Strolling Into the Night

Kiran bit his lip as he straightened out his jeans and plain white t-shirt before he started around to the back, wondering how Anna would take his sudden appearance.

Anna Thomas stood in front of one of the horses on the ranch; her hands firmly placed on her waist as she narrowed her eyes at it, "Listen up, Mustang," she mumbled, blowing a strand of her out of her face, "You will not throw me off this time, okay?" she said, trying to sound strict before she reached back to wipe the hay from the back of her jeans; knowing she must've looked like an idiot talking to a horse.

Kiran couldn't help but grin the moment he saw her, "You catch more flies with honey, dahlin." he drawled, cocking his head a bit as he crossed his arms, "You try sweet talkin' him?"

Anna glanced over her shoulder at him, "It's not gonna work, he doesn't like me," she mumbled, crossing her arms over her chest as she stuck her tongue out at the beast, who simply returned to eating its grain.

Kiran smirked, starting towards the her and the horse, "How can anyone not like you?" he breathed, smiling softly as he reached out to run his hand over the Mustang's mane.

"I ask myself that all the time," Anna breathed, a teasing smile curving her lips as she watched them; scrunching up her nose at the horse not seeming to mind Kiran's presence and she pursed her lips, "You've done this before?" she muttered, looking up at him.

Kiran grinned sheepishly, "My mama had a job down on a ranch one summer, she took me and my brothers along and we learned to ride horses." he breathed, turning his gaze back to the horse as he scratched his ears, "You're not so bad, you're a pretty one, boy, I bet you're fast too." he mumbled.

Anna couldn't help but smile at this as she slid her hands into the pockets on the back of her jeans; watching the shockingly calm horse for another moment before she looked up at him, "Can I ask what you're doing here?" she breathed, cocking her pretty head a bit to the side.

Kiran bit his lip as he turned to look down at her, "I miss you." he breathed, honestly, "I just came to see how you are, to talk to you."

Anna blinked slowly, her plump lips forming a soft smile, "That's sweet," she breathed, moving to sit on a hay-roll to watch him better, "So, what have you been doing these past few months?"

Silas Hawthorne had made it out onto the harbor and now sat on the hood of his Ford Mustang, frowning deeply to himself as he dialed his grandmother's cell.

Kiran bit his lip, "Me and Caleb went up to the North, fought in the war up there." he said softly, "We just got back a day ago, Adam and I drove all through the night to come down here." he breathed, studying her as he pet the horse gently still.

Lynn laughed softly at Lucien as he did a rollie-pollie on the floor, she was stretched out on the white carpet of her penthouse in one of Aiden's t-shirts and boxers just watching her little boy attempt all the cart wheels his older sisters could all ready do when she heard her phone, she got to her feet, "Who could that be?" she breathed, grinning down at the adorable six year old, "Maybe it's uncle Aiden calling on his way home," she mumbled, gathering her phone from the coffee table, not bothering to look at the screen, "Hello?" she breathed.

Anna nodded slightly, "Why didn't you just.." she made a gesture with her hand, "Poof down here?" she mumbled.

Silas shut his eyes a moment before he took a deep breath, "Grandma," he mumbled, "I've got some bad news."

Kiran bit his lip, "We can't anymore, no one can." he said softly, "It's like there's this giant shield around the whole damn world."

The smile faded from Lynn's pretty lips, "What's wrong?" she breathed, worry starting to tighten in her chest.

Anna wrinkled her nose at this, "Huh," she mumbled, giving a slight shrug of her slender shoulders, as if dismissing the subject, "How long are you staying for?" she breathed, biting her bottom lip, "Jason's having a barbecue today."

Silas bit the inside of his cheek, "Aiden got shot," he mumbled, not allowing her to say anything before he continued, "But it was a flesh wound, he was gonna be fine, but these soldiers picked us up, and even though I told 'em to take us to Tessa's clinic, they took us to a hospital."

"As long as you'll have me." Kiran breathed, studying her for a very long moment, a soft smile on his lips.

Lynn blinked slowly, silent for a long moment until she found her voice, "What hospital? Is he still there?" she choked out, reaching up to touch her throat.

Anna's smile widened some before she got off the roll of hay and grabbed Jason's black cowboy hat off the fence, "If you're gonna teach me how to ride, which you are, I gotta see you with this on," she breathed, moving towards him and carefully placing the cowboy hat on top of his pretty head.

"I don't know, some big hospital in New York," Silas mumbled, rubbing his forehead, "He's there, but they wouldn't let me see him." he took another breath, "It's Joe's hospital, Grandma, it's owned by Lupus Corp."

Kiran couldn't but grin as he reached up to touch the brim, "Howdy ma'am." he drawled out teasingly as he looked down at her.

Lynn sunk down into the couch, she felt a trembling in her fingers, "We have to get him out." she whispered, feeling her eyes burn, "We have to save him.." she breathed.

Anna rolled her pretty eyes at him, "Help me up, cowboy," she breathed, wrapping her fingers around the front of Mustang's saddle as she raised her leg to plant her Converse in the stirrup.

"I know, but we can't do this half-assed or we'll all get killed," Silas mumbled, "Aiden's tough, he won't tell them anything, but we need to get him out before they transfer him to headquarters."

Kiran grinned, wrapping his hands around her hips to give her a boost onto the saddle, "You sure know how to dress for gettin' your ass thrown off a horse." he teased.

Lynn felt tears burn down her cheeks, her throat getting so tight it hurt to talk for a few moments as she tried to find that place inside her to be steel, to be strong and to be angry, she let out her breath, "We'll find a way, we'll get him out before that can happen, and then we'll hunt down Joseph and all his croonies and we'll kill every one of them."

Anna made a face at him, "Oh, shut up," she muttered, reaching down to pat the side of the big-ass horse like Jason had shown her.

Silas nodded a bit to himself, "I'll be at your apartment in an hour," he said softly before he hung up.

Kiran rolled his eyes as he ran his fingers through the horse's mane again before he breathed sweet things to the horse, nodding his head a little before he gave the horse a pat himself and told him to go.

Lynn dropped her cell onto the couch, not caring where it landed as she rubbed her face, trying not to think of the worse when she heard the whispers, they sounded echoed, all of them falling on top of each other as she raised her gaze to paintings on her wall, they were winged creatures, images that she'd once found comforting but now the angels rose from the canvases, their wings burned and flaked away like flames, their painted lips moved, "Set us free, call us, out of Hell, out of Hell, we will fight." they whispered, "More power, our Queen, more power, call us, war, bring the war." Lynn felt a shudder pass up her spine before she tore her gaze away and looked down at Lucien, he was staring up at the paintings, his little face twisted with fear, "Do you hear them?" she whispered.
The six year old nodded, his dark curls falling across his face before he forced himself to stand and run into his mother's arms, "They want to be free." he whispered, his eyes burning.
Lynn hugged her little son tight against her chest, the tears still slipping down her face as the voices faded, "Everyone wants to be free, my love." she breathed, bending her head to kiss his curls.

Anna made a squeaky noise; shutting her eyes for a moment as the horse began to move and she accidentally hit its sides with her heels, forcing him to go faster over the field.
"You're gonna get her killed like that," Jason muttered, grinning to himself as he stepped out of the door behind Kiran, his arms crossed over his chest.

Kiran grinned wider, "I told em if he threw her off, I'd make a steak out of him." he breathed, obviously teasing as his gaze followed Anna and the horse.

Anna pulled the reigns as soon as they reached the top of the field, wanting Mustang to turn his big self around to she could get back to safety; obviously pulling a little too hard because he stopped suddenly, throwing her skinny ass over him and having her land on the dirt with a bump.

An hour later..
Silas Hawthorne bit his bottom lip; a slightly worried expression on his handsome face as he stepped into his grandmother's living room, "Grandma?" he called, looking around for her.

Kiran raised a brow to himself before he took off towards Anna, "You okay?" he called as he reached her, kneeling beside her.

"In here." Lynn called from the dining room, she'd put Lucien to bed and had dressed herself in a tight, low-neck, and navy blue vest, a silver zipper the only thing that held it closed, tight black jeans, and all black high top sneakers; she sat at her dining room table methodically cleaning the pieces of her guns with polisher and a white cloth.

Anna made a low noise as she reached up to touch the cut in her forehead, "Stupid horse," she mumbled, sitting up slowly.

Silas moved into the dining room; his brow raising as he dropped his duffel on the floor, "Someone suited up," he muttered, grinning a bit.

Kiran made a face, "We'll make him a steak tonight." he muttered, holding his hand out for hers as he straightened.

"You have to when the one you love is in trouble." Lynn breathed as she started to put her guns back together, "Is it just us?" she muttered, looking up at her grandson.

Anna wrinkled her nose as she took his hand, pulling herself up with him before she sighed, "I'll just stick to motorcycles and ATVs out here," she mumbled, glancing back towards the house where Jason had been joined by two boys about Adam's visible age, both wearing cowboy hats and jeans.

Silas nodded slightly, "So far," he muttered, moving to take a seat next to his grandmother.

Kiran glanced up, "Who are they?" he muttered, raising a brow at them before he glanced back at Anna.

Lynn swallowed hard, "Good, I have your back, you have mine, we'll be okay." she said softly, dropping her gaze back to her gun as she finished putting all the pieces back together.

"My cousins," Anna breathed, biting her bottom lip, "They're all so keen on being family, they've been her four times a week for a month," she mumbled.

Silas bit his bottom lip harder this time, "Are you okay?" he mumbled, "We shouldn't go if you're not on top of your game. He'll be fine."

Kiran smiled, "Sounds like my family but less blood." he breathed, biting his lip, "They miss you, you know, especially my mom." he said softly.

Lynn bit her lip, thinking for a moment, "Can you keep a secret?" she said softly, raising her gaze to his again.

Anna bit the inside of her cheek, "I miss them too," she mumbled, her gaze still on her brother and cousins, "I'd invite them down here today, but Jason don't trust me with a phone."

"Of course," Silas muttered, watching her face closely.

"Maybe I can talk to Jason about inviting them down?" Kiran offered, smiling softly at her.

Lynn bit her lip harder, "I heard voices." she whispered, "After we hung up, I heard voices telling me to free the demons in Hell and go to war." her throat tightened up a little, "The thing is, Lucien heard them too."

Anna raised her light gaze to his, biting her lip again, "I'd like that," she breathed, her lips curving into a slight smile as she reached up to wipe the back of her hand over the cut, wincing a little.

Silas raised both brows at her, "Well, I guess you're both creatures of Hell, you know?" he mumbled.

Kiran made a face before he reached down to rip part of the edge of his shirt off, he moved her hand away and dabbed at the cut, "We should get a first aide kit for that." he muttered, biting his lip.

Lynn nodded slowly, "Or maybe the madness is finally catching up to me." she breathed, her violet-silver eyes shimmering as a far away look came into her gaze.

Anna sucked a breath in between her teeth, "Humanity sucks," she mumbled, "I've never cut myself and tripped over things as much as these past few months."

Silas wrinkled his nose a bit at this, "Even more reason for us to postpone the rescue mission," he mumbled.

"Baby, even cut up and bruised, humanity has never looked so beautiful." Kiran breathed, gracing her with his charming, crooked smile.

Lynn took a breath, her gaze refocusing as she wiped at her eyes, "But we can't leave Aiden there, what if they do take him to headquarters?" she whispered, her throat getting tight at the thought.

Anna watched his face for a moment; feeling warmth rise to her cheeks before she dropped her gaze, reaching up to run her fingers over her hair in her fidgety way, "We should probably get back," she mumbled.

Silas slowly shook his head, "They won't kill him," he muttered, "He knows too much to be killed."

Kiran gave a slight nod as he offered her his arm, "May I walk you back, ma'am?" he drawled, touching the bridge of his cowboy hat once again.

Lynn swallowed hard, "Maybe he won't be killed but they'll hurt him." she whispered, biting her bottom lip hard enough to make it bleed, "They're hurting him and I'm going crazy."

Anna couldn't help but smile at this, "Certainly, Sir," she breathed, taking his arm before she started back towards the house with him; silent for a very long moment before she looked up at him again, "I'd like it a lot if you staid here tonight."

Silas pursed his lips, "You know, my mom used to take these pills," he mumbled, "Knocked her out for a few hours, but when she woke up, the voices were gone for a good bit of time."

Kiran smiled softly, "I didn't really have any where else to stay." he grinned, glancing down at her.

Lynn ran her tongue across her bloody lip, tasting iron, "I don't like pills." she breathed, reaching up to rub her face, "I hate pills."

Anna gave a slight shrug of her slender shoulders, "Maybe you wanted to stay at a motel," she breathed, studying him still.

"Nobody likes pills," Silas muttered, giving a shrug, "But if they help.."

Kiran shrugged, "That was my last resort." he breathed, biting his lip as he studied her.

Lynnie swallowed hard again, "I just want Aiden back and everything will be fine." she whispered, nodding to herself, "Everything will be fine."

Anna bit her bottom lip as she dropped her gaze again; warmth rising to her cheeks once more. She was happy to see that her brother and cousins had moved themselves from outside as she moved her hand to take Kiran's in hers, "Join me upstairs for a bit?" she breathed, glancing up at him through her lashes as she grabbed the door handle.

Silas couldn't help but sigh as he dropped his gaze to the table, "Whatever you say, grandma."

Kiran gave a slight nod as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze, "All right." he said, gesturing for her to lead him.

Lynn rubbed her throat, "I want to go now." she said softly, "The longer we wait here, the longer he waits." she breathed.

Anna smiled more genuinely at this as she opened the door to the house; she could hear men chattering in the kitchen but she remained quiet, leading her ex-husband up the stairs before she found the door to her bedroom and pulled him inside with her. She shut the door before she shoved him onto the king sized bed.

Silas didn't say anything; deciding that his little brother should speak with her as he took out his cellphone and dialed Adam's number. He put in on speaker the moment he picked up and put it in front of Lynnie.

Kiran arched his brow at her from underneath his hat, "Anna, what are you doing, dahlin?" he breathed, trying to fight the crooked grin curving his lips.

Lynn's lips trembled as if she were about to cry, "Hi Adam." she breathed, clasping her fingers tight together in her lap.

"What do you think?" Anna breathed, shrugging out of her grey cardigan before she moved to straddle him.

"Hey, grandma," Adam muttered, a soft smile curving his lips when he said it and he moved away from the country boys to speak more privately, "What's up? Is everything alright?"

Kiran arched his other brow up at her, "I thought we could just start as friends." he muttered, studying every bit of her.

Lynn shook her head as if he could see her, "No, nothing's all right." she breathed, reaching up to catch a tear before it fell before she explained all that had happened in a few hours.

"We will," Anna breathed, moistening her lips before she pursed them, "But if we're gonna be friends, we need to have sex first."

Adam frowned deeply at this, "I'm coming home, Grandma, okay?" he breathed, "I just need to find dad and tell him, then I'll get it in car," he muttered, starting for the stairs.

"Normally, I would keep my damn mouth shut but I want you to be sure because I'm pretty sure sex comes after being friends." Kiran breathed, grinning up at her.

Lynn swallowed hard, "Are you sure?" she breathed, biting her lip again, making it bleed once more.

"Not if we've already had sex," Anna breathed, cocking her pretty head a bit to the side, "I haven't had an orgasm for over two months and if we're gonna be around each other, I need one. Or five."

"Positive," Adam muttered, stopping when he stood outside of his mother's room and rolling his eyes, deciding to let his parents have their private time before he turned around to leave.

Kiran bit his lip, reaching up to touch her face, "Anna, stop." he said softly, "I want to do this right, let me ask you or something but we can't do this and slip back into our old ways, please." he breathed.

"Okay." Lynn mumbled, "We'll wait for you to come home then." she said softly, reaching up to rub her face with her trembling fingers.

Anna frowned a bit at this, her hands dropping to her sides before she sighed, "I'll die of female blue balls, I swear," she mumbled, letting herself fall off of him and lay on her back next to him.

Adam nodded a bit to himself, "Send Silas home, have a drink and play with Lucien, alright? I'll be there by tomorrow morning," he muttered, leaving the house.

Kiran rolled his eyes, "And I'll die of the male kind." he muttered, smiling softly at her, "Let me take you to dinner, we never really go on dates, almost ever."

The next morning...
Lynn bit her lip, hugging Lucien against her chest, every once in awhile bending her head to kiss his curls while he ate his breakfast, not seemingly worried about anything as all young children weren't, she let out her breath, glancing back at the elevator to see if Adam was coming yet as worry started to gnaw at her belly.

Anna gathered her hands on her stomach, tilting her head a little to look at him, "I thought we were gonna be friends," she breathed, raising a perfectly shaped brow at him.

It wasn't long before Adam Hawthorne padded out of the elevator; looking like he was about to pass out, after being awake for over forty-eight hours, "Grandma?" he slurred, rubbing his forehead.

"Then it'll be a friendly date?" he breathed, smiling softly, "Whatever you want."

Lynn looked up at him, frowning slightly, "You need sleep." she breathed, biting her lip hard, pushing all her antsy worried feelings into the pit of her stomach, "You should take a nap before we talk, okay?" she said softly.

Anna pursed her lips; her light gaze looking over every inch of his handsome face before she smiled a little, "I'd like that," she breathed.

Adam slowly shook his head, "Nah, talk to me," he mumbled, moving to sit down with his grandmother and little uncle.

Kiran smiled, "Tomorrow night then?" he breathed, raising a brow at her.

Lynn bit her lip, moving her hand to run her fingers through Lucien's curls, "After Silas left yesterday the shadows started talking, they were trying to grab Lucien so we just lay in bed, under the covers until they went away." she whispered, her eyes burning.

Anna nodded slowly, "Can we go somewhere else today?" she mumbled, "If I attend another barbecue with these people, I'm gonna stab myself to death with a fork."

"And Lucien sees them too?" Adam muttered, trying to focus his gaze on Lynn's face, "Have you considered that you're not losing your marbles? That this is Hell, reaching out to their Queen and L-u-c-i-f-e-r?"

"Sure." He muttered, "Maybe we can find a crik and go swimming?" Kiran said, folding his arms behind his pretty head.

Lynn bit her lip, "That's what I'm worried about." she said softly, "That they're going to pick at me until I'm undone and I can't be undone, I have to get Aiden back, I need him." she whispered.

Anna's lips formed into a smile now, "That's a great idea," she breathed, sitting up now, "Can we go now?"

Adam slowly shook his head, "Aiden won't be able to fix it, you know that," he mumbled, glancing over at his grandmother again, "I think you need to get to Hell."

Kiran nodded and started to sit up, "Sure, where's the crik?" he breathed.

Lynn bit her lip, "I don't know how." she breathed, "I can't poof. No one can." she said softly, reaching up to rub at her face again.

"Over the hill at the end of the field," Anna breathed, getting off the bed and bending at the waist to purposely give him a nice view as she searched her bottom drawer to find her bikini.

"I know," Adam mumbled, slowly shutting his eyes before he shook himself to keep them open, "It's Asher Kane and Joe."

Kiran rolled his pretty eyes as he averted his gaze deciding to be a gentleman as he got to his feet, "I'll meet you downstairs." he said, starting for the door.

Lynn studied Adam's face, "You need to sleep, I'll be fine, I'll find a way to Hell and I'll find a way to Aiden." she said, putting on her brave face, "It'll all be fine."

Anna made a face at this, "You suck, Hawthorne," she mumbled, finding her little bikini before she peeled off her tank top to put it on.

Adam sighed to himself, "You better be alive when I wake up," he mumbled, getting out of his seat before he started for the couch, letting himself drop onto it.

Kiran rolled his eyes at this as he continued downstairs to wait at the last step for her to get done.

Lynn bit her lip, "No promises." she muttered, more to herself than anything as she kissed the top of Lucien's head and let him off her lap to play.

Anna quickly dressed in a skimpy black bikini before she slid into a pair of ripped denim shorts and an oversized wife beater with her beige UGGs before she left her room and moved down the stairs before hopping onto Kiran's back, "I fell off a horse today, a gentleman would carry me," she breathed into his ear, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Kiran rolled his eyes, "Hold on, Miss Anna." he breathed, grabbing her thighs as he started out the front door, looking handsome as hell in his cowboy hat.

Anna breathed a sweet laugh as she tightened her arms around him, "We should've brought beer," she breathed.

Hours later..
Adam Hawthorne stirred in his sleep; his sore limbs stretching out on the couch until they gave satisfying pops and he made a low noise; his chocolatey gaze finding the ceiling before he reached up to ruffle his already shaggy hair, wondering if his grandmother had returned yet.

Kiran started to where she had said the crik was, "Beer would make us horny and this is just a friendly swim." he muttered, grinning to himself.

Lucien looked up at Adam, his pretty silver eyes shimmering, "Adam." he said, standing from where he'd started to build a Lego castle, "Mommy's sleeping in the bath tub." he muttered as if this were the most normal thing possible.

Anna made a face at this, "Something is wrong with you when beer makes you horny, Hawthorne," she mumbled.

Adam's lips curved into a slight smile as he sat up; opening his mouth to say something before he put his feet on the floor and made a loud, incredibly pained noise, "Motherfucker," he said through his teeth, hopping onto one foot to grab his hurt one, holding it like he'd stepped on burning fire as he continue to cuss under his breath.

Kiran rolled his eyes, "Shut up, BB." he muttered, grinning to himself.

Lucien covered his hands with his mouth as he started to laugh, finding this incredibly funny until he took a step back and pain spread up his legs, "Motherfucker." he said, copying Adam as he fell onto his bottom to look at his little foot.

Anna narrowed her eyes a bit to herself as she bent her head to bite his earlobe, "Funny, how I can't ride a horse to save my life, but I can ride you," she breathed huskily; obviously wanting to tease him.

Adam's eyes widened some, "Don't say that," he mumbled, looking down at the floor to plant his foot safely on it, "Your mom would wash your mouth with acid if she heard you talking like that, Lucien," he muttered, nodding to seem convincing.

Kiran bit his lip hard, "I can throw you off just like a horse too." he breathed, glancing back at her with a teasingly wicked smile.

Lucien made a face, "But you said it." he mumbled, nodding some for emphasis, "You said other stuff too." he muttered, moving the legos out of his way before he got to his feet again.

"But you don't want to," Anna breathed, meeting his gaze as she tightened her hold on him, "You don't want me to get more bruises, do you?"

"So?" Adam muttered, "I'm bigger than you, I can say what I want," he mumbled, raising a brow at the kid as he began moving legos out of his path.

Kiran pursed his lips, "I have to think about it." he teased as they neared the crik.

Lucien narrowed his eyes at him, "That's not even fair." he mumbled, making another face, "We should ask mom." he nodded, "But she said not to wake her cause of the blue lightning." he mumbled, running his fingers over his curly head.

Anna smiled to herself again; hanging onto him tightly before they reached the creek and she slid off of him, her smile widening as she took a few steps towards the water and wrapped her fingers in the hem of her wife beater to peel it off.

Adam scrunched up his pretty nose at him, "Blue lightning?" he mumbled, shaking his head before he started for the bathroom, dodging the little legos.

Kiran bit his lip, trying not to stare as he began to undress down to his boxers before he started into the creek.

"Blue lightning." Lucien repeated as he started after him, peeking into the bathroom to see his mother sleeping beneath the water in their large bath tub, a sheen of blue electricity dancing across the mirror-like surface from where she had dropped the toaster oven into the water, "She's sleeping." he mumbled, frowning a little to himself.

Anna's gaze shifted to him as she bit her bottom lip, "You got any scars from the war?" she breathed, looking him over as she shimmied out of her shorts and started for him.

Adam frowned deeply to himself, "Looks like it, yeah," he mumbled, slowly starting for the tub; knowing this couldn't possibly kill the Queen of Hell.

Kiran pursed his lips, "A few." he breathed, "But none you can see." he said softly, not looking up at her as he slid into the cool water.

Lynn jerked out of the water suddenly, sloshing it over the sides has she gasped for air, the electricity looking as if it were dancing across her skin, her eyes were as black as the Pit when she opened them and her hair and t-shirt clung to her, "I went to Hell." she choked out.

Anna bit her bottom lip, but she decided to keep quiet this time as she stepped into the cool waters, shivering as she splashed water onto her warm skin.

Adam frowned a little to himself, "How'd it go?"

Kiran was silent as he laid back in the water, wetting his hair and letting the cool stream wash over him.

Lynn climbed over the side of the tub, landing with a wet plop on her ass on the tile floor, "They are really pissed off down there." she mumbled, gesturing for Adam to pass her a towel, "They want to be here with me, they want to fight for me or so they claim, they want freedom and power to make their deals and walk the earth as they please again."

Anna sighed as she lowered herself into the water completely; staying there for a little while before she broke the surface again, taking a deep breath as she ran her fingers through her soaked hair, "You can talk to me, y'know," she breathed, "I'm not just Jason's ignorant prisoner."

Adam frowned deeply at this as he handed her a towel, "Cant you get rid of them? Like, completely?"

"I know." Kiran breathed, smiling up at her, "When I'm ready, I will."

"Not without destroying everyone else in the process." Lynn said softly as she stood, beginning to dry herself, "They want the same things I do," she breathed, "My reason for wanting it is just more personal." she muttered, the worry never too far from her heart.

Anna pursed her lips, "Okay," she muttered, glancing up at the rocks standing over the creek before she sunk into the water to swim towards them, wondering what he didn't want to talk about.

Adam nodded slightly as he rubbed his temple, "I don't think it's wise to identify yourself with actual demons, grandma," he mumbled.

Kiran floated for a bit longer before he dipped beneath the water, letting it soaked through his skin.

Lynn glanced up at him, "You're starting to sound like Silas." she breathed, reaching up touch his face before she turned to move towards her bedroom.

Anna swam until she reached the rocks and stepped out of the water; reaching up to twist her long curls before she disappeared into the trees.

Adam frowned deeply at this, "I should fucking hope not," he mumbled.

Kiran resurfaced, frowning to himself before he swam after her, getting on to the rocks, "Anna?" he called after her.

Lynn bit her lip as she dressed in jeans and a well-fitted black T, slipping her feet into Converses as she started back towards him, "I have a plan to get inside the hospital." She mumbled.

Anna didn't answer, briefly glancing over her shoulder to see if she could spot him; smiling when she could see the top of his pretty head and she took off running through the dry grass, knowing he'd pursue.

Adam slid his hands into the pockets of his jeans; not saying anything as he waited for her to speak.

Lynn bit her lip again, "You won't like it." she said as she stepped into the living room when there was a noise like glass splintering, her body jerked, and she hit the ground hard, blood pooling into from a gun shot wound in her side.

Adam's heart seemed to stop for a moment before he reached behind him to grab his Glock out of the back of his jeans, "Lucien, come here," he breathed, glancing around for the boy as he held his hand out.

Lucien made a small noise as he made his way to Adam's side, his pretty eyes large with fear, "Mommy?" he breathed.
Lynn rolled onto her back, her fingers trembling and beginning to soak with blood, "Call nine-one-one." she breathed out, "Then take Lucien to Maximus." she mumbled, tilting her head back against the floor.

Adam gritted his teeth, "Goddamnit, Grandma," he mumbled, taking out his cell and dialing nine-one-one before he started for the door with Lucien; knowing his grandmother's plan was already unfolding.

Lucien twisted around to look back at his mother, his pretty face contorted with a deep frown, it felt so wrong to leave her and he didn't understand it.

Kiran bit his lip before he took off after her, always pursuing.

Adam sighed as he stepped into the elevator and quickly pressed the button for the lobby as he prattled off the address to the central before hanging up, "Your mom's gonna be fine, okay?" he muttered, looking down at Lucien as the elevator began to descend.

Anna kept running, as fast as she could, through the trees until she reached the small waterfall she had been steering for. She ran her fingers over her wet hair as her gaze found the opposite side of the falls, where a man stood, waving his arms at her and yelling; the words drowned out by the waterfall.

Lucien's lips twisted, "She was covered in blood." he whispered, his eyes burning as if he were about to cry.

Kiran caught up to her, his arms encircling her waist, "Where the hell did you take off to?" he breated, studying the fall and then the man, "Who is that?"

Adam sighed, "She did it on purpose, to see uncle Aiden," he muttered, studying the little boy, "She wasn't really hurt."

Anna's brows pulled together as she continued to study the man, waving his arms even wilder now, "I don't know," she mumbled, her fingers automatically finding his hand when a second man, dressed in an all black uniform, identical to the ones Caleb and Kiran had been given, seemed to come up behind the one waving at them, carrying a rather large rifle

Lucien swallowed hard, "Promise?" he whispered, looking up into Adam's face.

Kiran frowned, "They're dressed in uniforms, maybe I should go over and see what the hell is going on." he muttered, biting his lip.

Adam nodded slightly, not even thinking about this twice, "I promise."

Anna bit the inside of her cheek before she opened her mouth to speak; not even getting that far before there was the sound of a gunshot and the man who had been waving at them, fell forward; landing in the falls with a splash.
"Ohmygod," Anna breathed, raising her hands to cover her mouth; her heart starting to pound in her chest.

Kiran frowned deeply, his gaze darkening, "We need to get back to the ranch, now." he said softly, pulling her behind as he slowly started to back away.

The Hospital...
Lynn's vision blurred, all she saw were the white lights passing overhead as she was carted down the halls to the OR, doctors and nurses on either side of her, an oxygen mask over her nose and mouth to keep her breathing even though she didn't need it. She let her muscles relax as they got her into the operating room, removing her shirt, a doctor started towards her wound with a scalpel and she moved suddenly, her fingers wrapping around his wrist as she tore the mask away with her other hand, "Allow me." she breathed, moving her fingers into the wound to pull out the bullet, she flicked it to the ground where it landed with a clink, her gaze growing dark like black steel as she jerked the scalpel into the surgeon's throat, spraying blood down on her pretty face. Lynn swung her legs over the side of the gurney, moving with methodical precision to slit the throats and stab the medical staff to death in her room.

Anna swallowed hard; her gaze still fixed on the soldier that soon raised his gaze to them and then his weapon. Anna's light eyes widened some as she grabbed a hold of Kiran's arm, "Run," she breathed, giving him a tug before she turned and broke into a run.

Kiran broke into a run after her, not even bothering to look back as he scooped her into his arms and moved.

Lynn licked her lips as she moved towards the scrubs station, still clutching the scalpel in her fingers before she let herself put it down, if only to slide the ugly green medical scrubs over her blood splattered chest and jeans, she grabbed a surgical mask to slip over her pretty face and a cap to cover her hair, not bothering with gloves as she wrapped her fingers around the scalpel, keeping it tight to her body so no one would see it as she slipped out into the hall.

Anna shut her eyes tight; panic settling in her chest as she dug her fingers into his shoulders, scared he'd soon take a bullet to the back.

It wasn't long before there was a loud beeping noise throughout the hospital and all of the steel-enforced doors that had allowed Lynnie to escape became locked; as if they had been expecting her.
The last thing that would confirm this theory was the sound of Joseph the Fiend laughing over the intercom; his snicker filling the hallway that Lynn had been trapped in.

Kiran moved faster, letting what his great grandfather had taught him sink in as he let his cells shift and suddenly he was passing the crik and headed straight for the house at an unnaturally high speed.

Lynn gritted her teeth, "Motherfucker." she muttered, moving to throw a fist into the steel door, sending a jolt of pain through her arm as the metal screamed in protest, "I am going to kill you." she shouted at the intercoms, something like actual fear clenching in her chest, knowing if they were capturing her that Aiden was well on his way to HQ.

"Are we staying here?" Anna breathed, opening her light eyes to look up at him now, as if not even considering the high speed.

Joseph cackled even harder at this before he sniffed, obviously too amused at this, "Lynnèa Norratov, right here in my hospital," he breathed, turning to sinister clapping now before he sighed, "You've killed many of my doctors, I am impressed." he smiled to himself, "Now, I've got a pop quiz for you, dearie. If you answer it right, I'll give you Aiden Stark. If not.. well. You'll see."

"We get your family and we go." Kiran muttered, skidding to a stop as they reached the ranch to put her down on her feet.

Lynn gritted her teeth, moving to lean against the door, "What is it?" she called back, tilting her head back against the steel as she ripped the mask away from her face and shut her eyes, her heart beating too hard against her rib cage.

"If they come with us, we could get them killed," Anna mumbled, wrapping her fingers around the door handle as she watched his face, "I can't do that."

Joseph smiled to himself; the satisfaction becoming obvious in his voice as he sighed, "Where are Kiran and Anna?"

Kiran nodded slowly, "Then pack, I'll grab my duffel and meet you at the car in five." he breathed, biting his lip.

Lynn bit her lip, "A ranch in Tennessee." she said, "I have the coordinates on my phone. Satisfied?"

Anna gave a slight nod as she moved into the house and hurried up the stairs; throwing clothes into a duffel and putting on a pair of sweats before she left the room again; the sound of jeeps outside already filling the house as she ran into the kitchen to get some sort of supplies.

"Yes," Joseph said over the intercom. There was a clicking noise, announcing that he was no longer there; and only few moments passed before gas started to seep into the hallway, through the vents.

Kiran moved into the house, re-dressing in jeans and a t-shirt before he grabbed his duffel and moved towards the door again to check the car when the hum of helicopters filled the sky above and he raised his gaze to watch them, wondering if they were friend or foe.

Lynn sunk to the floor, a sort of smirk curving her lips, "Hey Joe," she muttered, even though she knew he was gone, waiting for the gas to get to her, "I got a pop quiz for you too, what can fly like a bird but destroy like a nuclear bomb heading right for those pissants you call soldiers?" she breathed, talking to herself as her lids began to droop.

Anna threw all that she could find into her duffel before she moved towards Kiran; standing next to him to look into the sky, "Please tell me those are friendly," she breathed, her throat tightening some as she could hear the sound of gunshots coming from behind the house; the soldiers having opened fire on the helicopters.

"I think so..." Kiran muttered, scrutinizing the Apaches, his statement confirmed when the birds began to rain fire on the foot soldiers and a grin started to curve his lips, "I think it's a gift from my mother."

Anna's lips curved up in a slight smile as she pulled open the door, "Let's get the hell out of here before it get's bad," she breathed.

Kiran gave a slight nod, "Agreed." he said and started for the car again, "Pick a direction, north or south?"

"South," Anna mumbled, starting after him, "The North is one, big crater, isn't it?"

Kiran gave a slight shrug, "Generally." he muttered, "South it is," he breathed, opening the door to throw his things in the back and slide in behind the wheel.

Anna tossed her duffel into the back of the car before she slid in next to him, sighing, "Road trip, huh?" she mumbled, glancing over at him.

"Seems like it." Kiran breathed, bringing the engine to life before he flew the hell outta dodge and started South.

Anna pursed her plump lips into a thin line as she opened her window a little; shuddering as the warm air began to settle in the car, "Do we have any weapons?" she muttered, not looking at him as she began to brush her hair with her fingers.

Kiran pursed his lips, "I have my Glock but that's it, we'll need to stop somewhere and fill up on weapons, gasoline," he muttered, his mind racing as he pushed the car harder.

Anna nodded slightly as she gestured a bit longer up on the road, "There's a gun shop and a gas station right at the next turn," she muttered.

Kiran couldn't help but grin at this, "Only in Tennessee," he drawled, making that right, "You fill her up and I'll get the weapons?"

Anna's lips pulled into a grin as she nodded, "Sure," she breathed, wiping her hands on her thighs as she seemed to give up on her hair.

New New York City..
Adam Hawthorne pursed his lips as he placed his elbows on his knees, resting his pretty face on his palms as he looked around at the guards that surrounded him in the van; those who had made the mistake of not chaining him to his seat. He exhaled hard, obviously a bit amused as he raised his gaze to one of the obvious rookies, grinning, "I'm gonna kill you first, kiddo," he breathed, wiggling his brows at him.

William watched the black van moving through the streets as if it were an ant and he was a kid with a magnifying glass that looked more like an M-16 rifle, "A little closer, Jules." he muttered, glancing up at the man piloting his helicopter before he turned his gaze to the van again, "That's good." he breathed, some hundreds of feet in the air above the van when he leaped from the chopper, a black speck in the night sky until he landed on it's roof with a metal crunching thud.

Adam glanced up from his place on the bench as all of the guards rose, pointing their rifles at the roof but not firing yet as the van pulled to a sudden stop.
Adam couldn't help but grin as he slowly stood, "Well, boys, this is my stop," he breathed; grabbing the head of his youngest captor and in a swift move, broke his neck before he slammed his elbow into the throat of the one standing in the way of the door.

William grinned to himself as he swung over the roof top before he through the rifle strap over his shoulder to grab the handles and wrench the doors open, he raised a brow at his favorite grandson, "I thought you could use a hand." he muttered.

Adam's lips twisted into a wide grin as he hopped out of the van, "Bullshit, I was just about to leave," he breathed, standing next to his grandfather before he turned and gestured for his captors to stay put, "Down, boys," he breathed.

Will rolled his eyes at this, "That's adorable, kid." he breathed, studying the men in the back of the car before he turned to him, "You hungry? There's a burger joint a block down, it's amazing."

Adam nodded slightly, "I'm starving," he muttered, smiling still as he slammed the doors shut to the van before gesturing to it, "They have orders not to kill us, it's pretty sweet."

William snickered, "They should have sedated you, idiots." he muttered, gesturing to the road ahead of them as he started for burger joint, "Speaking of, your grandmother was captured."

Adam frowned a bit at this, "I thought she would be," he mumbled, following his grandfather, "Is she still at the hospital?"

William shook his head slowly, "I believe they're taking her to headquarters." he said softly, "Your grandmother has a plan, you see? A very complicated plan that will either work because it's just that crazy or not and all of us will die."

"Sounds perfect to me," Adam muttered, sliding his hands into the pockets of his jeans.

"I'm glad." Will muttered, "Because you've just been enlisted to help." he grinned as the burger joint came into view.

Adam gave a slight shrug of his shoulders, "I'll be happy to help," he mumbled, "If it means I get to fuck up some Immortals, count me in."

"It won't just be the Immortals." William breathed, something about his gaze becoming like steel, "It'll be all of them, we're going to bury all of those who oppose us, we'll crush them." he muttered, almost distantly.

Adam's grin seemed to widen some, "Good to have your vengeful ass back in the family, grandpa," he muttered, glancing up at him.

William seemed to refocus as a grin spread across his lips, "You're just glad we're on the same side this time, you'd all be pretty screwed without me." he breathed, pulling open the door to the diner and gesturing for him to go ahead.

Adam made a face at this, "You think way too highly of yourself, old man," he breathed, grinning as he stepped into the diner.

William shrugged, "Mine is the only opinion that matters." he grinned, obviously teasing as he stepped in after him, not too worried about having his rifle on his shoulder.

Adam rolled his eyes, but he didn't say anything as he glanced around the place; suddenly finding it a little weird that they were at a burger joint while the world was ending.

Anna sighed as she finished pumping gas into Kiran's car and handed a twenty to one of the handsome boys operating the gas station. She smiled politely at him before she leaned against the hood of the car, crossing her arms over her chest as she waited for her ex-husband to come back.

William bit his lip, "I know what you're thinking but even if the world is ending, people got to eat, right?" he breathed, starting towards the kitchen instead of a booth.

Kiran started back to the car, carrying duffels of weapons and ammo, like a mercenary Santa Clause, "Ready dahlin?" he breathed, slipping their loot into the back of the car.

"I guess," Adam muttered, wrinkling his nose a little as he moved towards one of the fridges to grab a soda.

Anna's plump lips formed into a sweet grin as she looked him over, "You look like a crazy person, sweetheart," she breathed, pushing off the car before she slid into the passenger seat.

William grabbed his wrist, "Not yet." he muttered, moving towards a steel freezer door, no one around them seeming to notice or care as William pressed a combo into the wall and it slid open for them, "Inside, let's go." he breathed, gesturing his grandson ahead of him.

Kiran rolled his eyes, "That's just my normal face." he muttered, grinning to himself as he slid behind the wheel again.

Adam frowned at this, "Should've known you wouldn't give me a goddamn burger," he grumbled, starting ahead of him as he stuffed his hands back into his pockets.

Anna rolled her eyes at him before she dug into her pocket, pulling out a Mars bar, "You hungry?" she muttered, holding it out to him.

Will made a face, "You're getting a burger just not from that place." he muttered, following him into what seemed to be a steel enforced elevator in a freezer; he pressed buttons in the key panel and the elevator whirred before it began to move to the side.

Kiran took it from her, "Thanks babe," he breathed, realizing he hadn't eaten in a day or two now as he ripped open the package and dug in.

Adam pursed his lips, cocking his head a bit to the side to look up at his grandfather, "Where are we going again?"

Anna smiled softly at him, but she didn't say anything as she reached over to turn on the radio and took her own Lion bar out of her pocket; unwrapping it before she kicked off her shoes and put her sock-wearing feet up on the dashboard, bobbing her head a little to to Rack City coming out from the speakers and she took a bite out of her snack-bar.

"King's Tower." Will breathed, glancing at his grandson, "It's where everyone is waiting for our arrival and I promise you'll get a goddamn burger, the best you'll ever taste."

Kiran finished his Mars bar and pulled out of the gas station, cranking the music impossibly loud as he sped down towards the South.

Adam's lips curved into a grin again as he nodded, "Then I'll stop complaining."

Anna tilted her head back against the seat, unable to keep the smile off of her lips as she moved them to match Tyga's rap without really saying anything. She kept going like that for a while before she tilted her head a little to look at him, "How long will we be driving for?" she breathed, taking a bite out of her Lion.

"Good because complaining is for girls." he breathed, grinning widely at the kid as the elevator stopped with a slight jolt, changed tracks, and began to ascend.

Kiran shrugged, "As long as it takes to get away." he muttered, glancing at her, "You got a place in mind?"

Adam made a face at him again, but he didn't say anything this time, simply waiting patiently.

Anna gave a slight shrug of her shoulders, "Somewhere warm, where I won't freeze my ass off if we have to sleep in the car," she muttered, finishing her Lion bar.

William sighed to himself, letting silence fill the elevators as it continued it's ascent, it was moments before it slid open onto the top floor full of men and women dressed in SWAT team black lined the halls, he nodded to most as he gestured for Adam to follow him.

Kiran pursed his lips, "What about St. Pete, Florida?" he breathed, "It's beautiful down there, clear waters, white sand, warm but not too hot?"

Adam pursed his lips; keeping his hands in his pockets as he simply followed his grandfather.

Anna's smile warmed up a bit at this as she nodded, "Sounds perfect," she breathed, cocking her pretty head a bit to the side, "You sure you're gonna be able to endure me all the way to Florida?"

William led him into an oval office at the end of the hall where Simon and Hannibal Landry stood wearing similar uniforms as they poured over a map, "You're great grandfather can fill you in from here, I'll get you that burger, kid." he muttered, turning to leave him.

Kiran rolled his eyes, "I endured you for twenty-six years, Florida is no problem." he breathed, wiggling his brows playfully at her.

Adam nodded slightly; his belly rumbling in agreement as he moved towards his great-grandfather and his father's uncle, "What's with the SWAT-look?" he muttered, looking between them.

Anna rolled her pretty eyes at him, but she didn't say anything else to him as she got more comfortable in her seat; keeping her feet on the dashboard as she shut her eyes, deciding she would need more energy if she had to be able to entertain him all the way to Florida.

Lupus Corp Headquarters, New New York..
Asher Kane pursed his lips as he looked over the many metal tables in his laboratory; four of them occupied by Aiden Stark, Lynnéa Norratov, Silas Hawthorne and Caleb Vladislav; all of them chained to the tables they laid on. His lips twisted into a wicked smile as he raised a metal platter and began banging a hammer against it, "Rise and shine, beauties," he called, banging like a goddamn maniac.

Simon shrugged, "It's lighter than Army green and easily hidden by shadow." he breathed, running his fingers over his blonde hair, "We're storming headquarters tonight as soon as your grandmother gives us the signal."

Lynn grit her teeth together, feeling each bang beat against the inside of her skull as she forced her pretty eyes open, making a noise as she tried to focus her vision on the mad scientist and the place around her.

Adam raised a brow at this, "How can she do that?" he mumbled.

Dr. Kane smiled even wider at this as he took a step towards Lynnie's table, "Wonderful, you're up," he said softly; his gaze moving over Aiden and Silas who were trembling on their tables, their eyes still closed like they weren't able to wake up.
Caleb gritted his teeth as he jerked against the chains binding him to the table, "You son of a bitch," he shouted, "I'll fucking kill you, Kane," he yelled, at the top of his lungs as the doctor seemed to jump a bit in his skin before he moved towards Caleb and slammed the hammer onto his ribs; snapping two of them as his eyes widened, "Enough with the shouting," he screamed down at him.

"You'll know it when it happens." Simon breathed, gesturing for Hannibal to bring Adam a set of black armor like the ones they all wore.

Lynn grit her teeth tight, "You'll regret that." she managed, her violet-silver eyes shimmering into pools of black steel, "You and your boyfriend will regret everything, I promise you." she breathed, jerking against her chains.

Adam ran his fingers over his hair, giving a slight shrug to himself as he remained quiet.

Asher took a deep breath as he straightened one more; that playful smile curving his lips again as Caleb groaned and he glanced over his shoulder at Lynnie, "I'm sure we will, dearie, but not yet," he said softly.

Lynn shook her head, tilting it back against the metal table, "You poor foolish doctor," she breathed, "You made the worse mistake of your life when you brought me down here." she whispered, something frighteningly calm about her pretty face.

Asher sighed as he raised his gaze to the glass doors on the other side of Lynnie, "Kira, darling, could you come in here and soothe your grand mommy?" he called; Kira Hawthorne soon stepping into the room, wearing a white summer dress, showing her little baby bump. A soft smile curved the girl's lips as she moved towards Lynnie, carefully stroking her hair as if she was a child.
Asher couldn't help but smile at this, "I'm terribly sorry to inform you of this, Miss Norratov, but if anyone infiltrates this place, Joseph has made sure that this sweet little girl and her baby will burn up from the inside."

Lynn studied Asher Kane for a moment before a laugh bubbled up from her lips, she tilted her head back laughing loud and hard until it squeezed her abdomen and she could hardly breathe.

Asher Kane raised a brow at Lynnie, but he didn't say anything; simply putting down his platter and hammer before he padded towards the door, starting to whistle before he left the room.

Lynn took a breath as she watched him leave, running her tongue across her lips as her pretty black eyes shimmered as she curled her fingers through the chains that bound her together, feeling Hell rise through her finger tips as it charred and turned to ashes before she sat up, bringing her legs over the table, she looked up at her sweet granddaughter, "You'll be okay, my love." she said, her fingers moving incredibly fast as they pinched a nerve in Kira's neck to knock her unconscious, catching her as she fell before lifting her onto the table as she glanced around the room she was in.

Caleb sighed; pain still clenching in his rib cage as he looked over at Lynnie, "Get me the fuck out of this," he breathed, hopeless trying to jerk his chains.

Lynn moved around the table towards him, she looked down into Caleb's face, searching his gaze, "Are you sure you're you?" she muttered, "You don't feel different or anything?"

Caleb's eyes seemed to narrow some at her, "Of course I'm me, who the hell else would I be, Lynn?" he said through his teeth; obviously in pain and frustrated.

Lynn narrowed her eyes back at him, "One of them." she breathed, "I don't even trust myself right now." she said, curling her fingers around the chain that bound him to the table, "We're surrounded by traps, what if you're mine and I'm yours?" she muttered, arching a perfect brow at him as his chain went up in ashes and crumbled away.

"Then we're both dead," Caleb breathed, gritting his teeth as he sat up and swung his legs over the side of the table, trying to regain the feeling in them.

"We were probably dead anyways." Lynn muttered, moving towards Aiden's table, frowning worriedly as she studied his handsome face, lifting her hand to run through his curls as her chest tightened and she wondered why he and Silas hadn't waken up yet.

"They're not gonna wake up," Caleb mumbled, slipping back onto the floor, "Not yet."

Lynn frowned deeply at this she bent her pretty head to press her lips to Aiden's, "I promise to come back for you, Aiden Stark." she breathed before she straightened, glancing back at Caleb, "Down the yellow brick road then, Scarecrow?" she muttered, her gaze moving towards the door.

Caleb nodded slightly, "Lead the way, Toto," he muttered, holding his ribs as he scrunched up his pretty nose.

Lynn wrinkled her nose at him, "I'd like to think I was Dorothy." she muttered as she started for the exit, her clenching her fists for whatever fight lay beyond.

"Well, if you got some ruby slippers on you to take us back home, I'd be happy to call you Dorothy," Caleb muttered, close behind her now as he looked over the door; hearing nothing but dead silence apart from breathing.

Lynn pursed her lips tight, "The only way to go home is to kill the Wizard and his wife." she said softly as she pushed through the door, her gaze peering around as her spine tensed.

Caleb took a breath as he stepped into the hall; ready for whatever as he glanced around the pitch-black halls, trying to sense out some sort of life before he frowned, "We're alone," he breathed.

Lynn stared into the black for a long moment, "Why would they leave us alone?" she breathed, stepping further out into the hall as her pretty eyes adjusted to the total oblivion.

"What would you do?" Caleb whispered, glancing over at her, "You've got two unstable, easily psychopathic people in your possession; why not leave them to themselves and watch them go mad?"

Lynn bit her lip at this as she reached for his hand in the dark, "We can't go mad if we stay together." she said softly, "We travel the black together and we keep talking, never alone, never undone." she breathed, glancing up at him.

Caleb nodded slightly, swallowing hard as he squeezed her hand, "Tell me something nice, darling," he breathed, smiling softly at her before he began to lead her down the hall, through the thick darkness.

Lynn thought about this for a moment as she anchored herself to him, "When Kiran was younger he loved to dress up as an old war general and he used to 'conquer' all the rooms in our house with his brothers, it was the sweetest thing I'd ever seen, whenever I look at him I see that child and I love him for it, always." she breathed, "Your turn."

Caleb smiled still; something almost nervous about it as he continued ahead, touching the wall every once in a while to make sure they had not gotten lost, "When I was little, only thirteen or so, I stole a horse from my neighbor's ranch and literally crashed it into a tree. The horse was fine, but I broke a leg and some ribs and I had to walk around with crutches for two months, so I told my friends that an alligator attacked me," he breathed, biting his bottom lip, "Your turn."

