried, he quickly jogged the last few feet to his single cabin and hurriedly slammed open the door. When she started to writhe and scream Grant ran into the bedroom to lay her down. As soon as he started to pull away her arms wound around his neck in an almost painful vice. After several of his attempts to wake her failed he saw no other option, and as she continued her gut-wrenching screams Grant scooped her up -mindful of her wings- and rushed out of the cabin to find Doc. Her screaming brought forth most of the pack members making it even harder for him to find the medic. Where is he when I need him? He screamed to himself, and then bellowed, "DOC!" scaring the nearest woodland creatures as well as a few of the younger children who had left their cabins. Seeing as his yelling would not wake the poor woman from her nightmare he continued his loud search until the man in question leisurely strolled down the steps of the cabin he shared with his family. "Now Grant, there's no need to get your panties in a twist." Doc smiled at his elderly friend's son. Normally expecting a quick retort, Grant did not disappoint. However Doc was put off by his frantic demeanor... as well as the screaming woman in his arms. "Sorry Doc, no time for your perverted fantasies. As you can see she won't wake up and won't stop screaming," almost on cue she emphasized his point by letting out a tortured wail, "–Oh, and I believe her wing is broken. So if you could please be so kind as to stop your fetish games momentarily to tend this creature, I would be grateful." Doc noticed for the first time the massive wings folded beneath the woman's tiny body currently crying out in agony. "And the woman before us is..." Doc replied, leaving the end as a question. Grant seemed to ponder this for quick moment before responding, "I have absolutely no idea." "Any idea where she came from?" Doc questioned, as he motioned Grant to follow him to his medic cabin, away from the curious onlookers. "Nope," said Grant with a slight shake of his head. Any further response was cut off by a scream that wretched its way from between the woman's lips. "Well then I suppose we should try to ask her now shouldn't we?" Doc asked as he silently told Grant to place the woman on the examining table. Grant didn't have time to respond because when Doc tried to remove the woman's arms from around his neck she latched onto his hair. Yelping frist in surprise, Grant regained his composure and tried to pry the sleeping woman's unusually strong fingers from his hair. As he was working on this Doc found a pair of scissors and lopped of chunks of Grant's hair then quickly strapped her arms down. Grant felt the back of his head, tender from all of her pulling, and felt the shortened ends of his once-shaggy mane of inky black hair. "Gee, thanks," he muttered. If Doc heard him he pretended not to notice. Either that or he was extremely preoccupied looking for something to wake the woman whose screams were slowly dying down to painful whimpers. When the woman ceased trashing under her restraints Doc picked up a syringe and sedated her. "Was she this loud when you found her?" Doc asked. Grant reviewed the day's events in his mind. "No... it seemed like she wanted to say something... but she couldn't and then she fainted." "Hmm... well I certainly hope she doesn't always vocalize in that decibel." Doc said smartly, acting deaf and wounded by holding one hand to his ear. Grant just looked at him impatiently so Doc gave up on his humor and unbuckled the ties that held the woman down. He silenced Grant's questions and objections with a raise of his hand and then flipped her over to examine the crushed wing. Shooing Grant out of the room to wait in a chair in the hall Doc began to work. ¬¬¬___ Her eyelids felt extremely heavy and her muscles weren't cooperating. Letting her body rest for a moment she tried to remember her dreams. WHACK, she heard coming from down the hall, followed by a blood-curdling scream. Over and over for hours... days... or maybe even months she heard the moans and cries of the tortured beings next door. Huddled in the corner, her frantic eyes were searching again for any means of escape and her thoughts were so jumbled that she didn't realize the heavy door had been opened until it slammed shut. She shot up and let out a gasp only backpedal into the shadows, afraid to meet the same sentence as the others. "Don't worry," said the voice that once sounded so melodic, so caring, but was now cruel and deadly. "You're my favorite. I have special things planned for you." Before she could stop it the temper she thought had been diminished flared to life in her quick reply, "Yes, I'm sure you tell that to all your captives...female and male," remembering his humiliation earlier in life, causing his extremely homophobic nature. This brought on a new wave of regretful emotions as she thought of her mother, her sister, Emmett... oh my... Emmett! Is he safe? Is he alive? Her mind processed her thoughts quickly, her memories only lasting a quick second, but it still left her unprepared for his next move. "BITCH!" He roared, and then darted across the room with uncanny grace to backhand her face into the wall. "I was going to go easy on you, seeing the potential and the power you hold, but I guess you'll have to be broken in the hard way." He head was still spinning from rebounding against the hard concrete. She forced her tears down, not willing to let this monster get the best of her. "You can try." She boldly stated, but it came out more as meekly than she had hoped. "I see you have yet to learn for your earlier mistake," he said, reaching for something on a shelf, "so let's set you straight, shall we?" Biting back her response this time, she cringed under his touch as gently stroked her hair and face... which was followed by the stinging imprint his hand made from the loud connection of his hand with her face... again. Grabbing her roughly and forcing her to the center of the dark room he wrapped her arms in rope and magically bound them. He then yanked her arms above her head and tied her bonds to the bar along the sealing. He punched her unexpectedly in the center of her stomach as he went to turn on lights. She could feel her blood pooling in under the skin of her abdomen; she could feel it gathering in her ear then trickling down her neck; she could smell its rusty odor as it leaked from her nose. Even so, she refused to look at the man whom she mistakenly fell for. Instead she took in the walls of her prison. Wooden shelves lined the cold, concrete walls; shelves full of devices to be used for her torture. Under closer inspection she saw blood. Tons of it... splattered on the walls that were bare, and in splotches all over the hard, concrete floor. "I see you like the décor. Well, darling," he said with a sneer, "I'm glad you like it... it will be yours for a while." She mentally cursed at him when she heard the once endearing pet name which only reminded her of her stupidity; blind stupidity. He chanted a few spells which she realized were to make her blood clot faster, preventing extreme blood loss. When he saw the recognition dawn in her eyes he smoothly said with a chuckle, "Well we wouldn't want you to die too soon from blood loss. We would never get to the fun part." * "Ahhh, nothing to say now?" He reached for something else behind her and released what she soon saw was a cane on her back. "How about now," She bit her lip to muffle her soft cry at the burning pain as the cane fell repeatedly in strokes along her back, "...or now?" He asked after he had slashed her back numerous times. She felt blood begin to well inside her mouth from biting her lip. Not only that, but she also heard some trip from her mouth onto the floor. Wait, on the floor? She thought, then took a chance and looked down to see that the blood was actually dripping from the wounds on her back. Her back was numb from pain, so she hadn't noticed the liquid streaming down her spine. Noticing her gaze, her captor said, "Oh yes, this cane is especially sharp. I had it made just for you... figuring you would enjoy it based on your other dark tendencies." Still behind her, he put his arms out in front of her he waved around the dangerously sharp-edged cane before bringing his arms back, purposefully nicking her skin as he went. He belatedly laughed at his joke and dug the cane into her back so hard she almost choked on her own blood. He slowly worked his way around her, cutting into her flesh as he went. Once he appeared in front of her she spit her blood at him yelling, "You bastard! You-" Her rant was cut off when she closed her mouth to stop the scream that wanted to emerge from her lips from the slap of the cane across the front of her thighs. With a dramatic sigh he responded, "My poor, poor, child. Things will only get worse if you can't get a hold of your wild tongue." As she opened her mouth to retort again -against her better judgment- when he stopped her and grabbed a hold of her jaw, locking her open mouth in place. "On second thought," he said with a lecherous gleam in his haunting red eyes, "I could take care of this little trouble-maker." Seeing her panicked look he chuckled and replied to himself, "Oh yes. I think that is a wonderful idea." Leaving her momentarily to hang, swinging from the ceiling, while he got a sharper tool, her thoughts raced from anger and frustration to guilt and fear. She was also feeling an immense amount of pain from the deep wound in along her side and back. She was grinding her teeth so hard together she was sure he could hear. Deep in thought when he returned, he shoved two fingers up her nose and snapped his lean fingers in front of her face to get her attention. Looking up with a startled gasp she tried to regained her steady breathing. From the loss of blood she previously suffered she was already feeling nauseous. "Now open wide..." he said with a grin; which quickly turned into an ugly frown when he saw her teeth press together and her jaw lock. Apparently not up to any more banter he squeezed her cheeks and held her nose until she almost passed out from oxygen deprivation. When he mouth finally opened, even though it was the slightest bit, he jammed his hand in stretching her wide. Realizing that her stubborn jaw would not do, he removed his hand only to punch her face and dislocate her jaw. "There, now you'll surely be more compliant." The sudden pain made her dizzy and failed at struggling against him even more. Her next words were slurred and he laughed at her and put his hand back in her slanted mouth. Digging in his pocket with his other hand he pulled out a scalpel. Her eyes widened in fear but before she could make any noise he placed it on her tongue and split it right down the middle. "I was feeling generous," he said after stepping away to admire his work in progress, "so I didn't cut it off completely. That and your jaw should cease your jabbering for now anyway." The pain was slowly registering in her brain. Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks as pain radiated from her mouth and back. He was upset that she hadn't screamed yet so he got the cane and started again, this time on her front. Her small whimpers were not enough to satisfy him so he made blow after blow across her breasts, ribs, stomach, and legs. He sharply punched her sides over and over, making her swing around. After one particularly vicious hit she swung wildly out to the side, and then held out the cane. Her eyes widened as she felt herself gaining momentum as gravity brought back down fast from the swing of the blow to her ribs. Her gaze locking with the cane, time seemed to slow as she desperately tried to slow down her speed in fear of the cane splitting right through her middle. On her way down, which seemed to take an eternity, she heard, "you might as well scream, sweetheart, they all do." With that she swung right into the cane, and with him holding it firmly, one of sharpened edges sliced through her and was lodged in her side. What made her scream was not the fact that the sharp cane was embedded in her torso, no; she screamed as he slowly and purposefully dragged the cane out of her body. As he pulled the cane forward and out of her, her body jerking in utter and complete agony, he heard what he'd been waiting years for. * Through her slack jaw and cut tongue, her scream was loud, agonizing, painful; full of anger and remorse, guilt and hatred. It echoed off the slabs of concrete and down the hall to what was left of the other victims. Her mutilated body shook uncontrollably under the shattering force of her scream that was now a choked sob. Even he shuddered under her wail of absolute horror but with his shudder flared desire, making her scream the first of many. ___ She shuddered at the recollection. The woman slowly curled into a fetal position feeling like she wanted to cry... like she needed to cry. Since the tears wouldn't come she struggled to right herself in death breaths. Finally opening her eyes she saw she was in the dark. The moonlight streaming in from the window helped her to take in the room she was in. Moving around on the bed, bed? She thought, willing her shaking arms to stretch out to feel the soft linen texture of the navy bedspread. It seemed timeless to her, the room she was in, although she could tell it was lived in often; from the few socks littered around the wood floor to the open drawers in the dresser. Speaking of which she looked down only to find that she was wearing a shirt; it was a man's shirt, but a shirt none the less. Fear suddenly overwhelmed her as she imagined he had found her again. Her fear made her adrenaline kick and, no longer as drowsy, she gripped the blankets and tossed them off of her to swung her legs over the bed. She looked up and was startled by the unmoving shadow in the rocking chair in the corner of the room. It was light enough to make out a masculine figure but too dark to see any definite features so she added in those of her previous captor. Again fear pulled at her, telling her to run away. So she held her breath and sat still as stone before crawling back to the head of the bed and reached out for the open window. Looking out she saw that she must have been on the first floor, for the drop was incredibly short. Tossing a quick glance over her bony, pale, trembling shoulder she slipped out and landed smoothly in a kneeling position. With newfound wonder she tried to spread her wings from their cramped style on her back. Her right expanded far out while her left stopped short and pain encompassed it. Reaching back she expected injury but found that her wing was bandaged and just sore from being broken. Shaking her head to rid herself of her digression she took off into the neighboring woods. ___ He woke up and knew she wasn't there. Getting up too quickly, his joints cracked and popped from sleeping in such an uncomfortable position. Stupid rocking chair, he said to himself. He knew he could easily track her, easily catch up with her, but he waited. He knew she would most likely stop to rest close by so he would know if anything happened to her. He decided that letting her work out her fear her own way was better than cooping her up with stranger she didn't know; however the notion of her going through pain alone deeply saddened him. Looking over at the unmade bed, sheets tangled from her nightmare, his suspicions were confirmed and he gazed longingly out the open window, willing her to come back to him. ___ The woods frightened her as they did before. The trees loomed over her and seemed to mock her cowardice. Cocooning herself in her soft, feathery wings she slowed her pace deciding that she could get father in the daylight. Searching the immediate area for a place to rest she spotted a log covered in a thick moss that spilled over then sides and down onto the grass below. She kept her wings around her slender body to protect her from the nights chill as she lowered her body onto the cold earth. As she lay there on the grass, watching and listening to the sounds of the sleeping forest, she felt a sudden pang of loneliness and regret. For what? She wondered. All she knew was that, as she gazed longingly towards the direction from which she came, she wanted to go back. Golden Keeper Ch. 03 Chapter Three: Obvious Intentions Moving one step forward to the window in order to pursue her, Grant heard two quick knocks at the door. Not tonight, he thought. He was contemplating jumping out the window much like the mysterious woman who constantly made way into his thoughts when the knocks became more persistent. Sighing in defeat he slumped over to the wood door and swung it open to reveal the parasite that was Lynette. "What do you want, Lynette?" He asked, grumpily. Walking towards him and putting her tiny hands on his massive chest, she purred seductively, "Why do think I'm here, baby?" She looked up at him innocently with her wide, green eyes. Grant visibly cringed at the use her pet name-no matter how generic it was. "Lynette, seriously," he said as he removed her hands from his chest, "get a grip and leave me alone." Seeming unfazed by his obvious rejection she continued, "But honey we'll be perfect for each other don't you see?" Again she moved forward only to press her petit form against him and warp his small arms around his sides "No, Lynette," Grant was already tired of her. "Baby, I know you want me. I can see it in you eyes." Grant actually chuckled at that. How she could confuse the completely annoyed look he was giving her for lust was beyond him. When she started to rub up against him again he focused and glared down at her. "Honestly, Lynette! I have told you countless times that nothing, and I repeat, nothing will ever happen between us," he hated to be so cruel but he had to make sure she understood, " so why don't you just go back to your cabin, okay?" He took her shoulders and gently pushed her away. Lynette wasn't used to rejection... she also though he'd just been played hard to get. At his blunt refusal she finally understood that he didn't want her. Embarrassed and fuming she replied with malice, "What, are you kicking me out because of your little screaming girlfriend?" She leaned to look over his shoulder to see the room empty, "Or are you just angry because she left you, too? Did she find out what you are, Grant? Is that why she left you?" She chuckled and put her red nailed fingertips on her luscious hips. "She doesn't know, yet," he said, trying to reign in his black temper. Ignoring his comment for the moment, she kept on, "Don't be ridiculous, she's been abused, she's... she's a freak! A loony, traumatized, freak! She has wings, Grant, wings!" Apparently she was too far gone in her rant to notice how Grant stiffened and his eyes turned so dark they were almost coal black. "Leave." He said quietly but with such menace she stopped yelling abruptly and turned to face him. She was startled by his cold demeanor but would not be shrugged off. "If you don't leave right now, Lynette, so help me-" "Alright, fine! You'll regret this, Grant," she screeched while staring daggers at him, "She may not know what you are, but when she does she leave again for good. Then you'll come crawling back to me! You'll see, Grant, you'll see," she said with finality as she walked away, her short peroxide blonde curls bouncing on her shoulders, you'll all see, she thought maniacally. Watching her leave, Grant knew she'd be even more troublesome now than she was before. Heaving a heavy sigh Grant shuffled back to window and leaned against it, thinking about the woman again. I should probably go get her now. No sense in letting her get all scared again. Trying a different tactic, he took off his shirt and was preparing to shed the rest of his clothing in order to change when another knock came at the door. "WHAT?!" He bellowed. Knowing Lynette had gone to her cabin for the night, it was obviously someone else, "When will I ever get a little time of my own?" He grumbled under his breath. Opening his door he didn't even bother to look to see who it was before asking, "Again, what can I do for you on this pleasant evening?" Grant looked up as the intruder chuckled and walked in like he owned the place. "Well is that anyway to talk to your best friend?" Grant turned to find Finn sprawled across his bed. To wound up to find the antics of his childhood friend funny, Grant replied, "Well, Finn, considering I just had a not-so-friendly encounter with that leech, Lynette, anyone who approached me next it bound to suffer from the bad mood she put me in." He moved to re-occupy the rocking chair in the corner. Sensing the seriousness, Finn sat up cross-legged on the sheets, "That's actually what I came to talk to you about," he said. The impish smile gone from his face, his eyes suddenly a darker blue than they were a minute ago. "Oh, what now?" Grant sighed; he didn't think his night could get much worse. "I came out to see the total havoc she wrecked," the twinkle back in his eyes for a moment, "and as she was leaving she was planning something... something big. Revenge is sweet, my friend. It gets the best of everyone." Grant nodded his head, his black hair falling in his eyes. She used to be a good girl... Lynette... what happened? He knew that Finn had an ability that allowed him to get a feel for the future; not necessarily a picture but a strong feeling of what was to come. However, Finn only further confirmed his previous thoughts. "I had a feeling she would do something... but let's not worry about her now, okay? I've got other things on my mind," Grant drifted off at the end to think about the woman who escaped him. "Ah, yes," Finn replied, smiling, "the winged woman. What a fascinating creature... I may have to sample..." Grant knew Finn was harmless but his comment still got to him, "And I would have to let Jase know, wouldn't I?" That knocked Finn off his rocker, so to speak, "How did you know?" He asked, suddenly nervous. "I believe everyone can recognize that look of lust, Finn. No worries though, most people walk around all doe-eyed anyway, eh?" Finn's face turned a shade of red as he replied, "Y-yeah... I guess so..." The Finn Grant knew would've normally been gloating about his new claim, and since Finn seemed rather timid about Jase, Grant decided to let it go... after one more question, "So has he given into the chase yet, or what?" Grant chuckled, previously hearing about Finn's slightly dominant nature when it came to his lovers. "Well..." Finn said, hesitantly, "he's sort of doing the chasing...b-but I like it," he added with a smile, and became lost in his thoughts. Grant waited for Finn to come back down to earth. Seeing as it was taking too long for his liking though, he coughed to get his attention. Startled, Finn turned an even darker shade of red, his face almost as red as his hair. "Oh! Uh... right... there was also something else I had to tell you..." he looked down at this, obviously not pleased at what he had to tell the next Alpha. Grant groaned, "As if anything else could happen... what is it, Finn?" "Ah, it's your sister, man. I saw her on my way and I told her to give me time so you'd know she was coming." Grant groaned and cursed, only to be interrupted by a familiar voice. "Grant I am appalled! Surely mother raised us better than that!" He looked up at his sister –after giving Finn the look f death- and jokingly said, "Oh, because you're little miss perfect, aren't 'ya?" He knew that his sister had the mouth of a sailor, "What can I do for you, Amira?" Grant knew it always ticked her off when he called her by her real name... and made her live up to her nickname. True to her nickname, her temper flew easily. "Grant you son-of-a-bitch; do I honestly have to beat my name into you? It worked for Finn over there," she said, pointing at her brother's best friend. "Hiya, Rage," Finn said through his laughter. "Don't you Hiya me, Finn. You'd better stop laughing if you know what's good for you. On second thought maybe I'll just get Jase to whoop your ass." Finn whined, "Fine! I'm leaving. See 'ya, man. Bye Amira!" He yelled as he ducked out of her reach and out of the cabin. Grant clapped to get Rage's attention from staring evilly at Finn's retreating back, "Yes, Rage," he said, stressing her nickname, "what's up?" "First off, the bitch Lynette really needs to leave. Why is she still here anyway? Can't you just kick her out? Second, what's up with the chick with the silver hair? I mean, what's her deal?" Rage looked around and realized that she wasn't even there... she was supposed to be though... right? She though, then asked, "Hey, where is she anyway?" "You know I can't kick her out because I'm not Alpha yet, and as long as dad still is he can keep her here. Her parents made him promise to take care of her before they passed and I don't think that kicking her out would be very good way to respect their wishes. As for the woman, I have no idea who she is or where she came from. She escaped out the window and I was going to get her when Lynette came... then Finn... then you. So if you don't mind, get to the point of your visit so I can go find her, please." "Oh, please," Rage scoffed, "You'll find her. I had actually just come to see the damage Lynette had done but seeing as there is none, I'll just let you know that your relationship with that escapee is surprisingly strong... even though you said you didn't know her." She made the end of that a question, confused by the bonds she was sensing. Like Finn, his sister had an ability however hers was sort of like seeing relationships. It was useful in its own way, he supposed. Although Grant didn't know how to respond to her statement so he just said, "It's probably because I'm the only one she's familiar with." Even though she's never actually seen me... Rage saw right through her brother and knew there was something he wasn't telling her. "All right, if that's what you think," she said, respecting his privacy, "I'll leave you to go find her... and I'll warn off any people that may be on their way to chat with you." She chuckled at the last part then got up off the bed she took Finn's place on. "See 'ya at breakfast?" She said as she was leaving. After what Finn had told her about what he felt about her brother's future, added to the fact that she could already tell they (the mysterious woman and Grant) had a bond; Rage knew that there was only one obvious turn out for the two... even if Grant was completely oblivious to it. Grant would've questioned Rage's sudden smirk but he was starting longingly at the window again. "Yeah," he replied, unfocused, and walked towards the open window. ___ He raced through the woods, his ears pinned back, his short, black coat of fur ruffling in the wind he made, his nose following her scent like a moth to light. When he spied her sleeping form huddled near a moss-covered log he slowed to a trot and circled her. Deciding that it would better to wait until morning to talk to her he curled up near her trying to keep her warm. He closed his eyes and listened to her steady heartbeat as he fell asleep. ___ When she woke up the next morning she felt much warmer than she had the night before. Shifting positions so she could fall back to sleep she encountered a mass of soft fur. Opening her pale eyes she was face to... back... of what she thought was a giant furry monster. Gasping she scrambled up with her back pressed against the log. ___ He heard her gasp and knew that this morning was going to be harder than he though. He stretched, happy and relaxed from his slumber. He always used to make fun of Finn, who said that sleep (and sex) could cure any bad mood; but now he was beginning to agree on the former statement. He hadn't gotten a good night's sleep in months, worrying and preparing over his upcoming duties. Shaking his head as if to banish his more morose thoughts he rolled over and rose slowly. Turning around so he could face her, he was saddened to see how afraid of him she was. He approached very, very cautiously, as not to frighten her even further, but she apparently didn't want to be touched. She was pressed so hard against the log he was afraid she'd break her wing again. Growling her eased into the surface of her mind, willing her to stop. While some of the other members of his pack had smaller powers, his was mind control and he had yet to find its limits. Grant swung around to go back into the forest where he left his jeans. The minute his turned he heard her get up so he turned back around and growled, this time at her. He didn't want her to go into shock after seeing him change back to human form so he eased into the surface of her mind... again... and willed her to close her eyes. Grant felt extremely guilty at having to use his powers on her but since she was so unwilling to stay he felt as though he had no other choice. Shrugging, as much as he could in his wolf form, he changed back, stretched, dressed and went to stand in front of her under the rising sun. ___ As the wolf turned away from her she tried to get up, only to be growled at by the wolf of monstrous size that had turned quickly back around. It obviously wanted her to stay where she was so she figured that she might as well obey while she thought of an escape. She watched as the wolf walked backwards to the edge of the forest to pick up a pair of pants. The woman was confused, are they for me? She felt her eyes closing against her will but she wasn't fainting, or falling asleep... there was just an unknown force making her close her eyes. When she was allowed to open them the wolf wasn't there anymore. In its place was a man... a very large man... a very large, gorgeous man. For some reason she was still unable to find her voice so she just stared open-mouthed at the handsome stranger. ___ Grant was waiting for the woman say something... anything. The sun was beating down onto him and he was getting unnerved in the heat... also under her intense silver stare. After waiting a few minutes he assumed she wasn't going to talk so he sat down to get comfortable. I might as well start, he thought amicably; he wasn't going to let anything ruin his good mood. He was in for a long morning. ___ The woman was still in awe of him but was also afraid of him, where did he come from? Not knowing he thought the very same thing. After minutes of silent appraisal on her part he sat down but still held a look of expectancy... as if he wanted her to say something? She didn't know if she could find her voice, so thankfully he initiated the conversation. "So where are you from?" He asked her. She almost swooned at his voice, like deep, rich, velvet. The woman just stared at him, her mouth opening... trying to speak... but nothing cam out. Frustrated, she tried harder at no avail. She could tell he thought she was odd, as if the wings weren't enough, with the opening and closing of her mouth repeatedly. Angered at herself for her muteness, she focused all her energy into speaking. Her veins became clearly visible and one in her forehead seemed to bulge and throb under pressure. Her delicate hands closed into tight fists and her eyelids fluttered in concentration. Then she relaxed, her silvery-blue eyes opened, her fingers spread and her veins returned to being only semi-visible under her pale skin. After her moment of peace was over she seemed to burst through her restraints; her skin glowing with power, her irises turning almost white and blue markings appeared on her skin... only all these signs of extraordinary power disappeared with her first word. "Hello." Golden Keeper Ch. 04 Chapter Four: Yeah, yeah. "Hello." Grant fought the urge to clean out his hears; her voice was so unnaturally musical, yet so perfect to him. His eyes dropped to the source of the word and saw two light pink, bow-shaped lips still parted. Grant's mind wandered as he stared at the woman's lips, her bottom lip slightly larger than the top. He started to imagine all the things she could do with her lips… Easy, man! G rated thoughts, please, he told himself. He shook his head to rid himself of his lustful thoughts, only to have his focus drawn once again to her sensual mouth. They're so perfect, he thought again, just imagine what they'd look like wrapped around my— gah! Talk about a one track mind, and of all the times to be disgustingly perverted… He shook his head, letting his black hair fall into his eyes making him shake his head back twice more for good measure. "Hello," he heard again, only this time the end was a question, an incredibly lyrical question, he thought. Grant shook his head… again… to clear his mind. "Ah-Hello," he said; his voice still husky from his quick fantasies, "so what brings you out here?" She probably thinks I'm a complete moron… shaking my head all over the place… ___ If it was possible she thought the man's voice became even dreamier. The woman cleared away her thoughts and focused on what to say to him next. "I-I was just resting for a bit," she said quietly, all musical quality vanished from her voice leaving behind a tiny, scared voice, "just passing th-through, you see. T-traveling." "Oh…" the man said. He paused for a second before adding, "well I have a cabin just through the woods there," he pointed back to where she thought the wolf had gone before. Looking back to him, she decided that she wouldn't mind the company… or some food… when was the last time I ate something? She asked herself. Although still skeptical of him, the woman told him she would like to join him figuring if something bad happened she could just fly away… right? ___ Grant watched her as she got up. Her long, silvery-blonde hair hung down to her waist and seemed to caress her slim figure. He started at her feet which, while mostly covered in dirt and sap, were still cute to him. Cute? Geez… he thought. His gaze traveled upwards along her pale, lean legs that went on for miles only to be covered by his shirt… he almost growled at the thought. Her slim, round hips and thin, taught stomach were hidden from his watch, but just barely, for the plain, white shirt clung to her body in the most enticing ways. He could see her firm, full breasts that looked to be a perfect handful and her nipples that were somewhat visible protruding from her flesh from underneath his tee-shirt. Grant kept looking up, past the elegant slope of her neck to her face… her very beautiful face, he amended. Her chin was daintily set in her heart-shaped face, and Grant skipped over her lips knowing the temptation that was there. She had a pointed nose but not overly so… it fits her, he thought. The woman had high cheekbones which were hollowed at from what Grant guessed was a lack of nourishment. Over her hypnotizing pale grey... or is that blue… eyes were perfectly arched pale eyebrows knit together in confusion as he continued to stare at her, they made a single crease in her otherwise crease-free forehead. Grant raked his eyes hungrily over her once more, and then took in the entire beauty before him with a small gasp, shocked at the incredible vision before him. ___ If the woman had any doubts (which she did,) they had now been confirmed when she saw the man finally look at all of her and gasp. With her battered and bandaged wing she was most definitely a freak of nature. She turned to flee; afraid that he would… what, report me? She thought. Besides, who'll believe that there's winged freak running around in the woods? Ha. The minute her foot started to backpedal he was right next to her. "Where are you going? I didn't mean to upset you… my cabin if this way," he said, and then grasped her arms gently to guide her. That one touch—so insufficient to him—made some of her old, unwanted memories surface. "NO!" She shrieked, "No! No, no, no. No more, please," she was pleading now. "Don't hurt me again. Please, Collin, no! No, no, no, no." Through the haze of her memories she saw the man look at her, concern in his deep, golden eyes. "Are you alright? What's wrong?" His voice sounded concerned too. How strange, she thought subconsciously. "No!" She continued to scream, but no one else was there besides the two of them. "Collin, please, why are you doing this to me?!" The woman started to sob hysterically now, clearly not in a well state of mind. "No more. I can't take it. N-Emmett? Emmett please! Emmett help me!" ___ Grant was utterly confused as she screamed and struggled against him. His temper flared at the sound of another man's name coming from her lips… especially since it was in terror. When her legs gave out underneath her body and her conscious mind gave away to sleep he was there to catch her. ___ "Well if this isn't déjà-vu then I don't know what is." Grant turned his head to see Doc walking towards him, his ever-present smug smile plastered on his face. Grant looked down to see his angel sleeping with her wings folded beneath her… again. "Ha-ha," he laughed sarcastically, "but I caught her this time," he joked. Doc walked over to where Grant had stopped and looked down at the sleeping mystery. "Find out anything?" "No," he started and absentmindedly stroked her long hair out of her face and continued to pet her as he finished, "I offered her some company, she accepted, and then flipped a shit when I touched her." Grant heaved a sigh and looked up to Doc who was smirking like always. "Well she's still a beauty," Doc said teasingly. Regardless, Grant almost growled at him. "Excuse me?!" came a sweet, feminine voice from over Doc's shoulder. Doc jumped and let out a yelp before collecting himself. "JesusHolyMotherofMary, could you not do that, sweetheart?" he turned and pretended to glare menacingly at his mate. "Hey Madeline, how're 'ya?" Grant said, although his comment went unnoticed to the pair. Even though everyone was used to Madeline teleportation it still surprised them. "Oh, Monty, you know you love it… and who's Mary?" She joked, calling him the one name she knew he hated… in public… and smiled sweetly up at him. Grant let out a barking laugh, "Monty?! Oh my, old man, that is just too good. Monty," he repeated, "MONTY!" he continued to laugh; his large frame shaking. They all knew Doc's name is really Antimont but Grant had never heard that pet name before. Soon they were all laughing and teasing him. "Ugh," Doc sighed dramatically even though his face was still a little red with embarrassment, "I swear woman, you will be the death of me." They joked some more and Grant ended up almost doubled over in laughter. Chuckling once more he looked up only to find that the old couple was staring down… at his arms… oh, crap, he thought and looked down. The woman was staring up at him with wide, pale eyes, most likely woken from being jostled by Grant's laughter. "Hey, it's alright," he said stroking her broken wing, "you fell and I was just bringing you back so you could rest properly." Holding her with one arm he pointed to the other two people there. "That's Antimont and his wife, Madeline." Grant had to stifle his laugher at saying Doc's name. "Doc," Antimont amended. As the sound of another male voice registered in the woman's mind she jumped up and out of Grants arms. She was backing up rather quickly and Grant swore under his breath. "Hey, now, it's okay." He tried to calm her at not avail so he looked to Madeline for guidance. "Dear," she said in a motherly voice, "no need to be frightened." She stayed facing the woman and kept her eyes on her but said to Grant, "Grant, how about you take my idiot husband and go to the Main Hall and find Finn or Amira or someone, alright?" She didn't wait for an answer; she just kept her hands up and looked at the woman with warm eyes. "Alright, honey," said Doc and he walked slowly—very, very slowly— to give Madeline a chaste goodbye kiss. ___ It all happened very fast then. The woman saw the man they called Antimont-err, Doc, bend down to kiss the small female. Even though she saw the lady tilt her head up to him she was still worried so she did what she couldn't do for herself. She rushed forwards and crashed into the male, and the impact made an unearthly boom, and she gathered the woman into her arms and swopped up into the sky. When the woman felt that the other was safe she stopped soaring and floated gracefully below the clouds. "It's alright," she told the small redhead in her arms, "he can't hurt you now." "Dear, he wasn't going to hurt me," Madeline opposed. "Yes. Yes, he was. They all do," the woman replied morosely. She thought you were going to hurt me, Madeline told her mate through their connection, I think she's just afraid of men in general. She heard her husband growl in her head, well, babe, you know I'd never hurt you. Come down, please? To that she responded: I'm going to try and talk to her. Just take Grant and go to the cabin, we'll be down soon. Love you. Please behave. She closed of her mind temporarily so she could concentrate on the poor mystery before her. Madeline sighed, "Child, Antimont has been my husband for nearly one hundred thirty-eight years, and I was perfectly safe; he was just giving me an innocent goodbye kiss Now, if you don't mind, could you put us down… I'm awfully afraid of heights." ___ They ended up on a top, thick branch of a large tree just inside the edge of the forest. The woman was hanging upside-down by her knees on the branch, and she felt like something was missing. "Isn't all your blood rushing to your head? Come, child, sit up." She heard Madeline say. So that's what's missing… the woman quickly swung herself up and flipped onto the branch with her wings fanned out behind her. When she stood up, "No," served as her simple response. "Well…" started Madeline, "you're making me terrible nervous standing like that. Could at least sit down, please?" Not wanting to make the woman uncomfortable, she slipped down with a leg on either side of the branch. The woman looked up to find the petit fiery-haired woman clinging to the tree with all her might and she resisted the absurd and foreign urge to… giggle? After moment of peaceful silence, Madeline initiated more conversation… she wanted to get this woman talking. "So, dear, what's your name?" The woman looked puzzled for a moment, "My name?" "Yes, child; what may I call you?" "My name…" the woman repeated then fell into a thick, black abyss. Madeline lunged forwards just in time to stop the pale woman from sliding off the branch entirely during her deep slumber. Clasping her tiny hand in the other woman's, she brought them back down to earth. ___ The woman knew she was dreaming. How else could they not notice a woman floating, with wings, in their sunny, yellow kitchen? The woman looked down and saw a tiny girl, no more than four or five years old, tugging on her mother's apron; her long, white-blonde hair gleaming from the sun. "Momma, why did Poppa run away?" She asked in a small, yet beautiful voice. "Did he get lost? Is that why he's not here with us?" "Honey, y—" She was interrupted by a new voice, much younger than her own but still older than the tiny child. "Daddy didn't run away. He just walked right out the door like a selfish jerk with that blonde lady that he likes more than us. They live on a boat somewhere now so, no, he's not lost." "Kita!" scolded their mother, while putting her hands over the little one's ears, "Not while you sister's around, please, watch your mouth!" "Its okay, Momma," said the tiny girl, removing her mother's hands from her listening ears, "Sissy's just sad because Poppa's gone, ain't that right, Kita? But it's okay. You have us now Momma. And we love you," she smiled a big, toothy, smile up at her mother then at her older sister… then back at her mother… waiting for Kita to catch the hint. "Right…sorry, Momma," Kita said and walked over to giver her mom a hug. Their mother sighed, "It's alright dear. Take your sister outside; it's a beautiful day out. I'll make your favorites for lunch." "'Kay, Momma," said Kita and she skipped out the back-door into the sun. "Momma, don't be sad, we'll be okay," said the little child, hugging her mother. Her mother patted her little head then told her, "I know, dear, I know. Now go play before the clouds roll in." The little one ran to the door and as she reached for the knob she heard, "Baby?" "Yes, Momma?" she replied. Her mother adjusted the girl's sun dress with the flick of her hand from across the room and smiled, "Be good." "Always, Momma." And she ran outside into the yellow fields to play before the rain came. Their mother turned back to the counter and picked up the knife to resume cutting the carrots with a shaking hand. ___ The scene was changing but the woman wanted to go back. Back to the sunny days, the happy times… As the new scene unfurled, she was now floating in the vast courtyard of some local University. She saw that same child only older. She was clenching a map tight in her pale hands, her eyebrows knit in confusion until the clouds rolled away and the sun came out. She lifted her face to heavens and smiled as she absorbed the light form the sun. "I don't think that's the best way to find where you're going." Startled, she snapped her head down and made a double-take searching for the voice. "Over here," it came again, and she turned to see a man sitting and smiling at her from a bench. She giggled and replied, "I know, but it's just so wonderful out!" She refused to let this new stranger put a damper on her happy mood. The man stood up and stretched his legs and she realized he was pretty tall, which was saying a lot because the woman was tall herself. "Well then," he said, obviously not put out but her cheerful disposition, "allow me to escort you to your destination." He made the end a question, awaiting her permission with his arm out. "Why thank you, kind sir," she giggled and accepted his arm and they made their way to the café she was looking for across the sunny campus. They ended up laughing and talking like they'd been friends for years along the way. Some time during their walk he asked her, "So, my fair lady," picking up the royal pretense again, "may I be graced the knowledge of thy name?" "My name, good sir?" she replied and followed along. "Yes, dear… what may I call you?" he asked. "Ahhh, my brave knight; I am known as Charamaine Hale" she winced at the old fashioned name, "but you can call me May," she added. "Not liking the old fashioned name, I see," he said in response. Charamaine was happily surprised at the fact that he understood. Smiling up at him, she continued with their banter. "And if I may be so bold, sir, as to ask of you your name?" She asked him. "My dear, I am known as Emmett Cade… but you can call me Emmett," he teased then asked, "I wonder what your siblings' names are?" "Just a sister," May replied with a smile, "her name is Rikita; everyone calls her Kita for short though. She used to beat it into people but I she's recently resorted to less… violent means of communication." "Just as unique I see," Emmett said, "Fear not, maiden, for where you have one sibling I—unfortunately—have seven." "Seven!" May gasped. "Whoa! Your family is huge!" "Sure is," he chuckled, "It's me, my mom, my dad, Xavier—he's the oldest, Aiden, Dexter, Camilla, Sayde, Fina, and Kaia—she's my twin." "Awe," May cooed, "a twin? I bet you were adorable babies… always dressed up in matching outfits… oh! How cute!" She started to giggle uncontrollably while Emmett turned his face away and grumbled. ___ The woman was comforted by Emmett's presence. She… missed him… somehow. She was reluctant to leave again but the scene changed against her will. "I know, I know," May said into the receiver that was levitating mid-air by her ear as she hung upside-down off the bed. She struggled to stay focused as all the blood rushed to her head. "Well… yea…I-No…well how's your new place comin' along?" She said into the phone as she flipped back up onto her stomach on the new mattress. A very loud "TOTALLY AMAZING," was heard from the other end. "Kita, calm down, I can hear you," May laughed and put the phone on speaker… still suspended only now it was in the center of the room as she went to get her hairbrush off the dresser. "May-May it's gonna be so great. I-Oh, wait. Kaia wants to say hey." "Ha, alright Kita. Love you, talk to you later." "Yeah, yeah… ditto kid." "Maaaaaaaay?" Charamaine heard from the phone, "May! It's Kaia! How are you?! How's by big doofus of a brother treating you? If he there? Can I say hi—" May was barely holding her laughter that threatened to bubble up and burst, "Calm down, K. He's not here, he's still on his—" She stopped when she heard a loud bang from the kitchen then Emmett yelp. "Never mind, Kaia; he just got back." "Tell him I said hey, will 'ya?" "Right, hold on." May dropped her hair brush and flicked her hand to lower the phone to floor to muffle her voice. "EMMETT!" she hollered. "Yea, babe?" he yelled back. "Kaia's on the phone. She says 'hey'!" "'Kay, tell her I said hi!" he called then stumbled into the doorway. May laughed at him then repeated what he said to Kaia. "Ha-ha. Alright girlie, I've got to go. Kit-Kat and I have to go shopping before Ayako get here. But I'll make sure we call back when we're all here, alright doll?" "Okay, Kaia. Talk to you soon." May chuckled after she hung up the phone and used her fingers to move the phone back to its cradle. "Kita's gonna hate that nickname," she told Emmett who was still in the doorway. He nodded and chuckled with her. When May patted the spot on the mattress next to her Emmett pounded over like a loyal Labrador and flopped down. He figured he could make himself confortable before the inquisition began. "Okay… so?" May asked him, lying down on top of him. "So…" he replied, grinning like the cat ate the canary. "Oh come on!" She said and poked his ribcage, "You've been gone on that date for over twenty-four hours… and you've got the day-after look written all over you," she continued as she took in his rumpled but satisfied appearance. Golden Keeper Ch. 04 Emmett sighed dramatically and swiped his golden curls out of his green eyes. "Well, May-May, he was ahhh-bsolutely gorgeous!" May laughed at him but he continued, "Ugh, he was so great, even I'm a little sore…" "Whoa there buddy, a little TMI don't 'ya think?" She giggled again. "Psh," he said, "you've heard much, much worse, darling," and he tweaked her nose. She swatted his hand and asked, "So was he worth it?" Emmett rolled his eyes and replied; "Obviously!" then chucked a new down-feathered pillow at May's light blonde head and an 'Oof' escaped from her lips. With a flick of her fingers, all the new pillows surrounded Emmett's head and she shot up and off of the bed. "Awe, come on, May-May, no magic!" He complained but he was cut off when he was attack by mountains of feathers and pillows. They laughed and fought and giggled and destroyed many pillows until everything turned blurry again and the scene changed. ___ She knew this was the last one. There was some kind of… finality to it. She felt more connected to this one though, like she could feel what the woman… Charamaine… was feeling. But the woman was dreading it not because it was the last one but because she could feel something coming up… something incredibly malicious. May walked through the small dinning room on her way to the front door of the apartment she shared with Emmett. Reaching into the bowl besides the door she grabbed her extra set of house keys in case he was… preoccupied… that night. "Hey, May!" She heard Emmett call from the living room where he was snuggled up with some new boyfriend of his… Jake? Max? Caden? She couldn't keep up. "Yes, Emmet," she sighed. "Be home by twelve, got that, baby-cakes?" "Yes, Daddy," she joked, "You know, Emmett I'm actually twenty-three years old. No need to hover, really." "Yeah, yeah. But this guy really gives me creeps. I wish you'd stop seeing him… please?" "Babe, I've been with him for months now, I'm totally fine. Nothings wrong. And why would I take your advice on men, considering you have a new one once a week," she snickered at the end of that, "who is it now, Caden?" "But still, I don't like him. And, yes, it is Caden," he smiled at her. "Good, so go comfort him. I bet he's awfully lonely on that couch, ain't that right, Caden?!" She yelled at the end of Caden would hear her. "Eh… what?" She heard from the living room. Laughing she opened the door and told Emmett, "I'll be back at twelve, don't worry, sheesh." "Alright. But if for any reason you're not back by two, I'm coming to get you." "Emmett!" she punched his arm. "You love me, have fun, be safe," he said as he kissed her cheek. "Yeah, yeah," she said and smiled as she made her way down to the car. She opened the door and slid into the seat gracefully. May turned to give her date a kiss on the cheek but he turned his head at the last moment to kiss her full on, but quickly. She gasped and her face flushed. "Collin," she started, but was cut off when he talked over her. "Babe," he said, putting his hand on her thigh as they drove, "I figured that we could have dinner at my place tonight if that's okay?" Although his deep, baritone voice left no room for questioning him. "A-Alright," she said. After they finished eating, they went to wash the dishes. "Oh, Collin, that was delicious, thank you," May gushed. "No problem, babe," he said and kissed her full, bow-shaped lips. May jumped in surprise… as if he wasn't normally this forward… but his persistence melted her and she let him lift her up onto the counter and devour her mouth with his. She was burning on the inside, consumed with her need for him. "Mmm—Collin… Ahhh," she whimpered as he kissed and licked ans sucked a hot trail down her neck to her collar bone. She wrapped her long legs around his masculine frame as he laved the top of her breasts. His hands slithered up her ribs to cup her breasts then he tugged her shirt up and over her head so he could continue to knead her glistening mounds of flesh. May started to moan incoherently when Collin's tongue began to lap at her diamond-hard nipples through the lacey fabric of her silver bra. She whimpered sadly when she felt him pull away. Opening her eyes she saw that he was adjusting the front of his pants but then he held his hand out to her and said, "Come, Charamaine. I have something to show you." May sharpened at his serious tone and looked around for a clock. Seeing that it was eleven forty-five she told him, "Emmett wants me home by twelve; you know that, don't you?" Collin's now stormy eyes turned to her and she realized it was the wrong thing to say due to his homophobic nature… "Does he now? Are you sure he won't be too caught up in his little games to care?" May flinched away from him and his eyes softened, "I'm sorry, babe, of course I'll have you home." He smiled at her again and she took his hand. The woman looked on and wanted to scream at her to go… to run away from him. But she knew that no one would hear her. He guided her down the stairs into the dark basement. "Close your eyes, Charamaine," he told her… then covered her eyes with his own big paw. "Mmm," she heard coming from Collin. "Baby," she said quietly, "what's going on? You're creeping me out." She forced a small laugh at that. "Mmm," he said again then continued, "Master will be happy." Now May was definitely a little more than creeped out. "What was that, Collin?" "I said, 'Master will be happy.' He will be very happy." He released his hold on her eyes and she was reluctant to open them. "Go ahead," he urged, "see what future awaits you." May opened her eyes and gasped as she took in her surrounding. Blood… lots of blood. And chains. Looking around she found that she was in a windowless hallway and each door lead to another windowless, cement room with a tortured and mutilated woman chained to the wall. None of them looked up at her. Maybe they were dead. "Wha—" she started, and raised her hand ready to use her abilities. She stopped when Collin hit her over the head with something hard and black dots began to swim in front of her eyes. "Oh, yes. Master will love you. He's been waiting. Waiting so long for you, Charamaine. So long. Just wait… you'll be even better when I'm through with you…" Collin kept talking to May but she couldn't hear him anymore. All she saw were the wide, fearful, cerulean eyes of a woman who was locked in the room next-door. As she came back to reality she realized with start where she was. She tried to think back to see if there was another exit or something… anything… She heard muffled voice and heard Emmett calling her name. Emmett? Emmett came for me? "Emmett! Emmett, please help me!" she screamed. May kept screaming until she heard the distinct thud of a body falling then she started to cry and her sobs wracked through her slim frame. "Emmett," she whimpered to herself. She tried using all of her powers but none of them worked. She was trapped. WHACK, she heard coming from down the hall, followed by a blood-curdling scream. Over and over for hours… days… or maybe even months she heard the moans and cries of the tortured beings next door. Huddled in the corner, her frantic eyes were searching again for any means of escape and her thoughts were so jumbled that she didn't realize the heavy door had been opened until it slammed shut. She shot up and let out a gasp only backpedal into the shadows, afraid to meet the same sentence as the others. ___ The woman didn't need to watch to know what happened next. ___ Her body jerked and she shot up, the blankets falling around her waist, her wings flared out in defense. Seeing she wasn't in danger her wings folded back and she inhaled deeply. Looking around she saw five people in total and two unfamiliar faces. But even the familiar ones she couldn't put a name to. The tiny fire-hair one approached her slowly and smiled but the woman kept her gaze on the unknown male in the room. Sensing her stare the red-headed man turned his blue eyes to her and announced, "Hey, looks like sleeping beauty is up." "No shit, Sherlock," said the unknown female with spiked, black hair to the man. The petite woman with long hair sighed and smiled warmly at the woman. "Are you alright?" This voice came from directly to her left and she slowly turned and found herself face to… chest… with the same, gorgeous dark-haired man as before. No matter how dreamy he was, he still scared the Holy Hell out of the woman, causing her to jump back… only she skidded too far and fell off the bed. The fire-haired man laughed at her and the woman flushed in embarrassment. "Finn!" snapped the small woman, and the male quickly shut his mouth and kept it closed. She then reached down to the frightened woman and helped her to her feet then made her sit down carefully on the edge of the bed. When the woman looked up again, the same dark-haired man from before was now in front of her sitting in a whicker chair. Unsettled by his fast movement she turned her head back to the motherly woman. "W-Where am I?" She asked timidly. "You're in my cabin, dear," the redhead told her. The woman nodded and visibly relaxed. "May I introduce you?" The small female said to her, and the woman just nodded again. "Well, for starters, I'm Madeline. We talked before… up in the tree…" "Right," said the woman, and she nodded her head in agreement. "This is my husband, Antimont. You met him earlier… do you remember?" He looked familiar to her, but she still shook her head, no. "Doc," he quickly amended, smiling; the woman tried to smile back. "That there is my baby, Finn." Said Madeline as she reached over to her son and pinched his check. "Stop it, Mom, you're making me blush," he joked… although his face did turn a light shade of red. They all laughed and then Madeline continued, "Over there, sulking in the corner is Amira." "Ugh, I am not sulking! And my name is Rage." she grumbled the last bit under her breath. The woman found their antics enjoyable and she did not resist the urge to let a giggle slip from between her lips. ___ Grant thought there couldn't have been a better sound on earth than the sound of her laughter. They all stopped at looked at source of the musical noise. Madeline coughed to get everyone's attention but his was still on the woman who still held his focus. Shaking his head again, he tuned in to hear what Madeline was saying. "Yes, so you may call her Rage, most people do," and she smiled. Grant realized that he was next and he suddenly became nervous to be under the woman intense silvery gaze. He concentrated and pushed all his anxious thoughts away to smile warmly at the woman when she turned to face him. "This is Grant, Amira's brother," Madeline said, "He was the one who found you in the woods before." "Oh," the musical mystery said, "thank you so much; it was very nice to meet all of you," she continued in an enchanting voice. "Likewise," Grant said, and the rest of them nodded in agreement. "So," Madeline continued as if not interrupted, "what can we call you, dear?" "Oh my," she woman said, clearly embarrassed, "I'm Charamaine." "What a lovely name," cooed Madeline "But you may call me May I-if you like," she added. They all nodded and smiled at her welcomingly. Grant was somewhat ashamed of his family and friends' lame excuses to leave them. But looking at the woman he was suddenly very glad they did so. "Charamaine," he said to get her attention from where she was staring out at the sunset. "Yes, Grant?" she replied, and he felt his groin twitch unintentionally and uncomfortably at the sound of his name coming from her. "Charamaine," he continued, "do you have any family?" "Oh, yes!" she exclaimed, "Kita and Momma." Grant thought she looked very… proud. "Kita is my sister… she lives in town with Emmett's sist—" she stopped abruptly and looked up at Grant with tear-filled eyes. "E-Emmett…" she cried. "Charamaine, what's wrong? Who's Emmett? Where is he?" He tried to get some answers for her but she was extremely upset. "Em… I-He…" she started shaking from the force of her sobs. Her tears tugged at his heart and Grant slid out of chair and onto the bed, opening his arms to offer her comfort in an embrace. Thankfully and surprisingly she accepted. "It's okay," he tired to calm her down but petting her hair, her cheek, her wings… "Who's Emmett, baby?" "H-He…" she couldn't finish because silent tears started to streak down her face. Grant sighed and pulled her closer to him and wiped her tears away with the pads of his fingers. "Shh, Charamaine, shh, it's alright." He continued to rock her and soothe her until she calmed down. When her hiccupping cries died down he asked her, "What's wrong, baby? What happened to you?" Charamaine looked back up at him with red-rimmed eyes and told him, "Collin…" and the tears started to fall soundlessly again. Golden Keeper Ch. 05 Chapter Five: Indulgence He looked down at the female in his arms. Charamaine, he thought, it suits her. When he asked her about her family he was happy to see that she had some, but it broke his heart to see her mourn… even if was over another male, and that fact alone made him hold back a snarl. However he was unable to hold back a small growl when she mentioned another's name with such absolute terror. ___ This state of semi-coherency was seriously starting to piss her off but, while she thought back to everything that monster had done to her, it was inevitable. Her dreams were only the beginning of her seemingly endless torture. May had some comfort, thought. Just being in Grant's arms made her feel safe. She didn't question why considering any other male that close would have sent her into cardiac arrest. He was her savior of sorts… he was there every time she fell—literally. May looked up and found him staring at her. His molten gold eyes intent upon her pale face with a look of concern, maybe a little rage, and… lust? No, she thought with a scolding edge, impossible. May focused again on his face. She thought it was perfect… so perfect that it was scarily god-like. Dark eyebrows continued to rise over intense eyes the longer she stared but she paid no heed. Her eyes skimmed over the span of his delectable, tanned, forehead half-hidden under disheveled, shaggy, black hair. Her gaze started down his strong nose to his chiseled cheek bones of golden paragon. Listen to me, I sound like a foolish, love-struck creeper, May almost snickered at the thought. His chin had the slightest indentation of a dimple and suddenly all she really wanted to do was reach up to kiss her way from his masculine yet boyishly adorable chin up to his symmetrical, dark lips… which she now realized were saying something… Come on, May, she chided, focus… She tore her eyes away from his tempting mouth and tuned into what he was asking her. "Chara, baby, what's wrong? What did Collin do?" Only then did she realize her pale eyes were still leaking a copious amount of tears. "H-he… he," May hiccupped then started again, "I'd been-n going out with him for a c-couple of months…" May was so focused on getting her words out she missed the growl that escaped Grant's lips, "and one night, I… we were… and Emmett told me not to go but—but did. I went to him… and LOOK!" she exclaimed. May jumped out of his hold and twirled, flaring her black wings out. "Look what happened!" she turned back to the window with her back to him, shame etched across her features. "He did this to you?" he asked her. "W-ell… when I woke up—I-in the forest…" May paused to think about her answer for a moment then continued, "I don't really know." "So then what did he do, Charamaine? You can tell me," he pleaded with her. May looked into his eyes and felt the overwhelming sense of trust she craved. "He… I don't know where to start," she whimpered. May hated to feel so helpless and pathetic but she really had no idea how to begin. "Just start from the beginning," he encouraged, "what happened after Emmett told you not to go?" Charamaine twirled back around to see Grant with his arms open wide to her. The sight almost melted her and it was impossible to resist so she walked forwards slowly and relaxed into the embrace of her new confidant. ___ He was tense. That much was obvious. What he hoped wasn't as palpable was the overpowering dilemma he fought within himself over whether to comfort the delicate angel in his arms of find the said torment-inflicting-sonofabitch, Collin, and rip of his appendages one by one… Grant wiped away his vicious thoughts and kept his turmoil hidden because he knew that performing the latter option—while it would give him much satisfaction—would be almost as bad as was Collin did to Charamaine. "Don't," he heard a small voice say, and Grant looked down and saw Charamaine staring at him. "Don't what?" he asked, perplexed. "Don't do it," she added. "If you do you'll be like him. I don't want that, so please… not even he should have to go through what I did." I beg to differ was his first thought then came, wait… "How'd you know?" Grant figured he'd done well to his emotions but apparently not. She merely shrugged her slender shoulders, "I'm good at reading people?" Since the end of that was a question it didn't sit easy with him, but he let her continue. "The only thing I want is for someone to go back and help the rest of them… oh—and to find my Emmett…" she added sadly. Grant didn't even hesitate with his response of, "That can be arranged." He offered this in high hopes of making her smile but Charamaine whipped her head up and glared at him. "Don't play with me like that." "Playing?" he asked with a raised eyebrow until he realized that there was no innuendo there and that she was completely serious. "Charamaine, I'm serious. I'll get someone on it, promise." "Don't—" she started. "I promise, May, promise." Grant decided he liked her real name, Charamaine, better than the nickname. Her eyes softened and she became genuinely surprised by his offer and having her only wishes so easily granted. Emmett, she thought with a hopeful undertone, he's got to be fine. He's so strong… "Really?" she asked him, her eyes now wide with expectancy and gratitude. "I would be so, so, grateful!" she made a tiny, cheerful, celebratory motion with her fists then starched her arms up to wind around his neck in what was supposed to be an innocent hug. ___ The moment she reached up she knew it was not her greatest idea. He smells so good, was May's first thought then she shifted so her head rested in the crook oh his neck. Her senses were naturally heightened since her… transformation… but now they were on overload. Wherever her skin was now in contact with his it was set ablaze. She could feel the slight stubble along his chin and neck that was surprisingly, sexy, she considered with a prurient smile and May could feel her nipples harden at the thought. She had to suppress a small, feminine moan when their budding hardness chafed against the hard wall of his bare chest through the thin shirt she was still wearing. May was still relatively new to these sensations and all she knew was that she wanted some type of release. She arched her back slightly and discretely rubbed herself against him. Try to pass of her movement as a simple shift she wiggled around innocently in his lap to get more 'comfortable.' In the midst of this her womanhood came in contact with something particularly warm and hard. Unbeknownst to her what it was, she wiggled around some more. May started to feel aroused and shocked herself when a tiny mewling sound came from her throat. ___ He figured Charamaine had no idea what she was doing to him when her frail arms wrapped around his neck. He felt her breathing increase rapidly when she moved her face to rest on his shoulder. At first he thought she was afraid but she said nothing so he left it alone. However it did not pass his notice when she rubbed herself against his torso. Her hard nipples were clearly visible straining through the fabric of their containment. Seeing this along with the other sensations he was feeling from her Grant became aroused in a matter of seconds. As Charamaine started to move her pert bottom around in his lap the soft, heated folds of her sex repeatedly slid over his now painfully-hard erection. Even though Grant was pleased with her actions it was bittersweet. He could tell she had no idea what was going on so he figured he should stop her before he went too far. Grant almost lost it when he heard the small moan that escaped her lips. He quickly wrapped his arms tighter around her in an effort to still her movements but her soft, supple skin only further ignited the flames of their desire. He then decided that words might work better than actions. "Little one, hold still." His voice sounded strained and a growl slipped up when he finally felt her wetness seep through his jeans, staining the denim. ___ May felt the peak of her breasts tighten and harden even further if possible when she felt his chest rumble, sending sensual vibrations along her body. She became so absorbed in the feelings deep in her stomach that she missed that he said and the accompanying growl. When May started to writhe semi-innocently against him, she heard him though the haze of lust clouding her mind, "Little one, really." "Hmmm?" She questioned, still aroused beyond belief, in response to his vague statement. "Be still," he ordered. May had no response to that so she just hugged him tighter. She heard him groan that time and asked him what was wrong, hoping he understood her mush of words. "You're playing with fire, Charamaine," he said abstractly. "I don't understand," she said although pleased with at the sound of her name on his lips, "what's happening?" She tilted her head up to look at him; her lips open slightly, inhaling and exhaling heavily. Her eyes were a darker shade of blue through their haze of longing underneath weighty lids. "Please, Grant," she pleaded, "make it go away." "Do you really want them gone?" he asked her breathlessly while openly staring at her parted lips. "I—" she started but was suddenly unsure. "Please," she pleaded again, only for what was unknown to her. Before she could say anything else she felt pressure, seductively moist and burning, at her lips. May hadn't realized her eyes were closed until she opened them to find the source of this new arousing and passionate force. When her eyes focused she was, quite literally, face to face with Grant. His golden eyes were open to; watching for any sense of reluctance or fear on her part. But underneath that she saw the same crazed lust she knew could be seen in her eyes. Those eyes will be the end of me, she thought. Moaning softly, her eyes flittered closed again and she pressed harder against him. She felt him respond and he started to stroke her. He started with her wings and May sighed in ecstasy, letting her mouth fall open to Grant's searching, playful tongue that sent her mouth up in a scorching fire. May gripped at his arms then let her hands wander down the bare, hard, sculpted planes of his chest. She may have been only exploring somewhat platonically but she was leaving paths of burning heat across his body. She felt Grant move his hand to her sides and he caressed her hips and thighs. May had no idea that kissing someone could be to lascivious. She started to claw at his muscles; wanting something she knew only he could give her. "Please," she whimpered when she left his mouth long enough to speak. She raked her nails down his chest and across his nipples; and the erotic sensation was a wake up call for Grant. With loud growl, the heat source that was putting Hell to shame and her body in an uproar was wretched from her lips. Her eyes open lazily and she saw that Grant has pulled away looking just as confused as she, only he was now on the other side of the bed. "Wh—" May started to object to the sudden, vast space between them when she was cut of by his fast stream of words. "I-we can't," he said, "Not like this. While you're still so innocent… pure… and after everything you've been through. Everything you told me— Gods! You must think I'm some lust-filled pervert preying on…ugh," he shuddered then continued his rant, "I can't take advantage of you… I won't." May didn't understand so she just moved stealthily forwards and jumped to capture his lips with hers again. She felt him give in but only for the moment before he tore his mouth away again. This time, instead of backing away, he leaned down and rested his forehead against hers and spoke lightly against her swollen lips. "Don't you see?" he asked quietly, "You're so fragile… I would hurt myself before I hurt you." He gently stroked her arms in a not sensual but loving way. May looked into his eyes and saw that even though he seemed in control he was just as raw as she was; ready to rip at the seams. His golden eyes dripped with a passion that she felt as well but didn't understand but didn't think she had to at the moment. "No," she said, muffling her own protest by firmly attaching her lips to his again to reclaim her territory. The pace was set slower but they were still just as feverish. Both of them yearned to feel every inch of the other. May moved, pushing him gently but forcefully down onto the bed and—with her lip still cemented to his—swinging her left leg over both of his to straddle his as she sat in his lap. He tasted so good to her. Too good. Intoxicating. Wanting more, she shoved at his wide shoulder insistently and urgently until he fell back onto the bed; his 'oomph' easily captured by May's lips still feasting hungrily at his. It changed into a groan as she dug her fingers into the locks of his black hair to massage his scalp with one hand and tug on the hair at the nape of his neck with the other. May fleetingly noticed that his hair was chopped shorter in two places but her body wouldn't let her mind give it much thought. She would never breathe again if she didn't have to. Unfortunately for her she did and a sigh of disappointed came from her when she lifted her head up for air. Opening her eyes she saw that their heads were cocooned in her silvery-blonde locks of hair. The silky strands fell from around her to frame Grant's face. He smiled up at her and he glided the pad of his thumb across her bottom lip. May bit down seductively and her cheeks flamed at her boldness. Was I always this… wanton? She asked herself. Grants fingers moved slowly from her mouth, along her jaw then down her neck. He dipped into the valley between her breasts with his index finger through neck hole of the too-large shirt she was wearing. Then, just as quick, his hand came back up and he grasped both sides of her face and brought her down for a smoldering kiss. Her hands moved to rub the spots behind his ears and he let out a long moan. She smiled against his lips than kiss the corner of his mouth, marking the start of her journey. Her mouth worked along his jaw-line then down his neck. She used her tongue and laved one particular spot were she sucked hard enough to leave a mark. Grants hands lowered leisurely down her body and he palmed the uncovered, round cheeks of her ass. May started lightly biting the underside of his chin and was encouraged to bite harder by his tell-tale groans so she made little, sharp love bites all along his jaw to his ear. When she pulled Grants earlobe into her mouth and nibble she was suddenly on her back with Grant feverishly attacking her mouth. Her wings folded easily underneath her, relieving her tiny spurt of panic about re-injuring her extremities. He alternated between taking her breath away and saying everything he would do to her. Only May didn't hear a single word; she was too 'caught up in the moment' to care. "I don't know where this side of you came from, little one," he said, repeating her thoughts from earlier. She could hear him because she was drawn to the spot where his mumblings left vibrations along