Lynn swallowed hard, thinking for a moment, "I lived on a ranch once for a summer with the boys, the owner taught us all how to ride together." she said softly, "Sometimes I think it's where Kiran got his drawl from," she squeezed his fingers as she looked forward, "Your turn."

Caleb's throat tightened some as they were met with a corner and he turned, continuing carefully through the darkness, "The first time I saw you," he started, biting his bottom lip, "My first thought was that I wanted to marry you. The second was to screw your brains out," he breathed, "Your turn."

Lynn licked her bottom lip, tasting iron as it had started to bleed, "That night we met changed my life forever." she said softly, "It made it better, your turn."

"I would have set the entire world on fire if it had made you fall for me," Caleb breathed, glancing down at her even though he couldn't see her, "Your turn."

"I did fall for you." Lynn whispered, "Your turn." she said softly, turning to look up at him even though she couldn't see him either.

Caleb was silent for a very long moment, swallowing hard as he continued ahead; unsure of what he should tell her this time as he clenched his fingers around her hand.

Lynn felt a shudder pass over her spine as she clutched his hand, "Don't stop talking." she whispered, feeling her eyes burn a little, "It feels so dark when you stop talking."

Caleb's throat tightened some as he looked down at her again; wishing he could see her as he continued ahead in silence for another moment before he sighed, "Lynn?" he breathed.

"Yes, Caleb?" Lynn breathed, straining her eyes to see him in the dark even as her throat started to tighten.

Caleb stopped moving, his hands on each side of her pretty face now as he sighed, "I'll always love you," he whispered, "I know you don't want to hear it and I know it hurts and this is an awful time to tell you, but it's true," he breathed, bending his head to kiss her forehead, "I'm sorry, but in case we die in here, I want you to know this," he whispered, swallowing hard before he took her hand in his again and turned to lead her down the hall.

Lynn bit her lip, "I'll always love you too, Caleb." she said softly, "I know you don't believe me but I will always love you." she whispered, laying her head against his arm now as they walked.

A few hours later; St. Petersburg, Florida...
Kiran made a noise, feeling the sea air whip through the car as he began to stir, his lids fluttered as he looked over Anna, smiling sleepily before he turned his gaze to the white sanded beach they'd parked on to settle in for the night.

Caleb sighed to himself; this somehow having him relax as he continued ahead, "Did you know I suffer from motion sickness?" he mumbled, "I can't even get on a bus without feeling awful."

Anna made a sweet noise, her lids fluttering open and revealing her incredibly pale gaze, moving over him now as she rolled onto her side, "Morning, darling," she breathed, a sleepy smile curving her lips as she reached over to ruffle his hair.

Lynn smiled softly at this, "I didn't know that." she breathed, "How can you even stand to drive?" she mumbled, her grip never loosening on his hand.

Kiran rolled his eyes, "Good morning." he muttered, watching her for a moment, "How about a swim?"

"That's why I always drive really fast," Caleb said, laughing a little as he said it, "I don't feel it at all."

Anna stretched out her limps, hearing little pops before she sighed, "Sure, but you're buying me a pizza slice," she breathed, sitting up a little.

Lynn laughed a little at this before she bit her lip, "Can I tell you something I was thinking about a few days ago?" she mumbled, shutting her eyes in the dark as she let him guide her.

"Find the pizza place and I will." he muttered, stretching out in his seat.

"Sure," Caleb breathed, still moving at a rather slow pace.

Anna rolled her eyes at him, "My back's killing me," she mumbled, her plump lips pulling into a pout as she looked up at him through her lashes; obviously putting on her best begging face for a massage.

Lynn smiled a little to herself, "I was in the kitchen cooking for Aiden and the kids and I felt really happy, like just so unbelievably happy, and then I thought to myself, 'If I ever see Alexander Vladislav again, I'd like to punch him right in his pretty nose and then buy him drink to thank him for setting me free.' it just popped into my head." she mumbled.

Kiran rolled his eyes again, "Turn around, I'll give you a massage." he breathed, smiling softly at her.

Caleb couldn't help but laugh at this before he bent his head; his lips finding the top of hers as he smiled to himself, "I think I'd like to be there when that happens."

Anna made a sweet noise as she peeled off her wife beater; leaving her bra on as she laid down on her tummy; crossing her arms in front of her and laying her head on her hands, "Just don't get a stiffy," she breathed, a teasing lit to her words.

Lynn grinned at this, "I imagine you would be," she nodded to herself, "I'd like to do it in a crowd." she breathed before she seemed to laugh at this, "I don't mean that sexually either."

Kiran made a face at her as he moved to place his knees on either side of her and begin to massage the kinks from her back.

Caleb grinned to himself, "Bullshit, you'd love it in a crowd," he breathed, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

Anna bit her bottom lip hard; making a sweet noise that seemed to come out as a moan before her cheeks flushed, "Sorry," she mumbled.

Lynn rolled her eyes at this, "It all depends on the crowd." she breathed, grinning to herself, feeling less tense even as they traveled in darkness.

Kiran grinned, "Don't be, I missed that sound." he breathed, still working his fingers like magic over her muscles.

Caleb still smiled to himself as he continued ahead with her; finding another corner and nearly bumping into the wall before there was the sound of metal screeching against the wall behind them and he stiffened, "Did you hear that?"

Anna made another noise; her lids practically fluttering as she seemed to relax completely beneath him, "I missed your fingers," she breathed, knowing how awfully perverted that sounded, especially out of her mouth.

Lynn blinked slowly, "Yes," she breathed, biting her lip, almost afraid to turn around, "What the hell was it?" she whispered.

Kiran couldn't help it as he bent his head to kiss shoulders, "I missed you." he breathed.

Caleb slowly turned around to face the noise; frowning a bit as he was met with silence, "Nothing," he breathed, gently squeezing her hand, "It was-" he was cut off at the massively loud sound of a gunshot and a blinding pain rushing through his abdomen as he fell against the wall.

Anna bit her bottom lip harder; drawing blood as a shiver passed over her skin, "I missed you more," she breathed, running her tongue over her bottom lip; her pretty nose wrinkling at the metallic taste.

Lynn made a noise, her eyes widening in the dark, "Caleb?" she breathed, her throat tightening as she reached out to touch him, "Did you get hit?"

Kiran placed hot, little kisses down the length of her spine as he became silent, just enjoying her.

Caleb gritted his teeth, "No," he choked out, pressing his hand against the bleeding wound in his abdomen, "I'm fine, darling," he breathed, "Barely a scratch."

Anna sucked in a breath; shivering still as she dug her fingers into Kiran's leather seats, finally feeling his touch being almost unbearable in that moment.

Lynn's hand found in the dark, "You're bleeding, Caleb." she whispered, her eyes burning, "You're hurt and it's bad." she whispered, "You need to sit down." she breathed, tears tumbling down her cheeks, "I have to take care of you, I won't let you die down here."

Kiran reached up to break her bra strap, his fingers reaching around to cup her breasts as he swirled his tongue up her spine to place even hotter kisses against her neck.

Caleb slowly shook his head as he slid to the floor, "No, Lynnie," he breathed, "Listen to me, you have to get your skinny ass out of here, okay?" he mumbled, grinning weakly to himself, "You can come save me later."

Anna let a sweet sort of moan escape her lips as she raised her backside a bit against him; heat filling her abdomen as she bit her bottom lip again.

Lynn went with him to the floor, she could smell the sweet, copper scent of blood and beneath the smell of another man's sweat and cologne, it made something stand at attention in her pretty head and suddenly she could just make out the outline of Caleb's pretty face, the scent of his skin rising in puffs of dandelion gold as her gaze moved to his abdomen, it became bronzed, reddened by blood, she pressed her hands on top of his, "I'll be right back." she breathed, "Right back, I promise." she whispered, moving forward to press her lips against his.

Caleb shut his eyes a moment; savoring the taste of her as he kissed her back gingerly, but he said nothing; silently hoping that she'd actually make it back to him.

.. Anna's lids fluttered as she dug her fingers into his leather seats once more; actually tearing little holes in them as she gasped; whimpering with an overwhelming, orgasmic sort of pain as sparks filled her pretty head, sending electricity through every nerve ending before she collapsed against his seats.

Lynn kissed him gently one last time before she stood, her gaze sweeping across the dark passage way for a moment before she caught sight of the ugly pea green soup mist that had been the man who'd shot Caleb, she rounded her shoulders and started after it.

Kiran pressed into her deeply a last time, savoring every inch of her as pleasure exploded in his abdomen and he gripped her hips hard, breathing out her name.

The Russian, commonly known as The Shadow, at the Lupus Corp Headquarters was moving quickly, finding his way through the twisting black halls like a wolf on the run as he continued ahead, stuffing his gun into the back of his jeans as he went; not too far from the exit now.

Anna's jaw tightened; feeling deliciously sore as she sighed softly to herself, "That was.." she breathed, slowly shaking her head, as if she couldn't quite find words to describe her sensations.

Lynn bit her lip as she continued after the Pea-Soup Man, making her footsteps as light as feathers as she seemed to remember who she was and what she was capable of and suddenly she could make out the outline of the man and the exit itself, she gnashed her teeth together, moving now as she caught him by the back of his shirt, grabbing the gun she knew he had in the back of jeans, she had to get on tip toes to curl her fingers around his throat and place his own gun against his temple, "You shot my friend." she whispered.

"Worth waiting for?" Kiran breathed, smiling to himself as he kissed her neck and shoulders.

The Russian's lips curved into a wicked grin as his dark gaze moved over Lynnie's face, as if he could actually see her in the blackness, "Sorry, dearie, but your pep-talks were getting really dull," he breathed, moving to shove his elbow directly into her throat before raising his leg to kick her in the gut.

"You have no idea," Anna breathed, tightening around his length as she bit her bottom lip again, looking up at him over her shoulder with a slight pout to her plump lips, "Now I'm all sore."

Lynn grunted as she fell on her ass, gritting her teeth so hard they hurt as she raised the gun, able to see those plumes of pea-green soup puffing off of him, "You shouldn't fuck with a gal who stole your gun." she said through her clenched teeth as she popped a cap right in his gut just like he'd done to Caleb.

Kiran smiled to himself, "When we get down to the beach if you're still sore I could kiss it and make it better?" he breathed.

The Russian let out a cry as the bullet lodged itself in his intestines and he fell to the floor; breathing a choked laugh, "They're never gonna leave you alone, Lynnie," he breathed, "It doesn't matter if you escape, you're already dead."

Anna made a sweet noise at this, "I don't recall friends doing these things to each other," she breathed, shutting her eyes in a satisfied manner.

Lynn got to her feet to tower above him in the darkness, "Being dead is nothing new." she breathed, placing the gun to his forehead before she pulled the trigger.

Kiran grinned, "Maybe we're more than friends then?" he breathed, pressing deeper into her.

Caleb jumped a little in his skin when the gunshot resonated all the way to his place on the floor and he gritted his teeth; truly hoping that Lynn was the one pulling the trigger as he sighed, starting to freeze even though his skin was covered in warm blood.

Anna's lips parted in a sweet noise again; tingles having her shiver while she dug her fingers into his seats again, "Is that what you want?" she breathed, biting her lip again.

Lynn bit her lip, her fingers finding the gaping wound to coat them in blood before she started back towards Caleb, marking the walls with the stuff so she wouldn't get lost, "Caleb?" she called.

"More than anything." Kiran breathed, kissing her shoulder again.

Caleb sighed at the sound of her voice; relief in his light, practically blind gaze as he called out to her, "I'm here."

Anna ran her tongue over her bottom lip; the metallic taste having her twitch for a moment before she pushed her backside against him, bowing her back until she could slip him out of her and she could turn around to face him, her light gaze scrutinizing his pretty face, "And I who thought you were going to make me beg for it," she breathed, hooking her legs on his waist.

Lynn let out her breath as she reached him, kneeling beside him, "I found the exit." she said softly, slipping an arm around his waist, "Do you think you can stand?"

Kiran slipped back inside, a shiver crawling up his spine, "Would you have?"

Caleb nodded a bit to himself; gritting his teeth as he pushed his knees up and then began to press his back against the wall until he stood, his entire torso having become a source of pain as he sighed, "If I die, you can eat me to stay alive," he breathed, obviously trying to be funny as he leaned on her.

Anna shut her eyes for a moment, "Yes," she whispered; her breath hitching as she raised a hand to curl her fingers in his hair.

Lynn slipped one of his arms around her shoulders so he could lean almost fully against her, "Nah, not much meat on you." she breathed, teasing him back as she started to lead him away.

Kiran began moving against her slowly as he bent his head to kiss her deeply.

Caleb grinned at this, trying to support himself a little as not to squish her as he sighed, "You killed him?" he breathed.

Anna tangled her fingers in his messy hair; that pleasurable pain starting to fill her abdomen again as she made a sweet noise against his mouth..

"One in his gut and one between his eyes." Lynn breathed, "I have his gun too, three shots, there should be at least five more in the clip and one in the chamber, that's one for each of us if this goes...worse."

... Kiran slammed into her a last time, pleasure bursting in his belly as he bent his head to kiss her breasts.

Caleb nodded slightly, "Sounds like a plan," he breathed, giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze.

Anna tilted her head back; moaning his name as she dug her fingers into his shoulders, "Holy fuck," she breathed, her plumps lips pulling into a dreamy sort of smile.

Lynn continued down the hall, letting the scent guide her to where she'd left the body and the exit, "It won't end like that, we'll find a way." she said softly.

Kiran continued to place kisses all over her breasts, feeling warmth spread through every part of him.

"It would be very.. Romeo and Juliet though," Caleb breathed, grinning to himself as he could see shafts of light coming from under the exit door.

Anna moistened her lips; a pleasant buzzing going through her entire body as she sighed, "Now you're gonna have to carry me around," she breathed, smiling to herself.

Lynn rolled her pretty eyes, "I never figured you for a romantic." she breathed, smiling softly up at him as they reached the exit.

"I don't mind," Kiran breathed, raising his face to kiss her pretty mouth.

"I'm not," Caleb breathed, smiling as he could finally make out the silhouette of her pretty face, "I'm just very good at pretending."

Anna shut her eyes another moment; kissing him gently before she bit his bottom lip, "Will you carry me to a pizza place?" she breathed, rubbing her nose against his in the most loving manner before she caught herself, pulling back a little to look at him.

"Pretend long enough and you might fool yourself into believing it's real." she breathed, turning to look up at him, the smile on her lips still, "Do you think it'll open?" she muttered, turning to the door.

"Find a pizza place to be carried to," Kiran breathed, kissing her pretty nose.

Caleb pursed his lips as he glanced down at the handle, "The bastard was running for it, right?" he mumbled, looking back over his shoulder at the Russian before returning his gaze to the door, "Either it was a sick joke gone wrong or it'll open."

Anna squinted her pretty eyes at him, "You're so demanding," she breathed, carefully running her fingers across his shoulders as she held his gaze, feeling uncharacteristically uncomfortable with her mind so empty of thoughts.

Lynn bit her lip as she reached out to take the handle and twist until it clicked and she pushed through.

Kiran bit his lip, "Are you okay?" he asked softly, studying her pretty face.

Caleb released a breath, his handsome lips forming into a grin now as he stepped into the staircase with her, "Holy fuck," he muttered, looking up to see thousands of steps above them.

Anna gave a slight nod, "I'm just, just.. cotton-candy like," she breathed, giving a slight shrug of her bare, slender shoulders, "I lose all train of thought when we're like this."

"Stairway to Heaven." Lynn muttered, studying the steps, "Might as well rest a bit then." she breathed, starting to help with sit at the base of the stairs.

"Is that a bad thing?" Kiran breathed, smiling softly at her.

Caleb slid onto the step; sighing when he did and he placed his hand over the wound again, gritting his teeth as he applied pressure and this sent a sharp pain into his broken ribs, "Fuck," he breathed, shutting his eyes a moment.

"Sometimes," Anna breathed, a slight smile tugging on her lips again.

Lynn frowned deeply as she studied him in the light, she reached down to touch his face, "You'll be okay." she said softly, "I'm going to circle back to the room we were in, try to get the others and find a first aide kit or something, just don't die, okay?" she breathed, her throat getting a bit tight.

"I'll do my best," Caleb breathed, grinning meekly as he leaned back against the wall, shutting his eyes.

Lynn bit her lip, "I'll be back soon." she breathed, bending to kiss the top of his head before she turned to make her way back down the tunnel towards the room she was first in.

Lynn made it back to the room, her heart doing a somersault in her chest when she realized that it was empty, "Oh my god." she whispered, reaching up to curl her fingers in her hair.

"Oh, like when?" Kiran breathed, pressing his forehead against the curve of her neck.

There was almost a growling sound that filled the halls now; machines whirring like wolves and deafening all cries for help as the halls began to fill with smoke, specifically gas that would inhibit one's ability to move, then breathe.
It didn't take long for Caleb to see the smoke, his eyes widening as he called out, "Lynn. Run."

"Now," Anna breathed, a shiver wrapping around her spine as she ran her fingers over his hair, "How can I possibly say no to you like this?"

Lynn's pretty head snapped up before she broke into a run, holding her breath until she reached Caleb, "Let's go." she muttered, wrapping an arm around him to pull him up.

Kiran gave a shrug, "I think I'm okay with that." he breathed, kissing her pretty neck again.

Caleb helped her pull him up; gritting his teeth as he gestured towards the next flight of stairs, "Move," he said, harshly, "I'll be right behind you."

Anna bit her bottom lip again; feeling her throat becoming dry as she tightened around him again, "I'd be disappointed if you were anything but pleased," she breathed.

"You better be or I'll kill you." Lynn said, starting up the stairs faster now but not as fast as she could have been.

Kiran sighed, "I love you, Anna." he whispered, shutting his eyes a bit.

Caleb hurried after her, as fast as he possibly could as he ground his teeth together to endure the pain.

Anna shut her pretty eyes a moment, "Don't say that," she breathed, "We're supposed to try this friendship-thing, remember?"

Lynn continued running, glancing back at him every few moments to make sure he was still following.

Kiran shrugged, "I can't help it, I'll always love you." he said softly.

Caleb glanced down the stairs for a moment, swallowing hard at the sight of the smoke reaching them rather quickly and he continued forward, "Move faster," he said, knowing she could.

"I know," Anna muttered, keeping her eyes closed, "But it'll ruin the illusion. We have to let it come naturally."

Lynn kept moving, "Then you move faster." she called back to him, starting to take the stairs two at a time.

Kiran sighed, not saying anything to this as he kept his eyes shut.

Caleb gritted his teeth tighter together; hearing a click as he tried to move faster, climbing the stairs two at a time as well.

Anna sighed softly as she opened her eyes again, wiggling a little beneath him, "I'll go get us something to eat," she breathed, propping herself up on her elbows.

Lynn kept moving, trying to keep her heart under control as a burn started in her muscles, her gaze sweeping across the stairs, looking for some kind of door.

Kiran nodded slowly as he slid off of her, fixing his jeans as he got back into his own seat.

Caleb continued to follow Lynnie; his gaze fleetingly finding her backside before he shook it off, deciding it was the worst time to be a pervert before they finished another flight of stairs, meeting a door that he quickly grabbed the handle of and yanked it open.

Anna bit her bottom lip as she sat up and dug her brush out of her duffel that was lying under the seat, "You're angry with me," she muttered, this not being a question as she slowly began to brush her just-fucked hair.

Lynn hurdled into the room, not giving a good fuck what was in there as she turned to Caleb, "Move it." she panted, letting her heart do all sorts of crazy things in her chest.

"You're assuming." Kiran muttered, glancing over at her, a soft smile on his lips, "I'm not angry at you or anyone."

Caleb steps into the room; frowning a bit at the sight of nothingness, "Why would they let us escape?" he mumbled, more to himself than anything as he grabbed a chair from one of the desks and threw it through a piece of glass, separating them from freedom. He said nothing, even though the pain was overwhelming as he hopped through the crushed window, leading them into an empty sort of lobby and the open street on the other side of the glass doors.

"Then what are you thinking?" Anna breathed, watching him closely as if if she stared hard enough, she would be able to read his mind.

Lynn followed him out, "I don't know." she breathed, "And right now, it doesn't matter, we need to get you help." she said softly, moving to wrap her arm around him again.

"That I'm going to tell you I love you even though you don't want to hear it." Kiran muttered, giving a slight shrug of his shoulders.

Caleb shut his eyes a moment, unwillingly leaning his weight on her as an exhausted breath escaped his lips, "I think you need to call an ambulance," he mumbled, almost incoherently.

"You're impossible," Anna muttered, pulling on her sweats before she pushed open the door to feel the breeze; feeling damp from his skin against hers.

Lynn took his weight as she glanced around the street, when she shut her eyes, "They're coming for us," she said after a moment, "They're coming." she breathed before the sound of a chopper filled the sky above.

Kiran rolled his eyes but he didn't say anything to this as he watched her.

Caleb's lips twisted; suddenly unable to keep his eyes open as he made a noise, moving himself to make sure she wouldn't be squished beneath him as he dropped against the building's wall; lifting his shirt a little to look down at his extremely bloody wound through nearly closed lids.

Anna's lips puckered as she gazed out over the beach; slipping her pale pink bra back on before she dug into her duffel to find a wife beater, "What kind of pizza you want?" she muttered, peeling on her wife beater before she sat on her knees on the seat, ruffling his hair.

Lynn bit her lip as she studied the wound, starting to cuss quite a bit under her breath when the choppers got louder and a black rope-ladder fell from the sky, "That's our ride, can you make it?" she asked softly.

Kiran thought for a moment, "Cheese." he muttered, giving a slight nod as he smiled at her.

"You're acting like I have a choice," Caleb breathed; grinning weakly as her as he pushed himself off the wall.

Anna gave a slight nod in return, leaning forward to plant a kiss on his temple, "Go for a swim, don't drown or I'll beat you," she breathed, obviously wanting to make him smile as she slid out of the car and began for the street on her bare feet.

"Oh that's right, you don't." she breathed, trying to keep smile on his face as she wrapped her arm tighter around him and grabbed for one of the rungs, "Hold on, tight, to me and the rope." Lynn muttered.

Kiran bit his lip, "Anna, wait." he called, reaching into the backseat for a moment before he passed her a gun out of her side window, "Be careful."

Caleb found the strength to roll his eyes at her as he did what he was told; holding onto the rope with one arm, with his other hand placed firmly on her ass.

Anna couldn't help but roll her pretty eyes at him as she moved towards the car again, wrapping her fingers around the gun, "Thanks, baby," she breathed, scrunching up her nose at him in her adorable way before she slid it into the waistband of her sweats and proceeded to half-run through the sand; needing to hold onto her sweats to keep them from dropping.

Lynn rolled her eyes back, letting him keep his hand since she couldn't very well through his off of the ladder in his condition as it began to draw back into the chopper.

"You saved my life. Again," Caleb breathed, bending his pretty head to press his forehead against hers.

A few hours later; Infirmary of King's Tower...
Lynnie sat in a chair beside Caleb's hospital bed waiting for him to wake up, she had showered and was no dressed in the similar black uniforms of all her men and women, she had her long legs crossed and she seemed to be staring off into the distance as she chewed nervously on her thumb nail, something she hadn't done since she was young and human.

"That's really irritating," Caleb mumbled; his light eyes opening slowly as he smiled over at her; reaching out to take her finger out of her mouth.

A good thirty minutes later, Anna came half-running back to the car, still holding her sweats up with one hand and carrying a plastic-bag in the other, smiling widely when she reached him, "I hope you're hungry," she breathed, taking the gun out of her sweats and handing it back to him.

Lynn made a face, "Sorry." she breathed, her gaze refocusing on Caleb's pretty face as she ran her tongue across her teeth, "I do it when I'm..scared." she admitted, letting out her breath.

Kiran grinned, "Starved." he breathed, dripping wet with sand and ocean water as if he'd just gotten back from swimming, in only his trunks now as he took the gun from her.

Caleb's lips curved into a slight frown, "We'll get them back," he said softly, "Don't be scared."

Anna smiled to herself as she slid into the car; placing the plastic bag between her legs before she began to unpack it, "I couldn't remember if you liked Cherry Coke or not, so I bought you both," she muttered, handing him two bottles before she placed the burning hot pizza boxes on her thighs.

Lynn tilted her head at him, "Fear is healthy, it keeps us alert." she muttered, swallowing hard, "I'm afraid of what state they'll be in when we get them back, Silas and Aiden wouldn't even wake up." she breathed, her throat tightening a little.

"Cherry coke is my favorite." Kiran grinned as he opened the bottle to take the longest swig, making a sweet noise as he savored it as if it had been years since he'd had it.

Caleb sat up a little, shaking his head, "Fear makes you irrational," he muttered, "We'll get them back," he repeated, raising a brow at her as if she shouldn't even question this.

Anna couldn't help but smile at this; feeling slightly triumphant that she had gotten it right as she took the regular Coke and took a sip, wrinkling her nose at how sweet it was before she held one of the pizza boxes out to him, "It's shocking that you're so skinny," she breathed, teasingly.

Lynn was silent for a moment before she nodded, "We'll get them back." she repeated, "No matter what, we will." she said, straightening her shoulders, "I think your nurse is here." she breathed, nodding towards the door as Eliya St. Claire came through it, a worried look on her pretty face as she started for his bed.

Kiran rolled his eyes as he took the pizza from her, "Amazing metabolism, you should see how my mom eats." he breathed, shaking his head playfully.

Caleb pursed his lips; raising his light gaze to his woman's face before he smiled, "Babe," he breathed, obviously happy to see her there.

Anna's lips quirked up in a smile at this as she opened her pizza box; her stomach growling at the sight, "I envy you," she muttered, grabbing a slice and taking a bite before she made a sweet noise, as if she'd just had another orgasm.

Eliya studied every inch of his pretty face as she got to them, "Are you okay?" she breathed, leaning down to place kisses all over his face.

Kiran grinned at this but said nothing as he opened his own box and began wolfing down slices in two or three bites.

Caleb shut his eyes; scrunching up his pretty face at the sweet sensation as he smiled, "I'm better now, baby," he breathed.

Anna glanced over at him; biting her lip to stifle a laugh before she grinned, "I was thinking, when we're done eating, we could cover my boobies in ice cream for dessert," she breathed, saying it like it was nothing before she took another bite of her slice.

Eliya gave a relieved sigh as she pulled back to study his face again, "Promise?" she mumbled, "When Lynn called, I was so worried." she breathed, leaning forward to kiss his nose.

"Sounds wonderful." Kiran breathed, trying not to grin too stupidly as he ate more pizza.

Caleb couldn't help the softness coming over his face, "I'm fine, darlin', I promise."

Anna grinned wickedly at this; knowing this was one of the only ways she could mess with his head as she moved on to her second slice; starting to really enjoy herself.

Eliya tilted her head a little, "Okay but I'm still gonna take care of you to be sure." she breathed, pressing her lips to his.

Caleb moved a hand into her hair; shutting his eyes as he kissed her deeply, thoroughly before he nibbled at her bottom lip, "I love you."

Eliya bit his upper lip gently, "I love you too, baby." she breathed, rubbing her nose against his in a sweet manner, hardly noticing it when Lynn stood and started for the door to give them more privacy.

"Tell me, what you've been up to while I was gone," Caleb breathed, scooting over a little on the bed to make room for her.

Eliya slid into bed with him carefully, "Some men showed up a few hours after you left and they made me get on a train and shot me off to New Orleans, they said they knew you, Luis and Maximus, I think I remember meeting them at the party but they had me in this apartment for a few days and then Lynn called and said she was going to have me picked up and brought back to the city." she made a face, "I have no idea what's going on." she breathed, glancing up at him as if asking for some sort of explanation.

Caleb's lips formed into a slight frown as he watched her pretty face, "Luis is my dad," he breathed, "And Maximus is Kiran's grandfather." he bit his bottom lip for a moment, "I wanna explain all of this to you, baby, but there's no way you'd either believe me or understand."

Eliya blinked slowly, "Try me." she breathed, studying his face, her pretty lips pulled into a confused sort of frown.

Caleb chewed his bottom lip for a moment longer before he sighed, shutting his eyes as he began to tell her everything about the mad scientists, the world crumpling, the military and warrant that was out for the Hawthorne family; purposely leaving out the bits about Hell and too-supernatural beings before he opened his eyes to look at her, awaiting her reaction.

Eliya blinked slowly, "Oh my god.." she breathed, looking away from him, her head feeling light as she tried to think through this, "Oh my god.."

"Please, don't freak out," Caleb said quickly; his blueish gaze constantly on her, scrutinizing her movements.

Eliya shook her head, opening and closing her mouth, like she might be sick before her lids fluttered and she fainted against his side.

Caleb's brows raised as he stared down at her, frowning a bit, "This is not happening," he mumbled as he put his arms around her, not even going to wake her up.

Anna pursed her lips as she looked over the remaining half pizza in the box and she made a noise; irritated that she couldn't keep up with Kiran's wolf-technique before she slid the box back into the plastic bag, scrunching up her nose, "Can I ask you something?"

Eliya made a little noise, a few moments passing as she blinked up at him, feeling a little dizzy before her cheeks heated up, "Pretend that didn't happen." she mumbled, reaching up to rub her face, "Mad scientists, that's...insane." she shook her head, "Lynn's not really Kiran's cousin is she? And Adam is really Kiran's son then?"

Kiran glanced up at her as he was finishing off his whole pizza and nodded since his pretty mouth was full.

Caleb gave a slight nod, "Lynn is Kiran's mom," he muttered, "And that night, when we first met, all of his children were there and our fucked up families were there," he mumbled, running both of his hands through his hair; frustrated, "And there's something else."

Anna couldn't help the smile that quirked up her lips as she watched him curiously; her head cocking a bit to the side, "If I told you I only wanted to be your friend, indefinitely, what would you say?"

Eliya studied him, "I already fainted, lay it on me." she breathed, watching his face curiously.

Kiran swallowed his food as he studied her face, "I would say I couldn't just be your friend." he breathed, "I'd always want to be more."

"That night, when you catered to my friend's party?" Caleb breathed, watching her face intently, "That wasn't the first time we met."

"Why?" Anna muttered, studying every inch of his handsome face.

Eliya frowned deeply, "What do you mean?" she asked softly, sitting up a little straighter.

"Because I'll always be in love with you." Kiran said, keeping her gaze.

"First time we met, was over twenty-six years ago," Caleb breathed, still watching her closely, "We met at a party, I fucked you up against a tree and we fell for each other," he said softly, knowing this must have been a little too much information at once.

Anna turned a little in her seat to face him; leaning her pretty head against the cushion as she sighed, a desolate smile curving her lips, "Even if I've lost all sense of belief in love?"

Eliya frowned deeply at this, "But I'm only eighteen.." she mumbled, trying to grasp this, "If we met, why wouldn't you tell?" she breathed.

Kiran kept her her gaze, "Always." he breathed.

"Because you had to make your decisions about me yourself," Caleb breathed, swallowing hard, "I thought I'd lost you forever, but then.." he shook his head, "You were there that night. I knew you needed to choose by yourself, but I couldn't stay away from you."

Anna's heart seemed to get stuck in her throat as she continued to watch his face for a very long moment before she dropped her gaze, "I need some air," she whispered, turning to get out of the car.

Eliya felt her throat get tight, "But what about the woman who died?" she breathed, her eyes starting to burn.

"She's you," Caleb said, in his softest tone possible as he continued to watch her face.

Eliya studied Caleb's face closely, searching for any sign of a joke or lie, "You're telling the truth." she whispered, looking away from him, "I need...I need to think, I'll be back, okay?" she breathed, swinging her legs over the side of the bed.

Caleb swallowed hard; his gaze slowly darkening as he watched her leave and he waited until he could no longer hear her footsteps before he slid out of bed, pulling his bloody jeans on before he slammed his clenched fist into the wall; feeling it's material crush beneath his knuckles and his knuckles cracked in return, sending him onto a flight of curse-words as he held his bloody, splintered up hand.

"She'll come back, old man." Caelan Vladislav breathed as he was coming into the room, his gaze moved over his father, "Shouldn't you be in bed though?"

Caleb frowned deeply at this as he raised his gaze to his son's face, "It heals faster if I move," he mumbled, frowning even deeper as if that was possible, as he slid into a chair, starting to pick little splinters out of his hand.

Caelan bit his lip as he studied him, "Are you okay?" he muttered, running his fingers over his hair, obviously not good with emotional wounds.

"Shut up," Caleb said quickly, briefly raising his glare to his son's face again before he dropped it back to his wounded hand, "What are you doing here, kiddo?"

Cael shrugged, "Fighting a battle I didn't start, the usual." he muttered, crossing his arms over his chest.

Caleb raised a brow at this, "A battle in my hospital room and I didn't even notice," he muttered, puckering his lips, "You joined the militia?"

Caelan nodded, "My brothers and my sisters too." he breathed, "There was nothing else we could do, I don't want Joe or Kane around and since I can't storm in there and kill them myself, I have to do what I can to help."

Caleb nodded a bit at this, "Good," he muttered, "I'll be joining you as soon as I've healed up."

"I never had any doubt." Caelan muttered, smiling a little when he heard heels clicking in the hallway floor behind him, "I think she came back." he said softly.

Caleb felt his lips quirk up in a half-smile as he raised his gaze to his son's face, "How scared do you think she'll be if she comes in here and sees you?" he breathed, grinning now, "You're a spitting image of me, kid."

Cael made a face, "Is this your veiled way of telling to get the hell outta here?" he muttered, the clicking getting closer.

"Nothing gets past you, huh?" Caleb breathed, grinning still as he returned his gaze to his hand, picking the last pieces out of his knuckles.

Caelan rolled his eyes, "Nice talking to you, old man, let's wait another six years to do it again." he muttered, turning on his heel to disappear down the hall before Eliya could appear in the doorway, "What happened to your hand?" she breathed.

Caleb looked up at her, a slight, sincere smile twitching his lips, "It got stuck," he muttered, the lie so obvious on his tongue.

Eliya arched a brow at him, "In the wall?" she breathed, her voice sounding thick as if she'd been crying, she bit her lip as she came to stand in front of him, she knelt to take his injured hand and bring it to her lips to kiss his knuckles before she looked up at his face, "I love you." she said softly.

Caleb's gaze moved over her face; scrutinizing every inch before he sighed, "I love you too," he breathed, "How are you feeling?"

Anna returned after a long time, of what had felt like several hours. She ran her fingers over her drenched hair; the only thing dry on her being the sweats that she was holding in her hand and she opened the backseat of the car, tossing them in before she shut it again; her black wife beater clinging to her body as she crossed her arms over her chest, leaning against the passenger seat door in silence.

"Confused." Eliya said softly, "The only thing I'm sure of is that I love you and I think that's the only thing that matters to me." she breathed, studying his gaze.

Kiran had changed into a pair of sweats and a black T, he was reclining in his seat, his eyes closed, "Are you mad at me?" he asked softly without opening his eyes.

Caleb took a deep breath; nodding slowly as he dropped his gaze, "There's one more thing. Something that might be a deal breaker for you."

Anna was silent for a moment, tightening her hold on herself before she sighed, "No."

Eliya raised a brow at this, "Try me." she said softly, keeping his gaze.

"Tell me what you're thinking." Kiran said softly.

Caleb lifted his pelvis a bit to slide his hand into his pocket; digging for the little velvet box before he slid it out, "I have your memories," he muttered, raising his gaze to her face again, "Each one, preserved in this."

Anna scoffed, raising her gaze skywards as she shook her head to herself, "I don't know," she muttered, pleased that he wasn't in front of her, giving her that look, "I don't think I'm capable of giving you what you want."

Eliya blinked slowly, "You could have had me at any time." she whispered, her eyes starting to burn again, "You could have had me any moment and you let me fall in love with you all on my own." she mumbled, looking up at him again, "I'm not going anywhere," she said softly, holding out her hand, "Give em to me." she muttered, wiggling her fingers so he'd slide it onto one of them.

Kiran blinked up at her slowly, "What do you mean?" he asked softly.

Caleb couldn't help but grin at her; surprised and in awe that she had reacted like this as he leaned forward to kiss her mouth, just to feel her lips for a brief moment before he pulled back, taking out the ring to slide it onto her ring-finger.

"You want a relationship," Anna breathed, her brows pulling together as if this was an obscure thought, "With me. Because you're in love with me. And I can't give you that.. a relationship. I can't give myself to you."

Eliya opened her mouth to say something more when her spine tense and she felt like her head would explode as her back hit the ground, memories bursting on her brain like blisters, all of them coming at once and sliding into the place as her lids fluttered.

Kiran studied her for a long moment, "Why?"

Caleb scrunched up his pretty face as he slid to the floor next to her, "Elle?" he breathed, his gaze all over her face once more, "Ellie, you alright?"

Anna still didn't look at him; knowing her breath would hitch and her heart would stop in her chest if she did, "Because even after twenty-six years, I don't know who you are."

Eliya blinked slowly after a few moments to look up into his face, a soft smile curved her lips, "Hi." she breathed.

Kiran blinked slowly, "Bullshit." he muttered, "That is pure bullshit, Anna." he said, sitting up now, "Look at me. Now." he said, his gaze on her face.

Caleb couldn't help but smile, raising his hand to carefully run his thumb over her cheekbone, "Welcome back, baby."

Anna's jaw clenched at this; keeping her arms over her chest as her hands formed into fists, her knuckles becoming white as she kept her stare straight ahead.

Eliya studied every line of his face, "I fall in love with you every time." she breathed, "Kiss me." she said softly after a moment.

Kiran reached across the car to take her chin in his hand and make her look at him, "You know me. You've seen every side of me and some of them you don't even like and some of them make you run away but I've always been here, always, and I've always loved you, so this excuse you made up inside your head is fear, you're afraid that if you love me again, it'll end the same way." he shook his head, never raising his voice, "I've never run away from you that far, Anna, and I don't plan to start, you're the one who runs away, you, and yet I'm always the one coming back." he sighed, "Who fucked you up so bad? I'm not Caleb, I'm not any of your other boyfriends and I'm tired of being the guy who fixes their mistakes," he breathed, "I am in love with you and if you don't think you know me, it's because you haven't even tried to see me for who I am, the glasses God gave your are too stained, and it's gonna fuck you up every time."

Caleb's eyes softened as he bent his head to hers; carefully framing her face as he pressed his lips against hers, kissing her deeply.

Anna's shimmering gaze flickered over his face; tears stinging the corners of her eyes as she sucked her bottom lip in between her teeth, like a nervous sort of action, "Then who are you, Kiran?" she breathed, "Tell me."

Eliya shut her eyes, kissing him back thoroughly, sweet tingles fluttering through her.

Kiran bit his lip as he studied her, "My name is William Hawthorne the Second, I kill people for a living, lunacy sort of runs in my family, and I'm in love with a woman named Anna Thomas."

Caleb made a sweet noise against her mouth, his body not seeming to hurt as much anymore as he took her hands; straightening and pulling her up with him without breaking their kiss.

Anna's perfectly shaped brows furrowed at this as she continued to watch his face, "That says nothing about you," she breathed, dropping her gaze from his and turning her face away, as if he was just that impossible to talk to, "That's not even the point, Kiran, you're pretending to be someone else around me, all the time. I know it, I've been thinking of nothing else for two months. I have no idea who the real you is and unless you start trusting that I won't run away from you, I'll never know."

Eliya made a sweet noise, putting her arms around him as soon she was on her feet, she pulled back after a moment to catch her breath, a shiver passing up her spine, "I love you." she breathed, rubbing her nose against his.

Kiran studied her as a sad smile curved his lips, "I'm not the one who has trust issues, dahlin." he breathed before he turned to get out of the car.

"And I love you," Caleb breathed, not needing to think about this as he lowered his hands to her hips; lifting her onto the bed with ease.

Anna turned around in her seat, shutting her eyes tight. She said nothing; her heart lodged into her throat for all eternity as she put her feet up on the seat; burying her face between her knees. There were no tears left, nothing but frustration and the urge to scream at the top of her lungs, wanting nothing more in that moment than to put herself into an early grave.

Eliya raised a brow at him, "Are you you're well enough for this?" she breathed, wiggling her brows playfully as she reached up untie her dress and push it down over her boobies.

Kiran sighed as he grabbed his duffel, "Keep the car." he said, grabbing a few weapons to take, stuffing his feet into Timberlands, before he began his walk towards the road.

"Oh, baby, I'm never too sick to fool around with you," Caleb breathed, grinning sheepishly at her as he looked her over.

Anna's jaw clenched, "Fuck you and your fucking car," she said through her teeth, into her thighs, knowing he'd probably hear her anyways, but not really caring if he did as she straightened, reaching for her duffel and yanking it onto her seat to dig through it; needing some sort of painkiller to get through this day but frowning when she found nothing.

Eliya smiled at this as she leaned back on her palms, "Then I guess you can do the rest of the undressing?" she breathed, her pretty mismatched eyes shimmering.

Kiran didn't say anything back, his eyes darkening like the sky as big plops of rain began to tumble down on top of him but he kept walking.

Caleb grinned at her, but he didn't say anything else; his gaze constantly on her pretty face as he hooked his fingers in her dress and tugged it off of her...

Anna shoved the duffel back onto the floor; her jaw clenching with a click once more as she crawled into the driver's seat and awoke the engine, needing to get the hell out of that place.

... Eliya curled her fingers against his shoulders as pleasure rippled through her entire body and she screamed his name in a way that the whole floor would hear them.

Caleb clasped his hand over her mouth; panting and grinning at the same time as he slammed into her a last time, pleasure having him shudder almost violently as he breathed her name.

Eliya shudder with pleasure, tightening around him as she bit his hand, her lids fluttering as her heart did flips against her rib cage.

A week later - New New York City...
Caleb Vladislav sat on the edge of his bed; overlooking his entire apartment. There was a grim look on his dark, handsome face; dressed in nothing but his jeans with his elbows on his knees, spread far apart. There was a silence in the entire city, he could hear nothing but his woman's soft breathing behind him and he sighed; not wanting to wake her by trashing the entire place, so he remained quiet and still, simply studying everything.

Anna Thomas shut her eyes for a very brief moment as she stood outside of Kiran Hawthorne's apartment door. She looked beautiful; natural as she knew he liked her best, only dressed in dark jeans, a white see-through blouse with a black, lacy bra underneath and a short leather jacket with her red Converse. She had to take a deep breath to calm down her heartbeat before she knocked on the door.

Eliya stirred in her sleep, stretching a bit when she felt he wasn't beside her, she frowned a little and blinked her eyes open, searching for him in the dark until she could see his outline, she bit her lip, shifting on the bed until she was on her knees beside him, leaning against his back, her pretty forehead against one of his shoulders, "Talk to me." she said softly.

Kiran glanced up from his book, he bit his lip, marking his page before he set it down and stood, dressed in nothing but his sweats as he moved towards the door to pull it open.

Caleb shut his eyes; her touch having him tense for a brief moment before he relaxed again, sighing, "I can't sleep," he breathed, "The silence is deafening."

Anna put her bottom lip between her teeth the second he opened the door; her gaze briefly over him before she raised it to his face, "Hi," she muttered, her heart stuck in her throat.

Eliya raised her hands to run her fingers across his shoulders, kissing his back, "Then let me make noise for you." she said softly, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder blade now.

Kiran cocked his head a bit as he leaned in the door way, crossing his arms over his bare chest, "Hi." he said softly, his gaze soft as he studied her pretty face.

Caleb couldn't help it when a slight smile quirked at his lips and he glanced back at her, "You always say the right things to me," he breathed, his warming gaze on her before he turned a little to face her properly.

Anna chewed her bottom lip for another moment, drawing blood before she let go, "Can I come in?" she murmured, keeping her voice low.

Eliya felt a soft smile curve her lips as she leaned forward a little to kiss his pretty mouth, "What should you have me do to...make noise?" she breathed, rubbing her nose against his.

Kiran raised a brow, "Not yet." he said softly, "What are you doing here?" he breathed, not moving from the doorway.

"Enjoy it," Caleb breathed, watching her face as his eyes began to darken and he gestured to the middle of the bed, "Lie on your front."

Anna's brows pulled together at this, "I wanted to talk to you," she mumbled, all the bravery she had picked up on the way there, suddenly dropping on the floor.

Eliya bit her lip but she didn't question it as she stretched on her belly, folding her arms beneath her head and turning her face to look up at him.

Kiran cocked his other brow, something lighting in his pretty gaze, "Oh, about what?"

Caleb's face softened some as he unbuttoned his jeans and reached over to tug her legs apart before he moved to place himself between them, on his knees. He said nothing; an almost hungry look in his dark eyes as he ran his fingers up the back of her thighs and bent his head to place hot kisses on her lower back, lowering himself and every once in a while nibbling on the sensitive skin on her backside.

Anna's plump lips pulled into a slight frown, "Us," she whispered, dropping her gaze from his; suddenly feeling incredibly uncomfortable in his hallway.

Eliya felt a hot shiver passed up her spine as she stifled the urge to purr for him, her back bowing as she glanced back, heat pooling deep in her abdomen.

Kiran bit his lip and moved from the door, "Come in." he said, gesturing for her to move it.

"Face down," Caleb murmured, not even looking at her as his hand disappeared from her thigh and he soon brought it down on her backside, hard, before he bent his head to kiss the pinkish area.

Anna's spine stiffened, but she didn't even get a chance to think before she moved past him; raising her gaze to look around the place.

Eliya made a noise as she turned her face away from him, biting down on the sheets, the stinging making her toes curl when she heard someone clear his throat, "That looks..fun." William Hawthorne breathed, his blue eyes shimmering as they moved over Eliya's naked backside before coming to Caleb's face, "But I have to steal you away for a few hours."

Kiran bit his lip as he shut the door, "Talk." he said softly, leading her towards the living room to sit on his couch.

Caleb frowned as he straightened; looking up at William with an 'I'm going to kill you'-look before he sighed, standing off the bed and fixing his jeans before he glanced down at his beautifully naked woman, "Don't touch yourself until I come back," he said, sternly, "I'll know if you do," he muttered, a hidden threat in the sentence before he gestured for William to lead the way.

Anna puckered her plump lips for a moment as she sat down, her pale gaze on his absolutely mesmerizing face as she bit her bottom lip in her nervous way again, "I want you," she breathed, the words rolling off of her tongue and having her wince at how wrong that sounded before she shook her head a little to herself, "I want to be with you, I need it and I want every part of you, Kiran," she whispered, feeling like the words were choking her.

William pursed his lips as he stepped out of the room, he ran both his hands over his hair, "Lynn is missing." he said, cutting straight to the point.

Kiran studied her for a long moment, his pretty violet-silver eyes shimmering as they moved over her face, "Why do you need me?" he breathed, "You said you didn't even know me."

Caleb blinked slowly, "Since when?" he muttered, suddenly more serious as his jaw tightened.

"I was wrong," Anna breathed, clenching her hands in her lap to resist to urge to touch his face; that uncomfortable feeling having her shift in her seat.

William bit his lip, "The minute she was alone, two days ago." he breathed, something actually worried coming about his gaze.

Kiran studied her intently, bending his head a little to place his lips tentatively against hers, "Are you sure?"

Caleb's frown didn't seemed to change as he raised both of his hands, running them over his hair, "I trust you've already had a search party out for her?" he muttered, his gaze fixing on William's face, as if he'd punch him if he answered this wrong.

Anna blinked slowly; nearly becoming cross-eyed as she stared at him, for a very long slow-motion moment before she ran the tip of her pretty nose over his, "Yes," she whispered, her fingers digging into the top of the couch now as she raised herself a little; pressing her lips against his as if she couldn't help it anymore.

Will made a face at him, "Of course I did, I'm worried." he said, honestly, "You know her, she's never dealt with death well and she loved the man." he shook his head, "I don't trust her by herself."

Kiran moved his fingers along her cheek before curling them in her hair to kiss her deeply and thoroughly.

Caleb slowly shook his head, "Have you talked to Kiran and the others?" he muttered, figuring that one of her children must have heard something.

Anna made a sweet noise against his mouth; never breaking the kiss as she shrugged out of her leather jacket and moved to sit astride his lap, her fingers in his hair, curling into fists as she sucked his bottom lip in between her teeth.

Will nodded, "And they haven't heard a damn thing from her." he muttered, "And that worries me even more." he said, "She hasn't tried to call you or anything?"

Kiran felt heat spread through his abdomen as he planted a hand firmly on her ass and one on her hip, "I missed you." he breathed, biting her upper lip.

Caleb shook his head, "No," he muttered, finding this a little strange as he raised his hand to rub his beard, wrinkling his nose, "Do you think she'd go after Joe by herself?"

Anna felt a shiver wrap around her spine even though heat was having her abdomen clench, "I love you," she whispered, suddenly feeling as if she meant it more than she ever had, but she didn't wait for him to say anything before she pushed off of him; her feet finding the floor as she stepped out of her shoes and unzipped her jeans, starting to shimmy out of them as she held his gaze.

Adam Hawthorne ran; as fast as he possibly could through the streets of New York, evading cars parked in the middle of the street as he heard and felt bullets fly by him. He'd dropped his gun a few good yards back, literally running for his life as he dug into his pocket and took out his cell; dialing his grandfather as he made a sharp turn into an alley and took a dive behind one of the dumpsters, knowing this was the dumbest thing he had ever done.

William opened his mouth to answer when he felt his cell buzz in his pocket, he frowned, acquiring it quickly, not even bothering to check who it was as he answered, "Hello?"

Kiran bit his lip so hard it nearly bled as he watched her, he moved his arms so they were on the back of the couch, "Undress me." he breathed, grinning wickedly at her.

Adam pressed his back up against the side of the dumpster, panting hard as the bullets hitting the dumpster resonated into his skin, "Hey, grandpa," he breathed, shutting his eyes a moment; the fear evident in his voice even though he was trying to sound almost joyous over the sound of bullets flying.

Anna tilted her pretty head to one side, her light gaze curiously on him now as she stepped out of her jeans and got on her knees in front of him. A slight, almost inappropriately adorable smile curved her lips as she reached up and hooked her fingers in his waistband to tug his sweats off of his hips.

Will felt his heart clench in his chest and drop into his gut, "Where are you?" he breathed, all ready starting for the elevator.

Kiran lifted his pelvis to let her get it off of, it being the only damn thing he wore over his beautiful naked self.

"I-" Adam started, trying to raise himself a little to get a glimpse of a street sign when a bullet nearly grazed his head and he dropped back to the ground, "Fuck. I-I don't know," he breathed, his heart pounding like crazy as he shut his eyes again, "I'm not even armed and they're raining bullets on me like I'm a rapid fucking dog, can you believe this shit?" he breathed, trying to laugh but failing miserably.

Anna pulled her lip back between her teeth again as she tugged his sweats down his hips and thighs; heat flushing her cheeks as her gaze seemed to focus on his sex and she finished getting his sweats off, dropping them next to her.

William's jaw clenched, "I'm coming, it's going to be okay, stay on the line with me." he said, glancing back at Caleb for the briefest moments as he called the elevator, worry knotting in his intestines.

Kiran flicked his tongue across his teeth, so ready achingly hard as his gaze traveled from his length to her pretty mouth, "Taste me." he said, not asking.

Adam pressed himself harder against the dumpster as the bullets stopped and he heard them calling out his name, mocking him, "Ooh, the little Hawthorne boy is scared, huh?" one of them called, laughing as another one picked up where the other left off, "What's wrong, kid? Are you scared of a few bullets?" he called, firing another round towards the dumpster before a third joined in, "Did you become such a pussy from your whore-mother or your coward-father, Hawthorne?"
Adam gritted his teeth, "I'm sorry, Will," he breathed, nothing but sincerity in his low voice, "Tell Cassidy I love her, okay?" he said softly before he straightened, slowly as he stepped away from the dumpster, revealing himself to the Lupus boys as he ended the call.

Anna couldn't help the smile that spread across her pretty face; fighting the urge to deny him the pleasure of her obeying him as she raised herself a little, holding his gaze as she bent her head to run her tongue along his length.

William cussed to himself, "Goddamn it, Adam." he muttered to himself, "You'll need to call your daughter and tell her she might be a widow before the night is out." he called to Caleb as he slipped into the elevator to punch the button for the ground floor.

Kiran felt a shiver wrap around his spine as he watched her, his eyes getting darker as he fought the urge to throw her down and fuck her blind, savoring the way she tasted him.

The Lupus boys grinned as one of them moved towards Adam; grabbing a fistful of his dark hair before he shoved him forward, "Walk, Hawthorne," he said sternly; his gun pressed against Adam's spine as he began to walk, nonchalantly strolling out onto the street with the most impassive look on his handsome face.
They walked for a while; one of the boys calling out to the people of New York, the few remaining and many of them seemed to come to their windows, some even walking outside to watch as they reached Caleb's apartment building and Adam was positioned right in front of the boys, "New York," one of them yelled, gaining the attention of everyone there, "We told you we'd make things better, once the Hawthornes were in our possession and lookie here," he shouted, kicking Adam hard in the back to have him fall onto his knees.

Anna shut her eyes for the briefest moment before she met his gaze again; watching him intently when her tongue swirled on him and soon she bent her head even more, tasting him fully and as deeply as she could possibly manage while she placed her hands on his knees, as if steadying herself.

There was a shift in the night air as Lynnéa Norratov seemed to appear on the street a few feet from them but it was only her atoms moving at such an unnaturally fast rate it made her appear as if she were powerful enough to overcome Joseph's shield, "Foolish, very foolish." she breathed, looking beautiful in her tight jeans, grey tank beneath a leather jacket, and ass-kicking steel toed boots, giant sunglasses covered her eyes even though it was night out, her curls drifting down her back, and she had her gun, The Nina, drawn.
"My sentiments exactly." William Hawthorne breathed as he appeared on the street, coming from Caleb's garage.

Kiran groaned, reaching down to curl his fingers in her pretty hair as he tilted his head back.

Adam tilted his head back; his eyes shut with relief as he laughed; uncontrollable and absolutely, joyously vengeful as he slowly stood; the boy pointing the gun at him suddenly looking terrified, even more so when Adam took it from him and aimed it at his forehead, "I believe you said something about my mother," he said, cocking his head a bit to the side as he watched the boy's face, the other two seeming to struggle with who to aim their guns at.

Anna made a pleased noise against him; still tasting him like there was no tomorrow before she pulled back, her lips parting again in a gasp for air as she raised her shimmering gaze to look up at him, suddenly wanting nothing more than to please him.

Lynn moved towards them, William just behind her, "Kneel." she said, sweeping the legs out from the officer nearest her, "Tonight you men will be my example." she breathed,

Kiran tangled his fingers in her hair, yanking her up not so carefully to kiss her pretty mouth, his hand moving to her ass to pull her on top of him.

Adam couldn't help but grin as the officer went to his knees; the others following quickly and Adam moved to stand behind the officer who'd kicked him to the ground; following his grandmother's lead.

Anna made a slightly pained noise against his mouth as she settled on top of him again; her fingers carefully moving up his chest, shoulders and soon his neck, as if she was trying to hold him in place as she kissed him deeply, feeling almost ecstatic already.

Lynnie curled her fingers in one of the officer's hairs, yanking his head back as she bent slightly to the man's ear, "How fast do you think these will people turn on their protectors?" she breathed before she straightened, "Look at these men," she called to the people gathered, "These are the men who opened fire in your streets, these are the men who bully children, they will keep you locked in fear, and they will not hesitate to serve you to their masters." she yelled to them, "Tonight darkness will sweep across the city, tonight we will all stand together, you must take back your streets from the real enemies, secure your children, gather your weapons, tonight the city will wear black."

Kiran moved his fingers across her hips, flitting them across her abdomen before he found the junction between her thighs and slid them inside her, a shiver passing through his as he felt her.

Adam couldn't help the smile curving his lips, watching the faces of the people around them; the realization dawning upon all of them before some of them began to clap, some diving into some sort of war cry and Adam's smile widened into a grin.

Anna's lips parted in a gasp against his mouth; feeling herself clench around his fingers as she bit her bottom lip, so hard the skin actually broke as she pressed her forehead against his.

Lynn felt a careful smile spread across her lips as she gestured for Adam and Will to help her drag the men in the center of the crowd, suddenly there was a thick chain in her hands and she tied all the men together before she took a small can of kerosene from her pocket and began to douse the men in it at the moment a loud metallic click swept across the city, blackening every light as all the power on the grid ceased to flow and the only light came into the street when Lynn struck a match, "Let this be the flame of a revolution." she called before she lit the men like a funeral pyre.

Kiran flicked his tongue across her bloodied lip as his fingers began to explore the hot, sweet, wetness that was her.

Adam couldn't restrain himself when he laughed; his gaze lighting up as the men began to scream and the crowd started to roar, brutally; like savages thirsty for blood.

Anna's pretty lips twisted in a moan as her entire body tensed as she grabbed a fistful of his hair, "I want you," she breathed, something almost sultry in her voice as she held his gaze, "Inside of me. Now."

"We will march for Lupus Corp in an hour." Lynn called to her blood thirsty crowd, wanting to feed them, "And it will not be standing by morning light." Her words resonating into the dark, knowing Joseph could hear them, could watch them, it made something clench deep down in her soul, she hoped he was ready, scrambling for a fight, "Bring what you can and the rest will be provided for you, this is our city, and no one can take it from us."

Kiran kissed her hard as he moved his fingers, swiftly replacing it with his length as a groan rumbled through his chest.

"How about you run for president next time?" Adam called over the cheers, a wicked grin playing at his lips as people began to disperse, as if going home to ready themselves.

Anna's jaw tightened, hard enough to hear it click as she clenched around his length; raising herself a little to move against him and only breaking the kiss to watch his gaze, intently so as her breathing began to pick up.

"Maybe I will." Lynn breathed, but her tone was mirthless now, "I have a plan but it can't be discussed out here." she said softly, reaching out in the dark to take her grandson's hand and start for Caleb's building, knowing Will would follow.

Adam said nothing; something almost calculating about his handsome face now as he let his grandmother lead him into the building.

Caleb was on his little woman still; his front against her back as he worked his hips against her, his fingers tightly wrapped around her wrists and pinning her to the bed as he groaned, slamming into her in the most punishingly hard way before he tensed, shuddering with pleasure as he pressed himself deeper into her.

Lynn led them towards the stairs since the elevators would no longer work and started upwards, grasping Adam's hand as she moved suddenly, flitting to Caleb's floor in mere seconds.

Eliya groaned, pleasure starting deep inside her and making her clench around him, quivers spreading through every part of her as she bit down into the comforter, making the sweetest noises.

Adam made a noise as soon as they reached Caleb's floor and he shuddered, "Warn me next time," he mumbled, glaring up at his grandmother for a moment.

Caleb shut his eyes, squeezing her wrists tight enough to leave bruises as he slammed into her again; bending his beautiful head to nuzzle at her neck, "Scream for me," he breathed through clenched teeth, brutally repeating the move.

"Sorry," Lynn breathed as she heard Eliya scream for Caleb over and over and very loud, she pursed her lips, "We might be interrupting." she muttered even as she pushed through the stair entrance of his apartment.

Caleb stiffened, something grim coming over his face as he glanced towards the stairs, overlooking the entire apartment from his place on top of Eliya before his jaw tightened, "William, I swear to God if that's you, I'll strangle you with my bare hands," he shouted, obviously wanting to fuck his girlfriend in peace.

"Not exactly." Lynn called out to him, "I'm sure Eliya's very sore by now and can use a reprieve." she said, letting go of Adam's hand, nothing but a breeze on the air as she lit Caleb's candles, setting a dim orange glow through the apartment before she appeared standing over his bed, her big sunglasses masking her gaze still as she glanced down at them, "Kinky." she deadpanned.

Caleb rolled his eyes; irritated already as he pulled out of his little woman and reached for his boxers. He stood and slipped into them before he sighed, looking at Lynn in the most frustrated way, "What is it?" he muttered, raising a brow at her.

Lynnie slid her sunglasses, there were purple bruises under them, a tell tale sign of sleepless nights, her eyes were open down to her soul and full of sorrow but this only lasted a moment before they hardened into bits of violet jewels and silver steel and no emotions showed there as she met his gaze, "I'm going to war, I need you at my side." she breathed.

Caleb watched her face, almost curiously; his gaze becoming frosty and ice cold as he did, "You're gonna get a lot of people killed," he said, reaching for his jeans and pulling them back on before he looked at her again, "Because of that little stunt you pulled down there, there's soldiers filling the streets. Right now. They're gonna drag people from their homes, slaughter them in the streets, all because of that, because you want your fucking revenge for what he did to Aiden," he said, more harsh now, "They're not soldiers, Lynnéa, they're humans. Weak civilians, do you understand that?"

Lynn held his gaze as she took a step closer to him so they were mere inches from each other, "Are you afraid, Caleb?" she whispered, her voice carrying the undercurrent of a challenge, "Because the men and women out there are done being afraid, they're the ones lining the streets, set a big enough fire and they will come like moths to flame and blood will be shed on all sides." she said softly, "It's not just my revenge, Caleb, it's all of ours. Tonight so many people will die but they'll die brave and I'll die with them, so will our sons, our daughters, and our soldiers." she muttered, her gaze dark and flickering in the light of the candles, "Will you die with us? Fight with us? Or stay here and die in your tower like a coward?"

Caleb's jaw clenched; that grim darkness returning to his lovely face as he raised his hand a little, then lowered it again before he shook his head, "Fuck you," he said, so close they were nearly touching now as he stared at her, "Fight your fucking war, purge this city of humans and die if you must, but you're not taking any of mine with you," he said, sternly, cold; this being the final say on his behalf.

Nothing in Lynn's beautiful changed or even flinched, "You have none. They are all mine." she breathed, turning her cold, cold gaze on Eliya, "You won't look near as pretty when you're burning to death, sweetheart." she said, turning on her heel.

...Kiran grabbed her hips tight enough to bruise them as he slammed into her a final time, groaning out her name as he filled her.

Caleb's jaw clenched and he finally gave in; grabbing his gun from his drawer before he reached forward, throwing his arm around her neck to pin her against him before he fired a shot towards one of the pillows on the bed and pressed the burning mouth to her temple, "You will not speak to her like that, ever," he hissed into her ear, "You might not care if you die, but they do," he breathed, nodding towards the living room where he knew Adam and William stood.

Anna's entire body seemed to convulse with ecstasy; her lids fluttering as she cried out, giving into him entirely as she clenched around his length and laid her pretty head on his shoulder, panting hard.

Lynn's eyes began to blacken, the beginnings of rage starting to tremble in her belly as she reached up to curl her fingers around the arm pinning her to him, she twisted in his grasp, sweeping one of her long legs through his as she bent his arm backwards to have him on his front on the floor, she settled on top of him in moments, keeping his arm at a painful angle from his body as she grabbed the gun and threw it across the floor where it landed with a solid thud, "You're being unfair to me, you know?" she said softly, "You talk to me however you want whenever you want, sometimes you tell me you love me and sometimes you piss me off beyond belief, this is one of those times when you were supposed to the former, in my opinion, I don't need cruelty, I'm so tired of it," she breathed, curling her fingers against his hair as she bent to whisper in his ear, "Do you know what it's like to see the one you love dying over and over again whenever you close your eyes?" she breathed, nipping at his ear, "Forgive me for wanting my revenge, forgive me for all the words I say in anger, I know you mean well but sometimes you're a bully and a child." she muttered, "Do you know what happens to mean children?" she said, raising a perfect brow at him before without warning she turned, raising her hand to slam it against his jean-clad ass, "They get spanked." she said and was soon off of him.

Caleb blinked slowly, his lips twitching as if he didn't quite know if he should smile or growl at her and he turned, lying on his back now to look up at her as his brow slowly raised and he broke into a full-bodied laugh, unable to control it before he shook his head at her, "Miss Norratov, I have never had the urge to screw your brains out as much as right now," he breathed, grinning wickedly at her before he started laughing again, slowly rising to his feet as he rubbed his arm.

Lynn felt the beginnings of a smile quirk the corners of her lips but it never shown through her pretty eyes, "I'd gladly throw you over my knee any time." she muttered, "It's just sad that's the only part you paid attention to." she breathed, turning to leave them again, "Dasvydania, Caleb."

Kiran ran his fingers up her spine, panting softly, "You're so magnificent." he breathed, kissing her hair.

Caleb didn't seem to pay attention to this; obviously already done with everything she had to say as he sighed, moving to sit on the edge of his bed again; his dark gaze moving over his shoulder to his beautiful, sore little woman.

Anna smiled, almost weakly so as a shiver crawled up her spine, following his fingers as she bit his shoulder, "That's over exaggerating a little, don't you think?" she breathed, biting him again.

Eliya had sat up on her palms, the covers draped over her small, naked form, her pretty mismatched eyes shimmered as they looked up at him and she pouted, "She spanked you." she muttered as if this were the only part she'd paid attention to as well.

Kiran grinned, "I mean it." he breathed, his hand moving so suddenly as he slapped her ass, "No biting."

Caleb couldn't help the warmth that came into his eyes now as he grinned at her, "Would it make you feel better if I fucked you sore?" he breathed; insatiable at the moment.

Anna jumped a bit on him, the movement sending tingles up her abdomen as she clenched around him again, biting her bottom lip as she studied his gaze, "But I like biting you," she breathed, raising her hand to run her fingers through his beard; her backside stinging from the sudden slap.

Eliya moved her covers away from her, spreading her legs obligingly, "Yes, please." she breathed out, her cheeks flushing as she moved her arms behind her pretty head.

"But I said not to." Kiran muttered, raising a brow at her as he kissed her nose.

Caleb's gaze fell between her legs as he bit his bottom lip for the briefest moment; that sexy half-smirk lighting up his face as he stood again, undoing his jeans as he tilted his head to one side, "Touch yourself."

"So?" Anna breathed, raising a brow back at him as she continued to nuzzle his beard with her fingers; loving the sensation on her skin.

Eliya bit her lip hard enough to make it bleed as her fingers danced across her abdomen to touch herself, her back arching a little at how sensitive and tender she felt, "Do you like watching me?" she breathed out, a shiver moving through her.

Kiran cocked his brow, "You should listen to me more often, I can be a very wise man." he breathed.

Caelan Vladislav stood above a man-hole that led deep into the bowels of the city, he knew at this moment in the very dark his literal and figurative brothers and sisters stood at marked ones as well, he knelt beside it, in his palm was a faintly glowing silver oval, he counted to three and somehow knew they were all doing the same before he dropped the device into the tunnel, he knew it would sprout silver spidery legs and crawl through the tunnel to Joseph's underground headquarters. He covered the tunnel again and took off from him, ticking the seconds off in his head before he could hear and feel the explosive tremble that was ripping through the whole setting as if Hell had just been unleashed beneath it.

"I love it," Caleb breathed, briefly raising his gaze to her face before dropping it back between her legs, pushing down his jeans and boxer-briefs once more as he watched her intently.

"And if I don't?" Anna breathed, deciding to be brave as she leaned in and bit the nape of his neck; tracing her tongue along the mark afterwards before she bit him again, obviously enjoying herself.

Eliya continued to pleasure herself, feeling butterflies start in her abdomen as she gasped, keeping her pretty eyes only on him.

Kiran moved his hand to slap her ass again twice, for both bites, "I'll spank you." he breathed.

Caleb's jaw clenched; feeling himself harden almost painfully before he slid onto the bed, his muscles tensing as he moved over her and bent his head to kiss her throat and collarbone.

Anna bit her lip hard, wincing a bit at the burning sting before she took his chin between her thumb and index finger, "What if I like it when you hit me?" she breathed, almost curiously as she tilted her pretty head a bit to one side.

Eliya bit her lip hard but kept touching herself because he didn't say to stop, "I need you so bad." she panted, her heart doing somersaults in her chest.

"Then I'll do it more often." Kiran breathed, moving one hand up to cup her breasts.

Caleb's lips twisted into a grin as he slid the tip of himself inside of her, "Don't stop," he breathed, hovering over her by his palms as he slid himself into her completely, a slow torture as he pressed himself deep into her.

Anna shivered, "I love you, do you know that?" she breathed, clenching around him once more as she raised her pretty face to gently bite his bottom lip.

Eliya began to squirm, not stopping as her body tightened and she began to convulse around him, crying out his name.

"I had my suspicions." Kiran breathed, biting her upper lip, "I love you too." he said softly.

An Hour or so later...
Lynnie headed towards Lupus Corp, dress all in black, a sleek black gas mask over her pretty face and an M-16 in her arms, she didn't care if she was alone amiss the fighting, she let all the feelings broiling in her soul spread through her as she entered the building, at that moment she didn't care if she lived or died.

Caleb's lips parted in a groan in the moment he pulled back to his tip and then thrust into her; suddenly building up a quick, deep pace in her as warmth started to build in his abdomen.

Anna's cheeks filled with warmth as she gently kissed him, "Are you hungry?" she breathed, feeling a strange urge to cater to him in any way she could.

Joseph the Fiend sat in his office, in the very top of the building. He had seated himself in his leather chair, waiting patiently as he watched the cameras, grinning when he spotted Lynnie, alone in the foyer since he had dismissed all of the guards to the streets and they moved swiftly, massacring families in their homes for simply supporting the Hawthornes.

Eliya began to move her hips up to meet him, the flutters starting deep in her abdomen as she moved her hands to gouge her nails down his back.

"A bit." Kiran grinned, "Why? Are you going to cook for me?" he breathed, kissing her pretty mouth again.

Lynn never looked back, moving swiftly towards the stairs and moving up them, only slowly when she had made it to flight that let to the Fiend, she sucked her breath in through her mask, not allowing herself to tense as she continued upwards.

Caleb lowered himself on top of her; snaking an arm around her waist as he grabbed her hip with his free hand; pushing deeper and harder with every single move, a growl emerging from the back of his throat.

Anna moistened her lips, savoring the taste of him as she gave a slight shrug of her shoulders, "If you want me to," she breathed, raising her hand to run her fingers through his beard again as she held his gaze.

Joe made a spin in his chair; an impatient man as he sighed, standing as soon as Lynn came up on the camera not too far from his office and he grabbed his gun out of the drawer in his desk, cocking it and placing it on the glass tabletop.

Eliya tilted her pretty head back, screaming out for him as her body tensed and she began to quiver all around him again, seeing starts.

"I would love that." Kiran breathed, looking up to meet her gaze, "I missed you."

Lynn finally made her way into his office, she cocked the M-16, her gaze flickering from the gun on his desk to his face as she pulled her mask off and let it drop to the floor, "My gun is bigger than yours, Jody." she breathed in greeting,

Caleb slammed into her, three times more before he shuddered; pressing all of him into her before he exploded, shutting his eyes as he buried his face against her neck.

Anna's pretty face seemed to soften even more at this as she smiled, sweetly even, "I missed you too," she breathed, shivering as she slid off of him and began towards his bedroom to grab one of his shirts; soon returning, wearing one of his plain black t-shirts as the only thing, "What do you want to eat, baby?" she breathed, wanting to be his obedient, naked housewife for a night.

Joseph couldn't help but grin at her as he gave a slight shrug, "What can I do for you, miss Norratov?" he breathed, cocking his head a bit to one side as he waiting for one of the punchlines Asher Kane had told him so much about.

Eliya put her arms around him, still quaking beneath him, "I love you." she breathed, shutting her eyes.

Kiran pursed his lips, "I've always loved you French Toast?" he breathed, a grin curving his lips as he looked up at her.

Lynn cocked her pretty head to the side, "There's so much you could do for me," she breathed, "But let's start with a pop quiz, answer correctly and you live a few seconds longer, don't and..well, you'll see."

"I love you," Caleb whispered in return, nothing but sincerity in his voice as he moved downwards, placing his pretty head on her belly as he relaxed against her; not wanting to squish her.

Anna rolled her pretty eyes at him before she moved around the table and bent a little at the waist to pick up his sweats, "Put some clothes on, Hawthorne, you're driving me crazy," she breathed, biting her lip in a playful way before she tossed them to him and turned to saunter into the kitchen.

Joseph faked a shudder, "Oh my," he breathed, dropping into his seat and gathering his hands in his lap, "I'm excited."

Eliya relaxed fully, feeling like a warm cookie as she ran her fingers over his hair, enjoying their bubble.

Kiran rolled his eyes but he stood a slid them on, letting them hang from his hips.

"Where is the shield?" Lynn breathed, her gaze never leaving the man's face.

Caleb blinked slowly, sleepily even as he watched her face; his before so eager fingers now carefully caressing her outer thigh as he sighed, "You're mine," he whispered.

Anna made a sweet, delectable noise to herself as she reached up to make some sense out of her just-fucked curls; a warm ache still in her abdomen when she stepped into his kitchen and began to find ingredients for their meal.

Joseph's lips pulled into a thin, hard line for a moment as he watched her face closely, regarding her as he gave an almost invisible shrug of his shoulders, "It's spread across the world."

Eliya looked down at him from under hooded lids, "Always." she breathed.

Lynn moved slowly towards him now, "Be specific." she muttered, her tone clipped.

"Good," Caleb whispered; a trace of a smile playing on his lips before he rested his head against her abdomen again, shutting his eyes.

"The machine is split in pieces, all of the world, Miss Norratov," Joseph said, matter-of-factly so, "It has taken Kane years to put them there and it would take you even longer to find them. I don't even know their location, let alone how to shut them down." he shook his head, all amusement fading from his face, "Paranoid bastard, Kane."

Lynn pursed her lips tight as she placed her gun next to Joe's on his desk, she moved around behind him, placing her hands on his shoulders, "Hmph, I suppose the fun won't be over too soon then." she breathed, squeezing his shoulders, "How would you like to die, Jody?"

"Surprise me," Joseph murmured, seeming strangely relaxed as his gaze remained straight ahead, as if he wasn't even aware of the situation.

In a matter of minutes, Anna turned off the heat on the stove and flipped the French Toast onto a plate before she sauntered back into Kiran's living room, seating herself next to him, "Can I ask you something?" she muttered, placing the plate in front of him before she pulled her knees to her chest, watching him curiously.

Lynn cocked her head, "You don't fear death, do you?" she asked softly, reaching up to yank his head back so she could look into his face.

Kiran took a bite of French Toast before he looked up at her, cocking an eyebrow as if to tell her to ask.

"What is there to fear?" Joseph muttered, looking up at her with a raised brow, "Nobody in this world stays dead for long, Lynnéa."

Anna pursed her lips into a thin line for the briefest moment before she bit her bottom one, "In Tennessee, you told me you got scars that I couldn't see," she breathed, her gaze scrutinizing his eyes, "Will you tell me?"

Lynn's gaze flickered, "Who will bring you back, Joseph? No demon in Hell, you trapped them there and they're pissed, Kane is dead, another scientist? I'll carry your bones around like a necklace but no one will be able to touch you." she breathed, pulling a garrote from her leather jacket, she wrapped the ends around her fists before bringing the thin wire around his throat.

Kiran seemed to visibly tense before he dropped his gaze, "Just the wars, the blood, its not what I thought." he muttered.

Joseph didn't flinch or move; his dark gaze fixed on her face as a slow, fearless grin curved his lips, "I have my ways, sweetheart."

Anna's lips curved into a slight frown, "What did you think it was?" she whispered, her brows pulling together as she bit back the urge to touch him.

Lynn smiled mirthlessly at this, "You're brave, Joseph, stupid but brave." she breathed, tightening the wire as it began to cut through skin.

Kiran bit his lip, "I'm an assassin or I was, we fight wars differently, the killing is different, you take care of yourself, sometimes people you know die, but you don't have to watch it, it was just different." he muttered, putting his food down as if no longer hungry.

Joseph finally shut his eyes; the grin starting to slip from his face as the dull pain started in his throat, but he said nothing, as if he'd been waiting for this moment for quite too long.

Anna bit her bottom lip hard, drawing blood almost immediately as her gaze followed his hands, "I'm sorry," she whispered, suddenly feeling awfully uncomfortable and guilty for pressing the subject.

Three days later, New New York...
Eliya bit her lip as the elevator jolted and began to ascend towards Lynn Norratov's apartment, she looked beautiful in a one shoulder cream dress that clung to her curves and plum colored platform heels, her pretty curls were put up in a perfect bun on her pretty head, she squeezed Caleb's fingers, "You don't think Lynn is mad at us, right?" she mumbled.

Kiran bit his lip, he looked handsome as ever in a dark suit as he led Anna towards the elevator in his mother's building, "It feels like it's been forever." he muttered, making a face.

"I'd be shocked if she wasn't," Caleb muttered simply as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze, his light gaze on her face, "You look beautiful, baby."

Anna raised her pale gaze to his face, a soft smile curving her plump lips as she clasped her hands in front of her, "It has been," she murmured, looking absolutely beautiful in a strapless pink dress, showing off her curves and recently acquired tan.

Eliya bit her lip a little more as she leaned against his side, "I do try." she breathed, smiling softly at his comment before she frowned again, "She should be upset, I suppose, but she shouldn't be angry, you had an opinion different from hers, that's that." she mumbled, nodding to herself.

Kiran bit his lip as he placed his arm around her waist, pressing the button for the elevator, "I've missed everyone." he mumbled, his violet-silver eyes warming at the thought as he pulled her into the elevator and pressed the number for his mother's floor.

Caleb pursed his lips into a thin line as he slid his arm around her, "I guess," he mumbled, bending his pretty head to kiss her hair.

Anna's eyes seemed to warm up a little as she leaned against his side, "Do you think your mother is angry with us?" she muttered, biting her lip at the thought that she hadn't called her ex-mother-in-law for months.

Eliya slid her arm around his waist, leaning against him as the elevator doors slid open onto the Lynn's apartment, it was all ready full of their friends and families, chattering and laughing about various things in the light from the panoramic windows, "Should we find her?" she mumbled, glancing up at Caleb.

Kiran made a face, "I don't know." He said honestly, "She might be." he breathed as the elevator began it's pull upwards.

Caleb pursed his lips tighter, "Shouldn't be too hard if we find the bar," he muttered, trying to stifle the grin that was curving his lips.

Anna's lips pulled into a slight pout as she turned her front to him, raising her hands to adjust his tie, "Well," she breathed, raising her gaze to his, "If she gives you a hard time, you can come get me and I'll give you a treat in the closet?"

Eliya rolled her pretty eyes at this before sweeping her gaze across the room, "Found it." she breathed, starting to lead him towards the bar now.

Kiran smiled at this before he bent his head to kiss her forehead, "And what if she gives you a hard time?" he breathed.

Caleb let her lead him; a wicked grin curving his pretty lips as he studied her backside, obviously quite pleased with the sight.

Anna bit her bottom lip hard, "Then you can take me to the closet and fuck my brains out," she breathed, sounding almost sulky.

Eliya continued her sashay towards the bar, knowing exactly what her backside did to her man, she bit her bottom lip, her gaze moving across the various bottles of clear and amber liquid and the people drinking up, none of them Lynnie Norratov, "She isn't at the bar, you were wrong, baby." she mumbled, glancing back at him.

"Done." Kiran grinned, raising his hand to run his thumb along her jaw line before he lifted her chin and planted a sweet kiss on her pretty lips as the doors opened onto the party.

Caleb wrinkled his nose a bit at this, "There's a first for everything," he muttered, glancing around for Hannibal Landry or Micah Norratov, knowing either of those would know where she was.

Anna gently bit his bottom lip, "This should be fun," she breathed, a certain warmth starting in her abdomen as she turned away from him and stepped into the apartment, her light gaze moving over everyone there.

Kiran bit his lip again, his gaze sweeping across the room before he spotted Caleb and a wide grin spread across his lips as he began to tug Anna's towards the bar with him, "Brother." he called, his grin getting wider now as Eliya made a noise and left Caleb's side, her initial search for Lynn forgotten at the moment, as she threw her arms around Anna.

Caleb made a quick turn on his heel; a wide grin spreading across his face, "Brother," he breathed, pulling his best friend into a bear hug; almost surprised at how much he'd missed him.
Anna made a squeaky noise; throwing her arms around her best friend and hugging her tight, "I missed you so much, Ellie, ohmygod," she said, high-pitched and unbelievably happy.

Kiran hugged him back, having missed his best friend terribly, he pulled back a little, a wide grin on his handsome face still, "Where's Shorty?" he muttered, glancing around for Aiden before he returned his gaze to Caleb, "Having his own victory party with my mother?" he breathed, wrinkling his pretty nose at the thought when he didn't notice her either.
Eliya hugged Anna tighter, "I missed you too, these last few months have been insane." she breathed.

Caleb's grin seemed to fade rather quickly, "You don't know?" he mumbled, searching his brother's gaze, "Kiran.. Aiden died two weeks ago."
Anna made an absolutely exhausted noise, not even hearing the boys' conversation, "Tell me about it," she breathed, smiling very quickly again, "What have you been doing? Tell me everything."

The humor faded from Kiran's face, "What?" he breathed out, his throat tightening a little and he shook his head, "How?" he whispered, studying Caleb's face closely.

Caleb swallowed hard, raising both of his hands to drag his fingers through his hair, "They blew him to pieces, man," he breathed, shaking his head at the thought, "Joe had him wrapped in C4 and he just marched right up to King's Tower like a fucking zombie."

Kiran's eyes darkened, "Fuck." he breathed out, leaning against the bar as he reached up to curl his fingers against his hair, "Fuck, I should have been here." he whispered, shaking his head again, "Where's my mother? How is she?" he asked softly, looking up at his remaining brother.

Caleb shook his head, "Last time I saw her; not good and I can't fucking find her," he muttered, frowning even deeper at this.
Anna bit her bottom lip hard as she looked up at her man, "What happened?" she breathed, returning her gaze to Eliya's face.

Eliya frowned deeply, glancing back for a moment before she looked up at Anna, "Aiden Stark is dead." she said softly, lowering her gaze a bit.
Kiran cussed again, rubbing his face now as he glanced around, "This is her victory party, right? She should be here." he muttered, thinking for a moment how fucked up a victory this must be for her.
"It's not a victory party." Chloe Vladislav breathed, all grown up and looking very pretty in a light pink dress and black booties, her curls falling around her shoulders, making her look so much like her mother but her light eyes were Caleb's as she looked up at her father and brother, having heard a bit of their conversation, "It's a goodbye party, mama's leaving the city tonight." she said softly.

Caleb raised a brow at this, "She's leaving?" he mumbled, studying his not-so-little girl with a deep frown before he glanced back at his brother, "We have to find her."

Chloe bit her lip, "She's in her room, daddy, getting Lucien ready." she muttered, tugging at the ends of her hair, wondering if she was right for divulging that sort of information, "She's...different." she mumbled, frowning a little now, "It's sad, I don't like it."

Caleb nodded slightly, "We'll take care of it, baby," he said softly, bending his head to kiss her hair before he gestured for Kiran to follow him to Lynn's room.

Kiran pursed his lips as he followed his brother, his chest tightened as they reached his mother's room and he wondered what she would say to him, how she would look at him, he ran his fingers over his hair when they entered; Lynnie was on her knees in front of Lucien, straightening his white button up dress shirt even though the little was boy was sniffling and making little face at her, "I don't want to go out there." he whispered.
Lynn raised her gaze to Lucien's little face and reached up to fix his mop of curls, "I don't either but we have to and then it'll be done and we can go." she said softly, seemingly not noticing Caleb or Kiran in her entryway.

Caleb crossed his arms over his chest, raising a brow at his ex-fiancée, "What's going on, Lynn?" he muttered, something dark over his handsome face.

Lynn raised her gaze from her little boy's face to Caleb's for a moment before she looked down at him again, "Go find, Chloe, okay? I'll be out there in a moment." she said softly, giving him a gentle swat on his side so he would get moving, she straightened as he left and smoothed out quarter-sleeved, tight-to-curves, black and red dress, her curls falling naturally around her pretty face, the bruises were deeper under her pretty, sad eyes, "What do you mean, Caleb?" she muttered, the room almost empty now as if she'd all ready packed it.

Caleb gestured to the room, "I hear you're leaving the city," he muttered, watching her closely with that grim frown on his face again.
Anna bit her bottom lip, having watched the boys leave and she sighed, excusing herself from Eliya's side as she began her search for Caden.

Lynn pursed her lips for a moment, "I can't stay here." she said softly, lowering her gaze for a moment, "Not in this apartment, not in this city, it hurts, and I don't have any more reasons to stay, do I?" she muttered.
Caden stood with Simon Landry and Maximus Allier, they chatted idly, equally worried expressions on their handsome faces.

Caleb couldn't help but sigh, "You still have us," he muttered, something soft seeming to change his pretty face.
Anna bit her bottom lip hard when she spotted him; that warmth Kiran had started in her abdomen suddenly turning cool as she began to saunter towards Caden and the other men, clasping her hands in front of her when she reached them, "Cade, can I talk to you for a moment?" she breathed, a soft smile curving her lips in greeting to all three of them.

Lynnie raised her gaze to his face again, "I haven't been so sure these last few days." she said honestly, seeming so very sad in that moment as her violet-silver eyes shimmered, "Sometimes I don't if you're really my friend or not and I need you to be my friend because I feel so alone and it's unbearable." she breathed, her throat tightening.

Caden's emerald eyes were soft as they slid over her face, "Of course." he said softly, taking her elbow gently to pull her towards a less occupied corner, "What is it, Anna?"

Caleb's brows furrowed, a frown tugging on his lips again, "I've always been your friend, Lynnie," he muttered, slowly starting to move towards her, "Just don't leave. Please."

Anna bit her lip again as she looked up at him, her pretty eyes shimmering, "I feel like I should apologize," she breathed, looking almost guilty as she said it, "For disappearing.. and all that."

Lynn's pretty lips trembled a little and she rung her hands together almost nervously, "But I miss him so bad and being here reminds me he isn't..and the way that makes me feel inside is so...awful, like all my insides are curling in on themselves and hurts down to my soul and I don't think I've ever felt like this about losing someone and I don't know what to do." she whispered, visibly trembling as her eyes filled, "I don't know what to do."

Caden studied her for another moment before he bent to kiss the top of her head, "We're fine." he said softly, "I'm glad you're...well." he breathed, smiling softly.

Caleb swallowed hard, trying to portray a soft smile as he moved to pull her into a tight hug, "You're gonna go out there, get shitfaced with me, Eliya and Kiran and you're gonna be the fucking star that you are and laugh your fantastic ass off when I tell you awful stories from my childhood," he said, calm and absolutely serious.

Anna couldn't help the shimmer that came into her pale gaze as she watched his pretty face, smiling even wider, "I missed you so much, Cade," she breathed.

Lynn reached up to curl her fingers in his lapels, pressing her face against against chest, beginning to cry a bit as her shoulders drooped; Kiran frowned, something so sad on his handsome face as he moved towards them, moving around to wrap his arms around his mothers, kissing the top of her head, something he'd never done before, "I'm sorry," he whispered.

Caden smiled softly at her, "I missed you too." he said softly, "Have you talked to your ex-mother-in-law, she's missed you too,"

Caleb gently squeezed Lynnie again before he slowly loosened, taking a step back from them as he sighed, knowing this was something both of them probably needed.

Anna pressed her lips into a relatively thin line before she shook her head, the movement having her curls bounce, "Caleb and Kiran are talking to her," she muttered, slipping her arms around herself in a tight sort of hug before she gave a shrug of her slender, bare shoulders, "I'll let you get back to the boys, I just wanted to say hi," she breathed, getting on the front of her stilettos to kiss his cheek.

Lynn turned to face her little boy and wrap her arms around him, he spoke softly to her in Russian, his eyes shimmering with emotions he barely wanted to face and she pulled back suddenly to look into his face, she was silent, her eyes still wet as she reached up to touch his cheek, he seemed to relax visibly as if this forgiveness was the only one he needed; she took a breath a moment later and turned to face Caleb, "I'd like a glass of whiskey now." she breathed out, raising her shimmering gaze to his.

Caleb's lips twitched into a slight smile, "Join us downstairs then?" he muttered softly, tilting his head to one side, "I can imagine people would like to see you, darling."

Lynn nodded slowly as she started towards the door not bothering to put on heels in her own damn apartment as she offered Caleb her arm, "Will you escort me?" she said, reaching up to wipe the tears away from her pretty face.

Caleb gave a slight nod, "Of course," he said softly, taking her arm in his as he bent his head to kiss her hair; in that moment wanting nothing than for her to smile.

Lynn sniffled, giving a ghost of a smile that didn't make it all the way to her pretty eyes, Kiran close behind them, "Lead the way." she said softly.

Caleb's smile widened some, becoming absolutely genuine as he lead her out of the room and back into the living room; expecting people to come at Lynnie from every side now.

Lynn clutched to Caleb tighter as her friends and family all began towards her, muttering in swirls of chatter, she blanched, leaning over to Caleb's ear, "Will you get me out of here for an hour? Please." she breathed, something almost desperate about it.

Caleb's gaze fell onto her again and he studied her for a moment before he nodded and turned his gaze on his brother, "Will you take care of Eliya for an hour or so?" he muttered, that crooked half-grin curving his lips.

Kiran felt a genuine smile curve his lips, "I'm sure Anna and I can entertain her." he breathed, cocking a brow in the most suggestive manner as he glanced around for his girl and his brother's little woman.

Caleb rolled his eyes at his brother, but he said nothing to his perverted words as he tightened his hold on Lynnie and began to escort her towards the elevator.
Anna ran her fingers through her curls as she made her way back to her little best friend, wrapping her arms around her from behind in the sweetest way and giving her a gentle squeeze, "You alright?" she breathed, pulling back to let her face her.

Lynn finally seemed to breathe again, "I just...I don't want to talk to anyone." she said, "Maybe just you." she added softly, looking up at him.

Eliya turned to face her, a soft smile on her lips, "I'm actually really happy." she breathed, sighing softly, "I'm in love."

Caleb smiled softly at her, "Cause I'm just that pleasant?" he breathed, pulling her into the elevator the second the doors opened and he pressed the button.

Anna's lips traced into a grin, "You make it sound like you haven't been for the past twenty-something years," she breathed, rolling her pretty eyes at her before smiling again, "It seems like Caleb's become.. more likable?"

Lynn cocked her head a bit as if considering this, "No, it can't be that." she breathed, managing another small smile at him, "I like this Caleb," she muttered, sighing softly.

Eliya rolled her pretty eyes, "He's always been likable and I've always been in love with him." she breathed, smiling softly as Kiran came sauntering to them, snaking his arm around Anna and bending his head to kiss her hair.

Caleb cocked his pretty head to one side, "What?" he mumbled, raising a brow at her.

Anna made a sweet noise, seeming to relax more as she leaned against Kiran's side, "Did Caleb leave Ellie in our care?" she breathed, tilting her pretty head back to look up at him.

Lynn bit her lip, "I like it when you're nice to me." she shrugged, "When you're..mean and bullying, it's disconcerting, like I've done something wrong and I never quite understand what it is." she said softly

Kiran nodded, "He had to go save my mother." he frowned a bit at this as he rested his chin on top of her hair, "She's..so sad." he muttered.

Caleb couldn't help the half-smile that curved his lips, even though he knew it shouldn't as he watched her face curiously, "Is that why you spanked me?" he breathed as huskily as he could manage.

Anna frowned a bit at this, "It's understandable, with her losing Aiden and all," she muttered, feeling her heart briefly ache at the thought of her man going in that way before she shook it off, sighing, "Was she angry with you?"

Lynn arched a perfect brow at him, "Yes and I'd do it again, Vladislav." she breathed, cocking her head a bit more at him, her violet-silver eyes shimmering.

"Yes." Kiran said honestly, "But she forgave me." he breathed, kissing the top of her head again.

Caleb faked a shudder, grinning widely at her now, "Mhm, I love it when you get rough with me, Norratov," he breathed, pulling her out of the elevator when they reached the foyer.

Anna couldn't help the soft smile that curved her lips once more, "Good," she muttered, moving her thin hand over his and entwining their fingers before she sighed, softly even, "We should get hammered and go dancing tonight, to celebrate," she breathed.

Lynn rolled her eyes, letting him lead her, "I hope you intend to keep your filthy hands to yourself this evening or I will have to do something..unsavory to you." she breathed, narrowing her eyes in a playful manner.

"Celebrate what?" Kiran mumbled, shutting his eyes for a moment.

Caleb made a face at this as he lead her out to the streets, "Trust me, darling, I won't put a finger on you," he breathed, steering for his Lamborghini.

Anna's brows pulled together in a frown as she turned to face her man, "Hey," she breathed, raising her hands and very carefully tracing his cheekbones with her fingers, "We are still here, baby," she whispered, her light, worried gaze watching his pretty face, "Aiden wouldn't want you to mourn him, you know that."

Lynn rolled her pretty eyes again, silent for a moment, "Thank you." she said softly as she let him lead her.

Kiran bit his lip hard before he bent forward to press his forehead against hers, "I know." he said softly, "It just, it hasn't quite sunk in yet." he murmured.

"For keeping my hands to myself?" Caleb muttered, glancing down at her as he moved around the car and opened the passenger seat in the most gallant manner he could manage.

Anna shut her eyes a moment, sliding her arms around his neck as she sighed, "I know," she whispered, opening her light eyes only to look into his, "Do you want to go home?"

Lynn bit her lip, "For being here." she said softly, studying his face for a moment before she slid into his car.

Kiran sighed, kissing her nose, "If we go home, I'd like to lose myself in you." he breathed, his violet-silver eyes shimmering.

Caleb's lips suddenly carried the trace of a smile once more as he shut the door; remaining silent before he was seated behind the wheel, "Where do you want to go?" he breathed, gazing over her as he awakened the monster they were in.

Anna nodded slightly, "Anything you want," she breathed, raising her face a little to kiss his bottom lip.

Lynn considered this for a moment, "A bar. Any, I don't care." she said softly, tilting her head back against her headrest, a sigh escaping her pretty lips.

Kiran shifted his pretty head to capture her mouth against his and kiss her deeply, "I want you." he said softly against her mouth.

Caleb gave a slight nod, but he remained quiet this time; pulling the Lamborghini away from the curb before he roared it onto the streets of New York.

Anna held his gaze; her own shimmering as she felt the warmth start in her abdomen once more and she curled her fingers in his hair, "I'm yours," she breathed against his mouth, pressing her lips against his to kiss him hard.

Casey Walker felt a wicked grin curve his handsome lips as he spotted her; looking more than beautiful on her own as he moved towards her and swept his arms around little Eliya's waist, "Hello, gorgeous," he murmured into her ear.

Lynn felt another sigh pass between her lips, "Did he ever tell you about the first day we met?" she muttered, speaking of Aiden as she tilted her head to appraise Caleb's profile.

Kiran moved his fingers into her hair to deepen their kiss, feel warmth spread through him, he pulled back to rub his nose against hers, "Always?"

Eliya squeaked, throwing her arms around Casey and hugging him as tight as possible, "Are you really here?" she breathed.

Caleb slowly shook his head, "Aiden is-" he paused, frowning a bit at the word, "Was a private man."

"Always," Anna breathed; her voice suddenly filled with want as she kept her fingers in his hair, curling into fists.

"No, I'm a ghost, darling," Casey breathed, squeezing her tight as he kissed her hair, "Of course I'm here."

Lynn bit her lip, "I was naked." she muttered, smiling a soft, genuine smile before she shook her head, "Anyways, after he took me to his safe place, I tried to seduce him and he told me no." she mumbled, smiling wider now at the memory.

Kiran kissed her harder again, like they were the only two people in the whole damn room, "I love you." he breathed after a moment.

Eliya rolled her eyes against his chest as she inhaled his scent, "I missed you, Case." she breathed, leaning back to kiss him right on his pretty mouth.

Caleb's lips curved into a slight smile again, "Typical Aiden," he breathed, shaking his head a little as the car accelerated.

"I love you too, Kiran," Anna breathed, tightening her hold on his hair, "More than anything in the world."

Casey squeezed her tighter, his lips curving into a grin at the kiss, "I missed you too, darling."

Lynn's lips pulled into a wider grin, "What do you mean?" she breathed, cocking her head a bit, "Is he always sexually frustrating to women?" she muttered, pouting her lips, "And all this time, I thought it was just me."

Kiran smiled softly at her before he took her hand and started for the staircase with her, deciding not to wait until the got home.

Eliya smiled softly, "So much has happened." she breathed out, studying every inch of Casey's pretty face, "When did you get back, anyways?"

Caleb rolled his pretty eyes at her, "He's been sleeping with women on row; that's what he usually did," he muttered, wrinkling his nose a little, "It's what we used to do, for kicks. Even had a competition once." he couldn't help but smile a bit at the memory, "But it changed when he met you. He loved you, from the start."

Anna made a sweet noise, almost having to run on her stiletto heels to keep up with him as she squeezed his hand; letting him lead her upstairs.

"A few days ago," Casey breathed, raising his hand to drag his fingers through his hair, "I don't even remember anything but waking up in some motel on the island."

Lynn tilted her head back against the seat, shutting her eyes for a moment, tears burning behind her lids, "He made me feel so flustered and unsure and yet he could take my hand and everything just felt..right." she breathed out, "I've never had that, I've never felt so much love for one person, not even you." she said softly.

Kiran led her into one of the now empty bedroom, his gaze lit up as he shut the door and turned to lean against it, "Strip for me, baby." he breathed, a crooked grin curving his lips.

Eliya made a little face, "Well, I'm still glad you're back, you can keep me company since my babysitters just ran upstairs to do naughty things to each other." she breathed, smiling warmly at him.

"There's a first for everything, Lynnie," Caleb muttered, driving even faster now as he headed for the outskirts of the island.

Anna bit her bottom lip hard, a playful look coming into her pretty, light eyes as she reached behind her, holding his gaze as she slowly unzipped her body-hugging dress, "Stilettos or no?" she breathed, licking her plump lips purposely.

Casey couldn't help but grin widely at this, "Sure," he breathed, bending his head to kiss her pretty nose, "What do you wanna do?"

Lynn opened her eyes to peer up at him when the beat of Stuck up Fuck up by Big Chocolate began to play from somewhere in her cleavage, she blinked for a moment, reaching into her dress to acquire her cell phone, "What's wrong?" she breathed in greeting, she listened for a moment, her pretty eyes getting wide as she seemed to shift gears, "He did what?" she nearly screamed, "He is six years old, he has to be on foot." she breathed into the phone, pausing as Stacey spoke, her eyes widened another fraction and her jaw tightened, "So help me, if I get the three of you in the Hold, you will be sore." she said through her teeth before she hung up, letting out her breath before she turned to Caleb, "Lucien's run away." she said, the anger fading into panic.

Kiran bit his bottom lip painfully hard, "Leave the heels." he breathed, his voice dark and husky as he watched her.

Eliya tilted her head a bit, thinking for a moment, "We can find a nice bar, get drunk, catch up?" she mumbled.

Caleb's eyes seemed to widen a few sizes as he looked over at her, pressing the brakes and sending them to an almost immediate stop, "What?" he breathed, "Where would he go?"

Anna bit her bottom lip harder as she finished unzipping her dress, sashaying her hips a little to get it off her hips before it pooled around her feet; her pinstriped, black Armani lingerie showing her off perfectly and she placed her hands on her hips, tilting her pretty head a little to one side as she seemed to be awaiting his next command.

"Sounds perfect," Casey breathed, raising his gaze to the bar they were standing right next to before a wicked grin curved his lips once more, "But maybe we should clear this place out first?"

Lynn wracked her brain for a moment before she sat up straight, "The beach." she breathed out, giving him the directions for the one she always took her children too, her heart clenching at the thought of her little boy out alone.

Kiran felt a shudder rip through him as his hot gaze racked over her, "Twirl for me, baby." he breathed, holding up a finger to twirl it emphatically.

Caleb gave a slight nod as he pressed his foot down once more; having the beast accelerate beneath them before he took off towards the beach, his gaze moving over Lynnie for the briefest moment, "Why would he run away?"

Anna felt a slightly amused smile curve her pretty lips as she shifted her weight; twirling painfully slow for him before she came to face him again, running her fingertips along her abdomen, "What will you have me do now, Mr. Hawthorne?" she breathed.

Lynn shut her eyes for a moment, "He's a little boy, he's never had someone die before, he doesn't understand why Aiden hasn't come back." her throat closed up for a moment before she continued, "He doesn't want to move either, he's sad, Caleb, he doesn't know how to deal with it but he's happy at the beach."

Kiran's eyes darkened, "Face the wall, legs spread, palms against it, I want to try something." he breathed, slowing reaching up to take off his tie.