her neck. He shifted and brought his face up sporting a crooked smile that made her heart skip a beat. He bent down to kiss her warmly and she tugged on his bottom lip with her teeth before he continued, "But I like it." The bottom of her—his—shirt was gradually rising as he toyed with it and she began to get hot and impatient. May pressed her hips up and arched into him but apparently he wasn't getting the hint… or he enjoyed to play with her. Regardless, she felt he was going too slowly so she reached down, grabbed the hem of the plain, white tee and lifted it up and over her head. She ran into a problem when she tried to throw it away. Her wings. She grumbled and tugged at it with no avail, wondering how he managed to get it on her in the first place. "Grant," she cried. He wasn't listening though; he was devouring her with his eyes in a way that made her shiver. ___ He felt so hot. She was squirming under him at his attentions. He played with the bottom of the shirt she was wearing, undecided about how far she wanted to go, when she snatched it from his grasp and brought it up and over her head exposing her to his lustful gaze. Grant thought he'd surely died and gone to heaven… if there was such a place for weres. Her ample bosom wasn't too big or too small, just a perfect handful, capped of with small, eraser-sized, light pink nipples; their areola tightened in their erect state. He forced his eyes down across her thin but fit stomach, her muscles clenched in the throws of desire. He stopped at her belly-button, knowing that he could very well explode in his pants if he were to glace at the haven below. Just as he was about to give in he heard her cry his name, bringing his gaze back up to a distraught Charamaine. "Grant," she said again, looking from him back to the shirt that was still in her arms. He was confused, but concerned at her call, "What is it, baby?" his voice sounded deep and he knew his wolf was too close to the surface, he didn't want to scare her off. "My shirt," she said, and looked at him with an annoyed expression, "get it off, please." "So polite," he teased then startled her by taking the shirt and ripping it down the middle. He heard her gasp and chuckled, then tossed the shirt on the other side of the bed. Grant wanted to move things along so he ducked his head and captured a tight, pink nipple in his warm mouth… surprising her so that her back arched she almost bucked him off the bed, crying out loudly as she did so. Grant rumbled against her breast, pleased at his accomplishment. He continuously flicked his moist tongue over the taught bud in his mouth, making Charamaine bite her bottom lip in an attempt to muffle the sounds of her pleasure. Grant moved his head to seal his lips over the other breast. He sucked most of her flesh into his mouth then released it to suckle her other nipple. He fondled the recently vacated breast and twisted her still-wet nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Her moans got louder and more uncontrollable, which pleased Grant greatly. She's so responsive, he thought as his lips left a wet trail in their wake when he moved down her body. He licked his way down her stomach and he could now feel her muscles contracting and shuddering. His tongue swirled in her navel then he sucked and kissed his way even lower. When he reached her pubic bone he started giving her gentle bites as he moved to her left hip, and then her right. Grant could smell her arousal and he swooned at the sweet aphrodisiac. When his tongue finally touched her folds his wolf howled in delight and Charamaine bucked her hips high off the bed, releasing a long, hearty moan. Grant smiled and parted her sex with his fingers as he took in the beauty before him. ___ Charamaine thought she'd surely died and gone to heaven… she'd fit right in with her wings and all… He left a hot trail from her breasts down to her womanhood and she felt like she was coiled to spring. She knew what he was going to do, she looked down and saw he was staring at her most private parts with a hungry gaze, but she still thought it was so… intimate. Even so, she wanted him with every last cell in her body to continue. At his first lick she reveled in the feel of his smooth, yet rough tongue against her heated, damp flesh. He spread her nectar around, coating her sex in her own arousal, and the musty smell became abundant in the air. May reached her hands down and held his head to her in a death grip. She didn't care if she ripped his hair out… and she didn't think he would care much either. Golden Keeper Ch. 05 He kissed, and licked, and nibbled all over the area nestled between her shapely thighs but he never touched her throbbing love-button. "Please, Grant," she almost screamed. "Please, what, Charamaine?" May wanted to rip out his hair on purpose now. She didn't know what she wanted. She had no idea. "More, Grant, more!" She was on the verge of something epic and her whole body was shivering under its effects. She felt Grant give a small chuckle but the reverberations against her flesh caused her muscles to clench even tighter, the coil in her stomach so tight it was almost painful, every single nerve ending in her body was on fire. He decided then to pull her engorged clit into his mouth and suck… hard. May had no idea how long her orgasm lasted; her body was still shaking with after tremors. She had no idea that she could achieve a release of such an earth-shattering magnitude. She had no idea how loud she screamed; she hoped she didn't alert anyone else. She had no idea if she could even speak now, let alone move. And she had no idea how in the world she was going to repay him. May's body felt weak now. Her arms and legs were completely limp, and she could barely find the energy to twist her lips in a perfectly sated smile. She tried to lift her hand to pull him up to her but she couldn't. But somehow, he knew, and he crawled up her satisfied body. She looked at him from underneath heavy eyelids, suddenly tired. His lips were stretched into a wide, cocky grin; ear to ear. If she could, she would laugh but instead she just sighed. Apparently her mute state made him think something was wrong. His eyes were suddenly filled with anxiety as he looked down her face, still flushed and glistening from her previous release. "Chara, baby, what's wrong? I'm so sorry… if I-" Grant couldn't seem to find the words to say and his mouth settled into a ridiculously kissable pout. May didn't resist and lifted her head just enough to kiss his lips lightly then she sighed and dropped back down. "I," she started, "am in utter bliss… absolutely perfect." She yawned cutely then added, "You've just worn me out is all." Grant smiled hugely again, scooped her up into his arms and scooted them up to the pillows. He lay down on his back and pulled her down onto him; one of her legs intertwined with his. ___ He knew his wolf wouldn't be satisfied with this for long, but for now, pleasing her was more than enough. He willed with all his might for his erection so subside, as it was becoming extremely painful in the confines of his jeans. Grant sighed after his attempts were unsuccessful. He looked down at Charamaine and found her to be asleep; her eyes were flickering underneath her pale eyelids. He bent his head down to kiss each one and she snuggled closer to him, subconsciously seeking more of his warmth. He held back a groan when he felt her naked breasts press intimately against his bare chest, and he figured a cold shower would be in order. Grant started to rise but was stopped when the sleeping beauty beside him threw her arm possessively over his torso and silently commanded him to stay. Grant sighed quietly and rested his head comfortably back on the pillow. He stroked her fragile wings with tenderness despite his size. He closed his eyes and let her scent and feeling envelop him and pull him down into a peaceful slumber… but not before pulling the covers over them—mostly her—incase they had some nagging visitors which, Grant was afraid, would come by shortly. ___ He was startled awake when the door opened to the bedroom opened and footsteps were heard. Normally he could've heard the intruder from the moment they set foot on the front steps, but he was so wrapped up in his dreams of the sleeping woman in his arms he was caught off guard. He knew the unwelcome visitor wasn't there to do harm as they would have done so already but still he felt ashamed at putting Charamaine in danger. Grant let out a large, vicious growl that would've sent lesser men scurrying but the unknown person just made a 'hmph' sound and tapped their foot on the floor by the bed. Not wanting the annoying noise to wake Charamaine, Grant sighed and opened one eye. For the love of the moon…"Yes, Madeline?" he asked, uncomfortable under her scrutinizing stare yet too sleepy to feel as embarrassed as he should, being caught in such a compromising situation by a woman he thought of as his own mother sometimes. "Don't take that tone with me, boy," she said, and Grant smiled sheepishly. She took one glance at Charamaine's state of undress, cocked an eyebrow and put her hand on her hip. "You just couldn't keep it in your pants for a couple of hours, could you?" she scolded. "Actually, Mads, I'm still wearin' my slacks." As he pointed this out he pulled down the covers enough for her to see this to be true but still keep Charamaine covered. "Right," Madeline said, "and who's to say you didn't just put them on? Regardless, I guess it really isn't any of my business…" "You're right about that last part," he said and smiled warmly at her. Madeline just glared at him then asked in all her motherly glory, "Does she need anything?" "No, mom," he joked, "but I do need you to get Jase away from Finn for a while. I have a favor to ask of him for Charamaine." "My poor Finn…" she sighed, "I don't much like him, that Jase… mmm, nope." "You just say that because Finn is your son." "True, true… 'guess so." Madeline thought for a moment then spoke again, "Alright, I'll tell Jase to meet you in the Dining Hall before dinner, that alright with you?" "Thanks, Mads. Tell Monty I said 'hey.'" Grant tried not to laugh at that. Madeline just smiled then vanished. "You can open your eyes now, my little possum," he said to Charamaine. She opened her eyes and huffed then her face turned a lovely shade of pink. But she said nothing and just cuddled up to him. He stroked her hair back away from her face and kissed her forehead. "Dinner will be soon, love." He told her, "Do you want to go to the Hall to eat or would you like food to be brought here?" "No, no," she amended quickly, "I'm tired of laying around." She lifted her head up and smiled up at him then gave him a small kiss. Grant fought the urge to pull her into his arms again and let her go. "I'll have Rage bring you one of her things to wear," Grant said while looking longingly at her figure draped in the bed sheets. I should probably change those… I don't think Madeline will appreciate it… "Unless, of course, you want to wear one of my shirts again," he joked, although he silently wished she would. She blushed again when she said, "Oh… Amira's things will be fine, thank you." Grant laughed, "You'd better not let her hear you call her that though… at least to her face…" Charamaine looked down and played with a piece of the sheet. "How will they fit?" she asked him. To emphasize her point she fanned her wings out behind her. "Easy," he told her while going to the window and hollering out Amira's name knowing she would hear, "holes." He looked back over his shoulder and smiled at her. ___ "Is this what you did before… to your shirt?" May asked him as they strolled to the Dining Hall at a leisurely pace. "Yep," he said and looked down at her with a crooked smile. Her heart faltered a bit and she hoped he didn't notice. Clearing her throat she started again, "So now what?" She was afraid to hear his answer but she prepared herself for the worst. After all, who would want to spend their lives with a winged freak of nature? Lives? She though to herself, who would want to spend any time with me? May steeled herself and waited. Grant paused before answering… seeming to think his words over carefully. "Now… now I have someone go and find Emmett, those women, your mother and Kita, and bring them here to you because you're staying with me for a little while." May was stunned that he remembered and that he still wanted her around but… being a little self conscious she refused to believe him… so she didn't respond. After a moment of her muteness she felt Grant looking at her but she wouldn't looks up at him. He pulled them to a stop right when the Hall became visible. "Chara, honey, why don't you believe me?" he asked her. She looked up into his sorrow-filled eyes and she felt bad now, ashamed, for hurting him. "I… It's not you, it's me," she said and they both laughed. "Okay," she started again, "that was cliché, but really… I just don't think you'll want some… some… freak… like me wandering around your camp or whatever you have here," she waved her arms around, gesturing to the foliage and cabins that surrounded her then looked to the ground. "Not to mention I don't want to have to keep stealing people's clothes," she mumbled. "Seriously, Charamaine? Do you honestly think you're a freak?" he asked her, and then added quietly, "You're so beautiful." She could tell he meant it and her heart swelled. "You don't see it, but everyone else does… even Finn… and he's gay." He joked then clasped her hand in his. He brought it up so it was visible to both of them and said, "Look. You're so perfect." He twisted their wrists together so he could show her how perfect they fit together. He let their arms drop but held onto her hand a kept walking. May closed her eyes as they walked and leaned on his shoulder as they walked the rest of the distance, knowing that he'd never let her fall. Golden Keeper Ch. 06 Chapter Six: Favors "I've gotta go," Jase said, hiding his grimace when he looked toward his partner. He didn't want to be there and, thankfully, Grant had requested his presence, so now he could leave. "Aw," his lover said with a pout, and looked up at Jase with hungry eyes. "Where're ya goin'?" "Grant needs to talk to me about something," Jase answered, sitting on the edge of the bed to pull his jeans on. "Oh. Well…Do I get a kiss before you go?" Jase turned around after he stood to look at the male form sprawled across the bed, barely hidden by the sheets. He leant over the mattress and gave him a quick kiss, but his lover linked his fingers behind his head and gave him a passionate kiss that Jase did not want. Pulling away, he told him, "Alright, I've got to go, really. I'm supposed to meet Grant before dinner. If duty doesn't call, I'll save you seat, Finn." Finn smiled up at him, and then closed his eyes to take a short nap as Jase left. Jase knew he was running late, and while no one was really punctual around there, he still liked to be on time. Damn… Fucking Finn… I really don't understand why I have to sleep with him… this had better pay off in the end. Jase was thinking so hard that he didn't hear her approach him until she was right in front of him. "JESUS–" he started, but stopped himself when he saw who it was. "What do you want, now?" he asked the pesky woman. "Well…" she said, leading him forward, "I know why Grant needs you and in result, I need a little favor." Jase glared down at her, but before he could tell her where to shove her little favor, she continued, whispering, "I want you to only bring back the man. You can burn the women…do whatever you feel like. They're not needed anymore." He was confused, but when recognition dawned on his face as he followed her hush-hush tone. "Did you get this cleared first?" She gave him a look that screamed 'Of course.' "And I should do this because…?" he continued. "Because Master says that he doesn't need the man. So, I figured I could have some fun him with to mess with that bitch's heart. And since she came out perfectly, he doesn't need those extra sluts anymore." "Why can't Collin just plop him down in the woods like he did with Charamaine?" "Because Collin didn't do that. Master sent someone else to take care of her–and him– after he got a little…carried away…" Jase sighed, thinking of how much more difficult his mission was going to become. "And if I don't come through with your favor?" he asked her. "Then Master will have someone take care of you." ___ Grant looked through the door in the kitchen to see Charamaine laughing at something Rage had said. She held her stomach while she laughed and closed her mouth as not to be too loud. Her eyes sparkled and she was positively glowing. Rage, as if sensing his stare, spun around to face her older brother and smirked. When Charamaine finally gained some composure, she looked up at Rage and followed her new friend's line of vision. When their eyes met, she was the only thing he saw. Everything seemed to float away as he stared at her. I feel like I'm in some cheesy romance novel, he joked to himself. Charamaine turned her head away from him and an appealing blush stole across her cheekbones. When she and Rage faced each other, they were both sent into bursts of giggles all over again. Grant smiled, watching them, and decided that if Jase didn't come in the next five seconds… "Hey, sorry, man," the voice started behind him. Damn, Grant thought as he took one last glance at her. "I know I'm late. Sorry, I was held up…" Grant sighed and turned around. He supposed that Jase was an okay-looking guy, but since Grant preferred the opposed sex, Charamaine in particular, he wouldn't really know. Jase's hair was a muddy brown and, where Grant's just reached his shoulders, his was cropped close to his head. Of all of his father's pack members, Grant figured Jase was the closest in height to him. "It's alright; I just need to ask you a favor," Grant started, waiting for Jase's nod to continue. "Okay, so I need you to go to this address," he pulled a sheet of paper from his back jean pocket, "and see who's there." As Grant said this, a woman walked past them, making him wave Jase out of the building to a more private area. "There should be several women in the basement and there might be a man. They'll most likely be locked up, so do anything and everything you can to rescue them. The man is extremely important; if you can only get to one, make sure it's him. If there is a man who goes by the name Collin at the residence, I want you to take care of him…understand?" Jase assured him that he'd do everything in his power to retrieve the man and, if possible, the women. Grant told him to leave immediately and he sped off into the forest. ___ May took in the giant Hall she was currently in. It was made to look like a traditional log cabin…only much, much bigger. Oh, and there was a state-of-the-art chef's kitchen through the double doors. There were six sturdy wood tables seating fifteen each, and Grant had told her that this wasn't even all of their community. "How long did it take to build this place?" she asked him. They were sitting so close, their arms rubbed against each other with every move. She told herself it was because she was still afraid of the other males, which was true, but she really liked the closeness she shared with Grant regardless. "Not long," he replied between bites of homemade fried chicken. "A couple of months at the most." He was so nonchalant about his answer, she thought he was teasing her, but after looking up at him, she saw he was not. This place is enormous! That's totally impossible… right? Bewildered, she stuttered, "Pft-only…wait… a—a couple of months…that isn't." Seeing as she wasn't getting anywhere, she simply asked him, "But how?" "We just have a lot of…man…power," he said, chuckling at his own private joke. "Wait, whoa, hold up. You built this?" "Well," he grinned, "not just me, more like us." May took the time to actually look around at all of the people gathered. There were probably an equal amount of men and women, give or take a few, but all of the men were extremely…well built. But not overly so… it just looks sort of natural on them. Like they're born with it… May let her train of thought run off, vocalizing it with a tiny, "Hmmph." "Is this her?" she heard a deep voice ask from behind her. She stiffened and Grant's hand shot out to soothe her. "Yes," he responded. "Charamaine, this is Orion. Orion, Charamaine." May was able to see that he gestured back and forth between her and some unknown character. Since Grant obviously knew the man, she tried to relax and turned around with a forced smile. A small, strangled cry was torn from her throat as he gazed into the warm, emerald eyes of the tall, blonde-haired stranger. ___ Grant turned his panic-stricken eyes from the shaking woman beside him up to Orion, who stood stock-still and looked utterly confused, and then back down to Charamaine. "What's wrong, Chara-baby?" he asked her softly, not wanting to call any attention to her. He saw her silent tears and growled, looking up menacingly at Orion. "Hey, I didn't do anything!" Orion exclaimed, puzzled by her reaction to him, and pushed his golden curls out of his eyes. "Shhh," Grant continued to comfort her with soothing words and gentle rubs near her shoulder blades. "What's wrong, Charamaine? What happened?" he repeated. "H-he," she started, though her was voice broken by her sobs. "Eh…E-Emmett." She looked up at Orion through tearstained lashes, her pale eyes wide with confusion. It all clicked in Grant's head; he figured that Orion must resemble her friend, Emmett. He could see why this would upset her and he hoped that Jase would bring him back. "I know, sweetie, I know," he told Charamaine while hugging her lean form to him. "It's okay. Relax. I sent someone to get him for you. Don't worry. It's alright. It'll all be alright." "Euhh, what?" Orion asked, frustrated with being the third wheel in the exchange. Grant's patient eyes flickered up to Orion and relayed the information into his head. "Ohh," Orion said, clearly unsure what to do next, "should I… come back… another time?" Nothing was said between the three of them, all that was heard was Charamaine's gasping as her breathing slowly returned to normal. "N-no, no," she said, looking up at Orion. "Stay, please. I… I'm sorry. You just look like someone I kn-new." She stuttered on that last word, but then closed her eyes and focused. They all waited until she opened her eyes and they'd returned back to their normal, pale blue color from the eerie almost-white shade they turned when she was upset. "I'm Charamaine Hale," she said, her hand extended out. "Charamaine." Orion smiled happily at her and took her hand. "Orion," he said pointing to himself, "at your service." "Are you done eating, Charamaine?" Grant asked her, wanting to proceed. "Oh!" she exclaimed. "Why, yes. Thank you." Grant made a signal with his fingers and a boy came over to take their plates. "Oh, you don't have to—," she started. "It's alright, Miss," said the boy, who was no more than fourteen or fifteen years of age. Grant thanked the boy, Lukha, and sent him on his way. He could tell that Charamaine was uncomfortable with this, so he reassured her it was okay. He stood up gracefully and pulled out Charamaine's chair to help her up. "We're going to see if Orion can tell us where your wings came from," he told her as he took her hand and they followed Orion out of the Dining Hall. ___ May liked Orion. Not as much as Emmett or…Grant. She smiled at that. She thought that Orion was just a very enjoyable person to be around. They were in his little office. Well, little may not have been the appropriate word. It seemed to her like everything there was above average. The walls were lined with bookshelves, which were, in turn, filled to the brim with every type of book. There was everything from the Qur'an to the Bible, Astronomic Encyclopedias to Quantum Physics 101. May had always loved to read; give her a good novel and she'd finish it in one day flat. She let go of Grant's warm hand to walk along the shelves, running her fingers across the hundreds upon thousands of spines. When she got to a particularly old set behind Orion's desk, he was suddenly next to her. "Those are very old, be careful, please," he told her, watching her every move. One of the aged books caught her eye: it was a faded cream color with flowing red letters along the spine. Ορνις λόγος: La Connaissance d'Oiseau, it read. Bird knowledge? she wondered. "Ah, what a keen eye, that's the one we need," Orion praised as he carefully took the aging book and placed it on his fine, dark-wood desk. "Bird knowledge?" she asked aloud this time. Both Grant and Orion looked up at her with surprised eyes. "You read Greek?" Grant asked her. And at the same time Orion answered her, "Yes, ornithology." "No," she responded shyly, "French… Is that what the other phrase says as well?" May was eager to change the subject "Yes, ornis logos," Grant answered offhandedly, still curious. "Are you fluent in French?" "Well, yes. It's my first language… I'm just accustomed to speaking English, so I do it more often." "Hale doesn't sound like a very French last name," Orion joked. "That's because it isn't my last name," May replied, then sighed. She might as well… "My father was French…His English was horrid; so we spoke in French at home to make everything easier. Excluding Poppa, we were all fluent in English as well, so when he left our transition was simple. I never use my last name, LeCorbeiller, unless I have to. I just use my middle name, Hale, in its place." ___ "Garbage can?" Orion questioned, mostly to himself. No, you idiot, that's la corbeille. Grant put the thought into Orion's head and chuckled. Orion was oddly intrigued by this new information. "But Charamaine and Hale are not French names. Grant tells me your sister is named Rikita? That's not French either, I suppose…" "No," Charamaine said, as if she'd talked about this hundreds of times. "My mother wasn't French. To be honest, I'm not exactly sure what she was… it never bothered me. I'll ask her for you when I talk to her again." She smiled as she ended, seemingly elated at the very thought of talking to her mother. After a moment of reflection from all of them, Orion broke the silence. "Alright, enough chitchat—time to get to work!" Orion was excited to research more about the pale puzzle before him. He quickly pulled out his luxurious leather seat and sat down. Orion pried the ancient text open with anxious fingers, looking for something. "Ah, the Aves!" Orion said gleefully and looked up to Charamaine. "Err-the ornithological index of sorts." He reached into a large drawer in his desk, took out his black reading classes and began to recite: "Archaeopteryx lithographica, Caudipteryx, Confuciusornis, Dromaeosaurid, Jeholornis prima, Jixiangornis orientalis, Phalacrocorax auritus, Protoavis texensis, Rahonavis Shenzhouraptor sinensis…" "Why is the index in English?" Charamaine asked, looking to Orion. "It's not. I just figured it would help if you recognized anything," he answered, and then went back to reading. "So do you all speak Greek here?" Grant turned to the source of the melodic voice next to him. "Yes, at the very least." Charamaine looked at him with questions in her eyes, urging him to continue. "Well, we've had a lot of free time—" He was interrupted by Orion's snort of amusement and he glared at the blonde man until he went back to work, continuing his scan through the book. "Anyway," Grant started again. "So with the extra time we either build things," he gestured around him to the grand walls of Orion's study, "or pick up new hobbies. Most of us choose to learn another language." "Why?" she asked him, obviously not understanding how one person could have so much time on their hands. "Because a lot of them are easy to pick up…Finn and I use our own language, a mix of Ancient Greek, Irish Gaelic, Burmese, Quechua, Latin, and a little Náhuatl, when we're conversing in private." Grant gave her a crooked smile, remembering the innocence of their childhood. Charamaine just stared at him with wide eyes, but before she could respond, Orion finally stopped listing the ornithological index. "Et voilá!" Orion grinned widely. "Look, look. See?" He eagerly, but carefully, pushed the book across the table to them. Grant looked at it without surprise, but he heard a shocked gasp come from Charamaine. ___ Who would've ever thought that angels existed? Angels. Yep. People with big, white, feathered wings floating around in the sky…little Cherubs flying through the clouds. Not me, that's for sure. But of all the places for them to be listed… they're in an ancient ornithology book? May was totally confused. A million thoughts running through her head as she looked down at the page again. She didn't know what φτερωτός ανθρώπινος: άγγελος meant, but she knew what Humain ailé: ange said… winged human…angel… "Fterotos anthropinos: agkelos." May heard Grant say this next to her, but she was focused on the picture in the book. There, right smack-dab in the middle of the book, was a picture of her. She was standing on a cliff that overlooked…nothing…yet the picture still oozed peace and serenity. Her long, silvery-blonde hair blew away from her face in the wind. She stood tall and regally, her eyes closed in meditation, her palms lifted up to heavens, her wings flared out behind her. Only, no, that's not right…my wings… they're not white, they're black. As if to check, she spread out her wings and wrapped them around herself so she could see them. After a moment of silence, she asked them, "What is this? What do we do now?" "Now, my dear," answered Orion, "we read." ___ The house reeked of death and decay. Even up on the main floors, the odor still permeated the air. The stairs to the basement creaked and moaned under his heavy feet. The rancid smell became worse the lower he went, but he had to do this. He didn't want to end up like them. Reaching the bottom step, Jase was afraid to turn on the light. He was unnerved by what he might see, but–closing his eyes–he flipped the switch. Jase breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that all of the doors were closed; but his relief was short-lived once he realized he'd have to go through each one now to get to the man. Holding his breath, Jase kicked open the first door and almost vomited. He now understood what she meant by "carried away." Stepping over the remains of…something… he moved further into the room to check for survivors. Seeing as there weren't any, he darted out of the room and closed the door. Inhaling deeply, he repeated this until he made it to the last door, killing any females who somehow stayed alive. He made himself feel better by telling himself that they probably wouldn't have lived much longer anyway. Barging through the last door, he saw it wasn't as bad as the rest, but it was still like a page torn from a murderer's book of nightmares. The dark walls were adorned with splattered blood, the red liquid in pools on the floor. Jase's vision was heightened compared to the average human, but even he couldn't see past a couple of feet in this absolute darkness. His hand trailed along the dark wall and he flipped the switch, unprepared for the onslaught of screams that would follow. ___ "I knew it," Grant said to Charamaine, who was walking next to him on their way back to his cabin. "Knew what?" "That you're an angel." He heard her scoff and he looked down at her. "I am nothing like that, in case you haven't noticed," she said, moving away from him to encompass herself with her giant, black wings. "Well, maybe you'll molt or something and they'll turn white." She chuckled. "Better yet they could just molt…then disappear completely." Grant sighed and pulled her back to him. "But if that happened, you'd never be able to feel this," he said as he took one hand and gently caressed her feathers. He heard Charamaine as she closed her eyes and released a sound somewhere between and sigh and a moan. Grant was pleased, knowing he could affect her this way. "Oh yeah?" she challenged, re-opening her eyes. "Well if I didn't have them, then I could do this…without bending over." She stopped him and spun around so her back was to his front, bent over and grinded her shapely ass against his rapidly growing erection. Grant's chest rumbled and a growl ripped free. Charamaine chuckled and rose back up, turning so she was facing him. Grant wrapped his arms around her as she rested her head on his chest. He bent down and put his head on hers, inhaling her arousing scent. Golden Keeper Ch. 06 "What are you?" he heard her mumble. "What are you?" he countered, ignoring her question. "I'm… I'm an…" "Exactly. You're an angel," he finished and pulled her face up by her chin to drop a kiss on her lips. He meant it to be a short kiss, a foreshadowing of what was to come later, but she placed her arms on his broad shoulders and had no intention of letting go. Grant backed her up against a tree, with one arm behind her so he wouldn't crush her wings. He ferociously attacked her pouty lips as his other hand moved from supporting his weight on the tree to clasping her porcelain face. He felt her hands wander down his neck, his chest, his stomach, until they reach the bottom of his shirt. She tugged at it, frustrated he was still wearing one. He chuckled lightly against her lips and began to unbutton his shirt when he heard heavy footsteps coming closer and closer through the woods. ___ She was melting under the flames of their passion. She would've given herself to him against that tree if he'd only asked. May was reluctant to release his lips but she felt him stiffen and growl. Only this time, it was a warning growl, not one from pleasure. She leaned back, asking him, "Grant… what's wrong?" "Someone's coming…from the east…behind you. MOVE!" he told her, picking her up and placing her behind him so he could get into a defensive stance in front of her. Since Grant was so much bigger than she, May could barely see over his shoulder into the forest. She almost fell over when he started backing up and his hand wound backwards to hold her steady. Deciding that she wanted to see what was going on, she wriggled out of his grasp and floated up and over his head. Peering out into the trees was hard during the nighttime, even with her extra sight and altitude advantage. But she could hear it, the bounding of feet coming their way, faster and faster. It sounded more animal than human though. Giving up, she sunk back to the ground behind Grant, who had relaxed. "Now what's going on?" she asked him, exasperated. "It's okay, honey. It's just Jase. Go back to the cabin, please," he said, a hint of urgency still lingering in his voice. "What… why?" she asked, confused at his request. "I-uhh… I don't think you'll want to see this." The footsteps got closer and she moved, curious, but Grant held her back. "Really, Charamaine… go." "No," she said, chin up in defiance. "What's the big deal?" May could see Grant's mouth open to argue with her when, he came crashing out of the forest. She never had the chance to look around Grant to see the new person… Or persons, she thought, since she heard two additional sounds of labored breathing…but only one more heartbeat. "Grant… Grant who's there? Stop it! Let me see!" She struggled to move around him and once she had, he firmly clasped his hands over her eyes. She clawed at him, but he was persistent. "Oh, come on, Grant. What is it?!" "I don't want you to see. Jase, take him to Doc." When Jase and the mystery man didn't move, he growled out, "Now." May was getting seriously frustrated not knowing what was going on. He was treating her like a three-year-old! She stomped down hard on his foot and flared her wings, pushing him back. She spun around, only to see the quickly retreating back of some kind of giant beast carrying the limp body of her best friend. She didn't know whether to cry in relief, anger, or mourn. "Grant! What the hell!?" "Baby," he said, restraining her tiny, balled fists with his hands and pulling her to him despite her protests. "Chara, he wouldn't want you to see him like that. I know." "What do you mean?" "He's not the same as he was before… give him some time." "Give him some time?" Charamaine asked, now in tears. "Time for what?" "To get his strength back…mentally and physically. He's been through a lot. I'll take you to see him tomorrow, baby, I promise." May struggled to get out a comprehensible sentence. She didn't understand. She allowed him to scoop her into his arms as she thought, Why aren't they letting me see him? Why would he need to go see Doc first, unless… "Grant…" she began slowly as he carried her up the stairs to his cabin. "What's wrong with Emmett?" Grant didn't answer her. He just clenched his jaw and walked into his home. "Grant…" she said again, poking his chest. "Grant, what's wrong with him!" His muteness sent her into another round of hysterics. "Oh no. No… no, no, no. He's not dead. He can't be. Not Emmett. Not my Emmett!" She wailed and squirmed against him, trying to get away to go see her friend. Grant's eyes widened as he looked down at her, "No, baby, no. He's not. He's…fine… to a certain extent. Or, at least, he will be. You can see him tomorrow, I promise. Get some sleep, Charamaine." The moment he said this, May felt completely exhausted. She was still extremely pissed off, but now her tiredness overruled that. Yawning, she closed her eyes and tried to relax, thinking that tomorrow she would go see him, whether Grant let her or not. ___ He placed her on his bed, tucking her under the covers. He stroked her soft, supple body and feathery wings until she drifted off to sleep. He released her fingers from their tight grasp on his still half-unbuttoned shirt and stood. Watching her sleep so easily in his bed affected him more than it should have. Sighing, he ran his hand though his long, dark hair and left the cabin, closing the doors quietly behind him. He stepped out of the cabin and turned to see Madeline watching him. She was always scaring the living shit out of people. "Hey, Mads," he said after his heart slowed down. "Grant," she responded, eyeing his cabin. "She's asleep," he answered her unspoken question. "What can I do for 'ya?" "Your father… he wants to see you." He nodded. "Could you do me a favor though, and watch her just to make sure she doesn't get up? I don't want her—under any circumstances—to leave the cabin. Okay?" "On it, Mr. Boss-man." She mock saluted him and sat down on the steps, leaning her slight frame against the railing. Grant chuckled and thanked her. He may have been in charge, but she was still well over one hundred years older than he. Grant changed forms and sped through the clearing on four paws. He knew that his father's guard, Rhodes, would have a change of clothes waiting for him, so he didn't worry about leaving his jeans a ways behind him. As he approached his father's massive 'cabin,' he saw Rhodes come out to greet him. Rhodes may have a little shorter than Jase, but what he lacked in height, he made up in pure muscle. He was the epitome of fit… and then some. Grant caught the fabric tossed to him in his teeth and put it on the ground while he shifted. They weren't necessarily shy about nudity around there; in fact, most flaunted their perfectly sculpted bodies. But in the presence of their Ancient Leader, one always had to look their best. Grant thanked Rhodes with a nod and walked through the double doors. Even though his parent's home neighbored his own, he rarely visited. He liked his humbler cabin more than his father's mansion, so he tried to get them to visit him instead of the other way around. But since his father illness, this trip to the castle–as he and Finn had called it as children–was inevitable. Grant passed the marble foyer and climbed the dark-wood stairs two at a time. He made a right down the nearest hall and saw that his mother was waiting for him at the end. He smiled at the older woman, but it was not returned. Worry sprouted in Grant and he hustled over. "Ma, what's wrong?" She looked at Grant with loving, amber eyes, filled to the brim with fresh tears. He caught her in a fierce hug and questioned, "Its Dad, isn't it?" "He's getting worse," she said in agreement. "He just wants to talk to you, but be quick about it…he needs his rest." He squeezed his mother tighter and kissed her hair before he strode through the intimidating doors of his parent's room. ___ May awoke in the middle of the night to feel a strong, warm body slide into bed next to her. She lifted her head up to see him through the fog of sleep she was still under. "Go back to sleep, Charamaine." His deep voice echoed around his room and she cherished the sound. "Mmm," May mumbled and snuggled closer to him. "Grant, where'd 'ya go?" "I was at my parents," she heard him say tiredly. I need to call my mother too… tomorrow… When she didn't respond, May felt him chuckle, "I'll tell you about it later, little one. Sleep." As if on command, May's heavy eyelids snapped shut and she sighed, stretching and entering her world of slumber again. ___ It was the late morning, maybe early afternoon, when May woke again. The sun was warming her skin and the blankets seemed too hot. She stretched her body lazily and kicked the covers off of her, down to her feet. She opened her eyes to the bright room, sunlight streaming through the window, soft blankets underneath her. She rolled over to face him and saw he was still sleeping. He had dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he just went to sleep. He probably needs the rest. May sighed quietly and laid down, scooting towards him. She draped her arm possessively around his torso, closed her eyes, and waited. At some point, she must have fallen asleep again. When she opened her eyes, she was greeted with the masculine underside of Grant's chin and neck. Both knew the other was awake, but neither said anything. He trailed his fingers, feather-light, in whorls down her spine. May shifted, her body now pressed intimately on top of his, and propped herself up by her elbows on his wide chest. "Good morning," she stated after clearing her throat of any remnants of sleep. May looked down into his face and saw he was smiling at her, that crooked smile that consequently gave her heart palpitations. "What's on the agenda for today?" she asked him as she wrapped a strand of his shaggy, black hair around her slim index finger. "Not much," he told her, his voice still husky from sleep. May could feel the beginnings of her wetness start to spread in her panties—well, the ones she borrowed from Rage, anyway. She leaped up, hiding her arousal, and went to look out the window. It was strangely calming to look out the window and see the forest that was once so frightening to her, bathed in sunlight. She could hear the birds, the small animals, the breeze rustling the leaves through the open window. May inhaled deeply, taking in the smell of woodland, sunshine, and…Grant. She turned to find him right behind her, his large hands on her hips. "Beautiful, isn't it?" she said, indicating the outside world with her head. "Yes." He nodded in agreement, his eyes never straying from hers. He bent down to give her a kiss and almost lost himself in her heat. When he pulled away, May felt empty and she whimpered. Grant chuckled. "You want to see Emmett today, yes? Lets get moving." Although the question was rhetorical, May squealed. "Oh, of course! Of course! So he's okay? Where is he? Does he know I'm here? I hope he's okay…" May continued to ramble while Grant passed her clothes—holes pre-cut into the shirt—to change into. She was so absorbed in her concerned thoughts about her friend; she failed to notice the way Grant had stopped to admire the way her ivory skin glowed in the sunlight. When May finished dressing, she ran out of the room, somehow navigating around the cabin and ending up outside on the front steps. "Come on, Grant! Hurry!" Grant chuckled again. "Relax, he'll be here all day. You don't want breakfast first?" Her stomach growled then, as a reminder and she chewed her lip, undecided. "He'll still be there later, right?" she asked Grant as he took her hand and led her to the Dining Hall. "Of course. Don't panic. He'll be glad to see you any time of the day." He kissed the top of her head and they continued their walk. ___ May shoveled down her food, eager to finally see Emmett. She was practically running out of the Hall when she finished, only one step away from taking flight… "Charamaine, really," she heard Grant say from behind her, and she stopped to match his agonizingly slow pace. "He's okay, right? He's exactly the same?" she asked for the hundredth time, expecting the same answer. "Actually, Charamaine…" Grant pulled her to a stop in front of Doc's cabin, one she knew well. May recognized his tone and became increasingly worried. "What? What is it?" she asked, trying to tug him along, but he stayed rooted. "I think he'll want to tell you exactly what happened, but I do want to tell you that while he may act the same, physically…" Grant let his sentence trail off. "Oh," May gasped. "Oh." It doesn't matter, she thought confidently, he'll always be my Emmett. "Okay, then… let's go." She slowly walked up the front steps, suddenly not as eager as she was before. Tears sprung into her eyes the moment she walked into the room Emmett was resting in. Sure, he was still extremely tall; his golden hair flopped in his eyes. But he was thin… way too thin. Frail-looking. His skin was so pale. May held up her own hand for reference as she got closer to the bed. He was, if it was possible, paler than she. What happened to him…and why is it so dark in here? The light was off and the shades were closed, but still, it seemed too dark. May went to go turn on the light when Grant stopped her, speaking in hushed tones. "I wouldn't do that." "Wh-Why?" she asked, bewildered. "It will cause him pain," he answered mysteriously. May felt her own face crumple as she thought of Emmett—happy-go-lucky, never a care in the world, always laughing, Emmett—going through something other than his normally perky emotions. May slumped her shoulders and sat down beside his bed, her wings folded neatly behind her, almost invisible in the darkness. "Will he wake up?" she asked Grant in a small voice. "He was up earlier today, though I don't believe he was very aware of his surroundings," he answered. "He should be awake soon." She sighed and reached out to hold Emmett's hand while she waited. ___ Such a vivid dream… or I guess nightmare would be more appropriate, he chuckled to himself. Is Caden still here? Not that I'd mind of course… I'm always up for round two. But I know May will be angry if we broke something… With the reminder of her, he was jostled out of his thoughts. He felt oddly drunk, though he hadn't been drinking… His body felt strangely heavy—he couldn't move his arms. What the fuck? He could tell it was dark there was no light beyond his eyelids. He felt a pressure at his hand…someone was holding it? He knew he wasn't laying on his bed back home, this one was too thin. Okay, where the fuck am I? As if on cue, all of the memories from the past days, weeks—months?—flooded his brain. He winced internally. Did that really happen? Where's May? Oh shit. Charamaine?! Shit! Shit, shit, shit. But I'm lying down now… and I have a pillow. This is certainly above the hospitality I received from…him. Maybe I finally died? That wouldn't be so bad I guess, an end to all that fucking pain. But wait, didn't that dude come and get me? Nah…he killed all of those other women, why would he save lil' ol' me? So I must be dead then. That's unfortunate. But, if I'm in a coffin, why is someone holding my hand? Geez, stop it with the rhetorical questions, alright, Em? He urged himself. Well, if I'm dead, might as well open my eyes and thank God. He snickered to himself at his lame joke. ___ She looked on as her friend flinched and shifted on the hospital-like bed. His eyes were still closed, so she had no idea if he was awake or not. She heard him sigh a few minutes later and she shot up, her wings flared out behind her. May watched for any signs of consciousness in Emmett when, all of a sudden, his eyes snapped open. ___ Damn. I really did die, he thought as he took in the angel before him. Her features were sharp, refined. Her eyes were light gray-blue, her hair a silvery-blonde. Like corn silk…like… "May? Oh, no, May. I'm so sorry. We're both dead now? God dammit." Looking upwards, he whispered, "Excuse that." He felt wetness splatter on his right arm. He watched as the moisture slid down his arm… then up to its source. May's eyes were filled with tears. "Oh, May-May, I really thought you'd escaped. That's what I'd heard. Guess not." He felt another drop of moisture. "Why are you crying, girl?" "Emmett, I missed you! Oh, Emmett!" May leaned across him and hugged him fiercely. He heard a distinct growl and stiffened. "Don't mind him," May stated, "he's being annoying." "Annoying?" Emmett heard a deep voice say, mocking her. He lifted his head up a little and May immediately stuffed some pillows behind him. He looked up as the man came into view, towering over Charamaine and himself. "Grant," he said, as introduction. "Oh! Yes… Emmett, Grant. Grant, Emmett." She made the appropriate gestures and both males chuckled, making her cheeks turn a delectable shade of pink. Emmett swiped his unruly curls out of his eyes and he heard May gasp. "What? What is it?" He tried to sit up, but he still felt like his own body was restraining him. May composed herself before answering him. "Y-your eyes, Em. They're… different." "How so?" They don't feel any different. "Grant, go get a mirror." The man turned and fled with an inhuman speed to do May's bidding. "Got yourself a slave there, huh, May-May?" he joked. "It's good to have you back, Emmett," was her simple response, followed by a forced smile. When Grant returned with a mirror, it had pieces of plaster stuck to the back of it. Emmett laughed. "What'd ya do, rip it off the bathroom wall?" He laughed again. Grant actually looked sheepish and May rolled her eyes… Maybe he did? "Alright, hand 'er over." Emmett was still smiling, but by the time he took in his appearance, his almost-always constant smile was wiped clean from his face. What… the… hell? I look… sickly, he thought, as he pushed his hair back again. He grimaced when he saw an angry scar at his hairline. Better leave the hair down… His skin looked deathly pale, his cheeks hollowed out. The circles under his eyes were so dark they resembled bruises. But his eyes, those were a wake-up call. His left one was still green, the same emerald it'd always been, only brighter somehow… glowing, even. But his right eye… it was… "Well, it looks like Christmas," he said, jokingly. Leave it to Emmett to find humor in something so serious. He looked up to find May staring, bug-eyed, at his apparently inappropriate comment. He gave a small grin. "An Italian Flag?" he offered. She was still staring at him. "Bangladeshi?" "Emmett. Be. Serious," she managed to choke out. He sighed and looked again. Well, I guess I really do look hideous. His right eye was a blend of green and red. Golden Keeper Ch. 06 Kind of like a peace sign…only without those little dots. He shook his head and peered closer at the mirror. "Okay, really. What the fuck happened?" he asked, all joking pretense gone. "I…" May trailed off, unsure. She looked up to the other man for answers. "Ah," Grant started, "we were all sort of hoping you could help us with that." He cleared his throat at approaching the uncomfortable topic. Emmett heard May's breath catch and he looked over. She was crying…again. "May, you don't have to keep crying. Aside from my mutated eye and skin that's in need of a tanning bed, I'm totally fine. Besides, when you're dead, why does it matter?" But she wasn't paying attention to him. She was leaning into Grant for support while he soothed her with comforting words and adorable pet names. His eyes were a startling gold, which were filled with sincere concern for Charamaine. When May turned back to him, she looked heartbroken. "Emmett I'm so sorry!" She practically jumped onto the bed, shoving him over to make room for her. Emmett would've laughed if May wasn't still crying. "I know. I know." He watched as Grant sat down in the recently vacated seat, his eyes on May the entire time. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. All of th-that." She choked up on the last word. "'S okay. We're both here now. That's all that matters." Emmett found enough strength in him to raise his hand, attempting to pull her closer to him. When he lifted his hand, there was a single ray of sunlight that seemed to find its way into the room and onto his skin. He gasped in pain at the contact. What the hell? He reassured Charamaine, telling her that he was fine…though he was still confused about it himself. "Oh Emmett," sighed May as she took in the scars that were—Emmett now realized—all over his hand. They continued up his arm and down his chest until the blanket covered them. "What did he do to you?" "Do you really want to know?" he asked quietly, as he stared at her flawless hand against his. Hers a perfectly cut marble, her veins just visible underneath her pale skin, and his a never-ending pattern of white streaks and angry slashes. Grant went unnoticed as he slipped from the room to give them privacy. Emmett looked into her pale eyes, saw her understanding and realized that, not matter what he told her, she would be there for him. ___ May totally understood how Grant felt when she told him…was it only a day ago? Rage. Blinding, furious, rage. But there was nothing she could do now. Emmett told her that after Collin left him to hang, he heard someone come and…and kill him. So the boogey-man was gone, but there was so much more they had to deal with. Emmett told her that all Collin talked about while torturing him was how 'Master' wanted this, and 'Master' wanted that. So if there was a 'Master,' and Collin wasn't just certifiably crazy—which would be an easy explanation—then they still had a reason to be afraid of the dark. At first May didn't understand why Collin would hurt Emmett. Nice, funny, hilarious, good-looking… gay, Emmett. Collin kept Emmett there just because he was gay. She couldn't believe that that was the only reason, but after Emmett told her that Collin had… had raped him brutally with a cane…throwing degrading and painful words in his face… that was obviously the reason. She could tell Emmett was holding out on her, but she didn't think she could take anymore. Not then. ___ As he told May his story, Emmett could see every moment behind his eyelids. He was reliving it… and it was torture all over again. He stopped at his rape…the next part was beyond pain, beyond any comprehensible sense of agony. He barely remembered what actually caused it. All he knew was that he had almost died after Collin beat him so hard. Then his skin was on fire…like someone was sticking thousands upon thousands of white-hot needles into his skin. He knew he screamed and he figured that since the neighbors didn't call 911, the basement was soundproof. Then he remembered waking up… stronger… but still not strong enough. ___ Kill me, kill me, kill me, he chanted over and over in his head. He hung limply in shackles attached to the ceiling. He was rendered immobile by the intensity of the pain surging through his body. It was worse, so much worse, than anything Collin had done to him before. Worse than his torture, rape, branding, cutting… all of it. He'd take all of it one thousand times over, and be thankful, if the current pain would stop. Pain was radiating down his spine, sending terrorizing shocks throughout the rest of his body. His tall frame was thrashing subconsciously in its unsuccessful efforts to expel the unwanted feelings. But seemingly as soon—when Emmett had lost consciousness, the concept of time was lost—as it started, it stopped. The pain faded away completely. No soreness, no aches, no cramps. Nothing. The absence of pain was the most shocking thing at that moment. When Emmett was able to gain control of muscles, he opened his eyes and squinted them, peering out into the dark room. He felt different…but, surprisingly, not in a bad way. He felt stronger, but his attempts to remove his bonds were futile. He had no idea how long he hung there. I feel like a dead fish, he thought wryly. He measured time by the labored breathing he heard from the next room. He knew there were more of them, but he couldn't get down. When he finally heard footsteps upstairs, he knew they weren't Collin's. He knew that someone had come here and killed him before the pain started. Hopefully his body is rotting somewhere down here. He was jarred from his thoughts when he heard someone kick down the first door… then the second… then the third… Along the way, Emmett heard the distinctive sound of a knife cutting the flesh of any survivor. Any hope he had that he'd be saved was squashed when the heavy breaths of the woman in the next room were silenced. He didn't want to be next, but he didn't know what to do. Maybe he won't see me in the darkness? he thought. He could only hope. When his own door swung open forcefully, he saw that the intruder was tall. Probably just about his own height, but it was hard to tell. He could also tell that the man couldn't see him. Emmett saw him reach for the light and then he was blinded, the bright light overhead clouding all his senses, burning his recently cooled skin. His skin was on fire this time, burning. Screams ripped through him again and he lost consciousness as the man grabbed him and ran. ___ Emmett focused back on the present, trying not think about the past. It pained him to do so. "So then how did your eyes become like this?" he heard May ask. "I don't know…" Still, he thought about it for a moment. "Maybe I should go to a doctor." "Yes, yes, we'll have Doc take another look at you." "Doc?" Emmett questioned. "Oh, erm… yes, he's sort of the resident doctor." "I didn't think they'd have doctors in the afterlife," he joked. May snickered with him. "Yeah, about these," she said, sitting up and wrapping her wings around herself. Emmett had thought he was hallucinating when he saw those before. "Whoa. Freaky, May. And here I was, thinking I was the weird one," he chuckled. "I don't know what happened," May said softly, spreading her wings out. "I woke up in a forest and I had these." She pointed to her giant, black wings. "Well," Emmett said and paused. "They certainly give a new meaning to the term 'wingspan.'" "Emmett!" She balled up her small fist and punched him in the shoulder, the blow barely felt by Emmett. "We could really open up our own freak show," he continued. "Think they have those here in heaven?" Or wherever we are, he added silently. May laughed, thinking he was making a reference to her wings again. "I missed you so much, Em." She cuddled up to him, bringing back memories of happier times. "Me too, babe." He sighed. "So what now? And what kind of afterlife is this? I though heaven was supposed to be all fluffy clouds and shit." Emmett looked around the dark room. "Oh, yes," she joked, "heaven in the middle of a forest. How genius." "Forest?" Emmett asked, clearly confused. May stared for a moment, realization dawning on her, she thought he'd been joking. "Yes, Emmett," she said, slowly, "we're in a cabin… in the forest." He scoffed at her. "Honestly, May—" "No, Emmett. We're really here. We're staying with Grant and his… family." "So they're all dead too?" He looked down at May and saw she was staring up at him with bewildered eyes. "No—" "I'm not stupid, May. Is this like some sort of purgatory? Ew, this sucks. I don't wanna be here forever. It's dark and depressing." Emmett could feel his somber surroundings affecting his normally cheerful mood. "Ugh. No, Emmett." May released a heavy sighed beside him. "No what?" "Listen to me!" He could tell she was reaching the end of her patience. "Easy, hon, don't yell at the sickly… or the deceased," he joked. "You're. Not. Dead." One of Emmett's eyebrows raised up sarcastically. "Ri-ight," he responded. "Emmett, you're not dead!" She slapped his bare chest, hoping her words would sink in. He harrumphed. "That's impossible…I don't have a heartbeat." He's right… She only heard one heartbeat. Golden Keeper Ch. 07 Hey, there! Thank you so much for you're encouraging feedback, it really motivates me! I'm sorry this took so long; Chapter 08 is almost done, so hopefully I can have it out to you guys soon. I hope my alternating use of Charamaine and May isn't confusing to you; I'm trying to incorporate a way to make sure it's all the same for the following chapters. There's sex in this chapter (Yay! Ka-blamo! No angry mobs!), but it's my first attempt so be nice! :) Kudos to my awesome editor, angelicsounds, and to Rachel & Mads for their wicked cool support! I bid thee a good read ~M Chapter Seven: Tainted Black He wasn't an empath, but Grant could definitely feel the emotions coming from her: confusion, stress, worry, happiness...She was also distraught. He was tempted to go back to her instead of pacing around the edge of the forest, but he decided her privacy was well deserved. Anxious from being away from her for too long, Grant shifted to his wolf form and bolted through the trees, running for miles around their camp. The wind brushed his fur back, vines and branches stroked him as he flew by at an alarming pace. He let his frustrations out in a howl. He wanted to make everything better for her, but he knew that there was nothing he could do now. His eyes swirled rich amber and he watched the earth and leaves give away under his paws, leaving tracks around his community. He made another round and found Orion waiting for him. The tall, blonde man looked eager, so Grant ran towards him. "So guess what?" Orion asked, smiling. What? Grant thought to him. "I figured it out!" he said, jubilantly. Figured what out? "Why her wings are black instead of white." His tone added on the duh. Grant waited for him to continue, so when he didn't, Grant nudged him with his head. "Could you maybe switch back? I really want to see your expression for this one," Orion joked. Grant growled, No. Too wound up. Just tell me... is it that bad? "Fine," he sighed. "The reason is—drum roll please—she has been touched by...dun, dun, dun..." Really, Orion. Grant thought at him, sarcastic and annoyed. "Ugh, alright!" he exclaimed, disgruntled by the lack of enthusiasm from the large wolf. "She was touched by the, uhh... the King of Darkness," he finished. Grant looked to Orion with obvious confusion in his eyes. "You mean... the Devil?" Grant asked after he changed back. Orion handed him a pair of jeans and Grant put them on, still confused. "Not... really," Orion responded, suddenly not as eager as he was before. "So then what—er, who is it?" "Well...the Devil is sort of the King of Darkness's right-hand-man... I—ah, it would easier if I only had to say this once... do you mind?" Orion asked, nodding to medical cabin where Charamaine and Emmett were. "Oh," Grant said, unsure, "she's with Emmett now..." "Maybe Emmett knows something too?" Orion asked, hopefully. Grant sighed, "Alright. Just wait a minute until I call for you. 'Kay?" Without waiting for an answer, Grant bounded up the stairs to the cabin. ¬¬¬___ May rested her fragile hand on his chest, feeling for the life-giving beats that were nowhere to be found. Unbelieving, she leaned over his scarred body and placed her ear above the place where his heart was supposed to be. "What..." She had no idea what to say. May felt Emmett run his fingers through her silky hair while he responded. "I don't know. It was like that when I woke up... that's why I figured..." he shrugged. "B-but," she stuttered, "how could you be... alive?" He said nothing and brought her face up to his. Emmett's face was clear except for two scars: one, still red, along his hair line, and a shocking white streak that ran from the corner of his colorful right eye to the edge of his mouth. She ran her hand over it and was surprised to find that it was same, smooth texture as the rest of his skin. It must be old, she thought. It wasn't raised or anything... just a white line across his face. She looked up to the one by his hair, then back down. Confused, she reached up to touch the red scar. ¬¬¬___ I don't think that one's a scar... at least, it doesn't feel like one, Emmett thought to himself as he watched May run her hand over the white streak repeatedly. When her hand moved to the one at his hairline, he almost cringed away from her, anticipating the pain... that never followed? Emmett felt a new, throbbing sensation where the slash was. Not realizing his eyes were closed until then, he opened them and saw that May's irises had turned almost white. "May?" he called, using all of his strength to put his hands on her shoulders. "May? Are you okay?" Her head snapped down at an odd angle and he became increasingly worried. The throbbing feeling escalated. Then it stopped and he was left with a soothing, lighter feeling. He shook his head, more confused than ever, and shook May's shoulders. He wasn't ready for the instantaneousness of his movements. The moment he thought about shaking her shoulders, he was doing it... too hard. Shit, he swore to himself, I didn't want to hurt her...What the fuck is going on? She groaned and her neck snapped back up. He could see her eyes turning back to normal through the veil of her pale hair. "May?" he asked timidly. "May, you alright?" She stiffly nodded her head. "Yeah... I'm fine... What was that?" She flipped her hair back and felt an odd sensation coming from her forehead. She put her hand on her forehead and came away with blood coating the fingers that had touched her skin. She squealed and flew off the bed, hovering above the ground next to Emmett. Where's that mirror? she asked herself frantically. May flew over a bewildered Emmett and reached for the mirror. She looked into it and was surprised to see a red scar, similar to Emmett's, fading as the seconds ticked by. "Uhhmm... I think I..." she started, placing the mirror back on the edge of bed, still unnerved. "I think—I absorbed it..." She huffed and reached for her forehead again, only to find it marble smooth, as it had been before she touched him. Just then, Grant knocked on the door. "Yes?" she answered in a strangled voice. "Charamaine, are you alright?" He sounded worried. "Fine, fine. Come in." She walked to the door as he pushed it open. The relief was evident in his features when he saw that she wasn't harmed. "What's wrong?" he asked, hovering. He stepped up to her and checked her over. "N-nothing..." "Oh... well then Orion was wondering if he could come up to talk to you?" "Sure," she said, setting her feet back on the ground. "Story time!" Orion boomed as he walked into the small room, which seemed to become even smaller with his and Grant's large bodies filling up the space. He came in with a chair and flipped it around so he could lean on the back of it while entertaining. He let his sharp emerald gaze settle on Grant, who sat on the floor and rested against the bedside table, May, and finally, Emmett. "Whoa," he said, surprised. "Ha ha, you look... sort of... like...me." His head tilted at the end of his revelation. "Aw," May giggled, "you look like a lost puppy." Grant chuckled at the uncanny resemblance. Orion and Emmett were still confused, staring at each other like they were staring in a mirror. "Hmm," Emmett sighed. "Right, more on that later," Orion joked, shaking his head. "So I've come with news on the phenomenon that is your wings, May. You don't mind if I call you May, do you?" he asked, smiling at her. "Not at all. In fact, the only person who doesn't call me that is Grant," she replied, smiling at him and then looking at Grant, who growled. "So, May," Orion continued, "your wings should be white. But you've been touched by the King of Darkness, making them black." "Like... the Devil?" Emmett asked. At the same time, May asked, "You mean I'm... tainted?" "No and yes," Orion responded. "The Devil is more of the right-hand-man to the King of Darkness, so to speak. And tainted is correct, although it only applies to parts of you. Your wings, for example," he said, gesturing. "The King of Darkness, you say?" May asked. "Well, that would be the most popular name for him. He is really nameless, but it's easier to just call him the King of Darkness instead. But yes, he—somehow—got a hold of you, and now some of his power dwells inside of you." "Why my wings? Why are they black?" she asked. "If he touched you, they should have been more leathery, like those of a bat. However your... good side, for lack of a better word, outweighed his touch, allowing them to keep their feathery appearance." "So wait... I'd have these anyway?" "Well, yes." "H-How?" "I would assume that would have something to do with your parentage, yes?" Orion glanced at Grant out of the corner of his eye and saw him shrug his large shoulders. "Then I guess now is as good a time as any to call," she said, sighing. ___ "They know," she said into her slim, silver phone after slipping away from the window and past the forest's edge. And what are you going to do about it? She heard from the other line. "Whatever you need me to do, Master." Make sure that her mother never tells her how to contact Jatteo. "And if she does—" Did I not just tell you to make sure that it does not happen? "I-yes, Master. But what if—" Then make sure he does not come. "B-But... you know I cannot stop him if he does, neither can—" Silence your ignorance, Lynaeo. Do not fail me. "Of course, Sir." You know what will happen if you do. I'm giving you fair warning. Collin had to learn the hard way. An evil chuckle was heard from the other line. "Yes, Master. I will not fail you." The line disconnected. She shuddered and moved further into the sudden darkness. ___ May leaned up against the window, looking out into the woods. She shivered, feeling like something malicious was watching her. She dialed the number, imprinted in her memory, on Grant's sleek phone. As it rang, she let her gaze drift upwards, her eyes now focused on the dark storm clouds moving over the forest. She almost missed the greeting. "Hello," a warm, familiar voice said. It was aged with sadness, tears. "Momma?" May managed to choke out, almost in tears already. "Who is this?" "Momma... Momma it's me. It's Charamaine." "Child, this is not funny. My baby is gone." May let the silent tears fall when she heard the dial tone. Strong arms enveloped her, cradling her, and she turned into Grant's warmth. "It's alright," he coddled her. "N-no! No, it's not. She... she think I'm dead, Grant. Dead." She hiccupped and held the phone tight against her chest. "We'll call her again," he said softly, upset to see May so defeated. ___ He leaned against the window frame with Charamaine in his arms, waiting for her mother to pick up the phone. "I told you already—" her mother started. "Pardon me," Grant interrupted politely, "I'm calling for a Mrs. Fina Hale?" "Ms. Fina Evler, speaking," she corrected. "My apologies, ma'am," he responded kindly. "I am contacting you in regards to Charamaine, if you have some time, I would like to inform you of some news." "And who might you be?" she asked. "Grant Leighnaan, ma'am." "Mr. Leighnaan, I am not very fond of your games." "No games, ma'am," he replied. "She called you previously." "My daughter is dead," she ground out. "I'm afraid not, Ms. Evler." "Do you know what you're saying?!" she yelled into the phone, heartbroken. "You are disgusting. Only a soulless man would play such a horrid trick on a weeping mother. Ugh!" She cursed him, and then hung up. "Kita," Charamaine told him after her mother hung up. He placed the phone into her outreached hand. She dialed and the waiting game began again. ___ "'Lo?" a groggy voice answered the shrill ring of the phone. "Kita?" "Dammit, Ayako. You know I don't ever wake up this early on a Saturday. This'd better be good," she slurred. "Kita, it's not Aya." "Ohh. Hey, Kaia. I reiterate. What do you want?" "No, Kita. Listen. It's May. "May?" she asked, confused. "Charamaine, Kita. Your sister." "No, you listen, I don't know who the fuck—" "Rikita!" she yelled, getting her sister's attention, and then rattled off a series of numbers in French quietly into the phone. "Dix-neuf, quinze. Vignt, huit, cinq. Dix-neuf, vignt-et-un, quatorze. Dix-huit, neuf, dix-neuf, cinq, dix-neuf." "Nineteen, fifteen, twenty, eight, five, nineteen, twenty-one, fourteen, eighteen, nine, nineteen, five, nineteen," May heard Grant repeat this aloud in English. There was silence on the other line for heavy seconds before May's sister finally responded. "How do you know this number?" she asked, darkly. "Kita, it's me. Really." She was trying to hold onto her tears, now. "What does it mean?" "Kita, we're never supposed to say." "Hmph. If you're really May-May, then we'll come up with a new one. What does it mean?" "Alors, le soleil rises," she said, starting in French but switching to English as they had when they were younger. More silence. "May?" "Kita, it's me." "May..." came another choked sob, "May, where are you?" May looked down to the floor, letting more silence fill the gap. "Okay. You don't need to tell me. How are you, May? What happened? We thought... May, Momma thinks that you—you're dead." "I know, Kita," she replied, sadly. "I don't think I can tell you what happened over the phone. Can you... can you come here?" She turned in Grant arms to see him nodding. "Yes, Kita, come see me, please." "What's wrong, May-May? Why can't you come here?" "Because I—I can't." Her hand started shaking and Grant took the phone. "Rikita?" "Who is this?" "We will have someone arrive at you mother's house to pick you both up in about..." Grant looked at the clock on the wall. "Oh, about four hours. Be ready." "Wait, where's May?" "She's here." "Well, can I talk to her?" "She is a little shaken up right now. She will call you back for certain." "I'm not going anywhere 'til she calls me." "I know." He hung up and placed the phone on the windowsill. He hugged Charamaine to him tightly, kissing her neck gently. May clutched at Grant's shirt, forcing her quiet sobs to die down. "Who will go and get her?" she asked quietly, distracted by the feeling of Grant's lips on her collarbone. "I'll send Rebekah," he replied, his voice muffled by her smooth skin. "Who is Rebekah?" she asked him, closing her eyes and sighing, still unaware of their audience. He shrugged then grunted into her skin, sending delicious vibrations along her spine. He lifted her up easily and sped out of room, leaving behind the knowing glances of the two golden-haired men. ___ "Who knew a phone conversation would be such a turn on," May commented as they tumbled onto his large bed, the silk navy sheets stitched with gold that matched his eyes. "Mmm," he mumbled into her neck. Grant's hands slowly inched their way up May's responsive body, peeling the shirt off as he massaged her. May groaned as he rubbed her hot skin, leaving goosebumps behind. She felt his lips travel up to her chin and she wrapped her arms around his neck to tug his lips down to hers. Her sigh was captured by his lips, warm with arousing passion, and suddenly intense upon her own. She thought if she could only do one thing for the rest of her life, it would be kissing him. She felt her eyes roll back underneath her eyelids, her being succumbing to the flames licking at her flesh. May moaned heavily into Grant's mouth when his hands moved up to rest on her breasts. He took the moment to explore her mouth with his tongue, causing another moan to tear its way from her throat. His fingers played with the peaks of her breasts, making her squeal in delight, all her sounds engulfed by the mouth against hers. Her arms slid down Grant's fit torso, admiring with her hands the sculpted body that hovered above her. Wanting to feel every inch of his skin on her, she pulled his hands to the hem of her shirt, wordlessly pleading for him to rip it off... again. May was in ecstasy when Grant pressed his hot chest down onto her now bare skin. The sensations were overwhelming, her nipples hardened to diamond peaks against him. Grant left her right breast, his hand now trailing down towards her most private area. She raised her slender, pale hips up to his searching hand. He slid his hand beneath her shorts and panties to play with the dripping folds that eagerly awaited his touch. He dragged his middle finger up and down her slit while he let his thumb moved rapidly across her clit. His mouth left hers and traveled to suckle the skin beneath her ear. "Grant, I—ah, please," she whimpered. Sweet torture, she thought. "What do you want, Chara?" he whispered huskily into her ear. "You... Grant, I need you... in me... now," she pleaded. His toying fingers were driving her insane. "Are you sure?" he asked, bringing his golden eyes, swirling with unadulterated passion, up to hers, glowing an eerie blue. "Yes!" she moaned, dragging her nails down his back as if to emphasize her point. She kicked her bottoms off once he slid them to her ankles. He's wearing too many clothes, she thought. Unfair... She struggled to unbutton his jeans through the haze of passion that clouded her mind. "Ugh," she complained, and looked up the Grant for assistance. His warm eyes bore into hers with a possessiveness that set her skin afire again. May's eyes drifted lower and saw his mouth twisted in a crooked, smug half-smile. She grunted and shoved her hand inside his