Caleb ran his tongue over his teeth, considering this for a moment before he pursed his lips, "Maybe you should buy a house on the beach. I'm sure you'd both be happier like that, you know?"

Anna moistened her lips as her gaze moved over him for a moment, "So bossy," she breathed, rather liking that quality in him as she obliged; turning on her heel and sauntering to the far wall before she placed her palms on it and spread her legs, purposely arching her back a little to give him more of a view.

Lynn pursed her lips, "I was going to move us to an island." she said softly, "But a cottage overlooking the sea on our favorite beach would be nice too." she breathed out, her fingers knotting in her lap.

Kiran bit his lip, "Don't move." he breathed, slipping his black tie over her eyes and tying it behind her pretty head, running his fingers feather-light across the arch of her back.

"And closer to your family," Caleb muttered, glancing over at her again with an almost knowing look in his pretty eyes.

Anna bit her bottom lip hard, drawing blood immediately as a shiver wrapped around her spine, "What are you doing?" she breathed, feeling her heartbeat start to rise.

Lynn peered up at him again, "And closer to my family." she repeated before she shifted her gaze to the windshield, frowning as she watched the clouds darken and grey and huge plops of rain came crashing down, her heart twisted, "Oh no, my poor baby." she breathed out, imagining her small child in the mist of this on his own.

"No talking." Kiran breathed against her ear, nipping at the lobe before he brushed her hair to the side and placed scorching hot kisses along her neck and shoulders.

"We'll be there in a second," Caleb muttered, pushing the car even faster towards their location.

Anna sucked her lip in between her teeth; the metallic taste of blood having her shiver once more as she curled her fingers against the wall; anticipation having unbearable warmth spread in her abdomen.

Lynn nodded slowly, trying to get her heart beat under control as her gaze started to scan the landscape around them, in case Lucien hadn't exactly made it to the beach yet, "I am going to kill Stacey and the boys for this." she muttered suddenly, anger flushing through the panic and worry tying her heart in seams.

Kiran began a tortuously slow descent of kisses down his girl's spine, his fingers moving deftly to unhook her bra and reached around to cup her breasts.

"Let's find him first, yeah?" Caleb muttered, pushing the car harder and closer to the beach before it came into view and he soon killed the engine when they reached the edge of the street.

Anna made a sweet noise, her back arching once more as she let go of the wall, briefly to let her bra fall to the floor and she placed her hands flat on the wall again; fighting the urge to throw herself at her man, the blindfold making his touch absolutely sensational.

Lynn was out of the car in seconds, moving down to the beach, her violet-silver eyes searching frantically, the rain was cold as it sloshed down on her but she hardly noticed it, noticing a small dark form off in the distance before she took off, calling her son's name.

Kiran slammed his palm down against her ass, "Did I tell you to move?" he breathed into her ear.

Caleb got out of the car; shrugging out of his blazer and tossing it into the car before he took off after Lynnie.

Anna winced, gasping before biting down on her bottom lip harder, "Sorry," she breathed, the sweet sting sending another wave of warmth over her.

Lynn made her way to the dark lump, her little boy hunched over in the sand, using his Dinosaur backpack as a makeshift tent against the rain, her heart tightened as she dropped into the sand next to him, scooping him up into her arms to cradle him tight to her, "Oh, Lucien, you scared me." she breathed out.

Kiran gently ran his knuckles over the mark he'd left before swatting her again, "I didn't say to speak either." he breathed, his kisses back at her neck again.

Caleb stopped a few yards from them, a slight smile tracing on his lips as he watched, curiously so before he tilted his head a little to look into the dark sky; his clothes already soaked.

Anna winced again, biting the tip of her tongue to keep herself silent as she tried her best to keep absolutely still; the second sting warming her skin up like crazy.

Lucien made a little noise, struggling a little to move back to look at her face, "I didn't know what to do, mommy." he breathed, his pretty silver eyes filling with tears, "I don't want to go away, I want uncle Aiden come back." he breathed out, his little face scrunching up.
Lynn felt her tears burn down her cheeks, "I know baby but we have to do this together, mommy needs you." she whispered, encircling him in her arms again.

Kiran dropped to his knees suddenly to place hot kissing along her pink tinged skin as his fingers hooked in her panties and began to shimmy them down her beautiful, long, legs.

Caleb slid his hands into the pockets of his slacks; his clothes now sticking uncomfortably to his body as he dropped his gaze back to the mother and son before him, finding the scene rather sweet.

Anna's breath seemed to hitch in her throat, but she remained still and as silent as she could be; automatically raising her legs a little to help him get her panties off, willingly risking another smack for this.

Lynn held him for a little longer before she stood, cradling him and his backpack and all, Lucien sniffled and looked up from her shoulder at Caleb standing there, "Hi uncle Caleb." he called as they turned and began towards, rain slicking their clothes to their body.

Kiran finished getting them down, moving his head to bite the pink mark he'd left as he slid his fingers up her thighs.

Upstate New York...
Luis Adams stretched out in bed, spending a lazy afternoon with his pretty wife the best damn thing in his life, he glanced over at her sleepily, leaning across their satin sheets to nuzzle her neck, "Wake up, darling, I have a surprise for you tonight." he breathed against her skin.

Caleb smiled softly at the boy, giving a slight nod of acknowledgment, "Hey, champ," he breathed, gesturing for them to move it back to the Lamborghini.

Anna's lips parted in a gasp, her spine tensing at the sensations as she curled her fingers into fists against the wall.

Natacha stretched her long, thin limbs out on their bed before she sighed, almost dreamily so as her pretty, icy blue eyes opened, "I love surprises," she breathed, running her long fingers over his hair.

Lynn smiled in a relieved, motherly way at Caleb, mouthing, "Thank you." before she and Lucien made their way back to the car, sliding into the front seat together, not willing to let go of each other.

Luis grinned down at her, "I don't know how much you'll this one but we're going to Paris, me, you, right now." he breathed, placing a kiss on her lips, "Get dressed, baby." he breathed, sliding out of bed and marching towards the bathroom stark naked.

Caleb was close behind them, that half-smile never leaving his lips as he slid in behind the wheel and awoke the engine once more, "Going home?" he muttered, glancing over at them.

Natacha pursed her lips for a moment as she sat up, looking after him with an appreciative look in her pretty eyes before she slid out of bed and started for her closet; humoring him as always.

Lucien's eyes widened a little, "I don' wanna go home." he said in a small voice and Lynn looked up at Caleb, "Could we just drive around for a few hours?" she asked softly.

Luis showered quickly before he toweled off and slipped into his own closet to dress in dark jeans and a classic white button up, "Are you almost ready?" he called to her, moving towards her closet now.

Caleb nodded slightly, "Of course," he breathed, pulling away from the beach and starting for the smaller streets now.

"Ready," Natacha called from her closet as she emerged, wearing a sleeveless, loosely-sitting white blouse with dark, ripped jeans and stiletto heels, looking as naturally pretty as always as she ran her fingers over her straightened hair.

Lucien seemed to relax at this as he took his backpack off and held it in his lap, leaning his pretty, curled head against his mother as he studied uncle Caleb, "Can tell us a story about uncle Aiden?" he murmured suddenly, cocking his pretty head to the side, his silver eyes twinkling.

Luis bit his lip as he drank her in, "Beautiful." he breathed, snaking an arm around her as he bent his head to kiss her in his panty-melting ways.

... Kiran gripped Anna's hips tightly as he continued to slam into her, feeling his pleasure build as he gritted his teeth, breathing out her name like a prayer.

Caleb pursed his lips into a thin line for a moment, before he nodded, "Yeah, alright," he muttered, considering all his x-rated stories for a moment before a slight smile curved his lips, "I was with him once, when we had a bet going about robbing a bank in London, how does that sound?"

Natacha made a pleased noise against his mouth before she bit his bottom lip, hard, "Mhm, thank you, darling," she breathed, her almost intoxicated bright blue gaze on his.

Anna's lips parted in a sweet moan as she placed her hand over his, digging her fingernails into the back of his hand while she supported herself on the wall with the other; her little whimpers soon turning into cries of his name as the pleasure peeked, having her knees start to buckle beneath her as the blindfold had her incredibly disoriented.

Lucien seemed to brighten up at this, "Awesome," he breathed and his mother seemed to relax beneath him, a smile lighting her face now as she peered up at Caleb, "We'd love to hear it." she said softly.

Luis kissed her pretty nose as he wrapped an around her, "I'm going to try something I haven't done in quite a while with anyone, all right?" he said softly, kissing her pretty mouth again.

Kiran shuddered, slamming into her a last time and exploding in ecstasy as he filled her, his fingers digging into her hips.

Caleb couldn't help but grin widely at this as he kept his eyes on the road, driving faster, "We were living in London at the time, sharing a pretty small apartment with Isaac Lowell and Evangeline Hart, horrible bit-" he bit his tongue, knowing he should probably control his language as he cleared his throat, "Horrible people," he corrected himself before continuing, "One night, we were drinking and talking about money, which we didn't have much of at the time, and Aiden joked about robbing some banks," he muttered, smiling at the memory.

Natacha ran her fingers up his chest, giving a slight nod, "Okay," she breathed, studying his gaze curiously, unable to do anything but oblige.

Anna whimpered his name, panting and trembling as she felt electricity fill her entire body and she clenched around him, "You're amazing," she breathed, her heart hammering against her ribcage, "Holy fuck, you're amazing."

Lynn felt her smile wider at this, she and Lucien listening intently to his story, both conjuring up their own images to the words.

Luis wrapped his arms around her waist, "Hold onto me, don't let go." he breathed, a grin spreading across his handsome lips.

Kiran grinned crookedly as he pressed deeper into her, catching his breath as he kept an arm circled around her and removed his tie from her eyes.

Caleb's lips twisted into a grin as he continued, "I just stared at him, thought it was a brilliant idea and I knew he couldn't possibly pass on a challenge, so I told him that the one of us who robs the most banks without getting caught, takes all," he breathed, rolling his eyes at the thought, "We went through a total of twenty-six banks before I was caught and Aiden stood there, laughing at me like it was simple shoplifting and he took every single pound from me," he said, his grin never wavering, "Let's just say he paid for all our addictions in over three years time."

Natacha nodded again, slipping her thin arms around his waist and curling her fingers in the back of his shirt, not asking questions as she got on the plateau of her stilettos to kiss his chin.

Anna slowly blinked, adjusting her pale, sensitive eyes to the light before she glanced over her shoulder at him; her gaze on his handsome face as she smiled, almost dreamily even, simply studying his handsome face with something like awe in her eyes.

Lynn felt Lucien completely relax against her and she looked down to see that her little boy was sleeping in her arms, she smiled warmly at this as she brought her gaze back to Caleb, "What kind of addictions?" she inquired, still imagine Aiden's handsome face in his and Caleb's revelry.

Luis' emerald eyes smoldered but he said nothing as he moved suddenly, he moved faster and faster, holding Natacha tighter until the ground was no longer beneath their feet, as if they were dancing among the clouds in the sky.

Kiran smiled softly at her as he slowly sunk to the ground, pulling her into his lap as he hugged her to him, "I love you." he said softly.

Caleb gave a slight shrug of his shoulders, "Oh, you know, drugs, alcohol, women," he breathed, glancing over at Lucien to make sure that he was sleeping before he pursed his lips, returning his gaze to the road, "Cant say I had enough in Evangeline at that time."

Natacha shut her eyes tight; obviously not quite prepared for this as she tightened her hold around Luis, her pretty face pressed against his chest.

Anna made a sweet, almost sleepy noise as she leaned into him, "I love you," she whispered, shutting her pretty eyes as she raised her hand to trace his lips with her middle and index finger, as if she knew exactly where everything on him was, even with her eyes closed.

Lynn wrinkled her pretty nose at this, "I was very delighted to tear her limb from limb the night you died." she said softly, biting her lip, "Will you tell me more stories?" she breathed, her pretty eyes shimmering.

Luis kept moving, faster and faster, holding Natacha tighter to him until all too soon they were on the streets of Paris, "We're on the ground again, love." he breathed, kissing her hair.

Kiran nipped at her fingers, "Tell me why." he said softly, always wanting to know.

Caleb smiled a bit to himself, "Well, is there something specific you want to know?" he breathed, driving at a normal pace now.

Natacha slowly loosened her hold on him before looking up; shaking the odd sensation off of her before she met his gaze, "I forgot you could do that," she breathed.

Anna made a low noise, "Why I love you?" she breathed, still keeping her eyes closed as she relaxed completely against him, blissfully sore and content exactly like that.

Lynn gave a slight shrug, "I want to know everything, I don't even care if I've heard it before." she said softly, "I want to picture him like that." she breathed, a tightness squeezing her throat.

Luis grinned almost crookedly, "For awhile there, I did too." he breathed, bending his head to brush his lips across hers, "Are you okay?"

Kiran made an affirming noise as he began to run his fingers over her arms, shoulders, back.

Caleb bit the inside of his cheek, "Maybe you should rest for a bit, before I tell you more," he breathed, not wanting to see her tears again.

Natacha nodded slowly, "I'm fine, love," she breathed, tilting her pretty head a little to press her lips against his.

Anna's lips parted with a soft sigh, "I love you because you're kind, beautiful both on the inside and out, strong, protective and absolutely incredible, in every way," she breathed, opening her light eyes now to look up at him, "And most of all because you don't even know what an amazing man you are."

Lynn swallowed hard, "I won't cry, I promise." she said softly, curling her arms tighter around Lucien as she studied Caleb, the smile slipping from her lips now.

Kiran blinked slowly as he studied her, quiet before he forced a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "And you say you don't know me?" he muttered, trying to make it playful even though it came out more shaky than that.

Caleb shook his head, "Later, sweetheart," he breathed, his gaze fixed on the road again; end of discussion.

Anna pursed her lips into a thin line before she shifted in his lap; moving so that she was sitting astride him; her long legs flexed behind him as she moved her fingers into his hair, serious now, "I was being a bitch when I said that to you," she said, her gaze searching his as she curled her fingers in his hair, "You are such an unbelievably beautiful person and it'll never seize to amaze me how you don't see that," she whispered, something sad coming over her pretty face as she leaned in to press her forehead against his.

Lynn's eyes darkened but she said nothing as she turned to lean her forehead against the cool window glass, hugging her small, sleeping child to her.

Kiran swallowed hard, "I don't..." he swallowed hard again, "I'm not the good guy, Anna, I never was, I never will be." he said softly, a deep frown curving his lips.

Anna slowly shook her head, "I don't believe that," she whispered, moving her face to gently kiss his forehead, "You're a good man," she breathed, tracing loving kisses down his nose to his mouth, chin and jawline, "Your family loves you, our kids love you," she breathed, tightening her fists in his hair as she kissed his beautiful mouth again, deeper this time as she shut her eyes for a brief moment, "I love you, Kiran, and I belong to you in every. single. way," she whispered against his lips.

Kiran shut his eyes tight, he gnashed his teeth together, "You know I'm no good, you understand me as much as I do, that's why in the car, that's why you thought you didn't know me, you've seen me be a monster and you don't understand how can be so cruel and so loving at the same time and neither do I." he breathed out.

"That's because you're human, Kiran," Anna blurted out, now even thinking about the words as she said them, "No matter what you consider yourself, you have your humanity and human's are flawed," she said, still holding his hair tightly in her hands, "Sometimes you freak out and hurt someone, but you have a good heart, you're a good person," she breathed, something like disbelief in her gaze.

Kiran opened his eyes slowly and looked down into her beautiful face, "I love you so much." he said softly, "I don't like myself when I'm cruel to you." he breathed, reaching up to cup her face between his hands as he bent down to kiss her deeply.

Anna shut her eyes a moment, loosening her hold on him to kiss him back in the most loving way possible before she pulled back a little, kissing his nose, "You haven't been cruel to me in a very long time," she whispered.

Later - A hotel in New New York City..
Caleb dragged his hand through his hair as he entered the suite they had rented for the night. The room was spacious and decorated and furnished in dark wood and classic red and brown nuances, making it seem rather perfect for the night. He pursed his lips as he glanced back at Lynnie, "Will this do?" he muttered, his voice low as not to wake Lucien.

Kiran let out his breath, his body seeming to relax now as he wrapped his arms around her, hugging her against him

Lynn nodded, a gentle smile on her lips as she carried Lucien towards the bedroom to lay him down carefully, taking off his little shoes, and covering him with the duvet, leaving his backpack beside the bed before she turned to head back into the living room, "I could use that drink now." she said softly, glancing up at Caleb before she nodded to the bar.

Anna kept her arms around his neck as she rested her head on his shoulder, releasing a breath, "Are you okay?" she whispered, tilting her head a little to kiss his neck.

Caleb gave a slight nod as he started for the bar, "You mind if I take my shirt off?" he muttered, making a face at himself before he added, "It's fucking cold."

"I don't know." He said honestly, "Right now I think I will be." Kiran breathed, still hugging her to him.

"Of course not." Lynn muttered, looking down at her soggy dress, she made a face, "I'm going to find a robe to change into." she breathed, "Do you want one?" she asked as she started towards the bathroom.

Anna seemed to visibly relax at this statement as she kissed his neck again, "We should get home," she whispered, "I think I recall you saying something about losing yourself in me?" she breathed, trying to be amusing.

"Yeah, thanks," Caleb muttered, grabbing a bottle of whiskey and a few glasses to drink from.

Lynn returned a few moments later in a white cotton bathrobe, the belt tied tight around her small waist, her dark curls still dripping down her shoulders as she didn't bother to dry them, "Here." she breathed, laying out a similar robe for him on the couch before she took a seat on, tucking her legs up under her.

Kiran smiled softly, "I did say that, didn't I?" he breathed, slowly starting to stand with her.

"Thanks, doll face," Caleb muttered, looking quite serious even as he turned around and moved towards her with the full glasses, placing them on the table. He turned his back on her, as if he was hiding something she hadn't seen before as he undid his cufflinks and pulled his soaked shirt over his head, dropping it to the floor before he undid his belt and slid it off.

Anna made a noise, unhooking her legs from his waist to put herself on her feet, "I believe you did, Mr. Hawthorne," she breathed, grinning in her adorable manner as she turned, bending tortuously low to grab her panties and bra from the floor.

Lynn couldn't help but smirk at this as she leaned forward to grab her drink, taking a sip, "You choose now to be bashful, Vladislav?" she breathed, trying to be amusing.

Kiran bit his lip as he watched her, fixing his slacks as he remained silent.

Caleb made a face to himself, "Eyes on the floor, Norratov, I don't want you having wet dreams tonight," he breathed, glancing back at her with a wicked grin as he dropped his soaking wet slacks.

Anna wrinkled her nose a bit at herself as she stepped into her panties and straightened, shimmying them on before she moved on to slipping her bra back on, feeling as if she'd chosen the wrong time to try and be sexy for him before she grabbed her dress and stepped into this as well, "Will you zip me up?" she breathed, almost inaudibly so as she sashayed it on.

Lynn rolled her eyes heavenward, "Please." she scoffed playfully as she took a larger sip of the amber liquid, reveling in the burn it made on it's way to her tummy.

Kiran moved towards, kissing her shoulders again as he zipped her slowly, "We okay?" he asked softly.

Caleb stepped out of his slacks and kicked off his shoes before he grabbed the robe and slipped into it, feeling like a big, fuzzy teddy-bear in it as he dropped onto seat next to her, "How are you feeling, darling?" he breathed, reaching out to wrap his fingers around his glass and raise it to his lips; a sweet noise starting in the back of his throat as it went down.

Anna felt a shiver run over her skin, "We're perfect," she breathed, shutting her eyes for a moment, as if savoring how close he was.

Lynn pursed her lips to consider this, "I like talking about him, remembering him, it makes it feel better." she said, her words tumbling out shakily, "And at the same time it makes it feel worse because I miss him that much more." she mumbled, her eyes burning.

"Same reason I'd rather not tell you more stories about him for tonight," Caleb muttered against his glass before downing the remains of it.

Lynn face crumpled for a moment before she regained a semblance of composure, "Do you remember when we were in the tunnel?" she breathed, glancing up at him, "And we went back and forth with happy memories? Can we do that again?" she asked softly.

Caleb pursed his lips again as he put the glass down, "Depends," he muttered, "Do you want me to talk about my happy memories with Aiden or just in general?"

Lynn sniffled, "In general." she said softly, tilting her head against the back of the couch, "And with Aiden." she mumbled, taking a sip of her drink, "Both."

Caleb sighed, his gaze on his empty glass as his brows furrowed, "I'm starting to think I'm running out of happy memories to tell you, Lynn."

Lynn bit her lip, "Then I'll go first." she said softly, "The first time Aiden and I broke our sexual tension was on the floor of my den." she breathed, smiling at the memory, "Your turn, tell me anything, I don't care what." she said softly.

Kiran Hawthorne's apartment, an hour later...
Kiran sighed as he led his beautiful woman into his apartment foyer, "I can't wait to get you naked again, Miss Thomas." he breathed, grinning back at her, his eyes alight.

Caleb couldn't help but grin at her as he raised his gaze to her pretty face, "I don't want to depress you, darling," he said softly.

Anna's plump lips curved into a sweet smile as she tilted her head a bit to one side, "Where would you like to have me, Mr. Hawthorne?" she breathed, trying to contain her excitement.

Lynn bit her lip, "You won't," she said softly, "I'm sure you have some happy memories about the kids, Eliya, your mom." she mumbled, "I'll go again then, I had my first wedding when I was twenty, it was 1975..and I wore bell bottoms." she breathed, flushing at the memory, "I've always loved weddings, maybe not the marriages but the weddings were nice."

"Everywhere." Kiran breathed, his violet-silver eyes shimmering as he pulled her too him and kissed her hard.

Caleb grinned at her once more before he sighed, rolling his eyes at their silly little game as he tilted his head back on the back of the couch, "First time I met your son, I wanted to separate his head from his shoulders," he muttered, looking into the ceiling as he remembered, "It irritated me beyond belief how easily he got Anna's panties off, 'cause she was sort of all I had at the time," he mumbled, making a face at this, "Who would have believed I'd meet the last woman I'll ever love at the same party?"

Anna slid her arms around his neck, curling her fingers in his hair as she kissed him deeply, thoroughly even; a pleased noise starting in the back of her throat before she slowly opened her eyes, her gaze catching a white envelope suspiciously placed on Kiran's drawer and she pulled back a little from him, her brows pulling together as she staid in his embrace, "You got a letter," she muttered.

Lynn felt a soft smile curve her lips, picturing it all in her head, "Life is funny like that." she said softly, "My son, your best friend, slept with his sophomore English teacher and got caught one day after school." she muttered, making a face, "You better believe I hunted her down and beat her black and blue,"

Kiran raised a brow, turning to glimpse the letter, "Huh?" he muttered, moving towards it to pick it up.

Caleb couldn't help but grin at this again as he rolled his eyes, "My mother did the same for me, when I was sixteen," he breathed, "Alexander took me to a brothel, wanted to make a man out of me - naive old man he was," he muttered, biting the inside of his cheek at the memory, "Got a rather interesting night with a forty year old madam and the next day, I found out that the same woman had been beaten with a shoe by a very angry Russian woman."

Anna pursed her lips as she studied the envelope from behind him, "That's the Lupus Corp logo," she mumbled, gesturing to the outline of a wolf with the writing, 'L.M.D. - Black Squad' written underneath it.

Lynn couldn't help but laugh softly at this, "A mother's love knows no bounds." she breathed, thinking for a moment, "I slept with one of my teachers when I was sixteen." she muttered.

Kiran threw it back to the table, "They want me to go back." he muttered, not bothering to open it.

"Assassin?" Caleb muttered, getting more comfortable on the couch now as he watched her face, curious.

Anna's lips curved into an almost immediate frown, "But you won't," she mumbled, looking up at him, her gaze searching his pretty face, "Right?"

Lynn nodded slowly, "He was part of some British Intelligence, he was supposed to teach me tactics and build upon what my other teachers did." she breathed, "His name was Carrick Steele." she muttered and actually flushed quite scarlet for a moment, "He was kind of my first..boyfriend."

Kiran bit his lip, "I don't know." he muttered, running his fingers through his hair.

Caleb's eyes seemed to widen some, his gaze becoming a curious stare as it fixed on her face, "Lynnéa Norratov, I believe you are blushing," he said, emphasizing the last word with awe as his lips curved into a perfect 'ooh', this expression demanding answers.

Anna stared at him, not even blinking more than once as she did, in absolutely silence, well knowing that he knew the silent stare meant 'explain yourself'.

Lynn made a little face, "He..he taught me a lot of things about sex." she muttered, "He was older, beautiful, completely insatiable, pain and pleasure." she breathed, running her fingers through her hair, "He taught me to use it as weapon, my body, he was the first man to call me beautiful and make me believe it." she mumbled.

Kiran met her gaze head on, a corner of his lip twitching as he staid silent, cocking a brow and daring her to speak first.

"How old was he?" Caleb muttered, his interest peeked now as he continued to study her pretty face.

Anna continued to stare at him for a painfully long moment, irritated that he chose this moments to play boss with her before her lips traced into an even deeper frown, "You told me it scarred you, going up there," she said, keeping her voice absolutely calm, "And now you're considering going back. Why?"

Lynn pursed her lips, "In appearance, twenty-six, in years, maybe sixty." she said, biting her lip as she curled a strand of hair around her finger, remember her young, human self.

"Maybe I'm a masochist." Kiran muttered, cocking his other brow, this being something he wasn't ready to talk about.

Caleb scrunched up his nose at this, "Pedophile, huh?" he muttered, giving a slight shrug of his shoulders, this obviously not bothering him too much before he smiled a bit again, "Did you love him?"

Anna's shoulders seemed to droop as she stared at him for a moment longer before sighing, "I'm not doing this with you," she muttered, making a dismissive move with her hand as she turned on her heel to leave the foyer.

Something in Lynn's pretty face seemed to harden, "He was the man who fucked me up, Caleb, with the sex, alcohol, and violence, it might have always been there but he taught me how to use it, to do it to others." she said softly, "He taught me that love is weakness but fucking can make you powerful, it is a weapon as well as a catharsis." she breathed, her eyes glinting, "But yes, once, I told him I loved him, it just slipped from my mouth and he was so angry, so ready to prove his point, he had me tied down, he liked those sort of games, and then he let a stranger inside of me." her jaw clenched at the memory, "And I knew I could never love him again." her lips twisted, "But in the end it was him who wanted more, I left him."

Kiran's pretty face fell, his eyes going a little wide and panicked as he moved towards her, encircling his arms around her, "Don't say that." he whispered, something terribly sad about his tone.

Caleb pursed his lips into a hard line as he considered this for a moment before he nodded, "Where is he now?"

Anna stopped immediately, her heart clenching tightly in her chest as she shut her eyes, "I'm sorry," she whispered, placing her hands over his, "I'm sorry, baby, I didn't mean it like that."

Lynn blinked slowly, "I don't know." she said softly and raised her gaze to Caleb's, "Planning on paying him a visit with a crow bar?" she breathed, smiling softly.

Kiran pressed his nose against her hair to drink in her scent, "Tell me not to go," he whispered, shutting his eyes, sounding almost lost, "Tell me no and I won't go."

Caleb's lips seemed to trace a smile now as he got up, slowly striding towards the bar to get their bottle, "Oh, you know me so well, sweetheart," he breathed, sounding playful even though he was absolutely serious.

Anna bit her bottom lip again, painfully hard this time as she slowly shook her head, "I won't make that decision, Kiran," she breathed, shutting her eyes tighter, her throat tightening, "If you really want to go, you should go."

Lynn bit her lip as she studied him, "I've been hurt by a lot of people, if you choose to take on that mission, you'd need a lot of crow bars." she breathed, rubbing her cheek against the leather of the couch.

Kiran sighed, "I don't know what to do." he said honestly still holding her tight.

"I've got a lot of bullets," Caleb muttered, grabbing their opened bottle of whiskey and moving to sit next to her again.

Anna slowly opened her light eyes again, a shimmer in them now as her lips parted in a sigh, "You should talk to Caleb," she breathed, slowly turning around in his arms with much difficulty to have her front pressed against his and she met his gaze, raising her hands to run her fingers through his beard, "I'll be waiting for you in bed, if you still feel like losing yourself."

Lynn bit her lip, "I think you owe me something about Aiden now, please." she said softly, raising her gaze to his, "I won't cry, I promise." she added in her same soft tone.

Kiran bent his head to kiss her, "I love you more than you know." he breathed, sighing against her lips.

Caleb scrunched up his nose a little as he unscrewed the cap on the bottle and refilled both of their glasses, "He loved you, very much," he muttered, placing the bottle on the glass table, "I have never seen him like this with another woman. He has never been in love, Lynnie, and you did that to him. You made him happy and took the stick out of his ass." he couldn't help but smile as he returned his gaze to her face, "I don't know if he'll ever come back, but if he doesn't, you should know that you made these past few years the best of his life."

Anna ran her fingers along his cheekbones and into his hair, pressing her lips against his as warmth started in her chest, healing her heart in the sweetest way before she sighed against his mouth, "And I love you more than I can even handle," she whispered, her gaze flickering to his, "I want you to go. Save the world, Batman."

Lynn blinked slowly, her throat tightening as she studied Caleb's face for a long silent moment; Lynn shifted suddenly to lean her head against his shoulder, "Thank you." she breathed, meaning it with her whole heart as she shut her eyes.

Kiran studied her closely, "Are you sure?" he asked softly, hugging her tighter to him.

Caleb's pretty lips parted in a sigh, "You're welcome," he whispered, relaxing against the back of the couch as he shut his eyes as well.

"Absolutely," Anna breathed, biting her bottom lip again as she tilted her pretty head a bit to one side, "Are you gonna see Caleb or play with me first?"

Kiran raised a hand to tuck a curl behind her ear, "Can I have a moment, please?" he breathed, "I need to think, please."

Anna nodded slightly, gently planting a kiss on his beautiful mouth before she pulled back from him, "Stop saying please," she breathed, a soft, playful smile curving her lips before she turned on her heel to saunter towards his bedroom.

Six months later; JFK Airport, New York...
Lynnie Norratov stood outside the gates for Kiran and Caleb's flight, she had just seen their plane touch down and know they would be here at any moment; she glanced down at Lucien, her little traveling companion, he was adorable, his silver eyes watching everything and everyone around him, she smiled softly at this before turning her attention back to the gates, she looked beautiful even dressed simply in her dark jeans, simple cream camisole, and mid-length brown leather jacket, a pair of her Converse on her feet, her curls put up into a purposefully sloppy pony tail.

Caleb Vladislav's lips parted in a sigh as he finally opened his eyes again, feeling the plane stop by the gate. He looked like a proper soldier, dressed in a black fitted, long-sleeved tee with his black army khakis and dark Timberland boots. He was still until it was clear to rise and he did, grabbing his duffel before he started for the exit, grateful that they weren't a lot of people on the plane.

Kiran Hawthorne pursed his lips as he stood from his seat, not acknowledging Caleb's presence as he grabbed his duffel, looking handsome and very civilian in his faded jeans, white button-up, and Timberlands, he ran his fingers over his hair before starting for the exit as well.

Caleb ran his fingers over his clean-cut hair, excitement starting in his belly as they began to let them out through the gate and he reached up to run his thumb over his dog tags, grinning widely when he spotted Lynnie at the end of the gate.

Lynn's lips pulled into a genuinely warm smile as she studied Caleb for a moment, her son not too far behind him, a grin coming over his face away, "And how are the strong and the proud?" she called to them, Lucien starting to bounce in excitement at her side.

Caleb's grin widened as he moved towards Lynnie, "I'm sure they're resting peacefully in their graves, love," he breathed, bending his head to kiss her hair in greeting.

Lynn rolled her pretty eyes at him as Lucien grins widely, "Hi Uncle Caleb, guess what?" he breathed, twisting from side to side, "I got to skip school to come here." he nodded as his older was soon there, bending down to kiss his mother's cheek.

Caleb pursed his lips at little Lucien, looking rather impressed as he lowered himself to the boy's height, "You're quite the little rebel, aren't you?" he breathed, grinning widely at him, "I got you a present."

Lucien's face lit up, "You did?" he grinned, "What is it? Can I have it now?" he breathed, still bouncing on the balls of his feet as Lynn grinned down at them.

Caleb grinned even wider at the boy, "Sure," he muttered, digging into his back pocket before he pulled out a necklace made from rich, black leather with something that appeared to be a dog tag on it, only the metal appeared to be rougher, with 'Lucien' written on it in fine writing, "The metal's from grenade-splinter, from a grenade that a group of rebels threw at the squad, I thought you'd appreciate it," he muttered, grinning as he slid the necklace around the boy's neck.

Lucien's lips pulled into a wide, fascinated grin, "It's amazing, I love it." he said, reaching up to run his little fingers along his name and all the tag's edges, "Thanks uncle Caleb." he breathed, moving suddenly to hug him around his neck.
Kiran bit his lip, watching the display, and he sighed, "Where are we going from here, ma?" he breathed, glancing up at her now.

Caleb's lips curved up in a grin as he slid an arm around Lucien, giving him a careful squeeze, "You're welcome, champ," he said softly, "Maybe you'll be the one bringing me presents from war, someday," he muttered, giving the little boy another squeeze before he straightened again.

Lynn couldn't help her smile widening a bit, "Your lovely women have conspired to throw you a welcome home party." she breathed, "Lucien and I will be your chauffeurs for the evening." she mumbled, taking Lucien's hand as she turned, expecting them to follow her out of the airport.

Caleb couldn't help it when he rolled his eyes and threw his duffel over his shoulder, starting after Lynnie and Lucien.

The Vladislav apartment building, an hour later...
Lynn bit the inside of her cheek as the elevator rumbled up, she still had one of Lucien's hands while he continued to play with his new dog tag, making little noises occasionally as if he were imagining some far off battle in his pretty curled head. Kiran smiled at this before he glanced at Caleb, "Hey," he muttered as if seeing him for the first time all day, this one word full of forgiveness and apologies.

Eliya bit her lip, fretting with the last of the party arrangements before making sure her dress was perfect, she looked beautiful in a curve-fitting navy blue cocktail dress, her pretty curls put up on top of her pretty head as she turned to the elevator, waiting for her man to step out of it soon.

Caleb turned his light, cool gaze on his brother before he pursed his lips, "I'm sorry, did you say something?" he muttered, tilting his head a bit to one side, "It's funny, there's been this deafening silence over you, Kiran, it must be coming from the knife in my back," he said, struggling to keep a straight face, "You mind taking it out?"

Anna practically ran to Eliya's side, taking her hand in hers as she bit her bottom lip hard. She looked beautiful in a strapless, flowing white summer dress, with sparkly Christian Louboutins and her straightened hair falling perfectly around her shoulders, "Are you ready?" she breathed, her light gaze fixed on the elevator doors.

Kiran narrowed his eyes at Caleb, all good humor seeming to fade from his face, "I don't know, it might interfere with the puppet strings you're entangled in." he breathed, before a wide grin crossed his face so his brother knew he was only teasing.

"I'n so ready." Eliya breathed out, biting her lip as her mismatched gaze remained on the doors, ticking the seconds away.

Caleb grinned back at his brother before he shoved his shoulder, "It's good to hear you speak, brother, I was afraid someone cut out your tongue," he breathed, his grin never wavering as the elevator doors slid open to reveal the girls standing there.

Kiran made a face at him before his gaze found Anna and his eyes filled with warmth, his smile widening as he stepped out of the elevator, not hesitating as he scooped her up into his arms and hugged her tightly.
Eliya barely noticed her friends, her heart skipping a beat when she saw Caleb, "Hi." she breathed, starting towards him now, her gaze warm and full of love.

Anna slid her arms around his neck, hopping a little to hook her legs on his hips as she shut her eyes tight, "I missed you so much, baby," she whispered, inhaling his scent as she curled her fingers in his hair.
Caleb dropped his duffel the second he stepped out of the elevator, his grin turning into a warm, sexy half-smile as he slid his arms around his little woman and lifted her, hugging her tight to him.

Kiran kissed her neck, inhaling her scent, "I missed you too." he breathed, shutting his eyes and not giving a damn if they made a spectacle.
Eliya wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him tight, shutting her eyes to savor the feel of him, "I love you so much, Caleb Vladislav, I missed you." she breathed, feeling tears prick her eyes.

Anna curled her fingers tighter in his hair, "I love you," she whispered, shifting her head a little to kiss his nose, his chin and then his mouth, "I love you so much, are you okay? Were you hurt?" she mumbled, her gaze moving all over his pretty face.
Caleb made a sweet noise, "I love you too, baby, I can't even believe I'm here, with you," he whispered, hugging her tight.

Kiran smiled, "I'm fine, a little more dented than usual but I'm fine." he said sincerely, kissing her pretty mouth.
Eliya moved back a little, leaning up on the plateau of her heels she kissed him hard, "I missed you so much." she breathed, feeling her eyes burn as she wrapped her arms tighter around him.

Anna made another sweet noise, "Do you need anything?" she breathed, biting her bottom lip almost suggestively at him.
"Don't you dare cry, darling," Caleb breathed, bending his head to kiss her deeply, moving his fingers into her hair.

"Just you." Kiran breathed, bending down to kiss her nose.
Eliya curled her fingers in his shirt and kissed him back just as deeply and more thoroughly, love and lust and so much heat blazing through her small form.

"Hopefully the same way I need you," Anna breathed, a sort of wickedness entering her pretty smile as she rubbed her nose against his.
Caleb couldn't help but smile against her mouth, "Save it for later, baby," he breathed, running his knuckles down her spine before he bent a little to smack her ass, hard.

Kiran smiled, "Not in front of the kids." He admonished teasingly as he hugged her against him once more.
Eliya made a little noise and pressed against him, leaning forward to his ear, "Laters, baby, oh I am going to rock your world." she breathed, huskily so no one but him could hear.

Anna's plump lips formed into a slight pout as she settled her heels back on the floor and leaned in to kiss his jaw, "Trust me, you'll be begging for it when we get home," she breathed, as huskily as she could have.
Caleb made a noise, needing to stifle the warmth in his abdomen as he shook his head at her, "Naughty girl," he scolded, narrowing his pretty eyes at her.

Kiran bit his lip hard, "You drive me crazy Miss Thomas." he breathed, bending to kiss her hair.
"You love it." Eliya breathed, rubbing her nose against his.

"It's all a part of my wicked plan, baby," Anna breathed, her lips formed in a softer smile now as she took his hand, entwining her fingers with his as she began to lead him towards the bar where Adam Hawthorne stood, dropping back a shot and looking mighty fine as always, simply dressed in a black hoodie and dark jeans hanging perfectly from his hips.
Caleb's eyes seemed to darken and he shook his head at her again, "I'll have to punish you later for torturing me like this," he breathed, raising a brow at her.

Kiran grinned widely at this and unable to help himself he stepped forward and grabbed his kid to bear hug the shit out of him.
Eliya bit her lip suggestively, "Promises, promises." she breathed, kissing him gently again before she took his hand and began towards the crowd of friends and family.

Adam made a noise, freezing for a moment at the unexpected display of emotions on his father's behalf, "Uhm, dad," he mumbled, looking extremely confused as he glanced down at his mother who simply beamed at them, "Are you dying or something?" he mumbled, addressing Kiran once more.
"Typical of you to throw a party, when all I wanted was to spend the next two weeks in bed with you," Caleb muttered, shaking his head at her once more as he let her lead him.

Kiran rolled his eyes, "No, I'm just glad you're here and alive." he said softly, pulling back to study his son, "I'm old, Adam, I get sentimental sometimes."
Eliya couldn't help but grin, "You'll get your two weeks, six months without me, an hour or two won't be bad, delayed gratification is...explosive." she breathed, a shiver wrapping up her spine.

Adam gave a very slow nod, as if he'd just been explained the meaning of Life before he smiled his crooked half-smile, "Yeah, well, it's good to have you back, old man."
"I'm sure," Caleb breathed, grinning down at her almost wickedly.

Kiran grinned, "It's good to be back." he breathed, "You been behaving?" he breathed, narrowing his eyes playfully, "Not getting any girls pregnant?"
"I sure hope not, Mr. H." Cassidy Walker breathed as she made her way to them, looking beautiful in her cream shift dress with a soft plum belt and plum heels, her pretty curls half-up, half-down, a teasing smile curved her lips, "I'd be one pissed girlfriend if he was."
Eliya felt warmth flood her abdomen and her knees felt wobbly for a moment and she almost said fuck it to prolonged gratification and an audience, the look in her eyes wanting now when the elevator binged open distracting her from her wanton thoughts, she blinked slowly as little Chloe Vladislav was escorted inside by an impossibly handsome young man in a suit, her cheeks flushed, her fingers moving through her just-fucked curls, "Oh no." Eliya muttered, biting her lip painfully hard as she looked up at Caleb.

Adam's lips formed into a warm sort of smile as he held his hand out to Cassidy, "I would never," he breathed, starting to grin like such an idiot.
Caleb glanced down at his woman again, frowning a bit at her expression, "What is it?" he muttered, glancing around the crowd before his gaze found his little girl and the man next to her. His jaw clenched, clicking loudly as his trained gaze searched the expression on Chloe's face and he dropped his duffel, "Eliya, get Kiran and tell him he's gotta drag me off this motherfucker," he said through his teeth, his muscles tensing as he started for the sweet, soon to be broken couple.

Chloe blinked slowly, her dreamy gaze widen as reality slammed down on her and she found her father's face, "Daddy, what are you doing?" she squeaked.
The man beside her didn't seem phased, he was sinewy and handsome as even in a pair of dark slacks and a white button down dress shirt, his cupid bow lips quirked into a half-smile, his mahogany curls tousled in the most just-fucked way.

Caleb's lips twisted into a snarl as he immediately reached forward, curling his fingers in the fucker's shirt before he punched him, bone-rattling, jaw-breakingly hard in the face, wanting to feel his bones crack beneath his fingers.

Chloe screamed out as her date's very pretty head snapped back, she was sure she could hear his nose breaking, "Daddy, stop." she cried out, tears springing to life in her eyes as Lynn appeared, her eyes darker than usual, "Mama, make him stop." she cried out.

Caleb felt a malicious grin curve his lips as he punched him again, and again before throwing him onto the floor, his mind going completely blank as he seemed to be going into the same mode he'd been in the past six months and he raised his leg, bringing his foot down on the bastard's rib cage with as much force as he could, once, twice, three times.

Lynn didn't move to stop Caleb, simply watching the man on the ground grunt in extraordinary pain but he never moved to defend himself even though she knew he was more the capable; she inched forward when suddenly Kiran was there, pulling his brother away from the man, "Calm down." he hissed through his teeth, keeping his arms locked around Caleb as Chloe continued to sob through the whole thing,

Caleb stumbled a bit backwards in his brother's grasp, but he didn't struggle, simply grinning like a crazed idiot as he looked over his work, "I'm calm, Kiran," he said, even sounding like it, "Let go."

Kiran sighed before he let his brother ago, watching as the man healed and sat up, the lazy, crooked grin still curving lips but he seemed to be looking at Lynn alone, "Introduce me, baby." he breathed, his blue eyes flickering, his voice accented with the slightest English.
Lynn grit her teeth, "Meet Mr. Steele." she muttered, her eyes darkening even more as she fought the urge to kick the man in his teeth.

Caleb straightened, the grin slipping from his lips as he turned his dark gaze on Chloe, crooking a bloody finger at her, "Chloe, behind me, right now," he said, the look in his eyes absolutely deadly as he stared at her, relatively ignoring Mr. Steele for now

Chloe whimpered but she didn't defy her father as she moved to stand behind him, utterly confused as to how her boyfriend and her mother knew each other; Mr. Steele's blue eyes snapped to hers, "We know each other almost as well as you and I do, Chloe." he breathed, as if answering her unspoken question.
Lynn made a pained noise and suddenly she flung herself at Mr. Steele, ready to tear him to ribbons with her finger nails when Kiran caught her about the waist and hauled her off.

Caleb raised a brow at this, "Riiiight," he breathed, seeming to realize something as he tapped the side of his nose, "You're that fucker," he muttered, seemingly a little amused as he nodded to the elevator, "I believe you were leaving, paedo-boy."
Anna bit her bottom lip hard as she excused herself from Adam's side, clutching his gun behind her back as she very slowly moved to stand next to her man and ex-mother-in-law; Adam suddenly appearing at her side, taking the from her hands and aiming it at Mr. Steele's forehead.

"So much hostility." Carrick Steele breathed out as he got to his feet, his muscles tensing as his character changed and he exuded danger, predator, his greyish blue eyes shimmered and burned as he bore them at Lynn, "Your daughter was very fun but my issues are with you, Lynnéa. Come." he muttered, holding his hand out.

Caleb raised a brow at this, but he remained quiet, a grim look on his handsome face as he watched them closely, ready to jump the intruder as Adam's gun seemed to follow Steele's head.

Lynn's eyes darkened, for a brief, unwelcome moment she felt like a sixteen year old girl again, young and naive in the presence of a more powerful man, "I want you to leave." she said calmly, "Now."
Carrick's smile was almost dangerous now, "As you wish, Lynnie," he muttered, bowing his head to her, "But we will see each other again and we will talk." his eyes darkened as they slid over her, "My you've grown." he breathed, a shudder passing over his spine as he in a sudden movement kissed the corner of her lips and turned to disappear into the elevator.

Caleb's lips parted in a sigh as he shut his eyes for a very brief moment, waiting until Steele was gone before he turned to Chloe, "Do you have any idea who that is?" he muttered, sinisterly calm as his dark gaze scrutinized her pretty face.

Chloe looked rather pale, her throat closing up on her, "I-- I thought I did." she stammered, her pretty light eyes filling with tears as she hung her head, "I thought he loved me, daddy, I don't know what's happening." she whispered.

Caleb's brows pulled together and creased his forehead, "When did you meet him, baby?" he muttered, his gaze still on her almost intently.

Chloe swallowed hard, "A month ago." she breathed out, shaking her head, "I don't know how I could be so stupid." she mumbled, shutting her eyes as more tears dripped down her cheeks.

Caleb sighed once more as he bent his head to kiss the top of Chloe's pretty head, "Don't think about it right now, honey, okay?" he whispered, only so she could hear him as he nodded towards a spare bedroom in the apartment, "Go take a shower, wash this night off and your mom's gonna be with you after," he said softly, knowing Lynnie would.

Chloe sniffled, "Okay, daddy." she breathed, turning to do as he said.
Lynn sighed, her shoulders drooping as she reached up to rub her face, "My poor little girl." she mumbled, her throat tight, "When did that bastard come back?"
William Hawthorne pursed his lips, "Don't you just hate when the unwanted come back?" he muttered, shaking his head from where he stood in the crowd, "Whatever the reason, we'll find out, hunt him down, and kill him."

Caleb sighed again, not answering to any of this as he turned a little, finding Anna's face before he bent a little to murmur something in her ear and she bit her bottom lip, looking up at him and giving a slight nod before he began towards the bar, absolutely needing a drink.

Kiran raised a brow at this exchange, giving a look to Anna that begged an explanation as Lynn started for the bar as well.

Anna glanced up at Kiran through her thick lashes, slowly shaking her head as if the exchange had been nothing of importance.
Caleb's lips pursed into a thin line as he poured whiskey into a rather large glass and he took a large gulp of it, enjoying the burn that washed down his throat before he sighed, relaxing visibly.

Lynn fixed herself a glass before downing it in one shot, the burn was good but the liquor didn't taste the same, it hadn't for a long time, "You were amazing." she breathed, glancing up at him, "With Lucien and Chloe, I could almost kiss you." she said softly, fixing another drink.

"I aim to please, sweetheart," Caleb muttered, glancing over at her with a small smile that didn't quite reach his pretty eyes.

Lynn studied him for a moment, "Are you all right?" she breathed, "You look as if you've just seen your first boyfriend after almost fifty years."

Caleb couldn't help the roll of his eyes now as he finished his drink, quickly filling it again, "I'm just tired, darling," he muttered, his gaze finding hers once more as he pursed his lips, "Are you okay?"

Lynn smiled mirthlessly, "You should know by now, Caleb, I'm a hot commodity, all the men want me, exes and not, but the only man I want to be with is..unattainable." she breathed, holding up her new drink as if to cheer, "My life in a fucked up nutshell." she mumbled, something sad about her shimmering gaze as she shot it down.

"Story of Lynnéa Norratov," Caleb muttered, rolling his eyes once more as he downed his new drink.

"A sad one but hopefully with a good ending." Eliya breathed as she moved to slide her arms around Caleb's waist and lean against his back.

Caleb visibly relaxed as the sound and feel of his woman, shutting his eyes for a brief moment, "Hopefully," he breathed, moving his hand to entwine his fingers with hers, "Please tell me I can kick everyone out of here soon."

Eliya smiled against his back, "Do it now, I don't want to wait anymore." she breathed, kissing the middle of his spine.

Caleb's lips curved into a sexy half-grin as he glanced up, "Party over," he shouted, his grin widening some as he added, "I'm taking my wife to bed for the next week, so - out."

Lynn rolled her eyes at them, Eliya making a sweet, giggling sound against his back, "See you in a week." she muttered, turning to disappear down the hall in search of her daughter. Eliya pulled back, "Mm, take me to bed now, I don't care if they're here." she breathed for only him to hear.

Caleb glanced down at her again, with something wicked in his gaze this time as he scooped her into his arms with ease and began for the stairs to his open bedroom.
Anna bit her bottom lip, her gaze traveling up her man to his face, "Do you want to go home?" she breathed, tilting her pretty head to one side, thinking that he either wanted to go home with her or go drinking.

Eliya bit her lip hard, she curled her fingers around his dog tags, "I want to wear these." she breathed, nipping at his chin, "Just these."

Kiran grinned down at her, "I want nothing more than to go home and lose myself in you." he breathed, bending down to kiss her hard.

Caleb felt a shiver pass up his spine at this statement as he took the stairs in few long strides, soon placing her carefully on the bed, "Do you now?" he breathed, slipping his dog tags off and holding them out to her.

Anna made a sweet noise as she slid her arms around his neck; taken by surprise by the statement. She bit his bottom lip mid-kiss before she smiled, almost dreamily, "I love it when you say that."

Eliya took them from him, heat washing over her body, "Very much." she breathed, slipping them on over her head before she reached back to unzip her dress and shimmy it off of her, wearing absolutely nothing underneath.

Kiran grinned crookedly, "Don't keep me waiting," he breathed, "Let's go." he muttered, grabbing her ass before he started towards the elevator.

Caleb bit his bottom lip painfully hard as he gazed over her, warmth already starting in his abdomen as he studied her closely, "Fuck, Eliya," he breathed, reaching up to the back of his neck to curl his fingers in his tee and pull it over his head.

Anna made a noise, following him quickly on her sparkly heels, "I have a surprise for you," she breathed, biting her lip again.

Eliya leaned back on her palms to watch him, she shivered as the cold metal of the dog tags lay between her breasts, her legs were bent a little at the knee and open, ready, she bit her lip hard as she watched her pretty man undress.

Kiran raised a brow, "What kind of surprise?" he breathed, wiggling his brows at her.

Caleb dropped his tee on the floor before he quickly undressed himself, tossing his clothes all sorts of places before he moved over her, hovering over her on his elbow as he snaked one hand around the back of her neck, his thumb caressing the nape of it as he ran his free hand up her belly, over her breast before he traced the dog tags on her with his fingertips.

Anna bit her bottom lip even harder, suggestively now as she slid her hand into his and dragged him into the elevator, "Tonight, your word is my law," she breathed, her light, shimmering gaze on his beautiful face, "I'm all yours."

Eliya shivered, reaching up to trace her finger tips along his jaw, "I've missed you so much." she breathed, her eyes filling with warmth and need.

Kiran grinned salaciously at this, his eyes darkening, "I can't wait to get you home, dahlin." he breathed, pulling her into the elevator with him.

Caleb's gaze moved over her, calmly assessing his beautiful little wife with an absolutely wanting look in his eyes, "I missed you too, you have no idea," he whispered, cupping her breast with his free hand as he tightened his hold on the back of her neck, holding her in place as he slid the tip of himself into her, biting his bottom lip with a suddenly excruciating look on his handsome face as he bent his head a little, "You have to let me know if I'm hurting you, okay?" he breathed, pressing deeper into her.

Half an hour later..
Anna dragged both of her hands through her hair as they entered Kiran's foyer and she glanced over her shoulder at him, "Have you thought of what you wanna do with me, baby?" she breathed, curling her fingers in her strapless summer dress to slowly drag it down herself.

Eliya shivered, the muscles in her abdomen clenching in the most pleasurable way, "Okay." she breathed out, not able to articulate much as she moved her hips trying to get more of him in as she whimpered his name, almost a plea on her lips.

Kiran grinned, "I have a few, tantalizing ideas." he breathed, biting his bottom lip hard as he watched her.

Caleb's jaw clenched, shutting his eyes as he pulled out to his tip again and slammed into her, brutal from the start as he curled his fingers in her hair, pulling on it to expose her neck as he shifted his pretty head to place feather-light kisses on her throat, slamming into her hard again.

Anna ran her tongue over her teeth as she watched his face closely, her gaze shimmering as she sashayed her hips a little, dropping her dress to the floor before she stepped out of it; wearing nothing but a white, lacy thong and her sparkly Louboutins now as she slowly began to saunter in direction of his bedroom.

Eliya tightened around him, gasping as she dug her nails into his shoulders, she wrapped her legs around his waist, pleasure and pain stretching through her abdomen as she breathed out his name.

Kiran began after her when suddenly the beat of Coming Undone by Korn began to blare from his pocket, he frowned immediately before reaching into his pocket to answer it, he barely got any words out before his eyes widened, "Fuck, we're on our way," he breathed, slamming the phone shut, "Anna, my brother's been shot."

Caleb continued slamming maliciously against her, harder and deeper each time as he groaned low in his throat, his kisses becoming tender little bites.

Anna made a turn on her heel, "What?" she breathed, all warmth in her body turning into heavy blocks of ice as she ran for the bedroom, returning less than a minute later in Converse, jeans and a black hoodie, "Where is he?" she asked, only managing a small voice.

Eliya gasped, tilting her head back as painful tingles of pleasure spilled through her abdomen and six months of waiting for this moment broiled through her, she gouged her nails down his back, crying out as she felt the comings of an orgasm building inside her.

Kiran ran his fingers through his hair as he reached for her hand, "Contessa's clinic." he said, sounding a bit distracted, "He's still being operated on." he muttered, starting for the elevator with her.

Caleb's lips parted in a low moan of her name against her skin as he pressed her harder, faster now, "Scream for me," he whispered, the words almost a plea as he tightened his hold on her hair.

Anna bit her bottom lip hard as she let him drag her, unsure of what she was supposed to say to him so she remained quiet now, tightening her hold on his hand as some sort of comfort.

Eliya began muttering incoherently before she tilted her head back and screamed out his name, exploding around him.

Kiran bit his lips worriedly as he clutched her hand, "My parents aren't sure if it was a hit or not." he said as they entered the elevator again.

Caleb gritted his teeth, the mere sound of her having him shudder as he slammed into her, few times more before he gasped, the sensation washing over him completely as he practically collapsed on her, careful not to squish by completely by propping himself up on his elbows and burying his face against her breasts, panting, "I fucking love you."

Anna squeezed his hand tighter as she tilted her head a little to look up at him through her lashes, searching his face as she released a breath, "He can't die," she breathed, slightly taken aback by her own reaction as she shook her head, "He won't die.."

Eliya encircled her arms around him, savoring the feel of him as she shut her eyes, "I love you too." she breathed out, feeling sated and damn near exhausted, "Explosive." she mumbled, smiling almost dreamily.

Kiran looked down at her for a moment before pulling her into his chest, "Drake is strong, he won't die." he said softly as he kissed her hair.

"Like fireworks," Caleb whispered, his heart still pounding furiously fast as he tried to calm his breathing.

Anna's lips parted in a deep sigh as she pressed her forehead against his chest, "Then why are you so worried?" she breathed, regretting the question immediately as she bit the inside of her cheek, tasting metal rather quick.

Eliya tightened around him, "How do you feel?" she breathed after a moment, running her fingers over his hair.

Kiran sighed, "Because someone was trying to kill him, because he's my brother, because I worry..." he muttered, shutting his eyes for a moment.

Caleb made a noise, "I'm good," he breathed, raising his gaze to study her face closely, "Are you okay?"

Contessa's Clinic - New New York..
Anna bit her bottom lip as she squeezed Kiran's hand hard before releasing him, allowing him to speak with his family in private as she clasped her hands together in front of her and stopped a few feet from the Hawthorne clan filling the waiting room, uncomfortably feeling as if it wasn't her place to be there.

Eliya smiled softly, "Better now." she breathed.

Kiran wrapped his arm around her and propelled her forward, "They're just as much as your family." he muttered, noticing his parents were standing a little farther away then everyone else talking quietly; he watched them for a moment, worry was etched into his mother's face, her eyes were bright with tears and his father looked almost sad before he crumpled, his shoulders sagged and Lynn put her arms around him, William buried his face against her neck and they clung to each other.

Anna swallowed hard, looking over all of the Hawthorne family there in silence, that awkward feeling still in her chest for some odd reason as she dropped her gaze to the floor.

Caleb smiled a bit crookedly at this, "Good," he breathed.

Kiran gave her a squeeze, mentally counting what family stood there, Jacob, Shia, Eden, not so little Konstantine and not so little Anastasia, and his youngest brother, Lucien, the little thing was curled up in his seat, drifting off into sleep, he pursed his lips, assuming Chloe was tucked into her bed at her father's house, he let out his breath, remembering a time when there had been so many of them and now it felt as if there were so few, he swallowed hard and tightened his hold on Anna, needing her there more than anything as he turned his gaze to his parents. Lynn looked up at them, tears sliding down her cheeks as she continued to hold her ex-husband, "They haven't said anything but Tessa's in there, she showed up herself to take care of him and.." her voice cracked and she shut her eyes, letting William hug her tighter.

Anna remained quiet as she raised her gaze to Lynnie's face. Seeing them like this, all so worried and sad, having her heart clench painfully as she turned her gaze on Kiran, watching his face closely in silence still.

Kiran bit his lip hard, "It'll be okay, mama." he said softly even though his throat was tightening.
Lynn gave him a watery smile and reached up to touch his face, "You're my little boy, you're all my little children, I hate to lose you." she breathed out, her heart clenching painfully in her chest when Contessa Hawthorne appeared still in her bloody surgery scrubs, "Lynn, Will." she breathed, her pretty mismatched eyes tired as she tried reign in what strength she had, she looked so young and so sad in that moment that it nearly choked Kiran to see his son's wife, he turned his face from her to look at his parents again, watching as they walked hand and hand down the hall with her. Kiran sighed and took Anna's hand, "Sit with me?" he asked softly.

Anna's gaze had started to shimmer as she gave a slight nod, "Of course, baby," she said in a small voice, glancing worriedly after Lynn and William.

Kiran sighed as he came to sit in the chair beside Lucien's before he pulled her into his lap and wrapped his arms around her, he buried his face against her hair to inhale her scent before he sighed, "Being here reminds me of when I was kid." he mumbled, resting his cheek against her hair, "Seeing my parents like that, when they're friends, those were the highlights of their marriage." he mumbled.

Anna leaned back against him, a soft sigh escaping her pretty lips, "Do you miss it?" she breathed, glancing up at him.

Kiran considered this for a moment before he shook his head slowly, "I used to think my dad was a hero, when I was young, all little boys think that of their fathers, I suppose, but I thought he was amazing, a heroic figure from a knight's tale, you know? But I was always a bit scared of him, they used to argue and sometimes it would be really bad," he pursed his lips, his eyes darkening a little, "He never hit her in front of us but whenever he got her into their room," he shook his head for a moment, "I was always afraid when he took her to their room, I never knew if he was hurting her or loving her and it scared me. He would come out with cuts and bruises but he always managed to leave her worse off but she never talked about it, she just cleaned herself up and went downstairs to cook dinner for him like nothing happened, I remember hating her for it because she's so strong, she's so amazing but she wouldn't protect herself from him and I couldn't protect her from him." Kiran swallowed hard, "It took me a while to realize she was letting him hurt her to protect us. I was relieved when he left her."

Anna's throat seemed to tighten some at this as she glanced up at him through her lashes, "What about you?" she breathed, meaning him and all of his siblings, "Did he hurt you?" she asked, in her lowest voice for only him to hear.

Kiran bit his lip hard, his gaze becoming distant as he nodded slowly, "Did I ever tell you why I hate my birthday?" he breathed, his gaze coming into focus as he studied her pretty face.

Anna slowly shook her head, her jaw tightening some as she refrained from biting her lip, waiting for him to speak as she searched his gaze.

Kiran shut his eyes for a moment, trying to articulate the words, "He took me to this place, he was angry at me for getting into fights at school, I was only fifteen but it was full of these men who...they liked children...and he locked me up with them, he said if I wanted to fight, I should I have an actual reason, and I fought, I fought so hard, I never let them touch me." he breathed, "On my sixteenth birthday, I don't remember what I did exactly, I think I was a smart ass or something, you know my mouth." he smiled without mirth, "He locked me in a freezer, you know, the box-like ones, it was completely dark, I broke in that freezer, clawing against the sides, crying, begging." his throat tightened, "I hate myself every day for what I did to Adam, for being so much like my father." his voice broke at the thought and he kept his eyes shut.

Anna's face seemed to soften as she shifted a little in his lap to face him, raising her hands to very carefully trace her fingers over his cheekbones, "I know," she whispered, leaning in a little to kiss his mouth every so gently before she pressed her forehead against his, "I'm so sorry, baby," she whispered, wishing she could do something for him, take away the pain of his past but she said nothing else, simply running her fingers over his hair as her gaze remained on his face.

Kiran hugged her against him, "Love me." he said softly as if giving her the solution to her thoughts, "Love me, always, please?" he breathed, his throat tightening again.

Anna nodded slowly, "I will," she whispered, feeling her eyes sting with unwelcome tears as she closed them, tightening her hold on his hair as if she'd lose him if she let go, "I'll always love you, everyday for the rest of my life, I promise," she breathed.

Kiran hugged her even tighter, bending his head a little to kiss her pretty mouth, "I love you, so much." he breathed, "I will always be so in love with you."

Eliya bit her lip as she studied her man, still tingling, "I'm going to hold you to being locked up with me for a week." she breathed, smiling softly, "I'd liked to be holed up with you for forever but a week will do for now."

Anna slowly shut her eyes as she pressed her lips against his, "Don't make promises you can't keep," she whispered, trying to sound playful to make him smile.

"For now," Caleb repeated in his softest tone, shifting his pretty head a little to gently bite her chin, "Have I told how much I love you lately?"

Kiran blinked slowly as he looked down at her, something pained flashing in his eyes before fading, "I have always loved you, I always will, why won't you believe me?" he breathed.

Eliya thought for a moment, "Maybe." she breathed, smiling, "But I could hear it again." she grinned.

Anna blinked slowly, her lips curving into a frown as she shook her head, "I was kidding," she whispered, "I just.. I wanted you to smile."

Caleb gently nibbled on her chin, "I love you more than life itself," he whispered, nothing but sincerity in his gaze.

Kiran bit his lip as he studied her eyes, "Oh, I didn't think it was funny." he mumbled, wrinkling his pretty nose a little.

Eliya felt warmth spread through her, "I love you so much, Caleb," she breathed, running her fingers over her hair, "I was so worried while you were gone." she mumbled, her throat tightening up a little.

Anna bit her bottom lip hard as she watched his gaze for a moment before dropping her own, "I know, I'm sorry," she mumbled, chewing her lip like a scolded child.

Caleb couldn't help the roll of his eyes, "Don't worry about me, babe," he breathed, slowly pulling out of her before he laid on his back next to her, "I'm very good at what I do."

Kiran bit his lips and bent his head to kiss the top of hers, starting to say something when William returned alone, a slightly relieved look on his handsome face, "Drake's going to be fine," he announced to his and his ex-wife's children, "He's stable now and he's about to wake up."

Eliya turned on her side to cuddle up against him, "I know but I think I'll always worry a little." she breathed, biting her lip.

Anna glanced up at William, unable to keep the small smile from tugging on her lips, in spite of what Kiran had just revealed about the man, simply out of joy for Kiran's brother's survival, but she remained quiet, her heart suddenly not aching anymore as she sighed to herself.

"I don't like it when you worry," Caleb murmured, shutting his pretty eyes.

Kiran felt his chest unwind, "Can we see him?" he asked softly, giving Anna a squeeze.
William nodded, "I think he'd like that." he breathed, smiling softly and genuinely at his son before he moved to collect little Lucien and began to lead the other children along the corridor.

Eliya leaned forward to press her lips against his nose, "I know but I do, I couldn't imagine life without you." she breathed, her throat tightening at the thought.

Anna's smile widened some at this as she slid out of her man's lap and held her hand out for his; something so soft about her pretty face once more.

Caleb bit the inside of his cheek, keeping his eyes shut for a moment before his lids opened half and he looked down at her, "You have to, baby," he whispered, his brows pulling together a bit as his gaze moved over her, almost intently, "One day I won't be here and I don't want you sitting around, waiting for me forever."

Kiran took her hand, giving her a warm smile as he stood and began leading her down the hallway after them.

Eliya blinked slowly, "What do you mean one day you won't be here?" she breathed out, her throat nearly closing at the thought.

Anna couldn't help the warmth that started around her heart, his smile simply doing this to her, like his mood was controlling hers and she gently squeezed his hand as she let him lead her.

Caleb bit a hole in his cheek, frowning a bit at the taste before he shook it off and held her gaze, "Next time, if I die," he breathed, pausing for a moment to bite his bottom lip, "I don't want to be brought back."

Eliya sat up slowly, "Why not?" she choked out, her pretty mismatched eyes shimmering as she studied every line of his face.

Caleb blinked once, his gaze still on her face as he remained absolutely calm on the bed, sighing, "Because every time I am brought back, I leave a piece of myself behind. Pieces that I won't get back."

Eliya swallowed hard, "But.." she shook her head, "But you can't..it's just...I don't want..." she swallowed hard as her pretty face pinched and crumbled and she turned away from to cry into her hands.

Kiran bit his lip as his father led them all into Drake's room, their mother was all ready standing beside his bed, stroking his hair like he was a child again, Drake made a noise, his pretty green eyes looking sleepy, "Y'all came for me?" he breathed out, sounding as if he'd just woken from a nap instead of surgery.

Caleb's lips turned down in a frown as he slowly sat up, wanting to punch himself in the forehead for telling her these awful things and he shook his head, "Eliya, I'm not dead yet, please. Don't cry, please, don't cry."

Eliya choked back a sob, "But if you do, what am I supposed to do, Caleb?" she breathed, glancing back at him, her eyes still wet, "I can't do this without you, I can't."

"Of course you can," Caleb breathed, wanting to touch her and tell her everything was fine, but for some reason he didn't, simply staring at her, his mind racing.

Anna couldn't help the smile that curved her lips as she squeezed Kiran's hand, "Of course we did," she breathed, her eyes shimmering; finally feeling comfortable enough to speak around them.
Eliya sniffled as she studied him a moment before she moved to wrap her arms around his neck and bury her face against his chest, "There is no me without you." she breathed, shutting her eyes tight.

Drake's emerald gaze found hers, "Hi dahlin." he breathed, "Good to see you finally with that one, he's miserable without you." he mumbled, shutting his eyes a bit.

Caleb shut his eyes tightly, this statement washing pain over his handsome face as he tensed, slowly moving his arms around her to pull her tight against him, silent.

Anna bit her bottom lip in her sweet manner, feeling her cheeks flush as she leaned against Kiran's side, suddenly too embarrassed to even speak again.

Eliya held him tighter, "I love you so much, Caleb." she breathed, her throat tight as she held onto him.

Kiran tightened his arm around her as he grinned down at Drake, "It's good to see you alive," he breathed.
Lynn smiled softly at her little boys, "I think Drake's tired, we should leave him to rest." she mumbled, bending to kiss her boy's pretty forehead, "We'll be back soon, baby." she said softly.

Caleb screwed his eyes closed tighter, "I love you too," he whispered, hugging her tighter to him.

Anna bit her bottom lip, her cheeks still flushed as she looked up at Kiran, as if asking where they would go now in her own silent way.

Kiran opened his mouth to say something when his brother Jacob cut in, "I was thinking, Shia and I could take you two for coffee?" he breathed, the crooked Hawthorne-grin curving his handsome lips.

Anna turned her gaze on Jacob, a slight smile curving her lips once more before she looked back at Kiran, "What do you say?" she breathed.

Kiran grinned up at his older brother, "We'd love to." he breathed, smiling down at Anna again before he kissed her hair.

Anna bit the inside of her cheek, unsure whether or not to fear or look forward to being in company with more of Kiran's lovely brothers, but she still smiled, leaning on the front of her Converse to kiss Kiran's cheek.

Jacob grinned at this, "We'll see you later." he breathed, turning to kiss his mother's cheek, both Kiran and Shia following his lead now before he started out of the room, "Come on, I know this perfect little place." he muttered, running his fingers over his golden brown locks.

Anna shifted a bit to take Kiran's hand once more and she raised her free one to finger wave at her ex-mother-in-law and William.

Kiran smiled at this as he began to lead her from the room, elated to be in the presence of his girl and two favorite brothers, "I've introduced you, right?" he muttered, gesturing to Jacob and Shia as he looked down at Anna.

Anna pursed her lips as she raised her gaze to Kiran's brothers, briefly trying to recall this before she shook her head, "I don't think so," she muttered.

Kiran bit his lip as he gestured to his older brother, he was the same height and muscular build as him but he had their father's bright blue eyes and lighter brown hair, "Jacob." he breathed before gesturing to his younger brother who was a bit shorter than both of them, his hair darker, his eyes violet, but they were both handsome as most Hawthorne men were, "Shia." he grinned, "My older and younger brothers, respectively."

Anna nodded slightly, something warm coming about her smile as she looked between his brothers, realizing he'd never introduced her with that kind of excitement before as she glanced up at him, "Your favorites," she breathed, this not being a question.

Kiran grinned sheepishly, "Is it obvious?" he breathed as Jacob and Shia shared a knowing sly grin.

A few hours later, Central Park, New New York...
Lynnie sat alone, she was combing through the events of the day, needing a few sparse moments to herself to regain control, sweet, cold, control, it had become so much more fragile the last six months, always threatening to crumble at any moment, "I can give it back to you." A soft, husky, English accented voice breathed against her ear, shattering her reverie, her jaw tightened, "Mr. Steele, how unpleasant of you to join me." she muttered acidly as he came to seat his handsome self beside her on the park bench.

Same time, Center of New New York...
Nero Hawthorne hummed to himself, a cigarette dangling from his pretty lips as he dragged the very struggling and very bound-and-gagged June Blackwell to the center of the city next to her two Blackwell brothers, "You're going to die, did you know?" he said around his cigarette, cocking his handsome head down at her, the fear in her eyes made lust jerk in his belly, he so did love when a pretty woman was afraid of him.

Anna raised her hand, leaving a very small space between her thumb and index finger to indicate how obvious this was as she grinned up at him, "Just a bit, baby."

Kiran rolled his pretty eyes but continued to grin, "I can't help it," he muttered as they started for the hospital elevators now to go down to the main floor.

Carrick cocked his head to study her beautiful profile, his greyish blue eyes shimmering in the glare of the moonlight, "Sitting here, do you think of our time at St. James Park?" he muttered, his tongue flicking across his teeth.
Lynn shook her head, her pretty face clouding, "I think of another time with another man when I think of St. James." she breathed out and with the thought of Aiden, her control slipped through her fingers, and tears began to burn down her drinks.
Carrick's demeanor seemed to change, the cool arrogance he wore so well slipped away and a deep frown curved his lips, "Don't cry." he said softly, wrapping an arm around her shoulders to pull her against him as he bent his head to to kiss her mouth, "Don't cry."
Lynnie tried to push him away, "Don't touch me." she choked, tears still falling as all the events in her life seemed to crumble down on top of her.
Mr. Steele scowled, "Damnit, woman, let me comfort you." he said, not unkindly as he pulled her tighter against him, "I didn't come to do you harm, despite all the monstrous things I am, I do miss you, I do care, and I am sorry for Chloe, it was a mistake, she just...she reminded me of you."

Nero smirked, "I love the way your eyes darken and shimmer when you're scared, Miss June." he drawled, licking his lips, "It makes me hungry." he said, his voice a low rumble as he turned suddenly and shot the first male Blackwell in the back of his head.

Anna opened her mouth to blurt out something absolutely perverted before she bit her tongue, restraining herself as she squeezed his hand again, dropping her gaze to the floor as she let him lead her all he wanted.

Kiran arched a brow at her, "What were you going to say?" he asked curiously.

Anna glanced up at him through her lashes, biting her bottom lip in a playful way, "I'll tell you later," she breathed, something promising in the way she said it.

Kiran bit his lip, the look in his eyes wanting and a bit scorching, "Later." he breathed, regaining his self-control as they entered the elevator with his brothers.

Carrick sighed deeply, keeping her against him, "There is something I'm actually here for Lynnie, there's something I have to tell you.." he began when his phone made a loud chirping noise, he cussed softly and dug it out of his pocket, answering quickly, he cussed again, not getting any words in before he looked down at Lynn, "Your son is publicly executing Blackwells in Time Square."

Anna nodded slightly, suddenly regaining some of her confidence, "Later," she breathed, raising their hands to kiss his knuckles.

Jacob grinned at his little brother and his girl, "Later, eh?" he breathed, wiggling his brow in the most teasing way, "Want to share your plans?"
Kiran scowled at him, "Not exactly." he muttered before he grinned widely again, "Poor Jacob, you probably don't have any plans." he teased.

Anna made a noise, nudging Kiran's side with her elbow, "Be nice," she breathed, narrowing her eyes at him in the most adorable way.

Kiran grinned wider at this, "We're only playing baby." he muttered.
Jacob rolled his eyes as he clasped his chest over his heart, "Ah, my poor wounded soul." he said playfully, "Your boyfriend is quite mean, Miss Anna." he nodded, grinning that crooked, sexy, Hawthorne-styled grin at her.

"I am very aware, Mister Jacob," Anna breathed, tilting her pretty head a bit to one side to look up at her man as she leaned against his side, "It's one of the reasons I like him."

Kiran grinned down at her as Shia spoke, "Its one of the reasons we like him too." he grinned, leaning against the back of the elevator.

Anna's pretty lips curved into a softer smile as she looked between Jacob and Shia, looking visibly more comfortable already as she squeezed Kiran's hand, obviously pleased.

The elevator came to a stop on the main floor and Jacob stepped out first, leading them into the parking lot, "We going in one car?" he muttered, nodding towards his Audi SUV.

Anna pursed her lips to herself, leaving Kiran to answer questions like these as she looked over Jacob and Shia and then the car, realizing two things that all Hawthorne men she had met, had in common: they're gorgeous and they have impeccable taste in cars.

"We'll go in one and come back for ours later." Kiran breathed, squeezing Anna's fingers as Jacob and Shia started for the Audi.

Eliya sniffled and held Caleb tighter to her for a moment before she pulled back to kiss him, "Be with me." she breathed, needing to feel all of him as she kissed him again.

Caleb made a noise, "Are you sure we shouldn't talk this through?" he breathed, gazing down at her curiously.

Anna let Kiran lead her to the car and waited until he opened the door for her and she slid into the back of the car.

Eliya swallowed hard as she looked up at him, "Do you want to?" she breathed

Caleb slowly shook his head, "No," he muttered, watching her face closely.

Eliya reached up to cup his face between her hands, "Then be with me." she breathed, kissing his mouth again, "Make love to me, Caleb, I need to feel you." she whispered, her eyes shimmering.

Caleb's brows pulled together but he said nothing this time as he reached up and took her hands, pulling her into his lap to have her sit astride him.

Eliya slid her arms around him, studying every beautiful line of his face, "Why are you frowning?" she asked softly.

"You worry me," Caleb whispered, lowering his head a little to gently bite her chin before he began to trace hot kisses down her throat.

Eliya shivered, feeling heat wash over her and cloud her pretty head, "Don't worry, please, I just love you so much.." she breathed out, shutting her eyes.

Caleb didn't respond to this as he continued his path of kisses, over her collarbone and down to her breasts, savoring her taste as he ran his fingers up her thighs, caressing her.

Eliya felt her heart race and her blood heat, she bit her lip, savoring the feel of his lips and hands on her.

Caleb felt himself harden once more as he made a low noise, his kind and gentle fingers turning into passionate talons as he dug them into her thighs, his mouth teasing her in the worst way.

A week later; The Sapphire Lounge, New New York...
Eliya bit her lip as she studied her little girl's achievement, The Sapphire Lounge was a large, domed-top edifice made of dark stone, the pulsing sapphire blue sign that bore it's name hung just above the entrance, "I'm so proud of Luce." she murmured, squeezing Caleb's fingers as they started up the steps to the entrance, the woman looked beautiful in her tight navy blue Herve Leger dress and black Louboutins, her curls dangling freely down her shoulders.

Kiran pulled Anna up against him, the man looked handsome as ever in a grey suit, his gaze slid over the lounge, it was styled after a fifty's gentlemen club, waitresses in flapper girl uniforms circled the floor, taking orders and providing booze, the large stage off to the side had it's velvet red curtains drawn, but he knew it wouldn't be long before they opened. He turned his gaze to the floor, his family and friends were overflowing, chattering and laughing with each other even though their was a sense of seriousness in the air, "My mom's not here yet." he mused, resting his chin on top of Anna's head.

"She's done well for herself," Caleb breathed as he placed his hand flat on the lowest part of her back, looking incredibly handsome in his dark-grey suit and black shirt underneath, no tie.

Anna leaned into her beautiful man, her pale gaze somehow following his even though she wasn't looking at him, "She'll be here," she breathed, running her black-painted fingertips underneath his blazer to his lower back. She looked gorgeous, dressed in a turquoise dress that fit her body and showed it off in the best way, her Louboutins sparkling on her feet.

Eliya wrapped an arm around his waist, leaning against him as they made their way inside, she studied everything, her lips pulled into an impressed sort of pout, "She really has." she breathed, pride and love brimming in her chest for her little girl.

Kiran pursed his lips, "I hope so." he breathed, smirking to himself, "Probably wanted to make an entrance." he muttered, rolling his eyes.

Caleb smiled to himself, "Nice," he breathed, looking around the place.

"As always," Anna breathed, tilting her pretty head a little to look up at her man, "I can't decide if we're here to enjoy ourselves or brood."

Kiran pursed his lips, "A bit of both." he breathed, spotting Eliya and Caleb at the entrance, he grinned and called out to them, knowing his brother would hear him across the crowd.

Caleb's head snapped up towards the sound of his brother's voice and he grinned, inclining his head in the most polite way as he began to lead his woman towards his brother and his girl, "Brother, did you have a nice week?" he asked as soon as they were close enough.

Kiran grinned in a wickedly crooked manner, "Yes, yes I did." he breathed, squeezing Anna, "Did you and short stuff here?" he muttered, his eyes twinkling playfully.

Caleb grinned even wider as he squeezed Eliya, "You have no idea," he breathed, glancing over all of the people in the there as Anna squeezed Kiran's waist, her pretty face flushing at the mention of their week.

Kiran opened his mouth to say something perverted when the front doors opened again and Lynnie Norratov stepped through, looking stunningly beautiful in a deep plum strapless dress that seemed to melt against her curves and set off the violet in her eyes, her dark locks were straightened and fell around her beautiful face, and the Manolo Blahniks on her feet put her at a good and intimidating six-foot-three, she was flanked on either side by the handsome William Hawthorne and the ever dashing Carrick Steele, behind them stood Jon Viscera and Michael Bennette, at the rear stood Stacey Cissanaro; Eliya bit her lip, "Damn." she breathed out, "Lynn and her mantourage are very nice tonight."

Anna bit her bottom lip hard, "Mhm," she breathed out, tightening her hold on Kiran as she tilted her pretty head a little to look at him, "Good thing you're keeping me satisfied, baby."

Kiran grinned at this, "Very good thing." he breathed as his mother spotted them, a smile flit across her lips before she began towards them, her entourage of unbearably hot men moving in sync with her.

Caleb glanced up to see Lynnie's face, a crooked, sexy-as-hell grin curving his lips as he looked her over, but he said nothing, simply squeezing his woman to her.
Anna slid both of her arms around Kiran's waist to give him a gentle squeeze again, "You were right," she breathed, "She did want to make an entrance."

Lynn smiled softly at them all, "I always make an entrance." she breathed, giving a shrug of her slender shoulders, she gestured to the men around her, "My security team, they're all afraid I'm going to be kidnapped or something just for leaving the house." she said, rolling her eyes at this.

"You can never be too careful," Caleb muttered, giving a slight shrug of his shoulders.

"Agreed." Carrick Steele muttered, giving Lynn a pointed look, his greyish blue eyes flickering, "Anything could happen." he muttered.
Lynn made a face at them, "I'm well aware of that." she said softly, reaching up to run her fingers through her hair, "I need a drink." she muttered, not even getting to move before Jon Viscera moved ahead of her to get it from the bar.
Eliya grinned at this, "They're so attentive." she breathed, rolling her pretty eyes up at Lynn, "You look beautiful, by the way, it's as if they sewed you into that dress."

Caleb didn't move to make a comment on this statement as he bent his pretty head to kiss Eliya's hair, inhaling her sweet scent which seemed to be even more appealing than the bar as he shut his eyes a moment, wanting nothing more than to be with her.

Eliya snuggled back against him, wrapping her arms tight around him, her brain becoming a flurry of sweet thoughts as she no longer paid attention to anyone else but him.
Lynn bit her lip as she studied them for a moment, "I need a minute." she said, turning briskly on her heel to stalk towards the restrooms, Michael Bennette sighed, "I got this." he said and started after her.

Anna frowned a bit at this, her pretty gaze soon finding William's as her forehead creased worriedly, "Is she okay?" she asked, the worry evident in her voice as well as she let go of Kiran.

William pursed his lips as he stuffed his hands into the pocket of his slacks, "She's...stressed." he muttered, "Can you blame her though?"
Carrick made a face at this, "She needs a good orgasm but damn woman won't let anyone touch her." he grumbled, running his fingers through his curls.

Lynn took a deep breath as she studied herself in the mirror, leaning on her palms to get closer to her reflection, all she saw was a pretty face with sad violet-silver eyes, her lips twisted and she moved back again to run her fingers through her hair as Michael Bennette slipped into the bathroom, she sighed, "I don't need an escort everywhere, Michael." she muttered, raising a brow at him in the mirror.
Michael didn't say anything as he moved to stand behind her, "You're so beautiful." he muttered, reaching up to take a lock of her hair between his fingers.
Lynn frowned, starting to turn towards him when he curled his fist into her hair and yanked hard, driving the point of a sedative-filled needle into her throat with his other hand, her eyes widened and she barely got to struggle when black began to fill the world and her body went slack; Michael wrapped his arm around her waist to keep her against him, bending down to sniff her hair before he slung her up over his shoulders and started towards the door that led to the alley out back where a black van awaited.

"Of course not," Caleb said, the dislike of this man evident in his voice as he raised his glare to Carrick's face, "She's waiting for Aiden, why would she let her childhood pedophile touch her?"

Carrick narrowed his eyes at Caleb, "I am not a pedophile." he grumbled before cocking his brow curiously, "Who is Aiden? The man who took her to St. James, she mentioned him but she didn't tell me his name, I suppose she doesn't consider me a confidant." he muttered, rolling his eyes a bit.

Michael Bennette was met by the vile Jaime Reardon, a good looking blond man in jeans and a tight fitted black T, "I can take her from here, Michael." he breathed out in his soft Cockney accent as he opened the back and took his former boss, "Oh the plans Mr. Lannister has for our dear Lynnie." he breathed out and for the first time, Michael Bennette blanched at what he was doing, "Shut up, Reardon, where is my money?"
Reardon grinned widely at this, "You'll get it soon enough, Mikey." he breathed, slipping Lynn into the back where he cuffed her limp wrists together and then her ankles before he turned to his former brother-in-arms and took a fold of cold, green cash from his pocket, "It's all there, Judas." he muttered, smirking to himself as he tossed it to him, and began to the driver's side of the van.

"Who would," Caleb said, raising a brow at Carrick with this not being a question as he glanced down at Eliya, portraying the softest smile, "Babe, why don't you and Anna go have a drink?" he murmured softly, briefly glancing up at Kiran before he dropped his pretty gaze back to Eliya's.

Eliya bit her lip before she glanced up at Anna and held her hand out for hers, "I think the boys want as minute." she breathed, grinning as she took a step out of his arms.
Kiran smiled at this as he looked down at Anna, "Go, have a drink." he breathed.

Anna's lips curved into a sweet smile as she gave a slight nod, "Y'all behave now," she breathed, leaning on the front of her heels to kiss Kiran's chin before she took Eliya's hand and started for the bar with her best friend.
Caleb pursed his lips, his gaze following the girls until he knew they were far enough away before he raised his gaze to Kiran's face, "Lupus Corp's finest are coming to New York," he said, his forehead creasing as he raised his hand to run his fingers over his cleanly cut hair, "Spearheaded by Eva Hart."

Kiran blinked slowly, "I thought she was dead." he breathed, "I watched my own mother kill her." he muttered, running his hands over his hair.

Caleb nodded slightly, "I know," he mumbled, giving a slight shrug of his shoulders, "The bitch and her boys have a way of clawing their way out of Hell. Every. Single. Time." his jaw tightened, "She's coming after you, bro, and me."

Kiran flicked his tongue across his teeth, something cold sliding across his gaze, "Let her come." he muttered, his muscles tensing in his back, "Pathetic little bitch, she never changes."

Caleb couldn't help the wicked grin that curved his lips as he gave a slow nod, "That's what I want to hear," he breathed before turning his gaze after their women, "We need to get them the fuck out of this city."

Kiran followed his gaze, "And very far." he breathed in agreement, running his hands through his hair again before he glanced around, "Where is my mother? She'll want to know." he said softly.
William frowned, "She's been a gone a bit, huh?" he muttered before he and Carrick headed towards the restrooms to find her.

Caleb's lips turned down in a frown as he glanced towards the restrooms, wondering what was actually taking mama Norratov so Goddamn long.
Evangeline Hart entered the bar, a wicked grin playing at her beautiful lips as she snatched a glass of champagne from one of the waitresses and began to move forward. She looked absolutely stunning, dressed in a bright red, see-through dress, layers on layers bouncing while she walked right between Kiran and Caleb and a sweet laugh escaped her lips, "Hello, boys," she breathed, moving into the crowd and heading for the bar.

Kiran felt a shudder pass up his spine, "You saw her right? I'm not hallucinating?" he muttered, wrinkling his nose in disgust as his gaze followed Eva for a moment when his father came out of the restrooms, his jaw tight, "She's gone." he called, Carrick right behind him.

Caleb's jaw clenched, "Fuck," he said through his teeth, not answering his brother as he turned to face Lynn's exes, "Where could she have gone out?"
Evangeline didn't look back at them, amused as she spotted Eliya and Anna and she reached out, her long, thin fingers wrapping around the back of Anna's neck before she twisted her to face her, "Hi, sweetheart," she breathed, grinning even wider at the widening of the pretty girl's eyes and she leaned in to bite her mouth, painting her bottom lip red, "I will kill you," she whispered, her gaze intently locked on hers, "But not yet. I'm gonna have you wait and wake up screaming in the middle of the night until you beg me to tear your heart out."

Carrick shook his head, "She wouldn't have gone of her own accord." he muttered, his jaw tight, "Someone's been after her, it's why we're added security," he said, racking his brain for an idea, "Michael Benette turned, we have to find him and then beat the information out of him." he muttered, his eyes darkening dangerously.
Eliya blinked slowly, her muscles bunching up beneath her skin, "Hey, bitch, get off my friend." she breathed out, knowing in her very human state she was in no shape to fight an evil Hell-bitch when Nero Hawthorne appeared, looking rather yummy in dark slacks, blazer, and white dress shirt, his dark hair was pulled back and he was rubbing his well-trimmed goatee, "I've always found instant gratification to be so much better." he breathed, wrapping an around Eva's waist to jerk her away from Eva, "Dance with me, now." he said, the tone of his voice leaving no room for discussion.

Caleb nodded slightly, "You got a tracker on em?" he muttered, dragging his hand over his forehead and over his hair.
Anna swallowed hard, raising her hand to rub at her throat as she stared at both Evangeline and Nero in something close to disbelief, but she said nothing, absolutely unable to as Evangeline ran her fingers up the back of Nero's neck to fist her hand in his hair, the smile on her face obviously not objecting as she searched his gaze, immediately knowing who this man was.

Stacey bit his lip, "Yeah, we all have to get one." he muttered, speaking up for the first time, absolute worry in his pretty blue eyes, "I have to get to Lynn's computer, Viscera, and I will go." he breathed with a nod.
William pursed his lips, "Then go. Now. Call us when you find him." he said, cool authority in his tone, "I have an idea, the only way Michael could have gotten her out is the back, we need a hound..." he started.
Kiran blinked up at this, "Taras." he breathed, "He knows mama's scent, we'll make him help us." he said, his eyes darkening.

Nero's emerald-silver eyes shimmered as he moved her out on to the dance floor, keeping his arm tight around her waist, "You look beautiful, Miss Hart." he breathed, obviously knowing who she was as well as he pulled her right up against his body and began to move to the soft music floating through the speakers.

Caleb sighed, frustration clawing at his pretty head as he glanced over the crowd, not saying anything as he started for the bar, deciding to get the girls the fuck out of there.

Evangeline tilted her pretty head to one side as she moved with him, meeting him perfectly as she smiled, almost devilishly at him, "Thank you, Mister Hawthorne, you're not too shabby yourself," she breathed, sounding almost sweet.

Eliya looked up at Caleb, a bit of panic shining in her pretty eyes, "Eva's here." she mumbled, the blood having drained from her pretty face.

A wickedness spread through Nero's smile, "Oh I know." he breathed, bending his head a bit to her ear, "I'm not usually this polite, Miss Hart, but when you entered, I thought to myself, I'd like to fuck that mean little bitch raw." he whispered, nipping at her ear.

"I know," Caleb breathed, holding his hands out for them, "I need to get both of your out of here."

Evangeline made a sweet noise, tilting her head back a little as if in absolutely ecstasy before she met his gaze, "I haven't had a good fuck in years, Mister Hawthorne," she breathed, tightening her hold on his hair.

Eliya took his hand, sliding out of her seat, "Where are we going?" she breathed, glancing back at Anna for a moment, worry making her chest tight.

Nero grinned that wicked, Hawthorne-grin all men of their blood seemed to give, "I think we should change that, here, now." he breathed out, his eyes dark with carnal imaginings.

Caleb pursed his lips, but he was silent, absolutely not going to tell them in there as Anna took his other hand and he shifted, dragging both of them with him.

"Most definitely," Eva breathed, grinning that devilish way that only she could as she leaned in to bite his mouth, hard.

Nero felt lust jerk in his belly as he bit her mouth harder, "I want to make you bleed." he breathed out, his voice a growl low in his throat, he didn't hesitate as he began to drag her off the dance floor towards the restrooms.

Evangeline ran her tongue over her lips, tasting the sweetness on them as she let him drag her all he wanted, not going to disclose how much she wanted to make him bleed as well.

Nero led her into the men's bathroom before he pushed her up against the sink, turning her to the face the mirror as he wrapped his fingers in her hair, pressing his hardening self against her backside, "I want you to watch yourself." he breathed into her hair as the fingers of his other hand move down the front of her dress to cup her through it.

Evangeline ran her tongue over her perfect teeth, her icy gaze darkening visibly as she watched him in the mirror, so ready for him already.

Caleb stepped out of his Lamborghini after roaring it into the alley behind his daughter's club, that worried look still all over his handsome face as looked over the men there, cocking his gun before he stuffed it in the front of his slacks and straightened his suit.

Kiran looked up at his brother, he stood with William Hawthorne, Carrick Steele, and the notorious Gregori Taras, the man seemingly wore a metal collar around his throat as he tilted his head back, sniffing the air, "She was here." he muttered, his voice almost a growl on the wind, "I can smell her, there were two men, and her." he said, his muscles twitching beneath his skin.

Caleb's brows pulled together a bit as he started towards them, silent and assessing as he watched Taras, instantly deciding that he didn't like this hound either.

Gregori's muscles coiled beneath his skin, "I need to shift to get a better direction." he breathed, reaching up to touch the collar around his throat.
William raised a brow, "Do you think we're going to let you shift? So you can run?" he muttered, his lips twisting, "I should kill you in this alley, Taras, find a damn trail in this form or risk a bullet to the skull." he damn near growled.

... Nero slammed brutally hard against his mean little brunette, he held himself there as pleasure erupted in his abdomen, he bit down hard against her shoulder, meeting her gaze in the mirror as his fingers left bruises in her hips.

Caleb pursed his lips, watching Gregori curiously as his lips twisted with suppressed amusement, but he remained quiet, sliding his hands into the pockets of his slacks.

Evangeline's lids fluttered, her lips parting in a tantalizing moan of his name as she clenched around him, her entire body quivering with pleasurable pain as she panted, for a second wishing she had met this man instead of Kiran Hawthorne's less fun brother.

Gregori's jaw tightened, "Do you want to find her or not, Hawthorne?" he snarled, "I can get to her faster if I'm shifted." he said through his teeth as if he were talking to an errant child he wanted to beat the shit out of.
Kiran grit his own teeth, "He has a point, we need to get to her as fast as possible." he breathed, glancing at Caleb for some kind of backup.

Nero flicked his tongue across the bite marks he'd left on her, his teeth were bloody, "I enjoyed you." he breathed, dragging his nails across her thighs as he pressed deeper into her.

Caleb's jaw clenched and he didn't have to look at his brother to feel his glance as he looked over at William, "Let him shift," he muttered.

"Likewise," Evangeline breathed, biting her bottom lip painfully hard, feeling incredibly sore and satisfied as she met his gaze in the mirror again.

William gnashed his teeth together but he didn't argue as he reached up to undo the collar around Gregori's throat, Carrick pulling his gun from it's holster at his side, "Once false move, dog, do you understand?" he said lowly, the way his greyish blue eyes shimmered with dark intent begged no objections. Taras grit his teeth together, getting to his knees as his skin began to ripple and his bones, shifted, making wet snapping noises before he became a large wolf-like creature, big, ferocious, and grey, he sniffed at the concrete before he shook his head in a direction and began down it, moving fast and expecting the same of them.

Caleb's eyes widened some, "Shit," he said through his teeth, having forgotten that they would probably be running too as he darted for his car, expecting Kiran to follow him.

Kiran moved after his brother, his father following, not giving a damn if he was invited or not, his eyes keeping to the grey blur of fur as Carrick moved after the wolf on foot, expecting the boys to keep up at the rear.

Caleb jumped in behind the wheel of his Lamborghini, awakening the engine and waiting until the Hawthornes were in the car with him before he pulled it out of the alley and had it roar after the wolf and Steele.

Kiran made a noise, "I hope your car is fast brother," he muttered, keeping his gaze on the two blurs as they moved towards the suspiciously empty interstate.

"What do you think?" Caleb muttered, flooring it now as the cars speed began to build, faster and faster until he was pressed against his seat, trying to control the grin that was curving his lips.

Kiran grunted as he was thrown back against his seat, slightly impressed with the car's stamina as the blurs moving in front of them when they cut from the interstate down to an empty airport, "Damn it." Kiran muttered, knowing what this must mean, "They took a plane." he spat the words like they were curse words.

"We'll check the tower," Caleb muttered, keeping the car skillfully steady after the blurs in front of them, "They probably keep a log or something."

Kiran gave a slight nod when his phone began to chirp, he picked it up quickly, "Stacey." he muttered into the phone, silent as the other man obviously explained something on the other line before he hung up, "A man Michael only knows as Mr. Lannister hired Jaime Reardon who contacted him to kidnap my mother."

"Lannister," Caleb repeated, his lips twitching into a frown as he tried to remember the name but nothing came up and he sighed, "Look him up."

"I'm all ready on it." William muttered from the backseat, digging through Lynn's database on his cell phone, "He's only in Lynn's database once, they had a meeting a few months ago but that's it." he breathed, gritting his teeth, "A fucking suitor." he grumbled, "I'm trying to find a list of properties in his name."

"Sometimes I wish she'd just stuck with you, Will," Caleb muttered, briefly glancing up in the rear view mirror as he steered his car for the airfield.

William snorted, "We'd probably both be dead." he mused, rapidly clicking things on his cell phone, "I have a list, if we can get to the log to see where the plane is going to we'll know what's there." he muttered.

Caleb nodded slightly, the car bumping a little as he pulled it out onto the airfield and steered for the tower, "Kiran, how fast can you get a log out of some nerds in a control tower?" he muttered.

Kiran pursed his lips, "I'll call on my inner high school bully." he breathed, nodding as he jumped out of the car, not even waiting for it to stop as he began for the tower, noting Carrick and Gregori had stopped at the hangar.

Caleb kept driving until they reached the hangar as well and he killed the engine, quickly getting out of the car, "Anything new?" he muttered to them.

Carrick shook his head as he gestured to a half-open black van, "Just a damn van, probably the one she was taken in." he breathed, a deep scowl curving his pretty lips as Gregori shifted again, "I can't trace a scent into the sky." he grumbled, rubbing his face.

"Well, that makes you pretty useless right now, huh?" Caleb muttered, his dark gaze impassive as it rested on Taras.

"I don't like this," Anna muttered as she sat across from Eliya by the breakfast bar, frowning as she watched her best friend's face, "Why wouldn't Caleb tell us anything?" she mumbled, looking absolutely exhausted by now, having redressed in one of Caleb's t-shirts. She crinkled her pretty nose, hoping the steel-enforced elevator doors would keep them safe as she slid out of her bar stool and held her hand out for Eliya's, figuring they might as well sleep than sit and worry all night.

Hours later, a secluded ranch in Montana...
Lynn's tongue felt too thick in her mouth, her lids felt too heavy, her skin felt almost numb but she forced her eyes open, it was dark and she felt blurry and disoriented, "Good evening, Miss Norratov." a voice breathed, it was vaguely familiar and she could make out a silhouette in the dark, she tried to jerk upright when she realized her wrists and ankles were cuffed to the four posts of a bed and there was a gag to keep her from talking or..screaming. The silhouette moved and she flinched as a light flicked on, she scrunched her eyes close, trying to get used to the glare when finally she could see the face clearly; her heart jumped into her throat, above her stood the enigmatic Ryland Lannister, they had met briefly at an interview a few months ago, she remembered him being handsome with his shimmering grey eyes and seemingly careless golden curls but something about him was off and now even more so, a cruel, almost wicked smile flit across his lips as he looked down at her, "I've been waiting for this moment for so long." he breathed, running his fingers down her long, bare legs and Lynn realized she'd been stripped off all her clothing except her panties; her muscles coiled as she pulled against her restraints, the metal cutting into her wrists and ankle but not budging. Mr. Lannister shook his head, "I know, sweetheart, if you get out of those chains I'll be a dead man." he breathed in a soft, almost cooing voice, "We're going to do something about that, darling, those sedatives in your system will you keep you from healing for awhile but if you do manage to heal, we'll have to start over, each and every time." he whispered, his grey eyes, molten like burning silver.
Lynn's eyes widened in fear as Mr. Lannister held up the heavy hammer he'd acquired, "Now, be still." he breathed, knowing she didn't have much of a choice as he moved around the bed to stand at the foot of it between her spread ankles, he had cuffed it just so her ankles were level with the posts, he drew back the hammer and slammed it against her foot. Lynn screamed in terrible agony against her gag as her ankle shattered, tears stung her eyes and she nearly passed out from the pain, Mr. Lannister was unforgiving as he broke her other ankle, and then moved around the bed to shatter her wrists.
Lynn felt a numbing pain radiate through her arms and legs as Mr. Lannister crawled onto the bed and straddled her at her knees, he bent his head to place kisses over her breasts, making bile rise in her throat at every contact his lips made; she shut eyes trying to think of a different place, a different time, tears burned down the sides of her face as she cried against her rag, in too much pain and too scared to care if she appeared weak, she felt his kisses move lower and she gagged against the rag in her mouth, she shut her eyes tighter, trying to imagine Aiden's face, trying to find a pocket of inner strength when it felt like there was nothing left.