jeans, discovering his painfully erect member. His smile quickly faded and he captured her lips with groan as she slid her hand up and down his steely length. Grant held the back of her head, keeping her swollen lips against his, with one hand, while he hurriedly rid himself of his confining jeans with the other. Finally free, he slid his body back up and May wrapped her long, smooth legs around his hips to lock him into place. She felt Grant bring his other hand up and he cupped her face, kissing her to the point that she was unsure if making coherent sentences was even possible. Everyone should be wanted like this, she thought. Leaving her breathless and begging, he let one hand wander down her body again until he reached her sex, delving one finger in to prepare her. "More, Grant. More," she pleaded. She watched him under heavy lids as he removed his finger from her gripping hole to taste her feminine juices. May didn't think there had ever been a more erotic sight. She impatiently reached down and pulled his thick cock closer to her nether lips, wanting him inside her. They moaned in unison when Grant slid slowly into her, feeling her gripping inner walls. Her back arched up, her breasts pointing skyward in an offering, one that Grant soon devoured. May gasped and bucked as he started to piston in and out of her, nibbling on her mounds of flesh with his hot mouth. Her hands scraped up his chest, raking across his flat nipples, making him groan. She locked her hands in his long, black hair, pulling him closer and urging him to fuck her harder. "Oh... oh!" she gasped, drowning in her pleasure. "What, baby? What do you want?" he spoke, his lips at the corner of her mouth. Golden Keeper Ch. 07 "Harder, faster. Harder, Grant... fuck me hard." Not one to normally curse, May would have been shocked at her words... if she could form a single thought. Her mind was completely scrambled. She let out a wail when he bottomed out inside her, only to pull out to the tip. She whimpered at the loss of him filling her, but he soon slammed home again. He continued this pattern, causing May to continuously alternate between mewling and moaning. He kissed her soft lips deeply, swirling his tongue and licking the roof of her mouth. She felt his hand reach down and his thumb strummed her clit, making her gasp with pleasure. She was coiled to spring; her body was a live wire. May was almost there, almost there... She cried out as she came thunderously, "Ooooh, Grant... Ah—yes! Ohh, God!" A white-hot explosion erupted inside her body, spreading a blazing fire through her veins. Her walls clamped around his swollen manhood, causing him to twitch and let out a loud groan as he spilled his warm seed inside her. May liked the feel of his weight when he collapsed atop her, barely able to keep his full weight off of her with his hands on either side of her flushed face. Grant rolled off and onto his side, dragging her with him. She turned her face up and gave him a quick kiss while he smoothed her hair out. May blushed prettily and smiled before snuggling closer to his warm body. She draped one arm across him, the other tangled in his locks. "Say," she said, suddenly tired, "what happened to your shaggy locks?" She tugged on his chopped hair for emphasis. He chuckled. "I believe that would be your doing, babe." "Mmm," she mumbled, too far gone to care. ___ Grant looked down at Charamaine, sleeping next to him. I should really try to call her May, he thought, stroking her wings, which had somehow remained intact after their rendezvous. She seemed so peaceful, innocent, pure...even though she had been begging him to fuck her harder just moments before. Closing his eyes, Grant figured, he could get a few hours of sleep before he had to get back to the real world. Golden Keeper Ch. 08 Chapter Eight: Different Species "So… uhm, this is kind of weird…" Emmett said, gesturing from himself to his mirror image sitting in the chair across the room. "Hmm?" the man replied, snapping back from whatever his previous thoughts were. Orion, Emmett thought, that's his name, right? "What's weird?" Orion asked. "Oh, gee, I don't know… maybe the fact that you look like my long lost twin?" He joked. Emmett stared at him and Orion stared back. They had the same curly, unruly golden locks, constantly obscuring their vision; the same tall, swimmer's body always bronzed from the sun; the same deep, twinkling emerald eyes… "Well, not really," Orion said, startling Emmett out of his thoughts. "Your right iris sort of looks like Christmas… on crack." He grinned wryly. Emmett chuckled. "Point." "Or a flag…not Italian. What's the green one with the red circle—" "Bangladesh!" "Yes, yes." Orion smiled at his outburst. "Although, I wonder what happened to make it like that," he remarked, all joking aside. "I don't—" Emmett started. "Save me your excuses, Emmett," Orion interrupted, moving his chair closer to the hospital bed. "What happened?" "He, uhm… he—ah." "He, who?" Orion questioned. "Collin." Emmett shuddered, then continued, "He-he… bit… me… and he said something weird… and—and then this." Emmett was, of course, referring to the plastic guard he had just detached and crumpled with one hand—without straining one ounce of muscle—from the side of the bed. "Oh, and now my heart doesn't beat?! What the fuck, man?" Orion heaved a sigh. "Well, all things considered, the explanation is pretty obvious, I would say." "What? What do you mean?" Emmett asked, confused by the nearly omniscient man beside him. "Dude, you're a vampire." Shocked, uncertain silence followed. ___ May stretched, reveling in the delicious ache between her thighs. She scooted towards the warm body still pressed intimately against hers and sighed. "What's wrong?" she felt more than heard him ask, the rumble of his chest sending wonderful tingles across her body. She smiled. He's always so concerned. "Mmm," she vocalized, rolling so she lay on top of him, her elbows pressing into his hard chest. Her eyes were partly closed from sleep, their pale depths still under the heavy fog of dreamland. May propped her head up in one hand while the other went to the nape of his neck, where his hair was haphazard and tangled. She smiled again. It reminded her of her previous question. "What happened to your hair?" She looked down into his eyes, which were swimming with such golden happiness that it made her heart swell. He chuckled before responding, "You already asked me that." "Oh… hmm… really?" May sorted through their conversations in her head for the answer. "You were a little preoccupied when I answered, I'll give you that." He chuckled again. "Well?" she questioned again. "Well, what?" She sighed, "What happened to your hair? It's very… choppy." He outright laughed at her now. "When I first found you, you refused to let go of my hair," he managed between bouts of laughter, "so I had to chop it off with a pair of tiny, medical scissors… even then you still held on to the hair I cut off…" May was being jostled around by the shaking of his large frame. She leaned down towards his ear and pulled on his hair. "Mmm," she purred seductively, licking the whorl of his ear. "You can't blame me; your hair is simply luxurious." She tugged at the hair at the base of his neck and heard him groan her name. May let her hands wander, raking her nails through his shoulder-length, inky black hair, letting the chopped, silky strands weave between her slender fingers. "We don't have time for this," he groaned, then reached his hands up to cup her face and brought her down for a smoldering kiss. "Ohh, that's too bad." She pouted her swollen lips at him when he let her back up for air. She knowingly wiggled her bare bottom against his rapidly growing erection. She saw his jaw clench and she flew up, her wings letting her hover above the ground beside the bed. Her hand traveled deftly down to her heat, giggling when her hand came away with the signs of his pleasure. "Grant," she said sweetly, batting her eyelashes, "I think I need a shower." She smiled again. Grant sat up and swung his legs over the side of bed, facing her. "Oh, really? Let me be the judge of that." He grabbed her by her waist and pulled her to him, placing her feet on his thighs as her wings kept her balanced. His gaze was perfectly level with her dripping sex. ___ She smelled so good. His wolf howled inside him, pacing… demanding to be released. He shoved him forcefully aside, compromising for now, and he dove in to capture her essence. He heard her squeal and he smiled against her heated flesh. He placed his hands firmly on her round ass, squeezing ever so gently, drawing tiny whimpers from her. "Grant," she panted, "we don't have time for this." She used his words against him. "I really need a shower!" He chuckled, his lips wrapped around her protruding love button, and she bucked her hips towards his eager mouth. He let his right hand slip from cupping her ass to sliding between her cheeks, pausing when he reached her little rosebud. He heard her gasp at the new feeling and he smiled again… as much as he could… while he lapped at her like a starving man. He teased her tight ring for a moment, before journeying down to her wetness and pushing two fingers inside her to the hilt. He savored her pleasured screams as he greedily sucked up the copious amounts of her honeyed nectar. Grant felt the beginnings of her orgasm as her walls clenched unbelievably tight around his two fingers. He quickly searched for her clit with his tongue and caressed it. "Ah! Right there—harder… please," May screamed, holding his head while she trembled. "Always one for manners," he grumbled jokingly, then attacked the little bundle of nerves with tongue, swiping back and forth furiously. He felt her legs give out from underneath her as she came with a melodic wail. "Sing for me, Chara," he urged, plunging a third finger into her. She let out a quick yelp then a long, entrancing moan followed the crescendo notes of ecstasy. She floated quickly, but gracefully, down from her high and settled in Grant's lap. He kissed her forehead and wiped away the hair that clung to her face, which looked like a silk-spun spider web. He stood, unsuccessfully willing his hard-on to subside, and carried her to his bathroom. May lifted her head the tiniest bit and placed a small kiss on Grant's chest, over his heart, as he carried her over the threshold to cleanliness. ___ I needed that, she thought happily as she stepped out of the shower and reached for a towel. May's fingertips stretched out, almost touching the terrycloth from where she stood on the bathmat. She was about to take another step when the towel was suddenly in her arms. She gasped. "It came back!" she exclaimed. "I didn't realize the towel left in the first place," Grant joked, stepping out of the shower behind her. He was flush against her, making her come up with ways to get dirty all over again… "No," she focused, "my uh… telekinesis or whatever you call it." They both watched as she wrapped the towel securely around her body without lifting a finger. Grant was shocked, to say the least, and May would have laughed at his expression if she hadn't been so elated about the return of her long-lost powers. I wonder why they came back… "You… where—are… telekinetic... What?" He was obviously confused. May dried her body off and passed him the towel. He should really have more than one, she thought. "Yes," May responded happily, "I inherited it from my mother when I turned nineteen… don't ask me why." He just stared at her curiously. "Why didn't you say anything?" "I've had a lot on my mind," she said as they walked back into his bedroom. He picked a pair of jeans from a drawer and pulled them on. "Why do you always wear jeans… and only jeans?" she asked, walking up to him and stopping when her hands reached his waist. "Well…" he started reluctantly. "Come on, what is it?" She looked up at him from underneath her eyelashes. "You know I am not human," he said, watching her for her reaction. "Yes…" she said slowly, "I obviously am not, either." At least not anymore, she thought sourly. "I wear jeans because it is easier for me, considering what I am." "And that is…" "I am a werewolf, Charamaine," he stated, wrapping his arms around her still-nude body. "We are the children of moon." May sighed, glad that he'd finally told her. Sure, she'd had her suspicions… but a werewolf? "So, uhmm…" she broke the silence. "What?" he goaded her. "Well, promise not to laugh?" "Oh… of course not." He squeezed his arms tighter around her for a brief moment. "Do you… you know… howl at the moon, get shot by silver bullets and all of that?" she asked, ducking her head before he could see the blush that stole across her cheeks. Despite his word, she felt him chuckle, and she groaned in embarrassment. "It is not necessary, but it does lift our spirits in times of strife. And silver is more harmful, but not by much," he explained, oblivious to her discomfort "Strife?" she giggled, "Who talks like that?" "In times of strife," she repeated, still muffling her laughter in his chest. She heard him sigh and she bit the area around his nipple playfully. "I'm sorry," she added, smiling, "but you just reminded me of an English teacher I had in high school. Please don't feel obligated to rhyme, if you rhyme life with strife just for the sake of… rhyming… I may have to tear your paper up… blah, blah, blah," she mocked. She felt him growl, but paid him no heed, instead she slipped out of his hold and danced up into the air. "When is my mother coming?" "She should be here in about three hours." "Oh… we were uhh… busy… for a while…" He chuckled. "Yes. And we will be again if you don't put some clothes on," he said, raking his eyes over her hovering form. She cursed herself for blushing again. "I am out of clothes. I feel bad, always taking Rage's—" "Nonsense," he interrupted, walking to the front door. "Rage?" he boomed. In no time, she was at his door, glowering. "What?" she growled. "Do you have some clothes for Charamaine? A sundress, maybe?" She scoffed. "Sundress? Me? Ha. Go ask mom." She turned and left. "Oh…" May said, shyly, "I don't want to be a burden." She seemed so nice yesterday… "It's alright, put this on for now," Grant said lightly, tossing her a white shirt like the one from before. "I'm sure my mother will have something. And don't worry about her. She's normally a crab." "Heard that!" Rage called from somewhere outside. "Your mother lives here, too?" May asked after tearing the fabric. "Yes, she and my father live in a larger house through the woods." "Oh, alright," she said, cheerfully. May saw Grant's raised hand, a silent request for her to come down to him. "How will we get there?" she asked, taking his hand and lowering her self to the ground again. "We will walk." "Hmm…" she trailed off. "What, Chara?" he asked, pulling her to his side as they stepped out the door. "Mmm, well… do you think… you think we could get there in a more… uhm… more fantastical way?" "Fantastical?" he repeated, obviously confused. She answered his question with a question. "How far away is it?" "Oh, about seven miles." May was pretty sure her eyeballs all but shot out of their sockets. "S-Seven miles? Are you sure?" she asked incredulously. They leisurely walked down the front porch steps and she wasn't so sure she could walk seven miles… especially with their time constraints. "Can I… er—can I… fly… there?" she asked, her wings shuffling behind her. "If you do that, then I'll have to run." She sputtered. "Seven miles?" "Well, not in human form, of course." He grinned down at her. "Oh. Okay." Fantastical. "Okay? So you're ready to go now, right? You can fly for seven miles?" "I don't see why not," she answered indignantly, and soared fifteen feet up into the air. "I want to see," she told him. "As the lady wishes," he muttered. May watched as he started to strip. "Not that," she chided, "Haven't you had enough for one day?" Grant laughed at her and she immediately felt her face warm. "In order to shift, I have to change out of my clothes first, babe. Otherwise, I'd be out of one awesome pair of jeans." Pft. He only owns twenty other pairs… "Why'd you put 'em on in the first place, then?" "Courtesy," he smiled up at her and chuckled, then continued to shuck his pants. May's intense gaze was on him as he changed into his wolf form. It was so primal, so easy… natural… erotic? She swooped down next the impressive black wolf waiting for her. May's hands had a mind of their own, petting and grooming the wolf. "I'm surprised," she started, smiling at the large animal beside her, "I figured your hair would be more… choppy," she finished, joking. Grant turned his head and snapped playfully at her. He licked her face with one long swipe and he was gone, shooting off into the forest. Blech! she thought, wiping the back of her hand down her saliva-covered face. May giggled and sped through the air after him. When they reached their destination, May wasn't out of breath or winded in the slightest. She was just getting started. She never would've guessed that chasing her mate through a forest would be so… invigorating… lively…freesp—What?! she thought, her train of thought crashing to a halt. She backpedaled now. Mate? Why did I even say that? What the heck? She knew what the word meant… soul mate… life partner… all that mushy-gushy stuff, but what did it mean to her? I bet he doesn't even feel the same way. She was suddenly not as eager to see his mother and she was before. Wait… what way? I certainly don't feel like that. Right? Whatever. It's cool. Kita's coming, I'll just go home with her. A sudden pain tore through her heart at the prospect of leaving. No sense in getting heartbroken. Heartbroken? She continued, Oh come on, you barely know him! But still… Mate? She scoffed. No. That stuff doesn't really happen. Then why does it feel so right? May washed all her feelings away and fell gracefully down to the earth from the branch she was perched on. She smiled at Grant, still a wolf, and told him to lead them forward. He turned and started to walk away, then turned back, silently telling her to stay. She obeyed and floated up again, stroking the lush, green leaves. ___ Grant ran up to his parents' massive house, howling. Rhodes came out, alert, but Grant told him to relax. "I just want some clothes, Rhodes." The large man nodded, and then hurried back inside to fetch clothes for the Alpha's son. Grant stepped into the dark jeans given to him and buttoned up the crisp, white shirt. He straightened out his clothes once more, just as his mother waltzed into the room. "Knock, knock, dear," she said, smiling. "Hey, mom," he replied and walked over to give her a quick hug and kiss. She pinched his left cheek. "How's my baby doing?" Grant rolled his eyes; she always knew what to do to make him feel like he was five years old again. "Good, ma. Listen, I was wondering if you had some old clothes I could borrow for, uhm… for Charamaine." He wasn't sure how much she knew about her. "Oh, yes, dear. That poor woman you found. Of course, tell her to come in. She's here, yes?" She peeked over his broad shoulder to look out the window. "A—yea, I'll go 'n get her." Grant opened the door and was surprised to see May standing right on the other side. "I hope you don't mind," she said shyly, "but I could hear you from the trees, so I figured it'd be quicker if I just came down and waited." Her shoulders slumped in expectation of being rebuffed. "You could hear us from all the way out there?" He gestured to the forest's edge. "Well… uhm, yea." "Hm…" How? "Grant, dear. Will you introduce me? If not, then move out of my way," his mother interrupted as politely as she could. Grant turned to his side, realizing that his mother couldn't see Charamaine's wings; they were blocked by the door. "Baby," he started, but stopped when his mother whipped her head around to look at him. "Chara," he corrected, "Why don't you come inside?" ___ She shouldn't be nervous. Grant already told her that he and his family were… supernatural. But still… meeting his mom? That would be nerve wracking for any girl, wings or not. May folded her wings behind her back and stepped through the doorframe. She sped to the center of the room and twirled so her back was to his mother. Even though she was practically invisible at the speed she moved, it was obvious, by the expression on his mother's face, that she had seen her. "Mrs. Leighnaan." She dipped her head slightly. "I'm very thankful for your help." She stuttered, then laughed. "O-oh. Charamaine, its just Phaedra." "Phaedra, ma'am, you can call me May, if you like." "May," she started, "well… your ah… your wings might be an issue, but I'm sure we'll figure out something." She stared pointedly at Grant. "Oh. Yeah, you ladies have fun," his golden eyes bored into May's with a silent goodbye. May loved her mother to death, but they never did things like this. Two hours rolled by and they were still sitting in Mrs. Leighnaan's—Phaedra's—closest on lounge chairs. So this is how the other half lives… May looked around the massive room; it was probably the size of her entire apartment back home. Racks full of clothes, dress and casual, lined the walls and dressers stocked with accessories filled up some of the center of the room. "How about this one?" May brought her mind back down to reality and saw Phaedra holding up a racer back dress in a light, sheer violet color that faded to a deep plum on the bottom, where it swept the floor. "I'm not sure," May responded, looking at the straps of the dress. "How on earth will I get this one on?" They'd tried unsuccessfully for an hour trying to fit her wings through the teeny-tiniest of holes, but it was useless. Phaedra ended up throwing May a pile of clothes she could cut, but regardless, Grant's mother was still determined. "Maybe," the older woman started, putting the purple fabric down, "maybe you could put your wings on a different plane. You know, as in a different dimension?" May was surprised to say the least. She hadn't thought of that. "I guess I could try… I'll need some help, though." "Have you ever done something like this before?" Golden Keeper Ch. 08 "No. I mean, I can feel the other dimension, my mother taught me to be vigilant about my surroundings…especially ones that I can't see. So it shouldn't be too hard. But if something were to go wrong…" "No worries, dear." Phaedra popped up and out of her seat, excited. "I'll be right here." "I, uhm… could-could Grant be here, too?" She didn't look at his mother when she asked. Phaedra smirked. "Of course, darling." She went to door and stuck her head out to call his name. Seconds later, Grant was bounding up the stairs to his parents' suite. "Did you have a good time?" he asked as he walked over to May, who was still sitting in her chair. "Yes," she smiled up at him, "but I'd like to try something. I just wanted you to be here in case something went wrong." She saw worry streak across his features. "Not that anything should… it should be fairly simple." "What are you going to do?" "I'm going to try and cloak my wings in a different plane." Grant didn't understand the extent of it, but he trusted her. "I'll be right here," he said encouragingly. "So will… your…" May looked around for the missing female. "Where did your mother go?" "Oh, she went to check on my dad." May tilted her head. "Is he alright?" "Later," he cut her off. "Ready?" he asked, once again smiling. "Okay," May answered as she closed her eyes. It was definitely easier than she thought it would be. However, she had to try hard to make sure that it was only her wings that stayed on the plane when her presence left, nothing else. She could feel the weight on her back lighten as she forced her mind back into her body's present realm. She could still feel where her wings should have been, though. May figured that this would get easier with practice. When May's eyes snapped open, she was surprised to find herself back in Grant's bed. "Grant?" she called out, looking around the room. He answered from the bathroom, "I'll be right there, hon." May squealed when she found that she was flat on her back, she could feel the soft linens rubbing against her back… without feathers. Grant came rushing in. "What's wrong?" "Look!" she squealed again. He smiled warmly down at her. "I know, baby. You look gorgeous." He bent down and kissed her inviting, pink lips. May, overjoyed by the lack of discomfort, pulled Grant down on top of her and swirled her tongue on the roof of his mouth. He rolled them over so she was on top and slowly massaged her shoulders and her back, reveling the silky smooth feeling of her skin against his. "Where did my clothes go?" she mumbled between breathless kisses. "I took them off of you." May rolled her eyes and bit his neck. "When will they be here?" "About a half hour or so…" That stopped May short. "Thirty minutes!? I have to get ready! No time for this. Come!" She pulled him with her into the bathroom and turned the water on. Taking another shower with him may not have been the best idea, but she didn't really care. "No funny business," she scolded him as soon as his hands fell to her hips. After ten minutes of soaping and cuddling underneath the scalding spray, May turned off the water and hopped out. She opened the door with the flick of her wrist and ran into his bedroom, looking for something to wear. "Grant? Where are the clothes your mother gave me?" "In the dresser by the window," he said as he stuck his head out of the bathroom, shaving cream still on his face, to watch the droplets of water that were still on her skin, slide seductively down… "Hey!" she squeaked. May held out her hand and a towel flew off the rack to her outstretched arm. It wrapped itself around her form as she harrumphed at him, giving him an exaggerated glare while she willed the door to close. "Grant," she called out while smiling at the fact that Phaedra's yellow sundress was able to fit without cutting holes in it, "how did Rebekah know to leave? I don't remember you calling her…" She tried to think of a time when Grant wasn't by her side. Like this, she heard, only it came from inside her head. She clutched at her scalp, confused. "What was that?!" It's just something I can do, Grant answered. "Stop! It's freaking me out!" May was unnerved by having someone else in her head. "Sorry, Chara," he said to her, wrapping his arms around her torso from behind. "But, I love the dress," he finished, dropping a kiss in her hair. "How do you do that?" she asked, and turned in his arms, her wings no longer proving to be an obstacle. "Some of us can do things like that…" "You mean people like you? Uhm, werewolves?" "Yeah. Madeline is able to teleport… that's probably the strangest thing any of us can do. All of us have the power of telepathy. It's stronger between mates and family members, though," he trailed off, staring down at her. "Oh. No one can do what I can?" She sighed. I'm always the freak. Only now, I'm a freak among freaks. Hah. May made the drawers in Grant's dresser open and his normal ensemble of jeans—she added a shirt for fun—floated out to him. "No," he said as he dressed himself, "although your ability is extremely awesome!" May looked up at him and her heart melted. He looks like a little kid! He was sporting a giant grin, and a single dimple formed in his right cheek. His eyes sparkled with amusement. "Could you move me, you think?" "I'm really not supposed to…" she trailed off after his smile drooped a little. "Alright, alright," she relented. He beamed like a kid in a candy store once more, and backed away from her. I'm such a sucker, she thought. May put her left arm out, palm up, and curled her fingers slowly towards herself. ___ Grant watched as she curled her fingers into her palm. He didn't feel anything yet. She looks so innocent in that dress, he thought as he gazed at her appreciatively. Her dress was yellow and strapless, but it flared out at the bottom. There were tiny white and orange flowers on vines that traveled up from the bottom hemline. He smiled. His smile was replaced by a frown. It felt like someone was pushing him… No, not pushing… pulling me forward? He had no idea how she was doing it, but he was suddenly one foot closer to Charamaine than he was before. "Whoa!" he exclaimed. He saw her fingers twitch and he was lofted up into the air, and she kept him there, hovering. He heard her sigh. "I did it," she said, softly. "Was it hard? I'm sorry, you didn't have to—" He was cut off—his mouth had been sealed shut. "Hmm, that's nice," she joked. "You know, this isn't that bad. Momma always told me not to though… it leads to bad things. She only taught me to move inanimate objects. That's all she could do, too… I think. Regardless, it's weird because I have to focus on getting each limb up, not just your body as a whole. Maybe with more practice…" She grinned up at him. Grant was now upside down; the blood was rushing to his head. He tried to speak but found his voice was still muffled by his closed lips. He tried reaching a hand up to pry open his mouth, but found his hand rendered immobile as well. Grant was now very, very glad Charamaine was on his side. "Oh! You want to come down, yes? Sorry. It's just so cool!" She snickered. Grant maintained his equilibrium as she set him down on his feet, his head was pounding from the new blood flow, but it was fading. "Baby," he said, pulling her closer, "you are amazing." He lowered his head and kissed her, sparking the fire again. ___ The silence was heavy in the small room; one man was still staring at the other incredulously. After another minute or so, someone had to clear the awkward atmosphere. "Hey… you alright?" Orion asked as he stood and went over to the side of the other man's bed. Emmett closed his eyes. He felt a headache coming on. Can I even get those anymore? Vampire? Seriously? What the fuck are these people on? When he opened them again, he saw Orion staring at him, braced for an attack or something. Emmett sighed. "Okay. Really." "No, I'm serious. Why is this so hard to believe? You're already part of the supernatural world anyway." "What?" Emmett responded, confused. "Well, there's Charamaine. She has wings, for Pete's sake. Then the fact that we're all werewolves… I would think that you're being a vampire would not be so extraordinary." "Excuse me," Emmett was almost at a loss for words, "What? Werewolves?" "Oh." Orion looked away. "I thought you knew…" "What?!" he yelled again, this time he sat up in his bed. "Yea… look—uhm. I though they told you. Otherwise I wouldn't have said anything…shit," He added at the end quietly. Emmett pushed his hair back off his forehead. "I—I can't stay in here. I'm claustrophobic… I'm going for a walk." What the fuck is going on?! he thought again. "Alright. Hey, listen, man. Take time to think about it. Talk to Charamaine, I know she's worried about you." "Yeah, yeah," Emmett replied as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He was pleasantly surprised to find that he was wearing drawstring sweats. They'll do, he supposed, and he dashed out the door in a fast streak of movement. ___ "They'll be here in five," Grant's voice was muffled as he nibbled at May's neck. "Oh!" She was so excited to see her family again. Grant bit her neck harder then licked at the bite. "So everyone knows you're mine," he said to her, only half joking. May smiled and dropped her hands. She walked out of his bedroom and through his mini-kitchen to get to the front door. May stepped outside to the front porch steps. There was a sudden breeze and, with her sharp eyes, May spotted someone running by awfully fast… someone… "Emmett?" she called after the retreating figure. It stopped. May looked at her tall, blonde, shirtless friend, and wondered where he was going. "Emmett? What's wrong?" She watched him turn around and was just as surprised as before at the scars that slashed and crossed all over his body. "What's wrong?" he asked her in a low voice after he reached her. "May, do you know what they are?" May thought he was on the verge of losing it. "Emmett, please. Relax, sit. Please?" she pleaded. He huffed and jerked down onto the top step. She sat next to him and pulled his head into her lap, stroking his hair. "It's okay, Emmett. They're just trying to help." "So you know?" he whispered. "Yes." She heard him sigh. "Do you know what I am?" he asked in an even softer tone. "Hmm, my best friend, perhaps?" He looked up at her and smiled, but she could see the conflict in his eyes. He looked back down, ashamed. "He—Orion—told me… May, he told me I was a vampire." She stopped petting him. "Oh." An immediate silence followed, the only sound was May's heart beating. "You're not going to… kill me… right?" she half-joked with a nervous laugh. He shot up. "May, honestly," he chided, "how could you ever think that? Besides, I don't think your—or their—nonhuman blood is very… appealing." May looked out to the sun, setting in the purple sky. "So… how come you aren't being burned alive-er…dead?" She giggled and started to stroke his golden hair again. "I don't know," he answered. "The sun hurt before…when it was really high up… but now that it's setting I seem to be okay… I don't really know anything about this stuff. It's really frustrating. Hell, I don't even know if I can eat anymore!" That stopped them both cold before they burst out laughing. May wasn't able to honestly imagine life for Emmett…without food. Food and sex are the only two things a person will ever need, he always said. "They'll be here in a minute… I don't know if you want a shirt, Emmett," May heard Grant as he spoke from behind her. She hadn't realized he was there. She turned her head around, her corn silk hair flying, and saw him staring at the spot where Emmett lay in her lap. "Oh, come off it, Grant. Emmett is my friend." He sighed. "Emmett?" he repeated. "Yeah, I guess I'll take one. Thanks." They heard Grant go inside briefly and then return with a loose, gray tee shirt. As Emmett put it on he spoke, "I don't know if I'm ready to see them yet. Maybe in a little while, okay? Just call for me. I know I'll hear." He sighed. "Are you sure?" May asked, concerned. Emmett just nodded and jumped off the porch, speeding off into the forest. "He doesn't even know where he's going," she said after he left. ___ He lay there, looking up at the clouds, trying to see images that weren't there. He hasn't even come to see me since that first time. I don't know what's gotten into him. It's like… like he doesn't want me anymore. He sighed and closed his eyes, pictures of their last encounter running through his mind… "Hey, babe. Where've you been all day?" He gave Jase a kiss on the cheek. Jase just grunted. "What's wrong?" he said and straddled Jase's lap in the rocking chair. It groaned underneath their combined weight. "Nothing. I'm not in the mood, okay?" Jase shoved him and looked away. He sighed. He's been like this since he got back from that fucking mission Grant sent him on. "Fine," he said and hopped off his lap. "Bye." He held the front door open. Jase rolled his eyes and stalked out of his cabin and maybe his life. He shook the memories from his head when he heard the unnatural rustle of some nearby leaves. He sat up quickly, growling at the intruder. Seeing no one, he got up and took his polo off, in case he needed to change forms. His sweats were less of a concern. He slowly walked to forest edge, his blue eyes darting around. He was about to turn around and walk away when a man jumped down from the nearest tree. ___ Oh, baby, he thought as he sat perched up on the branch of a nearby tree, watching the man who was lying on the grass in front of a cabin. The man's arms were folded underneath his flaming red hair, causing his shirt to rise up and reveal his slight, but toned, body. Emmett was practically drooling. Geez! I'm like some kind of voyeur, sitting here. He immediately tossed that thought aside. That man was just too scrumptious to ignore. His nose was slightly crooked, like it was broken then set back in place too many times to count. His jaw was masculine, but not overly so. His cheekbones had some natural color to them, giving the unknown man boyish characteristics. His auburn eyelashes rested against his cheeks, hiding what Emmett would bet were stunning eyes. Emmett shifted on the tree, sending leaves to tumble down and land quietly on the forest floor. At least, he thought they were quiet. When the man opened his eyes, Emmett nearly fell off his branch. His eyes were absolutely stunning. They were a deep blue… an infinite oasis. Emmett watched as he stood up and removed his polo, which was covered in grass stains from the lawn. He didn't know, nor did he care why, the man was removing his clothing, but he thanked the Lord for the magnificent show. The man walked closer to his hiding spot and Emmett thought that maybe the man would see him, but his azure gaze swept over him. As he started to turn around, Emmett decided to make his move. He jumped agilely from his perch down the ground soundlessly. ___ Whoa, he thought, and mentally fanned himself. The man—being—in front of him was mouthwatering. Absolutely delicious. Golden, curls, long enough to obscure vision but short enough to still be considered adorable. When the man pushed his hair back slightly, he was met with perfect, emerald green orbs staring back at him. Sure, one was a little… discolored… but the man was still gorgeous. His face was chiseled, taking away the childlike quality his hair should've had. The scars on his face did little to detract from his handsomeness. His gaze dropped lower, admiring the man's fit body underneath sweats. When he brought his eyes up again, they just stared at each other. After a few minutes, the golden man grinned and his heart sped. "Can I help you?" he asked the beautiful intruder. A knee-weakening smile. "Just passing through." "And you are…?" "Emmett." Sparkling green eyes bored into his blues as he reached his hand out. "Finn," he replied, taking Emmett's hand. The coldness of Emmett's skin wasn't what shocked him; it was the current that seemed to pass between them. Finn gave Emmett a dazzling smile and he saw his gaze drop momentarily to his mouth. They dropped their hands but still stood relatively close to each other. Neither noticed. "Well, Finn," Emmett started in a seductive baritone, "you live around here?" He raised one eyebrow. "Yeah," Finn said, turning to gesture at his cabin, his pride and joy. "Built her myself. How 'bout you?" Emmett nodded, appreciating the workmanship. "You live with the rest of them?" he asked, ignoring Finn's question. "That would depend on who you mean by 'the rest of them.'" "You know Charamaine?" Emmett asked, staring down at him. Finn realized that this Emmett must be well above average when it came to height, as Finn was six feet tall himself. That got Finn