Taras growled low in his throat at the boy but he didn't have a chance to get any words out when Kiran reappeared, "Montana." he said in one breath and his father looked down at his screen, "They're at a ranch." he muttered, "We'll call for the jet." he said, turning to do just that.

Eliya took her best friend's hand, feeling slightly useless and pale, "I hate it when Eva's in town." she breathed out, her throat tight as she hoped Caleb was all right, "Do you know, Caleb told me if he died again, he didn't want to be brought back?"

Caleb felt a shudder pass up his spine at the thought of the ranch and Lynnie- Ed Gein briefly coming to mind before he shook it off, this idea making him queasy as he waited.

Anna's pretty lips turned down in a frown as she looked at Ellie, "Why? Is he sick?" she breathed, leading her up the stairs to the open bedroom.

Kiran frowned deeply, not liking that a bit either, worry tightened in his chest making it almost hard to breathe, "It's not fair." he whispered to no one in particular.

Eliya shook her head before explaining their conversation.

Caleb blinked slowly, seemingly snapping out of his train of thought as he glanced over at Kiran, "What isn't?"

Anna sunk down onto the edge of the bed, practically gaping at Eliya for a very long moment before she shook her head, "He's scared he's gonna lose himself," she mumbled, her brows pulling together a little as she pulled her bare legs up beneath her, "He really does love you."

"This." Kiran breathed, "My mother doesn't deserve this, all the the things she's done, all the time these asshole have hurt her, and now this?" he shook his head.

Eliya bit her lip, "I know but he should know by now that I won't let him lose himself, he's stuck with me, no matter what."

Caleb sighed, his brows furrowing as he considered this and soon nodded, "I know," he muttered, reaching out to grasp his brother's shoulder, "We'll get her back and whatever happened to her, we'll fix it. Somehow."

"I'm sure he knows that," Anna breathed, slipping under the crispy white duvet and gesturing for her little friend to join her, "He doesn't wanna hurt you."

Kiran met his brother's gaze, "I just hope there's something left to fix." he breathed, his jaw tightening at the thought his poor mother could break.

Eliya slid under the covers, "I know." she said softly, "Why do you seem surprised he loves me? We've been together twenty-six years.." she mumbled.

"Your mother is strong, she'll pull through this too," Caleb muttered, his jaw tightened as he steered his gaze straight forward.

Anna gave a slight shrug of her shoulders, "I just never really trusted him," she muttered, biting the inside of her cheek as she watched Eliya's face, "But I do now. As long as he makes you happy."

Kiran didn't say anything to this as the sound of a jet engine filled the sky above and began to descend near them.

Eliya smiled, "He does make me happy." she breathed, "I never really trusted Kiran." she muttered honestly.

Caleb slid his hands back into his slacks as he looked up at the jet, that worried look still etched onto his face.

"Neither did I," Anna breathed, almost guiltily as a slight smile curving her lips and she laid onto her side, "Now I can't imagine life without him. I trust him more than I trust myself, you know?"

In moments the jet settled beside them, it was sleek, black, made for speed; William sighed as he began towards it, he and the other men uncharacteristically silent as they boarded the winged monster.

Eliya smiled at that, "I know." she said softly, snuggling up with her best friend.

Caleb remained quiet as well, unable to quite focus on what they were doing as he followed the men into the jet.

Anna smiled a bit to herself as she slid her arms around Eliya, realizing how much she'd actually missed her as she sighed, "Sleep tight, hun," she whispered, gently kissing her forehead.

Eliya wrapped her arms around Anna as well, "Night Anna, I love you." she said softly, shutting her eyes.

Montana, a mile out from the Lannister Ranch...
Kiran bit his lip hard as their jeep rattled over the rough terrain of the Montana plains, "Almost there." he breathed out as William drove faster towards the gates that surrounded the ranch, practically flying down the damn road.

"I love you too," Anna mumbled, shutting her eyes as well as she seemed to relax next to her friend, soon drifting off.

Caleb gritted his teeth, steadying himself on the jeep as he reached back and grabbed his gun, silent as he mentally readied himself to splatter brains all over the place.

William gritted his teeth as he slammed through the gates, they made an ugly screeching sound as they ripped from the hinges and announced the jeep's arrival. Will bought the damn thing to a spinning halt right at Mr. Lannister's doors, he didn't bother with the engine as he, Steele, and Taras moved out, Kiran soon following.

Caleb followed after his brother, his fingertips drumming on the Glock in his hand as he raised it, firing a shot at the handle in case the bastard had locked the door.

William kicked it open, the door snapping off it's hinges as he raised his gun, his gaze sliding over everything, "They're not up here." he breathed.
Taras tilted his head back, sniffing, "She's here, bleeding, and.." a growl ripped up his throat as he shifted so suddenly and began into the house, ripping through it to the basement.

Caleb felt bile rise to the back of his throat as he moved through the house, quickly following the hound with his gun raised.

Kiran swallowed hard, his gun never wavering as he and the others followed, the stairs into the basement were dark and Taras had slowed, violent rage rising off his fur in waves, they could hear the men, grunting and laughing, Kiran's heart sunk into his guts as he peered around the corner, he could vaguely see his mother tied to a bed, her wrists and ankles bluish and purple; she was surrounded by men, one on top of her, the others surrounding her with their pants down as they shamed her.

Caleb moved silently, following his brother's gaze into the room before a growl began to build in the back of his throat, "Motherfuckers," he shouted, stepping into the room and firing shots at the revealed genitalia in the room.

And with that all of them opened fire, catching the men off guard as they made dying animal noises and went down, Kiran moved further into the room to grab the man from on top of his mother, "Reardon." he said through his teeth as he slammed into the ground, raising his gun again to shoot him once between his legs and then between his eyes.

Caleb took a breath, not lowering his gun until all of the bastards were on the ground and he turned his gaze on Lynnie, looking at her without really doing so, "You alright, darling?" he breathed, moving towards her to untie her.

Lynn looked up at him without looking at him, the silver in her eyes had dulled to grey and overwhelmed the violet, she was silent, offering the numbness that filled every remaining part of her before she returned her gaze to the ceiling. Steele moved to the end of the bed to undle the shackles at her ankles, "We need to get her into a goddamn bath." he choked out, his greyish blue eyes shimmering with a strange mix of violence and worry.

"Not here," Caleb snapped, his usually so light eyes now dark with worry as he finished releasing her hands and shrugged out of his blazer to drape it around her.

Two hours later, New New York..
Anna Thomas woke with a start, a choked scream bubbling up from her throat as she sat up quickly, Caleb's t-shirt sticking to her damp skin as she breathed hard, the horrid, bloody images of Evangeline and Nero Hawthorne having bile rise to the back of her throat and panic settle in her chest; Eva had just put her plan directly in her mind.

"Where then?" Carrick growled, "There aren't places for miles and any longer like this.." he shook his head, his jaw tight.

Eliya woke with a start, "Anna?" she mumbled, blinking slowly, "What's wrong?"

Caleb lifted Lynnie into his arms and carefully cradled her to his chest, "You'd rather keep her here where she was traumatized than knock her out and take her home?" he breathed, narrowing his eyes a little at Carrick.

Anna made a low noise as she shut her eyes, "Nightmares," she breathed, slowly shaking her head as she pulled her knees up to her chest, "I think.."

Carrick swallowed hard, looking lost for a moment, "I just want to get her clean." he whispered.

Eliya frowned, "Do you want to stay up and watch tv?"

Caleb sighed, obviously irritated and now determined to ignore the ignoramus as he started out of the basement with Lynnie.

Anna nodded slowly, "Please," she whispered, feeling a little fidgety already and even more so when the elevator doors slid open downstairs.

Kiran swallowed hard as he started after his brother, the three men soon following, all silent.

Eliya frowned, shooting out of bed, her fingers wrapped around the nine she'd hid under her pillow as she glanced around the corner to watch the elevator.

Caleb was up the stairs and through the house within moments, cradling Lynnie protectively against her chest as he climbed into the back of the jeep with little difficulty and settled her in his lap.

Anna's throat tightened so much it hurt as she stared down into the living room, visibly flinching when the sound of the bastard Ethan filled the apartment, "Evening, ladies," he called, his bright blue eyes and impeccable sense of smell quickly finding them as he grinned, "We didn't mean to wake you, we just came by for a midnight snack."

Kiran slid in beside him as Will and Carrick took the front, Taras slid into the back, Lynn was silent, unblinking and unmoving, it broke Kiran's heart into pieces.

Eliya's jaw clenched as she took aim, "Out. Now." she breathed.

Caleb was completely silent as well as he looked down at Lynnie, sorrow creeping into his lovely features as he ran his fingers over her hair, trying to be comforting.

Ethan grinned cruelly as he moved, appearing directly in front of Eliya and wrenching the gun from her hands, tossing it across the apartment before he looked at her again, tilting his head a bit to one side, "I've always wanted to fuck you, Miss Eliya," he breathed, dragging out her name in a hiss as Nathaniel Hart suddenly stood by the foot of the bed, his dark gaze fixed on Anna as it roamed down her long legs, "My sister planned on gifting you to Nero Hawthorne, but we couldnt help ourselves," he breathed, his voice heated as he stared at the pretty brunette in front of him, "Two little human girls, ready and wanting in the middle of the night. Where's the harm in fucking both of you raw?"

Lynn blinked up at him slowly, "Don't tell." she breathed out, her voice small and wavering in the silence.

"There's a lot of harm." Maximus Allier breathed as he seemed to appear, looking so young in dark washed jeans and a black hoodie, his dark curls pulled back into a loose pony tail, "Kiran called before he left, he said to watch the building for cockroaches." he breathed, his blue eyes shimmering as they darkened.

Caleb's brows pulled together in a frown and he had to consider this a moment before he understood and he gave a slow nod, "I won't tell, darling."

Anna's shoulders seemed to relax some as a nervous smile curved her lips and she raised her gaze to Nathaniel's face, finding bravery, "You should be running," she hissed.
Ethan's jaw tightened as he moved to yank Eliya in front of him, his fingernails digging into her throat as he stared at Maximus, grinning, "Leave, old man," he breathed, his canines lengthening.

Lynn swallowed hard, "Thank you." she breathed, shutting her eyes as she tilted her head against his shoulder.

A slow, cruel smiled crossed Max's lips, "Children, so young and so..stupid." he breathed before he moved, blurring so fast it was as if he disappeared, he wrapped his fingers around Ethan's neck and then Nathaniel's before he brought them away from the girls, his hold like steel wrapped around their necks.

Caleb continued to run his fingers over her hair, trying to be soothing as he very lowly began to hum the same song he had sung to her once.

Anna hopped off the bed to stand with her best friend, taking her hand in hers, "Are you okay?" she whispered, hearing the vampires choke as they clawed at Maximus' hands.

The men stayed quiet for miles before Will spoke up, "There's a motel up ahead, we can get her clothed, fed, taken care of." he said softly.

Eliya nodded, "I think I'd like to get out of here." she breathed.

Caleb nodded very slowly, but he didn't answer, simply continuing his sweet humming and caressing of Lynnie's hair.

"Where?" Anna breathed, looking down at her best friend.

William turned off the road into the parking lot of a small motel, "I'll get her something from the gift shop." he said, cutting the engine, "Just find a room."

Eliya glanced at the vampires, "Away from here." she breathed as Maximus slammed Ethan and Nathaniel's skulls together with the force of an awful car collision.

Caleb briefly glanced up at the motel, a slight frown curving his lips as he glanced over at Kiran, "I'll take her in there, you talk to the manager," he muttered, nodding towards the door marked 13 before he pushed the door open and climbed out of the car.

"Oh, that can be arranged," Evangeline Hart breathed from behind them before she wrapped her fingers in their hair and yanked them back, not allowing Maximus to interfere before she shut her eyes, "We're set," she whispered and they were gone.

Kiran gave a nod but he remained silent as he slid out of the car and started for the direction William had all ready gone; Mr. Steele and Mr. Taras were uncharacteristically silent as they slid out of the car and followed Caleb because he held Lynn.

Eliya felt her spine tense and she gasped, "But that's..." she pursed her lips tight, fear making it hard to speak.

"You guys are being creepy as hell," Caleb muttered, stopping only when he reached the door and nodded to the lock, obviously wanting someone to open it.

"Impossible?" Evangeline hissed, shoving the girls away from her before she made a spin, a wickedly sweet laugh escaping her wine-red lips as she gestured around the dark Winter Palace, "What do you think, girls? Beautiful, isn't it?" she breathed, "Anastasia Romanov lived here, it's only fitting that Anna dies where she disappeared."

Taras moved forward to break the lock in his thick hands and push it open for them, his gaze saddened as it moved over his first and only wife, "I'll start the bath." he said softly, moving ahead to do that.

Eliya swallowed hard, "Why are you so obsessive?" she squeaked, "We've never actually done anything to you, I was even nice to you once or twice, I raised your son." she breathed out, her heart pounding way above normal.

Caleb gave another nod, this time as a thanks as he moved into the room and very carefully placed Lynnéa on the bed.

"Shut up," Evangeline hissed, suddenly facing them again as she raised her hand to slap Eliya across her pretty face, harder than Caleb had ever backhanded her and Anna's eyes seemed to widen at this, "You ashen whore," she whispered, shaking her head as she reached up to drag both of her hands over her hair, taking a step back as if in genuine shock, "You really think he wants you, Evangeline? You think any of them do?" she breathed, a mirthless laugh passing her lips, "You're nothing but a flat-chested bitch who is too horny for power and our men will fuck you up if you touch either of us again."

In a few moments, Kiran came through the door, looking much more panicked and distressed, "Eva kidnapped the girls." he choked out, reaching up to tangle his fingers in his hair.

Eliya made a whimpering noise, pain blossoming through her skull as she took a stumbling step back, her face stinging, "You awful cunt." she choked out, "You're pathetic." she hissed, finding strength in her indignation, "You're going to fucking die alone every time, no one will ever love you."

Caleb's head snapped up and he stared at his brother, "What?" he breathed, sounding like he was choking on the words, "Where? How do you know?"

Evangeline seemed absolutely untouched by this, her pretty eyes like ice as she stared at Eliya, "Love is for fools," she breathed, her gaze shifting to Anna before she raised her hand once more and took a step forward; in a swift movement, before Anna could take a step back, she had clawed at her, producing three bloody scratches over her cheek before she shoved her, sending the skinny thing flying directly onto the frozen floor before Evangeline grinned, "Run, Anna Thomas," she hissed, "I love it when they run."

Kiran swallowed hard, "My brother called, she took them to the Winter Palace.." he breathed out, his voice thick with a mix of emotions, "You have to go after them, I'll meet you there, I promise, but you have to go first." he whispered, his gaze moving to his mother now as he started towards her on the bed.

Caleb's jaw clenched, but he said nothing as he shut his eyes, praying to God that this would work as he focused, and soon he was gone, reappearing at the Winter Palace with the smuggest grin possible, "Oh, I'm gonna fuck you sideways, Hart," he breathed, starting for the bitch.

Eliya took a breath, thanking every God she knew when Caleb appeared and she turned to look at her very beautiful man.

Caleb Vladislav moved towards Evangeline Hart, fast and determined as he clenched his fists and bared his perfect, white teeth at her; looking like a predator on the move. But within ten feet of her, his eyes widened and he began to slow, absolutely not ready for it when Eva raised her 9. millimeter and pulled the trigger, twice, this sending Caleb into a slow-motion reaction and he clutched his abdomen, the pain worse than he had expected as he raised his dark, widened gaze to his woman's face, looking almost guilty as he dropped to his knees.

Eliya's eyes widened, "No." she breathed out, moving towards him, "No, no, no." she whispered as she dropped to her knees beside him, her eyes starting to burn when suddenly Kiran was there, he wrapped his arms around Evangeline from behind, "Dance with me." he breathed, spinning her in his arms to clutch her against his chest as he began to move with her, not letting her go.

Evangeline cocked her head a bit to the side as she stared at Kiran's face, moving with him without really wanting to as she frowned, "I would love nothing more than to rip your throat out, Hawthorne," she whispered, staring at him intently.
Anna slowly slid back to her feet, looking absolutely bewildered as she stared at Kiran and Evangeline, unsure of what she was supposed to do or say, so she kept her head low and hurried to Caleb and Eliya's side.

Kiran squeezed her against him, "You wanted me, right?" he breathed, a smile lighting his face, "Here I am." he muttered, moving round and round and round the room, "I was born here, did you know?" he asked cocking his head but he didn't wait for an answer as he called to the girls and Caleb, "Get to a hospital, now."

Caleb shut his eyes a moment as he grabbed Eliya's wrist and reached out to grab Anna's before she scooted back, "No," she said, absolutely not going to leave Kiran alone with the sickest bitch on the planet. Caleb didn't argue with her, gritting his teeth before he transported himself and Eliya to Contessa's clinic.
"You're trying to trick me," Evangeline muttered, her voice soft as she raised her hand to run her fingernails along his cheek.

Kiran's gaze shimmered, "Never." he breathed, "I just want to dance with you." he breathed, a ticking sound like a heart beat thumping from his chest as he crushed her still against him.

Evangeline blinked slowly, her gaze burning into his as her lips twisted in a snarl, "You idiot," she hissed, curling her fingers in his shirt to shove him towards his little girlfriend, using all of her two-thousand year old power to throw him on his ass.

Kiran gritted his teeth, feeling the pain in his chest but he kept his arms around her, "You're going to dance with me." he said through his teeth, spinning them again.

Evangeline's eyes slowly began to blacken as she pressed her hands harder against his chest, hoping to break his bones beneath her palms as she stared at him, "Oh, foolish Kiran," she mused, her nails digging through his shirt and into his skin, "What do you think will happen if you kill yourself with me?"

Kiran kept her tighter against him, "I'll keep you in Hell with me." he breathed as Drake appeared to collect Anna.

Evangeline couldn't help the fearless smile that curved her lips as she relaxed, her struggle over as she watched his face carefully, "All the armies in the world won't keep her safe if you do this, darling," she whispered, sounding almost sad, "But I suppose you won't mind her joining us."
Anna's eyes widened the moment she saw Drake and she shook her head, "No," she whispered, the fear suddenly becoming very real as she took a step back from him, "No, Drake, please, please don't let him."

Kiran smiled, "You haven't met my army." he breathed, "Kiss me goodbye?" he muttered, "The bomb will go off soon."
Drake shook his head slowly, "I'm sorry, darlin'." he breathed, wrapping his arms around her suddenly to blink her back to her place with Kiran.

Evangeline slowly shook her head, "You silly boy," she whispered, her icy eyes shimmering as she leaned in to press her lips against his, deeply, as if this was the last time she'd get to kiss him as she fisted her fingers in his hair.
Anna screwed her eyes shut as she dug her fingernails into Drake's arms, "What's happening?" she whispered, feeling her knees unable to keep her weight anymore as she shook her head and very slowly sank to the floor, "He can come back, right?" she whispered, only opening her light, tear stained eyes to look up at him, "He'll come back?"

Kiran kissed her deeply, something about him seeming to shift and change, he became more slender, his hair longer, his beard trimmed and when he looked down, he looked down at her with Nero's eyes and his face, "Sorry to disappoint." he said, a moment before the bomb detonated, sending the Winter Palace into oblivion.
"Of course I will." Kiran breathed, coming from out of their bedroom, he looked guilty as hell, "I'm sorry I tricked you, baby." he whispered.

Anna raised her gaze to Kiran's face and she stared at him from her place on the floor, unable to hold back the tears as she shook her head, unable to speak from her throat tightening so hard before she buried her face in her hands.

Kiran was at her side in seconds, his arms wrapped around her, "Please don't cry." he whispered, kissing her hair, "I'm here, baby, I'm here."

Anna shook her head once more, her entire body tensing at his touch before she pulled back a little and punched him in the groin as hard as she possibly could, "How could you trick me like that?" she shouted, her voice thick with emotion.

Kiran grunted in pain as he doubled over, "I had to get Eva to trust me." he grumbled out, "I'm sorry, Anna, I'm so sorry."

Anna raised her hands to wipe the tears from her eyes before she narrowed them at him, "Kiran William Hawthorne, If you ever do this to me again, I swear to you, I will kick your stupid ass and pay someone big and frightening to bury you alive," she grumbled, trying to sound serious even though it came out a lot less harsher than she wanted.

Kiran blinked up at her, "I know." he said softly, "I'm sorry." he breathed, sitting up slowly, "I'm really sorry."

Anna swallowed hard, her lips still curved in a deep frown as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tight to her, "I love you, you idiot," she whispered, pulling herself into his lap to wrap her legs around his waist.

Kiran wrapped his arms around her, "I love you too, I couldn't bear to leave you, I couldn't bear to think of you to be alone like my mom." he breathed, his throat tightening, his eyes starting to sting.

Anna sniffled, tightening her arms around him as she shut her eyes again, simply inhaling his scent to have her relax before she sighed against the nape of his neck, "I'm going to bed," she breathed, pulling back a little and unwrapping herself from his arms, "You're sleeping on the couch, by the way," she mumbled, kissing his forehead before she stood and pulled Caleb's t-shirt over her behind as she started for their bedroom.

Kiran glanced up at her, "Anna." he said softly, "I think I need to be with my mom." he breathed, gesturing for Drake to take the couch as he stood, "She was..she was hurt." he muttered, his voice breaking on the words.

Hospital stuff...
Eliya fidgeted worriedly as she paced outside of Caleb's door, she took a breath, calming herself a little before she turned to enter his room finally, trying not to start sobbing less she freak him out, "Hi." she breathed, bringing her watery gaze to his bed now.

Anna made a turn on her heel to face him, frowning a little at this and studying his face for a brief moment before she understood, "Okay," she breathed, deciding not to press him to talk about it as she nodded, "I'll be here," she said softly, pausing for a moment to glance at Drake, "Alone, preferably."

Caleb glanced up, the moment she entered his room, a frown on his face, "Hey, baby," he breathed, "Took you long enough to come in here. Have you heard from Kiran?" he mumbled, always a busy mind.

"He's here for my peace of mind, please let him stay, baby." Kiran said softly, studying her.

Eliya bit her lip, "No," she mumbled, starting for his bed slowly as she studied his face, something wary and anxious about her pretty face, "I was so worried." she whispered, her lips trembling as she reached out to touch him, her heart aching in her chest.

Anna scrunched up her nose a little and she had to fight the urge to roll her eyes before she nodded again, "Fine," she mumbled, "I'll try not to strangle him in his sleep for not telling me about your damn trick either."

Caleb couldn't help but smile at her, in an uncharacteristically shy way as he watched her face, "I don't want you to react like this, baby, I'm gonna get shot a lot, it's a pretty big part of what I do."

Eliya swallowed hard, "But I don't want you to get shot." she said a small voice, "What if you can't be fixed?" she breathed, tears dripping down her pretty face.

"Then I'll die for a good cause," Caleb said softly, still watching her, almost intently now.

Eliya moved closer to him, bending down to wrap her arms around him, "But you can't leave me." she whispered.

"Stop thinking about it," Caleb muttered, sitting up straight now to hug her tightly to him.

"I was trying and then you ended up in the hospital." Eliya whimpered, getting onto the bed to hug him tighter.

Caleb couldn't help the roll of his pretty eyes as he squeezed her tighter, "I'm right here, baby, I'm okay," he breathed, gently kissing her hair and making a sweet noise as he did, "I'm sorry."

Eliya kissed his neck and jawline, "I love you." she said softly, leaning back to kiss him hard.

A week later...
Eliya bit her lip as she looked up into Cassy's pretty face, "And you're sure about this?" she asked softly.
Cassy rolled her pretty eyes, "Mom, you have to trust me." she breathed, "Now sit still and put your feet in the bucket." she said, gesturing again to the bucket of holy water.
Eliya pursed her lips, glancing behind her at Caleb, "And we're all sure we want me immortal again?" she mumbled.

Kiran Hawthorne sighed, standing his mother's kitchen, as he continued to make grilled cheeses for his younger siblings, himself, and Anna, he glanced up at her now, committing every part of her to memory, he smiled a little, "How's the tomato soup coming?" he breathed.

Caleb raised his brow even higher than he had done before as he crossed his arms over his chest, "Yes, baby, just put your feet in the damn bucket," he muttered, trying to sound scolding.

"Almost done," Anna breathed, raising her gaze to look up at her man through her thick lashes, looking him over for the briefest moment before she leaned in to kiss his cheek, "You a'ight?" she whispered, slipping one arm around his neck to press her forehead against his.

Eliya pursed her lips tight before she slid her feet into the bucket, the cool holy water sending goose prickles up her legs; Cassy sighed, "Finally." she grumbled before she moved around her mother, starting to read an ancient spell from a leather bound book that she'd stolen from her grandmother's library.

Kiran bit his lip, "I'm worried." he said softly before his gaze slid to the little ones sitting at the counter as if to say they shouldn't talk about it in front of them.

Caleb didn't say anything this time as he simply watched them curiously, remaining in his protective stance behind Eliya, just in case.

Anna bit her bottom lip before she pulled back from him again, not needing to follow his gaze to know what he was saying as she turned back to the soup, something nudging in the back of her pretty head.

Cassy continued to read for a few moments, feeling something dark and ancient spread across her skin as her mother's lids fluttered and her head tilted backwards. Cassy pricked her finger on her tooth and let the drop of blood hit her mother's forehead where it rippled into the skin and spread through her whole body.

Kiran sighed again, finishing the grilled cheeses, "All right, it's not mom's cooking but it's food." he said, placing the plate of then before his siblings as Lena made a face, "Prison food." she quipped before frowning, "Mom hasn't been out of her room all week, what's going on?"

Caleb remained quiet, his eyes widening with curiosity as he watched, wondering what his woman would be now.

Anna bit her bottom lip as she glanced up at her man, remaining quiet to let him answer it however he pleased as she began pouring tomato soup into bowls.

Eliya's lids fluttered and she blinked up at them, "Can I take my feet out of this bucket now?" she mumbled.

Kiran bit his lip, "She's just a bit sick." he muttered, narrowing his eyes at her, "Now, eat." he said, gathering a sandwich and a bowl of soup onto a tray, "Can you take this to my mom?" he asked softly, glancing at Anna.

Caleb couldn't help the look of relief coming over his pretty face as he gave a slight nod, "Sure, baby," he breathed, moving to her side now, "How do you feel?"

Anna nodded slightly, "Sure," she mumbled, figuring it might do some good to see how her ex-mother-in-law was doing as she took the tray from Kiran and sauntered out of the kitchen, steering for Lynnie's bedroom.

Eliya slid her feet out of the bucket as she considered this, "Stronger." she breathed, smiling up at him.

Lynnie lay in the center of her bed, she was curled up in sweats and t-shirt too large for her, Lucien sat on the bed with her, talking softly as he told a story of bank robbers in far away lands, trying to make her smile.

"Good," Caleb breathed, holding his hand out for hers.

Anna bit her bottom lip as she very carefully opened the door to Lynn's room and poked her pretty head in, "Hi, mama," she breathed, trying to portray a sweet smile as she stepped inside, her soft gaze sweeping over the little boy, "Hi, Lucien." she smiled a bit more genuinely this time before she looked back at Lynnie, "Kiran wanted me to give you this. I hope you're hungry."

Eliya bit her lip as she began towards him to take his hand, "We can wrestle now." she grinned.

Lucien looked up at her, "Ooh, that looks good, eat somet'ing mommy, I'm going to get some and then be right back." he breathed, kissing Lynn's cheek before he wiggled off the bed, "Kir'n feeds her sometimes." he said in a softer tone before running from the room.

"I'm sure you'd kick my ass, shorty," Caleb breathed, unable to keep himself from smiling warmly at her.

Anna smiled a bit to herself as she sat down on the edge of Lynnie's bed, her gaze moving over her ex-mother-in-law's pretty face as her lips parted in a sigh, "Talk to me," she whispered, that worried line forming on her forehead like many other times that week as she put the tray down next to her.

Cassy rolled her eyes, "I should go before you two start rolling around naked." she breathed, obviously teasing.

Lynn blinked up at her, "I feel sick." she said after a very long time, her pretty violet-silver eyes stinging now, "And weak and ashamed." she whispered, trying to keep her face from crumpling.

Caleb rolled his eyes at his little girl as he pulled Eliya into his arms, giving her a gentle squeeze, "Now I don't have to be so gentle with you anymore," he mumbled, sounding a little saddened by this.

Anna's throat seemed to tighten a bit as she ran her fingers over Lynnie's hair, "You shouldn't," she whispered, swallowing hard, "What they did to you.." she breathed, pausing to keep her voice from breaking as she shook her head, "Those men are going to pay forever. You can't let this break you, mom."

"I feel so broken down by everything." Lynn whispered, her throat unbearably tight.

Anna was silent as she shut her eyes for a moment, knowing there was no comforting words for this situation as she swallowed hard again, forcing herself to look at Lynnie once more, "I'm sorry," she whispered, "It's easy to say, but.. I know how it is, I know it feels like everything is lost, but it's not," she breathed, trying to sound convincing.

Lynn reached up to touch her face, "Stay with me awhile?" she breathed.

Anna nodded slowly, "Of course," she breathed, "But then you gotta eat something, ma, okay?"

Lynnie nodded slowly as she slid over on the bed to give her room, "I just feel sort of lost, you know?"

Eliya bit her lip, "You can still be gentle, I won't mind." she breathed, leaning up to kiss him gently.

Caleb pursed his lips, "I thought you liked it rough, baby," he breathed, obviously teasing her as he bent his head to kiss her hair.

Anna shuffled onto the bed next to her before she lifted the tray, "I know," she breathed, placing the tray in Lynnie's lap, bent on getting her to eat, "Caleb said something about making you forget, if you wanted, but I really preferred recreational drugs and target shooting," she mumbled, trying hard to make her ex-mother-in-law smile, "It has a therapeutic effect."

Eliya grinned, "Oh, I do, I prefer you rough or gentle, I really just prefer you." she breathed.

Lynn's lips tilted into the ghost of a smile as she began to pick at her grilled cheese, "I don't really have the urge to do anything." she muttered, "Well, maybe sleep and listen to Lucien talk, he has a such a vivid imagination." she said softly, biting her lip hard as she thought for a moment, "Sometimes I pretend he's Aiden's, it's better than his real father, and he was there, he held my hand, he's been here the whole time." her throat tightened painfully, "I miss him more than I can bear." she breathed out.

Caleb couldn't help the second roll of his eyes before he kissed her pretty forehead, "We should celebrate. Where do you want to go?"

Anna bit her bottom lip, nearly drawing blood as her gaze remained on Lynnie's face, "I have no doubt that he'll come back, ma," she whispered, "It was his first death, right? Why wouldn't he?"

Eliya considered this, "Can we go anywhere?" she mumbled.

Lynn shut her eyes, hot tears slipping down them, "I hope he comes back, I need him, I hope it more than anything."

"Anywhere you want," Caleb muttered, tilting his head a bit to one side as he watched her.

Anna bent her pretty head a little to kiss Lynnie's forehead, "He will," she whispered, "But until then, you have your family. They're not as dull as they look, you know," she breathed, trying to be amusing.

Eliya bit her lip, "Could we spend a weekend in Paris?" she breathed, "I think you owe me a date in the Eiffel tower." she said, smiling softly at him.

Lynn smirked, "No, I suppose not." she breathed, the ghost of a smile flitting across her lips before she turned to look down at her food, "How is Kiran?" she asked softly.

Caleb pursed his lips, considering this for a brief moment before he gave a slight nod, "Sure, we can do that," he breathed, bending his head to kiss her hair and inhale her sweet scent, "But you have to find a babysitter."

Anna's lips pressed together in a thin line as she thought about this, sighing, "He's worried," she said softly, "Even though he's trying to appear calm, I know his mind is working full-time to take care of everything," she breathed, running her nails over the back of her hand as she bit her bottom lip, "It's heart wrenching."

Eliya grinned widely at this, "I'll call Cassy and Adam." she breathed, excitement blooming in her belly, "Are we leaving right now?" she asked softly, her eyes sparkling.

Lynn frowned deeply at this, "I wish he hadn't come," she said softly after a moment, "I wish they hadn't let him see me like that, no one should ever see their mother like that." she breathed, a shudder passing over her spine.

Caleb nodded slightly, "Pack a bag and I'll call for a cab," he said softly, kissing her forehead once more before he turned on his heel.

Anna frowned as well, "He's your son," she breathed, giving a slight shrug of her slender shoulders, "I don't think they could have kept him away even if they wanted to."

Eliya grinned widely to herself as she began up to their room to pack, excitement making her giddy.

"Maybe not." Lynn conceded, "But I still wish he hadn't come." she breathed, reaching up to curl her fingers in her hair, her stomach twisting as she looked down at the food again, "I'm sorry, Anna, I'm just not hungry."

Anna's lips curved into a small, compassionate smile as she gave a nod, "It's fine," she breathed, picking up the tray again as she shuffled off the bed, "Just call if you need anything, okay?"

Lynnie nodded slowly, "I will," she said softly, settling back into the bed once more and curling up into her little ball of silence.
Kiran sighed as he used the crust of his sandwich to mop up the rest of his tomato soup, not really tasting the food as it went down, his gaze moving across uncharacteristically silent siblings as they ate as well.

Anna bit her bottom lip as she moved into the kitchen and put the tray down on the counter, silent simply because she knew Kiran wouldn't be pleased with the fact that his mother hadn't eaten at all.

"Hey, baby," Aiden Stark breathed from his place in Lynnie's open window. A soft smile curved his handsome lips and he looked good, especially for a dead man, dressed in a plain white t-shirt and dark jeans with black combat boots, his dark curls as unruly and perfect as ever.

Kiran bit his lips, "It's okay, she'll come around." he said softly, glancing up at Anna, "She'll come around."

Lynn blinked slowly, her eyes getting wider and wider as she sat up suddenly, "Oh my god, I'm hallucinating again." she breathed, reaching up to rub her forehead as she studied what absolutely had to the most beautiful mirage she'd ever seen.

Anna shut her eyes for a brief moment as she grabbed the edge of the counter, sighing as she nodded a few times, too caught up in her own thoughts to answer him verbally.

Aiden scrunched up his nose, "Hallucinating?" he muttered, trying to control the amusement that was washing over his pretty face as he pushed off the window frame, "Since when did you start doing drugs, darling?" he breathed, his beautiful British accent like smooth honey on his tongue.

Lynn made a face, "I don't do drugs." she breathed, "It's just finally happened and without the crown of Hell, my egg has cracked, Adam will be disappointed," she sighed, rubbing her face before she glanced up at him through her fingers, her eyes burning again, "I don't care if you're a hallucination, I missed you so much." she whispered.

Aiden's compassionate, warm smile didn't seem to change as he moved towards the bed, slowly as to not to startle her, "What do I have to do to prove that I'm really here?" he breathed, carefully seating himself next to her without actually touching.

Lynnie moved her hands away from her face as she watched him, tears slipping down her face, "Kiss me." she said softly, tilting her head a bit to continue looking at him.

"I hoped you'd say that," Aiden breathed, carefully raising his hand to trace her cheekbone with his thumb before he leaned in, pressing his lips delicately against hers.

Lynn felt a shiver pass down her spine as she actually felt him, she reached up to tangle her fingers in his hair and kiss him deeply and in the most loving way.

Aiden shut his eyes, his other hand snaking around her to pull her against him and kiss her even deeper before he sighed against her mouth, "What happened to you?" he whispered, feeling something different about her.

Lynn rested her forehead against his as she shut her eyes tightly, "I was kidnapped." she said softly, "They..did things to me." she whispered, her lips starting tremble as tears slid down her face.

Aiden blinked slowly, his hand still carefully placed on her cheek as he studied her closely, "Who?" he breathed, "Are they dead?

Lynn swallowed hard, still not opening her eyes, "They killed most of them except Lannister." she choked, an unwelcome shudder passing up her spine, "Lannister is still out there, he still wants me." she breathed, opening her eyes now to look at him, "I'm sorry." she whispered.

"Don't apologize," Aiden whispered, shaking his head for a moment as he glanced up towards the door, "Stay here, baby, I'm gonna speak with Kiran," he said more softly, even though it was obvious that anger was brewing in his blood as he got up, leaving the room before she could argue with him.

Kiran stood at the sink now, washing the bowls and plates they used, his siblings having dispersed to their rooms save Lucien who was busy making a booklet for his mother, the idea having struck him during his dinner.

Aiden couldn't help the slight smile that curved his lips as he reached the kitchen, leaning against the door frame as he crossed his arms over his chest, "It's a relief to see you've finally embraced your place in the kitchen, brother," he breathed, his smile twisting into a wicked grin.

Kiran blinked slowly as he turned to look up at Aiden, from finger tip to elbow covered in suds, "Lucien look towards the door and tell me you see Aiden too." he said softly, sure his frazzled subconscious was playing a cruel joke on him. Lucien looked up from his coloring, his silver eyes widening, "Oh my god, uncle Aiden." he squealed, flying out of his seat towards him.

Aiden rolled his eyes, "Why does everyone seem to doubt my existence?" he muttered, lowering himself to catch Lucien in a bear hug and squeeze him to his chest, "Hi, kiddo."

Lucien hugged him tight around the neck, "I missed you, uncle Aiden, mommy was so sad." he mumbled, shutting his eyes, "And I was sad too, I even try to run away to the beach but mom and uncle Caleb came and got me and uncle Caleb told me a story, he said you robbed a bank and I thought that was so cool." he said, nodding to himself, "Anyways, we all missed you."

Aiden scoffed a laugh, "I missed you too," he breathed, unable to fight the warmth that started in his chest as he looked up at his brother once more, "How are you doing, Hawthorne?" he muttered, letting go of Lucien to straighten again.

Kiran pursed his lips, "Not as great as I could be." he said honestly as he started towards his brothers slowly, "Have you seen her?" he breathed, meaning his mother, the worry so evident in his gaze, he looked tired and suddenly much older than he was.

Aiden gave a slight nod, "Yes, I have," he muttered, watching Kiran's face closely, "I expect we're going hunting for Lannister, soon."

Kiran pursed his lips as he looked down at Lucien, "Go see mom." he said softly, giving his baby brother a gentle shove down the hallway before he raised his gaze to Aiden's again, "We are, my father has men all over the damn continent looking for that bastard." he muttered, his jaw clenching.

Aiden nodded slightly, "Good," he muttered, running his fingers over his hair as he sat down by the table, "Other than this, how are you? Really?" he asked softly, his gaze still on his brother's face.

Kiran ran his fingers over his hair, "I don't know," he muttered, wrinkling his nose, "I've been kind of messed up." he said honestly, "But working through it, Anna's been helping me." he said, smiling to himself at this.

Aiden couldn't help but grin at this, "Helping you, huh?" he breathed, wiggling his brows in a teasing manner.

Kiran rolled his eyes at him as he came to sit down across from him, "More than just that." he muttered, smiling still, "We all missed you, brother." he said, cocking his head at him, "When did you get back?"

"Yesterday, I think," Aiden muttered, making a face to himself, "It's all kind of a blur until a few hours ago."

Kiran pursed his lips, "Well, at least you're back, my mother has been insane with grief." he muttered, "I've never seen her like that before about any man." he breathed, rubbing his face.

Aiden scrunched up his nose at this, "I don't know if that's a good thing," he mumbled.

Upstate New New York - James De Frees' office..
Anna's jaw clenched as she was pressed even harder into the leather chaise lounge, "Stop," she hissed, feeling the good doctor's fingers fumbling with the button on her jeans as she tried to press her backside up against him, but was only met with his other hand pressing down on her spine and back into an absolutely useless position, "You're a woman, Anna, you're not gonna be able to fight a grown man off like that," he said, cooly even as he curled his fingers in her hair now and finally got her button undone.
It only took this much for him to loosen his hold on her and get off, allowing her to sit up, breathless with what appeared to be just-fucked hair and now an absolutely sulky pout playing on her lips as he sighed, "You're obviously not getting this, Anna," he muttered, seating himself across from her, "It seems like the second I touched you, you went on standby. That's very counterproductive to what we're trying to accomplish here."

Kiran smiled softly, "It's a good thing." he said, "She loves you more than all the others." he muttered when he heard the front door open, "More than those assholes." he said, turning to give pointed looks Carrick Steele, William Hawthorne, and Gregori Taras.

Aiden raised his gaze to the men as they entered, his brow slowly rising, "Looks like an episode of Glee," he mumbled.

Kiran grinned crookedly at this as he looked up at the men, "Did you find anything?" he muttered.
Mr. Steele arched a brow at the man before he turned to look at Kiran, "We found him." he muttered before looking at Aiden at again, "Who are you?"
William pursed his lips, "That's Aiden Stark." he said, raising a brow as well.
Carrick's brow arched higher, "The Aiden?" he breathed, his English accent making everything sound sweeter as he cocked his head, "The man who took Lynnie to St. James Park?"

Aiden raised his brow even higher at this as his gaze seemed to focus on Carrick, "The very same," he muttered, smiling that incredibly sarcastic smile of his, "You must be the other guy."

Anna bit her bottom lip as she stepped into the front room, cussing under her sweet breath as she tried to fix her hair, but after a moment of realizing what she looked like, she frowned deeply at herself, deciding to be sneaky about it as she slid her heels off and tip-toed quite quickly on her bare feet towards their bedroom.

Carrick's lip tilted into a crooked half-smile, "Not just the other guy." he breathed, "The first."
Kiran pursed his lips, "Anna?" he called, "Come in here, it's a pissing contest if I ever saw one."

Anna froze in her steps for a moment before she took a breath, sauntering almost casually to the kitchen and leaning against the door frame, "Who's winning?"
Aiden's jaw seemed to drop in fake astonishment as he gave Carrick an over-done onceover, "My God, what an honor," he breathed, "The pedophile himself, my eyes must be deceiving me."

"Aiden." Kiran said, glancing up at her from the corner of his eyes before he turned fully, his eyes widening some as he stood, taking her arm to lead her out into the living room, "What happened?"
Carrick's jaw tightened, "Why does everyone keep calling me that?" he muttered, "You should thank me, I taught her all those little tricks you must like so much." he breathed, grinning wickedly.

Anna blinked up at him, looking guilty as hell as she studied him through her lashes, "What do you mean, baby?" she breathed.
Aiden raised both brows at Carrick now as his jaw tightened, "Allow me to teach you something," he breathed before shooting out of his chair and punching the fucker in the throat.

Kiran raised a brow as he gestured to her, "Don't play dumb, what happened?" he muttered, narrowing his eyes at her.
Carrick made a choking noise as he stumbled back into the wall, clutching at his throat as he tried to regain the power to breathe.

Anna's pretty lips turned down in a frown as she watched his face closely, "Promise me you won't get mad."
Aiden narrowed his eyes at the bastard, "Next time I hear you talk about her like that, I'll use a knife instead," he said through his teeth before sitting back down.

Kiran arched a brow, "I can't promise anything." he breathed, "Tell me."
Carrick gritted his teeth, taking a step forward before William caught him and shoved him back against the wall, "You know you deserved that, Steele." he muttered as he sat down, "We may not like each other but there isn't something we can all agree on, we want Rylan Lannister dead and now we know where he is."

Anna bit the inside of her cheek, hard enough to taste metal on her tongue before she raised her hand to rub her forehead, lowering her head, "I had a session with a therapist, he's.. unconventional."
Aiden pursed his lips, but he said nothing, looking absolutely calm in his seat as he watched the men.

Kiran arched a brow, "How unconventional?" he muttered.
Carrick sighed, "I could put aside a few differences to kill him." he muttered becoming quite serious as he sat now.

Anna kept her gaze on the floor, knowing her man would probably start shouting any moment now as she clasped her hands in front of her, "He forces the patient to relive a traumatic event to get to the root of your emotional issues and he gives you the tools to prevent it in the future," she mumbled.
Aiden's lips parted in a sigh as he ran his fingers over his hair, "So, where is he?" he muttered, looking only at William.

Kiran blinked slowly, "So he fondled you as a form of..therapy?" he said far too calmly.
"New Los Angeles." Will muttered, glancing towards the hallway as Lynn started out of her room, "I heard you talking about me." she said softly, ambling into the kitchen.

Anna's brows pulled together, but her gaze remained on the floor as she shook her head, "It's not like that," she whispered.
Aiden looked up at her, a soft, genuine smile curving his lips, "I punched the pedophile in the throat," he murmured, giving a slight shrug of his muscular shoulders.

"Then what's it like?" Kiran muttered, raising another brow.
Lynn couldn't help but smile at this, "I see you met Mr. Steele." she mumbled as she moved around the table to sit in Aiden's lap.

Anna's lips parted in a sigh as she raised both of her hands to curl her fingers in her hair, "It doesn't get that far, it just leads up to it." she pursed her lips into a tight line, "What's your problem with this?"
Aiden slid his arm around his woman's waist, smiling to himself, "That I did, darling."

"Is he helping?" Kiran muttered, crossing his arms over his chest.
Lynn snuggled back against his chest, having missed the feel of him, "I wish I could have seen it." she breathed, laying her hands on his.

Anna gave a slight shrug, "I don't know, so far he's giving me bruises," she breathed, watching his face closely.
Aiden couldn't help but grin at this as he held her tight against him, quiet again.

Kiran's face darkened and in seconds he'd flown out the house, the door left wide open in his wake.

Will, Steele, and Taras turned to them, variations of the same shy, slow smile curved theirs lips like they were genuinely happy to see her like this; Lynn tilted her head back to study Aiden from beneath hooded lids, "Are you going after Lannister?" she asked softly.

Anna's eyes widened, "Kiran, what the hell?" she shouted after him, knowing everyone would probably hear the outburst as she took off after her man, as fast as she could.

Aiden glanced up towards the door, frowning a bit before he nodded, "Guns blazing."

Kiran kept moving, "What's his name?" he called back to her, running his fingers over his hair.

Lynn swallowed hard, "I don't want you to go." she said in a small voice, "I just got you back."

Anna made a noise as she continued after him, "I'm not telling you shit," she shouted.

Aiden sighed softly, "Nothing's gonna happen, babe," he breathed, "We kill him and we'll come back right after. I'll bring Caleb for backup."

"We'll bring him back to you." William said softly, looking her in the eye, "I swear it." he breathed.
"I swear it." Carrick said softly, meeting her gaze.
"I swear it." Taras repeated in that same soft tone as he studied her face, "We'll bring him back to you."

"See?" Aiden breathed, giving her a gentle squeeze.

Lynn bit her lip, "Okay." she conceded, "But if you don't come back, I'll come after you." she breathed, reaching up to touch his face.

Kiran narrowed his eyes at her, "If I have to hunt him, it'll be worse."

Aiden couldn't help but grin at this, "Sounds like a fair deal, sweetheart," he said softly, squeezing her again.

Anna shook her head, "Why are you acting like this?" she mumbled, sounding so helpless in that moment as she stared up at him.

Lynn leaned up to kiss his neck, "I love you." she said softly, nuzzling his throat with her nose, "Remember that." she breathed.

"Because this man is practically molesting you," Kiran cried, his eyes widening as if she really couldn't see this.

"There's no way I could ever forget that, darling," Aiden said softly, meaning it with all of his heart as he pressed his lips against hers.

Anna's eyes narrowed at him, frustration etched on her beautiful face as she stared up at him, "He's trying to help me and this is none of your damn business, so stop interfering," she said through her teeth, glaring up at him.

Lynn leaned into the kiss, kissing him deeply and thoroughly, curling her fingers through his hair.

Kiran blinked slowly as if she'd struck him, "Fine." he breathed, turning and starting for the house again.

Aiden made a noise against her mouth, "Audience, baby, audience," he breathed, kissing her more gently before he glanced up at the men.

Anna blinked slowly, her heart seeming to stop in her chest for a moment before she sunk to the cold pavement, pulling her knees up to her chest as she buried her face in her hands; not caring that her feet were bare or that she was now crying on the sidewalk.

Lynn licked her lips before settling more comfortably into his lap; William sighed, "We're leaving in an hour, the faster Lannister is in the ground the better." he muttered, his blue eyes shimmering.

Kiran stopped moving, he sighed, hearing her behind him before he turned to scoop her off the sidewalk and begin towards their car.

Aiden gave a nod in agreement, feeling a slight twinge of excitement in his belly before he glanced back at Lynnie, "Have you eaten?"

Anna shut her eyes tight as she slid her arms around Kiran's neck and buried her pretty face against his shoulder before she mumbled the address to him, guilt settling in her chest simply for starting their fight.

Lynn shook her head slowly, looking a bit guilty about this, "I didn't have an appetite." she mumbled.

Kiran didn't say anything as he got her in the front seat, he shut the door gently before moving around the other to slide in behind the wheel, starting home instead.

Aiden's eyes narrowed a bit at her, "What about now?" he muttered, watching her face closely.

Anna swallowed hard, "I'm sorry," she whispered, her fingers digging into the sides of her seat as she glanced over at him.

Lynn bit her lip, "I could eat." she breathed.

Kiran bit his lip, silent for a long moment, "Me too." he said, keeping his gaze on the road ahead.

Aiden's lips curved up in a crooked smile as he patted her thigh, "Grab some food, love, I'm not leaving while you're starving."

Anna bit her bottom lip, "Please don't be angry with me," she whispered, looking like a scolded child now, "I'll stop seeing him, I promise."

Lynn smiled softly as she slid out of his lap, "Are you hungry?" she mumbled, starting for the fridge, getting affirming grunts from the other men.

Kiran shook his head, "You're not my child, you're my woman, you make your own decisions." he breathed, "I just wish you'd tell me about them sooner than later."

Aiden gave a slight nod, his smile not wavering as he watched her closely in silence; feeling nothing but warmth at the moment.

Anna was silent for a long moment before she glanced at the road, "Pull the car over," she breathed.

Lynn began to take things from the fridge and placed them on the counter, "Call Caleb." she breathed, glancing up at him, her smile not leaving her lips, "For back-up." she mumbled as she started to make omelettes.

Kiran bit his lip as he pulled the car to the side of the road and turned to face her, waiting.

Aiden pursed his lips, sliding his new cellphone out of the pocket of his jeans before he dialed Eliya's number, knowing his brother was too paranoid to pick up when a dead man was calling.