thinking of all the other things Emmett could be above average in… "Ah-yes. I haven't seen her since the first day she was brought here, though. Why? Have you seen her?" "Yeah." Finn waited for him to continue, but Emmett said nothing. "Right. Well… what can I do for ya?" Emmett looked down at Finn again with smoldering eyes. His intentions were clear. ___ "Which direction will they come from?" she asked, leaning back into Grant's embrace on the porch. "North." May didn't want to have to admit that she didn't know which way that was…but it was true. Boy, do I feel stupid… Grant obviously understood and twisted her body in the right way, chuckling. "Not funny," she grumbled. Her annoyance was soon forgotten when she thought about her family. "How will they get here?" "I should've sent Madeline… but I wasn't thinking," he mumbled. "They'll come by car. Rebekah drove." "How will they drive through the forest?" she asked, surprised. He chuckled again. "They won't. They'll get out and walk from wherever Rebekah parked the car." "Oh." She was satisfied with his answer. "I can't wait," she whispered, and leant back to kiss his neck. He smiled. "I know. But I don't think you should start something you can't finish. Especially since they're here." "What? Where?" She sprung down the stairs and ran to the forest's edge, eagerly awaiting the reunion. "Give them a minute, babe. They've been walking for a while." She harrumphed. "Fine." She sat, but told herself the moment she heard footsteps she would be up again. Sure enough, at the first sound of feet on the earth, May sprung up, bouncing. She heard Grant laugh from where he stood on the porch behind her, but she didn't care. May shifted back and forth, trying to see them. She heard them first. "God damn it! What the fuck? Do you live on a motherfucking reservation in the middle of saintfucksnowhere?" "Rikita Elsa Hale, you watch your language." May thought she'd cry with joy from just hearing their voices. Golden Keeper Ch. 08 "Miss, how much further?" May heard someone respond in a light, pleasant voice. "A few more yards, ma'am. The forest doesn't thin much around here, thick trees and such. You can't see her, but I'm sure she can see you." As soon as the words left her mouth, May saw them. A young brunette, no more than twenty, Rebekah, she realized, led two other women. One was older than the others, aged with sadness, but she still had a timeless beauty about her. Momma, May thought. Her light, golden hair was pinned up, with some strands curling around her slim face. She trailed after Rebekah somewhat reluctantly, almost afraid. Then she noticed the last person in the group…Kita! she squealed in her head. She had dark hair, cropped and spiky. She looks like Rage, May thought with a smile. They both had the same pissed off attitude. And right then, Kita looked like she was about to kill a bitch. May had the biggest, cheesiest smile possible on her face, but she didn't care. She was so elated, she could barely stand it. She started to jump up and down lightly on her feet as they neared and she heard Grant outright laughing at her on the porch. Thinking that she had time, she whirled around and stomped over to him with her hand perched precariously on her tiny hip. She glared at him and pouted out her bottom lip, which just made him laugh harder. He was—quite literally—doubled over with laughter. His booming chuckles drowned out the sound of the three women's approach, so they were both startled when a young voice called out. "Grant?" Rebekah said, obviously unsure whether he was laughing or in pain. He was still gripping his abdomen. Grant straightened up and stepped down the stairs to offer May his hand. She smiled warmly at him, although she couldn't stop the butterflies in her stomach. He leaned down and whispered into her ear, "It'll be fine, sweet. I promise." He tugged at her hand and May stepped back and spun around. ___ Those things that you see but aren't really there…Illusions… Mirages, she thought as she watched the tall, regal, silver-blonde woman spin around to face her. Her features were sharpened, perfected, but underneath, she still looked like her baby. Her Charamaine. Yet, she knew it wasn't. No way. She was gone. It was all a mirage. Maybe I'm dreaming? She hoped she was, but a tiny part of her hoped she wasn't. ___ Whoa, she thought, watching the tall, broad shouldered man with dark hair and amber eyes bend down to whisper in the woman's ear. If I were straight, I'd totally tap that. Regardless, I bet that chick's got dibs, anyway. She relaxed a little, her muscles fucking hurt after walking so far. She was in the process of stretching her arms above her head when the blonde woman whipped around. Her arms fell limply to her sides. "Whoa," she said, aloud this time. ___ May never liked being the center of attention. She saw, out of the corner of her eye, Grant nod to Rebekah in thanks as she slipped off into the forest. Focusing, she stepped forward. She looked into her mother's eyes and saw everything. The hurt. Disbelief. Shock. Pain. Then shock again. "Momma?" her voice rang out. Her mother stood stock-still, staring. Nervous under her silver gaze, she turned to her sister. "Kita?" she whimpered. May saw a smile slowly spread across her sister's features and she knew then that everything would be okay… somewhat. "May-May!" Kita squealed and ran into her sister's arms. They stood there, in an embrace, for a solid ten minutes until Grant tapped on May's shoulder. Letting go of Rikita, she smiled up at him, then back to her sister. "Kita, this is Grant. Grant, Kita." "Nice to finally meet you," he said, his hand out. "Likewise, man," Kita said, shaking his hand. Then Kita looked back and saw her mother staring open-mouthed at them. "Momma, don't be a bitch like this. It's your daughter!" Her mouth snapped shut, obviously talking offensive in the comparison of herself to a female dog. Her eyes watered. "Impossible," she said weakly. "Momma, it's me," May said, flitting to her mother's side to hold her calloused and slightly wrinkled hands. "It's me, Momma." She kissed her mother on the cheek and her mother burst into tears, trying to string together incomprehensible sentences. After a few minutes of May trying to comfort her heartbroken mother, she brought her to sit down on the porch's rocking chair. "Where have you been, my baby?" her mother, Fina, inquired between hiccups. She refused to let go of her, clinging. "Mom I don't think we should talk about this now. Maybe later, after you're relaxed a bit, okay?" "But May, you're alright, aren't you? You're not hurt?" Her mother looked her over. "Momma, I'm fine now. Are you hungry? I'm sure it was a long journey here." "Oh. Yes, that woman was so nice. Rebekah, she said her name was." Her mother looked around for her. "Oh, my. Where'd she run off to?" "Grant let her leave, Momma. She didn't have to stay." She hugged her mother again. "Oh, alright. Grant? Was that the gentleman I talked to on the phone?" she asked, abashed. "Yes, Momma," she waved him over and Kita followed. "Ma'am," he said, nodding. He reached for her hand to kiss the back of it. Her mother quivered. Grant always had a way with women. She smiled up at him and he smiled back. "A pleasure," he continued, addressing her mother. "So can we get something to eat? I'm starved!" Kita interrupted. "Sure," May said, and gently goaded her mother into the cabin's kitchen. May figured it'd be better if they weren't around all the others just yet. She looked up to Grant and could tell he thought the same thing. "What can I get for y'all?" Grant asked, the gentlemanly image of southern hospitality perfected. Fina and Kita looked at each other, not wanting to impose. He easily interpreted their silence. "How about I whip you up some sandwiches?" "That'd be nice, thanks." Kita smiled. Their meal—of delicatessen quality club sandwiches—was quiet, but comfortably so. "How about we sit for a while," Grant offered after he and May cleaned away their plates. He led them into his small living room. May was surprised she hadn't noticed it before, yet it was expected, considering construction was just another hobby of his. Kita and Fina sat together on the dark blue loveseat and, without thinking, May perched herself in Grant's lap in the overstuffed chair across from them. It wasn't until she caught the sharp, yet appraising, look from her sister that she realized where she was sitting. As she was shifting to get up, her mother stopped her. "Now, dear," she smiled a small smile, disbelief still evident in her features, "don't readjust on my account. Make yourself comfortable." May relaxed into Grant's inviting embrace and smiled warmly at her mother, trying to get her to calm down. Unsure of where to start, she turned to Grant for guidance. "Why don't you tell them how it started?" he suggested, intertwining her slippery, silk-textured hair between his fingers, absentmindedly twisting it. She nodded and turned back to face her family. "I was at home—my apartment with Emmett, getting ready for my date," she started in a soft, unsure voice. "Emmett told me not to go. That this guy wasn't good… but I didn't believe him." I've gotten three sentences out, and I'm already choked up, she thought pitifully. "So I went out to meet him—" She stopped again when she saw her sister and her mother's questioning looks. "Oh… uh, Collin," she winced then continued. "He was acting strange in the car… I thought we were going out to a restaurant, but he told me he cooked at his place. So we went there. He made some Italian dish; I'm not exactly sure what, although it was very delicious. We were putting away the dishes…when he told me that he wanted to show me s-something in his basement." She paused and breathed in deeply. "I told him that it was almost twelve o'clock, and that Emmett would come to get me if I wasn't home soon. He said he'd get me home, though. H-he promised. He p-put his hands over my eyes and led me downstairs. I could tell the lights weren't on anyway; it was too dark through my eyelids, even with his hands. When we got to the… to the bottom…" She hiccupped, not realizing there were tears on her lower lids poised to fall. Grant made loving, comforting circular motions with his hand along her back. "He, uhm, he started acting even more strangely. He was saying weird things… and he still hadn't removed his hands from my eyes, so I got a little freaked out. He started referring to some Master of his, so I told him that it wasn't funny anymore… and… and he took his hands off and I saw the hallway… Then he hit me with something and when I woke up, I was in this… room." She shuddered. "I heard Emmett upstairs, but then I heard him fall." Her voice cracked and wavered at the end, her tears ready to spill. May decided to skip what happened to her there, she assumed that she'd already said too much. "I was there for so long… I don't really know for how long. Then one night, I woke up and I was in this forest. I ran to a clearing, where Grant found me." She placed her hand on Grant's other unoccupied knee and he smiled encouragingly up at her. May hadn't looked up yet, at her family. Who knows what they'll think of me, now. "I—well, when I woke up… in the forest… I… I had these." She was very glad she picked a strapless dress, as she stood up with her back to Kita and Fina. Letting her mind drift, she found it was even simpler to move her wings back to her current plane. She heard the slight intake of breath—something that would have gone unnoticed with human hearing—and turned around. ___ They ended up sitting side-by-side on Finn's porch steps, watching the sunset, to a certain extent, as it was behind the abundant trees. Finn examined the condensation dripping from the neck of his beer bottle to the curves of his fingers. He took a swig and initiated the conversation again. "So about Charamaine… how do you know her?" he asked, inclining his head in Emmett's direction but not making eye contact. Emmett's jewel-toned eyes set his skin on fire. If he wanted any chance at coherency, he was going to have to stay focused and enflamed skin wasn't likely to help that. "She's my best friend," he said, quietly. "Emmett Cade," he stressed his last name. Emmett, Finn thought, Em—Oh! Oh. That Emmett. "Oh," Finn repeated his thoughts timidly. "How are 'ya, man?" "I've been better," Emmett smirked, amused. Finn's eyes flickered briefly to Emmett's lips and he started burning. He took another long sip from the bottle, licking his lips afterward, as if it would help to cool him down any. He already wasn't wearing a shirt, how much hotter could Emmett make him before he'd have to take off the rest of his clothes? The prospect of taking off clothing made him hot all over again. ___ You'd think that sipping a beer wasn't sexy, but holy shit. He managed it somehow, Emmett thought, openly staring at Finn's mouth while he licked of the remnants of beer from his lips. If he does that again, I'm licking it off for him. No buts. They talked back and forth and Finn never once asked what was up with Emmett's eye—or his scarred skin, for that matter—and Emmett appreciated that. Figuring he'd overstayed his welcome, he drained the last of his beer and rested his hands on his knees, preparing to stand. When—perfect timing—Finn took another swig and licked his lips… "Jesus," Emmett groaned, caving under his pent-up desire, and swooped down for a taste, as promised. ___ "Oh!" someone gasped, clearly audible this time. May felt a little woozy, but nothing serious. She was afraid to face them, but she straightened her heavier spine and slowly turned. "Oh, my." The voice was clearly her mother's this time. Kita chuckled. "Weird." Before anyone could be outraged with her obnoxious comment, she continued, "Totally awesome and beautiful, but still weird," she chuckled again. May lifted her face and saw her mother and sister were not as apprehensive as she expected. May gave a small smile as she felt Grant wrap one arm around her. She heard her mother sigh, but Fina did not explain herself. "So… where did you get those?" Kita asked, still staring… but hey, that was Kita. May opened her mouth to answer, but her mother stopped her. "I know," she said, her eyes crinkling in the corners as she squinted at the large, black wings that overwhelmed May's small stature. ____ May knew they were being watched as she and her mother walked through on one of the many trails in the forest. She also knew that her mother realized this as well but Fina said nothing. Grant took Kita to meet Rage and they both agreed that they were each other's mirror image. May almost giggled again at the thought of two of them. She looked to her mother again and sighed, reviewing what she told her in her mind. Fina told her that when she was born, she had them, her wings. That was a wake-up call. May asked her mother to explain, but she was unsure on how to continue. All she said was that May was of a different….species. Well, if I didn't feel like an outsider already... However, her mother and father repressed the gene with a heavy spell, trapping her wings in a different dimension. But, somehow—they had yet to figure out—someone removed it and her wings came back. May assumed that Collin did something, but her mother wasn't so quick to agree. She said that a spell like that couldn't just be undone by anyone. There were few people who would know how, outside of her mother, her father, and her uncle. Her parents never talked about her uncle much. Although, whenever they did, it was not pleasant. "Why would someone want me to have these?" May asked her mother, continuing their conversation from earlier. "Well, dear… the only thing I can think of would be for something like a rite of passage. However, for you, it would involve more of an ultimatum." May was confused. "What ultimatum, ma?" "Good versus evil, heaven versus hell, that sort of thing." She chuckled. "Your father could explain it better. "Why did he really leave us, Momma?" "He had to, Charamaine. He and his brother—well, I'm not a good storyteller. It would be better if Jatteo were here…" It had been a long time since May had heard her mother call her father anything other than 'him.' "If I call him, will he come, do you think?" May asked her, somewhat hopeful. She'd always loved her father. "It worked for us," Fina said, referring to herself and her other daughter. "We can give it a try." "I don't know his number, Momma." May gave a nervous chuckle. "Oh, baby, you don't use a phone." May was even more confused. "Then…how…" "Just call him in your mind, Charamaine," she replied to her daughter, stroking her arm. May hadn't even realized they'd stopped talking. "I'll watch you… go on. He's always been there, May. Just call to him." May didn't really understand, but she figured it wouldn't hurt to try. …Daddy? ___ Shit…shitshitshitshit, she thought as she ran away from the mother and daughter in the woods. Shit! He told her not to let them call. But what was she supposed to do? The mother put a protective spell over them and there was no way she could break it. The old woman was surprisingly strong with her magic. Not to mention, Grant would know in an instant if something happened to her… Shit! she cursed again. She flew past the trees, her light honey-colored fur a stark contrast to the darkened bark. When she came to the forest's edge, she shifted back to change into the clothes that she'd left underneath a bush. She replayed the end of their conversation in her mind… Silence your ignorance, Lynaeo. Do not fail me. "Of course, Sir." You know what will happen if you do. I'm giving you fair warning. Collin had to learn the hard way. She shivered, the fear made her blood run cold. Making herself presentable, she walked out of the forest casually, running right into Grant. Who is that? she thought as she glanced at the Rage look-a-like by his side. "Grant," she nodded with a sneer. "Lynette," he acknowledged. She hated that name, but it was closest to her real name, so she endured it. If they find out who I really am… She shuddered internally at the thought. "How's Charamaine?" she asked with bitter politeness. "Emmett?" The Rage-look-a-like looked shocked. "Em's here? What the fuck, man?" Grant sighed. "She's fine, she's with her mother. Last I heard Emmett was… occupied… with Finn. Emmett didn't want you or your mother to know yet, Kita." Emmett's gay? Goddammit! There goes my sweet revenge, she thought. Nothing was going on as it was supposed to. "That's nice. Have a good night," she said quickly, ignoring the confused look Grant gave her. She jogged towards Jase's small cabin, knowing that he wouldn't be with Finn if he didn't have to be. When she arrived, she pounded on the door, her peroxide blonde curls shaking. He opened the door, stretching. "What do you want?" Why does everyone always talk to me like that? "Where in fuck's sake have you been?" It was rhetorical….she didn't give him a chance to answer. "She's calling Jatteo," she whispered. Jase snapped up and smashed his fist into the doorframe. "Why the hell would you let her do that?! You know what's gonna happen now, don't you?!" he asked incredulously. He was outraged and a little afraid. "You're going to get us killed," he whispered the last word. "Idiot!" "What would you have done? Her mother put a protective spell on her. There was no way I could've gotten to her. Even if I did, Grant would've been there in a second." Jase thought for a moment. "Alright," he said, finally, "we're leaving, then. But we have to do it soon. Who knows when he'll get here? Dammit, Lyn, did you have to screw up everything?" That stung more than she was willing to admit, but she still held herself high. "Fine. When?" "Tomorrow morning. Before dawn, please. Try not to screw this up too. I'd like to live." "You know he'll find us anyway, right?" she asked, suddenly very, very nervous. There was no response. Jase just glared at her and stormed back inside. I can't do anything right. She groaned and sprinted back into the forest. ___ Hey, there! Thank you for being so patient (again) with me! I'm working on Chapter 09 now . . . which means that I'll probably be done before this posts . . . If you have any questions or comments feel free to shoot me an email :) Thanks for reading, darlings! x's, Mia Golden Keeper Ch. 09 Thanks for being so patient (again). I'll try to get the next chapter out in time – promise! Mia :) Chapter Nine: Cliffs …Daddy? No response. Uh…hello? "Momma, I feel stupid." Fina sighed. "Try again, dear. He's there." Papa? Uhm, can you even hear me? I—I have some questions for you, Her voice rose at the end, making it sound more like a question than a statement. After another moment of silence, she sighed, shoulders slumped. "I'm just talking to myself, he—" Angel. May stopped, her eyes widened. She looked to her mother, who just smiled, her eyes crinkling up at the corners. May was sort of past words at that point. Hearing Grant in her head earlier was weird enough, but having someone that wasn't even…near… She was so confused. Papa? she repeated. There was a hopeful tinge to the thought. Charamaine, the voice sighed in her head. She didn't know what to say—think next. Where are you? she thought with a small voice. I'm here, Angel. The voice was whispery. Old, yet strong. Where did you go, Papa? I've always been here, he told her. May was even more bewildered now. Can you see me? Yes. Oh! she thought in surprise, Why can't I see you? Because I haven't let you. He made her feel so small. Please, Daddy. Please come back. I miss you so much. Her thoughts were remorseful. Tout en bonne temps, ma petite Charamaine. How-where… She couldn't fit her thoughts together coherently. Find the Stars, Angel, and I shall be there, his voice faded out. May pondered his words silently in the new silence. The Stars? she asked, although she knew he wasn't listening anymore. What? she asked herself this time. May looked to her mother to see her smiling again. ___ He watched as the pair bonded over the latest Final Fantasy video game. He wasn't a gamer himself, though, so he'd lost count of which version was the new one. "Oh fuck yes!" one of them yelled. Grant couldn't tell, from behind they looked almost identical. Weird, he thought. These two…and then Orion and Emmett. Hmm… He let his train of thought wander, their bickering just noise in the background. "Eat shit, bitches!" the second one screamed, jumping on the couch. Grant hadn't realized that this video game could make people so . . . lively. "Huzzah!" They went on and on. "Hey, bro," his sister called to him. She was the one still sitting. "Hmm?" he mumbled, lifting his head. "Sit down and stay a while, or go find your little girlfriend," she snickered. Grant just rolled his eyes, but the other woman—still standing—cut off whatever he was about to say . . . making him fight the urge to roll his eyes again. "That's my sister, dumbass," Kita said, throwing the controller at Rage. "No shit?" Rage was actually surprised. Rage narrowed her eyes, trying to see the resemblance . . . "Ohh," she said in understanding. "You guys have the same nose . . . Why do you dye your hair?" she questioned, dragging Kita into a sitting position by her spiked, black locks. Kita scoffed. "I ain't no angel. Charamaine's got that role wrapped up tight. I have to dye it to make sure I don't become a blondie like her. But hey, what can I say? I'm the rebellious one." She winked outrageously then stood up on the furniture again to give everyone the bird. Everyone in the room chuckled. She may have been rebellious, be she was still quite the charmer. In the first ten minutes, Kita had everyone in the common room warmed up to her black spikes, perverted jokes, and cross attitude. Oh, yes. She'll fit in just fine. ___ Sure, he'd been kissed before. Sex wasn't anything new to him either. But from that first brush of his lips, Finn knew that he would be learning a lot more soon. He barely felt the edge of the wooden stair pressing into his back and he couldn't have cared less. All his senses were rewired and focused on the sensations brought by this gorgeous man's lips against his. Finn snaked one of his hands under the hem of his partner's shirt, bringing it up with him as he continued his blind exploration. He brought his other hand into the mix and ran them both up the statuesque man's torso. He stopped when he reached Emmett's shoulders, the shirt proving to be an annoying obstacle by this point. Finn sighed in disappointment when the marble body backed away. He heard a chuckle that sent chills down his spine. "Don't be sad, babe." Finn felt his head being lifted by two fingers. He moved his head slightly and sucked one of the fingers into his mouth. "Why's that?" he asked, his voice muffled. "Because," Emmett groaned, "there's so much more in store for you. I just figured it'd be more comfortable if we moved inside, no?" He chuckled again. Finn didn't have to be told twice. He sprang up, ignoring the impression the stairs left in his lower back, and pulled Emmett to him. "Good idea," he remarked before he bounded up the stairs and went inside. And Grant always though that I was the dominant one, he thought, shaking his head with a smile. He turned slightly to make sure Emmett had followed when he was suddenly sandwiched between the closed door and Emmett's body. Again, he ignored the sharp object pressing against his back . . . a doorknob, this time. His eyes, wide and filled with lust, looked up at Emmett. Their gazes locked, even as Emmett stooped down to get another taste. "Bedroom," he mumbled into Finn's mouth. Finn placed his hands on Emmett's chest and pushed him across the floor of the cabin and through the open door of his bedroom, sharing his breath the entire way. Their lips were torn apart when Emmett spun him around faster than he would've thought possible, his back now to the bed. Before Finn had a chance to say anything, Emmett moved again, lowering them both onto Finn's already tousled bed sheets. They were a mass of tangled limbs, pale and paler, gripping at anything they could get their hands on. Finn groaned when Emmett lost patience, letting his hand slip underneath Finn's shorts, and moaned when Emmett let go and got on his knees. With hell on his heels, he rid them of all remaining clothing and straddled Finn's waist. Emmett leaned down and nipped at Finn's neck, causing delicious sparks to fire across his body, before he soothed the spot with his cool tongue. Finn whimpered as one of Emmett's wandering hands reached his backside and began to explore. Hearing Finn's tiny noises, Emmett responded through clenched teeth, just as lost to the feeling of their skin together as his lover was. "Mmm, you want this, baby?" Emmett lifted his head, shaking his golden hair out of the way, while his middle finger pressed forward, sliding in past the knuckle. He took pride in seeing pure pleasure etch its way across Finn's features. "I asked you a question," he growled, simultaneously tugging at Finn's small nipple with his teeth and slowly pumping his long finger in and out of him. "Ugh!" Finn grunted. "Yes, Christ, yes!" "Tell me what you really want, Finn." Emmett leaned back up, finger still clasped by Finn's tight anal ring. "Do you want this?" He used his other hand to stroke his own member tauntingly, spreading the wetness leaking from his tip over his length. "D' you want this cock? Hmm?" he growled again. Emmett replaced his lean finger with the head of his throbbing manhood. Finn gasped at the size. "You know I do." He moaned obscenely as Emmett slowly pushed into him. "Fuck! Oh my—shit. All the way. Ohh, please." Emmett chuckled. "Anything for you, babe." He slammed home, causing both men to groan loudly. He pumped his hips once and Finn raised his own to meet him, causing Emmett to chuckle once more. "Eager, aren't we?" Finn opened his eyes, which were swimming with fire and passion. His hands scrambled, tugging on the sheets as Emmett pounded away furiously. Emmett changed his angle, causing Finn's long moans to quickly turn into growls. Finn pulled Emmett's face down to his and their tongues dueled heavily. Finn knotted one hand in his lover's hair while the other went to his back, still cool despite the temperature of the room. Emmett groaned roughly. "Are you there, baby?" "A-Almost—oh," Finn moaned, his prostate being rubbed continuously. He was so close. When Emmett started nipping at his neck, he thought he'd loose it for sure. Oh, he's good. Finn's wolf was also extremely close to the surface, but he knew Emmett wasn't comfortable with that yet, so he tried to rein it in. ___ He felt so good, with his cock buried deep inside his lover, that it almost hurt—in fact, it was slightly painful. He had to get his release. "You feel so good around my cock, Finn," Emmett half-growled into his ear. "Cum for me, baby, come on." He didn't know if he could wait. He felt Finn's length harden even more between them, and, out of instinct, he bent his head down and sunk his elongated fangs into Finn's neck. ___ Finn was euphoric as he felt Emmett drink from his sated body. They were both laying down now, Emmett's head resting on Finn's shoulder. They'd already come down from their high, but Emmett was still nursing. He probably hasn't been fed in a while, he told himself, even though he secretly enjoyed the closeness. He felt Emmett's cold tongue snake out to close the twin pinpricks on his neck and he shivered. "You're cold," Emmett stated more than asked, and drew the blanket up and over them. "No, no. I'm fine," Finn replied with a yawn. He was utterly content. "Go to sleep," Emmett told him, wrapping his long arms around him. "Mmm, you wore me out," he said, but he still turned his head for one last kiss. Emmett chuckled into his mouth; he was relieved that any awkward conversation had been avoided for now. Finn sighed happily and snuggled closer to Emmett's slightly cooler body. Normally Emmett would've conked out already, but he wasn't even tired. He was ready again—if the tented sheet was any indication—but he would have to wait. ___ "You can stay in the Rec Hall. I'm sorry but it's the only space with extra beds—" "They'll be fine," May whispered to Grant as they walked up the stairs to the guest bedrooms. "You remember where I'm staying, right?" She turned to address her family once she reached the top. "Yep. The trail. That way." Kita pointed her thumb behind her. "Actually," Grant interjected, "it's that way." He redirected Kita's suspended thumb to point to her right. She scoffed, "Yeah, yeah. I'm beat. Your sister's good at video games, man." They all chuckled and said their good nights. Grant and May were on the trail back to Grant's cabin when she wound her arms around his waist. "That wasn't weird for you, was it?" she asked, looking up at him through her lashes. "Not at all." He smiled down at her. "Good," she sighed, and hugged him closer. They walked the rest of the way back in comfortable silence, the darkness soothing. May yawned when they entered the bedroom, the day was finally taking its toll her. She cloaked her wings—it got easier the more she did it—and peeled off her dress. She missed the heated growl that came from behind her. "Come here, baby," he said, his voice husky. May twirled around and saw Grant staring at her with lust evident in his eyes. He beckoned her forward with a crook of his finger. He laid her down on her stomach and proceeded to massage her muscles, one at a time, starting with her feet. She moaned. "Oh, you have no idea how good that feels." "I never had a chance to ask you," Grant started, moving his hands higher up on her legs, "how was your walk in the forest today…with your mother?" He actually seems interested in my day. "It was good…" she moaned, his warm hands were at her thighs. "I talked to my father." "Oh?" He massaged her backside now, but was careful not to come too close to her already-leaking sex. "Mmm . . ." she trailed off. "Charamaine? Your father?" He reminded her with a chuckle. "Oh," she said lazily, "he—oh." She sighed; he was up to her shoulders by now. He laughed at her again. "Am I distracting you?" "Just a little," she responded with a moan. He flipped her over and settled his still-clothed body over hers. May smiled and pulled his face down to hers for a smoldering kiss that left both of them breathless and wanting more. She kissed him again, letting her tongue probe the sweet heat of his mouth, while her hands roamed over his broad chest. "Clothes," she mumbled and used her magic to flick Grant's shirt off and into the corner of the room. She placed her pale hands against his tan back, pulling him down against her. They both groaned at the contact. She willed his zipper down and rid him of his pants. He smirked at her. "Who'd have thought that getting undressed could be so quick?" May smiled devilishly up at him, but inside she was completely focused. Suddenly, Grant was on his back and she was at his feet. He quickly masked his surprise, though his eyes were still a little wider from the unexpected flip. "You little minx, you," he chided. She giggled and crawled her way up his toned legs to stop at his throbbing erection. "Aw, my poor baby," she cooed, reaching out one small, dainty hand to stroke him. "Do you need my help?" She smiled when he gasped as she squeezed the head. A drop of pre-cum formed on the dark, mushroom tip and she was unable to resist swooping down for a taste. She was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't all that bad. "Baby, you don't have to do this." His voice sounded strangled. "But I want to," she said, putting her lips into a perfect 'O' and engulfing the head of his manhood. He groaned loudly, making May smile around the thick meat in her mouth. She'd never done it before and was happy that she seemed to be doing something right. She felt him twitch inside her mouth and gasped, pulling her head back up. She looked down to his saliva-covered member; she hadn't realized how much she'd gotten to fit into her mouth. "Are you okay?" she asked, looking up into Grant's heavy-lidded eyes. "Did I hurt you? I've never done this before, I—" "Chara, you were fine. More than fine. If you hadn't stopped, I probably would've come in your mouth." May felt herself moisten even further at his words. "Oh." She felt her cheeks flame when Grant's nostrils flared, obviously smelling her arousal. He pulled her up his body and they both let out a long moan when her wetness sank down on his stiff organ. He tangled his fingers in her hair and May was shocked to find herself moaning at the slight tugs she felt as he kissed her. "Mmm, you like it when I pull your hair?" he questioned when he let her back up for air. He tugged on her silky strands again. She let out a pleasured whimper and his manhood twitched. "Please . . ." "Ride me, Charamaine. I want to feel your heat around my cock." She moaned at his words and rose slowly. He feels so good, she thought as she began to move up and down. They found a rhythm and May felt her lips swell from the onslaught of his passionate kisses. Grant repositioned their bodies, never slipping from her hot sex as he moved to pound into her from behind. "Oh god," she wailed, biting her lip. She could feel her orgasm coming on, an all-consuming tidal wave. She grunted and pushed back against him. "Shit, I'm gonna come. Are you ready, baby?" Grant growled, using her hair to yank her head back. The rough pull combined with all the friction between her legs was enough to put her over the edge. She felt tiny shocks throughout her body; she was a quivering mess until she collapsed with Grant's lips at her neck and his swollen member still inside her. There was a sharp pain at her shoulder, but the sensation caused another round of sparks to fly, and she trembled underneath the warmth of Grant's body on top of hers. ___ The sensation of her quivering around his cock was too much for him to handle, and his thrusts became short and jerky. He felt her come down from her high just as he released his seed inside her womb. He looked up and was drawn to the pale flesh that was exposed when he pulled her hair. Grant succumbed to the desire and marked her as his. Grant pulled them back up the bed to rest and he looked down at May, her face that of an angel and her light hair the halo that surrounded it. He peeked at the wound he inflicted on her shoulder. How could she not notice? Surely it hurts. He flinched. He hadn't wanted to cause her pain. He just wanted to make sure that everyone knew she was his. Mates, he thought—pleased, and hopeful she would feel just as elated as he. There was another phrase that fit, but he wasn't about to say it to her. He figured she'd have enough trouble being his mate. Mate, he thought again. His heart swelled, and he looked down at his little angel again. ___ May sighed against him and brushed her nose against his chest. He smells good, too. Aside from that, May felt that he positively oozed a sense of (sexual satisfaction, obviously) pride, relaxation, accomplishment, and something else . . . victory? Am I just another conquest to him? Way to fall in love with a man who'll never think the same. She pondered her thoughts, and then gasped. "What's wrong?" Grant asked, lifting her face up to his. She melted as she looked in his amber eyes, which were swirling with worry. She knew it was true then. How could she not? How could she not love him? But it seems so stupid. I haven't even known him for that long. Moving too fast . . . "May? You're worrying me. Your thoughts are fast and scrambled. Are you okay?" Shit! she thought, He can read my mind. She groaned. "You can hear what I'm thinking?" He chuckled, but his face was still tight with worry. "You're thinking too fast now. But I'm trying not to listen . . . You're just thinking very loudly, I can't help it." He ended with another chuckle. His eyes were nothing but sincere, although . . . "What?" she asked him. He raised one eyebrow, confused, but she saw something flicker in his eyes before he looked down at their hands intertwined. "Grant, what is it? You have to tell me something . . ." He ducked his head lower and left a hickey on her shoulder. "Nope." "Please? What's wrong? I'm imagining the worst." And she was. "How about this," he said, looking at her now, "You tell me what you were thinking, and I'll tell you." May blushed. "Nu-uh." He raised one black eyebrow again. "You say first. I don't know if you'll want to hear what I have to say after. If I think you do, I'll tell you," May responded. "Ugh, no fair." Grant groaned and rolled onto his back, pulling her with him so her head still rested on his chest. "Please?" she pleaded, her pale eyes wide. He didn't bother to muffle his groan. "You're lucky I—" He stopped himself. "What now?" she asked, looking up at him. "Nothing," he said, tense. She made a 'hmmph' noise and snuggled closer to him. "Okay, shoot." He was silent for a moment. "Don't be mad," he started. "I'm bound to be mad if you start off like that." He sighed. "Don't be mad," he repeated, "but . . . how's your neck?" Golden Keeper Ch. 09 "My neck?" It felt sore, actually. She reached one hand up, watching as Grant's eyes snapped tightly closed. She felt her neck, sliding her fingers downward until they stopped at something between her neck and shoulder. "What's this?" she asked out loud, not really talking to him. "I, uhm . . . I bit you." Her gaze shifted to his face. His eyes were filled with remorse, guilt and something else… "What do you mean 'bit me'?" "It's sort of what we do when . . ." "'We' meaning werewolves?" she asked in a small voice. He nodded. "When we find our mates," he finished. He didn't look at her—he couldn't bear to see how she looked at him. "Oh," May simply stated, fingering the bite mark. That's sure to leave a scar. No one spoke for a minute, but she knew that he was still stressed. "Baby?" she said quietly. Nothing. "Grant? I—" "Please, don't. Look . . . I . . . I get it. You don't feel the same way. I understand." He flopped one strong arm over his eyes. "N-no. That's not what I was going to say. Listen to me, please?" He didn't move. She sighed and went to straddle his waist—ignoring the feeling of her heat against his skin. "I'm not mad, really, baby. Look at me?" She tried to move his arm, but he refused to move it. She sighed again, frustrated. "Alright. Fine. I get it. I don't understand what you mean about feeling the same way, but I get everything else. I don't want you to feel trapped or anything. You didn't mean to, and that's fine. I'll just cover it up and be on my way." Her heart was breaking. She didn't want him to see that either. She moved to get off him when his arm was suddenly around her waist, holding her against him. "That's not what I meant at all," he stated, forcing her to him, that unfathomable emotion clear in his eyes. "I figured you would be upset with me." "Upset with you?" she repeated, her eyes still moist. She tried to blink away her previous tears inconspicuously, but he noticed. "Are you crying?" "No!" She buried her head in his neck and sniffled. "Jesus, Charamaine. I'm so sorry." "Don't be! We'll work this out. We have to. Grant I . . . I . . ." She quieted. "What, baby?" He was worried again. "I—I love you." Her voice was so quiet, barely a whisper against his flesh. She felt his body freeze and she blushed. I'm so stupid! What was I thinking!? She sat up on him again and slowly looked to his face, afraid of what she'd see there. He was smiling. Smiling? She was waiting for him to laugh at her now. Perfect. He saw the fear flash across her features, so he spoke quickly. "Oh, baby." He brought her down to his chest and cradled her. "Baby, baby, baby . . ." He trailed off. "I love you, too," he whispered. Joy. "Really?" She lifted her head and she could feel the tears coming on again. "Why are you crying?" "I'm so happy!" Her wings looked as though they exploded back into that plane, letting her soar off him and around the cabin. She floated swiftly to the door before he stopped her. "Clothes?" She blushed. "Oh." May dropped to the ground and cloaked her wings to get dressed. She wasn't tired anymore. She put on a gray dress, a color that matched her eyes. "We never finished talking about your day," he reminded her quietly as she threw a pair of jeans at him. "Right!" She was still on a high. He was dressing too slowly. She willed his pants up, along with the zipper, buttoned them, and held out her hand. "You're so amazing," he said, and kissed her softly. "Where are we going?" "I don't know, but I'm just too keyed up to stay here. Sorry." He laughed as they walked out into the warm night. "It's alright." "What were we talking about before…" "Before you attacked me?" He stroked her cheek, enjoying its faint pink glow. She huffed and said nothing. "Your father," he reminded her, chuckling. "Oh! Yes." They strolled around the dark forest, no particular destination in mind. "What happened with him?" "He was in my head…sort of." She sighed; she had no idea how to explain it. Like this? he thought to her. She gasped in surprise. "I forgot you could do that!" "You can too, you know," he said softly. She looked up at him questioningly. "What do you mean?" "Since we're mates," he began, visibly bursting with pride at the thought, "we're granted that form of communication, in case we're ever separated." "Hmm." That's interesting. "So he was?" Grant asked her, getting back to their former conversation. "Yes." "What did he say to you?" "He told me…" She cleared her throat. "He told me to find the stars and he'll come back. B-but I have no idea what he's talking about." After some silence, she looked up to see the wheels turning in Grant's head. "What?" she questioned. "I think I know where he wants you to go," he said as he tugged her in a new direction. "We're just going to need someone else's help." They reached a new cabin and as Grant knocked on the heavy door, May knew it looked familiar. When the tall, golden man stepped into view, she realized where they were. "Orion?" "Hello to you, Charamaine. Grant. What brings you here at such an hour? I could have been sleeping," he joked. "But everyone knows you rarely do. You were probably holed up reading some thick volume of yours . . . You know, socializing is good for you—" Grant teased. Orion chuckled lightly, interrupting him. "I reiterate, though. What brings you here?" "The cliffs," Grant replied simply, yet, to May, still elusive. "Ah, yes, yes." Apparently, he knew what Grant was suggesting, and gestured them in. They were confronted once again by Orion's impressive library. "So would anyone like to clue me in on what's going on?" May asked, annoyed to be out of the loop. "Cliffs, cliffs, cliffs," Orion muttered to himself, browsing the rows of bookshelves. Grant answered her. "I think that the place your father's talking about is the cliffs. They have a sort of…magical…presence to them. They drop off so that all of the stars are visible." He shrugged. "I felt like it was a good guess." Thank you, she thought at him. He smiled at her, pleasantly surprised at her choice of communication. Thank you, he responded. Orion cleared his throat and smirked. "If you two lovebirds are quite finished." May blushed and Grant put a comforting arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him in the process. "I found a small section here." He pointed to a page in a newer book, and then brought out another. "Then, if you recall, your last visit . . . You remember the photograph, yes?" They nodded and Orion opened an old book—the same one from before. "Well, if you look closely . . ." "The cliffs?" May guessed, staring at herself on jagged rocks. "Correct," Orion chimed. "Okay, so how do we get there?" she asked eagerly, already walking towards the door. "I'm not sure if now is a good time, baby," Grant said, coming up behind her. "Yes, it takes a while to get there," Orion agreed from across the room, "so by the time you do, the stars might be gone." May's shoulders slumped. "Alright," she conceded. "Let's go home now?" She turned to Grant, embracing the feelings that fluttered through her at the word 'home.' They walked back arm in arm, keeping their thoughts to themselves until Grant got suspicious. Are you alright, darlin'? Fine, Grant. Just fine. Don't go without me, please. Baby, I don't want you to get hurt or worse, okay? Promise me you'll wait? he thought at her desperately, now that he could somewhat see her vague thoughts. You have nothing to worry about . . . She sighed in his mind, pulling him up their cabin stairs. They both knew it wasn't a promise. She knew he tried to stay up to watch her, but after the mind-blowing, utterly exhausting sex they'd just had, it was basically impossible. Hell, it was almost impossible for May to make her way down the steps with her eyes open. She yawned silently and stretched as her wings came back and enveloped her in their darkness; she was practically invisible. She jumped into the sky, the cotton shift she was wearing rustling in the wind. She soared over the trees in the direction the Orion had said to go—with company, of course— but she wasn't going to think about that. How hard could it be? She had been flying for at least an hour when she switched to gliding on her feet to rest her wings. She definitely hadn't expected the cliffs to be so far away! After a few moments of swiftly walking—on the verge of running gracefully—she felt a pull. It was nothing significant, but it was enough to make her follow the invisible string that seemed connected to her. She wandered around, feeling her way through the thick trees to her unknown destination. She just hoped she ended up where she wanted to be. Abruptly, the trees came to an end and there was a small, grass field. At the edge, there was nothing. No trees, no grass, no lake, no river, just . . . nothing. May took a step onto the grass, darkened by night, and the pull got unbelievably stronger. It basically moved her feet for her across the pasture. With each step, more of the night sky came into view. It was so . . . Beautiful, she thought. There are so many stars . . . She'd made it to the end; the soles of her feet were planted on rough, stone bedrock. She tilted her head back and called. Papa? Papa, I'm here. Golden Keeper Ch. 10 Chapter 10: Visitors People always say that when you die you are subjected to the bright, white light of a seemingly infinite tunnel. That was what May saw and she hoped she wasn't dying. Maybe I fell off . . . She shuddered. That was definitely an unpleasant thought. She opened her eyes and squinted at the blinding light that came from nowhere. She was still on the cliff edge, which meant she was still alive. That was good. She tried to open her eyes more, but they rejected being exposed to the shining atmosphere. Through the narrow opening between her eyelids, she saw a ghostly figure. Daddy? She wondered as the figure materialized more. As it came into the present, the light faded until it was just a slight aura surrounding the man. He smiled at her and all of her childhood memories came rushing back. She'd expected him to be wearing robes of some sort, the light gray, long-sleeved shirt and slacks he donned surprising her. The white-haired man moved closer to her along the rocks, arms open in an inviting embrace. "Papa!" she called aloud, flinging herself into his arms. "Ma petit," he sighed, "you have changed so little." His accent was thick. She squeezed him tighter, in disbelief. "I have so many questions for you! I — I . . ." She didn't know where to start. He leaned away from her and grasped one of her hands in his own slender one. "I will answer as best I can. But first," he gently grabbed her chin in his other hand and brought her eyes up to his, "I have a story for you." Looking into her father's wise eyes, she could see the story he was telling; the images drifted through her mind like pages from a storybook. "There are those above us and they watch out for our people. We cannot see them, but it is said that every thousand years or so they return to this mortal plane. There are four of them — we call them Superiors. Andreinna watches over loyalty and infidelity, as well as truth and lies. Oran is the Superior over the gluttonous and the deprived. Salandar oversees righteousness and duty. The final Superior, Leo, watches over hope, the good, the wrong and the damned. When the time came for them to walk the ground as mortals again, to see the world through the people's eyes, they stayed on Earth for centuries — always changing names, faces, locations. They took up jobs and worked like regular mortals, though their human contact was limited to only what was necessary. However, Leo craved the human affections he saw from day to day. He searched every corner of the globe for someone, going through many in the process. He found a woman, Corinne, in France, who was perfect. To him, she was worth waiting thousands upon thousands of years for. She was exquisite with her incredibly long, lustrous, dark golden locks and deep, warm brown eyes. Their tryst became heavy gossip back in his home realm. The most surprising thing, though, was Leo's unexpected attachment to the frail, little human woman. He stayed with her — everyday — for six human years, until she turned twenty-four. Then he disappeared for days. He'd gone to ask his Father if he could make tiny Corinne forever his. When he came back and gave Corinne the gift of immortality, she was shocked, to say the least. She ran from him and stayed hidden for almost two centuries, until Leo could take no more and asked for help from the Seers. They see all that has happened, all that hasn't, what might, and what might not. He succeeded in finding her, but she was not very forgiving. The two of them fought for centuries in the mortal world before Leo took her back up with him to his home, where they have remained, rekindling their love. It is said that they'd conceived when Corinne was human, but the process was slowed when she was Turned — birth between two immortals was unheard of. That being said, she was pregnant for about three years." Charamaine's eyes grew wide. "She had three children from that one birth," he continued. "I, the oldest; Mariette, the female child; and Petiro, the youngest. My brother and I are replicas of our father, with the same white hair and silver eyes. Mariette is the spitting image of our mother, with a trail of golden hair and clear brown eyes. My father took my mother and retired, for lack of a better term. They live in the mortal world from time-to-time, but mostly they live with the other immortals. He left his powers to his children. He gave hope to Mariette, the wrong and the damned to Petiro, and the good to me. However, Petiro was easily corrupted by the temptations of the underworld and so he was banished to rest between the realms for one thousand years before he could try his hand at being a Superior again. If we still saw him unfit to rule, he would be banished there for eternity." Jatteo took May by her elbow and had her turn around to face the nothingness she'd seen earlier. He watched his daughter as she took in everything — and the lack of anything in the vast, infinite space. "The cycles continued in Petiro's absence; the wrong and the damned were under my control until he returned. We went back to earth for a few centuries, exploring our creations. I found your mother in much the same way my father found Corinne, my mother. The only differences being that she was American and I already knew when I'd finally see her, and what she'd look like. A Seer had come to me and told me my future, for it gave life to an even more important one. The Seer told me I would conceive a child with her of enormous power — power so great it would be nearly palpable at birth. We hadn't realized we would have more than one child until your sister was born — without magic. When she became pregnant with you, your gifts were passed to your mother." This was news to May. She'd always thought she inherited her telekinesis from her mother, not the other way around. "You remember when I left." It wasn't a question. He watched her nod. "I only left because I had to. Petiro had heard of your birth and when he came back into the realms, he felt your power . . . Then again, most magical beings did. You are incredibly strong, my dear. I doubt you have come to terms with just how much." He stroked her cheek in a fatherly manner. "So when he came back, he started to search for you, for you can bring ultimate salvation or total destruction. I hadn't realized his intentions to use you for the latter and I let him get too close — but not for long. He placed a hex on you as a newborn, so you would be extremely susceptible to the devious and disastrous urges of the underworld. Your mother and I hadn't come to terms with this until your wings darkened." He motioned to the dark feathers looming behind her. "When you were born they were tiny and white." He smiled a small smile. "Your mother, Fina," he said her name with such reverence and adoration it was impossible to believe he couldn't love her still, "and I managed to release the curses on your infant person to the best of our ability. We cloaked your wings, the black would make otherworldly beings think of you as a member of the underworld. Petiro was banished to the underworld afterward. Father was merciful. He has been there for almost twenty-four years now, waiting for you." "The blonde woman . . ." May suggested unsteadily. He'd seen the direction of her thoughts. "I would never be unfaithful to you mother. Never. That was Mariette, my sister. I had contacted her to tell her that Petiro was after my youngest and she helped me shield away your powers so that it was impossible to track you. You became just a normal, human girl — your telekinesis slipped through the cracks somehow. But, I still had to leave in case he could find me, which would lead him to you. So soon, child, very soon, he will come back for you, most likely wielding a sacrifice for trade." "Sacrifice?" May shivered. Her uncle did not seem to be the nicest man. "Yes, but do not get trapped in his mind games. Use your own power, Charamaine. When it manifests, make sure he cannot get a hold of it or you. You will be more powerful than he could ever dream of being." "What do you mean 'manifest'?" May asked quietly. "On the next anniversary of my mother's Turning, you will be granted the full extent of your power." May was confused, to say the least. She'd always thought that she already had her powers. "Papa," she said aloud, "I don't understand. I'm already a telekinetic. What else can I do?" "Anything," he replied in an uneasy whisper. "My Father's powers, thankfully, skipped a generation and are all being passed on . . . to you." He turned them around, took her hand in his own, and they started back towards the forest across the meadow. "He's probably worried — though I can't tell well from here," her father said suddenly when they reached the forest's edge. "Who?" May asked, thrown off by the topic change. "Your mate." May blushed. "I didn't think . . ." "I can smell him on you, plus he marked you," he added, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. May's blush warmed ten-fold. She thought her cheeks were on fire! "Oh," she responded after trying to unsuccessfully gather her wits. "I — I'm sorry. I wouldn't have . . . I thought you — I, uhm . . . well . . ." He squeezed her hand slightly— hers almost slick from her embarrassment — and her gaze shifted from her toes to him in time to see that they'd already made it back to the cabin. "How did you know where . . ." her voice trailed off. "I saw it in your head, dear." She subconsciously raised her free hand and pressed it to her temple. Jatteo chuckled. "Ma petit, you would not notice if I was in your head. I've practiced for a long, long time." "Grant," she started, then added hesitantly, "my mate . . . He can do that, also." She watched her father nod. She realized he must have already known that. Another thought occurred to her. "How old are you, Papa?" They were on the front porch steps then. "I am old enough . . . to come from a period where time was not documented as it is today." She blinked spastically as the reality of his words set in. "Whoa," she mouthed. She felt him stifle a chuckle beside her. "Do you want to . . . come in?" she asked, gesturing to the cabin. "Of course." He nodded. The father and daughter pair floated up the steps to the door. "Grant . . . he's sleeping, so try and be quiet, please." She received a grin and a nod of consent. She cracked open the door and floated softly above the ground. May checked behind her to see her father was doing the same. There were no lights on, so she assumed Grant hadn't noticed she'd been gone the entire night. She felt a twinge of disappointment, she wanted him to miss her and come out after her. She had wanted him to be concerned like he always was. "Oh, he was," her father said conversationally, as if he wasn't reading her mind and she was talking aloud. "How do you know?" She led him back towards the small kitchen area, seeing perfectly in the dark. I wonder if he eats . . . "He knows because I've been up all night, waiting for you to come back to me." The voice startled her, and she whipped her head to left to see Grant leaning against the counter. Her hands flew up to her heart, her breath came out in a rush. "Oh! I thought you were asleep," she breathed after a moment. "And I do eat, but not often, since I don't have to." Her father's response to her earlier thought was a little late. She looked at him quizzically and got out the fixings for a sandwich. "Would you like one?" she asked Grant after her heart re-started. "Yes, please." He stepped up behind her and licked her bite-mark. "Grant," she chided, swatting at his head with one hand. He just growled at her and flicked the lights on. May gasped. "That's so bright!" "Isn't it?" her father agreed. May looked to him, he was seated at the bar stool across the counter. She held in her gasp — just barely. She hadn't remembered her father looking like that. His irises were such a light shade of silver in this light, that they looked nearly white. The effect was unnerving. "You are just like her," her father told her once he finished eating. "You cook like her, too." "I will take that as a compliment." Jatteo smiled at her. "She's here, you know. She would love to see you. She misses you so, so much, Daddy." He struggled with words for a moment. "I don't know if that's the best idea —" "Nonsense!" May got up and basically dragged her father to the front door. His eyes had returned to normal without the fluorescent light. "You know where to go, right?" "Well, yes —" "Then good luck!" She hugged her father and sent him on his way. She closed the cabin door behind the confused man. May waited until her father disappeared to speak. She turned around knowing Grant was right behind her. He pushed her up against the door, his front flush against hers. He nipped at her neck. "I knew the moment you left our bed." "You did?" she half moaned. "Mm-hmm. But I decided you needed to do it on your own." She gasped when his lips trailed south. "Th-thank you." "Mmm," he mumbled into her skin, "anytime, baby." "Bed!" she ordered, her back arched. "As the lady wishes," Grant replied as he whisked her away. ___ Fina sat by the window in a wooden rocking chair, slowly brushing her hair before she went to bed. It was late, sure, but Fina couldn't sleep. She rarely could anymore. She was glad she had a separate room from her daughter; she didn't want to have to answer any questions. She loved Kita to death, but that girl had no sense of privacy. She sighed and put her brush down. Fina got up and leaned out the open window on her palms. "I miss you so much," she sighed into the slight breeze outside. "I missed you, also." Fina felt her scream get lodged in her throat as the familiar, melodic voice registered in her mind and tears formed in her eyes. She turned around very, very slowly, her eyes squeezed shut. She heard a chuckle that brought a welcome ache to parts of her body. "Do you wish not to see me, Fina?" Fina fought the outrageous urge to giggle as she opened her eyes into slits. After all this time, his English is still barely understandable. Her eyes popped open — the tears making fresh trails down her hot cheeks — but she refused to believe that he was actually there...with her. "Wha . . . h-how . . . why?" Her incoherent babbling was cut off by the sobs that threatened to choke her. She slumped down in the chair again. "Ma chère," Jatteo groaned, clearly upset, "I thought you would be happy to see me." Then he was suddenly by her side, kneeling down to her level. "You don't know how long I've wished for you to come back to me. But you're not here. You're not r-r-real," she hiccupped. He tsked. "Fina, my dear, I will always come back to you." She looked up at him with wide, agony-filled eyes, and it broke his heart all over again. Fina laid her head on his shoulder. It was incredible. He was exactly the same as he was when he left all those years ago. And still just as handsome . . . "I heard that," he murmured, kissing her hair. Her face flamed. "Get out of there," she whispered. "Ah, but my dear, you think so loudly. I'm quite enjoying your detailed accounts of our romance. It would almost make me feel as if you want me, still . . . no?" He tilted her head up to his so he could see her face again. He'd gone so long without it. And then her lips were on his, forcefully taking what she'd been waiting twenty years to have back. She stroked his cheek, his forehead, anything she could reach, memorizing him. He wrapped one arm around her waist and hoisted her body up to his. His other hand traced patterns down her neck and over her collarbone, back and forth, over and over again, until she felt weak in her knees. Their lips never parting, he slowly walked her to the bed nearby. Her pushed her down gently and leaned back up, away from her scorching mouth. She watched his eyes take on a slight euphoric glow, resembling a devastating pool of mercury. Her breath came out in a huff. "Immortality suits you." Her voice sounded hoarse to her own ears, she was embarrassed to imagine how it must sound to him. He chuckled, obviously hearing her thoughts, and she blushed. He bent back down over her, his body pressed intimately against her. He nipped at her neck and stifled his tight groan when her hips lifted to meet his. His face buried in her sweet-smelling hair, his voice was muffled. "It could suit you, also." He slowly lifted his gaze back to hers after feeling her body stiffen. He made tiny kisses all over her neck and jaw along the way — almost afraid of seeing her reaction. Fina's mind was already incredibly hectic, but now her head was spinning. She was sure that even he wouldn't be able to understand her thoughts at the moment. "I —" She had no idea what to say. She heard him sigh and then her body was being lifted. He placed her head up by the pillows and her body under the thick covers. He moved away, but she grabbed his wrist tightly and pulled him down to her. "You know I love you . . ." she started. "As I, you." "And I always will . . ." she continued, unsure. "But I can't . . . when they . . . I would have to see them..." She cut herself off and buried her face his chest. "I see," he said, sadly. But he also knew something else. "My heart, you will not have to. Charamaine has already been gifted eternal life." There was a thick silence before her outburst. "What?!" She was so startled that she shot up to a sitting position. He cringed. "It has never happened in our history before, but when she finally receives all of her . . . abilities . . . she will walk with us forever." Fina took in deep breaths and looked back down at him. "Jatteo, how could you?" She was in a state of disbelief. He looked at her with shocked eyes. "Surely you could not think..." He paused, seeing that she could. "Fina, I would never," he stated as he sat up and grabbed her by the shoulders, "never do such a thing." He was surprised at the hurt that colored his tone. She was surprised as well, and felt guilty for even suggesting it. "I didn't mean . . ." She didn't know what she meant. She crawled into his lap and was glad when his arms instinctively wrapped around her again. "And Kita?" she asked after a moment. "What about her?" He didn't want to tell her this. "It has been seen..." She gasped at his pause, tears welling again. "That she will be granted long life, but for different reasons; it will be an accident — a tragedy," he continued, holding her closer. He felt the sobs continue to shake her small frame. "Not my baby! Not her, too." "An accident, sweet. She will not realize what has happened when she wakes." "Please, stay out," she said as she forced him out her mind while she thought. "Of course." They sat like that for a while, both in deep thought. She didn't even notice when he laid her down again, or when she pulled him closer, his arms still around her. As an immortal, time did not mean much to him, but in this instance the silence from her seemed torturously long. It had been almost two hours — immortality is not a light matter — and he thought surely she'd gone to sleep. Her breathing was deep and even, but he looked down at her to check. He felt unsteady when he saw her dark blue eyes boring into his, heavy with some undeterminable emotion. He opened his mouth to speak, but closed it when he saw her shake her head with an infinitesimal motion. After more excruciating moments, she spoke. "I would like," she started, but paused. Even after all this time, she was still unsure about how to word what she wanted to say. Golden Keeper Ch. 10 "If you are sure about this future..." She watched him nod in understanding, knowing she was asking about their daughters, and she swallowed. "I would like to be able to show them . . . to show you, also . . . my love for you forever and eternally." Her breathing stopped. He tilted her face up to his and their gazes locked, hers one of mourning and passion, his glowing with love and eternal empathy. "You are sure about this?" She frowned a tiny bit. "When you left," she choked on the word and saw the self-loathing in his eyes. She stroked his arm lovingly. "I'd always wondered if I'd see you again. If maybe I could somehow stay forever and always have your memory...If you would come back and we would be together always . . ." It wasn't coming out the way she wanted, but he seemed to understand. "I have been thinking about this," she continued, "since you first told me about your family. And I have never been surer than I am right now." His eyes were closed and she placed her warm palm on his cheek. His swirling eyes opened and she looked into them with such adoration that he could not argue. He nodded and scooted away from her and off the bed. She looked like she wanted to protest — not from doing this, but from him moving away from her. He shook his head and smiled at her. Her eyes were filled with expectation as she closed them. He said something she did not understand, and she found herself relaxing for sleep. Nothing else was said as he put her to sleep, to be awoken to a new forever. He watched her face, more beautiful in slumber. He leant over her, a hand on either side of her face. He placed a light kiss on each of her eyelids. "Je t'adore," he whispered, though he knew he didn't have to. Nothing could wake her before she was ready. ___ May wailed as her body collapsed under the constant pleasure she was receiving. She knew he wasn't done, but how much more could he possibly want? "G-Grant," she managed to get out, panting, "n-no more. Please — oh." Grant's hand reached down to strum her clit, making her jerk like she'd been electrocuted. He bit down lightly on the mark he had left on her shoulder, which was almost completely healed and she moaned again. He held her hips tightly and pressed her down even further before he started to move her swiftly up and down on top of him. He felt a sharp pain on the left side of his chest and groaned when he realized she'd bitten him. She lay, completely worn out, on top of him, while he pounded furiously away in her tight tunnel. She gasped and a moan was dragged out of her when she came — for the umpteenth time — to the feel of Grant spurting his hot seed inside of her. They were quiet, their heavy breathing getting in the way of effective verbal communication. The relative silence was broken as Grant chuckled. "You've got quite a bite there." "Hmm?" May was a little dazed, and very sore. His short laughter vibrated her body, and she sat up, albeit groggily. "Oh," she said in understanding after seeing the pronounced bite mark on his chest. She was too drowsy to be embarrassed, though part of her knew that she should have been. He looked at her, concerned. "Was that too much? Baby, I'm so sorry . . . Are you hurt, really?" He flipped them over and May suddenly found herself on her back with Grant looking over her body protectively. She swatted him away with a lethargic movement. "I'm, I-I . . ." She yawned. "I'm fine. Perfect. Good perfect. Gerfect." She giggled drunkenly. He sighed and lay down next to her. She snuggled into his warmth and he brought the blanket over her cooling, naked body. She mumbled something akin to 'thanks' into his skin. Grant squeezed her tighter in acknowledgement and he felt her drift off to sleep, her head resting over the crescent marks she'd made with her teeth, right over his heart. ___ Grant sighed contentedly as he watched the early sunlight shine meekly through the curtains. May's weight on him was comforting, reassuring. He heard the steady rhythm of her heart keeping time with his. He was attuned to the noise as if it was his own, which was why when the noise grew louder and sharper he was immediately alert. He reached one hand out to shake her awake, when he realized it wasn't her heart at all. There was a rapping at the door, hurried and furious. His brow furrowed and he slipped from underneath May carefully and quietly. She snuggled into the warm spot he left behind. The knocking stopped. Open the door! The voice was hysterical in his mind. Rage? Hurry! God! He pulled his shorts on backwards in his haste. Grant swung the heavy wooden door open and a lithe, slender black wolf jetted in. You could've opened the door yourself, you know. I had no idea what might've been going on in here. She nipped at his shorts impatiently and then ran outside, expecting him to follow. Grant started after her, then stopped. He turned and went back to place a soft kiss on his sleeping love's forehead. He heard a howl from outside, so he stood up and jogged out the door. He leapt over the balcony rail, changing forms in mid-air, and landed, seeming graceful, yet strong. What's wrong? Rage's thoughts were too scrambled to get a good read. It's Dad, she thought to him, sprinting off in the manor's direction. A worried whine slid between his sharpened teeth and he shot off after her. ___ When she woke up, she knew he wasn't there. She called out his name to be sure and was greeted with an expected silence. Grant? She tried a different tactic. Yeah? His answer to her was weary and remorseful. Immediately, she panicked. What's wrong? Are you oka — It's my father. It was silent between them for a moment. She knew Grant's father was sick, but . . . Is he okay? Do you want me to . . . No, no. She could picture him sighing. Just stay, I'll be back soon. Okay, she thought to him, warily. After a moment, she thought, You know I love you. She could hear his sigh in her mind this time. I know . . . I'll see you later. He broke off their connection. She hoped she didn't upset him. She was just trying to be supportive. ___ He felt death calling to him, but he didn't want to leave her side. The pull got stronger, harder to resist. "Fina, I will be back," he whispered before disappearing. He placed himself near the bed of the nearly deceased. The aged man was the only one who could see him. The rest of those in the room would think the man was hallucinating. "Who are you?" the man croaked. "I have many names. Your time is almost over, I'm afraid. I have come for you." "What do you mean?" He couldn't stop the coughing fit that accompanied his words. "Father, who are you talking to?" A younger voice came from the other side of the bed. The son reached for his father's hands. Jatteo noticed with mild surprise that the son was Grant. His father took no notice of him, staring at Jatteo in confusion. "You are dying, Dominic. Your son shall replace you as keeper of your clan." His old man's eyes were filled with sad understanding now. "Where do I go?" Jatteo knew what he meant. "You have done well by all you've met, Dominic. Your soul shall rest easy in the heavens." He watched as the sick man nodded and closed his eyes. Jatteo would wait for his soul to rise. ___ May was cooking — it always made her happier — when there was a knock on the cabin's front door. "Come on in, it's open!" she hollered. She wasn't really afraid of any intruder that would be put off by a door. "Whaddya cookin', May-May?" May poked her head around the wall of the kitchen and smiled hugely. "Emmett! You're back!" She wiped her hands on a paper towel and ran out to where he was. She jumped on him for a hug, not surprised when he wasn't jostled in the slightest. It was nice to have her friend back. She leaped down agilely and strode back into the kitchen. "Have a seat!" she called when he didn't appear on the other side of the kitchen's bar. She heard him clear his throat as she stood with her back to him. "Hey, May, you've, uh... you've got another guest." "Oh. Really?" she asked, eyebrow arched. Emmett walked up to the bar and sat at one of the stools. He looked back toward someone. May hadn't heard anyone... "Hey, Charamaine, how're you doing?" May spun; the voice had come from the doorway in the kitchen. "Jesus! How did you get there? I didn't even hear you!" May looked at the tall man with red hair, blue eyes... he looked familiar... "Oh! Finn, it's nice to see you!" She gave him a smile along with her brief hug. "Likewise." He strode into the kitchen to sit on the stool next to Emmett. "So..." May started, folding mashed potatoes in a bowl. "Do you all know each other or did you just bump into each other on your way to visit lil' old me?" She saw, in her peripheral vision, Emmett glance toward Finn. It was quick, but it was heated and full of meaning. She caught on. "Ah... I see..." Emmett chuckled, Finn blushed. Finn opened his mouth to speak but she cut him off with a raised hand. "Now, now. No need for this silly embarrassment... but good luck with this one, okay? If you need any torture methods, pillow fighting techniques, spicy food recipes or anything of the sort for the big guy over there," she gestured to Emmett, who sat there grinning like an idiot, "just ask me, got it?" She bent down and took the steak out from under the broiler in the oven. "Yes, ma'am," Finn responded after a moment, completely sidetracked by the smell of May's prime cut steak. It was simply mouthwatering. "Okay. Good. Now how do you like your meat?" ___ "Baby? I'm back," Grant called as he strolled across the front porch to the door. He felt horrible for shutting her out before, but he knew how to make it up to her. "Chara?" he called, stepping into the main room. It was a disaster. The coffee table was flipped over, the couch destroyed. "May?" He panicked. "Where are you?" There was no answer, and he couldn't feel her. The overwhelming smell of fresh blood caused Grant to run back in the direction of bedroom, but he froze as he passed the kitchen. On the floor was Finn, bleeding