Anna sighed, raising her light gaze to meet his as she lifted her pelvis off the seat and began pushing her jeans down her hips, soon kicking them off before she moved to sit astride him in his seat, "This," she breathed, gesturing to them before she raised her hands to run her fingers up his chest, "Is all the therapy I need."

Eliya paused mid-packing to grab her cell from the nightstand, not even bothering to check the number as she answered, "Hello?"

Kiran's lips twisted into a smile, "I've known that for years, I didn't know I was waiting for you to catch up." he breathed.

"Hey, darling, it's Aiden," he breathed, biting his bottom lip to stifle his smile, "I know, weird, but I was wondering if you had Caleb close by?"

Anna couldn't help the roll of her pretty eyes as she curled her fingers in his shirt, "Oh, shut up," she breathed, bending her pretty head to kiss his mouth before biting his bottom lip, "I want a session."

Eliya blinked slowly, "Uh, yes, let me get him." she breathed, "Are you really back?" she mumbled, starting downstairs to find her man in question.

Kiran placed his hands on her hips gently, "Later." he said softly, "I'm angry, I need to work it off."

"In the flesh, sweetheart," Aiden breathed into the phone, unable to keep the smile out of his voice.
Caleb stood in the kitchen of their apartment, picking his Glock apart and cleaning the bits as he stood there, humming to himself.

Anna's plump lips pulled into a pout as she pulled back against the wheel, "Work it off on me," she breathed, holding his gaze.

Eliya smiled softly, "Good, Caleb missed you," she breathed, moving her face from the phone a little, "Caleb, Aiden's on the phone." she called.

Kiran shook his head slowly, "I'll hurt you." he muttered.

Caleb glanced up, his lips curving into a slight frown, "What?" he mumbled, narrowing his eyes a little.

Anna slowly shook her head, "Not any more than I can handle," she breathed, raising her hand to trace his cheekbone with her thumb, "I trust you, Kiran."

Eliya held the phone out to him, "Aiden wants to speak to you, he came back." she breathed.

Kiran sighed, "Not right now." he muttered, lifting her to put her back in her seat.

Caleb blinked slowly, processing this for a moment before he took the phone, "Aiden?" he breathed, dropping into silence and not getting a word out while his brother explained their situation.

Anna frowned deeply at him, but she didn't say anything, suddenly incredibly embarrassed as her cheeks flushed and she began to pull her jeans back on.

Eliya bit her lip as she watched her man, cocking her head a bit as she wondered what they could be talking about.

Lynn bit her lip as she finished the omelets, coming around the table to place them in front of the men, remembering how they each liked their eggs before she sat down next to Aiden to eat, watching him a little as he spoke and savoring the cadence of voice without actually listening to the words.

Kiran bit his lip as he pulled back onto the road, "I'm sorry." he said softly, glancing over at her.

Caleb pursed his lips as he raised his gaze to Eliya's face, "We'll be right over," he muttered after a brief moment, an apologetic look coming over his handsome face as he hung up.

Aiden put the cellphone down on the table, a satisfied look on his handsome face as he raised his gaze to Lynnie's face, "Thank you, baby," he said softly, turning his attention to his omelet.

Anna bit the inside of her cheek, "Don't worry about it," she breathed, turning her attention to the window to watch the buildings instead.

Eliya bit her lip, "What happened?" she asked softly, tilting her head up at him.

Kiran pursed his lips tight together but he remained silent as he continued towards their apartment.

"They found Lannister," Caleb muttered, his fingers tightening around the phone, "I'm afraid we have to postpone our trip, baby, I'm taking you to Lynn's."

Anna fell into silence as well, wrapping her black cardigan around herself as she leaned her forehead against the cool window and shut her eyes, quietly thinking to herself.

A few hours later, New Los Angeles...
William Hawthorne pulled the van into the parking garage of Lannister Enterprises, "He works late into the night." he informed the others in the car, "We'll be able to corner him in his office." he breathed, cutting the engine before he wrapped his fingers around the butt of his nine, "Let's go." he muttered.

Lynn felt him more than heard him as she bolted upright in bed, she gestured for Eliya to stay put as she slid out of bed, her feet moving across the floorboards to her son's room, the door was partially open and she could see the man in black standing above her sleeping little child, "No." she cried out, seeing the glint of silver as she rushed forward, curling her fingers around the blade to stop it's descent as she shoved into the man.

Caleb and Aiden briefly glanced at each other, sharing a knowing look before they both stepped out of the car and Caleb cocked his gun before they started for the entrance.

Carrick and Gregori followed without much to say as William started for the elevator, Taras broke off from the group, shifting as he started for the stairs, heading up into the building ahead of them.

Lynn could feel blood coat her fingers but she barely felt the sting of the blade as adrenaline kicked in; the assailant grunted as he sent his elbow flying back at her to shake her, she took it in the chest, making a pain noise as she shoved him into Lucien's dressers, causing his baseball lamp to clatter to the floor in a glass heap, she slammed her knuckles in the man's side before they both went down to the floor, struggling with each other. She noticed the black in his eyes as he tried to twist the dagger, managing to cut a thin line of blood across her face before she bucked up against him, using both hands to wrap it around the blade, feeling them slick with blood as they struggled more, she gritted her teeth, jerking the knife to slam it into his throat, black blood coating her face as it sprayed from the wound.

"Typical dogs," Caleb muttered, glancing down at his brother with a grin as they followed.

"That dog is barreling through security to make it easier for us." Carrick muttered, holding his gun closer to him as William put in a code for the CEO's office.

Lynn took a shuddering breath as she shoved the demon off of her, Lucien was awake now, crying, and scared; she moved around the bed to gather him into her arms, moving quickly from the room as her other children were stirred awake by the noise, "Get to my room." she cried out to them, "Chloe get Janie." she called, glimpsing shadows moving in the living room as she set Lucien on his feet and propelled him through, ushering them all in before she slammed the door, not saying anything yet as she moved to her dresser to get a container of salt and spread a line across the floor, her hands burning with pain that she ignored.

"Or calling unnecessary attention onto us," Aiden muttered, always the little ninja.

"Lannister knew we would be coming eventually." Carrick muttered, running his fingers over his hair as his greyish blue eyes shimmered, the elevator's ascent moving faster than a normal elevator.

"Who is this guy anyways?" Caleb muttered, glancing at William now, "Why does he want Lynn so bad?"

William sighed, "Rylan Lannister is not a man who likes to be denied and our dearest Lynnie has denied him." he muttered, "Fucking suitor." he breathed, "Fucking psychotic suitor."

Lynn let out her breath as she turned to study her children, Eliya was up now comforting them as they shivered and cried; she blinked slowly, looking down at herself for a moment as if she didn't even recognize herself, she moved towards them slowly to crouch in front of them, "What are we?" she said softly, taking Lucien's hand and Chloe's hand, "What are we in our blood?" she whispered.
"Norratovs." Chloe said softly, tears slipping down her cheeks.
"And Norratovs do not what?" she asked softly.
"Kneel." Her daughter replied, "We do not kneel."
"Exactly." Lynn breathed, "We do not kneel and we do not hide." she said softly, glancing up at Eliya, "A mile down there's a church, a father named Constantine Armansky, yell Sanctuary, he'll let you in." she said, "Now go." she breathed, gesturing to the window, "Go now." she breathed, turning to move towards the door and fight the demons herself.

"I guess it's become pretty obvious that Lynnie appeals to the psychotic types," Caleb muttered, raising a brow to himself as he glanced around at their little group.

William rolled his eyes, "That's true, huh?" he muttered as the elevator came to a stop and the doors dinged open.

Lynn waited for them to leave through the window before she acquired her cell phone, shutting her eyes for a moment as she dialed Aiden.

Caleb said nothing to this, simply raising his readied gun as he stepped out of the elevator.
Aiden frowned a bit, feeling his cell buzz in his pocket before he picked up, "What's wrong?"

Lynn swallowed hard, "A demon tried to kill Lucien." she breathed, "They're in the house." she muttered.

The morning...
Kiran woke suddenly, sitting upright in bed, his heart pounding, sweat beading on his brow, "Anna?" he called, his voice breaking.

Aiden's eyes widened, "What?" he breathed, gesturing for the group to get out of the elevator, "I'm coming, okay? Lock yourselves in a safe room until I get there."

Anna nearly dropped the pan she was cooking Kiran's bacon with, when she heard him, quickly running into their bedroom, a worried look on her pretty face when she reached him, "What happened, baby?" she breathed, pulling his black t-shirt further down before she slid onto the bed.

Lynn bit her lip, "I've sent Eliya and the children away." she said softly, "It's just me." she breathed, leaning against the door.

"Nightmare." Kiran breathed, swallowing hard as he began to calm down.

Aiden blinked slowly, "Get the hell out of there," he whispered, "Please, Lynn, transport or something, just get out."

Anna bit her bottom lip as she moved to seat herself next to him, "What was it about?" she breathed, entwining their fingers before raising their hands to kiss his knuckles.

"If I leave they'll follow, I have to kill them." Lynn breathed, biting her lip hard, "I'll be fine, I promise." she whispered.

"I dreamt you left." He whispered.

Aiden sighed, punching the button to have the elevator move once more as he clutched his gun, "If something happens to you.." he breathed, pausing simply because he knew she knew what he was saying.

Anna blinked, her lips curving into a slight frown as she watched his face closely, "Why did I leave?" she whispered.

"Nothing will happen." Lynn said softly, "I love you," she breathed, still leaning against the door.

Kiran shook his head, "I don't remember." he mumbled.

Aiden shut his eyes a moment, "I love you too," he breathed, moving out as soon as the elevator doors opened.

Anna bit the inside of her cheek, "I'm here," she breathed, leaning in to kiss his temple in the sweetest way, "I love you, okay?"

Lynn hung up then and opened the door of her bedroom, she grabbed the gun from her nightstand and stepped over the salt.

Kiran nodded, "I love you too." he breathed, rubbing his face, "I love you too."

Anna raised her free hand to trace his jawline with her fingers as she watched his face closely, "But we do have to talk, Kiran. Eat breakfast with me?" she breathed, letting go of his hand.

Kiran frowned a bit but he nodded, "Of course." he said, sliding out of bed to pull on his sweats.

Anna slid out of bed as well, not bothering to wear anything but Kiran's t-shirt as she padded out of the room and into the kitchen, glad to see that the food hadn't burned as she flipped pancakes and bacon onto two plates, waiting for her man to join her as she turned to set the table.

Kiran ran his hands over his hair before he padded out into the dining room, he gave her a tired smile, "Smells good." he breathed, still looking a bit tired as well.

Anna glanced up at him, a small smile curving her lips as she put the plates in front of their chairs, "Thank you," she muttered, quickly disappearing into the kitchen for a few moments before returning with orange juice.

Kiran sat down, picking up his fork to begin eating, "What did you want to talk about?" he asked softly.

Anna bit her bottom lip, "I stayed up late last night, doing research on the remaining mental institutions," she mumbled, dropping her gaze to her plate as she stuffed a piece of bacon into her mouth, trying to remain calm.

Later...
Aiden shifted gears, having the old piece-of-shit car he'd stolen on his way home, roar down the street to Lynnie's house; worry etched on his pretty face.

Kiran blinked slowly, "Why?" he asked softly, the knot in his throat making it hard to eat.

Lynn's home was in flames, the timber cracked and splintered beneath the fire's assualt, the blaze broke the night sky, burning the sand to glass around it and shining over the pitch black ocean from where the Norratov house once stood on the beach.

Anna swallowed hard, "Because I need help," she whispered, feeling her pretty eyes sting.

Aiden's eyes became wide with genuine fear as he jumped out of the car, his heart giving a squeeze in his chest as he ran for the house, calling desperately for Lynnie.

"Help with what?" Kiran asked softly, looking up at her.

Lynn gasped as she broke through the surface of the water before clawing her way onto the beach, her clothes clinging to her skin and soaked, "Here." she called, doubling over and spitting up a bit of water.

Anna was quiet this time, simply gesturing to her temple as she picked at her food, suddenly not feeling her appetite.

Aiden's head snapped up as he steered towards the water, "What the hell?" he called, dropping to his knees in front of her.

"What's wrong with your head?" Kiran breathed, studying her.

Lynn caught her breath as she rolled onto her back to look up at him, "Hi." she breathed.

Anna swallowed hard as she raised her gaze to meet his, "Don't play dumb with me, Kiran, you know what I'm talking about."

Aiden slowly shook his head at her, "Fucking Hell, Lynn," he breathed, trying to sound stern even though it came out a little too humorous, "I can't leave you out of my sight for five minutes, can I?"

Kiran shook his head, "I want to hear it from your mouth." he breathed.

Lynn couldn't help but smile at him, "You know, I wouldn't have to leave your sight at all if you wanted." she mumbled, reaching to touch his face, "Are you mad at me?"

Anna's throat tightened even more now as she studied his face, silent for a moment before her shoulders drooped a little, "I can't sleep at night and I hallucinate even after I wake up, choking on my own screams," she breathed, pausing for a moment before she continued, "I have constant mood-swings, I'm paranoid and unable to speak with anyone but you without wanting to disappear and I'm suicidal beyond belief." she stared at him hard now, her light eyes shimmering, "Do you want me to continue?"

"Furious," Aiden breathed, but he couldn't help himself when he smiled at bent down to kiss her nose.

"Yes." Kiran breathed, studying her eyes, "Tell me everything."

"I promised I'd be fine." she said softly, "Aside from my hands." she held them up for him to see the unhealing gashes in her palms, "I'm fine so you shouldn't be so furious."

"I'm unhappy, Kiran," Anna whispered, almost inaudibly, "Not because of you, I know you're doing your best to make me happy, but I need to do this, or things will end badly for me."

Aiden scrunched up his nose at the gashes in her hands and he shook his head, "We should get you wrapped up," he breathed, glancing down at her again, "Where did you send the kids?"

Kiran's throat tightened, "So you are leaving me?" he asked softly, his eyes burning into hers.

"Church." Lynn breathed as she pushed up on her elbows, "It's about a mile down and I sent Eliya with them." she mumbled.

Anna shook her head, "No," she breathed, "I'm not leaving you, I'm not, I just won't be here for a while."

Aiden nodded slightly, "Let's go get them," he breathed, holding his hands out for hers.

Kiran pushed his plate away, "When are you leaving?" he asked softly.

Lynn took his hands, wincing a little as she pulled them up to their feet, "A demon stood right over Lucien." she said after a moment, "Why would they want to kill him now after so long?"

Anna's pretty face seemed to crumble a little as she watched him closely, "I have to be there within the hour," she breathed.

Aiden slowly shook his head, "I don't know," he muttered, wrinkling his nose at how little he actually knew about supernatural beings.

Kiran sighed as he stood and offered his hand, "Let's get ready then, I'll drive you there." he said in his softest tone possible.

Lynn pursed her lips, "We'll figure it out together then." she said softly, curling her fingers around his, "Do you have a car? I don't feel like walking." she breathed.

Anna blinked at him, biting her bottom lip harder now, "You'll take me to the airport?" she breathed, looking up at him with a most skeptical look.

Aiden nodded slightly, "I got a sucky BMW waiting for us," he said softly, turning and starting for the street.

Kiran nodded slowly, "Yes." he said softly, "This is what you want, I'll take you." he breathed.

Lynn followed him, feeling weighed down by her sodden clothes, the sand stinking to her bare feet, "I look like a hot mess," she mumbled, wrinkling her pretty nose.

Anna gave a slight nod, but she didn't say anything else as she let go of his hand and started into their bedroom to pack.

Aiden chuckled, sweetly so as he ran his fingers over his hair, "You look fine, darling."

Kiran bit his lip as he started to clear the table instead, needing a moment with his thoughts.

Lynn couldn't help but grin, "You really do love me because I look like a wet cat." she breathed, looking down at her disheveled self.

Anna swallowed hard as she entered the walk-in closet with her duffel, not even bothering to wipe away the tears as she dressed herself in tight dark jeans and a black wife beater with a black, flowing cardigan over it before she began packing.

"I'm a cat-person," Aiden breathed, glancing over at her with that teasing grin.

Kiran cleared the kitchen before he made his way into his own closet to dress in dark washed jeans and a dark grey hoodie, he took his Timberlands to their bedroom, sitting on the edge to put them on as he'd always done.

Lynn grinned crookedly at this, "Oh," she breathed as they were nearing his car, "And is my kitty-cat your favorite?" she whispered, arching a brow, her violet-silver eyes shimmering.

Anna finished packing her duffel before she moved into the bedroom with her Converse and seated herself next to him to put them on, "You okay?" she asked softly, having wiped her pretty face clean and straightened her hair so she looked nicely presentable.

"My all-time favorite," Aiden said, sounding more soft than dirty as he opened the door to the passenger seat for her.

Kiran looked up at her, "I'm going to miss you." he said softly, his violet-silver eyes burning bright.

Lynn smiled softly at this as she slid into the car, "You're my favorite too." she said softly, her dirty thoughts a bit derailed by thoughts much sweeter.

Anna smiled a bit to herself as she pulled on her Converse, "I'm gonna miss you too," she breathed, straightening a little to look at him, "They allow visitors on weekends."

"Better be," Aiden breathed as he shut the door and moved around the car to slide in behind the wheel.

"Then I'll come every weekend." Kiran said softly as he studied her, reaching up to touch her face for a moment before he leaned forward to kiss her mouth gently.

Lynn felt warmth bloom in her chest as she tilted her head to look at him, "I really missed you." she said softly, "Every last bit of you."

Anna felt a shiver wrap around her spine simply at his touch and she pressed her lips against his, "Promise?" she whispered against his mouth.

"I missed you too, baby, you have no idea," Aiden whispered, awakening the engine to pull away from the beach.

"I promise." Kiran breathed, kissing her more deeply now, "I love you, Anna, always."

Lynn bit her lip, "Do you remember anything?" she mumbled, studying his pretty profile.

"I love you too, Kiran," Anna breathed against his mouth as she slid her arms around his neck, "Thank you for letting me do this."

Aiden gave a slight shrug of his shoulders, "Not really," he breathed, "When I try to, everything comes up in blurs."

Kiran laid his forehead against hers, "I'd give you anything." he said softly before he pulled back from her and offered her his hand.

"That's how it is for most of us." She said softly, her throat tightening as she shook the thoughts away, "It doesn't matter, you're back now and that's all that matters." she breathed, smiling softly again.

Anna smiled softly at him as she took his hand, warmth settling in her chest as she watched his face, "You're pretty amazing, you know that?" she breathed, slowly standing.

Aiden didn't say anything this time, a small smile playing on his lips as he turned his gaze on the road and began driving for the church.

JFK Airport...
Kiran bit his lip, "Your plane is boarding now." he breathed, studying his woman as he led her towards her terminal, "Are you sure you're ready?" he asked softly.

Lynn turned her gaze forward for a moment as well, seeing the small, modest Cathedral come into view, she let out her breath, knowing her children would be their waiting safely for them.

Anna slowly shook her head, "I know I'm not," she breathed, stopping to look up at him, "But it's now or never, right?"

Aiden pursed his lips as he looked up at the church; still silent as he pulled up to it and parked the car.

Kiran nodded, "Now or never." he said softly, leaning down to kiss her.

Lynn bit her lip, "The Father is a friend." she said softly as she started to get out of the car.

Anna dropped her duffel to the floor as she slid her arms around his neck, pressing her lips hard to his, "I love you," she whispered against his mouth.

Aiden slid out of the car, his lips pursed as he looked up at the church, "I'd never think you'd leave the kids with a man who wasn't."

Kiran hugged her to him, "Always." he breathed as they called her flight again.

Lynn pursed her lips, "Then you have more faith in me than I do." she muttered, more under her breath than out loud as she moved around the car to take his hand and begin towards the doors, pushing them open, she peered through to look upon Eliya sitting with her children while older, olive skinned man with dark hair and salt-and-pepper beard read them a story from the bible.

Anna made a noise, "I have to go," she breathed, pressing her lips to his once more before she bent a little at the knee to grab her duffel again, "I'll call you when I get there."

Aiden ran his fingers over his hair as he placed his other hand on the low of Lynnie's back, protectively so as he peered inside as well.

Kiran nodded, "Be safe." he said softly.

Lynn couldn't help but smile to herself as she stepped inside, leading Aiden in with her; Lucien looked up first, "Mommy, uncle Aiden," he called, shooting to his feet to run to them.

Anna smiled softly at him, but she said nothing as she hooked the strap of the duffel on her shoulder and started for the gate, chewing her bottom lip as she briefly glanced back at her beautiful man and waved at him.

Aiden lips curved up in a soft smile, "Hey, kiddo," he breathed, obviously happy to see him alive.

Kiran raised a hand to wave, mouthing, "Always." and knowing she would know what it meant.

Lucien hugged them around their legs, "Someone tried to kill me." he squeaked, "But mommy got him." he mumbled.

Anna couldn't help but smile even wider at this before she turned away, handing her boarding pass to the stewardess before she disappeared towards the plane.

Aiden nodded slightly, "And I'm here to make sure it doesn't happen again," he breathed, lowering himself in front of Lucien as he half-grinned, wanting the boy to smile, "Did the demon scare you?"

Lucien nodded slowly, "He had a really big knife." he muttered, frowning a little, "I really thought he were gonna kill me." he mumbled, running his little fingers through his curly hair.
Lynn lowered herself next to her men, "We would never let anyone kill you, sweetheart." she said softly.

Aiden's smile didn't waver as he looked between Lucien and Lynnie before straightening, his gaze finding Eliya, "You alright, sweetheart?" he called to her.

Eliya glanced up at him, smiling slightly, "Fine, just worried, I always worry." she mumbled, biting her lip.
Father Armansky stood from his seat, "It's healthy to worry." he breathed, rubbing his lower back as he stretched his old limbs and started for the alter, he acquired a black duffel, "You should change, Lynnéa, you will catch your death if you stay in wet clothes." he said softly.

Aiden glanced back at Lynnie as he straightened once more, "I agree, we can't have you getting sick, darling," he breathed.

Lynn looked up at them, a soft smile spread across her lips before she looked down at Lucien again, "I'll be right back, my love, the old men are worried." she said, in a teasing manner to make him smile before she patted his side and straightened, making her way up the aisle to take the duffel and head to a side room.
Chloe Vladislav bit her lip until she was sure her mother was gone, "Uncle Aiden?" she said softly, "Is mom okay?" she breathed, looking up at him.

Aiden pursed his lips, "She's better, I think," he mumbled, running his fingers over his curls, "She seems happy enough."

"That's because you're here." Eliya mumbled, smiling up at Aiden before she turned to the children, "Your mother is a very strong woman but these last few months have left her with scars and they're still trying to heal, you have to give her time, she's never really been good with taking care of herself." she said softly.

"Something tells me she's been taking care of everyone else," Aiden mumbled, more to himself than anything as he raised his gaze to Eliya's face, a soft smile curving his lips once more, "Like you. Caleb told me that."

Eliya bit her lip, "Did he now?" she breathed, smiling softly to herself as Lynn stepped out of the side-room she had been in dressed in jeans and a dark hoodie, "Konstantine," she said softly, smiling at her little boy as he raised his beautiful chocolate brown eyes to her as she gestured to the father, "This is the man you were named after, my love." she breathed, coming towards them.

Aiden nodded slightly, "He talked about you a lot when I first got back," he breathed, biting the inside of his cheek.

Eliya smiled softly at this, "I hope it was all good." she breathed, a flush creeping up her cheeks as she tilted her head up at him.

Aiden's lips twisted with amusement as he gazed down at her, giving a slight shrug of his shoulders, "He calls you his little saint."

Eliya grinned to herself, "You just earned him major brownie points." she breathed, running her fingers over her hair.

Aiden grinned even wider at this, "Vladislav can be a big ball of fluff when he wants to," he breathed, giving another shrug of his shoulders.

Eliya bit her lip, "Oh, I know." she breathed before she glanced back at Lynn who had her arms wrapped around Lucien and Konstantine, speaking to them softly, "What's our next move?" she asked softly.
Lynn bit her lip, "Well, Jacob is coming and he's going to take the kids out of the country." she mumbled, bending her head to kiss the top of Lucien's, "Except you, you're going to stay close, okay?" she muttered.

Aiden pursed his lips once more as he glanced up at Lynnie again, stuffing his hands into his pockets, "Who's Jacob?" he muttered, sounding curious as he tilted his head a bit to the side.

Lynn smiled softly as she glanced up at him, "My son, Kiran's older brother." she breathed.

Aiden gave a slight nod, that curious look still on his pretty face as he remained quiet.

Hours later - Joseph Johnson's Mental Institution, Houston..
Anna frowned a bit to herself as she slid onto her single bed and ran her fingers along the faded ink on her wrist, forming her man's name.
"You all settled, miss Thomas?" one of the male orderlies muttered from the door, a soft smile playing on his lips as he looked her over and she offered him a slight nod and he gave one in return, "Good. Just remember, daily meds are at noon and before dinner, which is at six. Got it?"
Anna glanced up at the orderly, nodding again as she held up her iPhone, "Got it. I'll hand this over when I'm done," she mumbled, waiting until the man had dispersed before she dialed Kiran's number.

Lynn raised her hand to crook her finger at him, "Come sit with us?" she said softly, maneuvering Lucien to her lap.

Kiran sat in his armchair, knowing Caleb would be there any moment to take him drinking, he pursed his lips as his phone vibrated in his pocket and he answered, "Hey," he said softly, knowing it was Anna.

Aiden smiled softly at his woman, running his fingers over his hair in silence as he moved to take a seat next to her, his gaze soon finding the altar and he pursed his lips, "Are you religious, darling?"

Anna couldn't help but smile to herself at the sound of his voice, "Hey, baby," she breathed, leaning back against the wall.

Lynn laid her head on his shoulder, "Sometimes." she answered honestly, "But these days prayers go unanswered, God is not in Heaven anymore, he was overthrown." she mumbled, raising her gaze to the marble statue of Jesus on the cross looming over the alter.

"How is it there?" Kiran asked softly, shutting his eyes as he pictured her.

Aiden wrinkled his nose at this, "I guess there's not much hope left for humanity," he mumbled.

Anna pursed her lips as she looked around the sterile white room, with only her white bed and pale wooden desk furnishing it and she wrinkled her nose a bit, "It's hospital-like," she mumbled, "Everything kind of smells like painkillers and bleach."

Lynn bit her lip, "There should always be hope." she mumbled, "We either find it or make our own." she breathed, looking up at him, "What do you have hope in, Aiden Stark?"

Kiran wrinkled his nose, "I could always come down to get you, you know?" he mumbled.

Aiden pursed his lips a bit together as he tilted his head to one side, looking down at her with a soft look in his dark eyes, "You."

Anna couldn't help the smile that curved her lips as she reached up to wrap a strand of her around her index finger, "I know," she breathed, "But I think that would be kind of counterproductive, don't you?"

Lynnie reached up to run her fingertips along his jawline before leaning up to press her lips against his, her fingers reaching up to curl in his hair and kiss him more deeply, hardly paying attention to the sound of the church doors opening.

Kiran smirked, "I'm usually counterproductive." he breathed, "Say the word and I'm there."

Aiden kissed her ever so gently before he bit her upper lip, "We're in a church, baby," he breathed, rubbing his nose against hers.

"I know, baby," Anna breathed, smiling warmly to herself before intentionally switching the subject, "What are you doing today?"

Lynn bit his lower lip, "I forget my head sometimes when I'm with you." she breathed, kissing him gently when someone cleared their throat from the entryway of the church, "Mom?" a voice muttered, dripping in incredulity.

Kiran pursed his lips, "Caleb's taking me out," he muttered, "I miss you." he mumbled, frowning to himself.

Aiden blinked slowly, quiet now as he tilted his head back enough to see the entrance, trying to spy who was calling from there.

Anna bit her bottom lip, "I miss you too, baby," she breathed, "It's weekend soon, why don't you hang out with your boys until then? I want you to have fun."

Jacob Hawthorne stood in the entrance of the church, his brown locks dripping across his handsome forehead, he wore dark slacks and a white dress shirt beneath a dark pea coat, his blue-silver eyes shimmered as he raised a brow at them but before he could get a word out, Lynn stood, "Jacob." she breathed, smiling softly as she set Lucien down and moved out of the aisle to hug her other not-so-little boy, "Jacob, this is Aiden." she said, turning to gesture to her man, "Aiden, this is my son."

Kiran bit his lip, "But not too much fun." he breathed, smiling a bit to himself, "I'll entertain myself with keeping Caleb was jumping any strippers."

Aiden's lips curved into an upside-down grin, "Pleasure meeting you," he breathed, tilting his head back into a normal position before he shifted in the seat to face them.

Anna smiled even wider at this, "Sounds like you're gonna have a busy night, then," she breathed, twirling the curl around her finger before she glanced up at the orderly, who had reappeared beside her, holding his hand out for her phone and she seemed to cringe a bit at this before she bit her lip, "Baby, they're taking my phone. I'll try to call you tomorrow, okay?"

"You as well." Jacob breathed, that crooked Hawthorne-half-grin curving his lips, "I've heard a lot about you, Aiden Stark, all of it good though." he muttered.

"Okay, I love you." Kiran breathed, not wanting her to get off the phone just yet, "Find a way to call, if any, Hell, write me letters, baby."

Aiden grinned even wider at this, "Good, I should hope so," he breathed.

"I'll get started right away," Anna breathed, biting her lip even harder as she waved the orderly away, which simply had him scowl at her, "I love you too, baby, I gotta go before this guy suffocates me."

Jacob's grin widened into a full tilted grin as he turned to his siblings, "Come on squirts, we're blowing this city, say goodbye to mama." he drawled, gesturing for them to get up.

"All right, remember call or write." He sighed before making himself hang up.

Aiden ran his fingers over his hair, but he said nothing this time, simply glancing over Lynnie's children.

It wasn't more than moments before Caleb Vladislav stepped into Kiran's living room, a wide grin on his pretty face as he glanced down at him, "Let's go turn that frown upside-down, brother," he said, sounding almost cheerful and looking boyishly handsome in his black long-sleeve and dark jeans with beige Timberlands.

One by one they slid out of the pew, grim, pretty faces; Lynn studied them, "You'll be safer this way." she said softly, moving to Chloe first, she took her face in her hands, "Take care of your brothers and sisters, Chloe-darling, okay?" she said, kissing her cheek before she moved to Eden, "Help your sister, my love." she said, kissing her forehead before she ran her fingers over Janie's hair, the child safely tucked into Eden's arms, "Bye Miss Janie," she glanced up at Jacob, "Call your father, he'll pick her up before you go." she looked down at the twins, kissing the tops of their beautiful heads, "No mischief while you're out there, okay?" she said, tilting their heads back to look at them, "Promise?" They both rolled their chocolate brown eyes at her, "Promise." they grumbled.
Lynn grinned at them, "I'll hold you to that." she breathed before she turned to Lena, who was frowning deeply, her brows puckered together, she made a face at her, "Who is this old woman here?" she said softly, taking her face in her hands, "You look like your father when you frown." she muttered, "So pouty and dangerous."

Kiran raised a brow at him, "Where are you taking me?" he muttered as he got to his feet.

Aiden tilted his head a bit to one side, a warm smile playing on his lips as he watched them, almost lovingly.

Caleb arched a brow at his brother, "A strip club, of course, what kind of brother do you take me for?" he muttered, making a face at him.

Lena rolled her eyes and mustered up a smile, "I am not an old woman." she grumbled, "And daddy was not pouty and dangerous when he frowned." she breathed, smiling more genuinely, "I'll keep the twins in line, promise," she said softly.
Lynn smiled, "I know." she said softly, kissing her nose, "Be good, my love." she said, straightening, her eyes shimmering with tears as she turned to Jacob and moved to hug him again, muttering things into his ear as Lena moved towards Aiden, "Uncle Aiden," she said softly so only he could hear, "Take care of her, okay?" she said, moving to hug him around the neck.

Kiran rolled his eyes, "Not even strippers could lighten my mood." he grumbled, pouting to himself.

Aiden gave a slight nod as he slid his arms around the girl, giving her a gentle squeeze, "I will, honey," he breathed into her hair.

Caleb rolled his eyes back at him, "I'll get you a brunette with small tits and a bony ass and you can call her Anna-darling if that's what you want," he muttered, trying to fight the grin that was curving his lips.

Lena shut her eyes as she hugged him tighter for a moment, "I'm really glad your back." she said before she pulled back, giving him a genuine smile.
Jacob grinned to himself, squeezing his mother one more time before releasing her, "Come on kiddos, start out to the car, it's parked right at the steps." he said, nodding to the door.
Konstantine gave Aiden a wave before he started to lead his sisters out of the church, Lucien watching them curiously from his place at his pew, "Bye guys." he called out to them as they slipped out of the doors.

Kiran grinned wickedly, "I didn't know you were lending Eliya out these days." he teased, pressing the button for the elevator.

"Me too, sweetheart," Aiden said softly, smiling to himself as he gave her a gentle push towards the doors.

Caleb made a face at his brother, "Be nice to my woman, man, at least she's not a nut job," he mumbled, pursing his lips as he considered this for a moment, "Scratch that."

Lena smiled at this as she started towards the door, not making it that far when there was a loud bang like a shot being fired and the girls screaming; Lynn's heart stopped in her chest and she began towards the door, hearing another shot split the air.

Kiran made a face, "I love our nutty women, they make me look sane." he breathed, grinning widely.

Aiden's eyes widened and he immediately made a break for the door, his heart already clenching and going faster in his chest as he did.

"Not quite, bro, not quite," Caleb breathed, grinning widely at his brother as the elevator doors opened and he stepped inside.

Lynn broke through the door, her heart clenching tight in her chest at the sight of her little boy on the ground, blood pooling around his body, "No," she cried out, dropping to her knees beside Konstantine to pull him into her arms, "Get inside." she screamed, looking back at her other children as bullets began to rain down around them, "Get in." she breathed out, placing her palm against the wound in Konstantine's chest, "It'll be okay, baby, it'll be okay."

Kiran followed him in, rolling eyes a bit, "So how are you and the Hobbit?" he muttered, tilting his head at his brother.

Aiden gritted his teeth, "You too," he said, lowering himself next to Lynnie to tear her away from her little boy, "I'll take him, get back inside," he said through his teeth, leaving no room for discussion.

Caleb gave a slight shrug of his shoulders, "We're good, I guess," he muttered, "She's a bit pissed at me for postponing Paris, but she'll get over it." he smiled a bit at the thought of his woman before returning his light gaze to his brother's face, "Did Anna give you a free pass while she's all doped up in Arkham Asylum?"

Lynn swallowed hard, "Okay, okay." she whispered, "Be careful." she breathed, her throat tight as she ushered her kids inside, tears dripping down her face.

Kiran rolled his eyes, "Yes." he muttered, "But I'm not taking it."

Aiden said nothing, wary of their surroundings as he scooped Konstantine into his arms and straightened, hurrying back inside with the boy.

Caleb pursed his lips, "Why not?" he muttered, "You know they wont even let you touch each other in there without being legally married, right?"

Father Armansky appeared, carrying a black medical bag, "Get him to the alter." he called, clearing it off for him.

Kiran shrugged, "I don't care, I don't need a free pass." he said softly.

The bowels of Hell...
The black stone shattered apart, broken by the flames of an ever burning fire, it sparked in the black eyes of the Devil that stood above it, "They're rising." He breathed, stepping back to watch the dead rise from the ashes of the deepest pit in Hell, "Welcome back, Isabel, daughter of Lynnéa." he breathed, inclining his head to the woman who stood from the fires, "Welcome back, Lucas, son of Gregori." he said to the man covered in black dust, "And welcome back, Jasper, son of traitors." he muttered to the man with eyes darker than the pit, "We have work to do, don't we?" Azazel, the Dark Lord of Hell, whispered.

Vladislav Apartment, New New York...
Eliya hummed to herself as she began to re-pack, needing much more clothes for a week in Paris, she pursed her lips, distracting herself from the outside world with digging through her lingerie collection and planning the sort of activities with her husband that would make most women blush when she felt a cold shiver pass up her spine, "He doesn't deserve you."
Eliya rolled her eyes before she looked up at her mother, "Maybe it's me who doesn't deserve him, have you ever thought of that?" she muttered, arching her brow.
Lilith pursed her lips as if actually considering this, "I have and I still think he doesn't deserve you." she breathed, "But that's not why I'm here." she said, her blue eyes softening, "Things are changing in Hell, Eliya, bloodlines are shifting." she muttered, producing a leather bound book from the folds of her dress before she placed it on the bed before her daughter, "It is time to renew things, it is time to forgive." she said softly, knowing her daughter knew what she meant, "Be well, daughter." she breathed and disappeared.
Eliya blinked slowly, studying the book for a very long moment before she mustered up the courage to move, she grabbed her cell phone from the nightstand and dialed Caleb.

Pingleton Bakery on 49th Street, New New York....
Lyanna Tully let the words of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca wash over her, briefly silencing the world around her until Mrs. Pingleton tapped her shoulder, "Lyanna, dear, your favorite customer is here, don't keep her waiting." she said, a light British accent making her words crisp, the older woman was fairly attractive, thin and wiry, a blue apron with their logo on it over her lighter blue dress, her grey streaked red curls piled up onto her head, patches of white flour on her cheeks and fingers as she moved back into her domain of the kitchen, "On it, Mrs. P." Lyanna spoke softly, she closed her books, a smile delighting her lips as she moved towards the counter, "The usual, Cassy?" she breathed, grinning at her truly, new, favorite customer, Cassidy Vladislav.
Cassy smiled, "Of course." she said, watching as the young woman turned to make a box full of assorted pastries, she was a bit taller than her but most people were taller than her, she was slender but curved where it counted, dark curls fell past her shoulders, and she had violet-silver eyes Cassidy knew very well; she'd come upon the bakery and woman by chance when exploring with her cat, Simba, for new places to find breakfast for Adam, all but a few weeks ago and upon shaking her hand, she knew secrets she shouldn't, "Lyanna?" she muttered, biting her lip as she tried to articulate her next words, "Tully, is that an Irish name?" she asked, feigning curiosity as she cocked her head.
Lyanna smiled softly as she looked up at her, "I think so, I haven't really looked into it," she muttered, thinking for a moment, "I was adopted so I spend most of my time trying to find out what my real last name should be instead of looking into what it is." she said honestly as she placed Cassy's box on the counter.
Cassidy bit her lip as she paid for her box of goodies, “I have a few moments before I have to get back to Adam, if you want to sit and talk?” she offered, hoping she would.
The young woman thought for a moment before she nodded, “I think I would like that.” She said softly, “Give me a minute.” She said, moving towards the back to speak to Mrs. Pingleton before she took off her own blue apron, paid for a latte, and moved around the counter, “There’s a booth over there.” She said, leading her friend to a black leather couch that had seen better days in the corner of the room, near the hearth that Mrs. Pingleton only lit on those really cold mornings in New York.
Cassy settled into the worn leather, holding her box in her lap, “What do you know about your birth parents?” she asked softly.
Lyanna bit her lip, wrapping her fingers around her warm coffee cup, “Well, on my birth certificate, my mother’s name is under Lynda Scarlet and my father isn’t even listed.” She began, “But when I was old enough to look into it, I found out it was a fake name, she left no way for me to ever find her again.” She breathed, her violet-silver gaze shimmering, “Why would she do that?”
Cassidy bit her lip, ‘Maybe she was in trouble and she couldn’t be there for you like you would need her to be.” She said softly, “What would you do if you ever found her?” she mumbled, studying Lyanna’s pretty face.
Lyanna thought for a moment, still chewing her lip, “I have different thoughts about it, sometimes I think I’ll be angry at her, confused, you know? And other times, I think I could just hug her and hold onto her for hours and listen to her stories, just get to know her.” She breathed, her throat tightening, “I’d really like to get to know her.”
Cassy bit her lips hard now, “What if I told you that it was fate we met, Lyanna?” she said softly, looking into the girl’s familiar eyes, “What if I told you I knew who your mother was?”
Lyanna blinked slowly, “That’s not a very nice thing to say, Cassy, I was trying to confide in you.” She said softly, her face flushing.
The girl shook her head, “I know, Lyanna, I’m being serious.” She said, digging into her pocket for her cell phone, she scrolled through the pictures before she showed one to her, “Look at her, she looks just like you.” She said softly.
Lyanna looked down at the picture and then up at her, “Oh my God.” She breathed, taking the phone from her to study the picture, her eyes shining with tears, “How do you know her? What’s her name? What’s she like?” she inquired, her throat tightening, keeping her eyes on the picture.
“Her name is Lynnéa Norratov, she’s the kindest, strongest woman I know,” Cassidy began softly; “She’s my boyfriend’s…aunt.” She muttered, running her fingers through her hair, “Do you want to meet him?” she breathed.
Lyanna nodded slowly, her gaze riveted to the screen, “I’d like that.” She said, “I’d meet anyone who can tell me about her.” She mumbled.
Cassidy nodded in return, “Okay, do you think we can go now?” she said, standing and holding her hand out for hers, “There are a lot of things I have to tell you about.”
She nodded slowly again, still reeling from this as she took her hand, “Let’s go.” She mumbled, letting Cassidy lead her out of the bakery.

Blackwell Offices, New Manhattan…
Evelyn Blackwell gritted her teeth, “I said to shoot for Jacob Hawthorne, not to shoot down a child and just keep shooting.” She said, her jaw clenched as she glared down at James Blackwell, he was young, and they just kept getting younger.
James swallowed hard, “I know but…it’s a war, I just thought…” a stinging pain in his left cheek from where she’d slapped him, “We still have rules, James, do you realize it looks as if we meant to hit the boy? Do you know what a war without rules is like?” she said through her gritted teeth, running her fingers over her raven-black hair, “Of course you wouldn’t, you’re so goddamn green.” She muttered, slapping him hard across the face again, “Get out.” She sighed, “Before I decide to hand deliver you to the Hawthornes.” She breathed, waving him off before she moved towards her panoramic window and made herself a scotch from her bar as she looked down at the city.
“Madame Blackwell,” A voice breathed from behind her, it was deep and accented, a spine-tingling sort of voice that made the woman arch a brow, glancing to the reflections in the window to see a shorter, compact man with thinning brown hair and the oddest golden eyes, “I am Malachi, an angel,” he said, cocking his head, “I think we can help each other.”

The Next Morning, the Rockefeller Hotel...
Lynnie sat up suddenly in bed, her heart burying itself in her throat, she felt a tremble start under her skin and she made a noise before burying her face in her hands, a sob wracking her thin frame as she began to cry hard even though Aiden was beside her and her son was safe and recovering in a palazzo in Barcelona with his siblings and Maximus.

Aiden made a low noise in his throat as he stirred awake, "What's going on?" he slurred, blinking rapidly up at his woman.

Caleb felt his cellphone buzz in his pocket the very moment he slid another twenty into the skimpy panties of his favorite stripper and he made a noise, briefly glancing over at Kiran and the blessed, busty brunette Caleb himself had arranged in his brother's lap before he picked up, "Hey, baby," he shouted over the music, knowing it was his woman.

Anna Thomas slammed the base of her palms against her temples once more as she screamed, her pretty eyes shut tightly as she sat there on the floor, rocking back and forth as she cried, her screams of pain, agonizing enough to break a man's heart as her padded door was slammed shut and the orderly who had been forced to throw the poor girl rather roughly into her room, sighed, before he began his walk back to the nurses' office and he found a phone before he dialed Kiran Hawthorne's number.

Lynnie made a whimpering noise, "I'm sorry." she whispered, tears still streaming down her face, "I'm sorry." she whispered, trying to calm herself down before she could hypervenilate.

"Hey, baby, where are you?" Eliya muttered, "I need to talk to you and Kiran." she said, starting for her closet to dress.

Kiran bit his lip as he scooted the brunette from his lap for a moment to acquire his cell, "Hello?"

"What are you apologizing for, baby?" Aiden mumbled, reaching over to take her hand, "What's wrong?"

"We're at the strip club, baby," Caleb said, excusing himself from his favorite stripper to go somewhere more quiet, "Something wrong?" he asked softly as he escaped into the restroom.

The orderly bit his bottom lip, "Mr. Hawthorne, this is Josh from Joseph Johnson's Mental Institution, I'm calling on behalf of Anna Thomas."

Lynn's lips trembled, "It's my fault." she breathed, "All the things I've done, my children have to pay for." she whimpered, "It's me, being mine is a death sentence." she whispered, staring down at her knees, "I'm the worst thing for them."

Eliya bit her lip, "I'm not sure, it's just I need to talk to you, okay?" she mumbled, "I'll be there in a few moments."

Kiran frowned, "Oh, okay, hold on." he said, moving outside where it was quieter, "What's wrong?"

Aiden frowned deeply at her as he sat up fully, "Wait, what are you talking about?" he mumbled, staring at her wide-eyed now, "You're a good, strong mother and what happened to Konstantine was not your fault, do you understand?"

Caleb nodded a bit to himself, "I'll wait for you outside, babe," he said softly, stepping out of the restroom and starting for the exit.

Josh ran his fingers over his hair as he glanced towards Anna's room, "I'm afraid Anna had a bit of a breakdown and until she's better, she will not be able to receive visitors," he muttered, sounding almost nervous, as if reading from a forced script, "It's hard to tell right now, when this will be possible, but this is for your safety and hers, Sir."

Lynn shut her eyes, feeling hot tears slide down her face, "I destroy everything." she whispered, "They'll die again, I can watch them go like that, not again." she breathed, feeling the hurt deep in her chest.

"I'll be there soon." Eliya breathed, hanging up before she changed into a black pencil dress and Louboutins, clipping back her hair before she disappeared to the strip club.

Kiran's jaw clenched, debating something, "Let me know when that is." he said finally.

Aiden's frown seemed to deepen even more at this, "I don't want to hear this rubbish from you, Lynnéa," he breathed, something almost hurt in his gaze as he stared at her, "Do you trust me?"

Caleb ran his fingers over his hair as he stood on the curb outside, wavering a little in his drunken haze as he slid the phone into his pocket again, waiting for his woman to appear.

"You'll be the first to know, Mr. Hawthorne," Josh murmured into the phone before there was the sound of glass breaking and the line went dead.

Lynn raised her gaze to his and nodded slowly, "More than I trust myself." she whispered, letting out her breath.

Eliya's heels clicked against the sidewalk as she appeared, "Hey," she breathed, starting towards them.

Aiden gave a slight nod to this, "Then trust me when I say that this is not your fault," he said, his gaze intently fixed on hers.

Caleb raised his gaze, a soft, drunken smile curving his lips as he found his little woman, "Hey, baby."

Lynn swallowed hard and moved to put her arms around him, burying her face against his neck, "I'm scared." she breathed.

Eliya bit her lip, glancing between him and Kiran, "I need to talk, is there somewhere more private inside?" she mumbled, vaguely worried by the worried expression on Kiran's face.

Aiden shut his eyes, still feeling absolutely exhausted as he slid his arms around her, hugging her to him, "Where did this come from, baby?" he whispered, gently kissing the top of her head.

Caleb nodded slightly, "Sure," he muttered, gesturing for them to follow him as he turned, not even noticing the look on his brother's face as he started back inside.

"I had a nightmare." Lynn mumbled, swallowing hard, flushing at how stupid that must have sounded, "I remember losing everything. I dreamt I was losing it again."

Eliya and Kiran followed him inside, silent in their own thoughts.

Aiden squeezed her tighter to him, "It was just a dream," he whispered into her hair, trying to be comforting.

Caleb wrinkled his nose a bit to himself, "You two are acting weird," he called over the music as he steered them towards a metal staircase that would lead them upstairs.

Lynn shut her eyes tighter, finally calming down a bit, "I want to tell you about it." she breathed, "There are so many things I want to tell you." she mumbled.

Kiran wrinkled his nose, "I got a call from Anna's hospital," he called back as he and Eliya followed him up, "And I got a visit from Lilith." she said.

"So, tell me," Aiden breathed, pulling back a little to look down at her.

Caleb blinked slowly, waiting until he was at the top of the stairs and punching the code in the door before he looked back at them, "Do explain," he muttered, to both of them as he pushed open the door and stepped into the rather large office.

Lynn took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts before she looked up at him, "Did Kiran ever tell you how he got his name?" she asked softly, thinking it best to start this way.

Kiran sighed as he and Elle followed him in, he glanced at her but she waved him on; he ran his fingers over her hair before telling Caleb abut the phone call he'd just received.

Aiden slowly shook his head, but he remained quiet, simply waiting for her to tell him.

Caleb scrunched up his nose a little, "That was fast," he muttered, glancing over at his little woman as he took a seat in one of the chairs, "What did Lilith say?"

Lynn shut her eyes for a moment, "Over twenty years ago, my children were systematically killed off, one by one and I was powerless to stop it, powerless." she whispered, looking up at him, "You can't fight the unknown." she bit her lip, "And I was pregnant, I had to protect her as much as I could even if I wanted to throw myself into the fire, I couldn't because of her."

Aiden blinked at her, his brows furrowing a little, "Her? Which one was this?"

Lynn swallowed hard, "It wasn't William's child." she said softly, "We were still married but he'd all ready left." she whispered, her eyes burning, "I gave her away, Aiden, I didn't even hold her when she was born, I made Maximus take her away before I could fall in love with her." she breathed, tears sliding down her cheeks, "I couldn't bare to watch her die too."

Aiden nodded slightly, but he sank back into silence, waiting for her to react or continue.

Lynn pursed her lips together, "I've never told anyone that." she whispered, "I told them she didn't make it." she said softly, shaking her head.

Aiden studied her closely, silent for another few long moments before he pursed his lips, "Do you want to find her?"

Lynnie nodded slowly, "When the wars are won, I want to see her." she said softly before she looked up at him, "I'm sorry I'm so damn complicated."

Aiden couldn't help the slight twitch of his lips, forming a small smile as he leaned in a little to kiss her forehead, "I wouldn't have it any other way, darling." he kissed her nose this time, "We'll go see her when this is over. If you want."

Lynnie felt her lips curve into a soft smile, "I want that." she breathed, putting her arms around him again before she pressed her lips against his, pushing him back down onto the bed to straddle him; Lynnie kissed him gently before she tucked her face against his neck.

Aiden made a sweet noise, slipping his arms around her and hugging her tightly to him, "I love you," he whispered, burying his pretty head against her hair.

"I love you too," Lynn breathed, shutting her eyes to snuggle against him when a small fist knocked on their door and Lucien called through, "Mommy? Uncle Aiden?"

William Hawthorne sighed as he moved up the stairs to Adam and Cassidy's apartment, he bit his lip, hating being the bearer of bad news; he shut his eyes collecting himself as he reached his grandson's door and knocked.

Eliya bit her lip, "She said it was time to forgive." she breathed, swallowing hard as she raised her gaze to Kiran's face, "And I do." she said, "I forgive you, Kiran, with all my heart."

Aiden tilted his head a bit back to look at the upside-down door, his smile widening some, "Come in, Lucien."

Adam glanced up at the door from his place on the couch, having been caught up with getting stoned and watching football and he frowned a bit, taking another drag from his spliff, "Come in," he called, his voice muffled a bit by the smoke in his throat.

Caleb's eyes widened some as he looked between his woman and his brother; too impressed to actually say anything as he simply stared at them, waiting for Kiran to react.

Anna bit her bottom lip hard as she hopped over the broken window frame, her bare feet sinking into the mud the second she hit the ground, but it didn't seem to matter as she started running, practically for her life, with the scalpel packed into the waistband of her sweats starting to dig into her skin.

Lucien pushed open the door to smile at them, "Breakfast is ready, Shia came over and cook't it himself." he breathed, his silver eyes lighting up.

William pushed through the door, he bit his lip as he leaned in the entry way, studying his grandson, "Cassidy's been kidnapped by the goddamn Blackwells." he breathed.

Kiran blinked slowly as she studied Eliya's face, all of his previous thought vanishing for a moment, "Really?" he whispered.
Eliya nodded, looking him in the eye, "I mean it, Kiran Hawthorne, I forgive you."

Isabel Hawthorne surveyed the insane asylum, cocking her pretty head for a moment as her violet-silver gaze found Anna's form, "Run, darling, run." she breathed, almost under her breath but she didn't move after the woman just yet.

Aiden's smile widened some at this as he tilted his head back in a normal position to look at Lynnie, "You hungry, darling?"

Adam blinked slowly, "What?" he breathed, exhaling hard as he tried to comprehend this, "How do you know?"

Caleb pursed his lips, "Wow," he breathed, looking between them still.

Anna kept running, as fast as she possibly could before she felt the warm sting on her leg and she stopped for the briefest moment, tossing the scalpel to the ground before she took off once more, stumbling a little as she continued running through the rain between the trees.

Lynn nodded, "Starved." she breathed, lifting her head to smile at them as she reached up to wipe the drying tears from her face.

"There was a witness, someone called the cops, the cops called me." Will said softly, "They took her and unknown girl into the back of a black van, it's either the Blackwells or serial killers."

Kiran swallowed hard, "Thank you." he whispered, getting up suddenly to pull her into his arms and hug her tight, Eliya made a noise but she didn't pull back, soon relaxing enough to hug him as well.

Isabel Hawthorne appeared a few feet in front of her, "Anna?" she called, "Kiran sent me, I'm his sister." she cried out to her, bracing herself to catch the running girl.

Adam jaw clenched, "Blackwells," he said through his teeth, like there was no doubt in the matter as he stood, starting for his bedroom to collect his firearm.

Caleb arched both brows at the display as he shook his head, "I cannot get used to this," he mumbled to himself before he shook it off, looking at his woman again, "So, why would Lilith care about you forgiving Kiran?"

Anna practically squeaked as she stumbled, catching herself before she could ram into the woman and she panted as she finally got herself to a full stop, "Kiran sent you?" she breathed out, looking exhausted from her eventful day as she stared at Isabel, her pretty mouth a little open for her to pant.

"You and I are going by ourselves, you have my back and I have yours." William called to him, reaching for nine at his hip to check the holster.

Eliya moved back from Kiran to sit down, "Because now he and his family have legitimate claim to the throne, as much as you or I have or our children." she muttered, "And besides, it was time to let some of those things go." she mumbled, smiling a little to herself before she raised her gaze to Caleb's face.

Isabel nodded, "An orderly called him and he was worried but he was afraid if he came by himself, he'd burn the place down so he sent me." she said, her violet-silver eyes shimmering in the light of the moon that came down through the foliage.

"Fine," Adam called back, strapping himself up with two Glocks in his shoulder holsters over his black wife beater before he pulled on his dark jeans, trying to sober up his pretty head as he pulled on Timberlands and a black leather jacket as well.

Caleb nodded slowly, a wide grin spreading across his lips as he met his woman's gaze, "I like this," he muttered, nodding again, "I've always wanted you to like him. Not enough to screw him again, but to accept his existence and all that."

Anna couldn't help the faint smile that curved her lips as she studied Isabel's eyes, suddenly seeming to relax some at the recognition, "Where can we go?" she breathed, wiping the rain from her pretty face.

Three days later; New New York...
Lynn bit her lip as she hugged Lyanna once more before she gave her a gentle push towards the elevators where her older brothers and sister stood waiting for her, "I'll see you soon." she said softly, watching her children disappear into the elevator before she turned back to the living room where Kiran sat, looking pensive as ever, next to Shia and Lucien on one couch and Aiden sat on the other, she sighed as she climbed onto the couch and snuggled against Aiden's side, "I can't wait for this war to be over, goddamn Blackwells." she grumbled.

All Star Motel, Houston,Texas, ...
Isabel Hawthorne gritted her teeth as she looked over herself in the mirror, a shudder ripped up at her spine, feeling Azazel's darkness weighing in the pit of her stomach, nearly making her sick but she shook it off and forced herself to leave the bathroom and face Anna in the room they were sharing, "Anna?" she breathed out, clutching the bathroom's door frame, the young woman looked flushed, a cold sweat on her skin as if she were suffering from a fever.

Maximus' Palazzo, Barcelona, Spain...
Lena Vladislav slipped into the darkness of the cellar underneath her grandfather's home, she wrinkled her pretty nose, it smelt musty, like men rotting and rat piss, she swallowed hard, breathing through her mouth as she clicked on flashlight, shining it between the cells on either side of the hall, Nathaniel Hart in one cage and his dear friend, Ethan Emerson in the other, both dirty and covered in chains, her lips twisted, "Nice place." she muttered, more under her breath in the most sarcastic way possible as she waited for them to register her existence.

L'Hotel, Paris France...
Eliya dug her nails into Caleb's shoulders as she continued to move her hips against him, pleasure rippling through her as she breathed out his name, watching his face beneath her.

Aiden pursed his lips as he slid an arm around Lynnie's waist, "Soon enough, darling," he breathed, bending his head to kiss the top of her head.

Anna glanced up from the TV from her place on the bed, her legs tucked in beneath her as she frowned a bit, "What's wrong?" she breathed, a worried line creasing her forehead.

Ethan's head snapped up, his lips curling up over his lengthened teeth as he snarled, his dark, animalistic eyes focusing on Lena's pretty face as Nathaniel snickered, hoarsely so, "You're a long way from the safety of your room, little girl," he hissed, looking like a hungry predator.

Caleb tilted his head back a little as he shut his eyes, sucking his bottom lip in between his teeth in the sexiest way as he raised his pelvis to meet her movements, his pleasure increasing each second and having him tremble beneath her.

Lynn smiled softly at this as she snuggled up against him, "You make everything sound beautiful when you talk, I could listen to you for hours." she breathed.

Isabel shut her pretty eyes for a moment, "Kiran didn't send me." she breathed out, clutching the frame tighter, "Azazel did." she whispered, feeling her throat start to tighten, "You need to run, Anna, you need to leave as fast as you can, take the car." she gestured to the keys, "And drive until you reach a pay phone and just call Kiran, if anyone says he sent them he didn't, you just need to run." she said, opening her eyes to look at the woman, something tormented in her gaze, "Please, run."

Lena looked at Ethan for a moment before she turned her gaze on Nathaniel, "I am not a very little girl, Mr. Hart." she breathed, moving towards the bars of his cage, "And I came to offer one of you the chance of freedom and since your friend as lost all sense of civility, you've just become my first option."

Eliya continued to move against him, feeling her muscles start to tighten as a tremble started in her abdomen and she moaned his name, getting closer and closer until she arched her back, dropping her head back to cry out his name, pleasure sweeping through her.

Aiden couldn't help the roll of his eyes, but he chose to ignore her loving little statement as he turned his gaze on Kiran, wrinkling his nose a little, "You okay, brother?"

Anna blinked slowly, studying Isabel very closely for a moment before she got up and grabbed the car keys. She raised her light gaze to Isabel's face once more as she pulled on her UGGs, biting her bottom lip, "Thank you," she breathed, turning to half-run out of the door.

"Awesome," Nathan muttered, the sarcasm evident in his voice as if he didn't believe this.

Caleb shuddered beneath her, the mere feel of her clenches having pleasure burst in his abdomen as he grabbed her hips, digging his fingers bruisingly deep into them.

Kiran blinked before he glanced up at them as if just now rejoining their world, "Huh?" he mumbled, "Oh, yeah, I'm fine, just worried." he muttered, shaking his head as he ran his fingers through his hair.

Isabel clutched the door frame so hard it splintered beneath her fingers, "Run." she screamed after her, feeling the darkness weighing her down, knowing it would be mere moments before the devil and his gang appeared.

Lena arched a brow at this, her light bluish eyes shimmering, "Someone's very surly." she muttered, reaching into her jean pocket to acquire a metal key ring with three very archaic looking keys before she moved forward to unlock his cage, knowing he still wouldn't be able to reach her because of the shackles, "I'm very serious Mr. Hart," she breathed, holding up the keys to his freedom, "You can rot down here, if you prefer I'd choose your friend though?" she said, her lips twisting as she glanced back at Ethan.

Eliya felt the tremors down to her toes as she collapsed against Caleb's chest, panting hard, "Mmm, I love waking up like that." she breathed out.

"You're always worried," Aiden mumbled, sounding so much like Caleb in that moment as he squeezed Lynnie to his side.

Anna broke into a full run out on the parking lot as she clenched the keys against her palm and only stopped when she reached the car and unlocked it, her gaze traveling towards their room as she slid in behind the wheel.

Nathaniel pursed his lips into a thin line and they were both silent for a very long moment before he shook his head, "What do you need in return?"

Caleb breathed hard as he slid his arms around her, hugging her tightly against his damp chest as he kissed the top of her head, "I love you," he whispered.

Kiran made a face at him, "I do not always worry..." he grumbled as Shia rolled his pretty eyes, "No, brother, you worry like an old woman." he muttered, grinning sheepishly at his older brother, "It's a little sad."

"Safety." Lena breathed, turning back to him, "I'm going on a journey and you will provide me safety until the end of that journey and then you have my word as a Vladislav and as a Norratov that I will set you free." she said, cocking her pretty head at him, "But understand me, Nathaniel Hart, I may be young," she breathed, her eyes darkening as she clenched her fist, tugging on something deep inside him to bring him to the end of his chains as if they were strings to a puppet, "But I could still kill you."

Eliya snuggled against him, "I love you too." she breathed, "I'm very glad we came to Paris." she mumbled, shutting her eyes.

Aiden couldn't help but grin at this, "But also a little endearing," he muttered, biting his lip to keep his grin from widening.

Nathaniel gritted his teeth, "Understood," he said through them, his dark gaze constantly on her face, assessing and cold as always.

"Me too, darling," Caleb breathed, gently kissing her hair again, "I wish we could stay here forever."

Kiran made a face at them both, "I am not an old woman." he muttered, narrowing his eyes at them as Lucien patted his knee, "Okay, whatever you say." he breathed, obviously in on the teasing as he couldn't help but grin.

"Good." Lena breathed, letting go of him, "Do you know what a blood oath is, Mr. Hart?" she said, "Hold up your hand as far as the chain will allow." she instructed, holding the flashlight under her arm as she got a switchblade from her pocket, "When our blood mingles, we will be bonded to each other until the oath is complete, when my journey ends, and when you are free but it also stipulates between us that if your are to harm me or let me come into harm, your insides will turn to dust and you will die but if I renege on my word, I'll die, so you have security and I have security, do you understand?" she said, looking up into his gaze for his assent.

Eliya smiled softly at this, "When the rest of the kids are grown, we should retire here." she breathed, raising her head to look up at him.

It wasn't long before Anna pulled Isabel's car onto a gas station, her pretty eyes shimmery with tears as she scooped a few quarters out of the ashtray and slid out of the car, dragging her UGGs over the asphalt as she moved towards the only pay phone in the empty gas station. She bit her bottom lip as she popped the quarters into the slot and dialed Kiran's number, hopping a little from one foot to the other as she mumbled 'please pick up, please pick up' over and over again.

Nathaniel didn't say anything, but he held his hand out, the rattling of the chain sounding his understanding as he stared at her, not even blinking once as he waited.

Caleb nodded slowly, shutting his eyes, "And just lay in bed. For a year."

Kiran made a noise but didn't get to answer before the sound of his phone ringing distracted him and he dug in his pocket quickly to answer it, "Hello?"

Lena kept his gaze as she did not hesitate to cut open first her palm and then his before she clasped his hand, a ripple of energy moving up her arm as the oath between them was solidified.

"Or forever." Eliya breathed, leaning down to kiss his mouth.

Anna shut her eyes for a moment as she leaned against the wall, "Baby, it's me," she breathed, looking relieved as she clutched the plastic phone in her hand.

Nathaniel's expression didn't seem to change as he stared at her, his cold eyes still watching her, though with more curiosity now as he remained quiet.

"Forever sounds pretty good too," Caleb breathed, keeping his pretty eyes shut as his lips twisted in a yawn.

Kiran let out his breath, "Hi, baby, what's wrong?" he muttered, shutting his eyes as his shoulders seemed to droop, "The orderly said.." he mumbled, wrinkling his nose a bit but he didn't continue, deciding to let her fill him in.

Lena removed her hand from his to flick her switchblade close and slide it back into her pocket, the pain and blood in her hand not seeming to bother her as she kept a straight face and still holding the flashlight under one arm, she bent a little to unlock the shackles around his wrist and then knelt to get the ones from his ankles before she stood straight again and offered him her uninjured hand, "Come." she breathed, "My great grandfather is feeding in the city and he won't be back for another hour, we need to be gone by then."

Isabel felt a shudder rip through her as Azazel appeared first, rage burning in his black eyes, he gritted his teeth, "You stupid girl." he said through them, "Do you know what you've done?' he hissed as Malachi appeared and then Jasper and Lucas.

Anna raised her hand to curl her fingers in her hair as she shook her head, turning her face skywards, "It's a long story, baby," she breathed, biting her bottom lip, "But I need you to come get me. I'm at a gas station, about half a mile from All Star Motel in Houston."

Nathaniel nodded slowly as he held out his hands in front of him, twisting his wrists and shoulders to feel pleasurable snaps before he cracked his neck, "I'd rather not touch you," he breathed, glancing down at her hand.

"I'll be right there." Kiran breathed, starting to the stand before he blinked himself to her, letting his cell phone drop from his fingers as he began to her.

Lena shrugged, dropping her hand, "Stay close then." she muttered, taking the flashlight in her grip as she began the opposite way of when she entered, "There's another exit that leads up onto the main streets." she informed him as she began towards it now.

Isabel shut her eyes tight, "I couldn't do it." she whispered, feeling tears burn down her cheeks as she flicked her gaze up to him, "I couldn't betray them, Azazel, not for you." she breathed.
Azazel gritted his teeth, moving suddenly to slap her hard across the face, "You couldn't betray them?" he snarled, "I brought you back from death, Isabel." he hissed, hitting her again before Lucas Taras took a step forward, "Hit her again Azazel and I'll kill you." he said through his teeth.

Anna blinked slowly as her gaze fixed on her man and she dropped the phone, letting it bounce and rattle on its chord as she moved towards Kiran and immediately hopped onto him, throwing her arms around his neck and hooking her legs on his hips as she buried her face in his shoulder, crying hard.

Nathaniel didn't reply to this, obviously not too keen on conversation as he followed her, warming up his limbs as he did.

Kiran wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her tight to him, "I've missed you so much." he breathed, "I'm going to take you home, now, okay?"

Lena continued to lead him through the darkness before they came upon a door, using the last key on the ring, she opened it onto a stairwell, she bit her lip as she moved to grab two coats from the hooks at the base of the stairs and replaced it with the keys; she tossed one to him before sliding into her own, pulling the hood up over her face and expecting the same of him as she started up the stairs.

Azazel managed to snicker at this, "I'll hit her as I please." he said, his jaw clenching so hard it clicked, "Maybe I'll even let him hit her too, he seems to want it bad enough." he said, glancing back at Jasper before he raised his hand to hit Isabel again when Lucas moved and caught him by the wrist, he yanked his arm back, wrapping his fingers around the devil's throat before he ripped it out, splattering blood everywhere.

Anna nodded against his shoulder, wanting nothing more than to be curled up against him forever as she tightened her arms around him, "I'm so sorry," she whimpered, "I'll never leave again, I'm sorry."

Nathaniel caught the coat and slid it on rather quickly, following her lead and pulling on his hood as well as he started after her.

Kiran hushed her, holding her tighter before he could blink them back to their own apartment, "What happened?" he breathed.

Lena moved towards the doors quickly, pushing through them onto the cool, wet, night in Barcelona, "I've rented a room at a hotel down the street." she breathed, "We'll get ready there," she muttered, glancing around the alley the cellar had led out into.

Lucas let the devil drop to the floor with a thud, he could feel the angel's eyes on him and he moved as he did, catching him solidly by the scruff his neck before he bent the man in half over his knee, snapping his spine and in the seconds after that, he broke Jasper's neck, yanking so hard he nearly tore his head off before he came to a flourishing stop to stand over Isabel; he cocked his head, marveling at her wide-eyed fear as she scrambled away from him, "You're not Lucas, are you?" she whispered, tears still tumbling down her cheeks.
The young man shook his head slowly, "Not exactly, darling." he breathed, a wickedness settling like a smile on his lips as his eyes shimmered gold.

Anna didn't loosen her hold on him, keeping her pretty eyes shut and not even realizing that they had poofed as she sighed, "Promise me you won't freak out," she whispered.

Nathaniel gave a slight nod, "How do you plan to get us wherever it is that you want to go?"

Kiran frowned, "I promise." he mumbled.

Lena glanced back at him, "We'll talk about it in our room." she breathed, starting in the direction of the hotel now.

Anna kept her pretty face in his shoulder before she took a breath and told him everything that had happened, from her meltdown, to her escape and meeting with Isabel and Isabel's confession.

Nathaniel became quiet again, simply following in silence.

Kiran moved back from her to place her on her feet, still trying to grasp what she said.

Lena led the man to the hotel, not stopping as she passed through the lobby up the stairs to a room on the first floor; she got the door open before leading him in to a very nice, one bedroom suite, "You should probably shower." she breathed, starting to shrug out coat as she glanced back at him.

Anna blinked slowly as she looked up at Kiran, suddenly looking guilty as she clasped her hands together in front of her, simply watching his face in silence.

Nathaniel gave a slight nod, "Is there any spare clothes?" he muttered, shrugging out of his coat.

Kiran ran his fingers over his hair, "Oh Isabel." he breathed after some moments, not having seen his sister in over twenty years.

"They'll be waiting on the bed for you." Lena breathed, starting for two black suitcases in the corner of the room.

Anna bit her bottom lip hard, not knowing what she was supposed to say as she continued looking at him, for a moment wondering if Azazel had found Isabel, but she remained silent.

"I take it you're not interested in keeping me company?" Nathaniel muttered, the hint of a smile playing on his lips as he disappeared into the bathroom, obviously not expecting an answer.

Kiran looked up at her again, "We need to see my mom," he muttered, "You have to tell her everything told me, okay?" he breathed.

Lena bit her lip as she glanced over her shoulder after him, debating for a moment whether or not she found that statement challenging before she slid her gaze towards the clock near the bed and decided there would have to be time for it later, she turned back to the suitcases to unpack clothes for them.

Anna nodded slightly, but she remained quiet for another few moments as she glanced towards the hallway, wrinkling her pretty nose a bit when a medium-sized square package fell in through the letter box and hit the floor with a thud.

Kiran turned to it, cocking his head a little before he started for the package, "What is this?" he muttered, picking it up carefully from the floor.

Anna bit her bottom lip, cocking her pretty head a bit to the side as she watched him; opening her mouth to tell him to open it before the box started to ring.

It wasn't more than few minutes before Nathaniel emerged, wearing only a towel that hung perfectly from his hips, showing off what was an impeccably beautiful body, damp from his shower. He exhaled hard, having obviously enjoyed it as he ran his fingers over his shaggy dark hair, starting for the bed in silence.

Kiran made a noise, finding this curiouser and curiouser before he tore the box open to acquire the phone, debating for a moment whether he should answer before he did.

Lena had stripped down, barefoot and only wearing low hanging slacks on her slender hips and a black lacy push-up bra, she bent forward over the dresser so she was closer to the mirror as she carefully added makeup to her naturally beautiful face, her dark locks pulled back into a high pony tail; her gaze flickered to him in the mirror for a moment, having laid out dark jeans, a white fitted t-shirt on the bed and dark timberlands at the foot of it.

The other end of the line had nothing but static for a few moments before it stopped, little beeping noises sounding like a countdown to a bomb going off starting to sound from the phone; seven beeps. When these had finished, there was the sound of a voice-changing device and then a male sort of laugh, "Hello, sexy," the distorted voice screeched into the phone.

Nathan glanced over her for a moment, his lips pursing before he dropped his gaze to his clothes and dropped his towel; obviously not the modest type as he reached for the jeans.

Kiran frowned deeply at this, "What the hell is this?" he muttered into the phone, briefly glancing up at Anna, utterly confused.

Lena arched her brow at this but she managed to keep a straight face as she finished her makeup, she straightened, studying her reflection for a moment before she turned to crawl onto the bed, she sat up on her knees in front of him, "Sit down when you're done." she breathed, gesturing to the space in front of her as she watched him dress.

Anna frowned a bit at her man, but she didn't speak, giving her this 'What?' sort of look as she watched him carefully and the line was dead.
In a matter of few seconds, the sound came back on and Adam Hawthorne's voice sounded through the phone, "Dad?" he breathed, sounding like something was stuck in his throat before there was a snapping sound, like hedge-scissors closing and the boy screamed, killing the sound of the distorted voice hissing in his ear.

Nathaniel raised a brow at her, silent while he dressed in his jeans and the rest of the clothes she'd given him before he sat down, "What?" he mumbled.

Kiran felt his heart drop into the pit of his stomach, "No." he whispered, reaching up to curl his fingers in his ears, "Leave him alone," he shouted into the phone, actual fear tightening in his chest as a lump formed in his throat as he tried to gather his wits to think through his panic.

Lena shifted so she was pressed up against his back, "Tilt your head back against my shoulder." she breathed.

Adam's scream quickly faded into a whimper before the boy sucked in a deep breath, as if gathering his thoughts before he spoke, "I want to play with you, Kiran," he breathed shakily, obviously reading from a manuscript, "In this very moment, your.." he paused, swallowing hard before he continued, "Precious son is growing wings." he swallowed hard once more, a pained noise escaping his lips, "He's suspended from the ceiling by his arms, continuously being disciplined like the bad child that he is. Sound familiar?"

Nathaniel pursed his lips, but he didn't argue as he did what he was told.

Kiran shut his eyes tight, "Please let him go." he breathed, his throat so tight it hurt, "You can have me, you can do whatever you want to me but let my boy go, please." he pleaded, trying to keep his voice from cracking.

Lena reached around him to move the hair from his forehead, being rather gentle, she held up what appeared to be a small brown bottle with clear liquid inside and a dropper to show him, "It's to change your eye color, the drop stings for a second and then fades, okay?" she said softly.

There was silence for a brief moment before Adam swallowed hard, "What's the fun in that?" he breathed, the pain evident in his voice as he continued, "You have four hours to locate and save Adam, or he will be ripped to shreds." he took another breath, "Happy hunting, Daddy," he whispered before the line was dead.

Nathaniel nodded slightly, his gaze fixating on the bottle but he didn't really seem to react as he waited for it.

Kiran shut his eyes for a moment, his fingers clenching around the phone as he tried to think when a thought struck him and he looked up at Anna, "You need to go to my mother's house, tell her about Isabel, and stay there." he breathed, leaving no room for questioning as he started towards the elevator.

Lena took the dropper from the bottle, leaving her hand on his forehead, she carefully dropped a tiny bit of clear liquid into first his right and then left eyes, "There." she breathed against his ear before she stoppered the bottle again, "Stay here." she mumbled, sliding off the bed and moving towards her suitcases, she retrieved a black kit and then moved into the bathroom grab a towel before climbing onto the bed behind him again, she tilted his head down before running her fingers over his hair, "Hmm?"

Anna blinked slowly, "Kiran, what's happening?" she called after him, looking absolutely panicked as she stared at him; the only knowledge she had being that one of her babies were in trouble.

Nathaniel blinked a few times, letting the sting wear off before he narrowed his eyes a bit at her, "You're not touching my hair, sweetheart."

"Do as I said." he called back to her, not going to say anymore as he slid into the elevator and pressed the button for the doors to close, "I'll get him back." he called as they slid close and started his descent.

Lena rolled her pretty eyes at him, "Trust me, Mr. Hart." she breathed, curling her fingers in his hair to give it a playful tug, "I like it like this so I won't cut it, I'm just going to fix it." she said softly, a hint of a smile curving her lips.

Anna raised both of her hands to curl her fingers in her hair, "Fuck," she breathed to herself as she turned on her heel and ran into the living room, finding one of their cells to try and call Silas; frowning deeply when it showed no signal.

Nathaniel kept his eyes narrowed at her, watching her every move as if he didn't trust the little woman for a moment, but he remained quiet this time, nodding slowly.

Shia Hawthorne was there in moments, "Miss Anna?" he called, "Kiran said to take you back to mama's." he drawled, starting towards her.

Lena couldn't help it as her smile widened into an actual grin for a moment as she let go of his hair to grab the towel she'd acquired and began to dry it carefully and thoroughly, taking her time, "Do you feed?" she inquired, "Like Maximus, I mean." she clarified as she continued.

Anna glanced up from the phone, biting her bottom lip, "Just Anna, please," she muttered, studying the boy for a brief moment before she felt a small, very cool sort of bullet lodge into the back of her neck and another one was fired at Shia's shoulder.

Nathaniel pursed his lips, "I suppose," he muttered, giving a slight shrug of his muscular, healthily tanned shoulders.

Shia took it full in the shoulder, a painful cry escaping his lips before he caught his balance, "What the fuck?" he breathed out, clutching his shoulder as he started to scan the windows.

Lena pursed his lips as she finished towel drying his hair, "Do you need it to be stronger? To survive?" she mumbled, gathering a brush from her black kit as she began to run it through his hair gently, cocking her head as she tried to decide how exactly she wanted to part it.

Anna gritted her teeth as she reached for the back of her neck, feeling the warm blood coat her fingertips as she looked over at Shia, "You need to get out of here," she slurred, the drug working fast and having her lids flutter before she dropped to the floor.

Nathan gave a slight shake of his pretty head, "I can survive without it, but I'll be more human than vampire," he mumbled, wrinkling his nose at this.

Shia began to take a few steps forward when he suddenly felt woozy, his knees crumbling beneath him before he dropped fully to the floor, darkness washing over him.

Lena wrinkled her nose at this as well, "If you want, you're handsome enough to get some foolish woman into our suite and feed from her when we're on the train." she mumbled, parting his hair down the middle first before she made a face and began to brush it back to start all over again.

Nathaniel pursed his lips at this, "You wouldn't mind?" he muttered, looking a bit surprised as he watched her face, letting her play with his hair all she wanted.

Adam let out a choked cry as he was whipped across the back once more; the multi-headed whip with what appeared to be razor blades attached to it, digging into his old scars and renewing them before the hideous little gnome that was punishing him, dialed Kiran's new phone once more and held it by Adam's panting mouth while he gestured to the screen carrying the script.

Lena shook her head as she met his gaze, "You're a man and a vampire, I understand they like sex as much as they like blood, it's natural." she mumbled, giving a shrug of her slender shoulders as she fixed his hair in a way she found pleasing.

Kiran picked up his phone quickly, "I'm coming." he said in greeting.

Nathan nodded slightly, his lips forming into a faint smile as he glanced upwards, "Are you pleased now?" he muttered, gesturing to his hair.

Adam was silent for a moment, taking a shuddering breath before he spoke, "There's a surprise for you," he said, shutting his eyes for a moment before he looked at the screen again, "Adam is in one location, which you have probably found by now, and your other darling son, is in Nashville, where your.. sweet wife wanted you to live happily ever after," he mumbled, shaking his head to himself before he continued, "But here's the catch, daddy, you're gonna have to play favorites. Who lives and who dies? Your choice."

Lena smiled, "Almost." she breathed, shimmying off the bed to stand in front of him, moving his knees apart to stand between them so she could make sure the front was perfect as well, using her fingers now to move the hair from his forehead, "There." she mumbled, her gaze traveling over his face before she raised her hand to trace his goatee with her fingertips, "I like this too." she mumbled.

Kiran felt his heart in his mouth, he shut his eyes tight, feeling them sting, "When I find whoever is doing this, I will kill you in the most painful ways." he promised.

"That means you won't cut it, yes?" Nathan muttered, narrowing his eyes at her once more, but this time in a more playful manner as he raised his hand to carefully wrap his fingers around her wrist.

Adam swallowed hard, his eyes stinging as he was hit once more and he groaned, his head dropping a little to see the small pool of blood that was forming beneath him, drops of the warm substance dripping from his toes and into the pool, making him twitch and look back up at the screen to continue, "Make your choice," he whispered, the screen going black as he shut his eyes tight once more, knowing he'd get another round even worse than before for what he was about to do and he jerked against the chains, "Don't do it, dad, fuck 'em, you don't have to do this," he shouted, sounding choked as the whip began to crack against his skin again, "Norratovs don't kneel, dad," he cried before the line went dead.

"I won't cut it." Lena breathed, her gaze flickering up to his as a small smile curved her lips, "You're very sensitive about your hair, Mr. Hart." she mumbled, slightly teasing.

Kiran swallowed hard, his head going numb as the elevator doors dinged open onto the parking garage and in those few moments, he knew the choices he would make.

"It's my best trait," Nathan muttered, his lips twisting into a grin now as he continued to watch her face.

Lena's gaze slid over his entire frame, "Oh, I'm sure you have all sorts of better traits, Mr. Hart." she mumbled, biting her bottom lip as she met his gaze again.

Kiran Hawthorne appeared in the same woods he'd taken his son to years ago, on a night where he'd lost himself and nearly lost his son, he started for the old house, old memories dredging up like ghosts to haunt him as he stepped inside and started for the basement, knowing the way like the back of his hand.

Kiran Hawthorne appeared outside the same home he'd once hoped to spend forever with his wife and children, he ran his fingers through his hair as he began towards the front door, worry making his chest tight.

Adam Hawthorne's head had dropped forward as he hung from the ceiling, alone and passed out in the dark house; his entire upper body covered in bruises and bloody cuts and he was wearing nothing than his ripped, dark jeans, now covered in blood and breathing heavily.

Seanan whimpered from his place in his metal chair in the brightly lit basement. He had been sitting there for a while in his C4 vest, too scared to move or even talk to himself as he stared into the camera that had been put up in front of him; the sound of a soft play of violins filling the entire house.

Kiran made his way down into the basement, his heart tightening in his chest as he forced himself down into his self-made pit, "Adam?" he called to the boy, his eyes finding him in the dark, the taste of bile stinging the back of his throat.

Kiran moved inside, feeling out his son before beginning into the basement, "Sean?" he breathed, "I'm here, kiddo, it's going to be okay." he breathed, his eyes stinging still as he moved started towards his little boy.

Adam's lids fluttered as he jerked against his chains, "No, no, no," he shouted, sounding like he was about to break down in tears.

Seanan made a noise, "Dad, what are you doing here?" he whispered, shaking his head to himself, his lips twisting, "What about Adam?"

"Calm down." Kiran said softly, "I'm going to get you out of here." he breathed, moving to the wall to lower the chains.

"Hush, Sean." Kiran whispered, his eyes burning as if any moment he would begin crying, "Please." he breathed, studying the C4 vest, his throat tight.

"Probably none that you will see, sweetheart," Nathan breathed, holding her gaze almost intently.

"What the fuck?" Adam breathed, feeling the tug of the chain start to lessen as his bare feet sunk into the blood on the floor, "You shouldnt be here, dad," he said through his teeth.

Sean swallowed hard, but he said nothing, his eyes stinging as he stared at his father.

Anna's pretty head snapped to the side as their future executioner slapped her hard across the face to wake her; the second one repeating the move with Shia as the first dialed Kiran's new number.

Lena gave a slight shrug of her shoulders, "We'll see." she muttered, "I need to finish getting ready." she breathed, glancing down at his fingers wrapped around her wrist still.

Kiran heard his cell phone ring, "I am here." he whispered, "Please, let me save you." he whispered, moving to help unchain him before he answered, "Hello?"

Kiran heard his cell phone ring, biting his lip as he tried to focus on the task at hand, "How do I get you out of this?" he muttered, studying the vest before he answered, "Hello?"

Shia blinked, feeling groggy and disoriented for a moment before he could focus, his gaze finding Anna, "Wha..?" he started before shutting his pretty mouth, still feeling dizzy.

"Right," Nathan muttered, slowly loosening his hold on her before placing his hands on either side of himself.

Anna swallowed hard as she looked towards the screen with the manuscript, "Hello again, Mr. Hawthorne," she breathed into the phone, her lips twisting as she briefly glanced over at Shia before returning her gaze to the screen, "You've cheated The Game and I am not pleased," she mumbled, "But I will let it slide this time. Sort of. Are you ready to figure out how to.. how to save Sean?"

Lena smirked before she moved around him and disappeared into the bathroom with a few of her things; she reemerged in moments, wearing dark jeans, a cream colored blouse, and a black cardigan, she sat on the edge of the bed to slip into her black booties, "Will you get the bags?" she mumbled, nodding towards the two suitcases, "The one on the left has two passports, one was for Ethan Emerson, just in case, the other is yours,"

Kellen Hawthorne bit his lip, letting Kiran take over now as he moved to help Adam now, "Come on, we're going to leave, your father is getting your brother." he said softly, studying the boy.

Kiran's jaw tightened, "How?" he breathed, running his fingers over his hair.

Nathan nodded slightly as he slid off the bed and moved towards the two suitcases, "You made the right choice, choosing me, you know."

Adam gave a slight nod, his legs aching beneath him from being unused and his jeans were heavy with a mix of blood and icy water, but he remained quiet; dizzy with blood loss and too sick at the moment to realize that this wasn't his father.

Anna swallowed hard, the tears starting to roll down her cheeks as she continued, "It ends where it started," she said, her voice shaking as she stared at the screen, "You have another choice to make, Blondie; will you get even or move on? You're gonna have to finish the job you started twenty-seven years ago."

Lena cocked her pretty head up at him, "I did?" she breathed, "Why is that?" she inquired as she stood, smoothing out her blouse, hoping to look perfect.

Kellen put an arm around Adam to help him up the stairs, "We're going to get you home to Cassy and she's going to take care of you, okay?" he said softly.

Kiran blinked slowly, trying to think through everything before he pulled up a memory, "When I tried to hurt Anna and I didn't?" he breathed.

Nathan gave a slight shrug of his shoulders, grabbing his passport out of the case before grabbing both of them, "Ethan would have hurt you. I won't."

Adam made an approving noise, "Yeah, Cassy, I need Cassy," he mumbled, shutting his eyes for a moment as he leaned against Kellen, letting him help him.

Anna shut her eyes tight at the memory, "I don't know," she whispered, tilting her head back as the chair gave off electricity and she cried out; obviously not allowed to speak out of the manuscript.

Lena blinked slowly at this, "Hurt me?" she breathed, thinking over this for a moment before a shudder passed up her spine, "Interesting company you keep, Mr. Hart." she muttered, starting for the door to hold it open for him.

Kellen got him out of the house, able to breathe a little easier before he poofed them to Adam's apartment where Cassy waited anxiously, the frightened young woman jumped up from her seat as they appeared, "Oh my god." she breathed, starting towards her man.

Kiran swallowed hard, "Is there anymore to the script?" he muttered.

Nathan gave a slight shrug, "He's not so bad when you're a man," he muttered, starting for the door as well.

Adam smiled a bit, weakly even as he looked at his little woman, "It's just a scratch, baby," he mumbled.

Anna sucked a breath in between her teeth, "You have three hours to finish: leave Seanan where he is.. or else," she breathed, "Oh, and Kiran? You might want to hurry," she mumbled before the line went dead again.

Lena considered this, "I suppose." she mumbled, "But now I'm even more pleased with my choice." she breathed, pulling open the door.

Cassy felt her eyes sting as she looked him over, her lips trembling to badly to speak for a moment before she sniffled, "Let's get you to the bathroom so I can clean you up." she breathed, her voice thick with emotion as she moved around to help Kellen carry Adam's weight.

Kiran sighed before he looked up at Sean, "I'll be back, I promise." he breathed, bending down to kiss his son's forehead before he disappeared to Anna's old home in Louisiana, figuring they would be there.

Nathan raised a brow at this, "Why is that?" he muttered, glancing down at her as he stepped out of the room.

Adam made a low noise, "Could you get me some pills too, baby?" he mumbled, his entire body warm with ache as he let them carry him; too weak to stand on his own.

Anna swallowed hard, all but one light going out in the basement as little needles snapped out of the chair and slid into her skin; the same thing happening in Shia's chair.
Anna made a noise, "Did you feel that?" she breathed, the pain quickly fading as she glanced over at him.

Lena gave a slight shrug of her shoulders, "You seem decent and you said you wouldn't..hurt me." she breathed, shutting the door behind them before moving ahead of him on the stairs, glancing over her a shoulder after a moment, "Oh and you're not too bad to look at either." she muttered, grinning damn near wickedly before turning forward again.

"Anything you want baby." Cassy breathed as she and Kellen got Adam into the bathroom and then into their white marble tub, "Can you get me the pills?" she mumbled to the man before she got the first aid kit down.

Shia blinked slowly, "Yeah," he muttered, pursing his lips, "Kiran's here." he breathed, "I feel him."

Nathan couldn't help but roll his eyes at her, but he said nothing as he followed her.

Adam gritted his teeth as the cold marble sent flares of pain into his cut skin and he shut his eyes tightly, "Vicodin, top drawer in the bedroom," he said through his teeth.

Anna blinked slowly in the faint light as her restraints snapped open, freeing her arms and legs from the chair, "What the hell?" she breathed, glancing up to see a small red light appearing at the stairs, indicating her path as she stood.

Lena kept moving, choosing to ignore his eye-roll as she nodded to the clerk at the desk in the front lobby and started for the main doors where parked outside a black cab awaited them.

Shia frowned deeply at this, offering no words as he heard Kiran moving around above them as if searching.

Nathaniel remained quiet, simply following her as he pursed his lips.

Anna bit her bottom lip as she started for the light, gesturing to Shia that she would be back as she took the stairs in a few steps and pushed open the door at the top of them, "Kiran?" she called, this starting a live stream from the computer upstairs in Anna's bedroom, playing rather loudly:
"Congratulations on making it this far," Caleb's voice sounded from the room, "If you've made it here, it means you know what you're supposed to do. The room is ready for you, dearies, and remember: I'm watching you."

Lena had the trunk popped as they reached the cab, she smiled a bit, "The train station is about half and hour down." she mumbled.

Kiran gritted his teeth before he found Anna, "Hi baby." he breathed, frowning as he held his hand out to her.

"Are you going to tell me where we're going then?" Nathan muttered, stuffing the suitcases in the trunk.

Anna bit her bottom lip as she took his hand, "Fancy meeting you here," she breathed, obviously trying to lighten the mood somehow.

Lena's pretty eyes lit up, shimmering pools of blue-silver, "Yes, baby." she breathed, tilting her head as she gave him a sweet smile, "I'll reveal everything when we get there." she mumbled before she slid into the back of the cab.

Kiran bit his lip, too strung up to find this amusing as he pulled her to him, "I'm sorry we're here." he breathed, beginning for her room.

Nathan rolled his dark eyes at her again as he shut the trunk and slid in next to her, "Estación, por favor," he muttered to the cabbie before shutting the door.

"Me too," Anna breathed, her fingers tightening around his as she bit her bottom lip harder, wondering how the hell they were going to pull this off.

The cabbie gave a slight nod before he pulled away from the hotel, Lena shifted in her seat so she pressed against his side, she took one of his hands and placed it on her thigh while she tilted her head against him arm, "You speak Spanish?" she mumbled, glancing up at him.

Kiran swallowed hard as they reached her room, he grasped the handle and pushed it open.

"Very little," Nathan muttered, glancing down at his hand on her thigh, "Don't you?"

Anna swallowed hard as she peered into her old room, still standing the way it did many years ago, all pale blue fabrics and paint and white furniture. She bit her bottom lip as her gaze found the camera planted on top of her flat screen and another one suspended from the ceiling, "How are we doing this?" she whispered, suddenly feeling quite sick to her stomach.

"Some." Lena alleged, glancing down at his hand before she looked up at him, "Trust me, okay?" she said softly for only him to hear, "It'll make sense soon."

Trust me Kiran sent his beautiful wife, right into her pretty head before he reached up to curl his fingers in her hair and throw her hard onto the floor.

"I trust our arrangement, miss Norratov," Nathan muttered, studying her pretty face for a moment before he turned his gaze forward.

Anna gritted her teeth, the slight pain in her scalp and her palms, from catching herself on the floor, sending satisfying beeps to their Game Master and she turned onto her back, deciding to trust her man and make the scene real.

Lena pursed her lips at this but she didn't say anything, simply leaning against him until the cab pulled into the station, she straightened, composing her lips into that sweet, loving smile as she reached into her pocket for her wallet, leaning forward to pay the fare, and exchange pleasantries in Spanish before she glanced back at Nathaniel, "Ready?" she breathed.

Kiran moved towards her, kicking her side hard but not as hard to break anything, "On your belly." he hissed, making his eyes darker.

Nathan gave a slight nod before getting out of the car and moving around to the back to grab the suitcases.

Anna shut her eyes tight, her lips twisting in pain as she pressed against the spot he kicked her, "Son of a bitch," she breathed, staying on her back.

Lena slid out of the cab, keeping her smile as she started for the ticket windows, knowing he would follow, the woman sitting behind the desk glanced up at them and her smile became a full one thousand volt smile, "You choose him?" she said in a thick Spanish accent as she acquired a ticket package that Lena had brought the night before.
Lena gave a sheepish shrug of her shoulders as she flushed, "It's him." she breathed before she switched into Spanish a moment before she dug out her passport and slid it through the glass to the woman before she turned to Nathan, "You have your passport, baby?"

Kiran gritted his teeth, kicking her again, "Belly. Now." he said through his teeth.

Nathaniel nodded slightly when he reached her and put one of the suitcases down to grab his passport, "Of course, darling," he muttered, sliding it through the glass.

Anna whimpered, the pain becoming shockingly real as she did what she was told, turning onto her belly with much difficulty.

The ticket woman stamped their passports before passing them and their tickets under the glass again, "Que dios bendiga su viaje." she breathed, waving to them as Lena took their things, giving the woman a small wave as well, her smile unwavering as she grabbed one of the suitcases and slid her fingers into Nathan's as if she'd been doing it all her life and started for their platform.

Kiran moved to straddle her lower back, he ripped the edge of his shirt away before he reached forward to tie it around her eyes, sending her into darkness before he took his belt off, grabbing her wrists he looped them together and tied them tight behind her back. He took a breath as he moved off of her to grab her waistband and start to hike her pants down her hips.

Nathan bit his bottom lip as he walked with her, "So, we're a couple?" he muttered, looking straight ahead as he spoke.

Anna made a noise, her side aching like crazy as she quit struggling, letting him do what he wanted as she chewed her lip hard between her teeth.

"Sort of." Lena breathed, keeping her gaze ahead as well, "It was the only thing I could think of to legitimize why a young woman would want to share a suite with a young man." she mumbled as they neared their train car, a short, older man wearing the navy blue uniform of the train company smiled as he moved forward to take their suitcases, "You have the suite, yes?" he breathed, waiting for Lena's nod before he turned, gesturing for them to follow him with a nod of his head, "Come."

Kiran got her sweats down and then her panties before he spread her legs, lifting her rear up a little before he unzipped his jeans, he yanked her towards him and slammed his length into her brutally hard.

"Classy," Nathan muttered, giving her hand a gentle, genuine squeeze as they followed the little man.

Anna cried out, the move sending a jolt of pain through her abdomen as her muscles clenched, her nails digging into her palms as terrible images began to fill the darkness, the pain only increasing with this and wiping away all sorts of pleasure.

Lena blinked, looking down at their hands for a moment before a more genuine smile curved her lips but she didn't say anything as the man in the navy blue uniform led them onto the train, he managed to press a button in the panel on the wall and the steel door slid open to reveal a train car remodeled into a well-furbished and beautiful hotel suite, complete with a four poster bed, dining area, couches, and a bathroom, "Will it do?" the man asked, smiling proudly.

Kiran gripped her hips, shutting his eyes as he rammed into her more brutally every time.

Nathan nodded slightly, "It's perfect," he muttered, letting go of Lena's hand to gesture to the man, "Darling, would you give the man a little something for his services?" he breathed in his oh-so-creamy British accent, sounding like a proper gentleman all of a sudden.

.. Anna screamed, nothing but agony in the sound as her knees practically buckled beneath her weight; her abdomen burning and pounding like stitches had been ripped open as she pressed her forehead against the floor, her tears practically soaking the blindfold and dripping onto the rug.

Lena nodded, "Of course." she breathed, reaching for her wallet as the man put their suitcases down and graciously accepted the bills she handed him, "Call if you need anything, we've all ready served dinner but we can see what we have in the kitchen if you're hungry." he muttered, tipping his hat to them before he left their room with a swish of the door. Lena seemed to relax some as soon as the man left and shrugged out of her cardigan, "I believe I owe you some answers." she mumbled, reaching up to undo her hair.

Kiran shut his eyes as he finished and pulled out of her quickly, he zipped up his jeans, feeling his throat tight with bile and his eyes sting but he clamped his mouth shut, waiting for whatever was supposed to happen next.

"Yes, I think you do," Nathan muttered, running his fingers over his hair as he glanced around their suite.

The room was silent apart from Anna's low whimpering before the stream came back on the computer and Caleb was on it, blood dripping from his split lip as he glanced down at his script; obviously not able to see them as he started, "Well done, lovebirds," he muttered, disgust in his voice as he shook his head, "It was very satisfying to watch you work, Kiran, maybe you should go pro," he mumbled, looking up as if the manuscript ended and he waited for a response.

Lena ran her fingers through her curls as she set her things down beside the bed before she sat down on the edge of it, she bit her lip, "We're taking the long way to New York." she breathed, "The train is headed for Andorra where we'll cross at the French border to Lyon and from there take a jet to New Jersey and then drive into the city." she said, silent for a moment, "I have vision, Nathan, real, graphic, body consuming visions that make me useless sometimes which is why I need you." she breathed, looking up at him.

Kiran swallowed hard, "Will Sean be safe?" he breathed, ignoring all the rest.

Nathan pursed his lips into a thin line as he watched her; a brief moment passing before he nodded, "Alright," he said, not going to ask questions.

Caleb was silent for a moment, waiting as his new manuscript was typed out before he continued, "Yes," he said, raising a brow to himself, "You can untie your wife and leave her there," he muttered, pausing for a moment before he wrinkled his nose, "Your brother would be loose about now, you can take him with you to play with this one, but you are not allowed to bring Miss Thomas."

Lena cocked her head to the side, "I'm sorry." she said softly, "For touching you, I don't think you like to be touched much." she breathed, biting her lip.

Kiran swallowed hard, "My brother?" he muttered, slowly getting to his feet as he rubbed his face when he felt his brother behind him, Shia was silent for a very long time before he moved forward to untie Anna's hands and the blindfold, taking off his jacket to drape it over without a word said.

Nathan pursed his lips into a thinner line as he sat down on the edge of the bed, putting a few feet between them, "It's fine," he muttered, "Thank you."

Anna swallowed hard, tears still rolling down her cheeks as she pushed herself into a sitting position and pressed her back against the bed; the stream ending behind her as she just sat there, her knees pulled to her chest as she trembled, staring straight forward.

Lena bit her lip hard again as she turned her gaze forward, thinking to herself before she turned to him slightly, "I think you should feed." she mumbled, holding out her wrist, "Here." she breathed, "I don't mind and it's better than waiting until tomorrow for some woman, I don't imagine Max fed either of you much at all." she said, swallowing hard.

Kiran looked up at her, his shoulders drooping, "I'm so sorry." he whispered, tears slipping down his handsome face, "I'm so sorry."

Nathan glanced over at her, then dropped his gaze to her wrist, "Wont this interfere with our arrangement?" he mumbled, biting his bottom lip.

Anna slowly raised her gaze to her man's face, "Don't be," she whispered, hugging her knees tightly to her, "I'll be fine, just go, baby," she breathed, sounding like she was choking.

Lena shook her head, "It gives you a way to hurt me." she said softly, "I'm offering so it won't be like you're actually hurting me, you still can't kill me though." she mumbled, still holding her wrist out.

Kiran dropped his gaze, "I'll be back soon." he breathed, straightening as Shia did and he grabbed his little brother before he blinked them to Vegas, somehow knowing that's where Caleb must be hidden.

Nathan bit his bottom lip harder for a moment as he studied her wrist, feeling his eyes darken with the hunger he'd suppressed for so long now, but he remained still, as if debating how clever this was.

Caleb Vladislav sat in a chair in the middle of their old hotel room, dressed in nothing but his dark jeans and army boots; blood covering his chest and seemingly coming from two very large wounds in his shoulders. His wrists were chained to the armrests and several chains were falling from the ceiling, seemingly attached to something behind Caleb.

Lena sighed before she slipped off the bed to come stand in front of him, "I'm not trying to trick you." she breathed, taking her switchblade from her pocket, she reached up without really thinking about it and cut a line along the edge of her throat and tilted her head back, "It'll be okay."

Kiran took a shuddering breath as he and his little brother made their way to Caleb's room, memories of the past dredging up to fill the numbness in his head.