profusely. "Finn? Jesus," he gasped when he leaned closer. There was a gash that ran from his neck to his right hip. It didn't look too deep, though, so maybe... "Grant—" Finn gasped, spitting out blood. "Finn! Finn, what happened?" Grant went to lift Finn's head into his lap, but Finn snapped at him and his arms started to change. He wasn't in good control of his wolf. "Where's Charamaine?" "Me, and Emmett... we came to e-eat." He started to choke and Grant waited. Finn's eyes rolled off to the corner and when Grant followed with his, he jerked back in surprise. Emmett—fangs bared, muscles tense, coiled and ready to spring—was completely immobile in the shadows of the kitchen. He was frozen. "S-steak and potatoes," Finn started again. "Finn, what happened?" "May..." he continued, fighting off the darkness that slowly setting in. "It was her...her... uncle. Her uncle, she sa-aid. He came and... he... he t-took her, said it—" Another coughing fit. This time, blood spewed over and ran down his chin. "Said it was time." His voice was hoarse, and Finn didn't even try to stop the change now. "Time for what, Finn?" Grant pleaded with him, trying to get an answer before Finn slipped into unconsciousness. The russet colored wolf lying next to him blinked rapidly and rolled his eyes up to Grant. Time for a party, Finn thought to him. Then his mind was overrun with darkness. __ Sorry about the hold up, I didn't have internet for a good while. I just got it back, so I hope it stays! Don't forget to vote (and comment, if that floats your boat). Thanks a bunch! -M Golden Keeper Ch. 11 Chapter 11: Light There were whispers around her, closing in and pressing down. She felt smothered in absolute darkness, and she fought tooth and nail to scrape her way to the blessed surface of consciousness. The voices were soft and evil, tempting and damning; they mocked her as she struggled to wake. The closer she got, the more adversarial they became. She was almost there; she could feel her own vitality at her fingertips, begging to be used. But the whispers were harsh and cruel, they were warning her now. Telling her not to keep going, to just surrender, because what if everything was worse when she woke up? What if the oozing, oppressive blackness was her only way out? What if the grass wasn't greener on the other side? ___ When May's eyes finally fluttered open, they shut just as quickly. She was nervous, afraid — terrified, of what she might see. As she regained control of her body, she learned what she could about her surroundings without opening her eyes. She was on some type of soft material, but she could tell it was just draped over something harder. Concrete, perhaps? She didn't stretch out to make sure. Instead, she drew in a deep breath, letting all of the smells around her register. At first, it just smelled damp, like rotting earth. She inhaled again and picked up on the distinct, earthy smell. She was definitely underground. But where? May stifled a panicked exhale, letting out a slow breath instead. Then she breathed in deeply for a third time and fought to keep her gag reflex under control. Whatever it was, she'd missed it before. It was a revolting combination of blood, decomposing flesh, and probably urine. She held her breath for as long as possible, and then breathed shallowly through her mouth. May wondered why she hadn't smelled it before. It positively reeked. And then she heard a door close. That meant that the reason she smelled the stench was because it came from outside, and that someone had opened her door. She listened closely, but didn't hear a lock click into place. She didn't hear footsteps, either. "Up, up, up!" a voice exclaimed jovially next to her ear. Charamaine cringed and rolled so she was facing away from the voice, her eyes still sealed shut. The voice 'tsked' at her. "Come now, dear. Is that any way to greet family?" it scolded, in front of her again. She didn't hear feet on the ground, but she felt its presence. Then she realized that the voice was male — her uncle, Petiro, had come for her again. She let out a shaky breath and opened her eyes, slowly. She jerked back once she absorbed what she was seeing. Sitting, Indian-style, on the floor next to her was her uncle. He smiled at her so warmly that she could almost forget how horrible he was. Almost. "That's better," he sighed happily, and patted her cheek. When she recoiled away from the contact, he seemed genuinely saddened. That only lasted a moment and then he was smiling again. It was unsettling. "What did you do to them?" May asked suddenly, sitting up. Her voice was not as strong as she'd hoped. She scooted back and ended up off the blanket she'd been on. She hissed when her backside touched down on the freezing concrete. His grin never faltered. "They're just… held back… for the moment, dear. No worries, they should be fine." May shivered, her eyes darting away from the man that looked just like her father. As her eyes swept over the room she was in, she felt a terrible sense of déjà-vu wash over her. Concrete floors, concrete walls, tool shelves, aged blood splatter… Her mind went back to Collin's basement and she whimpered subconsciously. "Now, now, chère, there is no need to be afraid… I am only taking what is rightfully mine." Petiro loomed over her, like a cat ready to pounce. Quickly, before she even knew what was happening, May found herself flattened against the wall, her uncle still sitting on the floor where she had been less than a second before. He looked at her with something akin to wonder in his silver eyes. "So strong…" he muttered to himself. "It's only a matter of time." Petiro's eyes narrowed as he stood up and walked towards her. May pressed herself against the hard wall, as if it would move. She watched, fear dripping from her pores, as he walked closer and closer. Her uncle reached a hand out and stroked her cheek. May flinched at the contact. She saw his eyes widen, but before she could consider the reason, she felt a strange sensation. It was like all the cells in her body were separating, and she was left with a cool rush as her body fell backwards. After realizing her eyes were closed, she opened them to find herself in another room. She'd traveled right through the wall! May blinked spastically as she rethought what she'd just done. She heard a growl and jerked her head to find the source. There, in the far left corner of the room, was a little girl… or boy… maybe a thing? May couldn't be sure. It was so pale that its skin matched the bright, white gown it was wearing. Does that make it girl, then? May was startled again to hear the low grumbling noise come from it. The...thing had its fragile-looking arms wrapped around thin, ashen-white legs. She noticed it was rocking slowly, back and forth, the growl never stopping, it was just one continuous vibration. Its head was down, resting on its knees, with short, dirty, brown hair tufted up in some places. May felt bad, it looked so forlorn and lonely. She took a silent step forward, only to freeze when the growl became louder. She took another step, and another, the sound continually reverberating off the wall. The closer she got to it, the more it seemed that all other sounds were blocked out entirely. All she heard, and felt, was the rasping growl that came from the tiny form huddled in the corner. She came and stopped in front of it, unsure of what to do next. She toyed with the idea of touching its shoulder, or knee, when the head snapped up. Two insanely blue, incredibly gorgeous, wide eyes stared at her out of an even more beautiful face. It was definitely a girl, May could tell now. Appearance-wise, she was human. Inside, though, May doubted she was. The girl looked to be about ten years old, maybe younger. It was hard to tell. They studied each other, the growl still emanating from the frail child's slightly-open mouth. Her face was so lovely… May found that she couldn't help herself, as she bent down to touch the girl, just to make sure she was real… She touched one pale, knobby knee and instantly regretted it. The girl whimpered and her wide eyes filled with tears, like she was in pain. May's face scrunched up, cautiously studying the girl, and then her eyes widened in surprise. The girl's tears rose in her eyes, never spilling over, but turning her eyes a blinding white. May had to turn away — the light reminded her of when her father arrived. Light reflected off the walls and then faded. May felt it was safe to look, so she turned her head back towards the girl. The girl's eyes were essentially illuminated, white, empty-sockets. It looked like she was glowing. May peered down at her, eyebrows raised in concern when she saw that a few tears had managed to escape. They were falling miserably down the sides of the poor girl's face. Neither person moved for a moment, and then May finally found her voice. "Are… are you alright? Did I hurt you?" May reached out for her again. The next sensation was one that was unexpected. May was suddenly encased in some sort of bubble. She felt it with her fingertips, and found that it was much stronger than a bubble. It was rippling around her, like tiny ocean waves. There was a muffled sound, reminiscent of a high-pitched wail. May figured that she would've gone deaf if it weren't for the bubble-like thing… May looked down at the girl and saw, to her amazement, that the deafening noise was coming from her. Her mouth was wide open, the tips of her perfect, white teeth just visible. As she scanned the room, glass and furniture that May had never noticed all suddenly cracked and then broke. She couldn't hear anything really, but she felt tiny vibrations through the floor and knew that something had shattered. A wooden table against the concrete wall splintered, then caved in the middle. May whipped back around to the girl. She was holding herself and shaking, like she was trying to get it to stop. May felt agonizing empathy for her, and, somehow, she managed to conceal the girl in her own little bubble. May's clear encasing slowly vanished as she watched the sound vibrate the girl's dome. She didn't know how long she stood there for, but eventually the girl's eyes dimmed and her mouth closed. The moment the shriek stopped, the bubble around the girl disappeared. The girl slumped, her body apparently overcome with fatigue. May swooped down and snatched her up — careful to touch her only where the gown covered her skin — before her head could crack against the concrete. The moment she stood upright, the girl fast asleep in her arms, the door at the other end of the room opened. Her uncle walked in, clapping. "I am so proud of you, Charamaine. My, my… you are progressing so quickly." Petiro started talking to himself again. "It must almost be time…" But May was listening. "Time for what?" her voice wavered uncertainly. He focused on her and smiled widely. "For your powers to bloom, of course." Oh… "On my birthday…" she said, quietly. May, abruptly horror-struck, tightened her grip on the girl as her mind sped through various thoughts. Surely my birthday can't be soon… What's today's date? Is it morning or noon or night… As if he knew what she was thinking, Petiro nodded, still smiling. "Now, chère, when it happens, you'll fell a tad… sleepy. But let's see if you can get yourself to a bed before this happens. Don't want anyone to get injured, now would we?" He smiled and looked at the unconscious girl in her arms. May looked around for something that would help her, she needed to find…. She pivoted and experienced another cool rush. Before even looking around to see where she was now, May looked down to make sure the girl was still there. And she was — still completely unaware. May looked up and sighed with relief when she saw she was in a normal room. No concrete in sight. She walked towards the bed and placed the girl down on the far side. The hair on the back of her neck prickled and she turned to see her uncle sitting in the chair across the room, watching thoughtfully. This place is a mad-house… He tapped his chin, and smiled creepily once more. "Can I get anything for you, dear? Something to make you more comfortable, perhaps?" May stood in front of the bed, guarding the defenseless creature. "No," she replied stiffly. She was still wracking her head for a date. Although, she had no idea how long she'd been there… "You've not been here too long." May didn't want to think about the fact that he'd just been inside her head. However, she was curious about the way he said it… too innocently… In a flash, he'd taken her place by the bed, and she found herself lying down. "Happy Birthday, Charamaine," Petiro whispered. May shivered, but her eyes closed. The overwhelming tiredness that assailed her body and mind was impenetrable and she found herself drifting to sleep. Happy Birthday… no… she thought slowly. Impossible… ___ May's body was so hot, it felt cool. She could tell that, again — somehow — she'd managed to put a protective shield around herself and girl before she fell asleep. She didn't want anyone to reach them… Her mind was cloudy, she was floating. Indistinct memories kept rising, but she couldn't string them together. Birthdays… Birthdays… It's my Birthday? she wondered sleepily. May struggled to keep thinking. It was strange because she was absolutely sure she was asleep. Powers… Birthday… Birthday powers… power-Birthday? Oh! I get my powers… on my… Birthday? And then it clicked. But… I'm supposed to get them on the anniversary of the grandmother's Turning… does that mean I was born on the same day? How… cliché. The heat in her body rose to a steady plateau and she could feel her body literally humming with burning power. May drifted in and out of conscious thought whilst she slept somewhat peacefully. However, there were moments that made her feel like she was being struck by lightning — repeatedly. Or like she was drowning in ice-water. That one was the worst. The cold energy flowed up from her toes, rippling under her skin like a cool pond, up to her head where it surged and chilled her down to her bones. ___ When May woke up, she stretched, feeling every bit like a feline. She had no idea whose bed she was on, but…"These sheets are so comfortable…" she mumbled into a pillow. She was about to fall asleep again… There was an insistent poking on her shoulder. She grumbled and turned over, but the assault continued. "Mph. Go away." She'd never been a morning person. The tapping stopped and May sighed gratefully. Then someone shook her — violently. "Jesus! I'm up. What do you want?" May flipped onto her back and cracked her eyes open a little. A young, startlingly beautiful, angelic face stared down at her. Huge, almost luminous blue eyes bored into hers, and May remembered. She hissed and sat up quickly, almost grabbing the girl's arm until she realized what would happen. Obviously the girl could touch her — she was tapping May again — but no one could touch the girl… May hurriedly rubbed the sleep out her eyes and quickly scanned her surroundings. She could tell the bubble that surrounded her before was starting to fade and it made her anxious… scared… But even more frightening were the creatures that leered at her from the outside of it. The room was packed. There must've been at least fifty of them. They were all scary… ugly faces and handsome faces, all with stark red eyes, appraised her. Their bloodlust was obvious. Their mouths were hanging open, their long incisors slick with saliva. There were familiar faces, also… Two she recognized faintly: a tall, dark-haired one, and a small, blonde one. It took her a moment to figure out who the blond was. Her eyes were no longer green. And then she saw him. Collin. He grinned, his fangs showing. May was so scared at that moment, she almost threw up. She willed herself to take her eyes off of him. Most of them were slightly deformed also… They were all… Demons, a voice whispered into her head. It was light and airy… and not May's. She looked at the girl, who'd kept a hand on her shoulder, barely touching it. They're Demons, she said to her again. How… can you — can you hear me? May questioned. Yes. No time. What do we do? The girl looked scared and lost. May looked around, then back at the girl. The shield kept fading. She didn't want to be a snack… I'm going to touch you, okay? The girl's eyes widened in fear. No, please. It hurts so much… I know. May winced. But I want you to do what you did before… May explained, an idea taking root. The girl nodded sadly, in acceptance. I want you to do that, May continued, and then I'll find a way to get us out of here… understand? The girl nodded again. Okay… I'm so, so sorry. May worried her bottom lip as she raised her hands. She almost put them down again when the girl cringed backward slightly. May inhaled deeply. "Okay," she said out loud. And then she grabbed the girl's face with both of her hands. The girl growled loudly and her mouth snapped shut. She writhed in May's grasp. Let it go, May urged her, already molding a shield around herself. The girl's skin felt hot in her hands, but she held on. Finally, the girl's mouth opened, her eyes went white, and she screamed and screamed. The sound was blocked by May's shield, but she could see it pierce the one that surrounded them before. May watched as the sound waves traveled through the demons, but they didn't crack like the glass or splinter like the wood. They were so close, their bodies basically disintegrated right before her eyes. She could hear the muffled wail and felt the sound bouncing aggressively off of her shield. She let go of the girl's face, guilt wracking her when she saw the endless stream of tears that leaked from the girl's eyes. She heard something move and she saw her uncle, Petiro, streak towards them. The furious expression on his face was terrifying. May flung her hand out toward him and he went flying back. He hit the wall with a thud, but charged for her again. She didn't have time to be amazed at what she could do. She opened her mouth to say, well, she didn't know, but instead something like a hiss escaped. She watched as her uncle shook where he stood, then writhed on the floor in pain. She heard a whimper from behind her and turned. The girl laid there, miserably, on the bed. She whimpered again, obviously under the effects of whatever May had just done. May threw up a shield around the girl, before turning back to her uncle. Petiro was standing right in front of her, his hand at her neck. "You think you could just leave? Your powers… all that power… is mine," he snarled at her. May couldn't focus. He was choking off her air supply. She was scrambling for a way to get his hand off her throat. She felt her skin heat up and she wondered if that was what it felt like when you died. Petiro hissed and jerked his hand off of her throat. The hand that had encircled her neck was completely burned — scorched. And it wasn't healing like it normally would. In fact, it wasn't healing at all. While Petiro blew on his hand for a second, May regained her focus and rubbed her sore neck. Son of a… She lashed out with her right arm and a blast of energy flew from it. She watched as her uncle's skin glowed briefly, his back arched from the pain. May rose and hovered in front of the bed protectively. How do we get out…? Petiro chuckled. "My dear, who said you could leave? You and my little sacrifice are staying here, with me." Sacrifice…? May turned her head quickly and saw arms swirl out of a cloud of darkness to grab the girl, who was still immobile on the bed. May shrieked in fury, and pure, white energy burst from her body. It flew across the bed in the shape of her body, absorbing the blackness. The cloud let out what sounded like an agonized groan and imploded in on itself. She swiveled toward her uncle, who was still glowing. Only now he was grinning. He raised his hand and shot something at her. It was a powerful burst of vile blackness, which May easily dodged. Her eyes flickered to the girl on the bed, seemingly safe for the moment. Suddenly, May felt something acidic searing into the flesh of her shoulder, and she realized he'd hit her. With what? She had no idea. But it drained her, almost completely. Then, while she was distracted, something else came her way. Fire. It was hot…burning. She didn't know how he was doing it. Fire… Golden Keeper Ch. 11 Ice. Think ice! Her body cooled, but her shoulder throbbed. She glanced up at the ferocious look on Petiro's face, then expelled as much pure, cold, energy as she could at him. The freezing temperature radiated out to her fingertips, and she watched, shocked, as a sky blue light exploded from her hands. She heard him scream, but didn't look. Instead, she dove for the bed, and covered the girl's body with her own. Home, May thought fiercely. Think home. ___ When May woke up, she had another unnerving sense of déjà vu envelope her. She just prayed it would pass, because she had nothing left to give. She opened her eyes slowly, afraid of what she'd find. The girl — I should get her name — was laying on her left. Her breathing was shallow, but she was breathing. It meant she was alive. May reflected for a minute, and then realized, with satisfaction, that she was alive, also. But before she gave into grinning, she looked around. "Oh…" She was in their cabin. Grant's cabin… When she thought of home, she must've thought of there first. She smiled. It was dark and the air around her felt… old somehow, like no one had been there for a while. She frowned. May got up slowly, and found that her body was only slightly stiff. Other than that…she was fine, exhausted but fine. She dressed herself quickly in just a tee-shirt and a skirt, barely lifting a finger. She was glad she could still do that. She turned back to the girl, contemplating on whether to bring her along or not. She looked so tired… but what if she got scared and ran off when she woke up alone? May nodded to herself and scooped the girl up in her arms again. She was so light. May walked out of the room and peeked in the kitchen as she passed. No one. Then she left hurriedly, not wanting to re-visit that area. "Hello?" she called quietly. No answer. "Hmph." She walked out to the porch and embraced the cool night air. She glided down the steps and then let her wings out with a sigh. They'd been cooped up for too long. She hovered slightly above the ground, having forgotten shoes, and glided towards where the other cabins were. Hopefully someone was awake now… Grant… ___ As she neared the other cabins, she was pleased to find that, while they weren't awake, at least she heard heartbeats. She wasn't sure what she was going to find. And, while May walked, hearing people twist and turn restlessly in their beds, she remembered. Grant? she called out inside her mind. They could do this before… She couldn't continue though, because, as she reached the mansion at the end of the compound, she saw two swirling, golden eyes staring at her out of the darkness. She looked closely and recognized the shape. May gasped as the wolf lunged at her. ___ May expected to be beneath claws, not that she couldn't defend herself, but a warm embrace was the last thing on her mind. His arms were tight around her, and she was glad. She'd been afraid he wouldn't recognize her or something… "God," she heard him choke out into her hair. She felt something wet on her neck. Was he crying? "Grant?" she whispered. "God," he breathed, and raised his head to look at her. The wetness that trailed down his cheeks glinted sadly in the moonlight. His molten eyes were loving and hopeful. He held her face gently between his hands. "Is it really you?" May's eyebrows rose. Who else would I be? "Grant," she repeated softly, "you're crushing her." He looked at May, bewildered, and then followed her gaze as she looked down. His eyes widened in shock. "Oh." She smiled a little. "I need to put her down…" Grant looked at her, not speaking for a moment. He just stared, apparently amazed at what he was seeing. "Grant…" "Right. Here…" He took the girl effortlessly with one arm, slid on his shorts with the other, and loped up to the mansion. May followed silently. He darted up the stairs and laid the girl down on the first bed he could find. Then he turned to her, disbelief still prominent in his gaze. "Where…" he started before trailing off. "Let's go somewhere else," May suggested. He nodded and led her down the hall. Grant opened a door that led to another bedroom and ushered her in. He closed the door behind himself as she willed the lights on. He looked at her and she smiled. They stood there, watching each other, until he smiled back. May didn't know who moved first, but suddenly they were wrapped in a tight embrace. "Where have you been?" he asked her as he guided her back to the bed, never letting go. "He… he had me," she started, knowing he knew who she was talking about, "and he wanted to take my powers from me…" Now that she thought back to before, it all seemed more frightening. "And I found her there. She was all alone, Grant. I just had to bring her with me…" She felt him nod as they laid down together on the soft sheets. "I don't know what happened to him… I just… it all just exploded out of me, I don't know…" she trailed off. He was silent. She was worried. Finally, Grant spoke. "Do you have any idea how long you've been gone? How worried I've been? I went crazy when you'd disappeared. I thought I'd lost you." His voice sounded strained. "I've only been gone for a little while," she responded, confused. Grant lay there, pensive, with May wrapped in his arms. "Chara, you've been gone for almost a month." "What?! How is that even possible?" "I don't know," he replied, rubbing her back. May noticed that her wings must've changed planes — she didn't even remember… "But I am sure that you've been gone for a while. It hurt when you weren't here," Grant finished. "It all seemed so quick, though…" she said mostly to herself. "Oh, my! How are they? Emmett and Finn —" "Shh, they're fine. Finn heals quickly. Your father helped with Emmett." "Oh… okay. Good." They were quiet, each lost in their own thoughts. "Charamaine," Grant said softly, "look at me." She raised her head so it hovered above his. He sighed and traced the side of her face with his hand. She leaned into his palm as he spoke. "I love you, so much," he said. She melted. "I love you, too." May leaned down so her lips brushed over his lightly. "So, so, much." She hadn't even realized how much she missed him until that moment. And then she kissed him. ___ They took their time in re-exploring each other's bodies after being apart for so long. He teased her with soft touches and lingering caresses, while she rubbed her hips enticingly against the bulge in his shorts. Someone moaned, but it was hard to tell who; their lips were still pressed hotly together. He flipped her so that he was on top and quickly removed any articles of clothing that still remained. Leaning down, Grant groaned at the feel of her warm flesh against his. May's hand wandered subconsciously down across her stomach until she reached what she was searching for. She arched into her own touch, causing her pebbled nipples to rub against Grant's hard chest. She moaned helplessly and writhed on her own fingers. Grant nipped at the skin on her neck, making his way downward until he took her left nipple in his mouth. He bit down lightly and flicked his tongue back and forth. His right hand played with her other breast, while his left hand traveled south to take over. May almost climaxed from the mere feel of his fingers cupping her mound. She removed her fingers, absently noticing that he licked them clean. She gasped loudly when he slid one finger, then two, up into her moist channel. Grant rocked his fingers back and forth, teasingly slow, causing her to push her hips up, hoping to bring him deeper. She whimpered at her lack of success, and he chuckled. "What do you want, baby?" Grant was impossibly hard against her thigh. She arched into his fiery touch. "You — ah… you… inside me. Please… Grant, oh." She was on the verge of her release and she craved it with everything she had. He groaned, watching her writhe underneath him with wild abandon. He bent down sucked at the skin on her neck. Her shriek was short, but she trembled under him as her orgasm was prolonged by his fingers. He pumped them in and out her, his own body tightening in anticipation as he felt her walls clench on his fingers spastically. He pulled his head up, his male pride satisfied with the hickey he left. May threaded her right hand though his inky hair and brought him closer for a passionate kiss. She gave it her all and lost her breath in the process. His heated, cinnamon-flavored mouth, his tongue dancing erotically with hers… it was too much. She broke away after a moment and sucked in deep breaths. She could feel the wetness that seeped from her during their kiss, and then she felt him pressing against her entrance. "Please," she begged, locking her legs around his waist in attempt to make him slide in. Grant smiled and kissed her again. He thrust halfway into her, his growl resonating throughout the room. She moaned and kissed him back, silently willing him to push forward again. He bottomed out and was pleased to see a slightly-glazed look in May's eyes. He started off with slow, rhythmic thrusts, his member filling her perfectly. May toyed with the hair at the nape of his neck briefly before she clawed at his back, urging him to go faster. He obeyed. She gasped in surprise when he started to pound into her — harder, deeper. "Oh God," she wailed. She could feel her eyes roll back in her head. "Grant, oh my — Grant… oh, oh, oh! I'm gonna—I'm…" Grant reached down and put pressure on her clit as she bucked under him. She was experiencing so much erotic pleasure that she felt guilty. His manhood jerked inside her, and he hammered into her faster. Grant growled louder than before, his fingernails changing to claws as he gripped the bed sheets. He looked down at her, her ivory skin glowing, and left his mark as his seed flowed from him and into her sated body. He bit down hard, his growl echoing as he tasted her life-giving essence. ___ The next time May woke up, she knew who she was, where she was, and who she was with. And she couldn't have been happier. She felt something wet brushing the spot where her neck met her shoulder and she realized that was what must've woken her up. May opened her eyes and turned her head to meet stunning gold ones. They looked a little guilty… "What is it?" Her voice was velvety from sleep. He smiled sheepishly and bent his head down to her neck. She felt something warm and slightly wet again… "Are you licking me?" she asked incredulously when he said nothing. He mumbled something she didn't quite catch. She sighed and snuggled closer to him, comforted as Grant threw a warm, strong arm over her torso. Daylight peeked through the edges of the curtains in the bedroom and May willed them open. Grant groaned at the sudden brightness, but she welcomed it, smiling. There was a knock at the door. May shot Grant a curious glance, and then hopped out of bed, her clothes sliding on simultaneously. She looked back at him and willed the sheet up to his mid-chest. He could be at least half-way decent, she thought wryly. She swung the door open with a smile and gasped at seeing the person on the other side. They smiled at each other, and the girl lightly touched May's hand. How are you? The girl asked, politely. How are you? How did you sleep? Are you feeling alright now? I'm so sorry — The girl smiled again. I'm alright, thanks to you. Then her eyes widened. "What's going on? Staring contest?" He'd gotten curious when he didn't hear anyone speaking. May rolled her eyes at Grant, who'd come to stand behind her. At least he'd remembered to put pants on. This is Grant, she said. Then, as an afterthought, she tacked on, And I'm Charamaine. No time before for introductions I suppose… anyway, you can just call me May. The girl looked between May and Grant, her expression relaxing. I am Ana, she responded in kind. Thank you for helping me. She smiled and Grant, not used to her beauty, was awestruck by such an unusually charming face. He cleared his throat. "So you'll be staying with us, then?" Grant opened the door wider and motioned for her to step in. Ana looked gratefully up at him, but she spoke to Charamaine. I don't know… But… where will you go? What will you do? May was concerned for Ana; she looked too young to be on her own. Ana looked thoughtful for a moment. Perhaps I will stay for a little while, she said finally, giving them a heart-warming smile. Good, May responded. She smiled back at Ana. "Yes, she will be," May answered Grant, never taking her eyes off of the little angel in front of her. "Well then… welcome to the family." And then Grant reached down to give her a small hug. Golden Keeper Ch. 12 Epilogue: Lost Angel She slid her hand through his, holding onto him tightly. The sun warmed her skin, and slight breeze cooled her down. Her wings rustled. "So what did he say?" He meant her father. She'd asked him about the time differences between here and wherever the hell she was before. "He's never been to where Petiro lives. But he said that, wherever it is, it's not in the human realm, so time is just… different… like it is with the immortals watching over us." May tilted her head up to stare at the clouds in wonder. They strolled slowly, without rush, to the Hall where most could be found hanging outside on beautiful days like this one. May giggled. "What is it?" Grant asked her, looking at her curiously. "Remember when you tried to hug her?" He didn't need to ask who. A few weeks earlier, when he'd just met Ana, he tried to hug her. It was a welcoming gesture. Unfortunately for the furniture, it wasn't so welcoming to her. Grant was just grateful Charamaine knew to put a shield up in time… He sighed. "I had no idea…" She giggled again. "I know. You're face was hilarious, though." She draped her left arm around his back as they walked, and he rested his arm around her shoulders. They neared the Hall, and they could hear her singing. May sighed this time. "How lovely." Grant nodded, still not used to the magical sounds. Ana couldn't talk aloud, but boy could she sing. Granted it wasn't actual words, just notes… but still. Her voice could go from chilling to inspiring to warm in a matter of seconds. Today, as she sat perched in a tree branch, Emmett sitting near her, her song was fed by the sunshine that simmered down on her. It was happy, and it made everyone subconsciously gravitate towards the source of such amazingly pleasurable sounds. When Ana spotted Charamaine, she leapt agilely from the low branch and ran to May's side. She smiled happily and pressed her hand to May's. She was getting a little better with human contact… That was beautiful, Ana, May told her. Thanks! Emmett was humming along with me. May smiled at her, glad she'd made new friends with the others here. Hey, May, guess what day it is today. May looked at her, confused. Uhm, it's Wednesday, right? Yeap. But today is my Birthday. Oh! May's eyebrows rose. And how old are we today? Thirty—maybe. Silence. Thirty? What… Yeah, I'm small, Ana pouted. She doesn't look a day older than eighteen, May thought to herself; then to Ana, No, no. That's not it at all… I just… then something else occurred to her. How long had you been there? Ana shivered under the warm sun. I'm not sure. Time is slow there; I age very, very slowly now. Hence… She gestured to her petite form. So I'm going to say that I've been there since I was about seventeen or so… in human years, that is. May was too shocked to say anything. They moved to sit at one of the nearby picnic benches, but May couldn't even move her legs. Baby, what is it? It was Grant this time. She struggled to think. She's practically thirty, Grant. Ana turns thirty today. Thirty! She stressed again as she sat. She's older than I am! And I treated her like a child… Wait. What? No… she's… she's tiny. She'd been there since she was seventeen years old! That's what she told me. May could feel the waves of barely-contained fury roll through her beloved. Ana had become like daughter to him. We'll talk about it later. She interrupted whatever he was about to think next. What are we going to do for her Birthday, though? Right as she said that, Orion walked up to them, cheerful as ever. "Afternoon, all." Grant nodded, deep in though. May and Ana smiled at him. He grinned. "Happy Birthday." He bent down to kiss her cheek. May's eyes widened and Grant reached out a hand, too late. Orion's chaste kiss lingered for a second then he stood back up, still grinning. He was oblivious to their reaction. After all, no one else knew what was about to happen… Should've happened… But nothing happened. Orion just stood there smiling down at Ana, who was in too much shock to be embarrassed by the blush that had spread across her cheeks. However, when the silence stretched, Orion realized there was something he wasn't getting. "Uhm," he started awkwardly. May cleared her head quickly. "What's doing?" Orion raised an eyebrow, but followed her conversation. "I'd just come to see your wing." She nodded and let them unfold into their plane. Since her powers… manifested… her wings had turned white. Except for one part: where her uncle, Petiro, blasted something dark at her and it hit her shoulder. So now her left wing starts out black but fades quickly to white within an inch or two. It was peculiar, to say the least. Orion looked over it thoughtfully. He hadn't had a chance to see it, yet. "You know what this means," he said after a moment of intense inspection. Charamaine just looked up at him. He grinned. "Right. Well, it means you've still got a little tainted bit left in you." She frowned. "So I'm part evil?" Orion chuckled. "Not really, no. But whatever you were hit with was never expelled from your body. It won't really change how you act or feel… it just looks wicked." He joked, winking. May rolled her eyes, then smiled up at him. "Thanks, genius-boy." "How did you know it was my birthday?" The question was unexpected. Not because of what it was, but because of who it came from. Anyone near stopped and stared — werewolves had good hearing — at Ana. Everyone was so surprised — no one but May had even heard what her voice sounded like in their mind. They all knew she couldn't talk, at least, not before. "Orion?" Her voice was a refreshing. It was smooth with a lilt of soprano. She waited for an answer. Then she realized that she'd spoken out loud. "Holy cr—" She slapped her hand over her mouth. Eyes flickered from her to Orion and back again. No one knew how this was happening. Orion was the only one relaxed. He just put his hands in his pockets and shrugged. He smiled down at her. Completely and wholesomely confused, Ana blushed again.